Patent Description:
Extraction cleaners may be configured to rely upon a suction source to generate a suction air stream through a cleaning head for purposes of extracting debris, liquids, and/or other substances away from a surface to be cleaned. Some extraction cleaners may additionally include a fluid delivery system configured to dispense a cleaning solution on the cleaning surface to enhance cleaning with application of a stain remover, water, compositions, detergents, etc. to the cleaning surface before debris extraction. As opposed to upright or canister extraction cleaners, handheld extraction cleaners may be generally characterized as extraction cleaners having a relatively small size and weight to facilitate being hand-carried to a cleaning location. Handheld extraction cleaners may be correspondingly transported and used without the assistance of supporting wheels or other supportive or propulsion mechanisms typically included with uprights and canister type of cleaners. The portability of handheld extraction cleaners is believed to be beneficial in enabling users to quickly and easily clean various types of surfaces without having to accommodate heavier and larger cleaning devices, such as when cleaning smaller areas or performing spot cleaning after a pet or child makes a small mess. Document <CIT> discloses a handheld extraction cleaner system according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld extraction cleaner system includes a wet cleaning head including a wet suction nozzle and a dry cleaning head including a dry suction nozzle. A handheld base includes a modular receiver configured to interchangeably couple to the wet cleaning head and the dry cleaning head. A suction source is configured to generate a suction air stream through the wet suction nozzle when the wet cleaning head is coupled to the modular receiver and through the dry suction nozzle when the dry cleaning head is coupled to the modular receiver. A fluid delivery system includes a fluid distributor configured to dispense a cleaning solution on a surface to be cleaned. At least one of the handheld base and the dry cleaning head is configured to at least partially prevent the fluid delivery system from dispensing the cleaning solution when the dry cleaning head is coupled to the modular receiver.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a modular handheld extraction cleaner and a base include a suction source configured to generate a suction air stream for recovering debris from a surface to be cleaned. A fluid delivery system is configured to dispense a cleaning solution from a fluid distributor to the surface to be cleaned. A modular receiver and a dry cleaning head are selectively coupled to the modular receiver. The dry cleaning head includes a dry suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction source to draw the debris into the at least one dry cleaning head with the suction air stream, a recovery tank for capturing the debris from the suction air stream, and an override feature for preventing the cleaning solution from being dispensed when the dry cleaning head is coupled to the modular receiver.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld extraction cleaner includes a dry cleaning head including a dry suction nozzle and a recovery tank. A base includes a suction source configured to generate a suction air stream for recovering debris from a surface to be cleaned through the dry suction nozzle, the debris being collected from the suction air stream in the recovery tank. A fluid delivery system includes a spray actuator, where the fluid delivery system is configured to dispense a cleaning solution on the surface to be cleaned upon actuation of the spray actuator. A modular receiver is configured to selectively couple with the dry cleaning head. A control system is configured to disable use of the spray actuator when the dry cleaning head is coupled to the modular receiver.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate implementations of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a handheld extraction cleaner. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in <FIG>. Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to a surface closest to an intended viewer, and the term "rear" shall refer to a surface furthest from the intended viewer. It is also to be understood that the specific structures and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.

The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a. " does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

With reference to <FIG>, reference numeral <NUM> generally designates a handheld extraction cleaner system. The extraction cleaner system <NUM> may be configured to provide a tailored solution whereby a user can quickly and easily perform multiple types of cleaning with a single apparatus and fewer steps for a more efficient cleaning process. In this way, the cleaning process with the extraction cleaner system <NUM> does not utilize multiple cleaners, and the user does not perform many steps. The extraction cleaner system <NUM> may be configured to provide wet and dry cleaning capabilities in a handheld manner suitable to enabling users to quickly and easily clean various types of surfaces and messes without having to accommodate heavier and larger cleaning devices when cleaning up smaller areas or performing spot cleaning should a pet or child make a small mess. The extraction cleaner system <NUM> generally includes a handheld base <NUM> configured to be interchangeably coupled with multiple cleaning heads, including dry cleaning heads 16A-16E, collectively referred to herein as dry cleaning heads <NUM>, and a wet cleaning head <NUM>, constructed to perform different types of cleaning, such as with the wet cleaning head <NUM> configured to perform wet extraction cleaning and the dry cleaning heads <NUM> configured to perform dry cleaning.

The base <NUM> may be configured in accordance with the unitary body described in <CIT>, entitled Handheld Extraction Cleaner, and <CIT>, entitled Handheld Extraction Cleaner. The base <NUM> may include a modular receiver <NUM> configured to removably and selectively couple the wet and/or dry cleaning heads <NUM>, <NUM> to the handheld base <NUM> in an easy, efficient motion whereby the user can attach the selected or desired cleaning head <NUM>, <NUM> and immediately commence cleaning.

The base <NUM> generally includes a suction source <NUM> (see <FIG>) configured to generate a suction air stream or vacuum effect through the coupled cleaning head <NUM>, <NUM> to extract material (debris, liquid, liquid-entrained debris, etc.) from a cleaning surface. The base <NUM> may additionally include a fluid or liquid delivery system <NUM> that has a fluid distributor <NUM> configured to dispense a cleaning solution on the cleaning surface. The fluid delivery system <NUM> may include a pump <NUM> fluidly coupled with a cleaning solution tank <NUM> for delivering a cleaning solution to the fluid distributor <NUM>. The pump <NUM> is generally controlled via a control system of the handheld base <NUM> to dispense the cleaning solution. The extraction cleaner system <NUM> may optionally include additional cleaning heads in addition to or in replacement of the wet and/or dry cleaning heads <NUM>, <NUM>. A user may correspondingly couple one of the available cleaning heads <NUM>, <NUM> with the base <NUM> to quickly and efficiently perform wet, dry, and/or other types of extraction cleaning and interchange the cleaning heads <NUM>, <NUM> to perform different cleaning processes.

Referring still to <FIG>, the present disclosure is predominantly described for exemplary and non-limiting purposes with respect to wet and dry extraction cleaning using the coupled one of the wet and dry cleaning heads <NUM>, <NUM>. The wet cleaning head <NUM> may be configured in accordance with a recovery assembly, such as the recovery assembly described in <CIT> and <CIT>. The wet cleaning head <NUM> may be correspondingly configured to facilitate wet extraction cleaning for cleaning liquid spills/stains and/or other cleaning processes where a cleaning solution may be applied to the cleaning surface, such as on a stain, (either manually with a spray bottle and/or using the fluid delivery system <NUM>) before extraction of the liquid and entrained debris. The dry cleaning head <NUM> may be configured in accordance with the present disclosure to perform dry extraction cleaning for cleaning spills or messes that contain mostly dry debris and/or cleaning processes that may not involve the addition of a cleaning solution (e.g., dry cleaning may be used with spills that include some small amount of liquid and/or moist debris, like spilled oats with some water).

The present disclosure differentiates between the terms "wet" and "dry" merely for illustrative purposes and to highlight improved functionality with respect to enabling a user to switch between "wet" and "dry" types of cleaning processes depending on whether the coupled cleaning head <NUM>, <NUM> is intended to recover wet debris or dry debris. The materials recovered with the handheld extraction cleaner system <NUM> may include debris such as liquid, fluids, dirt, dust, soil, hair, and/or combinations thereof depending on the type of mess being cleaned. The differentiation between wet and dry components and/or wet and dry debris is used herein without limitation as some dry debris may include liquids and/or fluids, including cleaning fluids, while some wet debris may include non-liquid substances entrained with liquid substances. As such, the wet cleaning head <NUM> may be used to clean dry debris and the dry cleaning head <NUM> may be used to clean wet debris. The differentiation between wet and dry debris, accordingly, is intended merely for expediency and clarification in identifying the different types of cleaning heads <NUM>, <NUM> and not as a representation or limitation of the debris being cleaned.

While both of the wet and dry cleaning heads <NUM>, <NUM> may be capable of cleaning wet and/or dry debris, the present disclosure contemplates the dry cleaning head <NUM> may be more suitable for dry or drier debris and the wet cleaning head <NUM> may be more suitable for wet or wetter debris due to differences in the separation processes each cleaning head <NUM>, <NUM> uses to separate recovered material (debris and/or liquid) from the suction air stream. The differentiation between wet and dry cleaning heads <NUM>, <NUM>, or other types of cleaning heads, accordingly, may be based on the separation processes each cleaning head <NUM>, <NUM> uses and/or other aspects of the associated cleaning, rather than whether the recovered debris is characterized as wet, dry, or some combination thereof. By way of example, one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure contemplates the wet cleaning head <NUM> relying upon a torturous and/or unfiltered pathway to facilitate separating recovered debris from the suction air stream, whereas the dry cleaning head <NUM> may instead rely upon a non-torturous and/or filtered pathway to do the same.

With reference to <FIG>, the handheld extraction cleaner system <NUM> is illustrated with the dry cleaning head 16A coupled with the base <NUM> in accordance with one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The dry cleaning head 16A includes a housing <NUM> configured to interconnect a dry recovery tank <NUM> with the base <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may be configured to facilitate positioning an outlet <NUM> of the dry cleaning head 16A relative to an inlet <NUM> of the base <NUM> wherethrough the suction air stream flows to facilitate extracting debris into a collection chamber <NUM> of the dry recovery tank <NUM> via a suction nozzle <NUM>. The alignment of the inlet <NUM> of the base <NUM> with the outlet <NUM> of the dry cleaning head 16A provides fluid communication between the suction nozzle <NUM> and the suction source <NUM> to draw the material into the collection chamber <NUM> with the suction or vacuum effect.

The suction nozzle <NUM> is intended to be used to remove debris from the surface. Typically, the term "suction nozzle" is reserved for the feature that interacts with the surface to extract debris. In some examples, the suction nozzle <NUM> may be configured to directly engage the surface being cleaned. The dry recovery tank <NUM> may include a separator <NUM> configured to perform a separation process where the recovered debris may be separated from the suction air stream for collection before reaching the suction source <NUM> and the suction air stream can be exhausted from the extraction cleaner system <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the separator <NUM> is shown as having a pre-filter <NUM>, also referred to as a coarse filter, such as a mesh screen, and a fine filter <NUM> cooperating to facilitate separating the debris from the suction air stream. The pre-filter <NUM> and the fine filter <NUM> are exemplary of one type of separator <NUM> particularly suitable for separating dry or essentially dry debris from the suction air stream. Other filters, media, and cyclonic and non-cyclonic separation processes may be similarly used to separate debris from the suction air stream without departing from the teachings herein.

The suction air stream through the dry cleaning head 16A may pass through the suction nozzle <NUM>, through a tank inlet flap <NUM> configured to rotatably cover and uncover the suction nozzle <NUM>, and then through the separator <NUM> before passing through a portal <NUM> between the separator <NUM> and a conduit <NUM>. The conduit <NUM> is configured to provide a pathway <NUM> through the housing <NUM> between the separator <NUM> and the inlet <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The pathway <NUM> through the dry cleaning head 16A may correspondingly be considered as a non-torturous pathway <NUM> due to bending and other curving of the air flow imposed thereupon being minimal and/or shaped in such a manner that a suction force generated with the suction source <NUM> remains relatively high, and thereby capable of maximizing an amount of debris that can be recovered from the cleaning surface. The pathway <NUM> through the dry cleaning head 16A may also be considered as a filtered pathway due to the recovered debris being separated from the suction air stream using separation provided with the separator <NUM>, or optionally through another configuration whereby physical media may be placed within the pathway <NUM> to separate debris from the suction air stream.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the wet cleaning head <NUM> is coupled with the base <NUM> with the suction air stream passing from a wet suction nozzle and through a pathway <NUM> connecting an outlet <NUM> of a separator <NUM> with an inlet <NUM> of a diffuser conduit <NUM>, which can be formed by various conduits, ducts, housings, connectors, etc. The pathway <NUM> may be described as tortuous due to the inclusion of baffles, guides, and other air-turning features that direct the airflow and increase the length of the pathway <NUM>. In at least one example, the pathway <NUM> can include a baffle <NUM> blocking a lower portion of the inlet <NUM> of the diffuser conduit <NUM> so that working air is forced to flow around and over the baffle <NUM> to enter the inlet <NUM>.

A recovery tank <NUM> may include a hollow tank body <NUM> defining a collection chamber <NUM> for holding recovered liquid and/or debris, with a tank inlet <NUM> that is in fluid communication with the separator outlet <NUM> and a tank outlet <NUM>. The tank outlet <NUM> is formed in the tank body <NUM> for emptying any liquid or debris in the recovery tank <NUM> that may be collected in the collection chamber <NUM>. The tank inlet <NUM> can be formed as an opening <NUM> through a baffle wall <NUM> separating the collection chamber <NUM> from the tortuous air pathway <NUM>, with debris and liquid that is separated from the suction air stream being transferrable into the recovery tank <NUM> through the opening <NUM>.

The pathway <NUM> through the wet cleaning head <NUM> may be considered torturous due to curvatures imposed upon the resulting airflow being somewhat extreme (e.g., sharper, with a higher degree of curvature) and/or shaped in such a manner that a suction force generated with the suction source <NUM> may be less than that provided with the dry cleaning head 16A (i.e., the force available to recover debris from the cleaning surface being less as a result of the repeated directional changes and tight curves). This results in a trade-off with suction force, which may be beneficial in enabling the wet cleaning head <NUM> to separate entrained debris without the use of filtered media (i.e., in an unfiltered manner), such that spills or greater quantities of liquid can be recovered without repeatedly replacing filtering components. While the present disclosure is described with respect to the wet cleaning head <NUM> having a torturous, unfiltered pathway <NUM> and the dry cleaning head 16A having a non-torturous, filtered pathway <NUM>, this description is done merely for exemplary purposes to distinguish one type of cleaning head <NUM>, <NUM> from another as the present disclosure fully contemplates different cleaning heads <NUM>, <NUM> having other types of pathways <NUM>, <NUM> and the optional inclusion or omission of filters.

One non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure relates to the base <NUM> and/or one or more of the cleaning heads <NUM>, <NUM> being configured to selectively disable or prevent use of one or more systems onboard the base <NUM>, such as to prevent use of the fluid delivery system <NUM> when the dry cleaning head <NUM> is in use. The capability to selectively disable or prevent use of systems included onboard the base <NUM> may be beneficial for the user to easily perform quick cleanups without undertaking additional steps associated with adjusting or otherwise configuring the base <NUM> or other components of the system <NUM> according to the connected cleaning head <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the user can simply and efficiently attach the desired cleaning head <NUM>, <NUM> to the base <NUM> and commence cleaning without having to correspondingly manipulate systems onboard the base <NUM>. It may be less desirable, for example, to use the dry cleaning head <NUM> to perform wet cleaning due to components of the dry cleaning head <NUM> being less suitable than the wet cleaning head <NUM> for cleaning liquids or other fluids. Accordingly, the automatic disablement/prevention may be desirable or advantageous in constraining systems of the base <NUM> according to the coupled cleaning head <NUM>, <NUM>, such as to protect components of the wet and/or dry cleaning heads <NUM>, <NUM> and/or to prevent the use thereof with incompatible or less compatible debris.

Referring to <FIG>, the handled extraction cleaner system <NUM> includes a cover <NUM> for blocking or preventing the use of the fluid delivery system <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an end view of the handheld extraction cleaner system <NUM> with the dry cleaning head 16A coupled with the base <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates the end view with the dry cleaning head 16A removed from the base <NUM>. When the dry cleaning head 16A is coupled with the base <NUM>, cover <NUM> included on the housing <NUM> of the dry cleaning head 16A is configured to disable or prevent use of a spray actuator <NUM>.

The base <NUM> may include a user interface <NUM> associated with the control system to facilitate controlling operations of the base <NUM>, such as the suction source <NUM> and the fluid delivery system <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> may include the spray actuator <NUM> for controlling the fluid delivery system <NUM> to dispense a cleaning fluid to the cleaning surface. The user interface <NUM> may additionally include a power actuator <NUM> to control the powering of the suction source <NUM>, such as in a binary manner whereby the suction source <NUM> is turned off and on or in an incremental manner whereby an amount of suction provided is proportional to an amount of pressure applied to the power actuator <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> may also include a display <NUM> or other indicators for indicating a status or other operations for the base <NUM>. The actuators <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or display <NUM> may be optionally configured as triggers, toggles, keys, switches, touch screens, or the like. The user interface <NUM> is shown for exemplary purposes as being positioned forwardly of a carrying handle <NUM> such that a user's thumb may depress or otherwise interact with the user interface <NUM> while the same hand grips the carry handle <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> of the dry cleaning head 16A may include an upper housing <NUM> and a lower housing <NUM>, with the cover <NUM> being included as part of a rearward end <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM> to extend over an upper section <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be shaped to cover an entirety of or overlay the spray actuator <NUM> such that a user is effectively prevented from using the spray actuator <NUM> with the same hand used to grip the carry handle <NUM>. While it may be possible for a user to overcome the protection of the cover <NUM>, it is believed that the integration of the cover <NUM> with the dry cleaning head 16A may be beneficial in thwarting or hindering use of the fluid distributor <NUM> under normal circumstances. This capability to prevent and/or disable use of the spray actuator <NUM> may be beneficial in ameliorating the likelihood of a user applying a cleaning solution while using the dry cleaning head 16A.

Referring still to <FIG> and again to <FIG>, the wet cleaning head <NUM> may be configured to avoid obstructing or otherwise interfering with the spray actuator <NUM>, thereby enabling the user to readily ascertain whether the appropriate cleaning head <NUM>, <NUM> is attached for the desired cleaning operation. In other words, should the user desire application of the cleaning solution via the fluid distributor <NUM> while the dry cleaning head <NUM> is attached, the user may be able to readily recognize the need to switch to the wet cleaning head <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG> and <FIG>, the rearward end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is shown as being shaped to cover most of the user interface <NUM> other than portions associated with the indicator or display <NUM> and the power actuator <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be shaped in other ways to facilitate covering the spray actuator <NUM>. The illustrated configuration, however, may be advantageous in allowing the housing <NUM> to fit snugly over the base <NUM> to ameliorate the likelihood of the cover <NUM> being accidentally displaced and/or to limit vibration or other movements inducing squeaks or rattles while in use.

The rearward end <NUM> may be configured to fit over top of and to be disposed forwardly of the user interface <NUM> such that the fluid distributor <NUM> is retained within a cavity or other enclosure <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may optionally include clips or other retaining features <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) configured to facilitate removable attachment of the dry cleaning head <NUM> to the base <NUM>. One non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure contemplates the upper housing <NUM> being coupled with or attached to the lower housing <NUM> with binders or other fasteners <NUM>, which may be removable for servicing, but that may otherwise be intended to provide a relatively fixed and permanent connection.

