WO2025158142A1

WO2025158142A1 - Auxiliary tool and machine

Info

Publication number: WO2025158142A1
Application number: PCT/GB2025/050104
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lewis MANUEL; Marcus ASTON; James Forrest; Daniel Martin; Peter Masters; Peter Coyle
Original assignee: Numatic International Ltd
Current assignee: Numatic International Ltd
Priority date: 2024-01-24
Filing date: 2025-01-22
Publication date: 2025-07-31
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-24
Also published as: GB202400932D0; GB2640115A8; GB2640115A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an auxiliary tool (20) and a surface treatment machine connected to the auxiliary tool (20). The auxiliary tool (20) is provided to facilitate cleaning of surfaces in confined spaces. The tool (20) comprises a tubular body (1, 2), having a leading end arranged for placement in the region of a surface to be cleaned in use, and a proximal end configured for connection with a surface treatment machine. The tool also comprises a fluid delivery line (18) having an inlet connectable to a fluid source, and an outlet (4) for fluid delivery towards the leading end of the tool (20). The tool (20) is also provided with an extraction head (5) mounted towards the leading end of the tool (20) and an extraction conduit (17) within the tubular body (1, 2), wherein the extraction head (5) has an opening in fluid communication with the extraction conduit (17), for fluid and debris recovery through the opening of the extraction head (5) and via the extraction conduit (17). The tool (20) further comprises an agitation head (6) mounted towards the leading end of the tool (20), wherein the agitation head (6) and the extraction head (5) are relatively movable such that the tool is operable in at least three configurations: (i) a fluid delivery configuration in which fluid is deliverable to the leading end of the tool (20) via the fluid outlet (4); (ii) an agitation configuration in which the agitation head (6) is located at the leading end of the tool (20) to enable effective agitation of a surface to be cleaned; and (iii) an extraction configuration in which the extraction head (6) is located at the leading end of the tool (20) to enable effective extraction of fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned via the opening in the extraction head (5). Advantageously, the tool (20) provides full cleaning functionality, while occupying a small overall footprint and can be extended for use and retracted for easy storage.

Description

AUXILIARY TOOL and MACHINE

The present invention relates to an auxiliary tool, which facilitates cleaning of confined spaces, and a surface treatment machine detachably connectable to the auxiliary tool. Particularly, though not exclusively, the invention relates to an extendable tool with interchangeable cleaning heads for use in three different configurations: solution delivery, agitation and extraction.

Conventional multi-functional floor cleaning machines are often equipped with a variety of different cleaning modes and attachments for suction, agitation, scrubbing, cleaning fluid delivery and recovery and the like. The plurality of cleaning components that must be located on such machines inevitably increases the size and footprint of the machines and inhibits the ability of an operator to utilise the full functionality in smaller spaces.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to improve accessibility to facilitate cleaning of smaller spaces with limited manoeuvrability while retaining the full functionality offered by a typical surface treatment machine.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an auxiliary tool for connection to a surface treatment machine, the auxiliary tool provided to facilitate cleaning of surfaces in confined spaces, wherein the auxiliary tool comprises: a tubular body, the body having a proximal end configured for connection with a surface treatment machine, and the body having a leading end arranged for placement in the region of a surface to be cleaned in use; a fluid delivery line, the fluid delivery line having an inlet connectable to a fluid source, and the fluid delivery line having an outlet for fluid delivery located towards the leading end of the tool; an extraction head mounted towards the leading end of the tool; an extraction conduit within the tubular body, wherein the extraction head has an opening in fluid communication with the extraction conduit, for fluid and debris recovery through the opening of the extraction head and via the extraction conduit; an agitation head mounted towards the leading end of the tool, wherein the agitation head and the extraction head are relatively movable such that the tool is operable in at least three configurations:

(i) a fluid delivery configuration in which fluid is deliverable ahead of the leading end of the tool via the fluid outlet;

(ii) an agitation configuration in which the agitation head is located at the leading end of the tool to enable effective agitation of a surface to be cleaned; and

(iii) an extraction configuration in which the extraction head is located at the leading end of the tool to enable effective extraction of fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned via the opening in the extraction head.

The leading end of the tool may comprise a leading end portion which contains the fluid delivery line outlet, extraction head and agitation head. The leading end portion may comprise a tool subassembly. The leading end tool subassembly may accommodate the fluid delivery line outlet, and the relatively movable extraction head and agitation head.

