Floor cleaner including a collection bin adjacent an agitator

Abstract

A floor cleaner includes a vacuum source, a supply tank, a base movable over a surface, a body coupled to the base, and a recovery tank. The base a rotatable agitator and a collection bin adjacent the agitator. The collection bin includes a housing having a first end and a second end, a collection surface, and an opening. The housing has a wall and a first sidewall. The collection surface is positioned in the housing. The opening is configured to receive debris from the agitator. The collection bin is removably coupled to the base of the floor cleaner to allow the collection bin to be emptied. The collection surface is slidably coupled to the housing and slidable relative to the wall and the first sidewall. The first sidewall is configured to collect debris as the collection surface is slid relative to the housing of the collection bin.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1FLOOR 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, a base movable over a surface to be cleaned, a body coupled to the base, a recovery tank, and a wiper. The base includes a distribution nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank and 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, and a collection bin adjacent the agitator. The agitator is configured to contact the surface to be cleaned. The collection bin extends along a collection bin axis. The collection bin includes an opening and a collection surface. The opening extends along the collection bin axis and is configured to receive debris from the agitator. The collection surface extends between a first end of the collection bin and a second end of the collection bin. The body includes a handle configured to move the base over the surface to be cleaned. The recovery tank is in fluid communication with the vacuum source and the suction inlet. The recovery tank is configured to store the cleaning fluid drawn through the suction inlet by the vacuum source. The wiper is configured to remove debris from the collection bin. The collection bin is removably coupled to the base of the floor cleaner to allow the collection bin to be emptied.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1

[0004] In another embodiment, a floor cleaner includes a vacuum source, a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid, a base movable over a surface to be cleaned, a body coupled to the base, and a recovery tank. The base includes a distribution nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank and 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, and a collection bin adjacent the agitator. The agitator is configured to contact the surface to be cleaned. The collection bin includes a housing having a first end and a second end, a collection surface, and an opening. The housing has a wall extending between the first end and the second end along a collection bin axis and a first sidewall adjacent the first end of the housing. The collection surface extends between the first end and the second end and is positioned in the housing. The opening extends along the collection bin axis and is configured to receive debris from the agitator. The collection bin is removably coupled to the base of the floor cleaner to allow the collection bin to be emptied. The collection surface is slidably coupled to the housing and slidable relative to the wall and the first sidewall. The first sidewall is configured to collect debris as the collection surface is slid relative to the housing of the collection bin.

[0005] In yet another embodiment, a floor cleaner includes a vacuum source, a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid, a base movable over a surface to be cleaned, a body coupled to the base, and a recovery tank. The base includes a distribution nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank and 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, and a collection bin adjacent the agitator. The agitator is configured to contact the surface to be cleaned. The collection bin extends from a first end to a second end along a collection bin axis. The collection bin includes a housing. The housing has a base and an opening. The base at least partially defines a collection surface. The opening extends along the collection bin axis and is configured to receive debris from the agitator. The collection bin is removably coupled to the base of the floor cleaner to allow the collection bin to be emptied. A sticky material is disposed on the collection surface.

[0006] In another embodiment, a floor cleaner includes a vacuum source, a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid, a base movable over a surface to be cleaned, a body coupledAttorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 to the base, and a recovery tank. The base includes a distribution nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank and 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, and a collection bin adjacent the agitator. The agitator is configured to contact the surface to be cleaned. The collection bin includes a base and an opening. The base extends from a first end to a second end along a collection bin axis. The opening extends along the collection bin axis and is configured to receive debris from the agitator. The collection bin is removably coupled to the base of the floor cleaner to allow the collection bin to be emptied. The collection bin is formed from a flexible material.

[0007] In another embodiment, a floor cleaner includes a vacuum source, a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid, a base movable over a surface to be cleaned, a body coupled to the base, and a recovery tank. The base includes a distribution nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank and 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, and a collection bin adjacent the agitator. The agitator is configured to contact the surface to be cleaned. The collection bin includes a base and an opening. The base extends from a first end to a second end along a collection bin axis. The opening extends along the collection bin axis and is configured to receive debris from the agitator. The collection bin is removably coupled to the base of the floor cleaner to allow the collection bin to be emptied. The collection bin includes a collection surface disposed to collect debris received through the opening. The collection surface has a low friction coefficient.

[0008] Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Fig. l is a perspective view of a floor cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a partially exploded view of a base of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1

[0011] Fig. 3 is a partially exploded view of the base of Fig. 2 with a collection bin removed from the base.

[0012] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the base of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a top view of the collection bin of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a wiper and the collection bin of Fig. 5 during a collection bin cleaning operation.

