Cleaning Apparatus

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus is described and which includes a chassis for enclosing an electrically energizable vacuum motor; fluid pump; and first and second electrical heaters, and which when individually energized consume a given amount of electricity; and an electrical control coupled in controlling relation relative to the respective vacuum motor, fluid pump and first and second electrical heaters, and wherein the electrical control has first, second and third modes of operation; and wherein during the respective modes of operation the respective vacuum motor; fluid pump; and first and second electrical heaters are selectively energized in a predetermined manner such that the cleaning apparatus consumes less than about 20 amps of electrical power.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus, and more specifically to an apparatus which finds particular usefulness in cleaning carpet, upholstery, draperies and the like, and which further has a novel electrical control which allows the cleaning apparatus to have several modes of operation which increases the usefulness of the present invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art is replete with various types of cleaning devices, and other machines which have various types of liquid heating assemblies for heating a cleaning fluid, and which is subsequently sprayed onto an object to be cleaned, and then suctioned back into a recovery tank. An example of such a prior art device is found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,721, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein. The device exemplified by the aforementioned patent utilizes a catalytic heater for heating fluid which is then sprayed onto a surface which is to be cleaned and which is subsequently suctioned back into a recovery tank.

The device as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,721 was conceived and reduced to practice to address perceived problems in the prior art devices utilized heretofore. Chief among the problems encountered with the prior art devices related to the fact that the these devices were not designed so as to deliver effective amounts of heated cleaning solution to a surface which needed to be cleaned. As noted in the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,721, because electrical outlets capable of delivering more than 1,800 watts of electricity are relatively uncommon in residential and commercial buildings in North America, compromises in the temperature, and reduced fluid flow rates must necessarily be made in cleaning apparatus which are electrically powered because an adequate amount of electrical power is usually not available to do the desired level work.

The device as exemplified in the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,721 attempted to address the problems related to the prior art as discussed, above, by utilizing a catalytic heater which was employed to heat the cleaning solution in a fashion such that the resulting heated cleaning solution could effectively clean soiled surfaces in a manner that was not possible, heretofore.

While the invention as exemplified in the aforementioned U.S. patent has worked with various degrees of success, the problems relating to the fabrication of a cleaning apparatus for use with carpet, draperies and the like remain. Other problems attendant with such prior art devices have included concerns which relate to the size of such machines, and their ability to be used in interior rooms where the amount of space available for the machine to be maneuvered around or pass between furniture and other objects is quite limited. A new and novel cleaning apparatus is disclosed, and which avoids the detriments associated with the individual prior art references and teachings employed heretofore, and further provides a means of cleaning soiled surfaces in a highly efficient, and expeditious manner by employing a single source of electrical power which is typically available in both commercial buildings and residential structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus which includes a chassis for enclosing an electrically energizable vacuum motor; a fluid pump; and first and second electrical heaters, and which, when individually energized, consume a given amount of electricity; and an electrical control coupled in controlling relation relative to the respective vacuum motor; fluid pump and first and second electrical heaters, and wherein the electrical control has a first, second and third mode of operation, and wherein during the respective modes of operation the respective vacuum motor; fluid pump and first and second electrical heaters are selectively energized in a predetermined manner such that the cleaning apparatus consumes less than about 20 amps of electrical power.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus which includes a chassis which has a sidewall which defines, at least in part, a cleaning solution tank, and which further defines an internal equipment cavity; a source of a cleaning solution which is received within the cleaning solution tank; a recovery tank having an internal cavity, and which communicates with the ambient environment, and which is, further, releasably coupled to the chassis; an electrically energized vacuum motor which is mounted within the internal equipment cavity of the chassis, and which is further coupled in predetermined, selective, fluid flowing relation relative to the internal cavity of the recovery tank, and wherein the vacuum motor, when energized, can remove ambient air from the internal cavity of the recovery tank, and then discharge the ambient air back to the ambient environment so as to create a partial vacuum within the internal cavity of the recovery tank; a first and second heater which are electrically energized, and which are further individually mounted in the internal equipment cavity of the chassis, and wherein the respective heaters are further each coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the source of cleaning solution, and wherein the first and second heaters may be selectively energized so as to impart heat energy to a portion of the cleaning solution; an electrically energized fluid pump mounted within the internal equipment cavity of the chassis, and which is further coupled in fluid receiving relation relative to the source of the cleaning solution, and the respective first and second heaters, and wherein the fluid pump, when energized, discharges the cleaning fluid, under pressure, and further delivers the cleaning solution to a surface which is to be cleaned; and an electrical control which is coupled with, and operable to selectively energize the vacuum motor; fluid pump; and first and second heaters, and wherein the vacuum motor; fluid pump; and first and second heaters, when energized, individually utilize a given amount of electrical power, and wherein the electrical control selectively energizes the respective vacuum motor; fluid pump and first and second heaters in a fashion so as to restrict a cumulative amount of electrical power consumed by the cleaning apparatus to less than about 20 amps during operation.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective, side elevation view of the present invention shown in a typical operational environment.