The proximal end of the tool may comprise an end connector portion. The proximal end connector portion may comprise a connection assembly for securely connecting the auxiliary tool to the surface treatment machine. The connection assembly may comprise one or more seals to ensure fluid tight connections between the fluid delivery line inlet and the surface treatment machine, and/or the extraction conduit and the surface treatment machine.

The fluid delivery line may be associated with the tubular body. The inlet of the fluid delivery line may be fluidly connectable to a fluid reservoir located within the surface treatment machine. The fluid delivery line may comprise a fluid conduit or fluid flow path to enable delivery of detergent, surface treatment, water and/or cleaning fluid from the surface treatment machine to the fluid delivery outlet. Thus, the fluid delivery line on the auxiliary tool enables the delivery of fluid to a location remote from the proximal end of the tool and the cleaning machine.

The fluid outlet may be shaped to direct the fluid in a preselected pattern ahead of the leading end of the tool. Thus, the fluid may be delivered to the surface to be cleaned in an optimised pattern to evenly distribute the fluid over the required surface area.

The fluid outlet may comprise a spray nozzle. The spray nozzle may comprise a plurality of apertures for delivering the fluid in a spray. The fluid outlet, spray nozzle and/or individual apertures may be shaped or profiled to deliver the fluid spray to a surface in a predetermined manner. The apertures on the spray nozzle may be arranged relative to one another, to deliver the fluid spray to a surface to be cleaned in a predetermined pattern.

The fluid outlet may be shaped to direct fluid into an arcuate form. The spray nozzle may be provided with a plurality of adjacent apertures, which direct fluid into a fan-shaped pattern on the surface to be cleaned. Thus, the fluid may be delivered in a specific form, such as a fan pattern.

The fluid outlet may be mounted on the leading end of the tool, substantially diametrically opposite the agitation head. The fluid outlet may be axially offset relative to the agitation head.

In the agitation configuration, the agitation head may be optimally positioned to facilitate contact with the surface to be cleaned. In the agitation configuration, the agitation head may be located on the leading end subassembly such that it is the outermost feature at the leading end of the tool.

In the extraction configuration, the extraction head may be optimally positioned to facilitate extraction from the surface to be cleaned. In the extraction configuration, the extraction head may be located on the leading end subassembly such that it is the outermost feature at the leading end of the tool.

The agitation head and the extraction head may be relatively movable such that the tool is movable between the agitation and extraction configurations. The agitation head and the extraction head may be relatively slidable between the agitation and extraction configurations. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one of the agitation head and the extraction head may be pivotable or otherwise rotatable to transition between the agitation and extraction configurations. Thus, the tool may transition between the agitation and extraction configurations through relative linear, slidable, pivotable and/or rotatable movement of the extraction and agitation heads.

The tool may further comprise an actuator coupled to at least one of the agitation head and/or the extraction head. The actuator may be configured such that it is actuable by an operator to transition the tool between agitation and extraction configurations. The actuator may be mounted on the tool at a location spaced from the agitation and extraction heads.

The agitation head may be movably mounted on the auxiliary tool such that it is movable relative to the extraction head. The agitation head may be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The agitation head may be in the stowed position in the extraction configuration. The agitation head may be in the deployed position in the agitation configuration.

The agitation head may be linearly and pivotally movable between the stowed and deployed positions. The agitation head may be lockable in both the stowed and deployed positions. The agitation head may be slidably and pivotally mounted on the auxiliary tool such that it is slidably and pivotally movable relative to the extraction head, between a stowed position in the extraction configuration, and a deployed position in the agitation configuration.

Alternatively, the extraction head may be movable relative to the agitation head to transition between the extraction and agitation configurations.

Alternatively, both the extraction head and the agitation head may be movable to transition between the extraction and agitation configurations. One of the cleaning heads may be axially movable and the other cleaning head may be pivotally movable.

The auxiliary tool may comprise a lock such that the tool is lockable in at least one of the agitation and/or extraction configurations. At least one of the agitation and/or extraction heads may be lockable in a preselected location at the leading end of the auxiliary tool in the agitation and/or the extraction configuration. The lock may be coupled to or form part of the actuator. The lock may restrict relative linear movement of the agitation head and/or extraction head in the locked position but may allow pivotal movement of at least one of the cleaning heads within predefined limits.

The agitation head may comprise at least one agitation member selected from the group including but not limited to: a pad, a brush, a scrubbing element, and a cleaning head. The agitation head may comprise a support on which the at least one agitation member is mounted.

