U.S. patent application number 11/366205 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-21 for vacuum and cleaning apparatus.
Invention is credited to Merlin D. Beynon.
Application Number | 20060207053 11/366205 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37008762 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060207053 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beynon; Merlin D. |
September 21, 2006 |
Vacuum and cleaning apparatus
Abstract
A vacuum cleaning device provides improved removal of dirt and
cleaning solution while using less air flow than conventional
cleaning devices, requiring less power to operate. The device
utilizes an air control valve which may or may not be coupled to a
liquid valve. An existing power system may then be used to operate
additional cleaning devices.
Inventors: |
Beynon; Merlin D.; (Murray,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RANDALL B. BATEMAN;BATEMAN IP LAW GROUP
8 EAST BROADWAY, SUITE 550
PO BOX 1319
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84110
US
|
Family ID: |
37008762 |
Appl. No.: |
11/366205 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60661729 |
Mar 15, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/321 ;
15/322 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/4044 20130101;
A47L 11/34 20130101; A47L 9/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/321 ;
015/322 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/30 20060101
A47L011/30 |
Claims
1. A fluid control device for vacuum cleaning comprising: a tube
having a first end and a second end; an air valve disposed in the
tube, the air valve being movable between a first valve position
wherein the air valve substantially prevents air flow through the
tube and a second valve position wherein the air valve allows air
flow through the tube; and a handle disposed in communication with
the valve, wherein the handle is movable between a first handle
position and a second handle position, and wherein the handle is
operatively connected to the air valve such that the air valve is
in the first valve position when the handle is in the first handle
position, and such that the air valve is in the second valve
position when the handle is in the second handle position.
2. The fluid control device of claim 1, wherein the air valve
comprises a butterfly valve.
3. The fluid control device of claim 1, wherein the air valve
comprises a plate which is pivotably attached to the tube at a
pivot axis, and wherein the pivot axis extends across the tube
generally perpendicular to the lumen of the tube, and wherein the
pivot axis is disposed so as to unevenly divide the cross-sectional
area of the tube and thereby bias the plate into a closed
position.
4. The fluid control device of claim 1, further comprising a
biasing element which biases the handle into the first handle
position and the air valve into the first valve position.
5. The fluid control device of claim 1, further comprising a catch
for locking the air valve into an open position.
6. The fluid control device of claim 1, further comprising: a
liquid valve having an inlet, an outlet, and an actuation element
for selectively allowing flow through the valve, and wherein the
handle operatively engages the actuation element such that movement
of the handle selectively allows liquid flow through the valve.
7. The fluid control device of claim 6, wherein the actuation
element has a first actuation position wherein the actuation
element prevents liquid flow through the valve, and a second
actuation position wherein the actuation element allows liquid flow
through the valve, and wherein the actuation element is in the
first actuation position when the handle is in the first handle
position and in the second actuation position when the handle is in
the second handle position.
8. The fluid control device of claim 6, wherein the actuation
element has a first actuation position wherein the actuation
element prevents liquid flow through the valve, and a second
actuation position wherein the actuation element allows liquid flow
through the valve and wherein the handle has a third handle
position beyond the second handle position, and wherein the
actuation element is in the first actuation position when the
handle is in the first handle position and in the second handle
position and in the second actuation position when the handle is in
the third handle position.
9. The fluid control device of claim 1, wherein the first end of
the tube is configured for attachment to a hose providing suction
to the tube and the second end of the tube is configured for
attachment to a vacuum cleaning wand.
10. The fluid control device of claim 1, wherein the first end of
the tube is configured for attachment to a hose providing suction
to the tube and the second end of the tube comprises a vacuum
cleaning wand.
11. The fluid control device of claim 10, wherein the vacuum
cleaning wand comprises a suction head.
12. The fluid control device of claim 6, wherein the first end of
the tube is configured for attachment to a hose providing suction
to the tube and the second end of the tube comprises a vacuum
cleaning wand having spray jets connected to the outlet of the
liquid valve.
13. A fluid control device for vacuum cleaning comprising: a tube
having a first end configured for attachment to a hose providing
suction and a second end comprising a vacuum cleaning wand; an air
valve disposed in the tube, the air valve being movable between a
first valve position wherein the air valve blocks air flow through
the tube and a second valve position wherein the air valve allows
air flow through the tube; a handle operatively connected to the
air valve, such that movement of the handle moves the air valve
into the second valve position.
14. The fluid control device of claim 13, wherein the handle is
movable between a first handle position and a second handle
position, and wherein the handle is operatively connected to the
air valve such that the air valve is in the first valve position
when the handle is in the first handle position, and such that the
air valve is in the second valve position when the handle is in the
second handle position.
15. The fluid control device of claim 13, further comprising a
liquid valve having an inlet, an outlet, and an actuation
mechanism, and wherein the handle is movable between a first handle
position, a second handle position, and a third handle position,
and wherein the handle is operatively connected to the air valve
such that the air valve is in the first valve position when the
handle is in the first handle position, and such that the air valve
is in the second valve position when the handle is in the second
handle position, and wherein the handle operatively engages the
liquid valve such that when the handle is in the first handle
position liquid flow is not allowed through the liquid valve and
when the handle is in the third handle position liquid flow is
allowed through the liquid valve.
16. The fluid control device of claim 15, wherein the vacuum
cleaning wand comprises a vacuum head, and wherein the device
further comprises liquid spray nozzles attached adjacent the vacuum
head and in fluid engagement with the liquid valve outlet.
17. The fluid control device of claim 13, wherein the air valve is
biased into the first position by air flow through the tube.
18. The fluid control device of claim 15, wherein the liquid valve
actuation mechanism comprises a button.
19. A fluid control device for vacuum cleaning comprising: a vacuum
cleaning wand comprising an air flow tube; an air valve disposed in
the air flow tube and configured for allowing or blocking air flow
through the tube; and a handle operatively connected to the air
valve such that movement of the handle moves the air flow valve to
block air flow through the tube.
20. A vacuum cleaning apparatus comprising: a head defining a
width; a suction tube in fluid connection to the head; and an
elongate slot formed in a lower surface of the head so as to allow
air to flow into the slot, through the head, and into the tube, the
elongate slot having a wave like shape.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the slot defines a
sinusoidal shape.
22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the slot comprises a
plurality of horseshoe shaped bends.
23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the slot lacks any angular
bends.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/661,729, filed Mar. 15, 2005, which
is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a vacuum and/or cleaning
apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an
improved cleaning wand, system, and method of use and an improved
air control valve and air and fluid control valves and an improved
vacuum head and air nozzle. 2. State of the Art
[0004] In commercial cleaning, a system is used to provide suction,
heated and/or pressurized cleaning fluid, and the like to various
types of vacuum and/or cleaning devices, such as floor and
upholstery cleaning heads, hard surface scrubbing heads, etc. Many
of the various cleaning heads typically spray a cleaning solution
onto the surface which is cleaned and use suction to subsequently
remove the cleaning solution from the surface. Alternatively,
cleaning solution may not be applied at all, or may be applied
independent of the cleaning device and subsequently removed.
[0005] Typically, a truck mounted or stand-alone power system is
used to power the various cleaning heads, which are used to clean
houses, offices, businesses, etc. The cleaning devices are
typically much more powerful that a typical household vacuum. It
will thus be appreciated that the power required for such cleaning
devices is much greater than for a household vacuum. Thus, a large
power unit providing suction and pressurized cleaning solution is
used. The power unit may be truck mounted to provide greater power
than a stand-alone unit and to keep unwanted attributes such as
noise away from the area being cleaned. Many cleaning devices, such
as those for carpet and upholstery, utilize constant suction, and
have valves to control the application of cleaning solution. It
will be appreciated that using a greater number of cleaning devices
increases the power required to operate the devices. Thus, more
powerful power systems are utilized. For any power system, there is
a maximum number of cleaning devices which may be used. In order to
use additional cleaning devices, a larger power system is
required.
[0006] One common problem with cleaning devices is the loss of
suction or vacuum pressure when the device is raised from the
surface being cleaned. This can cause a loss is suction for all of
the devices on the same suction/vacuum network.
[0007] It is thus desirable to have cleaning devices which are more
efficient, so as to allow additional cleaning units without
requiring a larger power system. In particular, it is desirable to
have a cleaning device which more efficiently utilizes the suction
provided by the power system. It is also desirable to have cleaning
devices with improved cleaning performance and liquid/dirt
extraction performance over existing devices.