[0015] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a base of the floor cleaning of Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a collection bin of the floor cleaner of Fig. 7 according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a collection bin of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] Fig 10 is a perspective view of a collection bin of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1 according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] Fig, 11 is a perspective view of a collection bin of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1 according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the collection bin of Fig. 11 showing the removable substrate.

[0021] Fig. 13 is a first perspective view of a collection bin of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1 according to still another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 14 is a second perspective view of the collection bin of Fig. 13.

[0023] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the collection bin of Fig. 13.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1

[0024] Fig 16 is a top view of a collection bin of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1 according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] Fig 17 is a perspective view of a collection bin of Fig. 16.

[0026] Fig 18 is a rear view of a collection bin of Fig. 16.

[0027] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the collection bin of Fig. 16.

[0028] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the collection bin of Fig.16.

[0029] 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 DESCRIPTION

[0030] 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 debris (e.g., solids and fluid) from the agitator 22 and can store the debris.

[0031] 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.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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 cleaning 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 10.

[0035] 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 agitatorAttorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 1 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.

[0036] Referring to Figs. 2 and 4, the collection bin 24 is located adjacent the agitator 22 and the collection bin 24 may receive debris 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 debris from the surface 26 and the debris rotates with the agitator 22. The debris 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, or base, 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 may extend perpendicular to the bottom wall 42. The sidewall 44 includes a front wall 44A, a rear wall 44B, and lateral sidewalls 44C and 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 and along a collection bin axis 25. The collection bin axis 25 is generally parallel to the agitator axis 38. The collection bin 24 has a width 53 measured from the front wall 44A to the rear wall 44B. In some embodiments, the bottom wall 42 forms a collection surface 43 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 theAttorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 collection bin 24 that receives debris from the agitator 22 and the collection bin 24 is located between the suction nozzle 34 and the surface 26.

[0037] 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 or clean 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 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.

[0038] Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, a wiper blade 68 is located adjacent the agitator 22. The agitator 22 is rotatable relative to the wiper blade 68, which removes debris from the agitator 22 as the agitator rotates and deposits the debris in the collection bin 24. The wiper blade 68 includes a wiping edge 70 that is positioned to dislodge debris from the agitator 22. In one embodiment, the wiper blade 68 is rigid and made from a thermoplastic or thermoset or metal or other rigid material. In one embodiment, the wiper blade 68 is flexible and resilient and made from rubber or an elastomeric material or other flexible material. In other embodiments, the wiper blade 68 is formed by an edge of the collection bin 24, for example, by an end of the sidewall 44.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1

[0039] The agitator 22 has an outermost dimension 74 measured radially from the agitator axis 38 as shown in Fig. 4. The wiper blade 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 blade 68 by an overlap dimension 76.

[0040] 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 and solid debris travel into the collection bin 24. To clean the collection bin 24, the user removes the collection bin 24 from the base 20 to empty the collected solid debris and fluids by removing the suction nozzle 34 to access and remove the collection bin 24 for emptying or cleaning.

[0041] With reference to Fig. 6, the floor cleaner 10 includes a wiper 80 for removing debris from the collection bin 24. The wiper 80 is detached from the collection bin 24 so that the user can use the wiper 80 to clean other portions of the floor cleaner 10 (e.g., the suction nozzle 34). The wiper 80 includes a grip portion 84 and a cleaning portion 88. The cleaning portion 88 is formed from a resilient material. The resilient material may be a thermoplastic elastomer, a silicone, a polyurethane polymer, or other resilient material. The cleaning portion 88 contacts the bottom wall 42 to clean the debris from the collection surface 43 of collection bin 24 as the user moves the wiper 80 across the collection surface 43. The length 89 of the cleaning portion 88 may be similar to the width 53 (Fig. 5) of the collection bin 24 to limit the number of passes the user has to make during a collection bin 24 cleaning operation. The cleaning portion 88 may include an edge having a shape matching at least a portion of the collection surface and or one or more of the walls. In one embodiment, the wiper 80 is stored on the cleaner 10 for convenientAttorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 access by the user, schematically shown in FIG. 1 . The wiper 80 may be stowed in a pocket or recess, or retained by a latch, or otherwise releasably retained on the body 18 or the base 20 of the cleaner 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the wiper 80 is stowed or releasably retained on the base 20.

