U.S. patent application number 11/435920 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-24 for surface cleaning apparatus.
Invention is credited to Chad Reese, Mark Rosenzweig.
Application Number | 20070113361 11/435920 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37762294 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070113361 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reese; Chad ; et
al. |
May 24, 2007 |
Surface cleaning apparatus
Abstract
A surface cleaning apparatus with a removable compartment is
provided that allows a dust cup in the removable compartment to be
emptied while minimizing handling by the user. The removable
compartment is removably secured within the surface cleaning
apparatus. The removable compartment can be removed by activating a
first trigger device. The dust cup can be emptied by activating a
second trigger device.
Inventors: |
Reese; Chad; (Auburn,
AL) ; Rosenzweig; Mark; (Chestnut Hill, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHOOK, HARDY & BACON L.L.P.
600 14TH STREET NW SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20005-2004
US
|
Family ID: |
37762294 |
Appl. No.: |
11/435920 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60737769 |
Nov 18, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/41.1 ;
15/52.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/4013 20130101;
A47L 11/33 20130101; A47L 11/4075 20130101; A47L 11/4041 20130101;
A47L 5/26 20130101; A47L 11/4025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/041.1 ;
015/052.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/24 20060101
A47L011/24; A47L 11/33 20060101 A47L011/33 |
Claims
1. A surface cleaning apparatus, comprising: a rotatable brush
contained within a forward compartment; a motor for driving the
rotatable brush; an intermediate compartment comprising a dust cup
and a dust removal door, the intermediate compartment being
removably secured within the body by a securing structure; a handle
coupled to the intermediate compartment; a first trigger device
operably connected to the securing structure for releasing the
intermediate compartment to allow removal of the intermediate
compartment; and a second trigger device for opening the dust
removal door.
2. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
trigger device is a lever, a pedal, a switch, or a button.
3. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
trigger device is located above a rear compartment.
4. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the securing
structure comprises a flange or a tab.
5. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the securing
structure is located on the intermediate compartment.
6. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
trigger device is a lever, a pedal, a switch, or a button.
7. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
trigger device is located on the handle.
8. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
trigger device is located on the intermediate compartment.
9. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
trigger device is operably connected to the dust removal door by a
cable.
10. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein movement of
the second trigger device in a first direction opens the dust
removal door and movement of the second trigger device in a second
direction closes the dust removal door.
11. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
rotatable brush is an elongate rotatable brush.
12. A surface cleaning apparatus, comprising: a body; an elongate
rotatable brush contained within the body; a motor for driving the
rotatable brush; a removable compartment comprising a dust cup and
a dust removal door, the removable compartment being removably
secured within the body by a securing structure; a handle coupled
to the removable compartment; a first trigger device operably
connected to the securing structure for releasing the removable
compartment to allow removal of the removable compartment; and a
second trigger device for opening the dust removal door.
13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
trigger device is a lever, a pedal, a switch, or a button.
14. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the securing
structure comprises a flange or a tab.
15. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 14, wherein the
securing structure is located on the removable compartment.
16. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
trigger device is a lever, a pedal, a switch, or a button.
17. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
trigger device is located on the handle.
18. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
trigger device is located on the removable compartment.
19. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
trigger device is operably connected to the dust removal door by a
cable.
20. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body
comprises a plurality of compartments, the removable compartment
being an intermediate compartment.
21. A method for emptying debris from a surface cleaning apparatus
having a removably secured compartment, comprising: activating a
first trigger device that is operably connected to a securing
structure; removing the removable compartment from within the
surface cleaning apparatus; activating a second trigger device to
open a door on the removable compartment.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein removing the removable
compartment occurs during the activation of the first trigger
device.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising deactivating the
second trigger device to close the door on the removable
compartment.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein activating a first trigger
device comprises pushing a button, a lever, a switch, or a pedal,
the activation of the first trigger device causing the securing
structure to move from a securing position to a second position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application 60/737,769, filed on Nov. 18,
2005.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electric cleaners, such as sweepers, provide a convenient
tool for household cleaning applications. During operation, the
dirt, dust, and debris removed from a surface by a cleaner can be
collected in a receptacle, such as a dust cup. The dust cup will
fill over time and will need to be emptied. Conventional methods
typically require a user of the cleaner to manually handle the dust
cup in order to empty out the dirt and debris. Such manual handling
of the dust cup can result in a substantial amount of debris coming
into contact with the user's hands.
