WO2025021121A1

WO2025021121A1 - Foam delivery and recovery system with refresh accessory tool cross‐reference to related application

Info

Publication number: WO2025021121A1
Application number: PCT/CN2024/107343
Authority: WO
Inventors: JianPing RAN; Jason W. Pruiett; Tom Minh Nguyen
Original assignee: Bissell Inc.
Priority date: 2023-07-25
Filing date: 2024-07-24
Publication date: 2025-01-30

Abstract

A foam delivery and recovery system (10) includes a suction source (18) configured to generate a vacuum effect. A recovery tank (20) is in fluid communication with the suction source (18) for housing material captured by the suction source (18). A supply tank (22) houses a cleaning fluid. A pump assembly (28) is operably coupled to the supply tank (22) and configured to generate foam from the cleaning fluid. An applicator tool (14) includes a suction nozzle (46) in fluid communication with the suction source (18). A dispenser (52) is in fluid communication with the pump assembly (28) via a conduit (70). The dispenser (52) defines a chamber (84) having an inlet (86) and an outlet (88). A mesh screen (78) is disposed within the chamber (84). An extrusion (96) manifold is fluidly coupled with the outlet (88). The extrusion (96) manifold defines an opening through which the foam is dispensed. A user interface(104) is operably coupled with the pump assembly (28) for controlling dispensing of the foam through the applicator tool (14).

Description

FOAM DELIVERY AND RECOVERY SYSTEM WITH REFRESH ACCESSORY TOOL CROSS‐REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/515,435, filed on July 25, 2023, entitled, “FOAM DELIVERY AND RECOVERY SYSTEM WITH REFRESH ACCESSORY TOOL, ” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a foam delivery and recovery system, and more particularly to a foam delivery and recovery system with an upholstery refresh accessory tool that can be selectively used with an extraction cleaning apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

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

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid. At least one pump is in fluid communication with the supply tank. The at least one pump is configured to generate foam from the cleaning fluid and direct the cleaning fluid along a foam dispensing path. An applicator tool is operably coupled with the at least one pump. The applicator tool defines a portion of the foam dispensing path for dispensing the foam. A user interface controls the dispensing of the foam through the applicator tool. The applicator tool includes a chamber having an inlet fluidly coupled with the at least one pump and an outlet. A first screen is disposed within the chamber. A second screen is disposed within the chamber and downstream of the first screen. A spacer is disposed between the first screen and the second screen. An extrusion manifold is fluidly coupled with the outlet of the chamber. The extrusion manifold defines at least one opening through which the foam is dispensed in response to interaction with the user interface.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a supply tank configured to store a foaming cleaning chemistry. At least one pump is in fluid communication with the supply tank and configured to generate foam from the foaming cleaning chemistry. A dispenser is operably coupled to the at least one pump for dispensing the foam. A conduit provides fluid communication between the at least one pump and the dispenser. A user interface controls dispensing of the foam through the dispenser. The dispenser includes a frame defining a chamber having an inlet in fluid communication with the conduit and an outlet. At least one mesh screen is operably coupled to the conduit to generate bubbles in the foam. An extrusion manifold defines at least one opening in fluid communication with the outlet of the chamber for extruding the foam to a surface being cleaned in response to interaction with the user interface. A spacing protrusion extends from the frame in a direction parallel with a movement direction of the foam through the chamber to define a height of a ribbon of the foam.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a foam delivery and recovery system includes a suction source configured to generate a vacuum effect. A recovery tank is in fluid communication with the suction source for housing material captured by the suction source. At least one supply tank houses a cleaning fluid. A pump assembly is operably coupled to the supply tank and configured to generate foam from the cleaning fluid. At least one mesh screen configured to generate the foam. An applicator tool includes a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction source. A dispenser is in fluid communication with the pump assembly via a conduit. The dispenser defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. An extrusion manifold is fluidly coupled with the outlet. The extrusion manifold defines at least one opening through which the foam is dispensed. A user interface is operably coupled with the pump assembly for controlling dispensing of the foam through the applicator tool.

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

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of a portable cleaning apparatus with a foam refresh applicator tool, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a side perspective view of an upright cleaning apparatus with a foam refresh applicator tool, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a foam delivery and recovery system with an applicator tool, where a tank for foaming chemistry, a liquid pump, and an air pump for generating foam are operably coupled with a cleaning apparatus, and the foam is dispensed via the applicator tool, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a foam delivery and recovery system with an applicator tool, where a tank for foaming chemistry and a liquid pump for generating foam are operably coupled with a cleaning apparatus, and an air pump is operably coupled to the applicator tool, and the foam is dispensed via the applicator tool, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of a foam delivery and recovery system with an applicator tool, where a tank for foaming chemistry, a liquid pump, and an air pump for generating foam are operably coupled to the applicator tool, which dispenses the foam, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram of a foam delivery and recovery system with an applicator tool, where a tank for foaming chemistry and a foam pump for generating foam are operably coupled to the applicator tool, which dispenses the foam, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a foam delivery and recovery system, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a partial side perspective view of a dual nozzle applicator tool dispensing a ribbon of foam, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a dual nozzle applicator tool and a wand of a cleaning apparatus, illustrating a fluid recovery path, a foam dispensing path, and a liquid dispensing path, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a dual nozzle applicator tool having a liquid pump and an air pump for generating foam, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a dual nozzle applicator tool having foam pumps for generating foam, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective partial cross-sectional view of a dispenser of a dual nozzle applicator tool coupled with a pump assembly and a secondary recovery tank, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded side perspective view of a dispenser of a dual nozzle applicator tool, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a pump foaming applicator tool, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a pump foaming applicator tool with an outer support feature illustrated in phantom, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a pump foaming applicator tool and a wand of a cleaning apparatus, illustrating a foam dispensing path and a fluid recovery path, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of a pump foaming applicator tool with an outer support feature illustrated in phantom to show a liquid pump and an air pump, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of a pump foaming applicator tool with an outer support feature illustrated in phantom to show a foam pump, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of a manual pumping applicator tool, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of a manual pumping applicator tool with an outer support feature illustrated in phantom, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a manual pumping applicator tool and a wand of a cleaning apparatus, illustrating a foam dispensing path and a fluid recovery path, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of a secondary supply tank with a manual air pump, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of a multi-fluid applicator tool, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a multi-fluid applicator tool with an outer support feature illustrated in phantom to show a foam dispensing path, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a multi-fluid applicator tool with an outer support feature illustrated in phantom to show a liquid dispensing path, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a multi-fluid applicator tool with an outer support feature illustrated in phantom and with a control slide in an opened position to show a fluid recovery path, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of a multi-fluid applicator tool with an outer support feature illustrated in phantom and with a control slide in a closed position, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a side perspective view of a scrubbing applicator tool, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of a scrubbing applicator tool with a meshed outlet disposed within a scrubbing assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a scrubbing applicator tool, illustrating a foam dispensing path and a liquid dispensing path, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a side perspective view of a turbine applicator tool, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of a turbine applicator tool engaging a wand of a cleaning apparatus, illustrating a rotational air path, a foam dispensing path, and a liquid dispensing path, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 is a schematic view of a turbine applicator tool engaging a wand of a cleaning apparatus with a control slide in a “foam” position to define a power generating airflow path, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a schematic view of a turbine applicator tool engaging a wand of a cleaning apparatus with a control slide in a “suction” position to define a fluid recovery path, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a schematic view of a turbine applicator tool engaging a wand of a cleaning apparatus illustrating a rotating brush driven by a turbine via gears and a belt, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 32 is a side perspective view of a manual activation applicator tool, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a side perspective cross-sectional view of a manual activation applicator tool with a foam generation grip, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 is a side elevational view of a foam applicator tool, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 is a front plan view of a foam applicator tool, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 36 is a rear plan view of a foam applicator tool, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the foam applicator tool of FIG. 34, taken along line XXXVII-XXXVII, according to the present disclose;

FIG. 38 is a partially exploded, side perspective view of foam generating and dispensing components of a foam tool, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 39 is a partially exploded, side perspective cross-sectional view of a dispenser for a foam tool, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 40 is a schematic view of electrical components of a foam tool, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

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. 1A. Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to a surface closest to an intended viewer, and the term "rear" shall refer to a surface furthest 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 structures 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.

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.

With reference to FIGS. 1-40, reference numeral 10 generally designates a foam delivery and recovery system that includes a cleaning apparatus 12, such as a portable cleaning apparatus 12A or an upright cleaning apparatus 12B, and an applicator tool 14 coupled to the cleaning apparatus 12 via an accessory hose 16. The foam delivery and recovery system 10 includes a suction source 18 configured to generate a vacuum effect and a recovery tank 20 for housing fluids and debris material collected with the suction source 18. The foam delivery and recovery system 10 also includes at least one supply tank 22 for housing a cleaning fluid, and often a primary supply tank 24 and a secondary supply tank 26 for housing different cleaning fluids. A pump assembly 28 is operably coupled with the supply tanks 24, 26. In various examples, the pump assembly 28 includes a primary pump 30 fluidly coupled with the primary supply tank 24. Additionally, the pump assembly 28 includes at least one pump 32, 34, 36 operably coupled with the secondary supply tank 26. In such examples, the pump assembly 28 includes one of a dual pump configuration with the liquid pump 32 and the air pump 34 or a single pump configuration with the combined foam pump 36 having an air inlet port 38. The pump assembly 28 is configured to generate foam from the cleaning fluid in the primary supply tank 24 and/or the secondary supply tank 26 depending on the configuration of the foam delivery and recovery system 10.

The foam distribution and recovery system 10 may also be referred to herein as the foam system 10 or foam cleaning system 10. The foam system 10 further includes a suction nozzle 46 and a dispenser 52, which are generally included in the applicator tool 14. The applicator tool 14 includes a support feature 54 for coupling to a wand 56 of the accessory hose 16, as well as for housing various components and for forming portions of one or more of a recovery flow path 58, a foam dispensing path 60, and a liquid dispensing path 62. The suction nozzle 46 is in fluid communication with the suction source 18 for providing the vacuum effect to draw fluid, air, and debris materials toward the recovery tank 20.

The dispenser 52 is in fluid communication with the pump assembly 28, as well as one or both of the supply tanks 24, 26 for delivering one or more cleaning fluids to a surface to be cleaned. The dispenser 52 is generally fluidly coupled with the primary pump 30 via a liquid passage 66 and in fluid communication with one of the combined foam pump 36 or the liquid and air pumps 32, 34 via a dispensing conduit 70. Depending on the configuration, the dispensing conduit 70 generally includes two coupling portions 72, 74 coupled to the pump assembly 28 and an end portion 76 coupled to the coupling portions 72, 74. The pump assembly 28 is in fluid communication with at least one mesh filter 78 or mesh screen 78 for generating bubbles in the cleaning fluid to form the foam.

The applicator tool 14 is in fluid communication with the pump assembly 28 via the liquid passage 66 and/or the dispensing conduit 70. The applicator tool 14 includes a chamber 84 having an inlet 86 fluidly coupled with the pump assembly 28 and an outlet 88. In certain aspects, the mesh filter 78 is disposed in the chamber 84. An extrusion outlet or manifold 96 is fluidly coupled with the outlet 88 of the chamber 84. The extrusion manifold 96 defines at least one opening 98 through which the foam is extruded or dispensed.

The foam delivery and recovery system 10 also includes a user interface 104 for controlling the dispensing of the foam through the applicator tool 14. In other words, the foam is dispensed through the dispenser 52 in response to interaction with the user interface 104. The user interface 104 is operably coupled to at least one of the pump assembly 28 and the applicator tool 14. The user interface 104 may include one or more of a foam activation switch 106 for activating the pump assembly 28 to generate the foam and a flow rate control 108 for controlling a density of the foam. The user interface 104 can also be utilized for controlling the vacuum effect at the suction nozzle 46. In such examples, the user interface 104 may include a suction activation slide 110 for controlling the use of the vacuum effect generated by the suction source 18 and/or an airflow diverter 112 for controlling a location of the vacuum effect at the suction nozzle 46.

With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the applicator tool 14 may be selectively coupled to a variety of cleaning apparatuses 12 to form the foam delivery and recovery system 10. Each configuration of the cleaning apparatus 12 includes a base housing 120 with a suction assembly 122 and a liquid delivery system 124. The suction assembly 122 and the liquid delivery system 124 may collectively be referred to as a fluid directing system 126 or a fluid delivery and recovery system 126, which may also be included in the foam delivery and recovery system 10. The fluid directing system 126 is configured to direct fluid in multiple directions and is also configured to direct both liquids and air. The suction assembly 122 is configured to draw fluid into the base housing 120, while the liquid delivery system 124 is configured to direct liquids out of the base housing 120.

The suction assembly 122 generally includes the suction source 18, such as a motorized fan assembly, configured to draw fluid, such as air, liquids, and foam, into the recovery tank 20 that is operably coupled with the base housing 120. The suction assembly 122 typically operates to produce the suction or vacuum effect to draw fluid and/or debris material from the surface being cleaned and into the recovery tank 20. The recovery tank 20 may be selectively removed from the base housing 120 to dispose of the liquids and debris materials captured or collected in the recovery tank 20. The cleaning apparatus 12 may include a separator to separate the liquids and debris material from the airflow for collection. The separator allows the airflow to pass through to the suction source 18 to be exhausted while retaining the liquid and debris materials in the recovery tank 20.

Referring still to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the liquid delivery system 124 is configured to direct liquids from the primary supply tank 24 and out of the base housing 120 for use in a cleaning process. The cleaning apparatus 12 includes the primary supply tank 24 operably coupled with the base housing 120, which is configured to hold and store liquid, such as a cleaning solution. The liquid may also be water or combinations of cleaning solutions and water. For example, many household extraction cleaning tasks can be performed using water along with or in combination with a liquid cleaning solution that contains surfactants, stabilizers, fragrances, and/or other active and inactive ingredients. The liquid delivery system 124 includes the primary pump 30, valves, and/or similar features to direct the liquid out of the primary supply tank 24 and, consequently, out of the cleaning apparatus 12. The cleaning apparatus 12 may optionally include a heater to heat or warm the liquid that is dispensed.

Components of the cleaning apparatus 12 are electrically coupled to a power source 134, such as a battery, or by a power cord plugged into a household electrical circuit. A power switch between the power source 134 and electrical components of the cleaning apparatus 12 can be selectively closed by the user to activate the electrical components, such as the suction source 18. The power source 134 may be utilized for powering the cleaning apparatus 12 and/or the components coupled thereto, such as an accessory or tool, including the applicator tool 14. Additionally or alternatively, the foam system 10 can include an auxiliary power source 136 for powering the components of the applicator tool 14.

Referring still to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cleaning apparatus 12 may be an extraction cleaner, which is often used to clean rugs, carpeting, drapes, and upholstered surfaces. The cleaning apparatus 12 may be used with the tool or accessory, such as the applicator tool 14, which may clean similar surfaces and/or different types of surfaces. The cleaning apparatus 12 may be configured as the portable cleaning apparatus 12A, such as the example illustrated in FIG. 1A. The portable cleaning apparatuses 12A are generally smaller and lighter and often include a handle 140 by which the user may pick up and carry the portable cleaning apparatus 12A.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the cleaning apparatus 12 may additionally or alternatively be configured as the upright cleaning apparatus 12B. The upright cleaning apparatus 12B includes an elongated handle 142, which the user may use to move and maneuver the upright cleaning apparatus 12B along an underlying surface. Generally, the user maneuvers the upright cleaning apparatus 12B via wheels 144 operably coupled to the base housing 120 to roll the upright cleaning apparatus 12B on the underlying surface. Often, the upright cleaning apparatus 12B has a drive assembly to assist the user in maneuvering the upright cleaning apparatus 12B. The upright cleaning apparatus 12B is generally larger and heavier compared to the portable cleaning apparatuses 12A, having a lower surface proximate to the wheels 144 to engage the underlying surface in the cleaning process. Moreover, other configurations of the cleaning apparatus 12 are contemplated, such as a canister device having a cleaning implement coupled to a wheelbase by a vacuum hose.

The portable cleaning apparatuses 12A and upright cleaning apparatuses 12B may perform the same functions, perform different functions, perform overlapping functions, etc. The functions of the cleaning apparatus 12 may be performed separately from the tool or accessory or may be utilized by the tool or accessory. For example, the cleaning apparatus 12 may be operable to deliver room temperature water, heated water, a chemical cleaning solution, or combinations thereof to the tool and/or a surface to be cleaned directly. Similarly, the cleaning apparatus 12 may be configured to generate the vacuum effect to capture fluids and debris material at the surface being cleaned directly by the cleaning apparatus 12 and/or by the tool.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cleaning apparatus 12, including any configuration of the portable or upright cleaning apparatus 12A, 12B, utilizes the fluid delivery and recovery system 126 with both the suction assembly 122 and the liquid delivery system 124. When not used with the tool, the cleaning apparatus 12 uses the suction assembly 122 and the liquid delivery system 124 for various cleaning functions.

