Cleaning apparatus roller tool

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus includes a supply tank, a recovery tank, a suction source, and a roller tool including a support body defining a wash chamber. A roller is coupled to the support body. A liquid outlet dispenses a liquid from the supply tank into the wash chamber. A tool suction nozzle is fluidly coupled with the suction source such that fluid and debris are drawn with an airflow along a recovery flow path around the roller and to the recovery tank. A tool air inlet is fluidly coupled with the suction source such that air is drawn into the wash chamber through the tool air inlet. An air cushion is disposed within the wash chamber. The air cushion expands and engages a surface of the roller as the air is drawn along a refresh flow path through the tool air inlet and into the air cushion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 764,795, filed on Feb. 28, 2025, entitled, “CLEANING APPARATUS ROLLER TOOL,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to an accessory tool for a cleaning apparatus and, more particularly, to an accessory tool with a roller that can be selectively used with an extraction cleaner.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Cleaning products can have wands attached thereto to selectively couple with accessory tools to provide cleaning functions. Additionally, cleaning products can use multiple systems and assemblies, with or without an accessory, to provide cleaning functions to surfaces.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a supply tank configured to house a liquid. A recovery tank is configured to store recovered fluid and debris. A suction source is configured to generate an airflow to draw fluid and debris into the recovery tank through an accessory hose. A wand is fluidly coupled with the recovery tank via the accessory hose. A roller tool is selectively coupled to the wand. The roller tool includes a support body having a connector to couple with the wand. A wash chamber is defined by the support body and in fluid communication with the recovery tank via the accessory hose. A roller is rotatably coupled to the support body. At least one liquid outlet is disposed proximate to the connector and configured to dispense the liquid from the supply tank into the wash chamber. At least one tool suction nozzle is disposed in the support body and fluidly coupled with the suction source such that the fluid and the debris are drawn with the airflow along a recovery flow path around the roller and through the wash chamber to the recovery tank. At least one tool air inlet is disposed in the support body and fluidly coupled with the suction source such that air is drawn into the wash chamber through the at least one tool air inlet. At least one air cushion is disposed within the wash chamber and in fluid communication with the at least one tool air inlet. The at least one air cushion is configured to expand and engage the surface of the roller as the air is drawn along a refresh airflow path through the at least one tool air inlet and into the at least one air cushion.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a roller tool is used with a cleaning apparatus that includes a suction source, a supply tank, and a recovery tank. The roller tool includes a support body configured to selectively engage a wand to be in fluid communication with the suction source, the supply tank, and the recovery tank via an accessory hose. At least one suction nozzle is disposed in the support body for capturing fluid and debris with an airflow to be carried along a recovery flow path. At least one tool air inlet is disposed in the support body through which air is drawn into the support body to be directed along a refresh flow path. A wash chamber is in fluid communication with the at least one tool air inlet and the at least one suction nozzle. A roller is operably coupled with the support body proximate to the wash chamber. The airflow generated by the suction source is configured to be directed along the recovery flow path through the at least one suction nozzle, around the roller, through the wash chamber, and toward the recovery tank. At least one liquid outlet is configured to direct liquid from the supply tank into the wash chamber. At least one air cushion is disposed within the wash chamber and in fluid communication with the at least one tool air inlet. The at least one air cushion is configured to expand and engage the surface of the roller as the air is drawn through the at least one tool air inlet. The air is configured to be directed along the refresh flow path through the at least one air cushion and into the wash chamber to combine with the recovery flow path being directed toward the recovery tank.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a supply tank configured to house a liquid, a recovery tank, a suction source configured to generate an airflow to draw fluid and debris into the recovery tank, and a roller tool in fluid communication with the supply tank, the suction source, and the recovery tank. The roller tool includes a support body defining a wash chamber in fluid communication with the suction source. A roller is rotatably coupled to the support body. At least one liquid outlet is configured to dispense the liquid from the supply tank into the wash chamber. At least one tool suction nozzle is defined between the support body and a surface of the roller. A recovery flow path is defined from the at least one tool suction nozzle, around the roller, through the wash chamber, and to the recovery tank to carry the fluid and debris with the airflow generated by the suction source. At least one tool air inlet defined by the support body and spaced from the at least one tool suction nozzle. At least one air cushion is disposed within the wash chamber. The at least one air cushion is configured to expand and engage the surface of the roller as the air is drawn along a refresh flow path through the at least one tool air inlet and into the at least one air cushion. The air drawn along the refresh flow path is configured to combine with the recovery flow path to be drawn to the recovery tank.

[0007] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning apparatus with a tool, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of a portable cleaning apparatus with a tool, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2B is a side perspective view of an upright cleaning apparatus with a tool, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a roller tool, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a roller tool engaged with a wand, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a roller tool, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a roller tool according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a roller tool having a refresh assembly, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a roller tool, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a roller tool, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0019] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a roller tool having a refresh assembly, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0020] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a cleaning apparatus roller tool. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0022] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,”“lower,”“right,”“left,”“rear,”“front,”“vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0023] The terms “including,”“comprises,”“comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a.” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0024] With reference to FIGS. 1-10, reference numeral 10 generally designates a cleaning apparatus 10 that includes a base or housing 12, a suction source 14 operably coupled with the housing 12 to generate an airflow for carrying debris and fluid, a supply tank 16 configured to house a liquid, and a recovery tank 18 to collect recovered debris and fluid. The supply tank 16 and the recovery tank 18 may be operably coupled to the housing 12. An accessory hose 20 is operably coupled with the housing 12 and in fluid communication with the supply tank 16, the suction source 14, and the recovery tank 18. A wand 22 is coupled to a distal end of the accessory hose 20. A tool or accessory, such as a roller tool 24, is selectively coupled to the wand 22 and in fluid communication with the suction source 14, the supply tank 16, and the recovery tank 18 via the accessory hose 20.

[0025] The roller tool 24 includes a support body 26 having a connector 28 for engaging the wand 22. The support body 26 also at least partially houses a roller 30 at a distal end thereof. The roller 30 is rotatably coupled to the support body 26. At least one tool air inlet 32 is disposed in or defined by the support body 26 and in fluid communication with an interior wash chamber 34 defined by the support body 26. At least one tool fluid inlet or tool suction nozzle 38 is disposed in or defined by the support body 26 for capturing fluid and debris with the airflow generated by the suction source 14 and is spaced from the at least one tool air inlet 32. Often the tool suction nozzle 38 may be defined between the support body 26 and a surface 40 of the roller 30. The roller tool 24 also includes at least one liquid outlet 42 for dispensing liquid from the supply tank 16 into the wash chamber 34 and toward the surface 40 of the roller 30. At least one air cushion 44 is disposed in the wash chamber 34. The at least one air cushion 44 is configured to expand and engage the surface 40 of the roller 30 as air is drawn into the at least one air cushion 44 through the at least one tool air inlet 32.

[0026] Multiple flow paths 46, 48 may be defined by or extend through the roller tool 24. For example, a recovery flow path 46 may be utilized to capture and collect debris and fluid from a surface being cleaned. The recovery flow path 46 may extend from the tool suction nozzle 38, around the roller 30 and along the surface 40 of the roller 30, through the wash chamber 34, through the connector 28, through the accessory hose 20, and to the recovery tank 18. The suction source 14 is configured to generate the airflow to carry fluid and debris from the surface being cleaned and along the recovery flow path 46 for collection in the recovery tank 18 and later disposal. The airflow flowing along the surface 40 of the roller 30 may assist with pulling debris from the surface 40 of the roller 30 for collection in the recovery tank 18.

[0027] Additionally, a refresh flow path 48 may be defined by or extend through the roller tool 24 for refreshing the surface 40 of the roller 30. The refresh flow path 48 may extend from the tool air inlet 32, through the air cushion 44, and to the wash chamber 34. The suction source 14 is configured to generate a vacuum or negative pressure within the wash chamber 34 to draw air through the tool air inlet 32 and through the air cushion 44 to expand the air cushion 44. Once the air is drawn into the wash chamber 34, the air may be combined with the airflow carrying the fluid and debris to be directed along the recovery flow path 46 through the connector 28 and to the recovery tank 18. The air cushion 44 expands in response to the air flowing through the air cushion 44 along the refresh flow path 48 to engage the surface 40 of the roller 30 and dislodge debris materials captured on the surface 40.

[0028] Referring still to FIGS. 1-10, at least a portion of the roller 30 may have a surface tackiness sufficient for capturing debris materials from the surface being cleaned. The air cushion 44 and the liquid spray from the liquid outlet 42 may assist with refreshing the roller 30 to remove or dislodge the debris captured on the roller 30 to allow continued use of the roller 30 without a separate wash process. The tool 24 can be utilized to recover debris, such as lint, dirt, hair, and particularly pet hair, from the surface being cleaned. The tool 24 can improve a user experience whereby hair and other debris is removed from the surface being cleaned using the sticky / tacky roller 30, and the roller 30 can be constantly refreshed for continued use in a cleaning process. The hair captured by the roller 30 is automatically removed and collected in the recovery tank 18, providing the user with easy disposal of the collected hair and other debris after a cleaning process. The sticky / tacky roller 30 can be used alone or in combination with suction via the suction source 14.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1-2B, the roller tool 24 may be selectively coupled to a variety of cleaning apparatuses 10. Each configuration of the cleaning apparatus 10 includes fluid delivery and recovery systems 50, 52. The fluid delivery and recovery systems 50, 52 are configured to direct fluid in multiple directions and are also configured to direct both liquids and air. The suction source 14 is configured to draw fluid, including air and liquid, and debris into the cleaning apparatus 10, while the fluid / liquid delivery system 50 is configured to direct liquids to the tool 24 and / or out of the cleaning apparatus 10 for a cleaning process.