The latches <NUM> may be configured to removably couple with the modular receiver <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The latches <NUM> may be push-actuated latches or other removable connections amenable to permitting a user to conveniently switch out the dry cleaning head 16A. The latches <NUM> can be the same such that the different heads <NUM>, <NUM> may be uncoupled/coupled in a similar manner.

As shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may include a flange <NUM> operable with a release <NUM> on the recovery tank <NUM> to facilitate removably connecting the recovery tank <NUM> thereto. In this manner, the recovery tank <NUM> may be removably connected to the housing <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> may in turn be removably connected to the base <NUM>. The recovery tank <NUM> may include a tank connector configured to removably connect to the mesh screen <NUM>, such as through a threaded connection or a snap-fit. The mesh screen <NUM> may additionally or instead optionally be removably connected to the filter <NUM>, such as with a clip.

The filter <NUM> may include a filter housing <NUM> configured to removably connect the filter <NUM> to the housing <NUM> or alternatively to the recovery tank <NUM>. The separator <NUM> (i.e., the mesh screen <NUM> and the filter <NUM>) is predominately described as being removably connected for purposes of enabling the replacement and/or cleaning thereof. The present disclosure, however, fully contemplates other components and configurations for the separator <NUM>, including the separator <NUM> being an integrated unit of the type whereby the mesh screen <NUM> and/or the filter <NUM> may be permanently connected to the housing <NUM>.

A leading end <NUM> of the recovery tank <NUM> forming the suction nozzle <NUM> may be sloped in a rearward manner to facilitate scooping debris from the cleaning surface. As shown in <FIG>, the suction air stream may be configured to facilitate extracting the debris through a channel <NUM> associated with the suction nozzle <NUM>. The channel <NUM> may optionally include an accessory tool, such as a hose extension, configured to extend into and out of the outboard of the suction nozzle <NUM> when pushed and pulled. The tank inlet flap <NUM> may be positioned relative to an output of the channel <NUM> to rotatably cover and uncover the suction nozzle <NUM>.

A biasing member <NUM> may be configured to bias the inlet flap <NUM> toward covering the suction nozzle <NUM>, such as with a spring or other biasing member <NUM> configured to permit the flap <NUM> to uncover or swing outwardly of the suction nozzle <NUM> when the suction air stream is active. Upon cessation of the suction air stream, the inlet flap <NUM> may return to covering the suction nozzle <NUM> and thereby prevent collected debris from exiting the recovery tank <NUM> through the suction nozzle <NUM>. The debris retained within the recovery tank <NUM> may thereafter be removed by actuating the release <NUM> and pivoting the recovery tank downwardly away from the flanges <NUM> or other securing elements of the housing <NUM>. The recovery tank <NUM> may optionally be threadably connected or attached to the housing <NUM> in another manner, such as with a quarter turn cup whereby the cup may be rotated to disengage the recovery tank <NUM> for debris removal. While the leading end <NUM> of the recovery tank <NUM> is illustrated as being sloped in a rearward manner, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the leading end <NUM> to be sloped in a forward manner or to have no slope.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the handheld extraction cleaner system <NUM> is illustrated with the second dry cleaning head 16B coupled with the base <NUM> in accordance with one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The dry cleaning head 16B may be similar to the above-described dry cleaning head 16A insofar as having a housing <NUM> configured to interconnect a recovery tank <NUM> with the base <NUM>. A release <NUM> may be configured to removably connect to the recovery tank <NUM> with the housing <NUM>. The interconnection between the recovery tank <NUM>, the housing <NUM>, and the base <NUM> permits a suction air stream provided from the suction source <NUM> to extract debris from a cleaning surface via a nozzle <NUM>. The recovery tank <NUM> may include a separator <NUM> having a pre-filter <NUM> disposed proximate to a leading end <NUM> of the recovery tank <NUM>, which forms the nozzle <NUM>. The leading end <NUM> may be sloped differently than the above-described suction nozzle <NUM> so as to be forward sloping and/or parallel with the cleaning surface.

The recovery tank <NUM> may include the separator <NUM> having the pre-filter <NUM>, such as a mesh screen, for example, and a fine filter <NUM> to facilitate separate debris from the air suction stream. The release <NUM> may be configured to removably connect to the recovery tank <NUM> and/or the separator <NUM> to the housing <NUM>, optionally with an additional filter <NUM> disposed therebetween. One or more latches <NUM> may be configured to removably connect the housing <NUM> to the base <NUM> to facilitate removable attachment of the dry cleaning head 16B to the base <NUM> in a manner similar to that of the latches <NUM> discussed herein. In this way, the recovery tank <NUM> is coupled to the housing <NUM> via the release <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> is coupled to the base <NUM> with the latches <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be configured to provide upper and lower portions for enclosing a conduit configured to provide a non-torturous pathway between the recovery tank <NUM> and the suction source <NUM>.

The dry cleaning head 16B may be differentiated from the above-described dry cleaning head 16A at least insofar as the housing <NUM> does not include a cover portion extending over the base <NUM> to cover features of the user interface <NUM> for purposes of preventing or disabling the use thereof. The dry cleaning head 16B, instead, may include a protuberance or other blocking feature <NUM> in abutment with the fluid distributor <NUM> on the base to mechanically prevent applying the cleaning solution to the cleaning surface. The blocking feature <NUM> need not necessarily prevent any or all fluid from dispensing through the fluid distributor <NUM> and nonetheless may operate to effectively prevent or disable use of the fluid delivery system <NUM> as any fluid dispensing from the fluid distributor <NUM> would leak along the sides of the base <NUM> or in an inconsistent manner such that the user would readily ascertain a different form of operation. The user would then understand a corrective action being needed (e.g., switching out the dry cleaning head <NUM> for the wet cleaning head <NUM>).

The dry cleaning heads <NUM> are described above with respect to covering or configured to overlay the spray actuator <NUM> and/or blocking the fluid distributor <NUM> as exemplary features for disabling or preventing use of systems onboard the base <NUM>. These features may be considered as overrides included on the dry cleaning heads <NUM> configured to automatically override use of systems onboard the base <NUM>. This is done for exemplary and non-limiting purposes as the present disclosure fully contemplates the use of overrides included on the base <NUM>, rather than or in addition to the dry cleaning heads <NUM>, which may optionally operate in cooperation with corresponding features included on the dry cleaning heads <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a switch <NUM> included on the base <NUM> in accordance with one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The switch <NUM> may cooperate with an actuator <NUM> included on one of the dry cleaning heads 1616B, which may be considered an override feature that facilitates disabling the fluid delivery system <NUM>. The switch <NUM> may be configured as part of the control system of the base <NUM> whereby actuation of the switch <NUM> directs the control system to disable use of the fluid delivery system <NUM>, or optionally another system included on the base <NUM>. The switch <NUM> may be configured as a mechanical type of device whereby a key or a ramp included on an end of the housings <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to act as the actuator <NUM> for purposes of actuating the switch <NUM>. The switch <NUM> may optionally be configured as a sensor, such as a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of one of the dry cleaning heads <NUM>, 16B.

The switch <NUM> is described as being actuatable in response to contact, proximity, etc. with the dry cleaning head <NUM> for exemplary purposes as the present disclosure fully contemplates the switch <NUM> being operable with the wet cleaning head <NUM>. The switch <NUM>, for example, may be used with the wet cleaning head <NUM> to enable liquid spraying whereby the liquid spraying may be disabled unless the wet cleaning head <NUM> is coupled with the base <NUM>. The switch <NUM> (e.g., the attendant sensors, detectors, etc.) may, at least in this sense, be considered as associated with the wet cleaning head <NUM> insofar as the liquid spraying is disabled when the dry cleaning head <NUM> is coupled.

The base <NUM> may optionally include multiple switches <NUM>, such as on different sides of the base <NUM>, configured to interact with the dry cleaning heads <NUM> and the wet cleaning head <NUM>. For example, one switch <NUM> may be included on the left side of the base <NUM> to interact with the dry cleaning head <NUM> and another switch <NUM> may be included on the right side of the base <NUM> to interact with the dry cleaning head <NUM>. Such a configuration for multiple switches <NUM> may be useful for the control system in differentiating between the dry cleaning head <NUM> and the wet cleaning head <NUM>, and based thereon, in implementing corresponding or related control of the base <NUM>. In such examples, the control system may disable the fluid delivery system <NUM> when the first switch <NUM> is engaged by the dry cleaning head <NUM> and activate the fluid delivery system, <NUM> when the second switch <NUM> is engaged by the wet cleaning head <NUM>. The present disclosure fully contemplates any of the spray disabling/prevention features described herein being operable in a similar manner with this dry cleaning head 16B. The switches <NUM> may physically prevent the dispensing of fluid from the fluid delivery system <NUM> or electronically temporarily prevent or disable the function of the fluid delivery system <NUM> (such as the activation of the pump <NUM>) to prevent the fluid from being dispensed.

With reference to <FIG>, a mechanical shutoff <NUM> may be included on the base <NUM> in accordance with one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The shutoff <NUM> may be a mechanical key configured to selectively lock or prevent actuation of the spray actuator <NUM>. The shutoff <NUM> may be an extension that sits under the spray actuator <NUM> to physically prevent the spray actuator <NUM> from being depressed and thereby actuating the fluid delivery system <NUM> when the dry cleaning head <NUM> is coupled to the base <NUM>.