SUMMARY
[0003] In an embodiment, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided
that includes a rotatable brush contained within a forward
compartment. A motor is provided for driving the rotatable brush.
The surface cleaning apparatus also includes an intermediate
compartment comprising a dust cup and a dust removal door, the
intermediate compartment being removably secured within the body by
a securing structure. A handle is coupled to the intermediate
compartment. A first trigger device is operably connected to the
securing structure for releasing the intermediate compartment to
allow removal of the intermediate compartment, and a second trigger
device is provided for opening the dust removal door.
[0004] In another embodiment, a surface cleaning apparatus is
provided that includes a body and an elongate rotatable brush
contained within the body. A motor is provided for driving the
rotatable brush. The surface cleaning apparatus also includes a
removable compartment comprising a dust cup and a dust removal
door, the removable compartment being removably secured within the
body by a securing structure. A handle is coupled to the removable
compartment. A first trigger device is provided for releasing the
removable compartment to allow removal of the removable
compartment, and a second trigger device is provided for opening
the dust removal door.
[0005] In an embodiment, a method is also provided for emptying
debris from a surface cleaning apparatus having a removably secured
compartment. The method includes activating a first trigger device
that is operably connected to a securing structure, and removing a
removable compartment from within the body of the surface cleaning
apparatus. A second trigger device is then activated to open a door
on the removable compartment. This allows dirt or debris captured
in a dust cup in the removable compartment to be emptied.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a surface cleaning
apparatus.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a bottom view of a
surface cleaning apparatus.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a side view of a surface
cleaning apparatus.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a top view of a surface
cleaning apparatus.
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a side view of a
removable compartment being removed from a base portion.
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a removable
compartment.
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a
removable compartment.
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a
surface cleaning apparatus .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] In various embodiments, a surface cleaning apparatus is
provided that facilitates emptying out of dirt and/or debris
contained in the dust cup of the apparatus. The structure of the
surface cleaning apparatus allows the dust cup to be emptied while
minimizing handling by the user. In particular, various embodiments
allow a user to empty dirt, dust, and/or debris from the dust cup
without having to directly handle the dust cup prior to emptying or
while emptying the dust cup.
[0015] Various embodiments of this invention are applicable to
surface cleaning apparatuses, such as sweepers and/or vacuum
cleaners. An example of sweeper embodiment is provided in FIGS. 1,
2, and 3.
[0016] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a surface cleaning
apparatus. The embodiment of FIG. 1 includes a body 100, preferably
moulded of one or more plastic materials. Body 100 can include 2 or
more separate compartments, such as a first and second compartment;
a first, second and third compartment; a forward and rear
compartment; a forward, intermediate, and rear compartment; or
another combination of compartments.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1. In this embodiment, body 100 contains an electric motor 205 and
a rechargeable battery pack 207. The battery pack can be composed
of a single battery or multiple batteries. Indicator 127, shown as
a light emitting diode in FIG. 1, indicates whether battery pack
207 is in need of charging. To charge the battery pack, the battery
pack may either be connected to a main supply whenever the
apparatus is not in use or at suitable times when the battery pack
has become depleted. In an embodiment, electric motor 205 and a
rechargeable battery pack 207 can be housed in a compartment within
body 100. For example, FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a surface
cleaning device having a sealed rear compartment 303. In this
embodiment, electric motor 205 and rechargeable battery pack 207
are housed in sealed rear compartment 303. Placing the motor and/or
the battery in a separate sealed compartment reduces the risk of
dust or other contamination from reaching the motor and/or the
battery. In other embodiments, the motor and rechargeable battery
pack can be located at various locations within body 100, such as
in the main compartment of the body 100, or in one of two
compartments, or in one of three compartments, or in one of many
compartments. As an alternative to a rechargeable battery pack, the
apparatus can include disposable batteries or a disposable battery
pack. In still another embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus
can be powered by connection to a main power source, such as by
electrically connecting the apparatus to a standard household
alternating current outlet.
