1. Field of the Invention.
This invention relates to a nozzle structure of a rug or upholstery cleaning apparatus in which the injection and withdrawal of cleaning fluid in a sweeping action through the pile of the rug or upholstery being cleaned is a simultaneous and continuous action.
2. Description of the Prior Art.
Rug and upholstery cleaning devices in general use are arranged and constructed to direct a stream of cleaning fluid directly onto the base of the material to be cleaned with the driving force of the cleaning fluid being utilized to loosen the soil. The result of directing cleaning fluid onto the base of the surface cleaned tends to drive dirt and/or soil into the structure of the base and also results in a puddling or collection of cleaning fluid thereon whereupon the suction used is directed to withdraw the cleaning fluid after it has become puddled and subsequent to the cleaning effort of the surface.
Prior art practice as described in Hayes U.S. Pat. No. 3,262,146 shows a two chamber nozzle structure with which a high pressure stream solvent solution is applied from one chamber and a vacuum in an adjacent chamber condenses and collects the cleaning vapor. Shown are downwardly opening chambers terminating in a common plane with lower edges notched for entry of air. The spray head is angled downwardly having the emerging stream impact against a wall surface of the spray head and becoming deflected down directly into the pile or nap of the material being cleaned. The whole impact is in a substantially vertical direction resulting in beating down into the warp or base of the material being cleaned with the full impact of the cleaning fluid and the soil and dirt which is present becomes impacted into the warp or base. The stream solvent is condensed upon contact with the material and condensated will tend to puddle or settle upon the base of the material. Here the vacuum attempts to withdraw the fluid after it has become settled or puddled upon the material being cleaned.
Squier in U.S. Pat. No. 930,628 embodies a brush for cleaning, the brush being manipulated in a spinning scrubbing action.
Thomsen in his French Pat. No. 449,826 embodies the use of an oscillating brush. In Crites in U.S. Pat. No. 2,292,435, a rotary brush is used.
Grave, the applicant herein, in his U.S. Pat. No. 3,431,582, discloses a cleaning head over which the present invention represents substantial improvement and in which the cleaning fluid under high pressure is discharged directly down into the base of the material to be cleaned prior to being withdrawn by suction.
Lotz in U.S. Pat. No. 742,880 discloses a cleaning head or nozzle causing the soil picked up to be withdrawn through a narrow slit suction inlet with an adjacent funnel opening head which sprays water upon the surface being cleaned.
Other commonly used cleaning devices utilize a rotating or spinning pad such as a felt pad which is impregnated with or accompanied by cleaning fluid as it spins over the surface and in effect beating the cleaning fluid into the material and in an abrasive action using its pressure and spinning effect to disperse the cleaning fluid through the surface cleaned.