CLEANING APPARATUS WITH INTERIOR DEBRIS TRAP AND FLUID DISPENSER WITH STEAM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/715,919, filed on Nov. 4, 2024, entitled, “CLEANING APPARATUS WITH INTERIOR DEBRIS TRAP AND FLUID DISPENSER WITH STEAM,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002]The present disclosure is generally related to a surface cleaning apparatus with a debris trap and fluid dispenser, and more particularly to an extraction cleaning apparatus with an interior debris trap in a base assembly and a fluid dispenser for dispensing unheated cleaning fluid and heated cleaning fluid, including steam.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003]Extraction cleaners can be used for cleaning various types of surfaces including carpet, upholstery, and other fabric surfaces. Many extraction cleaners include systems for storing and delivering cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned. Other cleaners, such as steam mops, can be used for cleaning hard surfaces and utilize steam to wet a cleaning pad.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a suction source, a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction source, a supply tank for storing a cleaning fluid, and at least one pump for directing the cleaning fluid from the supply tank. A base assembly includes at least one agitator, a suction inlet in fluid communication with the suction source, and a fluid dispenser in fluid communication with the supply tank. A debris trap is disposed between the at least one agitator and the suction inlet for catching debris material from the at least one agitator.

[0005]According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a suction source, a supply tank for housing a cleaning fluid, and a pump for directing the cleaning fluid along a flow path. A base assembly includes at least one agitator, a suction nozzle assembly defining a suction inlet in fluid communication with the suction source, a fluid dispenser in fluid communication with the supply tank. The fluid dispenser forms a portion of the flow path for dispensing the cleaning fluid. A debris trap is disposed over the fluid dispenser for catching debris material from the at least one agitator.

[0006]According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes an agitator cover assembly including an inner wall at least partially defining an agitator chamber. An agitator is disposed at least partially disposed within the agitator chamber and disposed proximate to the inner wall. A fluid dispenser is disposed proximate to the inner wall for dispensing a cleaning fluid. A debris trap is coupled with the inner wall for catching debris material from the agitator. The debris trap is spaced from the agitator.

[0007]According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a supply tank for storing a cleaning fluid. A splitter is in fluid communication with the supply tank, and the splitter is configured to selectively direct the cleaning fluid along a first flow path and a second flow path. A heater is in fluid communication with the supply tank and disposed along the first flow path. A drip bar assembly is in fluid communication with the supply tank and forms a portion of each of the first and second flow paths. The drip bar assembly includes a body and a cover. The body includes a first fluid inlet in fluid communication with the supply tank, a first reservoir in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet, at least one first liquid outlet, and at least one steam outlet. The cleaning fluid is configured to be directed along the first flow path to be heated by the heater and form heated cleaning fluid that is directed through the first reservoir to be dispensed via the at least one first liquid outlet and the at least one steam outlet. The body also includes a second fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the supply tank and a second reservoir is in fluid communication with the second fluid inlet and at least one second liquid outlet. The cleaning fluid is configured to be directed along the second flow path through the second reservoir to be dispensed via the at least one second liquid outlet.

[0008]These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]In the drawings:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning apparatus having a recovery system and a fluid delivery system with a dispenser for dispensing heated and unheated cleaning fluid, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

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

[0012]FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a base assembly for a cleaning apparatus, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the base assembly of FIG. 3, taken along line IV-IV, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014]FIG. 5A is a partial, enlarged view of the base assembly of FIG. 4, taken at area VA, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015]FIG. 5B is a partial, enlarged view of a base assembly having an agitator cover assembly, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a debris trap positioned on a fluid dispenser, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a debris trap, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0018]FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a debris trap, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0019]FIG. 9 is a partially exploded, side perspective view of a rear wall of a suction nozzle assembly, a debris trap, and a fluid dispenser, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0020]FIG. 10 is a partial top perspective view of a base assembly with a suction nozzle assembly removed to illustrate an agitator and a debris trap, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0021]FIG. 11 is an exploded, bottom perspective view of a fluid dispenser having a cover and a body defining outlets for heated liquid, outlets for steam vapor, and outlets for unheated liquid, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0022]FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a body of a fluid dispenser having heated and unheated fluid reservoirs, according to the present disclosure;

[0023]FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of a body of a fluid dispenser having guide walls for dispersing fluid, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and FIG. 14 is a side perspective, cross-sectional view of a fluid dispenser with heated and unheated reservoirs and upper guide features, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0024]The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025]The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a cleaning apparatus with an interior debris trap and fluid dispenser with steam. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0026]For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0027]The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a. .” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y, and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y, or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y, and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.

[0028]With reference to FIGS. 1-14, reference numeral 10 generally designates a cleaning apparatus with a suction source 12 and a recovery tank 14 in fluid communication with the suction source 12. The cleaning apparatus 10 also includes at least one supply tank 16 for storing one or more cleaning fluids and at least one pump 18, 20 for directing the cleaning fluid from the at least one supply tank 16. The cleaning apparatus 10 includes a base assembly 22, which generally includes at least one agitator 24, a suction inlet 26 in fluid communication with the suction source 12, and a fluid distributor or dispenser 28, which is referred to herein as a drip bar assembly 28. The cleaning fluid is configured to be directed through the drip bar assembly 28 to be dispensed.

[0029]The base assembly 22 also includes a lint/debris catch or trap 30, referred to herein as the debris trap 30. The debris trap 30 is configured to catch debris materials from the agitator(s) 24. In certain aspects, the debris trap 30 may be disposed over the drip bar assembly 28 and/or between the agitator(s) 24 and the suction inlet 26 for catching materials released from the agitator 24, including cleaning fluid and debris materials. In various aspects, the debris trap 30 includes a sloped lower surface 32 extending between a front or raised end 34 and a rear or lower end 36. The debris trap 30 may define at least one opening 38 proximate to the lower end 36 for the cleaning fluid to flow out of the debris trap 30 and at least one retaining feature 40, which can be proximate to the at least one opening 38, to retain the debris material on the debris trap 30.

[0030]The cleaning apparatus 10 includes a fluid delivery system 50 for dispensing cleaning fluid onto and a recovery system 52 for capturing dispensed cleaning fluid, debris materials, and other liquids from a surface to be cleaned. The fluid delivery system 50 includes a first flow path or heated fluid path 54 and a second flow path or unheated fluid/liquid path 56, which are both defined at least partially through the drip bar assembly 28. In this regard, the cleaning apparatus 10 is configured to dispense heated cleaning fluid, including heated cleaning fluid in both a liquid phase and a steam phase, as well as unheated cleaning fluid/liquid.

[0031]The recovery system 52 forms a recovery flow path 58 from the suction inlet 26 to the recovery tank 14 for capturing fluid, such as air and liquids, and debris material. The cleaning apparatus 10 also includes the debris trap 30, which is an interior or internal component for capturing liquids and other debris materials released from the agitator 24 within the base assembly 22. The debris trap 30 is configured to direct captured liquids, such as cleaning fluid and/or other liquids, from the interior of the base assembly 22 and, ultimately, to the surface to be cleaned to be captured by the recovery system 52. The debris trap 30 is also configured to retain the captured debris material for later disposal.