[0018] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a switch 108 is provided
to permit a user to turn the motor on and off as desired. Another
switch 104 is provided to permit a user to change between various
discrete rotational speeds for the motor as desired. In an
embodiment, switch 104 is configured to raster up and down through
the possible speeds. Thus, if the motor speed was initially in the
"low" setting, consecutive pushes of switch 104 would result in the
following motor speed settings: Low-Medium-high-Medium-Low.
Indicators 126 indicate the current speed of the motor. For
example, having one of indicators 126 active can indicate a low
speed setting, two indicators can indicate medium speed, while all
three being on indicates high speed. Note that in other
embodiments, other types of speed selections are possible, such as
having a Low and High setting. In still other embodiments, the
cleaning apparatus can have a single brush speed. In such
embodiments, indicator lights 126 and speed selection switch 104
could be optional.
[0019] Body 100 also houses a rotatable brush assembly 111. In an
embodiment, rotatable brush assembly 111 includes an elongate
rotatable brush. Preferably, rotatable brush assembly 111 is
located near the front of body 100, such as in a forward
compartment, and extends across substantially the entire width of
the body. In an embodiment, the rotatable brush assembly is
provided with two helically arranged rows of bristles. Preferably,
the rows are helices that twist in opposite directions and meet
substantially midway between the ends of the brush assembly. At the
location of rotatable brush assembly 111, the bottom body 100 is
open to allow the bristles of the brush arrangement to contact a
floor, carpet or other surface over which the surface cleaning
apparatus is to be moved. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
rotating brush assembly 111 is located in forward compartment 309.
For convenience a front wall 185 of body 100 can be arcuate to
allow the brush assembly to be placed as far forward as possible
while still having the forward wall surround the brush
assembly.
[0020] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the rotatable brush
assembly 111 is located toward the front of body 100. In such an
embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus preferably includes a
rearwardly inclined wall 315 located behind the rotating brush
assembly and between the brush assembly and a dust cup. The
rearwardly inclined wall allows debris, such as dust, dirt and the
like, to be propelled up the wall due to rotation of the brush
arrangement 111 and away from the opening where the brush
arrangement contacts the surface to be cleaned. This reduces the
likelihood of dust travelling back toward the brush assembly, even
if the body is inclined forward. In an embodiment, the wall 315
extends upwardly to about the same height as the top of the
rotating brush assembly 111. In various embodiments, wall 315 is
angled toward the rear of the body at an angle of from 15 to 20
degrees, such as 16 degrees, 17 degrees, 18 degrees or 19
degrees.
[0021] Optionally, body 100 can also include a headlight 128. In an
embodiment, headlight 128 is composed of three light emitting
diodes that are shielded by a plastic cover.
[0022] The brush assembly can be operably connected to the motor by
any suitable method. For example, the motor can be used to drive a
belt connected to the brush assembly. In an embodiment, the belt
can be housed in a separate compartment within the body to prevent
dust or debris from reaching the motor and/or the battery.
[0023] FIG. 1 also depicts a front of a cleaning apparatus
according to an embodiment of the invention. Bottom surface 189 of
the front wall 185 is at a higher elevation relative to the surface
being swept than the bottom surface of the sweeper body. In an
embodiment, the higher elevation of bottom surface 189 is achieved
by having the side wall of the body near the front wall rise away
from the surface to be swept. In an embodiment, in the vicinity of
the front wall, the side wall is chamfered to rise away from the
surface to be swept at an angle of at least 5 degrees and
preferably at least 10 degrees. In an embodiment, this angle is 20
degrees or less, preferably 15 degrees or less. In another
embodiment the bottom surface 189 of the front wall can also be
angled away from the surface to be cleaned. The angle of the bottom
surface relative to the surface to be cleaned can be any convenient
angle, such as the same angle as the rise angle of the front
portion of the side wall described above. In an embodiment, this
angle is at least 5 degrees and preferably at least 10 degrees. In
an embodiment, this angle is 20 degrees or less, preferably 15
degrees or less.
