Patent Description:
A traditional vacuum cleaner is an electro-pneumatic device that generates a gaseous pressure vacuum for cleaning hard surfaces, such as tile and wood flooring, and soft surfaces, such as carpet and upholstery. While conventionally built as a "dry" type cleaning apparatus limited to dirt, dust, and solid debris, some surface-cleaning vacuums are adapted as "wet" type fluid recovery systems that also extract stains and other liquids from a surface. Many modern wet extraction cleaners - also known as a "deep cleaner" or "DC" -come equipped with a liquid delivery system and, optionally, a liquid recovery and stowage system. The delivery system expels a cleaning solution onto the surface to be cleaned, while the liquid recovery system extracts spent cleaning liquid and debris from the surface and may stow the extracted liquid/debris in a recovery tank.

As part of a deep cleaner's liquid delivery system, a fluid-tight supply tank or a disposable solution container is mounted to the body for storing and dispensing a cleaning solution with an application-suitable composition (e.g., water, surfactants, stabilizers, fragrances, foaming agents, and/or detergents). When desired, a user of the deep cleaner selectively dispenses the cleaning solution from the supply tank/container through a fluid supply conduit that extends to fluid dispensers associated with a foot of the cleaner (upright deep cleaners), through a hose to fluid dispensers associated with a wand or tool (portable and upright deep cleaners), or to fluid dispensers carried by a body of the cleaner (handheld deep cleaners). The solution may be expelled onto each surface to be cleaned through one or more spray orifices associated with an accessory tool, a cleaner foot, a nozzle head, or an external spray nozzle attached to a wand that extends between the accessory tool and the hose. A pneumatic pressure source located aboard the deep cleaner generates sufficient suction forces to extract spent solution, staining liquid, and entrained debris from the surface. An extraction cleaner according to the preamble of claim <NUM> is already known e.g. from <CIT>.

Presented herein are removable pads for fluid recovery pathways of vacuum-based cleaning systems, methods for making and methods for using disclosed vacuum systems and pads, and wet-extraction type deep cleaners equipped with disposable absorbent pads. In a non-limiting example, there are presented battery-operated, handheld (HH) portable deep cleaners (PDC) with a disposable or washable liquid-absorbent pad removably positioned inside the PDC's liquid suction nozzle. The HH PDC is equipped with a fluid delivery system, which may be typified by a liquid supply tank, a liquid pump, and a spray nozzle, as well as a liquid recovery system, which may be typified by a suction pump, a recovery nozzle, and an absorbent pad into which is drawn recovered liquid and debris. For at least some designs, the absorbent pad can be used in cooperation with or in place of a recovery tank. The absorbent pad may be packaged entirely inside a dedicated pad pocket within a nozzle head of the PDC, substantially filling a select segment of the PDC's fluid recovery pathway to absorb extracted fluid/soil. The absorbent pad may be removed from the nozzle head and either cleaned or discarded after use; a new or cleaned absorbent pad may then be inserted for subsequent use of the PDC.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an extraction cleaner system includes a housing with a fluid delivery pathway and a fluid recovery pathway. A suction source is disposed within the housing and is fluidly connected to the fluid recovery pathway. The suction source is configured to create a fluid pressure vacuum. A liquid source is carried by the housing and is fluidly connected to the fluid delivery pathway. The liquid source is configured to contain and dispense a liquid. A suction nozzle is fluidly connected top the fluid recovery pathway upstream from the suction source. The suction nozzle is configured to draw therethrough the liquid dispensed from the liquid source. The suction nozzle defines a pad compartment located within the fluid recovery pathway and an absorbent pad is removably stored inside the pad compartment.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld extraction cleaner includes a unitary body with a carry handle. The unitary body contains a fluid delivery pathway and a fluid recovery pathway. A battery is carried by the unitary body. A suction source is mounted inside the unitary body, electrically connected to the battery, and fluidly connected to the fluid recovery pathway. The suction source is configured to create a fluid pressure vacuum. A liquid source is mounted to the unitary body, is fluidly connected to the fluid delivery pathway, and is configured to contain and dispense a liquid cleaning solution. A suction nozzle is mounted to the unitary body and is fluidly connected to the fluid recovery pathway upstream from the suction source. The suction nozzle is configured to draw the liquid cleaning solution dispensed from the liquid source. The suction nozzle defines a pad compartment located within the fluid recovery pathway and an absorbent pad is removably contained inside the pad compartment.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a removable pad assembly for a vacuum cleaner system has a recovery pathway, a suction source fluidly connected to the recovery pathway, and a suction nozzle fluidly connected to the recovery pathway upstream from the suction source that defines a pad compartment located within the recovery pathway. The removable pad assembly includes an elongated and absorbent pad body that defines an airflow pathway and is configured to removably store inside the pad compartment of the suction nozzle. A non-permeable outer layer at least partially surrounds the elongated and absorbent pad body.

Aspects of this disclosure are directed to vacuum-based cleaning systems with removable pads for absorbing dirt, debris, liquids, etc. As used herein, the terms "extraction cleaner" and "deep cleaner" - including variations and permutations thereof - may be used interchangeably and synonymously to include any relevant vacuum-based cleaner system, including upright, handheld, central, and pod architectures in both corded and cordless configurations, as some non-limiting examples. Additional aspects of this disclosure are directed to portable deep cleaners with absorbent PDC pads removably located within a recovery pathway of the PDC. Aspects of this disclosure are also directed to manufacturing processes and control logic for making/using any of the disclosed cleaner systems, devices, and removable pads. Additional aspects of this disclosure are also directed to removable pads for recovery pathways of vacuum-based cleaning systems.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, method for assembly an extraction cleaner includes, in any order and in any combination with any of the above and below disclosed options and features: receiving a cleaner housing with a fluid delivery pathway and a fluid recovery pathway; attaching a suction source to the cleaner housing, the suction source configured to create a fluid pressure vacuum; fluidly connecting the suction source to the fluid recovery pathway; and attaching a liquid source to the cleaner housing. The liquid source is configured to contain and dispense a liquid. The method further includes fluidly connecting the liquid source to the fluid delivery pathway; and fluidly connecting a suction nozzle to the fluid recovery pathway upstream from the suction source. The suction nozzle is configured to draw therethrough the liquid dispensed from the liquid source and defines a pad compartment located within the fluid recovery pathway. The method also includes removably storing an absorbent pad inside the pad compartment.