The agitation head may comprise an elongate member. The elongate member may be attached directly or indirectly to the at least one agitation member at one end. A first end of the elongate member may be connected to the support. A second opposing end of the elongate member may be coupled to an actuator comprising a locking device. The actuator and locking device may comprise a throughbore for accommodating the tubular body such that it is slidable therealong and lockable thereto. The elongate member may be axially alignable with the tubular body such that the attached agitation member is linearly movable parallel to an axis of the tubular body.

The agitation head may be pivotally mounted to the tool. The agitation head may be freely pivotable within predefined limits. The tool may comprise stops to restrict pivotal movement of the agitation member within predefined limits.

Alternatively, the agitation head may be rotatably mounted via a ball joint such that the agitation member is freely rotatable within predefined limits.

The agitation head may comprise a drive means for powering motion of the agitation member. The drive means or motor may be provided within the support, and the agitation member may be movable relative to the support within predefined limits. Thus, advantageously, the agitation head may incorporate powered agitation to provide enhanced scrubbing to loosen dirt/debris on the surface to be cleaned in the agitation configuration.

The extraction conduit may be at least partially located within the tubular body. One end of the extraction conduit may be fluidly connectable to an extraction source and collection/debris chamber within the surface treatment machine.

The extraction head may comprise resilient means in the form of a brush, suction channel, squeegee or the like. The extraction head may comprise two substantially parallel resilient means defining an extraction channel therebetween. The extraction opening may be located within the extraction channel. The extraction head may be mounted on the leading end subassembly such that the extraction channel is parallel to the spray nozzle, although it may be axially and radially offset therefrom.

The auxiliary tool may comprise a tubular body that is selectively extendable. The tubular body of the auxiliary tool may be movable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The tubular body may be telescoping or otherwise compressible/extendable between retracted and extended configurations.

The auxiliary tool may comprise at least two tubular portions between the leading and proximal ends. The tool may comprise at least two concentric tubular portions of differing diameter such that they telescope to vary the length of the tool between the leading and proximal ends.

Alternatively, the tubular body of the auxiliary tool may comprise concertina tubing that is compressible to enable transition between the extended and retracted configurations.

Advantageously, the length of the tool may be varied to facilitate manipulation of the tool and enable access to a variety of surfaces located at different distances from an operator. Furthermore, the ability to reduce the length of the tool in the retracted configuration can facilitate transport and storage of the auxiliary tool and attached surface treatment machine.

The tubular body may carry a first and a second fluid flow path. The tubular body may comprise at least one tubular portion having a primary axis and a throughbore which defines the extraction conduit as the first fluid flow path, and wherein the fluid delivery line is helically coiled around the primary axis of the extraction conduit or first fluid flow path, and wherein the fluid delivery line defines the second fluid flow path that is substantially fluidly isolated from the first fluid flow path.

The tubular portion may be movable between a compressed configuration in which the helical coils of the fluid delivery line are substantially juxtaposed and the tubular body occupies a minimum axial length, and an extended configuration in which the pitch of the helical coils of the fluid delivery line are increased to extend the axial length of the tubular body.

The tubular body may be configured for use with a surface treatment machine having a suction fan fluidly connectable to the extraction conduit or first fluid flow path. The first fluid flow path or extraction conduit may be used as a route for transportation of solid waste, dust particles, and/or waste liquids.

The tubular body may be configured for use with a surface treatment machine having a treatment fluid reservoir fluidly connectable to the inlet of the fluid delivery line or second fluid flow path. The fluid delivery line or second fluid flow path may be used to deliver a cleaning solution to a surface via the fluid delivery line outlet.

The fluid delivery line may be formed from a sufficiently flexible material to create helical coils around the extraction conduit. The fluid delivery line forming the second fluid flow path may be made of a thermoplastic material or other polymer, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. Advantageously, the tool can carry a tubular body for collection of waste and delivery of a fluid/cleaning treatment solution. The tubular body provides two isolated fluid flow paths, which can be used for the delivery of fluid and recovery of waste products.

The auxiliary tool is preferably configured for use with a cleaning or surface treatment machine. The surface treatment or cleaning machine may be selected from the group comprising but not limited to: a scrubber drier machine, a vacuum cleaner, a carpet cleaner, an upholstery/furnishings cleaner.

The auxiliary tool may be retrofittable to existing surface treatment machines.