[0024] In embodiments of the surface cleaning apparatus where the
bottom surface of the front wall is elevated relative to the bottom
surface of the body, the body can be tipped forward to bring the
brush arrangement into closer contact with a surface being cleaned.
Tipping the body of the cleaning apparatus forward will bring the
brush assembly into a position where the bristles of the brush come
into contact (or come into closer contact) with the surface to be
cleaned. When the body is tipped forward, the bottom surface of the
faceplate may also come into contact with the surface to be
cleaned. The additional width of the bottom surface of the
faceplate provides a larger contact area for the bottom surface,
and thus reduces the tendency of the bottom surface to "dig in"
when cleaning a soft surface. Instead, the additional width aids
the surface cleaning apparatus in being able to slide along a
surface to be cleaned when in the tipped forward position.
[0025] In still another embodiment, the front wall or faceplate of
the forward compartment includes a notch or opening. The notch or
opening increases the distance between the bottom surface of the
front wall and the surface being cleaned in the region of the
notch. The notch or opening provides a location on the front wall
of the surface cleaning apparatus where larger particles can be
admitted for collection. This is of particular value when the
surface cleaning apparatus is being tipped forward so that the
bottom surface of the front wall is in contact with the floor.
[0026] The height of the notch or opening can be any convenient
height that allows particles to be collected by the surface
cleaning apparatus while the body is being tipped forward. In an
embodiment, the height of the opening relative to the bottom
surface of the front wall is the same as the distance from the
bottom surface of the front wall to the bottom of the surface
cleaning apparatus body. For example, if the bottom surface of the
front wall is higher in elevation than the surface to be swept by 1
cm (when the body is not tipped forward), the elevation of the
bottom surface in the notch relative to the bottom surface of the
rest of the front wall would also be 1 cm. This would lead to a
total elevation for the bottom surface of the opening of 2 cm
relative to a surface to be swept. In another embodiment, the
height of the notch relative to the rest of the front wall is from
0.25 cm to 2.0 cm. In still another embodiment, the height of the
notch relative to the rest of the front wall is at least 0.25 cm,
or at least 0.5 cm, or at least 1.0 cm, or at least 1.5 cm. In yet
another embodiment, the height of the notch relative to the rest of
the front wall is 2.0 cm or less, or 1.5 cm or less, or 1.0 cm or
less, or 0.5 cm or less.
[0027] The width of the notch or opening can be of any convenient
size, as long as the width is small enough to prevent undue stress
on the front wall when the sweeper body is tipped forward to bring
the bristles into closer contact with a surface. Thus, the notch or
opening can have various widths, as the width of the front wall can
be from 3.5 cm to as large as 20 cm. In other embodiments, the
width of the front wall can be at least 5 cm, or at least 7.5 cm,
or at least 10 cm, or at least 11.5 cm, or at least 13 cm, or at
least 14 cm, or at least 15 cm. In an embodiment, the width of the
opening is at least 10% of the width of the front wall and
preferably at least 15%. In an embodiment, the width of the opening
is 40% or less of the width of the front wall and preferably 25% or
less. FIG. 1 shows an example of a notch or opening 195 in a front
wall 185.
[0028] In still another embodiment, one or more auxiliary brushes
may be provided at a side of the rotating brush assembly. FIG. 2
depicts an example of an auxiliary rotary brush 212. Such an
auxiliary brush is able to sweep debris into the path of the brush
arrangement which might otherwise be missed. The auxiliary brush
may be driven by any suitable means, such as a friction/clutch
drive, gearing from the brush arrangement, or by friction with the
surface to be swept, and is suspended from and extends outwardly
beyond the body 100. The auxiliary brush may comprise a conical
and/or cylindrical body rotatable about an axis which is inclined
to the vertical by at least 5 degrees, or at least 10 degrees, or
at least 15 degrees so as to extend outwardly beyond the body 100.
In another embodiment, the body can be rotatable about an axis
which is inclined to the vertical by 20 degrees or less, 15 degrees
or less, or 10 degrees or less. Bristles protrude radially
outwardly from the periphery of the cylindrical body, but need not
be perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
[0029] In yet another embodiment, the aperture for collecting dust
and debris can be increased by moving or removing a portion or all
of the front wall of the surface cleaning apparatus. Moving or
removing a portion of the front wall exposes more of the rotating
brush assembly. This increases the ability of a user to expose a
surface to be cleaned to the rotating brush. The portion of the
front wall can be a sliding portion, a rotating portion, a
detachable portion, or any other type of portion that allows for
additional exposure of bristles to a surface to be cleaned.
[0030] During operation, a surface cleaning apparatus according to
the invention is placed on a surface to be swept. When the motor is
turned on, the motor drives the rotating brush assembly. This
allows the surface cleaning apparatus to sweep debris or dust up
into the body for collection, such as in a dust collection
compartment.
[0031] Suction is not required for proper operation of the device.
However, in an alternative embodiment, the surface cleaning
apparatus of this invention can also be incorporated into a vacuum
cleaner.
Structure and Design of Dust Cup
[0032] In various embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus can
have at least one removable compartment than includes a dust cup.
Within this document, a dust cup can be any type dirt or debris
collection volume suitable for use with the various embodiments of
a surface cleaning apparatus described herein. The dust cup
receives dirt and debris that is swept into the body of the surface
cleaning apparatus by the rotatable brush. Preferably the
compartment for capturing dirt and particles is a compartment
located behind the rotating brush assembly. In such an embodiment,
the motor and/or the battery for the surface cleaning apparatus can
be sealed off from the dust collection compartment, such as in a
sealed rear compartment.
[0033] The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a dust cup within a
removable compartment 125. Removing the compartment containing the
dust cup allows dust and debris to be emptied out of the surface
cleaning apparatus. Preferably, at least one wall of the removable
compartment forms part of an outer wall of the body 100, such as a
top wall or a side wall. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
removable compartment 125 forms a portion of the top, side, and
bottom walls of body 100.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a top view of another embodiment of a cleaning
apparatus. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning
apparatus has a body 400 that includes two portions that can be
separated. Debris collection section 425 can be removed from base
portion 405.
[0035] Base portion 405 can have a design similar to the cleaning
apparatus described in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, a conventional sweeper
design, or another suitable design. Base portion 405 includes the
wheels for body 400. Forward compartment 410 preferably includes a
rotating brush assembly. Rear compartment 420 can include a switch
422 for powering the sweeper, although the switch can be relocated
as desired. Handle 440 is attached to removable compartment 425.
Preferably, the handle 440 is an elongated handle. In an
embodiment, the handle 440 is an elongated telescoping handle. Note
that in addition to a dust cup, removable compartment 425 can also
include other structures or components. For example, removable
compartment 425 can include a transparent or semi-transparent cover
to allow a user to view the contents of the dust cup.
[0036] In an embodiment, base 405 includes a trigger device 450.
Trigger device 450 allows the removable compartment 425 to be
removed from a secured position within base portion 405. The
trigger device can be, for example, a lever, switch, button, a
pedal, or any other device that allows the debris collecting
section to be removed from a secured position within a compartment
within base portion 405. In an embodiment, the trigger device 450
is large enough to be operated as a foot pedal. When trigger device
450 is depressed, a securing structure attaching removable
compartment 425 to base 405 is released, allowing the debris
collection section 425 to be lifted out of base 405. The removable
compartment 425 is lifted out by lifting with handle 440. The
handle 440 is attached to removable compartment 425 by transition
region 445. The transition region 445 can be located on any area of
the removable compartment 425. For example, the transition region
445 can be on the top, bottom, front, back, side, or within the
removable compartment 425. Note that during times when base 405 and
removable compartment 425 are removably secured to each other,
handle 440 can be used to steer the cleaning apparatus.
