U.S. patent application number 11/248068 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-13 for bladed disk brush roller assembly for a vacuum cleaner.
Invention is credited to William Kimmerle, Carl B. Sauers.
Application Number | 20060075599 11/248068 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46322896 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060075599 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kimmerle; William ; et
al. |
April 13, 2006 |
Bladed disk brush roller assembly for a vacuum cleaner
Abstract
A brush roller assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a spindle
rotatable within a vacuum cleaner housing. A first airflow
enhancing device (AED) may be attached to the first end of the
spindle. When rotated, the spindle may increase the flow of air
from the end of the spindle toward the central portion of the
spindle and thereby improve the vacuum cleaner's edge cleaning
capability.
Inventors: |
Kimmerle; William; (Hudson,
OH) ; Sauers; Carl B.; (Barberton, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Timothy D. Bennett;Brouse McDowell
Suite 500
388 S. Main St.
Akron
OH
44311-4407
US
|
Family ID: |
46322896 |
Appl. No.: |
11/248068 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10222673 |
Aug 16, 2002 |
6959467 |
|
|
11248068 |
Oct 12, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/383 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/0455
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/383 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/04 20060101
A47L009/04 |
Claims
1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing having a top, a bottom
and first and second side walls, an intake aperture is provided in
the bottom of the housing, first and second openings are provided
in the first and second side walls, respectively; a drive motor
supported to the housing; and, a device comprising: (a) a spindle
operatively connected to the drive motor and selectively rotatable
within the housing, the spindle having a central portion and first
and second ends juxtaposed to the first and second openings in the
housing, respectively; (b) a first airflow enhancing device
positioned on the first end of the spindle, the first airflow
enhancing device is selectively rotatable by the spindle to
increase the flow of air from the intake aperture and first opening
to the central portion of the spindle; and, (c) a second airflow
enhancing device positioned on the second end of the spindle, the
second airflow enhancing device is selectively rotatable by the
spindle to increase the flow of air from the intake aperture and
second opening to the central portion of the spindle.
2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein: the spindle comprises
first and second pins extending from the first and second ends of
the spindle, respectively, the first and second pins are adapted to
be rotatably received by the housing; and, the first and second
airflow enhancing devices have first and second holes,
respectively, that receive the first and second pins,
respectively.
3. The vacuum cleaner of claim I wherein the spindle comprises:
first and second recesses formed in the first and second ends of
the spindle, respectively, wherein at least a portion of the first
and second airflow enhancing devices are positioned within the
first and second recesses, respectively.
4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the spindle comprises: a
driven pulley adapted to engage a belt driven by the drive motor;
and, at least one brush extending from the outer surface of the
spindle.
5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein: the housing has third and
fourth openings provided in the bottom of the housing juxtaposed to
the first and second ends of the spindle, respectively; the first
airflow enhancing device is selectively rotatable by the spindle to
increase the flow of air from the third opening to the central
portion of the spindle; and, the second airflow enhancing device is
selectively rotatable by the spindle to increase the flow of air
from the fourth opening to the central portion of the spindle.
6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 further comprising: first and
second adjustment mechanisms selectively adjustable to adjust the
size of the first and second openings, respectively.
7. The vacuum cleaner of claim 6 wherein the first and second
adjustment mechanisms are pressurization mechanisms.
8. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing having an intake aperture
and a first opening; a drive motor; and, an assembly comprising:
(a) a spindle operatively connected to the drive motor and
selectively rotatable within the housing, the spindle having a
central portion and a first end juxtaposed to the first opening in
the housing; and, (b) a first airflow enhancing device positioned
on the first end of the spindle, the first airflow enhancing device
is selectively rotatable by the spindle to increase the flow of air
from the intake aperture and first opening to the central portion
of the spindle.
9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8 wherein the first airflow
enhancing device comprises: a central portion; and, a plurality of
blade projections extending from the central portion.
10. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8 wherein: the spindle comprises a
first pin extending from the first end of the spindle, the first
pin is adapted to be rotatably received by the housing; and, the
first airflow enhancing device has a first hole that receive the
first pin.
11. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8 wherein the spindle comprises: a
first recess formed in the first end of the spindle, wherein at
least a portion of the first airflow enhancing device is positioned
within the first recess.
12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8 wherein the spindle comprises: a
driven pulley adapted to engage a belt driven by the drive motor;
and, at least one brush extending from the outer surface of the
spindle.
13. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8 further comprising: an adjustment
mechanism selectively adjustable to adjust the size of the first
opening.
14. The vacuum cleaner of claim 13 wherein the adjustment mechanism
is a pressurization mechanism.
15. The vacuum cleaner of claim 13 wherein the adjustment mechanism
comprises: a plate rotatably attached to the housing.
