Wet / dry vacuum tool with simplified containment tool and cooperating tool set

Abstract

The application discloses a wet / dry vacuum tool with a simplified containment tool and cooperating tool set. The present disclosure generally relates to a vacuum tool. In one example, a first wet / dry slit tool is provided that may be coupled to a vacuum source and a cleaning fluid source. The first tool includes a vacuum orifice and a cleaning fluid nozzle assembly coupled to a cleaning fluid actuation mechanism to controllably deliver cleaning fluid to a target area to be cleaned. The vacuum orifice is configured to sealingly interface with another cooperating tool. The first tool includes a latch mechanism and a tolerance track to enable the first tool to be securely coupled to another cooperating tool, such as a wet / dry containment tool.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 417,728, filed on January 19, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to wet / dry vacuum tools, and more particularly to a collaborative wet / dry vacuum tool having a simplified containment tool and a set of collaborative tools. Background art

[0004] There is a need to provide a wet / dry vacuum tool. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a wet / dry containment vacuum tool for collaborating with different wet / dry vacuum tools. The wet / dry containment vacuum tool includes a tool body that includes an interface region, a wet / dry cleaning region, and a containment region. The interface region includes: a tool interface surface that mates with an adjacent surface of the different wet / dry vacuum tool; a cleaning fluid interface that includes a slot, wherein the slot is configured to receive a nozzle associated with the different wet / dry vacuum tool; and a vacuum interface that sealingly mates with a vacuum orifice associated with the different wet / dry vacuum tool. The wet / dry cleaning region includes a vacuum orifice fluidly coupled to the vacuum interface through the body. The containment region is disposed between the wet / dry cleaning region and the interface region, and the containment region includes a detachable reservoir coupled to the body, wherein the body defines a wet / dry air flow suction path from the wet / dry cleaning region, through the detachable reservoir, and through the interface region, and wherein the detachable reservoir receives solids and liquids contained within the wet / dry air flow suction path.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a wet / dry receiving vacuum tool for cooperating with different wet / dry vacuum tools. The wet / dry receiving vacuum tool includes a tool body that includes an interface region, a wet / dry cleaning region, and a receiving region. The interface region includes: a tool interface surface that mates with an adjacent surface of the different wet / dry vacuum tool; a cleaning fluid interface that includes a ring member and an annular gasket, the ring member surrounding and spaced from the annular gasket, wherein the annular gasket is configured to sealingly receive a nozzle associated with the different wet / dry vacuum tool; and a vacuum interface that sealingly mates with a vacuum orifice associated with the different wet / dry vacuum tool. The wet / dry cleaning region includes: a cleaning fluid nozzle fluidly coupled to the cleaning fluid interface; a vacuum orifice fluidly coupled to the vacuum interface through the body; an agitator assembly removably coupled to the wet / dry cleaning region of the body, the agitator assembly including a plurality of nibs extending from the body; and a removable cap disposed over the cleaning fluid nozzle and the vacuum orifice, the removable cap including a perforated flange portion for covering the agitator assembly, and wherein the plurality of nibs extend through perforations in the flange portion. The receiving region is disposed between the wet / dry cleaning region and the interface region, and the receiving region includes a removable canister coupled to the body, the canister receiving liquid and / or solids in an airflow path defined between the vacuum orifice and the vacuum interface.

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a collaborative wet / dry vacuum tool set that includes a first tool and a second tool. The first tool has a first tool body that includes a grip region configured to be coupled to a vacuum source and a cleaning fluid source; the first tool body further includes a wet / dry cleaning region disposed opposite an end of the grip region; the wet / dry cleaning region includes: a cleaning fluid nozzle assembly that includes a fluid nozzle and a flanged ring surrounding the fluid nozzle, wherein the fluid nozzle is configured to be fluidly coupled to the cleaning fluid source; a controllable fluid delivery actuator that controllably couples and decouples the cleaning fluid source to the fluid nozzle; a vacuum orifice that is fluidly coupled to the vacuum source through the body; and an agitator assembly that is removably coupled to the wet / dry cleaning region of the body, the agitator assembly including a plurality of chunks extending from the body. The second tool has a second tool body that includes an interface region, a second wet / dry cleaning region, and a receiving region disposed between the wet / dry cleaning region and the interface region, wherein: the interface region includes: a tool interface surface that mates with an adjacent surface of the first tool; a cleaning fluid interface that includes a slot, wherein the slot is configured to receive a nozzle associated with the first tool; and a vacuum interface that sealingly mates with a vacuum orifice associated with the first tool; and a wet / dry cleaning region that includes a vacuum orifice that is fluidly coupled to the vacuum interface through the body; and a receiving region disposed between the wet / dry cleaning region and the interface region, the receiving region including a removable reservoir coupled to the body, wherein the body defines a wet / dry air flow suction path from the wet / dry cleaning region, through the removable reservoir, and through the interface region, and wherein the removable reservoir receives solids and liquids contained within the wet / dry air flow suction path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features and advantages will be better understood after reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1A A perspective side view of a first wet / dry vacuum tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0010] Figure 1B Another perspective side view of the first tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0011] Figure 1C A perspective view of the rear end of a first wet / dry vacuum tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0012] Figure 1DShows a close-up perspective view of the wet / dry area of a first wet / dry vacuum tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 1E Shows another perspective side view of a first wet / dry vacuum tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 1F Shows the wet / dry area of a first wet / dry vacuum tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure along Figure 1E A close-up cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in;

[0015] Figure 1G Shows the wet / dry area of a first wet / dry vacuum tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure along Figure 1E Another close-up cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in;

[0016] Figure 2A Shows a perspective side view of a second wet / dry vacuum tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2B Shows a perspective front view of a tool housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2C Shows a perspective front view and a partial exploded view of a tool housing 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2D Shows a perspective rear view of a tool housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2E Shows a perspective rear view and a partial cross-sectional view of a tool housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2F Shows another perspective rear view of a tool housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2G Shows another perspective side view of a tool housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2H Shows a cross-sectional view of a tool housing taken along line XI-XI according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2G in;

[0024] Figure 2I Shows a perspective bottom view of a tool housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2J Shows a perspective side view of a tool housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2K shows a Figure 2J side perspective view of a receiving tool;

[0027] Figure 3A shows a three-dimensional side view of a collaboration tool set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of a collaboration tool set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3A in

[0029] Figure 4A shows a three-dimensional side view of another receiving tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of a receiving tool according to the present disclosure; Figure 4A in

[0031] Figure 4C shows a bottom perspective view of a receiving tool according to one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4D shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a receiving tool;

[0033] Figure 5 shows a schematic example of a handheld extraction cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0034] Figure 6 shows a schematic example of an upright extraction cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0035] The present disclosure generally relates to vacuum tools. In one example, a first wet / dry crevice tool is provided that may be coupled to a vacuum source and a cleaning fluid source. The first tool includes a vacuum orifice and a cleaning fluid nozzle assembly that is coupled to a cleaning fluid actuation mechanism to controllably deliver cleaning fluid to a target area to be cleaned. The vacuum orifice and the cleaning fluid nozzle assembly are configured to sealingly interface with another cooperating tool. The first tool includes a latch mechanism and a tolerance rail to enable the first tool to be securely coupled to another cooperating tool, such as a liquid containment tool. In another example, a liquid containment tool is provided that includes a cleaning fluid interface for sealingly coupling to the nozzle assembly of the crevice tool and a vacuum interface for sealingly coupling to the vacuum orifice of the crevice tool. The containment tool includes a vacuum orifice fluidly coupled to the vacuum interface to receive suction at the vacuum orifice of the containment tool. The containment tool includes a liquid ejection nozzle and a conduit that is coupled between the cleaning fluid interface and the liquid ejection nozzle to controllably deliver cleaning fluid through the containment tool. The first tool and the liquid containment tool are configured to be attached together and cooperate to perform various cleaning tasks. The wet / dry tools described herein may be coupled to various wet / dry extractor cleaners, and depending on the cleaning task, the wet / dry tools described herein may be used with various cleaning solutions.

[0036] Figure 1A A perspective side view of a first wet / dry vacuum tool 100 (hereinafter referred to as "crevice tool 100") in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The crevice tool 100 includes a body 102 that includes a grip region 103 located at one end of the body 102 and a wet / dry cleaning region 105 located at an opposite end of the body 102. The grip region 103 has a generally circular cross-section that is sized to be gripped by a user during operation of the crevice tool 100. The body 102 also includes an adjacent region 107 between the wet / dry cleaning region 105 and the grip region 103, where the adjacent region 107 includes one or more surfaces to receive different tools placed on the wet / dry cleaning region 105, as will be described in more detail below.

[0037] The wet / dry cleaning area 105 of the body 102 includes an air flow orifice (vacuum orifice) 104 defined at an end of the body 102 and pointing toward the lower side of the body 102, an agitator assembly 106 typically disposed adjacent to the vacuum orifice 104 on the lower side of the body 102, and a fluid distribution nozzle assembly 108 disposed adjacent to the agitator assembly 106. The vacuum orifice 104 is in fluid communication through the body 102 with an opposite end of the body (the end of the grip area 103), such that when the crevice tool 100 is coupled to a vacuum source hose (not shown), suction is applied to the vacuum orifice 104. Although the vacuum orifice 104 is depicted as having a generally rectangular cross-section, in some embodiments, the vacuum orifice may have a generally circular cross-section, a generally oval cross-section, a triangular cross-section, an elongate cross-section, etc. The agitator assembly 106 typically includes a plurality of filaments (e.g., elongate filaments) extending from the body 102. The filaments may be formed of, for example, plastic, rubber, composite materials, metal, metal composite materials, etc. In some embodiments, for a given cleaning task, a plurality of filaments may be selected for a desired hardness, length, and / or density. Additionally, in some embodiments, the agitator assembly 106 may be removably coupled to the body 102, thereby allowing interchangeable agitator assemblies to be coupled to the body 102 for a given cleaning task. The nozzle assembly 108 typically includes a liquid injection nozzle and a flanged housing, which will be described in more detail below.

[0038] The body 102 also includes a cleaning fluid actuator 110, which is typically configured to allow a user to controllably apply (from a fluid source hose, not shown in this figure) cleaning fluid through the fluid nozzle assembly 108. As shown, the cleaning fluid actuator 110 may include a trigger button having a form factor suitable for a human finger to initiate and stop the flow of liquid from the nozzle. As will be described in more detail below, the cleaning fluid actuator 110 may be biased to a closed (or “off”) position to prevent fluid from flowing through the nozzle assembly 108 (and thus reduce unintentional discharge of liquid).

[0039] To enable the crevice tool 100 to mate with another tool (e.g., a liquid containment tool, a wet / dry containment tool, each described below), the body 102 of the crevice tool 100 may include one or more mating features to mate with and provide a locking engagement with the other tool. For example, and as will be described in more detail below, the body may include one or more recesses located on either side of the body 102 (one of the recesses is in Figure 1Ashown at 112A in [description] for mating with one or more protrusions of another tool. Additionally, the body 102 may further include tracks and / or slots (e.g., track 114A, a matching track / slot on the other side of the body 102) on either side of the body 102 for mating with slots and / or tracks of another tool. To securely attach the grip region 103 to a vacuum / liquid hose (not shown in this figure), the end of the body may include one or more slots and / or notches 116A to mate with corresponding notches / slots of the vacuum / liquid hose.

[0040] Figure 1B Another perspective side view of the crevice tool 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown in this view, the body 102 may further include a connection latch 122 for latching to another tool (not shown in this figure). The user may engage an actuation button 118 to engage / disengage the latch with another tool. The latch 122 is shown as a movable "hook" that slidably engages and disengages with another tool, and the actuation button 118 may include a spring mechanism (not shown in this figure) to bias the actuation latch 122 to a locked position when the actuation latch 122 engages with another tool. Although the actuation latch 122 and the user button 118 are shown as being generally disposed on the "top" of the body 102, in other embodiments, the latch 122 / button 118 may be disposed at other locations along the periphery of the body 102. Also as shown in this view, an opening 120 (also referred to as a suction inlet 120) is defined at the end of the grip region 103 for connection to a liquid / vacuum hose. As shown, the area around the opening 120 may include additional slots / notches (e.g., slot 116B to securely engage the end of the vacuum hose).

[0041] Figure 1CA perspective view of the rear end of a crevice tool 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown in this view, when the end of a vacuum hose is inserted into the opening 120, a gripping region 103 of the body 102 defines one or more interfacial abutment surfaces 124 within the well of the opening 120 to provide end stop. Within the opening, a liquid connection interface 126 may be provided to couple to a liquid hose line (not shown in this figure). The liquid connection interface 126 may include internal “ridges” and / or ribs to provide a “snap fit” and watertight seal with the liquid hose line (and the liquid hose line may include a mating end that includes a seal (e.g., an O-ring, etc.)) to seal within the liquid connection interface 126. Although the body 102 at the end of the gripping region 103 is shown as having a generally circular cross-section, in other embodiments, the opening 120 may be defined to have a different shape, such as rectangular, oval, irregular shape, etc. Additionally, the size of the opening 120 may be defined to interface with a variety of vacuum hose types, which may include conventional and / or custom and / or proprietary vacuum hoses.

[0042] Figure 1D A close-up perspective view of the wet / dry cleaning region 105 of the crevice tool 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the nozzle assembly 108 includes a flanged ring 125 surrounding the liquid distribution nozzle 127. The flanged ring 125 includes a sidewall portion 128 that is generally sized to interface with a corresponding liquid interface of another tool and provide a liquid-tight seal with the liquid interface of the other tool (all of which are described in more detail below). Also shown in this view are the recesses 112A and 112B defined on either side of the nozzle assembly 108 as described above. Other features shown in this view include the engagement tracks 114A, the abutment surface 107, the vacuum orifice 104, and the agitator assembly 106, each as described above.

[0043] Figure 1E A further perspective side view of the crevice tool 100 is shown, Figure 1F showing a close-up cross-sectional view of the wet / dry cleaning region 105 taken along Figure 1E the line X-X in Figure 1FAs shown, the cleaning fluid actuator 110 includes a movable trigger actuator 111. The trigger actuator 111 is coupled to the piston conduit 132 (e.g., coupled at the shoulder point 141). The trigger spring 130 is coupled to (e.g., around) a portion of the piston conduit 132. The piston conduit 132 and the spring 130 are contained within the piston chamber 143 to enable compression and release of the spring 130. The piston conduit 132 is coupled to a release valve 134 that is disposed within a sealed housing 135 defined in the body 102. The release valve 134 allows liquid to flow into the chamber 138 and the nozzle conduit 140. The nozzle conduit 140 is disposed within the sealed chamber and is in a closed or off position, and a gasket (or O-ring) 142 provides a liquid-tight seal for the nozzle conduit 140. The sealed chamber 135 includes a recess 136 to receive the gasket 142 when the piston conduit 132 and the release valve 134 are moved to the rear position, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the piston conduit 132 and around the release valve 134 and the gasket 142, as Figure 1F shown by the fluid flow path in

[0044] In operation, when the user pulls the movable trigger actuator 111 rearward, the piston conduit 132 and the release valve 134 are pushed rearward, aligning the gasket 142 with the recess 136, thereby allowing liquid (via the liquid connection interface 120) to flow through the piston conduit 132 and around the release valve 134 and the gasket 142 and into the chamber 138. In some embodiments, the chamber 138 has a larger volume (i.e., larger cross-sectional surface area) than the nozzle conduit 140, thereby increasing the pressure as the liquid enters the nozzle conduit 140 and exits through the nozzle assembly 108. Additionally, in some embodiments, the nozzle conduit 140 may taper from the chamber 138 towards the nozzle, thereby providing an additional pressure increase. When the user releases the trigger actuator 111, the trigger spring 130 moves the piston conduit 132 and the release valve 134 forward, thereby sealing the chamber 138 to prevent liquid flow (in other words, the trigger spring 130 biases the piston conduit 132 and the release valve 134 to the "off" position to prevent unintentional liquid discharge).

[0045] Figure 1G Another close-up cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in the wet / dry cleaning area 105 is shown. As Figure 1E shown in Figure 1GAs shown in the view, the latch spring 146 is coupled to the latch release button 118. As shown, the latch release button 118 is coupled to the latch 122. The latch spring 146 extends from a platform formed in the internal structure of the body and is biased to push the latch release button 118 upward, thereby keeping the latch 122 in the locked position. Pushing the latch release button 118 downward causes the latch 122 to move downward, thereby disengaging the tool coupled to the latch 122.

[0046] The vacuum airflow duct 150 is defined in the body 102 between the vacuum orifice 104 and the rear vacuum hose connection interface (defined in the opening 120). Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, the vacuum airflow duct 150 is disposed above the cleaning fluid duct (between the liquid connection interface 126 and the duct connector 144). In other embodiments, the body 102 may include a wiring chamber, ducts, and / or shafts to fluidly couple the airflow and the cleaning fluid from the rear end of the tool body 102 to the vacuum orifice 104 and the nozzle assembly 108.

[0047] As shown, the internal structure of the body 102 includes various slots, channels, and / or chambers to fix and / or accommodate the trigger actuator 111, the piston duct 132, the trigger spring 130, the release valve 134, the nozzle duct 140, the gasket 142, and the liquid duct connector 144 within the body 102. Of course, such slots, channels, and / or chambers for fixing and / or accommodating components within the body may be modified, for example, according to the dimensions of the selected components, the desired tolerances within the body and between the components, and the like.

[0048] Figure 2A A side perspective view of a second wet / dry vacuum tool 200 (hereinafter referred to as "liquid containment tool 200" or "containment tool 200") according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Generally, Figure 2A the containment tool 200 is configured to engage with (described above) Figures 1A to 1Gon a portion of the crevice tool 100 to provide a collaborative tool set for a variety of wet / dry cleaning tasks. The housing tool 200 generally includes a body 202 that includes an interface region 203 at one end of the body 202, a wet / dry cleaning region 205 at an opposite end of the body 202, and a liquid containment region 207 between the interface region 203 and the wet / dry cleaning region 205. The liquid containment region 207 includes a removable liquid containment reservoir 252 ("reservoir 252") that is generally configured to be attached to and removed from the body 202. The reservoir 252 may include a transparent / opaque window feature 252 to enable a user to observe and evaluate the liquid content within the reservoir 252. The reservoir 252 may also include a locking mechanism 256 to enable a user to unlock the reservoir 252 and remove the reservoir 252 from the body 202, and to lock the reservoir 252 to the body to prevent accidental spillage of the liquid retained within the reservoir. In some embodiments, the reservoir 252 may be attached to the body 202 using mating threads. In other embodiments, the reservoir 252 may be attached to the body 202 using, for example, latches, snap-fit devices, bayonet tabs, etc. Generally, as will be described below, the reservoir 252 is generally configured to contain liquid messes that are suctioned into the body, thereby minimizing the liquid left in the airflow passing through the body 202 and exiting through the interface region 203.

[0049] Figure 2B A front perspective view of the housing tool 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this view, the features of the wet / dry cleaning region 205 are shown. The wet / dry cleaning region 205 includes an elongated vacuum orifice 258, an agitator assembly 260, and a fluid distribution nozzle assembly 262. The agitator assembly 260 is generally disposed adjacent to the vacuum orifice 258 on the bottom side of the body 202, and the fluid distribution nozzle assembly 262 is disposed in front of and above the vacuum orifice 258.

[0050] The vacuum orifice 258 is in fluid communication through the body 202 with an opposite end (in the interface region 203 of the body) such that when the receiving tool 200 is coupled to another tool (which is itself coupled to a vacuum source hose), suction is applied to the vacuum orifice 258. Although the opening of the vacuum orifice 258 is depicted as having a generally elongated rectangular cross-section, in some embodiments, the vacuum orifice may have a generally circular cross-section, a generally oval cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, etc. The agitator assembly 260 (similar to the agitator assembly 106) generally includes a plurality of filaments (e.g., elongated filaments) extending from the body 202. The filaments may be formed of, for example, plastic, rubber, composite materials, metal, metal composite materials, etc. In some embodiments, for a given cleaning task, the plurality of filaments may be selected for a desired hardness, length, and / or density. Additionally, in some embodiments, the agitator assembly 260 may be removably coupled to the body 202, allowing interchangeable agitator assemblies to be coupled to the body 202 for a given cleaning task. The nozzle assembly 262 generally includes a liquid injection nozzle that will be described in more detail below.

[0051] Figure 2C A front perspective and partial exploded view of the receiving tool 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this view, the body includes a removable front panel 270. The removable front panel 270 can be removed to enable cleaning of the vacuum orifice 258 defined in the front portion of the body 202 between the front panel 270 and the wet / dry cleaning region 205. In this example, the vacuum orifice 258 includes a tapered duct that includes a flared portion 267 that tapers to a recessed portion 268 in a region near the opening of the vacuum orifice 258. The tapering from the flared portion 267 to the tapered portion 268 can provide an increased air flow pressure (and velocity) when an air stream (possibly containing liquid) enters the receiving area 207. This can provide enhanced liquid-air separation, where most of the liquid deposits into the reservoir 252 and thus “drier” air passes through the remainder of the tool body 202. Of course, in other embodiments, the vacuum orifice 258 may be formed in other shapes, such as straight, partially tapered, etc.

[0052] Figure 2DA rear perspective view of the housing tool 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In particular, this view shows the interface region 203 in more detail. Generally speaking, the interface region includes an opening 272 to receive a portion of a different tool (e.g., to receive the wet / dry cleaning region 105 of the crevice tool 100 described above), and includes an interface for sealingly coupling a vacuum source and a cleaning fluid source to the housing tool 200. Thus, the interface region 203 includes a tool interface that includes an abutting surface 283 around the periphery of the interface opening 272. The abutting surface 283 is sized to sealingly couple to one or more abutting surfaces 107 of the crevice tool 100 ( Figure 1A ). The abutting surface 283 may include a gasket and / or a rubber seal to provide a liquid and air seal when another tool (e.g., the crevice tool 100 described above) is inserted into the opening 272.

[0053] The interface region 203 also includes a cleaning fluid interface, generally shown at 284, which is generally configured to sealingly couple the nozzle assembly 108 of the crevice tool 100 to the housing tool 200. The cleaning fluid interface 284 includes an outer ring member 278 around the gasket 277. A gap is defined between the outer ring member 278 and the gasket 277 to receive and sealingly engage the outer flange ring 124 of the nozzle assembly 108 ( Figure 1D ). The gasket 277 includes a central annular member 282 to sealingly receive the liquid distribution nozzle 127 of the nozzle assembly 108 ( Figure 1D ). The outer ring member 278 is coupled to a lobe (one lobe is shown at 281A). The lobe 281A has a shape (e.g., a triangular shape) that mates with the recess 112A of the crevice tool 100. The lobe 281A and the outer ring member 278 are coupled to a spring (not shown in this figure), which biases the outer ring member 278 and the lobe 281A upwardly, i.e., towards the center of the interface region 203. When the crevice tool 100 is inserted into the housing tool 200, the lobe 281A and the outer ring member 278 are pushed downwardly (i.e., away from the center of the interface region 203) until the recess 112A is aligned with the lobe 281A. Then, the spring pushes the lobe 281A and the outer ring member 278 upwardly and seals the flanged nozzle ring 124 between the gasket 277 and the outer ring member 278. The cleaning fluid interface is generally configured to convey cleaning fluid from the nozzle 108 of the first tool (e.g., the crevice tool 100) (via an embedded duct channel, as described below) to the nozzle 262 of the housing tool 200.

[0054] The interface region 203 also includes a vacuum interface 274, which has a sidewall portion 276 that has a shape that mates with the vacuum orifice 104 ( Figure 1A) a shape and orientation that match the periphery. On the exposed surface of the sidewall portion 276 (i.e., the surface adjacent to the periphery of the vacuum orifice 104 when the slit tool 100 is inserted into the interface region 203), a seal (e.g., a gasket, a rubber seal, etc.) can be provided to provide an airtight coupling between the vacuum orifice 104 and the vacuum interface 274. Figure 1A ) the surface adjacent to the periphery of).

[0055] The interface region 203 further includes a latch engagement ridge 279 configured to engage and disengage with the latch 122 of the slit tool 100 ( Figure 1B and Figure 1F ) so as to fix the slit tool 100 to the receiving tool 200. The interface region 203 may further include one or more channels (one channel is shown at 280) to receive the tracks 114A and / or 114B (of the slit tool 100) to guide the insertion of the slit tool 100 into the receiving tool 200 and provide an accurate coupling between the slit tool 100 and the receiving tool 200 (i.e., reduce or eliminate the movement between the tools, thereby reducing or eliminating the vacuum pressure drop and / or liquid leakage at the interface region 203).

[0056] Figure 2E A rear perspective and partial cross-sectional view of the receiving tool 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In particular, this figure shows the cleaning fluid interface 284 in more detail. As shown, the engaging blade 281A is coupled to the outer ring member 278, and the outer ring member 278 is respectively coupled to the spring members 287A and 287B, and the operation of the spring members 287A and 287B is as described above. The spring member 287B is coupled to the outer ring member 278 and the corresponding blade 281B (not shown in this figure). Figure 2F Another rear perspective view of the receiving tool 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In particular, this figure shows the gasket 277 of the cleaning fluid interface 284 in more detail. As shown, the central annular member 282 of the gasket 277 can be tapered to sealingly engage the nozzle 127 of the slit tool 100. The size of the taper can be set based on the geometry of the nozzle 127. The screen 285 can be placed within the annular member 282 to prevent particulate matter from entering the nozzle of the receiving tool 200.

[0057] Figure 2G Another perspective side view of the receiving tool 200 is shown, Figure 2H showing a cross-sectional view of the receiving tool 200 taken along the Figure 2G line XI-XI in. As Figure 2HAs shown, starting from the vacuum orifice 258, an air / liquid flow path (AF / L) is defined through the body 202. A cleaning tool (e.g., the receiving tool 200) can be used for vacuum suction of various liquid contaminants, and thus, the air flow path (AH / L) can contain both air and liquid. Between the wet / dry cleaning area 205 and the receiving area 207, a one-way valve 286 (e.g., a duckbill valve, etc.) can be placed in the AF / L path to prevent liquid and / or air from entering the wet / dry cleaning area 205 from the receiving area 207. Once cleared through the valve 286, the AF / L continues to the receiving tank 252 (as indicated by the arrow in the AH / L path). As shown, the receiving tank 252 generally has a larger volume than the AF / L path in the wet / dry cleaning area 205, and thus the larger volume of the tank 252 results in a pressure drop of the vacuum pressure. When the air flow and / or liquid enters the receiving tank 252, the liquid and denser solids in the air flow tend to fall into the tank 252, thereby separating most of the liquid / solids from the air. The (dryer) air flow (AF) continues upward through the mesh body and through the vacuum interface 274 between the first tool (e.g., the crevice tool 100) and this receiving tool 200.

[0058] The receiving area 207 may also include an air flow guiding plate 288 disposed near the tank 252, which is generally configured to control the direction of the air flow (AF / L and AF) through the tank 252. The air flow guiding plate 288 may include side vanes 290A and 290B on either side of the plate 288. The vane 290A may extend downward from the plate towards the bottom of the tank 252 and may further guide the air flow in the AF / L path downward into the tank. The vane 290A can enhance the separation of the liquid and solids in the air flow to deposit into the tank 252. The vane 290B is generally L-shaped and operates by guiding the air flow in a manner similar to the vane 290A, such that the air flow stays in the tank 252 for a longer time, thereby increasing the ability to remove liquid and / or solids from the air flow. The plate 288 may also include a mesh material 289 disposed at its center. A bleed valve (e.g., an umbrella valve, etc.) 292 can be provided to reduce the vacuum pressure. As shown, the bleed valve 292 allows ambient air to enter through the release path (R) and through the vacuum interface 274.

[0059] Also as Figure 2HAs shown, the cleaning fluid interface 284 can be fluidly coupled (via the coupler 294) to the cleaning fluid conduit 295 to deliver the cleaning fluid from a cleaning fluid source through a first tool (e.g., the slot tool 100) to the nozzle 262. It should be noted that actuating the cleaning fluid in the slot tool 100 causes the cleaning fluid to flow through the interface 284 and through the conduit 295 to the nozzle 262 of the present containment tool 200. Thus, the delivery of the cleaning fluid is controlled by the first tool (e.g., the slot tool 100). In this example, the conduit 295 extends from the bottom to the top of the body 202 and surrounds the airflow path.

[0060] Figure 2I A bottom perspective view of a containment tool 200 in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In particular, this figure shows the containment tool 200 with the can 252 removed and the airflow deflector 288' exposed, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The plate 288' of this embodiment includes an L-shaped side vane 290A' that is generally sized to redirect the airflow (AF / L) forward of the body 202 before releasing it into the can. The vane 290B' includes a shroud portion to reduce or eliminate slosh (of the liquid) resulting from hitting the back wall of the can and splashing back toward the mesh, thereby reducing or eliminating slosh of the liquid entering the mesh 289' and being drawn into the vacuum airflow.

[0061] Figure 2J A side perspective view of a containment tool 200' in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the removable front panel 270' includes a flange portion 265 sized to be disposed on the agitator assembly 260. The flange portion 265 provides a continuous cover over the agitator assembly 260 and the vacuum orifice 258 in the wet / dry cleaning area 205' of the body 202' to prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris around the vacuum orifice 258. The removable front panel 270' can be formed of, for example, a light-transmitting / transparent material (e.g., plastic, fiberglass, etc.) to enable a user to evaluate the accumulation of dirt and debris behind the front panel 270'. As described below, removing the front panel 270' that includes the flange portion 265 allows any dirt / debris around the vacuum orifice 258 and / or the agitator assembly 260 to "fall off" the body 202'.

[0062] The removable front panel 270' includes an upper tab portion 221 configured to mate with a shoulder 222 of the body 202'. The tab portion 221 and the shoulder 222 can be coupled together in a "snap-fit" arrangement, thereby allowing the front panel 270' to be removed from the body 202'. The front panel 270' also defines an opening 223 to receive the nozzle assembly 262. Figure 2KA side perspective view showing the housing tool 200' with the detachable front panel 270' removed from the body 202'. As shown, the flange portion 265 of the front panel 270 includes a plurality of holes or openings sized to receive filaments associated with the agitator assembly 260. In one embodiment, an unobstructed opening 225 corresponding to the vacuum orifice 258 is provided.

[0063] As shown, the internal and external structures of the body 202 / 202' include various slots, channels, and / or chambers to define the above-described airflow paths (e.g., AF / L path, AF path, R path) and to secure and / or accommodate the cleaning fluid interface 284, the conduit 295, the coupler 294, the plate 288, the valves 286 and 292, the airflow interface 274, the nozzle 262, etc. within the body 202. Of course, such slots, channels, and / or chambers for defining paths and securing and / or accommodating components within the body can be modified, for example, according to the dimensions of the selected components, the desired tolerances between the components within the body, etc.

[0064] Figure 3A A perspective side view showing the collaborative tool set 300 Figure 3B showing the collaborative tool set 300 along Figure 3A the line XI-XI in Figure 3A As shown, the collaborative tool includes a crevice tool 100 that is inserted into (and detachably coupled to) the housing tool 200, thereby providing a liquid-containing tool that can be used for various cleaning tasks. As described above, the crevice tool 100 can operate independently of the housing tool 200, and when the crevice tool 100 and the housing tool 200 are coupled together as shown, the crevice tool 100 provides cleaning fluid and vacuum airflow to the housing tool 200.

[0065] Figure 3B The cross-sectional view of Figure 3B shows the coupling between the nozzle assembly 108 (crevice tool 100) and the nozzle interface 284 (housing tool 200), and the coupling between the vacuum orifice 104 (crevice tool 100) and the vacuum interface 274 (housing tool 200).

[0066] Figure 4A A perspective side view showing another housing tool 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Generally, Figure 4A the housing tool 400 is configured to be in Figures 1A to 1Gengages with a portion of the gap tool 100 (as described above) to provide a collaborative tool set for a variety of wet / dry cleaning tasks. The containment tool 400 generally includes a body 402 that includes an interface region 403 at one end of the body 402, a wet / dry cleaning region 405 at an opposite end of the body 402, and a wet / dry containment region 407 between the interface region 403 and the wet / dry cleaning region 405. The wet / dry containment region 407 includes a removable containment reservoir 452 ("reservoir 452") that is generally configured to be attached to or detached from the body 402. The reservoir 452 can be formed of a light-transmissive / transparent material to enable a user to observe and evaluate the liquid or dry contents within the reservoir 452. The reservoir 452 can also include a locking mechanism to enable a user to unlock the reservoir 452 and detach the reservoir 452 from the body 402, and to lock the reservoir 452 to the body to prevent accidental spillage of the liquid retained in the reservoir. In some embodiments, the reservoir 452 can be attached to the body 402 using mating threads. In other embodiments, the reservoir 452 can be attached to the body 402 using, for example, latches, snap-fit devices, bayonet tabs, etc. Generally speaking, as will be described below, the reservoir 452 is generally configured to contain the liquid and dry debris that is drawn into the body. Thus, unlike Figures 2A to 2I the embodiments described below, the containment tool 400 of this embodiment is designed to deposit both the liquid and dry debris into the reservoir 452 through a single wet / dry path through the body 402.

[0067] A vacuum orifice 458 (also referred to as a suction inlet 458) is in fluid communication through the body 402 with an opposite end (in the interface region 403) of the body such that when the containment tool 400 is coupled to another tool (which is itself coupled to a vacuum source hose), suction is applied to the vacuum orifice 458. Although the opening of the vacuum orifice 458 is depicted as having a generally elongated rectangular cross-section, in some embodiments, the vacuum orifice can have a generally circular cross-section, a generally oval cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, etc. The slot 461 of the agitator assembly is sized to receive an agitator assembly, such as the agitator assembly 260 (as described above).

[0068] The body 402 includes as described above for Figure 2J and Figure 2KThe detachable front panel 470. The detachable front panel 470 can be removed to enable cleaning of the vacuum orifice 458 defined in the front portion of the body 402 between the front panel 470 and the wet / dry cleaning area 405. The detachable front panel 470 can be translucent or transparent to enable direct viewing of the area behind the front panel 470. In this example, the vacuum orifice 458 includes a tapered duct that includes a flared portion 467 that tapers to a recessed portion 468 in the area near the opening of the vacuum orifice 458. The tapering from the flared portion 467 to the tapered portion 468 can provide increased airflow pressure (and velocity) when the airflow (which may contain liquid) enters the receiving area 407. Of course, in other embodiments, the vacuum orifice 458 can be formed in other shapes, such as straight, partially tapered, etc.

[0069] The interface area 403 also includes a latch engagement ridge 479 that is configured to engage and disengage with the latch 122 of the crevice tool 100 ( Figure 1B and Figure 1F ) to secure the crevice tool 100 to the receiving tool 400. The interface area 403 can also include one or more channels (to receive the tracks 114A and / or 114B (of the crevice tool 100)) to guide the insertion of the crevice tool 100 into the receiving tool 400 and to provide an accurate coupling between the crevice tool 100 and the receiving tool 400 (i.e., to reduce or eliminate movement between the tools, thereby reducing or eliminating vacuum pressure drop and / or liquid leakage at the interface 403). The interface area 403 also defines an opening 414 to receive a portion of the crevice tool 100, as described below.

[0070] The receiving area 407 also includes a filter assembly 495 disposed within the reservoir 452 and within the wet / dry airflow path such that both wet and dry dirt inhaled through the vacuum orifice 458 pass through the filter assembly 495. The filter assembly 495 includes a generally conical-shaped frame 499 and filter material 497 disposed over most of the frame 499. The filter material 497 can be formed of, for example, composite material, paper, cloth, stainless steel mesh, etc., and can be removed from the frame 499 for cleaning / replacement, etc. The filter assembly 495 can be removably secured to the body 402 in the receiving area 407 in a screw-type manner, snap-fit, and / or other mechanism to allow the user to remove and install the filter assembly 495.

[0071] Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of the receiving tool 400 taken along Figure 4A line XIII-XIII in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Additionally, Figure 4BA collaborative tool set is shown, where the slot tool 100 is removably coupled to an interface area 403 of the receiving tool 400, which is similar to Figure 3A and Figure 3B the embodiments of. As described above, the slot tool 100 can operate independently of the receiving tool 400, and when the slot tool 100 and the receiving tool 400 are coupled together as shown, the slot tool 100 provides a cleaning fluid and a vacuum air flow to the receiving tool 400.

[0072] As shown, the slot tool 100 is inserted into the interface area 403 such that a portion of the suction interface 104 extends through the opening 414. Thus, the suction air flow path 449 is defined to start from the vacuum orifice 458, pass through the reservoir 452 and the filter assembly 495, and exit through the interface 104 / 472. The conical shape of the frame 499 typically results in an air flow pattern with a vortex or swirling effect, as Figure 4B shown by the suction air flow path 449 of. The slot tool 100 can be coupled to a vacuum system, which can include a cleaning fluid supply source and a waste water tank as described below. Thus, both wet and dry contaminants are at least partially contained in the reservoir 452. The slot 416 is defined by the structure of the interface area 403 to receive the nozzle assembly 108 while exposing the nozzle assembly 108 to the outside of the receiving tool 400.

[0073] Figure 4CShows a bottom perspective view of the housing tool 400'. In this embodiment, the housing tool 400' is similar to the housing tool 400 described above. In this embodiment, the wet / dry cleaning area 405 includes a pet hair removal assembly 485, which is generally disposed around the suction inlet 458 and adjacent to the agitator assembly 460. In an embodiment, the pet hair removal assembly includes a plurality of first ribs 485A disposed near the agitator assembly 460. The plurality of first ribs 485A are arranged to be substantially parallel to the suction inlet 458 in the space between the suction inlet 458 and the agitator assembly 460. At least one second rib 485B is disposed on the front edge 459 of the cover 470 such that the suction inlet 458 is surrounded by the pet hair removal assembly 485. When agitating against a surface containing hair, the ribs 485A / 485B of the pet hair removal assembly 485 tend to force the hair into the suction inlet 458 for removal of the hair. In addition, the ribs 485A / 485B are particularly useful for removing hair from difficult surfaces (e.g., hair embedded in carpets, fabrics, etc.). The pet hair removal assembly 485 can be formed of, for example, plastic, rubber, composite materials, metal, metal composite materials, etc. In some embodiments, for a given cleaning task, the ribs 485A / 485B of the pet hair removal assembly 485 can be selected for a desired hardness, length, depth, and / or density. In addition, in some embodiments, the pet hair removal assembly 485 can be detachably coupled to the body 402, allowing interchangeable pet hair removal assemblies to be coupled to the body 402 for a given cleaning task.

[0074] The agitator assembly 460 (similar to the agitator assemblies 106, 260) generally includes a plurality of filamentous members (nubbins) extending from the body 402. The agitator assembly can be coupled to the body 402, for example, by snap-fit tabs 461, etc. The nubbins can be formed of, for example, plastic, rubber, composite materials, metal, metal composite materials, etc. In some embodiments, for a given cleaning task, the plurality of nubbins can be selected for a desired hardness, length, and / or density. In addition, in some embodiments, the agitator assembly 460 can be detachably coupled to the body 402, allowing interchangeable agitator assemblies to be coupled to the body 402 for a given cleaning task. To reduce or eliminate the accumulation of dirt and debris that accumulates near the wet / dry cleaning area 405, the agitator assembly 460 and the pet hair removal assembly 485 can be sized such that the gap 462 between the agitator assembly 460 and the pet hair removal assembly 485 is reduced or eliminated.

[0075] Figure 4DA cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the tool 400 housing is shown. In this embodiment, the agitator assembly 460' includes a two-sided assembly that includes a first set of agitation pieces (or filaments or tufts, etc.) 442 disposed on a first side of the agitator assembly 460' and a second set of agitation pieces 444 disposed on an opposite second side of the agitator assembly 460'. As described above, the agitator assembly 460' may be detachably coupled to the body 402 via, for example, a tab 461'. The pieces 442 may be different from the pieces 444, allowing the user to select an appropriate piece length and / or hardness for a given cleaning task.

[0076] As shown, the internal structure of the body 402 includes various slots, channels, and / or chambers to define the above-described airflow paths (e.g., the wet / dry suction airflow path 449) and to secure and / or house the above-described components within the body 402. Of course, such slots, channels, and / or chambers for defining paths and securing and / or housing components within the body may be modified, for example, according to the size of the selected components, the desired tolerances within the body and between the components, etc.

[0077] As described above, depending on the type of cleaning task to be performed, the crevice tool 100 may be coupled to a vacuum source and a cleaning fluid source. Accordingly, Figure 5 A schematic example of a handheld extraction cleaner 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the handheld extraction cleaner 500 includes a cleaner body 502, a carrying handle 504 for carrying the cleaner body 502, a supply tank 506 configured to receive a first cleaning fluid, an additional tank 508 configured to receive a second cleaning fluid, and a recovery tank 510. A cleaning tool (e.g., the crevice tool 100) and / or a tool set 100 / 200 and / or a tool set 100 / 400 (as described above) are configured to dispense the first cleaning fluid and / or the second cleaning fluid onto a surface 514 to be cleaned and to extract at least a portion of the dispensed first cleaning fluid and / or second cleaning fluid. The extracted first cleaning fluid and / or second cleaning fluid may be conveyed to the recovery tank (e.g., a dirty water tank) 510 for collection and later disposal.

[0078] In some embodiments, the second cleaning fluid can include a boost fluid mixed with a base cleaning fluid. For example, the boost fluid can include, for example, an oxide (e.g., hydrogen peroxide). The base cleaning fluid can include, for example, water, a detergent, soap, a fragrance, and / or other cleaning fluids. The pH of the boost fluid can be less than the pH of the base cleaning fluid to prevent decomposition of the boost fluid in the second cleaning fluid. In some embodiments, for example, the pH of the boost fluid can be less than or equal to about 4.5 and the pH of the base cleaning fluid can be greater than or equal to about 9. Using a boost fluid in the second cleaning fluid can be particularly useful when using a cleaning tool (e.g., the crevice tool 100) and / or tool set 100 / 200 and / or tool set 100 / 400 to clean (e.g., to clean a heavily soiled target area).

[0079] As shown, a flexible hose 516 couples a cleaning tool or tool set described herein to a cleaner body 502 of a handheld extraction cleaner 500. The flexible hose 516 can include a fluid delivery passage 518 (e.g., one or more delivery tubes) that extends within a recovery passage 520 defined within the flexible hose 516.

[0080] The fluid delivery passage 518 fluidly couples the wet / dry tool described herein to the supply tank 506 and / or the additional tank 508. The cleaning tool or tool set described herein can be configured to selectively fluidly couple the fluid applicator 522 of the cleaning tool or tool set described herein to the fluid delivery passage 518 (e.g., such that a user can control the delivery of a first cleaning fluid, a second cleaning fluid, and / or a mixture of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to the surface 514 to be cleaned). In some cases, the additional tank 508 can be selectively fluidly coupled to the cleaning tool 512 (e.g., such that a mixture of a first cleaning fluid and a second cleaning fluid can be selectively applied). The handheld extraction cleaner 500 can include a pump 524 (e.g., the cleaner body 502 includes the pump 524), which is fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery passage 518 at a location downstream of at least one of the supply tank 506 and / or the additional tank 508 and upstream of the fluid applicator 522 of the cleaning tool and / or tool set described herein. Thus, the pump 524 can generally be described as being configured to force the first cleaning fluid and / or the second cleaning fluid to be dispensed through the fluid applicator 522 onto the surface 514 to be cleaned. In some cases, the handheld extraction cleaner 500 can be configured to deliver only the first cleaning fluid, only the second cleaning fluid, and / or a combination of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid. For example, a user of the handheld extraction cleaner can select between delivering only the first cleaning fluid, only the second cleaning fluid, or a combination of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to the surface 514 to be cleaned. As another example, the handheld extraction cleaner 500 can be configured to deliver only a combination of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to the surface 514 to be cleaned. In this example, the handheld extraction cleaner 500 can be configured to deliver a combination of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid until at least one of the first cleaning fluid and / or the second cleaning fluid is depleted. Alternatively, in this example, when one of the first cleaning fluid or the second cleaning fluid is depleted, the other of the first cleaning fluid or the second cleaning fluid can continue to be delivered to the surface 514 to be cleaned until it is depleted.

[0081] At least a portion of any debris on the surface 514 to be cleaned is entrained within the dispensed first cleaning fluid and / or second cleaning fluid. When debris is entrained within the first cleaning fluid and / or second cleaning fluid, the resulting mixture may generally be referred to as dirty cleaning fluid. A recovery passage 520 defined within a flexible hose 516 fluidly couples a cleaning tool or set of tools described herein (e.g., a suction inlet 120 of a cleaning tool (e.g., the crevice tool 100)) to a recovery bin 510. For example, a handheld extraction cleaner 500 may include a suction motor 528 (e.g., the cleaner body 502 includes the suction motor 528) fluidly coupled to the recovery passage 520 and the recovery bin 510 such that the suction motor 528 generates an air flow that extracts at least a portion of the dispensed first cleaning fluid and / or second cleaning fluid from the surface 514 to be cleaned (e.g., using the suction inlet 120). At least a portion of the extracted cleaning fluid is deposited within the recovery bin 510.

[0082] As another example of the type of cleaning system that may be used with the cleaning tools described herein, Figure 6 A schematic example of an upright extraction cleaner 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The upright extraction cleaner 600 includes a surface cleaning head 602, at least one wheel 603 rotatably coupled to the surface cleaning head 602, and an upright body 604 including a handle 606. The upright body 604 is pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning head 602 such that the upright body 604 transitions between a use position and a storage position in response to a pivoting movement of the upright body 604. A user may interact with the handle 606 to maneuver the surface cleaning head 602 along the surface 608 to be cleaned. The upright extraction cleaner 600 includes at least one supply bin 610 and a recovery bin 612. At least one of the supply bin 610 and the recovery bin 612 is removably coupled to the upright body 604. At least one of the upright body 604 and / or the surface cleaning head 602 includes a flexible hose connector 614 configured to removably couple to a flexible hose 616. The flexible hose 616 includes a cleaner end 618 and an attachment end 620, the cleaner end 618 being configured to removably couple to the flexible hose connector 614 and the attachment end 620 being configured to removably connect to, for example, the cleaning tools and / or sets of tools described herein.

[0083] Accordingly, in one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a wet / dry receiving vacuum tool for cooperating with different wet / dry vacuum tools. The wet / dry receiving vacuum tool includes a tool body that includes an interface region, a wet / dry cleaning region, and a receiving region. The interface region includes: a tool interface surface that mates with an adjacent surface of the different wet / dry vacuum tool; a cleaning fluid interface that includes a slot, wherein the slot is configured to receive a nozzle associated with the different wet / dry vacuum tool; and a vacuum interface that sealingly mates with a vacuum orifice associated with the different wet / dry vacuum tool. The wet / dry cleaning region includes a vacuum orifice fluidly coupled to the vacuum interface through the body. The receiving region is disposed between the wet / dry cleaning region and the interface region, and the receiving region includes a detachable reservoir coupled to the body, wherein the body defines a wet / dry air flow suction path from the wet / dry cleaning region, through the detachable reservoir, and through the interface region, and wherein the detachable reservoir receives solids and liquids contained within the wet / dry air flow suction path.

[0084] In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a wet / dry receiving vacuum tool for cooperating with different wet / dry vacuum tools. The wet / dry receiving vacuum tool includes a tool body that includes an interface region, a wet / dry cleaning region, and a receiving region. The interface region includes: a tool interface surface that mates with an adjacent surface of the different wet / dry vacuum tool; a cleaning fluid interface that includes a ring member and an annular gasket, the ring member surrounding and spaced from the annular gasket, wherein the annular gasket is configured to sealingly receive a nozzle associated with the different wet / dry vacuum tool; and a vacuum interface that sealingly mates with a vacuum orifice associated with the different wet / dry vacuum tool. The wet / dry cleaning region includes: a cleaning fluid nozzle fluidly coupled to the cleaning fluid interface; a vacuum orifice fluidly coupled to the vacuum interface through the body; an agitator assembly detachably coupled to the wet / dry cleaning region of the body, the agitator assembly including a plurality of lumps extending from the body; and a detachable cover disposed over the cleaning fluid nozzle and the vacuum orifice, the detachable cover including a perforated flange portion for covering the agitator assembly, and wherein the plurality of lumps extend through perforations in the flange portion. The receiving region is disposed between the wet / dry cleaning region and the interface region, and the receiving region includes a detachable canister coupled to the body, the canister receiving liquids and / or solids within an air flow path defined between the vacuum orifice and the vacuum interface.

[0085] In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a collaborative wet / dry vacuum tool set that includes a first tool and a second tool. The first tool has a first tool body that includes a grip region configured to be coupled to a vacuum source and a cleaning fluid source; the first tool body further includes a wet / dry cleaning region disposed opposite an end of the grip region; the wet / dry cleaning region includes: a cleaning fluid nozzle assembly that includes a fluid nozzle and a flanged ring surrounding the fluid nozzle, wherein the fluid nozzle is configured to be fluidly coupled to the cleaning fluid source; a controllable fluid delivery actuator that controllably couples and decouples the cleaning fluid source to the fluid nozzle; a vacuum orifice that is fluidly coupled to the vacuum source through the body; and an agitator assembly that is removably coupled to the wet / dry cleaning region of the body, the agitator assembly including a plurality of small pieces extending from the body. The second tool has a second tool body that includes an interface region, a second wet / dry cleaning region, and a receiving region disposed between the wet / dry cleaning region and the interface region, wherein: the interface region includes: a tool interface surface that mates with an adjacent surface of the first tool; a cleaning fluid interface that includes a slot, wherein the slot is configured to receive a nozzle associated with the first tool; and a vacuum interface that sealingly mates with a vacuum orifice associated with the first tool; and a wet / dry cleaning region that includes a vacuum orifice that is fluidly coupled to the vacuum interface through the body; and a receiving region disposed between the wet / dry cleaning region and the interface region, the receiving region including a removable reservoir coupled to the body, wherein the body defines a wet / dry air flow suction path from the wet / dry cleaning region, through the removable reservoir, and through the interface region, and wherein the removable reservoir receives solids and liquids contained within the wet / dry air flow suction path.

[0086] Although the principles of the present invention have been described herein, those skilled in the art should understand that this specification is provided by way of example only and not as a limitation on the scope of the present invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions made by those of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited except as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wet / dry accommodating vacuum tool for cooperating with different wet / dry vacuum tools, the wet / dry accommodating vacuum tool comprising: A tool body, the tool body comprising: An interface area, the interface area comprising: A tool interface surface that mates with an adjacent surface of the different wet / dry vacuum tool; A cleaning fluid interface, the cleaning fluid interface comprising a slot; wherein the slot is configured to receive a nozzle associated with the different wet / dry vacuum tool; and A vacuum interface that sealingly mates with a vacuum orifice associated with the different wet / dry vacuum tool; and A wet / dry cleaning area, the wet / dry cleaning area comprising: A vacuum orifice fluidly coupled to the vacuum interface through the body; and An accommodating area disposed between the wet / dry cleaning area and the interface area, the accommodating area comprising: A detachable reservoir coupled to the body; wherein the body defines a wet / dry air flow suction path from the wet / dry cleaning area, through the detachable reservoir, and through the interface area; and wherein the detachable reservoir receives solids and liquids contained within the wet / dry air flow suction path.

2. The wet / dry containment vacuum tool according to claim 1, wherein, The accommodating area further comprises a filter assembly sized to be installed within the detachable reservoir and in fluid communication with the wet / dry air flow suction path.

3. The wet / dry containment vacuum tool according to claim 2, wherein, The filter assembly comprises a frame member and filter material at least partially surrounding the frame member; wherein the filter assembly has a generally conical shape to impart a swirling motion to the air flow in the wet / dry air flow suction path within the detachable reservoir.

4. The wet / dry accommodating vacuum tool according to claim 1, the wet / dry accommodating vacuum tool further comprising: An agitator assembly removably coupled to the wet / dry cleaning area of the body and extending from the body.

5. The wet / dry containment vacuum tool according to claim 4, wherein, The agitator assembly comprises a first set of agitator lumps disposed on a first side of the agitator assembly and a second set of agitator lumps disposed on an opposite second side of the agitator assembly.

6. The wet / dry accommodating vacuum tool according to claim 1, the wet / dry accommodating vacuum tool further comprising: A pet hair removal assembly removably coupled to the wet / dry cleaning area of the body, the pet hair removal assembly comprising a plurality of ribs disposed around the vacuum orifice.

7. A wet / dry accommodating vacuum tool for cooperating with different wet / dry vacuum tools, the wet / dry accommodating vacuum tool comprising: A tool body, the tool body comprising: An interface area, the interface area comprising: A tool interface surface that mates with an adjacent surface of the different wet / dry vacuum tool; A cleaning fluid interface, the cleaning fluid interface comprising a ring member and an annular gasket, the ring member surrounding and spaced from the annular gasket; wherein the annular gasket is configured to sealingly receive a nozzle associated with the different wet / dry vacuum tool; and A vacuum interface that mates sealingly with a vacuum orifice, the vacuum orifice being associated with the different wet / dry vacuum tool; and A wet / dry cleaning area, the wet / dry cleaning area comprising: A cleaning fluid nozzle fluidly coupled to the cleaning fluid interface; A vacuum orifice fluidly coupled to the vacuum interface through the body; An agitator assembly removably coupled to the wet / dry cleaning area of the body, the agitator assembly including a plurality of paddles extending from the body; and A removable cover disposed over the cleaning fluid nozzle and the vacuum orifice; the removable cover includes a perforated flange portion for covering the agitator assembly, and wherein the plurality of paddles extend through the perforations in the flange portion; and A receiving area disposed between the wet / dry cleaning area and the interface area, the receiving area comprising: A removable canister coupled to the body, the canister receiving liquids and / or solids in an air flow path defined between the vacuum orifice and the vacuum interface.

8. The wet / dry receiving vacuum tool according to claim 7, wherein, The agitator assembly includes a first set of agitator paddles disposed on a first side of the agitator assembly and a second set of agitator paddles disposed on an opposite second side of the agitator assembly.

9. The wet / dry receiving vacuum tool according to claim 7, the wet / dry receiving vacuum tool further comprising: An air flow guiding plate disposed within the body near the removable canister, the air flow guiding plate directing the air flow in the air flow path toward the bottom end of the canister.

10. The wet / dry receiving vacuum tool according to claim 9, wherein, The air flow guiding plate includes a first vane for directing the air flow from the vacuum orifice toward the bottom end of the canister and a second vane for directing the air flow from the canister to the vacuum interface.

11. The wet / dry receiving vacuum tool according to claim 7, wherein, The cleaning fluid interface is further configured to receive a flange ring member associated with the different wet / dry vacuum tool, the flange ring member being sealingly received in a space between the ring member and the annular gasket.

12. The wet / dry receiving vacuum tool according to claim 7, the wet / dry receiving vacuum tool further comprising: A hook disposed within the interface area, the hook being configured to controllably couple the wet / dry receiving vacuum tool to and decouple the wet / dry receiving vacuum tool from the different wet / dry vacuum tool.

13. A collaborative wet / dry vacuum tool set, the collaborative wet / dry vacuum tool set comprising: A first tool having a first tool body including a gripping area configured to be coupled to a vacuum source and a cleaning fluid source; The first tool body further includes a wet / dry cleaning area disposed opposite an end of the gripping area; The wet / dry cleaning area comprises: A cleaning fluid nozzle assembly including a fluid nozzle and a flanged ring surrounding the fluid nozzle, wherein the fluid nozzle is configured to be fluidly coupled to the cleaning fluid source; A controllable fluid delivery actuator that controllably couples and decouples the cleaning fluid source to the fluid nozzle; A vacuum orifice fluidly coupled through the body to the vacuum source; and An agitator assembly removably coupled to the wet / dry cleaning area of the body, the agitator assembly including a plurality of nibs extending from the body; and A second tool having a second tool body including an interface area, a second wet / dry cleaning area, and a receiving area disposed between the wet / dry cleaning area and the interface area, wherein: The interface area includes: A tool interface surface that mates with an adjacent surface of the first tool; A cleaning fluid interface including a slot; wherein the slot is configured to receive a nozzle associated with the first tool; and A vacuum interface that sealingly mates with a vacuum orifice associated with the first tool; and The wet / dry cleaning area includes: A vacuum orifice fluidly coupled through the body to the vacuum interface; and A receiving area disposed between the wet / dry cleaning area and the interface area, the receiving area including: A removable reservoir coupled to the body; wherein the body defines a wet / dry air flow suction path from the wet / dry cleaning area, through the removable reservoir, and through the interface area; and wherein the removable reservoir receives solids and liquids contained within the wet / dry air flow suction path.

14. The collaborative wet / dry vacuum tool set according to claim 13, wherein, The receiving area further includes a filter assembly sized to be installed within the removable reservoir and in fluid communication with the wet / dry air flow suction path.

15. The collaborative wet / dry vacuum tool set according to claim 14, wherein, The filter assembly includes a frame member and filter material at least partially surrounding the frame member; wherein the filter assembly has a generally conical shape to impart a swirling motion to the air flow in the wet / dry air flow suction path within the removable reservoir.

16. The collaborative wet / dry vacuum tool set according to claim 13, the collaborative wet / dry vacuum tool set further including: An agitator assembly removably coupled to the wet / dry cleaning area of the second tool body, the agitator assembly extending from the body of the second tool.

17. The collaborative wet / dry vacuum tool set according to claim 16, wherein, The agitator assembly includes a first set of agitator nibs disposed on a first side of the agitator assembly and a second set of agitator nibs disposed on an opposite second side of the agitator assembly.

18. The collaborative wet / dry vacuum tool set according to claim 13, further including: A pet hair removal assembly removably coupled to the wet / dry cleaning area of the second tool, the pet hair removal assembly including a plurality of ribs disposed around the vacuum orifice.

Images