The tool may comprise control or actuation means connectable to at least one of the fluid delivery line, the agitation head and/or extraction head, wherein the control or actuation means are arranged for selective determination of the configuration of the tool. Thus, the control or actuation means may be operable to select the desired tool configuration. The control and/or actuation means may be mounted on an exterior of the tool accessible to an operator.

The fluid delivery line may be provided with a control in the form of a trigger towards the proximal end portion of the tool. Thus, the control or trigger may be mounted in a region that is readily accessible for manipulation by an operator in a region of the tool typically held by the operator. The trigger may comprise a ball valve. The trigger may be finger operable.

The tool may comprise an actuation means in the form of an actuator connectable to at least one of the agitation head and/or the extraction head for selective transition of the tool between the agitation and the extraction configurations. The actuation means may comprise the locking device that is slidably located on the exterior of the tubular body.

The actuation means may be located on the exterior at a location spaced from the foremost leading end of the tool. Thus, advantageously, the configuration of the tool may be altered remotely by an operator, without the requirement for an operator to directly contact the cleaning heads (agitation and extraction heads) which may be dirty and contaminated.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a surface treatment machine comprising an auxiliary tool according to the first aspect of the invention.

The surface treatment machine may further comprise: a suction motor or fan; a waste container connectable to one end of the extraction conduit such that the first fluid flow path is in fluid communication with the extraction suction motor; a treatment fluid reservoir connectable to the inlet of the fluid delivery line such that the second fluid flow path within the fluid delivery line is in fluid communication with the treatment fluid reservoir. The surface treatment machine may comprise a body that accommodates the suction motor, waste container and the treatment fluid reservoir.

The surface treatment machine may be powered. The surface treatment machine may be powered via connection to remote source of power, such as a mains electricity supply, or via an energy storage means, such as a battery. The control and/or actuation means provided on the auxiliary tool may be electrically connected to the surface treatment machine to provide powered control of the configuration of the auxiliary tool.

Advantageously, the surface treatment machine of the second aspect of the invention provides enhanced cleaning capability, with the option to perform cleaning tasks in confined spaces or difficult to access areas, since the auxiliary tool enables cleaning of tight spaces at a variety of distances from the main body of the surface treatment machine and at extended reach. The auxiliary tool enables cleaning of vertical, inclined and horizontal surfaces.

When not in use, the cleaning tools may be stowed and the tubing retracted to enable efficient transportation and storage of the surface treatment machine. The surface treatment machine may be selected from the group including but not limited to floor cleaners, vacuum cleaners, carpet/rug cleaners, furnishing/upholstery cleaners, and scrubber driers.

The first and second aspects of the invention may be combined with any other feature or embodiment described in the specification or shown in the figures.

Embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an auxiliary tool according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a leading end of the auxiliary tool of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken through the line A-A shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an extraction head and an agitation head at the leading end of the auxiliary tool shown in figure 1 ;

Figures 5a and 5b are side views of the leading end of the tool of Figure 4 with the agitation head and the extraction head in an agitation configuration and an extraction configuration respectively;

Figure 6 is a side view of a connection portion of the auxiliary tool of Figure 1 ; and

Figures 7a, 7b and 7c are side views of the auxiliary tool of Figure 1 in a fully retracted or collapsed configuration, the extraction configuration and the agitation configuration respectively.

An auxiliary tool according to one embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 20 in the figures. In the present embodiment, the tool 20 is an attachment for a surface cleaning machine in the form of a vacuum cleaner (not shown). The vacuum cleaner to which it is attached includes a body housing a suction source, such as a fan or suction motor, and fluid tanks for holding cleaning fluid and recovered waste/fluid debris. The tool 20 is configurable to operate in at least three modes: cleaning fluid delivery, agitation, and suction or extraction for debris and dirty fluid recovery. The structure and operation of the exemplary tool 20 is described below.

The tool 20 comprises two extruded tubular portions 1 , 2 arranged concentrically. The first tubular portion 1 has a greater diameter the second tubular portion 2. The second tubular portion 2 is slidable within the first tubular portion 1 and nests therein such that the tubular portions 1 , 2 are telescoping. Relative movement of the tubular portions 1 , 2 is controlled by an adjustable lock 10 provided at one end of the first tubular portion 1 . The adjustable lock 10 can be moved between an unlocked position which permits movement of the second tubular portion 2 relative to the first tubular portion 1 and a locked position, which prevents relative movement of the tubular portions 1 , 2, by holding the second tubular portion 2 against relative movement.