16. A device comprising: a spindle having first and second ends and
a central portion, the spindle is adapted to be driven by a vacuum
cleaner motor and rotated within a vacuum cleaner housing; and,
first and second airflow enhancing devices fixed on the first and
second ends, respectively, of the spindle, the first and second
airflow enhancing devices are selectively rotatable by the spindle
to increase the flow of air from the first and second ends of the
spindle to the central portion of the spindle.
17. The device of claim 16 wherein the spindle comprises: at least
one brush extending from the outer surface of the spindle.
18. The device of claim 16 wherein: the spindle comprises first and
second pins extending from the first and second ends of the
spindle, respectively, the first and second pins are adapted to be
rotatably received by the vacuum cleaner housing; and, the first
and second airflow enhancing devices have first and second holes,
respectively, that receive the first and second pins,
respectively.
19. The device of claim 16 wherein the spindle comprises: first and
second recesses formed in the first and second ends of the spindle,
respectively, wherein at least a portion of the first and second
airflow enhancing devices are positioned with the first and second
recesses, respectively.
20. The device of claim 16 wherein the first and second airflow
enhancing devices are screwed on to the spindle.
21. The device of claim 16 wherein the first and second airflow
enhancing devices are molded into the spindle.
22. The device of claim 16 wherein the first and second airflow
enhancing devices and the spindle are fabricated as an integrated
assembly.
23. The device of claim 16 wherein the spindle comprises: a driven
pulley adapted to engage a belt driven by the vacuum cleaner
motor.
24. A method comprising the steps of: providing a vacuum cleaner
comprising: (1) a housing having an intake aperture and a first
opening; and, (2) a drive motor; providing a device comprising a
spindle operatively connected to the drive motor and selectively
rotatable within the housing, the spindle having a central portion
and a first end juxtaposed to the first opening in the housing;
and, operating the drive motor to rotate the spindle thereby
drawing air through the first opening and along the longitudinal
axis of the spindle from the first end toward the central
portion.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein prior to the step of, operating
the drive motor to rotate the spindle, the method comprises the
step of: adjusting the size of the first opening.
26. The method of claim 25 further comprising the steps of:
providing an adjustment mechanism comprising a plate rotatably
attached to the housing; and, wherein the step of, adjusting the
size of the first opening, comprises the step of rotating the
plate.
27. The method of claim 24 further comprising the steps of:
providing the housing with a top, a bottom and a side wall;
providing the intake aperture in the bottom of the housing and the
first opening in the side wall; providing a second opening in the
bottom of the housing juxtaposed to the first end of the spindle;
wherein the step of, operating the drive motor to rotate the
spindle, comprises the step of drawing air through the second
opening and along the longitudinal axis of the spindle from the
first end toward the central portion.
28. The method of claim 24 further comprising the steps of:
providing the housing with a top, a bottom and first and second
side walls; providing the intake aperture in the bottom of the
housing and the first opening in the first side wall; providing the
spindle with a second end; providing a second opening in the second
side wall juxtaposed to the second end of the spindle; wherein the
step of, operating the drive motor to rotate the spindle, comprises
the step of drawing air through the second opening and along the
longitudinal axis of the spindle from the second end toward the
central portion.
29. The method of claim 24 further comprising the steps of:
providing an airflow enhancing device fixedly attached to the first
end of the spindle; and, wherein the step of, operating the drive
motor to rotate the spindle, comprises the step of rotating the
airflow enhancing device.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application
claiming priority from utility patent application Ser. No.
10/222,673, filed on Aug. 16, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. ______ which
is incorporated herein by reference.
I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to new and novel
improvements in a bladed disk brush roller assembly for a vacuum
cleaner. More particularly, the present invention relates to
methods and apparatuses related to a brush roller assembly for a
vacuum cleaner that generates direct and/or indirect force that
moves air and debris, such as dirt and dust, away from the ends of
the spindle and toward the middle of the spindle where it is
removed by the suction of the vacuum cleaner.
[0004] B. Description of Related Art
[0005] Brush roller assemblies for vacuum cleaners are well known
and have been described in numerous references, including a number
of issued United States patents. A typical brush roller assembly
includes a rotatably mounted and motor driven spindle having a
brush on a cylindrical or non-cylindrical outer surface thereof and
a non-rotatable mounting structure at each end to mount the brush
roller assembly to a vacuum cleaner housing. While the mounting
structure may vary considerably, one type of known mounting
structure includes end assemblies at each end of the spindle, the
end assemblies including a rotatable stub shaft, a bearing and an
end cap member which is fixedly secured to the vacuum cleaner
housing.