[0008] There is thus a need for an improved cleaning device which
cleans better than existing cleaning devices, and for a cleaning
device which allows more cleaning devices to be operated from an
existing power system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved cleaning/vacuum device. In particular, it is an object of
the present invention to provide a cleaning device which provides
better control as it removes dirt and cleaning solution from the
item being cleaned and which provides a reduced power draw on the
power system.
[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention a cleaning
device is provided which uses less suction than existing cleaning
devices. An improved valve is provided which reduces the amount of
suction used by the cleaning device. Such a cleaning device
requires less power to operate than a conventional cleaning device,
and allows more cleaning devices to operate simultaneously from a
single power system.
[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, a cleaning
device is provided which more effective in removing dirt and
liquids from the surface being cleaned. An improved orifice design
for a vacuum head is provided which is elongate and which has a
number of angular bends or curved bends provides improved
performance in removing dirt and cleaning solutions as compared to
existing vacuum head designs.
[0012] These and other aspects of the present invention are
realized in an improved cleaning device as disclosed in the
following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Various embodiments of the present invention are shown and
described in reference to the numbered drawings wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a cleaning device known
in the prior art;
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a vacuum head according
to the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3A shows a bottom view of a vacuum head according to
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3B shows a side view of the vacuum head of FIG. 3A;
[0018] FIG. 3C shows another side view of the vacuum head of FIG.
3A;
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of another vacuum head according
to the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of another vacuum head according
to the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a valve assembly according to
aspects of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 shows a side view of another valve assembly according
to aspects of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 shows a side view of yet another valve assembly
according to the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 9 shows a side view of an adapter according to the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a cleaning device according to
the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 11 shows a side view of another adapter according to
aspects of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 12 shows a side view of another air control valve
according to aspects of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 13 shows a front view of an air control valve according
to aspects of the present invention; and
[0029] FIG. 14 shows a side view of yet another air control valve
according to the present invention.
[0030] It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative
and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by
the appended claims. The various embodiments shown accomplish
various aspects and objects of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The drawings will now be discussed in reference to the
numerals provided therein so as to enable one skilled in the art to
practice the present invention. The drawings and descriptions are
exemplary of various aspects of the invention and are not intended
to narrow the scope of the appended claims.
[0032] Turning to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a cleaning device
known in the prior art is shown. The cleaning device 10 is of the
type used in commercial cleaning systems, utilizing a cleaning
fluid which is sprayed onto a surface and a vacuum head to remove
the cleaning fluid and dirt from the surface. Thus, the cleaning
device 10 is formed with a vacuum tube 14, a vacuum head 18, and a
connector 22. The connector 22 is used to connect the vacuum tube
14 to a power system (not shown) which generates suction. The
vacuum head 18 has an opening, indicated generally at 26, into
which air flows, removing cleaning liquid and dirt from the surface
being cleaned. The opening 26 is typically large, allowing a high
volume of air to flow into the device 10.
[0033] Spray nozzles 30 are attached to the vacuum head 18 and are
used to spray cleaning fluid onto the surface being cleaned. The
spray nozzles 30 are typically positioned behind the vacuum head 18
as shown such that as a person pulls the cleaning device 10 towards
himself or herself, the nozzles 30 sprays cleaning fluid onto a
surface and the vacuum head 18 then removes the cleaning fluid. The
spray nozzles 30 are connected to a valve 34 via hose 38. The valve
34 and handle 42 allow the person to turn the flow of cleaning
fluid on and off. The valve 34 typically has an attachment means
46, such as a quick release adapter, to connect the valve to the
power system, which heats and/or pressurizes the cleaning
liquid.
[0034] Conventional cleaning devices 10 are disadvantageous as the
vacuum head 18 is less efficient at removing the cleaning liquid
from a surface such as carpet or upholstery, requiring additional
time and labor to satisfactorily remove the cleaning liquid.
Additionally, after the cleaning device 10 is lifted from the
surface and extended away from the person operating the device 10
and prior to placing the device 10 back on the surface, a large
amount of air is allowed to pass through the vacuum head and
through the cleaning device. This lowers the suction which the
power system can provide to any other cleaning devices to which it
is connected and increases the power required to operate any number
of cleaning devices 10, limiting the number of devices which a
particular power system is capable of operating simultaneously.
Additionally, if high suction is maintained by the power system,
which is desired, the cleaning/vacuum device may be somewhat
difficult to lift away from the surface being cleaned.
[0035] Turning now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a vacuum head
according to the present invention is shown. The vacuum head 50 has
an air outlet 54, which may attach to a cleaning wand, or may be
part of a cleaning device, such as tube 14 of FIG. 1. The vacuum
head 50 has a slot 58 formed in surface 62 which contacts the
surface being cleaned. The slot 58 is narrow, and has been formed
in a sinusoidal or wave-like shape. The slot may be formed into a
looser or tighter wave as is desired. The slot 58 is typically
between 1/32 and 1/4 of an inch wide, and more preferably between
1/16 and 1/8 of an inch wide. A sinusoidal or wave shaped slot as
is shown may have considerable advantages over other slots. It is
appreciated that a slot which has corners or points may snag the
carpet and cause damage to the carpet. Conversely, a slot which is
wavelike does not present points or sharp corners as a square or
zigzag slot would, and would be more gentle on the carpet being
cleaned. Similarly, FIG. 5 shows another wavelike slot without
sharp corners.
[0036] Being considerably narrower and smaller than the opening 26
of FIG. 1, the slot 58 may use less air flow than conventional
cleaning devices, and may thus maintain a stronger suction inside
of the vacuum head 50, creating a higher velocity of air movement
into the vacuum head 50 and aiding in the removal of dirt and
cleaning fluid. Additionally, it is believed that the bent shape of
the slot 58 aids in removal of dirt and cleaning fluid, while not
catching on carpet threads, etc. The vacuum head may also have
spray nozzles (not shown) which would typically be positioned
adjacent the head, such as in the area indicated at 66. The spray
nozzles may be mounted to the vacuum head 50, to the tube 70, etc.
and are not shown for clarity.
[0037] Turning now to FIG. 3, a bottom view of another vacuum head
according to the present invention is shown. The vacuum head 74 has
a front portion 78 which is connected to a vacuum tube 82, through
which air, dirt, and cleaning fluid are carried. The vacuum head
will typically have spray nozzles (not shown) as described in
connection with FIG. 2. A slot 86 is formed in the front portion
78. Air flows through the slot and into the cleaning device. The
front portion 78 may be formed from tube or hollow bar stock or the
like, or may be molded from plastics, or any suitable material. The
front portion 78 provides a hollow chamber through which air, dirt,
cleaning fluid, etc. which channels air from the slot 78 into the
tube 82. The slot 86 is shown with a zigzag shape.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 3B and 3C, side views of the cleaning
head of FIG. 3A are shown. It is appreciated that the vacuum head
may be formed with various types of tubing. The front portion 78
may be formed from square tubing as is shown in FIG. 3C, or round
tubing as is shown in FIG. 3B. It is appreciated that the
functionality of the cleaning head resides more in the slot 86, but
may also be related to the side profile of the tubing or material
used to make the front 78. It is appreciated that the side views
and discussion apply to all of the various vacuum cleaning heads
discussed.
[0039] Turning now to FIG. 4, a bottom view of another vacuum head
according to aspects of the present invention is shown. The vacuum
head 90 has a front portion 94, a tube 98, and a slot 102 similar
to the vacuum head of FIG. 3. The slot 102 has been formed in a
square wave-like pattern having straight lines 106 joined at angles
110. The slot 102 may be formed of 90 degree angles as shown, or
may incorporate many other angles as is desired.
[0040] Turning now to FIG. 5, a bottom view of yet another vacuum
head according to aspects of the present invention is shown. The
vacuum head 114 has a front portion 118, a tube 122, and a slot 126
similar to the vacuum head of FIG. 3 The slot is formed of a series
of curved loops 130, resulting in a wavy appearance. The wavelike
nature of the slot allows a long slot which does not present sharp
points or angles which may snag and damage carpet, as previously
discussed. It is believed that a longer slot may be more effective
in removing cleaning solution from the carpet than a slot having
the same overall width but a shorter overall length, as the
solution is drawn around the edges of the slot and into the
cleaning head.
[0041] It will be appreciated that a number of different slot
designs are possible. The slot may incorporate combinations of
straight segments, curved segments, angles, corners, etc. It has
been observed that slots which are more tortuous or more highly
bent or curved are somewhat more effective at removing dirt and
cleaning liquid from surfaces such as carpet and upholstery, but
the present invention also encompasses slots which are less bent or
straight.