For any of the disclosed systems, methods, pads, and devices, the suction nozzle may include a compartment door that is disposed over the pad compartment and covers the absorbent pad. The compartment door may include pivot pins that project transversely from opposite sides of the compartment door near a longitudinal end thereof. In this instance, the suction nozzle may include pin slots that each receive therein a respective one of the pivot pins to thereby pivotably mount the compartment door to the suction nozzle. An actuator trigger may be operatively connected to the compartment door and manually operable to release the compartment door to thereby allow the compartment door to transition from a closed position to an open position. As another option, a finger slot may be integral with or otherwise attached to the compartment door and manually operable to move the compartment door from a closed position to an open position. When in the open position, the pad compartment is accessible, e.g., for removal/insertion of the pad. Conversely, when in the closed position, the pad compartment is not accessible, e.g., such that the pad is at least partially sealed inside the recovery pathway. The compartment door may be slidably, pivotably, or removably coupled with a portion of the suction nozzle. In addition, the compartment door may be fabricated from a substantially clear polymeric material through which the absorbent pad is visible.

For any of the disclosed systems, methods, pads, and devices, the absorbent pad may be a multipiece pad assembly with a permeable pad body. In this instance, the pad body may be an elongated and symmetrical structure that defines therein one or more airflow channels that extend longitudinally through the pad body. The pad body may include one or more elongated, liquid-absorbent strips supported on a permeable weave insert. The pad assembly may also include a non-permeable shell that at least partially surrounds the pad body. For instance, the non-permeable shell may include one or more non-permeable plates, each of which attaches to a respective side of the pad body. Optionally, the non-permeable shell may include a single-piece outer casing that surrounds the pad body. The pad assembly may also include a rigid frame that structurally buttresses and at least partially encases the pad body therein. In addition, the pad assembly may include a nozzle seal that is attached to one end of the pad body and defines therethrough a nozzle inlet of the suction nozzle.

For any of the disclosed systems, methods, pads, and devices, a spray nozzle may be fluidly coupled with the fluid delivery pathway downstream from the liquid source. This spray nozzle selectively dispenses therethrough at least some of the liquid contained in the liquid source. If desired, the cleaner housing may include a unitary body with a carry handle. In this instance, the suction source, liquid source, suction nozzle, and absorbent pad are all mounted to the unitary body. As a further option, a recovery tank may be attached to the cleaner housing and fluidly connected to the fluid recovery pathway downstream from the suction nozzle. The recovery tank removably stores therein the liquid that is dispensed from the liquid source and drawn through the suction nozzle.

For any of the disclosed systems, methods, pads, and devices, an agitator may be attached adjacent the suction nozzle. The agitator, which may be in the form of a brush or flexible protuberances, agitates a surface to be cleaned by the extraction cleaner system. The extraction cleaner system may also include an accessory wand through which extends the fluid delivery pathway and the fluid recovery pathway. In this instance, an accessory tool may be removably attached to the accessory wand and the tool may contain the suction nozzle with the absorbent pad removably stored within the pad compartment. An accessory hose may fluidly connect the accessory wand to the suction source.

The above summary does not represent every embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. Rather, the summary merely provides an exemplification of some of the novel concepts and features set forth herein. The above features and advantages, and other features and attendant advantages of this disclosure, will be apparent from the following detailed description of illustrated examples and representative modes for carrying out the present disclosure when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. Moreover, this disclosure expressly includes any and all combinations and subcombinations of elements and features presented above and below.

The present disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, and some representative configurations are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that the novel aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the particular forms illustrated in the above-enumerated Figures. Rather, this disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, combinations, permutations, and alternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure as encompassed, for example, by the appended claims.

Representative examples of the disclosure are shown in the various drawings and described in detail below, with the understanding that the descriptions are exemplifications of the disclosed principles and not limitations of the broad aspects of the disclosure. To that end, elements and limitations described herein, but not explicitly set forth in the claims, should not be incorporated into the claims, singly or collectively, by implication, inference, or otherwise. Moreover, the drawings discussed herein may not be to scale, and are provided purely for instructional purposes. Thus, the specific and relative dimensions shown in the figures are not to be construed as limiting.

Additionally, unless specifically disclaimed: the singular includes the plural and vice versa; the words "and" and "or" shall be both conjunctive and disjunctive; the words "any" and "all" shall both mean "any and all"; and the words "including," "containing," "comprising," "having," along with permutations thereof and similar terms, shall each mean "including without limitation. " Moreover, words of approximation, such as "about," "almost," "substantially," "generally," "approximately," and the like, may each be used herein in the sense of "at, near, or nearly at," or "within <NUM>-<NUM>% of," or "within acceptable manufacturing tolerances," or any logical combination thereof, for example. Lastly, directional adjectives and adverbs, such as front, back, left, right, fore, aft, vertical, horizontal, forward, backward, upward, downward, etc., may be with respect to an extraction cleaner device that is operatively oriented for cleaning a horizontal surface.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like features throughout the several views, there is shown in <FIG> a schematic diagram of a representative vacuum-based cleaning system, which is designated generally as <NUM> and portrayed herein for purposes of discussion as a wet-type extraction cleaner. The illustrated cleaning system <NUM> - also referred to herein as "extraction cleaner" or "deep cleaner" - is merely an exemplary application with which novel concepts of this disclosure may be practiced. As such, it will be understood that aspects and features of the disclosure may be used for other wet-type extraction cleaner configurations and employed for any logically relevant type of vacuum-based cleaning system. Moreover, only select components of the extraction cleaner systems, PDC devices, and removable pads are shown and described in additional detail below. Nevertheless, the systems, pads, and devices discussed herein may include numerous additional and alternative features, and other available peripheral components, for carrying out the various methods and functions of this disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates various functional subsystems of a surface cleaning tool in the form of an extraction cleaner <NUM> system. These functional subsystems may be arranged into any desired configuration, including upright-type extraction devices, canister-type extraction devices, pod-type extraction devices, handheld extraction devices, autonomous and robotic cleaning devices, and commercial cleaners. For instance, any of the herein-described handheld PDCs, such as those shown in <FIG>, may be adapted to include any of the features of the extraction cleaner <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, and vice versa. By way of example, a PDC may be modified to incorporate one or more attachments, such as a flexible vacuum hose, which can form a portion of the working air conduit between a suction nozzle and a suction source in a wheeled or carried base of an upright, cannister, or pod-type extraction device. Such a vacuum hose may be coupled with additional attachments, such as an accessory wand and/or an accessory tool.

The extraction cleaner <NUM> of <FIG> may be a bipartite architecture with a fluid delivery system <NUM>, which stores and selectively dispenses a cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, and a fluid recovery system <NUM>, which removes spent cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and stores the recovered cleaning fluid and debris. In this instance, the illustrated fluid recovery system <NUM> may be composed of an upstream-end suction nozzle <NUM>, a downstream-end vacuum-generating suction source <NUM>, and an optional waste-storing recovery container <NUM>. The suction source <NUM>, which may be in the nature of a motor-fan, positive-displacement, or centrifugal-rotodynamic assembly, is fluidly connected to the suction nozzle <NUM> and, when desired, generates a working air stream for drawing liquid and debris into the fluid recovery system <NUM>. The recovery container <NUM>, which is interposed between the suction nozzle <NUM> and suction source <NUM>, separates and collects liquid and debris from the working airstream for later disposal. A separator <NUM> can be packaged inside a portion of the recovery container <NUM> for separating liquid and entrained debris from the working airstream.

Continuing with the discussion of the representative extraction cleaner <NUM> system of <FIG>, the suction source <NUM> may be any suitable vacuum-generating, electro-mechanical device that is electrically coupled or couplable to a power source <NUM>, such as a rechargeable battery or an electrical outlet. A power switch <NUM>, which may be located between the suction source <NUM> and the power source <NUM>, is selectively actuable by a user to activate the suction source <NUM>. The suction nozzle <NUM> - through which dirt, debris, spent cleaning solution, etc. is drawn - may be integrated into a base, a tool, or a cleaning head and may be adapted to move over the surface to be cleaned. An optional agitator <NUM> may be located adjacent to the suction nozzle <NUM> to disturb the surface to be cleaned so that debris is broken up and more easily ingested into the suction nozzle <NUM>. Some non-limiting examples of agitators include a horizontally oriented rotating brushroll, a vertically oriented rotating brushroll, a stationary brush, an array of flexible protuberances, etc..

The extraction cleaner <NUM> may operatively interface with any of an assortment of interchangeable attachments and tools to facilitate different cleaning tasks. In <FIG>, for example, an accessory hose <NUM> may selectively fluidly couple the suction source <NUM> to an accessory tool or cleaning attachment <NUM>, such as an extension wand, an upholstery tool, a dusting brush, etc., with a separate suction inlet. A diverter valve assembly <NUM> is manually operated to selectively redirect fluid communication from the suction source <NUM> to either the suction nozzle <NUM> or the accessory hose <NUM>. The accessory hose <NUM> may also employ a fluid distributor (not shown in <FIG>) that fluidly connects the fluid delivery system <NUM> with the tool/attachment <NUM> to selectively discharge the cleaning fluid therefrom.

The fluid delivery system <NUM> of the extraction cleaner <NUM> may be composed of a refillable or interchangeable fluid container <NUM> at an upstream-end of the fluid delivery system <NUM>, a liquid-dispensing fluid distributor <NUM> at a downstream-end of the fluid delivery system <NUM>, and a liquid flow-regulating flow control system <NUM> interposed between the container <NUM> and distributor <NUM>. The fluid container <NUM> stores and selectively dispenses therefrom a supply of cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid may include one or more of any suitable cleaning liquids, such as water, compositions, concentrated detergents, diluted detergents, etc., and mixtures thereof. The flow control system <NUM> governs the transfer of the cleaning fluid from the container <NUM> to the distributor <NUM>. In the illustrated configuration, the flow control system <NUM> employs a unidirectional liquid pump <NUM> to pressurize the fluid delivery system <NUM>, and a flow control valve or valves <NUM> to control the delivery of the cleaning fluid to the distributor <NUM>.

An actuator <NUM>, which may be in the form of a manually operated trigger or lever, can be provided to activate the flow control system <NUM> and dispense the cleaning fluid to and through the distributor <NUM>. For a normally closed valve assembly, the actuator <NUM> may be operatively coupled to the valve <NUM> such that pressing the actuator <NUM> will open the valve <NUM>. The valve <NUM> may be an electrically actuated valve device such that an electrical switch <NUM> located between the valve <NUM> and power source <NUM> is selectively closed when the actuator <NUM> is pressed, thereby powering the valve <NUM> to move to an open position. While any of an assortment of different flow-controlling devices may be employed, it may be desirable that the valve <NUM> of <FIG> be an electromagnetic solenoid valve or a manual spool valve. The liquid pump <NUM> can also be electrically connected to and powered by the power source <NUM>. In accord with the illustrated architecture, the pump <NUM> may be a centrifugal pump or a solenoid pump. It will also be understood that the pump <NUM> may be eliminated from the fluid delivery system <NUM> and, if desired, the flow control system <NUM> may be a gravity-fed system. For instance, one or more mechanically actuated or electrically actuated valves may be fluidly coupled with outlet ports of the fluid container <NUM> and, when opened, the one or more mechanically actuated or electrically actuated valves may allow fluid to flow under the force of gravity to the distributor <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the fluid distributor <NUM> may include one or more distributor outlets <NUM> for ejecting the cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned. The one or more distributor outlets <NUM> may be packaged within the extraction cleaner <NUM> system to deliver fluid directly onto the surface to be cleaned or indirectly by delivering fluid onto or through the agitator <NUM>. The one or more distributor outlets <NUM> may take on any suitable structure, such as a nozzle or spray tip or a distributed arrangement of distributor outlets <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, for example, the distributor outlet <NUM> includes multiple spray tips that dispense the cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned. If desired, the cleaning tool <NUM> may optionally include an auxiliary distributor outlet (not shown) that is coupled with the fluid delivery system <NUM>. While <FIG> may be considered a schematic illustration of an upright deep cleaner (UDC), select features from <FIG> may be adapted for incorporation into other extraction cleaner configurations, including portable deep cleaners (PDC) of the handheld and pod style.

An optional fluid heater device <NUM> may be fluidly interposed between the fluid container <NUM> and the fluid distributor <NUM> to selectively heat the cleaning fluid prior to the liquid pump <NUM> delivering the cleaning fluid through the distributor outlets <NUM> to the surface to be cleaned. According to the example illustrated in <FIG>, an in-line electronic heater <NUM> is located downstream from the fluid container <NUM> and upstream of the pump <NUM>. In yet another example, the cleaning fluid can be heated using exhaust air from a motor-cooling exhaust pathway for the suction source <NUM>.

The fluid delivery system <NUM> of <FIG> may employ a single vessel or multiple vessels for storing and dispensing the cleaning fluid or the pre-mixed components of a cleaning fluid mixture. For example, a first fluid container <NUM> may store water and a second fluid container <NUM> may store a cleaning detergent or additive. By way of example, and not limitation, the first and second fluid containers <NUM>, <NUM> may be defined by a supply tank and a collapsible bladder. In one configuration, the first fluid container <NUM> may be a bladder that is stored within the recovery container <NUM>. Alternatively, a single fluid container may be fabricated with multiple internal chambers for storing a variety of different liquids. The cleaning fluid in either of the fluid containers <NUM>, <NUM> can include, but is not limited to, water or a mixture made up of water and one or more treating agents. These treating agents may include, but are not limited to, detergents, odor eliminators, sanitizers, stain removers, odor removers, deodorizers, fragrances, or any combination thereof.

For fluid delivery system architectures that employ multiple fluid containers <NUM>, <NUM>, the flow control system <NUM> may be equipped with a mixing system <NUM> operable to control a composition of the cleaning fluid that is delivered to the surface through the distributor <NUM>. The cleaning fluid composition may be determined by a controlled ratio of cleaning fluids mixed together by the mixing system <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the mixing system <NUM> is typified by a mixing manifold <NUM> that selectively receives fluid from one or both of the fluid containers <NUM>, <NUM>. A mixing valve <NUM> is fluidly coupled with an outlet port of the second fluid container <NUM>. When the mixing valve <NUM> is opened, the cleaning fluid component from the second fluid container <NUM> will flow to the mixing manifold <NUM>. The composition of the cleaning fluid that is delivered to the surface to be cleaned can be selected by controlling the valve flow characteristics - timing, frequency, and length - of the mixing valve <NUM>.

In operation, the extraction cleaner <NUM> of <FIG> may be prepared for use by electrically connecting the extraction cleaner <NUM> to the power source <NUM> and by filling one or both fluid containers <NUM>, <NUM> with a cleaning fluid or cleaning fluid components. Metered amounts of the cleaning fluid may be selectively delivered to a chosen surface to be cleaned via the fluid delivery system <NUM> by user-activation of the actuator <NUM>. If desired, the extraction cleaner <NUM> may be concurrently moved back and forth over the chosen surface to be cleaned. The agitator <NUM> can simultaneously agitate the cleaning fluid into the chosen surface to be cleaned. During operation of the fluid recovery system <NUM>, the extraction cleaner <NUM> draws in fluid and debris-laden working air through the suction nozzle <NUM> or the cleaning tool <NUM>, depending on the position of the diverter assembly <NUM>. The working air is pulled into the downstream recovery container <NUM> where the liquid and debris are substantially separated from the working air. The airstream then passes through the suction source <NUM> prior to being exhausted from the extraction cleaner <NUM>. The recovery container <NUM> can be periodically emptied of collected fluid, dirt, and other debris. Additional details of extraction cleaners, including their constituent parts, architectures, and uses, are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

Discussed below are wet-type extraction cleaner systems, methods, and devices with a removable pad disposed inside a dedicated compartment in fluid communication with the recovery pathway of the suction nozzle. In an example, a disposable and absorbent pad is removably inserted into a pad compartment, which is integrated into a liquid suction nozzle and defines a respective portion of the fluid recovery pathway of a battery powered handheld PDC, to absorb extracted fluid and debris. After use, the pad is readily removed from the nozzle and cleaned or disposed of such that a new/cleaned pad may be inserted into the PDC spray and suction nozzle. For at least some implementations, the removable pad can be used in place of or, if desired, in addition to a recovery tank.

Improvements in user convenience may be realized by allowing for easier collection and disposal of debris, liquid, and debris-entrained-liquid waste. Furthermore, by locating the removable pad in the working air flow of the recovery path, the user is enabled to move the nozzle with the pad back and forth over a chosen surface in a manner that is more consistent with current spot and stain cleaning behavior. Positioning the removable pad in the nozzle of the extraction cleaner at the upstream "intake" end of the recovery path also helps to reduce or eliminate the ingestion of liquids, dirt, and other debris into the internal plumbing of the cleaner device thereby substantially decreasing the need to regularly clean the cleaner device. Other attendant benefits may include enabling concurrent use of spraying, agitation, and pad absorption as well as the ability to make the stain recovery visible to the user. For at least some designs, the removable pad may be designed to include a disposable pouch or other fluid holding/delivery feature; in this way, the pad may serve fluid dispensing, separation, and disposal functions.

<FIG> presents a non-limiting example of an extraction cleaner <NUM> in the form of a battery powered, handheld portable deep cleaner. As shown, the extraction cleaner <NUM> is adapted to be handheld and portable in that it weighs less than <NUM> (<NUM> lbs. ) or, in at least some applications, between about <NUM> (<NUM> lbs. ) and about <NUM> (<NUM> lbs. ) and can be easily carried and operated by a single hand or both hands of an average adult human. The extraction cleaner <NUM> is assembled with a unitary and protective cleaner body <NUM> that has an integral carry handle <NUM> and a fluid suction source (e.g., a motor-fan vacuum or the suction source <NUM> of <FIG>), a fluid pressure source (e.g., the liquid pump <NUM>), and a power source (e.g., a battery pack or the power source <NUM>) housed therein. Also mounted to the cleaner body <NUM> is a cleaning head <NUM> with a spray nozzle assembly <NUM> and a suction nozzle assembly <NUM>, a recovery tank <NUM>, and a removable battery container <NUM>. To this end, the cleaner body <NUM> houses and carries the various functional systems of the extraction cleaner <NUM>, including a fluid delivery system for storing and selectively dispensing a cleaning fluid (e.g., the fluid delivery system <NUM> of <FIG>) and a fluid recovery system for collecting and storing spent cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned (e.g., the fluid recovery system <NUM>).

The fluid recovery system of <FIG> may be defined by, among other elements, a suction nozzle assembly <NUM> with a nozzle inlet <NUM> port that defines an upstream-most "intake" end of a working air path, and a suction source <NUM> that is downstream from and fluidly connected to the nozzle inlet <NUM> for generating a working air stream. The recovery system of <FIG> also contains a recovery tank <NUM> that is interposed between the suction source <NUM> and the nozzle inlet <NUM> for separating and collecting liquid and debris from the working airstream for later disposal. A downstream-most "exhaust" end of the working air path may be defined by one or more exhaust vents <NUM> in the cleaner body <NUM> through which air is ejected from the extraction cleaner <NUM>. A thumb-activated suction power switch <NUM> may be located at a forward end of the carry handle <NUM> and can be pressed by a user to selectively activate and, pressed again, to selectively deactivate the suction source <NUM> for operation of the fluid recovery system. It is envisioned that the fluid recovery system of <FIG> may include any of the features and options described above with respect to the fluid recovery system <NUM> of <FIG> and any other commercially available componentry.

By way of comparison to the fluid recovery system, the fluid delivery system of <FIG> may be defined by, among other elements, a spray nozzle assembly <NUM> with a nozzle distributor port <NUM> that defines a downstream-most "ejection" end of a working liquid path, and a liquid reservoir, bottle, or tank <NUM> (collectively "liquid source") for storing and feeding metered amounts of a cleaning liquid to and through the distributor port <NUM>. This cleaning liquid may contain, for example, a mixture of water, solvents, surfactants, emulsifiers, fragrances, preservatives, and/or other detergent agents and additives. An upstream-most "pressure supply" end of the working liquid path may be defined by a flow control system <NUM> for governing the flow of the cleaning liquid from the liquid source <NUM> to the distributor port <NUM>. A finger-activated spray actuator switch <NUM> may be located underneath a gripping portion of the carry handle <NUM> and triggered by a user to selectively activate the flow control system <NUM> and dispense the cleaning liquid through the distributor port <NUM>. It is envisioned that the fluid delivery system of <FIG> may include any of the features and options described above with respect to the fluid delivery system <NUM> of <FIG> and any other complementary componentry.

An agitator <NUM> may be mounted to the cleaner body <NUM>, adjacent the nozzle inlet <NUM> port of the suction nozzle assembly <NUM>, for agitating a dirty or stained surface so that the associated debris or liquid stain is more easily released and ingested into the extraction cleaner <NUM>. As shown, the agitator <NUM> is a stationary brush assembly with a rectangular array of bristles <NUM> that projects downward at an oblique angle from the cleaner body <NUM>. The suction nozzle assembly <NUM>, onto which are mounted these bristles <NUM>, is packaged at a forward-most end <NUM> of the cleaner body <NUM>, while the removable battery container <NUM> is provided at a rearward-most end <NUM> of the body <NUM> opposite that of the suction nozzle assembly <NUM>. The recovery tank <NUM> is removably inserted into a complementary slot in the cleaner body <NUM> behind the agitator bristles <NUM> and below the liquid source <NUM> and suction source <NUM>.

Integrated into the suction nozzle assembly <NUM> of the cleaning head <NUM> is a pad compartment <NUM> that stores therein a removable absorbent pad <NUM> assembly (<FIG>). The pad compartment <NUM> of <FIG> is located within and, as shown, at least partially defines the working airflow pathway of the fluid recovery system in the extraction cleaner <NUM>. In accord with the illustrated example, the pad compartment <NUM> is located at the forward-most end of the cleaner body <NUM>, positioned underneath the spray nozzle assembly <NUM> and above the agitator <NUM>. The pad compartment <NUM> fluidly connects the upstream-most end of the fluid recovery pathway, namely the nozzle inlet <NUM>, with the downstream-most end of the recovery pathway, namely the recovery tank <NUM>. In particular, an opening in the upstream (first) end of the pad compartment <NUM> defines the nozzle inlet <NUM>, whereas an opening in the downstream (second) end of the pad compartment <NUM> fluidly connects to the recovery tank <NUM> by an intake runner <NUM> segment of the fluid recovery pathway. The pad compartment <NUM> may be substantially fluidly sealed (except at its open ends) such that the working air path of the fluid recovery system passes through the compartment <NUM> and the removable pad <NUM> contained therein. As best seen in <FIG>, interfacing interior contact surfaces of the pad compartment <NUM> may be substantially coextensive with juxtaposed outer contact surfaces of the absorbent pad <NUM> such that the pad <NUM> sits substantially flush against the interior surfaces of the compartment <NUM>.

The cleaning head <NUM> of <FIG> may incorporate a pad compartment case <NUM> that extends over the pad compartment <NUM> and covers the removable pad <NUM>. In the illustrated extraction cleaner <NUM> design, the compartment case <NUM> is a single-piece structure that is optionally formed from a substantially clear polymeric material such that the absorbent removable pad <NUM> is visible through the case <NUM> while in the pad compartment <NUM>. In <FIG>, the compartment case <NUM> is shown as being removable from the cleaning head <NUM> for maintenance or cleaning of the case <NUM> and the extraction cleaner <NUM>. Alternatively, the compartment case <NUM> may be fixedly attached to the suction nozzle assembly, e.g., via threaded fastener or snap-lock engagement. As shown, the pad compartment case <NUM> defines the forward-most face of the suction nozzle assembly <NUM> and the extraction cleaner <NUM>. Moreover, a bottom end of the compartment case <NUM> may define a forward periphery of the nozzle inlet <NUM> port. With this design, the nozzle inlet <NUM> may be angled with respect to the cleaner body <NUM> (e.g., approximately <NUM> degrees, as illustrated in <FIG>) such that, when in a use position, shown in <FIG>, the handheld extraction cleaner <NUM> may be held at an angle while the nozzle inlet <NUM> is generally horizontal to a chosen surface <NUM> to be cleaned.

To collect spent cleaning solution, dust, stains and other debris drawn into the extraction cleaner <NUM>, an absorbent pad <NUM> assembly is inserted into the interior chamber of the pad compartment <NUM>. The absorbent pad <NUM> may be fabricated as a unitary, onepiece structure from a permeable yet absorbent and compliant material, as described below with respect to absorbent pads <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively. Alternatively, the absorbent pad <NUM> may be fabricated as a unitary multipiece construction, such as a jacketed absorbent pad <NUM> unit, as shown in <FIG> or an exoskeletal absorbent pad <NUM> assembly, as shown in <FIG>. Generally speaking, the absorbent pad <NUM> assembly has a pad body <NUM> that is sufficiently permeable to allow the working air flow of the recovery pathway to flow through the pad <NUM> and, thus, through the pad compartment <NUM>. However, the pad body <NUM> is sufficiently absorbent to trap most or all of the recovered cleaning solution expelled through the nozzle distributor port <NUM> and the staining liquids, dust, and other debris vacuumed in through the suction nozzle inlet <NUM>. Insertion and removal of the absorbent pad <NUM> into and from the pad compartment <NUM> may be achieved by a user manually sliding the pad <NUM> through the nozzle inlet <NUM>.

With collective reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a longitudinal (top-to-bottom) pad length L<NUM> of the absorbent pad <NUM> may be less than a longitudinal (top-to-bottom) compartment length L<NUM> of the pad compartment <NUM>, e.g., to ensure that the pad <NUM> does not cover or occlude an opening to the intake runner <NUM>. However, it may be desirable that the length L<NUM> of the absorbent pad <NUM> be at least about <NUM>% or, as shown, approximately <NUM>-<NUM>% the length L<NUM> of the pad compartment <NUM>, e.g., to ensure the pad <NUM> fills a majority of the compartment <NUM>. In contrast, a transverse (left-to-right) pad width W<NUM> (<FIG>) and a normal (front-to-back) pad thickness T<NUM> (<FIG>) of the absorbent pad <NUM>, which is orthogonal to the pad length L<NUM> and width W<NUM>, may be approximately equal to a transverse (left-to-right) compartment width W<NUM> and a normal (front-to-back) compartment depth T<NUM>, respectively, of the pad compartment <NUM>. This arrangement may help ensure that the outer lateral perimeter of the pad <NUM> adjoins and, if desired, presses against the inner perimeter of the compartment <NUM> such that the pad <NUM> fills the fluid recovery pathway immediately downstream from the nozzle inlet <NUM>.

It is envisioned that the absorbent pad <NUM> may take on both regular and irregular geometric shapes with uniform and non-uniform dimensions. The absorbent pad <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, has a rectangular plan-view profile in which the length, width, and thickness of the absorbent pad <NUM> are substantially constant over the full extent of the pad <NUM>. Conversely, the absorbent pad <NUM> of <FIG> has a symmetrical yet oblong irregular plan-view geometry in which the width (left-to-right) of the pad <NUM> varies over its length (top-to-bottom). As another non-limiting example, the absorbent pad <NUM> assembly of <FIG> has an oblong irregular plan-view geometry in which the thickness (front-to-back) of the pad <NUM> varies over its length (top-to-bottom). As noted above, it is within the scope of this disclosure to mix-and-match features from one cleaner and/or pad configuration with any of the other disclosed cleaner and/or pad configurations.

For operation of the handheld PDC-type extraction cleaner <NUM>, a user manually inserts the absorbent pad <NUM> - in a telescoping manner - into the pad compartment <NUM> by sliding the pad <NUM> along a substantially rectilinear path through the nozzle inlet <NUM>. The absorbent pad <NUM> may be temporarily secured within the suction nozzle assembly <NUM> by any suitable type of fit known in the art, such as via a press fit, transition fit, snap tab, springloaded tab, retaining door, etc. In the example of <FIG>, the absorbent pad <NUM> assembly includes a nozzle cap <NUM> (<FIG>) that is mounted to a distal (bottom) end of the pad body <NUM> and defines a pad port <NUM> (<FIG>) that draws the cleaning solution, dirt, and other debris therethrough for absorption into the pad <NUM>. Projecting transversely outward from a distal tip of the nozzle cap <NUM> is an annular flange <NUM> that bears a soft seal <NUM> and flexible seal ring <NUM> (<FIG>). When the absorbent pad <NUM> assembly is inserted into the pad compartment <NUM>, the soft seal <NUM>, which is mounted on an upper face of the flange <NUM>, sealingly seats against an opposing bottom face of the nozzle inlet <NUM> port. At the same time, the flexible seal ring <NUM> press-fits into the nozzle inlet <NUM> and thereby mechanically secures the pad <NUM> to the suction nozzle assembly <NUM>. In this manner, the pad port <NUM> is generally aligned with the nozzle inlet port <NUM> such that, during a cleaning process, a mixture of air and liquid and/or debris is drawn through the nozzle inlet port <NUM>, into the pad port <NUM>, and into the pad body <NUM>. The pad body <NUM> captures the extracted liquid and/or debris while the separated air exits the pad body <NUM> and enters the intake runner <NUM>, where it then travels through airflow system and is exhausted through the exhaust vents <NUM> in the cleaner body <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, another example of an extraction cleaner <NUM> is provided. in the extraction cleaner <NUM> is shown in the form of a battery powered, handheld PDC without a recovery tank such that an absorbent pad <NUM> within the recovery pathway absorbs substantially all stains/liquids/dirt/debris pulled into the extraction cleaner <NUM>. Similar to some of the other vacuum-based cleaner architectures discussed herein, the extraction cleaner <NUM> includes a protective outer housing or main body <NUM> with an integral carry handle <NUM>. At a forward end of the extraction cleaner <NUM> is a cleaning head <NUM> with a built-in sprayer, e.g., for spray treating a cleaning solution or mixture onto stains. In <FIG>, a distributor port of the built-in sprayer is located on a bottom face of the cleaning head <NUM>, behind the nozzle inlet <NUM> port and at least partially circumscribed by the bristles <NUM> of an agitator <NUM>. It is also contemplated that a nozzle distributor port <NUM> may be positioned on the front face of the cleaning head <NUM>, above the pad compartment <NUM> and forward of the handle <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

With reference now to <FIG>, to operate the fluid recovery system of the extraction cleaning <NUM>, a finger-activated pump trigger <NUM> located on the carry handle <NUM> is manually operated by a user to start/stop an electric pump <NUM> packaged at the rear of the main body <NUM>, e.g., inside a refillable cleaning solution tank <NUM>. Alternatively, a user may effect use of the fluid delivery system of the extraction cleaner <NUM> via manual operation of a finger-activated spray trigger <NUM>, e.g., to actuate an electric spray pump or manually driven piston pump housed inside the main body <NUM>. This simplified design may help to reduce upfront costs while improving the operating experience of end users. Moreover, by eliminating the recovery tank, the extraction cleaner <NUM> of <FIG> may be lighter and smaller than the extraction cleaner <NUM> of <FIG>.

In addition to eliminating the recovery tank, disclosed vacuum-based cleaner devices may replace fixedly-mounted pad compartment cases with movably-mounted access covers that allow for insertion and removal of absorbent pads from the fluid recovery pathway of the cleaner devices. The extraction cleaner <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, is equipped with a pad compartment door <NUM> that is pivotably mounted to the cleaning head <NUM> to cover and secure the removable pad <NUM> in place within the pad compartment <NUM>. The pad compartment door <NUM> may optionally come in the form of a substantially transparent yet rigid lens through which the pad <NUM> can be seen while the extraction cleaner <NUM> is in use. A thumb slot <NUM> integrated into the top end of the compartment door <NUM> may be manually operated by the user to open and close the compartment door <NUM> for access to and closing off the pad compartment <NUM>. The absorbent (and optionally disposable) pad <NUM> is placed within the pad compartment <NUM> inside the suction nozzle assembly <NUM> to absorb dirt/debris/stains/liquids/etc. extracted from the surface to be cleaned.

The pad compartment door <NUM> of <FIG> may be pivotably mounted to the main body <NUM> of the extraction cleaner <NUM> via any appropriate mechanism, including radial bearings, pivot pin couplings, swivel joints, rivet joints, etc. According to the illustrated example, the pad compartment door <NUM> is fabricated with at least one or, as shown, a pair of (first and second) pivot pins <NUM> that project transversely from opposing (first and second) sides of the compartment door <NUM> adjacent a longitudinal (bottom) end thereof. The suction nozzle assembly <NUM> includes a corresponding number of (first and second) pin slots <NUM>, each of which receives a respective one of the pivot pins <NUM> therein to pivotably mount the pad compartment door <NUM> to the suction nozzle assembly <NUM>. With this arrangement, the compartment door <NUM> is moveable between an open position (<FIG>), in which the pad compartment <NUM> is accessible by a user, and a closed position (<FIG>), in which the pad compartment <NUM> is not accessible by a user.

<FIG> may be indicative of a workflow diagram illustrating a representative use sequence for a wet-extraction, PDC-type cleaner <NUM>' that may be similar in construction to the extraction cleaner <NUM> of <FIG>. In <FIG>, for example, the pivotable pad compartment door <NUM>' is shown pitched forward (e.g., rotated in a counterclockwise direction) to an open position in order to provide the user with access to the pad compartment <NUM>. When the pad compartment door <NUM>' is open, the user may insert a disposable or reusable pad <NUM> into the pad compartment <NUM>. If not already present, liquid cleaning solution may be added to the refillable cleaning solution tank <NUM>. After ensuring the refillable cleaning solution tank <NUM> is filled with cleaning solution <NUM> and the pad compartment <NUM> contains the removable pad <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the pad compartment door <NUM>' is pivoted aftward (e.g., rotated in a clockwise direction) to a closed position in which the pad compartment door <NUM>' covers the pad <NUM> and physically retains it within the pad compartment <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The user then positions the extraction cleaner <NUM>' adjacent a stained surface <NUM> to be cleaned and depresses the spray trigger <NUM> to eject the cleaning solution <NUM> onto the stained surface <NUM>. The user may contemporaneously scrub the stained surface <NUM> with the agitator bristles <NUM>.

After spraying and scrubbing the stained surface <NUM>, the user depresses the pump trigger <NUM> to vacuum the spent cleaning solution <NUM> and stained liquid and other debris removed from the surface <NUM> through the nozzle inlet <NUM> port and into the pad compartment <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The extracted liquid and entrained debris are concomitantly absorbed by the removable pad <NUM> inside the compartment <NUM>. The user is able to view the absorbent pad <NUM> through the fully/partially transparent compartment door <NUM> to confirm that it has, in fact, been soiled with the extracted liquid, dirt, and entrained debris. Once the stained surface <NUM> is cleaned, the user may press a pad ejection trigger <NUM> that is operatively connected to a spring-biased release tab (not shown) adjacent the base of the pad compartment door <NUM>'. The pad compartment door <NUM>' may be spring-biased in a rearward pitch motion to another open position (<FIG>). When the pad compartment door <NUM>' is pivoted open, the soiled pad <NUM> can then be ejected from the pad compartment <NUM> by hand, ejection mechanism, or under the force of gravity and, for disposable configurations, readily discarded. Additional options for inserting and removing a pad from an extraction cleaner include the use of a nozzle lens that is removable (e.g., snap-fit connection), or a nozzle lens that is moveable relative to the body between open and closed positions (e.g., sliding and hinged connections). It is also contemplated that the pad <NUM> may be ejected through the nozzle inlet <NUM> (e.g., by an injection mechanism that pushes the pad <NUM> out or by a user pulling the pad assembly out through a nozzle inlet, such as through the nozzle inlet <NUM> in <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates another representative extraction cleaner <NUM> configuration in the form of a battery powered, handheld PDC that cooperatively cleans with an externally located extraction-boosting spot cleaning pad <NUM>. The extraction cleaner <NUM> of <FIG> may be similar in construction and operation to the extraction cleaner <NUM> of <FIG> and, thus, may incorporate any of the features and options associated therewith. In this non-limiting example, however, the extraction cleaner <NUM> does not employ an integral pad compartment within which a removable absorbent pad is stowed. Rather, the extraction cleaner <NUM> is retrofit with a pad-adapting nozzle accessory or attachment <NUM> that securely mounts onto a suction nozzle assembly <NUM> and over a nozzle inlet <NUM>. The nozzle attachment <NUM> fluidly couples to the nozzle inlet <NUM> port and nests the externally located spot cleaning pad <NUM> therein. The nozzle attachment <NUM> is a fluid extending and expanding tool that elongates the port and increases the suction size of the nozzle inlet <NUM> of the port, e.g., to cover and conceal the entire pad <NUM>.

With reference again to <FIG>, the absorbent spot cleaning pad <NUM> is laid flat onto a dirty or soiled surface <NUM> such that the pad <NUM> substantially covers a stained/dirtied section of the surface <NUM>. A bottom face of the pad-adapting nozzle attachment <NUM>, which may be equal to or greater in surface area than the top face of the pad <NUM>, is seated on and pressed against the spot cleaning pad <NUM>. This helps to ensure that the pad <NUM> remains static on the surface <NUM> while the extraction cleaner <NUM> applies suction air flow on the top face of the pad <NUM> to pull in spent cleaning solution, debris, etc. It may be desirable that the nozzle attachment <NUM> is a temporary accessory that is removable from a main body <NUM> of the extraction cleaner <NUM>, e.g., for cleaning, replacement, or mating of another interchangeable vacuum accessory. To provide a fluid-sealing mating of the attachment <NUM> with the pad <NUM>, an interface area on the bottom face of the attachment <NUM> is substantially coextensive with a contact area on the top face of the pad <NUM>. The pad-adapting nozzle attachment <NUM> of <FIG> may include multiple rows and/or columns of ribs (not visible) that press down onto the pad <NUM> while allowing suction air flow to pass through pad <NUM> and accessory <NUM>. The spot cleaning pad <NUM> of <FIG> may be a multilayer structure with a liquid-wicking base layer <NUM> that supports a liquid-trapping absorbent layer <NUM> thereon.

With reference now to <FIG>, an accessory tool assembly <NUM> is shown. The accessory tool assembly <NUM> may be mated with a complementary extraction cleaner, such as an upright or portable deep cleaner system. By way of example, and not limitation, the accessory tool assembly <NUM> includes a cleaning tool <NUM> that can be selectively fluidly connected to an accessory wand <NUM>. The accessory wand <NUM> fluidly couples to the extraction cleaner system (e.g., extraction cleaner <NUM> of <FIG>) via a mating accessory hose <NUM>, as shown. A self-locking sliding coupler <NUM> receives a complementary interface segment <NUM> of the cleaning tool <NUM>, thereby coupling the cleaning tool <NUM> to the accessory wand <NUM>. Depending on the design of the coupler, manually rotating and/or sliding the coupler <NUM> in a predefined direction (e.g., counterclockwise or to the left in <FIG>) will release the interface segment <NUM> and, thus, allow for removal of the cleaning tool <NUM> from the accessory wand <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, distal ends of the fluid delivery pathway and the fluid recovery pathway extend through the accessory wand <NUM> and the cleaning tool <NUM>. A suction nozzle assembly <NUM> at a distal end of the cleaning tool <NUM> defines a pad compartment <NUM> for removably storing a removable, absorbent pad <NUM> such that the absorbent pad <NUM> is located within the fluid recovery pathway. The suction nozzle assembly <NUM> of <FIG> may incorporate a pad compartment case <NUM> that extends over the pad compartment <NUM> and covers the removable, absorbent pad <NUM>. Similar to the compartment case <NUM> of <FIG>, the compartment case <NUM> of <FIG> may be a single-piece structure that is formed from a substantially clear material and is coupled to the suction nozzle assembly <NUM>. However, it will also be understood that the compartment case <NUM> may take on multipiece configurations and, optionally, may be fabricated from opaque materials. The compartment case <NUM> may take on a "nozzle lens" configuration that is removably attached to the cleaning tool <NUM>. With this arrangement, the compartment case <NUM> is selectively removed by a user from the cleaning tool <NUM> to allow for insertion of the absorbent pad <NUM> into the pad compartment <NUM>. Once the absorbent pad <NUM> is properly seated inside the pad compartment <NUM>, the compartment case <NUM> is reattached to the cleaning tool <NUM> to more fully secure the absorbent pad <NUM> inside the pad compartment <NUM>. It is also within the scope of this disclosure that the compartment case <NUM> be slidably, pivotably, permanently, or integrally attached to the cleaning tool <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, an example of a removable, absorbent pad in the form of a jacketed absorbent pad <NUM> is shown. As noted above, this jacketed absorbent pad <NUM> is shaped and sized to fit within a complementary compartment inside a nozzle portion of an extraction cleaner, such as pad compartment <NUM> of suction nozzle assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. To this end, the absorbent pad <NUM> is designed to fill a discrete segment of the fluid recovery pathway to capture liquid and debris while allowing the working air stream to pass through the absorbent pad <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the absorbent pad <NUM> includes a permeable and moisture-absorbing inner pad body <NUM> (<FIG>) that is surrounded by a non-permeable outer layer or jacket <NUM>. It may be desirable that the outer jacket <NUM> does not cover the opposing (top and bottom) longitudinal ends of the pad body <NUM>.

The pad body <NUM> may be an elongated and symmetrical structure that defines one or more airflow channels <NUM> that extend longitudinally through the body <NUM> (e.g., from top to bottom in <FIG>). These one or more air flow channels <NUM> allow a sufficient volume and flow rate of air to pass through the pad <NUM> in order to recover liquid and debris without a marked restriction on the working air stream in the recovery pathway. The outer jacket <NUM> may be translucent or substantially transparent to allow recovered stains trapped in the pad body <NUM> to be readily visible. Alternatively, the jacket <NUM> may be substantially non-permeable to both gases and liquids to provide a circumferential barrier that controls the flow of working air through the absorbent pad <NUM>. Conversely, the inner pad body <NUM> may be a hydrophilic and/or wicking material that draws in, captures, and retains a sufficient amount of liquid (e.g., at least <NUM>-<NUM> ounces) needed to effectively clean a spot or stain.

With reference now to <FIG>, another example of a removable, absorbent pad, this time in the form of an exoskeletal absorbent pad assembly <NUM> is shown. As noted above, it is envisioned that the exoskeletal absorbent pad assembly <NUM> of <FIG> may incorporate any of the options and alternatives described above with respect to the absorbent pads <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and vice versa. The absorbent pad assembly <NUM> may include a rigid outer frame (or "exoskeleton") <NUM> that at least partially encases and structurally buttresses a compressible internal pad body <NUM>. As shown, the rigid outer frame <NUM> has a ladder-type construction with a series of mutually parallel front cross-rails (or "rungs") 658A that are spaced longitudinally from each other and interleaved with a series of mutually parallel rear cross-rails (or "rungs") 658B. Opposing ends of each horizontally oriented front and rear cross-rail 658A, 658B are integral with or otherwise attached to vertically oriented, nonparallel siderails 660A and 660B. Top and bottom faces of the rigid outer frame <NUM> may be formed with fluid ports through which flows the working air stream of the recovery pathway.

Similar to the jacketed absorbent pad <NUM> of <FIG>, the exoskeletal absorbent pad assembly <NUM> of <FIG> is fabricated with a flow-controlling non-permeable shell. The exoskeletal absorbent pad assembly <NUM> includes opposing front (first) and back (second) non-permeable plates 654A and 654B that are mounted to opposing front (first) and back (second) sides, respectively, of the rigid outer frame <NUM> to cover opposing faces of the pad body <NUM>. The pad body <NUM> may include one or more elongated liquid-absorbent strips <NUM> that extend longitudinally along and are formed on or fixedly mounted to a permeable weave insert <NUM>. For multistrip configurations, the liquid-absorbent strips <NUM> may be mutually parallel with and spaced laterally from each other. The permeable weave insert <NUM> may be a hole-filled substrate formed from a substantially rigid polymeric material.

With further reference to <FIG>, the absorbent pad assembly <NUM> also includes a nozzle cap <NUM> that is fixed to a distal (bottom) end of the rigid outer frame <NUM> and extends across a distal (bottom) end of the pad body <NUM>. The nozzle cap <NUM> defines a port (e.g., port <NUM> of <FIG>) that draws cleaning solution, dirt, and other debris for absorption into the pad <NUM>. Projecting transversely outward from the nozzle cap <NUM> is an annular flange <NUM> that bears a soft seal <NUM> and flexible seal tabs <NUM>. When the absorbent pad assembly <NUM> is inserted into a complementary compartment, the soft seal <NUM> sealingly seats against an opposing bottom face of a nozzle inlet port of an extraction cleaner such as those described herein. At the same time, the flexible seal tabs <NUM> press-fit into the nozzle inlet and thereby mechanically secure the pad <NUM> assembly to the suction nozzle assembly.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claim 1:
An extraction cleaner (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>) system, comprising:
a housing (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) with a fluid delivery pathway and a fluid recovery pathway;
a suction source (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed within the housing (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and fluidly connected to the fluid recovery pathway, the suction source (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to create a fluid pressure vacuum;
a liquid source (<NUM>) carried by the housing (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and fluidly connected to the fluid delivery pathway, the liquid source (<NUM>) configured to contain and dispense a liquid;
a suction nozzle (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) fluidly connected to the fluid recovery pathway upstream from the suction source (<NUM>, <NUM>), the suction nozzle (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to draw therethrough the liquid dispensed from the liquid source (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the suction nozzle (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) defines a pad compartment (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) located within the fluid recovery pathway; wherein the extraction cleaner (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>) further comprises
an absorbent pad (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) removably stored inside the pad compartment (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).