Dock for an Extraction Cleaner and a Method of Using the Same

This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/568,811, filed 22 Mar. 2024, entitled DOCK FOR AN EXTRACTION CLEANER AND A METHOD OF USING THE SAME, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure generally relates to a dock for an extraction cleaner and a method of using the same, and more specifically, to a dock with a retractable tool head cleaning tray and/or separable tool head receiver.

Extraction cleaners have been used to clean surfaces, such as those provided by upholstery, carpet, and fabric, among other things. The extraction cleaners sometimes include a fluid delivery system and a fluid recovery system. The fluid delivery system allows a user of the extraction cleaner to distribute cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The user can then agitate the surface with the cleaning fluid thus distributed, which cleans the surface. The fluid recovery system allows the user to extract the cleaning fluid, along with debris loosened from the surface (e.g., dirt), from the surface.

The extraction cleaners sometimes include a hose terminating in a cleaning tool. The cleaning tool and hose form part of the fluid delivery system and the fluid recovery system. The cleaning fluid can be directed via conduits attached to the hose to a distributor at a cleaning tool. The cleaning fluid with debris loosened from the surface can be extracted, via suction, through an extraction nozzle of the cleaning tool, which is in communication with the hose. The cleaning liquid and material loosened from the surface then progress through the hose to a recovery tank of the fluid recovery system.

The extraction cleaners are sometimes portable. In such instances, the extraction cleaner might self-contain the fluid delivery system and the fluid recovery system, including a supply tank for the cleaning fluid and a recovery tank for the cleaning fluid and material loosened from the surface. Further, the extraction cleaners sometimes provide a wand attached to the hose, such that the cleaning tool takes the form of one of any number of tool heads that are selectively attached and detached from the wand to form the connection with the hose. The tool heads might include bristles or other items that assist in agitation of the cleaning fluid on the surface.

However, there have been several problems. First, cleaning fluid and debris loosened from the surface might remain upon the tool head (e.g., between bristles), within the hose, and within the fluid recovery system after use. That is a problem because the tool head can begin to appear aesthetically unappealing and/or may result in undesirable odors over time. Second, the user typically does not have an apparent way to clean the tool head to remove the cleaning fluid and debris remaining within the tool head and fluid recovery system without having to expend a suboptimal amount to time and effort. Third, the extraction cleaners, even ones designed to be portable, might not provide a place for the user to store the tool heads that could be used with the extraction cleaner. That is a problem because the user might store a tool head and then forget where the user stored the tool head.

The present disclosure addresses those problems, in a variety of ways. Among them, the first and second problems are addressed with a dock for the extraction cleaner that includes a tool head cleaning tray that can be inserted into a base of the dock during non-use and at least partially withdrawn from the base of the dock during use to clean the tool head. The tool head cleaning tray includes a reservoir for cleaning fluid and debris loosened from the tool head and projections to assist is loosening the debris from the tool head. After the cleaning fluid and debris is mostly removed from the reservoir, the tool head cleaning tray is reinserted back into the base of the dock. The base includes venting apertures above the reservoir to permit any residual moisture within the reservoir to evaporate therefrom. For added convenience, the user is not required to pull the tool head cleaning tray completely out of the base in order to use the same to clean the tool head. The user will have the option to use the tool head cleaning tray while the same is still attached to the dock. However, if the user so desires, the tool head cleaning tray is, in embodiments, fully removable.