[0032]Referring still to FIGS. 1-14, as used herein, the terms “lint” or “debris material(s)” include dirt, soil, dust, hair, stains, lint, food, and other similar solid, liquid, or semi-liquid materials. The term “cleaning fluid” may encompass liquid, steam, or a mixture of both liquid and steam. The terms “heated fluid” or “heated cleaning fluid” include liquid, steam, or a mixture of both liquid and steam heated to about 100° C.±10° C., alternately between about 90° C. and 100° C. or between about 95° C. to 98° C. The heated fluid may be produced by heating the cleaning fluid with a heat source. The heated fluid can include at least some liquid and at least some steam, e.g. a liquid phase and a vapor phase. For example, the heated fluid can have a steam quality of between about 20% and 30, where the steam quality is the proportion of saturated steam in a saturated condensate (liquid) and steam mixture. For example, saturated steam vapor has a steam quality of about 100%, and saturated liquid has a steam quality of about 0%.

[0033]The term “heated liquid” includes a liquid such as, but not limited to, water and/or solution containing water, such as water mixed with a cleaning chemistry, fragrance, etc., which is heated to about 100° C.±10° C. The heated liquid can include at least some steam or substantially no steam. For example, the heated liquid can have a steam quality between about 20% and about 30% or, alternatively, below about 20%, including a steam quality of about or at 0%.

[0034]The term “unheated liquid” generally includes a liquid such as, but not limited to, water and/or solutions containing water, such as water mixed with a cleaning chemistry, fragrance, etc. below the temperatures of the heated liquid. For example, the heated liquid may be between about 32° C. and 55° C. The unheated liquid may or may not be heated by a heat source. The unheated liquid may have a steam quality of about 0%.

[0035]The term “steam” includes a liquid, such as but not limited to water or solutions containing water (like water mixed with a cleaning chemistry, fragrance, etc.), at least partially converted to a gas or vapor phase. The liquid can be boiled or otherwise at least partially converted to the gas or vapor phase by heating or mechanical action like nebulizing. The steam can be invisible to the naked eye, in the form of a visible vapor that can be observed by the naked eye, or combinations thereof. As used herein, the terms “visible vapor,” “visible steam,” or “visible steam vapor” include steam that can be observed by the naked eye and is therefore visible to a user of the surface cleaning apparatus 10.

[0036]With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the debris trap 30 (FIG. 4) and the fluid dispenser 28 may be included in a variety of cleaning apparatuses 10. In various examples, the cleaning apparatus 10 may be an extraction cleaner often used to clean rugs, carpeting, drapes, and upholstered surfaces. The cleaning apparatus 10 may be configured as an upright cleaning apparatus 10 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The upright cleaning apparatus 10 includes a housing 90 configured as an upright housing 90 that is rotatably coupled to the base assembly 22 for directing the base assembly 22 across the surface to be cleaned. Often, the upright cleaning apparatus 10 includes a drive assembly 92 to assist the user in maneuvering the cleaning apparatus 10 and wheels 94 for engaging the surface to be cleaned. In additional examples, the cleaning apparatus 10 may be configured as a canister device that has a cleaning implement coupled to a wheelbase by vacuum hose, a lift-off floor cleaner (e.g., a floor cleaner capable of being used as an upright-type cleaner as well as a canister type cleaner), a portable or hand-held device adapted to be hand carried by the user, an unattended surface cleaner, such as an unattended spot cleaning apparatus, or an autonomous/robotic device. Accordingly, the functional systems of the cleaning apparatus 10 can be included in any desired configuration.

[0037]Each configuration of the cleaning apparatus 10 includes the recovery system 52 for extracting and storing dispensed fluid and debris material from the surface being cleaned and the fluid delivery system 50 for storing and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface being cleaned. The recovery system 52 includes at least the suction source 12, the suction inlet 26, and the recovery tank 14. The suction source 12 may be a motorized fan assembly configured to generate a suction or vacuum effect at the suction inlet 26 to draw fluid, such as air and liquids, along with the debris materials into the recovery tank 14. The suction source 12 is in fluid communication with the suction inlet 26, which may be formed by a suction nozzle assembly 100 on the base assembly 22. The suction inlet 26 is configured to be moved over or along the surface being cleaned.

[0038]The suction source 12 is generally electrically coupled to a power source 102, such as a battery or a power cord plugged into a helpful electrical outlet. In certain aspects, a power switch 104 may be arranged between the suction source 12 and the power source 102. The power switch 104 can be selectively closed by the user to activate the suction source 12.

[0039]The recovery tank 14 may be supported by the upright housing 90 and/or the base assembly 22. The recovery tank 14 can be selectively removed from the cleaning apparatus 10 to dispose of the liquids and debris material captured by the suction source 12. In various aspects, the cleaning apparatus 10 may include a separator 106 to separate the captured liquids and debris material from the airflow, which allows the liquid and debris material to be collected while the air is exhausted from the cleaning apparatus 10.

[0040]Referring still to FIG. 1, as well as FIGS. 3 and 4, the base assembly 22 can also include at least one agitator 24, which is generally disposed proximate to the drip bar assembly 28. The agitator 24 is configured to agitate the surface being cleaned, which may be advantageous for more efficiently moving, disrupting, or adjusting the debris material to be captured by the suction nozzle assembly 100 with the vacuum effect. The agitator 24 may have a variety of configurations such as, but not limited to at least one horizontally rotating brushroll, dual horizontally rotating brushroll, at least one vertically rotating brushroll, a stationary brushroll, a floating brushroll, or other similar configurations. The cleaning apparatus 10 may include multiple agitators 24 arranged at least partially within the base assembly 22.

[0041]The fluid delivery system 50 is configured to deliver cleaning fluid for use in the cleaning process. The fluid delivery system 50 generally includes at least one supply tank 16, at least one pump 18, 20, and the drip bar assembly 28. While the fluid dispenser 28 is illustrated and described herein as the drip bar assembly 28 other configurations of the fluid dispenser 28 of fluid dispensers or nozzles can be utilized without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the cleaning apparatus can include a single fluid dispenser 28 or multiple fluid dispenser 28, which may be the drip bar assembly 28, multiple individual spray tips, multiple nozzles, etc.

[0042]The supply tank 16 may be supported by the upright housing 90 (FIG. 2) and/or the base assembly 22 and is configured to hold and store the cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid may be water, a cleaning solution, or combinations thereof. For example, many household extraction cleaning tasks can be performed using water along with or in combination with a liquid cleaning solution that contains surfactants, stabilizers, fragrances, or other active and inactive ingredients. The cleaning fluid can include any practicable cleaning fluid or combination of cleaning fluids, including but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated detergents, diluted detergents, and combinations thereof.

[0043]The fluid delivery system 50 includes conduits, ducts, hosing connectors, valves, etc. fluidly coupling the components of the fluid delivery system 50 to provide the heated and unheated fluid paths 54, 56 from the supply tank 16 to one or more outlets 110, 112, 114. In various aspects, the fluid delivery system 50 includes the fluid dispenser(s) 28 configured to dispense multiple forms of cleaning fluid including the heated cleaning liquid, steam vapor, and the unheated cleaning liquid. The dispenser or drip bar assembly 28 may include at least one first outlet 110, also referred to as heated liquid outlets 110, at least one second outlet 112, also referred to as steam outlets 112 or steam vapor outlets 112, and at least one third outlet 114, also referred to as unheated liquid outlets 114. Accordingly, the dispenser includes two liquid outlets 110, 114 or sets of liquid outlets 110, 112, as well as steam outlets 112. It is contemplated that the various outlets 110, 112, 114 may be single outlet openings or pluralities of outlet openings that collectively define the respective outlet 110, 112, 114.

[0044]Referring still to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the fluid delivery system 50 generally includes at least one flow controller and often two flow controllers for controlling the cleaning fluid along the heated and unheated flow paths 54, 56. In certain aspects, the flow controllers are pumps 18, 20, which can pressurize the flow paths 54, 56 and control the delivery of the cleaning fluid to the drip bar assembly 28 and, ultimately, the surface to be cleaned. The supply tank 16 may be in fluid communication with a valve, diverter, or manifold splitter 120, which is configured to direct the cleaning fluid on one of the heated and unheated flow paths 54, 56 based on a setting of the cleaning apparatus 10. It is contemplated that the cleaning apparatus 10 may include two supply tanks 16 with a first supply tank 16 for the heated flow path 54 and a second supply tank 16 for the unheated flow path 56 in lieu of the splitter 120. When included in the cleaning apparatus 10, the splitter 120 generally includes a single inlet and two outlets.

[0045]Along the heated flow path 54, conduits couple the splitter 120 with the first pump 18, 20, the first pump 18 with a heater 122, and the heater 122 with the drip bar assembly 28. The heater 122 generally heats the cleaning fluid to about 100° C. to form the heated cleaning fluid. This temperature may be the temperature at an outlet of the heater 122, and the heater 122 itself may operate at higher temperatures, such as about 130° C. Non-limiting examples of the heater 122 may include, but are not limited to, a flash heater, a boiler, an immersion heater, and a flow-through steam generator.

[0046]The heater 122 may also be referred to as a steam generator for heating the cleaning fluid to form the heated liquid phase and the steam vapor phase of the cleaning fluid. In this regard, the heated cleaning fluid may include cleaning liquid in a mixture of vapor phase and liquid phase. For example, the heated liquid can have a steam quality of between about 20% and 30%. The heated fluid, including both the liquid vapor and steam, may be directed together to the drip bar assembly 28. The liquid phase and the vapor phase of the heated cleaning fluid may be directed by pressure generated within the heater 122 and/or pressure generated by the first pump 18, 20.

[0047]The liquid phase of the heated fluid is configured to be dispensed by the heated liquid outlets 110 in a substantially liquid state, as described further herein. Generally, the heated fluid is within a temperature range of about 90° C. to 100° C. Applying heated liquid within this temperature range may be effective at cleaning soft surfaces, such as carpets, while reducing damage to floor surfaces. Other temperature ranges are possible and may depend on one or more of the cleaning fluid, the type of surface to be cleaned (e.g., carpet versus hard floor, wool carpet versus nylon carpet), or the type of debris material to be removed from the surface being cleaned.

[0048]The vapor phase of the heated fluid is generally released or dispensed by the steam vapor outlets 112 in a substantially gaseous state and is preferably within a temperature range of about 90° C. to about 100° C. Other temperature ranges for the vapor phase are possible depending on the cleaning fluid. The temperature of the vapor phase of the heated fluid dispensed by the vapor outlets 112 is generally similar to the temperature of the liquid phase of the heated fluid dispensed by the heated liquid outlets 110. The steam outlets 112 are in fluid communication with venting outlets 126 defined by a base housing 128 of the base assembly 22. Accordingly, the vapor phase of the heated fluid or the steam is directed out of the drip bar assembly 28 via the steam outlets 112 and then out of the cleaning apparatus 10 via the venting outlets 126 to provide visual feedback of the heated liquid being dispensed, as described herein.

[0049]Referring still FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, in addition to the heated cleaning fluid, the fluid delivery system 50 is also configured to deliver or dispense the unheated cleaning fluid or liquid. The fluid delivery system 50 includes the unheated fluid or liquid outlets 114 for dispensing unheated cleaning fluid. Conduits fluidly couple the manifold splitter 120 with the second pump 20, and the second pump 20 with the drip bar assembly 28. In various aspects, the unheated cleaning fluid may bypass or otherwise not pass through the heater 122 and/or is otherwise unheated and is at the same temperature as the cleaning fluid stored in the supply tank 16. It is also contemplated that the liquid provided to the unheated liquid outlets 114 may pass through a heat source to be heated to a temperature that is less than the temperature of the heated liquid. In general, the cleaning apparatus 10 is configured to deliver heated liquid and steam and/or unheated liquid to or proximate to the surface being cleaned. Appropriate switches, buttons, actuators, and the like can be provided for use or control of the fluid delivery system 50, including dispensing unheated liquid, heated liquid and steam, or combinations of unheated liquid, heated liquid, and steam. It is also contemplated that a single pump 18 may be utilized, which may be upstream of the splitter 120, without departing from the teachings herein.

[0050]Referring again to FIG. 2, as well as FIGS. 3 and 4, the cleaning apparatus 10 is illustrated as the upright cleaning apparatus 10 having the upright housing 90 that is pivotably connected to the base assembly 22 for directing the base assembly 22 across the surface being cleaned. The cleaning apparatus 10 can include various systems and components, such as those described with respect to FIG. 1, including the components of the fluid delivery system 50 and the recovery system 52. The various systems and components thereof can be supported by either or both the base assembly 22 and the upright housing 90.

[0051]The housing 90 generally includes a frame 138 for supporting various components, such as the recovery tank 14 and the supply tank 16. The cleaning apparatus 10 also includes an elongated handle 140 extending from the frame 138 and providing a grasping location for the user to maneuver the cleaning apparatus 10 over the underlying surface. The housing 90 is generally pivotally coupled with the base assembly 22 via a joint assembly 142. The movable joint assembly 142 generally connects the base assembly 22 with the upright housing 90 for movement of the upright housing 90 about at least one axis. Wiring and/or conduits, such as for guiding or directing electricity, air, liquid, and/or steam between the upper housing 90 and the base assembly 22, extend through the joint assembly 142.

[0052]Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 4, as well as FIGS. 5A and 5B, the base assembly 22 can be or include any type of base or foot suitable for the purposes described herein. The base assembly 22 generally includes the base housing 128 for supporting or enclosing various components. The base assembly 22 includes the suction nozzle assembly 100 at a front or distal end of the base assembly 22. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5A, opposing walls 150, 152 (e.g., outer and inner walls 150, 152 or front and rear walls 150, 152) may be part of the suction nozzle assembly 100 to define a narrow suction pathway 154 therebetween and with an opening that forms the suction inlet 26. The suction pathway 154 is in fluid communication with the recovery tank 14. The suction inlet 26 can be a single opening extending across an entire or substantial width of the base assembly 22 or a plurality of smaller openings arranged along the width of the base assembly 22.

[0053]The cleaning apparatus 10 may have a variety of configurations for the base assembly 22. For example, the inner wall 152 may form or be part of one or more components in the base assembly 22. In certain aspects, the inner wall 152 may be part of the suction nozzle assembly 100. In the illustrated configuration in FIG. 5A, the suction nozzle assembly 100 forms an agitator cover 156, such that the inner wall 152 forms the suction inlet 26 and an agitator chamber 160. In this regard, the suction nozzle assembly 100 and the brushroll cover 156 are removable from the base assembly 22 as a single component.

[0054]In alternative aspects, such as the example illustrated in FIG. 5B, the inner wall 152 may be part of the agitator cover assembly 156. In such examples, the suction nozzle assembly 100 may not form/include the inner wall 152 that defines the brushroll chamber 160 for housing the agitator 24 and the fluid dispenser 28. In such examples, the suction nozzle assembly 100 is separate from the agitator cover assembly 156, and the agitator cover assembly 156 includes the inner wall 152. In this regard, there are three walls, two walls forming the suction nozzle assembly 100 and the inner wall 152 forming the brushroll cover. The suction nozzle assembly 100 can be removed from the base assembly 22 while the inner wall/brushroll cover 152 (e.g., of the agitator cover assembly 156) stays in place and can optionally be removable in a second step. In general, as described herein, the debris trap 30 may be coupled with the inner wall 152 of the brushroll cover, which may or may not be the same as the inner wall 152 of the suction nozzle assembly 100. In general, the inner wall 152 is disposed adjacent to the agitator 24 and forms the chamber 160 for housing internal components of the base assembly 22.

[0055]Additionally or alternatively, the brushroll cover 152 (whether coupled with, integrally formed with, or separate from the suction nozzle assembly 100) may be rotatably or pivotally coupled with the base assembly 22. In such example, the brushroll cover 152 can rotate pivot with respect to the base housing 128 and the base assembly 22 to allow access to the interior of the base assembly 22 for cleaning the brushroll 24 but remains coupled with the base assembly 22. In such examples, the brushroll cover 152 is generally not separable or removable from the base assembly 22.

[0056]Referring still to FIGS. 3-5B, the inner wall 152 (included with or separate from the suction nozzle assembly 100) forms the agitator chamber 160 within the base assembly 22, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5A. The agitator 24 is disposed at least partially within the agitator chamber 160 formed by the inner wall 152. The suction inlet 26 is generally forward of and spaced from the agitator 24.

[0057]In the illustrated configurations, the drip bar assembly 28 and the debris trap 30 are disposed between the agitator 24 and the suction nozzle assembly 100. In examples where the inner wall 152 of the suction nozzle assembly 100 forms the agitator chamber 160 (see FIG. 5A), the drip bar assembly 28 and/or the debris trap 30 may be integrally formed with or selectively coupled with the inner wall 152. In examples with the agitator cover 152 (see FIG. 5B), the drip bar assembly 28 and/or the debris trap 30 may be integrally formed or selectively coupled with the agitator cover 152 and be separate from the suction nozzle assembly 100.

[0058]In various aspects, the inner wall 152 configured as the agitator cover is removable from the base assembly 22. The debris trap 30 and/or the fluid dispenser 28 may be removable from the base assembly 22 with the agitator cover 152. Additionally or alternatively, the debris trap 30 and/or the fluid dispenser 28 may be removable from the inner wall 152. The debris trap 30 may be mounted on the inner wall 152 of the brushroll cover (which may or may not be the same inner wall 152 as the suction nozzle assembly 100) such that the debris trap 30 can be removable from the base assembly 22 for easy cleaning. Moreover, the debris trap 30 and/or the fluid dispenser 28 may be mounted elsewhere, such as to sidewalls of the base assembly 22, the base housing 128, and/or a feature that extends between the sidewalls of the base assembly 22, and can optionally be removable therefrom.

[0059]As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the debris trap 30 and the drip bar assembly 28 are arranged higher or farther away from the surface to be cleaned relative to the agitator 24 and the suction inlet 26. This may be advantageous for better dispersing the fluid with the drip bar assembly 28 as well as for catching debris materials with the debris trap 30. However, the height difference may depend on the configuration of the agitator 24 and/or the base assembly 22.

[0060]Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the debris trap 30 is disposed forward of at least one agitator 24 to catch debris materials from the agitator 24. In this illustrated configuration, the debris trap 30 is also disposed over the drip bar assembly 28 but may be located in a separate location from the drip bar assembly 28 without departing from the teachings herein. In various aspects, the debris trap 30 may be disposed on or adjacent to the drip bar assembly 28 and, more particularly, a cover 166 of the drip bar assembly 28. The debris trap 30 is configured to capture debris material, including both liquid/liquid material(s) and solid material(s), from the agitator 24, allowing the captured liquids to drain to the surface to be cleaned while retaining the solid debris materials on the debris trap 30.

[0061]The debris trap 30 generally includes the lower surface 32, which may be a sloped lower surface 32. Generally, the front end 34 of the debris trap 30 is the raised end 34, and the rear end 36 of the debris trap 30 is the lower end 36, resulting in a rearward, downward slope toward the agitator 24 (see FIG. 5A). The slope may be in a single direction (e.g., front-to-back) and/or in a second direction (e.g., out-to-in) to guide the captured liquid in specific directions. This slope may be due to protrusions 168 at the raised end 34 or may be due to increased thickness at the raised end 34. In certain aspects, at least one side edge 170, 172 of the debris trap 30 may be raised relative to a more central portion, which may direct fluid inward and toward the opening(s) 38 for allowing the fluid to flow off the debris trap 30.

[0062]The debris trap 30 is generally an elongated or rectangular shape to extend across the width of the base assembly 22 (see FIG. 10). In the illustrated examples, the debris trap 30 and, consequently, the lower surface 32 are generally rectangular. A border wall 174 extends along three edges 34, 170, 172 of the sloped lower surface 32. The border wall 174 extends along the front end 34 and opposing side edges 170, 172 to form a space for capturing and retaining materials. The fourth edge 36, which is the lower end 36, generally does not have the border wall 174 to allow liquids to flow off the debris trap 30 as described further herein. In the illustrated configuration, the border wall 174 generally extends a consistent height from the lower surface 32. It is contemplated that portions of the border wall 174 may have an increased height. For example, the border wall 174 extending along the raised end 34 may have an increased height to assist with capturing liquid and debris materials. In such examples, the border wall 174 may form a “backboard” for catching the materials from the agitator 24. Alternatively, the inner wall 152 of the suction nozzle assembly 100 and/or the agitator cover assembly 156 may form the “backboard” for the materials.

[0063]Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the debris trap 30 generally includes at least one coupling or coupling feature 180 and, typically, two coupling features 180 for coupling the debris trap 30 with the inner wall 152. The coupling features 180 extend vertically from the sloped lower surface 32 and are generally disposed along or form a portion of the border wall 174 at the raised end 34. Each coupling feature 180 defines a receiving channel 182 oriented toward the inner wall 152. In the illustrated configuration, the receiving channel 182 has a horizontal portion and a vertical portion extending from the horizontal portion, forming an upside-down “T” shape. This shape can assist with properly orienting the debris trap 30 and engaging the inner wall 152.

[0064]The inner wall 152, which is illustrated as part of the suction nozzle assembly 100 but may be part of the agitator cover assembly 156, includes at least one and, typically, two coupling projections 184 extending from an inner surface thereof. The coupling projections 184 form a mating shape to be received by the receiving channels 182. Accordingly, the coupling projections 184 generally form the upside-down “T” shape. The coupling projections 184 are configured to be inserted into and retained in the receiving channels 182 to couple the debris trap 30 to the inner wall 152. The debris trap 30 may be selectively removed from the inner wall 152 to be cleaned and to dispose of captured materials. The coupling features 180 and the coupling projections 184 may form an interference fit, a snap fit, or the like for allowing the debris trap 30 to be coupled to and uncoupled from the inner wall 152. In various aspects, the debris trap 30 may be coupled with the inner wall 152 and may be positioned on this drip bar assembly 28 but may not otherwise be coupled to the drip bar assembly 28, allowing for efficient removal and cleaning of the debris trap 30.

[0065]The debris trap 30 includes at least one slot, aperture, drain hole, or other opening 38 at or proximate to the lower end 36. The opening 38 is generally arranged at or proximate to a bottom of the slope of the debris trap 30. Typically, the debris trap 30 includes multiple openings 38 to more efficiently allow the fluid to drain from the debris trap 30. The openings 38 may also form drain holes in the lower surface 32, which may be proximate to the lower end 36 or elsewhere along the lower surface 32. The debris trap 30 also generally includes at least one catching or retaining feature 40 proximate to the opening 38. In the illustrated configuration, the debris trap 30 includes multiple openings 38 and multiple retaining features 40, which are arranged in an alternating pattern.

