U.S. patent application number 11/544542 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-08 for upright vacuum cleaner with removable air path cover for canister assembly.
Invention is credited to Richard J. Fischer, Danielle M. Hafling, J. Erik Hitzelberger, Eric E. Muhlenkamp.
Application Number | 20070028413 11/544542 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38701925 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070028413 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fischer; Richard J. ; et
al. |
February 8, 2007 |
Upright vacuum cleaner with removable air path cover for canister
assembly
Abstract
An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly and a
canister assembly pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly. The
nozzle assembly includes a suction inlet. The canister assembly
includes a first housing member and a removable cover that
cooperate together to form a wand receiver, a hose connector and an
integral air path between the wand receiver and the hose
connector.
Inventors: |
Fischer; Richard J.;
(Nicholasville, KY) ; Muhlenkamp; Eric E.;
(Nicholasville, KY) ; Hitzelberger; J. Erik;
(Danville, KY) ; Hafling; Danielle M.; (Berrien
Springs, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KING & SCHICKLI, PLLC
247 NORTH BROADWAY
LEXINGTON
KY
40507
US
|
Family ID: |
38701925 |
Appl. No.: |
11/544542 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11196582 |
Aug 3, 2005 |
|
|
|
11544542 |
Oct 6, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/334 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 5/28 20130101; A47L
5/32 20130101; A47L 9/32 20130101; A47L 9/24 20130101; A47L 9/0045
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/334 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/28 20070101
A47L005/28; A47L 9/24 20070101 A47L009/24 |
Claims
1. An upright vacuum cleaner, comprising: a housing including a
nozzle assembly and a canister assembly pivotally connected to said
nozzle assembly; a suction inlet on said nozzle assembly; a suction
generator carried on said housing; a dirt collection vessel carried
on said housing; said canister assembly including a first housing
member and a removable cover that cooperate together to form a wand
receiver, a hose connector and an integral air path between said
wand receiver and said hose connector; a wand assembly including a
removable wand and a first flexible hose connected between said
wand and said dirt collection vessel; and a second flexible hose
connected between said suction inlet and said hose connector.
2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein said dirt collection
vessel is a filter bag.
3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein said dirt collection
vessel is a dirt cup.
4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 3, wherein said dirt cup includes a
substantially cylindrical dirt collection chamber, a tangentially
directed inlet and an axially directed outlet.
5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, further including at least one
rotary agitator carried on said nozzle assembly adjacent said
suction inlet.
6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein said canister assembly
further includes an upright control handle.
7. The vacuum cleaner of claim 6, wherein said removable wand is a
two piece telescoping wand.
8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 7, wherein said hose connector is a
hose cuff.
9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein a seal is provided
between said first housing member and said removable cover.
10. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, further including a lever for
releasing said wand assembly from said wand receiver, said lever
being captured between said first housing member and said removable
cover.
11. An upright vacuum cleaner, comprising: a nozzle assembly
including a suction inlet; a canister assembly pivotally connected
to said nozzle assembly, said canister assembly including a first
housing member and a removable cover that cooperate together to
form a first receiver, a second receiver and an integral air path
between said first and second receivers; a suction generator
carried on one of said nozzle assembly and said canister assembly;
and a dirt collection vessel carried on said canister assembly.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/196,582 filed on 3 Aug. 2005.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the floor care
appliance field and, more particularly, to an upright vacuum
cleaner incorporating a removable air path cover.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Upright vacuum cleaners in all of their designs and
permutations have become increasingly popular over the years. The
upright vacuum cleaners generally incorporate a nozzle assembly and
a canister assembly pivotally mounted to the nozzle assembly.
Wheels on the nozzle and canister assemblies allow the vacuum
cleaner to smoothly ride over the surface to be cleaned.
[0004] The canister assembly includes an operating handle that is
manipulated by the user to move the vacuum cleaner back-and-forth
across the floor. The canister assembly also includes either a
bag-like filter or a cyclonic separation chamber and filter
combination that trap dirt and debris while substantially clean air
is exhausted by a fan that is driven by an onboard electric motor.
It is this fan and motor arrangement that generates the drop in air
pressure necessary to provide the desired cleaning action.
[0005] In most upright vacuum cleaners sold today, a rotary
agitator is also provided in the nozzle assembly. The rotary
agitator includes tufts of bristles, brushes, beater bars or the
like to beat dirt and debris from the nap of a carpet being cleaned
while the pressure drop or vacuum is used to force air entrained
with this dirt and debris into the nozzle of the vacuum
cleaner.
[0006] Over the years many different conduit systems have been
designed to route the air path from the suction inlet on the nozzle
assembly to the dirt collection vessel on the canister assembly.
The routing is somewhat complicated by the pivotal connection
between the nozzle assembly and canister assembly. With any conduit
system there is always the possibility that a clog may develop and
thereby effectively close the pathway and inhibit the cleaning
efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. The present invention relates to
a vacuum cleaner assembly that allows quick and total access for
the efficient and effective cleaning of any clog that might
possibly form in the air path in the area of the transition from
the nozzle assembly to the canister assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the purposes of the present invention as
described herein, an improved upright vacuum cleaner is provided.
That upright vacuum cleaner comprises a housing including a nozzle
assembly with a suction inlet and a canister assembly pivotally
connected to the nozzle assembly. The canister assembly includes a
first housing member and a removable cover that cooperate together
to form a wand receiver, a hose connector and an integral air path
between the wand receiver and the hose connector.
[0008] The upright vacuum cleaner also includes a suction generator
carried on one of the nozzle assembly and the canister assembly and
a dirt collection vessel carried on the canister assembly.
[0009] Still further, the upright vacuum cleaner includes a wand
assembly comprising a removable wand and a first flexible hose
connected between the wand and the dirt collection vessel. In
addition a second flexible hose is connected between the suction
inlet and the hose connector.
[0010] In one possible embodiment the dirt collection vessel is a
filter bag. In another possible embodiment the dirt collection
vessel is a dirt cup. That dirt cup may include a substantially
cylindrical dirt collection chamber, a tangentially directed inlet
and an axially directed outlet in order to provide for cyclonic
airflow.
[0011] In addition the upright vacuum cleaner may include at least
one rotary agitator carried on the nozzle assembly adjacent the
suction inlet. Further the canister assembly may include an upright
control handle. In addition the removable wand may be a two piece
telescoping wand. Further the hose connector may take the form of a
hose cuff. Still further a seal may be provided between the first
housing member and the removable cover. In addition, a lever for
releasing the wand assembly is captured between the first housing
member and the removable cover.
[0012] In the following description there is shown and described
one possible embodiment of the present invention, simply by way of
illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the
invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of
other different embodiments and its several details are capable of
modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from
the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be
regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0013] The accompanying drawing incorporated in and forming a part
of the specification, illustrates several aspects of the present
invention, and together with the description serves to explain
certain principles of the invention. In the drawing:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway, perspective view of the
upright vacuum cleaner of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dirt collection vessel
of the upright vacuum cleaner of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a detailed, exploded perspective view of the first
housing member and removable cover of the canister assembly;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematical view of the air flow circuit through
the vacuum cleaner;
[0018] FIG. 5a is a detailed rear elevational view with the housing
cover removed to clearly show the release lever and detent when the
wand assembly is in the locked position;
[0019] FIG. 5b is a view similar to FIG. 5a but showing the lever
in position to release the wand from the wand receiver; and
[0020] FIG. 6 is a detailed cross sectional view illustrating the
seal provided between the first housing member and removable cover
of the canister assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 3 showing an upright
vacuum cleaner 10 equipped with a removable air path cover 12 for
allowing quick and easy access to the air path for the inspection
and cleaning of clogs and debris from that air path. The upright
vacuum cleaner 10 includes a nozzle assembly 14 and a canister
assembly 16. The nozzle assembly 14 includes a suction inlet 18. A
rotary agitator 20 is carried on the nozzle assembly 14 and extends
across the suction inlet 18. The rotary agitator 20 includes a
series of projecting cleaning elements 22. The cleaning elements
may take the form of, for example, brushes, wipers, beater bars,
bristle tufts or the like.
[0022] The canister assembly includes a control handle 24 and a
hand grip 26. A control switch 28 is provided adjacent the hand
grip 26 so that the operator may conveniently control the functions
of the vacuum cleaner 10. Electrical power may be supplied to the
vacuum cleaner 10 from a standard electrical wall outlet through an
electric cord (not shown). Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner 10 may
be powered by an onboard battery, fuel cell or other power
source.
[0023] A pair of rear wheels 30 are provided on the lower portion
of the canister assembly 16 and a pair of front wheels (not shown)
are provided on the nozzle assembly 14. Together these wheels 30
support the vacuum cleaner 10 for movement across the floor. To
allow for convenient storage of the vacuum cleaner 10 a foot latch
(not shown) functions to lock the canister assembly 16 in an
upright position as illustrated in FIG. 1. When the foot latch is
released, the canister assembly 16 may be pivoted relative to the
nozzle assembly 14 as the vacuum cleaner is manipulated to-and-fro
to clean the floor.
[0024] The canister assembly 16 also includes a cavity 32 adapted
to receive and hold a dirt collection vessel 34. In the illustrated
embodiment (see FIG. 2), the dirt collection vessel 34 includes a
substantially cylindrically shaped dirt collection chamber 36, a
substantially tangentially directed inlet 38 and a substantially
axially directed outlet 40. This structural arrangement promotes
cyclonic airflow within the chamber 36 in order to enhance the
cleaning efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. A main filter 42 of
cylindrical shape is held in the chamber over the outlet 40. The
filter 42 insures that even relatively fine particles of dirt and
debris are captured in the dirt collection vessel 34.
[0025] As illustrated schematically in FIG. 4, the canister
assembly 16 also carries a suction generator 44 consisting of a
cooperating fan and drive motor. The suction generator 44 functions
to generate a vacuum airstream for drawing dirt and debris from the
surface to be cleaned. While the suction generator 44 is
illustrated as being carried on the canister assembly 16, it should
be appreciated that it could likewise be carried on the nozzle
assembly 14 if desired.
[0026] A conduit system, generally designated by reference numeral
50 provides an air path from the suction inlet 18 to the
tangentially directed inlet 38 on the dirt collection vessel 34.
More specifically, the canister assembly 16 includes a first or
main housing member 52 and a cooperating removable air path cover
12 that when connected together define an integral air path 54.
More specifically, the integral air path 54 may be formed by two
cooperating half pipes 56 molded in the first housing member 52 and
the removable cover 12 (see also FIGS. 5a, 5b and 6).
[0027] As illustrated, a flexible hose 58 connects the suction
inlet 18 on the nozzle assembly 14 with the integral air path 54.
Advantageously, the flexible hose 58 insures the integrity of the
air path between the two assemblies 14, 16 during vacuum cleaner
operation. More specifically, the flexible hose 58 has a first end
that is secured in a fitting 60 on the nozzle assembly 14 and a
second end that is secured in a hose cuff 62 formed by or
integrally molded in the first housing member 52 and removable
cover 12.
[0028] The opposite end of the integral air path 54 formed by the
housing member 52 and cover 12 includes a receiver 64 that receives
and holds the inlet end of a removable wand 66. If desired, the
wand 66 may be a two-piece telescoping wand such as, for example,
disclosed and described in issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,474 to Ohara
et al. owned by the assignee of the present invention. The receiver
64 may simply comprise a tapered wall adapted to provide a friction
fit with the end of the wand 66. A spring loaded detent 65 carried
on the wand 66 engages in a locking aperture 67 formed in the
housing member 52 and cover 12 in order to complete a secure
connection. The opposite or outlet end of the wand 66 is connected
by a flexible hose 68 to the inlet 38 of the dirt collection vessel
34 through a conduit or plenum 69.
[0029] During normal upright vacuum cleaner operation, the rotary
agitator 20 loosens and lifts dirt and debris from the nap of an
underlying carpet being cleaned. That dirt and debris is then drawn
into the suction inlet by the vacuum airstream generated by the
suction generator 44. That airstream travels from the suction inlet
18 through the flexible hose 58, the integral air path 54, the wand
66 and the flexible hose 68 through the inlet 38 into the chamber
36 of the dirt collection vessel 34. Dirt and debris is then
captured in the chamber 36 and clean air passes through the main
filter 42 and along the axial outlet 40 through a passageway to the
suction generator 44. As the clean air passes over the motor of the
suction generator 44 it provides cooling before that clean air is
exhausted back into the environment. A secondary filter 70 may be
provided between the outlet 40 of the dirt collection vessel 34 and
the suction generator 44 and a final filter 72 may be provided
downstream from the suction generator 44 but upstream from the
exhaust port 74 through which the clean air is exhausted from the
vacuum cleaner 10.
[0030] When the operator wishes to perform above floor cleaning,
the operator depresses the release lever 76 that is pivotally
mounted by a pivot pin 77 on the housing member 52 and captured
between that housing member and the cover 12 (see specifically FIG.
5b). A lug 78 on the lever 76 then depresses the spring loaded
detent 65 so that the detent is disengaged from the locking
aperture 67. The operator then simply grasps the wand 66 and
withdraws the inlet or distal end thereof from the receiver 64. Air
may then be drawn directly through the wand 66 and the hose 68 into
the dirt collection vessel 34. The wand 66 may then be easily
manipulated to clean in tight corners or above the floor for
special cleaning applications. The normal floor cleaning mode may
be reestablished by reinserting the distal or inlet end of the wand
66 into the receiver 64 to thereby reestablish communication
between the suction inlet 18, the dirt collection vessel 34 and the
suction generator 44. When this is done the detent 65 is biased
into the locking aperture 67 to secure the wand 66 in position (see
FIG. 5a).
[0031] It should be appreciated that numerous benefits result from
employing the concepts of the present invention. For example, the
removable air path cover 12 may be made from transparent material
if desired in order to allow free and easy visual inspection of the
air path 54. In the event of a clog, the cover 12 may be quickly
and easily removed from the housing member 52 effectively opening
the air path 54 along the midline thereof so as to allow quick and
convenient removal of the clog therefrom. The cover 12 may then be
quickly and easily replaced on the housing member 52 to close the
air path 54 for normal vacuum cleaner operation. It should be
appreciated that the cover 12 may be held in place by any
appropriate means including snap fasteners, screws or the like.
[0032] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or
variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For
example, the dirt collection vessel may comprise a simple filter
bag held in a sealed compartment in the canister assembly 16
instead of the illustrated cyclonic dirt cup. Further a simple
non-cyclonic dirt cup could be provided. In addition, the main
filter could be provided downstream from the dirt cup instead of in
the dirt cup. A rubber seal such as an O-ring could be provided in
a groove formed in the mating edges of the half pipes 56 of the
housing member 52 and cover 12. Of course other sealing
arrangements could be utilized including, for example, a labyrinth
seal if desired.
[0033] The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best
illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical
application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to
utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All
such modifications and variations are within the scope of the
invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in
accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and
equitably entitled.
* * * * *