FIG. 2 is a second, partial, perspective, side elevation view of the present invention, and wherein some underlying surfaces are shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, side elevation view of the invention as seen in FIG. 1 and with some structures shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 4 is a partial, fragmentary, side elevation view showing several features of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial, fragmentary, second side elevation view taken from a position opposite to that seen in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top, plan view, showing the internal equipment cavity of the chassis which forms a feature of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective, side elevation view of one feature of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective, side elevation view of one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an electrical control arrangement which forms a feature of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. patent laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts.” (Article 1, Section 8).

A cleaning apparatus which embodies the teachings of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10 in FIG. 1 following.

As will be seen from a study of FIG. 1, for example, the present invention is operable to be selectively moved across a supporting surface, here indicated by the numeral 11. As depicted hereinafter, the apparatus 10 is employed to clean the underlying surface 11, over which it moves. The surface could be a solid surface, or further it may be covered with carpeting or other similar covering. Further the present invention could be used to clean draperies and the like. As will be appreciated, these underlying surfaces 11 may become soiled through the traffic which is moving across same or become soiled by accumulating dust which is in the air. The cleaning apparatus 10 further includes a plurality of earth or surface engaging wheels or castors 12, of conventional design, and which allow the cleaning apparatus to be moved in various directions relative to the underlying surface 11, the castors allow the apparatus to be easily maneuvered in tight spaces, such as the interior areas of rooms in commercial or residential buildings, not shown. The surface engaging wheels or castors 12 are secured to a movable chassis 13 as seen. The chassis 13 includes a bottom surface 14, which defines wheel wells 15, which receive, and otherwise secure the respective earth engaging wheels or castors 12 therein. When secured in the wheel wells 15, the respective earth-engaging or surface-engaging wheels 12 position the bottom surface 14 in spaced relation relative to the surface to be cleaned 11.

The cleaning apparatus 10, and more specifically the chassis 13 thereof, is defined by an exterior facing sidewall, which is generally indicated by the numeral 20. As depicted in the drawings, the exterior sidewall is corrugated in its exterior surface texture. This shape provides greater strength for the sidewall 20. Additionally, the chassis 13 has a first end 21, and an opposite second end 22. Still further, the exterior sidewall 20 has a top peripheral edge which is generally indicated by the numeral 23. Additionally, and as seen by reference to FIG. 6, the chassis 13 includes an interior sidewall 24, which is spaced from the exterior sidewall 20 in order to provide a gap therebetween, and which forms, in that gap, a cleaning solution tank. The aforementioned cleaning solution tank will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter. Additionally, and as will be seen in the drawings, the interior sidewall 24 defines an internal equipment cavity which is generally indicated by the numeral 25, and which further receives and encloses a number of operational components, which will be discussed in greater detail in the paragraphs which follow.

