U.S. patent application number 11/390569 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-05 for multi-functional vacuum cleaner.
Invention is credited to Sang Bo Kang.
Application Number | 20060218741 11/390569 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37053559 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060218741 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kang; Sang Bo |
October 5, 2006 |
Multi-functional vacuum cleaner
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a multi-functional vacuum cleaner, which can
be used as a combined vacuum cleaner of a canister type vacuum
cleaner which is easy to move and convenient to use when cleaning
narrow areas, and of an upright type vacuum cleaner when is easy to
use when cleaning wide areas. The vacuum cleaner comprises a body
comprising a dust collection unit and a driving unit, a handle part
separably connected with the body, and a brush detachably attached
to the body to suck foreign matter. The brush supports the body
when being attached to the body. The handle part and/or the brush
can be independently and detachably attached to the body. Thus, the
vacuum cleaner can be freely moved, and used for cleaning narrow
areas as well as wide areas.
Inventors: |
Kang; Sang Bo; (Incheon,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
37053559 |
Appl. No.: |
11/390569 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/328 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 5/362 20130101;
A47L 5/28 20130101; A47L 5/32 20130101; A47L 5/225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/328 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/00 20060101
A47L009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 29, 2005 |
KR |
2005-25754 |
Claims
1. A multi-functional vacuum cleaner, comprising: a body including
a dust collection unit and a driving unit; a handle part separably
connected with the body; and a brush detachably attached to the
body to suck foreign matters, the brush supporting the body when
being attached to the body.
2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the body
comprises a first connection part with which a hose is connected at
one end thereof, and a second connection part to which the handle
part is inserted.
3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the first
connection part has one end protruding from the body so as to be
connected with the hose, and the other end connected with the dust
collection unit.
4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the second
connection part has a hole shape having a predetermined depth to
receive the handle part inserted thereto.
5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, further comprising
wheels mounted to lower opposite sides of the body to enable easy
movement of the body when the body is separated from the brush.
6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the handle part
comprises a handle to be gripped by a user, and a fourth connection
part connected with the other end of the hose when the handle part
is separated from the body.
7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the handle part
comprises an adjustment part to adjust a length of the handle.
8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein, when the
handle part is separated from the body, one end of the handle part
is connected with the other end of the hose, the one end of which
is connected with the body, and the other end of the handle part is
connected with a suction device.
9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the brush
comprises a base and a cover separated upward and downward.
10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the brush
comprises a third connection part connected with the other end of
the hose, the one end of which is connected with the body.
11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 10, wherein the third
connection part has one end extending from one side of the brush so
as to allow the hose to be connected therewith, and the other end
connected with a suction port formed at a lower side of the
brush.
12. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the brush
comprises wheels mounted to rear opposite sides to allow free
movement thereof.
13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the brush
comprises a seat on which the body is seated when the body is
coupled to the brush.
14. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein, when the
brush is separated from the body, the brush is separated from the
other end of the hose, the one end of which is connected with the
body.
15. A multi-functional vacuum cleaner, comprising: a body including
a dust collection unit and a driving unit, the body comprising a
first connection part with which a hose is connected at one end
thereof, and a second connection part; a handle part detachably
attached to the second connection part and including a handle to be
gripped by a user and a fourth connection part connectable with the
other end of the hose, the one end of which is connected with the
body; and a brush comprising a third connection part connected with
the other end of the hose, the one end of which is connected with
the body, and wheels mounted to rear opposite sides of the brush to
allow free movement thereof.
16. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein the body
further comprises wheels mounted to lower opposite sides of the
body to enable easy movement of the body when the brush is
separated from the body.
17. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein, when the
handle part is separated from the body and the other end of the
hose is separated from the third connection part of the brush, the
other end of the hose is connected with the fourth connection
part.
18. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein the handle
part comprises an adjustment part to adjust a length of the
handle.
19. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein the brush
comprises a seat on which the body is seated when the body is
coupled to the brush.
20. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein the third
connection part has one end extending from one side of the brush,
and the other end connected with a suction port formed at a lower
side of the brush.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a multi-functional vacuum
cleaner, and more particularly to a multi-functional vacuum
cleaner, which can be used as a combined vacuum cleaner of a
canister type vacuum cleaner and an upright type vacuum
cleaner.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Generally, a vacuum cleaner is an apparatus which cleans a
room in such a way of removing foreign matter such as dust on a
floor by sucking the foreign matter along with air into a body of
the vacuum cleaner by generating suction force using a motor
positioned in the body, and then collecting the foreign matter in a
dust collection unit while allowing the air having the foreign
matter removed therefrom to be discharged to an outside of the
body. The vacuum cleaner is generally classified into a canister
type, an upright type, a drum type, a handy type, and the like.
[0005] The canister type vacuum cleaner comprises a body, a dust
collection unit, a driving unit, and wheels to allow free movement
of the cleaner. The canister type vacuum cleaner further comprises
a plurality of connection pipes connected with the dust collection
unit of the body, an extension pipe connected with one of the
connection pipes to allow adjustment in cleaning range of the
cleaner, and suction devices having various shapes, one of which is
connected with a distal end of the connection pipe depending on
utilities and locations. Thus, with the canister type vacuum
cleaner, foreign matter is sucked along with air into the dust
collection unit through the suction device, the extension pipe and
the connection pipe by generating suction force using a motor
within the driving unit, and is collected into a dust bag
positioned in the dust collection unit.
[0006] The canister type vacuum cleaner has a merit in that the
extension pipe serving to connect the body and the suction device
enables easy movement and replacement of the cleaning apparatus so
that it is convenient to use when cleaning a narrow area. However,
the canister type vacuum cleaner has problems in that, it is very
difficult to move the body, the extension pipe and suction device
connected by the connection pipe at the same time, cleaning
efficiency is reduced in a large area, and in that it is
inconvenient to maintain the canister type vacuum cleaner due to
the long extension pipe.
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional upright type vacuum
cleaner, which will now be described briefly in view of problems of
the conventional technique.
[0008] Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional upright type vacuum
cleaner comprises a body 100 having a dust collection unit and a
driving unit positioned therein, a handle 110 connected with an
upper end of the body 100, a brush 120 connected with a lower end
of the body 100 to suck foreign matter, and a wheel 130 attached to
the brush 120 to allow easy movement of the body 100.
[0009] The upright type vacuum cleaner is convenient to use for
cleaning wide areas, since the body can be freely moved using the
handle connected with the upper end of the body. However, the
upright type vacuum cleaner is inconvenient to use for cleaning
narrow areas or corners, and fails to remove dust therefrom due to
a space occupied by the brush supporting the body. Furthermore, the
upright type vacuum cleaner has a problem in that it is difficult
to change a direction of the brush since the body and the brush are
heavy, causing difficulty in adjustment of the handle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above
problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a
multi-functional vacuum cleaner, which can be used as a combined
vacuum cleaner of a canister type vacuum cleaner and an upright
type vacuum cleaner.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
multi-functional vacuum cleaner, which allows a handle part and a
brush to be separated from a body, thereby enabling convenient use
of the vacuum cleaner depending on utility of the vacuum
cleaner.
[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
the multi-functional vacuum cleaner, which allows a hose connecting
a first connection part formed on an upper portion of the body with
a third connection part extending from one side of a lower portion
of the brush to be separated from the third connection part, and to
be connected with the handle part, a distal end of which is
connected with one of various suction devices, thereby ensuring
free movement of the vacuum cleaner while enabling cleaning of a
narrow area.
[0013] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the
above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a
multi-functional vacuum cleaner, comprising: a body comprising a
dust collection unit and a driving unit; a handle part detachably
attached to an upper portion of the body; and a brush detachably
attached to the body to support the body.
[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a multi-functional vacuum cleaner comprises: a body comprising a
dust collection unit, a driving unit, a first connection part
connected with one end of a hose, and a second connection part to
which a handle part can be inserted, the first and second
connection parts being formed on an upper portion of the body; the
handle part separably connected with the second connection part of
the body, and comprising a handle to be gripped by a user and a
fourth connection part connectable with the other end of the hose;
and a brush comprising a third connection part connected with the
other end of the hose, the one end of which is connected with the
body, and wheels mounted to lower opposite sides of the brush to
enable easy movement of the vacuum cleaner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The foregoing and other objects and features of the present
invention will be more clearly understood from the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a conventional
multi-functional vacuum cleaner;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating a
multi-functional vacuum cleaner in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view illustrating the
multi-functional vacuum cleaner in accordance with the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a multi-functional vacuum
cleaner in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
multi-functional vacuum cleaner of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a multi-functional vacuum
cleaner in accordance with a third embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements
throughout the drawings. It should be understood that the
embodiments and the accompanying drawings are provided for
illustrative purposes, and do not limit the scope of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating a
multi-functional vacuum cleaner in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a rear
perspective view illustrating the multi-functional vacuum cleaner
in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
The multi-functional vacuum cleaner according to the first
embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
2 and 3.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the multi-functional vacuum
cleaner of the first embodiment comprises a body 200, a handle part
300 detachably attached to an upper portion of the body 200, and a
brush 400 detachably attached to the body 200 to support the body
200.
[0025] The body 200 comprises a dust collection unit 202 to collect
dust through a suction port, and a driving unit (not shown) in
which a motor is positioned. The body 200 is formed at the upper
portion with a first connection part 206 to which a hose 208 is
connected, and with a second connection part 207 to which the
handle part 300 is connected. The dust collection unit 202 has a
structure separable from the body 200, and may be provided with a
gripper 204, which enables easy attachment or detachment of the
dust collection unit 202 to the body 200. The gripper 204 is
preferably formed in a longitudinal direction of the dust
collection unit 202. In addition, the dust collection unit 202 is
formed at one end with a suction port through which foreign matter
is sucked into the dust collection unit 202, and at the other end
with a cover. The cover can be opened and closed for removal of the
foreign matter collected in the dust collection unit. The body 200
is formed at the upper portion with the first connection part 206
to which the hose 208 is connected, and with the second connection
part 207 to which the handle part 300 is connected.
[0026] One end of the first connection part 206 is connected with
the dust collection unit 202, and the other end thereof protrudes
from the upper portion of the body 200 so as to enable connection
with the hose 208. The protrusion of the first connection part 206
is configured to allow attachment or detachment of the hose 208.
The second connection part 207 has a hole shape having a
predetermined depth to receive the handle part 300 inserted
thereto, and serves to secure the handle part 300 when the handle
part 300 is inserted to the second connection part 207. The second
connection part 207 is preferably in parallel with a rear side of
the first connection part 206 in order to enable convenient
movement of the vacuum cleaner and to enhance performance thereof.
The body 200 has wheels attached to a rear side thereof to allow
free movement of the body 200 when the body 200 is separated from
the brush 400. The wheels may comprise first wheels 209 attached to
opposite lower sides of the body, and more preferably further
comprise second wheels attached to opposite upper sides of the
body.
[0027] The body 200 comprises a connection part formed on a lower
end of the body 200 to allow the body 200 to be detachably mounted
to the brush 400. The body 200 can be seated on a seat 407 (see
FIG. 5) of the brush 400 via the connection part such that the
vacuum cleaner can be used as an upright type vacuum cleaner.
[0028] The handle part 300 comprises a handle 302 to allow easy
gripping by a user and easy movement of the vacuum cleaner, and a
fourth connection part 303 which can be connected with the hose 208
when the handle part 300 is separated from the body 200. In
addition, the handle part 300 may comprise an adjustment part 304
to adjust a length of the handle part 300. The adjustment part 304
can adjust the length sequentially, and comprises a structure which
can maintain the length of the handle after determining the length
of the handle part 300. When using the vacuum cleaner as the
upright type vacuum cleaner, the handle part 300 is inserted into
the second connection part 207, and gripped by the user. On the
other hand, when using the vacuum cleaner as a canister type vacuum
cleaner, the handle part 300 is separated from the body 200, and
used as an extension pipe of the canister type vacuum cleaner.
[0029] The brush 400 comprises a base 402 and a cover 404 separated
upward and downward. The base 402 and the cover 404 may be
assembled to each other by screws, and the like. The brush 400 may
further comprise a flexible protection member, which is provided at
a leading end between the base 402 and the cover 404 to prevent
damage of the brush 400 due to collision against objects.
[0030] The brush 400 is formed at one side with a third connection
part 406, which is connected with the other end of the hose 208,
one end of which is connected with the first connection part 206.
The brush 400 comprises third wheels 408 provided to rear opposite
sides to allow free movement of the brush 400. In addition,
preferably, the brush 400 further comprises fourth wheels, which
are provided to a lower end thereof, and have a smaller diameter
than that of the third wheels 408. The third connection part 406
extends from one side of the brush 400 to the suction port formed
at a lower side of the brush 400. One end of the third connection
part is adapted to allow the hose 208 to be detachably attached
thereto, and the other thereof is connected with the suction port
of the brush 400.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a multi-functional vacuum
cleaner according to a second embodiment of the invention, which
will be described hereinafter. The second embodiment comprises the
same components as those of the first embodiment. Thus, the
components of the second embodiment will be denoted by the
reference numerals of the first embodiment, and detailed
description thereof will be omitted.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, in the multi-functional vacuum cleaner
according to the second embodiment, a handle part 300 is separated
from a body 200, and a hose 208 connected at one end with a first
connection part 206 formed on an upper portion of the body 200 and
at the other end with a third connection part 406 extending from
one side of a brush 400 is separated from the third connection part
406. Then, the hose 208 is connected at the other end with a fourth
connection part 303 of a handle part 300.
[0033] With the fourth connection part 303 of the handle part 300
connected with the hose 208, a distal end of the handle part 300
can be connected with various suction devices. Although a general
brush type suction device is illustrated as the suction device
connected with the distal end of the handle part 300 in this
embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this suction
device. For example, a blade brush, a dusting brush or the like may
be used. In this embodiment, the handle part 300 comprises an
adjustment member, which can adjust the length of the handle part
300, and serves as an extension pipe.
[0034] According to the second embodiment of the invention, there
are characteristics in that, with the brush 400, the hose 208, and
the handle part 300 coupled to the body 200 of the vacuum cleaner,
the vacuum cleaner is conveniently used to clean various areas in a
room, such as corners, a top surface of a table, and the like,
considered difficult to clean using the upright type vacuum
cleaner.
[0035] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
disassembled structure of the multi-functional vacuum cleaner of
the present invention, which will now be described as follows.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, according to the invention, the handle
part 300 is separated from the second connection part 207 formed on
the upper portion of the body 200, and the body 300 is separated
from the seat 407 of the brush 400. In addition, the hose 208 is
separated from the third connection part 406 extending from the one
side of the brush 400. Then, the one end of the hose 208 is
connected with the first connection part 206 of the body 200, and
the other end thereof is connected with the fourth connection part
303 of the handle part 300. The body 300 can be freely moved with
the first wheels 209 contacting the floor.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a multi-functional vacuum
cleaner according to a third embodiment of the invention, which
will be described hereinafter. The third embodiment comprises the
same components as those of the first embodiment. Thus, the
components of the third embodiment will be denoted by the reference
numerals of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof
will be omitted.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, in the multi-functional vacuum cleaner
according to the third embodiment, a handle part 300 is separated
from an upper portion of a body 200, and a brush 400 serving to
support the body 200 is separated from the body 200. Here, first
wheels 209 of the body 200 face the floor. A hose 208 connected at
one end with a first connection part 206 formed on the upper
portion of the body 200 and at the other end with a third
connection part 406 extending from one side of the brush 400 is
separated from the third connection part 406. Then, the hose 208 is
connected at the other end with a fourth connection part 303 of the
handle part 300.
[0039] With the fourth connection part 303 of the handle part 300
connected with the hose 208, a distal end of the handle part 300
can be connected with various suction devices. Although a general
brush type suction device is illustrated as the suction device
connected with the distal end of the handle part 300 in this
embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this suction
device. For example, a blade brush, a dusting brush or the like may
be used. In this embodiment, the handle part 300 comprises an
adjustment member which can adjust the length of the handle part
300, and serves as an extension pipe.
[0040] According to the third embodiment of the invention, there
are characteristics in that, after being is separated from the
handle part 300 and the brush 400, the body 200 is coupled to the
hose 208 and the extension part, and used to clean various areas in
a room, such as corners, a top surface of a table, and the like,
while being freely moved and changed in direction.
[0041] As apparent from the above description, the multi-functional
vacuum cleaner of the present invention has an advantageous effect
in that it can be used as a combined vacuum cleaner of the canister
type vacuum cleaner which is easy to move and convenient to use
when cleaning a narrow area, and of the upright type vacuum cleaner
which is easy to use when cleaning a wide area.
[0042] In addition, since the handle part and/or the brush can be
independently and detachably attached to the body, the user can
conveniently use the vacuum cleaner of the invention depending on
the utility.
[0043] In addition, the hose connected at one end with the first
connection part formed on the upper portion of the body can be
separated from the third connection part, and then connected at the
other end with the handle part, a distal end of which is connected
with one of various suction devices, thereby enabling the vacuum
cleaner to be conveniently used to clean the narrow area while
being freely moved.
[0044] It should be understood that the embodiments and the
accompanying drawings have been described for illustrative purposes
and the present invention is limited by the following claims.
Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
modifications, additions and substitutions are allowed without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention according to
the accompanying claims.
* * * * *