Apparatus and method for cleaning surfaces

Abstract

A method for cleaning surfaces having the steps of depositing a cleaning fluid onto the surface from a cleaning fluid reservoir on a wet extractor, contacting the surface with a hand-held ultrasonic spot cleaner, applying ultrasonic vibrations to the surface using the hand-held ultrasonic spot cleaner to help release soil form the surface, and removing the cleaning fluid and soil using the wet extractor. A wet extractor having an ultrasonic cleaning component is also provided. Further provided is a combined cleaning system having a cleaning device and a hand-held ultrasonic spot cleaner. The cleaning device has a dirt receptacle, a nozzle adapted to be positioned adjacent a surface to be cleaned, and a vacuum source adapted to generate a working air flow from the nozzle to the dirt receptacle. The hand-held ultrasonic spot cleaner includes an ultrasonic wave generating source, an ultrasonic cleaning head adapted to be driven by the ultrasonic wave generating source, and a control switch adapted to selectively activate the ultrasonic wave generating source. Multiple variations thereof are also provided.

Description

technical field [0001] [0001] The present invention relates generally to cleaning systems and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for cleaning floors, fabrics, clothing, upholstery, drapes, cloths, floors, and other various hard and soft surfaces. Background technique [0002] [0002] A number of cleaning systems have been proposed for the care of carpeted and bare floors as well as various fabrics such as clothing, upholstery and drapes. Examples of conventional cleaning systems include simple scrubbing implements (such as sponges and mops), as well as more complex vacuum equipment, dehumidifiers (vacuum cleaners used with liquids being poured), steam cleaners (using steam or hot water) and Ultrasonic cleaning equipment. Such devices are typically used with water, detergents, and other chemicals that are useful for removing dirt, bacteria, smudges, or other undesirable contaminants from the surface being cleaned. [0003] [0003] While known cleaning devices are us...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0003] [0003] While known cleaning devices are useful for performing specific cleaning operations, various disadvantages continue to affect the performance of these devices

For example, although humidifiers have been found useful for removing embedded dirt and stains, such devices sometimes fail to restore carpet to "as new" condition

In other cases, the dehumidifier is often able to refresh the carpet, but still cannot remove localized dirt collections and stains

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