The chassis 13, and more specifically, the exterior and interior sidewalls 20 and 24, respectively, define, therebetween, a cleaning solution tank, which is generally indicated by the numeral 30. The cleaning solution tank, as seen in FIG. 6, is defined, in part, by a filling aperture 31, which allows a user, not shown, to supply a source of cleaning solution 32 into the cleaning solution tank 30, and which may then be dispensed, selectively, to the surface to be cleaned 11. The present invention further includes a fluid coupler which is generally indicated by the numeral 33, and which extends substantially normally, outwardly, relative to the second end 22 of the chassis 13. The fluid coupler 33 is operable to deliver the source of the cleaning solution 32, to the distal end of a cleaning appliance or wand, as will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. In the drawings as provided, various internal fluid conduits are removed to aid in an understanding of the invention. A control panel 34 is mounted on the first end 21 of the chassis 13. The control panel 34 includes a number of electrical switches which are described, below. In particular, the control panel includes an on/off power control switch 35; and electrical switches 36, 37 and 38, respectively. The energizing or activation of any of the respective switches 36, 37 and 38 changes the mode of operation of the apparatus 10. The first mode of operation may be selected or implemented by turning on or activating the first electrical switch 36. Further, the second mode of operation 37 may be implemented or selected by pushing or activating the second electrical switch 37. Further, the third mode of operation may be implemented by depressing or activating the third electrical switch 38. The control panel 34 is arranged such that only one mode of operation may be utilized at a time while the invention operates. The respective modes of operation will be discussed in greater detail, below.

As seen in the drawings, the apparatus 10 is coupled to a source of electrical power which is generally indicated by the numeral 40. The source of electrical power 40, as seen in FIG. 9, is a commercially available source and which is typically supplied to most residential homes and commercial structures, that being, less than about 20 amps. One of the chief advantages of the present invention 10 relates to the fact that the present invention can be operated and used with electrical power sources which are normally supplied to commercial and residential homes, and further the present apparatus uses only a single electrical power cord. Some prior art devices have employed two or more power cords which were attached to different 20 amp electrical circuits or sources of power in order to provide sufficient electrical power for energizing the previously used cleaning devices.

The present invention 10 includes an electrically energizable vacuum motor which is generally indicated by the numeral 50, and which is further positioned or mounted within the internal equipment cavity 25, as earlier noted. The electrically energizable vacuum motor is of traditional design, and has a top surface 51, which has an air intake aperture 52 which is formed therein. The electrically energizable vacuum motor is arranged so as to be releasably coupled in selective fluid flowing relation relative to the internal cavity of a recovery tank, as will be described, hereinafter. The vacuum motor, when energized, is effective in removing ambient air from an internal cavity of the recovery tank, and then discharge the ambient air back to the ambient environment so as to create a partial vacuum within the internal cavity of the recovery tank, as will be disclosed. Additionally, and enclosed within the internal equipment cavity 25, are several heaters, which are generally indicated by the numeral 60. The heaters include a first heater 61, and a second heater 62. The individual heaters are mounted in fluid receiving relation relative to the source of the cleaning solution 32, and which is enclosed within the cleaning solution tank 30. Each of the respective heaters 60 may be selectively energized. In any case, the heaters, as provided, each consume only about 750 watts worth of electrical power when energized. The heaters, as provided, are selectively energized in a fashion consistent with the operation of the electrical panel 34, during the first, second and third modes of operation, and which are individually implemented when the electrical switches 36, 37 and 38 respectively are depressed. This will be discussed in greater detail, below.

The cleaning apparatus 10 of the present invention further includes a selectively, and electrically energizable fluid pump 70, which is located within the internal equipment cavity 25, and which is further coupled in fluid withdrawing relation relative to the cleaning solution tank 30, and which is further oriented in fluid delivering relation relative to the first and second heaters 61 and 62, respectively, as well as to the fluid coupler 33, which is mounted on the chassis 13. Again, the electrically energized fluid pump 70 is selectively energized based upon the signal, activation, or energizing as provided by the control panel 34, when the cleaning apparatus 10 is operated in the first, second and third modes, as will be discussed below. Mounted in a location which is in covering relation relative to the vacuum motor 50, is a vacuum well that is generally indicated by the numeral 80. The vacuum well 80 has a main body 81, which has a top surface 82, and an opposite bottom surface 83. The bottom surface 83 is positioned in juxtaposed relation relative to the top surface 51 of the electrically energizable vacuum motor 50. As seen in the drawings, the vacuum well 80 is further defined by a downwardly depending sidewall 84. Further, an aperture 85 is formed substantially centrally of the top surface 82, and is disposed in substantial coaxially alignment relative to the aperture 52, which is formed or defined by the top surface 51 of the electrically energizable vacuum motor 50. The vacuum well, and more specifically the sidewall thereof, directs any previously used cleaning solution 32, which may have escaped from a recovery tank, to move downwardly and away from the aperture 85, which is defined by the top surface 82 of the vacuum well 80 so as to prevent the vacuum motor 50 from receiving or ingesting any cleaning solution which may cause subsequent damage to the vacuum motor 50. This structure, and the function, as described above, will become more apparent following a thorough consideration of the paragraphs which follow.

The present cleaning apparatus 10 includes a recovery tank 100, which is operable to receive used, or previously expended cleaning fluid or solution 32, which has been earlier dispensed and applied to the underlying soiled surface 11, which is to be cleaned. As noted earlier, the source of cleaning solution 32 is provided by way of the electrically energized fluid pump 70, once the cleaning solution 32 has been selectively supplied to the respective heaters 60, and which have been selectively energized in the fashion, as will be described, below. In this regard, the recovery tank 100 has a first end 101, and an opposite second end 102, which is disposed in covering relation relative to the internal equipment cavity 25, which is defined by the chassis 13. In addition, the recovery tank 100 has a sidewall defining an internal cavity 103, which encloses the previously dispensed, and recovered source of cleaning solution 32. Additionally, and as will be recognized from the drawings, the recovery tank 100 has a bottom surface 104, which is disposed in juxtaposed relation relative to the top surface 82, of the vacuum well 80, and which is further positioned in overlying relation relative to the electrically energizable vacuum motor 50. As should be understood, and as best seen by reference to FIG. 8, the bottom surface 104 has an aperture 105 formed therein. The aperture 105 is operable to be coaxially aligned relative to the apertures 52 and 85, respectively. Therefore, as will be appreciated, when the electrically energizable vacuum motor 50 is energized, it is operable to withdraw ambient air which is located within the internal cavity 103 of the recovery tank 100. When this event occurs, a partial vacuum is created in same. Once the partial vacuum is created, ambient air from the surrounding environment is operable to be received within the internal cavity 103 by passing through the hose coupler 111. This movement of the exterior, surrounding ambient air 103 into the internal cavity 103 is operable to suction up and then transmit the previously dispensed cleaning solution 32 from the surface to be cleaned 11, into the internal cavity 103, and through the features which will be described in greater detail in this paragraph. The recovery tank 100 has a convenient handle 110 which is mounted on the first end 101, and which allows the recovery tank 100 to be removed from its rested and secured relationship on the chassis 13, and allows the user thereof to dispose of any recovered cleaning solution received within the recovery tank 100. Additionally, and as seen in the drawings, the recovery tank includes a ball valve assembly or member 112, which is received within the internal cavity 103 of the recovery tank 100. The ball valve is of well known design, having a cane-shaped valve member 113, and further having a moveable ball member 114 which is received within the valve member 113. As should be understood, once a given amount of recovered cleaning fluid 32 is received within the internal cavity 103, the recovered cleaning fluid or solution may then rise to a level or depth where it forces the ball member 113 to move within the ball valve 114 so as to prevent any further vacuum from being imparted or created in the internal cavity 103 of the recovery tank 100. Once this event occurs, no further recovery of cleaning fluid 32 can take place. The recovery tank 100 is releasably affixed to the chassis 13 by means of the respective releasable locking members 115, which are operable to engage the chassis 13 which is positioned, therebelow. As will be recognized, the present cleaning apparatus 10 is operably coupled to a cleaning wand 120 of traditional design. The cleaning wand has a spray head 121, which is mounted at its distal end. Further the spray head 121 is coupled by means of a fluid conduit 122 to a fluid dispensing control 123. The control 123 is utilized by the operator of the device 10. A flexible hose, 125, couples the fluid dispensing control 123 to the fluid coupler 33, which is mounted on the chassis 13. Another flexible hose 124 couples the cleaning wand 120 to the hose coupler 111. By operating the control 123, the operator can release a given amount of cleaning solution 32 onto the underlying, soiled supporting surface 11, and thereafter the cleaning wand 120 can suction the cleaning solution up and then deliver the used cleaning solution 32 to the hose 124, and which is coupled to the hose coupler 111, which is made integral with the recovery tank 100. The hose coupler 111 couples or otherwise allows the ambient environment to communicate with the internal cavity 103 of the recovery tank 100.