[0042] During a collection bin 24 cleaning or emptying operation, when the collection bin 24 is removed from the base 20 of the surface cleaner 10, the user can grip the grip portion 84 of the wiper 80 to move (e g., pull or drag) the wiper 80 along the collection surface 43 of the bottom wall 42. While the user moves the wiper 80 across the collection surface 43, debris is accumulated along the cleaning portion 88 of the wiper 80. The user can move the wiper 80 towards an outermost edge 45 of the bottom wall 42 to push the debris off of the collection surface 43. The user may make multiple passes with the wiper 80 across the collection surface43. The user may also move the wiper 80 along the sidewall 44 to clean debris from the sidewall44.

[0043] Figs. 7-8 illustrate a collection bin 124 according to another embodiment which can be used with the floor cleaner 10. The collection bin 124 includes features similar to the collection bin 24 shown in Figs. 3-5 and only some differences between the collection bins 24 and 124 will be discussed below. Like components have been given the same reference number plus 100.

[0044] The collection bin 124 is removably coupled to the base 20 adjacent the agitator 22. The collection bin 124 includes a bottom wall 142, or base, and a sidewall 144 extending from the bottom wall 142 to form a collection volume 146 configured to collect debris during operation of the floor cleaner 10. The bottom wall 142, which may be flat, extends from a first end 154 to a second end 156 of the collection bin 124 along a collection bin axis 125. In one embodiment, an outer most edge 145 of the bottom wall 142 adjacent the agitator 22 engages the agitator 22 as the agitator 22 rotates to remove debris from the agitator 22 and deposit the debris in the collection bin 24.

[0045] The sidewall 144 extends perpendicular to the bottom wall 142. The sidewall 144 includes a front wall 144A, a first lateral sidewall 144C positioned at or adjacent the first end 154, and a second lateral sidewall 144D positioned at or adjacent the second end 156. The frontAttorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 wall 144A is positioned opposite the agitator 22. The first lateral sidewall 144C and the second lateral sidewall 144D each include a recess 164 which can receive projections 66 (FIG. 3) of the base 20 to removably couple the collection bin 124 to the base 20.

[0046] The collection bin 124 includes an opening defined between the front wall 144A and the agitator 22. The opening is opposite the front wall 144A. The opening extends along the collection bin axis 125 between the first end 154 and the second end 156. The opening receives debris from the agitator 22. In some embodiments, the opening extends along the entire length 152 of the collection bin 124 (e.g., from the first end 154 to the second end 156). In some embodiments, the opening extends partially between the first end 154 and the second end 156.

[0047] The collection bin 124 includes a collection surface 143 disposed to collect debris received through the opening. The collection surface 143 extends between the first end 154 and the second end 156 and may be defined by the bottom wall 142. In some embodiments, the collection surface 143 extends from the first end 154 to the second end 156 of the collection bin 124. In some embodiments, the collection surface 143 extends partially between the first end 154 and the second end 156. In some embodiments, the collection surface 143 is defined by the bottom wall 142 and the sidewall 144.

[0048] The collection bin 124 is formed from a low friction material. The collection bin 124 may be formed from Acetel, a polyolefin, teflon, or another low friction material. The collection surface 143 has a low friction coefficient. In some embodiments, the collection surface 143 has a coefficient of friction between 0.05 to 0.5. In some embodiments, the collection surface 143 has a coefficient of friction between 0.1 and 0.4. In some embodiments, the collection surface 143 has a coefficient of friction that is less than 0.4. In some embodiments, the collection surface 143 has a coefficient of friction that is less than 0.3. In some embodiments, the collection surface 143 has a coefficient of friction that is less than 0.2. In some embodiments, the collection surface 143 has a coefficient of friction that is less than 0.1.

[0049] The collection bin 124 is formed or produced by an injection mold (not shown). At least a portion of the injection mold has a high gloss mold surface finish. More specifically, a portion of the injection mold which forms the collection surface 143 has a high gloss moldAttorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 surface finish. The high gloss mold surface finish may conform to an SPI Al, SPI A2, or SPI A3 mold surface finish standard.

[0050] During a collection bin 124 cleaning or emptying operation, after the user removes the collection bin 124 from the base 20, the user can tilt or otherwise manipulate or wipe the collection bin 124 to remove the debris from the collection bin 124.

[0051] Fig. 9 illustrates a collection bin 224 according to another embodiment which can be used with the floor cleaner 10. The collection bin 224 includes features similar to the collection bin 124 shown in Figs. 7-8 and only some differences between the collection bins 124 and 224 will be discussed below. Like components have been given the same reference number plus 100.

