Cleaning wand with multiple cleaning heads for use with an all surface cleaning apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning wand generally employed with a multi-functional surface cleaning machine having a fluid tank, a pump, a dispensing device, and at least one receptacle for holding concentrated cleaning chemicals. The cleaning wand of one embodiment of the present invention is adapted for interconnection to a vacuum hose on one end and may receive various cleaning tools on the other end.

1 . A cleaning device for use with various surface cleaning devices comprising: 
 a member with a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end adapted for fluid connection to a surface cleaning device;    a cleaning head that is adapted for fluid connection with the distal end of the member;    a fluid supply line in fluid communication with the surface cleaning device;    a valve in fluid communication with the fluid supply line proximate to the proximal end of the member;    a mechanism connected to the valve having at least a first position of use that substantially prohibits the flow of fluid therethrough and a second position of use that substantially allows fluid to flow therethrough; and    wherein the cleaning head is adapted to interface with the member and transport dirt, debris, fluid, or a combination thereof through the member when vacuum pressure is provided by a surface cleaning device.    
   
   
       2 . The cleaning device of  claim 1 , wherein the cleaning head is a squeegee, a grout cleaning tool, a fluid extraction head, a spray nozzle, or a dry vacuum.  
   
   
       3 . The cleaning device of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid line includes a quick disconnect that is adapted to interface with the cleaning head such that fluid is selectively ejected therefrom.  
   
   
       4 . The cleaning device of  claim 1 , wherein the cleaning head includes at least one fluid line for connection to the fluid supply line, wherein cleaning fluid may be selectively deposited onto a surface with a fluid jet.  
   
   
       5 . The cleaning device of  claim 4 , wherein the fluid jet is connected to a movable bracket that allows selective positioning of the fluid jet at least along an axis of the cleaning head substantially perpendicular to the member.  
   
   
       6 . The cleaning device of  claim 4 , wherein the fluid jet is adapted to deposit pressurized fluid at a predetermined angle relative to the surface being cleaned.  
   
   
       7 . The cleaning device of  claim 4 , wherein the fluid jet is capable of selectively altering at least one of the expelled fluid's pressure, mass flow, or dispersement pattern.  
   
   
       8 . The cleaning device of  claim 1 , wherein the cleaning head includes at least one fluid line for connection to the fluid supply line, wherein cleaning fluid may be selectively deposited onto a surface.  
   
   
       9 . The cleaning device of  claim 8 , wherein the cleaning tool is a grout tool that includes at least one brush that agitates debris and a squeegee that contains the cleaning fluid and debris for suction by the tubular member.  
   
   
       10 . The cleaning device of  claim 9 , further including a second squeegee, wherein the squeegee is positioned near the front end of a grout tool vacuum body and the second squeegee is positioned near the rear end of the grout tool vacuum body.  
   
   
       11 . The cleaning device of  claim 8 , wherein the cleaning tool is a carpet cleaning tool that includes at least one spray nozzle for selectively depositing cleaning fluid onto a carpet and a carpet spray extractor that substantially removes the cleaning fluid and entrained debris from the carpet.  
   
   
       12 . The cleaning device of  claim 1 , wherein the member includes a plurality of bends.  
   
   
       13 . The cleaning device of  claim 12 , wherein at least one bend is located near the proximal end of the member and one bend is located near the distal end of the member.  
   
   
       14 . A cleaning device for use with a surface cleaning device comprising: 
 a cleaning means that interfaces with a surface to remove debris therefrom;    a means for providing suction connected to the cleaning means;    a means for selectively depositing cleaning fluid onto the surface; and    wherein the means for providing suction is capable of interfacing with various types of cleaning means, and the cleaning means is adapted to transport dirt, debris, fluid, or a combination thereof through the means for providing suction when vacuum pressure is provided.    
   
   
       15 . The cleaning device of  claim 14 , further comprising: 
 a flow restriction means in fluid communication with the means for depositing cleaning fluid; and    a trigger mechanism connected to the flow restriction means that has at least a first position of use that prohibits the flow of fluid and a second position of use that allows fluid to flow at a predetermined rate.    
   
   
       16 . The cleaning device of  claim 14 , wherein the cleaning means is a squeegee, a grout cleaning tool, a fluid extraction head, a spray nozzle, or a dry vacuum.  
   
   
       17 . The cleaning device of  claim 14 , wherein the means for depositing cleaning fluid includes a means for connecting to the cleaning means that allows for the cleaning means to be quickly engaged and disengaged.  
   
   
       18 . The cleaning device of  claim 14 , wherein the cleaning means includes at least one fluid line for connection to the means for supplying cleaning fluid, wherein cleaning fluid may be selectively deposited onto a surface.  
   
   
       19 . The cleaning device of  claim 14 , wherein the means for selectively depositing cleaning fluid onto the surface is capable of selectively altering at least one of the expelled fluid's pressure, mass flow, or dispersement pattern.  
   
   
       20 . The cleaning device of  claim 18 , wherein the cleaning means includes at least one fluid line for connection to the means for supplying cleaning fluid, wherein cleaning fluid may be selectively deposited onto a surface with a fluid pressurization means.  
   
   
       21 . The cleaning device of  claim 18 , wherein the fluid pressurization means is capable of at least selective positioning along an axis of the cleaning means substantially perpendicular to the means for providing suction.  
   
   
       22 . The cleaning device of  claim 17 , wherein the fluid pressurization means is adapted to deposit fluid at a predetermined angle relative to the surface.  
   
   
       23 . The cleaning device of  claim 17 , wherein the cleaning means is a grout tool that includes at least one debris agitating means and a fluid containment means.  
   
   
       24 . The cleaning device of  claim 17 , wherein the cleaning means is a carpet cleaning tool that includes at least one spraying means for selectively depositing cleaning fluid onto a carpet and an extraction means that substantially removes the cleaning fluid and entrained debris from the carpet.  
   
   
       25 . A cleaning head adapted for connection to a surface cleaning device comprising: 
 a body having an upper surface, a lower surface, and lateral surfaces therebetween, the body also having an aperture for connection to a vacuum wand;    a fluid retention member connected to the lower surface of the body;    a vacuum chamber situated proximate to at least a portion of the fluid retention member, the vacuum chamber being in communication with the body aperture;    a bracket movably connected to the body;    a spray jet connected to the bracket, wherein fluid may be deposited on a surface to be cleaned at a predetermined angle and pressure, wherein at least a portion of the fluid is substantially contained by the fluid retention member to be suctioned through the vacuum chamber into the surface cleaning device.    
   
   
       26 . The cleaning head of  claim 25 , further comprising: 
 a brush connected to the lower surface of the body;    a second fluid retention member connected to the lower surface of the body; wherein    the lateral surface of the body includes at least a front surface and a rear surface, and wherein the fluid retention member is located proximate to the front surface of the body and the second fluid retention member is located proximate to the rear surface of the body, thus substantially defining the vacuum chamber.    
   
   
       27 . The cleaning head of  claim 26 , wherein the fluid retention member and the second fluid retention member are squeegees, and wherein the brush is connected to the body between the second fluid retention member and the spray jet.  
   
   
       28 . The cleaning head of  claim 25 , further comprising a second bracket connected to the body with a second spray jet connected thereto.  
   
   
       29 . The cleaning device of  claim 25 , wherein the spray jet is capable of selectively altering at least one of the expelled fluid's pressure, mass flow, or dispersement pattern.