The dry cleaning head <NUM> may include an actuator <NUM> (e.g., an override feature), which is shown schematically and may be included as a projection on a rear face of the dry cleaning head <NUM>. When the dry cleaning head <NUM> is coupled to the base <NUM>, the actuator <NUM> may push against the shutoff <NUM>, causing a spray de-activating lever <NUM> to pivot about a pivot axis <NUM>, bringing a spray button blocking arm <NUM> into an engagement position (shown in dashed line) with an underside of the spray button <NUM>. With the spray button blocking arm <NUM> abutting the underside of the spray button <NUM>, the user is unable to depress the spray button <NUM> to activate the fluid delivery system <NUM> to spray a fluid. When the dry cleaning head <NUM> is removed, the dry cleaning head actuator <NUM> is no longer present and thus is not pushing against the lever <NUM>, allowing the spray de-activating arm <NUM> to rotate back into the disengaged position (shown in solid line), thereby allowing the user to depress the spray button <NUM> to spray a cleaning fluid.

Referring to <FIG>, the handheld extraction cleaner system <NUM> is illustrated with the third dry cleaning head 16C coupled with the base <NUM> in accordance with one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The dry cleaning head 16C may include a recovery tank <NUM> and a suction nozzle <NUM> outboard of the recovery tank <NUM>. The recovery tank <NUM> may be rotatably secured to an underside of the suction nozzle <NUM> and include a separator <NUM> to facilitate separating debris from the suction air stream provided by the base. The present disclosure fully contemplates any of the spray disabling/prevention features described herein being operable in a similar manner with this dry cleaning head 16C.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the handheld extraction cleaner system <NUM> is illustrated with the fourth dry cleaning head 16D in accordance with one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a user emptying the fourth dry cleaning head 16D in accordance with one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The dry cleaning head 16D may include a housing <NUM> and a recovery tank <NUM> interconnected with the base <NUM> via the housing <NUM>.

A removable part <NUM> may be included on a hinged door <NUM> at a front of the recovery tank <NUM> to facilitate extracting debris from a cleaning surface using the suction air stream generated with the base <NUM>. The removable part <NUM> may be similarly attachable to the suction nozzle <NUM> (see <FIG>). The door <NUM> may be hinged to releasably open and close to permit easy removal of collected debris.

The recovery tank <NUM> may additionally include a separator <NUM> configured to separate debris from the suction air stream. The housing <NUM> may be configured in the illustrated manner to include a user interface cover or cap <NUM> configured to cover an entirety of the user interface <NUM> (see <FIG>). The cap <NUM> may include a power actuator extension or push button <NUM> configured to facilitate actuating the power actuator <NUM> without exposing the spray actuator <NUM> so as to effectively disable and/or prevent use of the spray actuator <NUM>. The cap <NUM>, alternatively, may include an aperture in place of the button <NUM> for enabling a finger of the user to fit through and actuate the power actuator <NUM> (i.e., access the power actuator <NUM>). The present disclosure fully contemplates any of the spray disabling/prevention features described herein being operable in a similar manner with this dry cleaning head 16D.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the handheld extraction cleaner system <NUM> with the fifth dry cleaning head 16E in accordance with one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The dry cleaning head 16E may include a housing <NUM> and a recovery tank <NUM> interconnected with the base <NUM> via the housing <NUM>. A suction nozzle <NUM> may be included at an upper portion of the recovery tank <NUM> to extend out therefrom for cleaning hard-to-reach areas. The recovery tank <NUM> may include a separator <NUM> configured to facilitate separating the recovered debris from the suction air stream and a hinged door <NUM>. The present disclosure fully contemplates any of the spray disabling/prevention features described herein being operable in a similar manner with this dry cleaning head 16E.

Referring to <FIG>, an additional or alternative configuration of the extraction cleaner system <NUM> utilizes a dry vacuum tool <NUM> or dry vacuum accessory <NUM>, configured to provide similar functions as the dry cleaning heads <NUM> set forth herein. The dry vacuum tool <NUM> is an accessory that may be selectively coupled to the extraction cleaner system <NUM>, which has an accessory hose <NUM>. Multiple configurations of the extraction cleaner system <NUM> can include the accessory hose <NUM>, including different portable cleaning apparatuses and upright cleaning apparatuses, collectively referred to herein as cleaning apparatuses <NUM>. In various configurations, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> that supports the dry vacuum tool <NUM> includes the base housing <NUM> with the carry handle <NUM>, which allows a user to pick up and carry the portable cleaning apparatus <NUM>. A non-limiting example of a portable deep cleaner includes <CIT>.

In additional examples, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> that supports the dry vacuum tool <NUM> can be in the form of an upright deep cleaner having an accessory hose <NUM>, a non-limiting example of which can be found in <CIT>. It is also contemplated that the dry vacuum tool <NUM> may be used with upright cleaning apparatuses <NUM> or other configurations of cleaning apparatuses <NUM> without departing from the teachings herein. The cleaning apparatuses <NUM> are generally non-limiting examples of the extraction cleaner system <NUM>, which is often used to clean rugs, carpeting, drapes, upholstered surfaces, etc..

Referring still to <FIG>, each configuration of the cleaning apparatus <NUM> includes the base <NUM>, which may also be referred to as a housing <NUM> or a base housing <NUM>, a suction assembly <NUM>, and the fluid delivery system <NUM>. The suction assembly <NUM> and the fluid delivery system <NUM> may collectively be referred to as a fluid directing and recovery system. The fluid directing and recovery system is configured to direct fluids in multiple directions and is also configured to direct both liquids and air. Different tools may be utilized with the cleaning apparatus <NUM> and can utilize one or both of the suction assembly <NUM> and the fluid delivery system <NUM>.

The suction assembly <NUM> is generally utilized for extracting and storing dispensed fluid and/or debris material from the surface to be cleaned. The suction assembly <NUM> includes the suction source <NUM>, such as a motorized fan assembly, configured to draw air and materials into the dry vacuum tool <NUM> or the recovery tank <NUM> operably coupled with the base housing <NUM>. The suction assembly <NUM> typically operates to produce a suction or vacuum effect to draw the debris material from the surface to be cleaned into the recovery tank <NUM>. In various aspects, the suction assembly <NUM> may also be used to draw fluid within the recovery tank <NUM>. The dry vacuum tool <NUM> is in fluid communication with the suction source <NUM> for generating the vacuum effect.

The fluid delivery system <NUM> is utilized for storing and delivering the fluid to the surface to be cleaned. In various aspects, the fluid delivery system <NUM> is configured to direct fluid, such as liquid from the cleaning solution tank, or supply tank <NUM>, for use in the cleaning process. The cleaning apparatus <NUM> includes the supply tank <NUM>, which is configured to hold and store the fluid. The fluid may be water, a cleaning solution, or a combination thereof. For example, many household cleaning tasks can be performed using water in combination with a liquid cleaning solution that contains surfactants, stabilizers, frequent fragrances, or other active and inactive ingredients. The fluid can include any practicable cleaning fluid or combination of cleaning fluids, including but not limited to, water compositions, concentrated detergents, diluted detergents, or combinations thereof. The cleaning apparatus <NUM> may optionally include a heater to warm the liquid that is dispensed.

Referring still to <FIG>, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> may be used with the dry vacuum tool <NUM> that is selectively coupled the cleaning apparatus <NUM> by the accessory hose <NUM> and which is manually maneuverable by the user. Each of the suction assembly <NUM> and the fluid delivery system <NUM> is operable when the dry vacuum tool <NUM> is coupled to the base housing <NUM> and when the dry vacuum tool <NUM> is not coupled to the base housing <NUM>. When not used with the dry vacuum tool <NUM> or another accessory, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> utilizes the suction assembly <NUM> and the fluid delivery system <NUM> for various cleaning functions.

The dry vacuum tool <NUM> is configured to utilize various features and functions of the cleaning apparatus <NUM>, including the suction assembly <NUM>. When the dry vacuum tool <NUM> is used with the cleaning apparatus <NUM>, the suction assembly <NUM> is used with the dry vacuum tool <NUM> separate from the functions of the cleaning apparatus <NUM>. The fluid delivery system <NUM> may be coupled with the dry vacuum tool <NUM> but may be prevented from dispensing liquid to the dry vacuum tool <NUM> or the surface to be cleaned, thereby blocking the function of the fluid delivery system <NUM>. The cleaning apparatus <NUM> may include valves or similar features to direct fluid communication between the dry vacuum tool <NUM> and the base housing <NUM>, as well as to and from other locations of the cleaning apparatus <NUM> when the dry vacuum tool <NUM> is not coupled to the base housing <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, and again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the accessory hose <NUM> is coupled with the dry vacuum tool <NUM> to provide fluid communication between the cleaning apparatus <NUM> and the dry vacuum tool <NUM>. A wand <NUM> is coupled to a distal end of the accessory hose <NUM> and is configured to be inserted into a support body <NUM> of the dry vacuum tool <NUM> to couple the dry vacuum tool <NUM> to the wand <NUM>. A specific alignment between the dry vacuum tool <NUM> and the wand <NUM> may be advantageous for maximizing fluid communication between the dry vacuum tool <NUM> and the suction assembly <NUM>.

The wand <NUM> is configured to provide a grasping location, where the user may grasp the wand <NUM> to move the dry vacuum tool <NUM> relative to the surface to be cleaned and provide the cleaning function. The dry vacuum tool <NUM> is configured to collect, capture, or trap lint, hair, debris, and other similar materials to be collectively referred to herein as debris materials or dry debris materials. Generally, the dry vacuum tool <NUM> is utilized for dry messes or primarily dry messes. Accordingly, blocking the delivery of the fluid from the fluid delivery system <NUM> may be advantageous for preventing dry messes from becoming a combination of wet and dry messes, which may affect the function of the dry vacuum tool <NUM>.

The dry vacuum tool <NUM> includes the support body <NUM> for engaging the wand <NUM>, a secondary or intermediate recovery tank <NUM> coupled to the support body <NUM>, and a separator <NUM> disposed within an interior <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The support body <NUM> includes an open, proximal receiving end <NUM>, which defines an opening for receiving the wand <NUM>. The support body <NUM> defines an aperture <NUM> proximate to the opening for the wand <NUM>, which is configured to receive a protrusion <NUM> on the wand <NUM> to secure the engagement between the dry vacuum tool <NUM> and the wand <NUM>.

The support body <NUM> includes a distal receiving end <NUM> configured to receive the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The intermediate recovery tank <NUM> defines the hollow interior <NUM> for housing the separator <NUM> and collected debris material. The intermediate recovery tank <NUM> has a generally conical or frusto-conical shape, which may also be slightly curved or rounded. This shape may provide a narrower dry vacuum tool <NUM>, which maximizes the maneuverability of the dry vacuum tool <NUM> relative to the surface to be cleaned. Further, the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> may have a smooth outer surface <NUM>, which may be advantageous for moving the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> over the surface to be cleaned and minimizing any catching of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> of the surface. The intermediate recovery tank <NUM> may have other shapes (e.g., rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, etc.) without departing from the teachings herein. Additional shapes or configurations may be advantageous for different opening styles (such as to remove captured debris materials), locating the separator <NUM>, poke yoke assembly, etc..

The intermediate recovery tank <NUM> has a leading end <NUM> that defines an inlet <NUM> for capturing the debris material from the surface to be cleaned. In various aspects, the leading end <NUM> is angled relative to the support body <NUM>. The angled or obliquely-oriented leading end <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> may be advantageous for engaging various surfaces and crevices to be cleaned.

Referring still to <FIG> and <FIG>, the dry vacuum tool <NUM> includes a cap <NUM> configured as a suction nozzle, which is coupled to the leading end <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The cap <NUM> may be a separate component coupled to the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> or may be integrally formed with the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The cap <NUM> extends through the leading end <NUM>. The cap <NUM> is partially disposed within the interior <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> and partially extends outward, away from the leading end <NUM>. The cap <NUM> defines a guide channel <NUM> for airflow directed into the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The cap <NUM> has an inlet end <NUM> disposed outside the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> and an outlet end <NUM> disposed within the interior <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The inlet end <NUM> of the cap <NUM> is generally smaller than the leading end <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>, which may assist in moving the dry vacuum tool <NUM> over smaller surfaces and crevices to collect the dry debris materials.

The cap <NUM> includes a flap <NUM> coupled to the outlet end <NUM> and disposed within the interior <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The flap <NUM> is configured to open when the vacuum effect is applied to draw debris material into the interior <NUM>. When the suction effect is stopped, the flap <NUM> is configured to close to retain the debris material within the interior <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> and prevent the release of the debris material through the inlet <NUM>.

In various aspects, a biasing member may be configured to bias the flap <NUM> to a closed state. In such examples, the biasing member, such as a spring, magnets, or other biasing features, biases the flap <NUM> toward the closed state and permits the flap <NUM> to rotate to an opened state to open the guide channel <NUM> when the vacuum effect or suction air stream is active. Accordingly, the vacuum effect is sufficient for overcoming the biasing force of the biasing member. Upon cessation of the suction air stream, the flap <NUM> returns to covering the guide channel <NUM>. It is also contemplated that a biasing force from the materials of the flap <NUM> and/or gravitational forces may be used to close the flap <NUM>.

The dry vacuum tool <NUM> includes the separator <NUM>, which is positioned within the interior <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The separator <NUM> generally defines a shape to match and seal the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. In the illustrated example with the conical intermediate recovery tank <NUM>, the separator <NUM> also defines a conical or frusto-conical shape. The separator <NUM> includes an end wall <NUM> and a sidewall <NUM>. The end wall <NUM> is disposed proximate to the outlet end <NUM> of the cap <NUM>, and the sidewall <NUM> extends from the end wall <NUM> to proximate a coupling end <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> that engages the support body <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> is spaced from an inner surface <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> and defines an opening that is generally co-axial with an opening defined by the coupling end <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>.

The end wall <NUM> of the separator <NUM> may be a solid component or may be a pre-filter, such as a mesh screen, while the sidewall <NUM> includes or forms a fine filter that defines apertures <NUM> to allow airflow therethrough and facilitates separation of debris from the air suction stream. In various examples, the sidewall <NUM> of the separator <NUM> is constructed of a fine mesh material. Accordingly, the separator <NUM> includes two components, which are the pre-filter and the fine filter that separate the debris materials from the airstream and retain the debris materials within the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The apertures <NUM> of the sidewall <NUM> are sufficiently small to allow air to flow therethrough but prevent the debris material collected by the dry vacuum tool <NUM> from passing through the separator <NUM>. In this way, the separator <NUM> is configured to retain the captured debris material within the interior <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> and allow the airflow to continue along an airflow path <NUM> through the dry vacuum tool <NUM>, the wand <NUM>, and the accessory hose <NUM> to be exhausted from the cleaning apparatus <NUM>.

Further, an additional filter element <NUM> may be included between the separator <NUM> and the airflow path <NUM> through the accessory hose <NUM> (e.g., a hose air path). The additional filter element <NUM> may be coupled to the separator <NUM> and/or disposed within the support body <NUM>. This additional filter element <NUM> assists with preventing the debris material from leaving the dry vacuum tool <NUM> and, ultimately, prevents the capture of the debris material in the primary recovery tank <NUM> of the extraction cleaner system <NUM>. The pre-filter and the fine filter of the separator <NUM> and the additional filter element <NUM> are advantageous for capturing the debris material in the dry vacuum tool <NUM> and preventing the debris material from reaching the accessory hose <NUM> or the primary recovery tank <NUM>. Often, after utilizing other functions of the extraction cleaner system <NUM>, liquid can be in the primary recovery tank <NUM> from a previous cleaning process. This liquid, when mixed with dry debris, can form a mud-like mixture, which can be difficult to clean. The additional filter element <NUM> assists with capturing the dry debris material that may have traveled through the separator <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG> and <FIG>, and again to <FIG>, the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> generally defines a standoff or a ledge <NUM> on the inner surface <NUM> thereof, and the separator <NUM> is configured to rest on the ledge <NUM> to align the opening of the separator <NUM> with the opening in the coupling end <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The ledge <NUM> and the separator <NUM> may have mating features or mating profiles to couple the separator <NUM> to the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The opening of the separator <NUM> and the opening defined by the coupling end <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> are coaxial with an opening into an interior of the support body <NUM>, which is generally defined by the distal receiving end <NUM> of the support body <NUM>. The additional filter element <NUM> may be disposed on the separator <NUM> or included in the interior of the support body <NUM> to extend across the opening defined by the distal receiving end <NUM>.

The intermediate recovery tank <NUM> also includes protrusions <NUM>, which are configured to engage with receiving slots <NUM> on the support body <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> are configured to be inserted into the receiving slots <NUM>. The intermediate recovery tank <NUM> is then configured to be twisted or rotated to move the protrusions <NUM> further along the L-shaped receiving slots <NUM>. This insertion and rotation couples the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> to the support body <NUM>. This engagement also allows efficient and convenient removal of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> with minimal force, which may be advantageous for retaining the debris material within the interior <NUM> of the dry vacuum tool <NUM> as an intermediate recovery tank <NUM> is removed from the support body <NUM>. Other engagements between the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> and the support body <NUM> are also contemplated without departing from the teachings herein. Other engagements include but are not limited to, a hinge, latches, snap engagements, an interference fit, mating threads, flanges, clips, etc. For example, a hinged connection between the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> and the support body <NUM> may be advantageous for cleaning the debris materials from the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> by minimizing the number of parts to be handled by the user to execute the debris clean-out task, as disclosed herein. In various aspects, the dry vacuum tool <NUM> may include a gasket disposed between the support body <NUM> and the separator <NUM> and/or the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The gasket may improve the suction effect within the dry vacuum tool <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the dry vacuum tool <NUM> is generally a bulk, in-line collector utilized for dry messes that have components disposed in a generally linear arrangement. In this way, the inlet <NUM>, the guide channel <NUM>, the end wall <NUM> of the separator <NUM>, and the opening into the support body <NUM> are linearly aligned. The linear arrangement of these components may be advantageous to reduce the size and increase the maneuverability of the dry vacuum tool <NUM>. The linear arrangement removes a side-by-side spacing between the inlet <NUM> and the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> found on many cyclonic collectors, where a more protruding recovery tank can interfere with maneuverability of the accessory over the surface to be cleaned. The linear arrangement of the illustrated dry vacuum tool <NUM> balances debris collection volume and the maneuverability to maximize the cleaning experience of the user.

The dry vacuum tool <NUM> is in fluid communication with the suction assembly <NUM> via the accessory hose <NUM> and the wand <NUM> to provide the vacuum effect to collect the debris material into the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. Air and debris materials are drawn into the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The air flows through the sidewall <NUM> of the separator <NUM> (e.g., the fine filter), the filter elements <NUM>, and the accessory hose <NUM>, while the debris materials are retained within the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> for collection and, subsequently, disposal. The airflow path is illustrated as solid arrows <NUM> and the debris movement path is illustrated as dashed arrows <NUM>.

The accessory hose <NUM> provides fluid communication between the fluid delivery system <NUM> and the wand <NUM>. This configuration allows for various accessories coupled to the wand <NUM> to utilize the vacuum effect of the suction assembly <NUM> and/or dispense fluid from the fluid delivery system <NUM>. The wand <NUM> includes a fluid trigger <NUM> and a fluid outlet <NUM>. The trigger <NUM> is generally a push button that is operably coupled with a valve <NUM> that is configured to allow or prevent fluid communication between the supply tank <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> on the wand <NUM>. Accordingly, a liquid flow path is defined from the supply tank <NUM> through the fluid delivery system <NUM>, through the accessory hose <NUM>, and to the fluid outlet <NUM>.

The valve <NUM> is operably coupled with a biasing member <NUM>, which may be a coil spring. The biasing member <NUM> is configured to bias the valve <NUM> to a closed state, which prevents liquid from flowing through the fluid outlet <NUM>. The valve <NUM> is configured to be actuated upon a force being applied to the trigger <NUM>. Adjustment of the trigger <NUM> into the wand <NUM> is configured to actuate the valve <NUM> to an opened state, providing fluid communication to the fluid outlet <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, as previously noted, the dry vacuum tool <NUM> is utilized primarily for dry debris materials, which may be affected by the use of liquid. Accordingly, the dry vacuum tool <NUM> is configured to block liquid from the fluid delivery system <NUM> and/or prevent actuation to release the liquid from the fluid delivery system <NUM>. In this way, the dry vacuum tool <NUM> is utilized with the cleaning apparatus <NUM> that provides fluid communication between accessories and each of the suction assembly <NUM> and the fluid delivery system <NUM>, however, the dry vacuum tool <NUM> utilized the function of the suction assembly <NUM> and blocks the function of the fluid delivery system <NUM>.

The support body <NUM> includes a guard <NUM>, which may also be referred to as a trigger guard <NUM>, that extends from the support body <NUM> and beyond the proximal receiving end <NUM>. The guard <NUM> is disposed on an opposing side of the support body <NUM> relative to the aperture <NUM>. Generally, the guard <NUM> extends from a location between the proximal receiving end <NUM> and where the support body <NUM> begins to widen to receive the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the guard <NUM> extends from a centralized location of a cylindrical portion of the support body <NUM> that receives the wand <NUM>.

The guard <NUM> extends at an acute angle α from the support body <NUM> and then extends generally parallel to the cylindrical portion of the support body <NUM>. The guard <NUM> includes an outer wall <NUM>, which defines a U-shape. The outer wall <NUM> defines a receiving space <NUM> that is configured to receive the fluid outlet <NUM> and the trigger <NUM>. The guard <NUM> may extend from an outer surface <NUM> of the wand <NUM>, around the trigger <NUM>, and to the surface <NUM> of the wand <NUM> on the opposing side of the trigger <NUM>. In this way, the trigger <NUM> is substantially or fully covered by the outer wall <NUM>. The guard <NUM> extends over the trigger <NUM> to block the actuation of the trigger <NUM> and, consequently, prevent the fluid communication between the supply tank <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM>. The outer wall <NUM> may also be referred to as an outer shield <NUM>, shielding or blocking the trigger <NUM>.

In the illustrated configuration, the outer wall <NUM> has a closed distal end <NUM> and an open proximal end <NUM>, however, it is contemplated that either or both ends <NUM>, <NUM> may be closed or open without departing from the teachings herein. The closed distal end <NUM> is sloped and extends at the acute angle α from the support body <NUM>. The sloped configuration of the closed distal end <NUM> may assist with reducing corners and/or reducing the size of the guard <NUM> that may catch on the surface to be cleaned. The open proximal end <NUM> aligns with an end of the trigger <NUM> at a location where the trigger <NUM> engages the wand <NUM>. The trigger <NUM> generally forms a triangular shape, and the guard <NUM> extends to the thicker end of the trigger <NUM> disposed closer to the accessory hose <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, the guard <NUM> also includes an inner wall <NUM> defined within the receiving space <NUM> of the outer wall <NUM>. The inner wall <NUM> is defined proximate to the closed distal end <NUM> of the outer wall <NUM>. The inner wall <NUM> extends from a closed end <NUM> coupled to the sloped distal end <NUM> of the outer wall <NUM> to generally align with the open proximal end <NUM> of the support body <NUM>. The inner wall <NUM> and the support body <NUM> define an insertion channel <NUM> for receiving the fluid outlet <NUM>. The fluid outlet <NUM> generally defines an L-shape, with a portion disposed adjacent to the proximal receiving end <NUM> of the support body <NUM> and a portion that extends parallel to the support body <NUM> in the insertion channel <NUM>.

Generally, the fluid outlet <NUM> includes a seal <NUM>, such as an O-ring, which is configured to engage an inner surface <NUM> of the inner wall <NUM>. This engagement provides a seal about the fluid outlet <NUM> that prevents any fluid from exiting or being released from the insertion channel <NUM>. Accordingly, if any liquid is inadvertently released from the fluid outlet <NUM>, the fluid is retained in the insertion channel <NUM> rather than being released to an adjacent surface. The guard <NUM> blocks the fluid outlet <NUM> to end the liquid flow path and prevent the liquid from being dispensed to the surface to be cleaned. Further, the sealing engagement between the inner surface <NUM> and the seal <NUM> may close the insertion channel <NUM>, which can cause an increase in pressure that prevents fluid from flowing to the fluid outlet <NUM> when the pressure increases to a predefined level within the insertion channel <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the dry vacuum tool <NUM> provides dual protection from the release of liquid onto dry messes. The guard <NUM> of the dry vacuum tool <NUM> is configured to extend over one or both of the fluid outlet <NUM> and the trigger <NUM>. The outer wall <NUM> of the guard <NUM> is configured to block the trigger <NUM> to prevent actuation of the trigger <NUM>. This is advantageous for preventing the release of fluid from the supply tank <NUM>. Further, the inner wall <NUM> provides the insertion channel <NUM> that is configured to catch or capture any fluid that may be released from the fluid delivery system <NUM> after engagement with the dry vacuum tool <NUM>. In this way, actuation of the trigger <NUM> may be prevented and the release of any fluid from the fluid outlet <NUM> may also be prevented. This allows the dry vacuum tool <NUM> to utilize the suction effect without delivering liquid to the surface to be cleaned. The addition of a liquid to certain dry messes can form a mud-like substance within the dry vacuum tool <NUM>, and preventing the release of the liquid, consequently, reduces or prevents the formation of the mud-like substance.

In operation, the wand <NUM> is inserted into the support body <NUM> of the dry vacuum tool <NUM>. As the wand <NUM> is inserted into the proximal receiving end <NUM> of the support body <NUM>, the fluid outlet <NUM> is disposed within the insertion channel <NUM> and the trigger <NUM> is disposed within the receiving space <NUM>. The suction assembly <NUM> may then be activated to provide the vacuum effect to the dry vacuum tool <NUM>, allowing for collection of debris material with the dry vacuum tool <NUM>. The dry vacuum tool <NUM> is moved across or adjacent to the surface to be cleaned, and the vacuum effect draws the debris material into the interior <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The accessory hose <NUM> increases the maneuverability of the dry vacuum tool <NUM>.

The air and collected debris material are drawn into the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> toward the end wall <NUM> of the separator <NUM>. The air and the debris material are directed from the end wall <NUM> to a space between the sidewall <NUM> of separator <NUM> and the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The airflow into the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> is generally normal to the end wall <NUM> of the separator <NUM>. The debris material may "bounce" or be redirected off the end wall <NUM> to the space between the sidewall <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> to allow for additional collection of debris material. The debris materials being directed to the space between the sidewall <NUM> of the separator <NUM> and the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> also results in more even capture of the debris material within the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> around the separator <NUM>. Additionally, the dry vacuum tool <NUM> is advantageous for preventing the dry debris material from entering the accessory hose <NUM> and the primary recovery tank <NUM>, which may contain water or wet debris that can form a mud-like mixture when combined with dry debris materials. The dry vacuum tool <NUM> contains the captured dry debris materials in the self-contained intermediate recovery tank <NUM>.

The air is drawn through the apertures <NUM> in the sidewall <NUM> of the separator <NUM> while the debris material is too large to pass to the separator <NUM> and is, therefore, retained in the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The air is drawn along an airflow passage through the support body <NUM>, the wand <NUM>, and the accessory hose <NUM> to ultimately be exhausted. During this operation of the suction assembly <NUM>, the fluid delivery system <NUM> may be active and the function of delivery liquid may be prevented by the guard <NUM> of the support body <NUM>. The suction assembly <NUM> may then be deactivated. The intermediate recovery tank <NUM> can be removed from the support body <NUM> and the debris materials may be disposed. The blocking of the trigger <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> prevent liquid from being dispensed from the cleaning apparatus <NUM>, thereby preventing the liquid from combining with the dry mess.

Referring to <FIG>, the dry vacuum tool <NUM> may include additional feedback features for providing feedback to the user on whether the secondary recovery tank <NUM> is locked to the support body <NUM> or unlocked for removal from the support body <NUM>. The secondary recovery tank <NUM> includes an indicator <NUM> on the coupling end <NUM> of the secondary recovery tank <NUM>. The indicator <NUM> is illustrated as an arrow or pointer but may have other configurations without departing from the teachings herein.

