Floor cleaner including a collection bin adjacent an agitator

Abstract

A floor cleaner including a vacuum source, a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid, and a base movable over a surface to be cleaned. The base includes a distribution nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank, the distribution nozzle configured to dispense the cleaning fluid. The base further includes a suction nozzle including a suction inlet in fluid communication with the vacuum source and an agitator rotatable relative to the suction nozzle about an agitator axis, the agitator configured to contact the surface to be cleaned. The base includes a collection bin adjacent the agitator, the collection bin including an opening configured to receive solids and fluid from the agitator, the collection bin including a drain aperture configured to allow the fluid in the collection bin to drain from the collection bin toward the surface to be cleaned.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W001FLOOR CLEANER INCLUDING A COLLECTION BIN ADJACENT AN AGITATOR CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 840,962, filed July 9, 2025, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 820,450, filed June 9, 2025, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 733,117, filed December 12, 2024, the entire contents all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to floor cleaners and more particularly to floor cleaners that include a supply tank that stores a cleaning fluid and a recovery tank that stores fluid drawn from a surface by a vacuum source.SUMMARY

[0003] In one embodiment a floor cleaner includes a vacuum source, a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid, and a base movable over a surface to be cleaned. The base includes a distribution nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank, the distribution nozzle configured to dispense the cleaning fluid. The base further includes a suction nozzle including a suction inlet in fluid communication with the vacuum source and an agitator rotatable relative to the suction nozzle about an agitator axis, the agitator configured to contact the surface to be cleaned. The base includes a collection bin adjacent the agitator, the collection bin including an opening configured to receive solids and fluid from the agitator, the collection bin including a drain aperture configured to allow the fluid in the collection bin to drain from the collection bin toward the surface to be cleaned. The floor cleaner further includes a body coupled to the base, the body including a handle configured to move the base over the surface to be cleaned. The floor cleaner further includes a recovery tank in fluid communication with the vacuum source and the suction inlet, the recovery tank configured to store the cleaning fluid drawn through the suction inlet by the vacuum source.

[0004] In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a floor cleaner including a vacuum source, a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid, and a base movable over a surface to be cleaned. The base includes a distribution nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank,Attorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W001 the distribution nozzle configured to dispense the cleaning fluid. The base further includes a suction nozzle including a suction inlet in fluid communication with the vacuum source and an agitator rotatable relative to the suction nozzle about an agitator axis, the agitator configured to contact the surface to be cleaned. A wiper is adjacent the agitator. The agitator is rotatable relative to the wiper and the wiper is configured to remove solids and fluid from the agitator when the agitator rotates relative to the wiper. A body is coupled to the base. The body includes a handle configured to move the base over the surface to be cleaned. The floor cleaner further includes a recovery tank in fluid communication with the vacuum source and the suction inlet, the recovery tank configured to store the cleaning fluid drawn through the suction inlet by the vacuum source. The wiper is configured to deposit the solids and fluids removed from the agitator onto the surface to be cleaned.

[0005] Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Fig. l is a perspective view of a floor cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0007] Fig. 2 is a partially exploded view of a base of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1.

[0008] Fig. 3 is a partially exploded view of the base of Fig. 2 with a collection bin removed from the base.

[0009] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the base of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1.

[0010] Fig. 5 is a top view of the collection bin of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1.

[0011] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a base of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment.

[0012] Fig. V is a cross-sectional view of a base of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W001

[0013] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a base of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a base of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a base of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a base of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a base of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a base of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a base of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of a nozzle of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a floor cleaner according to another embodiment including the nozzle of Fig. 15.

[0022] Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONAttorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W001

[0023] Fig. 1 illustrates a floor cleaner 10. The floor cleaner 10 includes a vacuum source 12, a supply tank 14, a recovery tank 16, a body 18, and a base 20. As will be discussed in more detail below, the base 20 includes an agitator 22 and a collection bin 24 (Fig. 2) that is adjacent the agitator 22. The collection bin 24 receives solids and fluid from the agitator 22 and can store the solids and fluid and / or return the fluid back onto a surface 26 (Fig. 4) being cleaned.

