Refresh Tool with Bristle Fluid Applicator

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/662,501, filed on Jun. 21, 2024, entitled, “REFRESH TOOL WITH BRISTLE FLUID APPLICATOR,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The subject disclosure pertains to an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance that distributes cleaning solution onto a surface being cleaned.

Cleaning appliances that distribute cleaning solution onto a surface to be cleaned often require depositing large amounts of cleaning solution directly on the surface and render the surface damp and unusable for significant periods of time. While large amounts of cleaning solution may be necessary with some types of surfaces that need deep cleaning, other types of surfaces or cleaning operations require less cleaning solution. As such, these other types of surfaces or cleaning operations generally receive more cleaning solution and require a greater wait time to dry than is necessary.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance includes a housing having a surface defining a suction nozzle. A fluid delivery circuit is associated with the housing for distributing a cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuit includes the suction nozzle associated with the housing for removing soiled cleaning solution from the surface. A bristle block is coupled to the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid delivery circuit. The bristle block supports a bristle cluster and defines a fluid delivery aperture that receives the cleaning solution from the fluid delivery circuit and distributes the cleaning solution through the bristle cluster onto the surface to be cleaned.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance includes a housing having a surface defining a suction nozzle. A fluid delivery circuit is associated with the housing and includes a manifold cap having a manifold input for receiving a cleaning solution and a plurality of manifold outputs for distributing the cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuit includes the suction nozzle associated with the housing for removing soiled cleaning solution from the surface. A bristle block is coupled to the manifold cap and is in fluid communication with the plurality of manifold outputs. The bristle block supports a plurality of bristle clusters and defines a plurality of fluid delivery apertures in alignment with the plurality of bristle clusters that receive the cleaning solution from the fluid delivery circuit and distribute the cleaning solution through the plurality of bristle clusters onto the surface to be cleaned.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance includes a housing having a surface defining a suction nozzle. A fluid delivery circuit is associated with the housing for distributing a cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuit includes the suction nozzle associated with the housing for removing soiled cleaning solution from the surface. A bristle block is coupled to the housing and includes a sleeve defining a bristle channel that receives the cleaning solution from the fluid delivery circuit and distributes the cleaning solution through the bristle channel onto the surface to be cleaned. A bristle cluster is located within the sleeve.

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 aspects reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance that distributes cleaning solution onto a surface being cleaned. The attachment tool may be configured to distribute cleaning solution through one or more bristle clusters in order to limit the amount of cleaning solution utilized and dampen a surface to be cleaned rather than soaking the surface. As a result, the surface dries quickly after the cleaning process and cleaning solution usage is minimized. The attachment tool may be used on any type of cleaning surface, such as upholstery.

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 “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, reference numeralgenerally designates an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance. The attachment toolincludes a housinghaving a surface (e.g., a bottom surface) defining a suction nozzle(e.g., a suction nozzle inlet). A fluid delivery circuitis associated with the housingfor distributing a cleaning solutionto a surfaceto be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuitincludes the suction nozzleassociated with the housingfor removing soiled cleaning solutionfrom the surface. A bristle blockis coupled to the housingand in fluid communication with the fluid delivery circuit. The bristle blocksupports a bristle clusterand defines a fluid delivery aperturethat receives the cleaning solutionfrom the fluid delivery circuitand distributes the cleaning solutionthrough the bristle clusteronto the surfaceto be cleaned.

With continued reference to, the bristle blockmay support a plurality of bristle clusters(e.g., 4 or more, 8 or more, 10 or more, 12 or more, etc.) and define a plurality of fluid delivery aperturesin alignment with the plurality of bristle clusters. Each bristle clustermay be associated with at least one of the fluid delivery apertures, such that the cleaning solutionis distributed through each of the plurality of the bristle clusters. The plurality of bristle clustersmay be supported in one or more patterns. For example, the bristle clustersmay be supported along a straight line, a grid pattern, an array, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some implementations, the bristle clustersmay have equal spacing from one another. In other implementations, the bristle clustersmay have unequal spacing from one another. In some embodiments, the suction nozzle inletis defined between the bristle blockand the housing(e.g., defined at least in part by the bottom surface). The suction nozzleremoves the soiled cleaning solutionthrough the suction nozzle inletand the suction nozzle inletmay extend entirely around and remove the soiled cleaning solutionentirely around the bristle block. In some implementations, the suction nozzle inletmay define two or more inlets that each extend entirely around two or more different bristle clusters, respectively. In this manner, during operation, the cleaning solutionis deposited through each bristle clusterand suction force is applied through the suction nozzle inlet(e.g., 360° around the bristle clusters) to facilitate quick and thorough removal of the soiled cleaning solutionfrom the surface. However, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the suction nozzle inletmay be defined by the housingand the bristle blockmay be isolated from the fluid recovery circuit. For example, the bristle blockmay be located within a separate cavity of the housingor exterior to the housing(e.g., in a forward and/or rearward direction from the suction nozzle inlet).

As depicted, the bristle clustersmay be supported along a straight line. As such, each bristle clusteris proximate the suction nozzle inlet(e.g., closer to portions of the suction nozzle inletthan any other bristle cluster) and removal of the soiled cleaning solutionis further streamlined. Each bristle clustermay at least partially extend through the suction nozzle, past the suction nozzle inlet, and outwardly from the housingto permit the bristle clustersto be utilized for scrubbing during usage. More particularly, the bristle blockmay include a sleevein fluid communication with the fluid delivery circuitand each bristle clustermay include a plurality of bristleseach extending between an interior endand an exterior end. The interior endsof the bristlesare located in and supported in the sleevewhile the exterior endsextend out of the sleeve, through the suction nozzle, and past the suction nozzle inlet.

As best illustrated in, the sleevemay extend to the bottom surfaceof the housingand in alignment with the suction nozzle. As such, the sleevemay confine the bristlesand prevent fraying over repeated use. In some embodiments, the bristlesmay each (e.g., substantially all) define a length between the interior endsand the exterior ends, and a majority of the length may be located in the sleeve. The sleevemay include an interior wallextending circumferentially (e.g., at least partially) about an axis that defines a bristle channeland the bristle clustermay be located in and confined within the bristle channel. The exterior endsof at least some of the plurality of bristlesoutside of the bristle channelmay flare radially outwardly past the interior wall. In some implementations, the length between the interior endsand the exterior endsof the bristlesmay be substantially the same. In other implementations, the length between the interior endsand the exterior endsof the bristlesmay be different. For example, each bristle clustersmay include some bristlesthat are longer than other bristles. In some implementations, outermost bristles(e.g., relative to the axis of the bristle channel) in each or select bristle clustersmay be longer. In this manner, when the exterior endsof at least some of the plurality of bristlesflare radially outwardly past the interior wall, the exterior endsmay terminate substantially along the same plane as the other bristles.

The sleevemay be plural (e.g., each bristle clustermay be located in different sleeve) or singular. For example, the interior wallof the sleevemay define a plurality of the bristle channelsand the bristle clustersmay be located in different ones of the bristle channels. In some embodiments, the interior walldefines a plurality of opposing ribsin pairs between each adjacent bristle channelthat at least partially define the plurality of bristle channels. Each opposing ribin the pair may be spaced from one another to define a fluid passagebetween adjacent bristle channels. In some embodiments, each ribdefines opposing curves such that the bristle channelsare substantially circular in cross-section. In this way, the bristle channelsmay be circular and fluidically connected to one another by the fluid passages. However, it is contemplated that the bristle channelsmay have other shapes and/or be fluidically isolated from each other (e.g., not include any adjoining fluid passages).

With reference now to, the fluid delivery circuitmay include a manifold caphaving a manifold inputfor receiving the cleaning solutionand a manifold output() for distributing the cleaning solutionto the bristle block. The bristle blockis coupled to the manifold capand is in fluid communication with the manifold output. The manifold outputmay be singular (e.g., distributing the cleaning solutionto each fluid delivery aperture) or plural (e.g., each manifold outputdistributing the cleaning solutionto a single fluid delivery apertureor select fluid delivery apertures).

With continued reference to, the bristle blockmay include a bodyand a head. The bodymay include an inward stepextending to the head. The manifold capmay include a cup portiondefining a pocket. In some embodiments, the manifold outputterminates within the pocket. The headmay be located in the pocketand define the fluid delivery apertures. As depicted, each bristle channelmay be aligned with and fed the cleaning solutionthrough one or more (e.g., two, three, or more) of the fluid delivery apertures. The cup portionmay define a rimaround the pocketand the rimabuts the inward stepof the body. In this manner, the manifold capfluidically seals around the head. More particularly, the manifold capmay be formed of an elastomeric material that forms an interference fit. A sealing adhesive may be placed between the body, the head, and/or the inward stepand the cup portion(e.g., including the rim).