[0006] Certain problems are known to exist with known prior art
brush roller assemblies for vacuum cleaners. In particular, debris,
such as dirt and dust, tends to collect in such known prior art
brush roller assemblies. Further discussion of this problem is
commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,611 which is incorporated herein
by reference. This debris collection problem is thought to be due,
at least in part, to the lack of movement of air from the ends of
the brush roller assembly to the central portion of the brush
roller assembly where debris, such as dirt and dust, can be removed
from the brush roller assembly by the vacuum of the vacuum
cleaner.
II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one embodiment of this invention, a vacuum
cleaner includes a housing having a top, a bottom and first and
second side walls. An intake aperture is provided in the bottom of
the housing and first and second openings are provided in the first
and second side walls, respectively. A drive motor may be supported
to the housing. The vacuum cleaner may also include: (a) a spindle
operatively connected to the drive motor and selectively rotatable
within the housing, the spindle having a central portion and first
and second ends juxtaposed to the first and second openings in the
housing, respectively; (b) a first airflow enhancing device
positioned on the first end of the spindle, the first airflow
enhancing device is selectively rotatable by the spindle to
increase the flow of air from the intake aperture and first opening
to the central portion of the spindle; and, (c) a second airflow
enhancing device positioned on the second end of the spindle, the
second airflow enhancing device is selectively rotatable by the
spindle to increase the flow of air from the intake aperture and
second opening to the central portion of the spindle.
[0008] According to another embodiment of this invention, the
spindle may have pins extending from the spindle ends. The pins may
be adapted to be rotatably received by the housing and to be
received by holes formed in the first and second airflow enhancing
devices.
[0009] According to another embodiment of this invention, the
spindle may have first and second recesses formed in the first and
second ends of the spindle. At least a portion of the first and
second airflow enhancing devices may be positioned within the first
and second recesses.
[0010] According to another embodiment of this invention, the
spindle may have a driven pulley adapted to engage a belt driven by
the drive motor.
[0011] According to another embodiment of this invention, first and
second adjustment mechanisms may be used to adjust the size of the
first and second openings, respectively.
[0012] According to another embodiment of this invention, a device
may include: (a) a spindle having first and second ends and a
central portion, the spindle is adapted to be driven by a vacuum
cleaner motor and rotated within a vacuum cleaner housing; and, (b)
first and second airflow enhancing devices fixed on the first and
second ends, respectively, of the spindle. The first and second
airflow enhancing devices may be selectively rotatable by the
spindle to increase the flow of air from the first and second ends
of the spindle to the central portion of the spindle.
[0013] According to another embodiment of this invention, a method
may include the following steps: (a) providing a vacuum cleaner
comprising: (1) a housing having an intake aperture and a first
opening; and, (2) a drive motor; (b) providing a device comprising
a spindle operatively connected to the drive motor and selectively
rotatable within the housing, the spindle having a central portion
and a first end juxtaposed to the first opening in the housing;
and, (c) operating the drive motor to rotate the spindle thereby
drawing air through the first opening and along the longitudinal
axis of the spindle from the first end toward the central
portion.
[0014] According to another embodiment of this invention, prior to
the step of, operating the drive motor to rotate the spindle, the
method comprises the step of adjusting the size of the first
opening.
[0015] Other advantages and novel features of the present invention
will become apparent in the following detailed description of the
invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a vacuum cleaner than
may use one or more of the various brush roller assemblies of this
invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation showing how the spindle
of this invention may be driven by a motor.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an AED brush roller assembly
for a vacuum cleaner in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an AED brush roller assembly
for a vacuum cleaner in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective assembly view of one end of the AED
brush roller assembly embodiment shown in FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective assembly view of the end of the AED
brush roller assembly embodiment shown in FIG. 5 but shown from the
opposite side.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one housing embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing how the spindle may be
positioned within the housing.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing how debris may be
vacuumed into the housing.
[0025] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of one end of the
spindle embodiment shown in FIG. 3.
[0026] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of one end of the
spindle embodiment shown in FIG. 4.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the direction of
airflow for one embodiment of this invention.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the direction of
airflow for another embodiment of this invention.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the direction of
airflow for still another embodiment of this invention.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the direction of
airflow for yet another embodiment of this invention.
[0031] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of another
embodiment of the present invention showing an adjustment mechanism
used to adjust the size of the openings in the sidewalls of the
housing.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a side view of the adjustment mechanism shown in
FIG. 16 with the openings uncovered to permit airflow into the
housing.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a side view of the adjustment mechanism shown in
FIG. 16 similar to that shown in FIG. 17 but with the openings
covered to prevent airflow into the housing.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a modified end cap attached
to a housing.
[0035] FIG. 20 is an exploded bottom cut-away view of the end cap
shown in FIG. 19.