[0024] Referring to Fig. 1, the supply tank 14 is configured to store a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid may include water or a mixture of water and a detergent. In the illustrated embodiment, the floor cleaner 10 includes a second supply tank 28. The second supply tank 28 may store a second cleaning fluid, such as a concentrated detergent, and the supply tank 14 stores water and the detergent from the second supply tank 28 is mixed with water from the supply tank 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply tanks 14, 28 are coupled to the body 18 for pivotal movement with the body relative to the base 20. In other embodiments, the supply tank or tanks 14, 28 may be coupled to the base 20.

[0025] The recovery tank 16 is in fluid communication with the vacuum source 12 and the recovery tank 16 stores fluid and debris that are drawn from the surface 26 by the vacuum source 12. The vacuum source 12 may include a motor and a fan. In the illustrated embodiment, the recovery tank 16 is removable by the user to empty the recovery tank 16. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the recovery tank 16 is coupled to the body 18 for pivotal movement with the body 18 relative to the base 20. In other embodiments, the recovery tank 16 may be coupled to the base 20.

[0026] The illustrated body 18 includes a handle 30 that is grabbed by a user to move the base 20 and the floor cleaner 10 along the surface 26. The handle 30 is also used to pivot the body 18 relative to the base 20 between an inclined operating position and an upright storage position (position illustrated in Fig. 1).

[0027] Referring to Figs. 1 through 4, the base 20 includes a distribution nozzle 32 and a suction nozzle 34. The distribution nozzle 32 is in fluid communication with the supply tanks 14, 28 and the distribution nozzle 32 dispenses the cleaning fluid from the supply tanks 14, 28. In some embodiments, the distribution nozzle 32 dispenses or sprays the cleaning fluid onto the surface 26 and in other embodiments, the distribution nozzle 32 dispenses or sprays the cleaningAttorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W001 fluid onto the agitator 22. The suction nozzle 34 includes a suction inlet 36 that is in fluid communication with the recovery tank 16 and the vacuum source 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction nozzle 34 is removable for accessing the agitator 22 and the collection bin 24, which will be discussed in more detail below. The vacuum source 12 generates a suction airflow that is drawn through the suction inlet 36 to draw fluid and debris from the surface 26 through the suction inlet 36 and into the recovery tank 16. The fluid and debris are separated from the suction airflow in the recovery tank 16 and the fluid and debris remain in the recovery tank 16 while the suction airflow travels to the vacuum source 12 and is eventually exhausted from the floor cleaner 12.

[0028] Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the agitator 22 is rotatable relative to the suction nozzle 34 about an agitator axis 38. For example, the base 20 may include an agitator motor and a drivetrain including one or more belts and / or gears that rotate the agitator 22 about the agitator axis 38. In one embodiment, the suction motor is configured to drive the agitator. The agitator 22 includes agitating members 40. The agitating members 40 contact the surface 26 or pass above the surface 26 without contacting the surface as the agitator 22 rotates about the axis 38 facilitating removal of fluid and debris from the surface 26. For example, motion of the agitator 22 can agitate or dislodge debris from the surface 26 making it easier for the suction airflow to draw the debris through the suction inlet 36. In another example, the agitating members 40 wipe or scrub the surface 26 with fluid on the surface 26 that was not drawn up by the suction airflow or before the suction inlet 36 passes over the fluid, depending on the direction of travel of the floor cleaner 10 and the suction inlet 36 along the surface 26. The agitating members 40 may include bristles, tufted microfiber material, elongated flaps or vanes, fabric, or other agitating material. The agitator 22 may have a single type of agitating member or include combinations of such agitating members. For example, in some embodiments, the agitating members 40 include a combination of two or more of bristles, tufted microfiber material, elongated flaps or vanes, fabric, or other agitating material.

[0029] Referring to Figs. 2 and 4, the collection bin 24 is located adjacent the agitator 22 and the collection bin 24 may receive solids and fluid from the agitator 22, particularly as the agitator 22 rotates about the agitator axis 38. For example, as the agitator 22 rotates about the axis 38 (counterclockwise in Fig. 4), the agitator 22 picks up solids and fluid from the surface 26 and theAttorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W001 solids and fluid rotate with the agitator 22. The solids and fluids can travel from the agitator 22 into the collection bin 24 by centrifugal or inertial force or by a mechanical interaction. The collection bin 24 includes a bottom wall 42 and a sidewall 44 that extends upwardly from the bottom wall 42 to form a collection volume 46 configured to collect debris during operation. The sidewall 44 includes a front sidewall 44A, a rear sidewall 44B, and lateral sidewalls 44C and 44D. In some embodiments, the bottom wall 42 forms a collection surface 42 configured to collect debris during operation. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the sidewall 44 is shortened or omitted. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, a portion of the suction nozzle 34 extends over the collection bin 24 to cover the collection bin 24. The sidewall 44 and the suction nozzle 34 define an opening 48 of the collection bin 24 that receives solids and fluid from the agitator 22 and the collection bin 24 is located between the suction nozzle 34 and the surface 26. In one embodiment, the suction nozzle 34 includes a deflector 45 disposed over the collection bin 24 configured to deflect debris and / or fluid splashed or thrown from the agitator and positioned to deflect the debris and / or fluid to drop into the collection bin 24.

[0030] Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the collection bin 24 includes drain apertures 50 that allow fluid in the collection volume 46 of the collection bin 24 to drain from the collection bin 24 toward the surface 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the drain apertures 50 are directly above the surface 26 such that the fluid flows directly from the collection bin 24 and back onto the surface to be drawn up by the suction nozzle 34. In other embodiments, the fluid may take a more indirect flow path to the surface 26. The illustrated drain apertures 50 extend through the bottom wall 42 of the collection bin 24. In other embodiments, the drain apertures may extend through other portions of the collection bin 24, including through the front sidewall 44 A, the rear sidewall 44B, and / or one of the lateral sides sidewall 44C, 44D. The collection bin 24 has a length 52 measured from a first end 54 to a second end 56 of the collection bin 24. The length 52 is measured generally parallel to the agitator axis 38. The drain apertures 50 are located along the length 52 of the collection bin 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the collection bin 24 includes a plurality of drain apertures 50. In other embodiments, the collection bin 24 may include a different number of drain apertures 50 than what is illustrated in Fig. 5. For example, in some embodiments, the collection bin 24 may only include a single drain aperture 50. In some embodiments, the drain aperture may be one or more elongated slots extending along the length 52 of the collection bin 24. In one embodiment, the one or more elongated slots extendAttorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W001 along a majority of the length 52 of the collection bin 24. In one embodiment, the drain aperture 50 include a plurality of holes, and may be a mesh or screen configured to drain fluid from the collection bin. Also in some embodiments, the drain apertures 50 may include drain aperture of different sizes, for example a combination of circular apertures and an elongated slot aperture(s). In some embodiments, the drain apertures 50 are sized to allow fluid to pass through the drain apertures 50 while retaining solids in the collection bin 24. Referring to Fig. 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the collection bin 24, and therefore drain apertures 50, are located directly behind or rearward of the suction inlet 36. The suction inlet 36 is forward of the collection bin 24 and the drain apertures 50. Therefore, the collection bin 24 and the drain apertures 50 are between the suction inlet 36 and the agitator 22.

[0031] Referring to Fig. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the collection bin 24 is removable from the base 20. For example, the user may remove the collection bin 24 to empty the collection bin of any fluid and / or solids after using the floor cleaner 10. The illustrated suction nozzle 34 is removable from the base 20 to access the collection bin 24. The nozzle 34 includes a latch 62, which the user can actuate (e.g., by pulling) to remove the nozzle 34 from the base 20. The collection bin 24 in the illustrated embodiment includes a recess 64 located at each end 54, 56 of the collection bin 24. The base 20 includes a projection 66 adjacent each end 54, 56 of the collection bin 24. The projections 66 are received in the adjacent recesses 64 to removably couple the collection bin 24 to the base 20. In other embodiments, other types of connections can be used to removably couple the collection bin 24 to the base 20. The illustrated collection bin 24 is removed by first removing the nozzle 34 and then pulling upwardly on the collection bin 24 and moving the collection bin 24 upwardly relative to the surface 26. In other embodiments, the collection bin 24 can be removed through one of the sides or the bottom of the base 20. In one embodiment, the collection bin is not removable and configured to be accessible to the user to remove collected debris. In one embodiment according to Fig. 4, the collection bin 24 is attached to the suction nozzle 34, and the suction nozzle 34 and the collection bin 24 are removable from the base 20 as a unit. In one embodiment, the collection bin 24 is detachable from the suction nozzle 34 after the suction nozzle 34 is removed from the base 20. The collection bin 24 may be attached to the suction nozzle 34 using snap-fit features or a simple latch.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W001