[0037] The removable compartment 425 can be held in place using an
indentation in a wall of the removable compartment. In an
embodiment, one or more tabs or flanges from base 405 reside in the
indentation, preventing the debris collection section from being
lifted out. Activating the trigger device 450 causes the one or
more tabs or flanges to move back out of the indentation, which
allows the dust cup to be lifted out. Alternatively, the trigger
device and tabs or flanges can be located on the removable
compartment, while the indentation is located in an interior
surface of body 405. In another embodiment, debris collection
section 425 has one or more ridges, and base 405 has at least one
tab or edge that rests on top of the one or more ridges. In such an
embodiment, activating trigger device 450 raises or moves the at
least one tab or edge, allowing the one or more ridges to slide by
as the debris collection section 425 is lifted out of base 405. In
still other embodiments, any convenient electromechanical method
for removably securing removable compartment 425 to base 405 can be
used, so long as the method allows the removable compartment to be
released for removal upon activating a trigger device.
[0038] FIG. 5 provides a side view of a removable compartment 425
being removed from a base portion 405. A rotatable brush assembly
111 is also shown in base portion 405. In various embodiments,
after removing a removable compartment from the base, the dust cup
within the removable compartment can be emptied. This is
accomplished by allowing some or all of the bottom of the removable
compartment to swing open. This allows collected dirt and debris to
fall out of the dust cup and into a trash bag or other waste
receptacle. In other embodiments, some or all of the top, front,
back, or sides of the removable compartment can swing open to allow
removal of dirt and debris.
[0039] FIG. 6 shows a front view of an embodiment of a removable
compartment 425.
[0040] Bottom 430 of removable compartment 425 includes a dust
removal door 435 that can open from below. The door 435 can be
hinged, for example, to allow the door 435 to fall open. This
allows dirt and debris contained in removable compartment 425 to
fall out. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, door 435 is hinged at
the middle of bottom 430. The door falls open from the side of the
removable compartment 425.
[0041] In an embodiment, removable compartment 425 includes a
trigger device 470 for opening door 435. Trigger device 470 can be,
for example, a lever, switch, button, or any other device that
opens door 435. FIG. 4 shows an example of a button 470 on a
transition region 445. In other embodiments, the trigger device 470
can be located on any area of handle 440 or on any area of the
debris collection section 425. When button 470 is pushed or
otherwise activated, door 435 of the bottom 430 is allowed to fall
open.
[0042] The removable compartment 425 includes a release mechanism
that allows the door 435 to open once the trigger device 470 is
activated. A release mechanism includes any electromechanical
device that cause the door 435 to open when the trigger device is
activated. For example, in an embodiment door 435 is held in place
using an indentation in the body of the door. In such an
embodiment, a tab from debris collection section 425 resides in the
indentation, preventing the door from falling open. Activating the
trigger device 470 causes the tab to move back out of the
indentation, which allows the door to fall open. In another
embodiment, door 435 has one or more ridges, and debris collection
section 425 has at least one tab or edge that rests on top of the
one or more ridges. In such an embodiment, activating trigger
device 470 raises or moves the at least one tab or edge, allowing
the one or more ridges to slide by as the door 435 falls open away
from the bottom 430 of debris collection section 425. In such an
embodiment, the release mechanism would include the at least one
tab/edge and any other mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical
device that cause the door to open when the trigger device is
activated. Any other convenient method for securing door 435 to
debris collection section 425 can be used, so long as the method
allows the door to be opened upon activating a trigger device.
[0043] As a further example, a portion of the release mechanism for
opening door 435 can be a located on the handle 440. The portion of
the release mechanism can be, for example, a sliding structure
located on handle 440. When the sliding structure is moved, the
catch mechanism for door 435 is moved, allowing door 435 to release
and drop open. Alternatively, in this type of embodiment, the door
435 can be connected to the sliding structure by a cable or other
structure. In such an embodiment, the cable can hold the door in
place during normal operation. When the sliding structure is moved,
the door opens. When the sliding structure is returned to its
initial position, the door closes. In such an embodiment, the
sliding structure can have its own mechanism to hold the sliding
structure in place. In this type of example, the sliding structure
could include a trigger device located on handle 440 that is
activated in order to allow the sliding structure to move.
[0044] FIG. 7 depicts a side view of another embodiment of a
removable compartment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, door 435
is hinged to fall open away from the front and toward the rear of
removable compartment 425. Note that although door 435 is shown in
the middle of removable compartment 425, door 435 can be located in
any convenient location on the bottom, top, or side of removable
compartment 425. More generally, door 435 can have any convenient
location and can fall open in any convenient direction.
[0045] FIG. 8 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a
cleaning apparatus. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, base 405 is
a base for a sweeper having multiple rotating brush assemblies 880
and a removable compartment 425. As depicted, base 405 includes
four rotating brush assemblies 880, although any other number could
be included in base 405. Also as depicted, base 405 includes four
auxiliary brushes 890, although any other number of auxiliary
brushes could be included in base 405. In an embodiment, rotating
brush assemblies 880 can be driven by a single motor and connected
by gears, or the brushes can be driven by any other convenient
method, such as direct drive or belts and pulleys.
[0046] An apparatus as described above allows for an improved
method of emptying dust and/or debris out of a cleaning apparatus.
The various embodiments allow a user to empty out collected dust
while reducing contact between the user and the collected dust
and/or debris. In an embodiment, a cleaning apparatus according to
the invention can be used to remove dirt from a surface and collect
the dirt in a dust cup in a removable compartment. After collecting
the dirt, the removable compartment of the cleaning apparatus is
separated from the base. For example, a trigger device on the base
can be activated, which triggers a release mechanism. Once the
release mechanism is triggered, the removable compartment can be
lifted out of the base, such as by using a handle attached to the
removable compartment. In an embodiment where the removable
compartment is separated by pressing down on a trigger device such
as a foot pedal, a user can avoid touching the removable
compartment by hand.
[0047] After separating the removable compartment from the base,
the removable compartment can be placed over a waste container,
such as a trash can or bag. A door in the bottom of the removable
compartment can then be opened to allow dirt to fall out of the
debris collection section and into the trash can or bag. In an
embodiment, the door can be opened by activating a trigger device.
Activating the trigger device triggers a release mechanism, which
allows the door to fall open due to gravity and/or the weight of
material resting on the door. The door is then closed by pressing
the door back into the bottom of the removable compartment, which
allows the release mechanism to engage the door and hold it in
place. Note that using a trigger device to activate the release
mechanism allows the user to avoid handling the door or the bottom
of the removable compartment until after the debris has been
emptied out of the removable compartment.
[0048] After emptying the removable compartment, the removable
compartment can again be removably secured to the base for further
cleaning. In an embodiment, the removable compartment is inserted
into the base. The securing structure within the base secures the
removable compartment so that the removable compartment cannot be
removed unless the trigger device is activated again.
[0049] In another embodiment, the door is opened by activating a
trigger device that moves a sliding portion on the handle. The
sliding portion is connected to the door by a cable or other
structure with sufficient rigidity to translate force. By moving
the sliding portion, the cable can trigger a release mechanism,
allowing the door to fall open. Alternatively, the cable attached
directly or indirectly to the door. In such an embodiment, the door
will open when the sliding portion is moved one direction.
[0050] Moving the sliding portion in the opposite direction will
close the door. In this latter embodiment, the user does not need
to handle the door either during opening or closing, which further
reduces contact between the user and any collected dirt.
[0051] While particular embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated and described in detail herein, it should be understood
that various changes and modifications might be made to the
invention without departing from the scope and intent of the
invention. The embodiments described herein are intended in all
respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternate
embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to
which the present invention pertains without departing from its
scope.
[0052] From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is
one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth
above, together with other advantages, which are obvious and
inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that
certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be
employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations.
This is contemplated and within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *