U.S. patent application number 10/979055 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-04 for handheld vacuum with accelerated cyclonic flow and air freshener.
Invention is credited to Ying Wai Lau.
Application Number | 20060090290 10/979055 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36260128 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060090290 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lau; Ying Wai |
May 4, 2006 |
Handheld vacuum with accelerated cyclonic flow and air
freshener
Abstract
A hand held vacuum having a tapered centrifugal chamber as its
primary filter. The tapering causes the air stream within the
centrifugal chamber to accelerate as it moves toward the distal
end. The air steam will be able to retain more debris at higher
speeds, thereby improving the efficiency of the centrifugal
chamber. This will also keep more of the debris in the vicinity of
the distal end of the centrifugal chamber and away from its outflow
aperture. An air freshener in a filter housing is also provided.
The air freshener will sublimate into the passing air stream and be
emitted with the exhaust from the vacuum and/or any odor causing
particles that may be in the air stream will be absorbed by the air
freshener. The filter will prevent any dust and debris in the
airstream from adhering to the air freshener and impeding its
effectiveness.
Inventors: |
Lau; Ying Wai; (Kowloon Bay,
HK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Roy, Kiesel, Keegan & DeNicola
P.O. Box 15928
Baton Rouge
LA
70895
US
|
Family ID: |
36260128 |
Appl. No.: |
10/979055 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/344 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 7/04 20130101; A47L
5/24 20130101; A47L 9/165 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/344 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/24 20060101
A47L005/24 |
Claims
1. A hand held vacuum comprising (a) a suction chamber comprising a
suction housing having an intake aperture and an outflow vent, said
suction chamber further comprising a power source configured to
power a motor and a fan operatively connected to said motor whereby
operation of said motor will rotate said fan, said fan positioned
and configured to draw air into said intake aperture, through said
suction housing, and out said outflow vent upon rotation of said
fan; (b) a centrifugal chamber, said centrifugal chamber comprising
a tapered housing having a base end opposite a distal end and
sidewalls extending therebetween, said sidewalls having a
circumference, wherein said circumference is smaller proximate to
said distal end than proximate to said base end, said centrifugal
chamber further comprising an inflow aperture proximate to said
base end and an outflow aperture in fluid communication with said
intake aperture of said suction chamber, whereby air drawn into
said intake aperture of said suction chamber must pass through said
centrifugal chamber and said inflow aperture; and (c) a nozzle
having a mouth end and a discharge end, said discharge end fluidly
connected to said inflow aperture of said centrifugal chamber,
whereby air entering said centrifugal chamber will be drawn through
said nozzle and whereby refuse proximate to said mouth end of said
nozzle may be drawn into said vacuum with air entering said nozzle;
and wherein said connection between said discharge end of said
nozzle and said centrifugal chamber is substantially tangential to
said centrifugal chamber, whereby air and refuse entering said
centrifugal chamber may be entrained in a cyclonic path within said
centrifugal chamber.
2. A hand held vacuum according to claim 1 further comprising a
filter housing comprising a filter positioned between said
centrifugal chamber and said suction chamber, whereby air exiting
said centrifugal chamber and entering said suction chamber must
pass through said filter housing.
3. A hand held vacuum according to claim 2 wherein said filter
housing further comprises an air freshener.
4. A hand held vacuum according to claim 3 wherein said air
freshener is positioned in the path of air entering said suction
chamber through said intake aperture whereby substantially all air
entering said suction chamber through said intake aperture will
pass through said air freshener.
5. A hand held vacuum according to claim 4 wherein said filter is
positioned relative to said air freshener so that substantially all
air passing through said air freshener into said suction chamber
must first pass through said filter.
6. A hand held vacuum according to claim 1 wherein said inflow
aperture is provided with a one way valve configured to open when
said motor and fan are on and to close when said motor and fan are
off, said one way valve further configured to allow air and debris
to enter said centrifugal chamber when said one way valve is open
and to preclude debris from entering said inflow aperture when said
one way valve is closed.
7. A hand held vacuum according to claim 1 wherein said sidewalls
of said centrifugal chamber have a taper between about three and
about thirty five degrees.