As earlier discussed with regards to the control panel 34, the present invention 10 includes first, second and third modes of operation, which are controlled or implemented by the control panel 34, and by means of the power switch 35, and the first, second and third switches 36, 37 and 38, respectively. The present invention 10 is designed so as to allow the present cleaning apparatus 10 to only implement one mode of operation at a time. The respective modes of operation are arranged in such a fashion that the present cleaning apparatus does not consume or otherwise utilize more than 20 amps of electrical power during any mode of operation. Therefore, the present invention provides a convenient means whereby the apparatus 10 can be utilized in either commercial or residential structures and will not need any special electrical circuits for rendering the apparatus operational.

In the first mode of operation, and when the first electrical switch 36 is energized, following the supplying of electrical power 40 to the apparatus 10, by first depressing or activating switch 35, the present invention is operable to provide a heated sprayer operation, that is, during the first mode of operation the first and second electrical heaters 61 and 62, respectively, are both energized while the vacuum motor 50 remains in a de-energized state, and the electrically energizable pump 70 is rendered operational. During the first mode of operation, the first and second heaters, which utilize less than 750 watts each, are operable to heat the cleaning solution 32 as provided, to a given high temperature, and then deliver the heated solution to the spray head 121 by way of the pump 70 in order to apply it directly to a particularly soiled region of the supporting surface 11.

In the second mode of operation, one of the two heaters 61 or 62 is energized while the other heater remains de-energized. Still further in the second mode of operation, the vacuum motor 50, and the liquid pump 70 are both energized. In the second mode of operation, the heated cleaning fluid or solution 32 may be delivered to a soiled region of surface 11. However, during the second mode of operation the vacuum motor 50 renders the cleaning apparatus 10 operational so as to allow the cleaning wand 120 to recover or suction-up the previously dispensed cleaning fluid 32 from the supporting surface 11, and then deliver it into the recovery tank 100. Still further, and in the third mode of operation, only the vacuum motor 50, and the liquid delivery pump 70 are energized. In the third mode of operation, the cleaning solution 32 may be delivered to a soiled region of the supporting surface 11, and then it may be vacuumed, or otherwise removed from the supporting surface 11 by the vacuum motor 50, and the subsequently returned to the recovery tank 100, in the manner as previously disclosed.

Therefore, it will be seen that this presently disclosed cleaning apparatus 10 provides multiple cleaning functions in a manner not possible heretofore. As noted above, the present cleaning apparatus 10 is operable to consume less than about 20 amps of electrical power, and may further operate on a single electrical conduit or extension cord in a manner to provide multiple functions which allows a user to clean variously soiled underlying surfaces 11 in a highly efficient, and expeditious manner.

Operation

The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point.

In its broadest aspect, the cleaning apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a chassis 13 for enclosing an electrically energizable vacuum motor 50, a fluid pump 70, and first and second electrical heaters 61 and 62, respectively, and which when individually energized, consumes a given amount of electricity 40. In its broadest aspect, the cleaning apparatus 10 further includes an electrical control 34, which is coupled in controlling relation relative to the respective vacuum motor 50, fluid pump 70 and the first and second electrical heaters 61 and 62, respectively. The electrical control 34 implements first, second and third modes of operation by way of individual switches 35, 36, 37 and 38, respectively. During the respective modes of operation, the respective vacuum motor 50; fluid pump 70 and first and second electrical heaters 61 and 62, respectively, are selectively energized in a predetermined manner such that the cleaning apparatus 10 consumes less than about 20 amps of electrical power.

The cleaning apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a cleaning solution tank 30, which is made integral with the chassis 13, and which is further coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the liquid pump 70. In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, a source of cleaning solution 32 is enclosed within the cleaning solution tank 30, and which is further supplied or coupled to the first and second heaters 61 and 62, and also to the liquid or fluid pump 70. The cleaning apparatus 10 includes a recovery tank 100, which is releasably borne by the chassis 13, and which further defines an internal cavity 103. The internal cavity 103 of the recovery tank 100 is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to both a surrounding ambient environment, and the vacuum motor 50. In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, a single electrical power cord 41 for electrically coupling the cleaning apparatus 10 to a source of electricity 40, and for energizing the vacuum motor 50 and fluid pump 70, and first and second electrical heater 61 and 62, is provided. In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, and as discussed earlier, the electrical control 34 implements the first, second and third modes of operation 36, 37 and 38, respectively, by the use of the various electrical switches, as provided. These modes of operation are implemented one at a time.

As earlier discussed, and in the first mode of operation, the electrical control 34 energizes the liquid pump 70, and the first and second electrical heaters 61 and 62, so as to provide a heated, high temperature cleaning solution 32, which may be sprayed upon a soiled surface 11, which needs to be cleaned. In the second mode of operation, which is implemented by means of the second electrical switch 37, the electrical control 34 energizes the vacuum motor 50, liquid pump 70, and one of the first or second electrical heaters 61 or 62, respectively, so as to provide a heated cleaning solution 32 having a temperature which is less than that which is provided by apparatus 10 during the first mode of operation, and which is applied to a soiled surface 11, that needs to be cleaned. The energized vacuum motor 50 is effective in removing the previously supplied, and now used cleaning solution 32, from the soiled surface 11, and then depositing the used cleaning solution 32 into the recovery tank 100. In the third mode of operation, the electrical control 34 energizes the vacuum motor 50 and the liquid pump 70 so as to provide an unheated cleaning solution 32, which is then applied to a soiled surface 11, and which must be cleaned. The energized vacuum motor 50 is effective in removing the previously applied and now used cleaning solution 32 from the soiled surface 11, and then depositing the used cleaning solution 32 into the recovery tank 100. As earlier noted, the first and second heater 61 and 62, respectively, each consume less than about 750 watts of electrical power 40. As earlier noted in the application, the recovery tank 100 is releasably mounted on the chassis 13 and located above, and in covering relation relative to the respective vacuum motor 50, liquid pump 70, and the first and second heaters 61 and 62, respectively. As also noted in the present application, the recovery tank 100 has a sidewall and which defines an internal cavity 103, and a bottom surface 104, which is coupled to the sidewall. The bottom surface 104 has an aperture 105 formed therein. The recovery tank 100 further includes a ball valve 112, which is coupled in fluid metering or controlling relation relative to the aperture 105, which is formed in the bottom surface 104 of the recovery tank, and which is further oriented within the internal cavity 103 of the recovery tank 100.

The present invention includes a vacuum well 80, which is mounted above the vacuum motor 50, and which is further releasably, and fluid sealedly cooperates with the vacuum motor 50. The vacuum well 80 has a top surface 82, and which defines an aperture 85, which is disposed in substantially coaxial alignment with the aperture 105, which is formed in the bottom surface 104 of the recovery tank 100. The vacuum well 80 is defined, at least in part, by a downwardly depending sidewall 84. The sidewall 84 directs any previously used cleaning solution 32, which escapes from the recovery tank 100 to move downwardly, and away from, the aperture 52, and which is defined by the top surface 82 of the vacuum well 80, so as to prevent the vacuum motor 50 from receiving or ingesting any cleaning solution 32, which may subsequently cause damage to the vacuum motor 50.