[0042] Turning now to FIG. 6, a side view of a valve according to
the present invention is shown. The valve, indicated generally at
134, has a butterfly valve 138 which fits inside of a tube 142 and
is used to control the flow of air through the tube 142. The tube
may be a part of the vacuum wand, or hose, or may be an adapter
used between an existing cleaning device and the suction hose. The
butterfly valve 138 is attached to a pivot 146, which is connected
to a lever 150 which is outside of the tube 142, and is used to
actuate the butterfly valve 138. A handle 154 is attached to the
outside of the tube 142 at a pivot point 158, and has an arm 162
attached whereby the handle 154 may be used to actuate the
butterfly valve. As the handle 154 is moved in the direction of
arrow 166, the arm 162 pushes against the lever 150 to open the
valve 138, rotating the valve 138 in the direction of arrow 170.
The pivot 146 is mounted above the center of the tube 142 such that
the movement of air through the tube 142, represented by arrow 174,
tends to close the butterfly valve 138 because of the unequal
forces exerted on the unequally sized sides of the valve 138. The
butterfly valve 138 shown has been made such that it is somewhat
oval in shape and closes against the tube 142 while at an angle. A
butterfly valve 138 formed as shown so that it remains at an angle
when closed utilizes the vacuum pressure to hold the valve 138
closed.
[0043] The handle 154 also has a lever arm 178 formed on the front
thereof. When the handle 154 is moved sufficiently, the lever 178
contacts a button 182 on a liquid control valve 186, allowing
pressurized cleaning fluid to be sprayed onto the surface being
cleaned. The liquid control valve 186 typically has a port 190
whereby the liquid control valve 186 is connected to spray nozzles
on the vacuum head, and a port 194, such as a quick release
coupling, whereby the liquid control valve 186 may be connected to
the power system (not shown) which supplies the cleaning fluid.
Thus, in operation, the butterfly valve 138 prevents or
substantially inhibits the flow of air through the tube 142 until a
person applies force to handle 154 and allows air flow through the
tube 142. If the person moves the handle 154 further, the lever 178
contacts button 182 and causes liquid to flow out of the spray
nozzles. Thus, a person may have separate control over both the
flow of air and cleaning liquid by allowing a person to allow air
flow before allowing fluid flow. Similarly, for most or all of the
subsequently discussed valves it is possible to arrange the handle
and mechanical connections between the valves to allow a person to
begin air flow before allowing the flow of cleaning solution. The
valve 134 is thus advantageous as it allows a person to inhibit or
prevent air flow through the cleaning device when air flow is not
necessary, such as when the cleaning device is off of the ground or
not in use. This lowers the amount of power required from the power
system, allowing more cleaning devices to be used simultaneously.
It will be appreciated that, in a conventional system, more air
flows when the cleaning device is lifted off of the surface being
cleaned as compared to when the device is in use, causing a loss in
the suction available to other devices. According to the present
invention, this loss of suction may be eliminated or significantly
reduced by having the valve 134 closed whenever the head is lifted
off of the carpet or other surface being cleaned.
[0044] Turning now to FIG. 7, a side view of another valve
according to aspects of the present invention is shown. The valve,
indicated generally at 198, functions similar to the valve of FIG.
6. The valve uses a butterfly valve 202 mounted on pivot 206 and
mounted inside of tube 210 to control the flow of air through the
tube 210. The butterfly valve 202 is controlled by lever 214 which
is mounted external to the tube 210. A handle 218 is mounted to the
tube 210 via bracket 222 and pivot 226. The front end of the handle
218 forms a lever 230 which is coupled to lever 214 by a rod 234 or
other means. Thus, when the handle 218 is moved, the butterfly
valve 202 opens. When the handle 218 is moved sufficiently, lever
230 contacts button 238 on fluid control valve 242. The fluid
control valve 242 has a connector 246 for connecting to spray
nozzles and a connector 250 for connecting to the power system. The
butterfly valve 202 is formed with a pivot 206 which is located off
center in tube 210, causing the air flow through the tube to bias
the butterfly valve 202 into a closed position, as previously
discussed. The butterfly valve 202 is also shown such that the
valve 202 remains at an angle relative to the tube 210 when closed,
utilizing the vacuum pressure to help hold the valve closed. It
will be appreciated that the valve 202 need not be a butterfly
valve, but may be a ball valve, or other valves suitable for
controlling the flow of air or liquids in a tube.
[0045] Turning now to FIG. 8, a side view of another valve
according to the present invention is shown. The valve, indicated
generally at 254, is shown with a butterfly valve 258 mounted
inside of a tube 262. The butterfly valve 258 is mounted to a pivot
266, which is in turn connected to a lever 270, mounted outside of
the tube 262. A handle 274 is connected via a pivot 278 and mount
282 to the tube 262. The handle 274 also forms or is attached to a
lever 286, which is connected to lever 270 by a rod or connector
290. As the handle 274 is moved in the direction of arrow 294, the
butterfly valve 258 opens. A biasing element 298, such as a spring
or elastic element, urges the handle 274 in the direction opposite
arrow 294, closing the butterfly valve 258. It will thus be
appreciated that various means exist for closing the air flow valve
and thereby stopping the flow of air through the cleaning device.
It is also possible to use a small control motor, a solenoid, a
pneumatic or hydraulic diaphragm, etc. to open and/or close the
valve. Such embodiments are covered by the present invention. When
the handle 274 is moved sufficiently far, lever 286 contacts button
302 on valve 306, allowing cleaning solution to flow to spray
nozzles (not shown) via connector 310 and hose 314. A second
connector 318 allows the cleaning device to be connected to the
power system which provides heated and/or pressurized cleaning
solution. It will be appreciated that the various linkages and
levers of the valve 254 may be adjusted in size and orientation to
customize the operation of the valve 254. Advantageously, the valve
254 and all of the valves shown allow a person to quickly and
easily control the air flow through the cleaning device, allowing
the person to stop the air flow when the device is not in use or
lifted off of the surface being cleaned. Such a valve may
significantly reduce the power requirements of the vacuum pump used
to power the cleaning wands by reducing or eliminating the vacuum
loss when a cleaning wand is lifted. Additionally, the valves shown
may significantly increase the performance of a cleaning system
because reducing the loss of vacuum which typically occurs when
lifting a cleaning wand off of the floor will maintain the vacuum
pressure in the system, and will thus provide higher and more
consistent suction to all of the vacuum cleaning wands used in the
system.
[0046] Turning to FIG. 9, a side view of an adapter having an air
and fluid control valve according to the present invention is
shown. The adapter, indicated generally at 322, has a section of
tubing 326 through which air flows. The tubing 326 may have
adapters or collars 330 placed on the ends of the tubing 326 as may
be necessary to connect the adapter to a cleaning device and the
suction hose coming from the power system. A valve assembly
including a handle 334, fluid control valve 338, and air control
valve 342 are attached to and integrated into the tubing 326, and
functions similar to the valve described in FIG. 8. Thus, the
adapter 322 may be connected to an existing cleaning device and
power system to increase the efficiency and performance of the
cleaning system.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 10, a side view of a cleaning device
according to the present invention is shown. The cleaning device,
indicated generally at 346, is formed with an air flow tube 350.
The tube 350 has a collar or adapter 354 to allow the device 346 to
be connected to the suction hose of a power system. According to
the present invention, a control valve, indicated generally at 358,
is attached to the tube and includes a butterfly valve 362, a fluid
valve 366, and an actuating lever 370. The control valve 358 allows
a person to control the air and fluid flow of the cleaning device
346, and most advantageously, allows a person to stop or
significantly reduce the flow of air when the vacuum is not in use
or in contact with the surface being cleaned. This reduces the load
placed on the power system and increases the number of cleaning
devices which may be run simultaneously on a given power
system.
[0048] The fluid valve 366 is connected to a hose 374 which carries
the cleaning liquid to spray nozzles 378 which are typically
mounted behind the vacuum head 382. The vacuum head 382 is fluidly
connected to the tube 350 such that air, dirt, and cleaning fluid
flowing into the vacuum head 382 are carried through the tube 350
and are carried away by the suction hose and power system. The
vacuum head 382 has an opening formed in the bottom surface 386 of
the head 382 through which dirt, air, and cleaning fluid are
carried away from the object being cleaned. The slot may be formed
as a narrow slot as shown in FIG. 2 through FIG. 5 for increased
cleaning performance and to reduce the load placed on the power
system as previously discussed. When the air and liquid valve
system and the narrow cleaning slot are used together greater
benefit is realized in increased control, improved cleaning
performance, and allowing additional cleaning devices to be used
with the same power system.