[0036] FIG. 21 is an exploded cut-away front elevation view of the
end cap shown in FIG. 19.
[0037] FIG. 22 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the end
cap attached to the housing.
[0038] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment brush
roller assembly.
[0039] FIG. 24 is a perspective assembly view of one end of the
brush roller assembly embodiment shown in FIG. 23.
[0040] FIG. 25 is a perspective assembly view of the end of the
brush roller assembly embodiment shown in FIG. 24 but from the
opposite side.
[0041] FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the testing pattern that may
be used with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 19-25.
IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0042] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating one or more embodiments of the invention
only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 shows a
vacuum cleaner 1 that may use the brush roller assembly 10 of this
invention. The vacuum cleaner 1 shown is of the type known to those
of skill in the art as an upright vacuum cleaner. However, it is to
be understood that the brush roller assembly 10 of this invention
may work equally well with canister type vacuum cleaners, as the
end or wand portion of a vacuum cleaner, with wet/dry vacuum
cleaners, and with other vacuum cleaners as well. The vacuum
cleaner may include a cleaner main body or housing 40, a handle 2,
and a dust collector 3. The handle 2 may be pivoted to a rear
portion of the main body 40. The dust collector 3 shown is in the
form of a bag and communicates at its lower end with the interior
of the housing 40. The brush roller assembly 10 is positioned
within the housing 40 as will be described in more detail
below.
[0043] With reference now to FIGS. 1-2, the housing 40 may have an
intake aperture A formed in the front portion of the bottom of the
housing 40. One or more floor engaging wheels 4 may support the
housing 40 for easy movement of the vacuum cleaner 1. The dust
collector 3 may be connected to the opposite end of the housing 40,
as shown. A motor 6 may be supported to the housing 40 in any
conventional manner and may serve as a fan motor to provide vacuum
suction as is well known in the art. The motor 6 may also serve as
a drive motor for the brush roller assembly 10. In another
embodiment, the brush roller assembly 10 is driven by a motor with
a sole purpose of driving the brush roller assembly 10 while the
fan is driven by a separate motor with a sole purpose of driving
the fan. A belt 8 for transmitting a drive force to the brush
roller assembly 10 couples a drive pulley 5 and a driven pulley 1 1
defined on a spindle 12. The particular designs for the drive and
driven pulleys 5, 11 can be of any design chosen with sound
engineering judgment. Thus, as non-limiting examples: either or
both pulleys 5, 11 may have a frustoconical shape; either or both
pulleys 5, 11 may have a constant diameter; both pulleys 5, 11 may
have the same diameter; the pulleys 5, 11 may have different
diameters thereby providing a gear reduction or gear increase
design; etc. It should be noted that the particular position of the
driven pulley 11 along the axis of the spindle can be any location
chosen with sound engineering judgment. It should also be noted
that the driven pulley 11 is not shown in the remaining drawings
for purposes of clarity. With the vacuum cleaner 1 thus
constructed, the motor 6, when operated, rotates the fan and
rotates the spindle 12 of the brush roller assembly 10 within the
housing 40, whereby dust is removed from a carpet or floor surface
and then drawn into the dust collector 3.
[0044] With reference now to FIGS. 3-6, in general the brush roller
assembly 10 of this invention provides at least one embodiment of
an airflow enhancing device (AED). The AED may take any of a number
of embodiments that include, but are note limited to, bladed disks,
fans, impellers, and other mechanical structures that increase
airflow. The brush roller assembly 10 may include the spindle 12
that may have a generally cylindrical configuration and may have at
least one brush 14 extending from the outer surface of the spindle
12, as shown. The particular spindle 12 design can vary according
to sound engineering judgment. Thus, for example, the spindle 12
may have any geometric shape, including the alternate embodiments
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The spindle 12 may have two (2) end
portions 16, of which only one (1) is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and a
central portion 18. The spindle 12 may have a recess 20 in each end
portion 16 and opening 22 that removably receives outwardly
extending pin 24. The spindle 12 is preferably fabricated from
wood, although, if desired, a plastic material or some other
material may alternatively be used. The pin 24 is may be fabricated
from steel, although, if desired, some other material may be used.
The brush roller assembly 10 also may include two (2) bearings 26
that may be positioned in a central portion 30 of each AED 28, as
shown. Each pin 24 may be received with one bearing 26 and within a
hole 29 formed in each AED 28, as shown, to facilitate the rotation
of the spindle 12 with respect to the housing 40.