Therefore, it will be seen that the present cleaning apparatus 10 provides a convenient means whereby a soiled, underlying supporting surface covered by carpeting or the like can be cleaned in a manner not possible, heretofore. The present invention provides multiple modes of operation, which allows soiled surfaces of various types to be treated in different manners, and provides flexibility and assorted options for individuals to clean supporting surfaces in a manner not possible heretofore, and by utilizing existing electrical power sources, which are typically available in commercial and residential structures.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the Doctrine of Equivalence.

Claims

1. A cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a chassis for enclosing an electrically energizable vacuum motor; a fluid pump; and first and second electrical heaters, and which, when individually energized, consume a given amount of electricity; and

an electrical control coupled in controlling relation relative to the respective vacuum motor; fluid pump and first and second electrical heaters, and wherein the electrical control has a first, second and third mode of operation, and wherein during the respective modes of operation the respective vacuum motor; fluid pump and first and second electrical heaters are selectively energized in a predetermined manner such that the cleaning apparatus consumes less than about 20 amps of electrical power.

2. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, and further comprising:

a cleaning solution tank which is made integral with the chassis, and is further coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the liquid pump;

a source of cleaning solution enclosed within the cleaning solution tank, and which is supplied to the first and second heaters, and also to the liquid pump; and

a recovery tank which is releasably borne by the chassis, and which further defines an internal cavity, and wherein the internal cavity of the recovery tank is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to both a surrounding ambient environment, and the vacuum motor.

3. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in 2, and further comprising:

a single electrical power cord for electrically coupling the cleaning apparatus to a source of electricity and for energizing the vacuum motor; fluid pump; and first and second electrical heaters.

4. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 3, and wherein the electrical control implements the first, second and third modes of operation, one at a time.

5. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 4, and wherein in the first mode of operation, the electrical control energizes the liquid pump; and the first and second electrical heaters so as to provide a heated cleaning solution which may be sprayed upon a soiled surface which needs to be cleaned.

6. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 4, and wherein in the second mode of operation, the electrical control energizes the vacuum motor; liquid pump; and one of the first or second electrical heaters, so as to provide a heated cleaning solution which is applied to a soiled surface, and which needs to be cleaned, and wherein the energized vacuum motor is effective in removing the previously applied, and now used, cleaning solution from the soiled surface, and depositing the used cleaning solution into the recovery tank.

7. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 4, and wherein, in the third mode of operation, the electrical control energizes the vacuum motor, and the liquid pump so as to provide an unheated cleaning solution which is then applied to a soiled surface, and which must be cleaned, and wherein the energized vacuum motor is effective in removing the previously applied, and now used cleaning solution from the soiled surface, and then depositing the used cleaning solution into the recovery tank.

8. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the first and second heaters each consume less than about 750 watts of electrical power.

9. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the recovery tank is releasably mounted on the chassis, and located above, and in covering relation relative to, the respective vacuum motor; liquid pump; and first and second heaters; and wherein the solution tank is made integral with the chassis.

10. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 9, and wherein the recovery tank is further defined by a sidewall, and a bottom surface which is coupled to the sidewall, and wherein the bottom surface has an aperture formed therein, and wherein the recovery tank further includes a ball valve which is coupled in fluid metering relation relative to the aperture which is formed in the bottom surface of the recovery tank, and which is further oriented within the recovery tank.

11. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 10, and further comprising:

a vacuum well mounted above the vacuum motor, and which further releasably and sealably cooperates with the vacuum motor, and wherein the vacuum well has a top surface defining an aperture which is disposed in substantial coaxial alignment with the aperture formed in the bottom surface of the recovery tank, and wherein the vacuum well is defined, at least in part, by a downwardly depending sidewall, and wherein the sidewall directs any previously used cleaning solution which escapes from the recovery tank to move downwardly, and away from the aperture defined by the top surface of the vacuum well so as to prevent the vacuum motor from receiving any cleaning solution which may cause damage to the vacuum motor.