[0049] Turning now to FIG. 11, a side view of another adapter
according to aspects of the present invention. The adapter 390
allows a person to connect an existing cleaning device to a source
of suction. The adapter 390 is formed from a piece of tube 394, and
has an air control valve 398 as previously discussed mounted within
the tube 394. The air control valve 398 is operatively connected to
a handle 402 by lever 406, arm 410, and lever 414. Thus, handle 402
allows a person to easily open and close the valve 398 to thereby
control the flow of air through the tube 394. The tube 394 may be
formed with a tapered end 418 which may easily be connected to
another piece of tubing, such as a cleaning wand, and may have a
straight end 422 allowing a tapered end to be inserted into the
adapter 390.
[0050] Thus, the adapter 390 allows a person to restrict the flow
of air through the tube when the cleaning device is not in use,
such as when the person has set the cleaning device down to move a
piece of furniture. It will be appreciated that in commercial
cleaning systems, it is typical to have a truck mounted power
system which provides suction to one or to a number of cleaning
devices. Conventional cleaning devices do not allow a person to
shut off air flow when not in use other than turning off the power
supply, and as such the power system works harder than normal to
maintain the suction in the cleaning system when a cleaning device
is lifted off of the surface being cleaned or is set aside to
perform another task. When multiple cleaning devices are powered by
a single power system, lifting one device creates loss of suction
as previously described and the second cleaning device may not have
enough suction to function properly. The power system is also
caused to work harder in an attempt to maintain suction. Thus, the
air control valve according to the present invention is
advantageous as it substantially prevents the loss of suction and
excessive power draw discussed above.
[0051] Turning now to FIG. 12, a side view of another air control
valve according to the present invention is shown. The air control
valve, indicated generally at 426, is formed from a butterfly valve
430 which is mounted on a pivot shaft 434 inside of tube 438. The
pivot shaft 434 is connected to a lever 442 disposed on the outside
of the tube 438. The lever may be used to open the valve 426. A
catch 446 may be placed on or attached to the tube 438 to allow a
person to lock the valve 426 in an open position when in use. The
flow of air through the tube, indicated by arrow 450, may be used
to bias the valve 426 into a closed position by adjusting the angle
at which the butterfly valve 430 is closed, the location of the
pivot 434 relative to the center of the tube 438, etc.
[0052] Turning now to FIG. 13, a front view of a valve according to
the present invention is shown. A piece of tubing 454 has been
formed to receive a pivot shaft 458 which may pass through the
tubing 454. The valve 462 is mounted to the pivot shaft 458 by
bolts, rivets, welding, etc. The valve 462 may be round, oval, etc.
as desired. For a round tube 454, a round valve 462 will stop air
flow when perpendicular to the tube 454, while an oval valve 462
will stop air flow when at an angle to the tube 454. The pivot
shaft 458 is also attached to a lever 466 which is used to move the
valve 462. It will be appreciated that the tube 454 need not be
round, but may be oval, square, etc. as is desired. The shape of
the valve 462 is largely determined by the shape of the tube
454.
[0053] Turning now to FIG. 14, a side view of another air control
valve according to the present invention is shown. A piece of tube
470 used to carry air is formed to receive a pivot 474. The pivot
474 may extend through the wall of the tube 470, may be attached
with bolts or pins which extend through the tube 470, or may be
mounted internally to the tube 470. A valve 478 is attached to the
pivot 474. The valve is shown in a closed position. The angle of
the valve 478 and the position of the pivot 474 relative to the
tube 470, in combination with the direction of air flow, as
indicated by arrow 482, urge the valve 478 into the closed
position. A handle 486, which may be mounted to or attached to the
tube 470, has a lever 490 attached thereto which interacts with
lever 494 and thereby moves the valve 478. As the handle is rotated
about pivot 498 in the direction of arrow 502, lever 494 and valve
478 are rotated in the direction of arrow 506, opening the valve.
When the handle 486 is released, the air flow 482 urges the valve
into a closed position. The valve shown may be integrated into a
cleaning apparatus, a hose to be attached to a cleaning apparatus,
or an adapter used to retrofit a cleaning apparatus as previously
discussed.
[0054] It will be appreciated that numerous modifications may be
made to the present invention which fall within the scope of the
invention as defined by the present claims. The preceding examples
are illustrative of the invention and do not limit the invention to
any specific embodiment. Additionally, the device maybe made from a
variety of different materials, and equivalent structures may be
included in the device. The appended claims determine the scope of
the invention.
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