Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation. The cleaning apparatus comprises a first source for distributing a first liquid onto said surface. An activating device operatively connected to the first source to activate the first source to distribute the first liquid onto the surface. A pump operatively connected to the first source to draw under pressure the first liquid to the surface. A second source for distributing a second liquid onto the surface, wherein the second liquid from the second source is drawn to the cleaning surface by gravity alone.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. The handle includes a lower portion and an upper portion pivotally connected to the lower portion and pivoted between an upper position for use and a lower position for storage. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to one of the base portion and the handle. A recovery tank removably mounted to one of the base portion and the handle and is in fluid communication with a suction nozzle secured to said base portion.

Abstract: A floor cleaning device comprises a base portion for movement along a surface and a handle portion pivotally connected to the base. The base portion further includes a suction nozzle and a brush assembly for agitating the surface, wherein the brush assembly and the nozzle assembly are in a first position raised off of the surface for vacuuming the surface, and the nozzle assembly is lowered to a second position contacting the surface for collecting and picking up liquid and dirt from the surface. A method of cleaning a surface by first dry vacuuming the surface using a cleaning unit in which the nozzle assembly is raised to pick up particles and then wet vacuuming the floor with the nozzle assembly lowered to collect and pick up dirt from the floor mixed with cleaning solution distributed on the floor.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. In one aspect of the invention, the cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a recovery tank removably mounted to the housing. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to the housing. A suction nozzle is secured to the housing and is in fluid communication with the recovery tank. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A first latch is operatively connected to the solution tank to releasably latch the solution tank to the housing and a second latch is operatively connected to the recovery tank to releasably latch the recovery tank to said housing, wherein the second latch is in close proximity to the first latch.