The distal receiving end <NUM> of the support body <NUM> includes a locked icon <NUM> and an unlocked icon <NUM>. The support body <NUM> defines a notch <NUM> at the distal receiving end <NUM>. The icons <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed adjacent to the notch <NUM>. When the recovery tank <NUM> is initially moved and inserted into the support body <NUM>, the protrusions <NUM> are inserted into the receiving slots <NUM> and the indicator <NUM> is moved into the notch <NUM>. The indicator <NUM> is disposed adjacent to one edge of the notch <NUM> and aligned with the unlocked icon <NUM>. As the recovery tank <NUM> is rotated, the indicator <NUM> moves across the notch <NUM> to be disposed adjacent to the opposing side of the notch <NUM> and aligned with the locked icon <NUM>. The alignment of the indicator <NUM> with the icons <NUM>, <NUM> provides additional feedback on whether the recovery tank <NUM> is fully locked to the support body <NUM>.

Additionally, the dry vacuum tool <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes an additional configuration for a separator <NUM>, which may differ from the separator <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The separator <NUM> generally defines a shape to match and seal with the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. Accordingly, in the illustrated configuration the separator <NUM> includes a conical or frusto-conical shape with alternative configurations contemplated with different configurations of the secondary recovery tank <NUM>. The separator <NUM> includes two components, which are configured as a filter cover <NUM> and a filter <NUM>. The filter cover <NUM> may be a pre-filter, such as a mesh screen, and the filter <NUM>, which may be a fine mesh material.

Referring still to <FIG>, each of the filter cover <NUM> and the filter <NUM> separates the debris material from the airflow to retain the debris material within the recovery tank <NUM> while allowing the air to be exhausted from the dry vacuum tool <NUM> and/or the cleaning apparatus <NUM>. The filter cover <NUM> and the filter <NUM> generally have corresponding shapes as the filter <NUM> is disposed within the filter cover <NUM>. In the illustrated configuration, each of the filter cover <NUM> and the filter <NUM> defines a generally conical or frusto-conical shape to match and seal with the recovery tank <NUM>. However, it is contemplated that different shapes for one or both of the filter cover <NUM> and the filter <NUM> are contemplated depending on the configuration of the recovery tank <NUM> and the overall configuration of the dry vacuum tool <NUM>.

The filter cover <NUM> is coupled with the recovery tank <NUM>, such as via the ledge <NUM> or similar structures. The filter cover <NUM> includes a rim <NUM> defining an opening <NUM> and a distal end wall <NUM> with supports <NUM> extending between the rim <NUM> and the end wall <NUM>. Generally, the rim <NUM> and the end wall <NUM> are parallel with one another. In examples where both the rim <NUM> and the end wall <NUM> define a circular shape, such as the illustrated example, the rim <NUM> and the end wall <NUM> are coaxial with one another to form the bulk, in-line configuration of the dry vacuum tool <NUM>.

The supports <NUM> extend between the rim <NUM> and the end wall <NUM> to provide additional support for the filter cover <NUM>. A sidewall <NUM> of the filter cover <NUM> is formed from the supports <NUM> and a filter or mesh material. Generally, the filter material, such as a course mesh, extends between adjacent supports <NUM> and from the rim <NUM> to the end wall <NUM>. The rim <NUM> includes engagement tabs <NUM> for engaging the filter <NUM>. The engagement tabs <NUM> are illustrated as being diametrically opposed to one another.

Referring still to <FIG>, the filter <NUM> has a substantially similar or the same shape as the filter cover <NUM> with a smaller size to be positioned within the filter cover <NUM>. The filter <NUM> includes an engagement portion <NUM> which generally defines a circular shape with one or more openings <NUM> to allow the airflow therethrough. The engagement portion <NUM> is positioned within the opening <NUM> defined by the rim <NUM> of the filter cover <NUM>. The filter <NUM> includes an end plate <NUM>, which is disposed proximate to and spaced from the end wall <NUM> of the filter cover <NUM>. Supports <NUM> extend between the end plate <NUM> and the engagement portion <NUM> to provide additional support for the filter <NUM>. A sidewall <NUM> of the filter <NUM> generally includes a filter material, such as a fine mesh filter, filling spaces defined between adjacent supports <NUM> from the engagement portion <NUM> to the end plate <NUM>.

When the filter <NUM> is installed in the filter cover <NUM>, the supports <NUM> of the filter cover <NUM> align with the supports <NUM> of the filter <NUM> to reduce turbulence in the airflow through the separator <NUM>. The engagement portion <NUM> of the filter <NUM> includes notches <NUM>, which are positioned to engage the engagement tabs <NUM> of the filter cover <NUM>. The filter <NUM> also includes a cross member <NUM>. The cross member <NUM> and the openings <NUM> defined between the engagement portion <NUM> and the cross member <NUM> provide a grasping location for the user to grasp and rotate the filter <NUM> relative to the filter cover <NUM>.

The filter <NUM> can be inserted into the filter cover <NUM> with the engagement tabs <NUM> disposed within the notches <NUM>. The user may then rotate the filter <NUM> to slide the engagement tabs <NUM> over the engagement portion <NUM> to abut stopping features <NUM>. This configuration provides an interlocking engagement between the filter cover <NUM> on the filter <NUM> to retain the filter <NUM> within the filter cover <NUM> and, consequently, in position within the recovery tank <NUM>. The cross member <NUM> generally extends between the two engagement tabs <NUM> when the filter <NUM> is fully installed in the filter cover <NUM>.

The separator <NUM> with the filter cover <NUM> and the filter <NUM> includes two different mesh materials, which may be advantageous for providing two different types of filtering for the debris material within the airflow. The pre-filter or filter cover <NUM> may separate larger debris materials from the airflow, while the fine mesh filter <NUM> may further filter debris materials and smaller debris from the airflow.

The separator <NUM> operates in a similar manner to the separator <NUM> described with respect to <FIG>. Air and the debris material are drawn into the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The airflow into the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> is generally normal to the end wall <NUM> of the separator <NUM>. The debris material may "bounce" or be redirected off the end wall <NUM> to the space between the sidewall <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> to allow for additional collection of debris material. The air is drawn through the sidewall <NUM> of the filter cover <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM> of the filter <NUM> while the debris material is too large to pass to the separator <NUM> and is, therefore, retained in the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> and/or between the filter cover <NUM> and the filter <NUM>. The air is drawn through the support body <NUM>, the wand <NUM>, and the accessory hose <NUM> to ultimately be exhausted.

With further reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the dry vacuum tool <NUM> may be utilized with multiple tool accessories <NUM>, which are illustrated as a wide upholstery accessory <NUM> for maximizing surface area engaged by the dry vacuum tool <NUM> and a crevice accessory <NUM> for providing the suction effect at smaller, harder-to-reach places (e.g., crevices, cracks, etc.). In various aspects, the tool accessories <NUM> each include an engagement tube <NUM>, which is selectively inserted into the guide channel <NUM> of the cap <NUM>. The engagement tube <NUM> may form an interference fit with the cap <NUM>, such that the insertion of the tube within the cap <NUM> retains the accessory <NUM> in position. Additionally or alternatively, the engagement tube <NUM> may have features that can engage and disengage from corresponding or mating features on the cap <NUM>. Each of the accessories <NUM> has an at least partially hollow interior that is in fluid communication with the interior <NUM> of the recovery tank <NUM> to draw the air and debris material through an accessory inlet <NUM> to be captured in the recovery tank <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, an additional or alternative configuration of a dry vacuum tool <NUM> for the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is illustrated. Similar to the dry vacuum tool <NUM> described herein, the dry vacuum tool <NUM> includes a support body <NUM>, which is selectively coupled with an intermediate or secondary recovery tank <NUM> that has a separator <NUM> disposed within an interior <NUM> thereof. The support body <NUM> includes a proximal receiving end <NUM> for receiving the wand <NUM> and a distal receiving end <NUM> for engaging the secondary recovery tank <NUM>.

In the illustrated configuration, the separator <NUM> and the secondary recovery tank <NUM> each have a generally conical or frusto-conical shape. However, these components may have different shapes, which may be advantageous for different purposes as described herein. The secondary recovery tank <NUM> has a leading end <NUM> that defines an inlet <NUM> for capturing debris material from the surface being cleaned. The leading end <NUM> may be angled relative to the support body <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, in various aspects, the leading end <NUM> of the secondary recovery tank <NUM> includes a receiving nozzle <NUM>, which extends outwardly from the leading end <NUM>. The receiving nozzle <NUM> defines the inlet <NUM> and guides captured debris material to the interior <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The dry vacuum tool <NUM> also includes a suction nozzle or cap <NUM> coupled to the receiving nozzle <NUM> of the leading end <NUM>. The cap <NUM> is generally positioned around the receiving nozzle <NUM>, such that the receiving nozzle <NUM> is disposed within a guide channel <NUM> of the cap <NUM>. In this configuration, the cap <NUM> may abut the leading end <NUM> to form a continuous path into the interior <NUM> of the recovery tank <NUM> with the receiving nozzle <NUM>.