[0045] With continuing reference to FIGS. 3-6, the brush roller
assembly 10 may also include two (2) AEDs 28 positioned on each end
portion 16 of the spindle 12. It should be noted that the AEDs 28
may be attached at any location along the spindle 12 chosen with
sound engineering judgment. Each AED 28 may include a central
portion 30 which is positioned substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the spindle 12 when the AED 28 is placed on
the end portion 16 of the spindle 12. At least one fan blade
projection 32 may extend outwardly from the periphery of the
central portion 30. More specifically, the periphery may define a
lip 31 extending from the central portion 30, where the lip has a
first side 31a adjacently 30 located to the central portion and a
second side 31b, which is distally located from the first side 31a.
The one or more fan blade projections 32 of the AEDs 28 are
preferably oriented at an angle relative to central portion 30 of
the AEDs 28 to facilitate the movement of outside air from end
portions 16 of the spindle 12 toward central portion 18 of the
spindle 12 where outside air, as well as any debris 70, such as
dirt and dust, carried with the outside air, is removed from the
brush roller assembly 10 by the airflow of the vacuum cleaner. Each
blade projection 32 has a top 54 and a bottom 56. Further each
blade 32 has a first face 58, which is flush with the second side
32b of the lip 31. Each blade 32 also has a second face 60, which
may extend approximately midway across the lip 31. The angle of one
or more fan blade projections 32 of AEDs 28 relative to central
portion 30 of AEDs 28 is preferably in the range of zero (0) to
ninety (90) degrees and is most preferably approximately twenty
(20) degrees. Each blade projection 32 may have substantially the
same cross sectional shape from the top 54 of the blade 32 to the
bottom 56 of the blade 32. The angle of the top 54 and bottom 56 of
the blade projections 32 relative to the central portion 30 may be
equal. The AEDs 28 are preferably fabricated from a plastic
material, or alternatively, are fabricated as sheet metal
stampings, although, if desired, other materials may be used.
[0046] Still referring to FIGS. 3-6, the brush roller assembly 10
may also include two (2) end caps 34 attached to the bearings 26 in
such a manner as to permit rotation of spindle 12 and the AEDs 28.
Each end cap 34 preferably includes at least one opening, and more
preferably a plurality of openings 36 elongated in a radial
direction and positioned in a circular configuration approximately
corresponding to the position of the one or more fan blade
projections 32 on the AEDs 28. This positioning of the openings 36
facilitates the movement of outside air from the end portions 16 of
the spindle 12 toward central portion 18 of the spindle 12. Thus,
any debris 70 (FIG. 7) such as dirt and dust carried with the
outside air, is removed by the airflow created by the vacuum
cleaner 1 and the brush roller assembly 10. End caps 34 preferably
include recess 38 and AEDs 28 are preferably positioned, at least
in part, within recess 38 of end caps 34. In addition, a portion of
central portion 30 of the AEDs 28 may be positioned in recess 20 in
end portions 16 of spindle 12. The AED 28 may be operationally
connected in a variety of ways, including but not limited to,
insertion in recess 20, screwed onto the brush roller assembly 10
and/or molded into the brush roller assembly 10. End caps 34 are
preferably fabricated from a plastic material, although, if
desired, other materials may be used to fabricate end caps 34. In
addition, if desired, spindle 12 and AEDs 28 could be fabricated as
an integral integrated assembly.
[0047] With reference now to FIGS. 7-18, several alternative
embodiments of the present invention will now be described. It
should be understood that the end caps 34 previously described may
be utilized in connection with the embodiments described below if
desired. The housing 40 may have a top 42, a bottom 44 and a pair
of sidewalls 46. The housing 40 may also have at least a first
opening 48 in sidewall 46a and a second opening 50 in sidewall 46b.
The first end 16a of the spindle 12 is laterally spaced from the
first opening 48, and the second end 16b of the spindle 12 is
laterally spaced from the second opening 50. As such, air is
adapted to enter the housing through the first and second openings
48, 50 and travel along the longitudinal axis towards the central
portion 18 of the spindle 12 so as to increase airflow and aid in
the removal of debris 70, which is best seen in FIG. 12. It should
be noted that the air entering the first and second openings 48, 50
will generally be clean, meaning substantially uncontaminated by
debris 70. Airflow through the first and second openings 48, 50,
may alternately be redirected to collect debris near the sidewalls
46 and the bottom 44, and the debris is conveyed to the central
portion 18, thus, enhancing edge cleaning.
[0048] With reference now to FIGS. 12 and 13, another embodiment of
the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the bottom 44
of the housing 40 has one or more openings or apertures 52 in
addition to the primary intake aperture A. Although not required,
it is preferred that the openings 52 in the bottom 44 of the
housing 40 be positioned in close proximity to the sidewalls 46.