[0032] Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, a wiper 68 is located adjacent the agitator 22. The agitator 22 is rotatable relative to the wiper 68, which removes solids and fluid from the agitator 22 as the agitator rotates and deposits the solids and fluids in the collection bin 24. The wiper 68 includes a wiping edge 70 that is positioned to dislodge solids and fluid from the agitator 22. In the illustrated embodiment, a sloped surface 72, sloped relative to the surface 26, extends between the wiping edge 70 and the collection bin 24. The sloped surface 72 directs solids and fluid from the agitator 22 to the collection bin 24. In one embodiment, the wiper 68 is rigid and made from a thermoplastic or thermoset or metal or other rigid material. In one embodiment, the wiper 68 is flexible and resilient and made from rubber or an elastomeric material or other flexible material. In other embodiments, the wiper 68 is formed by an edge of the collection bin 24, for example, by an end of the sidewall 44. In some embodiments, the wiper 68 is attached to the collection bin 24. In some embodiments, the wiper 68 is removed from the base 20 with the collection bin 24. In other embodiments, the wiper is attached to or formed by a component that is separate from the collection bin 24 such that the wiper remains with the base 20 when the collection bin 24 is removed. In such embodiments, the wiper may be formed from or extend from the suction nozzle 34. In one embodiment, the wiping edge 70 is a straight edge. In another embodiments, the wiping edge may be serrated, comb shaped, notched, wavy, or other shape as desired for the selected agitating members 40 and for the application. For example, Fig. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment where like components have been given the same reference number. As illustrated in the embodiment of Fig. 14, the wiping edge 70 of the wiper 68 is comb shaped. In such an embodiment, the wiping edge 70 having the comb shape may be formed from a rigid material, such as plastic. In other embodiments, the wiping edge 70 may be formed from a resilient material, such as rubber or an elastomeric material or other flexible material. The comb shaped wiping edge 70 facilitates removal of debris (e.g., hair) that is entrained in the agitating members 40 as the agitating members 40 rotate by the wiping edge 70 during operation of the floor cleaner 10. The comb shaped wiping edge 70 removes or combs material entrained in the agitating members 40 so that the material passes into the collection bin 24 or so that the material can be drawn up by the vacuum source 12 and in to the recovery tank 16.

[0033] Referring back to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4, the wiping edge 70 is positioned at an elevation above the floor that is between the agitator axis 38 and the surface 26. In one embodiment, e.g., Fig. 9, the wiping edge 70 is positioned at an elevation above the floorAttorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W001 that is greater than the elevation of the agitator axis 38. Tn one embodiment, e g., Fig. 7, the wiping edge 70 is positioned at an elevation above the floor that is approximately the same as the elevation of the agitator axis 38. In other embodiments, the wiping edge 70 is positioned at other elevations relative to the agitator axis 38 as desired for the application, including the selected agitating members 40 and the selected agitator rotation speed about the axis 38.

[0034] The agitator 22 has an outermost dimension 74 measured radially from the agitator axis 38 as shown in Fig. 4. The wiper 68 is positioned adjacent the outermost dimension 74. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the wiping edge 70 engages the agitator 22 such that the outermost dimension 74 overlaps the wiper 68 by an overlap dimension 76. In one embodiment, the overlap dimension 76 is in a range from 0 millimeters to 5 millimeters. In one embodiment, the overlap dimension 76 is a function of the outermost dimension 74. In other embodiments, the wiping edge 70 is spaced from the outermost dimension 74 by a gap dimension between the wiping edge 70 and the outermost dimension 74 providing a gap or space between the wiping edge 70 and the outermost dimension 74. In one embodiment, the gap dimension is in a range from 0 millimeters to 3 millimeters. In one embodiment, the gap dimension is a function of the outermost dimension 74. In yet other embodiments, other suitable gap or overlap dimensions that are outside the ranges discussed above can be utilized depending on the type of floor cleaner 10, the type of agitator 22, and / or application or use of the floor cleaner 10. In some embodiments, the gap or overlap dimensions and ranges are adjustable.