12. A cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a chassis which has a sidewall which defines, at least in part, a cleaning solution tank, and which further defines an internal equipment cavity;

a source of a cleaning solution which is received within the cleaning solution tank;

a recovery tank having an internal cavity, and which communicates with the ambient environment, and which is, further, releasably coupled to the chassis;

an electrically energized vacuum motor which is mounted within the internal equipment cavity of the chassis, and which is further coupled in predetermined, selective, fluid flowing relation relative to the internal cavity of the recovery tank, and wherein the vacuum motor, when energized, can remove ambient air from the internal cavity of the recovery tank, and then discharge the ambient air back to the ambient environment so as to create a partial vacuum within the internal cavity of the recovery tank;

a first and second heater which are electrically energized, and which are further individually mounted in the internal equipment cavity of the chassis, and wherein the respective heaters are further each coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the source of cleaning solution, and wherein the first and second heaters may be selectively energized so as to impart heat energy to a portion of the cleaning solution;

an electrically energized fluid pump mounted within the internal equipment cavity of the chassis, and which is further coupled in fluid receiving relation relative to the source of the cleaning solution, and the respective first and second heaters, and wherein the fluid pump, when energized, discharges the cleaning fluid, under pressure, and further delivers the cleaning solution to a surface which is to be cleaned; and

an electrical control which is coupled with, and operable to selectively energize the vacuum motor; fluid pump; and first and second heaters, and wherein the vacuum motor; fluid pump; and first and second heaters, when energized, individually utilize a given amount of electrical power, and wherein the electrical control selectively energizes the respective vacuum motor; fluid pump and first and second heaters in a fashion so as to restrict a cumulative amount of electrical power consumed by the cleaning apparatus to less than about 20 amps during operation.

13. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 12, and wherein the recovery tank further is defined by a sidewall and a bottom surface which is coupled to the sidewall, and wherein the bottom surface has an aperture formed therein, and wherein the recovery tank further includes a ball valve which is coupled in fluid metering relation relative to the aperture which is formed in the bottom surface of the recovery tank, and which is further located within the recovery tank.

14. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 13, and further comprising:

a vacuum well mounted above the vacuum motor and which further releasably and sealably cooperates with the vacuum motor, and wherein the vacuum motor has a top surface defining an aperture which is disposed in substantial coaxial alignment with the aperture formed in the bottom surface of the recovery tank, and wherein the vacuum well is defined, at least in part, by a sidewall, and wherein the sidewall of the vacuum well directs any previously used cleaning solution which escapes from the recovery tank to move downwardly, and away from the aperture which is defined by the top surface of the vacuum well so as to prevent the vacuum motor from receiving any cleaning solution which may damage the vacuum motor.

15. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 14 and wherein the electrical control implements a first, second and third mode of operation, one at a time.

16. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 15, and wherein in the first mode of operation the electrical control energizes the liquid pump; and the first and second electrical heaters so as to provide a heated cleaning solution which may be sprayed upon a soiled surface which needs to be cleaned.

17. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 16, and wherein in the second mode of operation the electrical control energizes the vacuum motor; liquid pump; and one of the first or second electrical heaters, so as to provide a heated cleaning solution which is applied to a soiled surface, and which needs to be cleaned, and wherein the energized vacuum motor is effective in removing the previously applied, and now used, cleaning solution from the soiled surface, and depositing the used cleaning solution into the recovery tank.

18. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 17, and wherein, in the third mode of operation, the electrical control energizes the vacuum motor, and the liquid pump so as to provide an unheated cleaning solution which is then applied to a soiled surface, and which must be cleaned, and wherein the energized vacuum motor is effective in removing the previously applied, and now used cleaning solution from the soiled surface, and then depositing the used cleaning solution into the recovery tank.

19. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 18, and wherein the first and second heaters consume less than about 750 watts of electrical power each, and wherein a single power cord supplies the electrical power consumed by the cleaning apparatus during operation.