The tubular portions 1 , 2 may be moved into any position between a fully extended configuration as shown in Figure 1 and a fully retracted or collapsed configuration as shown in figure 7a. In the fully extended configuration, the second tubular portion 2 is moved outwith the first tubular portion to the maximum extent to maximise the reach of the tool 20. The tubular portions 1 , 2 may also be moved into a fully retracted configuration in which the second tubular portion 2 is nested within the first tubular portion 1 to minimise the length of the tool 20 as far as possible. The adjustable lock 10 may be released (moved into the unlocked position) to enable relative movement of the tubular portions 1 , 2 into any desired position between the fully extended and fully retracted configurations. This permits the desired length of the tool 20 to be set by an operator before use for any particular cleaning operation and the tubular portions 1 , 2, are securely lockable in the desired position. During transport and storage, it is anticipated that the adjustable lock 10 is set by the operator in the locked position with the tubular portions 1 , 2 in the fully retracted configuration to prevent further movement of the tubular portions 1 , 2 and minimise the length of the tool 20. Each tubular portion 1 , 2 carries tubing 19 containing a helically coiled fluid delivery line 18 and an extraction, recovery or suction conduit 17. Figure 3 is a view through section A-A of the leading end of the tool 20 shown in figure 2. The tubular portion 1 has a hollow throughbore which defines the suction conduit 17 and the fluid delivery line 18 is helically coiled therearound to provide two fluid flow paths for the transfer of fluids in opposing directions to and from the vacuum cleaner to which the tool 20 is attached.

The first tubular 1 is coupled at its other end (opposing the adjustable lock 10) to a cleaning head subassembly 3. The cleaning head subassembly 3 carries two relatively movable cleaning heads and is shown in more detail in figure 4. The cleaning head subassembly 3 is provided with an anti-rotation collar 21 and mounting point 7 at its upper end for connecting the subassembly 3 to the lower end of the first tubular portion 1 . At its other end (opposing the collar 21 ) the cleaning head subassembly 3 is provided with an extraction head in the form of an extraction nozzle 5. The extraction nozzle 5 has two parallel resilient brush strips or squeegee blades 25 defining a suction channel 24 therebetween. A suction opening or inlet (not shown) is located substantially centrally within the suction channel 24. The suction inlet is in fluid communication with the suction conduit 17 of the tubular portions 1 , 2. The resilient brush strips or squeegee blades 25 are provided to direct fluids for recovery into the suction channel 24 in use, and to enable creation of a low pressure area enabling recovery of fluids and debris via the suction inlet.

A fluid line outlet in the form of a spray nozzle 4 is provided on the cleaning head subassembly 3 mounted above and axially spaced from the extraction nozzle 5. The spray nozzle 4 is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery line 18. Placement of the spray nozzle 4 above the extraction nozzle 5 ensures that the fluid is sprayed ahead of the cleaning head(s) in use. The spray nozzle 4 has a plurality of apertures linearly arranged and aligned parallel with the suction channel 24 of the extraction nozzle 5 such that fluid dispensed through the spray nozzle 4 is sprayed onto a surface in a flat fan pattern in use. An agitation head 6 is slidably and pivotally mounted to an underside (in use) of the cleaning head subassembly 3 diametrically opposite the spray nozzle 4 and axially movable relative thereto. The agitation head 6 typically includes a support or mounting plate coupled to an agitation member such as a brush, pad, scrubber or the like. The agitation head 6 is attached to an elongate member or extrusion 8 via a pivoting connection that has end stops (not shown) to enable the agitation head to pivot relative to the extrusion 8 within predefined limits. The extrusion 8 is connected at its other end to a sliding lock 9. An exterior of the first tubular portion 1 has a profiled axial section 23 and the sliding lock 9 has a complementary profiled interior portion (not shown) such that the sliding lock 9 is slidably coupled to the first tubular portion 1 and the two components are held against relative rotation. The sliding lock 9 can be manipulated by an operator between an unlocked position, in which the agitation head 6 may be moved relative to the suction head to change the configuration of the tool 20 between different cleaning modes and a locked position, in which no movement of the agitation head 6 is permitted.