8. A hand held vacuum according to claim 1 wherein said sidewalls
of said centrifugal chamber have a taper of about fifteen
degrees.
9. A vacuum comprising (a) a suction chamber comprising a suction
housing having an intake aperture and an outflow vent, said suction
chamber further comprising a power source configured to power a
motor and a fan operatively connected to said motor whereby
operation of said motor will rotate said fan, said fan positioned
and configured to draw air into said intake aperture, through said
suction housing, and out said outflow vent upon rotation of said
fan; (b) a dust collection chamber, said dust collection chamber
comprising a housing having a base end opposite a distal end and
sidewalls extending therebetween, said dust collection chamber
further comprising an inflow aperture and an outflow aperture in
fluid communication with said intake aperture of said suction
chamber, whereby air drawn into said intake aperture of said
suction chamber must pass through said dust collection chamber and
said inflow aperture; (c) a filter housing comprising a filter
positioned between said dust collection chamber and said suction
chamber, whereby air exiting said dust collection chamber and
entering said suction chamber must pass through said filter
housing, wherein said filter housing further comprises an air
freshener; and (c) a nozzle having a mouth end and a discharge end,
said discharge end fluidly connected to said inflow aperture of
said dust collection chamber, whereby air entering said dust
collection chamber will be drawn through said nozzle and whereby
refuse proximate to said mouth end of said nozzle may be drawn into
said vacuum with air entering said nozzle.
10. A vacuum according to claim 10 wherein said air freshener is
positioned in the path of air entering said suction chamber through
said intake aperture whereby substantially all air entering said
suction chamber through said intake aperture will pass through said
air freshener.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to vacuums in general and hand held
vacuums in particular.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] Cyclonic vacuums are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat.
No. 4,373,228. In cyclonic vacuums, an air stream enters a cyclonic
chamber and rotates as in a vortex. Essentially, centrifugal force
drives the debris particles in the air stream to the outside of the
vortex. The outlet from the cyclonic chamber is located near the
center of the vortex. Thus, the motion of the air pushes the
particles in the vortex to the outside, while relatively clean air
exits the cyclonic chamber from a central location. However, most
applications of this technology are used with upright vacuums.
[0005] Problems arise when cyclonic chambers are moved out of a
vertical orientation. To appreciate this, it is important to
consider the path taken by the air stream within the cyclonic
chamber. There are generally two paths of motion: air moving in a
circular spiraling path and air moving in a linear path toward the
outlet. However, it is not accurate to consider these two paths as
separate from each other. Each path influences the other such that
the path of air leading toward the outlet has rotational qualities
- rotational qualities that are augmented by the motion of the fan
that typically drives all air flow in the vacuum. More importantly,
the linear outflow affects the spiraling air stream as well such
that objects entrained in the spiral air stream are constantly
being pulled by the outflowing airstream.
[0006] When a cyclonic chamber is vertically oriented, the effect
of gravity on objects entrained in the spiraling air stream will be
relatively constant at all point in the air stream. However, if the
cyclonic chamber is tilted away from the vertical, gravity will be
working against objects entrained in the air stream to a greater
extent during the climbing portion of the object's rotation around
the cyclonic chamber. This will cause objects to slow during their
rise, which can cause the effect of the outflowing air stream to
predominate. Thus, objects which may have remained entrained in the
spiraling air stream when the cyclonic chamber was vertical may
escape into the outflowing air stream when the cyclonic chamber is
tilted. The greater the tilt, the greater the chance that debris in
the air stream may escape. This is particularly problematic with
hand held vacuums--vacuums of less than about three feet in total
length and less than about one foot in any other dimension. Such
vacuums are designed to be operated in many varying positions,
vertical and otherwise. Constant movement of the cyclonic chamber
will exacerbate the aforementioned problem. Of course, the goal of
the cyclonic chamber is to retain debris in the chamber, so the
loss of debris from the air stream is undesirable.
[0007] The use of air fresheners in the vacuum cleaner field is
also known. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,647. Such air fresheners
are typically fragrances or deodorizing agents contained within oil
or wax based carriers which are sublimated into the air stream.
