Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a base configured to be moved across a surface to be cleaned, a fluid delivery system, and a fluid recovery system with a suction nozzle assembly defining a fluid flow path. A squeegee is provided in the suction nozzle assembly and is mounted within the fluid flow path to slide forwardly and rearwardly within the suction nozzle assembly as the base is moved rearwardly and forwardly, respectively.

Abstract: A cyclone module for a vacuum cleaner includes a primary separator, a bulk collection chamber, at least one secondary separator and a fines collection chamber. First and second doors are provided for closing debris outlets at the bottom ends of the bulk and fines collection chambers, respectively. The fines collection chamber is elevated within the bulk collection chamber, with the second door spaced above the first door.

Abstract: Systems and method for self-cleaning extraction cleaners, including upright or robot extraction cleaner are provided. In one system, a tray can be provided for docking the extraction cleaner during the self-cleaning mode. The tray may include one or more sprayers for spraying a cleaning fluid toward an agitator of the extraction cleaner. In another system, a nozzle flushing manifold mounted on the nozzle assembly of the extraction cleaner includes a plurality of distributor outlets configured to spray cleaning fluid into the suction pathway.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with an improved air bleed valve for adjusting the level of suction and air flow through a working air path fluidly connecting a working air inlet with a separating and collection assembly. The air bleed valve can be provided on upright handle assembly of the vacuum cleaner, and can form a portion of the working air path.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a necked-down suction channel formed in a housing adapted for movement over a surface to be cleaned. The housing further includes a suction nozzle and an agitator chamber. The necked-down suction channel has a height that is less than the height of the agitator chamber.

Abstract: A carpet and upholstery cleaning product is configured to store a consumable cleaning solution and dispense the cleaning solution to treat a spot or stain on a surface to be cleaned. The cleaning product can include a bottle defining a reservoir for the cleaning solution, a fluid dispensing outlet provided on an angled neck of the, and a scrubber on the bottle for scrubbing stains on the surface to be cleaned, wherein the scrubber is offset from the fluid outlet such that the cleaning solution is not dispensed through the scrubber.

Abstract: A cyclone module for a vacuum cleaner includes a primary separator, a bulk collection chamber, at least one secondary separator and a fines collection chamber. First and second doors are provided for closing debris outlets at the bottom ends of the bulk and fines collection chambers, respectively. The fines collection chamber is elevated within the bulk collection chamber, with the second door spaced above the first door.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner includes a portable extractor and a base adapted to be moved to perform a cleaning operation on a floor surface when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base. The portable extractor includes a recovery tank assembly and a supply tank assembly provided on the housing adjacent to the recovery tank assembly.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner for a floor surface comprises a portable extractor and a base adapted to be moved to perform a cleaning operation on the floor surface when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base. The portable extractor includes a suction hose for manually suctioning fluid from the floor surface, a recovery tank interconnected to the suction hose for receiving recovered fluid from the floor surface, and a fluid delivery system for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto the floor surface. One or more connections are made between the base and components of the portable extractor when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a base configured to be moved across a surface to be cleaned, a fluid delivery system, and a fluid recovery system with a suction nozzle assembly defining a fluid flow path. A squeegee is provided in the suction nozzle assembly and is mounted within the fluid flow path to slide forwardly and rearwardly within the suction nozzle assembly as the base is moved rearwardly and forwardly, respectively.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner for a floor surface comprises a fluid delivery system for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery system for removing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt. The fluid delivery system includes at least one fluid distributor and the fluid recovery system includes an extraction nozzle. The extraction nozzle and the at least one fluid distributor can be simultaneously removed from the extraction cleaner.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a supply tank for holding a supply of cleaning solution, a spray tip in fluid communication with the supply tank for distributing the cleaning solution to the surface to be cleaned, and a spray tip receiver. A removable connection between the spray tip and spray tip receiver removably mounts the spray tip to the spray tip receiver.

Abstract: A sustainable system for refilling a pressurized fluid dispenser comprises a container body having a first fluid dispenser that includes a valved opening, a pouch mounted within the container body for storing a fluid composition and fluidly coupled with the valved opening of the container for dispensing the contents of the pouch and a fluid refill system. A pressurized gas can be provided between the pouch and the container body for pressurizing the contents of the pouch. The fluid refill system includes at least one reservoir having a fluid composition therein and a second fluid dispenser having a fitting that is adapted to dispense the fluid composition from the at least one reservoir into the pouch. A controller can be programmed to respond to input signals to position the container with the fluid refill system and to dispense the fluid composition under pressure into the pouch.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising an extractor has a primary fluid delivery system and an auxiliary fluid delivery system. A first button on a handle of the extractor controls the delivery of cleaning fluid from the primary fluid delivery system. A second button on the handle of the extractor controls the delivery of cleaning fluid from the auxiliary fluid delivery system, which includes a spot sprayer mounted to the base assembly through which cleaning fluid is delivered. The handle is provided with an interlock between the first and second buttons so that cleaning fluid cannot simultaneously be delivered by both the primary and auxiliary fluid delivery systems.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a necked-down suction channel formed in a housing adapted for movement over a surface to be cleaned. The housing further includes a suction nozzle and an agitator chamber. The necked-down suction channel has a height that is less than the height of the agitator chamber.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner for a floor surface comprises a portable extractor and a base adapted to be moved to perform a cleaning operation on the floor surface when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base. The portable extractor includes a suction hose for manually suctioning fluid from the floor surface, a recovery tank interconnected to the suction hose for receiving recovered fluid from the floor surface, and a fluid delivery system for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto the floor surface. One or more connections are made between the base and components of the portable extractor when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner for a floor surface comprises a portable extractor and a base adapted to be moved to perform a cleaning operation on the floor surface when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base, wherein the portable extractor can be used as a standalone extractor when detached from the base. The portable extractor includes a suction hose for manually suctioning fluid from the floor surface, a recovery tank interconnected to the suction hose for receiving recovered fluid from the floor surface, and a fluid delivery system for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto the floor surface. One or more connections are made between the base and components of the portable extractor when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a dirt cup of a vacuum cleaner. The latch mechanism can include a first sloped portion provided on a mounting structure for receiving a dirt cup and a filter housing in supporting relationship to the vacuum cleaner and a second sloped portion on the filter housing corresponding to the first sloped portion. Movement of the filter housing in a first direction relative to the mounting structure as the first and second sloped portions bear against each other results in the movement of the filter housing, and thus the dirt cup, in a second direction transverse to the first direction relative to the mounting structure.

Abstract: A sustainable system for refilling a pressurized fluid dispenser comprises a container body having a first fluid dispenser that includes a valved opening, a pouch mounted within the container body for storing a fluid composition and fluidly coupled with the valved opening of the container for dispensing the contents of the pouch and a fluid refill system. A pressurized gas can be provided between the pouch and the container body for pressurizing the contents of the pouch. The fluid refill system includes at least one reservoir having a fluid composition therein and a second fluid dispenser having a fitting that is adapted to dispense the fluid composition from the at least one reservoir into the pouch. A controller can be programmed to respond to input signals to position the container with the fluid refill system and to dispense the fluid composition under pressure into the pouch.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a supply tank for holding a supply of cleaning solution, a spray tip in fluid communication with the supply tank for distributing the cleaning solution to the surface to be cleaned, and a spray tip receiver. A removable connection between the spray tip and spray tip receiver removably mounts the spray tip to the spray tip receiver.