[0052] The collection bin 224 removably coupled to the base 20 of the floor cleaner 10 adjacent the agitator 22. The collection bin 224 includes a bottom wall 242, or base, and a sidewall 244 extending from the bottom wall 242 to form a collection volume to collect debris during operation. The bottom wall 242, which may be flat, extends from a first end 254 to a second end 256 of the collection bin 224 along a collection bin axis 225. The sidewall 244 extends perpendicular to the bottom wall 242. The sidewall 244 includes a front wall 244A positioned opposite the agitator 22. Unlike the sidewall 144 of the collection bin 124 (shown in Figs. 7-8), the sidewall 244 does not include lateral sidewalls such that the first end 154 and the second end 156 are open. The collection bin 24 has a L-shaped cross-section taken along an axis perpendicular to the bottom wall 242. The cross-section of the collection bin 24 is generally constant along the length of collection bin 224.

[0053] The collection bin 224 includes an opening defined in between the front wall 244A and the agitator 22. The opening extends between the first end 154 and the second end 156 along the collection bin axis 125 to receive debris from the agitator 22. The collection bin 224 includes a collection surface 243 disposed to collect debris received through the opening. The bottom wall 242 at least partially defines the collection surface 243. In some embodiments, the sidewall 244 may at least partially define the collection surface 243.

[0054] The collection bin 224 may include a grip 290 positioned adjacent the first end 154. The grip 290 allows the user to remove the collection bin 224 from the base 20 of the floorAttorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 cleaner 10. In one embodiment, the grip 290 is positioned outside of the collection surface 243 such that the user does not have to contact the debris on the collection surface 243 when they remove the collection bin 224 from the base 20. In other embodiments, a second grip is positioned adjacent the second end 256 of the collection bin 224.

[0055] The collection bin 224 is formed from a flexible material. The flexible material is a resilient material. The resilient material may be as a thermoplastic elastomer, a silicone or polyurethane polymer, or other resilient material. The collection bin 224 is formed by forming or molding an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the flexible material has a flexural modulus below 100 MPa. In some embodiments, the flexural modulus is between 40 and 90 MPa. In some embodiments, the flexural modulus is between 50 MPa and 80 MPa.

[0056] During a collection bin 224 cleaning or emptying operation, the user can use the grip 290 to remove the collection bin 224 from the base 20. The user then can flex the collection bin 224 to assist in accessing and removing the debris from the collection surface 243 of the collection bin 224. The user can flex the collection bin 224 by bending the collection bin 224 in a first and second, opposite direction. The user can also flex the collection bin 224 by twisting the collection bin 224.

[0057] Collection bin 224', shown in FIG. 10, is an alternative embodiment of the collection bin 224. The collection bin 224' is similar to the collection bin 224 and includes a bottom wall 242' and a sidewall 244'. The sidewall 244' extends from the bottom wall 242' and includes a front wall 244A' and a lateral sidewall 244C' defined at or adjacent either the first end 254' or the second end 256' of the collection bin 224'. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral sidewall 244C' is positioned at the first end 254' to close the first end 254'. In some embodiments, the collection bin 224' includes a lateral sidewall on both ends 254', 256' of the collection bin 224' to close both ends 254', 256'.

[0058] The wiper 80, shown in Fig. 6, can be used with the collection bin 224, 224' to further clean the collection surface 243, 243'.

[0059] Figs. 11-12 illustrates a collection bin 324 according to another embodiment which can be used with the floor cleaner 10. The collection bin 324 includes features similar to theAttorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 collection bin 124 shown in Figs. 7-8 and only some differences between the collection bins 124 and 324 will be discussed below. Like components have been given the same reference number plus 200.

[0060] The collection bin 324 is removably coupled to the base 20 of the floor cleaner adjacent the agitator 22. The collection bin 324 includes a housing 392 and a substrate 394 positioned on the housing 392. The housing 392 includes a bottom wall 342, or a base, and a sidewall 344 extending from the bottom wall 342. The bottom wall 342 extends between a first end 354 and a second end 356. The sidewall 344 includes a front wall 344A extending perpendicular to the bottom wall 342 and the first and second ends 354, 356 are open. The housing 392 have a generally constant, L-shaped cross-section taken from an axis that extends perpendicular to the bottom wall 342. The housing 392 may be formed from a hard plastic material. In some embodiments, the collection bin 324 includes a lateral sidewall positioned at a first end 354 of the housing 392 or a second end 356 of the housing 392 to close the end. In some embodiments, the collection bin 324 includes a lateral sidewall positioned at the first end 354 and at the second end 356 of the housing 392 to close the ends.

[0061] The collection bin 324 includes an opening opposite the front wall 344A. The opening extends between the first end 354 and the second end 356 of the housing 392 and is configured to receive debris from the agitator 22. The collection bin 324 includes a collection surface 343 disposed to collect debris received through the opening. The collection surface 343 extends between the first end 354 and the second end 356. The bottom wall 342 at least partially defines the collection surface 343. The sidewall 344 also at least partially defines the collection surface 343.