Figure 7b shows the tool 20 in a suction configuration or extraction mode, in which the extraction nozzle 5 is positioned at the outer or foremost end of the tool 20. In this suction configuration, the agitation head 6 is fully retracted and remains in a stowed position on the underside of the leading end subassembly 3. In the extraction mode, the sliding lock 9 is located immediately adjacent to the adjustable lock 10 to retain the agitation head 6 on the underside of the cleaning head subassembly 3 axially spaced from the end of the tool 20. The agitation head 6 is held against any pivotable or linear movement in the locked and stowed position. The tool 20 is typically used in the suction configuration or extraction mode when an operator wants to remove debris or dirty fluid from a surface.

Figure 7a shows the tool 20 in an agitation configuration or scrubbing mode, in which the agitation head 6 is positioned at the outer or foremost end of the tool 20. To move from the extraction configuration to the agitation configuration, the sliding lock 9 is released and pushed along the profiled axial section 23 on the exterior of the first tubular portion 1 away from the adjustable lock 10 to move the extrusion 8 and attached agitation head 6 axially relative to the spray nozzle 4 and extraction nozzle 5. Towards the end of travel, the agitation head 6 pivots from the stowed position to a deployed position. Once in the agitation configuration, the sliding lock 9 is moved into the locked position to hold the agitation head 6 in the fully extended position against further movement. The agitation head 6 is free to pivot in the deployed configuration within the predefined limits. The agitation head 6 may be used for manual scrubbing by an operator to dislodge dirt and debris and is free to pivot naturally under gravity, to enable the agitation head 6 to conform with the surface to be cleaned according to the angle between the tool 20 and the surface to be cleaned in use. The tool 20 is typically used in the agitation configuration or scrubbing mode when an operator wants to loosen debris or physically scrub a surface.

The operation is performed in reverse to transition the tool back into the extraction configuration from the agitation configuration.

At the other (proximal) end of the tool 20, an upper end of the second tubular portion 2 (opposing the adjustable lock 10) has an end cap 12, which is coupled to a connector subassembly 14 in a connecting region 1 1 . The connector subassembly 14 comprises a curved tubular portion forming a bend 16. The tubular bend 16 is held against the tubular portion 2 by friction fit into the end cap 12 in the connecting region 11 . An opposing free end of the bend 16 is connectable to the vacuum cleaner, by a push fit connection (not shown). The connector subassembly 14 further comprises a finger operated trigger 15 mounted on an underside of an exterior of the tubular bend 16. The trigger 15 includes a ball valve (not shown) to control the flow of fluid within the line 18 and is connected to the fluid delivery line 18 at an exit point 13. The trigger 15 allows the operator to control the spray of fluid and use the tool in a fluid delivery configuration to deliver cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned via the spray nozzle 4.

Prior to use, the operator securely attaches the proximal end of the auxiliary tool 20 to the vacuum cleaner using the push fit connection. The operator can then select the most appropriate length for the tool 20 according to the particular application and required reach of the tool 20 according to the surface to be cleaned. The operator adjusts the length using the adjustable lock 10 and locks the tubular portions 1 ,2 in position. The operator then selects the most appropriate configuration for the tool 20. For example, the operator may choose to use the tool 20 in the agitation configuration by releasing the sliding lock 9 into the unlocked position to urge the agitation head 6 via the extrusion 8 to the outermost end of the tool 20 to enable manual scrubbing of a surface (as shown in figure 7c).

The operator can also use the tool in the fluid delivery configuration by using the finger actuable trigger 15 to deliver cleaning fluid via the fluid delivery line 18 to the spray nozzle 4. The spray nozzle 4 delivers a fan shaped spray of cleaning fluid ahead of the tool 20 while the trigger 15 is actuated. The agitation head 6 can be used to work the fluid into a surface to dislodge dirt.

In order to extract the dirty fluid and debris, the operator can change the mode of operation of the tool 20 into the extraction configuration (as shown in figure 7b). This is achieved by moving the sliding lock 9 into an unlocked position and retracting the agitation head 6 by pulling the sliding lock 9 and interconnected extrusion 8 towards the adjustable lock 10 to move the agitation head 6 into the stowed position. The sliding lock 10 is then moved into the locked position and the extraction nozzle 5 occupies a position at the outermost end of the tool 20. A control (not shown) can be used to activate the suction motor/fan within the vacuum cleaner such that debris and waste fluid is extracted through the suction channel 24, the suction inlet and the suction conduit 17 to the waste tank within the vacuum cleaner.

All three cleaning modes (fluid delivery, agitation and extraction) may be used separately and individually, although it is also possible to use the tool 20 in the fluid delivery mode simultaneously and in conjunction with either the agitation or extraction modes.

Advantageously, the invention described provides an auxiliary tool 20 with manual scrubbing capability in conjunction with cleaning solution delivery and with a suction/vacuum nozzle for recovery of post-scrub fluid and other dirt/debris. The auxiliary tool 20 provides an alternative to manual mopping. The tool 20 is capable of leaving surfaces touch dry and is usable to clean vertical, inclined and horizontal surfaces.

One key benefit of the tool 20 is the varied functionality of the auxiliary wand in a small overall footprint. The dimensions of the described tool 20 have been minimised as far as possible since both the tool 20 is designed as a compact assembly and the workheads (extraction nozzle 5 and agitation head 6) have a small footprint. This facilitates the use of the tool 20 within conventionally difficult to clean and previously inaccessible areas.

Advantageously, the design of the tool 20 allows an operator to switch easily between the different modes. The entire cleaning operation can be effectively conducted without the requirement for an operator to manually handle or contact the workheads at the leading end of the tool 20. Thus, throughout the whole cleaning operation the operator using the tool 20 remains remote from the dirty, wet or otherwise contaminated parts of the tool 20.

In addition, the compact design of the tool 20 enables efficient storage and transport. The telescoping tubular portions 1 , 2, can be moved into the retracted configuration and locked in this position, and the workheads can be stored and locked in the suction configuration shown in figure 1 with the agitation head 6 in a stowed position, such that the tool 20 is reduced in size to occupy the smallest possible volume while retaining the ability to offer increased functionality when put to use.

According to other embodiments, the telescoping tube may comprise a plurality of tubular portions to facilitate extension or retraction of the tube and increase reach of the tool and/or allow efficient retraction to minimise the length for storage and/or transport. Alternatively, the tubular portion of the tool may be otherwise collapsible. For example, the tubular can be formed from flexible concertina tubing that is compressible to allow for extension/retraction.

According to an alternative embodiment the extraction head may be movable relative to the agitation head. According to another embodiment, both the extraction head and the agitation head may be movable. In both alternative embodiments, the movement of the cleaning heads allows the agitation head to be appropriately positioned at the foremost leading end of the tool in the agitation configuration, and the extraction head to be located at the foremost leading end of the tool in the extraction configuration.

In another embodiment, the agitation head 6 may be electrically coupled to a power source and the head may be fitted with a motor to reciprocate or otherwise drive the agitation head 6 to provide powered scrubbing and minimise the requirement for manual action by the operator.

According to another embodiment where power is provided to the leading end tool subassembly 3, the sliding lock 9 may comprise an electronic lock with a control conveniently located towards an upper or proximal end of the tool 20 on a control panel and/or on the surface cleaning machine, such that relative movement of the cleaning heads may be conveniently controlled remotely.

According to other embodiments different locking systems 9, 10 and alternative designs and arrangements allowing relative movement of the cleaning heads 5, 6 and/or the tubular portions 1 , 2 may be incorporated into the tool 20.

The tool 20 described can be attached as an auxiliary wand to any commercial or domestic floor/carpet cleaning machine to facilitate cleaning of tight spaces, such as around objects in bathrooms, between and around furniture in typically difficult to reach spaces. Existing cleaning machines may be modified to enable the tool 20 to be retrofitted thereto.

Modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Relative terms such as “proximal”, “leading”, “upper”, “lower”, “above”, “underside” and/or “end” are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

1 . An auxiliary tool for connection to a surface treatment machine, the auxiliary tool provided to facilitate cleaning of surfaces in confined spaces, wherein the auxiliary tool comprises: a tubular body, the body having a proximal end configured for connection with a surface treatment machine, and the body having a leading end arranged for placement in the region of a surface to be cleaned in use; a fluid delivery line, the fluid delivery line having an inlet connectable to a fluid source, and the fluid delivery line having an outlet for fluid delivery located towards the leading end of the tool; an extraction head mounted towards the leading end of the tool; an extraction conduit within the tubular body, wherein the extraction head has an opening in fluid communication with the extraction conduit, for fluid and debris recovery through the opening of the extraction head and via the extraction conduit; an agitation head mounted towards the leading end of the tool, wherein the agitation head and the extraction head are relatively movable such that the tool is operable in at least three configurations: i) a fluid delivery configuration in which fluid is deliverable ahead of the leading end of the tool via the fluid outlet; ii) an agitation configuration in which the agitation head is located at the leading end of the tool to enable effective agitation of a surface to be cleaned; and iii) an extraction configuration in which the extraction head is located at the leading end of the tool to enable effective extraction of fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned via the opening in the extraction head.

2. An auxiliary tool as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the agitation head is slidably and pivotally mounted on the auxiliary tool such that it is slidably and pivotally movable relative to the extraction head, and between a stowed position in the extraction configuration, and a deployed position in the agitation configuration.

3. An auxiliary tool as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the agitation head comprises a support and at least one agitation member, wherein the at least one agitation member is coupled to the support; and wherein the tool further comprises a locking device connectable to the support, the locking device having a throughbore for accommodating the tubular body such that the locking device is slidable therealong and lockable thereto.

4. An auxiliary tool as claimed in claim 3, wherein the agitation head comprises a drive means provided within the support for powering motion of the agitation member relative to the support within predefined limits.

5. An auxiliary tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fluid outlet comprises a spray nozzle having a plurality of apertures for delivering the fluid in a spray, wherein the apertures are shaped and/or arranged in a predetermined pattern.

6. An auxiliary tool as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fluid outlet is mounted substantially diametrically opposite the agitation head and axially offset relative to the agitation head.

7. An auxiliary tool according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the extraction head comprises two substantially parallel resilient strips defining an extraction channel therebetween, wherein the extraction opening is located within the extraction channel.

8. An auxiliary tool as claimed in claim 7 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the extraction head is mounted on the leading end subassembly such that the extraction channel is parallel to the spray nozzle, and axially and radially offset therefrom.

9. An auxiliary tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the auxiliary tool comprises a tubular body that is selectively extendable, wherein the tubular body of the auxiliary tool is movable between a retracted configuration in which the length of the tool is minimised and an extended configuration to maximise the reach of the tool.

10. An auxiliary tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tubular body comprises at least two telescoping tubular portions.

11. An auxiliary tool as claimed in claim 9, wherein the tubular body of the auxiliary tool comprises concertina tubing that is compressible to enable transition between the extended and retracted configurations.

12. An auxiliary tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tubular body has a first and a second fluid flow path, the tubular body comprising at least one tubular portion having a primary axis and a throughbore which defines the extraction conduit as the first fluid flow path, and wherein the fluid delivery line is helically coiled around the primary axis of the extraction conduit or first fluid flow path, and wherein the fluid delivery line defines the second fluid flow path that is substantially fluidly isolated from the first fluid flow path.

13. An auxiliary tool as claimed in claim 12, wherein the tubular body is movable between a compressed configuration in which the helical coils of the fluid delivery line are substantially juxtaposed and the tubular body occupies a minimum axial length, and an extended configuration in which the pitch of the helical coils of the fluid delivery line is increased to extend the axial length of the tubular body.

14. An auxiliary tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tubing is configured for use with a surface treatment machine having a suction fan fluidly connectable to an end of the extraction conduit and a treatment fluid reservoir fluidly connectable to the inlet of the fluid delivery line.

15. An auxiliary tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tool further comprises a control to control the flow of fluid within the fluid delivery line, wherein the control in mounted on the fluid delivery line towards the proximal end portion of the tool

16. An auxiliary tool as claimed in claim 15, wherein the control comprises a finger operable trigger and a ball valve within the fluid delivery line to control the flow of fluid to the fluid outlet.

17. An auxiliary tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tool comprises an actuation means connectable to at least one of the agitation head and/or extraction head for selective transition of the tool between the agitation and extraction configurations, wherein the actuation means are mounted on an exterior of the tool at a location spaced from the foremost leading end of the tool.

18. An auxiliary tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the auxiliary tool is preferably configured for attachment to and use with a surface treatment machine selected from the group including but not limited to: a scrubber drier machine, a vacuum cleaner, a carpet cleaner, and an upholstery/furnishings cleaner.

19. A surface treatment machine and an auxiliary tool according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A surface treatment machine as claimed in claim 19 when dependent on claim 12, wherein the surface treatment machine comprises a body that accommodates an extraction motor, a waste container and a treatment fluid reservoir, wherein the waste container is connectable to one end of the extraction conduit such that the extraction conduit or second fluid flow path is in fluid communication with the extraction motor; the treatment fluid reservoir is connectable to the inlet of the fluid delivery line such that the second fluid flow path of the helical conduit is in fluid communication with the treatment fluid reservoir.