With this configuration, air enters through the bottom apertures 52
outboard of the AEDs 28 and travels along the longitudinal axis of
the spindle 12 to the central portion 18. Air entering the housing
40 from the bottom aperture 52 will most likely be contaminated
with debris 70. In this embodiment, the sidewalls 46a, 46b, may
have the first and second openings 48, 50 to simultaneously draw in
clean air 72 during operation. Further, this embodiment may utilize
the AED 28 as previously described or no AED. Edge cleaning is also
enhanced in this embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 14 shows yet another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment the first and second openings 48, 50
are completely open, meaning there are no subdivisions as shown in
FIG. 7. Further, there are no obstructions, such as a brush,
between the sidewall openings 48, 50 and the ends 16 of the spindle
12. Air entering the housing enters the openings 48, 50 and flows
directly to an area in close proximity to one of the corresponding
end 16a, 16b, of the spindle 12 toward the central portion 18. In
this configuration, airflow input is greatly enhanced.
[0050] With reference to FIG. 15, another embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, an airflow adjustment
mechanism 62 takes the form of a pressurization mechanism, such as
but not limited to a pressurized fan. The airflow adjustment
mechanism 62 is in airflow communication with one of the ends 16 of
the spindle 12. The airflow adjustment mechanism 62 may be attached
to the housing or the spindle 12 through any means known in the
art. The forced airflow may utilize the normal exhaust from the
main vacuum in combination with appropriate ducting (not shown). As
with the other embodiments, this embodiment increases forced
airflow from outside the housing, down the longitudinal axis of the
spindle 12 towards the central portion 18.
[0051] FIGS. 16-18 show yet another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment the first and second openings 48, 50
are adjustable. An adjustment mechanism 100 is shown which varies
the size of the openings 48, 50. The adjustment mechanism 100 may
be any device, but not limited to a movable plate 102, as shown in
FIG. 17. The movable plate 102 may be rotated to vary the size of
the openings 48, 50. When the adjustment mechanism 100 is in a
first position, as shown in FIG. 17, air entering the housing
enters the openings 48, 50 and flows directly to an area in close
proximity to one of the corresponding end 16a, 16b, of the spindle
12 toward the central portion 18. Whereas, when the adjust
mechanism 100 is in a second position, as shown in FIG. 18, the
openings 48, 50 are closed an air cannot pass through. The
adjustment mechanism 100 may be moved to any position between
completely open and completely closed in order vary and achieve the
desired airflow.
[0052] FIGS. 19-25 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, a modified end cap 200 is utilized
as the pressurization mechanism. "Pressurization mechanism" means
any mechanical or electro-mechanical means operatively connected to
the housing that increases or decreases pressure to affect vacuum
performance. The pressurization mechanism may take the form of duct
work. An example of such duct work is the modified end cap 200.
More specifically, the vacuum cleaner includes the housing 40, as
previously described. The housing 40 has a first sidewall 46a and a
second sidewall 46b. The spindle 12 is positioned within the
housing 40. The spindle 12 has a longitudinal axis, a first end
16a, a second end 16b and a central portion 18. The first end 16a
is laterally spaced from the first sidewall 46a of the housing 40.
The second end 16b is laterally spaced from the second sidewall 46b
of the housing 40. The airflow enhancing device 28, such as a
bladed disk discussed above, has a central portion which is
positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the spindle 12 when the airflow enhancing device 28 is placed on
one of the ends of the spindle 12. The pressurization mechanism,
such as the end cap 200, is operatively connected to the housing
40, wherein the pressurization mechanism is adapted to direct
airflow from the bottom edge of the housing 40 to the airflow
enhancing device 28 in order to improve edge cleaning. The housing
40 may comprise an opening in the first sidewall 46a and another
opening in the second sidewall 46b to allow end caps 200 to extend
outward beyond the sidewalls 46a, 46b.
[0053] The cap 200 may also include a body 202 operatively
connected to the housing 40 through the first opening such that the
first opening is substantially covered. Likewise, the body 202 of
end cap 200 is also adapted to connect to the housing 40 through
the second opening in the second sidewall 46b such that the second
opening is substantially covered. The body 202 of the cap 200
further comprises a body having a top 240, sidewalls 242, an inner
member 204 and an outer member 206, which defines a cavity
therebetween. As shown in the FIGURES, the top 240 may be
semi-circular in shape, but this is not required. Any shape may be
chosen in accordance with sound engineering judgment as long as the
openings in the sidewalls 46a, 46b are covered.
[0054] With continuing reference to FIGS. 19-25, the outer member
206 may be slightly longer than the inner member 204. The inner
member 204 and outer member 206 each have a bottom edge 207, 208.
The bottom edge 208 of the outer member 206 and a bottom edge of
the housing define an inlet 210. The AED draws air through the
inlet 210 causing pressure to decrease within the cavity 227 to
increase a vacuum effect, which improves edge cleaning.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 22-25, the inner member 204 of the body
202 is positioned within the housing 40. The bottom edge 207 of the
inner member 204 may contact the bottom of the housing 40. The
outer member 206 is positioned substantially outside the housing.
This is enabled by a slot 225 defined in the sidewalls 242, which
is adapted to receive a portion of the sidewalls 46a, 46b of the
vacuum cleaner housing 40. In other words, the bottom edge of the
sidewalls of the housing is adapted to fit in lower portions of the
inner and outer members 204, 206. A plurality of lips 212 may be
positioned about the circumference of the end cap 200. The lips 212
are utilized to secure the cap 200 to the vacuum housing 40. While
lips are preferred, any other means of attachment may be utilized
that is chosen with sound engineering judgment.
[0056] With reference to FIGS. 19-25, the body 202 further
comprises a protruding flange member 214 that is operatively
connected to an inner wall 216 of the outer member 206. The
protruding flange member 214 may take any shape chosen in
accordance with sound engineering judgment, but as shown in the
present embodiment, it takes the form of an angular ring. The
protruding flange member 214 is adapted to receive the airflow
enhancing device 28. The airflow enhancing device 28 is adapted to
rotate around the protruding flange member 214. The outer member
206 has an indentation 220. This aids in the attachment of the cap
200 to the housing 40. The indentation 220 is oppositely disposed
from the protruding flange member 214. A bearing 26 is positioned
between the airflow enhancing device 28 and the protruding flange
member 214. A pin 24 is adapted to fit within an opening in the
airflow enhancing device and the bearing 26. The pin 24 is
connected to the spindle 28.
[0057] With continuing reference to FIGS. 19-25, the bottom 44 of
the housing has an opening 230. Laterally spaced from the bottom
opening 230 is the inlet 210. The inlet 210 and the bottom opening
230 each have a cross sectional area. The cross sectional area of
the inlet 210 is less than the cross sectional area of the bottom
opening 230. Because of the smaller cross sectional area of the
inlet 210, airflow is increased, which acts on the airflow
enhancing device 28 to improve edge cleaning.
[0058] FIG. 26 illustrates the testing path used for the vacuum
cleaners. Testing occurred with this embodiment of the present
invention to prove that improved edge cleaning 10 does occur with
the above described configuration. Initial testing was performed to
verify that two new unmodified vacuum cleaners were similar in
performance. Testing consisted of normal ASTM F608-01 for general
cleaning and a modified test designed for edge cleaning. Vacuums
were labeled as A and B. Results indicated that these two vacuums
were reasonably identical. Next, the vacuums were modified as
follows. On both units, a standard brush roller, having a single
row of bristles in a spiral pattern and opposing beater bars, was
replaced with brush rollers with two rows of bristles in a chevron
pattern and no beater bars. Unit B was also modified to include the
end cap 200 described herein. The two units were then compared to
determine the net effect of only the edge cleaning end cap 200.
Test results were as follows: TABLE-US-00001 F608 Edge Description
A 42.94% 21.75% Modified Bristle Pattern B 38.09% 23.88% Modified
Bristle Pattern, Turbo-Charged
[0059] The improved edge cleaning is about ten percent (10%). These
results indicate an increase in edge cleanability but a decrease in
general cleanability. The improved edge cleaning can be attributed
to the edge cleaning concept but the decrease in general
cleanability may be explained because the overall effective width
of the model B is wider than the standard model A. The available
suction airflow is distributed over a wider area. Performance may
therefore be improved by either narrowing model B to be the same as
model A, or by increasing the airflow proportionally in model B. In
either event, the relative edge cleaning of a model with the end
caps 200 should be superior to a standard model while maintaining
comparable overall cleanability. Testing by Intertek ETL SEMKO,
having its principal place of business at 3933 US Route 11,
Cortland, N.Y. 13045, tested this embodiment of the invention on
Apr. 13, 2004.
[0060] The test specimens supplied by the applicant were received
assembled. Testing was performed using an ASTM approved plush
carpet panel and standard test soil supplied by Intertek. All
testing was performed in an environmentally controlled room
maintained at 70+5.degree. F. (21+3.degree. C.) and 45% to 55%
relative humidity. All components involved with the testing, except
the test specimens and bags, were exposed in the controlled
environment for a minimum of sixteen hours prior to testing. In
order to provide a uniform basis for measuring the capability of
the upright vacuum cleaner to remove household embedded dirt,
standardized test soil was employed from Annex Al of the referenced
specification. Carpet-embedded dirt removal effectiveness testing
was conducted in accordance with Section 10 of ASTM F608-03 with
client specified modifications. Two (2) runs were conducted on each
sample.
[0061] To provide a basis for measuring the ability of a vacuum to
clean along an edge, 20 grams of standard test soil (1/5th of ASMT
F608 test load) was evenly spread in 1-inch strips along each
inside edge of the test load application frame (test area) of an
ASTM approved plush carpet segment. The strips of soil were
54-inches in length and stopped 2-inches from the front edge. The
test area was isolated using a cardboard template supplied by the
client. The frame was removed and two, (2) embedment strokes were
applied to the soiled segment using the standard embedment tool at
4.8 ft/sec. The frame was then replaced in its original location,
and the sample was operated 8 strokes at 4.8 ft/sec on each inside
edge. Sample A was run a total of two times; sample B was run a
total of four times (brush agitator was replaced after first two
runs). TABLE-US-00002 Specimen: (A & B) Cleaner Height Adj.
Setting: (`1` Lowest) Carpet Under Test: (Plush) Voltage Temp. R.H.
Temp. R.H. Avg. Test and Before Before Bag Weight Carpet Weight
After After Delta Delta Percent Sample- Frequency Test Test (grams)
(grams) Test Test Bag Carpet Clean. Run No. (Vac/Hz) (.degree. F.)
(%) Before After Before After (.degree. F.) (%) (grams) (grams) (%)
A1 120/60 71.3 53.8 41.03 85.61 4001.00 4059.68 69.7 54.3 44.58
58.68 42.94 A2 120/60 69.8 54.1 40.98 82.28 3999.81 4057.48 72.1
50.5 41.3 57.67 Delta Bag Range = 44.58 - 41.30 = 3.28 grams B1
120/60 69.1 54.4 40.98 80.73 4002.06 4063.96 68.4 56.5 39.75 61.9
38.09 B2 120/60 68.3 48.0 41.23 77.66 4000.74 4062.30 68.7 50.9
36.43 61.56 Delta Bag Range = 39.75 - 36.43 = 3.32 grams Legend:
Sample "A" - Model A Sample "B" - Model A with inventive end
cap
[0062] TABLE-US-00003 Specimen: (A & B) Cleaner Height Adj.
Setting: (`1` Lowest) Carpet Under Test: (Plush) Voltage Temp. R.H.
Temp. R.H. Avg. Test and Before Before Bag Weight Carpet Weight
After After Delta Delta Percent Sample- Frequency Test Test (grams)
(grams) Test Test Bag Carpet Clean. Run No. (Vac/Hz) (.degree. F.)
(%) Before After Before After (.degree. F.) (%) (grams) (grams) (%)
A1 120/60 74.1 45.8 41.04 63.40 3999.28 4016.60 72.7 46.5 22.36
17.32 21.75 A2 120/60 73.5 51.5 40.84 61.98 3996.91 4015.26 73.9
49.5 21.14 18.35 Delta Bag Range = 22.36 - 21.14 = 1.22 grams B1
120/60 73.9 49.3 40.88 64.44 3996.49 4012.99 71.9 50.1 23.56 16.50
23.88 B2 120/60 72.1 53.3 40.98 65.17 3997.03 4013.77 73.7 52.7
24.19 16.74 Delta Bag Range = 24.19 - 23.56 = 0.63 grams BB1 120/60
73.8 49.4 40.73 63.83 3996.27 4013.12 73.9 51.8 23.10 16.85 23.07
BB2 120/60 74.5 48.6 40.74 63.77 3995.10 4011.98 73.7 52.3 23.03
16.88 Delta Bag Range = 23.10 - 23.03 = 0.07 grams Legend: Sample
"A" - Model A Sample "B" - Model A with Inventive End Cap Sample
"BB" - Model A with Inventive End Cap & Replacement Brush
Agitator
[0063] In order to utilize the present invention, the following
steps are taken. The embodiment herein described and shown in FIGS.
19-25 is provided. The pressurization mechanism is operatively
connected to the housing. A vacuum is created within the housing.
Airflow is directed through the opening in the bottom. Increased
air flow occurs through the inlet by the airflow enhancing means
and the pressurization mechanism. The debris is cleaned at an edge
of a cleaning path of the vacuum cleaner. The step of increasing
airflow through the inlet by the airflow enhancing means further
comprises the steps of directing air through the inlet, decreasing
pressure within the cavity of the cap, and increasing the vacuum
effect within the cavity of the cap. By following this method,
improved edge cleaning occurs with the vacuum cleaner.
[0064] Accordingly, although the present invention has been
described above in detail, the same is by way of illustration and
example only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present
invention. It is apparent to those having a level of ordinary skill
in the relevant art that other variations and modifications in the
brush roller assembly for a vacuum cleaner in accordance with the
present invention, as described and shown herein, could be readily
made using the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, the
scope and content of the present invention are to be defined only
by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *