Apparatus for cleaning a floor surface

Abstract

A floor tool for an apparatus having a source of suction for cleaning a floor surface, the floor tool includes a base assembly including a base part having a first passage with a respective inlet, and a second passage with a respective inlet. A device for effecting movement of the base part is between respective first and second conditions, and the first and second inlets are positioned in respective planes.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A floor tool for an apparatus for cleaning a floor surface, said apparatus including a source of suction, the floor tool including:
 a base assembly including a base part having:
 a first passage with a respective inlet; and 
 a second passage with a respective inlet; 
   a device for effecting movement of the base part between respective first and second conditions;
 wherein the first and second inlets are positioned in respective planes. 
   
     
     
         2 . A floor tool according to  claim 1  wherein the respective planes are spaced from each other. 
     
     
         3 . A floor tool according to  claim 2  wherein the respective planes are spaced from each other in a generally vertical direction away from the floor surface. 
     
     
         4 . A floor tool according to  claim 1  wherein the respective planes are angularly spaced from each other. 
     
     
         5 . A floor tool according to  claim 4  wherein the respective plane of the first inlet is inclined at an angle β with respect to the respective plane in which the second inlet is positioned. 
     
     
         6 . A floor tool according to  claim 5  wherein β is between 4 to 8° and preferably β is 6° about 6°. 
     
     
         7 . A floor tool according to  claim 1  wherein the planes are intersecting planes. 
     
     
         8 . A floor tool according to  claim 1  wherein the base part is pivotally moveable. 
     
     
         9 . A floor tool according to  claim 8  wherein the base part is pivotally moveable through an angle θ, and preferably an angle of inclination between the respective planes is substantially equal to or equal to θ. 
     
     
         10 . A floor tool according to  claim 8  wherein the base part includes a ground engaging portion about which the base part is pivotally moveable as it moves between its first and second conditions. 
     
     
         11 . A floor tool according to  claim 10  wherein the ground engaging portion is positioned between the inlets of the first and second passages. 
     
     
         12 . A floor tool according to  claim 10  wherein the planes intersect each other near or at the ground engaging portion. 
     
     
         13 . A floor tool according to  claim 1  wherein the inlet of the second passage is positioned rearwardly of the inlet of the first passage and preferably is positioned in between the inlet of the first passage and the connection of the base assembly to the upright part. 
     
     
         14 . A floor tool according to  claim 1  wherein when the base part is in its first condition the inlet of the first passage is positioned closer to a floor surface than it is positioned when the base part is in its second condition. 
     
     
         15 . A floor tool according to  claim 1  wherein when the base part is in its second condition the inlet of the second passage is positioned closer to a floor surface than it is positioned when the base part is in its first condition. 
     
     
         16 . A floor tool according to  claim 1  wherein when the base part is in its first condition the first inlet is position in a plane which is substantially parallel or parallel to the floor surface. 
     
     
         17 . A floor tool according to  claim 1  wherein when the base part is in its second condition the first inlet is position in a plane which is generally inclined with respect to the floor surface. 
     
     
         18 . A floor tool according to  claim 1  wherein when the base part is in its second condition the second inlet is positioned in a plane which is substantially parallel or parallel to the floor surface. 
     
     
         19 . A floor tool according to  claim 1  wherein when the base part is in its first condition the second inlet is positioned in a plane which is generally inclined with respect to the floor surface. 
     
     
         20 . A floor tool according to  claim 1  wherein the source of suction is for providing suction to one or both of the first and second passages, and preferably includes a valve for controlling a flow of suction to one or both of the first or second passages.