U.S. patent application number 11/332400 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-19 for stair cleaning vacuum cleaner.
Invention is credited to Dennis Clark Butler, Apollo Paul Paredes.
Application Number | 20070163075 11/332400 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38261735 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070163075 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Butler; Dennis Clark ; et
al. |
July 19, 2007 |
Stair cleaning vacuum cleaner
Abstract
A vacuum cleaner having a generally elongated housing having a
first housing end and a second housing end, a rear grip located at
the first housing end, and an air inlet located at the second
housing end. A vacuum fan and a motor are located within the
housing and the motor is adapted to drive the vacuum fan to draw a
working air flow into the air inlet. A dirt receptacle is
operatively associated with the housing and adapted to remove
particles from the working air flow. The vacuum cleaner also
includes one or more foregrips located on the housing between the
rear grip and the air inlet. In various aspects, the foregrips are
adapted to: provide a user with multiple hand positions around the
perimeter of the housing; simultaneously grasp the rear grip and
the one or more foregrips and clean staircase surfaces while
remaining substantially upright; and/or hold and operate the vacuum
cleaner when the housing is rotated about its longitudinal axis at
a first angular position and at a second angular position, the
first angular position being approximately 90 degrees or more from
the second angular position.
Inventors: |
Butler; Dennis Clark;
(Saybrook, IL) ; Paredes; Apollo Paul;
(Bloomington, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
1900 K STREET, N.W.
SUITE 1200
WASHINGTON
DC
20006-1109
US
|
Family ID: |
38261735 |
Appl. No.: |
11/332400 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/410 ;
15/350 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/04 20130101; A47L
9/0488 20130101; A47L 9/02 20130101; A47L 9/325 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/410 ;
015/350 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/32 20060101
A47L009/32; A47L 9/10 20060101 A47L009/10 |
Claims
1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a generally elongated housing
having a first housing end and a second housing end; a rear grip
located at the first housing end; an air inlet located at the
second housing end; a vacuum fan located within the housing; a
motor located within the housing and adapted to drive the vacuum
fan to draw a working air flow into the air inlet; a dirt
receptacle operatively associated with the housing and adapted to
remove particles from the working air flow; and one or more
foregrips located on the housing between the rear grip and the air
inlet, the one or more foregrips being adapted to provide a user
with multiple hand positions around the perimeter of the
housing.
2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the rear grip is movable
with respect to the housing.
3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the rear grip is attached
to the housing by a telescoping grip member.
4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the air inlet is attached
to the housing by a telescoping inlet member.
5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the rear grip is attached
to the housing by a telescoping grip member, and the air inlet is
attached to the housing by a telescoping inlet member.
6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the rear grip comprises a
loop.
7. The vacuum cleaner of claim 6, further comprising a protrusion
extending into the loop, and a power switch disposed on the
protrusion.
8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the dirt receptacle
comprises a dust bag.
9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the dirt receptacle
comprises a filter.
10. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the dirt receptacle
comprises a cyclone separator.
11. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the dirt receptacle
forms structural portion of housing, and the air inlet is attached
to dirt receptacle.
12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the dirt receptacle is
selectively positionable in a pocket formed in the housing.
13. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the one or more
foregrips comprise a loop that extends around the housing.
14. The vacuum cleaner of claim 13, wherein the loop extends
entirely around the housing.
15. The vacuum cleaner of claim 13, wherein the housing comprises
one or more depressions located radially inward of the loop.
16. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the one or more
foregrips comprise at least one grip protruding radially from the
housing.
17. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the one or more
foregrips are movable with respect to housing.
18. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a generally elongated housing
having a first housing end and a second housing end; a rear grip
located at the first housing end; an air inlet located at the
second housing end; a vacuum fan located within the housing; a
motor located within the housing and adapted to drive the vacuum
fan to draw a working air flow into the air inlet; a dirt
receptacle operatively associated with the housing and adapted to
remove particles from the working air flow; and one or more
foregrips located on the housing between the rear grip and the air
inlet, the one or more foregrips being positioned to allow a
typical user to simultaneously grasp the rear grip and the one or
more foregrips and clean staircase surfaces while remaining
substantially upright.
19. The vacuum cleaner of claim 18, wherein the distance between a
distal end of the rear grip and a distal end of the air inlet is
about 20 inches to about 30 inches.
20. The vacuum cleaner of claim 18, wherein the distance between a
rearmost graspable portion of the rear grip and at least one of the
one or more foregrips is about 10 inches to about 14 inches.
21. The vacuum cleaner of claim 18, wherein the distance between at
least one of the one or more foregrips and the air inlet is about
14 inches to about 16 inches.
22. The vacuum cleaner of claim 18, wherein the motor is positioned
between the rear grip and the one or more foregrips.
23. The vacuum cleaner of claim 18, wherein the dirt receptacle is
positioned between the one or more foregrips and the air inlet.
24. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a generally elongated housing
having a longitudinal axis, a first housing end, and a second
housing end; a rear grip located at the first housing end; an air
inlet located at the second housing end; a vacuum fan located
within the housing; a motor located within the housing and adapted
to drive the vacuum fan to draw a working air flow into the air
inlet; a dirt receptacle operatively associated with the housing
and adapted to remove particles from the working air flow; and one
or more foregrips located on the housing between the rear grip and
the air inlet, the one or more foregrips being adapted to allow a
user to hold and operate the vacuum cleaner when the housing is
rotated about the longitudinal axis at a first angular position,
and at a second angular position, the first angular position being
approximately 90 degrees or more from the second angular
position.
25. The vacuum cleaner of claim 24, wherein the first angular
position corresponds to a position in which the air inlet is
directed towards an approximately horizontal surface to be cleaned,
and the second angular position corresponds to a position in which
the air inlet is directed towards an approximately vertical surface
to be cleaned.
26. The vacuum cleaner of claim 24, wherein the one or more
foregrips comprise a loop that extends around the housing.
27. The vacuum cleaner of claim 24, wherein the motor is positioned
between the rear grip and the one or more foregrips.
28. The vacuum cleaner of claim 24, wherein the dirt receptacle is
positioned between the one or more foregrips and the air inlet.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to vacuum cleaners, and
particularly to a novel vacuum cleaner adapted for cleaning in
stairwells and other confined spaces.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Vacuum cleaning devices are in widespread use as a tool to
clean floors, upholstery, stairs, and other surfaces. Such vacuum
cleaners are provided in a number of configurations, such as
upright and canister vacuum cleaners, wet extractors, stick
vacuums, electric brooms and so on. While these known vacuum
cleaner configurations are useful for cleaning various surfaces, it
has been found that they are generally better suited for some
surfaces than others. For example, upright vacuum cleaners, such as
those illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,564,160, and 6,829,804,
include a floor-engaging base to which an upright handle is
pivotally attached, and are generally best suited for cleaning
relatively unobstructed floor spaces. While such upright vacuums
may be provided with a recessed grip on the handle just above the
base to help the user lift the base for cleaning above the floor,
such as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,160, the shape and balance of the
device inhibits prolonged ergonomic use in this manner. As such,
while such a grip might improve the user's comfort, various other
features endemic to typical upright vacuums still make using them
to clean stairs and other elevated surfaces relatively
uncomfortable. Furthermore, even if a grip is provided on a
conventional upright vacuum, it typically does not allow easy
rotation of the device to clean vertical surfaces or other inclined
surfaces, such as stair risers. When doing so, the user is often
faced with the dangerous combination of heightened exposure to a
rotating brushroll and unwieldy ergonomics.
[0003] Canister vacuum cleaners can be somewhat more user-friendly
for cleaning stairs, stair risers, and other elevated and vertical
surfaces. However, even these devices suffer from various
shortcomings. Canister vacuums typically have a floor-cleaning
nozzle attached by a hose to a canister that holds a dirt
collection device and a vacuum source. The provision of a cleaning
nozzle on the end of a hose allows greater flexibility in
manipulating the vacuum nozzle to clean elevated and vertical
surfaces. However, the canister portion of the device is typically
at constant risk of tumbling down the stairs, the user's movement
is limited by the device's hose length, and the use of a long hose
often results in reduced suction at the nozzle inlet. Upright
vacuums provided with extension hoses for cleaning above the floor
also typically suffer from these and other problems. While some
canister vacuums, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,007,
include a recess to make them more stable on stairs, such cleaners
still must be constantly moved as the user progresses along the
length of the stairs and reaches the end of the hose's reach, and
they still suffer from potentially reduced suction force.
[0004] A third type of vacuum, commonly referred to as a stick
vacuum, may be somewhat more appropriate for cleaning stairs and
vertical surfaces than upright and canister vacuums. Stick vacuums
are essentially lightweight or compact upright vacuums, and may be
battery powered to make them more portable. An example of a stick
vacuum is shown in U.S. Pat. No. D382,681. Stick vacuums often are
easier to manipulate than upright vacuums, do not suffer from
reduced suction caused by the use of a long hose (although use of
battery power may require less powerful vacuum motors), and do not
require constant tending to a canister. However, these devices
still are not ideally designed for cleaning stairs and vertical
surfaces. For example, stick vacuums are generally made to mimic
the structure and ergonomics of a typical upright vacuum cleaner,
and many do not even include a grip at the bottom of the handle to
assist with lifting the device for above-floor and stair cleaning.
Furthermore, even if the stick vacuum is provided with a handle
along its length, such devices are not known to include features
that allow them to be rotated to clean upright surfaces. For
example, the device of U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,864 includes a handle
(item 102 in FIG. 3) located along its length, but it would be
difficult for a user to use this handle to turn the device to face
a stair riser without holding the device in an unbalanced position.
Stick vacuums are also typically just as long as a conventional
vacuum cleaner, which makes them difficult to manipulate in
enclosed stairwells, closets, and other confined spaces. This
length also makes it difficult for the user to hold the grip
located at the end of the handle when cleaning stairs.
[0005] Still other vacuums are provided in compact hand-held
configurations that are often very easy to manipulate to clean
raised and vertical surfaces. For example U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,108
illustrates a handheld vacuum cleaner with a stair riser cleaning
feature that directs the inlet nozzle horizontally without having
to rotate the device. However, even these devices are limited
because the handle is located so close to the inlet nozzle, that in
many instances the user must kneel or bend to reach the surface
being cleaned.
[0006] In view of the foregoing considerations, and others not
specifically listed herein, there exists a need for an improved
vacuum cleaner for cleaning raised and vertical surfaces, and
particularly stair treads and risers. It will be understood that
the recitation of the foregoing observations of the prior art does
not constitute an admission that these observations were previously
known or understood by others, and is not intended to limit the
invention to excluding embodiments that do not resolve or improve
any or all of the foregoing observed aspects of the prior art.
[0007] Any and all patents listed in this specification are
incorporated herein by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a vacuum
cleaner having a generally elongated housing having a first housing
end and a second housing end, a rear grip located at the first
housing end, and an air inlet located at the second housing end. A
vacuum fan and a motor are located within the housing and the motor
is adapted to drive the vacuum fan to draw a working air flow into
the air inlet. A dirt receptacle is operatively associated with the
housing and adapted to remove particles from the working air flow.
The vacuum cleaner also includes one or more foregrips located on
the housing between the rear grip and the air inlet. The one or
more foregrips are adapted to provide a user with multiple hand
positions around the perimeter of the housing.
[0009] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a vacuum
cleaner having a generally elongated housing having a first housing
end and a second housing end, a rear grip located at the first
housing end, and an air inlet located at the second housing end. A
vacuum fan and a motor are located within the housing, and the
motor is adapted to drive the vacuum fan to draw a working air flow
into the air inlet. A dirt receptacle is operatively associated
with the housing and adapted to remove particles from the working
air flow. The vacuum cleaner also has one or more foregrips located
on the housing between the rear grip and the air inlet. The one or
more foregrips are positioned to allow a typical user to
simultaneously grasp the rear grip and the one or more foregrips
and clean staircase surfaces while remaining substantially
upright.
[0010] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a vacuum
cleaner having a generally elongated housing with a longitudinal
axis, a first housing end, and a second housing end. A rear grip is
located at the first housing end, and an air inlet is located at
the second housing end. A vacuum fan and a motor are located within
the housing and the motor is adapted to drive the vacuum fan to
draw a working air flow into the air inlet. A dirt receptacle is
operatively associated with the housing and adapted to remove
particles from the working air flow. One or more foregrips are
located on the housing between the rear grip and the air inlet. The
one or more foregrips are adapted to allow a user to hold and
operate the vacuum cleaner when the housing is rotated about the
longitudinal axis at a first angular position, and at a second
angular position. The first angular position is approximately 90
degrees or more from the second angular position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present invention is described in detail with reference
to the examples of preferred embodiments shown in the following
figures, in which like parts are designated by like reference
numerals.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vacuum
cleaner of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
vacuum cleaner of the present invention, showing various
complementary parts therewith.
[0014] FIG. 2B is a cutaway schematic view of a dust bag
configuration that may be employed with the embodiment of FIG.
2A.
[0015] FIG. 2C is a cutaway schematic view of a dirt cup
configuration that may be employed with the embodiment of FIG.
2A.
[0016] FIG. 2D is a cutaway schematic view of a cyclone separator
configuration that may be employed with the embodiment of FIG.
2A.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first alternative handle
arrangement of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second alternative handle
arrangement of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a partially cut away side view of still another
embodiment of a vacuum cleaner of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a partially cut away side view of another
alternative handle arrangement of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a partially cut away side view of another
alternative handle arrangement of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of another alternative handle
arrangement of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 9A is a partially cut away, partially schematic view of
an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner of the present invention having
telescoping portions, shown with the telescoping portions
retracted.
[0024] FIG. 9B is a partially cut away, partially schematic view of
the embodiment of FIG. 9A, shown with the telescoping portions
extended.
[0025] FIG. 9C is a cut away fragmented view of a telescoping lock
that may be used with embodiments of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a partially cut away fragmented view of an
embodiment of a vacuum cleaner handle of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a cut away front view of an embodiment of a
cleaning tool of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 12A is a cut away side view of an embodiment of a
cleaning tool of the present invention, shown along reference line
II-II of FIG. 12B.
[0029] FIG. 12B is a cut away front view of the cleaning tool of
FIG. 12A, shown along reference line I-I thereof.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a partially cut away front view of still another
embodiment of a cleaning tool of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 14A is a partially cut away perspective view of an
embodiment of a stair cleaning vacuum of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 14B is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a
stair cleaning vacuum of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner that can be
used to clean floors and carpets, but is particularly adapted to
clean stair treads or other elevated horizontal surfaces, stair
risers and other inclined or vertical surfaces, and surfaces
located in confines spaces. A number of variations of the present
invention are described herein, but the illustration of these
particular embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the
appended claims. In addition, while the devices described herein
relate to a vacuum cleaner, it will be understood that the
invention may also cover other, similar devices, such as wet
extractors and the like.
[0034] Various inventive vacuum cleaner accessories are also
described herein. These accessories are inventive in their own
right, and may be used in conjunction with the vacuum cleaners of
the present invention, or with other cleaning devices, as will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1, in a first embodiment, the present
invention provides a stair cleaning vacuum 100 generally comprising
a housing 102 having an inlet nozzle 104 at a first end of the
housing 102, and a rear grip 106 at a second end of the housing
102. The housing 102 contains a conventional vacuum fan and motor
assembly (sometimes referred to as a "fan/motor"), which is
contained within the housing 102 and not visible in FIG. 1. The
housing also includes appropriate features to power the fan/motor,
such as a power cord or batteries, as are known in the art.
[0036] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the fan/motor is contained in a
fan/motor chamber 109 beneath a shroud 108 having a number exhaust
vent apertures 110 passing therethrough. In operation, air drawn in
by the fan/motor is exhausted from the housing 102 through these
apertures 110. A post-motor filter 112 may be located between the
vent apertures 110 and the fan/motor exhaust port to provide a
final filtration stage, as known in the art. In such a case, the
shroud 108 may be removable or openable to service the post-motor
filter 112. As with any other filters described herein or otherwise
used in embodiments of the invention, the post-motor filter 112 may
take any shape or form. Typical filters are formed as a foam sheet
or block, a pleated sheet rigidly held in a frame, a rigid panel, a
flexible sheet, and so on. Such filters may also have any
filtration performance grade, such as HEPA grade (an acronym for
"High Efficiency Particle Air," which is standardized as being
capable of removing 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size or
larger) or ULPA grade (an acronym for "Ultra Low Penetration Air,"
which is standardized as being capable of removing 99.999% of
particles 0.12 microns in size or larger). Of course, lesser or
greater grades of filtration media may also be used.
[0037] It is also known in the art to measure the differential
pressure across the post-motor filter and others filter in a vacuum
cleaner, using conventional pressure sensors, to determine when the
pressure drop exceeds a given threshold to identify when the filter
is clogged, and such features may be used with the present
invention for the post-motor filter 112 or other filters. In
addition, such a pressure differential sensor could also be used to
determine when the post-motor filter 112 or other filter is absent,
as would be indicated by little or no pressure drop across the
sensors. Thus, suitable electronics may be wired to a differential
pressure sensor to alert the user of the absence of the post-motor
filter 112 or other filters in the device, or the need to service
such filters.