[0062] The substrate 394 is disposed on the collection surface 343. The substrate 394 is disposed on at least a portion of the bottom wall 342 of the housing 392 and on at least a portion of the front wall 344A. A sticky material 394A is disposed on the substrate 394 and is configured collect the debris. The substrate 394 may be coated with the sticky material 394A. The sticky material 394A is an adhesive. The sticky material may be a rubber based, silicone based, or acrylic based adhesive, or other sticky material as desired for the application. TheAttorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 sticky material may be a latex, a styrene-isoprene-styrene, or a styrene-butadiene-styrene. The sticky material 394A may be a polymethyl acrylate or a poly ethyl acrylate.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate 394 is disposable. The substrate 394 is removably coupled to the housing 392 such that the user can replace the substrate 394 when it gets dirty without having to replace the entire collection bin 324. In some embodiments, the substrate 394 is a paper or paperboard. In some embodiments, the substrate 394 is a plastic film. In some embodiments, multiple substrates 394 are disposed on the housing 392 such that when a user removes a top substrate a new substrate having a clean coating of sticky material 394A is revealed. In one embodiment, the substrate 394 is provided with a protective film or cover 393 to protect the sticky material 394A disposed on the substrate. Prior to installation, the user removes the protective film or cover 393 to reveal the sticky material 394A disposed on the substrate.

[0064] During a collection bin 324 cleaning operation, the user removes the collection bin 324 from the base 20. The user can then remove or pull the substrate 394 off of the housing 392 to remove the debris attached to the sticky material on the substrate 394 from the collection bin 324 and dispose of the substrate 394. The user can place a new substrate onto the housing 392 to have a clean coating of sticky material 394A. In some embodiments, when the user removes the substrate 394, a new substrate 394A having a clean coating of sticky material is revealed.

[0065] Figs. 13-14 illustrate a collection bin 424 according to another embodiment which can be used with the floor cleaner 10. The collection bin 424 includes features similar to the collection bin 124 shown in FIGS. 7-8 and only some differences between the collection bins 124 and 424 will be discussed below. Like components have been given the same reference number plus 300.

[0066] The collection bin 424 is positionable in the base 20 of the floor cleaner 10 adjacent the agitator 22 and removably coupled to the base 20 to allow the collection bin 424 to be emptied. The collection bin 424 extends along a collection bin axis 425 between a first end 454 and a second end 456. The collection bin 424 includes a bottom wall 442, or base, and a sidewall 444 extending from the bottom wall 442 to form a collection volume to collect debris during operation. The bottom wall 442 extends from the first end 454 to a second end 456 of the collection bin 424. The sidewall 444 extends perpendicular to the bottom wall 442. TheAttorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 sidewall 444 includes a front wall 444A positioned opposite the agitator 22. The first end 454 and the second end 456 are open such that they define an emptying aperture. The collection bin 424 has a generally constant L-shaped cross-section taken along an axis perpendicular to the bottom wall 442.

[0067] The collection bin 424 includes an opening defined in between the front wall 444A and the agitator 22. The opening is opposite the front wall 444A. The opening extends along the collection bin axis 425 to receive debris from the agitator 22. The collection bin 424 includes a collection surface 443 disposed to collect debris received through the opening. The collection surface 443 is at least partially defined by the bottom wall 442 and extends between the first end 454 and the second end 456 of the collection bin 424.

[0068] The collection bin 424 is cleanable using a wiper 480 which is movable across the collection surface 443 of the collection bin 424. The wiper 480 may be similar to the wiper 80 shown in Fig. 6. However, the wiper 80, discussed with reference to Fig 6, is typically detached from the collection bin 24, whereas the wiper 480, illustrated in Figs. 13-14, is configured to be connected to and guided by the collection bin 424. The wiper 480 includes an attachment member 498 engageable with a track 496 positioned in the collection bin 424 to removably couple the wiper 480 to the track 496. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment member 498 is a hook. The wiper 480 includes a grip portion 484 and a cleaning portion 488. The grip portion 484 allows the user to grip and maneuver the wiper 480 along the collection surface 443. As the wiper 480 moves across the collection surface 443, it pushes debris. The cleaning portion 488 is formed from a resilient material and is in contact with the collection surface 443 as the wiper 480 moves along the collection surface 443 to collect the debris.

[0069] The track 496 is positioned on the front wall 444A and extends along the front wall 444A. The track 496 extends from the first end 454 to the second end 456 of the collection bin 424. The track 496 is operable to guide the wiper 480 along the collection surface 443 and the collection bin 424. The track 496 guides the wiper 480 to move relative to the collection surface 443 in the direction from the second end 456 to the first end 454 to push debris toward the emptying aperture defined at the first end 454. The track 496 also guides the wiper 480 to moveAttorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 relative to the collection surface 443 in the direction from the first end 454 to the second end 456 to push debris toward the emptying aperture defined at the second end 456.

[0070] During a collection bin 424 cleaning operation, the user removes the collection bin 424 from the base 20. The user grips the grip portion 484 of the wiper 480 and moves the wiper 480 in the direction from the second end 456 of the collection bin 424 toward the first end 454 or from the first end 454 of the collection bin 424 toward the second end 456 of the collection bin 424 along the track 496. While the user moves the wiper 480, the cleaning portion 488 contacts the collection surface 443 to push debris toward the emptying aperture defined at the first end 454. The user moves the wiper 480 to the first end 454 or second end 456 to push the debris out of the collection bin 424.

[0071] Collection bin 424', shown in FIG. 15, is an alternative embodiment of the collection bin 424. The collection bin 424' is similar to the collection bin 424 and includes a bottom wall 442' and a sidewall 444'. The sidewall 444' extends from the bottom wall 442' and includes a front wall 444A' and a lateral sidewall 444C' defined at either the first end 454' or the second end 456' of the collection bin 424' to close one of the ends. The other end remains open such that it defines an emptying aperture. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral sidewall 444C' is positioned at the first end 454' to close the first end 454' and the emptying aperture is defined at the second end 456'. The collection bin 424' includes a track 496' on the front wall 444A' and a wiper 480' movable along the track 496'.

[0072] Figs. 16-18 illustrate a collection bin 524 according to another embodiment which can be used with the floor cleaner 10. The collection bin 524 includes features similar to the collection bin 524 shown in FIGS. 7-8 and only some differences between the collection bins 124 and 524 will be discussed below. Like components have been given the same reference number plus 400.

[0073] The collection bin 524 is removably coupled to the base 20 of the floor cleaner adjacent the agitator 22. The collection bin 524 includes a housing 592 having a bottom wall 542, or a base, and a sidewall 544 extending from the bottom wall 542. The sidewall 544 includes a front wall 544 A, a first lateral sidewall 544C positioned at or adjacent a first end 554 of the housing 592, and a second lateral sidewall 544D positioned at or adjacent a second endAttorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1556 of the housing 592. The front wall 544A extends between the first end 554 and the second end 556 along a collection bin axis 525. The first lateral sidewall 544C defines the width 553 of the housing 592. The bottom wall 542 does not extend the entire width 553 of the housing 592. The bottom wall 542 extends a portion of the width 553 of the housing, for example less than a quarter of the width 553 of the housing 592 from the front wall 544A. In some embodiments, the collection bin 524 does not include the second lateral sidewall positioned at the second end 556 such that the second end 556 is open.

[0074] The collection bin 524 includes an opening opposite the front wall 544A. The opening extends between the first end 554 and the second end 556 of the housing 592 and is configured to receive debris from the agitator 22.

[0075] The collection bin 524 includes a movable surface 598 slidably coupled to the housing 592. The movable surface 598 defines the collection surface 543. The movable surface 598 is positioned in a slot 600 formed in the housing 592. The slot 600 is formed in the bottom wall 542 and in the first lateral sidewall 544C. The movable surface 598 includes a first end 598A and a second end 598B. The movable surface 598 includes a grip 602 to allow the user to move the movable surface 598. The grip 602 is positioned on the first end 598A of the movable surface 598.

[0076] The movable surface 598 is movable or slidable along the collection bin axis 525 relative to the front wall 544A, the first lateral sidewall 544C, and the second lateral sidewall 544D between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first end 598A of the collection surface 543 is adjacent the first lateral sidewall 544C and the second end 598B is adjacent the second lateral sidewall 544D. In the second position, the second end 598B is adjacent the first lateral sidewall 544C. As the movable surface 598 moves or slides from the first position to the second position, the first lateral sidewall 544C is configured to wipe the collection surface 543 so that debris is collected at the first lateral sidewall 544C.

[0077] During a cleaning operation, the user removes the housing 592 from the base 20 of the floor cleaner 10. The user then holds the grip 602 and slides the movable surface 598 from the first position to the second position. Said another way, the user slides the movable surface 598 in a direction from the second end 556 toward the first end 554 of the housing 592. As theAttorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 movable surface 598 is being slid, the first lateral sidewall 544C wipes the collection surface 543 of the movable surface 598.