The cleaning apparatus 12 may also be used with the tool selectively coupled to the cleaning apparatus 12 via the accessory hose 16. The tool is generally manually maneuverable by the user relative to the cleaning apparatus 12. The tool or accessory disclosed herein is configured as the applicator tool 14. The applicator tool 14 is configured to utilize various features and functions of the cleaning apparatus 12. In various aspects, the applicator tool 14 is configured to use one or both of the suction assembly 122 and the liquid delivery system 124 of the cleaning apparatus 12. When the applicator tool 14 is coupled to the cleaning apparatus 12, the suction assembly 122 and the liquid delivery system 124 may be utilized with the applicator tool 14 separate from the functions of the cleaning apparatus 12. Accordingly, the cleaning apparatus 12 may include valves or similar features to direct the fluid to and from the applicator tool 14, as well as to and from other locations of the cleaning apparatus 12 when the applicator tool 14 is not coupled to the base housing 120.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, the foam delivery and recovery system 10 includes both the cleaning apparatus 12 and the applicator tool 14 to extrude or dispense a ribbon of foam and recover the extruded or dispensed foam for various cleaning processes. The foam system 10 may have a variety of configurations based on the configuration of the cleaning apparatus 12 and the configuration of the applicator tool 14. For example, certain components of the foam system 10 may be operably coupled to or disposed in the cleaning apparatus 12, the applicator tool 14, or either the cleaning apparatus 12 or the applicator tool 14.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate several exemplary configurations of the foam system 10, including the cleaning apparatus 12 and the applicator tool 14. However, the foam system 10 disclosed herein is considered non-limiting with other practicable configurations being contemplated without departing from the teachings herein. In the illustrated examples, certain components are illustrated as typically being in one of the cleaning apparatus 12 or the applicator tool 14, respectively, while other components of the foam system 10 are illustrated in different locations (e.g., the cleaning apparatus 12 or the applicator tool 14) . However, these locations are merely exemplary.

Generally, the suction source 18, the recovery tank 20, the primary supply tank 24, and the primary pump 30 are operably coupled to or disposed in the cleaning apparatus 12. These components are also included in the fluid delivery and recovery system 126 and may provide different functions for the cleaning apparatus 12 in conjunction with and separate from the applicator tool 14. Further, in general, the suction nozzle 46 and the dispenser 52 are operably coupled to or defined by the applicator tool 14. The applicator tool 14 may then be maneuvered by the user to position the dispenser 52 and the suction nozzle 46 adjacent to the surface to be cleaned for the cleaning processes provided by the applicator tool 14. The additional components more directly related to the foam generation, separate from the fluid delivery and recovery system 126, may be disposed in either the cleaning apparatus 12 or the applicator tool 14.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, a majority of the components of the foam system 10 are disposed in the cleaning apparatus 12. In the illustrated example, the suction source 18 and the recovery tank 20 are operably coupled with the cleaning apparatus 12 and in fluid communication via the recovery flow path 58, which extends from the suction nozzle 46 of the applicator tool 14, through the accessory hose 16, and to the cleaning apparatus 12. Further, the primary supply tank 24 and the primary pump 30 are operably coupled to the cleaning apparatus 12 and in fluid communication with the dispenser 52 on the applicator tool 14 via the liquid dispensing path 62, which extends from the primary supply tank 24, through the primary pump 30, through the liquid passage 66, which extends through the accessory hose 16, and to the dispenser 52.

Additionally, the foam system 10 includes the secondary supply tank 26 in fluid communication with the liquid pump 32, which is in fluid communication with the dispenser 52 via the dispensing conduit 70. The secondary supply tank 26 and the liquid pump 32 are each operably coupled to the cleaning apparatus 12. The foam system 10 includes the air pump 34, which is also operably coupled to the cleaning apparatus 12. Generally, the dispensing conduit 70 includes the first coupling or liquid portion 72 coupled to the liquid pump 32, the second coupling or air portion 74 coupled to the air pump 34, and the end portion 76 coupled to each of the liquid portion 72 and the air portion 74. The first coupling portion 72 may also be referred to as a first conduit portion, the second coupling portion 74 may also be referred to as a second conduit portion, and the end portion 76 may also be referred to as a third conduit portion.

The cleaning fluid from the secondary supply tank 26 and the air are guided or driven through the separate portions 72, 74 of the dispensing conduit 70, respectively, and mixed in the end portion 76 before being dispensed. The end portion 76 may extend from the cleaning apparatus 12, through the accessory hose 16, and to the applicator tool 14. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid and air portions 72, 74 may extend through the accessory hose 16 to meet at the end portion 76 in the applicator tool 14.

Generally, the mesh screen 78 is fluidly coupled with the end portion 76 of the dispensing conduit 70. The combined liquid and air are directed through the mesh screen 78 to generate the bubbles in the foam. The mesh screen 78 may be operably coupled with the end portion 76 or disposed in the end portion 76. Additionally or alternatively, the mesh screen 78 may be coupled to a distal end of the end portion 76 such that the combined liquid and air are guided through the mesh screen 78 as the mixture exits the dispensing conduit 70. The mesh screen 78 being disposed proximate to the dispenser 52 may be advantageous for generating the bubbles to form the foam closer to where the foam is dispensed, as bubbles may be reduced during longer travel through the dispensing conduit 70.

With reference now to FIG. 2B, the foam system 10 is similar to the foam system 10 illustrated in FIG. 2A with the difference in position or location of the air pump 34 and the air portion 74 of the dispensing conduit 70. The secondary supply tank 26 and the liquid pump 32 remain operably coupled with the cleaning apparatus 12, while the air pump 34 is coupled to the applicator tool 14. The liquid portion 72 of the dispensing conduit 70 extends through the accessory hose 16 to the applicator tool 14. At the applicator tool 14, the air portion 74 meets the liquid portion 72 and forms the end portion 76 of the dispensing conduit 70.

As illustrated in FIG. 2C, an additional configuration of the foam system 10 is illustrated, which is similar to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2B with the exception of the position or location of the secondary supply tank 26, the liquid pump 32, and the liquid portion 72 of the dispensing conduit 70. The secondary supply tank 26 and the liquid pump 32 are operably coupled to the applicator tool 14, along with the air pump 34. The dispensing conduit 70, including the liquid portion 72, the air portion 74, and the end portion 76, is included in the applicator tool 14 and does not extend through the accessory hose 16. In this way, the pumps 32, 34 and the cleaning solution for generating the foam are all included in the applicator tool 14, which can be selectively removed or coupled with the cleaning apparatus 12.

In additional non-limiting examples, the secondary supply tank 26 may be operably coupled to the cleaning apparatus 12 while the liquid pump 32 is coupled to the applicator tool 14 on the opposing side of the accessory hose 16. In such examples, the liquid portion 72 of the dispensing conduit 70 extends through the accessory hose 16. The liquid pump 32 may be selectively coupled to the secondary supply tank 26, which may be larger on the cleaning apparatus 12 or used with different fluid systems.

With reference to FIG. 2D, the foam system 10 is similar to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2C, with the combined foam pump 36 being utilized in lieu of the separate liquid and air pumps 32, 34. In such examples, the secondary supply tank 26 is in fluid communication with the foam pump 36, which drives the cleaning fluid through the dispensing conduit 70. The foam pump 36 also includes the air inlet port 38 for drawing air into the pump 36 to mix with the cleaning fluid to generate the foam to be directed through the dispensing conduit 70. The foam pump 36 may also include an internal mesh feature 78 for generating the bubbles in the foam,

which may be used in conjunction with the mesh screen 78 or in lieu of the mesh screen 78.

In examples with the internal mesh feature 78 within the foam pump 36, the internal mesh feature 78 can be built-in to the foam pump 36 at a pump outlet to generate the foam. This configuration reduces the number of components included in the foam system 10 and/or the applicator tool 14 by using the combined foam pump 36 and by omitting the additional mesh screen 78. It is also contemplated that the internal mesh feature 78 may be included in the liquid pump 32 and/or the primary pump 30 based on the configuration of the foam system 10. The internal mesh feature 78 or separate mesh screen 78 may be operably coupled to one or more components of the pump assembly 28, the cleaning apparatus 12, and/or the applicator tool 14 to be disposed within the foam dispensing path 60 to generate the foam from the cleaning solution.

In additional or alternative examples, the secondary supply tank 26 may be operably coupled to the cleaning apparatus 12 with the foam pump 36 being operably coupled to the applicator tool 14. The dispensing conduit 70 may extend from the dispenser 52 and through the accessory hose 16 to the foam pump 36. In further non-limiting examples, both the secondary supply tank 26 and the foam pump 36 may be operably coupled to the cleaning apparatus 12. In such examples, the foam may be generated by the foam pump 36 at the cleaning apparatus 12 and directed through the accessory hose 16 to the applicator tool 14.

It is also contemplated that the primary supply tank 24 and the primary pump 30 may be utilized for the foam generation. In such examples, the cleaning fluid in the primary supply tank 24 and the primary pump 30 are configured to generate the foam to be dispensed. The liquid passage 66 may include the mesh screen 78 to generate the bubbles in the foam or the liquid passage 66 may be in fluid communication with the end portion 76 of the dispensing conduit 70. Accordingly, the liquid delivery system 124 may also be used to dispense foam, with additional foam generation components being omitted.

Further, in additional examples of the foam system 10, the primary supply tank 24 may not be in fluid communication with the dispenser 52. In such examples, the applicator tool 14 may include a feature for blocking or preventing the liquid passage 66 from directing the liquid from the primary supply tank 24 to the dispenser 52. FIGS. 2A-2D represent exemplary, non-limiting configurations of the foam system 10, and additional or alternative configurations of the foam system 10 are contemplated without departing from the teachings herein.

Referring still to FIGS. 2A-2D, as well as FIG. 3, the foam system 10 includes a controller 150 with a processor 152, a memory 154, and other control circuitry. Instructions or routines 156 are stored within the memory 154 and executable by the processor 152. The control circuitry may include communication circuitry 158 configured for bidirectional communication. The controller 150 is in communication with various components of the foam system 10, including the pump assembly 28 and the suction source 18. The controller 150 is also configured to communicate with the user interface 104 to adjust and control foam generation and the suction effect.

The foam system 10 also includes the power source 134 of the cleaning apparatus 12 and/or the auxiliary power source 136 of the applicator tool 14. In various aspects, the auxiliary power source 136 may power the electronic components of the applicator tool 14, while the primary power source 134 powers the electronic components of the cleaning apparatus 12. In certain aspects, the foam system 10 may include the primary power source 134 to power all the electronic components of the cleaning apparatus 12 and the applicator tool 14, omitting the auxiliary power source 136. In such examples, an electrical connection extends through the accessory hose 16 to engage the applicator tool 14.

Referring still to FIGS. 2A-3, the user interface 104 is configured to control the foam output rate and the foam density. In various aspects, the user interface 104 includes the foam activation switch 106 to activate and deactivate the pump assembly 28 to generate the foam. The user interface 104 also includes the flow rate control 108 to control an output speed of the foam. The flow rate control 108 can be utilized to change the foam being dispensed by changing the flow rate of one or both of the cleaning fluid and the air that mix to form the foam. The flow rate adjustment allows the user to adjust the foam between a dryer, lower density foam and a wetter, higher density foam, which can both be generated using the same cleaning fluid.

In a non-limiting example, the flow rate control 108 includes or is configured as a needle valve 162 (see FIG. 8) , which may be utilized to adjust an air-to-liquid mixture ratio producing the foam. The foam system 10 may include a throttle or needle valve 162 for the air pump 34 and/or a throttle or needle valve 162 for the liquid pump 32 to allow further adjustment and customization of the foam. The needle valve 162 for controlling the air-to-liquid mixture ratio can be utilized with the single pump configuration with the combined foam pump 36 and the dual pump configuration with the separate liquid and air pumps 32, 34. The needle valve 162 may be manually or electro-mechanically adjustable to “throttle” or decrease the flow of air or the flow of liquid before the air and liquid mix to form the foam. In a specific example, the needle valve 162 is operably coupled to the liquid portion 72 of the dispensing conduit 70. In such examples, the needle valve 162 adjusts the flow rate of the liquid, thereby adjusting the air-to-liquid ratio. The adjusted mixture flows through the end portion 76 of the dispensing conduit 70 and through the mesh screen 78 to be dispensed.

Additionally or alternatively, the flow rate of the air and the liquid may be controlled by the electrical power provided to the pump assembly 28. Generally, the control of the flow rate through the electrical power is utilized with the dual pump configuration with the separate liquid and air pumps 32, 34. The electrical power applied to the air pump 34 and the liquid pump 32 is independently controlled so that the flow rate of the air and the flow rate of the liquid produced can be independently varied to produce dryer or wetter foam.

Referring still to FIGS. 2A-3, the change in the airflow rate and/or the liquid flow rate changes the air-to-liquid ratio of the mixture and the density of the foam. The density of the foam may be considered as the wetness or dryness of the foam. The adjustment between dryer, less dense foam and wetter, more dense foam allows the foam system 10 to be used for both deep cleaning and refresh cleaning processes using the same cleaning fluid.

A “deep clean” process may remove or reduce stains and/or embedded soils that typically significantly wets the surface being cleaned and results in a longer drying time. A wetter foam can be used for the deep cleaning process, as a wetter foam may generally provide a deeper cleaning as the liquid from the foam seeps or soaks into the material of the surface being cleaned. In comparison to dryer foam, the wetter foam generally provides a deeper clean, dissipates faster, has a slower drying time, and can be applied faster to the surface. The wetter foam may also be less visible than the dryer foam.

In comparison, the “refresh” cleaning process can be considered a “quick” cleaning process for reducing or removing everyday soils from the surface to be cleaned with a shorter drying time. A dryer foam can be used for the refresh cleaning process as the dryer foam remains on top of the surface being cleaned for longer. In comparison to wetter foam, the dryer foam generally provides the “refresh” clean, dissipates slower, has a quicker drying time, and is applied more slowly to the surface. The dryer foam may also be more visible than the wetter foam.

The foam density that can be generated by the foam system 10 may be on a continuum, allowing for increased customization of the cleaning process by the user. The user can balance foam output (e.g., application speed) , surface area coverage, runtime based on the volume of the secondary supply tank 26, and visibility of the foam. The foam used for the refresh cleaning process with the foam system 10 may be more visible than more traditional sprayed cleaning liquids. For example, the foamed formula may have a ΔE of about 1.6 ΔE compared to the sprayed formula having a ΔE of about 0.6 ΔE. Further, the foamed formula may have a dry time in a range of about 15 minutes to about 20 minutes, while sprayed formula may have a dry time in a range of about 50 minutes to about 70 minutes. The foam system 10 may be utilized for multiple cleaning processes with the same cleaning fluid, including deep cleaning with the wetter foam and refreshing with the dryer foam, and may also be used in combination with additional cleaning processes utilizing the primary supply tank 24.

The various configurations of the foam system 10 may have different parameters related to foam generation for the refresh cleaning process. As a non-limiting example, the parameters for generating foam for the refresh process with the liquid pump 32, the air pump 34, and the cleaning fluid housing within the applicator tool 14 or the smaller secondary supply tank 26 rather than the larger primary tank 24 are disclosed herein. In such examples, the liquid pump 32 flow rate is between about 25 mL/min and about 75 mL/min, and more particularly a rate of between about 40 mL/min and about 60 mL/min. The air pump 34 flow rate is between about 1 L/min and about 5 L/min. The secondary supply tank 26 volume for housing the foaming chemistry formula (i.e., the foam-generating cleaning fluid) is between about 100 mL and about 250 mL. Additionally, the mesh screen 78 size is between about 120 holes/sq. in. and about 400 holes/sq. in. For example, a 120 mesh includes 120 holes per square inch of the screen 78. In general, the larger the mesh number, the smaller the size of the holes. The number of holes may be referred to as the porosity of the mesh screen 78. Further, the generated foam density in this exemplary configuration is between about 10 g/mL and about 150 g/mL. It is understood that as the configuration of the foam system 10 changes, the parameters for generating foam also change.

Referring still to FIGS. 2A-3, the applicator tool 14 is configured to “extrude” the foam in a ribbon. The ribbon of foam is dispensed having a predefined thickness based on the configuration of the dispenser 52. The extruded foam generally remains in the ribbon rather than spreading outward. Accordingly, the extruded foam provides a more consistent and controllable foam cleaning process.

Referring again to FIGS. 2A-2D, as well as to FIGS. 4-33, multiple exemplary configurations of the applicator tool 14 are illustrated, which may each be included in the foam system 10. The various applicator tools 14 are each configured to couple to the cleaning apparatus 12 via the accessory hose 16. The accessory hose 16 includes the wand 56 at a distal end thereof for engaging the applicator tool 14 and providing communication between the applicator tool 14 and components operably coupled to the cleaning apparatus 12. For example, the wand 56 may be advantageous for providing the fluid communication between the applicator tool 14 and the liquid delivery system 124, as well as between the applicator tool 14 on the suction source 18.

The wand 56 is generally inserted into the applicator tool 14. The wand 56 includes a detent 168, which is configured to be disposed with an aperture 170 defined by the applicator tool 14. The wand 56 is partially inserted into the applicator tool 14 to move the detent 168 into the aperture 170. The detent 168 may be moved or adjusted to allow for the disengagement of the applicator tool 14 from the wand 56, which may be advantageous for cleaning the applicator tool 14 or selectively coupling a different accessory or tool to the wand 56. The wand 56 is configured to provide a grasping occasion for the user. The user may grasp the wand 56 to maneuver the applicator tool 14 relative to the surface to be cleaned.

The wand 56 includes a portion of the liquid passage 66 for delivering the liquid from the liquid delivery system 124 to the applicator tool 14 and forming the liquid dispensing path 62. The liquid passage 66 is selectively opened and closed via a valve 180. The valve 180 is operably coupled with a biasing member 182, which is illustrated as a coil spring (see FIG. 5) . The biasing member 182 is configured to bias the valve 180 to a closed state, which prevents the liquid from flowing into the applicator tool 14. The valve 180 is configured to be actuated upon force applied to an actuator 184, such as a trigger 184 on the wand 56. Adjustment of the trigger 184 into the wand 56 is configured to actuate the valve 180 to an opened state, providing fluid communication to the applicator tool 14.

Accordingly, the liquid delivered to the applicator tool 14 may be controlled by the user. Depending on the configuration of the foam system 10, this liquid may be the foaming chemistry or other cleaning liquids. The user may adjust the trigger 184 to actuate the valve 180 and open fluid communication at intervals, as needed, or to continually provide the liquid to the applicator tool 14. In such examples, an outlet connector 186 of the wand 56 is in fluid communication with the dispenser 52.

