HANDLE ASSEMBLY FOR AN EXTRACTION CLEANER

Abstract

A handle assembly for an extraction cleaner including: (a) a housing portion comprising an electronic switch manipulable to, from, and between (i) an ON position and (ii) an OFF position; and (b) a grip portion telescopable into and out of the housing portion, the grip portion including (i) a trigger pivotable about a trigger pivot axis, (ii) a linkage system in communication with the trigger, and (iii) a cam in communication with the linkage system, the cam pivotable about a cam pivot axis. When the grip portion is telescoped out of the housing portion, pivoting of the trigger about the trigger pivot axis causes, via movement of the linkage system, the cam to pivot about the cam pivot axis and manipulate the electronic switch to the ON position.

Claims

1. A handle assembly for an extraction cleaner comprising: a housing portion comprising an electronic switch manipulable to, from, and between (i) an ON position and (ii) an OFF position; and a grip portion able to telescope into and out of the housing portion, the grip portion comprising (i) a trigger pivotable about a trigger pivot axis, (ii) a linkage system in communication with the trigger, and (iii) a cam in communication with the linkage system, the cam pivotable about a cam pivot axis, wherein, when the grip portion is telescoped out of the housing portion, pivoting of the trigger about the trigger pivot axis causes, via movement of the linkage system, the cam to pivot about the cam pivot axis and manipulate the electronic switch to the ON position.

2. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the cam pivot axis is orthogonal to the trigger pivot axis.

3. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing portion further comprises a support tube portion comprising (i) a first end, (ii) a second end, and (iii) a cam aperture disposed between the first end and the second end, the support tube portion defining a tubular cavity, the grip portion further comprises a first tube comprising (i) a first end, (ii) a second end disposed within the support tube portion of the housing portion, the second end disposed further within the housing portion when the grip portion is telescoped into the housing portion than when the grip portion is telescoped out of the housing portion, and (iii) a second cam aperture that aligns with the cam aperture of the housing portion when the grip portion is telescoped out of the housing portion but not when the grip portion is telescoped into the housing portion, and when the grip portion is telescoped out of the housing portion, pivoting of the trigger about the trigger pivot axis causes, via movement of the linkage system, the cam (i) to pivot about the cam pivot axis, (ii) to extend through the cam aperture of the housing portion and the second cam aperture of the grip portion, and (iii) to manipulate the electronic switch to the ON position.

4. The handle assembly of claim 3, wherein the housing portion further comprises (i) a front cover and (ii) a rear cover attached to the front cover, and the support tube portion is sandwiched between the rear cover and the front cover.

5. The handle assembly of claim 3, wherein the grip portion further comprises a cam housing disposed within the first tube, the cam housing comprising projection receivers, and the cam further comprises projections disposed within the projection receivers of the cam housing, the cam pivot axis extending through the projections of the cam.

6. The handle assembly of claim 3, wherein the cam is disposed within the first tube and comprises (a) a linkage contact surface and (b) a switch contact surface proximate the second cam aperture of the first tube, and when the grip portion is telescoped out of the housing portion, pivoting of the trigger about the trigger pivot axis causes the linkage system to contact the linkage contact surface of the cam, which causes (a) the cam to pivot about the cam pivot axis and (b) the switch contact surface of the cam (i) to extend through the cam aperture of the housing portion and the second cam aperture of the grip portion and (ii) to manipulate the electronic switch to the ON position.

7. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the cam comprises a cantilevered projection, and as the trigger pivots about the trigger pivot axis causing the cam to pivot about the cam pivot axis, the cantilevered projection of the cam becomes energized and resists the pivoting of the trigger about the trigger pivot axis.

8. The handle assembly of claim 7, wherein the cantilevered projection of the cam biases the cam away from manipulating the electronic switch to the ON position, and the electronic switch is biased to the OFF position.

9. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing portion further comprises a pedal pivotable about a pedal pivot axis, and the cam pivot axis is orthogonal to the pedal pivot axis of the pedal.

10. A handle assembly for an extraction cleaner comprising: (1) a housing portion comprising (a) a support tube portion comprising (i) a first end, (ii) a second end, and (iii) a cam aperture disposed between the first end and the second end, the support tube portion defining a tubular cavity; and (b) an electronic switch manipulable to, from, and between (i) an ON position and (ii) an OFF position to which the electronic switch is biased; and (2) a grip portion manipulable to, from, and between an extracted position and a retracted position further within the housing portion than in the extracted position, the grip portion comprising (a) a handle grip housing, the handle grip housing disposed closer to the housing portion in the retracted position than in the extracted position; (b) a trigger at least partially housed within the handle grip housing and partially exposed to an external environment outside of the handle grip housing, the trigger manipulable along a trigger pivot axis to, from, and between (i) an actuating position and (ii) a released position to which the trigger is biased; (c) a handle linkage disposed at least partially within the handle grip housing, the handle linkage comprising (i) a first end proximate the trigger and (ii) a second end; (d) a first tube comprising (i) a first end coupled to the handle grip housing and not disposed within the support tube portion of the housing portion, (ii) a second end disposed within the support tube portion of the housing portion, the second end disposed further within the housing portion when the grip portion is in the retracted position than when the grip portion is in the extracted position, and (iii) a second cam aperture; (e) a tube linkage disposed at least primarily within the first tube, the tube linkage comprising (i) a first end coupled to the second end of the handle linkage and (ii) a second end; and (f) a cam disposed within the first tube closer to the second end than the first end, the cam pivotable about a cam pivot axis and comprising (i) a linkage contact surface proximate the second end of the tube linkage and (ii) a switch contact surface proximate the second cam aperture of the first tube, wherein, as a force manipulates the trigger to the actuating position, (i) the trigger imparts a force to the first end of the handle linkage, (ii) the second end of the handle linkage imparts a force to the first end of the tube linkage to push the tube linkage further toward the second end of the first tube, (iii) the second end of the tube linkage imparts a force on the linkage contact surface of the cam, (iv) the cam pivots, and (v) the switch contact surface extends through the second cam aperture of the first tube and the cam aperture of the support tube portion of the housing portion and forces the electronic switch to the ON position.

11. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the support tube portion further comprises (i) a lock housing projecting outward from the tubular cavity of the support tube portion, which lock housing houses a lock and a spring, and (ii) a lock aperture through the support tube portion into the tubular cavity aligned with the lock within the lock housing, and when the grip portion is in the extracted position, the spring biases a locking end of the lock through a lock aperture of the lock housing and through a lock aperture of the first tube that is aligned with the lock aperture of the lock housing to lock the grip portion in the extracted position.

12. The handle assembly of claim 11, wherein the lock housing comprises a button aperture, the lock further comprises an angled portion disposed closer to the spring than the locking end, the housing portion comprises (a) a rear cover with a button aperture aligned with the button aperture of the lock housing and (b) a button with (i) a first end extending through the button aperture of the rear cover and exposed to an external environment and (ii) a second end extending through the button aperture of the lock housing and abutting the angled portion of the lock, and a force upon the first end of the button toward the second end of the button causes the second end to force the angled portion and the locking end of the lock out of and away from the lock apertures of the first tube and the support tube portion and into the lock housing, energizing the spring and permitting the grip portion to be manipulated away from the extracted position toward the retracted position.

13. The handle assembly of claim 12, wherein as the grip portion is manipulated from the retracted position to the extracted position, and the lock aperture of the support tube portion aligns with the lock aperture of the first tube, the spring (i) forces the locking end of the lock into and through the lock aperture of the support tube portion and into and through the lock aperture of the first tube and (ii) forces the angled portion of the lock to push the second end of the button toward the first end of the button.

14. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the trigger further comprises a user contact surface open to an external environment and a handle linkage contact surface that is disposed within the handle grip housing, and a force upon the handle linkage contact surface causes (i) the trigger to rotate about the trigger pivot axis, (ii) the handle linkage contact surface to push the handle linkage, and (iii) the cam to pivot about the cam pivot axis via the handle linkage and the tube linkage so that the switch contact surface of the cam pushes the electronic switch to the ON position.

15. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the handle grip housing comprises an exterior surface at least partially defining a hand aperture into which the trigger extends, the handle linkage further comprises (i) a first straight segment terminating in the first end, (ii) a second straight segment terminating in the second end, and (iii) a curved segment between the first straight segment and the second straight segment, and the first straight segment facing the hand aperture forms an obtuse angle relative to the second straight segment facing the hand aperture.

16. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the second end of the tube linkage comprises a cam contacting surface, when the trigger is in the released position, a cam contacting surface at the second end of the tube linkage forms an acute angle relative to the linkage contact surface of the cam, and when the trigger is in the actuating position, the acute angle that the cam contacting surface of the tube linkage forms relative to the linkage contact surface of the cam is less than when the trigger is in the released position.

17. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the tube linkage further comprises a centerline that extends from the first end to the second end of the tube linkage, and the cam pivot axis, the electronic switch, and the switch contact surface of the cam are disposed on a same side of a plane coincident with the centerline of the tube linkage and parallel to the cam pivot axis.

18. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the cam further comprises (i) a body extending between the linkage contact surface and the switch contact surface and (ii) a cantilevered projection that extends from the main body closer to the switch contact surface than the linkage contact surface, the cantilevered projection extending in a curved manner away from the switch contact surface.

19. The handle assembly of claim 18, wherein when the force upon the trigger expires, the cantilevered projection of the cam deenergizes and rotates the cam about the cam pivot axis, forcing, via movement of the tube linkage and the handle linkage, the trigger to the released position.

20. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the trigger further comprises a cantilevered tab that extends away from the trigger pivot axis within the handle grip housing that becomes energized as the trigger is manipulated to the actuating position so as to bias the trigger back to the released position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the Drawings:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an extraction cleaner with a handle assembly,

[0012] illustrating the handle assembly including a grip portion in an extended position relative to a housing portion, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of a vertical cross-section of the handle assembly with the extraction cleaner, illustrating a first tube of the grip portion disposed within the housing portion, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the handle assembly, illustrating the grip portion including a handle grip housing presenting a trigger, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the handle assembly, illustrating the housing portion including a front cover, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a cross-section taken through line V-V of FIG. 3, illustrating the grip portion further including a linkage system, which includes a tube linkage, extending down into the housing portion, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a magnified perspective view of area VI of FIG. 5, illustrating the tube linkage including a second end near a linkage contact surface of a cam disposed near a second end of the first tube within a tubular cavity of a support tube portion of the housing portion, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a cross-section taken through line VII-VII of FIG. 4, illustrating the grip portion further including a handle linkage within the handle grip housing that can be manipulated by the trigger, with the handle linkage attached to a first end of the tube linkage, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a magnified perspective view of area VIII of FIG. 7, illustrating (i) the cam pivotable within a cam housing attached to the first tube and the cam further including a switch contact surface and a cantilevered projection and (ii) the support tube portion further including a lock housing with a lock biased by a spring to enter a lock aperture of the support tube portion and a lock aperture of the first tube when those lock apertures are aligned to lock the grip portion in the extracted position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a cross-section taken through line IX-IX of FIG. 4, illustrating the housing portion further including a pedal with an actuating surface to pivot the pedal about a pin, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a magnified perspective view of area X of FIG. 9, illustrating the housing portion further including a button accessible to an external environment to manipulate the lock within the lock housing, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the support tube portion of the housing portion, illustrating the lock housing further including a button aperture through which a second end of the button extends to permit manipulation of the lock, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the support tube portion, illustrating the support tube portion further forming a tubular cavity open at a second end and a cam aperture for the cam to extend, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 13 is an overhead view of the support tube portion, illustrating the lock within the lock housing further including an angled portion that the button contacts to withdraw the lock from the aligned lock apertures of the lock housing and the first tube to permit telescoping of the grip portion into the housing portion, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 14 is an elevation view of an interior of a rear cover of the housing portion, illustrating apertures to provide fastening opportunities to attach the support tube portion thereto, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 15 is an overhead view of the rear cover, illustrating a button aperture through which a first end of the button extends to permit manipulation of the button from an exterior environment, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 16 is an elevation view of an interior of a front cover of the housing portion, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the interior of the front cover, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the housing portion, illustrating the housing portion further including an electronic switch, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 19 is a plan view of the electronic switch, illustrating an actuating arm extending from the body and the electronic switch being biased to an OFF position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 20 is a magnified perspective view of area XX of FIG. 7, illustrating the handle grip housing forming a hand aperture through which a hand of a user can extend to manipulate the trigger, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the trigger, illustrating a user contact surface open to the external environment and a handle linkage contact surface that contacts the linkage system when the trigger is manipulated, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 22 is an elevation view of the trigger, illustrating projections extending outward to permit the trigger to pivot about a trigger pivot axis when manipulated, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 23 is a perspective exploded view of selected components of the grip portion, illustrating the handle grip housing including a first piece, a second piece, and a third piece to house the trigger and the handle linkage, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 24 is an elevation exploded view of the selected components of the grip portion, illustrating the handle linkage including a first end closest to the trigger, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 25 is an elevation view of the handle linkage, illustrating a first straight segment near the first end, a second straight segment near a second end, and a curved segment therebetween, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 26 is an elevation view of the handle linkage, illustrating a recess and an aperture in communication with the recess at the second end, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 27 is an elevation view of the first tube of the grip portion, illustrating apertures near a first end to permit attachment to the handle grip housing and the lock aperture and a cam aperture near a second end, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 28 is an underneath view of the first tube, illustrating the first tube forming a tubular cavity, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 29 is an elevation view of the tube linkage, illustrating an aperture near the first end to allow attachment to the second end of the tube linkage and a cam contacting surface at a second end, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 30 is an elevation view of the cam, illustrating the cam pivotable about a cam pivot axis, a linkage contact surface positioned near the cam contacting surface of the tube linkage, and a switch contact surface to manipulate the actuating arm of the electronic switch, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 31 is an elevation view of the cam, illustrating projections that extend outward from the body and through which the cam pivot axis extends, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 32 is an elevation view of the cam housing and the cam in phantom, illustrating projection receivers to receive the projections of the cam and a cam aperture through which the switch contact surface of the cam can extend when manipulated, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 33 is an overhead view of the cam housing and the cam in phantom, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 34 is an elevation view of the cam housing and the cam, illustrating the linkage contact surface of the cam available for manipulation by the tube linkage and the switch contact surface of the cam available to extend through the cam aperture when manipulated, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 35 is a magnified elevation view of area XXXV of FIG. 5, illustrating the cam contacting surface of the tube linkage next to the linkage contact surface of the cam, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 36 is a magnified cross-sectional view that is the same as FIG. 20 but this time illustrating a force manipulating the trigger to an actuating position, which causes the handle linkage contact surface of the trigger to impart a force on the first end of the handle linkage, which causes the second end of the handle linkage to impart a force on the first end of the tube linkage down toward the second end of the first tube;

[0048] FIG. 37 is a magnified cross-sectional view that is the same as FIG. 35, but this time continues the sequence from FIG. 36, illustrating the cam contacting surface of the tube linkage imparting a force on the linkage contact surface of the cam, which causes the cam to pivot about the cam pivot axis, which causes the switch contact surface of the cam to extend through the cam apertures of the cam housing, the first tube, and the support tube portion to push the actuating arm of the electronic switch to actuate the electronic switch to the ON position;

[0049] FIG. 38 is a front elevation view of the handle assembly, illustrating the grip portion in a retracted position telescoped further within the lower housing than in the extracted position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 39 is an elevation view of a cross-section of the handle assembly taken through line XXXIX-XXXIX of FIG. 38, illustrating the second end of the first tube with the cam disposed further within the housing portion when the grip portion is in the retracted position than in the extracted position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0051] FIG. 40 is a magnified elevation view of area XL of FIG. 7, illustrating a force on the first end of the button causing the second end of the button to slide against the angled portion of the lock, which withdraws the lock from the lock aperture of the first tube and the lock aperture of the support tube portion of the housing portion, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0052] The components in the Drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a handle assembly for an extraction cleaner. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the Drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0054] For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, right, left, rear, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached Drawings, and described in the following Detailed Description are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0055] The terms including, comprises, comprising, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by comprises a . . . does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, a handle assembly 10 for an extraction cleaner 12 is herein described. The handle assembly 10 includes a housing portion 14 and a grip portion 16. The grip portion 16 is able to telescope into and out of the housing portion 14. The grip portion 16 includes a handle grip housing 82 and a first tube 86. The grip portion 16 is illustrated here in an extracted position 180 relative to the housing portion 14.

[0057] Referring additionally to FIG. 2, the housing portion 14 includes an electronic switch 18. The grip portion 16 further includes a trigger 20, a linkage system 22 in communication with the trigger 20, and a cam housing 172. The linkage system 22 includes a tube linkage 88. The trigger 20 is at least partially housed within the handle grip housing 82 but is additionally partially exposed to an external environment 80 outside of the handle grip housing 82. The handle grip housing 82 can include a collar portion 134.

[0058] Referring additionally to FIG. 3, the housing portion 14 of the handle assembly 10 further includes a rear cover 52 and a front cover 54. The rear cover 52 and the front cover 54 are attached together, such as through the use of fasteners or snap-fit connections. The housing portion 14 further includes a button 72. The button 72 includes a first end 74 open to the external environment 80. The button 72 can be manipulated by a user from the external environment 80. The handle grip housing 82 further includes an exterior surface 102. The exterior surface 102 at least partially defines a hand aperture 104. A hand of the user can enter the hand aperture 104 to manipulate the trigger 20. The handle grip housing 82 can further include a collar portion 134. In embodiments, the housing portion 14 further includes a pedal 206. The pedal 206 includes an actuating surface 214 that extends into the external environment 80. The user can pivot the handle assembly 10 relative to the extraction cleaner 12 via manipulation of the actuating surface 214 of the pedal 206.

[0059] Referring next to FIG. 4, a front view of the handle assembly 10 is provided, showing previously introduced features. For example, the front cover 54 of the housing portion 14 is illustrated.

[0060] Referring additionally to FIG. 5, as further discussed below, the pedal 206 is pivotable about a pedal pivot axis 208.

[0061] Referring additionally to FIG. 6, the grip portion 16 further includes a cam 24 in communication with the linkage system 22, in particular the tube linkage 88 thereof. When the grip portion 16 is telescoped out of the housing portion 14, manipulation of the trigger 20 causes the linkage system 22 to move, which causes the cam 24 to move, which causes a change in status of the electronic switch 18. These aspects will be further elaborated upon below.

[0062] The housing portion 14 further includes a support tube portion 26. The support tube portion 26 includes a first end 28, a second end 30, and a cam aperture 32. The cam aperture 32 is disposed between the first end 28 and the second end 30. The support tube portion 26 defines a tubular cavity 34 that is open at least at the first end 28. The cam aperture 32 provides access through the support tube portion 26 into the tubular cavity 34.

[0063] The first tube 86 includes a second end 132. The second end 132 is disposed within the tubular cavity 34 of the support tube portion 26 of the housing portion 14. The first tube 86 forms a tubular cavity 142.

[0064] The first tube 86 further includes a cam aperture 146. The cam aperture 146 provides access into and out of the tubular cavity 142.

[0065] The tube linkage 88 includes a second end 152. The second end 152 of the tube linkage 88 includes a cam contacting surface 156.

[0066] The cam 24 is disposed within the first tube 86. The cam 24 is disposed closer to the second end 132 of the first tube 86 than the second end 152 of the tube linkage 88 is.

[0067] The cam 24 includes a linkage contact surface 162, a body 164, and a switch contact surface 166. The linkage contact surface 162 is disposed proximate the cam contacting surface 156 of the tube linkage 88. The switch contact surface 166 is disposed proximate the cam aperture 146 of the first tube 86. The body 164 extends between the linkage contact surface 162 and the switch contact surface 166.

[0068] The cam 24 further includes a cantilevered projection 168. The cantilevered projection 168 extends from the body 164 closer to the switch contact surface 166 than the linkage contact surface 162. The cantilevered projection 168 extends in a curved manner away from the switch contact surface 166.

[0069] The grip portion 16 further includes a cam housing 172. The cam housing 172 is disposed within the first tube 86 of the grip portion 16. The cam housing 172 further includes a cam aperture 175. The cam aperture 175 is aligned with the cam aperture 146 of the first tube 86. When the grip portion 16 is in the extracted position 180 (as illustrated in FIG. 6), the cam aperture 175 is further aligned with the cam aperture 32 of the support tube portion 26 of the housing portion 14. With such alignment when in the extacted portion 180, the switch contact surface 166 of the cam 24 can extend through the cam aperture 32 of the support tube portion 26 of the housing portion 14 to manipulate the electronic switch 18. The alignment of the cam aperture 175 of the cam housing 172 and the cam aperture 146 of the first tube 86 with the cam aperture 32 of the support tube portion 26 of the housing portion 14 only occurs with the grip portion 16 in the extracted position 180 relative to the housing portion 14.

[0070] The electronic switch 18 includes an OFF position 68. The electronic switch 18 can include an actuating arm 202 and a body 204. The movement of the cam 24 such that the switch contact surface 166 can manipulate the actuating arm 202 of the electronic switch 18, and thereby change the status of the electronic switch 18, is further discussed below. The rear cover 52 can include a cantilever 64 adjacent the electronic switch 18, the purpose of which will be further discussed below, as well.

[0071] Referring additionally to FIG. 7, the grip portion 16 further includes a handle linkage 84. The handle linkage 84 is disposed at least partially within the handle grip housing 82. The handle linkage 84 can be disposed entirely within the handle grip housing 82.

[0072] The tube linkage 88 of the grip portion 16 is disposed at least primarily within the first tube 86.

[0073] The trigger 20 is shown here, in FIG. 7, in a released position 188. Manipulation of the trigger 20 away from the released position 188, and the consequences, are discussed further below.

[0074] The pedal 206 is illustrated here again, along with a pin 210. The pin 210 is housed between the front cover 54 and the rear cover 52. The pin 210 can provide the pedal pivot axis 208 (from FIG. 5) and the pedal 206 pivots about the pin 210. The actuating surface 214 of the pedal 206 extends into the external environment 80 through the pedal aperture 212.

[0075] Referring additionally to FIG. 8, the support tube portion 26 can be sandwiched between the rear cover 52 and the front cover 54.

[0076] In addition, the support tube portion 26 further includes a lock housing 36 and a lock aperture 38. The lock housing 36 projects outward relative to the tubular cavity 34. The lock aperture 38 is through the support tube portion 26. The lock housing 36 houses a lock 40 and a spring 42. The lock aperture 38 provides access from the lock housing 36, through the support tube portion 26, and into the tubular cavity 34. The lock 40 includes an angled portion 44 and a locking end 48. The locking end 48 is disposed closer to the lock aperture 38 than the angled portion 44. The angled portion 44 is disposed closer to the spring 42 than the locking end 48. The lock aperture 38 is aligned with the locking end 48 of the lock 40. The lock housing 36 includes a button aperture 50. The button aperture 50 provides access through the lock housing 36 to the angled portion 44 of the lock 40.

[0077] Further, in embodiments, the rear cover 52 includes a button aperture 70. The button aperture 70 is aligned with the button aperture 50 of the lock housing 36. The button 72 includes a first end 74, a second end 76, and a flange 78 therebetween. The flange 78 is disposed between the button aperture 70 of the rear cover 52 and the button aperture 50 of the lock housing 36. The flange 78 is sized so as to not fit through either the button aperture 70 of the rear cover 52 or the button aperture 50 of the lock housing 36. The flange 78 of the button 72 thus remains between the rear cover 52 and the lock housing 36. The first end 74 of the button 72 extends through the button aperture 70 of the rear cover 52 and is open to an external environment 80. The second end 76 of the button 72 extends through the button aperture 50 of the lock housing 36. The second end 76 can abut the angled portion 44 of the lock 40.

[0078] The first tube 86 of the grip portion 16 further includes a lock aperture 144. The lock aperture 144 provides access into and out of the tubular cavity 142. When the grip portion 16 is in the extracted position 180, as here illustrated at FIG. 8, the lock aperture 38 of the support tube portion 26 aligns with the lock aperture 144 of the first tube 86. The spring 42 is sufficiently energized to bias the locking end 48 through the lock aperture 38 of the lock housing 36 and through the lock aperture 144 of the first tube 86. The locking end 48 thus prevents the first tube 86 from moving relative to the support tube portion 26 (of which the lock housing 36 is a part) and thereby locks the grip portion 16 in the extracted position 180.

[0079] The first tube 86 can further include a cam housing aperture 148. Further, the cam housing 172 can include a fastener receiver 174 that is aligned with the cam housing aperture 148 of the first tube 86. A fastener 173 thus can be disposed in both the fastener receiver 174 and the cam housing aperture 148 of the first tube 86 to attach the cam housing 172 and the first tube 86 together.

[0080] Further, in this figure, we again see the cam aperture 175 of the cam housing 172 through which the switch contact surface 166 of the cam 24 can extend. The movement of the cam 24 is discussed further below.

[0081] The FIGS. 9 and 10 together provide different views of features that have been explained above. For example, the button aperture 70 through the rear cover 52, and the button 72 are illustrated. Further, the tube linkage 88 is within the tubular cavity 142 of the first tube 86, with the cam contacting surface 156 at the second end 152 of the tube linkage 88 residing near the cam 24.

[0082] Referring additionally to FIGS. 11-13, aspects of the support tube portion 26 are shown in further detail. As already mentioned, the support tube portion 26 includes the first end 28 and the second end 30, and defines the tubular cavity 34. In addition, the support tube portion 26 includes the lock housing 36, the lock aperture 38, the lock 40, and the spring 42 biasing the lock 40. Not yet mentioned, the support tube portion 26 can include apertures 56, which support fastening of the support tube portion 26 to the rear cover 52 as further discussed.

[0083] Referring additionally to FIGS. 14-15, the rear cover 52 includes apertures 58. The apertures 58 are aligned with the apertures 56 of the support tube portion 26, discussed immediately above. The alignment permits the attachment of the support tube portion 26 to the rear cover 52. In addition, the rear cover 52 includes a pedal aperture 212 and, as discussed, the button aperture 50.

[0084] Referring additionally to FIGS. 16 and 17, different views of the front cover 54 are provided.

[0085] Referring additionally to FIG. 18, the electronic switch 18 is sandwiched between the rear cover 52 and the front cover 54. The rear cover 52 can include positioning columns 60 and a cantilever 64 with a snap-fit element 66 to support the electronic switch 18, as will be further discussed. Further, the alignment of the apertures 58 of the rear cover 52 and the apertures 56 of the support tube portion 26 is apparent.

[0086] Referring additionally to FIG. 19, the electronic switch 18 includes apertures 62. The apertures are aligned with the positioning columns 60 of the rear cover 52. When assembled, the positioning columns 60 extend through the apertures 62 of the electronic switch 18, and the snap-fit element 66 extends over the electronic switch 18 to secure the electronic switch 18 to the rear cover 52. In addition, the electronic switch 18 is biased to the OFF position 68. The actuating arm 202 and the body 204 are additionally shown in greater detail here.

[0087] Referring additionally to FIG. 20, a cross-section of part of the grip portion 16 of the handle assembly 10 is shown in greater detail. The trigger 20 includes a user contact surface 90. The user contact surface 90 is open to the external environment 80. The trigger 20 extends into the hand aperture 104 and presents the user contact surface 90 within the hand aperture 104. The trigger 20 further includes a handle linkage contact surface 92 and a cantilevered tab 98, both disposed within the handle grip housing 82. The handle grip housing 82 further includes trigger aperture 106. The trigger 20 extends through the trigger aperture 106.

[0088] In addition to the second end 132 (see, e.g., back to FIG. 6), the first tube 86 further includes a first end 130 (back again to FIG. 20). The first end 130 is coupled to the handle grip housing 82. For example, the handle grip housing 82 can include a collar portion 134 with an opening 136 thereto. The first end 130 of the first tube 86 is disposed within the collar portion 134 through the opening 136. The first end 130 of the first tube 86 and the collar portion 134 of the handle grip housing 82 can include aligned apertures 138, 140 to receive fasteners to fasten the first tube 86 and the handle grip housing 82 together. The first end 130 of the first tube 86 is not disposed within the support tube portion 26 of the housing portion 14.

[0089] In embodiments, the handle linkage 84 includes a first end 114, a first straight segment 116, a curved segment 118, a second straight segment 120, and a second end 122. The first end 114 of the handle linkage 84 is disposed proximate the handle linkage contact surface 92 of the trigger 20. The first straight segment 116 terminates in the first end 114. The second straight segment 120 terminates in the second end 122. The curved segment 118 transitions between the first straight segment 116 and the second straight segment 120. The handle linkage 84 can include a recess 126 at the second end 122 and an aperture 128 providing access into the recess 126.

[0090] The tube linkage 88 can be disposed primarily within the tubular cavity 142 of the first tube 86. In addition to the second end 152 (see, e.g., back to FIG. 6), the tube linkage 88 further includes a first end 150 (returning to FIG. 20). The first end 150 is disposed closer to the trigger 20 than the second end 152. The first end 150 is coupled to the second end 122 of the handle linkage 84. For example, the first end 150 of the tube linkage 88 can be disposed within the recess 126 of the handle linkage 84 and have an aperture 154 aligned with the aperture 128 of the handle linkage 84. A fastener can then fasten the first end 150 of the tube linkage 88 and the second end 122 of the handle linkage 84 together.

[0091] Referring additionally to FIGS. 21 and 22, the trigger 20 is shown in isolation. As mentioned, the trigger 20 includes the user contact surface 90 and the handle linkage contact surface 92. The trigger 20 includes projections 96 that extend outward. The trigger 20 is manipulable along a trigger pivot axis 94. The trigger pivot axis 94 extends through the projections 96. The cantilevered tab 98 of the trigger 20 extends away from the trigger pivot axis 94

[0092] Referring additionally to FIG. 23, the handle grip housing 82 is shown in an exploded view, along with the trigger 20 and the handle linkage 84. The handle grip housing 82 can be formed of a number of components, such as a first piece 108, a second piece 110, and a third piece 112. The first piece 108, the second piece 110, and the third piece 112 can be assembled together to form the handle grip housing 82.

[0093] Referring additionally to FIG. 24, in embodiments, the handle grip housing 82 includes recesses 100 that oppose each other. The recesses 100 receive the projections 96 of the trigger 20. The trigger 20 can thus pivot about the trigger pivot axis 94 within the recesses 100 of the handle grip housing 82.

[0094] Referring additionally to FIGS. 25-26, the handle linkage 84 is shown in isolation. Of note is that the first straight segment 116 of the handle linkage 84 facing the hand aperture 104 (can refer back to FIG. 20) forms an obtuse angle 124 relative to the second straight segment 120. For example, the obtuse angle 124 could be within the range of from 100 degrees to 140 degrees.

[0095] Referring additionally to FIGS. 27 and 28, the first tube 86 is shown in isolation. The first end 130 and the second end 132 of the first tube 86 are shown together. Additionally shown are the apertures 138 that participate in the fastening of the first tube 86 and the handle grip housing 82 together. Further, the lock aperture 144 that participates in the locking of the grip portion 16 in the extracted position 180 is illustrated. The lock aperture 144 is disposed closer to the second end 132 than to the first end 130. Still further, the cam aperture 146 aligned with the cam aperture 175 of the cam housing 172 is illustrated. The cam aperture 146 likewise is disposed closer to the second end 132 than to the first end 130. Finally, the cam housing aperture 148 that participates in the attachment of the cam housing 172 to the first tube 86 is illustrated. The cam housing aperture 148 is likewise disposed closer to the second end 132 than the to first end 130. Referring additionally to FIG. 29, the tube linkage 88 is shown in isolation. The first end 150 and the second end 152 are illustrated, along with the aperture 154 that participates in the fastening of the handle linkage 84 to the tube linkage 88. Further, the cam contacting surface 156 is shown at the second end 152. The tube linkage 88 further includes a centerline 158 that extends from the first end 150 to the second end 152 of the tube linkage 88.

[0096] Referring additionally to FIGS. 30 and 31, the cam 24 is shown in isolation. The cam 24 is pivotable about a cam pivot axis 160. The cam pivot axis 160 is orthogonal to the trigger pivot axis 94. The cam 24 further includes projections 170 that extend outward. The cam pivot axis 160 extends through the projections 170. A purpose of these projections 170 will be discussed momentarily. The cam pivot axis 160 is orthogonal to the pedal pivot axis 208.

[0097] Referring additionally to FIGS. 32-35, the cam housing 172 is shown in isolation, along with the cam 24. As mentioned, the cam housing 172 further includes a cam aperture 175 through which the switch contact surface 166 of the cam 24 can extend when manipulated to pivot about the cam pivot axis 160. The cam housing 172 further includes projection receivers 176. The projections 170 of the cam 24 reside within the projection receivers 176 of the cam housing 172. The cam 24 pivots about the cam pivot axis 160 via movement of the projections 170 within the projection receivers 176. The fastener receiver 174 (see FIG. 34) of the cam housing 172 is aligned with the cam housing aperture 148 of the first tube 86 and together receive the fastener 173, as discussed above. Because the cam housing 172 houses the cam 24, the cam 24 is disposed closer to the second end 132 of the first tube 86 than to the first end 130 of the first tube 86.

[0098] Referring additionally to FIG. 35, in embodiments, a plane 178 is coincident with the centerline 158 of the tube linkage 88. The plane 178 is not a physical component but a conceptual tool used herein to explain relative positioning of certain physical components. The plane 178 is parallel to the cam pivot axis 160. In the drawing of FIG. 35, the plane 178 extends into and out of the drawing. The cam pivot axis 160, the electronic switch 18, and the switch contact surface 166 of the cam 24 are disposed on a same side of the plane 178. In embodiments, the plane 178 extends through the linkage contact surface 162 of the cam 24. In embodiments, the cantilevered projection 168 of the cam 24 is disposed on the side of the plane 178. The cam contacting surface 156 at the second end 152 of the tube linkage 88 forms an acute angle 190 relative to the linkage contact surface 162 of the cam 24.

[0099] Referring additionally to FIG. 36, the trigger 20 can be manipulated to take an actuating position 186. The trigger 20 is thus manipulable to, from, and between the actuating position 186 and the released position 188 (see, e.g., FIG. 20), mentioned above. When the trigger 20 is in the released position 188, the handle linkage contact surface 92 of the trigger 20 either does not contact the first end 114 of the handle linkage 84 or does not contact the first end 114 of the handle linkage 84 with sufficient force to move the handle linkage 84.

[0100] However, keeping with FIG. 36, the user can impart a force 192 upon the user contact surface 90. The force 192 causes the trigger 20 to rotate about the trigger pivot axis 94 to the actuating position 186. In turn, the handle linkage contact surface 92 of the trigger 20 imparts a force 194 to the first end 114 of the handle linkage 84. For example, the handle linkage contact surface 92 pushes the first end 114 of the handle linkage 84. In turn, the second end 122 of the handle linkage 84 imparts a force 196 on the first end 150 of the tube linkage 88 that pushes the tube linkage 88 further toward the second end 132 of the first tube 86.

[0101] In turn, referring now to FIG. 37, the second end 152 of the tube linkage 88 imparts a force 198 on the linkage contact surface 162 of the cam 24. The acute angle 190 that the cam contacting surface 156 at the second end 152 of the tube linkage 88 forms relative to the linkage contact surface of the cam 24 is less than when the trigger 20 is in the released position 188. In turn, the cam 24 pivots about the cam pivot axis 160. As a result of the pivoting of the cam 24, the switch contact surface 166 extends through the cam aperture 175 of the cam housing 172, the cam aperture 146 of the first tube 86, and the cam aperture 32 of the support tube portion 26 of the housing portion 14.

[0102] The electronic switch 18 is manipulable to, from, and between the OFF position 68 and an ON position 200. The switch contact surface 166 extending through the cam aperture 175 of the cam housing 172, the cam aperture 146 of the first tube 86, and the cam aperture 32 of the support tube portion 26 of the housing portion 14 forces the electronic switch 18 to the ON position 200. For example, When the actuating arm 202 is pushed sufficiently close to the body 204, the electronic switch 18 is in the ON position 200. In short, the user manipulation of the trigger 20 causes the trigger 20 to pivot about the trigger pivot axis 94, which causes the cam 24 to pivot about the cam pivot axis 160 via the handle linkage 84 and the tube linkage 88, which manipulates the electronic switch 18 to the ON position 200 via the switch contact surface 166 of the cam 24 pushing the actuating arm 202 of the electronic switch 18.

[0103] The electronic switch 18 in the ON position 200 activates some powered function of the extraction cleaner 12. For example, the electronic switch 18 can be a valve switch that, when manipulated to the ON position 200, opens a valve that causes the extraction cleaner 12 to spray liquid during a cleaning operation.

[0104] Referring back to FIG. 36, the trigger 20 is biased to the released position 188. For example, as the trigger 20 is manipulated toward and to the actuating position 186, the cantilevered tab 98 of the trigger 20 pushes against the handle grip housing 82 and becomes energized. The cantilevered tab 98 being energized, biases the trigger 20 back to the released position 188 (see FIG. 20) when the force 192 upon the trigger 20 expires.

[0105] Referring next to FIG. 37, similarly, as the force 192 manipulates the trigger 20 to the actuating position 186 and, as a result, the cam 24 pivots about the cam pivot axis 160, the cantilevered projection 168 of the cam 24 pushes against the cam housing 172 and becomes energized. The cantilevered projection 168 of the cam 24 becoming energized resists manipulation of the trigger 20 to the actuating position 186 and can bias the trigger 20 to the released position 188. After the force 192 upon the trigger 20 expires, the cantilevered projection 168 of the cam 24 deenergizes and rotates the cam 24 about the cam pivot axis 160 such that the switch contact surface 166 of the cam 24 moves away from the electronic switch 18 and back further into the tubular cavity 142 of the first tube 86. The electronic switch 18 as mentioned is biased to the OFF position 68 and thus deactivates whatever function of the extraction cleaner 12 was previously powered by virtue of the electronic switch 18 being in the ON position 200. In addition, the cantilevered portion deenergizing and causing the cam 24 to rotate about the cam pivot axis 160 additionally forces, via movement of the tube linkage 88 and the handle linkage 84 away from the cam 24, the trigger 20 to the released position 188.

[0106] Referring additionally to FIGS. 38 and 39, as mentioned, the grip portion 16 is able to telescope into and out of the housing portion 14. More particularly, the grip portion 16 is manipulable to, from, and between the extracted position 180 (see, e.g., FIG. 3) and a retracted position 182 (FIGS. 38 and 39). In the retracted position 182, the grip portion 16 is disposed further within the housing portion 14 than in the extracted position 180. In the retracted position 182, the handle grip housing 82 is disposed closer to the housing portion 14 than in the extracted position 180.

[0107] Referring additionally to FIG. 40, to move the grip portion 16 from the extracted position 180 to the retracted position 182, a force 184 is imparted upon the first end 74 of the button 72 toward the second end 76 of the button 72. The force 184, in turn, causes the second end 76 to force the angled portion 44 and the locking end 48 of the lock 40 to move orthogonally to the force 184. The locking end 48 of the lock 40 thus moves out of and away from the lock apertures 144, 38 of the first tube 86 and the support tube portion 26 and into the lock housing 36. The movement of the lock 40 energizes the spring 42 and frees the grip portion 16 to be pushed from the extracted position 180 toward the retracted position 182 further into the housing portion 14. In the retracted position 182, the second end 132 of the first tube 86 is disposed further within the housing portion 14 than when the grip portion 16 is in the extracted position 180.

[0108] When the grip portion 16 is telescoped into the housing portion 14 in the retracted position 182, manipulation of the trigger 20 cannot cause the cam 24 to force the electronic switch 18 to the ON position 200. As mentioned, the cam 24 rotates about the cam pivot axis 160 within the first tube 86. The switch contact surface 166 of the cam 24 can extend through the cam aperture 32 of the support tube portion 26 of the housing portion 14 to manipulate the electronic switch 18 only when the cam aperture 32 of the support tube portion 26 is aligned with the cam aperture 146 of the first tube 86. However, when the grip portion 16 is in the retracted position 182, the cam aperture 32 of the support tube portion 26 and the cam aperture 146 of the first tube 86 are not aligned and thus the switch contact surface 166 of the cam 24 is blocked from contacting the electronic switch 18, even if the trigger 20 is manipulated.

[0109] To manipulate the grip portion 16 from the retracted position 182 back to the extracted position 180, the user can pull the grip portion 16 away from the housing portion 14. As the grip portion 16 is manipulated from the retracted position 182 to the extracted position 180, the lock aperture 38 of the support tube portion 26 eventually aligns with the lock aperture 144 of the first tube 86 (see FIG. 8). When that alignment occurs, the spring 42 energized within the lock housing 36 partially deenergizes by forcing the locking end 48 of the lock 40 into and through the lock aperture 38 of the lock housing 36 and into and through the lock aperture 144 of the first tube 86. Simultaneously, the spring 42 forces the angled portion 44 of the lock 40 to push the second end 76 of the button 72 toward the first end 74 of the button 72. The grip portion 16 is now in the extracted position 180, and the spring 42 is sufficiently energized to continue to bias the locking end 48 through the lock aperture 38 of the lock housing 36 and through the lock aperture 144 of the first tube 86. The locking end 48 thus prevents the first tube 86 from moving relative to the support tube portion 26 (of which the lock housing 36 is a part) and thereby locks the grip portion 16 back in the extracted position 180 until the button 72 is manipulated again.

[0110] The handle assembly 10 of the present disclosure addresses the problem mentioned in the Brief Summary because the trigger 20 is still provided at the grip portion 16 of the handle assembly 10 but no retractile cable is utilized for the trigger 20 to manipulate the electronic switch 18 to the ON position 200. Rather, the linkage system 22 and the cam 24 are utilized to manipulate the electronic switch 18 to the ON position 200. Thus, the expense of a retractile cable is avoided.

[0111] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a handle assembly for an extraction cleaner comprises: (a) a housing portion comprising an electronic switch manipulable to, from, and between (i) an ON position and (ii) an OFF position; and (b) a grip portion able to telescope into and out of the housing portion, the grip portion comprising (i) a trigger pivotable about a trigger pivot axis, (ii) a linkage system in communication with the trigger, and (iii) a cam in communication with the linkage system, the cam pivotable about a cam pivot axis, wherein, when the grip portion is telescoped out of the housing portion, pivoting of the trigger about the trigger pivot axis causes, via movement of the linkage system, the cam to pivot about the cam pivot axis and manipulate the electronic switch to the ON position.

[0112] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of the first aspect is presented, wherein the cam pivot axis is orthogonal to the trigger pivot axis.

[0113] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of any one of the first through second aspects is presented, wherein (a) the housing portion further comprises a support tube portion comprising (i) a first end, (ii) a second end, and (iii) a cam aperture disposed between the first end and the second end, the support tube portion defining a tubular cavity, (b) the grip portion further comprises a first tube comprising (i) a first end, (ii) a second end disposed within the support tube portion of the housing portion, the second end disposed further within the housing portion when the grip portion is telescoped into the housing portion than when the grip portion is telescoped out of the housing portion, and (iii) a second cam aperture that aligns with the cam aperture of the housing portion when the grip portion is telescoped out of the housing portion but not when the grip portion is telescoped into the housing portion, and (c) when the grip portion is telescoped out of the housing portion, pivoting of the trigger about the trigger pivot axis causes, via movement of the linkage system, the cam (i) to pivot about the cam pivot axis, (ii) to extend through the cam aperture of the housing portion and the second cam aperture of the grip portion, and (iii) to manipulate the electronic switch to the ON position.

[0114] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of the third aspect is presented, wherein (a) the housing portion further comprises (i) a front cover and (ii) a rear cover attached to the front cover, and (b) the support tube portion is sandwiched between the rear cover and the front cover.

[0115] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of any one of the third through fourth aspects is presented, wherein (i) the grip portion further comprises a cam housing disposed within the first tube, the cam housing comprising projection receivers, and (ii) the cam further comprises projections disposed within the projection receivers of the cam housing, the cam pivot axis extending through the projections of the cam.

[0116] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of any one of the third through fifth aspects is presented, wherein (1) the cam is disposed within the first tube and comprises (a) a linkage contact surface (b) a switch contact surface proximate the second cam aperture of the first tube, and (2) when the grip portion is telescoped out of the housing portion, pivoting of the trigger about the trigger pivot axis causes the linkage system to contact the linkage contact surface of the cam, which causes (a) the cam to pivot about the cam pivot axis and (b) the switch contact surface of the cam (i) to extend through the cam aperture of the housing portion and the second cam aperture of the grip portion and (ii) to manipulate the electronic switch to the ON position.

[0117] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of any one of the first through sixth aspects is presented, wherein (i) the cam comprises a cantilevered projection, and (ii) as the trigger pivots about the trigger pivot axis causing the cam to pivot about the cam pivot axis, the cantilevered projection of the cam becomes energized and resists the pivoting of the trigger about the trigger pivot axis.

[0118] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of the seventh aspect is presented, wherein (i) the cantilevered projection of the cam biases the cam away from manipulating the electronic switch to the ON position, and (ii) the electronic switch is biased to the OFF position.

[0119] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of any one of the first through eighth aspects is presented, wherein (i) the housing portion further comprises a pedal pivotable about a pedal pivot axis, and (ii) the cam pivot axis is orthogonal to the pedal pivot axis of the pedal.

[0120] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a handle assembly for an extraction cleaner comprises: (1) a housing portion comprising (a) a support tube portion comprising (i) a first end, (ii) a second end, and (iii) a cam aperture disposed between the first end and the second end, the support tube portion defining a tubular cavity; and (b) an electronic switch manipulable to, from, and between (i) an ON position and (ii) an OFF position to which the electronic switch is biased; and (2) a grip portion manipulable to, from, and between an extracted position and a retracted position further within the housing portion than in the extracted position, the grip portion comprising (a) a handle grip housing, the handle grip housing disposed closer to the housing portion in the retracted position than in the extracted position; (b) a trigger at least partially housed within the handle grip housing and partially exposed to an external environment outside of the handle grip housing, the trigger manipulable along a trigger pivot axis to, from, and between (i) an actuating position and (ii) a released position to which the trigger is biased; (c) a handle linkage disposed at least partially within the handle grip housing, the handle linkage comprising (i) a first end proximate the trigger and (ii) a second end; (d) a first tube comprising (i) a first end coupled to the handle grip housing and not disposed within the support tube portion of the housing portion, (ii) a second end disposed within the support tube portion of the housing portion, the second end disposed further within the housing portion when the grip portion is in the retracted position than when the grip portion is in the extracted position, and (iii) a second cam aperture; (e) a tube linkage disposed at least primarily within the first tube, the tube linkage comprising (i) a first end coupled to the second end of the handle linkage and (ii) a second end; and (f) a cam disposed within the first tube closer to the second end than the first end, the cam pivotable about a cam pivot axis and comprising (i) a linkage contact surface proximate the second end of the tube linkage and (ii) a switch contact surface proximate the second cam aperture of the first tube, wherein, as a force manipulates the trigger to the actuating position, (i) the trigger imparts a force to the first end of the handle linkage, (ii) the second end of the handle linkage imparts a force to the first end of the tube linkage to push the tube linkage further toward the second end of the first tube, (iii) the second end of the tube linkage imparts a force on the linkage contact surface of the cam, (iv) the cam pivots, and (v) the switch contact surface extends through the second cam aperture of the first tube and the cam aperture of the support tube portion of the housing portion and forces the electronic switch to the ON position.

[0121] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of the tenth aspect is presented, wherein (a) the support tube portion further comprises (i) a lock housing projecting outward from the tubular cavity of the support tube portion, which lock housing houses a lock and a spring, and (ii) a lock aperture through the support tube portion into the tubular cavity aligned with the lock within the lock housing, and (b) when the grip portion is in the extracted position, the spring biases a locking end of the lock through a lock aperture of the lock housing and through a lock aperture of the first tube that is aligned with the lock aperture of the lock housing to lock the grip portion in the extracted position.

[0122] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of the eleventh aspect is presented, wherein (1) the lock housing comprises a button aperture, (2) the lock further comprises an angled portion disposed closer to the spring than the locking end, (3) the housing portion comprises (a) a rear cover with a button aperture aligned with the button aperture of the lock housing and (b) a button with (i) a first end extending through the button aperture of the rear cover and exposed to an external environment and (ii) a second end extending through the button aperture of the lock housing and abutting the angled portion of the lock, and (4) a force upon the first end of the button toward the second end of the button causes the second end to force the angled portion and the locking end of the lock out of and away from the lock apertures of the first tube and the support tube portion and into the lock housing, energizing the spring and permitting the grip portion to be manipulated away from the extracted position toward the retracted position.

[0123] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of the twelfth aspect is presented, wherein as the grip portion is manipulated from the retracted position to the extracted position, and the lock aperture of the support tube portion aligns with the lock aperture of the first tube, the spring (i) forces the locking end of the lock into and through the lock aperture of the support tube portion and into and through the lock aperture of the first tube and (ii) forces the angled portion of the lock to push the second end of the button toward the first end of the button.

[0124] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of any one of the tenth through the thirteenth aspects is presented, wherein (a) the trigger further comprises a user contact surface open to an external environment and a handle linkage contact surface that is disposed within the handle grip housing, and (b) a force upon the handle linkage contact surface causes (i) the trigger to rotate about the trigger pivot axis, (ii) the handle linkage contact surface to push the handle linkage, and (iii) the cam to pivot about the cam pivot axis via the handle linkage and the tube linkage so that the switch contact surface of the cam pushes the electronic switch to the ON position.

[0125] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of any one of the tenth through fourteenth aspects is presented, wherein (a) the handle grip housing comprises an exterior surface at least partially defining a hand aperture into which the trigger extends, (b) the handle linkage further comprises (i) a first straight segment terminating in the first end, (ii) a second straight segment terminating in the second end, and (iii) a curved segment between the first straight segment and the second straight segment, and (c) the first straight segment facing the hand aperture forms an obtuse angle relative to the second straight segment facing the hand aperture.

[0126] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of any one of the tenth through fifteenth aspects is presented, wherein (i) the second end of the tube linkage comprises a cam contacting surface, (ii) when the trigger is in the released position, a cam contacting surface at the second end of the tube linkage forms an acute angle relative to the linkage contact surface of the cam, and (iii) when the trigger is in the actuating position, the acute angle that the cam contacting surface of the tube linkage forms relative to the linkage contact surface of the cam is less than when the trigger is in the released position.

[0127] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of any one of the tenth through sixteenth aspects is presented, wherein (i) the tube linkage further comprises a centerline that extends from the first end to the second end of the tube linkage, and (ii) the cam pivot axis, the electronic switch, and the switch contact surface of the cam are disposed on a same side of a plane coincident with the centerline of the tube linkage and parallel to the cam pivot axis.

[0128] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of any one of the tenth through seventeenth aspects is presented, wherein the cam further comprises (i) a body extending between the linkage contact surface and the switch contact surface and (ii) a cantilevered projection that extends from the main body closer to the switch contact surface than the linkage contact surface, the cantilevered projection extending in a curved manner away from the switch contact surface.

[0129] According to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of the eighteenth aspect is presented, wherein when the force upon the trigger expires, the cantilevered projection of the cam deenergizes and rotates the cam about the cam pivot axis, forcing, via movement of the tube linkage and the handle linkage, the trigger to the released position.

[0130] According to a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, the handle assembly of any one of the tenth through nineteenth aspects is presented, wherein the trigger further comprises a cantilevered tab that extends away from the trigger pivot axis within the handle grip housing that becomes energized as the trigger is manipulated to the actuating position so as to bias the trigger back to the released position.

[0131] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0132] For purposes of this disclosure, the term coupled (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0133] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0134] It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.