Floor cleaner assembly and charging station for floor cleaner

Abstract

A floor cleaner assembly and a charging station for a floor cleaner. The floor cleaner assembly includes a charging station body and a floor cleaner. The charging station body has a front outer surface, a rear outer surface, and an upwardly extending protruding member including a charging port. The floor cleaner includes a suction source, a dust collection container, and a lateral projection defining a groove extending upwardly from a bottom surface and including an electrical contact. The battery powers the floor cleaner and is electrically connected to the electrical contact within the protrusion. When the floor cleaner is connected to the charging station, the protruding member of the charging station extends into the recess of the projection of the floor cleaner to hold the floor cleaner on the charging station, and the charging port forms an electrical connection with the electrical contact when the floor cleaner is connected to the charging station.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 357,286, filed June 30, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The specific embodiments described in this application relate to charging configurations for cleaning tools. Utility Model Content

[0004] In some embodiments, this disclosure includes a charging station for a floor cleaner having a battery with electrical contacts. The charging station includes a front outer surface and a rear outer surface laterally offset from the front outer surface. A right outer surface extends between the front and rear outer surfaces, and a left outer surface also extends between the front and rear outer surfaces. The left and right outer surfaces are laterally offset. A protruding member defines the front, rear, and upper surfaces. The front surface defines a portion of the front outer surface, and the upper surface extends from the front surface toward the rear surface. The rear surface extends downward from the upper surface and is offset from the front surface toward the rear outer surface. A charging port protrudes from the upper surface to form an electrical connection with the electrical contacts of the battery when the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station. A recessed surface includes a rear portion extending rearward from a lower portion of the rear surface and away from the protruding member. The charging station further includes a rear recessed surface lower than the upper surface of the body, and the rear recessed surface extends from the rear outer surface toward the front outer surface. An upwardly extending surface extends upward from the rear recessed surface. The second charging port is coupled to a rear recessed surface between an upwardly extending surface and a rear outer surface, and the second charging port is configured to form an electrical connection with an electrical contact portion of the second battery when the second battery is coupled to the second charging port.

[0005] In some implementations, the present disclosure includes a floor cleaner assembly including a charging station and a floor cleaner connected to the charging station. The charging station includes a front outer surface, a rear outer surface laterally offset from the front outer surface, and a protruding member defining a front surface, a rear surface, and an upper surface. The upper surface extends between the front surface and the rear surface. The front surface defines a portion of the front outer surface. The rear surface is offset from the front surface toward the rear outer surface. The charging station protrudes from the upper surface, and the recessed surface includes a rear portion extending rearward from a lower portion of the rear surface and away from the protruding member. The floor cleaner includes a suction source, a dust container, a protrusion laterally extending and having a top surface and a bottom surface. The protrusion defines a recess extending upward from the bottom surface. An electrical contact is positioned within the protrusion proximate the recess. A battery powers the floor cleaner. The battery is electrically connected to the electrical contact within the protrusion. When the floor cleaner is connected to the charging station, the protruding member of the charging station extends into the recess of the protrusion of the floor cleaner to hold the floor cleaner on the charging station. A charging port forms an electrical connection between the electrical contact when the floor cleaner is connected to the charging station. The charging station further includes a rear recessed surface below the upper surface extending from the rear outer surface toward the front outer surface, an upwardly extending surface extending upward from the rear recessed surface, and a second charging port coupled to the rear recessed surface between the upwardly extending surface and the rear outer surface. The assembly further includes a second battery having an electrical contact, the second charging port forming an electrical connection with the electrical contact of the second battery when the second battery is coupled to the second charging port.

[0006] In some embodiments, the protruding member further defines a right side surface extending downward from the upper surface of the protruding member toward the recessed surface and a left side surface extending downward from the upper surface of the protruding member toward the recessed surface, wherein the upper surface of the protruding member defines a first outer rim, wherein the recess of the protrusion defines a second outer rim adjacent to the bottom surface of the protrusion, the second outer rim sized to receive the first outer rim therein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a floor cleaner assembly including a charging station and a floor cleaner.

[0008] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a side view of the floor cleaner assembly of

[0009] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the assembly.

[0010] Figure 4 is a right side isometric view of a portion of the charging station.

[0011] Figure 5 is a left side view of a portion of the charging station.

[0012] Figure 6 is a front view of a portion of the charging station.

[0013] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the charging head taken along line 7-7 of Figure 6

[0014] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the charging station.

