Patent Description:
Document <CIT> discloses a portable surface cleaning apparatus for a floor surface includes a recovery tank and a supply tank separated by a partition, and further includes a carry handle defining a handle grip spaced above the supply and recovery tanks, wherein the handle grip does not intersect the supply tank or the recovery tank.

The invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus according to claim <NUM>. Further developments are defined in the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus that delivers cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, such as extraction cleaner that also extracts cleaning fluid and debris from the surface. Aspects of the invention described herein are further related to a portable extraction cleaner that is adapted to be hand carried by a user to carpeted areas for cleaning relatively small areas.

<FIG> show a surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> in the form of a portable extraction cleaner <NUM>. The extraction cleaner <NUM> includes a main housing <NUM> selectively carrying a fluid delivery system <NUM> configured to store cleaning fluid and to deliver the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and a fluid recovery system <NUM> configured to remove the cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and to store the recovered cleaning fluid and debris. The fluid delivery system <NUM> can more particularly be a liquid delivery system <NUM> configured to store cleaning liquid and to deliver the cleaning liquid to the surface to be cleaned.

For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the exemplary extraction cleaner <NUM> as oriented in <FIG>, with the extraction cleaner <NUM> resting on a surface or being carried by the carry handle. However, it is to be understood that aspects of the present invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

The main housing <NUM> is adapted to selectively mount components of the fluid delivery system <NUM> and the fluid recovery system <NUM> to form an easy-to-carry unit that can be transported by a user to different locations with surfaces to be cleaned. It is noted that while the extraction cleaner <NUM> is illustrated as a portable extraction cleaner, aspects of the invention may be applicable to other types of surface cleaning apparatus, including upright extraction cleaners having a base assembly for movement across a surface to be cleaned and a handle assembly pivotally mounted to a rearward portion of the base assembly for directing the base assembly across the surface to be cleaned, autonomous or robotic surface cleaning apparatus, surface cleaning apparatus which have steam delivery capability, and/or surface cleaning apparatus which have fluid delivery but not extraction capabilities, or vice versa.

The fluid delivery system <NUM> can include a supply tank <NUM> for storing a supply of cleaning fluid and a fluid distributor <NUM> provided on a hand-held tool <NUM> in fluid communication with the supply tank <NUM> for depositing a cleaning fluid onto the surface. The cleaning fluid stored by the supply tank <NUM> can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning liquids, including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, etc., and mixtures thereof. For example, the fluid can comprise a mixture of water and concentrated detergent. The supply tank <NUM> can be refillable, and can be formed of a transparent or tinted translucent material, which permits a user to view the contents thereof. The supply tank <NUM> can comprise a blow-molded tank body.

Various combinations of optional components can be incorporated into the fluid delivery system <NUM>, such as a fluid pump, a heater, and/or fluid control and mixing valves, as well as suitable conduits or tubing fluidly connecting the components of the fluid delivery system <NUM> together to effect the supply of cleaning fluid from the supply tank <NUM> to the fluid distributor <NUM>. For example, in the illustrated example the fluid delivery system <NUM> can further comprise a flow control system for controlling the flow of fluid from the supply tank <NUM> to the fluid distributor <NUM>. In one configuration, the flow control system can comprise a pump <NUM> which pressurizes the system <NUM>. An actuator can be provided to dispense fluid from the fluid distributor <NUM>. The actuator can, for example, include a trigger <NUM> on the hand-held tool <NUM>. The actuator can be operably coupled to the pump <NUM> such that pressing the actuator will activate the pump <NUM>, or can be operably coupled to a flow control valve which controls the delivery of fluid from the pump <NUM> to the distributor <NUM> such that pressing the actuator will open the valve.

The fluid recovery system <NUM> can include an extraction path in the form of an extraction nozzle <NUM> provided on the hand-held tool <NUM>, which is adapted to be used on the surface to be cleaned, a recovery tank <NUM>, and a flexible hose <NUM> defining a vacuum or suction conduit in fluid communication with the extraction nozzle <NUM> and the recovery tank <NUM>. The hose <NUM> can also include an internal fluid conduit in fluid communication with the supply tank <NUM> and the fluid distributor <NUM> for delivering cleaning fluid via the internal conduit. The recovery tank <NUM> can be formed of a transparent or tinted translucent material, which permits a user to view the contents thereof. The recovery tank <NUM> can comprise a blow-molded tank body.

The fluid recovery system <NUM> further includes a suction source in the form of a motor/fan assembly <NUM> in fluid communication with the extraction nozzle <NUM> for generating a working airflow to draw liquid and entrained debris through the extraction path. The motor/fan assembly <NUM> can be provided fluidly downstream of the recovery tank <NUM>, although other extraction paths are possible.

The supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM> can be removably mounted on the main housing <NUM>. The main housing <NUM> can include a carry handle <NUM> to form an easy-to-carry unit with the supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM> that can be transported by a user to different locations with surfaces to be cleaned. The main housing <NUM> can further include a base <NUM> on which the supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM> are at least partially supported, and a partition <NUM> extending upwardly from the base <NUM>, between the supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM>. A button <NUM> can be provided adjacent the carry handle <NUM> and is operably coupled to one or more electrical components of the extraction cleaner <NUM>, such as the pump <NUM> and/or the motor/fan assembly <NUM>.

The base <NUM> can comprise a housing with a flat bottom <NUM> that is adapted to rest directly on a surface, such as a horizontal surface or floor surface. Conveniently, the carry handle <NUM> can be provided opposite the flat bottom <NUM> so that a user can easily pick up the extraction cleaner <NUM>.

The partition <NUM> can comprising a housing that generally divides the extraction cleaner <NUM> into two halves, with a partition plane <NUM> extending through the center, i.e. the middle, of the partition <NUM>. The supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided on opposing sides of the axis partition plane <NUM>.

The partition <NUM> can include the carry handle <NUM> at an upper portion thereof, above the supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM>, which facilitates carrying the extraction cleaner <NUM> from one location to another. In one example, the carry handle <NUM> can define a handle grip <NUM> spaced above the supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM>, and the handle grip <NUM> can be positioned to not intersect the supply tank <NUM> or the recovery tank <NUM>. The partition plane <NUM> can intersect the middle of the handle grip <NUM>. Further, the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> can be spaced along a direction that is parallel to the handle grip <NUM>.

Either of the base <NUM> and the partition <NUM> can further define one or more internal chambers for receiving components of the extraction cleaner <NUM>. For example, the base <NUM> can include an internal chamber for receiving the pump <NUM> and the partition <NUM> can include an internal chamber for receiving the motor/fan assembly <NUM>.

The base <NUM> includes a skirt <NUM> having a hose clip <NUM> on one side thereof adapted to retain the suction hose <NUM> when it is wrapped around the skirt <NUM> for storage. A tool retaining bracket <NUM> (<FIG>) can extend from the partition <NUM> and is adapted to retain the hand-held tool <NUM> coupled with the terminal end of the hose <NUM> when the hose <NUM> is wrapped around the skirt <NUM>. A cord wrap caddy <NUM> can be provided on a side of the partition <NUM> for storing a power cord <NUM> which emerges from the interior of the partition <NUM> and can be used to provide power to electrical components, such as the pump <NUM> and/or the motor/fan assembly <NUM>, of the extraction cleaner <NUM> from a source of power, such as a home power supply, upon actuation of the button <NUM>. Alternatively, the extraction cleaner <NUM> can be powered by a portable power supply, such as a battery, upon actuation of the button <NUM>.

The recovery tank <NUM> defines a recovery chamber and can include an air/liquid separator assembly <NUM> within the recovery chamber. The air/liquid separator assembly <NUM> comprises a stack <NUM> for guiding air and liquid through the recovery tank <NUM> and a float assembly <NUM> for selectively closing the extraction path through the recovery tank <NUM>. The stack <NUM> includes an inlet conduit <NUM> which receives recovered air and liquid form the extraction nozzle <NUM>, and opens into the interior of the tank <NUM>, and an outlet conduit <NUM> which passes substantially clean air, and substantially no liquid, to the motor/fan assembly <NUM>. The float assembly <NUM> is configured to close the extraction path through the outlet conduit <NUM> as the liquid level in the recovery tank <NUM> rises to prevent liquid from entering the motor/fan assembly <NUM>.

A mechanical coupling can be provided between the recovery tank <NUM> and the air/liquid separator assembly <NUM> for facilitating easy separation of the two components, and is shown herein as a threaded collar <NUM> which screws onto a neck of the recovery tank <NUM> which defines an opening which receives the air/liquid separator assembly <NUM>. Other non-limiting examples of suitable mechanical couplings include a bayonet coupling, a threaded coupling, a keyed coupling, and other quick coupling mechanisms.

<FIG> is a partially-exploded view of the extraction cleaner <NUM> from <FIG>. The main housing <NUM> comprises a supply tank receiver <NUM> and a recovery tank receiver <NUM> for respectively receiving the supply tank <NUM> and recovery tank <NUM>. As shown, the tank receivers <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided on opposing sides of the partition plane <NUM>, on either side of the partition <NUM>.

The supply tank receiver <NUM> can include a first void <NUM> within the main housing <NUM>. More specifically, the first void <NUM> can be at least partially defined by portions of the base <NUM>, partition <NUM>, and the carry handle <NUM>, or some combination thereof. The first void <NUM> can at least partially define a supply seat <NUM> for the supply tank <NUM>.

It will be understood that the supply tank <NUM> can include a supply externally-facing surface <NUM> that forms an external surface of the extraction cleaner <NUM> when the supply tank <NUM> is seated in the supply tank receiver <NUM>. The supply tank <NUM> can further include a supply internally-facing surface <NUM> which is internal to the extraction cleaner <NUM> when the supply tank <NUM> is seated in the supply tank receiver <NUM>. The first void <NUM> can have a profile, surface, or geometry that is complementary to at least a portion of the supply internally-facing surface <NUM> including an entirety of the supply internally-facing surface <NUM>. The first void <NUM> can be thought of as a cut-out within the main housing <NUM> within which the supply tank <NUM> can be at least partially received, fully received, or extend therefrom. As can be seen in <FIG>, the first void <NUM> extends above the base <NUM>, adjacent a side of the partition <NUM> and under a first overhanging wall formed by the carry handle <NUM>.

In addition, the recovery tank receiver <NUM> can also include a second void <NUM> within the main housing <NUM>. More specifically, the second void <NUM> can be at least partially defined by portions of the base <NUM>, partition <NUM>, and the carry handle <NUM>, or some combination thereof. The second void <NUM> can at least partially define a recovery seat <NUM> for the recovery tank <NUM>.

The recovery tank <NUM> can also include a recovery externally-facing surface <NUM> that forms an external surface of the extraction cleaner <NUM> when the recovery tank <NUM> is seated in the recovery tank receiver <NUM>. The recovery tank <NUM> can further include a recovery internally-facing surface <NUM> which is internal to the extraction cleaner <NUM> when the recovery tank <NUM> seated in the recovery tank receiver <NUM>. The second void <NUM> can have a profile, surface, or geometry that is complementary to at least a portion of the recovery internally-facing surface <NUM> including an entirety of the recovery internally-facing surface <NUM>. The second void <NUM> can also be thought of as a cut-out within the main housing <NUM> within which the recovery tank <NUM> can be at least partially received, fully received, or extend therefrom. As can be seen in <FIG>, the second void <NUM> extends above the base <NUM>, adjacent a side of the partition <NUM> opposite the first void <NUM> and under a second overhanging wall formed by the carry handle <NUM>.

Optionally, the supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM> can have handgrip indentations <NUM>, <NUM> formed in the externally-facing surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM> can further include respective lower ends <NUM>, <NUM> and upper ends <NUM>, <NUM>, which may be formed of one or both of externally- and internally-facing surfaces <NUM>-<NUM>.

A movable supply tank latch <NUM> can be provided on the supply tank receiver <NUM> for securing the supply tank <NUM> to the main housing <NUM>. The recovery tank receiver <NUM> can also include a movable recovery tank latch <NUM> for securing the recovery tank <NUM> to the main housing <NUM>. The supply and recovery tank latches <NUM>, <NUM> facilitate correct installation and better sealing of both the supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM>, which alleviates user error and mis-assembly of the extraction cleaner <NUM>. The supply and recovery tank latches <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured to releasably latch or retain, but not lock, the supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM> to the main housing <NUM>, such that a user can conveniently apply sufficient force to the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> themselves to pull the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> off the main housing <NUM>. In one example, the latches <NUM>, <NUM> can comprise biased latches <NUM>, <NUM> configured to release the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> upon application of a sufficient force to overcome the biased latching force of the latches <NUM>, <NUM>. More specifically, the latches <NUM>, <NUM> can comprise spring-biased latches.

In the illustrated example the tank receivers <NUM>, <NUM> each respectively includes a platform <NUM>, <NUM>, a side wall <NUM>, <NUM> of the partition <NUM>, and first and second overhanging portions or walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the partition <NUM> below the carry handle <NUM>. The overhanging walls <NUM>, <NUM> can extend outwardly from the respective side walls <NUM>, <NUM> to overhang at least a portion of the respective platforms <NUM>, <NUM>. The platforms <NUM>, <NUM> can be raised areas of the base <NUM> separated by the partition <NUM>, and can be defined by upper portions of the base <NUM> surrounded by portions of the skirt <NUM>.

The lower ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> can comprise one or more internally-facing flat surfaces adapted to rest on the platform <NUM>, <NUM> of their respective receiver <NUM>, <NUM>. The upper ends <NUM>, <NUM> of tanks <NUM>, <NUM> can comprise one or more internally-facing surfaces adapted to confront the overhanging wall <NUM>, <NUM> when the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> are installed on the main housing <NUM>.

The supply and recovery tank latches <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided on the partition <NUM> of the main housing <NUM>. More specifically, the latches <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided on a corresponding underside of the overhanging walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the receivers <NUM>, <NUM>. When the supply tank <NUM> is seated within the supply tank receiver <NUM>, the supply tank <NUM> rests on the first platform <NUM> adjacent the first side wall <NUM> of the partition <NUM> and adjacent the first overhanging wall <NUM>, and is retained in place by the supply tank latch <NUM> on the first overhanging wall <NUM>. When the recovery tank <NUM> is seated within the recovery tank receiver <NUM>, the recovery tank <NUM> rests on the second platform <NUM> adjacent the second side wall <NUM> of the partition <NUM> and adjacent the second overhanging wall <NUM>, and is retained in place by the recovery tank latch <NUM> on the second overhanging wall <NUM>. Alternatively, the supply and recovery tank latches <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided elsewhere on the supply and recovery tank receivers <NUM>, <NUM>.

A valve seat <NUM> (partially shown in phantom line in <FIG>) can be formed in the supply tank receiver <NUM>, such as in the first platform <NUM>, for fluidly coupling the pump <NUM> with the supply tank <NUM> when it is seated within the supply tank receiver <NUM>. The supply tank <NUM> can include a valve <NUM> at an outlet thereof configured be received by the valve seat <NUM>. The valve <NUM> can be adapted to open when the supply tank <NUM> is seated within the supply tank receiver <NUM> and to close when the supply tank <NUM> is removed from the supply tank receiver <NUM>.

A liquid port <NUM> and a suction port <NUM> can be formed in the recovery tank receiver <NUM>, such as in the second platform <NUM>, for fluidly coupling with the inlet conduit <NUM> and outlet conduit <NUM>, respectively, of the stack <NUM>, when the recovery tank <NUM> is seated within the recovery tank receiver <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the partition <NUM> includes pockets <NUM>, <NUM> formed therein for mounting the latches <NUM>, <NUM>. More specifically, the pockets <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided beneath the carry handle <NUM>, and can be formed in the overhanging walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the receivers <NUM>, <NUM>. The pockets <NUM>, <NUM> can include respective contoured portions <NUM>, <NUM> facing the supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM>. The supply tank latch <NUM> and recovery tank latch <NUM> are at least partially retained within the respective pockets <NUM>, <NUM>. In the example shown, the pockets <NUM>, <NUM> are generally U-shaped with rounded inner corners; however, other geometric profiles can be utilized, including a shallow pocket with small side walls and sharp corners, or an irregular profile with non-symmetric side walls and beveled or rounded corners, in non-limiting examples.

Referring additionally to <FIG>, each of the supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM> includes a respective supply and recovery catch <NUM>, <NUM> for the supply and recovery tank latches <NUM>, <NUM>. The catches <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to be retained by the corresponding latches <NUM>, <NUM> to releasably hold the supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM> in the corresponding tank receivers <NUM>, <NUM>. The catches <NUM>, <NUM> can be formed on one of the internally-facing surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> such that the catches <NUM>, <NUM> and latches <NUM>, <NUM> are hidden when the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> are seated in the receivers <NUM>, <NUM>. In an example where the supply and recovery tanks <NUM>, <NUM> comprise blow-molded tank bodies, the catches <NUM>, <NUM> can be formed integrally in an upper portion of the blow-molded tank bodies forming the upper end <NUM>, <NUM> of the tanks <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, further details of the supply and recovery tank latches <NUM>, <NUM> and the supply and recovery catches <NUM>, <NUM> will now be described relative to the recovery tank <NUM>. While only the recovery tank <NUM> is illustrated for clarity, it will be understood that the recovery tank latch <NUM> and recovery catch <NUM> is similar to the supply tank latch <NUM> and supply catch <NUM>. Therefore, the description of the recovery tank latch <NUM> and recovery catch <NUM> applies to the supply tank latch <NUM> and supply catch <NUM>, unless otherwise noted.

The catch <NUM> can be provided at the upper end <NUM> of the tank <NUM>, which confronts the overhanging wall <NUM>, and can comprise at least one raised angled surface <NUM> adjacent a recess <NUM> defined by the upper end <NUM> of the tank <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the catch <NUM> of the supply tank <NUM> can also comprise a pair of raised angled surfaces <NUM> adjacent a pair of recesses <NUM> due to the presence of a fill cap <NUM> for the supply tank <NUM>. The catch <NUM> can also receive at least a portion of the recovery overhanging wall <NUM> within the recess <NUM>.

The latch <NUM> can include a latch member <NUM> and a biasing member <NUM> configured to bias the latch member <NUM> outwardly from the pocket <NUM> in a generally downward direction. The latch <NUM> can include a spring-biased latch, and the biasing member <NUM> can specifically comprise a spring, such as a coil spring <NUM>. A spring cavity <NUM> for retaining the coil spring <NUM> between the latch member <NUM> and the main housing <NUM> can be formed by portions of the latch member <NUM> and the pocket <NUM>. For example, prong members <NUM> can be provided on the contoured portion <NUM> of the pocket <NUM> and at least partially define the spring cavity. The coil spring <NUM> can be retained between the prong members <NUM> within the spring cavity <NUM>, and can also be retained between the latch member <NUM> and the contoured portion <NUM> of the pocket <NUM>.

The latch member <NUM> is constrained at its upper end by the coil spring <NUM>. In addition, the lower end of the latch member <NUM> comprises a first wall <NUM> and a second wall <NUM>, with the first wall <NUM> facing outwardly from the partition <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> facing inwardly toward the partition <NUM>. The first wall <NUM> comprises an angled or ramped lead-in portion for engaging the upper end <NUM> of the recovery tank <NUM>, via an interference fit, when the latch member <NUM> is in its extended position during installation. The second wall <NUM> can be orthogonal to the catch <NUM>, and in particular orthogonal to the raised angled surface <NUM>, for retaining the tank <NUM>. The first wall <NUM> can be an outer wall facing outwardly away from the partition <NUM>, and the second wall <NUM> can be an inner wall facing inwardly toward away the partition <NUM>. While not shown in this example, it is also contemplated that the first or second walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the latch member <NUM> can also include vertically projecting portions. In the example of <FIG> where the supply catch <NUM> includes multiple recesses <NUM> adjacent angled raised surfaces <NUM>, the first and second walls <NUM>, <NUM> can be formed with corresponding projections or "teeth" to extend into the recesses <NUM> while accommodating the intermediate raised space therebetween due to the presence of the fill cap <NUM>. The projections <NUM> define two points of contact that provide interference with the supply tank <NUM> to retain the supply tank <NUM> within the seat <NUM>. The projecting portions can define multiple points of contact that provide interference with the supply tank <NUM> to retain the supply tank <NUM> within the seat <NUM>. In addition, such vertically projecting portions can also be provided in the latch member <NUM> of the recovery tank <NUM>, even in an example where the catch includes a single raised surface and recess.

The latch member <NUM> is moveable relative to the pocket <NUM> and is constrained by the pocket <NUM> for axial movement along a latch axis <NUM>. In one example, the latch axis <NUM> intersects the carry handle <NUM>, and can further intersect the partition plane <NUM> at an angle.

In the illustrated example the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> and latches <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged side-by-side, and may be parallel to each other. The latches <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged to operate in opposing directions so that a user can, if desired, grab one of the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> in each hand, and pull the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> away from the main housing <NUM> simultaneously. Similarly, the user can install the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> simultaneously. The upper ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> can also be angled in opposing directions to facilitate lifting the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> away and up from the receivers <NUM>, <NUM> separated by the partition <NUM>. The latches <NUM>, <NUM> can be operable along latch axes <NUM> that intersect the carry handle <NUM>.

In operation, the extraction cleaner <NUM> can be used to treat a surface to be cleaned by applying a cleaning fluid to the surface from the supply tank <NUM> and extracting the cleaning fluid from the surface into the recovery tank <NUM>. This can be done alternately, by first applying cleaning fluid to the surface and scrubbing the surface, and then extracting debris-containing fluid from the surface. For cleaning fluid application, when power is applied to the pump <NUM> and the trigger <NUM> is pressed, cleaning fluid is distributed from the supply tank <NUM> to the surface to be cleaned via the fluid distributor <NUM>. The hand-held tool <NUM> can be used to agitate or scrub the surface. For extraction, when power is applied to the motor/fan assembly <NUM>, a suction force is generated in the extraction path. Suction force at the extraction nozzle <NUM> of the tool <NUM> draws debris-containing fluid, which can contain air and liquid into the recovery tank <NUM>. Liquid and debris in the fluid fall under the force of gravity to the bottom of the recovery tank <NUM>. The air drawn into the recovery tank <NUM>, now separated from liquid and debris, exits the recovery tank <NUM> and continues with the extraction path to an exhaust outlet (not shown) in the main housing, whereupon the air exits the extraction cleaner <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, prior to operation, the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> can be installed on the main housing <NUM> in accordance with the following method. It should be understood that only installation of the recovery tank <NUM> is shown in <FIG> for clarity, and that the following description can also apply to installation of the supply tank <NUM>. During installation of the recovery tank <NUM>, the angled lead-in portion of the first wall <NUM> rides over the recovery catch <NUM>, <NUM> and causes the latch member <NUM> to compress the coil spring <NUM>, and retract into the pocket <NUM>, <NUM>. When the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> are seated, the second wall <NUM> of the latch member <NUM> mates with the side of the raised surface <NUM> forming the catch <NUM>, <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM>, e.g. the coil spring <NUM>, forces the latch member <NUM> to extend out of the pocket <NUM>, <NUM> and into the latched position shown in <FIG>. Put another way, the biasing member <NUM> can bias the latch member <NUM> into its extended position, away from the pocket <NUM>, <NUM>, such that the latch member <NUM> can be releasably retained in the recess <NUM>.

To remove one or both of the tanks <NUM>, <NUM>, the user can conveniently apply sufficient force to the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> themselves, such as by gripping the handgrip indentations <NUM>, <NUM> or pulling outward on the supply upper end <NUM>, to pull the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> off the main housing <NUM>. Upon application a sufficient force via engagement of the catch <NUM>, <NUM> with the second wall <NUM> to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member <NUM>, the latch member <NUM> is forced deeper into the pocket <NUM>, <NUM> and clears the catch <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby releasing the tank <NUM>, <NUM> to be lifted away from the main housing <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, another surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> is illustrated in the form of an upright extraction cleaner <NUM>. The surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> is similar to the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by <NUM>, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> applies to the surface cleaning apparatus <NUM>, except where noted.

The upright extraction cleaner <NUM> includes an upright handle assembly <NUM> and a base or cleaning head <NUM> pivotally mounted or swivel mounted to the upright handle assembly <NUM> and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the upright extraction cleaner oriented in <FIG> from the perspective of a user behind the upright extraction cleaner <NUM>, which defines the rear of the upright extraction cleaner <NUM>.

The upright handle assembly <NUM> comprises an upper handle <NUM> and a frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> includes a main housing <NUM> supporting at least a supply tank <NUM> having a supply upper end <NUM> opposite a supply lower end <NUM>, as well as a recovery tank <NUM> having a recovery upper end <NUM> opposite a recovery lower end <NUM>. The upright extraction cleaner <NUM> can include a fluid delivery system <NUM>, including and at least partially defined by the supply tank <NUM>, for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The upright extraction cleaner <NUM> can also include a fluid recovery system <NUM> and a fluid recovery pathway, including and at least partially defined by the recovery tank <NUM>, for removing the spent cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris until emptied by the user. The recovery tank <NUM> can be removably mounted to the front of the main housing <NUM>. Optionally, a tray <NUM> can be provided to house or store the upright extraction cleaner <NUM> as well as any additional components such as extra brushrolls, suction nozzles, or accessory tools.

A pivotable or swivel joint assembly <NUM> is formed at a lower end of the frame <NUM> and moveably mounts the cleaning head <NUM> to the upright handle assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the cleaning head <NUM> can pivot up and down about at least one axis relative to the upright handle assembly <NUM>. The pivotable swivel joint assembly <NUM> can alternatively comprise a universal joint, such that the cleaning head <NUM> can pivot about at least two axes relative to the upright handle assembly <NUM>. Wiring and/or conduits supplying air and/or liquid between the cleaning head <NUM> and the upright handle assembly <NUM>, or vice versa, can extend though the pivotable swivel joint assembly <NUM>. A swivel locking mechanism (not shown) can optionally be provided to lock and/or release the swivel joint assembly <NUM> for movement. A flexible conduit hose <NUM> can couple the recovery tank <NUM> to the cleaning head <NUM> and can also pass through the swivel joint assembly <NUM>.

The cleaning head <NUM> comprises a removable suction nozzle assembly <NUM> that can be adapted to be adjacent the surface to be cleaned as the cleaning head <NUM> moves across the surface and is in fluid communication with the recovery tank <NUM> through the flexible conduit hose <NUM>. Optionally, an agitator (not shown) can be provided in the suction nozzle assembly <NUM> for agitating the surface to be cleaned. Some examples of agitators include, but are not limited to, a horizontally-rotating brushroll, dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls, one or more vertically-rotating brushrolls, or a stationary brush. A pair of rear wheels <NUM> are positioned for rotational movement about a central axis on the rearward portion of the cleaning head <NUM> for maneuvering the upright extraction cleaner <NUM> over a surface to be cleaned.

The upright handle assembly <NUM> can include a handgrip <NUM> and a user interface <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> can also be provided elsewhere on the upright extraction cleaner <NUM>, such as on the main housing <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> can be any configuration of actuating controls such as but not limited to buttons, triggers, toggles, switches, or the like, operably connected to systems in the upright extraction cleaner <NUM> to affect and control function. In the example shown, the user interface <NUM> includes a push-button trigger <NUM>.

The upright handle assembly <NUM> can further include a hollow handle pipe <NUM> that extends vertically and connects the upright handle assembly <NUM> to the main housing <NUM>. The lower end of the handle pipe <NUM> terminates into an upper portion of the main housing <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, a portion of the upright extraction cleaner <NUM> is shown in cross-section, with portions of the main housing <NUM> and supply tank <NUM> visible. The supply tank <NUM> includes a bottom wall <NUM> at the lower end <NUM> and a top wall <NUM> at the upper end <NUM>. A side wall <NUM> can extend from the bottom wall <NUM> toward the upper end <NUM> of the supply tank <NUM>. Indentations <NUM> can be included in the supply tank <NUM> and can be configured to form a grip or handgrip for a user such that a user can remove the supply tank <NUM>. For example, indentations <NUM> can be formed in each side wall <NUM> of the supply tank <NUM>.

A pump <NUM> can be provided within the main housing <NUM> beneath, and in fluid communication with, the supply tank <NUM> for pressurizing the fluid delivery system <NUM>. In one example, actuation of the trigger <NUM> (<FIG>) can provide for selective fluid delivery from the supply tank <NUM> via the pump <NUM>. In addition, a motor/fan assembly <NUM> can be mounted to an upper portion of the main housing <NUM>. The motor/fan assembly <NUM> can be in fluid communication with the recovery tank <NUM>, and optionally the motor/fan assembly <NUM> can be provided within a dedicated motor housing. Optionally, a heater (not shown) can be provided for heating the cleaning fluid prior to delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. In one example, an in-line heater can be located downstream of the supply tank <NUM>, and upstream or downstream of the pump <NUM>. Other types of heaters can also be used. In yet another example, cleaning fluid can be heated using exhaust air from a motor-cooling pathway for the motor/fan assembly <NUM>.

A supply valve assembly <NUM> can be provided for controlling fluid flow through an outlet <NUM> of the supply tank <NUM>. Alternatively, the supply tank <NUM> can include multiple supply chambers, such as one chamber containing water and another chamber containing a cleaning agent. The supply valve assembly <NUM> can open to release fluid to the fluid delivery pathway. For example, the supply valve assembly <NUM> can be configured to automatically open when the supply tank <NUM> is seated. Optionally, a screen mesh insert (not shown) can be provided between the supply tank outlet <NUM> and the supply valve assembly <NUM> to prevent particulates above a certain size from entering the pump <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, a supply tank receiver <NUM> can be provided at an upper portion of the main housing <NUM> for receiving the supply tank <NUM>. The supply tank receiver <NUM> can include an overhanging portion or wall <NUM> that is spaced from the upper end <NUM> of the supply tank <NUM> when the supply tank <NUM> is seated in its receiver <NUM>.