[0066]The retaining features 40 form wide and angled fingers or teeth that extend from the lower end 36 of the debris trap 30 and the openings 38 are slots defined between adjacent fingers. Other configurations of the retaining features 40 and openings 38 are contemplated without departing from the teachings herein. For example, retaining features 40 may be hooks, a trough, or any other feature for catching moving debris material. The retaining features 40 generally extend at an obtuse angle α from the lower end 36. Each of the retaining features 40 may generally be a same size and shape or, as illustrated in FIG. 8, outer retaining features 40 may be wider than the remainder of the retaining features 40. Additionally, at least one opening 38 can be defined between the outer retaining features 40 and the border wall 174 at the side edges 170, 172, respectively.

[0067]The retaining features 40 and the openings 38 are arranged along a width of the debris trap 30 along the lower end 36 for catching debris material and allowing cleaning fluid to drain from the debris trap 30, respectively. The slope and the border wall 174 assist with catching liquids and materials and directing the liquids and materials to the openings 38 and retaining features 40. The configuration of the retaining features 40, the border wall 174, and the openings 38 assist with retaining or catching debris materials on the debris trap 30 while catching liquids and allowing the liquids to drain from the debris trap 30.

[0068]Referring again to FIG. 5, as well as FIG. 10, the debris trap 30 is disposed proximate to the agitator 24 within the base assembly 22. In the illustrated configuration, the debris trap 30 is disposed proximate to a top of the brushroll 24. The debris trap 30 extends from the inner wall 152 and along the drip bar assembly 28. The retaining features 40 may extend beyond the cover 166 of the drip bar assembly 28. The obtuse angle α (FIG. 6) of the retaining features 40 may allow the retaining features 40 to extend generally along or parallel with a curvature formed by the agitator 24 toward the top of the agitator 24. The debris trap 30 is arranged and configured such that the retaining features 40 extend proximate to the agitator 24 but are also spaced from the agitator 24, including bristles 190 of the agitator 24. In this regard, the debris trap 30 and the agitator(s) 24 (e.g., brushroll(s) 24) generally do not have direct physical contact or engagement with one another. In other words, a space is maintained between the retaining features 40 and the agitator 24 and the debris trap 30 is free of physical engagement with the agitator 24.

[0069]The debris trap 30 is configured to catch materials released from the agitator 24 while not engaging the agitator 24. In certain aspects, if debris material is hanging from the agitator 24, the retaining features 40 may engage and pull such materials from the agitator 24 without engaging or contacting the agitator 24. While the debris trap 30 generally does not touch or contact the agitator 24, it is contemplated that in certain aspects the debris trap 30 may engage the agitator 24 without departing from the teachings herein. The spaced arrangement between the debris trap 30 and the agitator 24 may allow the agitator 24 to rotate without impingement from the debris trap 30. Additionally, the spaced position of the debris trap 30 may be advantageous for arranging the debris trap 30 in a location within the base assembly 22 for maximizing the materials caught by the debris trap 30.

[0070]In operation, the agitator 24 is configured to rotate during the cleaning process to agitate debris material for collection through the suction nozzle assembly 100. The agitator 24 in the illustrated configuration is configured to rotate counterclockwise about a horizontal axis. As the agitator 24 is rotating, the agitator 24 agitates, moves, or disrupts liquids (including dispensed cleaning fluid) and debris material on the surface being cleaned, and liquids and/or debris materials are captured, retained, or otherwise carried on or by the agitator 24. This liquid and debris material then moves and rotates with the agitator 24. Accordingly, the liquids and debris material move in the counterclockwise direction for at least a portion of the rotation of the agitator 24. The force or momentum from the rotation may generally cause the liquids and debris material to be released from the agitator 24, which typically occurs when the liquids and debris material are at the top of the agitator 24. The released liquids and debris material are released from the agitator 24, travel in a forward direction, and are captured by the debris trap 30. Accordingly, the debris trap 30 provides a space for catching the liquids and debris material from the agitator 24.

[0071]Once the liquid and debris material are captured on the debris trap 30, the liquid is configured to flow along the sloped lower surface 32 toward the lower end 36. As the liquid flows downward, the liquid generally carries the captured debris materials as well. The liquid is configured to flow along the debris trap 30, flow through the openings 38, and be drained from the debris trap 30, generally to the surface being cleaned. The drained liquid can then be captured by the suction nozzle assembly 100 for collection in the recovery tank 14. While the liquid flows through the openings 38, the debris materials are captured or trapped by the retaining features 40, which keeps or retains the debris materials on the debris trap 30 to reduce or prevent the debris materials from being released from the debris trap 30.

[0072]The captured debris materials may be removed from the debris trap 30 by the user. For example, the user can remove the suction nozzle assembly 100 and remove the debris trap 30 from the inner wall 152. The user can then dispose of the captured debris material and clean the debris trap 30 before reinstalling the debris trap 30 in the base assembly 22. The debris trap 30 provides a location within the base assembly 22 for catching and storing debris material from the agitator 24, which can be collected for later disposal.

[0073]Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, the debris trap 30 is illustrated as being disposed over or on the drip bar assembly 28. Accordingly, in the illustrated configuration, the drip bar assembly 28 is disposed between the agitator 24 and the inner wall 152. The drip bar assembly 28 is at least part of the distributer/dispenser for the fluid delivery system 50, providing a single component for dispensing heated cleaning fluid (i.e., in the liquid phase), steam (i.e., heated cleaning fluid in the vapor phase), and/or unheated cleaning fluid or liquid. The drip bar assembly 28 and the debris trap 30 extend across the width of the base assembly 22 parallel to the agitator 24. The debris trap 30 is coupled with the inner wall 152, which is also coupled with a front support 192. The front support 192 extends adjacent to the inner wall 152 and between the inner wall 152 and the drip bar assembly 28. The inner wall 152 includes hooks 194, which are configured to extend through apertures 196 in the front support 192 to couple the inner wall 152 to the front support 192.

[0074]Additionally, in the illustrated configuration, the drip bar assembly 28, and more particularly a body 210 of the drip bar assembly 28, includes coupling or snap features 212, which are configured to engage slots 214 of the front support 192 for snap engaging or otherwise coupling the drip bar assembly 28 with the front support 192. In certain aspects, the drip bar assembly 28 may be housed within the base assembly 22 and may be permanently or removably carried by components of the base assembly 22, such as the suction nozzle assembly 100, the agitator cover, the base housing 128, and/or the front support 192. In the illustrated configuration, the front support 192 provides connection locations for the inner wall 152 and the drip bar assembly 28 on opposing sides thereof. Generally, the debris trap 30 is positioned above the front support 192 to couple with the inner wall 152 directly.

[0075]While the fluid dispenser 28 is illustrated at a front of the base assembly 22, forward of the agitator 24, the fluid dispenser 28 may be arranged in different locations without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the fluid dispenser(s) 28 may be forward of the brushroll 24, rearward of the brushroll 24, and/or between brushrolls 24, etc. The fluid dispenser 28 may dispense fluid directly to the surface to be cleaned and/or directly onto the brushroll 24 rather than the surface to be cleaned.

[0076]Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, the drip bar assembly 28 is included in the cleaning apparatus 10 to direct the cleaning fluid, including the heated liquid, the unheated liquid, and the steam vapor to or toward to the surface to be cleaned. The drip bar assembly 28 is an elongated structure having the cover 166 and the body 210 and which generally extends across the width of the base assembly 22 of the cleaning apparatus 10 (see FIG. 10). The drip bar assembly 28 includes a first fluid inlet 220 for receiving the heated cleaning fluid, including both the liquid phase and vapor phase, and a second fluid inlet 222 for receiving the unheated cleaning fluid/liquid. The drip bar assembly 28 also includes the first liquid outlets 110 for dispensing the heated liquid, the second liquid outlets 114 for dispensing the unheated liquid, and the steam vapor outlets 112 for dispensing or releasing the steam vapor.

[0077]The body 210 defines an interior 224 through which the cleaning fluid is directed to be dispensed. The interior 224 is generally divided into a first reservoir 226 in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet 220, the heated liquid outlets 110, and the steam vapor outlets 112, as well as a second reservoir 228 in fluid communication with the second fluid inlet 222 and the unheated liquid outlets 114. Accordingly, the first fluid inlet 220 and the first reservoir 226 form portions of the heated flow path 54, and the second fluid inlet 222 and the second reservoir 228 form portions of the unheated flow path 56. The first reservoir 226 and the second reservoir 228 are generally separate and not in fluid communication with one another to provide two separate fluid flow paths 54, 56 through the drip bar assembly 28.

[0078]The first reservoir 226 extends along a depth (e.g., along a lateral side) of the drip bar assembly 28 to fluidly couple with the first fluid inlet 220 and along the length or width of the body 210 between a first end 230 and a second end 232. As illustrated, the first reservoir 226 is larger than the second reservoir 228, but any size of the first and second reservoirs 226, 228 may be utilized without departing from the teachings herein. The larger first reservoir 226 may be advantageous for guiding both the heated cleaning liquid and the steam vapor. The first reservoir 226 is configured to guide and dispense/release the heated cleaning fluid in both the liquid phase and the vapor phase.

[0079]The heated cleaning fluid is directed into the through the first fluid inlet 220 and into the first reservoir 226. The first reservoir 226 includes a receiving portion 240 and a dispensing portion 242. The receiving portion 240 is generally “L” shaped, while the dispensing portion 242 is generally linear. The receiving portion 240 initially receives the heated cleaning fluid from the first fluid inlet 220. The heated cleaning fluid enters the receiving portion 240 at the first end 230 and flows toward the second end 232. As the heated cleaning fluid flows through the receiving portion 240, the heated cleaning fluid is guided into the dispensing portion 242.

[0080]The receiving portion 240 and the dispensing portion 242 are at least partially separated by a guide wall 244. In the illustrated configuration, the guide wall 244 is formed of a plurality of wall portions 246 arranged in a linear configuration and separated from one another by guide openings 248. The wall portions 246 each generally have a same height, and the guide openings 248 each generally have a same width though other configurations are contemplated without departing from the teachings herein. The guide openings 248 allow the heated cleaning fluid to flow from the receiving portion 240 to the dispensing portion 242. The arrangement of the wall portions 246 and guide openings 248 assists with dispersing the heated cleaning fluid along the width of the drip bar assembly 28, which can be advantageous for providing a more even distribution of the heated cleaning fluid to the surface being cleaned and reducing wet spots.

[0081]In certain aspects, the guide wall 244 may be a single elongated wall from the first end 230 to the second end 232 of the body 210. The elongated guide wall 244 may define a lowered ledge, which can form a “waterfall ledge” for guiding the heated cleaning fluid from the receiving portion 240 to the dispensing portion 242. The lowered ledge may have a lesser height to promote the heated cleaning fluid flowing over the guide wall 244. The ledge may also assist in allowing a more even distribution of the heated cleaning fluid across the drip bar assembly 28 before the heated cleaning fluid flows to the dispensing portion 242 and, consequently, the heated liquid outlets 110 and steam vapor outlets 112.

[0082]The heated liquid outlets 110 are arranged in the dispensing portion 242 of the first reservoir 226. The heated liquid outlets 110 are arranged along the width of the first reservoir 226 to dispense the heated cleaning liquid to the surface being cleaned. The heated liquid outlets 110 have a substantially cylindrical shape and extend from a bottom of the first reservoir 226.

[0083]The first reservoir 226 is also in fluid communication with the steam vapor outlets 112 for releasing the vapor phase of the heated cleaning fluid (i.e., the steam) from the drip bar assembly 28. As illustrated, the body 210 defines two steam vapor outlets 112 with one steam outlet 112 at each of the first and second sides or ends 230, 232 of the body 210. Generally, the body 210 defines channels with an inlet end proximate to a top edge of the guide wall 244 and a lower outlet end. The steam vapor is configured to flow or be directed into the channels and guided out of the body 210. The vapor outlets 112, as illustrated, are oriented toward one another, which may assist in directing the steam vapor along a select path in the base assembly 22.

[0084]In certain examples, the vapor phase of the heated fluid (i.e., the steam) may be directed from the vapor outlets 112 and toward the venting outlets 126 of the base housing 128 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Conduits or similar features may be utilized for directing the vapor phase through the base assembly 22 between the drip bar assembly 28 and the venting outlets 126. The vapor phase of the heated fluid can be dispensed by the venting outlets 126 as visible steam or visible vapor that can be observed by the naked eye. Dispensing visible steam may offer visual confirmation to the user that steam is being generated and dispensed by the cleaning apparatus 10. Since the cleaning apparatus 10 also dispenses heated liquid, visible steam also offers a visual confirmation to the user that the heated liquid is being generated and dispensed by the cleaning apparatus 10. The venting outlets 126 can be located on both sides of the base assembly 22. With this arrangement, the steam vapor is dispensed out the sides of the base assembly 22, which can provide convenient visual confirmation that the cleaning apparatus 10 is operating.

[0085]Referring still to FIGS. 11-13, the second reservoir 228 is in fluid communication with the second fluid inlet 222. The second reservoir 228 generally extends between the receiving portion 240 of the first reservoir 226 at the first end 230 and the second end 232 of the body 210. Similar to the first reservoir 226, the second reservoir 228 includes a receiving portion 256 and a dispensing portion 258, which may be at least partially separated by a guide wall 260.

[0086]The unheated cleaning fluid or liquid is configured to flow through the second fluid inlet 222 and into the receiving portion 256. As the second fluid inlet 222 is at the second end 232 of the body 210, the unheated liquid is configured to flow into the receiving portion 256 proximate to the second end 232 and flow toward the first end 230. The unheated cleaning fluid is then configured to flow over the guide wall 260, which may assist with dispersing the unheated cleaning fluid along the width of the body 210.

[0087]In the illustrated configuration, the guide wall 260 includes a first or proximal notch 270, reducing a height of the guide wall 244 to a first lower height, and a second or distal notch 272, reducing the height of the guide wall 244 to a second lower height, which is lower than the first height. As illustrated, the guide wall 244 extends at the first lower height for about half or slightly more than half the distance from the second end 232 and toward the first end 230. A top edge of the guide wall 244 then slopes to the second lower height at the distal notch 272. The increased height at the proximal end (proximate to the fluid inlet 222) may assist with redirecting the incoming cleaning fluid along the receiving portion 240 and toward the first end 230. The lower height(s) may assist with dispersing the cleaning fluid along the width of the drip bar assembly 28. While the guide wall 244 is illustrated as having the sloped top edge, the guide wall 244 may define a single lower height between the notches 270, 272, resulting in a “waterfall ledge” for guiding and dispersing the cleaning fluid.

[0088]The unheated cleaning fluid is configured to flow over the guide wall 260 and into the dispensing portion 258, which includes and is in fluid communication with the unheated liquid outlets 114. The unheated liquid outlets 114 extend from the bottom of the second reservoir 228 and form generally conical or frusto-conical shapes. The outlets 114 are arranged along the width of the drip bar assembly 28 and in a linear configuration. The unheated cleaning fluid is configured to be dispersed across the width of the drip bar assembly 28, and, consequently, more evenly dispersed, reducing wet spots.

[0089]The liquid outlets 110, 114 may be similarly sized to dispense similar amounts of heated and unheated liquids or may be different sizes to dispense different amounts of the cleaning fluid(s) during the cleaning process. The shape of the liquid outlets 110, 114 may assist with guiding the liquids to the surface to be cleaned and may affect flow rate, dispensing type (e.g., drip versus spray), etc. The shape of the liquid outlets 110, 114 may be based on the temperature of the liquid flowing therethrough, an amount of liquid flowing therethrough, etc. The size and shape of the outlets 110, 112, 114 may differ based on a variety of factors without departing from the teachings herein.

[0090]Referring still to FIG. 11, as well as FIG. 14, the drip bar assembly 28 also includes the cover 166, which is selectively coupled to the body 210 to enclose the interior 224. The cover 166 is coupled with the body 210 at outer edges of the reservoirs 226, 228. The coupling of the cover 166 to the body 210 may assist in enclosing the reservoirs 226, 228 separately. The body 210 includes a central dividing wall 280 between the first reservoir 226 and the second reservoir 228, which is also coupled to the cover 166. The cover 166 includes a receiving channel 282 configured to receive the dividing wall 280 to reduce or prevent fluid communication between the reservoirs 226, 228. This maintains separation between the unheated cleaning fluid and the heated cleaning fluid (both liquid and vapor phases).

[0091]When the guide walls 244, 260 have waterfall ledges, at least a portion of the guide walls 244, 260 is spaced from the cover 166 to provide a flow path 54, 56 for the respective cleaning fluid. In examples with the wall portions 246 and guide openings 248, the wall portions 246 may extend to the cover 166 forcing the cleaning fluid through the openings 248 or may be spaced from the cover 166. In certain aspects, the cover 166 may include upper guide features 290 extending from an inner surface thereof. The guide features 290 may be utilized for one or both reservoirs 226, 228 and with any configuration of the guide walls 244, 260.

[0092]In the illustrated configuration, the guide features 290 are configured to extend into the first reservoir 226. The guide features 290, as illustrated, each includes an alignment portion 292, extending along a respective wall portion 246, and a diverting portion 294, extending through a respective guide opening 248. These guide features 290 may assist with guiding the heated cleaning fluid and, particularly, the steam vapor through the openings 248 and into the dispensing portion 242. The guide features 290 may extend different lengths from the inner surface of the cover 166. For example, the guide features 290 proximate to the first fluid inlet 220 may be shorter than the guide features 290 proximate to the second end 232, which may assist in guiding different amounts of heated cleaning fluid through the openings 248 to more evenly disperse the heated cleaning fluid. The upper guide features 290 can also assist with directing the heated fluid across the drip bar assembly 28, as well as increasing the heated liquid in a middle or central area to evenly distribute the heated liquid amongst the liquid outlets 110.

[0093]Referring again to FIGS. 1-14, the cleaning apparatus 10 is configured to dispense heated cleaning fluid in two phases and unheated cleaning fluid. This cleaning fluid is dispensed to the surface being cleaned and can be carried, along with debris materials and other liquids by the agitator 24. The liquids and debris materials can be released from the agitator(s) 24 and captured by the debris trap 30, which can drain the liquids to be captured by the suction inlet 26 and retain the debris materials for later disposal. The debris trap 30 and the drip bar assembly 28 can improve the efficiency of the cleaning process and can maximize a user experience by providing visual feedback via the steam and by collecting additional debris materials that accumulate in the base assembly 22. The captured debris materials may also provide visual confirmation to the user of the cleaning function of the cleaning apparatus 10.

[0094]Generally, the debris trap 30 is arranged forward of the agitator 24 at the front of the base assembly 22 proximate to the inner wall 152 (of the suction nozzle assembly 100 or the agitator cover assembly 156). The drip bar assembly 28 is generally arranged for providing the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned or to the agitator 24. The agitator 24 agitates the debris material, and the suction nozzle assembly 100 can be used for recovering the cleaning fluid and debris material. The drip bar assembly 28 may be spaced from the surface to be cleaned to assist with dispersing the cleaning fluid during the cleaning process to provide a more efficient cleaning process. The debris trap 30 may be disposed over the fluid dispenser 28 such that both are arranged forward of at least one agitator 24 or, alternatively, the fluid dispenser 28 may be arranged forward, rearward, or between the agitator(s) 24.

[0095]When the drip bar assembly 28 is arranged forward of the agitator 24, the forward location of the drip bar assembly 28 may also provide for a more convenient cleaning process for the user. In this regard, the user may maneuver the cleaning apparatus 10 to position the front of the base assembly 22 over the debris material or other location to be cleaned to dispense the cleaning fluid. It may be more convenient or easier for the user to align the front end with the area to be cleaned rather than a location in a middle of the base assembly 22. Additionally, the first reservoir 226 for the steam and heated liquid may be closer to the suction inlet 26 than the second reservoir 228 for the unheated liquid. This may assist with efficiency in a pretreat cleaning process, as aligning the front of the base assembly 22 with the area to be pre-treated may be more convenient or efficient for the user than another location.

[0096]Use of the cleaning apparatus 10 disclosed herein may provide a variety of advantages. For example, the cleaning apparatus 10 may be utilized for multiple different types of cleaning processes or on multiple different types of surfaces to be cleaned. The application of heated liquid and steam vapor can apply wet heat to the surface to be cleaned. The addition of wet heat introduces elevated energy levels (e.g., heat) to help mobilize various types of dirt and low levels of solvent (e.g., water) to improve dirt transportation away from the surface. Using high-temperature liquid can be particularly efficient at removing embedded soils and stains on soft surfaces like carpets. Dirt and other debris materials can be freed from the fibers of the soft surface with a combination of chemical and mechanical (e.g., via the agitator 24) interactions, allowing the creation of bonds between the dirt and cleaning fluid. The encapsulated debris can then be removed from the fibers using suction via the suction nozzle assembly 100.

[0097]Further, the cleaning apparatus 10 may include a single component to dispense the heated cleaning fluid in the liquid phase, the heated cleaning fluid in the vapor phase, and the unheated liquid. This may provide more compact components in the base assembly 22 and a consistent location for the user to align with the area to be cleaned. The steam vapor can provide visual feedback while the heated cleaning liquid is utilized.

[0098]Additionally, the lint bar is positioned to accumulate fluid and debris material at the front of the base assembly 22. The location is advantageous for accumulating materials that are released from the moving agitator 24. For example, when the bristles 190 of the agitator 24 are wet, the bristles 190 can capture debris material and liquids from the surface being cleaned, and rotation of the agitator 24 can form momentum to release the materials to be captured by the debris trap 30. The debris trap 30 generally does not engage the agitator 24 but provides a space to catch materials from the agitator 24 in a location spaced from the agitator 24. The debris trap 30 includes the sloped lower surface 32 and the openings 38 for draining the captured liquids and the retaining features 40 for retaining, catching, or trapping the captured debris materials for later disposal. The debris trap 30 may provide visual confirmation of the cleaning process while providing a space for collecting debris materials that can accumulate in the base assembly 22. Additional benefits or advantages may be realized and/or achieved.

[0099]The device disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all various aspects described herein.

[0100]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a suction source, a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction source, a supply tank for storing a cleaning fluid, and at least one pump for directing the cleaning fluid from the supply tank. A base assembly includes at least one agitator, a suction inlet in fluid communication with the suction source, and a fluid dispenser in fluid communication with the supply tank. A debris trap is disposed between the at least one agitator and the suction inlet for catching debris material from the at least one agitator.

[0101]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap is disposed forward of at least one agitator and rearward of a suction inlet.

[0102]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap includes a sloped lower surface.

[0103]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a sloped lower surface slopes toward at least one agitator.

[0104]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap defines at least one opening for liquid of debris material to drain from a debris trap.

[0105]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, at least one opening is defined by a sloped lower surface.

[0106]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, at least one opening is defined at a lower end of a sloped lower surface for directing the liquid through at least one opening to a surface to be cleaned.

[0107]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap includes at least one retaining feature to retain a solid material from debris material on the debris trap.

[0108]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap includes a sloped lower surface, and at least one retaining feature extends from a lower end of the sloped lower surface.

[0109]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap defines at least one opening for liquid of debris material to drain from the debris trap, and at least one retaining feature is disposed proximate to the at least one opening.

[0110]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, at least one retaining feature extends at an obtuse angle from a lower end. The lower end is disposed proximate to at least one agitator.

[0111]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, at least one opening includes a plurality of openings. At least one retaining feature includes a plurality of retaining features. The plurality of openings and the plurality of retaining features are arranged in an alternating pattern along a length of a debris trap.

[0112]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap is disposed over a fluid dispenser.

[0113]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap is spaced from at least one agitator such that the debris trap is free of physical engagement with at least one agitator.

[0114]According to an aspect of the present disclosure,, a cleaning apparatus includes a suction source, a supply tank for housing a cleaning fluid, and a pump for directing the cleaning fluid along a flow path. A base assembly includes at least one agitator, a suction nozzle assembly defining a suction inlet in fluid communication with the suction source, a fluid dispenser in fluid communication with the supply tank. The fluid dispenser forms a portion of the flow path for dispensing the cleaning fluid. A debris trap is disposed over the fluid dispenser between the suction nozzle assembly and the at least one agitator for catching debris material from the at least one agitator.

[0115]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a suction nozzle assembly includes an inner wall disposed adjacent to at least one agitator. A debris trap is selectively coupled with the inner wall.

[0116]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a base assembly includes an inner wall that forms an agitator chamber for housing at least one agitator. A debris trap is selectively coupled with the inner wall.

[0117]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap includes coupling features configured to receive coupling projections extending from an inner wall.

[0118]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap and a fluid dispenser are disposed between a suction nozzle assembly and at least one agitator. The at least one agitator is a brushroll configured to rotate in a counterclockwise direction during a cleaning process which, consequently, causes release of debris material onto the debris trap.

[0119]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap includes a sloped lower surface and at least one opening for draining liquid included in the debris material from the debris trap.

[0120]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a sloped lower surface of a debris trap slopes downward toward an agitator.

[0121]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, debris material includes solid debris material and liquid debris material. At least one opening includes a plurality of openings defined proximate to a lower end of a sloped lower surface of a debris trap for draining the liquid debris material from the debris trap.

[0122]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap includes at least one retaining feature proximate a lower end for retaining a solid debris material on the debris trap.

[0123]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, at least one retaining feature includes a plurality of retaining features arranged along a lower end. Each retaining feature extends at an obtuse angle from the lower end.

[0124]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes an agitator cover assembly including an inner wall at least partially defining an agitator chamber. An agitator is at least partially disposed within an agitator chamber disposed proximate to the inner wall. A fluid dispenser is disposed proximate to the inner wall for dispensing a cleaning fluid. A debris trap is coupled with the inner wall for catching debris material from the agitator. The debris trap is spaced from the agitator.

[0125]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid dispenser is disposed between an inner wall and an agitator. A debris trap is disposed over the fluid dispenser.

[0126]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap includes a coupling feature configured to selectively receive a coupling projection of an inner wall to couple the debris trap to an agitator cover assembly.

[0127]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap includes a sloped lower surface.

[0128]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap includes at least one opening proximate to a lower end of a sloped lower surface for allowing liquid from debris material to drain from the debris trap.

[0129]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, at least one retaining feature extends from a lower end of a sloped lower surface for retaining a solid material from debris material on the debris trap.

[0130]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, at least one opening includes a plurality of openings and at least one retaining feature includes a plurality of retaining features. The plurality of openings and the plurality of retaining features are arranged in an alternating pattern along a lower end.

[0131]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, each of a plurality of retaining features extends at an obtuse angle from a lower end and toward a top of an agitator maintaining a space between the plurality of retaining features and the agitator.

[0132]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an agitator cover assembly is removable from a base assembly.

[0133]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap is removable from a base assembly with an agitator cover assembly.

[0134]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap is removable from an agitator cover assembly.

[0135]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a base assembly includes a suction nozzle assembly including outer and inner walls defining a suction inlet.

[0136]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an agitator, a fluid dispenser, and a debris trap each extend across a width of an agitator chamber.

[0137]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, cleaning apparatus includes a supply tank for storing a cleaning fluid. A splitter is in fluid communication with the supply tank, and the splitter is configured to selectively direct the cleaning fluid along a first flow path and a second flow path. A heater is in fluid communication with the supply tank and disposed along the first flow path. A drip bar assembly is in fluid communication with the supply tank and forms a portion of each of the first and second flow paths. The drip bar assembly includes a body and a cover. The body includes a first fluid inlet in fluid communication with the supply tank, a first reservoir in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet, at least one first liquid outlet, and at least one steam outlet. The cleaning fluid is configured to be directed along the first flow path to be heated by the heater and form heated cleaning fluid that is directed through the first reservoir to be dispensed via the at least one first liquid outlet and the at least one steam outlet. The body also includes a second fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the supply tank and a second reservoir is in fluid communication with the second fluid inlet and at least one second liquid outlet. The cleaning fluid is configured to be directed along the second flow path through the second reservoir to be dispensed via the at least one second liquid outlet.

[0138]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a base housing defines at least one venting outlet in fluid communication with at least one steam outlet.

[0139]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a heated cleaning fluid includes a liquid phase configured to be dispensed via at least one first liquid outlet and a vapor phase to be dispensed via at least one steam outlet.

[0140]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a first reservoir includes a receiving portion and a dispensing portion. At least one first liquid outlet and at least one steam outlet are arranged in the dispensing portion. The receiving portion is at least partially separated from the dispensing portion by a guide wall for dispersing the heated cleaning fluid along a width of a drip bar assembly.

[0141]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a guide wall in a first reservoir is configured as wall portions separated by guide openings.

[0142]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cover defines upper guide features extending into a first reservoir.

[0143]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a second reservoir includes a receiving portion and a dispensing portion. At least one second liquid outlet is arranged in the dispensing portion. The receiving portion is at least partially separated from the dispensing portion by a guide wall for dispersing the cleaning fluid along a width of the drip bar assembly.

[0144]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a suction source and a suction nozzle assembly are in fluid communication with the suction source. At least one agitator and the drip bar assembly are disposed between the agitator and the suction nozzle assembly.

[0145]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a debris trap is disposed over a drip bar assembly for catching the debris material from the at least one agitator.

[0146]It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0147]For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0148]It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0149]It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.