[0015] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the charging station and floor cleaner.

[0016] Figure 10 is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the charging station and floor cleaner.

[0017] Figure 11 is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the charging station and floor cleaner.

[0018] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Figure 10

[0019] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the floor cleaner coupled to the charging station.

[0020] Figure 14 is a close-up perspective view of the charging station, floor cleaner, and second battery.

[0021] Figure 15 is a partial exploded view of the charging station and second battery.

[0022] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the second battery connected to the charging station. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Before any embodiments of this disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The example embodiments of this disclosure are capable of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0024] Figures 1-3 ​​A floor cleaner assembly 10 is shown including a base 14, an upright 18, a charging station 22, a floor cleaner 26, and a second battery 30. The base 14 includes a front portion 34 and a rear portion 38. The front portion 34 of the base 14 includes a recess, and the front portion 34 is lower in height than the rear portion of the base.

[0025] The upright 18 includes a first portion 42 coupled to the charging station 22 and a second portion 46 coupled to the base 14. The upright 18 is coupled to the base 14 closer to the rear portion 38 than the front portion 34. The base 14 can be positioned on a support surface, thereby supporting the upright 18 and the charging station 22 above the support surface. In other embodiments, the charging station 22 is coupled to a wall surface or other suitable surface, and the base 14 and upright 18 are omitted.

[0026] A support bracket 48 is coupled to the first portion 42 of the upright 18 and extends forward of the upright 18, i.e., toward the first portion 34 of the base 14. The support bracket 18 is configured to abut a portion of the floor cleaner 26 when the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.

[0027] A plurality of tool holders are coupled to the upright 18. The tool holders are configured to support a variety of cleaning tools, such as a nozzle and a brush. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool holders grip or clip the upright with friction to facilitate attachment and detachment of the upright. Additionally, the position of the tool holders on the upright 18 is adjustable. In other embodiments, other numbers and configurations of tool holders are possible.

[0028] The charging station 22 includes a front portion 50 and a rear portion 54 opposite the front portion 50. The front portion 50 extends forward from the upright 18 to a position above the front portion 34 of the base 14. The rear portion 54 extends rearward from the upright 18 to a position above the rear portion 38 of the base 14. The illustrated floor cleaner 10 is coupled to the front portion 50 of the charging station 22. The illustrated second battery 30 is coupled to the rear portion 54 of the charging station 22.

[0029] The floor cleaner 26 includes a suction source 58, a dust cup 62, a user graspable handle 66, a battery 70, a wand 74, and a floor head 78. The floor cleaner 26 is configured to be moved over a surface by a user grasping the handle 66. The suction source 58 draws debris into the floor head 78 and through the wand 74 into the dust cup 62. The battery 70 powers the suction source 58.

[0030] In some embodiments, the floor head 78 can be disconnected from the wand 74, and one or more of the cleaning tools supported on the upright member 18 can be coupled to the wand 74. In other embodiments, the wand 74 can be removed, and one or more of the cleaning tools can be coupled to the floor cleaner 26 in place of the wand 74.

[0031] Figures 4-8 The charging station is shown in more detail. The charging station 22 includes a body or housing having a front outer surface 82, a rear outer surface 86, a right outer surface 90, a left outer surface 94, a protruding member 98, and a recessed surface 102. The front outer surface 82 is laterally offset from the rear outer surface 86 in the front-to-rear direction and is generally parallel to the rear outer surface 86. The rear outer surface 86 is taller than the front outer surface 82. The right outer surface 90 extends between the front outer surface 82 and the rear outer surface 86. The right outer surface 90 tapers from a smaller height proximate the front outer surface 82 to a larger height proximate the rear outer surface 86. The left outer surface 94 extends between the front outer surface 82 and the rear outer surface 86 and is laterally offset from the right outer surface 90 in the left-to-right direction and is generally parallel to the right outer surface 90. The left outer surface 94 tapers from a smaller height proximate the front outer surface 82 to a larger height proximate the rear outer surface 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the right outer surface 90 is substantially a mirror image of the left outer surface 94.

[0032] The protruding member 98 includes a front surface 106, a rear surface 110, an upper surface 114, a right side surface 118, and a left side surface 122. In one embodiment, the front surface 106 is adjacent to the front outer surface 82. The illustrated front surface 106 constitutes part of the front outer surface 82. The rear surface 110 extends upwardly from the recessed surface 102 to the upper surface 114. The rear surface 110 extends at an acute angle relative to the front surface 106. In other embodiments, the front and rear surfaces 106, 110 are generally parallel.