With continued reference to, the housingmay include a main housing portionthat locates and supports the bristle blockand manifold capand a connection portionthat is configured to connect to the cleaning appliance. The connection portionmay define a fluid delivery portassociated with the fluid delivery circuitand a fluid recovery portassociated with the fluid recovery circuit. A fluid delivery line(e.g., flexible and formed of elastomeric material) may extend from the fluid delivery port, through an openingon a rear surfaceof the housing, to the manifold input. More particularly, the fluid delivery linemay include a first end that defines a cantilevered connector. The cantilevered connectormay form an interference fit with the manifold inputand/or may include the sealing adhesive. The fluid delivery portmay include a fluid delivery line connectorwhich may be similarly cantilevered for forming an interference fit with the fluid delivery lineand/or may include the sealing adhesive. The fluid recovery portmay include one or more latches, buttons, apertures, or connectors designated by reference numeralfor selectively attaching and detaching the attachment toolto the cleaning appliance.

The bristle blockmay include ledgesextending outwardly from a front surface and/or a rear surface of the bristle block. The ledgesmay extend outwardly from the bristle blockpast the suction nozzle inletand into contact with the housingto align and support the bristle blockproximate the suction nozzleand the suction nozzle inlet. An interior surfaceof the main housing portionmay include ledge connection surfaces, such as grooves, depressions, steps, and/or other structures that contact the ledgesas designated by reference numeral().

The main housing portionmay extend between a front surfaceand the rear surface. The front surfacemay include a cover(e.g., a lens). The covermay be selectively connectable to the main housing portionvia a pair of tabsand a latchthat engages a projectionon the main housing portionand biases the tabsinto an inner surface main housing portion. The main housing portionmay generally widen from the connection portionto the bottom surface(e.g., the suction nozzle inlet).

With reference now to, the cleaning applianceis depicted schematically. The cleaning appliancemay include an appliance bodyand a flexible suction hoseextends from the appliance bodyto the attachment tooland be connected to the fluid delivery portand the fluid recovery port. The flexible suction hosemay include a fluid outlet channelconnected to the fluid delivery portand associated with the fluid delivery circuitand a fluid inlet channelconnected to the fluid recovery portand associated with the fluid recovery circuit. As schematically illustrated, the cleaning appliancemay include a fluid delivery and recovery system. The fluid delivery and recovery systemmay include a supply tankcontaining the cleaning solution. A fluid delivery lineextends from the supply tankto the flexible suction hose(e.g., the fluid outlet channel). A pumpis operably coupled to the supply tankand/or the fluid delivery line. An intake pathwaymay extend from the fluid inlet channelto a debris holding container. A motoris in operable communication with a fanwithin the intake pathway. The motorselectively generates an airflow through the intake pathway(e.g., originating from the suction nozzle inletof the attachment tool). The cleaning appliancemay include a power source. In some embodiments, a batteryat least partially functions as the power source. The batterymay be charged by an AC current from an electrical outlet to a charging module, which may or may not be located directly on be is operably coupled to the battery. However, it should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the household AC current at least partially functions as the power sourcein addition or alternatively to the battery. The cleaning appliancemay further include a control systemfor effectuating the fluid delivery and recovery system(e.g., on-off, suction power levels, flow rate of the cleaning solution, and/or the like). The control systemmay include one or more processors, logic control circuits, and/or the like. The control systemmay be configured to relay instructions from a user interface (e.g., on the attachment tool, a corresponding wand, and/or the cleaning appliance) to effectuate fluid distribution and recovery. A valvemay be located between the fluid delivery lineand the pumpfor selectively opening and closing the fluid delivery line.

With reference now to, an attachment toolaccording to a second construction is illustrated. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the attachment toolmay include all the same features, structures, materials, relative sizes, relative spacing, and functionalities of the attachment toolpreviously described in reference to. Likewise, the attachment toolmay be compatible and used with the cleaning appliancedepicted in. More particularly, the attachment toolincludes a housinghaving a bottom surfacedefining a suction nozzle. A fluid delivery circuitis associated with the housingfor distributing the cleaning solutionto a surfaceto be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuitincludes the suction nozzleassociated with the housingfor removing soiled cleaning solutionfrom the surface. A bristle blockis coupled to the housingand in fluid communication with the fluid delivery circuit. The bristle blocksupports at least one bristle cluster(e.g., a plurality of bristle clusters) and defines a fluid delivery aperturethat receives the cleaning solutionfrom the fluid delivery circuitand distributes the cleaning solutionthrough the at least one bristle clusteronto the surfaceto be cleaned.

