Abstract: A multi-use floor tool, with which the same nozzle can be used in both dry and wet vacuum operation, and which allows for both wet and dry cleaning attachments to be easily attached and removed is disclosed. One such cleaning attachment for dry operation is a bristle brush which, when attached to the nozzle, is able to rotate, such that debris is collected with both the push and pull cleaning motions and such that for each motion, air flows primarily through the side of the nozzle at which debris is being gathered. The attachment for wet operation is a squeegee, which is rigidly attached to the nozzle having an insert which reduces the area of air flow into the nozzle and thereby increases the effectiveness of wet cleaning. This design increases the effectiveness of both wet and dry operation, and allows the operator to effectively clean in both wet and dry conditions while using the same nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface has a handle joined to a cleaning head operable to dispense liquid onto a surface to be cleaned, mechanically work up dirt, film and particulates from the surface into a vacuum unit. The cleaning head has a cylindrical core supporting a sleeve that rotates on a cylindrical member as the head moves relative to the surface to be cleaned. Nozzles located within the cleaning head discharge liquid into the core and sleeve. The sleeve distributes the liquid onto the surface to be cleaned. A modification of the apparatus has nozzles located adjacent the sleeve that dispenses liquid to a surface. The sleeve when subjected to vacuum picks up the liquid and dirt from the surface. A further modification has a cleaning head with an internal chamber closed with a removable base and pad. A nozzle located within the chamber discharges liquid to the pad. The liquid and dirt collected by the pad are drawn into the chamber by vacuum.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for sanitarily removing a spill from a horizontal surface employing a flexible innertube with radial circumferential holes and covered by an absorbent material with outwardly facing strips for securing the device to the horizontal surface.

Abstract: A cleaning head includes an applicator for applying cleaning liquid to a surface to be cleaned and an air passage for collecting liquid from the surface, enabling the head to be operated in wet mode in which liquid is applied to, and picked up from, the surface. The head also includes a cover adapted to be removably assembled with the cleaning head and which, when in place, effectively encloses the applicator while maintaining communication between the surface and the air passage, thereby enabling the head to be operated in a dry mode to pick up solid matter from the surface.

Abstract: A vacuum attachment with disposable sleeve is provided including a vacuum mounting assembly. Further included is a disposable sleeve removably secured over an end of the mounting assembly. The sleeve has a plurality of apertures formed therein.

Abstract: A device for cleaning surfaces, especially curved or irregular surfaces. The cleaning device includes a base including a generally flat plate possessing a plurality of holes and a conical projection extending away from one side of the plate. The distal end of the conical projection is adapted to receive a longitudinal end of a hollow rod or pole. The device also includes a pillow filled with polystyrene pellets which is glued to the flat base, adjacent to the holes. A cleaning fluid may be delivered under pressure through the hollow rod, into the cavity of the conical projection, and through the holes of the plate to the pillow. Alternatively, a vacuum suction source may be applied to the interior of the hollow rod, whereby liquid in the pillow is sucked through the holes and into the cavity. Alternatively, a generally rectangular cover may selectively surround the pillow, with the corners of the cover being selectively crimped in serrated slits in the peripheral edge of the plate.

Abstract: In a cleaning head (10) of the kind having agitating means (26) engageable with a surface to be cleaned for agitating cleaning liquid thereon, and collecting means (25) for collection of liquid from the surface by suction, the agitating means (26) and collection means (25) are relatively movable such that one or the other is selectively prominently engaged with the surface being cleaned. In a preferred arrangement the agitating means (26) is movable relative to a housing (11) of the cleaning head while the collecting means (25) is fixed in position relative to the housing (11). Cleaning liquid is delivered to the agitating means through a passage (45) which is closed by a pad (70) at the upper side of the agitating means (26) when the latter is in its raised position. Movement of the agitating means (26) between its raised and lowered positions is controlled by means of a foot pedal (65).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction cleaning device which provides liquid dispensing, scrubbing, squeegeeing, and suction drying in a single, compact, self contained device. The suction cleaning device includes a cleaning device housing, a handle connected to the housing, an absorbent cleaning member mounted on the housing and movable between an extended and a retracted position, and a pair of squeegee blades. The squeegee blades are mounted in a squeegee tray, and at least one of the squeegee blades is movable between an extended and a retracted position in response to changes in the relative angle between the housing and the surface being cleaned. The movable squeegee blade is spring-biased into the extended position by one or more springs such as leaf springs. The device includes a suction system which draws the water from the floor surface which has been cleaned into a tank mounted on the housing which collects the liquid from the floor surface.

Abstract: A steam cleaning appliance comprising a head element hingedly connected at one end to a handle. Said head element comprise a housing provided with a base member, accomodating a boiler. Said boiler is provided with a dome portion communicating through a conduit with a manifold housed in a cavity formed in the outer side of the base member, said manifold being provided with a plurality of steam dispensing holes. A cloth is removably attached to the outer side of said base member by means of attachment means.

Abstract: The essential cleaning system components for a best mode are as follows. A textile fabric covering of an article has a pile and a backing. A vacuum mat is added below the fabric covering to aid in the flow of dirt and debris from the pile of the covering. A secondary backing is also added for supporting the vacuum mat. A support platform located below the vacuum mat receives the dirt and debris through openings of the support platform. The dirt and debris is transported through channels in the support platform to a collection device. The collection device is equipped with a slider device within the collection device for maintaining adequate suction in the cleaning system. A vacuum unit pulls dirt and debris from the collection device through a vacuum line and discharges it into the discharge container. After cleaning the dirt and debris from the air it is discharged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner head, for attachment directly to a vacuum cleaner body having a central longitudinal axis, has exposed bristles with remote ends on a plane off-set by about 70.degree. to the central axis. The bristles extend along opposing sides of a lower surface of the head in strips at either side of a channel through which dust and debris gathered up by the bristles passes into the vacuum body. The off-set plane means that when the body is held directly or by a handle, a natural comfortable sweeping action, with the handle axis at about 20.degree. to the vertical, keeps both strips of bristle in contact with the swept surface.

Abstract: A suction pipe assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a suction pipe body and a brush member. The suction pipe body is provided with a distal open end portion. The brush member includes a brush base which has a generally U-shaped cross section, a rear section that straddles the distal open end portion of the pipe body and that has opposite lateral side portions pivoted respectively to two diametrically opposite positions of the distal open end portion of the pipe body, and a front section with a distal front end face. The brush member further includes a plurality of bristles provided on the front end face of the front section of the brush base. The brush base is pivotable with respect to the distal open end portion of the pipe body between a position of use, wherein the front section of the brush base extends frontwardly relative to the distal open end portion of the pipe body, and a storing position, wherein the front section of the brush base straddles the pipe body.

Abstract: A window washing accessory cleaning tool adapted for use with a water extraction cleaning machine has a solution spray nozzle integrated therewith and a combination suction and scrubbing head rotatably mounted with respect to the solution spray nozzle. The cleaning solution spray nozzle is provided on one side of a dual conduit support member and a head is rotatably mounted to the dual conduit support member. A foam applicator/scrub pad is provided along one end of the head and a suction nozzle opening defined by a squeegee blade and a rigid flange are provided one the other side of the head. With this structure, the applicator/scrub pad and suction nozzle can be rotated with respect to the cleaning solution spray nozzles, thereby making the accessory cleaning tool adaptable for a wide variety of cleaning operations. Preferably, the window washing accessory cleaning tool is removably mounted to the end of the flexible hose.

Abstract: A spray mist collector for use with a spray gun, such collector connected to a vacuum source to draw the spray mist surrounding the spray of paint or other sprayable material emitted from the nozzle of the spray gun to the intake apertures of the collector where the particles suspended in the spray mist are trapped by a filter. The spray mist collector has a connection mechanism for connection to the spray gun whereby its expanded intake apertures are automatically pointed at the spray mist surrounding the spray of paint as the painter directs it on to the work object. The filters are replaceable when they become filled, and an adjustable signal mechanism may also be included to indicate when the filters should be changed. The rearward duct portion of the spray mist collector is connected to an elongated flexible air hose or air conduit which leads to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A vacuum tool for delicate dusting of plants and similar delicate fabrics has an inner and outer shell. The inner shell has a distribution of holes providing even volume of air flow per unit length of inner and outer shells. The outer shell has an even distribution of holes which provide even volume of air flow and air velocity per hole and also even suction over the outer shell. The outer holes are sunk within grooves so that fabric, leaves and petals and the like are not sucked against the holes and torn, ripped or frayed. The grooves also provide even suction over the surface of the outer shell.

Abstract: The broom comprises a handle in the form of an elongated stick, a broom body fixed below to the handle, cleaning means born by the broom body and designed to collect dirt on a floor after dragging of the broom body on said floor. It is characterized in that it comprises a vacuum cleaner unit housed in the broom body provided with a suction mouth open at the bottom in a position adjacent to the cleaning means.

Abstract: A device connectable to a vacuum source for loosening, gathering and suction removal of pet hair and the like from the pet and for simultaneous gentle pet massage. The device is molded as a single integral unit formed of resilient elastomeric material such as silicone and includes a plurality of spaced flexible conical shaped members downwardly extending from its main body. The lower tips of these conical members define a lower working surface and serve to simulate and gather loose pet hair, dander, skin flakes and the like while simultaneously massaging the pet. This debris is suctioned into an elongated downwardly open suction channel formed partially into a lower surface of, and extending along substantially the entire length of the main body. The suction channel extends downwardly below the lower surface of the main body toward but not to the working surface to establish a clearance gap for enhanced vacuum suctioning of the debris into the suction channel.

Abstract: A multi-function vacuum cleaner nozzle for attachment to the end of a vacuum cleaner hose. The device comprises a housing body (40), a dust brush (44), and two pivotal cleaning arms (6). Housing (40) has three ports (50), (52), and (54) extending therethrough, with port (50) and port (52) being adapted to receive a suction conduit (4). Port (52) is fitted with dust brush (44) which snaps into a recess (42) encircling said housing. Insertion of the conduit into port (52) selects the arms to receive suction air and substantially doses off port (50). Arms (6) are attached on the end of port (54) which is opposite port (52). Friction ridges (28) and (74) interact with each other, allowing several stable positions for arms (6). This makes the arms adjustable between upholstery, crevice, edge and corner tool positions. Insertion of said conduit into port (50) selects said dust brush to receive suction air and substantially closes off port (54).

Abstract: In order to reduce the energy consumption of the suction unit, on the one hand, and to improve the cleaning effect, on the other hand, of a wiper device for hard surfaces, in particular a window wiper, comprising a slit-shaped suction nozzle, on which a flexible wiper lip is arranged, which protrudes forwardly beyond the suction nozzle, it is suggested that the wiper lip be held on a wall of the suction nozzle and drawn against the opposite wall of the suction nozzle under the influence of a suction stream in the suction nozzle and thereby close the suction nozzle.

Abstract: A fabric covering adapted to be placed over the suction head of a conventional electric broom to prevent the scratching and/or marring of a non-carpeted floor surface. The fabric covering includes first and second opposed openings formed therethrough. The first opening includes an elastic band positioned in a peripheral hem to gather the covering about the suction head. The second opening is substantially, identically shaped as the suction opening formed in the bottom surface of the suction head. Therefore, once the covering is placed over the suction head, no portion of the suction head can contact either the floor surface or any inanimate objects which may be contacted when the electric broom is moved about the floor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cleaner head having a detachable mop, which can perform simuiltaneously both of dust sucking and floor mopping functions, thereby resulting in enhanced efficiency of cleaning and shortening of cleaning hours. The cleaner head according to the present invention comprises a lower cover moved closely to form a head body; a plurality of rollers mounted on the bottom of the lower cover to permit the head body to be moved freely in any direction; mop holding means for detachably holding the mop behind a dust sucking area; and locking means for locking the mop holding means.

Abstract: Systems for containing fluids and for both containing a fluid and then evacuating the contained fluid to a point of treatment or disposal. These systems have a fluid containment boom and a pump for creating a vacuum in the boom and compressing a portion of the lower side of the boom against a surface on which the boom is placed to lock the boom in place and form a barrier against fluid on the surface. The compressible portion may be made of a closed cell material in which case the contained fluid can be evacuated from the surface through the boom.

Abstract: A cleaning head for flat surfaces comprises a device (1) for distribution of cleaning liquid which comprises an injection pipe (2) connected to a washing device (3) located in a cleaning region (4) of the head, and a suction chamber (10) which is connected to a suction passageway (12) and which is disposed adjacent the cleaning region (4) between a scraper (13) and the washing device (3), so as to suck up the liquid and the dirt. The washing device (3) comprises a permeable body (5) onto which discharges the pipe (2) and which is flanked by two scrubbers (6, 7) comprising brushes disposed on opposite sides of the permeable body (5) and disposed substantially transversely to the surface to be cleaned. A second suction chamber (11) is disposed symmetrically relative to the permeable body (5) between one (7) of the brushes and a second scraper (14).

Abstract: A surface cleaning system which allows a sponge or other cleaning element to receive cleaning fluid transported by conduit from a pressurized cleaning fluid container and to apply the same to a surface to be cleaned. A vacuum source extracts the used cleaning fluid from the surface as the operator moves the cleaning element back and forth over the surface to be cleaned to remove the cleaning fluid and contaminants therefrom. The used cleaning fluid then travels by a conduit to a separation container where it is filtered and collected. The used cleaning fluid or fresh fluid can be pumped by a sump pump to a flush basin for rinsing or cleaning the cleaning element. The sump pump is controlled by a pressure valve located in the base of the flush basin. The complete system is typically operated on 115VAC and is portable by way of a push cart.

Abstract: A cleaner attachment for use with a vacuum source, such as a common vacuum cleaner or a central vacuum system, defined by a plurality of feathers arranged about the end of a tube defining the body of the attachment. The feathered covered end of the tube includes a series of openings along both the side wall and the end wall thereof, creating a vacuum type atmosphere with the feathers. In a typical assembly, the quills of the feathers are wire wrapped into position on the tube, and the wire wrapping overlaid by a heat shrinking material.

Abstract: A mop adapted for attachment to a vacuum cleaner comprising a frame member and a mop element detachably secured to said frame member by a plurality of snap fasteners. The mop element has an opening therein adapted to receive a vacuum cleaner's nozzle, suction head, or other attachment. The mop element may be further secured to said frame member by a pair of hook and loop material fastening straps. In the preferred embodiment said straps are sewn onto the mop element and provide for convenient attachment and removal of the mop element from the frame member.

Abstract: The cleaning device comprises a squeegee (1) formed of a blade of elastic material, inside which are formed suction ducts (5) which open in at least one face of the blade through orifices (7) aligned in parallel with the lowermost edge (8) of the squeegee, close to that edge. The suction ducts (5) are connected with flexible tubes (10) passing through a roller-type pump (11) towards a collector tank (15) in which the dirtied cleaning liquid to be eliminated is collected. This device may be used for removing a cleaning liquid having previously been spread over a surface which is to be cleaned.

Abstract: A suction head for attachment to a vacuum cleaner, the suction head including a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having a suction port and a bank on the peripheral of the suction port, and a woven cloth disposed on the bank, the woven cloth having cut piles which constitute a brush.

Abstract: A hollow tubular nozzle for attachment to power blowers or "leaf blowers" has a depending rectangular mounting flange extending transversely across its underside, the bottom portion of which is adapted to removably receive and retain a debris and trash loosening attachment member in the form of a brush or scraper blade which forcefully engages the surface to be cleaned to dislodge debris and trash therefrom while preventing damage to the nozzle from contacting the surface. The mounting flange may be integrally formed on the nozzle, or it may be a separate piece having a top portion conforming to the configuration of existing rectangular or round nozzles and adapted to be secured thereto. The mounting flange, brush and scraper attachments may be sold as a do-it-yourself kit to be installed on the existing nozzles. The user may simply install and remove the brush or scraper blade onto the mounting flange when desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aspirating fluids from a surgical operating room utilizing a suction head that readily slides along the floor in response to translational forces applied by foot by operating room personnel. The suction head has a flat bottom surface with a plurality of narrow flow channels defined therein between a suction port mouth and the surface periphery. Support ribs, disposed on the top surface in juxtaposed alignment with respective flow channels, impart strength to the suction head and prevent sealing of the flow channels. The suction head is adapted to operate with suction sources commonly available in surgical operating rooms operating through a fluid waste collection chamber. The flow channels conduct fluid to be aspirated while preventing the bottom surface from becoming sealed to the floor.

Abstract: A plastic floor cleaning tool for a vacuum cleaner is characterized by two injection molded plastic pieces that are joined to form an integral structure. By using two plastic pieces to form the floor tool, each may be injection molded to a configuration such that, when they are joined, the floor tool has an aerodynamically shaped interior air flow chamber. The aerodynamically shaped chamber improves the air flow through the floor tool, so that a powerful vortex action is generated at floor level, suction is intensified and debris is aerodynamically airswept through smooth, contoured channels in the floor tool at full force and without encountering acute bends in the air flow path.

Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaner contains within its housing a dust collecting part in front of a fan. A suction inlet is at the front end and the opening surface defined by it is nearly horizontal and either coplanar with or protruding below the bottom surface of the housing so that the accumulated dust will not fall out of the suction inlet when the fan is stopped.

Abstract: An extension device for vacuum cleaner specifically directed to dust removal from under household appliances and pieces of furniture having a small ground clearance. The device includes a main hollow blade portion and a socket portion for connection to the vacuum cleaner suction hose. The blade bottom wall has an elongated aperture and the blade is spacedly supported over ground by shoulder members at the ends of this aperture. The front end of the blade has also a transverse slit. The blade and socket bottom walls are coplanar.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle comprises a housing (10) having first and second air inlets (13,15) adapted to different cleaning duties. Each of the inlets is connected to a respective outlet (17,19) via a separate duct (16,18). The outlets are arranged on different sides of the housing and are separated by a partition (20) to form two independent sockets for a tube handle connected to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A lightweight portable vacuum cleaner and attachment nozzle are disclosed which may be readily carried by an operator to vacuum both normally accessible and normally inaccessible areas. The vacuum cleaner comprises an elbow-shaped plastic housing which encloses a filter bag and blower motor. The vacuum is carried under the arm of the operator supported from a strap that goes over the operator's shoulder. A deodorant chamber is mounted to the exhaust screen of the housing, so that exhaust from the blower motor can be used to distribute scented odor over the surface that is being cleaned. In addition, footings are mounted adjacent to the exhaust screen so that proper ventilation is assured for the blower motor. A flexible hose with suction tube is frictionally fitted into an aperture in the vacuum cleaner and thereby delivers suction to the area at which they are directed. A specific attachment nozzle is coupled to a 45.degree. coupling which is coupled to the suction tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for loosening-up the walked-down nap of a carpet has a carrier that rides on rollers on the carpet and which is provided with a pair of brushes spaced apart in the displacement direction. Each brush has an elastic bed for a multiplicity of wire bristles with bent-over ends that engage in and loosen up the carpet nap. The brushes may be cylindrical and driven by a motor on the carrier which also drives the rollers. The trailing brush engages more deeply in the carpet nap than the leading brush.