The cap <NUM> includes an inlet end <NUM> for engaging or being positioned adjacent to a surface to be cleaned and an outlet end <NUM>, which receives the receiving nozzle <NUM>. In various examples, the receiving nozzle <NUM> also extends at least partially into the interior <NUM> of the secondary recovery tank <NUM>. In such examples, a flap <NUM> is coupled to the receiving nozzle <NUM>. The flap <NUM> is generally biased to a closed position to reduce or prevent debris materials from traveling back through the inlet <NUM>. In alternative examples, the cap <NUM> may extend inside the receiving nozzle <NUM>, or the receiving nozzle <NUM> may be omitted, such that the cap <NUM> extends into the interior <NUM> and includes the flap <NUM>, similar to the dry vacuum tool <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, the dry vacuum tool <NUM> includes the separator <NUM>, which is selectively positioned within the interior <NUM> of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. In the illustrated configuration, the separator <NUM> includes a sidewall <NUM> defining openings <NUM> and an end wall <NUM>, which is generally a solid component (e.g., free of apertures). The openings <NUM> are larger apertures, which may reduce or prevent larger, bulkier debris materials from passing through the separator <NUM>. Further, as illustrated, the openings <NUM> are smaller closer to the end wall <NUM> and gradually increase in size toward a coupling end <NUM> of the recovery tank <NUM>. In certain aspects, the openings <NUM> may form a pre-filter component and the separator <NUM> may also include a fine filter for retaining smaller debris materials within the recovery tank <NUM>. The fine filter may be positioned in an interior defined by the sidewall <NUM> (similar to the filter <NUM> within the filter cover <NUM> in <FIG>) or may be integrated into sidewall <NUM>. Moreover, the separator <NUM> may include the additional filter element <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

The separator <NUM> is coupled to the recovery tank <NUM> and operates in a similar manner as the separator <NUM> in <FIG> and the separator <NUM> in <FIG>. Air and the debris material are drawn into the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>. The airflow into the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> is generally normal to the end wall <NUM> of the separator <NUM>. The debris material may "bounce" or be redirected off the end wall <NUM> to the space between the sidewall <NUM> and an inner surface of the intermediate recovery tank <NUM> to allow for additional collection of debris material. The air is drawn through the sidewall <NUM> of the separator <NUM> while the debris material is retained in the intermediate recovery tank <NUM>.

The support body <NUM> includes a conduit <NUM> disposed adjacent to the coupling end <NUM> of the recovery tank <NUM> and the separator <NUM>. As described herein, the recovery tank <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the support body <NUM>, which may change a distance between the separator <NUM> and the wand <NUM>. The conduit <NUM> guides the airflow from the recovery tank <NUM> and toward the wand <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the recovery tank <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the support via a hinge assembly <NUM>. A first hinge member <NUM> is coupled to or integrally formed with the support body <NUM>, and a second hinge member <NUM> is coupled to or integrally formed with the recovery tank <NUM>. The first and second hinge members <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate to form the hinge assembly <NUM>. Generally, the hinge assembly <NUM> is disposed on the same side of the support body <NUM> as a guard <NUM>, which is utilized to block the trigger <NUM> with a similar structure and function as the guard <NUM> described herein (see <FIG>).

On an opposing side from the hinge assembly <NUM>, the recovery tank <NUM> includes an engagement tab <NUM>, which is generally elastically deformable to snap fit over a protrusion <NUM> on the support body <NUM>. The engagement tab <NUM> can engage the protrusion <NUM> to lock the recovery tank <NUM> to the support body <NUM> in a closed state and disengage from the protrusion <NUM> to allow removal of the separator <NUM> and, consequently, the debris material. Accordingly, the user may rotate the recovery tank <NUM>, which remains connected to the support body <NUM>, to clean the debris material from the recovery tank <NUM>. This configuration has fewer separate components for the user to handle, providing a more convenient and efficient debris clean-out process. Moreover, one more of the support body <NUM>, the recovery tank <NUM>, and the hinge assembly <NUM> may have a detent <NUM> or detents <NUM> for retaining the recovery tank <NUM> in the fully rotated and opened position. In certain aspects, the detents <NUM> can be spring-loaded to hold the recovery tank <NUM> in the opened position. This may be advantageous for retaining the recovery tank <NUM> in an open and locked position to clean the debris material from the recovery tank <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, as well as <FIG>, the cap <NUM> has an elongated configuration for supporting one or more tool accessories <NUM>, such as a two-way or reversible accessory <NUM>. The cap <NUM> includes one or more detents <NUM> for engaging the reversible accessory <NUM> and retaining the reversible accessory <NUM> on the cap <NUM>. The reversible tool accessory <NUM> is configured to couple to the cap <NUM> to provide different cleaning functions for the dry vacuum tool <NUM>.

The reversible tool accessory <NUM> has a coupling body <NUM> defining one or more apertures <NUM> for receiving the detents <NUM> of the cap <NUM>. Generally, the detents <NUM> elastically deform inward as the reversible accessory <NUM> is being positioned on the cap <NUM> and then fit into the apertures <NUM> on the coupling body <NUM>. The user may press the detents <NUM> inward to then remove the reversible accessory <NUM>.

The coupling body <NUM> defines a hollow interior with opposing open ends <NUM>, <NUM> to provide an accessory inlet and a receiving space for the cap <NUM>. Depending on the position of the reversible tool accessory <NUM>, either open end <NUM>, <NUM> may receive the cap <NUM> or define the accessory inlet. The interior of the tool accessory <NUM> is in fluid communication with the interior <NUM> of the recovery tank <NUM> for capturing the debris materials.

In a first use position, as illustrated in <FIG>, the tool accessory <NUM> provides a pet hair cleaning function. The tool accessory <NUM> includes bristle projections <NUM> coupled to the coupling body <NUM> and arranged around the open ends <NUM>, which forms the accessory inlet. The bristle projections <NUM> can be constructed of any practicable material, such as an elastomeric material that can engage the surface being cleaned, agitate or disrupt the pet hair and other debris material from the surface, and allow the collection of the pet hair in the recovery tank <NUM>. The bristle projections <NUM> attract or otherwise disrupt the engagement between the pet hair and the surface being cleaned, allowing the suction effect to draw the pet hair away from the surface being cleaned. The bristle projections <NUM> are illustrated as being integrally formed with a connector <NUM> extending around the coupling body <NUM>, however, the coupling body <NUM> may define the bristle projections <NUM> without departing from the teachings herein.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in a second use position, the tool accessory <NUM> provides a dusting function. In the second use position, the tool accessory <NUM> is rotated about <NUM> degrees, such that the open end <NUM> by the bristle projections <NUM> receives the cap <NUM> and the opposing open end <NUM> defines the accessory inlet. The detents <NUM> are positioned within the apertures <NUM> when the tool accessory <NUM> is in the second use position to retain the tool accessory <NUM> on the cap <NUM>.

At the second open end <NUM>, the reversible tool accessory <NUM> includes dusting bristles <NUM>, which may be constructed of nylon, microfiber material, cloth, feathers, or other practicable materials. The dusting bristles <NUM> are configured to agitate and move dust and similar particles from the surface being cleaned to be captured in the secondary recovery tank <NUM>. The dusting bristles <NUM> can be coupled with or integrally formed with a connector extending around the coupling body <NUM> or coupled directly to the coupling body <NUM> without departing from the teachings herein.

The user can use the same reversible accessory <NUM> with the dry vacuum tool <NUM> by positioning the reversible accessory <NUM> in the first use position and the second use position. One of the bristle projections <NUM> and the dusting bristles <NUM> can be used for the cleaning function, while the other of the bristle projections <NUM> and the dusting bristles <NUM> extend along an outside of the cap <NUM> to not impinge on the cleaning function. Additional tool accessories <NUM> may be utilized without departing from the teachings herein.

Referring once again to <FIG>, the extraction cleaner system <NUM> may have a variety of configurations for providing the dry vacuum function and blocking the function of the fluid delivery system <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, other accessories <NUM>, <NUM> or the wet cleaning head <NUM> may be utilized and interchanged with the dry vacuum tool <NUM>, <NUM> or the dry cleaning head <NUM>, respectively, to provide a single cleaning apparatus <NUM> that provides both wet and dry cleaning functions. One cleaning apparatus <NUM> with both wet and dry cleaning functions streamlines the cleaning process for users, particularly for vehicle cleaning processes. One cleaning apparatus <NUM> can be used to provide multiple cleaning functions rather than multiple cleaning devices each with a single function. Accordingly, the cleaning apparatuses <NUM> and the extraction cleaner system <NUM> described herein streamline the cleaning process for the user.

Claim 1:
A handheld extraction cleaner system (<NUM>), comprising:
a wet cleaning head (<NUM>) including a wet suction nozzle;
a dry cleaning head (<NUM>, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E) including a dry suction nozzle (<NUM>); and
a handheld base (<NUM>) including:
a modular receiver (<NUM>) configured to interchangeably couple to the wet cleaning head (<NUM>) and the dry cleaning head (<NUM>, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E);
a suction source (<NUM>) configured to generate a suction air stream through the wet suction nozzle when the wet cleaning head (<NUM>) is coupled to the modular receiver (<NUM>) and through the dry suction nozzle (<NUM>) when the dry cleaning head (<NUM>, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E) is coupled to the modular receiver (<NUM>); and
a fluid delivery system (<NUM>) including a fluid distributor (<NUM>) configured to dispense a cleaning solution on a surface to be cleaned,
characterized in that at least one of the handheld base (<NUM>) and the dry cleaning head (<NUM>, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E) is configured to at least partially prevent the fluid delivery system (<NUM>) from dispensing the cleaning solution when the dry cleaning head (<NUM>, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E) is coupled to the modular receiver (<NUM>).