U.S. patent application number 12/121321 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-04 for vacuum cleaner valve.
This patent application is currently assigned to Electrolux Home Care Products North America. Invention is credited to Vince Bobrosky, Greg LUEBBERING, Arnie Sepke.
Application Number | 20080209668 12/121321 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35056739 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080209668 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LUEBBERING; Greg ; et
al. |
September 4, 2008 |
Vacuum Cleaner Valve
Abstract
A vacuum cleaner having a base adapted for movement on a surface
to be cleaned, a rear housing pivotally attached at a first end to
the base, a vacuum source, a dirt collection container, and a
handle attached to a second end of the rear housing. The handle has
a grip structure having a substantially circular opening through
it. The opening is adapted to receive a hand of a user for use in
directing the vacuum cleaner.
Inventors: |
LUEBBERING; Greg; (Heyworth,
IL) ; Sepke; Arnie; (Hudson, IL) ; Bobrosky;
Vince; (Normal, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
1900 K STREET, N.W., SUITE 1200
WASHINGTON
DC
20006-1109
US
|
Assignee: |
Electrolux Home Care Products North
America
|
Family ID: |
35056739 |
Appl. No.: |
12/121321 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11692483 |
Mar 28, 2007 |
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12121321 |
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11084513 |
Mar 21, 2005 |
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11692483 |
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60554406 |
Mar 19, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/347 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/0036 20130101;
A47L 9/242 20130101; A47L 9/0411 20130101; F16B 7/105 20130101;
A47L 9/32 20130101; A47L 5/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/347 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/00 20060101
A47L009/00 |
Claims
1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a base adapted for movement on a
surface to be cleaned; a rear housing pivotally attached to the
base; a dirt collection container having an inlet and an outlet; a
vacuum source fluidly connected to the dirt collection container
outlet and adapted to generate a working airflow from the dirt
collection container to the vacuum source; a valve having a valve
outlet, the valve outlet being fluidly connected to the dirt
collection chamber inlet by a valve outlet passage; a first dirty
air inlet located in the base and positioned to face the surface to
be cleaned, the first dirty air inlet being fluidly connected to a
valve by a first dirty air conduit; a second dirty air inlet
attached to the vacuum cleaner and fluidly connected to the valve
by a second dirty air conduit; and wherein the valve comprises a
movable member adapted to selectively connect the first dirty air
conduit and the second dirty air conduit to the valve outlet
passage.
2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
second dirty air conduit comprises a flexible hose.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/554,406, filed Mar. 19, 2004, and is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/084,513, filed
Mar. 21, 2005, and 11/692,483, filed Mar. 28, 2007, all of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The following applications are related by subject matter and
are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: Design
application No. 29/225,780, which issued as U.S. Design Pat. No.
D525,400; Design application No. 29/225,781, filed Mar. 21, 2005;
Design application No. 29/225,783, which issued as U.S. Design Pat.
No. D524,498; and Design application No. 29/225,753, which issued
as U.S. Design Pat. No. D533,976.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to cleaning systems,
and more specifically to devices for cleaning floors, fabrics,
carpets, clothing, upholstery, curtains, fabric and various other
hard and soft surfaces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Various floor cleaning devices, such as mops, brooms,
vacuums, steam cleaners, wet extractors, and the like have been
produced in the prior art. These prior art devices are typically
provided in canister, upright, hand-held and other portable
configurations, and may be powered by an electrical cord or by
batteries. In many cases, the device is provided with a handle to
facilitate movement and/or use. These handles include, for example,
simple straight shaft designs such as the wooden handles on most
brooms, somewhat more ergonomic curved handles, pistol-grip type
handles, and space-saving molded-in handles such as those formed
directly in the housing of many hand-held devices. Examples of
various handles are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,884,358; D334,447;
6,108,862; and D431,335. All of the aforementioned patents are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0005] While these handles are somewhat useful for manipulating
their associated cleaning devices, they suffer from various
shortcomings. For example, such handles are generally shaped to
provide only one distinct operating position for the user's hand.
Such handles are also oftentimes deficient when it comes to
manipulating the device during transportation and storage. Still
further, these handles may consume excess storage space. As such,
there remains a need to provide an improved handle design for
cleaning devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a multi-position circular
handle for cleaning devices. In a first embodiment, the invention
provides a vacuum cleaner having a base adapted for movement on a
surface to be cleaned, a rear housing, pivotally attached at a
first end thereof to the base, a vacuum source, a dirt collection
container, and a handle attached to a second end of the rear
housing. The handle has a grip structure having a substantially
circular opening through it. The opening is adapted to receive a
hand of a user for use in directing the vacuum cleaner.
[0007] In one variation of this first embodiment, the handle
further has a telescoping handle post joining the hear housing to
the grip structure. The telescoping handle post is telescopically
affixed to the rear housing and adapted to be adjustable between at
least a collapsed position and an extended position.