A movable supply tank latch <NUM> can be provided on the supply tank receiver <NUM> for securing the supply tank <NUM> to the main housing <NUM>. The supply tank latch <NUM> can be configured to releasably latch or retain the supply tank <NUM> to the main housing <NUM>. The supply tank <NUM> can include a supply catch <NUM> configured to be retained by the supply tank latch <NUM>, such that the supply tank <NUM> can be releasably held in the tank receiver <NUM>. The supply catch <NUM> can be formed in the top wall <NUM> of the supply tank <NUM> confronting the supply overhanging wall <NUM>. In this manner, the catch <NUM> and latch <NUM> can be hidden when the supply tank <NUM> is seated in the tank receiver <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates removal of the supply tank <NUM> from the supply tank receiver <NUM>. The supply tank receiver <NUM> can further include a void <NUM> at least partially defined by portions of the main housing <NUM>. The void <NUM> can at least partially define a seat <NUM> for the supply tank <NUM>.

The latch <NUM> can include a biased latch member <NUM> and a biasing member <NUM> configured to bias the latch member <NUM> in a direction toward the supply tank <NUM>. The latch member <NUM> can be configured to release the supply tank <NUM> upon application of a sufficient force to overcome the biased latching force of the supply tank latch <NUM>. Additionally, in the example shown the latch member <NUM> can include a pair of latch projections <NUM> at its distal end that can simultaneously extend or retract into a pocket <NUM> (<FIG>). The latch projections <NUM> define two points of contact that provide interference with the supply tank <NUM> to retain the supply tank <NUM> within the seat <NUM>.

To remove the supply tank <NUM>, a user can grasp the handgrip indentations <NUM> or the top wall <NUM> of the supply tank <NUM> and pull outward, away from the main housing <NUM>, with sufficient force to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member <NUM> and cause the latch member <NUM> to retract into the pocket <NUM>. In this manner the supply tank <NUM> can be released from the seat <NUM> and removed from the main housing <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates additional details of the supply tank latch <NUM> and supply catch <NUM>. A pocket <NUM> can be formed in the overhanging wall <NUM> for retaining the supply tank latch <NUM>. The supply tank latch <NUM> can include a coil spring <NUM> housed within a spring cavity <NUM> formed within the pocket <NUM> (<FIG>). In this manner the latch member <NUM> can move between extended and retracted positions within the pocket <NUM>.

The supply catch <NUM> can include at least one raised angled surface <NUM> adjacent a recess <NUM> defined by the top wall <NUM> of the supply tank <NUM>. The latch member <NUM> can include a wall <NUM> having an angled or ramped lead-in portion. The wall <NUM> can engage the top wall <NUM> of the supply tank <NUM>, via an interference fit, when the latch member <NUM> is in its extended position. It is also contemplated that the latch projections <NUM> (<FIG>) can be formed out of the wall <NUM>. During installation, the latch member <NUM> can slide over the top wall <NUM> of the supply tank <NUM> and extend, via the coil spring <NUM>, into the recess <NUM> formed by the supply catch <NUM> when the supply tank <NUM> is fully seated within the receiver <NUM>.

Aspects of the invention provide for several benefits, including that the latches described herein can facilitate correct installation by a user of the supply or recovery tanks within their respective tank receivers. The retaining of the latch within its corresponding catch can provide tactile feedback for a user that a tank has been properly installed. For example, by pulling on or wiggling a tank with a small amount of force below the threshold for disengaging the latch, lack of movement of the tank can provide feedback for a user that the tank is properly seated and secured. In addition, the latches can provide for improved sealing of the supply and recovery tanks as the spring-biased latches are retained within their respective catches.

Claim 1:
A surface cleaning apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a base, a partition (<NUM>) extending upwardly from the base, and a carry handle (<NUM>);
a fluid delivery system (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a supply tank (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a fluid distributor (<NUM>);
a fluid recovery system (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a recovery tank (<NUM>, <NUM>), an extraction nozzle (<NUM>), and a motor/fan assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a first void (<NUM>) within the housing (<NUM>, <NUM>), the first void (<NUM>) defined by the base, the partition (<NUM>) , and the carry handle (<NUM>) , wherein the supply tank (<NUM>, <NUM>) is removably received in the first void (<NUM>); and
a second void (<NUM>) within the housing (<NUM>, <NUM>), the second void (<NUM>) defined by the base, the partition (<NUM>), and the carry handle (<NUM>), wherein the recovery tank (<NUM>, <NUM>) is removably received in the second void (<NUM>);
a tank latch, the tank latch comprising at least one of:
a supply tank latch (<NUM>, <NUM>) to secure the supply tank (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the first void; and
a recovery tank latch (<NUM>, <NUM>) to secure the recovery tank (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the second void (<NUM>); characterized in that
at least one of the partition (<NUM>) and the carry handle (<NUM>) comprises a pocket (<NUM>, <NUM>) in which the tank latch (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is mounted.