Abstract: A surface cleaner is provided. The surface cleaner comprises: an operating component configured to perform a function of the surface cleaner; a base moveable along a surface; an accelerometer configured to generate a signal; and a controller in communication with the accelerometer and the operating component, wherein the controller is operable to control the operating component based on the signal, and wherein the operating component is selected from a group consisting of a suction motor operable to generate an airflow, a brushroll motor operable to drive a brushroll, an actuator operable to adjust a height of a brushroll from the surface, a pump operable to deliver a cleaning fluid, an actuator operable to control an airflow or fluid valve, and an indicator operable to indicate a parameter of the surface cleaner.

Abstract: A floor cleaner that includes a recovery tank having a top side, a bottom wall opposite the top side, and a sidewall that extends from the bottom wall and defines a perimeter of the recovery tank, the bottom wall and the sidewall at least partially define a storage volume of the recovery tank. The recover tank further includes an inlet aperture, the inlet aperture adjacent the storage volume and the top side and configured to direct fluid into the storage volume. A baffle wall is connected to the sidewall and the baffle wall faces toward the inlet aperture. An inlet aperture axis extending centrally through the inlet aperture and the inlet aperture axis extends through the baffle wall.

Abstract: A floor cleaner including a base movable over a surface to be cleaned, a suction nozzle provided on the base having a suction inlet, a body portion having a fluid dispensing member selectively removable from the body portion, the body portion being pivotally mounted to the base movable between an upright storage position and an inclined floor cleaning position, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, and a reservoir configured to provide solution. The fluid dispensing member includes a grip, a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the reservoir, and an actuator. The fluid dispensing member is configured to deliver solution from the reservoir through the dispensing nozzle upon user actuation of the actuator, independent of function of the base and body of the floor cleaner.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.

Abstract: A floor cleaner has a fluid flow path, a fluid flow motor, a liquid distribution assembly, and a recovery tank positioned in the fluid flow path and configured to receive liquid-laden air from the air inlet. The liquid distribution assembly has a first supply tank for a first liquid, a second supply tank for a second liquid, and a mixing module for mixing the first liquid and the second liquid. The mixing module has a mixing chamber that allows the first and second liquids to mix before being expelled through an outlet of the mixing module. The mixing module includes a closure that is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the closure closes the outlet to prevent fluid flow through the outlet. In the open position, the closure opens the outlet to allow fluid flow through the outlet.

Abstract: A portable extractor includes a supply tank, a recovery tank, a pump in fluid communication with the supply tank, a suction source in fluid communication with the recovery tank, a base configured to support the suction source and the pump, and a main housing mounted on the base and housing the suction source and the pump. The main housing is configured to removably support the recovery tank and the supply tank. The recovery tank is arranged at a front side of the portable extractor and the supply tank is arranged at a lateral side of the portable extractor between the front side and the rear side.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner includes a supply tank, a recovery tank, a pump, a suction source, a base configured to support the suction source and the pump, an external hose, and a hose attachment assembly. The hose attachment assembly has a suction conduit extending from a suction inlet connected to the proximal end of the hose to a suction outlet in fluid communication with the recovery tank. The suction conduit is removable from the base with the hose. The hose attachment assembly also has a fluid coupling which is removable with the suction conduit. The fluid coupling extends from a coupling inlet in fluid communication with the pump to a coupling outlet coupled to a supply tube having one or more portions carried within the suction conduit. The proximal end of the hose is at least partially nested adjacent the base when the suction conduit is coupled to the base.

Abstract: A floor cleaner that includes a recovery tank having a top side, a bottom wall opposite the top side, and a sidewall that extends from the bottom wall and defines a perimeter of the recovery tank, the bottom wall and the sidewall at least partially define a storage volume of the recovery tank. The recover tank further includes an inlet aperture, the inlet aperture adjacent the storage volume and the top side and configured to direct fluid into the storage volume. A baffle wall is connected to the sidewall and the baffle wall faces toward the inlet aperture. An inlet aperture axis extending centrally through the inlet aperture and the inlet aperture axis extends through the baffle wall.

Abstract: A surface cleaner includes a suction source that generates a suction airflow to draw liquid-laden air along a fluid flow path from a dirty air inlet to a recovery tank. The recovery tank includes a chamber for storing liquid, an inlet along the fluid flow path, an outlet aperture along the fluid flow path, and a float having an indicator. An inflow path upstream of the inlet connects the dirty air inlet to the recovery tank. The float moves between a first position spaced away from the outlet aperture allowing air to exit the recovery tank along the fluid flow path, and a second position adjacent the outlet aperture obstructing the fluid flow path. The indicator is visible to a user when the float is in the second position.

Abstract: A floor cleaner includes an electrically powered component and a switch. The switch includes a button including an actuator surface. A fluid channel is formed by a fluid collection surface disposed below the button and an outer channel wall extending upwardly from the fluid collection surface, the fluid channel having a fluid outlet. A projection of the button is received in an inner button aperture formed by an inner wall extending from the fluid collection surface forming a bushing around the projection. The inner wall inhibits flow of fluid from the fluid channel through the inner button aperture. The outer channel wall surrounds the aperture wall such that fluid entering the body between the perimeter of the button actuator surface and the aperture wall is collected by the fluid channel and directed to the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A floor cleaner that includes a recovery tank having a top side, a bottom wall opposite the top side, and a sidewall that extends from the bottom wall and defines a perimeter of the recovery tank, the bottom wall and the sidewall at least partially define a storage volume of the recovery tank. The recover tank further includes an inlet aperture that faces the bottom wall, the inlet aperture adjacent the storage volume and the top side and configured to direct fluid into the storage volume. The inlet aperture is adjacent the sidewall of the recovery tank and the inlet aperture is a longitudinal shaped aperture having an aperture width and an aperture depth, the aperture width being greater than the aperture depth and the aperture width extends along the sidewall and the aperture depth extends along an inlet duct axis.