[0030] The recovery system 52 generally includes the suction source 14 for generating the vacuum effect to draw fluid and debris materials into the cleaning apparatus 10 and a recovery tank assembly 54 for collecting the captured debris materials The recovery system 52 is configured to draw fluid, including air and liquids, and other debris materials, such as liquid, solid, and semi-solid materials, into the cleaning apparatus 10 using the vacuum or suction effect. The vacuum effect is generated at one or both of the tool suction nozzle 38 and the tool air inlet 32. The suction source 14 may be a motorized fan assembly. In certain aspects, the suction source 14 may be a motor and an impeller assembly where the motor is configured to drive the impeller assembly.

[0031] The recovery tank assembly 54 is disposed along the recovery flow path 46 between the suction nozzle 38 and the suction source 14 for holding debris materials collected during the cleaning process for later disposal. The recovery tank assembly 54 may include the recovery tank 18 and a separator 58, which may assist in separating the debris from the working airflow. Generally, the suction source 14 is configured to generate the working airstream along the recovery flow path 46, which carries liquids and solid materials along recovery flow path 46 to be collected in the recovery tank 18. The working air is configured to flow through the recovery tank 18 and through the suction source 14 to be exhausted from the cleaning apparatus 10.

[0032] The delivery system 50 generally includes a pump 60, valves, or other similar features and the supply tank 16. The fluid / liquid delivery system 50 is configured to direct liquid from the supply tank 16 and out of the cleaning apparatus 10 for use in one or more cleaning processes. The supply tank 16 may be operably coupled with the housing 12 and is configured to hold and store the liquid. The liquid may be water, a cleaning solution, or combinations thereof. For example, many household extraction cleaning tasks can be performed using water along with or in combination with a liquid cleaning solution that contains surfactants, stabilizers, fragrances, and / or other active and inactive ingredients. The cleaning apparatus 10 may optionally include a heater 62 to heat or warm the liquid that is dispensed.

[0033] Referring still to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the cleaning apparatus 10 may be an extraction cleaner, which is often used to clean rugs, carpeting, drapes, and upholstered surfaces. The cleaning apparatus 10 may be configured as a portable cleaning apparatus 10, such as the example illustrated in 2A. Portable cleaning apparatuses 10 are typically smaller and lighter and often include a handle by which a user may pick up and carry the apparatus. The cleaning apparatus 10 may be configured as an upright cleaning apparatus 10, such as the example illustrated in FIG. 2B. The upright cleaning apparatus 10 generally includes an elongated handle, which the user may use to move or maneuver the upright cleaning apparatus 10 relative to an underlying surface. Generally, the user maneuvers the upright cleaning apparatus 10 via wheels operably coupled with the housing 12 to roll the apparatus on the underlying surface. Often, the upright cleaning apparatus 10 has a drive assembly to assist the user in maneuvering the apparatus. The upright cleaning apparatus 10 is generally larger and heavier relative to portable cleaning apparatuses 10 with a lower surface proximate to the wheels to engage the underlying surface.

[0034] The various configurations of the cleaning apparatus 10 may perform the same functions, perform different functions, perform overlapping functions, etc. The function of the cleaning apparatus 10 may be performed separately from the tool 24 or may be utilized by the accessory / tool 24. For example, the cleaning apparatus 10 may be operable to deliver water (room temperature or heated) and / or a chemical cleaning solution directly to the surface being cleaned. The cleaning apparatus 10 may also be operable to deliver water (room temperature or heated) and / or a chemical cleaning to the surface being cleaned via the tool 24. Similarly, the cleaning apparatus 10 may be configured to generate the vacuum effect to capture debris material at the surface being cleaned directly or by the tool 24. In this way, the surface being cleaned by the cleaning apparatus 10 may be the same or different than the surface to be cleaned by the tool 24.

[0035] Referring again to FIG. 1, as well as FIGS. 3 and 4, the tool 24 may be selectively coupled with the cleaning apparatus 10 via the accessory hose 20 and is manually maneuverable by the user. The tool or accessory 24 disclosed herein is configured as the roller tool 24. The roller tool 24 is configured to utilize various features and functions of the cleaning apparatus 10, including the recovery system 52 and the fluid / liquid delivery system 50. Each of the suction source 14 and the fluid delivery system 50 may be operable when the roller tool 24 is coupled to the housing 12 and when the roller tool 24 is not coupled to the housing 12. The cleaning apparatus 10 may include valves or similar features to direct the fluid to and from the roller tool 24 when the roller tool24 is coupled to the housing 12, as well as to other locations of the cleaning apparatus 10 when the roller tool 24 is not coupled to the housing 12. The roller tool 24 may provide similar cleaning functions as another component of the cleaning apparatus 10 or may provide an additional cleaning function to the cleaning apparatus 10.

[0036] The roller tool 24 is in fluid communication with the suction source 14, the supply tank 16, and the recovery tank 18 via the accessory hose 20 and the wand 22. The wand 22 is coupled to the distal end of the accessory hose 20 and is configured to be inserted into the support body 26 to couple the roller tool 24 to the wand 22. A specific alignment between the roller tool 24 and the wand 22 may be advantageous for aligning components of the tool 24 and the wand 22 and providing fluid communication with the suction source 14 and the supply tank 16.

[0037] The wand 22 is configured to provide a grasping location for the user. The user may grasp the wand 22 or the tool 24 to move the roller tool 24 relative to the surface being cleaned to provide the cleaning function. The user can move the tool 24 over the surface being cleaned to collect, capture, or otherwise engage the debris materials from the surface being cleaned as well as provide the liquid from the supply tank 16. The cleaning function may be applied to horizontal surfaces and non-horizontal surfaces.

[0038] The wand 22 includes a conduit 70 for delivering the liquid from the supply tank 16, which is selectively opened and closed by a valve 72. The valve 72 is operably coupled with a biasing member 74, which is illustrated as a coil spring. The biasing member 74 is configured to bias the valve 72 to a closed state, which prevents the liquid from flowing to the tool 24. The valve 72 is configured to be actuated upon by a force applied to a manually adjustable actuator, such as a trigger or button 76. The adjustment of the button 76 into the wand 22 may be configured to actuate the valve 72 to the opened state, providing fluid communication to the tool 24. Accordingly, the liquid delivered to the tool 24 is controlled by the user. The user may depress the button 76 to actuate the valve and open fluid communication at intervals, as needed, or to maintain open fluid communication and continually provide the liquid to the tool.

[0039] In various aspects, liquid delivery through the tool 24 may be controlled by an actuator and fluid control system (e.g., a valve carried by the tool). In additional or alternative configurations, liquid delivery through the tool 24 may be controlled by an electronically controlled fluid flow system that delivers liquid through the tool based on a mode selection (e.g., a spot cleaning mode) and / or based on sensor information (e.g., sensor information based on the degree of soiling of the surface being cleaned). In additional non-limiting examples, the liquid delivery may be adjustable between a manual-control mode and an automatic-control mode.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the tool 24 includes the support body 26 with the connector 28. The connector 28 defines an at least partially hollow interior to form a portion of the recovery flow path 46 and to receive the wand 22. The wand 22 includes a detent 100, which is configured to be disposed within an aperture 102 defined by the connector 28 to selectively couple the tool 24 to the wand 22. The detent 100 may be moved or adjusted to allow for disengagement of the tool 24 from the wand 22, which may be advantageous for cleaning the tool or selectively coupling a different accessory 24 or tool 24 to the wand 22. The connector 28 may include a stopper 104 for providing a limit to the insertion of the wand 22.

[0041] The connector 28 may also include or support a channel 110 for receiving and housing an outlet end 112 of the wand 22. The outlet end 112 may be a projection or protrusion, which is positioned or inserted into the channel 110. The channel 110 may be integrally defined by the connector 28 or may be defined by a component coupled to the connector 28, such as on an underside of the connector 28. A conduit 114 may extend from the channel 110 and to the support body 26 proximate to the connector 28 to deliver the liquid to the wash chamber 34. As illustrated, the conduit 114 may be an external conduit or, alternatively, may be internal and within the roller tool 24. The conduit 114 is configured to direct or guide the liquid from the outlet end 112 and to the wash chamber 34. The channel 110 and the conduit 114 may form a portion of a liquid flow path 116.

[0042] Referring still to FIGS. 5-7, the distal end of the connector 28 is coupled with a tool housing 118, and a curve or bend is defined therebetween. This bend can angle the tool housing 118, and particularly the roller 30 and the tool suction nozzle 38, toward the surface being cleaned while providing an ergonomic grasping position for the wand 22. The tool housing 118 at least partially houses the roller 30 and defines the wash chamber 34 for refreshing the roller 30 as described herein. The wash chamber 34 is generally a portion of the interior of the support body 26 between the connector 28 and the surface 40 of the roller 30. Accordingly, the wash chamber 34 is an interior chamber downstream of the tool suction nozzle 38 and upstream of the passage in the connector 28. Both the recovery flow path 46 and the refresh flow path 48 may extend through the wash chamber 34. This location may be advantageous for housing components and balancing pressures, air movement, and liquid flow to refresh the surface 40 of the roller 30 for continual use.

[0043] The support body 26 includes at least one guide, which in the illustrated configuration, includes a first or front guide 120 and a second or rear guide 122. Sidewalls 124, 126 extend between the guides 120, 122 to form sides of the wash chamber 34 and a receiving space for the roller 30. The guides 120, 122 extend away from one another in opposing directions and at least partially follow a contour of the surface 40 of the roller 30. Accordingly, the guides 120, 122 are generally arcuate, arced, or arched to correspond to the contour of the roller 30.