In certain aspects, the liquid passage 66 may be at least partially blocked, hindering or preventing the delivery of the liquid to the applicator tool 14. In such configurations, the outlet connector 186 of the wand 56 may be disposed within an outlet housing 188 of the support feature 54. The outlet housing 188 may have a closed end, which prevents the liquid from being dispensed from the outlet connector 186. Additionally or alternatively, the outlet housing 188 may be selectively opened and closed to selectively allow and prevent the liquid from being delivered to the applicator tool 14 and/or the surface to be cleaned. In additional non-limiting examples, the applicator tool 14 may include a shield for blocking the trigger 184 to prevent actuation of the valve 180.

The wand 56 also provides fluid communication between the suction source 18 and the applicator tool 14 for forming the recovery flow path 58 with the vacuum effect. Each of the applicator tool 14 and the wand 56 are at least partially hollow with the hollow interior portions aligning with one another. The recovery flow path 58 extends from the suction nozzle 46 to the suction source 18 and the recovery tank 20 to recover dispensed foam, liquids, and debris materials.

After the foam is dispensed, the foam may remain in the extruded foam form, and the suction source 18 is used to vacuum the extruded foam into the recovery tank 20. Generally, the foam is drawn into the recovery tank 20 where the fluid is stored as a liquid and/or foam until being removed by the user. The suctioning of the foam in the foam state having bubbles generates less foam within the recovery tank 20 compared to vacuuming cleaning fluid in a liquid state. Accordingly, the foam system 10 may be utilized without the addition of a defoamer. However, it is contemplated that the foam system 10 may not utilize a defoamer without departing from the teachings herein.

Referring to FIGS. 4-9, a dual nozzle applicator tool 214 (i.e., one of the exemplary configurations of the applicator tool 14) is illustrated. The dual nozzle applicator tool 214 includes a secondary supply tank 226 and a pump assembly 228. In certain aspects, the pump assembly 228 includes a liquid pump 232 and an air pump 234 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) , and in other aspects, the pump assembly 228 includes at least one foam pump 236 (see FIG. 7) with an air inlet port 238. The dual nozzle applicator tool 214 includes a suction nozzle 246, including a first or front nozzle 248 and a second or rear nozzle 250, as well as a dispenser 252 for extruding the foam.

The dual nozzle applicator tool 214 includes a support feature 254 for supporting or defining various components, as well as for defining at least a portion of the recovery flow path 258 with the suction nozzle 246, a foam dispensing path 260 with the dispenser 252, and a liquid dispensing path 262. The pump assembly 228 is in fluid communication with the dispenser 252 via a dispensing conduit 270, which may include a first coupling or liquid portion 272, a second coupling or air portion 274, and an end portion 276 for the dual pump configuration.

The dispenser 252 includes at least one mesh screen 278, which may include a first or coarse mesh screen 280 and a second or fine mesh screen 282 disposed within a chamber 284 that has an inlet 286 in fluid communication with the conduit 270 and an outlet 288. In this way, the mesh screens 280, 282 generally define different porosities. An extrusion manifold 296 is also disposed within the chamber 284, and openings 298 of the extrusion manifold 296 are in fluid communication with the outlet 288 of the chamber 284 for extruding the foam. The dual nozzle applicator tool 214 also includes a user interface 304 for controlling various aspects of the foam system 10. The dual nozzle applicator tool 214 includes a foam activation switch 306, a flow rate control 308, a suction activation slide 310, and an air diverter 312.

Referring still to FIGS. 4 and 5, the support feature 254 is generally elongated and tubular having a substantially hollow interior for forming a portion of the recovery flow path 258 and for receiving the wand 56. The support feature 254 includes a head or a distal end 318 proximate to the suction nozzle 246. In various aspects, the suction nozzle 246 includes the front nozzle 248 and the rear nozzle 250, which are spaced from one another with the conduit 270 extending in the space between the front and rear nozzles 248, 250. The front and rear nozzles 248, 250 each define an inlet 320, 322 at one end, which is configured to be disposed adjacent to the surface to be cleaned, and an outlet 324, 326 at an opposing end, which open to the interior of the support feature 254. This configuration is advantageous having the vacuum effect to use the dual nozzle applicator tool 214 in a forward direction, a rearward direction, or both. The front and rear nozzles 248, 250 are operably coupled to the distal end 318 of the support feature 254.

The front and rear nozzles 248, 250 are each formed as arced guides that narrow in width from the respective inlet 320, 322 toward the distal end 318 of the support feature 254. In this way, the inlets 320, 322 may be elongated openings for capturing foam and debris materials, and the narrowing of the front and rear nozzles 248, 250 directs captured materials along the recovery flow path 258 to the narrower support feature 254. The inlets 320, 322 are generally elongated in a lateral direction and narrow in a fore-aft direction, which may assist in generating the vacuum effect at the inlets 320, 322.

At least a portion of the suction nozzle 246 is coupled to the support feature 254, generally via mechanical coupling features such as fasteners. The suction nozzle 246 is also operably coupled to the air diverter 312, which is advantageous for aligning the outlets 324, 326 with various apertures 330 of the air diverter 312 for controlling the fluid communication between the suction nozzle 246 and the suction source 18 as described herein.

Referring still to FIGS. 4 and 5, the user interface 304 includes the suction activation slide 310 for allowing and preventing fluid communication between the suction nozzle 246 and the suction source 18. The suction activation slide 310 may be used in conjunction with a separate activation feature that controls the activation and deactivation of the suction source 18. The suction activation slide 310 is operably coupled to the support feature 254. The slide 310 includes an engagement feature 338 accessible by the user for moving the suction activation slide 310 and an interior blocking feature 340. The suction activation slide 310 is configured to be manually moved in the fore-aft direction between a closed position and an opened position. The illustrated suction activation slide 310 is manually operable, however, it is contemplated that the suction activation slide 310 may be electro-mechanically or automatically moved based on sensed information, a cleaning program, etc. In such examples, the suction activation slide 310 may be powered by an auxiliary power source 336 in the applicator tool 214 or the primary power source 134 (FIG. 3) .

In the opened position, the suction activation slide 310 is in the rearward location, which moves the interior blocking feature 340 closer to the wand 56. This position of the interior blocking feature 340 provides a space between the interior blocking feature 340 and an inner channel 342 of the support feature 254, defining the recovery flow path 258 between the interior of the support feature 254 proximate to the distal end 318 and the wand 56. When the slide 310 is adjusted to the closed position (as illustrated in phantom) , which is generally the forward location, the blocking feature 340 is moved closer to the distal end 318 of the support feature 254 and into or abutting the inner channel 342 to reduce or block the fluid communication between the wand 56 and the front and rear nozzles 248, 250. Accordingly, when the blocking feature 340 is in the closed position the fluid communication may be reduced or prevented between the nozzles 248, 250 and the suction source 18 so the dual nozzle applicator tool 214 may be utilized with or without the vacuum effect. This configuration may be advantageous for allowing for extruding foam without immediately or quickly vacuuming the foam from the surface being cleaned.

In addition to allowing and blocking the vacuum effect, the air diverter 312 is included in the user interface 304 and is configured to selectively permit and block fluid communication between the front and rear nozzles 248, 250 and the suction source 18 (e.g., adjust the location of the vacuum effect at the suction nozzle 246) . The air diverter 312 is a cylindrical component that extends through the support feature 254, generally normal to the recovery flow path 258. The front and rear nozzles 248, 250 include coupling rings 344 proximate to the outlets 324, 326, and the air diverter 312 extends through the coupling rings 344. The coupling rings 344 maintain the alignment between the nozzles 248, 250 and the air diverter 312 while allowing the air diverter 312 to rotate within the coupling rings 344. The air diverter 312 is configured to rotate about a rotational axis, which extends along the longitudinal extent of the air diverter 312.

The air diverter 312 includes a knob 346 on an exterior of the support feature 254 and a guide 348 that extends into the support feature 254. The guide 348 defines the apertures 330 that selectively align with the outlets 324, 326 of the front and rear nozzles 248, 250 to allow the fluid to flow from the nozzles 248, 250, through the air diverter 312, and to the wand 56. The air diverter 312 is generally operable between three and four positions. The air diverter 312 is generally manually rotatable between the positions or may be electronically activated without departing from the teachings herein.

Referring still to FIGS. 4 and 5, in configurations with four positions for the air diverter 312, the air diverter 312 is configured to rotate about 90 degrees between a front open position, allowing fluid communication between the suction source 18 and the front nozzle 248, a first dual open position, allowing fluid communication between the suction source 18 and both the front and rear nozzles 248, 250, a rear open position, allowing fluid communication between the suction source 18 and the rear nozzle 250, and a second dual open position, allowing fluid communication between the suction source 18 and both the front and rear nozzles 248, 250. In configurations with three positions, the second dual open position may be omitted, and the air diverter 312 is configured to rotate approximately 180 degrees between the front open position, the first dual open position, and the rear open position.

In the front open position, the vacuum effect is generated at the inlet 320 of the front nozzle 248 and not the rear nozzle 250. In comparison, in the rear open position, the vacuum effect is generated at the inlet 322 of the rear nozzle 250 and not the front nozzle 248. Alternatively, instead of preventing the vacuum effect at one of the inlets 320, 322, the vacuum effect may be reduced. Blocking or reducing the vacuum effect at one inlet 286 may allow for simultaneous extrusion of foam and capturing of debris materials when moving the dual nozzle applicator tool 214 in a single direction. Accordingly, the user interface 304 is configured to selectively energize suction at the first inlet 320 only, energize suction at the second inlet 322 only, energize suction at each of the first inlet 320 and the second inlet 322 simultaneously, and de-energize each of the first inlet 320 and the second inlet322 simultaneously.

For example, the dual nozzle applicator tool 214 may be moved in a forward direction and the air diverter 312 can be moved to the front open position, generating the vacuum effect at the front inlet 320 and not the rear inlet 322. When moving the applicator tool 214 forward, the front inlet 320 may capture debris material prior to the foam being dispensed on the same surface being cleaned. This may improve the effect of the foam on the surface for the cleaning process. In the dual open positions, the vacuum effect is produced at both the front inlet 320 and the rear inlet 322. This may be advantageous for capturing more foam and debris materials from the surface being cleaned and reducing the time to remove the foam from the surface being cleaned.

Referring still to FIGS. 4 and 5, as well as FIG. 6, the support feature 254 is configured to support the secondary supply tank 226. The secondary supply tank 226 extends around the air diverter 312 on opposing lateral sides of the support feature 254 and has multiple heights to reduce interference with other components while maximizing the interior capacity of the secondary supply tank 226. The secondary supply tank 226 includes a cap 350, which covers an opening for adding additional cleaning fluid to the secondary supply tank 226. The dual nozzle applicator tool 214 also includes side supports 352, 354 on opposing sides of the support feature 254 and coupled to the secondary supply tank 226. Generally, the side supports 352, 354 may be fastened or otherwise coupled to the secondary supply tank 226.

The side supports 352, 354 are configured to support components of the user interface 304 related to the foam generation. For example, the first side support 352 includes the flow rate control 308. In the illustrated configuration, the flow rate control 308 is configured as a single dial, which may be in communication with the pump assembly 228 to control the flow rate of the liquid or air pump 232, 234 in the dual pump configuration for changing the density of the foam as described herein. In the single pump configuration, the flow rate control 308 may control the flow rate from the foam pump 236 to adjust an amount of foam being generated.

The second side support 354 includes the foam activation switch 306. The user may engage the foam activation switch 306 to activate the pump assembly 228 to generate the foam. The pump assembly 228 may be activated while the user is engaging the foam activation switch 306, for a predetermined time after the user engages the foam activation switch 306, and/or until the user re-engages the foam activation switch 306.

Referring still to FIG. 6, an underside of the dual nozzle applicator tool 214 is illustrated, which is oriented toward the surface to be cleaned when the dual nozzle applicator tool 214 is in use. A removable cover 356 is operably coupled to at least one of the secondary supply tank 226 and the support feature 254. The removable cover 356 houses the auxiliary power source 336 for the dual nozzle applicator tool 214.

The pump assembly 228 is coupled to the dual nozzle applicator tool 214 adjacent to the removable cover 356, below the secondary supply tank 226. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the pump assembly 228 includes the separate liquid and air pumps 232, 234. A connecting conduit 360 is in fluid communication with the secondary supply tank 226 and the liquid pump 232. The air pump 234 is configured to direct the air into the conduit 270. The conduit 270 has the liquid portion 272 coupled to the liquid pump 232, the air portion 274 coupled to the air pump 234, and the end portion 276 where the liquid and air are mixed to be extruded as the foam.

With reference to FIG. 7, the dual nozzle applicator tool 214 includes two foam pumps 236. When using the foam pump 236, the dual nozzle applicator tool 214 may utilize one foam pump 236 or two foam pumps 236 for increasing the foam generation output. The foam pumps 236 are coupled to the connecting conduit 360, which extends from the secondary supply tank 226 and divides into two branches to couple with the foam pumps 236, respectively. Each of the foam pumps 236 is also in fluid communication with the dispensing conduit 270, which has the first coupling portion 272 coupled to the first foam pump 236, the second coupling portion 274 coupled to the second foam pump 236, and the end portion 276 in fluid communication with both the first and second coupling portions 272, 274 as well as the chamber 284.

Each of the foam pumps 236 includes an air inlet port 238 for drawing air into the respective pump 236 to internally mix with the cleaning fluid to form the foam. Accordingly, a combination of air and cleaning fluid flows through both the first and second coupling portions 272, 274 and the end portion 276 of the conduit 270. In various examples, the foam pumps 236 may also include internal mesh features, which assist in mixing the air and liquid and generating the bubbles for the foam.

Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, as well as FIG. 8, the two coupling portions 272, 274 of the conduit 270 extend from opposing sides of the removable cover 356, around the rear nozzle 250 on opposing sides thereof, and the end portion 276 disposed between the front and rear nozzles 248, 250. The example in FIG. 8 also includes the needle valve 162 configuration of the flow rate output. The needle valve 162 is operably coupled with the liquid portion 272 of the conduit 270 to control the flow rate of the liquid to adjust the air-to-liquid mixture in the end portion 276 and, consequently, the density of the foam. The conduit 270 extending around the rear nozzle 250 may be advantageous for including the needle valve 162 and allowing for convenient access for manual adjustment of the needle valve 162.

With reference still to FIGS. 6-8, the dispenser 252 includes the chamber 284 having the inlet 286 and the outlet 288. The chamber 284 is defined at least in part by an end frame 368. The frame 368 has an elongated body that defines the chamber 284 between a front receiving recess 370 and a rear receiving recess 372. Each of the chamber 284 and the receiving recesses 370, 372 are elongated in the lateral direction and narrow or thin in the fore-aft direction. The chamber 284 and the receiving recesses 370, 372 are arranged parallel to one another. Additionally, an inlet opening 374, 376 is defined in each receiving recess 370, 372, respectively. The receiving recesses 370, 372 may be smaller than the outlet 288 of the chamber 284 and run parallel to the outlet 288.

A cover 378 is coupled to the frame 368 proximate to the inlet 286 of the chamber 284. The cover 378 extends across the inlet 286 of the chamber 284 and includes at least one, but often more than one, inlet port 380. The illustrated configuration includes two inlet ports 380, and the end portion 276 of the conduit 270 includes two engagement branches for coupling with the inlet ports 380. This configuration provides two locations where the foam mixture flows into the chamber 284 to assist with dispersing the foam mixture along the width of the chamber 284.

Referring still to FIG. 8, as well as FIG. 9, the dual nozzle applicator tool 214 also includes the coarse mesh screen 280 and the fine mesh screen 282 disposed within the chamber 284. The coarse mesh screen 280 is disposed upstream in the chamber 284 proximate to the cover 378, while the fine mesh screen 282 is disposed downstream of the coarse mesh screen 280 proximate to the outlet 288. The mesh screens 278 are configured to generate the bubbles in the foam. By having two mesh screens 280, 282, additional bubbles may be generated which can increase the cleaning function of the foam and assist with the extrusion process. Further, the fine mesh screen 282 may have more holes per square inch than the coarse mesh screen 280. The difference in the number of holes may assist with generating more bubbles and/or different-sized bubbles in the foam.

A spacer 382 is disposed between the two mesh screens 280, 282. The spacer 382 maintains a distance between the two mesh screens 278 to assist the cleaning fluid in flowing through the mesh screens 280, 282 as the bubbles are generated in the foam. The spacer 382 is a generally elongated feature that corresponds with the cross-sectional shape of the chamber 284. The spacer 382 includes a plurality of apertures 384 arranged in a linear configuration. The plurality of apertures 384 may assist with dispersing or spreading the foam across with width of the chamber 284 the foam as the foam flows through the chamber 284.

The dispenser 252 also includes the extrusion manifold 296 in fluid communication with the outlet 288 of the chamber 284. The extrusion manifold 296 may be a separate component or integrally defined by the frame 368. The extrusion manifold 296 has a similar configuration to the spacer 382, having an elongated shape to extend across the chamber 284 and having the plurality of openings 298, which are arranged in a linear configuration. The extrusion manifold 296 is downstream of the mesh screens 278, 280 and disperses the extruded foam along with the width of the outlet 288 to form the ribbon of extruded foam. The extrusion manifold 296 assists in evenly distributing the foam at a consistent thickness across the width of the ribbon to provide a more consistent and controllable cleaning process. In various aspects, the openings 298 of the extrusion manifold 296 are offset from the apertures 384 of the spacer 382 in a movement direction of the foam along the foam dispensing path 260 through the chamber 284, which also assists in the more even distribution of the foam through the dispenser 252.

The frame 368 includes opposing lateral ends with the chamber 284 and the receiving recesses 370, 372 extending between the lateral ends. The frame 368 includes a spacing protrusion 386 extending from each of the lateral ends. The spacing protrusions 386 extend in a direction parallel to the movement path of the foam along the foam dispensing path 260 at the outlet 288. The spacing protrusions 386 define a distance between the surface being cleaned and the extrusion manifold 296. This distance defines a height of the ribbon of extruded foam. In various aspects, the frame 368 may be interchangeable or adjustable to provide different heights for the ribbon of extruded foam.