[0035] Referring to Fig. 4, in operation, the arrow 58 in Fig. 4 represents a forward direction of travel of the floor cleaner 10 along the surface 26. The forward direction is the direction in which the user pushes the floor cleaner 10 along the surface 26 when using the handle 30. The arrow 60 in Fig. 4 represents a backward direction of travel of the floor cleaner 10 along the surface. The backward direction of travel is the direction in which the user pulls the floor cleaner 10 along the surface 26 when using the handle 30. In one embodiment, in both directions 58, 60 of travel, the agitator 22 wipes or agitates the surface 26 and collects fluid and solid debris that are not drawn in through the suction inlet 36. As the agitator 22 continues to rotate about the agitator axis 38 (counterclockwise as shown in Fig. 4), fluid and solid debris may be flung forward by rotation of the agitator 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the wiping edge 70 of the agitator also removes fluid and solid debris from the agitator 22 by engagement and the fluid andAttorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W001 solid debris travel into the collection bin 24. Fluid in the collection bin 24 drains from the collection bin 24 back to the surface 26 through the drain apertures 50 where it can eventually be drawn through the suction inlet 36. Solid debris may remain in the collection bin 24 depending on the relative size of the solid debris and the drain apertures 50. As discussed above, the user can remove the collection bin 24 from the base 20 to empty the collected solid debris by removing the suction nozzle 34 to access and remove the collection bin 24 for emptying.

[0036] Fig. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the collection bin 24 and like components have been given the same reference number as the embodiment of Fig. 1 - 5. The collection bin 24 of Fig. 6 includes a cover 78 that is formed by a top wall that extends from the sidewall 44. The opening 48 of the collection bin 24 is formed between the cover 78 and the wiping edge 70. Fluid in the collection bin 24 drains from the collection bin 24 back to the surface to be cleaned through the drain apertures where it can eventually be drawn through the suction inlet 36.

[0037] Fig. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the collection bin 24 and like components have been given the same reference number as the embodiments of Figs. 1-6. The collection bin 24 of Fig. 7 includes the wiping edge 70 that is formed by an edge of the sidewall 44. Also, the opening 48 of the collection bin 24 is directly upwardly facing. Fluid in the collection bin 24 drains from the collection bin 24 back to the surface to be cleaned through the drain apertures where it can eventually be drawn through the suction inlet 36.

[0038] Fig. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the collection bin 24 and like components have been given the same reference number as the embodiments of Figs. 1-7. The collection bin 24 of Fig. 8 omits the sloped surface 72 of the collection bin 24 of Fig. 7. Rather, the wiper 68 and the wiping edge 70 are formed by a top edge of the rear sidewall 44B of the collection bin 24. Fluid in the collection bin 24 drains from the collection bin 24 back to the surface to be cleaned through the drain apertures where it can eventually be drawn through the suction inlet 36.

[0039] Fig. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment and like components have been given the same reference number as the embodiments of Figs. 1-8. The embodiment of Fig. 9 includes a wiper 68 that is coupled to and removable with the suction nozzle 34 from the base 20. TheAttorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W001 wiper 68 is coupled to the suction nozzle 34 above the collection bin 24. In another embodiment, the wiper 68 is coupled to the base 20, and the suction nozzle 34 and the wiper 68 are separately removable from the base 20. In one embodiment, the wiper 68 is coupled to the base 20 and not removable from the base 20. The sloped surface 72 of the wiper 68 directs fluid and debris from the agitator 22 into the collection bin 24. Fluid in the collection bin 24 drains from the collection bin 24 back to the surface to be cleaned through the drain apertures where it can eventually be drawn through the suction inlet 36.

[0040] Fig. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment and like components have been given the same reference number as the embodiments of Figs. 1-9. The embodiment of Fig. 10 includes a wiper 68 configured to move relative to the agitator 22 against the bias of a spring 82. In this embodiment, the wiper 68 is configured to pivot or rotate about a pivot axis 80 adjacent the agitator 22, the pivot axis 80 extending in a direction parallel but offset from the agitator axis 38. In one embodiment, the wiper 68 is positioned to pivot relative to the sidewall 44 of the collection bin 24 about the pivot axis 80. The spring 82 pushes the wiper 68 about the pivot axis 80 in a direction opposite the arrow 84. As the agitator 22 rotates about the agitator axis 38 (counterclockwise as shown in Fig. 10), the agitator 22 contacts the wiper 68, which can pivot the wiper 68 in the direction of arrow 84 against the force applied by the spring 82 on the wiper 68, in response to the outer dimension 74 of the agitator 22 and / or in response to debris on the agitator 22 and / or in response to rotation of the agitator 22 about the agitator axis 38. The spring 82 controls or limits the force of the wiper 68 and wiping edge 70 against the agitator 22 and facilitates removal of liquid and debris from the agitator 22. The force applied by the spring 82 on the wiper 68 can be preset and / or adjustable. Fluid and debris are directed from the agitator 22 along the sloped surface 72 and into the collection bin 24. Fluid in the collection bin 24 drains from the collection bin 24 back to the surface to be cleaned through the drain apertures where it can eventually be drawn through the suction inlet 36.

[0041] Fig. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment and like components have been given the same reference number as the embodiments of Figs. 1-10. The embodiment of Fig. 11 includes a wiper 68 configured to move relative to the agitator 22 against a spring 88. In this embodiment, the wiper 68 is configured to slide or translate along an axis 86 extending in a direction toward and away from the agitator 22 and generally perpendicular to the agitator axisAttorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W00138. In one embodiment, the wiper 68 is positioned to slide or translate relative to the sidewall 44 of the collection bin 24 along the axis 86. The spring 88 applies a force on the wiper 68 along the axis 86 in a direction opposite the arrow 90. The spring 88 pushes the wiper 68 into contact with the agitator 22. The wiper 68 can move along the axis 86 in the direction of arrow 90 in response to the outer dimension 74 of the agitator 22 and / or in response to debris on the agitator 22 and / or in response to rotation of the agitator 22 about the agitator axis 38. The spring 88 controls or limits the force of the wiper 68 and wiping edge 70 against the agitator 22 and facilitates removal of liquid and debris from the agitator 22. The force applied by the spring 88 against the wiper 68 can be preset and / or adjustable. Fluid and debris are directed from the agitator 22 along the sloped surface 72 and into the collection bin 24. Fluid in the collection bin 24 drains from the collection bin 24 back to the surface to be cleaned through the drain apertures where it can eventually be drawn through the suction inlet 36.

[0042] Fig. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment and like components have been given the same reference number as the embodiments of Figs. 1-11. The embodiment of Fig. 12 includes a wiper 68 configured to move relative to the agitator 22 against a spring 94. In this embodiment, the wiper 68 is configured to slide or translate along an axis 92 extending in a direction offset from a tangent of the outermost dimension of the agitator 22. In one embodiment, the wiper 68 is positioned to slide or translate relative to the sidewall 44 of the collection bin 24 along the axis 92. The spring 94 applies a force on the wiper 68 along the axis 92 in a direction opposite the arrow 96 and the spring 94 pushes the wiper 68 and the wiping edge 70 into contact with the agitator 22. The wiper 68 can move along the axis 92 in the direction of arrow 96 in response to the outer dimension 74 the agitator 22 and / or in response to debris on the agitator 22 and / or in response to rotation of the agitator 22 about the agitator axis 38. The spring 94 controls or limits the force of the wiper 68 and wiping edge 70 against the agitator 22 and facilitates removal of liquid and debris from the agitator 22. The force applied by the spring 94 against the wiper 68 can be present and / or adjustable. Fluid and debris are directed from the agitator 22 along the sloped surface 72 and into the collection bin 24. Fluid in the collection bin 24 drains from the collection bin 24 back to the surface to be cleaned through the drain apertures where it can eventually be drawn through the suction inlet 36.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W001

[0043] Fig. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment and like components have been given the same reference number as the embodiments of Figs. 1-12. The embodiment of Fig. 13 includes the wiper 68 that is coupled to the base 20. In one embodiment, the wiper 68 is coupled to and removable with the suction nozzle 34. In another embodiment, the wiper 68 is coupled to the base 20, and the suction nozzle 34 and the wiper 68 are separately removable from the base 20. In one embodiment, the wiper 68 is coupled to the base 20 and not removable from the base 20. The collection bin 24 of Figs. 1-12 is omitted. In the embodiment of Fig. 13, the wiper 68 removes liquid and debris from the agitator 22 as discussed above and the liquid and / or debris travel along the sloped surface 72 and back down to the surface to be cleaned through an opening in the base between the wiper 68 and the surface to be cleaned, where it can eventually be drawn through the suction inlet 36.

[0044] Figs. 15 - 16 illustrate an alternative embodiment and like components have been given the same reference number as the embodiments of Figs. 1-14. The embodiment of Figs. 15 and 16 includes the collection bin 24 attached to the suction nozzle 34, and the suction nozzle 34 and the collection bin 24 are removable from the base 20 together as a unit or single component. In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 15 and 16, the collection bin 24 is in the form of a shelf 98 or projection attached to or integrally formed with (e.g., by molding with) the suction nozzle 34. The wiper 68 and the wiping edge 70 are integral with the shelf 98 that forms the collection bin 24. The collection bin 24 includes drain apertures 50 to allow water to drain off of the shelf 98. Having the collection bin 24 integrated with the suction nozzle 34 enables the user to remove the collection bin 24 with the suction nozzle 34 to clean the collection bin 24 while cleaning the suction nozzle 34 and the collection bin 34 is automatically reinstalled on the base 20 when the suction nozzle 34 is installed on the base 20.

[0045] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W001CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A floor cleaner comprising: a vacuum source; a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid; a base movable over a surface to be cleaned, the base including a distribution nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank, the distribution nozzle configured to dispense the cleaning fluid, a suction nozzle including a suction inlet in fluid communication with the vacuum source, an agitator rotatable relative to the suction nozzle about an agitator axis, the agitator configured to contact the surface to be cleaned, a collection bin adjacent the agitator, the collection bin including an opening configured to receive solids and fluid from the agitator, the collection bin including a drain aperture configured to allow the fluid in the collection bin to drain from the collection bin toward the surface to be cleaned; and a body coupled to the base, the body including a handle configured to move the base over the surface to be cleaned; and a recovery tank in fluid communication with the vacuum source and the suction inlet, the recovery tank configured to store the cleaning fluid drawn through the suction inlet by the vacuum source.

2. The floor cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a wiper adjacent the agitator, the agitator rotatable relative to the wiper and the wiper configured to remove solids and fluid from the agitator when the agitator rotates relative to the wiper.

3. The floor cleaner of claim 2, wherein the wiper includes a wiping edge positioned to dislodge solids and fluid from the agitator.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W0014. The floor cleaner of claim 3, wherein the wiper includes a sloped surface between the wiping edge and the collection bin, wherein the sloped surface directs solids and fluid from the agitator toward the collection bin.

5. The floor cleaner of claim 3, wherein the wiping edge is comb shaped.

6. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the wiper is flexible and resilient.

7. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the wiper is rigid.

8. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the wiper is formed by an edge of the collection bin.

9. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the collection bin includes a bottom wall and a sidewall that extends upwardly from the bottom wall, wherein the wiper is formed by an edge of the sidewall.

10. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the collection bin is removable from the base, and wherein the wiper is coupled to the collection bin such that the wiper is removable from the base with the collection bin.

11. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the collection bin is removable from the base and wherein the wiper is coupled to the base such that the wiper remains attached to the base when the collection bin is removed from the base.

12. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the suction nozzle is removable from the base, and wherein the wiper is coupled to the suction nozzle such that the wiper remains attached to the suction nozzle when the suction nozzle is removed from the base.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W00113. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the suction nozzle and the collection bin are removable from the base as a single unit.

14. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 2 to 13, further comprising a spring, wherein the wiper is configured to move relative to the agitator against a bias of the spring.

15. The floor cleaner of claim 14, wherein the wiper is configured to translate along an axis extending in a direction toward and away from the agitator or extending in a direction offset from a tangent of an outermost dimension of the agitator.

16. The floor cleaner of claim 14, wherein the wiper is configured to rotate about an axis extending in a direction offset from the agitator axis.

17. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 3 to 16, wherein the wiping edge is positioned at an elevation that is between the agitator axis and the surface to be cleaned.

18. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 3 to 16, wherein the wiping edge is positioned at an elevation that is greater than the elevation of the agitator axis.

19. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 2 to 18, wherein the agitator has an outermost dimension measured radially from the agitator axis, wherein the wiper is positioned outwardly from the outermost dimension relative to the agitator axis such that the wiper is spaced from the outermost dimension 0 to 3 millimeters.

20. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 2 to 18, wherein the agitator has an outermost dimension measured radially from the agitator axis, wherein the wiper is positioned adjacent the outermost dimension and the wiper engages the agitator such that outermost dimension overlaps the wiper by 0 to 5 millimeters of interference.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W00121 . The floor cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection bin includes a bottom wall and a sidewall that extends upwardly from the bottom wall, wherein the drain aperture extends through the bottom wall.

22. The floor cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection bin is removable from the base.

23. The floor cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of the suction nozzle extends over the collection bin such that the collection bin is located between the suction nozzle and the surface to be cleaned and the suction inlet is forward of the collection bin with the collection bin between the suction inlet and the agitator.

24. The floor cleaner according to claim 23, wherein the collection bin includes a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, wherein the collection bin includes a cover.

25. The floor cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suction nozzle forms a cover of the collection bin and the opening of the collection bin is between the cover formed by the suction nozzle and the collection bin.

26. The floor cleaner according to any one of claim 23 to 25, wherein the suction nozzle is removable from the base to access the collection bin to allow for removal of the collection bin from the base.

27. The floor cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suction inlet is forward of the collection bin with the collection bin between the suction inlet and the agitator and the drain aperture of the collection bin is rearward of the suction inlet between the suction inlet and the agitator.

28. The floor cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drain aperture includes a slot extending along a length of the collection bin.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W00129. The floor cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of drain apertures located along a length of the collection bin.

30. The floor cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suction nozzle is removable from the base, and wherein the collection bin is attached to the suction nozzle and removable from the base with the suction nozzle.

31. A floor cleaner comprising: a vacuum source; a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid; a base movable over a surface to be cleaned, the base including a distribution nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank, the distribution nozzle configured to dispense the cleaning fluid, a suction nozzle including a suction inlet in fluid communication with the vacuum source, an agitator rotatable relative to the suction nozzle about an agitator axis, the agitator configured to contact the surface to be cleaned, a wiper adjacent the agitator, the agitator rotatable relative to the wiper and the wiper configured to remove solids and fluid from the agitator when the agitator rotates relative to the wiper; a body coupled to the base, the body including a handle configured to move the base over the surface to be cleaned; and a recovery tank in fluid communication with the vacuum source and the suction inlet, the recovery tank configured to store the cleaning fluid drawn through the suction inlet by the vacuum source, wherein the wiper is configured to deposit the solids and fluids removed from the agitator onto the surface to be cleaned.

32. The floor cleaner of claim 31, wherein the base includes an opening between the wiper and the surface to be cleaned.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W00133. The floor cleaner according to claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the wiper is removable from the base.

34. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the wiper includes a wiping edge positioned to dislodge solids and fluid from the agitator.

35. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the wiper includes a sloped surface between the wiping edge and the surface to be cleaned, wherein the sloped surface directs solids and fluid from the agitator toward the surface to be cleaned.

36. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the wiper is flexible and resilient.

37. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the wiper is rigid.

38. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein the suction nozzle is removable from the base, and wherein the wiper is coupled to the suction nozzle such that the wiper remains attached to the suction nozzle when the suction nozzle is removed from the base.

39. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 31 to 38, further comprising a spring, wherein the wiper is configured to move relative to the agitator against a bias of the spring.

40. The floor cleaner of claim 39, wherein the wiper is configured to translate along an axis extending in a direction toward and away from the agitator or extending in a direction offset from a tangent of an outermost dimension of the agitator.

41. The floor cleaner of claim 39, wherein the wiper is configured to rotate about an axis extending in a direction offset from the agitator axis.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0134-W00142. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 34 to 41, wherein the wiping edge is positioned at an elevation that is between the agitator axis and the surface to be cleaned.

43. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 34 to 41, wherein the wiping edge is positioned at an elevation that is greater than the elevation of the agitator axis.

44. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 3 Ito 43, wherein the agitator has an outermost dimension measured radially from the agitator axis, wherein the wiper is positioned outwardly from the outermost dimension relative to the agitator axis such that the wiper is spaced from the outermost dimension 0 to 3 millimeters.

45. The floor cleaner according to any one of claims 31 to 43, wherein the agitator has an outermost dimension measured radially from the agitator axis, wherein the wiper is positioned adjacent the outermost dimension and the wiper engages the agitator such that outermost dimension overlaps the wiper by 0 to 5 millimeters of interference.

Images