[0078] Collection bin 524', shown in FIG. 19, is an alternative embodiment of the collection bin 524. The collection bin 524' is similar to the collection bin 524 and includes the housing 592' having a bottom wall 542' and a sidewall 544'. The collection bin 524' also includes a movable surface 598'. The bottom wall 542' extends at least the majority of the width of the housing 592'. The sidewall 544' includes a front wall 544A', a first lateral sidewall 544C' positioned at the first end 554' of the housing 592', and a second lateral sidewall 544D' positioned at a second end 556' of the housing 592'. An emptying aperture 606' is formed in the bottom wall 542'. The emptying aperture 606' is adjacent the first lateral sidewall 544C' and allows debris to exit the collection bin 524'.

[0079] The movable surface 598' is positioned above the bottom wall 542' and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the bottom wall 542' and the sidewall 544'. When the movable surface 598' is in the first position, a first end of the movable surface 598' is adjacent the first lateral sidewall 544C' and the movable surface 598' covers or obstructs the emptying aperture 606'. When the movable surface 598' is in the second position, a second end of the movable surface 598' is adjacent the first lateral sidewall 544C' and the emptying aperture 606' is unobstructed. Debris collected on the first lateral sidewall 544C' as the movable surface 598' moved from the first position to the second position can then be exited from the collection bin 524' through the emptying aperture 606'.

[0080] Collection bin 524", shown in FIG. 20, is an alternative embodiment of the collection bin 524. The collection bin 524" is similar to the collection bin 524 and includes the housing 592" having a bottom wall 542" and a sidewall 544". The collection bin 524" also includes a movable surface 598". The sidewall 544" includes a front wall 544A", a first lateral sidewall 544C" positioned at a first end 554" of the housing 592", and a second lateral sidewall 544D" positioned at a second end 556" of the housing 592".

[0081] The movable surface 598" is positioned in a slot defined in the housing 592" and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the bottom wall 542" and the sidewall 544". When the movable surface 598" is in the first position, a first end of the movableAttorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 surface 598" is adjacent the first lateral sidewall 544C". When the movable surface 598" is in the second position, a second end of the movable surface 598" is adjacent the first lateral sidewall 544C".

[0082] The collection bin 524" includes a wiper 610". The wiper 610" is fixed at the first end 554" of the collection bin 524". More specifically, the wiper 610" is fixed to an interior side of the first lateral sidewall 544C". The wiper 610" wipes the movable surface 598" as it moves from the first position to the second position. The wiper 610" is formed from a resilient material. The resilient material may be a thermoplastic elastomer, a silicone, a polyurethane polymer, or other resilient material.

[0083] During a cleaning operation, the user removes the housing 592" from the base 20 of the floor cleaner 10. The user then holds the grip 602" and slides the movable surface 598" from the first position to the second position. Said another way, the user slides the movable surface 598" in a direction from the second end 556" toward the first end 554" of the housing 592". As the movable surface 598" is being slid, the wiper 610" fixed to the first lateral sidewall 544C" wipes the collection surface 543" of the movable surface 598" to remove debris from the movable surface 598".

[0084] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

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 extending along a collection bin axis, the collection bin including an opening and a collection surface, the opening extending along the collection bin axis and configured to receive debris from the agitator, the collection surface extending between a first end of the collection bin and a second end of the collection bin; a body coupled to the base, the body including a handle configured to move the base over the surface to be cleaned; 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; and a wiper configured to remove debris from the collection bin, wherein the collection bin is removably coupled to the base of the floor cleaner to allow the collection bin to be emptied.

2. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the wiper includes a grip portion and a cleaning portion, and wherein the cleaning portion is formed from a resilient material.

3. The floor cleaner according to any one of the claims 1-2, wherein the wiper is detached from the collection bin.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 14. The floor cleaner according to claim 3, wherein the wiper is releasably retained on the base.

5. The floor cleaner according to any one of the claims 1-2, where in the first end of the collection bin includes an aperture, and wherein the wiper is movable relative to the collection surface of the collection bin in a direction from the second end toward the first end of the collection bin configured to push debris on the collection surface toward the aperture.

6. The floor cleaner according to any one of the claims 1-2, where in the collection bin includes a wall opposite the opening and a track extending along the wall, wherein the track is configured to guide the wiper along the collection bin.

7. The floor cleaner of claim 6, wherein the wiper includes an attachment member engageable with the track.

8. The floor cleaner of any one of the claims 1-7, wherein the second end includes a wall extending perpendicularly from the collection surface of the collection bin.

9. The floor cleaner according to any one of the claims 6-8, wherein the wiper is removeable from the track.

10. 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,Attorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 a collection bin adjacent the agitator, the collection bin including a housing having a first end and a second end, a collection surface, and an opening, the housing having a wall extending between the first end and the second end along a collection bin axis, a first sidewall adjacent the first end of the housing, the collection surface extending between the first end and the second end and positioned in the housing, the opening extending along the collection bin axis and configured to receive debris from the agitator; 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 collection bin is removably coupled to the base of the floor cleaner to allow the collection bin to be emptied, wherein the collection surface is slidably coupled to the housing movable relative to the wall and the first sidewall, wherein the first sidewall is configured to collect debris as the collection surface is slid relative to the housing of the collection bin.

11. The floor cleaner of claim 10, wherein the collection surface is slidable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position a first end of the collection surface is adjacent the first sidewall, and wherein in the second position a second end of the collection surface is adjacent the first sidewall.

12. The floor cleaner of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the first sidewall is configured to wipe the collection surface as the collection surface is slid relative to the first sidewall.

13. The floor cleaner according to any one of the claims 10-12, wherein the collection surface includes a grip positioned on the first end of the collection surface.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 114. The floor cleaner according to any one of the claims 10-13, wherein the housing includes a base extending from the first end to the second end and wherein the collection surface is positioned above the base of the housing.

15. The floor cleaner of claim 14, wherein the base of the housing includes an aperture adjacent the first sidewall.

16. The floor cleaner of claim 15, wherein the aperture is obstructed when the collection surface is in the first position, and wherein the aperture is unobstructed when the collection surface is in the second position.

17. The floor cleaner of claim 16, wherein the aperture is positioned allowing debris to exit the collection bin when the collection surface is in the second position.

18. The floor cleaner according to any one of the claims 10-17, the housing having a second sidewall adjacent the second end of the housing.

19. 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 extending from a first end to a second end along a collection bin axis, the collection bin including a housing, the housing having a base and an opening, the base at least partially defining a collection surface, the opening extending along the collection bin axis and configured to receive debris from the agitator;Attorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 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 collection bin is removably coupled to the base of the floor cleaner to allow the collection bin to be emptied, wherein a sticky material is disposed on the collection surface.

20. The floor cleaner of claim 19, wherein the housing further includes a wall opposite the opening, wherein the sticky material is disposed on at least a portion of the wall.

21. The floor cleaner according to any of the claims 19-20, wherein the sticky material is disposed on a substrate that is removably coupled to the housing.

22. The floor cleaner according to any of the claims 19-21, wherein the collection bin has an L-shaped cross-section.

23. The floor cleaner of claim 22, wherein the collection bin has a constant cross-section.

24. 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,Attorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 1 a collection bin adjacent the agitator, the collection bin including a base and an opening, the base extending from a first end to a second end along a collection bin axis, the opening extending along the collection bin axis and configured to receive debris from the agitator; 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 collection bin is removably coupled to the base of the floor cleaner to allow the collection bin to be emptied, wherein the collection bin is formed from a flexible material.

25. The floor cleaner of claim 24, wherein the flexible material is a resilient material.

26. The floor cleaner of claim 24 or 25, wherein the flexible material has a flexural modulus between 50 MPa and 80 MPa.

27. The floor cleaner according to any one of the claims 24-26, wherein the collection bin has an L-shaped cross-section.

28. The floor cleaner according to any one of the claims 24-27, wherein the collection bin has a constant cross-section.

29. The floor cleaner according to any one of the claims 24-28, wherein the first end of the collection bin includes a grip.

30. The floor cleaner according to any one of the claims 24-29, wherein either the first end of the collection bin includes a wall extending perpendicular from the base or the second end of the collection bin includes a wall extending perpendicular from the base.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 131. 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 a base and an opening, the base extending from a first end to a second end along a collection bin axis, the opening extending along the collection bin axis and configured to receive debris from the agitator; 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 collection bin is removably coupled to the base of the floor cleaner to allow the collection bin to be emptied, wherein the collection bin includes a collection surface disposed to collect debris received through the opening, the collection surface having a low friction coefficient.

32. The floor cleaner of claim 31, wherein the collection bin is formed from a low friction material.

33. The floor cleaner of claim 31 or 32, wherein the collection bin is produced by an injection mold having a mold surface finish of SPI Al on the mold surface forming the collection surface.Attorney Docket No. 025818-0201 -WOO 134. The floor cleaner of any one of the claims 31 -33, wherein the collection surface has a coefficient of friction less than 0.4.

35. The floor cleaner of claim 31, wherein the base of the collection bin is flat.

36. The floor cleaner according to any of the claims 31-35, wherein the first end includes a wall extending perpendicular to the base and the second end includes a wall extending perpendicular to the base.

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