Multi-function vacuum cleaner accessory

Abstract

A multiple-function cleaning accessory for a vacuum cleaner including a nozzle and a cleaning element incorporating a squeegee and a brush. The cleaning element may be oriented and removably secured to the nozzle such that either a brush member or a squeegee member extends form an opening in the nozzle for contacting a working surface. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

1 . A multiple-function vacuum cleaner accessory comprising: 
 a nozzle defining an opening, and;    a cleaning element including a brush member and a squeegee member, the cleaning element being removably secured to the nozzle such that one of the brush member and the squeegee member extends out of the opening, and the other of the brush member and the squeegee member extends within the nozzle.    
     
     
         2 . The vacuum cleaner accessory of  claim 1  wherein the brush member projects from a first side of the cleaning element and the squeegee member projects from a second side of the cleaning element.  
     
     
         3 . The vacuum cleaner accessory of  claim 1  wherein the brush member extends along substantially an entire length of the cleaning element.  
     
     
         4 . The vacuum cleaner accessory of  claim 1  wherein the squeegee member extends along substantially an entire length of the cleaning element.  
     
     
         5 . The vacuum cleaner accessory of  claim 1  wherein the brush member and the squeegee member project from the cleaning element in substantially opposite directions.  
     
     
         6 . The vacuum cleaner accessory of  claim 1  further including an elbow member projecting from the nozzle for pivotally connecting the nozzle to a vacuum cleaner assembly.  
     
     
         7 . The vacuum cleaner accessory of  claim 1  wherein the nozzle further includes a cantilevered detent member extending from the nozzle and the cleaning member further includes a latch member engaged with the detent member to removably secure the cleaning member to the nozzle.  
     
     
         8 . The vacuum cleaner accessory of  claim 7  wherein the nozzle further includes a plurality of cantilevered detent members extending from the body and the cleaning member further includes a plurality of latch members, each of the plurality of latch members being engaged with a corresponding one of the detent members to removably secure the cleaning member to the nozzle body.  
     
     
         9 . The vacuum cleaner accessory of  claim 8  wherein the detent member extends from an outer wall of the nozzle.  
     
     
         10 . The vacuum cleaner accessory of  claim 11  wherein the outer wall includes a slot formed therein and the detent member projects into the slot.  
     
     
         11 . The vacuum cleaner accessory of  claim 12  wherein a free end of the detent member is recessed from an edge of the outer wall.  
     
     
         12 . A cleaning element for removable securement to a nozzle of a vacuum cleaner assembly comprising: 
 a brush member; and    a squeegee member coupled to the brush member,    wherein one of the brush member and the squeegee member is positionable for engagement with a working surface with the cleaning element secured to the nozzle.    
     
     
         13 . The cleaning element of  claim 14  further including a plurality of latch members for removably securing the cleaning element to the nozzle.  
     
     
         14 . The cleaning element of  claim 14  wherein the brush member extends along substantially an entire length of the cleaning element.  
     
     
         15 . The cleaning element of  claim 14  wherein the squeegee member extends along substantially an entire length of the cleaning element.  
     
     
         16 . The cleaning element of  claim 14  wherein the squeegee member is coupled to the brush member such that the squeegee member projects in a substantially opposite direction from the brush member.