The third problem is addressed with a dock for the extraction cleaner with a base and a tool head receiver extending from the base. The tool head receiver itself includes a base and at least two arms extending outward from the base, each arm terminating in a projection that extends upward and is shaped to receive a different tool head for storage.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a dock for an extraction cleaner comprises: (a) a base comprising (i) a horizontal wall presenting a top surface with a perimeter; and (ii) an inner perimeter wall extending upward from at least a portion of the top surface of the horizontal wall, the inner perimeter wall and the horizontal wall configured to receive a base of an extraction cleaner, with the top surface of the horizontal wall facing the base of the extraction cleaner and the inner perimeter wall at least partially surrounding the base of the extraction cleaner; and (b) a tool head cleaning tray comprising (i) a bottom wall and one or more side walls extending upward from the bottom wall of the tool head cleaning tray to define a reservoir for cleaning fluid, (ii) projections extending upward from the bottom wall of the tool head cleaning tray, (iii) an inserted position inserted into a receptacle of the base of the dock, and (iv) a withdrawn position at least partially withdrawn from the receptacle of the base of the dock, the tool head cleaning tray selectively manipulable to, from, and between the inserted position and the withdrawn position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dock for an extraction cleaner comprises: (a) a base comprising (i) a horizontal wall presenting a top surface with a perimeter; and (ii) an inner perimeter wall extending upward from at least a portion of the top surface of the horizontal wall, the inner perimeter wall and the horizontal wall configured to receive a base of an extraction cleaner, with the top surface of the horizontal wall facing the base of the extraction cleaner and the inner perimeter wall at least partially surrounding the base of the extraction cleaner; and (b) a tool head receiver comprising (i) a base extending outward relative to the inner perimeter wall of the base of the dock and (ii) at least two arms extending outward from the base of the tool head receiver, the at least two arms each terminating with a projection extending upward and configured to receive a tool head for storage.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a dock for an extraction cleaner comprises: (a) a base including a receptacle and venting apertures in fluid communication with the receptacle; and (b) a tool head cleaning tray that can be inserted into the receptacle of the base during non-use of the tool head cleaning tray and at least partially withdrawn from the receptacle of the base during use to clean a tool head of an extraction cleaner, the tool head cleaning tray comprising a reservoir for cleaning fluid and debris loosened from the tool head and projections to assist is loosening the debris from the tool head.

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.

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

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a dock for an extraction cleaner. 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. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer.-However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms “includes,” “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.

Referring to, a dockfor an extraction cleaneris herein described. The dockincludes a baseand a tool head cleaning tray. The baseis configured to receive a baseof the extraction cleaner, as will be further discussed.

The tool head cleaning trayis selectively insertable within the baseof the dock. The tool head cleaning traycan be inserted into a receptacle(see) of the baseduring non-use of the tool head cleaning trayand at least partially withdrawn from the receptacleof the baseduring use to clean a tool headof the extraction cleaner. More particularly, the tool head cleaning traycan be selectively manipulated to, from, and between an inserted position() within the receptacleof the baseof the dockand a withdrawn position() at least partially withdrawn from the receptacleof the base. The tool head cleaning trayneed not be fully withdrawn from the receptacleof the baseto be in the withdrawn positionand usable for the purposes described herein, although the tool head cleaning traycan be, in embodiments, fully withdrawn and separated from the basein the withdrawn position. The extraction cleanerincludes the tool head, and a user can utilize the tool head cleaning trayto clean the tool head, as will be further discussed as well.

Referring additionally to, the baseincludes a horizontal wall(see) and an inner perimeter wall. The horizontal wallpresents a top surface. The top surfacehas a perimeter. The inner perimeter wallcan define, at least partially, the perimeterof the top surfaceby extending upwardfrom at least a portion of the top surface. The horizontal walland the inner perimeter wallare positioned and configured to receive the baseof the extraction cleaner. For example, the top surfaceof the horizontal wallfaces and can support the baseof the extraction cleanerfrom below the extraction cleaner. In addition, the inner perimeter wallat least partially surrounds the baseof the extraction cleaner, which may help the extraction cleanerstay upon the baseof the dock.

Referring additionally to, the tool head cleaning trayincludes a reservoir. For example, in embodiments, the tool head cleaning trayincludes a bottom walland one or more side wallsextending upwardfrom the bottom wall. As for the one or more side walls, the illustrated embodiment includes a rear walland opposing side walls,. The bottom walland the one or more side walls(e.g.,-) together define the reservoir. The reservoircan contain, for example, cleaning fluid, as will be further discussed below. The bottom wallslopes downward(see) toward the rear wall

In addition, the tool head cleaning trayincludes projections. The projectionsextend upward(see) from the bottom wall. The projectionscan take the shape of a hook, as in the illustrated embodiment. As further discussed below, the projectionsassist in the removal of debrisfrom the tool headof the extraction cleaner. The reservoirholds, at least temporarily, the cleaning fluidand the debris. The projectionsprovide a surface against which the tool headcan be agitated to remove debris that may be lodged within agitating elementsand/or suction inletof an extraction nozzleof the tool head(see, e.g.,). While the projectionsare illustrated as having a hook shape, the projectionsmay take a variety of forms to facilitate dislodging debris from the agitating elementsand/or the suction inlet, non-limiting examples of which include raised nubs, ribbing, a high friction surface, saw-tooth projections, and combinations thereof.

Referring additionally to, the baseincludes a plurality of venting aperturesin communication with the receptacle. When the tool head cleaning trayis inserted into the receptacleof the base, the venting aperturesare positioned to permit residual moisture within the reservoirto evaporate therefrom through the venting apertures. For example, in embodiments, the horizontal wallof the baseincludes the plurality of venting aperturestherethrough. The plurality of venting aperturesare positioned so that, when the tool head cleaning trayis in the inserted position(see, e.g.,), the reservoirthereof is disposed below and exposed to the plurality of venting apertures. Stated another way, the horizontal walland the plurality of venting aperturescan be disposed above the reservoirof the tool head cleaning traywhen the tool head cleaning trayis in the inserted positionwithin the receptacleof the base. Each of the plurality of venting aperturesmay extend laterally from above one of the opposing side wallsof the tool head cleaning trayto above the other one of the opposing side walls side wallsof the tool head cleaning tray. However, other orientations and shapes are envisioned, and there can be any number of the plurality of venting apertures.

In embodiments, referring back to, the inner perimeter wallof the baseof the dockcomprises a discontinuity. For example, when the tool head cleaning trayis in the withdrawn position, the horizontal wallof the baseof the dockhas an edgethat is exposed to an external environmentand not bound by the inner perimeter wall. In such embodiments, the tool head cleaning trayincludes a handle. The handlehas an inward facing surface. When the tool head cleaning trayis in the inserted position, the inward facing surfaceof the tool head cleaning trayfills the discontinuityand is flush with the inner perimeter wallof the baseof the dock, as shown in.

Referring additionally to, the baseof the dockfurther includes the receptacle, as mentioned. For example, in embodiments, the baseincludes a pair of side walls,and a rear wall. The pair of side walls,and the rear wallare elevationally below the top surfaceof the horizontal wall. The pair of side walls,oppose each other. The rear wallis orthogonal to and contiguous with the pair of side walls,. The pair of side walls,and the rear walldefine the receptacleto accept the tool head cleaning trayin the inserted position. The receptaclecan take other forms. In the inserted position, the reservoirof the tool head cleaning trayis more disposed within the receptaclethan in the withdrawn position. More particularly, in the inserted position, the reservoirof the tool head cleaning trayis disposed forwardof the rear wallof the base, sandwiched between the pair of side walls,of the base, and elevationally below the horizontal wallof the base. The tool head cleaning traycan be fully removed while taking the withdrawn position. However, the tool head cleaning trayneed not be fully removed and can be partially within the receptaclewhile in the withdrawn position.

In embodiments, referring still to, each of the pair of side walls,of the baseof the dockincludes a rail system. For example, the rail systemof the side wallcan include a top elongated projectionand a bottom elongated projectionthat opposes the top elongated projectionbut leaves a slottherebetween. The slotterminates at the rear wallof the base. The slotis open at an entranceinto the slot. The bottom elongated projectionincludes a dipand a stopadjacent to the dipnear the entrance. The rail systemof the side wallcan be a mirror image of the rail systemof the side wall, without the need to restate all the features.

To engage with the rail system, referring back to, the tool head cleaning trayincludes projectionsthat extend outward from side surfaces,of the tool head cleaning tray. The side surfaceopposes the side wallof the base, while the side surfaceopposes the side wallof the base. The projectionscan include a forward projectionand a rear projectionthat project from the side surface, and a forward projectionand a rear projectionthat project from the side surface. The forward projections,are disposed closer to the handlethan the rear projections,

The projectionsof the tool head cleaning traycooperate with the rail systemof the baseto guide the manipulation of the tool head cleaning trayto, from, and between the inserted positionand the withdrawn position. In the inserted position, the projectionslie in the slotsof the rail systemupon the bottom elongated projections. The forward projections,lie within the dipsinto the bottom elongated projection, which resists manipulation of the tool head cleaning trayfrom the inserted positionto the withdrawn position, where the tool head cleaning trayis at least partially withdrawn from the receptacle. As a pulling force(see), such as upon the handle, overcomes the resistance that the dipprovides, the forward projections,exit the entrancesof the slotsand the rear projections,slide within the slots. Eventually, the rear projections,come to rest within the dipsof the elongated projection. The tool head cleaning trayis in the withdrawn positionhere, but the rear projections,are still as engaged with the dipsof the rail system, and the tool head cleaning trayis still coupled to the base. With further pulling force, the user can overcome the resistance that the dipagain provides, and the rear projections,eventually exit out the entrancesof the slots. The tool head cleaning trayhere is still in the withdrawn positionbut this time totally decoupled from the baseand the rail system.

Referring additionally to, in embodiments, the basefurther includes an outer perimeter wall. The outer perimeter wallis exposed to the external environment. The outer perimeter wallis joined to the inner perimeter wallat a top edgeof the base. The outer perimeter wallat least partially surrounds (e.g., laterally) the inner perimeter wall. The outer perimeter wallextends downwardfrom the top edgeto form a bottom edgeof the base. The bottom edgeis elevationally below the horizontal wall.

Referring back to, in embodiments, like the inner perimeter wall, the outer perimeter wallof the baseof the dockincludes a discontinuity. The handleof the tool head cleaning trayfurther includes an outward facing surface. When the tool head cleaning trayis in the inserted position(e.g.,), the outward facing surfacefills the discontinuityand is flush with the outer perimeter wallof the baseof the dockadjacent to the discontinuity.

Referring additionally to, in embodiments, the dockfurther includes a tool head receiver. The tool head receiveris disposed outward relative to the inner perimeter wallof the baseof the dock, as well as the outer perimeter wallof the baseof the dock, if included. The tool head receiveris configured to receive selectively the tool headfor storage. For example, as in the illustrated embodiments, the tool head receiverincludes a baseand at least two arms. The baseof the tool head receiverextends outward relative to the inner perimeter wallof the baseof the dock. The at least two armsextend outward from the baseof the tool head receiver. Each of the at least two armsterminates with a projectionthat extends upwardand is configured to receive the tool headfor storage. For example, the projectioncan provide a vertical surfacewith a cross-sectional shape that matches a void within the tool headso that the tool headcan be placed over the projection, with the projectionresiding within the void.

The baseof the tool head receiverincludes a bottom edge. The at least two armseach include a bottom edge. The bottom edges,are flush with each other. The bottom edges,are flush with the bottom edgeof the outer perimeter wallof the baseof the dock, if included.

In embodiments, the tool head receiveris selectively detachable from the baseof the dock. For example, as in the illustrated embodiments, the baseof the dockcan further include a tool head receiver connector(see, e.g.,). The tool head receiver connectoris configured to receive selectively the tool head receiver. To accomplish that, the tool head receiver connectorcan include a baseand a projectionthat extends upwardfrom the base. The baseof the tool head receiver connectorextends outward from the outer perimeter wallof the baseof the dock. The tool head receiver connectoris flush with the bottom edgeof the baseof the dock. The projectionis shaped to detachably join with the tool head receiver. In the illustrated instance, the projectionis cylindrical while the tool head receiverincludes a receiver(see) in the shape of a cylindrical void to receive the projection. The tool head receivercan detachably join with the projectionof the tool head receiver connectorand be manipulated to, from, and between a coupled position(see) coupled to the tool head receiver connectorof the baseof the dockand a decoupled position(see) decoupled from the tool head receiver connector. As will be further discussed, the user can store one or more tool headsfor the extraction cleaneron the tool head receiver(see, e.g.,). The baseof the dock, the tool head cleaning tray, and the tool head receivercan all be formed of molded plastic, although other materials are envisioned, such as metal.

Referring additionally to, a methodof using the dockof the extraction cleaneris herein described. The methodincludes a first manipulating step, a dispensing step, a contacting step, a passing step, a removing step, and a second manipulating step. In embodiments, the methodcan further include a storing step. Each of the steps-will now be further elaborated upon.

The first manipulating stepincludes manipulating the tool head cleaning trayfrom the inserted position(see, e.g.,) to the withdrawn position(see, e.g.,). As mentioned, the user can apply the pulling forceupon the handleto perform the first manipulating step. The baseof the dockmay be positioned on a floor, a table, or some other surface while the first manipulating stepis performed. The tool head cleaning traycan be positioned near the baseof the dockwhile in the withdrawn positionor still coupled to the base.

Referring now to, the dispensing stepincludes dispensing the cleaning fluidfrom a fluid distributorcoupled to a hoseof the extraction cleanerinto the reservoirof the tool head cleaning tray. The extraction cleanercan include a fluid supply tank assemblyfor storing a supply of the cleaning fluid. In addition, the extraction cleanercan include the fluid distributoron the tool head. The fluid distributoris in fluid communication with the fluid supply tank assembly, such as through tubing and a pump. The tool headcan include a triggerthat the user can manipulate to cause the cleaning fluidto flow from the fluid supply tank assemblyand out the fluid distributorinto the reservoir. Alternatively, the cleaning fluidmay be water or some other fluid that can be added to the reservoirfrom a faucet or other storage container.

Referring now to, the contacting stepincludes contacting the agitating elements(seeagain) of the tool headwith the cleaning fluidwithin the reservoir. The agitating elementscan be bristles of a brush, among other options. The agitating elements, before the methodis conducted, could have been utilized to agitate a surface to be cleaned. To contact the agitating elementswith the cleaning fluid, the agitating elementscan be descended into the cleaning fluidheld within the reservoir.

Referring now to, the passing stepincludes passing the agitating elementsover the projectionsof the tool head cleaning tray. So passing the agitating elementsover the projections, with the projectionsextending upward between adjacent agitating elements(e.g., adjacent bristles), loosens the debris(dirt, hair, and so on) held between and on the agitating elementsand/or lodged within the suction inlet. The debriscould have originated from the surface that the user previously cleaned with the extraction cleaner. The cleaning fluid, now containing the debrisloosened from the agitating elements, flows and becomes disposed within the reservoir.

Referring now to, the removing stepincludes removing, with suction, the cleaning fluidwith the debrisfrom the reservoir. As mentioned, the tool headincludes the extraction nozzle, which can be near the agitating elements. The extraction cleanerfurther includes a recovery tank assembly, which is in fluid flow communication with the extraction nozzlevia the hose. The extraction cleanercan include a pump to generate suction at the suction inletof the extraction nozzle. The cleaning fluidwith the debriswithin the reservoir, because of the suction, enters the extraction nozzle, flows through the hose, and deposits into the recovery tank assembly.

The second manipulating stepincludes manipulating the tool head cleaning trayto the inserted position. After cleaning the agitating elementsand extracting the cleaning fluidwith the debrisfrom the reservoirof the tool head cleaning tray, the user can move the tool head cleaning trayinto the baseof the dockfor storage. Optionally, prior to the second manipulating step, the tool head cleaning traymay be emptied and/or rinsed in a sink or trash receptacle to clean or rinse-out the tool head cleaning trayfor storage.

In some instances, despite the performance of the removing step, the reservoirstill includes some of the cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluidcan include an evaporative component, such as water. Although the tool head cleaning trayis in the inserted positionwithin the baseof the dockafter the performance of the second manipulating step, the water within the cleaning fluidevaporates from the cleaning fluid, departs the reservoir, and flows through the venting apertures(see, e.g.,) through the horizontal wallof the baseof the dockand into the external environment.

In embodiments, the first manipulating step, the dispensing step, the contacting step, the removing step, and the second manipulating stepare all performed while the extraction cleaneris docked in the baseof the dock(as in). The extraction cleanercould alternatively be placed somewhere else while performing the steps-of the method.

Referring now to, as mentioned, in embodiments, the methodfurther includes the storing step. The storing stepincludes separating the tool headfrom the hoseand coupling the tool headto the tool head receiver. In this manner, the user can store the tool headfor later use.