[0044] The guides 120, 122 extend along a portion of the roller 30 with the roller 30 extending beyond ends of the guides 120, 122 to engage the surface being cleaned. The guides 120, 122 may be symmetrical or asymmetrical with one of the guides 120, 122 being longer to extend along a greater portion of the circumference of the roller 30. In various aspects, the guides 120, 122 may be the same or similar lengths but may be arranged at different positions relative to the roller 30 based on the angle of the tool housing 118 relative to the connector 28. In the illustrated configuration, when holding the wand 22 horizontally, the tool housing 118 may extend toward the underlying surface with an obtuse angle formed between the tool housing 118 and the connector 28. With this angle, a connecting proximal end of the rear guide 122 may be lower than a connecting proximal end of the front guide 120. This can result in a distal end of the rear guide 122 being closer to the surface being cleaned than a distal end of the front guide 120.

[0045] Inner surfaces that the guides 120, 122 are spaced from the surface 40 of the roller 30, which may be advantageous for allowing freer rotation of the roller 30. The narrow spacing between the inner surface of the guides 120, 122 and the outer surface 40 of the roller 30 may assist in drawing the vacuum effect across the surface 40 of the roller 30 with the recovery flow path 46 as described herein. The spacing provides a sufficient suction effect to capture debris material from the surface being cleaned and / or the surface 40 of the roller 30 while not providing too much suction that the shape of the guides 120, 122 is affected (e.g., deformation due to vacuum effect is minimized or prevented).

[0046] The roller tool 24 includes at least one tool suction nozzle 38 and in the illustrated configuration, includes a first or front tool suction nozzle 128 and a second or rear tool suction nozzle 130. The front tool suction nozzle 128 is formed between the front guide 120 and the surface 40 of the roller 30, while the rear tool suction nozzle 130 is formed between the front guide 120 and the surface 40 of the roller 30. The suction source 14 (FIG. 1) is configured to generate the vacuum effect at the suction nozzles 128, 130 to generate the airflow and carry the fluid and debris from the surface being cleaned along the recovery flow path 46. In this way, the guides 120, 122 and the surface 40 of the roller 30 may define two portions or branches of the recovery flow path 46 around the roller 30. The airflow carrying the fluid and debris can be drawn into the roller tool 24 by the suction source 14 (FIG. 1) at the suction nozzles 128, 130, carried around the roller 30 along the surface of the roller 30, into the wash chamber 34, and through the connector 28 toward the recovery tank 18 (FIG. 1). This airflow can carry dry or drier debris from the surface being cleaned, as well as assist in pulling debris from the surface 40 of the roller 30.

[0047] Referring still to FIGS. 5-7, the roller 30 is disposed between the opposing guides 120, 122, extending beyond the guides 120, 122 to engage the surface being cleaned in response to manual movement of the roller tool 24. The roller 30 includes a barrel 140, which includes the outer surface 40 of the roller 30 for engaging the surface being cleaned. The interior of the roller 30 may be hollow, partially filled, or entirely filled. The sidewalls 124, 126 of the tool housing 118 include coupling features 146 that are configured to engage mating features 148 on the roller 30 to couple the roller 30 to the support body 26, forming a rotational axis for the roller 30. The configuration of the support body 26 allows the roller 30 to rotate about the rotational axis without substantially impinging on the rotation.

[0048] The roller tool 24 may also include a ski or foot 160 for engaging the surface being cleaned along with the roller 30. The foot 160 may be coupled with the tool housing 118 and may at least partially house or receive the roller 30. The foot 160 may be integrally formed with the tool housing 118 or a separate component attachable to the tool housing 118. In certain aspects, the foot 160 may be removable to be selectively utilized or removed by the user.

[0049] The foot 160 may have a first or front wall 162 coupled to the first guide 120, a second or rear wall 164 coupled to the second guide 122, and sidewalls 166, 168 extending therebetween. The sidewalls 124, 126 of the foot 160 are configured to couple with the sidewalls 124, 126 of the tool housing 118. The sidewalls 124, 126 of the tool housing 118 may include coupling features on an outer surface thereof, and the sidewalls 166, 168 of the foot 160 may include mating components 170 to engage the coupling features 146. In the illustrated configuration, the mating components 170 may be apertures for receiving protruding coupling features 146 from the tool housing 118. In various aspects, the engagement between the foot 160 and the tool housing 118 may be aligned or coaxial with the engagement between the tool housing 118 and the roller 30. This may assist in reducing the size of the tool housing 118 while properly aligning the components relative to one another.

[0050] The front wall 162 may be coupled to and / or extend along an outer surface of the front guide 120, while the rear wall 164 may be coupled to and / or extend along the outer surface of the rear guide 122 to more fully enclose the roller 30. The front and rear walls 162, 164 extend from proximate the distal ends of the guides 120, 122 and are configured to engage the surface being cleaned. The distal ends of the front and rear walls 162, 164 may concurrently engage the surface being cleaned and may also both engage the surface being cleaned concurrently with the surface 40 of the roller 30. In this way, the distal end of the foot 160 and the roller 30 may engage the floor at the same time depending on the positioning of the roller tool 24. Given the angled positioning of the guides 120, 122, the front wall 162 of the foot 160 may be longer than the rear wall 164.

[0051] The front and rear walls 162, 164 may define a curvature at least proximate to the guides 120, 122. The front and rear walls 162, 164 may at least partially follow the curvature of the roller 30 and may diverge from following the curvature toward the distal ends. This may allow for greater spacing between the distal ends of the walls 162, 164 and the roller 30 compared to the proximal ends of the walls 162, 164 and the roller 30. The walls 162, 164 may at least partially define the two branches of the recovery flow path 46 around the roller 30. The recovery flow path 46 may be wider proximate to the surface being cleaned and narrower proximate to where the walls 162, 164 overlap with the guides 120, 122. The narrowing of the recovery flow path 46 may assist with increasing the vacuum effect along the roller 30, which may assist with pulling the debris materials from the surface 40 of the roller 30 for collection in the recovery tank 18 (FIG. 1).

[0052] Referring still to FIGS. 5-7, the sidewalls 166, 168 of the foot 160 may also extend to or adjacent to the surface being cleaned when the walls 162, 164 and the roller 30 engage the surface. This may substantially enclose the area around the roller 30 when the roller 30 is engaging the surface being cleaned. This more enclosed environment may assist with capturing the debris material from the surface being cleaned. The sidewalls 124, 126 may each define indents 172, including a front indent 172 proximate to the front wall 162 and a rear indent 172 proximate to the rear wall 164 to allow greater airflow into the roller 30 with the foot 160 engaging the surface being cleaned. The indents 172 may be mirror images of one another both over a central axis of the tool and the rotational axis. The indents 172 may have an increased height closer to the respective wall 162, 164 and taper or reduce in height closer to the rotational axis, forming quasi-triangular shapes but may be any practicable shape for allowing airflow therethrough. The illustrated shape of the indents 172 may generally follow the shape of the roller 30.

[0053] The indents 172 may allow the airflow generated by the suction source 14 (FIG. 1) to be drawn therethrough and along the recovery flow path 46. With the foot 160 engaging the surface, the indents 172 allow airflow to be drawn into the roller tool 24 while the roller tool 24 is moved over the surface being cleaned. Further, the indents 172 allow dry or drier debris material to be captured in the airflow and drawn along the recovery flow path 46 to be collected in the recovery tank (FIG. 1). The indents 172 and the airflow therethrough may also assist with collecting debris material captured by the foot 160.

[0054] The foot 160 includes front and rear flanges 174, 176 that extend from the respective wall and away from one another. Accordingly, the front flange 174 extends forward from the front wall 162 and the rear flange 176 extends rearward from the rear wall 164. The flanges 174, 176 may extend along a substantial portion or the entire length of the walls 162, 164 between the sidewalls 166, 168. The flanges 174, 176 generally extend outward and curve upward at distal ends thereof. The curved ends may allow for smoother movement of the foot 160 along the surface being cleaned without catching the edge on the surface being cleaned. Additionally, the curved configuration may allow the roller tool 24 to be angled or moved forward or back by the user while maintaining smoother movement of the surface being cleaned.

[0055] A directional collection feature 180 may be coupled to lower surfaces of the flanges 174, 176 for engaging the surface being cleaned. The directional collection feature 180 may be a one-way material, which may capture debris when moved in a first direction and release debris when moved in a second direction. Accordingly, the debris can be captured when the roller tool 24 is moved in one direction and released for collection with the vacuum effect when the roller tool 24 is moved in the opposing direction. The collection feature 180 may be a woven substrate that can be constructed of a polymeric material, such as polypropylene. The collection feature 180 is generally formed of directional or angled bristles that extend from the flanges 174, 176 and toward the surface being cleaned. The bristle fibers may act to grab and pull the debris material from the surface being cleaned when moved in one direction and release the debris when moved in the second direction to be captured in the suction airflow along the recovery flow path 46.

[0056] The directional material on each flange 174, 176 may be oriented in the same direction. For example, the directional material may capture debris when the roller tool 24 is moved forward and release debris when the roller tool 24 is moved rearward. Alternatively, the collection feature 180 on the front flange 174 may extend in a first direction, and the collection feature 180 on the rear flange 176 may extend in a second direction. For example, the collection material on the front flange 174 may capture debris when the roller tool 24 is moved rearward and release debris when the roller tool 24 is moved forward, while the collection material on the rear flange 176 captures debris when the roller tool 24 is moved forward and release debris when the roller tool 24 is moved rearward. This configuration may allow the release of the material to occur as the roller tool 24 and / or the tool suction nozzles 128, 130 pass over the released material to capture the released debris material with the generated airflow into the roller tool 24.

[0057] Referring still to FIGS. 5-7, the roller tool 24 may include a refresh assembly 190 for refreshing the surface 40 of the roller 30. As the surface 40 of the roller 30 captures debris material, less surface area is available to continue to capture debris material. Refreshing the roller 30 may allow the captured debris material to be dislodged from the roller 30 and collected in the recovery tank 18 (FIG. 1), allowing for continued use of the roller 30 without a separate cleaning or washing process. The refresh assembly 190 may include one or more of the liquid outlet 42, a fluid or liquid distributor 192, at least one air cushion 44, the wash chamber 34, and the at least one tool air inlet 32. The refresh assembly 190 may utilize liquid, airflow, and contact to refresh the roller 30, disengaging the captured debris material for collection with the vacuum effect.

[0058] The roller tool 24 includes the conduit 114 for fluidly coupling the outlet end 112 of the wand 22 with the wash chamber 34 to deliver the liquid from the supply tank 16 (FIG. 1). The liquid outlet 42 directs the liquid into the wash chamber 34. The liquid outlet 42 may be a single outlet or multiple outlets without departing from the teachings herein. In the illustrated configuration, when the roller 30 is engaging the surface being cleaned, the liquid outlet 42 is vertically above the roller 30. This may be advantageous for using gravitational forces to distribute the liquid for a refresh process.

[0059] In certain aspects, the conduit 114 and the liquid outlet 42 are coupled with an internal support 194 extending across a length of the wash chamber 34. The internal support 194 may be U-shaped, opening toward the roller 30. The refresh assembly 190 may include the liquid distributor 192, which can be coupled with or part of the internal support 194. As illustrated, the liquid distributor 192 is positioned within the “U” shape of the internal support 194 and extends across at least a substantial portion of the length of the wash chamber 34 and at least a substantial portion of the length of the roller 30. The liquid outlet 42 may be centrally located within the wash chamber 34 and the liquid distributor 192 may distribute or disperse the liquid along the length of the wash chamber 34 and, consequently, the air cushion 44 and the roller 30. The “U” shape of the internal support 194 may assist with directing the liquid toward the roller 30 and minimizing or preventing the liquid from being immediately recaptured via the suction effect.

[0060] The liquid distributor 192 is configured to assist in transferring or directing the liquid from the liquid outlet 42 of the conduit 114 and toward the surface 40 of the roller 30. The liquid distributor 192 may extend between the opposing sidewalls 124, 126 of the tool housing 118 and parallel with the rotational axis of the roller 30. The liquid distributor 192 may be a manifold, trough, or channel to capture more liquid and guide the captured liquid toward the surface 40 of the roller 30. In certain aspects, the liquid distributor 192 may be a substantially nonporous or an impermeable material, such as a plastic material. In such configurations, the liquid distributor 192 defines a plurality of spray openings that are configured to spray or otherwise direct the liquid from the liquid outlet 42, through the liquid distributor 192, and toward the surface 40 of the roller 30. The spray openings may be sized or shaped to increase pressure for spraying the liquid and / or allow the liquid to drip or otherwise flow toward the roller 30.

[0061] In additional or alternative aspects, the liquid distributor 192 may be constructed of a porous media. In such examples, the liquid distributor 192 can be configured as a porous sintered plastic spray bar. The liquid distributor 192 may not define discrete openings but instead may be a porous material that allows the liquid to seep or “weep” through the liquid distributor 192 and toward the surface 40 of the roller 30. This configuration may slowly wet the air cushion 44 and / or the surface 40 of the roller 30. Illustrative porous media configurations include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,820,627 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 214,147, published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2023 / 0414055, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Further, in another non-limiting example, the liquid distributor 192 may be configured as a spray tip. The spray tip may be coupled with the liquid outlet 42 toward the surface 40 of the roller 30. Such configurations may allow the liquid to be directed toward the roller 30 at different orientations, such as when the liquid outlet 42 is vertically over the roller 30 and when the liquid outlet 42 is not vertically over roller 30.

[0062] The liquid outlet 42 is configured to direct the liquid toward the surface 40 of the roller 30. In doing so, with the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7, the liquid is directed into / through the at least one air cushion 44, which may be a single elongated air cushion 44 extending across the length of the wash chamber 34. The liquid is directed into an interior of the air cushion 44, wetting the air cushion 44, which can, consequently, wet the surface 40 of the roller 30.

[0063] The air cushion 44 may be coupled with the internal support 194 or otherwise coupled with the support body 26. When coupled to the internal support 194, the air cushion 44 may be coupled to the sides of the internal support 194 and spaced from the liquid distributor 192. The air cushion 44 may form a “U” shape, opening toward the liquid distributor 192. With this configuration, the air cushion 44 may include a front segment coupled to a front wall of the internal support 194 and a rear segment coupled to a rear wall of the internal support 194. An engagement segment of the air cushion 44 extends between the front and rear segments and is configured to engage the surface 40 of the roller 30. In other words, the air cushion 44 may extend from the front wall of the internal support 194, along the surface 40 of the roller 30, and to the rear wall of the internal support 194 forming an interior passage 196 therebetween. The interior passage 196 extends parallel with the air cushion 44 and the rotational axis of the roller 30. It is also contemplated that the air cushion 44 may at least partially or substantially fill the passage without departing from the teachings herein.

[0064] The air cushion 44 may be constructed of a microfiber material or another similar material that is fluid permeable to allow liquid and air to flow therethrough. The air cushion 44 is configured to expand or inflate in response to the air flowing therethrough along the refresh flow path 48. The air is drawn through the microfiber air cushion 44 to expand the air cushion 44 to engage the surface 40 of the roller 30 when the suction source 14 (FIG. 1) is activated and generates the vacuum effect. When the suction source 14 is deactivated, the air cushion 44 may be in a relaxed state, which may be spaced from the surface 40 of the roller 30 or otherwise not pressed against the surface 40 of the roller 30.

[0065] Referring still to FIGS. 5-7, the tool housing 118 defines the at least one tool air inlet 32, which is illustrated as first and second tool air inlets 198, 200 in fluid communication with the wash chamber 34 and the air cushion 44. The tool air inlets 198, 200 are defined by the sidewalls 124, 126 of the tool housing 118, respectively. The tool air inlets 198, 200 may each be a single opening, as illustrated, or multiple openings. The tool air inlets 198, 200 are generally aligned with the interior passage 196 between the internal support 194 and the air cushion 44, allowing air to be drawn into the interior passage 196 at each side via the tool air inlets 198, 200. Accordingly, the tool air inlets 198, 200 may be disposed between the front and rear walls of the internal support 194 for air to be directed to / through the air cushion 44.

[0066] Air is configured to be drawn into the interior passage 196 via the tool air inlets 198, 200 by the suction source 14 (FIG. 1) and directed along the refresh flow path 48. When the suction source 14 is activated, the suction source 14 is configured to generate the suction or vacuum effect through the roller tool 24, which can create a reduced or negative pressure within the wash chamber 34. The reduced / negative pressure causes air to be drawn through the tool air inlets 198, 200, through the air cushion 44, around an outside of the internal support 194 (e.g., between support body 26 and the front and rear walls and of the internal support 194), and through the connector 28. After passing through the air cushion 44, the air drawn through the tool air inlets 198, 200 may join or combine with the airflow carrying the fluid and debris captured at the tool suction nozzles 128, 130 to be carried along the remainder of the recovery flow path 46 to the recovery tank 18 (FIG. 1).

[0067] The air drawn into the interior passage 196 is configured to be drawn into and / or through the air cushion 44, causing the air cushion 44 to expand. The air cushion 44 may be in a first or relaxed state when the suction source 14 (FIG. 1) is deactivated. In the relaxed state, the air cushion 44 may be spaced from the surface 40 of the roller 30 or lightly engage / abut the surface 40 without significant force or pressure being applied to the surface. The air drawn into the interior passage 196 may be configured to adjust the air cushion 44 to a second or expanded state. In the expanded state, the air cushion 44 is configured to engage and / or apply pressure to the surface 40 of the roller 30. The pressure may be sufficient to provide a “scraping” or “brushing” effect while not substantially affecting the rotation of the roller 30. The air cushion 44 is configured to press against the surface 40 to the roller 30, scraping the surface 40 to dislodge the material captured on the roller 30. The direct engagement between the air cushion 44 and the roller 30 may assist with dislodging captured debris through physical engagement and / or by reducing or breaking a bond between the debris and the surface 40 of the roller 30. The dislodged debris may be captured in the recovery flow path 46 generated by the suction source 14 (FIG. 1).

[0068] In addition to the physical engagement between the air cushion 44 and the roller 30, the liquid dispensed from the liquid outlet 42 may assist with refreshing the roller 30 and dislodging the captured debris material. The liquid may be utilized to wet the air cushion 44 to, consequently, wet the surface 40 of the roller 30. In this way, the liquid may not be directly applied from the liquid outlet 42 to the roller 30 but may be applied indirectly through the air cushion 44. However, in certain aspects, the relationship between the air cushion 44 and the liquid outlet 42 may be offset such that the liquid is directed directly to the surface 40 of the roller 30 and also to the air cushion 44. Alternatively, multiple liquid outlets 42 can be used to direct liquid to both the air cushion 44 and the surface 40 directly.

[0069] The liquid is directed into the interior of the air cushion 44. The air being drawn through the air cushion 44 is configured to draw the liquid through the air cushion 44. In other words, the air and the liquid from the interior passage 196 are drawn out of the interior passage 196, through the air cushion 44, and into the wash chamber 34. The suction source 14 (FIG. 1) may draw the air and liquid along this path. The liquid being drawn through the air cushion 44 with the air can further distribute the liquid from refreshing the roller 30 and cleaning the air cushion 44.

[0070] In the illustrated configuration, the liquid from the supply tank 16 (FIG. 1) may be utilized to saturate or otherwise wet the air cushion 44. In various aspects, the wetted microfiber air cushion 44 may assist with reducing or breaking static bonds formed between the debris material and the surface 40 of the roller 30. Reducing or breaking static bonds may allow the debris material to be dislodged or pulled from the surface by the vacuum effect and the airflow being drawn along the surface 40 of the roller 30. Additionally or alternatively, the application of the liquid may affect the surface tackiness of the roller 30, which may also contribute to reducing / breaking the bond between the debris material and the surface 40 of the roller 30.

[0071] Referring still to FIGS. 5-7, the roller 30 includes the barrel 140 that is configured to provide the collecting cleaning function of the roller tool 24. At least a portion of the barrel 140 is constructed of a material that has a high surface tackiness or “stickiness.” The high surface tackiness allows the roller 30 to capture and retain debris material on the surface 40 of the roller 30. This material is generally a rubber material, such as silicone or other similar materials. The surface tackiness of the roller 30 is a property of the material forming the outer surface 40 of the roller 30, and the surface tackiness of the material can be temporarily adjusted with liquid for cleaning or refreshing the roller 30. As the liquid engages the surface 40 of the roller 30, the liquid may reduce the surface tackiness of the material making the surface 40 temporarily “slippery.” The decreasing surface tackiness or more “slippery” quality, consequently, reduces the engagement between the surface 40 of roller 30 and the collected debris material to assist in dislodging / releasing the debris material from the roller 30. In this regard, the air cushion 44 may assist with scraping the debris material from the surface 40 of the roller 30 through the contact therebetween and may also assist with wetting the roller 30 to release debris material by changing the surface tackiness with the liquid.

[0072] The roller 30 is illustrated as being formed of a single material for the outer surface 40. However, it is contemplated that the surface 40 of the roller 30 may be constructed of two portions that are constructed of different materials to affect the capture and release of debris materials. For example, the barrel 140 of the roller 30 may include a first portion that is constructed of a first material on a second portion that is constructed of a second material where the first and second materials may have different surface tackiness properties. The higher surface tackiness can assist with capturing the debris material and the lower surface tackiness can assist with dislodging or releasing the debris material for capture. The debris may not “stick” to the material with the lower surface tackiness, leaving a loose end that can be pulled by the airflow. The materials may be arranged in various patterns to allow debris to be both captured on the sticky portion and reduce or prevent engagement of a portion of the debris with the less tacky second portion.

[0073] Referring still to FIGS. 5-7, the combination of airflow and liquid through the air cushion 44 may also assist with cleaning the air cushion 44 automatically. The air being drawn through the air cushion 44 may pull the liquid through the air cushion 44 as well as any dirt or debris collected in the air cushion 44. Some debris from the roller 30 may be captured by the air cushion 44, and the liquid being pulled therethrough may also pull this debris material from the air cushion 44 to continually clean the air cushion 44 while refreshing the roller 30. The liquid pulled from the air cushion 44 and any excess liquid dispended from the liquid outlet 42 may be captured in the recovery flow path 46 for collection in the recovery tank (FIG. 1).

[0074] The roller tool 24 may have multiple airflow paths 46, 48 extending therethrough and in fluid communication with the suction source 14 (FIG. 1). For the recovery flow path 46, working, debris-laden air is drawn through the tool suction nozzles 128, 130 and through the indents 172 from a bottom of the roller tool 24 proximate to the surface being cleaned. The working airflow is drawn around the roller 30 and along the surface 40 of the roller 30, which may assist with pulling debris material from the surface 40 of the roller 30. The airflow carrying the debris and fluid can flow into the wash chamber 34, around the refresh assembly 190 (e.g., in front and behind), and into the connector 28.

[0075] For the refresh flow path 48, air may also be drawn into the roller tool 24 at a top of the roller tool 24 via the tool air inlets 198, 200 and into the interior passage 196. The air can be drawn through the interior passage 196 and through the air cushion 44, carrying debris and liquid through the air cushion 44. After flowing through the air cushion 44, the air from the refresh flow path 48 may combine with the recovery flow path 46, joining with the working air carrying the debris and fluid from the suction nozzles 128, 130 to flow around the refresh assembly 190 and to the connector 28.

[0076] The air being drawn through the air cushion 44 for the refresh flow path 48 and along the surface 40 of the roller 30 for the recovery flow path 46 may also assist with drying the air cushion 44 and / or the roller 30. Drying the surface 40 of the roller 30 may be advantageous for returning the roller 30 to the high or higher surface tackiness for capturing debris material. The surface 40 of the roller 30 may also be at least partially dried by the surface being cleaned. Liquid may be dispensed to wet the air cushion 44 and the roller 30 to refresh the roller tool 24 and a pause in dispensing the liquid may assist with drying the components of the roller tool 24.

[0077] Further, the liquid dispensed from the liquid outlet 42 may also be directed to the surface being cleaned via the roller 30. Wetting the surface being cleaned can assist with dislodging the debris material, as well as for refreshing the surface being cleaned. In certain aspects, when the cleaning liquid includes a fragrance, the fragrance may be applied to the surface being cleaned by wetting the surface with the roller tool 24.

[0078] The roller tool 24 may be utilized to capture debris material in the airflow generated by the suction source 14, as well as on the surface 40 of the roller 30. The refresh assembly 190 may be utilized to wet the surface being cleaned, as well as refresh the roller 30 for continual use without a separate washing process. This configuration of the roller tool 24 may include a roller 30 with a smaller diameter. In the illustrated configuration, the length of the roller 30 is about 100 mm and the diameter may be less than about 30 mm. Smaller dimensions may be advantageous for cleaning smaller or uneven surfaces. For instance, a roller 30 with smaller dimensions may be advantageous for using the roller 30 in smaller, tighter spaces or crevices. The smaller dimensions may also provide for more efficient manufacturing processes. The smaller dimension may maintain a tool of a smaller, more maneuverable overall size with the addition of the foot 160.

[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, an additional or alternative configuration of a roller tool 224 is illustrated. The roller tool 224 illustrated in FIGS. 8-10 is substantially similar and functions substantially similarly to the roller tool 24 illustrated in FIG. 5-7 with the primary differences being in the components, configurations, and relationships used for the refreshing process. The roller tool 224 includes a support body 226 having a connector 228 for engaging the wand 22 and at least partially houses a roller 230. The support body 226 defines at least one tool air inlet 232 in fluid communication with an interior wash chamber 234 of the tool housing 318. The support body 226 also includes at least one tool suction nozzle 238, which may be defined between the support body 226 and a surface 240 of the roller 230, and also in fluid communication with the wash chamber 234.

[0080] The roller tool 224 also includes at least one liquid outlet 242 for dispensing liquid from the supply tank 16 into the wash chamber 234 and toward the surface 240 of the roller 230. At least one air cushion 244 is disposed within the wash chamber 234. The at least one air cushion 244 is configured to expand in response to air being directed therethrough by the suction source 14 (FIG. 1) to engage the surface 240 of the roller 230 and dislodge debris captured on the surface 240. The suction source 14 is configured to generate an airflow to carry fluid and debris through the suction nozzle 238 and along a recovery flow path 246 and to draw air through the at least one air inlet 232 and along a refresh flow path 248 to expand / inflate the air cushion 44.

[0081] The support body 226 includes the connector 228 for receiving the wand 22 (FIG. 4) and a channel 310 for receiving the outlet end 112 of the wand 22. A conduit 314 extends between the channel 310 and a tool housing 318 for directing the liquid along a liquid flow path 316 and providing fluid communication with the wash chamber 234. The support body 226 includes at least one guide 320, and in the illustrated configuration, includes a single, front guide 320. The configuration of the support body 226 may replace the use of a rear guide in this configuration. Accordingly, the wash chamber 234 may extend along a greater circumference of the roller 230. The front guide 320 and the wash chamber 234 may extend along about half of the circumference of the roller 230. Sidewalls 324, 326 extend from the front guide 320, across the roller 230, and to the support body 226 to form a receiving space for the roller 230.

[0082] The front guide 320 generally follows the contour of the surface 240 of the roller 230. The roller 230 extends beyond a distal end of the front guide 320 to engage the surface being cleaned. An inner surface of the front guide 320 is spaced from the surface 240 of the roller 230, and the spacing is narrow to assist in generating the vacuum effect across the surface 240 of the roller 230. The roller tool 224 includes at least one tool suction nozzle 238 and, in the illustrated configuration, includes a first or front tool suction nozzle 328 formed between the front guide 320 and the roller 230 and a second or rear tool suction nozzle 330 formed between the roller 230 and the tool housing 318 forming the wash chamber 234.

[0083] The airflow generated by the suction source 14 (FIG. 1) is configured to be carried through the suction nozzles 328, 330 and into the roller tool 224. The airflow carried through the front suction nozzle 328 is carried along the surface 240 of the roller 230 and into the wash chamber 234. The airflow carried through the rear suction nozzle 330 is also carried along the surface 240 of the roller 230 and into the wash chamber 234. The suction nozzles 328, 330 provide two inlets for two branches of the recovery flow path 246 around the roller 230 and to the connector 228.

[0084] Referring still to FIGS. 8-10, the roller tool 224 may include a refresh assembly 390 for refreshing the surface 240 of the roller 230. The refresh assembly 390 may include one or more of the liquid outlet 242, a fluid or liquid distributor 392, at least one air cushion 244, the wash chamber 234, and at least one tool air inlet 232. The refresh assembly 390 may utilize liquid, airflow, and contact to refresh the roller 230, disengaging the captured debris material for collection with the vacuum effect.

[0085] The liquid outlet 242 is in fluid communication with the wash chamber 234 for directing the liquid from the supply tank 16 (FIG. 1) into the wash chamber 234. The liquid outlet 242 may be a single outlet or multiple outlets without departing from the teachings herein. In the illustrated configuration, the liquid outlet 242 is disposed below / under the connector 228. The liquid distributor 392 may be utilized to distribute or disperse the liquid within the wash chamber 234. The liquid distributor 392 may be coupled with or integrally formed with the support body 226. As illustrated, the liquid distributor 392 is integrally formed with the tool housing 318, providing an internal channel across the tool housing 318 with multiple openings for directing the liquid into the wash chamber 234.

[0086] The liquid distributor 392 may be one or more sprayers, a manifold, trough, or channel 310 to capture more liquid and guide the captured liquid toward the surface 240 of the roller 230. The liquid distributor 392 may be a substantially nonporous or an impermeable material, such as a plastic material, with spray openings. In certain aspects, the liquid distributor 392 may be constructed of a porous media that allows the liquid to seep or “weep” through the liquid distributor 392 and toward the surface 240 of the roller 230.

[0087] The roller tool 224 defines the at least one tool air inlet 232, which is illustrated as first and second tool air inlets 396, 398. Each of the tool air inlets 396, 398 may be a single opening or multiple openings in fluid communication with the wash chamber 234. The tool housing 318 defines openings 400 in two locations. The first opening 400 may be a forward opening 400, forward of the connector 228, and the second opening 400 may be rear / under the connector 228. The openings 400 may be single elongated openings 400, which may be or form part of the tool air inlets 396, 398. Accordingly, the roller tool 224 may include two air inlets 396, 398 for drawing air into the roller tool 224 and along the refresh flow path 248 with the air inlets 396, 398 being in fore and aft positions, extending along at least a portion of the length of the roller 230.

[0088] In this configuration, the roller tool 224 includes inlet covers 402 coupled to the support body 226 over the openings 400. The covers 402 may be removable with side latches 404 configured to engage protrusions 406 extending from the sidewalls 324, 326 of the tool housing 318. The inlet covers 402 include tabs 408 that extend through the openings 400, respectively. As illustrated, each cover 402 forms a plurality of inlet openings (e.g., forming the tool air inlets 396, 398) in a linear arrangement, but other configurations are contemplated without departing from the teachings herein. The covers 402 may also be omitted with the inlets 396, 398 being formed by the tool housing 318 (e.g., one or both covers 402 may be integrally formed with the support body 226).

[0089] Referring still to FIGS. 8-10, the roller tool 224 includes at least one air cushion 244 and in the illustrated configuration includes two air cushions 412, 414 in the wash chamber 234. The air cushions 412, 414 are spaced from one another with the first air cushion 412 being at a forward end of the wash chamber 234 and the second air cushion 414 at a rear end of the wash chamber 234 proximate to the tool suction nozzle 238. The air cushions 412, 414 are generally aligned with the openings 400 / tool air inlets 396, 398. The air cushions 412, 414 may be coupled with the support body 226 and / or the tabs 408 of the inlet covers 402. Having the air cushions 412, 414 attached to the tabs 408 may allow the air cushions 412, 414 to be removed for cleaning.

[0090] The air cushions 412, 414 may be microfiber or another similar material that is fluid permeable to allow liquid and air to flow therethrough. The air drawn through the front tool air inlet 396 is configured to be directed into / through the first air cushion 412 to expand the first air cushion 412. Similarly, the air drawn through the rear tool air inlet 398 is configured to be directed into / through the second air cushion 414 to expand the second air cushion 414. Accordingly, the roller tool 224 includes two branches of the refresh airflow path 248 that direct air into the roller tool 224 and toward one another.

[0091] The liquid outlet 242 is disposed between the air cushions 412, 414. In this configuration, the liquid may be directed directly to the surface 240 of the roller 230 and / or to the air cushions 412, 414. More liquid may be directed to the roller 230 directly than to / through the air cushions 412, 414 based on the liquid outlet 242 being between the air cushions 412, 414. In certain aspects, the liquid may be directed into an interior of the air cushions 412, 414 to wet the air cushions 412, 414 and, consequently, wet a greater surface area of the roller 230. Further, wetting the air cushions 412, 414 can allow the air along the refresh flow path 248 to draw the liquid through the air cushions 412, 414 and clean the air cushions 412, 414.

[0092] Air is configured to be drawn into the roller tool 224 via the tool air inlets 396, 398 by the suction source 14 (FIG. 1). When the suction source 14 is activated the suction source 14 is configured to generate the suction or vacuum effect through the roller tool 224, which can create a reduced or negative pressure within the wash chamber 234. The reduced / negative pressure causes air to be drawn through the tool air inlets 396, 398 and toward / through the air cushions 412, 414. The air cushion 244 may be in the first or relaxed state when the suction source 14 (FIG. 1) is deactivated and the air is not being drawn into the wash chamber 234. The air drawn into the wash chamber 234 may be configured to adjust the air cushions 412, 414 to the second or expanded state. In the expanded state, the air cushions 412, 414 are configured to engage and / or apply pressure to the surface 240 of the roller 230. The pressure may be sufficient to provide a “scraping” or “brushing” effect while not substantially affecting the rotation of the roller 230.

[0093] The direct engagement between the air cushions 412, 414 and the roller 230 may assist with dislodging captured debris through physical engagement. The dislodged debris may be captured in the recovery flow path 246 generated by the suction source 14 (FIG. 1). In addition to the physical engagement between the air cushions 412, 414 and the roller 230, the liquid dispensed from the liquid outlet 242 may assist with refreshing the roller 230 and dislodging the captured debris material. The liquid may change the surface tackiness of the roller 230 to affect the bond between the debris material and the surface.

[0094] The refresh assembly 390 is configured to refresh the roller 230 in several ways. The air is drawn through the tool air inlets 396, 398 to expand the air cushions 412, 414 to engage the surface 240 of the roller 230. Two air cushions 412, 414 may provide an increased “scraping” aspect for dislodging the debris from the roller 230. The air is drawn through the air cushions 412, 414, through the wash chamber 234, and through the connector 228. After passing through the air cushions 412, 414, the air can capture excess liquid in the wash chamber 234.

[0095] Referring still to FIGS. 8-10, as the roller 230 rotates forward, the surface 240 engages the front air cushion 412, rotates past the liquid distributor 392, and then engages the rear air cushion 414. The front air cushion 412 may provide an initial scraping function. The surface 240 may then be wetted, changing the surface tackiness of the surface 240 of the roller 230. Air flowing through the wash chamber 234 can assist with dislodging the debris from the wetted surface 240. The surface 240 may then engage the rear air cushion 414, which may provide additional scraping with the wetted surface 240 to dislodge additional debris. The tool suction nozzles 328, 330 can carry debris dislodged by the air cushions 412, 414 further into the wash chamber 234 and into the connector 228. As the roller 230 rotates rearward, the surface 240 engages the rear air cushion 414, rotates past the liquid distributor 392, and then engages the front air cushion 412, providing an inverse or reverse process. This configuration of the wash chamber 234 may provide multiple stages for dislodging the debris from the surface 240.

[0096] The roller tool 224 may have multiple airflow paths 246, 248 extending therethrough and in fluid communication with the suction source 14 and the recovery tank 18 (FIG. 1). For the recovery flow path 246, working, debris-laden air is drawn through the tool suction nozzles 328, 330 and along the surface 240 of the roller 230, which may assist with pulling debris material from the surface 240 of the roller 230. This fluid and debris may be drawn in from the bottom of the roller tool 224, into the wash chamber 234, past, around, or through the air cushions 412, 414, and toward the connector 228. For the refresh flow path 248, the air may also be drawn through the tool air inlets 396, 398 and into / through the air cushions 412, 414. This air may be drawn into the roller tool 24 at the top of the roller 230, opposite where the tool suction nozzles 328, 330 are, and join the recovery flow path 246 in the wash chamber 234 to be carried through the connector 228 and toward the recovery tank 18 (FIG. 1). The liquid-and debris-laden air may flow along the surface 240 of the roller 230 in the wash chamber 234 and to the connector 228.

[0097] The air being drawn through the air cushions 412, 414 and along the surface 240 of the roller 230 and the surface being cleaned may also assist with drying these components. Drying the surface 240 of the roller 230 may be advantageous for returning the roller 230 to the high surface tackiness for capturing debris material. Liquid may be dispensed to wet one or both of the air cushions 412, 414 and / or the roller 230 to refresh the roller tool 224, and a pause in dispensing the liquid may assist with drying the components of the surface assembly.

[0098] Referring still to FIGS. 8-10, the liquid dispensed from the liquid outlet 242 may also be directed to the surface being cleaned via the roller 230. Wetting the surface being cleaned can assist with dislodging the debris material, as well as for refreshing the surface being cleaned. In certain aspects, when the cleaning liquid includes a fragrance, the fragrance may be applied to the surface being cleaned by wetting the surface with the roller tool 224.