Abstract: A floor cleaner includes a recovery tank including an inflow path allowing liquid-laden air to enter the recovery tank, an outflow path allowing air to exit the recovery tank; and a chamber for storing liquid. The chamber includes an inlet, a separator that separates liquid from the liquid-laden air, an air outlet, and a float. The float includes a base and a valve with an indicator. The float is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the valve is spaced away from the air outlet and air is allowed to exit the chamber. In the second position the valve is adjacent the outlet and impedes air from exiting the chamber. In the second position the indicator is visible when the chamber is full.

Abstract: A floor cleaner including a base movable over a surface to be cleaned, a suction nozzle provided on the base having a suction inlet, a body portion having a fluid dispensing member selectively removable from the body portion, the body portion being pivotally mounted to the base movable between an upright storage position and an inclined floor cleaning position, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, and a reservoir configured to provide solution. The fluid dispensing member includes a grip, a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the reservoir, and an actuator. The fluid dispensing member is configured to deliver solution from the reservoir through the dispensing nozzle upon user actuation of the actuator, independent of function of the base and body of the floor cleaner.

Abstract: A floor cleaner includes an electrically powered component and a switch. The switch includes a button including an actuator surface. A fluid channel is formed by a fluid collection surface disposed below the button and an outer channel wall extending upwardly from the fluid collection surface, the fluid channel having a fluid outlet. A projection of the button is received in an inner button aperture formed by an inner wall extending from the fluid collection surface forming a bushing around the projection. The inner wall inhibits flow of fluid from the fluid channel through the inner button aperture. The outer channel wall surrounds the aperture wall such that fluid entering the body between the perimeter of the button actuator surface and the aperture wall is collected by the fluid channel and directed to the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for an extraction cleaner includes a tool body including a nozzle portion connected to an elongated handle portion and a nozzle cover removably mounted to the nozzle portion forming a suction nozzle therebetween. The suction nozzle is configured to extract recovered liquid and dirt. The cleaning tool also includes an internal conduit in fluid communication with the suction nozzle configured to transport recovered liquid and dirt extracted by the suction nozzle. The internal conduit extending longitudinally within the handle portion between opposite ends of the handle portion. The cleaning tool further includes a spray nozzle configured to distribute cleaning liquid forward of the nozzle cover and a supply tube configured to carry cleaning liquid to the spray nozzle. The spray nozzle passes through the suction nozzle or the inlet conduit.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a recovery tank support structure for a surface cleaning device such as an extractor. The support structure partially encircles and supports the recovery tank removably mounted to a base in order to prevent any unwanted movement of the tank or its contents during operation of the extractor. The support structure creates a void for housing the recovery tank, wherein a locking mechanism may be employed to engage the recovery tank and secure it in position. An upper portion having a handle for propelling the extractor is pivotable about the base independent of the support structure thereby allowing a user access to a wide range of pivoting motion and maneuverability during extractor operation.

Abstract: A surface cleaner is provided. The surface cleaner comprises: an operating component configured to perform a function of the surface cleaner; a base moveable along a surface; an accelerometer configured to generate a signal; and a controller in communication with the accelerometer and the operating component, wherein the controller is operable to control the operating component based on the signal, and wherein the operating component is selected from a group consisting of a suction motor operable to generate an airflow, a brushroll motor operable to drive a brushroll, an actuator operable to adjust a height of a brushroll from the surface, a pump operable to deliver a cleaning fluid, an actuator operable to control an airflow or fluid valve, and an indicator operable to indicate a parameter of the surface cleaner.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for an extraction cleaner includes a tool body including a nozzle portion connected to an elongated handle portion and a nozzle cover removably mounted to the nozzle portion forming a suction nozzle therebetween. The suction nozzle is configured to extract recovered liquid and dirt. The cleaning tool also includes an internal conduit in fluid communication with the suction nozzle configured to transport recovered liquid and dirt extracted by the suction nozzle. The internal conduit extending longitudinally within the handle portion between opposite ends of the handle portion. The cleaning tool further includes a spray nozzle configured to distribute cleaning liquid forward of the nozzle cover and a supply tube configured to carry cleaning liquid to the spray nozzle. The spray nozzle passes through the suction nozzle or the inlet conduit.

Abstract: A floor cleaner including a base movable over a surface to be cleaned, a suction nozzle provided on the base having a suction inlet, a body portion having a fluid dispensing member selectively removable from the body portion, the body portion being pivotally mounted to the base movable between an upright storage position and an inclined floor cleaning position, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, and a reservoir configured to provide solution. The fluid dispensing member includes a grip, a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the reservoir, and an actuator. The fluid dispensing member is configured to deliver solution from the reservoir through the dispensing nozzle upon user actuation of the actuator, independent of function of the base and body of the floor cleaner.