Referring again to FIG. 5, and still to FIGS. 8 and 9, the frame 368 assists in aligning the front and rear inlets 320, 322 of the suction nozzle 246 relative to the outlet 288 of the dispenser 252. The frame 368 is coupled to the ends of the nozzles 248, 250 generally via fasteners and is configured to receive the ends of the nozzles 248, 250 that define the inlets 320, 322. The nozzles 248, 250 are positioned in the receiving recesses 370, 372. In this way, the inlets 320, 322 are disposed on opposing sides of the outlet 288 of the dispenser 252 with the outlet 288 of the dispenser 252 and inlets 320, 322 of the nozzles 248, 250 arranged in a parallel configuration. The frame 368 defines the elongated inlet openings 374, 376 in the recesses 370, 372, which are in fluid communication with the inlets 320, 322 of the nozzles 248, 250, respectively. Accordingly, when the vacuum effect is generated, the foam and debris materials are drawn through the frame 368 and into the nozzles 248, 250.

In various aspects, the dual nozzle applicator tool 214 may also be utilized to spray additional cleaning fluid, using the primary supply tank 24 and the primary pump 30 to direct the cleaning fluid along the liquid dispensing path 262. In various aspects, an outlet housing 388 includes a spray tip 390 with an opening for dispensing the fluid from the outlet housing 388. In such configurations, the user can actuate the valve 180 with the trigger 184 to open the liquid passage 66, providing fluid communication between the primary supply tank 24 and the spray tip 390. The spray tip 390 is generally angled to assist in spraying or dispensing the liquid toward the surface to be cleaned. Accordingly, the applicator tool 214 may utilize the suction source 18 to generate the vacuum effect, the liquid delivery system 124 to spray liquid, and the foam system 10 to extrude foam.

Referring to FIGS. 10-14, the applicator tool 14 configured as a pump foaming applicator tool 414 is illustrated. The pump foaming tool 414 includes a secondary supply tank 426 and a pump assembly 428. In certain aspects, the pump assembly 428 includes a liquid pump 432 and an air pump 434 (see FIG. 13) , and in other aspects, the pump assembly 428 includes at least one foam pump 436 (see FIG. 14) with an air inlet port 438. The foaming applicator tool 414 includes a suction nozzle 446 with a front nozzle 448, as well as a dispenser 452 for extruding the foam. The foaming applicator tool 414 includes a support feature 454 for supporting or defining various components, as well as defining a portion of the recovery flow path 458 with the suction nozzle 446 and a foam dispensing path 460 of the dispenser 452.

The pump assembly 428 is in fluid communication with the dispenser 452 via a dispensing conduit 470, which may include a first coupling or liquid portion 472, a second coupling or air portion 474, and an end portion 476 for a dual pump configuration, or may have a single portion in a single pump configuration. The dispenser 452 includes a mesh screen 478 operably coupled with the conduit 470 for generating bubbles in the foam and a chamber 484 having an inlet 486 in fluid communication with the conduit 470 and an outlet 488. An extrusion outlet 496 is operably coupled with the outlet 488 of the chamber 484 and includes at least one opening 498 for extruding the foam.

The foaming applicator tool 414 also includes a user interface 504 for controlling various aspects of the foam system 10, including a foam activation button or switch 506. Additional control aspects, such as for the suction source 18 and for controlling a foam output rate, may be included on the applicator tool 414, or may located on the cleaning apparatus 12 without departing from the teachings herein.

Referring still to FIGS. 10-14, the support feature 454 includes a receiving portion for receiving the wand 56 and has a more square distal end 518 for housing multiple components for generating the foam. The support feature 454 defines the front nozzle 448, which has a slight arcuate shape for drawing fluid into the interior of the support feature 454 and toward the wand 56. An inlet 520 of the front nozzle 448 may be at the forward-most location of the applicator tool 414. The inlet 520 is elongated in the lateral direction and thin in the fore-aft direction for generating the vacuum effect. The front nozzle 448 narrows from the inlet 520 to guide the recovered fluid along the recovery flow path 458 into the support feature 454.

The support feature 454 is configured to house and support the secondary supply tank 426, the pump assembly 428, and an auxiliary power source 536. In the illustrated configuration, the support feature 454 includes side projections 552, 554 for increasing the space in the support feature 454 for the secondary supply tank 426. The secondary supply tank 426 is disposed primarily or entirely within the interior of the support feature 454. In various aspects, the secondary supply tank 426 may be removable for filling the supply tank 426 or for cleaning. The support feature 454 defines a side opening 556, which aligns with an opening into the secondary supply tank 426. The secondary supply tank 426 includes a lid 558 positionable within the side opening 556 to close the secondary supply tank 426 and which is removable to add additional cleaning fluid to the secondary supply tank 426.

The secondary supply tank 426 defines a central recessed region for supporting the pump assembly 428. The pump assembly 428 is in fluid communication with the secondary supply tank 426 via the connecting conduit 560. The pump assembly 428 is also in fluid communication with the dispenser 452 via the dispensing conduit 470 with the mesh screen or filter 478.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the foaming applicator tool 414 includes the separate liquid and air pumps 432, 434 arranged adjacent to one another in the recessed region of the secondary supply tank 426. The connecting conduit 560 is in fluid communication with the secondary supply tank 426 and the liquid pump 432. The air pump 434 draws the air into the conduit 470. The conduit 470 has the liquid portion 472 coupled to the liquid pump 432, the air portion 474 coupled to the air pump 434, and the end portion 476 where the liquid and air are mixed to be extruded as the foam.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the foaming applicator tool 414 includes the foam pump 436. The illustrated configuration includes a single foam pump 436 but the tool 414 may include two foam pumps 436 to increase the foam generation output. The foam pump 436 is coupled to the connecting conduit 560, which extends from the secondary supply tank 426 to the foam pump 436, and the dispensing conduit 470, which is in fluid communication with the chamber 484. The foam pump 436 includes an air inlet port 438 for drawing air into the pump 436 to internally mix with the cleaning fluid to form the foam. In various examples, the foam pump 436 may also include an internal mesh feature for generating the bubbles for the foam.

The dispensing conduit 470 fluidly couples the pump assembly 428 and the chamber 484 of the dispenser 452. A dispensing frame 568 extends along an inner side of the front nozzle 448. The dispensing frame 568 generally defines at least a portion of the chamber 484 and may also be operably coupled to or define the extruding opening 498. The elongated extruding opening 498 extends laterally across a width of the foaming applicator tool 414 and is narrow in the fore-aft direction. The configuration of the elongated extruding opening 498 assists in widening the ribbon of extruded foam, providing a more consistent cleaning with the ribbon of extruded foam.

The extruding opening 498 is defined as proximate to a rear edge of the frame 568, providing space for fasteners to couple the dispenser 452 to the support feature 454. The extruding opening 498 extends parallel to the inlet 520 of the front nozzle 448. Generally, the foaming applicator tool 414 includes the single inlet 520. In lieu of a second vacuum inlet on an opposing side of the extruding opening 498, a scrubbing assembly 574 is coupled to the support feature 454. The scrubbing assembly 574 includes a base 576 disposed within and coupled to the support feature 454 in a rearward direction of the frame 568. The scrubbing assembly 574 is generally disposed between the extruding opening 498 and a bottom of the support feature 454 that supports the secondary supply tank 426.

The scrubbing assembly 574 includes bristles 578 extending from the base 576. The bristles 578 are arranged along the width of the foaming applicator tool 414 and extend beyond the extruding opening 498. The length of the bristles 578 may assist in forming the height of the extruded ribbon of foam. The bristles 578 may also provide a scrubbing cleaning function for the foaming applicator tool 414.

With reference still to FIGS. 11-14, the foaming applicator tool 414 includes the auxiliary power source 536 disposed proximate to the secondary supply tank 426 to power components of the applicator tool 414. The foaming applicator tool 414 also includes the foam activation switch 506. The foam activation switch 506 is centrally located on the support feature 454, which provides convenient access for the user to engage the activation switch 506 while moving the applicator tool 414 fore and aft over the surface being cleaned.

Generally, the foaming applicator tool 414 includes the components for generating the foam, including the secondary supply tank 426 and the pump assembly 428. The foaming applicator tool 414 is in fluid communication with the suction source 18. In this configuration, the foaming applicator tool 414 may not be in fluid communication with the liquid delivery system 124, with an outlet housing 588 of the support feature 454 having a closed end. Accordingly, the foaming applicator tool 414 may generate and dispense foam and vacuum the dispensed foam, but not dispense additional cleaning fluid from the primary supply tank 24.

With reference to the FIGS. 15-18, a manual pumping tool 614 (i.e., one of the exemplary configurations of the applicator tool 14) is illustrated. The manual pumping tool 614 includes a secondary supply tank 626 and a pump assembly 628, which includes a manual air pump 634. The manual pumping tool 614 includes a suction nozzle 646 with a front nozzle 648, as well as a dispenser 652 for dispensing or extruding the foam. The manual pumping tool 614 includes a support feature 654 for supporting or defining various components, as well as defining a portion of a recovery flow path 658 with the suction nozzle 646 and a foam dispensing path 660 with the dispenser 652.

The pump assembly 628 is in fluid communication with the dispenser 652 via a dispensing conduit 670. A mesh screen or filter 678 is operably coupled with the conduit 670 for generating bubbles in the foam. The dispenser 652 includes a chamber 684 having an inlet 686 in fluid communication with the conduit 670 and an outlet 688. A foam outlet 696 is operably coupled with the outlet 688 of the chamber 684 and includes at least one opening 698 for dispensing the foam.

The manual pumping applicator tool 614 also includes a user interface 704 for controlling various aspects of the foam system 10, including a foam activation button 706. Additional control aspects, such as for the suction source 18 and for controlling a foam flow rate, may be included on the applicator tool 614 or may be located on the cleaning apparatus 12 without departing from the teachings herein.

The manual applicator tool 614 of FIGS. 15-18 is substantially similar to the foaming applicator tool 414 of FIGS. 10-14 with the primary differences for the manual pumping tool 614 in FIGS. 15-18 being the manual air pump 634, the foam activation button 706 acting as a liquid pumping aspect, and the configuration of the dispenser 652. The support feature 454 includes a receiving portion for receiving the wand 56 and has a more square distal end 718 for housing multiple components for generating the foam. The support feature 654 defines the front nozzle 648, which has a slight arcuate shape for drawing fluid into the interior of the support feature 654 and toward the wand 56. An inlet 720 of the front nozzle 448 may be at the forward-most location of the applicator tool 414. The inlet 720 is elongated in the lateral direction and thin in the fore-aft direction for generating the vacuum effect. The front nozzle 648 narrows from the inlet 720 to guide the recovered fluid along the recovery flow path 658 into the support feature 654.

The secondary supply tank 626 is disposed within the support feature 654 and houses the foaming cleaning chemistry (i.e., the foam-generating cleaning fluid) . The manual air pump 634 is at least partially disposed within the secondary supply tank 626. The manual air pump 634 is removable from the secondary supply tank 626 to add additional cleaning fluid. Manual pumping of the air pump 634 pressurizes the secondary supply tank 626 with compressed air above the cleaning fluid.

The manual air pump 634 includes a pump body 722 disposed within the secondary supply tank 626 and a piston 724 moveable relative to the pump body 722. A collar 726 is coupled to an opening of the secondary supply tank 626. The piston 724 is coupled with a piston cap 728, which provides a grasping location for the user. In the illustrated configuration, the support feature 654 includes side projections 752, 754 for increasing the space in the support feature 654 for the secondary supply tank 626 and the manual air pump 634. The support feature 654 defines a side opening 756 which aligns with the opening into the secondary supply tank 626 and through which the manual air pump 634 extends.

Generally, the manual air pump 634 closes the secondary supply tank 626 to prevent leaking during the use of the manual air pump 634 and/or the manual pumping tool 614. The user can utilize the piston cap 728 to move the piston 724 in and out of the pump body 722 to create the pressured air within the secondary supply tank 626.

Referring still to FIGS. 15-18, the user interface 704 includes the foam activation button 706, which provides selective fluid communication between a connecting conduit 760 and the dispensing conduit 670. The connecting conduit 760 includes three portions, including an air directing portion 762, a liquid directing portion 764, and a mixing portion 766. The air directing portion 762 is coupled to an upper location of the secondary supply tank 626 to direct the pressurized air from the secondary supply tank 626. The liquid directing portion 764 is coupled to a lower location of the secondary supply tank 626 for directing the liquid chemistry from the secondary supply tank 626. The air directing portion 762 and the liquid directing portion 764 meet and join to form the mixing portion 766, where the air and liquid are mixed to form the foam. The mixing portion 766 is operably coupled to the foam activation button 706 and is upstream of the foam activation button 706.

The foam activation button 706 is operably coupled to a valve 768, which opens and closes the fluid communication between the connecting conduit 760 and the dispensing conduit 670. The valve 768 is operably coupled with a biasing member 770, which is illustrated as a coil spring (see FIG. 17) . The biasing member 770 is configured to bias the valve 768 to a closed state, which prevents the liquid from flowing to the dispenser 652. The valve 768 is configured to be actuated upon force applied to the foam activation button 706. Adjustment of the button 706 into the support feature 654 is configured to actuate the valve 768 to an opened state, providing fluid communication to the dispenser 652.

The valve 768 in the opened state releases the air and the foaming chemistry from the secondary supply tank 626, through the connecting conduit 760, and through the dispensing conduit 670. The air pressure in the secondary supply tank 626 expels the foam from the dispenser 652 and onto the surface being cleaned. When the air pressure stored in the secondary supply tank 626 is exhausted, the user may utilize the manual air pump 634 to provide sufficient pressure for generating more foam.

Referring still to FIGS. 15-18, the dispensing conduit 670 is a single passage for directing the foam to the surface being cleaned. The mesh filter 678 is operably coupled with the dispensing conduit 670 to cause microbubbles to form and thereby create the foam. In the illustrated configuration, the dispensing conduit 670 extends through the inlet 686 of the chamber 684 and is coupled to the support feature 654 proximate to the front nozzle 648. The dispensing conduit 670 is in fluid communication with the foam outlet 696, which is configured as a spray tip spaced from the surface to be cleaned. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the foam outlet 696 opens within the chamber 684, allowing the chamber 684 to act as a guide for the dispensed foam. It is contemplated that the foam outlet 696 may be disposed closer to the outlet 688 of the chamber 684. Further, it is contemplated that the dispensing conduit 670 may be coupled to a frame (such as those described herein) for extruding the foam in a wider ribbon.

The manual pumping tool 614 also includes a scrubbing assembly 774, similar to the scrubbing assembly 574 illustrated in FIGS. 10-14. The scrubbing assembly 774 includes a base 776 disposed within and coupled to the support feature 654 in a rearward direction of the foam outlet 696. The scrubbing assembly 574 includes bristles 778 extending from the base 776. The bristles 778 are arranged along the width of the foaming applicator tool 614 and extend beyond the outlet 688 of the chamber 684. The bristles 778 may assist in dispersing the foam into a ribbon, as well as for forming the height of the dispensed foam. The bristles 778 may also provide a scrubbing cleaning function for the foaming applicator tool 614.

Generally, the manual pumping applicator tool 614 includes the components for generating the foam, including the secondary supply tank 626 and the pump assembly 628. The foaming manual pumping tool 614 is also in fluid communication with the suction source 18 for vacuuming or removing the foam from the surface being cleaned. In the illustrated configuration, the foaming applicator tool 614 may not be in fluid communication with the liquid delivery system 124, with an outlet housing 788 having a closed end.

Referring to FIGS. 19-23, a foam and liquid or multi-fluid applicator tool 814 (i.e., the applicator tool 14) is illustrated. The multi-fluid applicator tool 814 includes a secondary supply tank 826 and a pump assembly 828, including a liquid pump 832 and an air pump 834. In certain aspects, the pump assembly 828 may include at least one foam pump in lieu of the individual liquid and air pumps 832, 834. The multi-fluid applicator tool 814 includes a suction nozzle 846 with a front nozzle 848, as well as a dispenser 852 for extruding the foam. The multi-fluid applicator tool 814 includes a support feature 854 for supporting or defining various components, as well as defining a portion of the recovery flow path 858 with the suction nozzle 846, a foam dispensing path 860 with the dispenser 852, and a portion of a liquid dispensing path 862.

The pump assembly 828 is in fluid communication with the dispenser 852 via a dispensing conduit 870, which may include a liquid portion 872, an air portion 874, and an end portion 876. A mesh screen or filter 878 is operably coupled with the conduit 870 for generating bubbles in the foam. The dispenser 852 includes a chamber 884 having an inlet 886 in fluid communication with the conduit 870 and an outlet 888. A fluid outlet 896 is operably coupled with the outlet 888 of the chamber 884 and includes at least one opening 898 for dispensing fluid, including foam and liquid.

The multi-fluid applicator tool 814 also includes a user interface 904 for controlling various aspects of the foam system 10, including a combined foam and activation slide 910. Additional control aspects, such as for a foam flow rate may be included on the applicator tool 814 or may located on the cleaning apparatus 12 without departing from the teachings herein.

Referring still to FIGS. 19-23, the support feature 854 includes an increased interior capacity, with a more square shape from a distal end 918 to a receiving portion for receiving the wand 56. The increased interior capacity is advantageous for housing multiple components for generating the foam and providing the liquid dispensing path 862. The support feature 854 defines the front nozzle 848, which has a slight arcuate shape for drawing fluid into the interior of the support feature 854 and toward the wand 56. An inlet 920 of the front nozzle 848 may be at the forward-most location of the applicator tool 814. The inlet 920 is elongated in the lateral direction and thin in the fore-aft direction for generating the vacuum effect. The front nozzle 848 narrows from the inlet 920 to guide the recovered fluid along the recovery flow path 858 into the support feature 854.

The support feature 854 is configured to house and support the secondary supply tank 826, the pump assembly 828, and an auxiliary power source 936. In the illustrated configuration, the secondary supply tank 826 is disposed within a distal portion of the support feature 854. The secondary supply tank 826 is disposed primarily or entirely within the interior of the support feature 854. In various aspects, the secondary supply tank 826 may be removable for filling the supply tank 826 or for cleaning. The support feature 854 defines a side opening 956, which aligns with an opening into the secondary supply tank 826. The secondary supply tank 826 includes a lid 958 positionable within the side opening 956 to close the secondary supply tank 826 and which is removable to add additional cleaning fluid to the secondary supply tank 826.

In the illustrated configuration, the multi-fluid applicator tool 814 includes the separate liquid and air pumps 832, 834 arranged adjacent to one another and adjacent to the secondary supply tank 826. The pump assembly 828 is disposed in a side-by-side configuration with the secondary supply tank 826, closer to the wand 56. A connecting conduit 960 is in fluid communication with the secondary supply tank 826 and the liquid pump 832. The air pump 834 includes a port for drawing the air into the conduit 870. The conduit 870 has the liquid portion 872 coupled to the liquid pump 832, the air portion 874 coupled to the air pump 834, and the end portion 876 where the liquid and air are mixed to be dispensed as the foam.

Referring still to FIGS. 20 and 21, the dispensing conduit 870 fluidly couples the pump assembly 828 and the chamber 884 of the dispenser 852. The dispensing conduit 870 extends along an inner side of the front nozzle 848. The end portion 876 of the dispensing conduit 870 directs the foam to the surface being cleaned. The mesh filter 878 is operably coupled with the dispensing conduit 870 to cause microbubbles to form and thereby create the foam. In the illustrated configuration, the dispensing conduit 870 extends through the inlet 886 of the chamber 884 and is coupled to the support feature 854 proximate to the front nozzle 848. The dispensing conduit 870 is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet 896, which is configured as a spray tip spaced from the surface to be cleaned. As illustrated, the fluid outlet 896 opens within the chamber 884, allowing the chamber 884 to act as a guide for the dispensed foam. It is contemplated that the fluid outlet 896 may be disposed closer to the outlet 888 of the chamber 884. Further, it is contemplated that the dispensing conduit 870 may be coupled to a frame (such as those described herein) for extruding the foam in a wide ribbon.

The multi-fluid applicator tool 814 includes a scrubbing assembly 974 with a base 976 and bristles 978 extending from the base 976. The bristles 978 are arranged along the width of the multi-fluid applicator tool 814 and extend beyond the fluid outlet 896. The bristles 978 may provide a scrubbing cleaning function for the multi-fluid applicator tool 814. The bristles 978 may also assist the cleaning function when using dispensed liquid from the primary supply tank 24.

The dispensing conduit 870 forms a portion of the foam dispensing path 860 and the liquid dispensing path 862. The liquid delivery system 124 is in fluid communication with the dispensing conduit 870. An outlet connector 986 of the wand 56 is disposed within an outlet housing 988 of the support feature 854. A delivery conduit 990 extends into the outlet housing 988 and is in fluid communication with the liquid passage 66 through the wand 56. The delivery conduit 990 extends through the support feature 854 to be in fluid communication with the dispensing conduit 870. Accordingly, when the user presses the trigger 184 on the wand 56, cleaning liquid from the primary supply tank 24 flows through the wand 56, through the support feature 854, and is dispensed via the fluid outlet 896. Accordingly, the multi-fluid applicator tool 814 can selectively dispense both foam and an additional cleaning liquid.

The multi-fluid applicator tool 814 includes the auxiliary power source 936 disposed proximate to the secondary supply tank 826 and the pump assembly 828 to power components of the applicator tool 814. In the illustrated configuration, the auxiliary power source 936 is disposed above the pump assembly 828 and at least partially below the recovery flow path 858.

With reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, the multi-fluid applicator tool 814 includes the combined slide 910 for controlling both foam generation and the vacuum effect by the suction source 18. The combined slide 910 operates as both a switch for the pump assembly 828 and a selective block of the fluid recovery path. Similar to the configuration disclosed in FIGS. 4 and 5, the combined slide 910 in FIGS. 22 and 23 selectively allows and reduces or prevents fluid communication between the suction nozzle 846 and the suction source 18. The combined slide 910 may be used in conjunction with a separate activation feature that controls the activation and deactivation of the suction source 18.

The combined slide 910 is operably coupled to the support feature 854. The slide 910 includes an engagement feature 1038 accessible by the user for moving the slide 910 and an interior blocking feature 1040. The slide 910 is configured to be moved in the fore-aft direction between a first position, a second position, and a third position. In the first position, the slide 910 is in a rearward location, as illustrated in FIG. 22, which moves the interior blocking feature 1040 closer to the wand 56 and deactivates the pump assembly 828. This position of the blocking feature 1040 provides a space between the blocking feature 1040 and an inner channel 1042 of the support feature 854, defining the recovery flow path 858 between the interior of the support feature 854 proximate to the distal end 918 and the wand 56. This position provides the vacuum effect without the generation of foam.

When the slide 910 is adjusted to the second position, which is generally in a more forward location than the first position, the blocking feature 1040 is moved closer to the inner channel 1042 but a space remains to define the recovery flow path 858. In certain aspects, the smaller space may increase the vacuum effect through the support feature 854. In the second position, the slide 910 activates the pump assembly 828 to generate and dispense the foam. Accordingly, when the slide 910 is in the second position, the vacuum effect and the foam generation occur concurrently. The second position is generally a position between those illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23.

In the third position, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the slide 910 is moved closer to the distal end 918 of the support feature 854 at a forward location compared to the first and second positions. The interior blocking feature 1040 is moved into or abutting the inner channel 1042 to reduce or block the fluid communication between the wand 56 and the front nozzle 848. In the third position, the slide 910 maintains the activation of the pump assembly 828 for the generation of the foam. Accordingly, in the third position, the vacuum effect may not be generated at the inlet 920 while the foam is generated and dispensed. This position may be advantageous for extruding foam without immediately or quickly vacuuming the foam from the surface being cleaned.

The multi-fluid applicator tool 814 houses the components for generating foam. In addition, the multi-fluid applicator tool 814 is in fluid communication with both the suction source 18 and the liquid delivery system 124 to increase the functionality of the foam system 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 24-26, the applicator tool 14 is illustrated as a scrubbing applicator tool 1114, which forms an extension of the components in the cleaning apparatus 12 by using the primary supply tank 24. The scrubbing applicator tool 1114 houses some components for foam generation and utilizes other components operably coupled with the base housing 120 of the cleaning apparatus 12. The applicator tool 1114 includes a pump assembly 1128 that has an air pump 1134. The scrubbing applicator tool 1114 includes a suction nozzle 1146 with a front nozzle 1148, as well as a dispenser 1152 for dispensing the foam. The scrubbing applicator tool 1114 includes a support feature 1154 for supporting or defining various components, as well as defining a portion of the recovery flow path 1158 with the suction nozzle 1146, a foam dispensing path 1160 with the dispenser 1152, and a liquid dispensing path 1162.

The pump assembly 1128 is in fluid communication with the dispenser 1152 via a dispensing conduit 1170, which may include an air portion 1174 and an end portion 1176. The dispenser 1152 includes a mesh screen or filter 1178 and a chamber 1184 having an inlet 1186 in fluid communication with the conduit 1170 and an outlet 1188. The mesh filter 1178 is operably coupled with a fluid outlet 1196 of the conduit 1170 for generating bubbles and dispensing in the foam. The fluid outlet 1196 is illustrated as a spray tip. In various aspects, the mesh screen 1178 is integrally formed with the fluid outlet 1196 forming a meshed spray tip. The fluid outlet 1196 is operably coupled with the outlet 1188 of the chamber 1184 and includes at least one opening 1198 for dispensing the foam.

The scrubbing applicator tool 1114 also includes a user interface 1204 for controlling various aspects of the foam system 10, including an activation slide 1210. The activation slide 1210 may activate the air pump 1134. The activation slide 1210 may also control the recovery flow path 1158. Additional control aspects, such as for the suction source 18 and for controlling a foam flow rate may be included on the applicator tool 1114 or may be located on the cleaning apparatus 12 without departing from the teachings herein.

Referring still to FIGS. 24-26, the support feature 1154 includes a receiving portion for receiving the wand 56 and has a more square distal end 1218. The support feature 1154 defines the front nozzle 1148, which has a slight arcuate shape for drawing fluid into the interior of the support feature 1154 and toward the wand 56. The recovery flow path 1158 has different thicknesses based on the configuration of the front nozzle 1148. An inlet 1220 of the front nozzle 1148 may be at the forward-most location of the applicator tool 1114. The inlet 1220 is elongated in the lateral direction and thin in the fore-aft direction for generating the vacuum effect. The front nozzle 1148 narrows from the inlet 1220 to guide the recovered fluid along the recovery flow path 1158 into the support feature 1154.

Referring still to FIGS. 24-26, the scrubbing applicator tool 1114 houses an auxiliary power source 1236, and the air pump 1134 is powered by the auxiliary power source 1236. The scrubbing applicator tool 1114 also includes a scrubbing assembly 1274 and is disposed adjacent to and in a rearward direction of the inlet 1220. The scrubbing assembly 1274 extends across the width of the scrubbing applicator tool 1114. The scrubbing assembly 1274 includes a base 1276 coupled to the support feature 1154 and bristles 1278 extending from the base 1276 with a length extending past the inlet 1220.

The fluid outlet 1196 is operably coupled with the scrubbing assembly 1274. For example, the fluid outlet 1196 is coupled to the mesh tip 1178, which is coupled to the scrubbing assembly 1274 and centrally located within the bristles 1278. The bristles 1278 may then act to disperse the foam, forming a ribbon of foam. In this way, the foam is dispensed into the bristles 1278 and then to the surface being cleaned.

The scrubbing applicator tool 1114 generally does not house the foaming chemistry, which is instead housed with the primary supply tank 24 of the cleaning apparatus 12. The user can actuate the trigger 184 on the wand 56 to direct the cleaning fluid along the liquid passage 66 and into the scrubbing applicator tool 1114. The outlet connector 186 of the wand 56 is disposed within an outlet housing 1288 of the support feature 1154. The dispensing conduit 1170 forms a portion of the foam dispensing path 1160 and a portion of the liquid dispensing path 1162. A delivery conduit 1290 extends into the outlet housing 1288 and is in fluid communication with the liquid passage 66 of the wand 56. The delivery conduit 1290 extends through the support feature 1154 to be in fluid communication with the dispensing conduit 1170. Accordingly, when the user presses the trigger 184 on the wand 56, cleaning liquid from the primary supply tank 24 flows through the wand 56, through the support feature 1154, and to the dispensing conduit 1170.

The dispensing conduit 1170 includes the air portion 1174 coupled to the air pump 1134 and the end portion 1176 of the dispensing conduit 1170. The delivery conduit 1290 is coupled with the end portion 1176 of the dispensing conduit 1170, allowing the cleaning fluid and the air to mix within the end portion 1176 of the dispensing conduit 1170. The mixture of air and cleaning fluid flows through the end portion 1176 and through the meshed fluid outlet 1196.

Referring still to FIGS. 24-26, the foam generation is controlled by the activation slide 1210. In the illustrated configuration, the activation slide 1210 is a sliding switch for activating and deactivating the air pump 1134. When the activation slide 1210 is adjusted to the “on” position and the air pump 1134 is activated, pressing the trigger 184 to release cleaning fluid causes the foam to be generated. When the activation slide 1210 is adjusted to the “off” position and the air pump 1134 is deactivated, pressing the trigger 184 to release cleaning fluid causes the liquid to be dispensed. While the illustrated configuration showed the slide 1210 for activating the foam generation, the slide 1210 may also control the vacuum effect. In such configurations, the slide 1210 is configured and operates as described with respect to the applicator tool 814 in FIGS. 19-23.

The applicator tool 1114 can dispense both foam and liquid based on the activation of the air pump 1134. Accordingly, different cleaning processes may be performed with the applicator tool 1114 and the suction source 18 can be used to vacuum the dispensed liquid and foam.

Referring now to FIGS. 27-31, a turbine applicator tool 1314 (i.e., one of the exemplary configurations of the applicator tool 14) is illustrated. The turbine tool 1314 includes a pump assembly 1328, which includes an air pump fan 1334 and a turbine 1340. The turbine applicator tool 1314 includes a suction nozzle 1346 with a front nozzle 1348, as well as a dispenser 1352 for dispensing or extruding the foam. The turbine applicator tool 1314 includes a support feature 1354 for supporting or defining various components, as well as defining a portion of the recovery flow path 1358 with the suction nozzle 1346 and a foam dispensing path 1360 with the dispenser 1352.

The pump assembly 1328 is in fluid communication with the dispenser 1352 via a dispensing conduit 1370, including an air insertion portion 1372 and an end portion 1376. A mesh screen 1378 is operably coupled with the conduit 1370 for generating bubbles in the foam. The dispenser 1352 includes a chamber 1384 having an inlet 1386 in fluid communication with the dispensing conduit 1370 and an outlet 1388. A foam outlet 1396 is operably coupled with the outlet 1388 of the chamber 1384 and includes at least one opening 1398 for dispensing the foam.

The turbine applicator tool 1314 also includes a user interface 1404 for controlling various aspects of the foam system 10, including a suction control slide 1410. Additional control aspects, such as for the suction source 18 and for controlling a foam flow rate may be included on the applicator tool 1314 or may be located on the cleaning apparatus 12 without departing from the teachings herein.

The support feature 1354 includes a receiving portion for receiving the wand 56 and has a larger distal end 1418. The support feature 1354 defines the front nozzle 1348, which has a slight arcuate shape for drawing fluid into the interior of the support feature 1354 and toward the wand 56. The recovery flow path 1358 is larger through the front nozzle 1348 compared to other configurations described herein. An inlet 1420 of the front nozzle 1348 may be at the forward-most location of the applicator tool 1314. The inlet 1420 is elongated in the lateral direction and thin in the fore-aft direction for generating the vacuum effect. The front nozzle 1348 narrows from the inlet 1420 to guide the recovered fluid along the recovery flow path 1358 into the support feature 1354.

The front nozzle 1348 is selectively in fluid communication with the suction source 18. The recovery flow path 1358 may be controlled by the control slide 1410. The control slide 1410 includes an engagement feature 1438 accessible by the user for moving the slide 1410 and an interior blocking feature 1440. The slide 1410 is configured to move in the fore-aft direction between a closed position and an opened position to selectively prevent and allow the vacuum effect at the front nozzle 1348 as described herein.

The support feature 1354 includes side discs 1452, 1454 on opposing sides thereof. The side discs 1452, 1454 are thin and extend in a direction generally normal to a longitudinal extent of the support feature 1354. The first side disc 1452 houses the air pump fan 1334, and the second side disc 1454 houses the turbine 1340. The side discs 1452, 1454 are sized and shaped to allow rotation of the air pump fan 1334 and the turbine 1340 about respective rotational axes. The turbine 1340 is used to provide power for creating the airflow in lieu of an auxiliary power source or an electrical connection through the accessory hose 16.

The vacuum effect is utilized to drive the rotation of the turbine 1340. The turbine 1340 is operably coupled to the air pump fan 1334 to drive the rotation of the air pump fan 1334. Accordingly, the rotation of the turbine 1340 by the vacuum effect drives the rotation of the air pump fan 1334. The air pump fan 1334 generates an airflow, which is generally driven into the air insertion portion 1372 of the dispensing conduit 1370. The air insertion portion 1372 may generally be an air guide for capturing and directing air into the conduit 1370. The airflow generated by the turbine 1340 and the air pump fan 1334 is mixed with the cleaning fluid to form the foam.

Referring still to FIG. 28, the foaming chemistry is housed within the primary supply tank 24 of the cleaning apparatus 12. The user can actuate the trigger 184 on the wand 56 to direct the cleaning fluid along the liquid passage 66 and into the applicator tool 1314. An outlet connector 186 of the wand 56 is disposed within an outlet housing 1588 of the support feature 1354. A delivery conduit 1590 extends into the outlet housing 1588 and is in fluid communication with the liquid passage 66. The delivery conduit 1590 extends through the support feature 1354 to be in fluid communication with the end portion 1376 of the dispensing conduit 1370.

Accordingly, when the user presses the trigger 184 on the wand 56, cleaning liquid from the primary supply tank 24 flows through the wand 56, through the support feature 1354, and to the dispensing conduit 1370. The air is mixed with the cleaning fluid in the end portion 1376 to form the foam. The mesh screen 1378 is operably coupled with the dispensing conduit 1370 to form the bubbles within the foam.

In the illustrated configuration, the dispensing conduit 1370 extends through the inlet 1386 of the chamber 1384 and is coupled to the support feature 1354 proximate to the front nozzle 1348. The dispensing conduit 1370 is in fluid communication with the foam outlet 1396, configured as a spray tip spaced from the surface to be cleaned. As illustrated, the foam outlet 1396 opens within the chamber 1384, allowing the chamber 1384 to act as a guide for the dispensed foam. It is contemplated that the foam outlet 1396 may be disposed closer to the outlet 1388 of the chamber 1384 or coupled to a frame (such as those described herein) for extruding the foam in a wider ribbon.

Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, the turbine applicator tool 1314 utilizes the suction source 18 to generate the airflow for foam formation and to vacuum the foam and other debris material to the recovery tank 20. In certain circumstances, the recovery flow path 1358 is formed to capture dispensed foam, and in other circumstances, a power generating airflow path 1594 is formed to drive the turbine 1340. The user interface 1404 includes the control slide 1410 operably coupled to the support apparatus between the side discs 1452, 1454. The control slide 1410 includes the engagement feature 1438 accessible by the user for moving the slide 1410 and the interior blocking feature 1440. The control slide 1410 is operable between a “foam” position and a “suction” position.

In the “foam” position, illustrated in FIG. 29, the interior blocking feature 1440 is moved forward to abut an abutting element 1596 in the support feature 1354 to block the vacuum effect at the front inlet 1420. Additional vents 1598 may be defined in the support feature 1354 for drawing air into and/or expelling air from the power generating airflow path 1594. The suction source 18 is activated, and the air is drawn into the support feature 1354 proximate to the turbine 1340 to drive the rotational movement of the turbine 1340. The shape of the side disc 1454 assists with driving the rotational path of the air (as illustrated in FIG. 28) . The airflow drives the turbine 1340, which, consequently, drives the air pump fan 1334 to drive air into the dispensing conduit 1370. When the user depresses the trigger 184 when the slide 1410 is in the “foam” position, the foam is generated and dispensed.

In the “suction” position, as illustrated in FIG. 30, the interior blocking feature 1440 is moved toward the wand 56, away from the abutting element 1596 to define a space therebetween. The suction source 18 is then in fluid communication with the inlet 1420 through the space between the blocking feature 1440 and the abutting element 1596. The airflow is driven along the recovery flow path 1358, which may not rotate or may cause minimal rotation of the turbine 1340. Accordingly, minimal or no air is generated and driven into the dispensing conduit 1370. When the user depresses the trigger 184 when the slide 1410 is in the “suction” position, the cleaning fluid is dispensed as a liquid. In this way, the dispensing conduit 1370 forms a portion of the foam dispensing path 1360 and the liquid dispensing path 1162.

With further reference to FIG. 31, the turbine applicator tool 1314 may optionally include a rotating brush 1600. The rotating brush 1600 may be operably coupled to the turbine 1340 via gears 1602, 1604 and a belt 1606 or other similar assemblies for translating rotational movement. The turbine 1340 is configured to drive rotation of the drive gear 1602, which consequently drives rotation of the follower gear 1604. The follower gear 1604 engages the belt 1606, which is illustrated as a toothed belt. The toothed belt 1606 is coupled to a shaft 1608 of the rotating brush 1600. The rotation of the turbine 1340 is configured to drive the rotation of the rotating brush 1600 through the gears 1602, 1604 and the belt 1606. The rotating brush 1600 can provide additional cleaning functions to the turbine applicator tool 1314. In various aspects, rotation of the brush 1600 may be translated to the turbine 1340, which may assist in driving the air pump fan 1334.

The turbine applicator tool 1314 includes the air pump fan 1334 driven by the turbine 1340 and the suction source 18 and utilizes the primary tank 24 operably coupled with the cleaning apparatus 12 to house the foaming cleaning fluid. Accordingly, the turbine applicator tool 1314 may dispense foam and liquid and vacuum the fluid and debris from the surface being cleaned. Further, there are generally no electronically powered components in the turbine applicator tool 1314.

With reference to FIGS. 32 and 33, the applicator tool 14 configured as a manual activation applicator tool 1714 is illustrated. The manual activation applicator tool 1714 includes a secondary supply tank 1726 and a pump assembly 1728, which includes a manual liquid pump 1732 and an air source 1740. The manual activation tool 1714 includes a suction nozzle 1746 with a front nozzle 1748, as well as a dispenser 1752 for dispensing or extruding the foam. The manual activation tool 1714 includes a support feature 1754 for supporting or defining various components, as well as defining a portion of a recovery flow path 1758 with the suction nozzle 1746 and a foam dispensing path 1760 with the dispenser 1752.

The pump assembly 1728 is in fluid communication with the dispenser 1752 via a dispensing conduit 1770, which includes a liquid portion 1772, an air portion 1774, and an end portion 1776. A mesh screen or filter 1778 is operably coupled with the conduit 1770 for generating bubbles in the foam. The dispenser 1752 includes a chamber 1784 having an inlet 1786 in fluid communication with the conduit 1770 and an outlet 1788. A foam outlet 1796 is operably coupled with the outlet 1788 of the chamber 1784 and includes at least one opening 1798 for dispensing the foam.

The manual activation applicator tool 1714 also includes a user interface 1804 for controlling various aspects of the foam system 10, including a foam activation grip 1806. Additional control aspects, such as for the suction source 18 and for controlling a foam flow rate may be included on the applicator tool 1714 or may be located on the cleaning apparatus 12 without departing from the teachings herein.

The support feature 1754 includes a receiving portion for receiving the wand 56 and has a larger distal end 1818 for housing multiple components for generating the foam. The support feature 1754 defines the front nozzle 1748, which has a slight arcuate shape for drawing fluid into the interior of the support feature 1754 and toward the wand 56. An inlet 1820 of the front nozzle 1748 is in fluid communication with the suction source 18 and may be at the forward-most location of the applicator tool 1714. The inlet 1820 is elongated in the lateral direction and thin in the fore-aft direction for generating the vacuum effect. The front nozzle 1748 narrows from the inlet 1820 to guide the recovered fluid along the recovery flow path 1758 into the support feature 1754.

The support feature 1754 is configured to house and support the secondary supply tank 1726. In the illustrated configuration, the support feature 1754 includes side projections 1852, 1854 for increasing the space in the support feature 1754 for the secondary supply tank 1726. The secondary supply tank 1726 is disposed primarily or entirely within the interior of the support feature 1754. The support feature 1754 defines a side opening 1856, which aligns with an opening into the secondary recovery tank 20. The secondary supply tank 1726 includes a lid 1858 positionable within the side opening 1856 to close the secondary supply tank 1726 and which is removable to add additional cleaning fluid to the secondary supply tank 1726.

The applicator tool 1714 includes a pressurized air source 1740 for providing air to form the foam and, often, for driving the foam through the foam outlet 1796 of the conduit 1770. In certain aspects, the pressurized air source 1740 may be a compressed gas cartridge coupled with the air portion 1774 of the conduit 1770. The air portion 1774 of the conduit 1770 may couple with the liquid portion 1772 of the conduit 1770 at the end portion 1776 or may add pressurized air into the secondary supply tank 1726 (similar to the manual air pump 634 in FIGS. 15-18) . The air source 1740 can release the air based on manual activation, such as a button. The compressed gas can be used to dispense the foaming liquid from the secondary supply tank 1726 and to form the bubbles to generate foam. When the pressure inside of the disposable gas cartridge is expended, the user can remove it and install a new gas cartridge.

The pressurized air can drive cleaning fluid through a connecting conduit 1860 when a valve 1868 is in an opened state. The valve 1868 opens and closes the fluid communication between the connecting conduit 1860 and the dispensing conduit 1770. The valve 1868 is operably coupled with a biasing member 1870, which is illustrated as a coil spring. The biasing member 1870 is configured to bias the valve 1868 to a closed state, which prevents the foaming liquid from flowing to the dispenser 1752. The valve 1868 is configured to be actuated upon force applied to the foam activation grip 1806. The grip 1806 is coupled to the support feature 1754 and includes a tab 1872 that engages the valve 1868. When the grip 1806 is squeezed toward the support feature 1754, the tab 1872 presses on the valve 1868 and adjusts the valve 1868 to the opened state against the biasing force. The valve 1868 in the opened state releases the foaming chemistry from the secondary supply tank 1726, through the connecting conduit 1860, and through the dispensing conduit 1770.

Referring still to FIGS. 32 and 33, in the illustrated configuration, the dispensing conduit 1770 extends through the inlet 1786 of the chamber 1784 and is coupled to the support feature 1754 proximate to the front nozzle 1748. The dispensing conduit 1770 is in fluid communication with the foam outlet 1796, which is spaced from the surface to be cleaned. As illustrated, the foam outlet 1796 opens within the chamber 1784, allowing the chamber 1784 to act as a guide for the dispensed foam. The mesh screen 1778 is operably coupled with the dispensing conduit 1770 to cause microbubbles to form and thereby create the foam. It is contemplated that the foam outlet 1796 may be disposed closer to the outlet 1788 of the chamber 1784. Further, it is contemplated that the dispensing conduit 1770 may be coupled to a frame (such as those described herein) for extruding the foam in a wide ribbon.

The applicator tool 1714 also includes a scrubbing assembly 1874 coupled with the support feature 1754. The scrubbing assembly 1874 includes a base 1876 disposed within and coupled to the support feature 1754 in a rearward direction of the inlet 1820. The scrubbing assembly 1874 includes bristles 1878 extending from the base 1876. The bristles 1878 are arranged along the width of the applicator tool 1714 and extend beyond the outlet 1788. The bristles 1878 may provide a scrubbing cleaning function for the applicator tool 1714.

The applicator tool 1714 houses the components to generate foam upon manual activation. The applicator tool 1714 can also utilize the suction source 18 to vacuum the foam from the surface being cleaned. The applicator tool 1714 may not be in fluid communication with the liquid delivery system 124.

With reference to FIGS. 34-40, the applicator tool 14 is illustrated as a foam applicator tool 2014 or foam tool 2014. The foam tool 2014 includes a secondary supply tank 2026 and a pump assembly 2028. Generally, the pump assembly 2028 includes a foam pump 2036 with an air inlet 2086 port 2038 and a motor 2040. The foam tool 2014 also includes a suction nozzle 2046, which is configured as a front nozzle 2048, as well as a dispenser 2052 for extruding the foam.

The foam tool 2014 includes a support feature 2054 including a tubular section 2056 for receiving the wand 56. The support feature 2054 supports and defines various components. For example, the support feature 2054 defines at least a portion of a recovery flow path 2058 and the foam dispensing path 2060. The support feature 2054 also houses the pump assembly 2028, which is in fluid communication with the dispenser 2052 via a dispensing conduit 2070.

The dispenser 2052 includes at least one mesh filter 2078, which may include two mesh screens 2080, 2082. In certain aspects, the two mesh screens 2080, 2082 may be the same or similar. For example, both mesh screens 2080, 2082 can be stainless steel 200 mesh screens 2080, 2082. Additionally or alternatively, the mesh screens 2080, 2082 may be a first course mesh screen 2080 and a second or fine mesh screen 2082. In such examples, the mesh screens 2080, 2082 define different porosities. The mesh screens 2080, 2082 are generally disposed within a chamber 2084 through which cleaning fluid is directed.

The chamber 2084 has an inlet 2086 in fluid communication with the dispensing conduit 2070 for receiving the cleaning fluid and an outlet 2088 for dispensing the foam. In addition to the mesh screens 2080, 2082, an extrusion manifold 2096 may also be positioned within the chamber 2084. At least one opening 2098 of the extrusion manifold 2096 is in fluid communication with the outlet 2088 for extruding the foam, generally as a ribbon of foam.

Additionally, the foam tool 2014 includes a user interface 2104 for controlling various aspects of the foam system 10. For example, the user interface 2104 can include features for activating and/or controlling foam generation. In such examples, the user interface 2104 of the foam tool 2014 includes a foam activation button 2106.

Referring to FIGS. 34-37, the support feature 2054 includes the elongated and tubular section 2056 configured to receive the wand 56 (FIG. 1A) of the cleaning apparatus 12. The elongated section 2056 may have a substantially hollow interior, forming a portion of the recovery flow path 2058. The support feature 2054 also includes a head or distal end 2118. The distal end 2118 extends at an angle, and generally an obtuse angle, from the tubular section 2056. The tubular section 2056 may provide an ergonomic grasping location for the user as the distal end 2118 extends toward the surface to be cleaned.

The distal end 2118 of the support feature 2054 generally includes a suction inlet 2120, a suction outlet 2122, and a suction passage 2124 extending therebetween. The distal end 2118 may include a support wall 2126, which extends away from the tubular section 2056 and at least partially forms an interior of the support feature 2054 and the suction passage 2124 on opposing sides thereof. In various aspects, the foam tool 2014 includes a front cover or lens 2128 that couples with the support feature 2054 adjacent to the support wall 2126. When the front lens 2128 is removed, the support wall 2126 forms an outer surface of the support feature 2054.

When the front lens 2128 is coupled with the support feature 2054, the front lens 2128 extends proximate to the support wall 2126 from an end of the support wall 2126 that is configured to be disposed adjacent to the surface to be cleaned to a bend or junction between the support wall 2126 and the tubular section 2056. The suction inlet 2120 may be defined between the support wall 2126 and the front lens 2128. In such examples, the suction nozzle 2046 and the portion of the recovery flow path 2058 between the suction nozzle 2046 and the tubular section 2056 of the support feature 2054 may be defined when the front lens 2128 is coupled with the support feature 2054. The front lens 2128 may be selectively removable from the support feature 2054, which may be advantageous for cleaning the recovery flow path 2058. For example, the front lens 2128 may be removed to clean the suction passage 2124 between the front lens 2128 and the support wall 2126, as well as the recovery flow path 2058 within the tubular section 2056. The removal of the front lens 2128 may allow access for clearing or reducing any obstructions in the recovery flow path 2058.

The support wall 2126 of the support feature 2054 may define a first coupling location for the front lens 2128. The first coupling location may be a receiving slot or an end surface of the support wall 2126. An end of the front lens 2128 may extend toward the support wall 2126 and engage the end surface or be disposed in the receiving slot. The support feature 2054 also includes a protrusion 2130 proximate to the junction between the distal end 2118 and the tubular section 2056 to provide a second coupling location for the front lens 2128. The front lens 2128 includes a flexible tab 2132 defining an aperture 2134 for engaging the protrusion 2130 at the second coupling location. The flexible tab 2132 may elastically deform as the flexible tab 2132 is moved over the protrusion 2130 until the protrusion 2130 is positioned in the aperture 2134, coupling the front lens 2128 to the support feature 2054.

The engagement between the front lens 2128 and the support wall 2126 may be at the lateral edges of the support feature 2054 to define the suction nozzle 2046 between the front lens 2128 and the support wall 2126. Accordingly, the suction nozzle 2046 is defined by and between the front lens 2128 and the support wall 2126. In this way, the recovery flow path 2058 is defined at least partially by the support wall 2126 and at least partially by the front lens 2128.

The suction nozzle 2046 defines the suction inlet 2120, which is configured to be disposed adjacent to the surface to be cleaned, and the suction outlet 2122, which opens into the interior of the tubular section 2056 of the support feature 2054. The suction inlet 2120 is generally elongated in a lateral direction and narrow in a fore-aft direction, which may assist in generating the vacuum effect at the suction inlet 2120. The suction outlet 2122 may generally be a transition point between the portion of the recovery flow path 2058 defined between the support feature 2054 and the front lens 2128 and the portion of the recovery flow path 2058 defined entirely by the support feature 2054. The suction passage 2124 is defined between the support wall 2126 and the front lens 2128 for guiding the fluid and debris material along the recovery flow path 2058 between the inlet 2120 and the outlet 2122.

The support feature 2054 and the front lens 2128 generally have a greater width at the inlet 2120 of the suction nozzle 2046 compared to the outlet 2122. This results in the suction passage 2124 tapering from the inlet 2120 toward the outlet 2122. This tapering may assist with generating the vacuum effect for drawing the debris material from the surface being cleaned.

Referring still to FIGS. 34-37, the support feature 2054 is generally configured to support the secondary supply tank 2026. The foam tool 2014 includes a connector 2142 for supporting the secondary supply tank 2026 and at least partially forming the interior of the foam tool 2014. In this regard, the support wall 2126 forms a front of the interior of the foam tool 2014, and the connector 2142 forms a rear of the interior of the foam tool 2014. Accordingly, the suction nozzle 2046 is formed at the front of the foam tool 2014, and the secondary supply tank 2026 is at the rear of the foam tool 2014, generally aligned with the tubular section 2056 of the support feature 2054. The connector 2142 includes one or more flanges 2144 that extend into the interior of the foam tool 2014, which are configured to receive fasteners 2146 for coupling the connector 2142 and, consequently, the secondary supply tank 2026 to the support feature 2054.

Generally, the secondary supply tank 2026 is disposed proximate to or on the surface being cleaned when the foam tool 2014 is being used for the cleaning process. As illustrated, the secondary supply tank 2026 has a rectangular extension 2148 for engaging the connector 2142 and a rounded section 2150 for maximizing capacity for housing the cleaning fluid. The secondary supply tank 2026 may be spaced from the surface being cleaned. However, when using the foam tool 2014 at certain angles, the secondary supply tank 2026 may engage or move across the surface being cleaned. The secondary supply tank 2026 may include a generally smooth lower surface 2152, which may be advantageous when the secondary supply tank 2026 moves across the surface being cleaned when using the foam tool 2014. In such aspects, the secondary supply tank 2026 may move smoothly across the surface being cleaned without significantly impeding the cleaning process.

Referring to FIGS. 3638, the secondary supply tank 2026 includes a body 2154, which can include the rectangular extension 2148 and the rounded section 2150. The body 2154 defines an opening 2156 for adding additional cleaning fluid and a lid 2158 operably coupled with the body 2154 to close the opening 2156. The lid 2158 may be pivotally coupled to the body 2154. In certain aspects, the body 2154 of the secondary supply tank 2026 includes a recessed region or indent allowing the user to engage an edge of the lid 2158 to open the lid 2158. Additionally or alternatively, the lid 2158 may have a lip or other feature for engaging and moving the lid 2158. The lid 2158 for the secondary supply tank 2026 may define a locking or latching feature to retain the lid 2158 in the closed position.

The secondary supply tank 2026 may include through-holes 2170, 2172 and umbrella valves 2174, 2176 extending through the through-holes 2170, 2172. In the illustrated configuration, the secondary supply tank 2026 includes two through-holes 2170, 2172, and two umbrella valves 2174, 2176, which extend in opposing directions through the respective through-hole 2170, 2172. For example, the first umbrella valve 2174 includes a wider head within the secondary supply tank 2026, while the second umbrella valve 2176 includes a wider head outside of the secondary supply tank 2026. The head of the umbrella valves 2174, 2176 is configured to deform in response to pressure differentials to open the through-holes 2170, 2172 and allow fluid communication between an interior of the secondary supply tank 2026 and an external area. This configuration with the umbrella valves 2174, 2176 in opposing directions may be advantageous for maintaining equilibrium and consistent pressure within the secondary supply tank 2026 as the cleaning solution is removed or pumped from the secondary supply tank 2026.

As illustrated, when the suction nozzle 2046 is arranged adjacent to the surface to be cleaned, the secondary supply tank 2026 is positioned below the tubular section 2056 of the support feature 2054. This configuration may allow for a larger secondary support tank 2026 to maximize the capacity of cleaning fluid that can be housed in the secondary supply tank 2026. Accordingly, this foam tool 2014 may be a higher capacity or higher volume foam tool 2014.

Referring still to FIGS. 37 and 38, the foam tool 2014 is configured to generate and extrude the foam on the surface to be cleaned. The foam tool 2014 includes the foam pump 2036 with the motor 2040, the air inlet port 2038, a pump inlet 2186, and a pump outlet 2188. The pump inlet 2186 of the foam pump 2036 is coupled with a connecting conduit 2260. The connecting conduit 2260 extends from the interior of the secondary supply tank 2026 and to the pump inlet 2186 of the foam pump 2036. Generally, an inlet end of the connecting conduit 2260 is disposed at or toward a bottom of the secondary supply tank 2026 when the suction nozzle 2046 is arranged adjacent to the surface being cleaned. This can maximize the amount of cleaning solution that can be pumped from the secondary supply tank 2026 by the foam tool 2014. The foam pump 2036 is also in fluid communication with the dispensing conduit 2070. In this configuration, the dispensing conduit 2070 is a single conduit in fluid communication with the chamber 2084.

The foam pump 2036 includes the air inlet port 2038 for drawing air into the foam pump 2036 to be internally mixed with the cleaning fluid to form the foam. In this regard, the cleaning fluid is pumped or directed through the connecting conduit 2260 and a mixture or a combination of air and cleaning fluid (i.e., foam) flows through the dispensing conduit 2070. The pump assembly 2028 includes a mesh feature 2262 at the pump outlet 2188 of the foam pump 2036. It is contemplated that the mesh feature 2262 may be in any location in the foam dispensing path 2060 where the cleaning fluid has been mixed with air. The mesh feature 2262 may be, for example, a stainless steel 200 mesh screen 2262. The mesh feature 2262 may assist with mixing the air and liquid and generating the bubbles for the foam. With the mesh feature 2262, the foam tool 2014 may include three mesh components 2080, 2082, 2262 along the foam dispensing path 2060 for increasing bubble generation in the foam.

When the foam pump 2036 is activated, the cleaning fluid is drawn from the secondary supply tank 2026, through the connecting conduit 2260, and toward the foam pump 2036. The air is mixed with the cleaning fluid, and the combination of air and cleaning fluid is directed through the mesh feature 2262, forming bubbles in the foam. The foam is then directed through the dispensing conduit 2070 and toward the dispenser 2052.

The dispenser 2052 includes the chamber 2084 having the inlet 2086 and outlet 2088. The chamber 2084 is defined at least partially by an end or dispensing frame 2268. The frame 2268 has an elongated body with tabs 2270 that extend into the support feature 2054 and which may receive fasteners 2272 for coupling the frame 2268 to the support feature 2054. As illustrated, the frame 2268 is disposed adjacent to an inner surface of the support wall 2126. The frame 2268 generally extends along the width of the support wall 2126 to have a similar width as the inlet 2120 of the suction nozzle 2046.

Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, the frame 2268 defines an elongated and narrow chamber 2084. Similar to the suction nozzle 2046, the outlet 2088 of the dispenser 2052 is elongated in the lateral direction (i.e., the width) and narrow in the fore-aft direction (i.e., the depth) . Front and rear walls 2274, 2276 of the frame 2268 may be angled away from one another such that the inlet 2086 has a lesser depth than the outlet 2088. This may be advantageous for dispensing the foam onto the surface to be cleaned. Additionally, the rear wall 2276 may have a lesser height than the front wall 2274. This configuration may assist with aligning the outlet 2088 with the surface to be cleaned as the user moves the foam tool 2014. For example, the shorter rear wall 2276 and the outward angles of the walls 2274, 2276 may be advantageous for forming the ribbon of foam as the user pulls or moves the foam tool 2014 in the aft direction.

In comparison to the frame 368 illustrated in FIGS. 4-9, the size, volume, or capacity of the chamber 2084 in the foam tool 2014 may be increased due to the tabs 2270 being used to couple the frame 2268 to the support feature 2054 rather than the frame 2268 defining the receiving recesses 370, 372 (see FIG. 9) . Additionally or alternatively, the size of the chambers 284, 2084, may be similar and the frame 2268 illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39 may have a smaller footprint to fit inside the support feature 2054.

A cover 2278 is coupled with the frame 2268 proximate to the inlet 2086 of the chamber 2084. The cover 2278 extends across the inlet 2086 to substantially enclose the chamber 2084 on one side. The cover 2278 includes an inlet port 2280A to which the dispensing conduit 2070 is coupled and an inlet guide 2280B, which directs the foam laterally in opposing directions to initiate the dispersion or spreading of the foam across the width of the chamber 2084. Accordingly, the foam or cleaning fluid flows through the inlet port 2280A in a first direction (e.g., vertically) and is then guided in second opposing directions (e.g., laterally) , generally normal to the first direction.

The foam tool 2014 also includes the two mesh screens 2080, 2082 disposed within the chamber 2084. As previously set forth, the screens 2080, 2082 may be similar in porosity or the dispenser 2052 may include the course mesh screen 2080 and the fine mesh screen 2082. When the screens 2080, 2082 are different, the course mesh screen 2080 is disposed upstream in the chamber 2084 proximate to the cover 2278, and the fine mesh screen 2082 is disposed downstream proximate to the outlet 2088. The mesh screens 2080, 2082 are configured to generate bubbles in the foam. Accordingly, the foam tool 2014 includes the mesh feature 2262 to generate bubbles and then the two mesh screens 2080, 2082 downstream of the mesh feature 2262 to generate additional bubbles in the foam, which can increase the cleaning function of the foam and assist with the extrusion process.

A spacer 2282 is disposed between the two mesh screens 2080, 2082. The spacer 2282 maintains a distance between the mesh screens 2080, 2082, which assists with the cleaning fluid flowing through the chamber 2084 as the bubbles are generated. The spacer 2282 is generally elongated and corresponds with the cross-sectional shape of the chamber 2084. The spacer 2282 includes a plurality of apertures 2284 arranged in a linear configuration. The apertures 2284 may assist with dispersing or spreading the foam across the width of the chamber 2084 as the foam flows through the chamber 2084.

The dispenser 2052 also includes the extrusion manifold 2096 in fluid communication with the outlet 2088 of the chamber 2084. Generally, the extrusion manifold 2096 is disposed within the chamber 2084 and downstream of the two mesh screens 2080, 2082. The extrusion manifold 2096 includes the openings 2098 arranged in the linear configuration. In this regard, the frame 2268 may include inner dividers that generally extend in the fore-aft direction. These dividers create the openings 2098, which may operate similarly to the apertures 2284 of the spacer 2282. The extrusion manifold 2096 is configured to disperse the extruded foam along the width of the outlet 2088 to form the ribbon of extruded foam. The extrusion manifold 2096, in addition to the spacer 2282, may assist with evenly distributing the foam at a consistent thickness across the width of the ribbon to provide a more consistent and controllable cleaning process. The openings 2098 of the extrusion manifold 2096 may be offset with the apertures 2284 of the spacer 2282 in a movement direction (e.g., in a direction from the inlet 2086 to the outlet 2088) which also assists with more evenly distributing the foam through the dispenser 2052.

Referring still to FIGS. 38 and 39, the frame 2268 may include at least one spacing protrusion 2286 extending from at least a portion of the frame 2268. In the illustrated configuration, the frame 2268 includes two spacing protrusions 2286 with one spacing protrusion 2286 on at least a portion of lower edges of each of the front and rear walls 2274, 2276, respectively. The spacing protrusions 2286 extend in a direction parallel to the moving path of the foam along the foam dispensing path 2060 at the outlet 2088. In this way, the spacing protrusions 2286 may abut the surface to be cleaned, and the remainder of the lower edges of the frame 2268 (e.g., lateral portions) can be spaced from the surface to be cleaned. In other words, the spacing protrusions 2286 can define a distance between the surface being cleaned and the remainder of the dispenser 2052, including the extrusion manifold 2096. This distance may assist with defining a height of the ribbon of extruded foam.

Referring again to FIG. 37, as well as FIGS. 38 and 39, in various aspects, the foam tool 2014 may also include a scrubbing assembly 2374 disposed proximate to the dispenser 2052. In the illustrated configuration, the dispenser 2052 is disposed between the suction nozzle 2046 and the scrubbing assembly 2374 proximate to the distal end 2118 of the support feature 2054. The base 2376 may extend between the dispenser 2052 and the connector 2142 to form at least a portion of a bottom of the foam tool 2014 and to at least partially enclose the interior of the support feature 2054. In certain aspects, the support feature 2054 forms lateral edges of the bottom of the applicator tool, and the base 2376 extends between the lateral edges. It is contemplated that the base 2376 may be part of the scrubbing assembly 2374 or part of the support feature 2054

The scrubbing assembly 2374 includes a scrubbing feature, such as bristles 2378, extending from the base 2376. The bristles 2378 may be arranged along the width of the foam tool 2014 and extend beyond the dispenser 2052. The length of the bristles 2378 may assist in forming the heights of the extruded ribbon of foam and provide a scrubbing cleaning function for the foam tool 2014.

Referring to FIGS. 37 and 40, the user interface 2104 of the foam tool 2014 includes the foam activation button 2106, which is illustrated on an underside of the tubular section 2056 of the support feature 2054 and above the secondary supply tank 2026. This location may be advantageous for efficiently activating the foam tool 2014 when gripping the support feature 2054, but other locations are contemplated without departing from the teachings herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 37, the support wall 2126 extends into the tubular section 2056 of the support feature 2054 to define a boundary between electrical components and the recovery flow path 2058. The support feature 2054 may include an insert 2390 that partially forms the tubular section 2056. The insert 2390 and the support wall 2126 may form a space that at least partially houses the activation button 2106, allowing the activation button 2106 and associated components to be separated from the recovery flow path 2058.

The activation button 2106 can be pressed by the user into the space formed by the insert 2390 and the support wall 2126. The user may grasp or grip the tubular section 2056 of the foam tool 2014 to move the foam tool 2014 relative to the surface to be cleaned. When gripping the tubular section 2056, the user may align one or more fingers with the activation button 2106. The user can squeeze, moving the activation button 2106 generally inward, which causes the activation button 2106 to engage an activation switch 2392. The activation switch 2392 is generally a momentary switch that provides communication to and activation of the foam pump 2036 when engaged and stops communication and, therefore, causes deactivation of the foam pump 2036 when not engaged. Accordingly, when the user squeezes the activation button 2106 and the activation button 2106 engages the activation switch 2392, the foam pump 2036 is activated and generates foam. When the user releases the activation button 2106,

the foam pump 2036 is deactivated and the generation of foam is at least substantially stopped.

In addition to the foam pump 2036 and the activation switch 2392, various components, including fluid directing and electronic components, are disposed within the interior of the foam tool 2014. For example, the foam pump 2036 may be disposed within the interior of the support feature 2054 proximate to the support wall 2126. The support feature 2054 may have internal supports 2400 to which the foam pump 2036 may be coupled for supporting the foam pump 2036. In the illustrated configuration, the foam pump 2036 is arranged proximate to the junction between the distal end 2118 and the tubular section 2056 of the support feature 2054.

An auxiliary power source 2436 configured as a battery assembly 2436 is also disposed within the support feature 2054 and includes a power source, such as a battery 2438. In the illustrated configuration, the battery 2438 is disposed proximate to the base 2376 and the connector 2142. The battery 2438 may be rechargeable or replaceable. This battery 2438 may power the various electronic components of the foam tool 2014. The battery assembly 2436 may include one or more circuits or a circuit board 2440. The battery assembly 2436 is operably coupled with the foam pump 2036, the activation switch 2392, the user interface 2104, and a charge assembly 2442 to provide power thereto.

The user interface 2104 includes a power level indicator 2448 for communicating a power level for the battery 2438. The power level indicator 2448 is generally disposed proximate to the protrusion 2130 on an outer surface of the support feature 2054 for convenient viewing by the user when using the foam tool 2014. The power level indicator 2448 may be an illuminated feature such as an illuminated icon that adjusts or otherwise displays the power level of the battery 2438. The power level indicator 2448 is included in a user interface printed circuit board assembly (UI PCBA) 2450. The UI PCBA 2450 is operably coupled with the auxiliary power source 2436 for receiving power and power information to display to the user.

In various aspects the auxiliary power source 2436 is rechargeable. In such examples, the auxiliary power source 2436 is also operably coupled with the charge assembly 2442. In the illustrated configuration, the charge assembly 2442 includes a universal serial bus printed circuit board assembly (USB PCBA) 2452 and a USB charge port 2454. The auxiliary power source 2436 may be charged using the USB PCBA 2452.

In general, the user interface 2104 of the foam tool 2014 may include components for controlling the electronic components housed and supported in the foam tool 2014. In this regard, the user interface 2104 can be used to control the features of the foam tool 2014 that can be separated from the cleaning apparatus 12. However, additional control features, such as for the suction assembly 122 (see FIG. 2A) , may be included on the foam tool 2014 without departing from the teachings herein. Additionally, it is also contemplated that additional foam-related controls are included on the foam tool 2014 and/or the cleaning apparatus 12. For example, the foam tool 2014 may include a flow rate control. Additionally or alternatively, the flow rate and/or the cleaning fluid-to-air ratio may be preset or predefined.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A and 5, as well as to FIGS. 34-40, the foam tool 2014 is generally utilized to generate and extrude or dispense foam on the surface to be cleaned. The suction nozzle 2046 is in fluid communication with the suction source 18 for generating the vacuum effect to recover cleaning materials (e.g., the foam) and debris materials. In the illustrated example, the foam tool 2014 may not utilize the liquid delivery system 124.

The foam tool 2014 may include a spray shield 2460, which may be fixedly or selectively coupled to a proximal end 2462 of the support feature 2054 where the foam tool 2014 receives the wand 56. The spray shield 2460 may define a receiving channel 2464, which receives the outlet connector 186 and provides a closed housing for the outlet connector 186. Accordingly, the foam tool 2014 may block or reduce liquid from exiting the outlet connector 186 (see FIG. 5) and being sprayed from proximate the foam tool 2014.

Additionally, the spray shield 2460 may extend away from the distal end 2118 of the support feature 2054 and along the wand 56. The spray shield 2460 may extend over the spray actuator 184 to reduce or prevent the user from engaging the spray actuator 184 and opening the valve 180 (see FIG. 5) . In this way, when the spray shield 2460 is coupled with the support feature 2054, the foam tool 2014 may not utilize the liquid delivery system 124. This may be advantageous due to the configuration of the foam tool 2014 and the location of the secondary supply tank 2026. Based on this configuration, liquid sprayed from the outlet connector 186 may be dispensed onto the secondary supply tank 2026 rather than the surface to be cleaned.

It is contemplated that the spray shield 2460 may be selectively removed such that the liquid delivery system 124 can be used with the foam tool 2014. In certain aspects, the spray shield 2460 may be removed, and the secondary supply tank 2026 may be disengaged from the connector 2142. The foam tool 2014 may then be used to spray liquid from the liquid delivery system 124 and use the vacuum effect from the suction source 18.

Referring again to FIGS. 34-40, the user can grasp the tubular section 2056 of the support feature 2054 and position the dispenser 2052 and the suction nozzle 2046 adjacent to the surface to be cleaned. The user can adjust the activation button 2106 to engage the activation switch 2392, activating the foam pump 2036. When the foam pump 2036 is activated, cleaning fluid is configured to be drawn from the secondary supply tank 2026 and directed to the dispenser 2052. Air is mixed with the cleaning fluid and the combined air-and-cleaning fluid is directed through the mesh feature 2262 and the two mesh screens 2080, 2082 to generate the bubbles and form the foam. The foam tool 2014 is configured to dispense or extrude the foam ribbon across the surface being cleaned. The foam tool 2014 may be used to scrub the surface being cleaned with the scrubbing assembly 2374, as well as to recover the foam and the debris materials via the suction nozzle 2046.

Referring to FIGS. 1-40, each configuration of the applicator tool 14 disclosed herein can dispense or extrude foam for use in the cleaning process. In operation, the user can couple the applicator tool 14 to the accessory hose 16 to form the foam system 10. The foam system 10 includes components for one or more of generating foam, generating a vacuum effect, dispensing liquid, controlling the foam output, controlling the foam density, and/or providing additional cleaning functions. Depending on the configuration of the cleaning apparatus 12, the various applicator tools 14 may be interchanged to customize the user experience.

As disclosed herein, the foam system 10 can have a variety of configurations with certain features being operably coupled with the base housing 120 of the cleaning apparatus 12 and certain features being removably coupled to the cleaning apparatus 12 by being included in the applicator tool 14. The foam system 10 includes various configurations for housing the foaming chemistry within one of the supply tanks 22, for driving the foaming chemistry toward the dispenser 52, for mixing air with the foaming chemistry, for generating bubbles to form the foam with the mesh screen 78, and for dispensing or extruding the foam. While certain combinations of features are disclosed herein, it is contemplated that any aspects may be moved or included in different combinations than those described specifically herein.

Use of the present system may provide a variety of advantages. For example, the generated foam can be controlled to be used for different cleaning processes, such as a deep clean with a wetter foam or a refresh clean with a dryer foam. Also, the refresh cleaning process is advantageous for having a quicker drying time, allowing the user to use furniture more quickly after “refreshing” their upholstery. Further, the foam is generally extruded onto the surface being cleaned, which provides a more consistent and controllable cleaning process. Moreover, the extruded foam forms a ribbon of more visible foam on the surface being cleaned, providing feedback and confirmation for the user. Further, the applicator tool 14 may include the auxiliary power source 136 for powering components of the foam system 10, and/or an electrical connection can extend through the accessory hose 16 to power the components of the applicator tool 14. Also, the foam system 10 includes the mesh screen or filter 78 for generating the bubbles in the mixture of air and foaming chemistry to generate the foam. Additional benefits and advantages may be realized and/or achieved.

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

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid. At least one pump is in fluid communication with the supply tank. The at least one pump is configured to generate foam from the cleaning fluid and direct the cleaning fluid along a foam dispensing path. An applicator tool is operably coupled with the at least one pump. The applicator tool defines a portion of the foam dispensing path for dispensing the foam. A user interface controls the dispensing of the foam through the applicator tool. The applicator tool includes a chamber having an inlet fluidly coupled with the at least one pump and an outlet. A first screen is disposed within the chamber. A second screen is disposed within the chamber and downstream of the first screen. A spacer is disposed between the first screen and the second screen. An extrusion manifold is fluidly coupled with the outlet of the chamber. The extrusion manifold defines at least one opening through which the foam is dispensed in response to interaction with the user interface.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one pump is in fluid communication with a dispensing conduit. The at least one pump includes a first pump that drives a cleaning fluid through a conduit and a second pump that drives air through the conduit.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dispensing conduit includes a first conduit portion coupled with a first pump, a second conduit portion coupled with the second pump, and a third conduit portion disposed between the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion. A cleaning fluid and air mix in the third conduit portion.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a spacer defines a plurality of apertures, and at least one opening of an extrusion manifold includes a plurality of openings. The plurality of apertures is offset from the plurality of openings in a movement direction of foam along a foam dispensing path through a chamber.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator tool includes an end frame at least partially defining a chamber. The end frame includes spacing protrusions extending in a direction parallel to a movement direction of foam at an outlet. The spacing protrusions are configured to engage a surface being cleaned to space an extrusion manifold from the surface being cleaned to define a height of a ribbon of the foam above the surface being cleaned.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a recovery tank is operably coupled to a suction source and configured to recover foam. An applicator tool defines at least one suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction source and is configured to draw the foam into the recovery tank.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one suction nozzle includes a first suction nozzle disposed adjacent to a first side of the outlet and a second suction nozzle disposed adjacent to a second side of the outlet, opposite the first side of the outlet.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first suction nozzle defines a first inlet extending substantially parallel with an outlet on a first side. A second suction nozzle defines a second inlet extending substantially parallel with the outlet on a second side.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator tool includes a support feature. A first suction nozzle and a second suction nozzle are mechanically coupled via a support feature.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface is configured to control suction at each of a first inlet and a second inlet.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface is configured to selectively energize suction at a first inlet only, energize suction at a second inlet only, and energize suction at each of the first inlet and the second inlet simultaneously.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator tool is configured to dispense foam at a rate of between 40 mL/min and 60 mL/min.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a density of foam being dispensed is between 10 g/L and 150 g/L.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first screen and a second screen each define between 120 holes per square inch and 400 holes per square inch.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator tool includes a support feature and a front lens selectively coupled to a distal end of the support feature. The support feature and the front lens form a suction passage.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator tool includes a mesh feature at an outlet of at least one pump upstream of a first screen.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator tool includes an auxiliary power source operably coupled with at least one pump and a user interface. A charge assembly is operably coupled with the auxiliary power source.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a supply tank configured to store a foaming cleaning chemistry. At least one pump is in fluid communication with the supply tank and configured to generate foam from the foaming cleaning chemistry. A dispenser is operably coupled to the at least one pump for dispensing the foam. A conduit provides fluid communication between the at least one pump and the dispenser. A user interface controls dispensing of the foam through the dispenser. The dispenser includes a frame defining a chamber having an inlet in fluid communication with the conduit and an outlet. At least one mesh screen is operably coupled to the conduit to generate bubbles in the foam. An extrusion manifold defines at least one opening in fluid communication with the outlet of the chamber for extruding the foam to a surface being cleaned in response to interaction with the user interface. A spacing protrusion extends from the frame in a direction parallel with a movement direction of the foam through the chamber to define a height of a ribbon of the foam.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one pump includes a first pump that drives a foaming cleaning chemistry through a conduit and a second pump that drives air through the conduit.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a conduit includes a first conduit portion coupled with a first pump, a second conduit portion coupled with a second pump, and a third conduit portion fluidly coupled with the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion. A foaming cleaning chemistry and air mix in the third conduit portion.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a recovery tank is in fluid communication with a suction source and configured to recover foam. At least one suction nozzle is in communication with the suction source and configured to draw the foam into the recovery tank.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one suction nozzle includes a first suction nozzle disposed adjacent to a first side of an extrusion manifold and a second suction nozzle adjacent to a second side of the extrusion manifold, opposite the first side of the extrusion manifold.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first suction nozzle defines a first inlet extending substantially parallel with a extrusion manifold on a first side of the extrusion manifold, and a second suction nozzle defines a second inlet extending substantially parallel with the extrusion manifold on a second side of the extrusion manifold.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface controls suction at each of a first inlet and a second inlet.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface is configured to selectively energize suction at a first inlet only, energize suction at a second inlet only, energize suction at each of the first inlet and the second inlet simultaneously, and de-energize each of the first inlet and the second inlet simultaneously.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first pump has a flow rate for a foaming cleaning chemistry in a range between 25 mL/min and 75 mL/min, and a second pump has a flow rate for air in a range between 1 L/min and 5 L/min.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one pump includes a combined foam pump with an air inlet port for driving both a foaming cleaning chemistry and air through a conduit to a dispenser.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface includes a flow rate control operably coupled to at least one pump and configured to control a density of a foam.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a density of a foam is in a range between 10 g/mL and 150 g m/L.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an accessory hose extends from a base housing and has a wand, and an applicator tool is selectively coupled to the wand. The applicator tool includes a dispenser.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an accessory hose extends from a base housing and has a wand, and an applicator tool is selectively coupled to the wand. The applicator tool includes a dispenser and at least one pump.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator tool includes at least one pump.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator tool includes a support feature, and a supply tank is coupled to the support feature.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wand includes a fluid outlet. An applicator tool includes an outlet housing that receives the fluid outlet and is configured to dispense a cleaning liquid through an opening in the outlet housing.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator tool includes a power source operably coupled to at least one pump.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a supply tank and at least one pump are operably coupled with a base housing.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a supply tank defines a through-hole, and an umbrella valve extends through the through-hole.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a suction source. A recovery tank is in fluid communication with the suction source. A supply tank is configured to store a cleaning fluid. At least one pump is in fluid communication with the supply tank and configured to generate foam from the cleaning fluid. An applicator tool is operably coupled with the at least one pump. The applicator tool includes a chamber defining an inlet in fluid communication with the at least one pump and an outlet. A first screen is disposed within the chamber. A second screen is disposed within the chamber and downstream of the first screen. A spacer is disposed between the first screen and the second screen. An extrusion manifold is in fluid communication with the outlet of the chamber and includes at least one opening through which the foam is dispensed. A first suction nozzle is disposed adjacent to a first side of the outlet of the chamber and defines a first inlet. A second suction nozzle is disposed adjacent to a second side of the outlet of the chamber and defines a second inlet. The first inlet and the second inlet are in fluid communication with the suction source for capturing the foam in the recovery tank and a user interface that controls application of the foam through the applicator tool and a fluid recovery path generated by the suction source.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface includes a diverter operable between multiple positions to selectively energize suction at a first inlet only, energize suction at a second inlet only, and energize suction at each of the first inlet and the second inlet simultaneously.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface includes a suction activation slide operable between an opened position to allow fluid communication between a suction source and first and second suction nozzles and a closed position to at least partially block the fluid communication between the suction source and the first and second suction nozzles.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator tool includes a frame at least partially defining a chamber. The frame includes a spacing protrusion extending therefrom in a direction parallel to a movement direction of foam at an opening. The spacing protrusion defines a height of a ribbon of the foam.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one pump and a supply tank are disposed within an applicator tool.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator tool includes a conduit in fluid communication with at least one pump and an inlet of a chamber. The at least one pump includes a first pump for driving a cleaning fluid through the conduit and a second pump for driving air through the conduit.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface includes a flow rate control configured to adjust electrical power provided to at least one of a first pump and a second pump to change a flow rate of at least one of the first pump and the second pump and change a density of foam.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface includes a flow rate control configured as a needle valve operably coupled to at least one pump to control a flow rate of at least one of a cleaning fluid and air to change a density of foam.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator tool for a cleaning apparatus that includes a suction source for generating a suction effect where the applicator tool includes a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid. At least one pump is in fluid communication with the supply tank and configured to generate foam from the cleaning fluid. A dispenser is in fluid communication with the at least one pump via a conduit. At least one mesh screen is included. The dispenser includes a chamber defining an inlet in fluid communication with the conduit and an outlet. A fluid outlet is in fluid communication with the outlet of the chamber and defines at least one opening through which the foam is dispensed. At least one suction nozzle is disposed adjacent to the outlet of the chamber. A user interface is configured to selectively energize suction through the at least one suction nozzle and control dispensing of the foam through the dispenser.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one suction nozzle includes a first suction nozzle including a first inlet disposed at a first side of an outlet of a chamber and a second suction nozzle including a second inlet disposed at a second side of the outlet of the chamber, the second side being opposite the first side.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface is configured to selectively energize suction at a first inlet only, suction at a second inlet only, and suction at each of the first inlet and the second inlet simultaneously.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one mesh screen includes a first mesh screen and a second mesh screen disposed downstream of the first mesh screen.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first mesh screen has a first porosity and a second mesh screen has a second porosity. The second porosity is greater than the first porosity.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a second porosity is in a range of between 120 holes per square inch and 400 holes per square inch.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a foam delivery and recovery system includes a suction source configured to generate a vacuum effect. A recovery tank is in fluid communication with the suction source for housing material captured by the suction source. At least one supply tank houses a cleaning fluid. A pump assembly is operably coupled to the supply tank and configured to generate foam from the cleaning fluid. At least one mesh screen is configured to generate the foam. An applicator tool includes a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction source. A dispenser is in fluid communication with the pump assembly via a conduit. The dispenser defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. An extrusion manifold is fluidly coupled with the outlet. The extrusion manifold defines at least one opening through which the foam is dispensed. A user interface is operably coupled with the pump assembly for controlling dispensing of the foam through the applicator tool.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator tool includes a cover defining an inlet to a chamber. The cover includes an inlet guide for dispersing at least one of a cleaning fluid and foam across a width of the chamber.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator tool includes a support feature for supporting a pump assembly, a user interface, and at least one supply tank, a charge assembly, and a power source operably coupled with the pump assembly, the user interface, and the charge assembly. The user interface includes a power level indicator.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator tool including a support feature, a supply tank coupled to the support feature and configured to store a foaming cleaning chemistry, and a foam pump in fluid communication with the supply tank and configured to generate foam from the foaming cleaning chemistry. A dispenser is operably coupled to the foam pump for dispensing the foam. A conduit provides fluid communication between the foam pump and the dispenser. A user interface controls dispensing of the foam through the dispenser. The dispenser includes a frame defining a chamber having an inlet in fluid communication with the conduit and an outlet, at least one mesh screen operably coupled to the conduit to generate bubbles in the foam, an extrusion manifold defining at least one opening in fluid communication with the outlet of the chamber for extruding the foam to a surface being cleaned in response to interaction with the user interface, and a spacing protrusion extending from the frame in a direction parallel with a movement direction of the foam through the chamber to define a height of a ribbon of the foam.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a foam pump is disposed within an interior of a support feature.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a frame is included in an interior of a support feature.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a suction nozzle is disposed adjacent to a frame of a dispenser.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface includes an activation button and an activation switch. The activation switch is configured to activate a foam pump when the activation button engages the activation switch.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a power source is supported within an interior of a support feature.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dispenser includes a cover extending over a chamber. The cover defines an inlet to the chamber and an inlet guide to disperse fluid across a width of the chamber.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a foam pump is included in a pump assembly, and the pump assembly includes a pump inlet, an air inlet, and a pump outlet. A mesh feature is disposed in a foam dispensing path at the pump outlet.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a supply tank includes through-holes and umbrella valves extending through the through-holes, respectively.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, umbrella valves extend in opposing directions.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a spray shield is coupled to a support member. The spray shield is configured to extend over an outlet in fluid communication with a liquid delivery system.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a support feature includes a tubular section and a distal end extending at an obtuse angle from the tubular section. A supply tank is coupled with the distal end via a connector and disposed below the tubular section.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an activation button is operably coupled to a support feature and is disposed between a tubular section of the support feature and a supply tank.

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.

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.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are 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.

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

Claims

A cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid;

at least one pump in fluid communication with the supply tank, wherein the at least one pump is configured to generate foam from the cleaning fluid and direct the cleaning fluid along a foam dispensing path;

an applicator tool operably coupled with the at least one pump, the applicator tool defining a portion of the foam dispensing path for dispensing the foam; and

a user interface that controls the dispensing of the foam through the applicator tool, wherein the applicator tool includes:

a chamber having an inlet fluidly coupled with the at least one pump and an outlet;

a first screen disposed within the chamber;

a second screen disposed within the chamber and downstream of the first screen;

a spacer disposed between the first screen and the second screen; and

an extrusion manifold fluidly coupled with the outlet of the chamber, the extrusion manifold defining at least one opening through which the foam is dispensed in response to interaction with the user interface.
The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spacer defines a plurality of apertures, and wherein the at least one opening of the extrusion manifold includes a plurality of openings, and further wherein the plurality of apertures is offset from the plurality of openings in a movement direction of the foam along the foam dispensing path through the chamber.
The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the applicator tool includes an end frame at least partially defining the chamber, and wherein the end frame includes spacing protrusions extending in a direction parallel to a movement direction of the foam at the outlet, and further wherein the spacing protrusions are configured to engage a surface being cleaned to space the extrusion manifold from the surface being cleaned to define a height of a ribbon of the foam above the surface being cleaned.
The cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising:

a suction source; and

a recovery tank operably coupled to the suction source and configured to recover the foam, wherein the applicator tool defines at least one suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction source and configured to draw the foam into the recovery tank.
The cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the applicator tool is configured to dispense the foam at a rate of between 40 mL/min and 60 mL/min.
The cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein a density of the foam being dispensed is between 10 g/L and 150 g/L.
The cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the first screen and the second screen each define between 120 holes per square inch and 400 holes per square inch.
The cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the applicator tool includes:

a support feature; and

a front lens selectively coupled to a distal end of the support feature, wherein the support feature and the front lens form a suction passage.
The cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the applicator tool includes a mesh feature at an outlet of the at least one pump upstream of the first screen.
The cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the applicator tool includes:

an auxiliary power source operably coupled with the at least one pump and the user interface; and

a charge assembly operably coupled with the auxiliary power source.
A cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a supply tank configured to store a foaming cleaning chemistry;

at least one pump in fluid communication with the supply tank and configured to generate foam from the foaming cleaning chemistry;

a dispenser operably coupled to the at least one pump for dispensing the foam;

a conduit providing fluid communication between the at least one pump and the dispenser; and

a user interface that controls dispensing of the foam through the dispenser, wherein the dispenser includes:

a frame defining a chamber having an inlet in fluid communication with the conduit and an outlet;

at least one mesh screen operably coupled to the conduit to generate bubbles in the foam;

an extrusion manifold defining at least one opening in fluid communication with the outlet of the chamber for extruding the foam to a surface being cleaned in response to interaction with the user interface; and

a spacing protrusion extending from the frame in a direction parallel with a movement direction of the foam through the chamber to define a height of a ribbon of the foam.
The cleaning apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:

a suction source;

a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction source and configured to recover the foam; and

at least one suction nozzle in communication with the suction source and configured to draw the foam into the recovery tank.
The cleaning apparatus of either one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the at least one pump includes a combined foam pump with an air inlet port for driving both the foaming cleaning chemistry and air through the conduit to the dispenser.
The cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 11-13, further comprising:

a base housing;

an accessory hose extending from the base housing and having a wand; and

an applicator tool selectively coupled to the wand, wherein the applicator tool includes the dispenser and the at least one pump.
The cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 11-14, wherein the applicator tool includes a support feature, and wherein the supply tank is coupled to the support feature.
The cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 11-15, wherein the supply tank defines a through-hole, and wherein an umbrella valve extends through the through-hole.
The cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 11-16, wherein the applicator tool includes a power source operably coupled to the at least one pump.
A foam delivery and recovery system, comprising:

a suction source configured to generate a vacuum effect;

a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction source for housing material captured by the suction source;

at least one supply tank for housing a cleaning fluid;

a pump assembly operably coupled to the supply tank and configured to generate foam from the cleaning fluid;

at least one mesh screen configured to generate the foam;

an applicator tool including:

a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction source;

a dispenser in fluid communication with the pump assembly via a conduit, the dispenser defining a chamber having an inlet and an outlet; and

an extrusion manifold fluidly coupled with the outlet, the extrusion manifold defining at least one opening through which the foam is dispensed; and

a user interface operably coupled with the pump assembly for controlling dispensing of the foam through the applicator tool.
The foam delivery and recovery system of claim 18, wherein the applicator tool includes:

a cover defining the inlet to the chamber, wherein the cover includes an inlet guide for dispersing at least one of the cleaning fluid and the foam across a width of the chamber.
The foam delivery and recovery system of either one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the applicator tool includes:

a support feature for supporting the pump assembly, the user interface, and the at least one supply tank;

a charge assembly; and

a power source operably coupled with the pump assembly, the user interface, and the charge assembly, wherein the user interface includes a power level indicator.