[0099] The roller 230 in this configuration may be larger, having a greater diameter. The length of the roller 230 may be about 100 mm with a diameter between about 50 mm and about 60 mm. The increased diameter of the roller 230 may provide increased surface area for capturing the debris material. This configuration is not illustrated with the foot 160 (FIG. 3) and the increased surface area may assist with capturing the debris without the foot 160. While not illustrated with the foot 160, the roller tool 224 may include or be selectively used with the foot 160 without departing from the teachings herein.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 1-10, each roller tool 24, 224 disclosed herein may be utilized to refresh the roller 30, 230. Both the smaller and larger diameter rollers 30, 230 can be utilized with the support body 26 having the side tool air inlets 198, 200 and the support body 226 having the fore and aft tool air inlets 396, 398. Further, each / either sized roller 30, 230 and / or configuration of the support body 26, 224 can be utilized with the foot 160. Further, in FIGS. 5-7, the roller tool 24 is illustrated with the liquid outlet 42 being arranged to direct liquid into / through the air cushion 44; however, the liquid outlet 42 may be offset from the air cushion 44, similar to the configuration in FIGS. 8-10. Similarly, in FIGS. 8-10, the roller tool 224 is illustrated with the liquid outlet 242 may be offset from and between the air cushions 412, 414; however, the roller tool 224 may include multiple liquid outlets 242 arranged to direct liquid into / through the air cushions 412, 414, similar to the configuration in FIGS. 5-7. Moreover, either configuration of the refresh assembly 190, 390 can be utilized with the side tool air inlets 198, 200 and the fore / aft tool air inlets 396, 398. Accordingly, it is understood that the various features described herein may be interchanged and used in any and all combinations.

[0101] In operation, the user can couple the roller tool 24, 224 to the wand 22. The user may then grasp the wand 22 and move the roller 30, 230 along the surface being cleaned. As the roller 30, 230 is moved in the fore and aft directions, the debris material may be captured on the surface 40, 240 of the roller 30, 230 and / or the collection feature 180. Dry or drier debris may also be captured directly into the airflow with the vacuum effect generated at the tool suction nozzles 128, 130, 328, 330. The suction source 14 provides the vacuum effect and draws fluid through the tool suction nozzles 128, 130, 328, 330 and the tool air inlets 198, 200, 396, 398. The air is drawn into the wash chamber 34, 234, expanding the air cushion(s) 44, 412, 414 to engage or “scrape” the surface 40, 240 of the roller 30, 230. The airflow and the air cushions 44, 412, 414 can assist with dislodging debris from the surface 40, 240 of the roller 30, 230.

[0102] Additionally, the user can open the conduit by pressing the button 76 on the wand 22 or otherwise activating an automatic dispensing mode. The liquid then flows through the outlet end 112, through the conduit 114, 314, and through the liquid outlet 42, 242. The liquid can be distributed across the roller tool 24, 224 by the liquid distributor 192, 392. The liquid can be directed into the wash chamber 34, 234 and toward / to the surface 40, 240 of the roller 30, 230. In certain aspects, the liquid can also be directed into / through the air cushion(s) 44, 412, 414. As the liquid engages the surface 40, 240 of the roller 30, 230 the liquid reduces the surface tackiness of the material, making the roller 30, 230 temporarily “slippery” to, consequently, reduce the engagement between the surface 40, 240 of the roller 30, 230 and the collected debris materials. The airflow and scraping from the air cushions 44, 412, 414 can further assist in dislodging the roller 30, 230 from the wetted surface. This refresh process reduces or removes the debris from the outer surface 40, 240 of the roller 30, 230 to provide additional surface area for capturing more debris. This refresh process can be performed continually during the cleaning process without an additional, separate cleaning process for the roller 30, 230.

[0103] Use of the present device may provide a variety of advantages. For example, multiple aspects of the tool 24, 224 may assist with capturing debris material from the surface being cleaned and the surface 40, 240 of the roller 30, 230. The surface 40, 240 of the roller 30, 230 may be sticky or tacky to capture debris material from the surface being cleaned. Additionally, the one-way material of the collection feature 180 may assist with capturing the debris material that can subsequently be captured in the airflow with the vacuum effect. Additionally, the negative pressure formed in the wash chamber 34, 234 assists with drawing air into the wash chamber 34, 234 to expand the air cushion(s) 44, 412, 414 for engaging the surface 40, 240. Further, the liquid may be utilized to change the surface tackiness and allow a continual refresh of the surface 40, 240. A balance of pressures with the suction source 14 and the tool air inlets 198, 200, 396, 398 are utilized to drive or direct fluid in various paths through the roller tool 24, 224 for cleaning or refreshing the roller 30, 230 and, in some aspects, the air cushion(s) 44, 412, 414. The roller 30, 230 can be continually refreshed while being used, which can maximize the consumer experience. Additional benefits or advantages may be realized and / or achieved.

[0104] The device disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all various aspects described herein.

[0105] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a supply tank configured to house a liquid. A recovery tank is configured to store recovered fluid and debris. A suction source is configured to generate an airflow to draw fluid and debris into the recovery tank through an accessory hose. A wand is fluidly coupled with the recovery tank via the accessory hose. A roller tool is selectively coupled to the wand. The roller tool includes a support body having a connector to couple with the wand. A wash chamber is defined by the support body and in fluid communication with the recovery tank via the accessory hose. A roller is rotatably coupled to the support body. At least one liquid outlet is disposed proximate to the connector and configured to dispense the liquid from the supply tank into the wash chamber. At least one tool suction nozzle is disposed in the support body and fluidly coupled with the suction source such that the fluid and the debris are drawn with the airflow along a recovery flow path around the roller and through the wash chamber to the recovery tank. At least one tool air inlet is disposed in the support body and fluidly coupled with the suction source such that air is drawn into the wash chamber through the at least one tool air inlet. At least one air cushion is disposed within the wash chamber and in fluid communication with the at least one tool air inlet. The at least one air cushion is configured to expand and engage the surface of the roller as the air is drawn along a refresh flow path through the at least one tool air inlet and into the at least one air cushion.

[0106] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a supply tank configured to house a liquid, a recovery tank, a suction source configured to generate an airflow to draw fluid and debris into the recovery tank, and a roller tool in fluid communication with the supply tank, the suction source, and the recovery tank. The roller tool includes a support body defining a wash chamber in fluid communication with the suction source. A roller is rotatably coupled to the support body. At least one liquid outlet is configured to dispense the liquid from the supply tank into the wash chamber. At least one tool suction nozzle is defined between the support body and a surface of the roller. A recovery flow path is defined from the at least one tool suction nozzle, around the roller, through the wash chamber, and to the recovery tank to carry the fluid and debris with the airflow generated by the suction source. At least one tool air inlet defined by the support body and spaced from the at least one tool suction nozzle. At least one air cushion is disposed within the wash chamber. The at least one air cushion is configured to expand and engage the surface of the roller as the air is drawn along a refresh flow path through the at least one tool air inlet and into the at least one air cushion. The air drawn along the refresh flow path is configured to combine with the recovery flow path to be drawn to the recovery tank.

[0107] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a roller tool is used with a cleaning apparatus that includes a suction source, a supply tank, and a recovery tank. The roller tool includes a support body configured to selectively engage a wand to be in fluid communication with the suction source, the supply tank, and the recovery tank via an accessory hose. At least one suction nozzle is disposed in the support body for capturing fluid and debris with an airflow to be carried along a recovery flow path. At least one tool air inlet is disposed in the support body through which air is drawn into the support body to be directed along a refresh flow path. A wash chamber is in fluid communication with the at least one tool air inlet and the at least one suction nozzle. A roller is operably coupled with the support body proximate to the wash chamber. The airflow generated by the suction source is configured to be directed along the recovery flow path through the at least one suction nozzle, around the roller, through the wash chamber, and toward the recovery tank. At least one liquid outlet is configured to direct liquid from the supply tank into the wash chamber. At least one air cushion is disposed within the wash chamber and in fluid communication with the at least one tool air inlet. The at least one air cushion is configured to expand and engage the surface of the roller as the air is drawn through the at least one tool air inlet. The air is configured to be directed along the refresh flow path through the at least one air cushion and into the wash chamber to combine with the recovery flow path being directed toward the recovery tank.

[0108] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one air cushion extends at least partially along a length of a roller.

[0109] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, air directed along a refresh flow path is drawn through at least one air cushion and into a wash chamber by a vacuum effect generated by a suction source. The air directed along the refresh flow path is combined with airflow carrying fluid and debris in the wash chamber to be carried to a recovery tank.

[0110] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one liquid outlet is configured to direct a liquid into an interior of at least one air cushion.

[0111] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one air cushion is configured to transfer a liquid to a surface of a roller when the at least one air cushion is expanded.

[0112] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, air drawn through at least one tool air inlet and liquid directed into an interior of at least one air cushion are drawn through the at least one air cushion and into a wash chamber by a suction source. The air and the liquid are drawn from the wash chamber and to a recovery tank via an accessory hose by a suction source.

[0113] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, a support body includes at least one guide extending proximate to a surface of a roller to form at least one suction nozzle and a portion of a recovery flow path along the surface of the roller.

[0114] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one guide includes a first guide extending in a first direction along a surface of a roller to form a portion of the recovery flow path along the surface of the roller and a second guide extending in a second direction along the surface of the roller to form a portion of the recovery flow path along the surface of the roller. At least one suction nozzle includes a first suction nozzle defined between the first guide and the surface of the roller and a second suction nozzle defined between the second guide and the surface of the roller for airflow generated by a suction source to draw fluid and debris into a roller tool and along the recovery flow path.

[0115] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one air cushion at least partially forms an interior passage in fluid communication with at least one tool air inlet.

[0116] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one tool air inlet includes first and second tool air inlets disposed at opposing ends of an interior passage.

[0117] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, a roller tool includes an internal support coupled to a support body. At least one air cushion is coupled with the internal support to form an interior passage therebetween. A liquid outlet is configured to direct a liquid into the interior passage.

[0118] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one air cushion includes front and rear segments coupled with an internal support. The at least one air cushion includes an engagement segment extending between the front segment and the rear segment and is configured to engage a surface of a roller when the at least one air cushion is expanded.

[0119] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of a refresh flow path is formed in an interior passage between a front segment and a rear segment. A recovery flow path is at least partially formed between a support body and each of the front segment and the rear segment to extend around the at least one air cushion.

[0120] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, a refresh flow path is defined through at least one air cushion, and a recovery flow path is defined around the at least one air cushion.

[0121] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, a foot is coupled to a support body and configured to contact a surface being cleaned. The foot includes front and rear walls on opposing sides of the roller and sidewalls extending between the front and rear walls. The sidewalls define indents proximate to a roller through which airflow is configured to be drawn into a roller tool along a recovery flow path.

[0122] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one air cushion includes a first air cushion and a second air cushion.

[0123] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, each of first and second air cushions extends parallel with a rotational axis of a roller.

[0124] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one suction nozzle includes a first suction nozzle and a second suction nozzle through which airflow carries fluid and debris into a roller tool and around a roller along a recovery flow path. A first air cushion is disposed along the recovery flow path between the first suction nozzle and a connector and a second air cushion is disposed along the recovery flow path between the second suction nozzle and the connector.

[0125] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid outlet is between first and second air cushions to dispense a liquid into a wash chamber between the first and second air cushions.

[0126] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one tool air inlet includes a first tool air inlet adjacent to a first air cushion and a second tool air inlet adjacent to a second air cushion. The first and second air cushions expand as air is drawn through the first and second tool air inlets and through the first and second air cushions as the air is directed along a refresh flow path.

[0127] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one tool suction nozzle is arranged proximate to a bottom of a roller tool, and at least one tool air inlet is arranged proximate to a top of the roller tool.

[0128] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one liquid outlet is configured to dispense a liquid into an interior of at least one air cushion to be transferred to a surface of a roller.

[0129] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid in an interior of at least one air cushion is drawn with air from at least one tool air inlet through the at least one air cushion and along a refresh flow path to a wash chamber.

[0130] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, a recovery flow path extends around at least one air cushion and a refresh flow path extends through the at least one air cushion.

[0131] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one air cushion extends along at least a portion of a length of a roller.

[0132] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one air cushion extends parallel to a rotational axis of a roller.

[0133] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one air cushion is constructed of a microfiber material.

[0134] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid distributor is in fluid communication with at least one liquid outlet. The liquid distributor is configured to dispense liquid along a length of at least one air cushion.

[0135] According to any preceding aspect of the present disclosure, at least one air cushion includes a first air cushion spaced from and extending parallel with a second air cushion. A recovery flow path includes a first branch proximate to the first air cushion and a second branch proximate to the second air cushion.

[0136] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0137] For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0138] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and / or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0139] It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A cleaning apparatus, comprising:a housing;a supply tank configured to house a liquid;a recovery tank configured to store recovered fluid and debris;a suction source configured to generate an airflow to draw fluid and debris into the recovery tank through an accessory hose;a wand fluidly coupled with the recovery tank via the accessory hose; anda roller tool selectively coupled to the wand, wherein the roller tool includes:a support body having a connector to couple with the wand;a wash chamber defined by the support body and in fluid communication with the recovery tank via the accessory hose;a roller rotatably coupled to the support body;at least one liquid outlet proximate to the connector and configured to dispense the liquid from the supply tank into the wash chamber;at least one tool suction nozzle disposed in the support body and fluidly coupled with the suction source such that the fluid and the debris are drawn with the airflow along a recovery flow path around the roller and through the wash chamber to the recovery tank;at least one tool air inlet disposed in the support body and fluidly coupled with the suction source such that air is drawn into the wash chamber through the at least one tool air inlet; andat least one air cushion disposed within the wash chamber and in fluid communication with the at least one tool air inlet, wherein the at least one air cushion is configured to expand and engage a surface of the roller as the air is drawn along a refresh flow path through the at least one tool air inlet and into the at least one air cushion.

2. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one air cushion extends at least partially along a length of the roller.

3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air directed along the refresh flow path is configured to be drawn through the at least one air cushion and into the wash chamber to combine with the airflow carrying the fluid and the debris to be carried to the recovery tank by the suction source.

4. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one liquid outlet is configured to direct the liquid into an interior of the at least one air cushion, and wherein the at least one air cushion is configured to transfer the liquid to the surface of the roller when the at least one air cushion is expanded.

5. The cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of the air drawn through the at least one tool air inlet and the liquid directed into the interior of the at least one air cushion is drawn through the at least one air cushion and into the wash chamber by the suction source, and wherein the air and the liquid are drawn from the wash chamber and to the recovery tank via the accessory hose by the suction source.

6. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support body includes at least one guide extending proximate to the surface of the roller to form the at least one tool suction nozzle and at least a portion of the recovery flow path along the surface of the roller.

7. The cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one guide includes a first guide extending in a first direction along the surface of the roller to form a first portion of the recovery flow path and a second guide extending in a second direction along the surface of the roller to form a second portion of the recovery flow path, and wherein the at least one tool suction nozzle includes a first tool suction nozzle defined between the first guide and the surface of the roller and a second tool suction nozzle defined between the second guide and the surface of the roller for the airflow generated by the suction source to draw the fluid and the debris into the roller tool and along the first and second portions of the recovery flow path.

8. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one air cushion at least partially forms an interior passage in fluid communication with the at least one tool air inlet, and wherein the at least one tool air inlet includes first and second tool air inlets disposed at opposing ends of the interior passage.

9. The cleaning apparatus of claim 8, wherein the roller tool includes an internal support coupled to the support body, wherein the at least one air cushion is coupled with the internal support to form the interior passage therebetween, and wherein the at least one liquid outlet is configured to direct the liquid into the interior passage.

10. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the refresh flow path is defined through the at least one air cushion and the recovery flow path is defined around the at least one air cushion.

11. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a foot coupled to the support body and configured to contact a surface being cleaned, wherein the foot includes front and rear walls on opposing sides of the roller and sidewalls extending between the front and rear walls, and wherein the sidewalls define indents proximate to the roller through which the airflow carrying the fluid and the debris is configured to be drawn into the roller tool along the recovery flow path.

12. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one air cushion includes a first air cushion and a second air cushion.

13. The cleaning apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one tool suction nozzle includes a first suction nozzle and a second suction nozzle through which the airflow carries the fluid and the debris into the roller tool to be carried around the roller along the recovery flow path, and wherein the first air cushion is disposed along the recovery flow path between the first suction nozzle and the connector and the second air cushion is disposed along the recovery flow path between the second suction nozzle and the connector.

14. The cleaning apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one liquid outlet is between the first and second air cushions to dispense the liquid into the wash chamber between the first and second air cushions.

15. The cleaning apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one tool air inlet includes a first tool air inlet adjacent to the first air cushion and a second tool air inlet adjacent to the second air cushion, and wherein the first and second air cushions expand as the air is drawn through the first and second tool air inlets and through the first and second air cushions as the air is directed along the refresh flow path.

16. A roller tool for a cleaning apparatus that includes a suction source, a supply tank, and a recovery tank, the roller tool comprising:a support body configured to selectively engage a wand to be in fluid communication with said suction source, said supply tank, and said recovery tank via an accessory hose;at least one tool suction nozzle disposed in the support body for capturing fluid and debris with an airflow to be carried along a recovery flow path;at least one tool air inlet disposed in the support body through which air is drawn into the support body to be directed along a refresh flow path;a wash chamber in fluid communication with the at least one tool air inlet and the at least one tool suction nozzle;a roller operably coupled with the support body proximate to the wash chamber, wherein the airflow is configured to be directed along the recovery flow path through the at least one tool suction nozzle, around the roller, through the wash chamber, and toward said recovery tank;at least one liquid outlet configured to direct liquid from said supply tank into the wash chamber; andat least one air cushion disposed within the wash chamber and in fluid communication with the at least one tool air inlet, wherein the at least one air cushion is configured to expand and engage a surface of the roller as the air is drawn through the at least one tool air inlet, and wherein the air is configured to be directed along the refresh flow path through the at least one air cushion and into the wash chamber to combine with the recovery flow path being directed toward said recovery tank.

17. The roller tool of claim 16, wherein the at least one air cushion extends along at least a portion of a length of the roller, and wherein the at least one air cushion extends parallel to a rotational axis of the roller.

18. The roller tool of claim 16, wherein the at least one air cushion is constructed of a microfiber material.

19. The roller tool of claim 16, further comprising:a liquid distributor in fluid communication with the at least one liquid outlet, wherein the liquid distributor is configured to direct the liquid along a length of the at least one air cushion.

20. A cleaning apparatus, comprising:a supply tank configured to house a liquid;a recovery tank;a suction source configured to generate an airflow to draw fluid and debris into the recovery tank; anda roller tool in fluid communication with the supply tank, the suction source, and the recovery tank, wherein the roller tool includes:a support body defining a wash chamber in fluid communication with the suction source;a roller rotatably coupled to the support body;at least one liquid outlet configured to dispense the liquid from the supply tank into the wash chamber;at least one tool suction nozzle defined between the support body and a surface of the roller, wherein a recovery flow path is defined from the at least one tool suction nozzle, around the roller, through the wash chamber, and to the recovery tank to carry the fluid and debris with the airflow generated by the suction source;at least one tool air inlet defined by the support body and spaced from the at least one tool suction nozzle; andat least one air cushion disposed within the wash chamber, wherein the at least one air cushion is configured to expand and engage the surface of the roller as air is drawn along a refresh flow path through the at least one tool air inlet and into the at least one air cushion, the air drawn along the refresh flow path configured to combine with the recovery flow path to be drawn to the recovery tank.

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