[0038] A dirt receptacle 114 is provided in or on the housing 102,
preferably between the fan/motor chamber 109 and the inlet nozzle
104. In the shown embodiment, the dirt receptacle 114 includes a
transparent outer wall 116 forming a cup-like receptacle, and an
inlet 118 through the end nearest the inlet nozzle 104. The inlet
118 may have a flap and/or tubular extension (not shown) into the
receptacle 114 to help prevent entrapped dirt from falling back
through the inlet 118. A filter 120 is positioned in the dirt
receptacle 114 to cover the receptacle outlet (not shown) or the
fan/motor inlet (not shown) and filter dirt out of the
airstream.
[0039] While a cup and filter arrangement is illustrated, the dirt
receptacle 114 may alternatively comprise any known type of dirt
separation and retention system. Several exemplary variations are
described later herein with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2D and 5. For
example, the dirt receptacle 114 may comprise a structural
extension of the housing 102, as explained more fully with
reference to the embodiment of FIG. 5, or may be a non-structural
part that is attached to the housing 102, as explained more fully
with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 2A to 2D. The dirt
receptacle 114 may also comprise a chamber within the housing 104
that is emptied by opening or removing a door through the housing
wall. Other configurations for the dirt receptacle may be used as
well, and the dirt separation function of the vacuum cleaner 100
may be performed by any principle, such as cyclonic separation,
dirt entrapment (filtering), or combinations thereof.
[0040] The inlet nozzle 104 may comprise any structure adapted to
clean objects and surfaces, such as hardwood and carpets. A typical
inlet nozzle 104 may comprise a laterally elongated cleaning head
122 having a similarly elongated inlet slot (not shown) facing
downward towards the intended location of a surface desired to be
cleaned. Wheels or skids may be provided to hold the inlet slot a
predetermined distance from the surface being cleaned (see, e.g.,
FIG. 13), and such devices may be adjustable to modify this height
to suit the given conditions or surface type. Bristles may also be
provided to help entrap hair, agitate the surface, and otherwise
assist with cleaning. It is also known to place skirt-like strips
of material on the bottom surface to prevent particles from
escaping the airflow entering the inlet slot. One or more
brushrolls may be positioned in the inlet nozzle 104 to further
agitate the surface being cleaned and enhance cleaning performance.
Such brushrolls may be powered by the fan/motor, a separate motor,
by an airflow-powered impeller drive, or by other known means. The
inlet nozzle 104 may also be removable, such as by actuating one or
more release clasps 124, rotating a bayonet fitting, or by simply
pulling on the inlet nozzle 104 to overcome a friction fit. Once
removed, other types of inlet nozzle (such as dusters, crevice
tools, and so on) may be attached to the to the vacuum cleaner 100,
as known in the art.
[0041] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the inlet nozzle 104 is angled
relative to the vacuum cleaner housing 102 such that the inlet
nozzle's working surface (that is, the surface that is intended to
face the surface being cleaned) is angled at about 30-60 degrees,
and most preferably about 45 degrees, relative to the longitudinal
axis 101 of the vacuum cleaner housing 102. This allows the
operator to address the surface being cleaned with the vacuum
cleaner 100 in a comfortable angled position. Other angles may be
used if so desired.
[0042] The inlet nozzle 104 may also be rotatably mounted to the
housing 102 so that the angle between its working surface and the
housing 102 can be changed. For example, the inlet nozzle 104 may
be pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
101 of the housing 102. Such pivoting would allow the leading edge
of the inlet nozzle 104 to move vertically with respect to the rear
edge of the inlet nozzle 104 (or vice-versa), such as typically
found in conventional upright vacuums. The inlet nozzle may instead
by rotatable about the housing's longitudinal axis 101, or about an
intermediate axis oriented somewhere between the longitudinal axis
101 and an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 101. Various
combinations of pivots may also be used to provide more complex
rotation capabilities. Such pivoting mechanism are known in the
art. In addition, in cases in which the inlet nozzle 104 is
rotatable, it may also be desirable to provide pivot locks to
prevent rotation when it is not desired.
[0043] The rear grip 106 is, in this embodiment, rigidly attached
to the housing 102 at the second end, and is located generally
opposite the inlet nozzle 104. The rear grip 106 is used to support
and maneuver the back of the vacuum cleaner 100, and may have any
shape suitable for doing so. Preferably, the rear grip 106 is
generally circular in shape, and forms a loop that gives the user
flexibility in selecting an ergonomic position in which to hold the
rear grip 106. The center of the rear grip 106 loop maybe located
along the longitudinal axis 101, but may be forward or rearward of
this axis 101 if it is found to provide improved ergonomics or
other benefits. For example, it may be beneficial to locate the
center of the rear grip 106 slightly forward of the longitudinal
axis 101 to assist with manipulating the vacuum 100 under low
objects. The rear grip 106 also preferably has a circular or at
least somewhat rounded cross-sectional profile to provide a natural
fit in the user's hand.
[0044] While it is suitable to provide the grip as a simple rigid
extension of the housing 102, it may instead be separately formed
and attached to the housing 102 by fasteners, welding, adhesives,
snap engagement, or the any other suitable attachment method or
mechanism.
[0045] The rear grip 106, and any other part of the vacuum cleaner
100, may be made from any suitable material, such as ABS plastic
(i.e., acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers), other plastics,
metal, and so on. Plastics are generally preferred as a relatively
inexpensive, moldable and structurally rigid material. The rear
grip 106 may also include one or more gripping surfaces 126
comprising a material that is more particularly adapted to provide
a favorable tactile feel and/or enhanced gripping friction. The
gripping surfaces 126 may be formed by treating the surface of the
material that forms the rear grip 106, such as by including
dimples, checkering, ridges or bumps, or may be provided as a
separate tactile material applied to the rear grip 106 itself by
mechanical or adhesive attachment, overmolding, or the like. Of
course, surface treatments and a separate tactile material may both
be used, if desired.
[0046] A protrusion 128 extends into the opening formed by the rear
grip 106, and has a power switch (not shown) located thereon. This
position for the power switch is expected to provide convenient and
intuitive operation of the vacuum cleaner 100, and ready access to
turn the vacuum cleaner 100 on or off. This location also shields
the power switch to some degree from being accidentally activated.
Further details of this configuration are described elsewhere
herein.
[0047] The vacuum cleaner 100 also includes a foregrip 130 located
between the rear grip 106 and the inlet nozzle 104. As with the
rear grip, the foregrip 130 may be made from any suitable material,
and may also include gripping surfaces or surface treatments to
enhance the user's grip and feel. As with the rear grip 106, the
foregrip 130 preferably has a rounded cross-sectional shape, or is
otherwise shaped to naturally fit into a user's hand. In the
embodiment of FIG. 1, the foregrip 130 is formed into an
elliptical, circular, or otherwise continuous loop-like shape that
surrounds the housing 102. One or more radial posts (not shown) are
provided between the foregrip 130 and the housing 102 to hold it in
place and provide one or more gaps between the foregrip 130 and the
housing 102 into which the user may fit his or her fingers or
hand.
[0048] The foregrip 130 includes various features to enhance the
ergonomics and control of the vacuum cleaner 100. For example, the
foregrip 130 shown in FIG. 1 has a continuous loop-like shape that
surrounds the vacuum cleaner housing 102, which allows the user to
hold the foregrip 130 in virtually any annular location around the
housing 102. This provides improved flexibility in handling the
device, and allows the user to rotate the housing to point the
inlet nozzle 104 horizontally to clean surfaces such as stair
treads, vertically to clean surfaces such as stair risers, or at
any angle in between. Regardless of which angular position the
housing 102 is in, the user can still maintain a firm and
comfortable grip on the rear grip 106 and foregrip 130, and thus on
the vacuum cleaner 100 as a whole. It will be appreciated from the
foregoing that the foregrip 130 of the embodiment of FIG. 1
provides many of the advantages of a rotating inlet nozzle 104
without the need to supply such a feature, but such rotatable inlet
nozzle features may still be provided nonetheless.
[0049] Another advantage of the present invention is that the user
can apply a bending moment force to the vacuum cleaner housing 102
by pressing in opposite directions on the rear grip 106 and
foregrip 130. This bending moment force can be used to apply
significant pressure between the inlet nozzle 104 and the surface
being cleaned. Such pressure can be helpful to agitate the surface,
scrub out deeply-embedded or clinging contaminants and dirt, remove
entangled hair and fibers, and so on. In addition, the user can
press forward on both grips to press the inlet nozzle 104 against
the surface being cleaned, but without moving the inlet nozzle 104.
This is not possible with conventional upright vacuums and canister
vacuum cleaning heads, except when they are perfectly upright,
because they are specifically designed to traverse the floor when
they are pressed forward. In view of the foregoing capabilities,
the vacuum cleaner 100 should be constructed to be able to resist
any anticipated reasonable amount of bending or longitudinal force
that may be applied through it during normal use.
[0050] It will also be seen that the foregrip 130 is arranged about
the vacuum's longitudinal axis 101, along which a number of the
working parts are approximately located. As such, the foregrip 130
should generally surround the device's center of gravity CG, which
is likely to be proximal to the longitudinal axis 101. This being
the case, as the user rotates the vacuum cleaner 100, the center of
gravity CG will remain at generally the same location, causing the
general balance of the device to feel the same regardless of its
angular orientation. Furthermore, the user will be able to maintain
a comfortable hold on the foregrip 130, with his or her hand above
or beside the center of gravity CG, regardless of the angular
orientation. This prevents adverse situations often encountered in
the prior art of upright and stick vacuums when users attempted to
orient the inlets of such vacuums vertically. These devices
typically had no grip for stair cleaning, or a grip that was
located on the front face of the device. When using these devices
to clean vertical surfaces, the user was typically required to turn
the device over and, if it was then possible, hold the provided
grip with the center of gravity balanced above the user's hand,
typically leading to an unstable situation. Alternatively, if the
there was no grip or the grip was blocked with the device turned
over, the user would have to attempt to hold the device at a
location that was not intended to be a handle, thereby risking
damaging or dropping the device and contact with the inlet
nozzle.
[0051] While it is likely that users will grasp the foregrip 130 in
numerous different places at various times, it is expected that
particular parts of the foregrip 130 will be preferred by many
users for a large number of cleaning tasks. For example, it is
currently believed that many users will prefer to hold the foregrip
130 generally along the side of the housing 102 for most stair
cleaning tasks. This would correspond to about the one- to
five-o'clock position on the foregrip 130 (as viewed along the
longitudinal axis 101 from the rear grip 106) for users that place
the right hand forward, and about the seven- to eleven-o'clock
position on the foregrip 130 for users that place the right hand
forward. When the user rotates the device to orient the inlet
nozzle 104 to face stair risers, the user is expected to prefer to
hold the foregrip 130 about 90 degrees from the original hand grip
position, and perhaps as far as the opposite side of the housing.
The user also may wish to hold the foregrip 130 with both hands on
both sides of the housing 102 during either horizontal or vertical
cleaning, depending on the distance to the surface being cleaned
and other factors.
[0052] In view of the foregoing, the housing 102 is preferably
provided with depressions 134 radially inward of the foregrip 130
at these expected preferred locations. The depressions 134 increase
the size of the gap between the housing 102 and the foregrip 130,
thereby making it easier for the user to secure a hold at the
expected preferred locations. The use of such depressions also
allows a more compact foregrip 130, particularly if there is no
substantial detriment to the user's ability to grasp the foregrip
130 at locations other than the depressions 134.
[0053] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, it is currently
preferred to provide a first depression 134 radially inward from
the foregrip 130 on one side of the housing 103, and a second
depression 134 radially inward from the foregrip 130 on the other
side of the housing 103. In a preferred embodiment, the first
depression's center point with respect to its annular extent around
the circumference of the housing 102 is located, as viewed along
the longitudinal axis 101, at about one- to five-o'clock, and more
preferably at about two- to four-o'clock. In this embodiment, the
second depression's center point is at about seven- to
eleven-o'clock, and more preferably at about eight- to ten-o'clock.
Of course, more or fewer depressions may be used, they may be
located at different positions (such as at about twelve-o'clock
and/or six-o'clock), or they may be omitted entirely.
[0054] It has been found that the position of the foregrip 130
along the longitudinal axis 101 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is also a
factor to consider in providing a highly-ergonomic stair cleaning
vacuum cleaner. It is preferred to locate the foregrip 130 at a
point along the longitudinal axis 101 that allows the user to
comfortably grasp both grips and operate the vacuum cleaner 100. In
operation, the user is likely to grasp the rear grip 106 with one
hand, and the foregrip 130 with the other hand, and move the inlet
nozzle 104 in a sweeping action across surfaces being cleaned. If
the distance between the grips is too great, the user might find it
difficult to grasp both grips at the same time while still being
able to easily maneuver the device. If the distance between the
foregrip 130 and the inlet nozzle 104 is too small, the user may
have to bend over a significant distance to apply the inlet nozzle
104 to the surface being cleaned. These are both typical drawbacks
of many conventional upright vacuum cleaners.
[0055] Considering the general build of many users, in one
embodiment, the distance between the grips is about six to thirty
inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the foregrip 130 is spaced
from the most distant graspable portion of the rear grip 106 by
about eight to twenty-four inches. These distances are expected to
allow the user to comfortably grasp both grips and operate the
vacuum cleaner 100 at about a 30 to 60 degree angle on the surface
being cleaned, while remaining in a generally upright, comfortable
standing position.
[0056] To further add to the ergonomics, it is preferred to locate
the center of gravity CG between the foregrip 130 and rear grip
106. Doing so should reduce fatigue by distributing the weight
between the user's hands, and improve the ease with which the user
can rotate and swing the device. The position of the center of
gravity CG can be adjusted when designing the device by selectively
positioning the various working parts along the length of the
vacuum cleaner 100, adding ballast, removing excess weight, and by
other methods understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 2A through 2D, another embodiment of
the present invention is disclosed to illustrate various additional
features of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, this embodiment
comprises a vacuum cleaner 200 having an elongated housing 202, and
inlet nozzle 204, a rear grip 206, and a foregrip 230. The housing
202 includes a fan/motor chamber 209, with a fan/motor 207 (FIGS.
2A-2D) therein. The fan/motor chamber 209 is located between the
grips, and the housing 202 includes a number of outlet apertures
210 to exhaust the working airflow from the fan/motor chamber 209
to the atmosphere. These apertures 210 are shown on the top surface
of the device, but any other suitable location could be used. Of
course, a filter may be provided between the outlet apertures 210
and the fan/motor 207. Like the embodiment of FIG. 1, the foregrip
230 is attached to the housing by a number of radial posts 236, and
depressions 234 are provided to facilitate grasping the foregrip
230. A power switch (not shown) may be provided in any suitable
location, and suitable power supply means, such as a power cord or
batteries, are also be provided, as known in the art.
[0058] In this embodiment, the inlet nozzle 204 is attached to the
housing 202 by a structural portion 238 of the housing 202. In
light if the fact that the grips can be used to generate a
significant bending moment within the housing 202, this structural
portion is preferably constructed to resist such forces. In
addition, this structural portion 238 preferably is formed to
provide a dirt receptacle pocket 240 located adjacent the fan/motor
chamber 209. An inlet air passage 242 (FIGS. 2B-2D) joins the inlet
nozzle 204 to the pocket 240, either by entering through the bottom
of the pocket, as in the variations of FIGS. 2B and 2C, or through
the side, as in FIG. 2D. The pocket also includes a fan/motor inlet
opening 244 that leads to the fan inlet.
[0059] The vacuum cleaner 200 also includes a dirt receptacle 214,
which is shaped and sized to be selectively positionable in the
pocket 240. As best shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, the dirt receptacle
214 is retained in the pocket 240 by fitting into a lip 246 at the
end adjacent the inlet nozzle 204, and by a slideable tab 248 at
the end adjacent the fan/motor chamber 209. A button 250 is
provided to actuate the tab 248 and slide it out of engagement with
the dirt receptacle 214 when it is desired to remove the dirt
receptacle 214. A spring (not shown) is also provided to bias the
tab 248 into engagement with the dirt receptacle 214 when the
button 250 is not being actuated. Of course, any other retention
mechanism(s) may alternatively be used to hold the dirt receptacle
214 in the housing 202, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the art.
[0060] The present invention may be used with any type of dirt
separation system using any theory of operation. Thus, it is
envisioned that various different types of dirt receptacle 214 may
be used, and may be interchangeable with one another to provide the
user with various cleaning options. Three examples are shown in the
embodiment of FIGS. 2A to 2D and described below.
[0061] In a first embodiment, shown most specifically in FIG. 2B,
the vacuum cleaner 200 employs a filter bag 252 to remove dirt from
the working air flow. In this embodiment, the dirt receptacle 214
has an opening 254 through its bottom wall to the filter bag 252
opening attaches. The filter bag 252 is held in place by a flange
256 attached around its opening, and this flange 256 may be held in
place by a friction fit, mechanical fasteners, being captured in
place, or by any other means, as known in the art. The dirt
receptacle 214 may include ribs 258 to hold the filter bag 252 away
from the interior walls and allow air to flow evenly through the
filter bag 252. To this end, similar ribs 260 may also be located
on a lid over the end of the dirt receptacle 214, or on a wall of
the housing 202 that faces into the dirt receptacle 214.
[0062] In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, the fan/motor 207 generates a
working air flow that enters the filter bag 252 from the inlet air
passage 242. The working air passes through the walls of the filter
bag 252 to remove particles, passes into the fan/motor 207, and
exits the vacuum cleaner 200 through the exhaust apertures 210.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 2C, in another embodiment, the dirt
receptacle 214 comprises a dirt cup that captures dirt passing
therethrough using a non-bag filter. In this embodiment a filter
262 is positioned in the top of the dirt receptacle to filter air
passing therethrough. Suitable ridges 264 or other features hold
the filter 262 in place. The filter 262 is shown as a simple
pleated filter having a planar shape, but may have a conical shape,
cylindrical shape, or any other useful shape. As noted previously
herein, any type of filter having any filter grade may be used. In
addition, a number of different filters may be used, such as a
pleated HEPA filter with a relatively coarse screen located
upstream to block larger particles from occluding the HEPA filter.
Other variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0064] In this embodiment, air enters the dirt receptacle 214 from
the inlet air passage 242 through an opening 266 in the bottom
wall. The opening 266 may somewhat extended in the shape of a pipe
to provide an area into which dirt particles can fall without
exiting the opening when the fan/motor is turned off. In addition a
one-way flap valve 268 may be located at the top of the opening to
prevent dirt from flowing back therethrough. Such a flap valve may
also be provided with the other embodiments described herein.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 2D, in still another embodiment, the
dirt receptacle 214 comprises a cyclone separation chamber in which
the working airflow is swirled to remove dirt and dust by
centrifugal or cyclonic action. In this embodiment, the inlet air
passage 242 may be provided through the structural portion 238 of
the housing 202 and terminate at or near the top of the dirt
receptacle 214. Also in this embodiment, the inlet air passage 242
enters or terminates at an inlet port 270 through the dirt
receptacle sidewall in a tangential or nearly tangential manner,
which initiates a cyclonic flow therein. A frusto-conical filter
272 is located over the fan/motor inlet opening 244 to prevent dirt
and debris that is not separated by cyclonic action from entering
the fan/motor 207. As before, any alternative filter shape,
material, construction or filtration grade may be used, and
multiple filter layers may also be used, as known in the art.
[0066] Of course, alternative means for initiating cyclonic airflow
may be used with the embodiment of FIG. 2D. For example, the inlet
air passage 242 may be generally perpendicular to the inlet port
270, and a diverting member may be included to initiate tangential
airflow. The inlet air passage 242 may also be through the bottom
wall of the dirt receptacle 214 and include a diverter to initiate
cyclonic action. Other variations are also possible, as known by
those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0067] The variations of FIGS. 2B to 2D are exemplary, and any
other suitable variations to the foregoing embodiments may be
practiced with the present invention. For example, the pocket 240
may be omitted, in which case the dirt receptacle would be carried
externally to the housing 202 and connected by suitable air
conduits to the inlet nozzle 204 and fan/motor 207. Also, the dirt
receptacle 214 may be covered by an access panel or door. The dirt
receptacle 214 may also be omitted and replaced by a non-removable
chamber within the housing. In this variation, the chamber may be
selectively covered by a door or the like to facilitate the
chamber's emptying. This variation is particularly suited for use
with a filter bag, but may be used with other types of dirt
separators. Other variations will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art in view of the present disclosure and with routine
experimentation with the invention. In addition, various additional
features may be provided with the dirt receptacle 214, such as
gaskets, lids, and so on.
[0068] While the embodiments disclosed thus far have illustrated a
looped rear grip and a looped foregrip, these constructions are not
strictly required. In other embodiments, the loop-shaped grips may
be flattened on one side, or may have rectilinear shapes. In still
other embodiments, the loop-shaped grips may be replaced by any
combination of rear grip and foregrip that provide the user with
hand positions to ergonomically maneuver the device and rotate it
into different positions for cleaning horizontal and inclined
surfaces. The looped foregrip may also be replaced by a grip having
a single hand position that is suited to conveniently apply, in
conjunction with the rear grip, a bending moment on the vacuum
cleaner housing. The looped foregrip may also be formed as a
partial loop to provide multiple hand positions around a portion of
the vacuum cleaner housing, or separated into multiple separate
grips located around the housing.
[0069] One exemplary variation of the grip construction is shown in
FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 300 comprises a rear
grip 306 having a more conventional straight shape, and the
foregrip comprises two separate straight grips 330 that extend
generally radially from the vacuum cleaner housing 302 at a
location adjacent or just forward of the fan/motor chamber 309. A
similar variation is shown in FIG. 4, in which the vacuum cleaner
400 includes a pistol-grip style rear grip 406, and pistol-grip
style foregrips 430 (only one of which is visible). In either of
these embodiments, it may be desirable to construct the foregrips
330, 430 such that they can be removed and inserted in various
different locations on the housing. The foregrips 330, 430 also may
be provided with joints or pivots to allow them to be articulated
into more desirable positions. In still other variations, the
foregrips 330, 430 may be formed as extensions of the housing 302,
402, or as graspable depressions or openings in the housing 302,
402. While the variations of FIGS. 3 and 4 do not allow unlimited
hand positions on the foregrip, they still allow greater
flexibility and control than grips on conventional vacuum
cleaners.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the invention
is illustrated and described in detail. In this embodiment, the
invention comprises a vacuum cleaner 500, having a generally
cylindrical housing 502 with a circular or looped rear grip 506,
and a circular or looped foregrip 530. Of course, other grip shapes
may be used, as explained previously herein. Like the embodiment of
FIG. 1, a protrusion 528 extends into the rear grip 506, and a
power switch 529 is located on the protrusion 528 to provide quick
and efficient activation and deactivation of the device. The
foregrip 530 is attached to the housing 502 by a number of
radially-extending posts 536.
[0071] The foregrip 530 surrounds a fan/motor chamber 509 in which
the fan/motor 507 is located. The impeller fan 507' is adjacent the
bottom end of the housing 502, and the motor 507'' located between
the fan 507' and the rear grip 506. If motor cooling is required,
the motor 507'' may be cooled by the working airflow after it is
cleaned by the filtration system, by a separate flow of air, or by
simple ventilation. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the housing
includes a number of vents 540 for allowing air to pass through the
housing 502 to cool the motor 507''. A foam ring 542 may also be
provided to prevent particles from the motor from exiting the vents
540 and obstruct the user's view into the fan/motor chamber
509.
[0072] The housing 502 also includes a number exhaust apertures 510
for releasing the working air flow to the atmosphere after it is
cleaned by the vacuum cleaner 500. The apertures 510 are arranged
in an annular pattern around the fan 507', but may be in other
locations. A post-motor filter 512 may also be provided to further
filter the air as it exits the device.
[0073] The motor 507'' is powered by a plurality of batteries 534,
which are arranged in an annular fashion around the motor 507''. Of
course, other locations for the batteries 534 are possible, such as
in the grips or in the portion of the housing 502 between the
fan/motor chamber 509 and the rear grip 506. Power may also be
provided by a conventional power cord. In battery-operated
embodiments, the vacuum 500 may have exposed or exposable
electrical connectors 538 that are adapted to fit in a
corresponding charger. For example, in the shown embodiment,
electrical connectors 538 are provided at the top of the rear grip
506, and the vacuum is provided with a charger (not shown) upon
which the vacuum 500 is hung by the rear grip 506 in a vertical
orientation to both store the device, and recharge the batteries
534.
[0074] A cylindrical dirt receptacle 514 is removably attached at a
bottom end of the housing 502 adjacent the fan/motor chamber 509.
In this embodiment, the housing 502 terminates at the dirt
receptacle 514, and therefore the dirt receptacle 514 is
constructed as a structural member of the vacuum cleaner 500 that
can convey bending moments and longitudinal loads from the grips
506, 530 to the inlet nozzle 504. A set of over-center clamps 548
are used to hold the dirt receptacle 514 and housing 502 together,
but bayonet fittings, threaded fitment, tabs and slots, screws, or
other fasteners may alternatively be used. While the foregoing
construction is preferred in this embodiment, other variations may
be used. In one variation, the dirt receptacle 514 may be removably
attached in pocket formed in a structural portion of the housing
that extends to the inlet nozzle 504, as in the previous
embodiments. In another variation, the dirt receptacle 514, or at
least a portion of it, may be permanently attached to the housing
502, and only the bottom end of it is removable from the device,
along with the inlet nozzle 504. For example, the bottom wall 522
may be removably attached to the sidewalls 516 by threaded
engagement, bayonet fittings, clamps, screws, or the like.
[0075] A filter 520 is provided in or above the dirt receptacle
514, and attached by any suitable means to the housing 502, the
dirt receptacle 514, or both. In the shown embodiment, the filter
520 comprises a coarse perforated shroud 520'' that acts as a
preliminary filter, and a pleated fine filter 520' that acts as a
fine particle filter. Of course, other filter arrangements may be
used, as explained previously herein. For example, in one
alternative variation, the coarse perforated shroud may be replaced
by a cage-like structure having a filter material positioned across
the cage openings. Suitable materials include metal screens, fabric
meshes made from woven materials or formed from spun-bonded or
meltblown synthetic fibrous materials, and the like. The filter 520
may also include a self-cleaning feature, such as a scraper or
other device, to remove dirt from its outer surface between or
during use.
[0076] The nozzle inlet 504 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 comprises
an entry tube 524 that passes through the dirt receptacle bottom
wall 522. It will be appreciated that any type of cleaning device
may be attached to the entry tube 524, such as an elongated
cleaning head as shown in the previous embodiments, a crevice tool,
a dusting attachment, a so-called powerhead having a rotating
agitator, and so on. Of course, if a powered attachment is
provided, suitable power leads can be provided to connect the
powered attachment to the electric circuit. These leads may pass
around or through the dirt receptacle, or may be integrated into
the dirt receptacle body.
[0077] Located inside the entry tube 524 is a helical ramp 526. The
helical ramp 526 extends radially inward from the entry tube's
inner wall, and may terminate short of the entry tube's centerline,
as shown, to allow an unobstructed central path through the entry
tube 524, or may extend to the centerline (or beyond) to block any
direct flow of air through the entry tube 524. A one-way flap valve
532 made of a flexible material, such as are known in the art, is
provided at the end of the entry tube 524 to prevent reverse flow
of dirt out of the dirt receptacle 514. It has been found that the
use of the foregoing helical ramp 524 is sufficient to establish a
cyclonic airflow pattern within the dirt receptacle 514, despite
the presence of the flap valve 532.
[0078] While the foregoing cyclonic arrangement for the dirt
receptacle 514 is preferred, other types of dirt separation system
may alternatively be used, as will be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure.
[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 6 through 8, as previously mentioned
herein, the rear grip and/or foregrip may be pivotable or otherwise
articulated to provide even greater ergonomic flexibility and
control of the device. Various non-limiting examples of such
movable grips will now be described in detail.
[0080] Referring specifically to FIG. 6, there is illustrated
another embodiment of a vacuum cleaner 600, similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 5, having a pivotable rear grip 606, and a
rotatable foregrip 630. In this embodiment, the rear grip 606 is
attached to the housing 602 by a pivoting joint 610. To form this
pivoting joint 610 the rear grip 606 is attached to a post 612,
which fits into a corresponding opening 613 at the rear of the
housing 602. The opening 613 includes a radial track 614 into which
a corresponding annular wall 616 on the post 612 fits. This
arrangement allows the parts to pivot relative to one another, but
fixes them in the linear direction to prevent their removal.
Suitable travel stops (not shown) may be provided to prevent
excessive relative rotation, and a locking mechanism (not shown)
may also be provided to hold the parts in a particular desired
relative angular orientation.
[0081] The foregrip 630 of the embodiment of FIG. 6 is also
rotatable about the vacuum cleaner housing 602. In this embodiment,
the foregrip is attached to the housing 602 by a number of
radially-extending posts 618, which terminate at their inner radial
extents at a ring 620. The ring 620 is captured within a track 622
in the housing 602, in which it is free to rotate. Travel stops or
a lock may be provided to prevent excessive rotation or selectively
prevent any rotation. Bearings or low-friction sliding surfaces may
be provided in either the foregrip rotating arrangement or the rear
grip pivoting arrangement to facilitate movement between the parts.
Of course, other mechanisms for providing relative rotation between
the rear grip 606 and/or the foregrip 630 and the housing 602 may
be used instead.
[0082] The pivoting arrangements of FIG. 6 are expected to provide
a particular advantage in that they allow the user to hold one grip
and rotate the entire vacuum cleaner 600 with the other grip. For
example, if the foregrip rotating mechanism is provided, the user
can hold the foregrip 630 in generally a single position, and
rotate the entire device by twisting the rear grip 606. Similarly,
if the rear grip rotation feature is provided, the user can hold
the rear grip 606 in generally one position, and rotate the entire
vacuum cleaner 600 by manipulating the foregrip 630 much like an
automobile steering wheel. While foregrip and rear grip rotating
mechanisms such as those shown in FIG. 6, may both be provided with
embodiments of the invention, it is expected that it would only be
necessary to provide one of these features to obtain these
additional benefits of having rotating grip.
[0083] It may also be desirable to allow the user to adjust the
distance between the rear grip and the foregrip. To this end,
another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 7, provides a
vacuum cleaner 700 having a housing 702, a rear grip 706, a
foregrip 730, and other features as described elsewhere herein. In
this embodiment, the foregrip 730 is attached to a ring 720 by a
number of radial posts 718, and the ring 720 surrounds the
cylindrical outer surface of the housing 702. The ring 720 is sized
such that it can slide along the length of the housing 702, but is
provided with a locking device that can be used to hold the ring
720, and thus the foregrip 730, in various axial positions along
the length of the housing 702.
[0084] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the foregrip locking device is
a locking ring 722 with a gap 724 spanned by a tightening cam
mechanism 726. The cam mechanism 726 comprises flanges 728 that
extend radially outward from the locking ring 722 on either side of
the gap 724. A bolt 738 passes through both flanges 728, and is
retained by its head 732 in one of the flanges 728. The other end
of the bolt 738 is pivotally attached to a cam-shaped lobe 734
having a lever arm 736 attached thereto. When the lever arm 736 is
used to rotate the cam-shaped lobe 734, pivot point between the
lobe 734 and the bolt 738 moves towards or away from the flange
728. This closes the gap 724 and compresses the locking ring 722 to
hold it in place, or vice versa. The locking ring 722 surrounds the
foregrip ring 720, and thus, when it is locked in place, so too is
the foregrip 730. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the
ring 720 and foregrip 730 may be rotated about the housing 702 when
the locking ring 722 is loosened. Of course, any other suitable
locking mechanism, such as pins, set screws, and so on, could be
used instead.
[0085] Referring now to FIG. 8, another example of a rotating grip
assembly is provided. In this embodiment, the foregrip 830
comprises a loop-like device that is attached to the housing 802 of
a vacuum cleaner 800, much like in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and
2. The foregrip 830 of this embodiment is pivotable about an axis
generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 801 of the vacuum
800. This perpendicular axis extends orthogonal to the page in the
view of FIG. 8. The foregrip 830 is movable between two positions:
an operating position, designated by reference numeral A, and a
collapsed position, designated by reference numeral B. Of course,
intermediate or other positions may also be provided. In the
operating position A, the foregrip 830 is in position to be grasped
by a user as explained previously herein. In the collapsed position
B, the foregrip lies at or near the surface of the housing 802,
making the vacuum cleaner 800 more compact, and allowing it to rest
more flatly against a wall 804 or other flat surface.
[0086] The inventors have found that the overall length of the
vacuum cleaner of the present invention can be established to
better suit it for cleaning in stairwells, closets, and other
elevated and/or confined spaces. Typical vacuum cleaners are
intended, as their primary use, to clean floors. As such, they
include ergonomic features directed towards cleaning floors, such
as a relatively long handle that prevents the user from having to
stoop during normal operations of the device. However, when users
clean stairs, they often clean from the bottom up, and stand on a
low step to clean higher steps. As such, the distance and angle to
the surface being cleaned is different when cleaning stairs than it
is when cleaning floors, and users often find conventional vacuums
to be too long and cumbersome to use for stair cleaning. Handheld
vacuums have been used as a substitute for upright, stick and
canister vacuums for cleaning stairs and confined spaces, but such
vacuums require the user to stoop, if not kneel, to clean. In
addition, some canister vacuum extension wands have adjustable
lengths, but they still do not overcome the various other problems
with canisters when cleaning stairs, such as the risk of the
canister falling. In still other cases, upright vacuums having
telescoping or collapsible handles have been provided, but these
devices are still difficult to use on stairs because they typically
have a conventional single-grip design that makes it difficult to
address relatively high stairs, or use a pivoting base that is not
particularly suited for cleaning stair risers. Evan when such
upright vacuums are provided with a second grip to assist with
stair cleaning, it is often so close to the base that the user
still must stoop to clean the stairs.
[0087] Embodiments of the present invention address these
shortcomings by providing a relatively compact vacuum cleaner that
is long enough to allow typical users to clean elevated stairs
without excessive stooping, yet short enough to still provide
ergonomic grip and control of the device, and the ability to
maneuver in tight spaces, such as enclosed stairwells. As an
ancillary benefit, this length may also prove to be better adapted
for cleaning in confined spaces, such as closets. In a preferred
embodiment, the vacuum cleaner of the present invention has an
overall length of about 18 to 46 inches, and more preferably about
20 to 24 inches. In another preferred embodiment, the distance
between the foregrip and the inlet nozzle is about 12 to 18 inches,
and more preferably about 14 to 16 inches.
[0088] While the foregoing lengths are preferred, it may be
desirable in some instances to make the vacuum cleaner longer or
shorter. To obtain the benefits of the foregoing lengths yet still
provide even greater ergonomics and control, embodiments of the
present invention may include one or more telescoping sections.
Referring now to FIGS. 9A to 9C one such embodiment is illustrated
and described in detail.
[0089] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a telescoping vacuum cleaner 900
in the fully-retracted and fully-extended positions, respectively.
The vacuum cleaner 900 comprises a housing 902, a rear grip 906, a
foregrip 930, and an inlet nozzle 904, as described elsewhere
herein. The rear grip 906 and inlet nozzle 904 are telescopically
attached to the housing 902, but in other embodiments only one
telescoping part may be provided.
[0090] The telescoping mechanism for the rear grip 906 comprises a
post 910 attached to the top end of the housing 902, and a sleeve
912 attached to the rear grip 906. The post 910 preferably is
hollow to route wires 940 from the power switch 942 to the housing
902, but the power switch 942 may instead be located on the housing
902, or telescoping power leads, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No.
6,148,474 may be used. This patent is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0091] A lock 914 is provided between the post 910 and the sleeve
912 to selectively prevent and allow the sleeve to slide along the
post. While any telescoping lock mechanism may be used, a preferred
embodiment of the lock is shown in FIG. 8C. The lock 814 comprises
a pair of rollers 916 that are captured in place in openings 918 in
the sleeve 912. These rollers fit into corresponding detents 920 on
the post 910, and are held in place by a slider 922. In the shown
position, the slider 922 holds the rollers 916 in the detents 920,
thereby preventing relative movement between the sleeve 912 and
post 910. When it is desired to unlock the sleeve 912 from the post
910, the slider is pressed downward against a spring 924 until the
rollers 916 are free to move into a pair of recesses 926 in the
slider 922, and out of the detents 920. With the rollers 916 out of
the way, the sleeve 912 is free to slide along the post 910, thus
allowing telescopic movement of the rear grip 906. Any means may be
used to actuate the slider 922, such as a simple tab 928 that
protrudes from the sleeve 912.
[0092] The inlet nozzle 904 is attached by a similar post 932,
sleeve 934, and lock 936. In the case of the inlet nozzle 904, the
post 932 preferably is a hollow tube that also forms a portion of
the inlet air flow path 938 from the inlet nozzle 904 to the dirt
receptacle (not shown). However, in an alternative embodiment, the
inlet air flow path is instead formed by a flexible hose or a
separate rigid telescoping tube. If it is desired to include a
brushroll or other electrically-operated devices in the inlet
nozzle 904, suitable telescoping electrical leads may be used in
conjunction with the telescoping mechanism, wires may be provided
outside the telescoping mechanism, or wires may be provided through
the post 932 and sleeve 934 or a separate telescoping channel.
[0093] The foregoing telescoping arrangement allows several inches
of extension at each end of the vacuum cleaner 900, which can
effectively convert it from a configuration adapted to clean raised
surfaces such as stairs, to a more conventional upright or stick
vacuum configuration adapted to clean floors. An overall extension
of about 14 to 20 inches is preferred to effectuate this
conversion. As noted before, while both the rear grip 906 and inlet
nozzle 904 are shown as being mounted in a telescoping manner, the
desired telescoping capability may instead be provided by mounting
just one of these parts on a telescoping mount.
[0094] As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 9A to 9C, the posts 910,
932 are attached to the housing 902, and the sleeves 912, 934 are
attached to the part that is telescoped away from the housing 902.
This configuration is preferred, as it allows the user to grasp the
housing 902 in one hand, and grasp the inlet nozzle 904 or rear
grip 906 in the other hand while simultaneously activating the
respective lock 914, 936, and pull the parts apart to telescope
them. The foregrip 930 provides a convenient hand hold on the
housing 902 during this action. Alternatively, however, the posts
910, 912 may instead be attached to the rear grip 906 and inlet
nozzle 904, respectively, the sleeves 912, 934 attached to the
housing 902.
[0095] Turning now to FIG. 10, another embodiment of the invention
is illustrated and described. It has been found that the particular
task of cleaning stairs often requires the user to stop the
vacuuming process, relocated or reorient the vacuum cleaner, and
then resume vacuuming. Using conventional vacuum cleaners, the
users usually leave the vacuum fan running throughout this process
because, for example, the power switch is remotely located (as in
many canisters), not easily activated by hand (as with many upright
vacuums with foot-operated power switches), or not within reach
without letting go of the vacuum cleaner with one hand. As a result
of this tendency to keep the vacuum motor running at all times, the
stair cleaning process increases the risk of injury, and requires
greater energy consumption. This excess power consumption is
particularly an issue for cordless vacuum cleaners because it leads
to shortened battery life.
[0096] In view of the foregoing, the present invention may also
includes a power trigger 1008 located in the rear grip 1006
proximal to the expected hand location of a typical user. The power
trigger 1008 comprises a momentary-on switch that completes the
electrical circuit to activate the fan/motor (not shown) when it is
depressed, but interrupts the circuit when it is released, thus
allowing the user to deactivate the device between cleaning motions
and conserve battery power. While the momentary on switch is
preferred, other switch types may be used instead, such as a simple
on-off switch (one having an on position and an off position), or a
push switch (one that turns the circuit on an off with successive
depressions).
[0097] In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the power trigger 1008 is
mounted in the rear grip 1006 at approximately the end of the
vacuum cleaner. In this position, it may be activated by simply
squeezing the rear grip 1006, regardless of whether the vacuum
cleaner is positioned for cleaning horizontal surfaces or rotated
180 degrees for cleaning vertical surfaces. The power trigger 1008
is generally contained within the rear grip 1006, and may be
covered by an overmolded flexible cover 1012. This cover 1012 may
comprise a tacky material or otherwise have enhancing features,
such as dimples 1014. Markings may be embossed or printed on the
cover 1012 or elsewhere on the rear grip 1006 to alert the user to
the presence of the power trigger 1008.
[0098] In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the power trigger 1008 is
wired into an electrical circuit with a main power switch 1010. The
main power switch 1010 is shown mounted on a protrusion 1016 that
extends into the loop formed by the rear grip 1006, but other
locations may be used. In this embodiment, the main power lead 1018
from the power source (not shown) is attached to the first pole of
the main power switch 1010. A second wire 1020 extends between the
second pole of the main power switch 1010 and the first pole of the
power trigger 1008. A third wire 1022 attaches the second pole of
the power trigger 1008 to the remainder of the electrical circuit.
In this configuration, the power trigger 1008 will only activate
the device when the main power switch 1010 is on, thereby reducing
the likelihood of accidental activation, and providing a backup
switch to turn the device off if one switch fails.
[0099] It will be appreciated that numerous variations on this
design are possible. For example, the power trigger 1008 may be
located elsewhere than the rear grip 1006, and even in the foregrip
(not shown), if so desired. The vacuum cleaner may also include
multiple power triggers 1008 that must be activated in unison to
start the fan/motor. For example, one power trigger may be located
in the rear grip 1006, and another in the foregrip, which would
ensure that the operator has a firm grip on the device before
beginning use. Still further, the vacuum cleaner may have multiple
power triggers that separately control the fan/motor, which would
provide the user with various optional hand locations in which to
activate the device.
[0100] The present invention also provides a number of inlet
nozzles having particular suitability for cleaning stairs or other
surfaces, and which may be used with other embodiments of the
invention or with conventional vacuum cleaning devices. Embodiments
of these inlet nozzles are shown in FIGS. 11 to 13.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 11, a first embodiment of an inlet nozzle
1100 comprises a brushroll chamber 1102 having a downwardly facing
opening 1104 in which a rotatable brushroll 1106 is located. The
brushroll 1106 comprises any rotating agitator design, such as a
cylindrical spindle 1108 with a number of cleaning bristles 1110
extending radially therefrom. The brushroll 1106 is mounted to the
inlet nozzle 1100 by bearings 1112 or journals. A motor 1114 is
mounted in the inlet nozzle 1100 to drive the brushroll 1106
through a belt 1116.
[0102] The inlet nozzle 1100 also includes one or more angled
cleaning spinners 1118, which are mounted to rotate about one or
more axes that are tilted with respect to the rotary axis of the
brushroll 1106. In the shown embodiment, two angled cleaning
spinners 1118 are provided, one on each end of the brushroll 1106.
Each spinner 1118 includes a set of radially-extending cleaning
bristles 1120. The spinners 1118 are inclined at about 45 degrees
with respect to the brushroll axis, and each is mounted to the
brushroll chamber 1102 by a bearing 1122. Each spinner 1118
includes a gear 1124, which is driven by a corresponding gear 1126
on each end of the brushroll 1106. Alternatively, the gears 1124,
1126 may be replaced by rubber or other surfaces that drive one
another by friction, the spinners 1118 may have their own motors
and/or belt drives, or the spinners 1118 may be otherwise
driven.
[0103] The inlet nozzle 1100 includes a vacuum tube 1128 that may
be attached to a vacuum source. The vacuum tube enters the
brushroll chamber 1102 at an inlet opening 1130. In use, the inlet
nozzle 1100 of FIG. 11 is applied to stair treads and risers such
that the brushroll 1106 cleans the main surfaces, and the spinners
1118 reach into the tight space at the junction between the treads
and risers. The working air flows into the opening 1104, past the
brushroll 1106 and spinners 1118, and into the inlet opening 1130
to be cleaned by the attached vacuum cleaner.
[0104] Another embodiment of an inlet nozzle of the present
invention is shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. FIG. 12A is a cut away
side view of an inlet nozzle 1200 shown along reference line II-II
of FIG. 12B, and FIG. 12B is a cut away front view of the inlet
nozzle 1200 shown along reference line I-I. According to this
embodiment, the inlet nozzle 1200 comprises a tubular grip 1202
having a vacuum passage 1204 extending therethrough. The grip 1202
terminates at one end at an opening 1206 for attaching to a vacuum
cleaner, and at the other end to a cleaning head 1208.
[0105] The cleaning head 1208 is mounted to a boss 1210 located at
the end of the grip 1202. The boss 1210 is has a cylindrical
exterior profile, with a portion of the profile being removed to
form a boss opening 1228 that opens into the vacuum passage 1204.
The cleaning head 1208 is retained in the axial direction between
two flanges 1212 and 1214. As such, the cleaning head 1208 can be
rotated about the boss 1214, but the flanges 1212 and 1214 prevent
axial movement or inadvertent removal of the cleaning head
1208.
[0106] The cleaning head 1208 comprises two generally parallel
trapezoidal plates 1216 and 1218 that are held together by
sidewalls 1220 and/or interior walls 1222. The sidewalls 1220 and
interior walls 1222 are positioned and shaped to form a first
nozzle opening 1224 at one end of the cleaning head 1208, and a
second nozzle opening 1226 at the opposite end of the cleaning head
1208. Each nozzle opening 1224, 1226 comprises an air passage,
formed between the plates 1216, 1218 and interior walls 1222, that
leads to the rotational center of the cleaning head 1208. As such,
the first and second nozzle openings 1224, 1226 can be selectively
placed in communication with the vacuum passage 1204 by rotating
the cleaning head 1208 to align the desired nozzle opening air
passage with the boss opening 1228.
[0107] As best shown in FIG. 12B, in a preferred embodiment, the
first nozzle opening 1224 comprises a relatively small opening
formed by generally converging sidewalls 1220. This nozzle opening
is suited to cleaning in tight spaces, such as the junction between
stair risers and stair treads. The second nozzle opening 1226 is
wider and flat, and is more suited to cleaning larger areas. While
these two nozzle opening shapes are preferred, it will be
appreciated that other shapes may be provided, and more nozzle
openings may be formed in the cleaning head. For example, the first
nozzle opening 1224 may be more pointed, rather than being rounded,
or the plates 1216, 1218 may be formed as curved surfaces, rather
than being flat.
[0108] Referring now to FIG. 13, still another inlet nozzle 1300 of
the present invention comprises a cleaning head 1302 that is
pivotally attached to a vacuum tube 1304 by a ball-and-socket joint
1306. In this embodiment, the cleaning head 1302 comprises a
generally rectangular body having a number of cleaning bristles
1308 extending downwardly from the outer perimeter of the head
1302. A number of wheels 1310 or skids (not shown) may be provided
to prevent the cleaning head 1302 from coming into direct contact
with the surface being cleaned.
[0109] The ball-and-socket joint 1306 is formed by a generally
spherical end portion 1312 of the vacuum tube 1304, which is
contained within a generally spherical socket formed between a boss
1314 on the cleaning head 1302, and a cap ring 1316 that is
removably attached to the boss 1314 to capture the spherical end
portion 1312 in place. The cap ring 1316 may be attached in any
manner, such as by threaded fasteners 1318 that pass through the
cap ring 1316 and engage threaded holes (not shown) in the boss
1314. Using this construction, the vacuum tube 1304 can be rotated
relative to the cleaning head 1302 in any direction until the
vacuum tube 1304 contacts the cap ring 1316. If desired, one or
more springs may be provided to bias the cleaning head 1302 into a
particular position, or travel stops may be provided to limit
rotation in certain directions.
[0110] A final embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 14A
and 14B. This embodiment comprises a hybrid stair cleaning
nozzle/vacuum cleaner 1400 that is particularly suited for cleaning
stair treads and risers. The vacuum cleaner 1400 generally
comprises a downwardly directed floor nozzle 1402 having one or
more brushrolls 1404 rotatably disposed therein. A motor 1406 and
belt 1408 are provided to drive the brushrolls 1404. The floor
nozzle 1402 is attached to a vacuum housing 1410 in which a dustcup
1412 and a fan/motor 1414 are located. A rigid connection may be
provided between the floor nozzle 1402 and the housing 1410, but it
is preferred to use a flexible or pivotable connection, such as the
shown bellows-type connection 1418. Any type of dust separator,
such as a dust bag or cyclone, may be used. In the embodiment of
FIGS. 14A and 14B, the dustcup 1412 has a generally planar filter
1416 to clean the air passing therethrough. One or more air
conduits (not shown) pass from the floor nozzle 1402 to the dustcup
1412 to convey dust-laden air thereto.
[0111] A handle 1420 is attached to the top of the housing 1410 for
use in guiding the vacuum cleaner 1400 across the floor or on
stairs. The use of the bellows connection 1418 or other flexible
joint allows the user to hold the device at a variety of angles
relative to the floor or stair treads as he or she cleans them.
[0112] The vacuum cleaner 1400 also includes a riser nozzle 1422,
which is attached to the side of the device, preferably at one end
of the brushroll 1404. The riser nozzle comprises a generally
vertically-oriented inlet conduit having an inlet opening 1424
facing to the side of the housing 1410. In this position, the
vertical inlet opening 1424 can apply suction to clean stair risers
without having to rotate the vacuum cleaner or lift the floor
nozzle 1402. A separate conduit 1426 may lead from the riser nozzle
1422 to the dustcup, or it may share a common conduit or conduits
with the floor nozzle 1402. If desired, the bottom end of the riser
nozzle 1422 may include a downward-facing opening 1428, as shown in
FIG. 14A, to provide crevice cleaning in the corner between stair
treads and risers.
[0113] In anticipation that the angle between some stair treads and
risers may be less than 90 degrees, the riser nozzle 1422 may be
attached to the housing 1410 or floor nozzle 1402 by a pivot or
other flexible joint that allows it to tilt towards or away from
the housing 1410. In such a case, the separate air conduit 1426 may
be formed by a flexible hose to allow such movement.
[0114] It is also anticipated that it will not be desirable to
always apply suction to the riser nozzle 1422. As such, the riser
nozzle 1422 preferably includes a valve to block the vertical inlet
opening 1424, or otherwise impede or stop the flow of working air
to the riser nozzle 1422. For example, as shown most clearly in the
inset to FIG. 14B, in one embodiment the riser nozzle 1422 includes
a rotating valve 1430 that can be turned to block the vertical
inlet opening 1424. A knob 1432 is provided on the outside of the
riser nozzle 1422 to move the valve 1430 in the directions shown by
the two-headed arrow. In a variation of this embodiment, the knob
1432 may be replaced by a lever arm having a spring that biases the
lever to place the valve 1430 in the closed position. The lever is
positioned outboard of the riser nozzle 1422, and when the vacuum
cleaner 1400 is placed close enough to a stair riser, contact with
the riser presses the lever towards the vacuum cleaner 1400 and
opens the valve 1430. This provides automatic operation of the
riser nozzle 1422.
[0115] Various alternatives to the embodiments of FIGS. 14A and 14B
are envisioned. For example, rather than providing the device as a
self-contained vacuum cleaner 1400, the floor nozzle 1402 and riser
nozzle 1422 may be provided as a separate assembly that can be
attached to vacuum cleaners of the present invention or to
conventional vacuum cleaners. Furthermore, other valves and
actuating arrangements, both automatic and manual, may be used
instead, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art in view of the present disclosure and with routine
experimentation with the inventions described herein.
[0116] While the embodiments described herein are preferred, these
preferred embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention. Also, many additional variations of the embodiments
described herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art in view of the present disclosure and with practice of the
invention. Furthermore, while the foregoing features of the
invention, such as the foregrip, cleaning nozzles, and so on, have
been described together as contributing to enhanced vacuum cleaner
ergonomics and control and improved cleaning of stairs and other
elevated or vertical surfaces, it will be appreciated that these
features have separate utility and inventiveness on their own, and
are not all required to be used together in every embodiment of the
invention. As such, the present invention includes embodiments in
which the features described herein are used individually or in
various other inventive combinations. Such alternative embodiments
and combinations of the various features herein are within the
scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the
appended claims.
* * * * *