As depicted in, the fluid delivery circuitmay include a manifold caphaving a manifold inputfor receiving the cleaning solutionand at least one manifold outputfor distributing the cleaning solutionto the bristle block. The bristle blockincludes a bodyand a head. The bodyincludes an inward stepextending to the head. The manifold capmay include a cup portiondefining a pocket. In some embodiments, the manifold outputterminates within the pocket. The headmay be located in the pocketand define the fluid delivery apertures. As depicted, the bodyincludes a plurality of sleevesdefining bristle channels. Each bristle channelmay be aligned with and fed the cleaning solutionthrough the fluid delivery apertures. The cup portionmay define a rimaround the pocketand the rimabuts the inward stepof the body. In this manner, the manifold capfluidically seals around the head. More particularly, the manifold capmay be formed of an elastomeric material that forms an interference fit. A sealing adhesive may be placed between the body, the head, and/or the inward stepand the cup portion(e.g., including the rim). In some embodiments, the manifold cap may define dimplesthat mate with corresponding structures in the housingfor aligning and securing the manifold capwithin the housing. Rather than having ledges, the bristle blockmay include a brimthat extends outwardly from a front and rear surface of the bristle blockand connects to the housing, aligning the bristle blockwith the suction nozzle. The plurality of sleevesmay each be spaced from one another or integrally formed in a sequence (e.g., along one or more of the patterns as previously described). An exterior surface of the sleevesmay be cylindrically-shaped.

With continued reference to, the housingmay include a main housing portionthat locates and supports the bristle blockand manifold capand a connection portionthat is configured to connect to the cleaning appliance. The main housing portionmay extend between a front surfaceand a rear surface. The front surfacemay include a cover(e.g., a lens). The covermay be selectively connectable to the main housing portionvia a latchthat engages a projectionon the main housing portion. The covermay include a bottom sectionthat defines the bottom surfaceof the housingand a side sectionthat extends from the bottom sectionto the latch. In this manner, a suction nozzle inlet() may be defined between the bristle blockand the suction nozzle.

As best illustrated in, the suction nozzleremoves the soiled cleaning solutionthrough the suction nozzle inletand the suction nozzle inletmay extend around one or more sides of the bristle block(e.g., not entirely around). More particularly, the main housing portionmay include an interior wallthat locates the bristle blockwithin a cellisolated from the fluid recovery circuit. As depicted, the fluid recovery circuitis at least partially defined between the coverand a side of the interior wallopposite the cell. However, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the suction nozzle inletmay be defined by the housingand the bristle blockmay be isolated from the fluid recovery circuit. For example, the bristle blockmay be located within a separate cavity of the housingor exterior to the housing(e.g., in a forward and/or rearward direction from the suction nozzle inlet).

With reference now to, it should be appreciated that certain features of cleaning applianceare exemplary in nature and that the attachment tool,can be used with a variety of cleaning appliance technologies. As such, it will be understood that the features, functions, and structures described herein may be used in conjunction with a variety of surface cleaner configurations that utilize fluid delivery and recovery platforms. For example, the attachment tool,may be implemented in conjunction with handheld vacuum cleaners, cleaners with liquid distribution, deep cleaners, portable cleaners, and any logically relevant type of fluid distribution and recovery-based cleaning system.

With reference now to, the cleaning applianceis configured as a portable deep cleaner device. The portable deep cleaner devicemay have a variety of uses including the general cleaning of surfaces, but also offers additional components and functionalities that are particularly suitable for stain removal of surfaces, like a carpet, furniture, upholstery, bedding, and/or the like by introducing fluids, heat, and/or other cleaning agents to the surfaceduring cleaning. The portable deep cleaner devicemay include a base(e.g., a flat base) defined by an appliance bodythat sits on the cleaning surface. A handlemay be connected to the appliance body(e.g., opposite the base) for lifting and moving the portable deep cleaner devicebetween locations during the cleaning process. The attachment toolmay connect to the portable deep cleaner devicevia a flexible suction hose. It should further be appreciated that the cleaning appliancemay include a variety of different components, functionalities, and materials, such as the device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 9,474,424, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

With reference now to, the suction cleaning apparatusmay be configured as an upright vacuum cleaner device. The upright vacuum cleaner devicemay have a variety of uses including the general cleaning of surfaces, but also offers additional components and functionalities that are particularly suitable for larger areas than, for example, portable deep cleaner devices. The upright vacuum cleaner devicemay also include components that facilitate the introduction of fluids, heat, and/or other cleaning agents to the surfaceduring cleaning. The upright vacuum cleaner devicemay include a handlethat extends from an appliance body. One or more wheelsare rotatably connected to the appliance bodyto facilitate movement of the upright vacuum cleaner devicearound the cleaning surface. The attachment tool,may be defined by a base of the appliance bodyand/or may be selectively connected to a flexible suction hose. It should further be appreciated that the upright vacuum cleaner devicemay include a variety of different components, functionalities, and materials, such as the device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 10,188,252, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

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

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance includes a housing having a surface defining a suction nozzle. A fluid delivery circuit is associated with the housing for distributing a cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuit includes the suction nozzle associated with the housing for removing soiled cleaning solution from the surface. A bristle block is coupled to the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid delivery circuit. The bristle block supports a bristle cluster and defines a fluid delivery aperture that receives the cleaning solution from the fluid delivery circuit and distributes the cleaning solution through the bristle cluster onto the surface to be cleaned.

According to another aspect, a bristle cluster at least partially extends through a suction nozzle.

According to yet another aspect, a bristle block includes a sleeve in fluid communication with a fluid delivery circuit and a bristle cluster includes a plurality of bristles each extending between an interior end and an exterior end. The interior ends of bristles are located in the sleeve.

According to still yet another aspect, a sleeve extends to a surface of a housing defining a suction nozzle and is aligned with the suction nozzle.

According to another aspect, bristles each define a length between interior ends and exterior ends, and a majority of the length is located in a sleeve.

According to yet another aspect, a sleeve includes an interior wall extending circumferentially about an axis that defines a bristle channel. A bristle cluster is located in and confined within the bristle channel.

According to still yet another aspect, exterior ends of at least some of a plurality of bristles outside of a bristle channel flare radially outwardly past an interior wall.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance includes a housing having a surface defining a suction nozzle. A fluid delivery circuit is associated with the housing and includes a manifold cap having a manifold input for receiving a cleaning solution and a plurality of manifold outputs for distributing the cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuit includes the suction nozzle associated with the housing for removing soiled cleaning solution from the surface. A bristle block is coupled to the manifold cap and is in fluid communication with the plurality of manifold outputs. The bristle block supports a plurality of bristle clusters and defines a plurality of fluid delivery apertures in alignment with the plurality of bristle clusters that receive the cleaning solution from the fluid delivery circuit and distribute the cleaning solution through the plurality of bristle clusters onto the surface to be cleaned.

According to another aspect, a bristle block includes a body and a head, and the body includes an inward step extending to the head.

According to yet another aspect, a manifold cap includes a cup portion defining a pocket, and a plurality of manifold outputs terminate within a pocket.

According to still yet another aspect, the head is located in a pocket.

According to another aspect, a cup portion defines a rim around a pocket and the rim abuts an inward step of a body.

According to yet another aspect, a manifold cap is formed of elastomeric material and fluidically seals around a head.

According to still yet another aspect, a bristle block includes a sleeve and a plurality of bristle clusters are located in the sleeve.

According to another aspect, a sleeve includes an interior wall defining a plurality of bristle channels and a plurality of bristle clusters are located in different ones of the bristle channels.

According to yet another aspect, an interior wall defines a plurality of opposing rib pairs defining a plurality of bristle channels, each opposing rib pair is spaced from one another to define a fluid passage between adjacent bristle channels.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance includes a housing having a surface defining a suction nozzle. A fluid delivery circuit is associated with the housing for distributing a cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuit includes the suction nozzle associated with the housing for removing soiled cleaning solution from the surface. A bristle block is coupled to the housing and includes a sleeve defining a bristle channel that receives the cleaning solution from the fluid delivery circuit and distributes the cleaning solution through the bristle channel onto the surface to be cleaned. A bristle cluster is located within the sleeve.

According to another aspect, a bristle cluster includes a plurality of bristles each extending between an interior end and an exterior end. The interior ends of the bristles are located in a bristle channel and the exterior ends extend through a suction nozzle and past a surface of a housing defining a suction nozzle.

According to yet another aspect, the suction nozzle includes a suction nozzle inlet that is defined between a bristle block and the housing. The suction nozzle removes a soiled cleaning solution through the suction nozzle inlet.