The dockwith the tool head cleaning trayand/or the tool head receiveraddresses the problems mentioned in the Summary, in a variety of ways. The tool head cleaning trayallows the user to remove debrisfrom the tool head, such as after the user used the tool headto clean some surface. The projectionsproject between the agitating elementsto improve the loosening of the debristherefrom. The reservoirholds the cleaning fluidused to clean the tool headand the debrisloosened. The user can then extract via suction the cleaning fluid, which then progresses through the hoseto clean the hoseas well. The entirety of the suction path of the extraction cleaneris rinsed out. Cleaning and rinsing of the tool headand the hosefacilitate maintaining the appearance of the tool headand hoseand decreases the likelihood of undesirable odors developing over time. Any remaining moisture in the reservoirevaporates through the venting aperturesof the baseof the dock, which further decreases the likelihood of undesirable odors. The tool head cleaning trayprovides a readily accessible way for the user to clean the tool headand the hose.

The tool head receiverprovides at least two connection opportunities for the user to store one or more tool headsconveniently attached to the docknear the extraction cleaner. The armswith the projectionsreduce material usage compared to bulkier storage options. The tool head receivercan be separable, which allows the user to reduce the footprint of the dockif no storage options for the tool headare needed. The separable tool head receiveralso allows for different product model variations in which models that include multiple tools can also include the tool head receiver, whereas other models that do not include multiple tools (e.g., less expensive models) do not include the tool head receiver. However, the same molds can be used to make both models, providing some cost savings in tooling and manufacturing.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a dock for an extraction cleaner comprises: (a) a base comprising: (i) a horizontal wall presenting a top surface with a perimeter; and (ii) an inner perimeter wall extending upward from at least a portion of the top surface of the horizontal wall, the inner perimeter wall and the horizontal wall configured to receive a base of an extraction cleaner, with the top surface of the horizontal wall facing the base of the extraction cleaner and the inner perimeter wall at least partially surrounding the base of the extraction cleaner; and (b) a tool head cleaning tray comprising (i) a bottom wall and one or more side walls extending upward from the bottom wall of the tool head cleaning tray to define a reservoir for cleaning fluid, (ii) projections extending upward from the bottom wall of the tool head cleaning tray, (iii) an inserted position inserted into a receptacle of the base of the dock, and (iv) a withdrawn position at least partially withdrawn from the receptacle of the base of the dock, the tool head cleaning tray selectively manipulable to, from, and between the inserted position and the withdrawn position.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the dock of the first aspect is presented, wherein (i) the horizontal wall of the base of the dock comprises a plurality of venting apertures therethrough, and (ii) in the inserted position, the reservoir of the tool head cleaning tray is disposed below, and exposed to, the plurality of venting apertures.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the dock of any one of the first through second aspects is presented, wherein (i) the inner perimeter wall of the base of the dock comprises a discontinuity, and (ii) the tool head cleaning tray comprises a handle with an inward facing surface that fills the discontinuity and is flush with the inner perimeter wall of the base of the dock adjacent to the discontinuity when the tool head cleaning tray is in the inserted position.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the dock of any one of the first through third aspects is presented, wherein (a) the base of the dock further comprises (i) a pair of side walls that oppose each other and (ii) a rear wall orthogonal to and contiguous with the pair of side walls, and (b) in the inserted position, the reservoir of the tool head cleaning tray is disposed forward of the rear wall of the dock, sandwiched between the pair of side walls of the base of the dock, and below the horizontal wall of the base of the dock.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the dock of the fourth aspect is presented, wherein (i) each of the pair of side walls of the base of the dock comprises a rail system, and (ii) the tool head cleaning tray comprises projections that extend outward from side surfaces of the tool head cleaning tray and that cooperate with the rail system to guide the manipulation of the tool head cleaning tray to, from, and between the inserted position and the withdrawn position.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the dock of any one of the first through fifth aspects is presented, wherein the base of the dock further comprises an outer perimeter wall joined to the inner perimeter wall at a top edge of the base of the dock at least partially surrounding the inner perimeter wall, the outer perimeter wall extending downward from the top edge to a bottom edge that is elevationally below the horizontal wall.