Alternatively, air fresheners may be odor absorbing material such
as activated charcoal used absorb odor causing particles from the
air stream. Of course, combinations of the two types may be used as
well. The air freshener, regardless of the type, is placed in the
air stream of the vacuum. Effective operation of the air freshener
requires contact between the air stream and the air freshener
contents. This can be inhibited when the air stream is not clean.
If particles of dust and other debris are in the air stream as it
passes over the air freshener, such particles may coat the air
freshener. This can restrict or stop the sublimation of further air
fresher into the air stream. Similarly, it can reduce or prevent
air from reaching odor absorbing components of the air freshener.
Depending upon the placement of the air freshener, debris clogging
the air freshener can also act as a choke point in the over all air
stream, reducing the effectiveness of the entire vacuum. In view of
the foregoing problems a vacuum meeting the following objectives is
desired.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a hand held
vacuum with a functional centrifugal debris separation chamber.
[0009] It is another object of the invention to provide a hand held
vacuum with a centrifugal debris separation chamber that remains
efficient when the centrifugal debris separation chamber is
displaced from a vertical orientation.
[0010] It is still another object of the invention to provide a
hand held vacuum with a centrifugal debris separation chamber that
remains efficient when the centrifugal debris separation chamber
undergoes a substantial amount of movement.
[0011] It is yet another object of the invention to provide a hand
held vacuum with an air freshener for the air stream exiting the
vacuum.
[0012] It is still another object of the invention to provide a
hand held vacuum with an air freshener that will not become clogged
with debris from the air stream of the vacuum.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] A hand held vacuum having a centrifugal chamber that serves
as its primary filter is disclosed. The centrifugal chamber is
tapered from its base to its distal end. The tapering will cause
the air stream within the centrifugal chamber to accelerate as it
moves toward the distal end. Debris entrained within the air steam
will be less likely to fall out of the air stream at the higher
speeds, thereby improving the efficiency of the centrifugal chamber
as the vacuum is moved into various non-vertical positions.
[0014] The centrifugal chamber preferably has an outflow aperture
that is proximate to its base and most preferably coextensive with
the base. The tapered design of the centrifugal chamber will cause
the air speed within the centrifugal chamber to increase as the air
moves in the direction of the distal end of the centrifugal
chamber. This will keep more of the debris in the air stream in the
vicinity of the distal end of the centrifugal chamber and away from
its outflow aperture, which will also improve the efficiency of the
centrifugal chamber.
[0015] In the preferred embodiment, the vacuum is also provided
with a filter housing. The filter housing contains a filter and is
positioned so that air leaving the centrifugal chamber must pass
through the filter housing. The filter acts as a secondary filter,
preventing any dust and small debris that may escape from the
cyclonic air stream from actually escaping from the centrifugal
chamber itself.
[0016] The preferred embodiment also contains an air freshener in
the filter housing. The air freshener will sublimate into the
passing air stream and be emitted with the exhaust from the vacuum
and/or any odor causing particles that may be in the air stream
will be absorbed by the air freshener. The filter in the filter
housing will prevent any dust and debris that may be in the
airstream from adhering to the air freshener and thereby impeding
its effectiveness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the
vacuum of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a left side view of a preferred embodiment of the
vacuum of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a cut-away of a right side view of a preferred
embodiment of the vacuum of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3A is an enlarged cut-away view of the circled portion
of FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the vacuum of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of a preferred
embodiment of the vacuum of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
filter base of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of a filter housing and air freshener of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
filter housing of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE
[0026] The invention is primarily directed toward hand held vacuums
1, that is vacuums 1 of less than about three feet in length and
less than about one foot in either width or height. In the
preferred embodiment, vacuum 1 includes a suction chamber 2.
Suction chamber 2 comprises a suction housing 3 which will
preferably include at least one intake aperture 4 and at least one
outflow vent 5. Suction housing 3 will preferably include at least
one motor 6. Motor 6 is configured to drive at least one fan 7 when
motor 6 is activated. Fan 7 is positioned and configured to draw
air into intake aperture 4, through suction housing 3 and out vent
5 when fan 7 is rotated. A power source 8 is provided in or on
suction housing 3. Power source 8 may be a battery or batteries, an
electrical line leading to a wall or automotive outlet, or any
other conventional source of power suitable for operation of motor
6. Suction housing 3 will also preferably include a handle 9 and a
switch 10 for activating and deactivating motor 6.
[0027] In the preferred embodiment, a centrifugal chamber 11 in
fluid communication with suction chamber 2 is provided. Centrifugal
chamber 11 preferably has a base end 12 opposite a distal end 13.
Sidewalls 14 extend between base end 12 and distal end 13.
Sidewalls 14 are preferably circular in cross section, although
other shapes may be used if desired. Regardless of their shape,
sidewalls 14 have a circumference. The circumference is preferably
greater proximate base end 12 and smaller proximate distal end 13,
such that sidewalls 14 form a tapered housing 16. Housing 16
preferably has a taper of between about three and about thirty-five
degrees and most preferably of about fifteen degrees. In one
preferred embodiment of centrifugal chamber 11, the diameter of
distal end 13 is about fifty-six millimeters and the diameter of
base end 12 is about sixty-three millimeters and the length of
centrifugal chamber 11 is about one hundred forty-eight
millimeters. In another preferred embodiment of centrifugal chamber
11, the diameter of distal end 13 is about sixty-three millimeters
and the diameter of base end 12 is about seventy-four millimeters
and the length of centrifugal chamber 11 is about one hundred
forty-eight. Base end 12 may also be provided with a flange for
better securing it to suction housing 3, if desired.
[0028] Centrifugal chamber 11 is preferably provided with an
outflow aperture 17 in fluid communication with intake aperture 4
of suction housing 3. Outflow aperture 17 is preferably positioned
at base end 12. In the most preferred embodiment, base end 12 is
open such that base end 12 and outflow aperture 17 are
co-extensive. Communication between centrifugal chamber 11 and
suction chamber 2 is preferably provided by positioning open base
end 12/outflow aperture 17 over intake aperture 4 of suction
housing 3. Centrifugal chamber 11 should be mounted to suction
housing 3 in a substantially air tight fashion, such that air
entering intake aperture 4 may only come from centrifugal chamber
11. In the preferred embodiment, a suction plate 18 is provided
over intake aperture 4 to facilitate the seal and engagement
between centrifugal chamber 11 and suction chamber 2. Base plate 18
is preferably made of soft rubber or rubber-like plastic for
enhanced seal formation.
[0029] Centrifugal chamber 11 further comprises an inflow aperture
19. Inflow aperture 19 is preferably provided in sidewalls 14,
proximate to base end 12. Inflow aperture 19 is most preferably
positioned about one fourth of the length of centrifugal chamber 11
from base end 12.
[0030] Inflow aperture 19 is preferably provided with a one way
valve 20. One way valve 20 preferably comprises a flexible hinged
gate 21 and a frame 22 mounted in inflow aperture 19. Gate 21 is
preferably made of rubber or rubberlike plastic. When motor 6 and
fan 7 are activated, the suction they generate will pull hinged
gate 21 into centrifugal chamber 11 so that inflow aperture 19 is
open and air may enter. However, as air circulates around
centrifugal chamber 11 in a cyclonic fashion, as described in more
detail below, the air stream will encounter gate 21 as it
approaches inflow aperture 19. Gate 21 will divert debris in the
air stream away from inflow aperture 19, thereby precluding debris
in centrifugal chamber 11 from escaping. Of course, the air stream
entering inflow aperture 11 will also make it difficult for debris
to reenter inflow aperture 19. However, upon the cessation of
suction from motor 6 and fan 7, it would otherwise be possible for
debris within centrifugal chamber 11 to reenter inflow aperture 19.
With one way valve 20 in place, hinged gate 21 will close over
inflow aperture 19 when motor 6 and fan 7 stop. This will prevent
debris from exiting centrifugal chamber 11 via inflow aperture 19
when vacuum 1 is off.
[0031] In the preferred embodiment, centrifugal chamber 11 is made
from a clear plastic such as Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).
However, it will be appreciated that the transparency of
centrifugal chamber 11 is a cosmetic feature of vacuum 1 and is not
essential to the operation of centrifugal chamber 11 or vacuum
1.
[0032] A nozzle 23 having a mouth end 24 and a discharge end 25 is
also provided. Nozzle 23 is positioned generally parallel to
sidewalls 14. Discharge end 25 is fluidly connected to inflow
aperture 19. In the preferred embodiment, an adaptor 26 is provided
to connect discharge end 25 of nozzle 23 to inflow aperture 19.
Adaptor 26 is preferably positioned to direct air into centrifugal
chamber 11 in an air stream that is generally tangential to
centrifugal chamber 11. It will be appreciated that by tangential,
the inventor does not mean that the air stream will literally touch
sidewall 14 at only one point. Rather, the inventor means that the
air stream will enter centrifugal chamber 11 at approximately a
right angle to sidewalls 14 at the point in their curvature where
inflow aperture 19 provides access to centrifugal chamber 11.
[0033] It will also be appreciated that adaptor 26 will, in most
embodiments of the invention, effect a substantial change in
direction for the air stream. Thus, adaptor 26 will be a potential
location for debris in the air stream to become lodged, forming a
clog in vacuum 1. To minimize such blockages, the internal diameter
of adaptor 26 should be made as large as practicable.
[0034] The entry of the air stream into centrifugal chamber 11 on a
tangent will entrain the air stream in a cyclonic path around
centrifugal chamber. The taper of cyclonic chamber 11 toward distal
end 13 will shorten the path of the air stream around the interior
of cyclonic chamber 11 as the air stream approaches distal end 13.
This will cause the air stream to accelerate as it approaches
distal end 13 of centrifugal chamber 11. This increased air speed
will help keep dust and debris entrained in the air stream. It will
also carry dust and debris toward distal end 13, keeping it away
from outflow aperture 17 at base end 12. This will be particularly
helpful as handheld vacuum 1 is moved out of a upright vertical
position and into other positions in which gravity may more readily
affect the debris entrained within cyclonic chamber 11. The ability
of the accelerated air stream to keep debris near distal end 13
will be especially useful when vacuum 1 is used in conditions which
require vacuum 1 to be inverted such as when vacuuming drapes or
any area above the user's head. All of the foregoing will keep the
air leaving centrifugal chamber 11 and entering intake aperture 4
of suction chamber 2 cleaner.
[0035] As should be clear from the foregoing, centrifugal chamber
11 serves as a primary filter in vacuum 1. Additional filters will
not be necessary in all embodiments of vacuum 1. However,
additional filters may be provided where it is desirable that the
exhaust from vacuum 1 be extremely clean. In the preferred
embodiment a filter housing 27 is provided between centrifugal
chamber 11 and suction chamber 2. Filter housing 27 may be any
conventional frame with a filter 28 disposed in or extending from
it. Filter housing 27 is preferably positioned so that air entering
suction chamber 2 from centrifugal chamber 11 must pass through
filter 28. Filter 28 will preferably be a filter media such as
paper of HEPA quality commonly used in the vacuum field.
[0036] In the preferred embodiment, filter housing 27 comprises a
filter base 29 and a filter cap 30. The top surface 31 of filter
cap 30 and the bottom surface 32 of filter base 29 will both
preferably be perforated to allow the passage of air and covered
with filter media to prevent the passage of dust particles.
[0037] Filter cap 30 and filter base 29 will join together to form
filter housing 27. A plastic suction frame 32 is preferably
provided on the bottom of filter base 29. A gasket 33 is preferably
fitted to the bottom of suction frame 32. Gasket 33 is preferably
made of rubber or rubberlike plastic. Gasket 33 and suction frame
32 help centrifugal chamber 11 make an substantially air tight seal
to suction housing 2. In the preferred embodiment, gasket 33 forms
a seal with suction plate 18.
[0038] As will be appreciated from the foregoing, filter housing 27
will include an internal volume or chamber between filter cap 30
and filter base 29. This space can be used to house an air
freshener 34. Air freshener 34 may be a fragrance or deodorizing
agents contained within oil or wax based carriers or other suitable
carriers. Alternatively, air freshener 34 may be odor absorbing
material such as activated charcoal used absorb odor causing
particles from the air stream. Of course, combinations of the two
types may be used as well. In the preferred embodiment, air
freshener 34 is a granulated solid sold by Fantasy Fragrances, Inc.
of 739 River Street in Peckville, Pa. under its "Gardenia" trade
name.
[0039] By placing air freshener 34 in filter housing 27, the air
stream may be scented before leaving vacuum 1. Alternatively or
additionally, odor causing particles may be removed from or
neutralized within the air stream before it leaves vacuum 1. By
placing air freshener 34 within filter housing 27, air freshener 34
may be protected from any dust or debris that may still be in the
air stream. Similarly, air freshener 34 may be protected from any
dust that may enter via suction housing 2 when vacuum 1 is off.
[0040] In the preferred embodiment, filter housing 27 fits within
open base end 12 of centrifugal chamber 11. When filter housing 27
is in place, the debris within centrifugal chamber 11 cannot be
removed. It will be appreciated that in this way, centrifugal
chamber 11 serves as a dust collection chamber 35. In the preferred
embodiment, the nose portion 36 of vacuum 1 is either fully
removable or hinged to suction housing 2. By opening vacuum 1,
centrifugal chamber 11/dust collection chamber 35 may be removed
from vacuum 1. When filter housing 27 is removed from base end 12,
the debris within centrifugal chamber 11/dust collection chamber 35
may be discarded. By replacing filter housing 27, centrifugal
chamber 11/dust collection chamber 35 may be returned to
service.
[0041] If air freshener 34 gets low or if the user simply wishes to
replace it, he or she may open vacuum 1 in the same manner
described above and remove filter housing 27 and open the same.
When filter cap 30 is removed from filter base 29, the old air
freshener 34 may be removed and new air freshener 34 may be added.
Filter 28 may be changed in the same way, if needed. Filter housing
27 will then be reassembled and returned to centrifugal chamber
11/dust collection chamber 35.
[0042] In the preferred embodiment, a filter cover 37 is provided
over filter housing 27. Filter cover 37 is largely decorative.
However, it will protect filter 28 and filter housing 27 from large
or sharp objects which may become entrained in the air stream
inside centrifugal chamber 11. When filter cover 37 is used, it
should be removed with filter housing 27 when vacuum 1 is
emptied.
[0043] In operation, when motor 6 and fan 7 are activated, they
will draw air and debris in through nozzle 23, through inflow
aperture 19 and into centrifugal chamber 11 and further into
suction chamber 2 via intake aperture 4 and out vents 5. Because of
the positioning of inflow aperture 19, air will enter centrifugal
chamber 11 tangentially, which will entrain the air stream and
debris in a cyclonic path within centrifugal chamber 11. The
circular motion of the air stream will keep the debris near the
outer portion of centrifugal chamber 11. Because centrifugal
chamber 11 tapers toward its distal end 13, the air stream within
centrifugal chamber 11 will accelerate as it approaches its distal
end 13. This acceleration will help keep dust and debris particles
entrained in the air stream and it will help to concentrate them
near distal end 13 and away from base end 12 where outflow aperture
17 is located. Dust and debris will thereby be retained in
centrifugal chamber 11, which thereby serves as a primary filter
and as a dust collection chamber 35. As air exits centrifugal
chamber 11, it will pass through filter housing 27 and filter 28.
Any fine particles of dust remaining in the air stream may be
removed by filter 28. When air freshener 34 is used, the air stream
passing though filter housing 27 may be scented and/or deodorized
by air freshener 34.
[0044] Except as otherwise indicated above, the components of nose
portion 36 of vacuum 1 are preferably made of ABS plastic and are
be injection molded, although other plastics or other conventional
materials and construction methods maybe used. The preferred nose
portion 36 may be used with any suction housing 3.
[0045] In one preferred embodiment, nose portion 36 is provided
with a powered rotary attachment as disclosed in pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/100,727, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0046] Although the invention has been described in terms of its
preferred embodiment, other embodiments will be apparent to those
of skill in the art from a review of the foregoing. Those
embodiments as well as the preferred embodiments are intended to be
encompassed by the scope and spirit of the following claims.
* * * * *