[0033] The upper surface 114 extends from the front surface 106 toward the rear surface 110. The illustrated upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 has a generally rectangular periphery. In other embodiments, the upper surface 114 can have a periphery shaped as a rhomboid, a parallelogram, a square, an ellipse, a circle, a pentagon, a hexagon, or any other regular or irregular shape.

[0034] A right side surface 118 of the protruding member 98 extends downward from the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 toward the recessed surface 102. A left side surface 122 extends downward from the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 toward the recessed surface 102. In other words, the protruding member 98 extends upward from the recessed surface 102 such that the recessed surface 102 is recessed downward from the upper surface 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the right side surface 118 is substantially a mirror image of the left side surface 122.

[0035] A first charging port 126 is positioned within the protruding member 98. The first charging port 126 includes a plurality of conductive elements. In the illustrated embodiment, the charging port 126 is accessible through the upper surface 114. A plurality of openings formed in the upper surface 114 are sized to receive mating elements from the battery 70 to form an electrical connection with the battery 70 when the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22. The illustrated first charging port 126 is shown by way of example only. Other configurations of charging ports configured to electrically connect to a cleaner when the cleaner is coupled to a charging station are possible in other embodiments.

[0036] The recessed surface 102 includes a left side portion 130, a right side portion 134, and a rear portion 138. The left side portion 130 extends outwardly and away from the protruding member 98 from a lower portion of the left side surface 122. The right side portion 134 extends outwardly and away from the protruding member 98 from a lower portion of the right side surface 118. The rear portion 138 extends rearwardly from a lower portion of the rear surface 110 of the protruding member 98. In the illustrated embodiment, the right side portion 134 is substantially a mirror image of the left side portion 130.

[0037] The illustrated recessed surface 102 is generally C-shaped and extends around the right side surface 118, the rear surface 110, and the left side surface 122 of the protruding member 98. The recessed surface 102 is slightly upwardly sloped from the front outer surface 82 toward the rear outer surface 86. The recessed surface 102 bears at least a portion of the weight of the floor cleaner 26 when the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the charging station 22 further includes a left side upstanding surface 142, a right side upstanding surface 146, a first rear upstanding surface 150, a rearwardly extending surface 154, and a second rear upstanding surface 158. The left side upstanding surface 142 has a lower end coupled to the left side portion 130 of the recessed surface 102 and an upper distal end extending upwardly from the recessed surface 102. The left side upstanding surface 142 is positioned between the left outer surface 94 and the left side portion 130 of the recessed surface 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the left side upstanding surface 154, the right side upstanding surface 146, the first rear upstanding surface 150, and the protruding member 98 form a recess or cavity configured to receive portions of the cleaner 26 when the cleaner is coupled to the charging station, as further described below. In another embodiment, the recessed surface 102 extends to form a top of the charging station 22 and the protruding member 98 extends upwardly from the recessed surface 102. Other shapes of the charging stand body above the recessed surface 102 are also contemplated.

[0039] The right side upstanding surface 146 has a lower end coupled to the right side portion 134 of the recessed surface 102 and an upper distal end extending upwardly from the right side portion 134 of the recessed surface 102. The right side upstanding surface 146 is positioned between the right outer surface 90 and the right side portion 134 of the recessed surface 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the right side upstanding surface 146 is substantially a mirror image of the left side upstanding surface 142.

[0040] The left side upstanding surface 142 is spaced apart from the left side surface 122 of the protruding member 98 to define a first gap. The left side portion 130 of the recessed surface 102 extends across the first gap. The right side upstanding surface 146 is spaced apart from the right side surface 118 of the protruding member 98 to define a second gap. The right side portion 134 of the recessed surface 102 extends across the second gap.

[0041] The left side upstanding surface 142 is spaced apart from the right side upstanding surface 146 by a first distance. The right side surface 118 of the protruding member 98 is spaced apart from the left side surface 122 of the protruding member 98 by a second distance. The first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0042] The first rear upstanding surface 150 has a lower end coupled to the rear portion of the recessed surface 102 and an upper distal end extending upwardly from the rear portion of the recessed surface 102. The first rear upstanding surface 150 is positioned between the rear surface 110 of the protruding member 98 and the rear outer surface 86.

[0043] The rearwardly extending surface 154 includes a first end coupled to an upper end of the first rear upright surface 150 and a second end extending rearwardly from the first rear upright surface 150. The rearwardly extending surface 154 is slightly upwardly sloped between the first end and the second end. In some embodiments, the rearwardly extending surface 154 bears at least a portion of the weight of the battery 70 when the floor cleaning machine 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.

[0044] The second rear upright surface 158 includes a lower end coupled to the second end of the rearwardly extending surface 154 and an upper end extending upwardly from the rearwardly extending surface 154. The illustrated second rear upright surface 158 is generally parallel to the front outer surface 82, although other orientations are possible in other embodiments. The second rear upright surface 158 is positioned between the first rear upright surface 150 and the rear outer surface 86. The second rear upright surface 158 is spaced apart from the protruding member 98 to allow for various battery sizes to be used with the floor cleaning machine 26.

[0045] Figure 7 And Figure 8 The rear portion 54 of the charging station 22 is shown in greater detail. The rear portion of the charging station 22 includes a rear outer surface 86, a support surface 162, a rear recessed surface 124, an upwardly extending surface 170, a right inner surface 174, a left inner surface 178, a second charging port 182, and a power cord recess 184.

[0046] The illustrated rear outer surface 86 is generally parallel to the front outer surface 82. The support surface 162 extends rearwardly from the rear outer surface 86. The rear recessed surface 166 extends forwardly from the rear outer surface 86. The support surface 162 and the rear recessed surface 166 support a majority of the weight of the second battery 30 when the second battery 30 is connected to the charging station 22. In one embodiment, the rear recessed surface 162 is lower than the upper surface 114.

[0047] The upwardly extending surface 170 extends upwardly from the rear recessed surface 166 to the top of the charging station 22. The upwardly extending surface 170 is approximately parallel to the second rear upright surface 158 and is separated from the second rear upright surface 158 by a wall portion. On the side of the upwardly extending surface 170 positioned proximate the right outer surface 90 of the charging station 22, the right inner surface 174 extends upwardly from the rear recessed surface 166 to the top of the charging station 22. On the side of the upwardly extending surface 170 positioned proximate the left outer surface 94 of the charging station 22, the left inner surface 178 extends upwardly from the rear recessed surface 166 to the top of the charging station 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the right inner surface 174 is a mirror image of the left inner surface 178. The upwardly extending surface 170 is configured to abut the second battery 30 when the second battery 30 is coupled to the rear portion 38 of the charging station 22.

[0048] A second charging port 182 extends upwardly from the rear recessed surface 166 between the right inner surface 174 and the left inner surface 178. The second charging port 182 forms an electrical connection with the second battery 30 when the second battery 30 is coupled to the rear portion 38 of the charging station 22. The illustrated second charging port 182 is shown by way of example only. In other embodiments, other configurations of charging ports are possible.

[0049] A power cord recess 184 is positioned below the support surface 162 and is sized to receive a power cord. The power cord recess 184 includes an upper portion sized to receive a plug end of a power cord and a lower portion sized to receive a cord of a power cord. In the illustrated embodiment, the upright member 18 includes a power cord recess 185 substantially aligned with the power cord recess 184 of the charging station 22 to receive a power cord. The power cord recess 184 defines a charging port configured to form an electrical connection with a power cord when the power cord is coupled to the charging port of the power cord recess 184.

[0050] Figures 9-13 The floor cleaning machine 26 is shown connected to the charging station 22. The floor cleaning machine 26 includes a protrusion 186 extending laterally outwardly above the wand 74 away from the suction source 58. The protrusion 186 includes a top surface 190, a left outer protrusion surface 194, a right outer protrusion surface 198, an end surface 202, a bottom surface 206, a recess 210, and an electrical contact 214.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 190 of the protrusion 186 is configured to support the battery 70 and at least a portion of the weight of the battery 70 when the battery 70 is connected to the floor cleaning machine 26. The top surface 190 can be slightly sloped upwardly, extending away from the suction source 58. The top surface 190 is configured to be substantially aligned with or higher than the rearwardly extending surface 154 when the floor cleaning machine 26 is coupled to the charging station 22. In another embodiment, the battery 70 is disposed at a different location on the cleaning machine and is not abutting the top surface 190. In some embodiments, the top surface 190 can be reduced or omitted depending on the decorative shape needs of the cleaning machine.

[0052] The left outer protruding surface 194 of the protrusion 186 forms a left edge of the protrusion 186. The left outer protruding surface 194 tapers slightly inwardly, extending away from the suction source 58. The left outer protruding surface 194 is proximate to the left side upstanding surface 142 of the charging station 22 when the floor cleaning machine 26 is connected to the charging station 22. In some embodiments, the left outer protruding surface 194 contacts the left side upstanding surface 142, while in other embodiments, there is a small space between the left outer protruding surface 194 and the left side upstanding surface 142 when the floor cleaning machine 26 is connected to the charging station 22.

[0053] The right outer protruding surface 198 of the protrusion 186 forms a right edge of the protrusion 186. The right outer protruding surface 198 tapers slightly inwardly, extending away from the suction source 58. The right outer protruding surface 198 is proximate to the right side upstanding surface 146 of the charging station 22 when the floor cleaning machine 26 is connected to the charging station 22. In some embodiments, the right outer protruding surface 198 contacts the right side upstanding surface 146, while in other embodiments, there is a small space between the right outer protruding surface 198 and the right side upstanding surface 146 when the floor cleaning machine 26 is connected to the charging station 22.

[0054] The end surface 202 of the protrusion 186 extends between the left outer protruding surface 194 and the right outer protruding surface 198. The end surface 202 is positioned proximate to the first rear upstanding surface 150 of the charging station 22 when the floor cleaning machine 26 is connected to the charging station 22.

[0055] The bottom surface 206 of the protrusion 186 is positioned opposite the top surface 190. The bottom surface 206 extends between the left outer protruding surface 194 and the right outer protruding surface 198. The bottom surface 206 can be slightly inclined, extending away from the floor cleaning machine 26. A portion of the bottom surface 206 is configured to abut the recessed surface 102 when the floor cleaning machine 20 is connected to the charging station 22. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 206 contacts the recessed surface 102, while in other embodiments, the bottom surface 206 is spaced a small distance above the recessed surface 102. The term "abut" as used herein is intended to encompass both direct contact between elements, as well as elements being spaced a small distance apart with no intervening member between the elements.

[0056] The bottom surface 206 includes a left side 218, a right side 222, an outward-facing portion 226, and an inward-facing portion 230. The left side 218 is configured to extend into the first gap and abut the left side portion 130 of the recessed surface 102, and the right side 222 is configured to extend into the second gap and abut the right side portion 134 of the recessed surface 102 when the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22. The outward-facing portion 226 is configured to abut the rear portion 138 of the recessed surface 102 when the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22 to support the floor cleaner 26 on the charging station 22. The bottom surface 206 is configured to transfer at least a portion of the weight of the floor cleaner 26 to the recessed surface 102 through the interaction of the left side 218 with the left side portion 130, the right side 222 with the right side portion 134, and the outward-facing portion 226 with the rear portion 138.

[0057] The inward-facing portion 230 can be spaced apart from the charging station 22 when the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22 to allow the stem portion 74 to be spaced apart from the upstanding member 18. In some embodiments, the inward-facing portion 230 is omitted.

[0058] The recess 210 extends upwardly from the bottom surface 206 of the protrusion 186. The outer edge of the recess 210 is formed by the left side 218, the right side 222, the outward-facing portion 226, and the inward-facing portion 230. The illustrated recess 210 has a rectangular outer edge. In other embodiments, the recess 210 can have an outer edge shaped as a long oblique square, a parallelogram, a square, an ellipse, a circle, a pentagon, a hexagon, or any other regular or irregular shape. The outer edge of the recess 210 corresponds to the outer edge of the protruding member 98 such that the recess 210 receives the protruding member 98 when the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.

[0059] The recess 210 is defined by an outward-facing inner surface 234, an inward-facing inner surface 238, and a bottom inner surface 242. The outward-facing inner surface 234 extends upwardly from the bottom surface 206 adjacent the outward-facing portion 226 of the bottom surface 206 of the protrusion 186. The outward-facing inner surface 234 is configured to abut the rear surface 110 of the protruding member 98 when the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22 to retain the floor cleaner 26 on the charging station 22.

[0060] The inward-facing inner surface 238 extends upwardly from the bottom surface 206 adjacent the inward-facing portion 230 of the bottom surface 206 of the protrusion 186. The inward-facing inner surface 238 is configured to abut the front surface 106 of the protruding member 98 when the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the inward-facing inner surface 238 has a greater height than the outward-facing inner surface 234.

[0061] The bottom interior surface 242 extends between the outward-facing interior surface 234 and the inward-facing interior surface 238. The bottom interior surface 242 is configured to abut the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 when the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22. In one embodiment, the bottom interior surface 242 is configured to transfer at least a portion of the weight of the floor cleaner 26 to the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 when the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22. In another embodiment, the bottom interior surface 242 is offset from the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 when the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.

[0062] In various embodiments, the recessed surface 102 and / or the upper surface 114 of the protruding member 98 are configured to bear most of the weight of the floor cleaner 26 when the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22.

[0063] The electrical contact 214 is positioned within the recess 210 of the protrusion 186. The electrical contact 214 is electrically coupled to the battery 70. The electrical contact 214 is configured to form an electrical connection with the first charging port 126 such that the battery 70 can be charged when the floor cleaner 26 is coupled to the charging station 22. The illustrated electrical contact 214 is shown by way of example only. In other embodiments, other configurations of electrical contacts are possible.

[0064] Referring to Figure 9 The illustrated battery 70 includes left and right movable portions 246, 250 that are graspable by a user to detach the battery 70 from the floor cleaner 26. In particular, a user pinches the left and right movable portions 246, 250 to release the battery 70 and then lifts upward to detach the battery 70 from the floor cleaner 26. To reattach the battery 70 to the floor cleaner 26, the battery 70 is lowered and the left and right movable portions 246, 250 are either pinched by the user or moved by one or more cam surfaces on the floor cleaner 26 and then released to hold the battery 70 on the floor cleaner 26.

[0065] Figure 14The charging station 22 is shown supporting the floor cleaner 26 on the front portion 50 and supporting the second battery 30 on the second rear portion 54. The large battery 70' is coupled to the floor cleaner 26. The large battery 70' is one of many battery sizes and configurations that can be used to power the floor cleaner 26. The large battery 70' includes a lower surface that is contiguous with both the top surface 190 of the protrusion 186 and the rearwardly extending surface 154 of the charging station 22. The large battery 70' also includes an outer surface that is contiguous with the second rear upright surface 158 of the charging station 22. The large battery 70' includes left and right movable portions 246', 250' that function similarly to the movable portions 246, 250. The large battery 70' is moved upward to be detached from the floor cleaner 26 and is moved downward to be reattached to the floor cleaner 26.

[0066] Figures 14-16 The second battery 30 is shown in more detail. The second battery 30 includes left and right movable portions 254, 258, an inner protrusion 262, an inner face 266, and a bottom face 270. The left and right movable portions 254, 258 function similarly to the movable portions 246, 250 of the battery 70. The second battery 30 is moved upward to be detached from the second charging port 182 of the charging station and is moved downward to be reattached to the second charging port 182 of the charging station. The inner protrusion 262 extends into a recess formed by the rear recessed surface 166, the upwardly extending surface 170, the right inner surface 174, and the left inner surface 178 of the rear portion 54 of the charging station 22. The inner protrusion 262 includes electrical contacts that are configured to form an electrical connection with the second charging port 182 when the second battery 30 is coupled to the second charging port 182 of the charging station 22.

[0067] The inner face 266 is configured to be contiguous with the rear outer surface 86 when the second battery 30 is coupled to the second charging port 182, and the bottom face 270 is configured to be contiguous with the support surface 162 of the charging station 22 when the second battery 30 is coupled to the second charging port 182.

[0068] In the illustrated implementation, the charging station and cleaner 26 are configured such that the second battery 30 can be coupled to the floor cleaner 26 in place of the battery 70 or the large battery 70' when the battery 70 and / or the large battery 70' needs to be recharged. The battery 70, the large battery 70', and the second battery 30 are interchangeable such that any of the second battery 30, the large battery 70', or the battery 70 can be coupled to the floor cleaner 26 to provide power to the floor cleaner 26. In another implementation, the charging station can be configured such that the second battery 30 is configured for use with a product other than the cleaner 26. Additionally, the large battery 70' or the battery 70 can be coupled to the second charging port 182 to be charged. Both batteries (e.g., the battery 70 and the second battery 30, or the large battery 70' and the second battery 30) can be coupled to the charging station 22 to be charged at the same time. Figure 1 In the illustrated implementation, the charging station and cleaner 26 are configured such that the second battery 30 can be coupled to the floor cleaner 26 in place of the battery 70 or the large battery 70' when the battery 70 and / or the large battery 70' needs to be recharged. The battery 70, the large battery 70', and the second battery 30 are interchangeable such that any of the second battery 30, the large battery 70', or the battery 70 can be coupled to the floor cleaner 26 to provide power to the floor cleaner 26. In another implementation, the charging station can be configured such that the second battery 30 is configured for use with a product other than the cleaner 26. Additionally, the large battery 70' or the battery 70 can be coupled to the second charging port 182 to be charged. Both batteries (e.g., the battery 70 and the second battery 30, or the large battery 70' and the second battery 30) can be coupled to the charging station 22 to be charged at the same time. Figure 14 In the illustrated implementation, the charging station and cleaner 26 are configured such that the second battery 30 can be coupled to the floor cleaner 26 in place of the battery 70 or the large battery 70'

Claims

1. A charging station for a floor cleaning machine, the floor cleaning machine having a battery with an electrical contact, characterized in that, The charging station comprises: a body having a front outer surface; a rear outer surface laterally offset from the front outer surface; a right outer surface extending between the front outer surface and the rear outer surface; a left outer surface extending between the front outer surface and the rear outer surface, the left outer surface laterally offset from the right outer surface; the body forms an upwardly extending protruding member defining a front surface, a rear surface, and an upper surface extending from the front surface toward the rear surface, the rear surface extending downwardly from the upper surface and laterally offset from the front surface toward the rear outer surface; the protruding member includes a charging port proximate the upper surface, the charging port configured to form an electrical connection with the electrical contact of the battery when the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station; a recessed surface including a portion extending rearwardly from a lower portion of the rear surface and away from the protruding member; a rear recessed surface lower than the upper surface of the body, the rear recessed surface extending from the rear outer surface toward the front outer surface; an upwardly extending surface extending upwardly from the rear recessed surface; and a second charging port coupled to the rear recessed surface between the upwardly extending surface and the rear outer surface, the second charging port configured to form an electrical connection with an electrical contact of a second battery when the second battery is coupled to the second charging port.

2. The charging station of claim 1, wherein, the protruding member further defines a right side surface extending downwardly from the upper surface of the protruding member toward the recessed surface and a left side surface extending downwardly from the upper surface of the protruding member toward the recessed surface.

3. The charging station of claim 1, wherein, the recessed surface further defines a left side portion extending outwardly from a lower portion of the left side surface away from the protruding member and a right side portion extending outwardly from a lower portion of the right side surface away from the protruding member, and wherein the left side portion and the right side portion are configured to abut the floor cleaner when the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station.

4. The charging station of claim 3, wherein, further comprising a left side upstanding surface including a lower end coupled to the left side portion of the recessed surface and an upper distal end, the left side upstanding surface extending upwardly from the left side portion of the recessed surface, the left side upstanding surface positioned between the left outer surface and the left side portion of the recessed surface, and a right side upstanding surface including a lower end coupled to the right side portion of the recessed surface and an upper distal end, the right side upstanding surface extending upwardly from the right side portion of the recessed surface, the right side upstanding surface positioned between the right outer surface and the right side portion of the recessed surface.

5. The charging station of claim 4, wherein, the left side upstanding surface and the right side upstanding surface are spaced a first distance, wherein the right side of the protruding member is spaced apart from the left side of the protruding member by a second distance, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

6. The charging station of claim 4, wherein, the left side upstanding surface is spaced apart from the left side of the protruding member to define a first gap, and wherein the right side upstanding surface is spaced apart from the right side of the protruding member to define a second gap, the first gap configured to receive a first portion of the floor cleaner when the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station, and the second gap configured to receive a second portion of the floor cleaner when the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station.

7. The charging station according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, further comprising a rear upstanding surface including a lower end coupled to the rear portion of the recessed surface and an upper distal end, the rear upstanding surface extending upwardly from the rear portion of the recessed surface, the rear upstanding surface positioned between the rear surface of the protruding member and the rear outer surface, wherein a portion of the floor cleaner is configured to abut the recessed surface between the rear upstanding surface and the rear surface of the protruding member when the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station.

8. The charging station according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, the recessed surface and the upper surface of the protruding member are configured to bear a majority of a weight of the floor cleaner when the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station.

9. The charging station according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, further comprising a base and an upstanding member having a first portion coupled to the charging station and a second portion coupled to the base, the base configured to be positioned on a support surface to thereby support the upstanding member and the charging station above the support surface.

10. A floor cleaner assembly characterized by, the floor cleaner assembly comprises: a charging station comprising a body having a front outer surface; a rear outer surface laterally offset from the front outer surface; the body forms a protruding member extending upwardly, the protruding member defining a front surface, a rear surface, and an upper surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface, the rear surface offset from the front surface toward the rear outer surface; the protruding member includes a charging port proximate the upper surface; and a recessed surface including a portion extending rearwardly from a lower portion of the rear surface and away from the protruding member; and a floor cleaner coupleable to the charging station, the floor cleaner comprising a suction source; a dust collection bin; a protrusion extending laterally and having a top surface and a bottom surface, the protrusion defining a recess extending upwardly from the bottom surface; an electrical contact positioned within the protrusion proximate the recess; and a battery configured to provide power to the floor cleaner, the battery electrically coupled to the electrical contact within the protrusion, wherein, when the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station, the protruding member of the charging station extends into the recess of the protrusion of the floor cleaner to retain the floor cleaner on the charging station, wherein the charging port forms an electrical connection with the electrical contact portion when the floor cleaning machine is connected to the charging station, wherein the charging station further comprises a rear recessed surface below the upper surface, an upwardly extending surface, and a second charging port, the rear recessed surface extending from the rear outer surface toward the front outer surface, the upwardly extending surface extending upwardly from the rear recessed surface, the second charging port coupled to the rear recessed surface between the upwardly extending surface and the rear outer surface, and further comprising a second battery having an electrical contact portion, the second charging port forming an electrical connection with the electrical contact portion of the second battery when the second battery is coupled to the second charging port.

11. The floor cleaner assembly of claim 10, wherein, the protruding member further defines a right side surface extending downwardly from the upper surface of the protruding member toward the recessed surface, and a left side surface extending downwardly from the upper surface of the protruding member toward the recessed surface, wherein the upper surface of the protruding member defines a first outer rim, wherein the groove of the protruding portion defines a second outer rim adjacent to the bottom surface of the protruding portion, the second outer rim sized to receive the first outer rim therein.

12. The floor cleaner assembly of claim 10, wherein, the recessed surface further defines a left side portion extending outwardly away from the protruding member from a lower portion of the left side surface, and a right side portion extending outwardly away from the protruding member from a lower portion of the right side surface, wherein the bottom surface of the protruding portion defines a first side portion to the left of the groove and a second side portion to the right of the groove, and the first side portion of the bottom surface abuts the left side portion of the recessed surface and the second side portion of the bottom surface abuts the right side portion of the recessed surface when the floor cleaning machine is positioned on the charging station.

13. The floor cleaner assembly of claim 12, wherein, further comprising a left side upstanding surface extending upwardly from the left side portion of the recessed surface, the left side upstanding surface positioned between the left outer surface and the left side portion of the recessed surface, a right side upstanding surface extending upwardly from the right side portion of the recessed surface, the right side upstanding surface positioned between the right outer surface and the right side portion of the recessed surface, a left outer protruding surface defining a left edge of the protruding portion, a right outer protruding surface defining a right edge of the protruding portion, wherein the left outer protruding surface is positioned proximate to the left side upstanding surface and the right outer protruding surface is positioned proximate to the right side upstanding surface when the floor cleaning machine is positioned on the charging station.

14. The floor cleaner assembly of claim 13, wherein, the left side upstanding surface and the right side upstanding surface are separated by a first distance, and the left outer protruding surface and the right outer protruding surface are separated by a second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

15. The floor cleaner assembly of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The recessed surface and the upper surface of the protruding member are configured to bear most of the weight of the floor cleaner when the floor cleaner is coupled to the charging station.

16. The floor cleaner assembly of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein, Further comprising a base and an upright member having a first portion coupled to the charging station and a second portion coupled to the base, the base configured to be positioned on a support surface, thereby supporting the upright member and the charging station above the support surface.

17. The floor cleaner assembly of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The charging station is configured to receive the floor cleaner on the charging port to charge the battery, and to receive the second battery on the second charging port, such that the battery is configured to be charged through the charging port while the second battery is configured to be charged through the second charging port.

18. The floor cleaner assembly of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The floor cleaner is configured to move downward to electrically connect to the charging port and the electrical contact, and wherein the second battery is configured to move downward to electrically connect the second battery to the second charging port.

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