[0008] In another variation of the first embodiment, the grip
structure has a grip surface disposed on at least a portion of an
inner side of the grip structure. Such a grip surface may be an
overmolded rubber or synthetic material. In various other
embodiments, the grip structure may have one or more controls for
controlling the operation of the vacuum cleaner, may have a toroid
shape, may have a substantially circular outer perimeter, and may
be pivotable about an axis generally aligned with the longitudinal
axis of the rear housing.
[0009] The dirt collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner may be a
bag or a removable canister, and may have one or more filters
through which air moving through the vacuum cleaner passes to
remove particles from the air. The vacuum cleaner may also be a wet
extractor having a fluid delivery system associated with it.
[0010] In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a
vacuum cleaner having a canister with a vacuum source and a dirt
collection chamber, a hose connected to the canister, a wand
connected to the hose, a floor-engaging cleaning head attached to
an end of the wand opposite the hose, and a handle attached to the
wand. The handle has a grip structure having a substantially
circular opening through it. the opening is adapted to receive a
hand of a user for use in directing the wand.
[0011] In a variation of this second embodiment, the grip structure
may have a grip surface disposed on at least a portion of an inner
side of the grip structure. Such a grip surface may be an
overmolded rubber or synthetic material. In various other
embodiments, the grip structure may have one or more controls for
controlling the operation of the vacuum cleaner, may have a toroid
shape, may have a substantially circular outer perimeter, and may
be pivotable about an axis generally aligned with the longitudinal
axis of the rear housing.
[0012] The dirt collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner of this
second embodiment may be a bag or a removable canister, and may
have one or more filters through which air moving through the
vacuum cleaner passes to remove particles from the air. The vacuum
cleaner may also be a wet extractor having a fluid delivery system
associated with it.
[0013] Further embodiments and variations are described herein and
encompassed within the scope of the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an angled view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, shown
attached to a vacuum cleaner, which is depicted in a
partially-reclined usage position.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, shown
attached to a vacuum cleaner, which is depicted in the upright
storage position with the handle extended.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, shown
attached to a vacuum cleaner, which is depicted in the upright
storage position with the handle collapsed.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, shown
attached to a vacuum cleaner, which is depicted in the upright
storage position with the handle collapsed.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second exemplary
embodiment of the invention shown as part of an interchangeable
handle set for a vacuum cleaner.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment
of the invention shown attached to yet another vacuum cleaner,
which is depicted in the upright position.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary
embodiment of the invention shown as the handle of a wand of a
canister-type wet extractor.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fifth exemplary embodiment
of the invention shown as a handle of an "electric broom" style
vacuum.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sixth exemplary
embodiment of the invention shown as the handle of a hand-held
cleaner.
[0024] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the base assembly of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-5.
[0025] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the rear housing and cyclone
container assemblies of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a side view of the T-joint assembly of FIGS. 11
and 12.
[0027] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the filter assembly and dirt
cup lid of FIG. 12.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the handle lock
system of the embodiment of FIG. 12, shown in the locked
position.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the handle lock
system of the embodiment of FIG. 12, shown in the unlocked
position.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a fragmented, partially assembled view of the
valve assembly and rear housing of FIG. 12.
[0031] FIG. 18 is an exploded front isometric view of an
alternative embodiment of a valve assembly of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 19 is an exploded rear isometric view of the valve
assembly of FIG. 18.
[0033] FIG. 20 is an exploded isometric view of another alternative
embodiment of a valve assembly of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] The present invention provides an improved handle for
cleaning devices. The handle generally comprises a grip having
multiple gripping positions for handling the device to which the
handle is attached. Such a multi-position grip facilitates
operating, transporting, storing and otherwise manipulating the
device. The handle may be used with any type of cleaning device,
such as bag or bagless vacuums, wet extractors, mops, brooms,
canister-type cleaners, wet/dry vacuums, accessory tools, and
hand-held and other types of portable cleaners. Examples of such
devices are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,558,453; 6,481,048;
6,311,366; 6,308,374; and 5,933,912, which are incorporated herein
by reference.
[0035] A first exemplary embodiment of a handle 100 of the present
invention is shown in FIG. 1. The handle 100 generally comprises a
grip structure 102 having an opening 104 therethrough. The opening
104 is preferably circular or approximately circular, but also may
be somewhat elliptical or ovoid in shape, and is sized to allow a
user's digits to pass comfortably therethrough in multiple
different holding positions. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, in a preferred
embodiment, the grip structure 102 has a circular cross-sectional
profile and forms a toroidal shape (that is, the grip structure 102
comprises a shape having a circular cross section that is swept
through a circular path to form a donut-like shape). While this
circular cross-sectional profile is useful for providing a grip
that is easily grasped in a human hand, the grip structure 102 may
have other cross-sectional profiles, such as semi-circular, ovoid,
elliptical, or partly or wholly rectilinear profiles. In addition
to having a substantially circular opening 104, the grip structure
102 may also have a substantially circular outer perimeter, as
shown in FIG. 1. The grip structure 102 preferably completely
surrounds the opening 104, but a small gap (not shown) may be
provided so that the opening 104 is not completely surrounded. The
grip structure 102 is formed from plastic, metal, wood, or any
other useful structural material, and may be integrated directly
into a molded body of the device to which it attached, or may be
produced separately.
[0036] The handle also may be provided with a grip surface 106 that
extends partially or entirely around the inner side 108 of the grip
structure 102. Any suitable grip surface, such as an overmolded
rubber or synthetic material, may be used. The grip surface 106 may
include finger indentations and other shapes to improve comfort and
grip or add cosmetic value. The grip surface provides a region of
greater grip for the user's hand. While it is within the scope of
the invention to provide the entire grip structure with a region of
highly-tactile material, such as rubber, in one embodiment only the
inner side 108 of the grip structure 102 has such a material, while
the remainder is constructed of material having a less tactile
material, such as hard plastic. In another embodiment, the inner
side 108 and the outer side are both covered, in part, by a
relatively tactile material. This dual-material grip is expected to
allow the user's hand to slide somewhat on the handle 100 to assist
with changing hand positions and to prevent chafing. The grip
surface 106 may also comprise a system of interchangeable grips
that can be removed and replaced so that the user can customize the
shape, texture, appearance or diameter of the grip. The handle 100
also may have one or more controls (not shown) integrated therein
or attached thereto for controlling the operation of the vacuum or
other device to which the handle 100 is attached. Such controls may
include vacuum motor power switches, brushroll power switches,
fluid deposition system controls (in the case of extractors), and
so on.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 5, the handle 100 may be
attached to any suitable cleaning device. In the exemplary
embodiment of FIGS. 2 through 5, the cleaning device 200 comprises
a conventional bagless vacuum cleaner having a base, shown as foot
202, adapted to move along a floor, and an upright rear housing,
shown as canister portion 204, that is pivotally attached to the
foot 202 such that it can be held in an upright storage position
(as shown in FIGS. 3 through 5), or pivoted to lean back to
facilitate operation of the device 200 (as shown in FIG. 2). In the
shown embodiment, the canister portion 204 includes a removable,
cleanable canister 206 for receiving vacuumed dirt and debris,
which has a filter 208 through which the cleaning air is conveyed
to remove particles therefrom. A vacuum source (not shown) is
provided to create a flow of air through the device 200. A
brushroll 210 is preferably provided in the foot 202 to agitate the
surface being cleaned. In addition, an auxiliary hose 212 and
nozzle(s) 214 or other tools may be mounted to the device 200 for
storage and use thereof. These and other features of cleaning
devices are understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and
any variations thereof may be used with the present invention. For
example, the canister portion 204 may be replaced by a conventional
bag vacuum dirt collection system or any other type of dirt
collection container, rather than being a cyclonic collection
chamber as shown.
[0038] Another feature of the embodiment of FIGS. 2 through 5 is
the provision of a telescoping handle post 216. The telescoping
handle post 216 may have any cross-sectional shape, and may be
adjustable between an extended position (FIGS. 2 and 3) and a
collapsed position (FIGS. 4 and 5), and optionally to various
intermediate positions to accommodate user preferences. Any type of
telescoping handle may be used with the invention, such as those
shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,968,174; 6,158,089; 6,311,366; and
6,766,559, which are incorporated herein by reference. Of course,
any other type of telescoping mechanism could instead be used with
the invention, and the telescoping handle post 216 may be replaced
by a rigid handle or a folding handle.
[0039] The telescoping handle post 216 may also have a circular
cross-section so that it can pivot about its axis. Alternatively,
the handle 100 may be attached to the handle post 216 such that it
can rotate approximately about the axis of the handle post 216. In
these configurations, or other equivalent configurations, it will
be seen that the handle 100 can be pivoted relative to the rest of
the device 200 about an axis generally aligned with the long axis
of the rear housing 204, which provides even greater flexibility
and comfort during use. Such a rotating handle may also be lockable
in one or more angular orientations. This also allows the handle
100 to be rotated 90 degrees relative to the device 200 so that the
handle is parallel with the back surface of the device 200 and the
opening 104 faces forward, so that the handle 100 can be used to
hang the device 200 on a hook while the back side of the device
remain approximately flush against a wall. This configuration may
also reduce the amount of floor space required to store the device
200. In still another variation (not shown), the handle 100 may
also be pivotable so that it can fold downward and overlie the
canister portion 204 somewhat like a halo, to further reduce
storage space requirements. The handle 100 and handle post 216 may
also be made to be completely removable from the rest of the device
200, which can assist with packing the device 200 into as small a
space as possible for cost savings for shipping and boxed
storage.
[0040] It will be appreciated that the handle 100 may be gripped
from a variety of directions and in a variety of ways, such as by
grasping it overhand, underhand, or as a pistol-type grip. This
increased flexibility provides ergonomic and technical advantages
over known handle configurations. For example, in typical prior art
designs, the handle provides a limited grip area that the user is
obliged to hold at a certain angle and in a certain way to operate
the device. One problem with this typical prior art design is that
the user may not find the handle position to be comfortable in the
first instance, particularly if the user is taller or shorter than
the size of the user that the handle is meant to accommodate, or
has a larger or smaller hand size. Another problem with this
typical prior art design is that, even if the user finds the handle
to be comfortable initially, during use, fatigue may cause the user
to experience discomfort caused by keeping his or her hand in the
same position for an extended time, but no alternative positions
are available for the operator to grasp the device. Unlike the
prior art, the handle of the present invention allows the user to
firmly grasp it in multiple different positions and at different
angles to provide better initial comfort and the option to change
grips during use to a virtually unlimited number of alternative
positions to help reduce fatigue.
[0041] The handle 100 of the present invention may also provide the
additional advantage that it can be used to easily grasp and lift
the device 200 from the front of the device 200 by gripping the
forward portion of the handle 218 (FIGS. 3 and 4). This facilitates
storing the device 200 with its back against a wall, and is
particularly useful when the handle 100 is arranged such that its
forward portion 218 is located approximately above the device's
center of gravity, so that the device 200 hangs approximately
upright when grasped from the front and does not tend to swing into
the wall against which it is placed.
[0042] Other variations may also be used with the present
invention. For example, the grip structure 102 may include an inner
ring that forms the grip surface 106 that can rotate relative to
the grip structure 102. In this embodiment, the grip surface 106
may include finger detents or operating controls that can be
pivoted to the user's desired location. Furthermore, in another
embodiment, all or a portion of the entire grip structure may
rotate around the center of the opening 104 so that the user does
not have move his or her hand to change his or her angle of grip.
In still another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, the handle 100 may be
provided as a kit including an interchangeable conventional handle
600 that both fit on a common device 602. The handle 100 may also
be provided as a replacement handle adapted to be attached to
existing commercial products.
[0043] Additional embodiments of the invention may be used with
other cleaning devices. Non-limiting examples of such devices are
shown in FIGS. 7 through 10. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the
invention as a handle 700 used on another vacuum 702. FIG. 8 shows
an embodiment of the invention as a handle 800 used on a
canister-type wet extractor 802, in which the handle 800 forms part
of the device's wand 804, and may have vacuum and/or fluid
passages, valves and operating controls integrated therein. FIG. 9
shows an embodiment of the invention as a handle 900 used on an
"electric broom" style vacuum 902 or dust mop. Finally, FIG. 10
shows another embodiment of the invention as a handle 1000 for a
hand-held vacuum cleaner 1002.
[0044] While the shown embodiments have all generally depicted a
circular, elliptical or ovoid handle, it will be appreciated that
the present invention also includes other multi-position grips. For
example, a handle having a somewhat geometrically-shaped (e.g.,
triangular, squared, pentagonal, etc.) grip structure would also
provide some of the benefits of the invention. Such geometric
shapes, however, are expected to provide significantly fewer
comfortable gripping positions, and therefore are not favored.
However, a grip structure having a mostly circular shape with one
or more flat portions is also contemplated by the invention. Other
variations will also be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art in light of the disclosures provided herein.
[0045] The embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 will now be described in more
detail with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is an exploded
view of the base assembly, and FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the
rear housing and cyclone container assemblies.
[0046] The base assembly 1100 comprises a lower base housing 1102
and an upper base housing 1104 that form "clamshell" halves to hold
the other parts of the base assembly 1100. These parts are
preferably formed of a plastic material, but may be formed from
metal or other materials. The base housings 1102, 1104 also join to
form the working air passage therebetween. More specifically, the
base housings 1102, 1104 form a brushroll chamber 1106 at a front
end thereof, which extends rearward by way of an air passage 1108
to a hollow T-joint 1110. The lower portion of the brushroll
chamber 1106 is open to form an inlet nozzle (not visible), as are
known in the art. A rubber wiper skirt 1107 may also be provided in
a corresponding laterally-extending slot behind the inlet nozzle to
help capture dirt that might otherwise escape from the air rushing
into the inlet nozzle. The skirt 1107 comprises a notched, flexible
rubber strip that extends downward to contact or nearly contact the
surface being cleaned.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 11, the upper base housing 1104 has a
recessed portion 1103 formed in an upper surface thereof and
positioned forward of the rear housing pivot axis. This recessed
portion 1103 receives (with or without actual contact) a lower
portion of the rear housing 1200 (FIG. 12), as shown in FIGS. 3-5,
which makes the device more compact vertically. The use of this
recessed portion 1103 also prevents cords and other objects from
being caught between the rear housing 1200 and the base assembly
1100 when the device is in the upright position. These benefits are
obtained without having to locate a substantial portion of the
lower portion of the rear housing in a large opening between the
rear housing pivot points in the base housing, as is typically done
in the prior art and in the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7. The upper
base housing 1104 also has a notched portion 1105 at its back. The
notched portion 1105 acts as an opening to allow the T-joint 1110,
described later herein, to rise to an upright position. The use of
this construction allows the pivot axis of the T-joint 1110 to
remain within the profile of the base assembly 1100, thereby making
a more compact device.
[0048] A portion of the lower base housing 1102 is open to provide
access to the air passage 1108 from the exterior of the base
assembly 1100. This access port 1111 is covered by a removable
cover 1112. Should the air passage 1108 become obstructed, an
operator can remove the cover 1112 to clean out the obstruction.
The cover can be held in place by tabs 1113 that fit over a
corresponding lip 1114 in the access port, and a resilient tab 1115
that fits into a corresponding notch 1116, but other user-removable
constructions may be used. The cover 1112 is also preferably made
from a transparent material, such as ABS plastic, to allow a user
to visually check for obstructions.
[0049] A brushroll 1117 is located in the brushroll chamber 1106,
and held in place between the base housings 1102, 1104 by bearing
mounts 1118. The bearing mounts 1118 fit into slots 1119 in the
lower base housing 1102 to hold them in place, and rotatably hold
each end of the brushroll 1117. The bearing mounts 1118 may include
typical roller or ball bearing sets to hold the brushroll axle
1124, but more preferably comprise plastic outer casings into which
are pressed brass bushings 1142. The inner surfaces of the brass
bushings 1142 are cylindrical to receive the brushroll axle 1124,
but the outer surfaces of the brass bushings 1142 are spherical so
that they can pivot within the plastic casings of the bearing
mounts 1118. The use of such bushings accommodates for
manufacturing tolerance variations in the straightness of the
brushroll 1117 or brushroll axle 1124, or in the alignment of the
bearing mount slots 1119, that would otherwise result in premature
wear on the bearing mounts 1118. This design also allows some
brushroll 1117 flex without the bearings binding.
[0050] The brushroll 1117 has a corresponding drive pulley 1120. In
the shown embodiment, the drive pulley comprises a toothed pulley
1121 having a hexagonal protrusion 1122 extending axially
therefrom. The hexagonal protrusion slidably fits within a
corresponding hexagonal opening 1123 in the end of the brushroll
1117, and the drive pulley 1120 is captured in place when the
bearing mounts are attached to the brushroll's axle 1124. One or
more screws (not shown) may also be used to affix the drive pulley
1120 to the brushroll 1117. The brushroll includes two helical rows
of bristles 1125. The helixes reverse direction at or near the
center of the air passage 1108, which is offset from the centerline
of the base assembly 1100, to help direct debris towards the air
passage. The brushroll 1117 is sealed at each end by a pair of wool
felt seals 1126, which are fitted into corresponding slots 1127 in
the upper and lower base housings 1102, 1104. These seals 1126 help
seal the brushroll chamber 1106 from air communication with other
interior regions of the base assembly 1100.
[0051] The base assembly 1100 also includes a pair of rear wheels
1128 and wheel hubs 1129. The wheels 1128 fit over corresponding
stub axles 1130 that protrude laterally from opposite rear sides of
the lower base housing 1102. Clips 1131 on the stub axles 1130 snap
over a corresponding lip 1157 of each wheel 1128 to hold the wheels
1128 on. A second set of clips 1132, located within a recessed hub
portion of each wheel 1128, snap over corresponding lips 1133 on
each wheel hub 1129 to hold them in place. The base assembly 1100
also has a pair of front wheels 1134, which are each provided with
an axle 1135 that passes through the corresponding wheel and
extends from both sides thereof. The front wheels 1134 and axles
1135 are held in the lower base housing 1102 by snapping the
protruding ends of the axles 1135 into corresponding slots (not
visible) in the lower surface of a front portion of the lower base
housing 1102, as is known in the art.
[0052] A brushroll motor 1136 is mounted in a motor chamber 1137
located behind the brushroll chamber 1106. The brushroll motor 1136
is mounted by way of a metal motor mounting plate 1138, which fits
into a corresponding slot 1139, to more rigidly locate the drive
end of the brushroll motor and prevent it from shifting during use
and to minimize misalignment that may occur as a result of plastic
deformation of the base housings 1102, 1104. The brushroll motor
includes a toothed drive pinion 1140, which drives the brushroll
drive pulley 1120 by way of a belt 1141. Of course, non-toothed
drive pulleys and/or belts may be used instead, or the belt drive
arrangement may be replaced by any other suitable drive system,
such as a gear drive system. Heat generated by the brushroll motor
1136 is dissipated through one or more vents 1156 through the lower
and/or upper base housing 1102, 1104. Although the base assembly
1100 is described herein as having a brushroll and motor, it will
be appreciated that these parts may be omitted to provide a more
economical or lighter device.
[0053] The brushroll motor 1136 receives power from a main power
cord or batteries (not shown) by way of electrical contacts 1143.
The electrical contacts 1143 are mounted to the T-joint 1110 under
a cover 1146. As described below, these contacts 1143 connect with
corresponding electrical contacts 1251 (FIG. 12) in the rear
housing 1200 (FIG. 12) when the T-joint 1110 is attached thereto.
One electrical contact 1143 is connected directly to the motor
1136, but the other is connected to the motor 1136 by way of a
reset switch 1144. The reset switch 1144 includes a breaker that
protects the motor 1136 by cutting off the electrical supply if it
stops turning or experiences an overcurrent condition, such as may
happen if the brushroll 1117 becomes obstructed. The reset switch
1144 is mounted in a corresponding slot having a hole 1145 to the
exterior of the base assembly 1100, so that when it is tripped, a
user can reset it by pressing the reset switch 1144.
[0054] The T-joint 1110 is pivotally mounted between the lower and
upper base housings 1102, 1104. To this end, the T-joint has a
lower portion 1147 formed by a cylindrical shape turned with its
axis generally parallel to the floor and perpendicular to a
fore-aft direction of the device (preferably parallel to the
brushroll 1117). This lower cylindrical portion 1147 has a lip 1148
at or near each end. These lips 1148 fit into corresponding slots
1149 in the base housings 1102, 1104 to capture the T-joint 1110 in
place but still allow relative pivotal movement between the T-joint
1110 and the rest of the base assembly 1100. Of course, other
pivotal arrangements may be used instead. The lower base housing
1102 is also provided with a T-joint lock 1155, which is a separate
plate-like part having a leaf-spring like cantilevered extension
1306 (FIG. 13) with a protrusion 1308 (FIG. 13) on it. The
protrusion 1308 engages with a corresponding protrusion 1310 (FIG.
13) on the T-joint 1110 to retain the T-joint 1110 (and the rest of
the rear housing assembly 1200) in the upright position. To lean
the rear housing back, the user pulls backward on the rear housing,
which forces the protrusions 1308, 1310 against one another and
causes the cantilevered extension 1306 to flex away from the
T-joint 1110 until the protrusions 1308, 1310 are disengaged from
one another. The T-joint lock 1155 is attached to the lower base
housing 1102 by screws or other fasteners, or is simply integrally
formed with the lower base housing 1102.
[0055] The T-joint 1100 has a hollow passage therethrough, and
receives the working air flow passing through air passage 1108, and
conveys it to an opening through the upper end 1150 of the T-joint
1100, as shown by broken arrow A. The side of the lower T-joint
portion 1147 opposite the air passage 1108 is closed off to prevent
air from passing therethrough.
[0056] The T-joint 1100 is also provided with a push lock 1152,
which is riveted or otherwise affixed to an inner surface of the
hollow passage through the T-joint 1110. The push lock 1152
comprises a leaf spring 1154 to which a button 1153 is attached.
When installed, the button 1153 protrudes through a hole in the
T-joint 1110, and extends outward past the side wall of the T-joint
1110 by some distance. The button 1153 can be pushed back so that
it is flush or nearly flush with the side wall of the T-joint 1110,
but returns to its extended position under the influence of the
leaf spring 1154. The use of these parts and the attachment of the
T-joint 1110 to the remainder of the vacuum is shown in FIG.
13.
[0057] Referring, for the moment, to FIG. 13, the T-joint 1110
shaped to fit within a corresponding passage 1241 in the lower
portion of the rear housing assembly 1200 by sliding it therein.
This passage 1241 forms a portion of the working air flow path. To
attach the T-joint 1110, the button 1153 must be depressed, which
can be done either manually or by engagement with a ramp surface
1302. When the T-joint 1110 is fully installed, the button is
aligned with a hole 1304 in the rear housing assembly 1200 and
snaps back outward under the force of the leaf spring 1154.
Furthermore, as the T-joint 1110 is being inserted, the electrical
contacts 1143 are brought into contact with their corresponding
contacts 1251 (FIG. 12) in the rear housing 1200. This or other
types of detachable or non-detachable attachment may be used with
the present invention.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 12, the rear housing assembly 1200 and
cyclone container assembly 1202 are now described in more detail.
The rear housing assembly 1200 comprises a first rear housing shell
1203, a second rear housing shell 1204, and a motor cover 1205. The
housing shells 1203, 1204 and motor cover 1205 are assembled
together to hold or contain the remaining parts of the rear housing
assembly 1200, similar to the manner in which the upper and lower
base housings 1102, 1104 are joined together to construct the base
assembly 1100. As with the base assembly 1100, and the various
other parts of the device, any types of fasteners or adhesives can
be used to assemble these parts. For example, screws or snap
fittings can be used for virtually all of the assembly requirements
for the device, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art.
[0059] The first rear housing shell 1203 and motor cover 1205 form
a motor chamber 1206 when they are installed together. The motor
chamber 1206 contains a fan/motor 1207, which is an electric motor
having an air-moving impeller (fan) attached to and driven by the
motor. Such devices are well-known in the art, and any suitable fan
and motor may be used. The fan and motor may also be provided as
separate devices, rather than being conjoined as an assembled unit.
The fan/motor 1207 is preferably installed with the fan inlet 1208
directed upwards. In order to isolate vibrations created by the
fan/motor 1207, the lower end of the fan/motor 1207 is inserted
into a rubber or elastomeric bushing 1209, which is installed in a
corresponding bushing slot 1210 in the first rear housing shell
1203 and held in place with a bracket 1211. The upper end of the
fan/motor 1207 is surrounded by a rubber or elastomeric ring seal
1212, which abuts a corresponding lip 1213 in the first rear
housing shell 1203 and motor cover 1205 to provide an air-tight
fit.
[0060] Air exhausting from the fan/motor 1207 exits the motor
chamber 1206 through vents 1214, which may be located on the motor
cover 1205 or the first rear housing shell 1203. A post-motor
filter 1215 may also be provided between the fan/motor 1207 and the
vents 1214 to reduce emissions from the device or to simply screen
the fan/motor 1207 from view. The fan/motor 1207 may also be
partially or wholly wrapped in a foam sound and/or vibration
reducing material. The motor cover 1205 is also optionally provided
with a handle 1216, which can be used to help lift the device. In
the embodiment of FIG. 12, the handle 1216 is shaped to generally
conform with the shape of the vents 1214. A headlight (not shown)
may also be located on the motor cover 1205 (or on the base
assembly 1100, or elsewhere). The motor cover 1205 also includes a
fan inlet opening 1217 that provides a fluid communication path to
the fan inlet 1208. A foam, rubber, or other type of seal 1218 is
provided to fit around the fan inlet opening 1217 to seal against
the bottom of the removable cyclone container assembly 1202. The
seal 1218 may be attached to the opening 1217 or the cyclone
assembly 1202, or provided separately.
[0061] The cyclone container assembly 1202 generally comprises a
dirt cup 1219, a filter assembly 1220, and a lid 1222. The dirt cup
1219 has an inlet passage 1223 for receiving a dirt-laden working
air flow, and an outlet passage 1224 for fluidly connecting to the
fan inlet 1208 to receive the vacuum generated by the fan/motor
1207. The inlet and outlet passages 1223, 1224 may be integrally
formed with the dirt cup 1219, as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,779,745
and 5,935,279, which are incorporated herein by reference, or
formed separately and joined thereto.
[0062] The filter assembly 1220 is positioned within the dirt cup
1219 to help remove dirt, dust and other particles from the working
air flow. In the shown embodiment, the filter assembly 1220
comprises a pleated filter element 1221 that is affixed between an
upper cap 1225 and a lower cap 1226 by any conventional filter
manufacturing method. The upper cap 1225 has a vane 1227 that
prevents air entering the dirt cup 1219 through the inlet passage
1223 from directly striking the filter element 1221, and may also
contribute to generating a cyclonic airflow within the dirt cup
1219. The lower cap 1226 has an upwardly-extending cage 1228 that
prevents the filter element 1221 from collapsing inward, and has an
opening through it to allow air passing through the filter element
1221 to pass into the outlet passage 1224. A seal 1229 is provided
at the bottom of the lower cap 1226 to seal the filter assembly
1220 against the outlet passage 1224. The filter assembly 1220 can
be held in place in any suitable manner. In a preferred embodiment,
shown in FIG. 14, the filter assembly 1220 is held in place by a
resilient, releasable locking tab 1402 on one side, an a locator
tab 1404 on the other side. (The seal 1229 is omitted from FIG.
14.) The filter assembly 1220 may instead be attached to be dirt
cup lid 1222 by a screw, by a bayonet-type fitting, by a friction
fit or by other means.
[0063] The lid 1222 is attached to the top of the dirt cup 1219 by
a conventional bayonet fitting. One slot 1230 of the bayonet
fitting is visible in FIG. 12, and a pin 1406 that fits into the
slot 1230 is shown in FIG. 14. The lid 1222 is preferably made so
that it only fits on the dirt cup 1219 in one orientation, so that
the filter vane 1227 is properly oriented relative to the dirt cup
inlet passage 1223.
[0064] The dirt cup 1219 is preferably adapted to generate a
cyclonic airflow to assist with separating dirt from the working
air flow. One way of doing this is to use a filter vane 1227 that
redirects the air entering the cup through the inlet passage 1223
in a tangential manner. Alternatively, or in addition, the inlet
passage 1223 may be shaped to impart a tangential component to the
entering air. Of course, other devices and methods of imparting
cyclonic flow may be used instead. It is also envisioned that the
cyclonic dirt cup 1219 can be replaced by a conventional bag
filter. It will also be appreciated that, while the present
invention shows a "clean air" system in which the dirt-laden air
flow is cleaned before it enters the fan/motor 1207, it can instead
be replaced by a system in which the dirt-laden air flow enters the
fan/motor 1207 and is then pressurized and pushed into the dirt
receptacle.
[0065] In use, the filter assembly 1220 and lid 1222 are assembled
to the dirt cup 1219 to form the cyclone container assembly 1202.
The container assembly 1202 is removably positioned in the device
so that it rests on the motor cover 1205 with the dirt cup outlet
passage 1224 positioned adjacent the fan inlet opening 1217, and
the seal 1218 providing a fluid tight airflow passage therebetween.
The dirt cup inlet passage 1223 nests within a recess 1231 formed
in an upright portion 1232 of the first rear housing shell 1203
that extends above the motor chamber 1206. The upright portion 1232
also includes a dirt cup latch 1233, which is mounted in the
upright portion 1232 such that it can be moved downward and biased
upward by an associated spring 1234. The dirt cup latch 1233
includes a hook 1235 that protrudes through an opening 1236 through
the upright portion 1232 of the first rear housing shell 1203. This
hook engages a corresponding protrusion or recess (not shown) in
the dirt cup 1219 or lid 1222 to hold the container assembly 1202
in place. The container assembly is released by depressing the dirt
cup latch 1233.
[0066] The second rear housing shell 1204 is affixed to the back of
the first rear housing shell 1203 by way of screws or other
fastening devices. The first and second rear housing shells 1203,
1204 contain a valve assembly 1237 and a handle assembly 1238.
[0067] The valve assembly 1237 is located at the bottom end of the
rear housing 1200, and provides a working air flow path between the
base assembly 1100 and the dirt cup inlet passage 1223. The valve
assembly 1237 comprises a rear valve housing 1239 and a front valve
housing 1240 that are assembled together to form a base assembly
inlet 1241, an auxiliary inlet 1242 and a valve outlet 1243. These
parts are shown in a partially assembled rear view in FIG. 17. The
upper end 1150 of the T-joint 1110 is installed directly into the
base assembly inlet 1241 of the valve assembly 1237 (which is
formed by two sections 1241a, 1241b that are joined together), or
to an intermediate tube or hose, to join the base assembly 1100 to
the rear housing 1200, as shown somewhat schematically in FIG. 13.
The rear valve housing 1239 also includes a mounting point 1250
that holds electrical contacts 1251 that contact the electrical
contacts 1143 in the base housing 1100, when the parts are
assembled, to power the brushroll motor 1136.
[0068] The valve housings 1239, 1240 form a valve chamber 1244 in
which a barrel valve 1245 is located such that it can rotate about
its cylindrical axis. In a first position, shown in FIG. 12, the
barrel valve 1245 provides a fluid communication path between the
base assembly inlet 1241 and the valve outlet 1243. When rotated
approximately 90 degrees (clockwise in FIG. 12, and
counterclockwise in FIG. 17), the barrel valve 1245 provides a
fluid communication path between the auxiliary inlet 1242 and the
valve outlet 1243, as shown in FIG. 17.
[0069] An accessory hose 212 (FIG. 2) is attached to the auxiliary
inlet 1242 by an appropriate cuff 1246, which may be removable by a
user to facilitate cleaning of the accessory hose 212 and the valve
assembly 1237. The second rear housing shell 1204 has a recess 1247
that receives the valve assembly 1237, and a valve control knob
1248 is located outside the second rear housing shell 1204 and
attached to the barrel valve 1245 to operate it. When assembled,
the valve outlet 1243 is positioned at the bottom of the recess
1231 in the upright portion 1232 of the first rear housing shell
1203 such that it is adjacent the dirt cup inlet passage 1223 when
the dirt cup 1219 is installed. A foam seal 1249 is attached to the
valve outlet 1243 to help provide an air-tight working air passage
between the dirt cup inlet passage 1223 and the valve outlet
1243.
[0070] A pair of electrical cord mounting hooks 1252, 1253 are also
attached to the second rear housing shell 1204. The upper cord hook
1252 comprises a conventional cordreel hook having a fixed base
1254 and a rotatable hook portion 1255 that can be turned 180
degrees to quickly release a power cord (not shown) wound thereon.
The fixed base 1254 is attached to an upper mounting point 1256
located near an upper end of the second rear housing shell 1204.
The lower cord hook 1253 comprises a downwardly-projecting hook
portion 1257 and an upwardly-projecting tool holder 1258 that is
adapted to insert into the bore of an optional accessory cleaning
tool 1259 and thereby hold the tool 1259 in place for storage on
the device. The lower cord hook 1253 is rigidly mounted to a lower
mounting point 1260 located near the lower end of the second rear
housing shell 1204. The power cord enters through a hole 1265 in
the second rear housing shell 1204, and connects with a main power
switch 1266 to provide electricity to the device. In a preferred
embodiment, the main power switch 1266 comprises a three-position
rocker switch having a first position in which the device is not
operating, a second position in which only the fan/motor 1207 is
operating, and a third position in which the fan/motor 1207 and the
brushroll motor 1136 are operating.
[0071] A loop-like handle 1261 is attached to the upper end of the
rear housing 1200. The handle 1261 has a curved contour that
provides an ergonomic handgrip on its bottom surface and a cupped
surface on its top side. The cupped surface provides the added
benefit of acting as a hose retainer to hold the accessory hose 212
(FIG. 2) in place when it is not in use. The handle 1261 is
attached to the rear housing 1200 by pushing its lower ends
downward through two openings (not shown) in the rear housing 1200
until slots 1262 on each end of the loop engage corresponding tabs
1263, which are rigidly mounted below the slots in the rear housing
1200 at corresponding mounting points 1264 on the second rear
housing shell 1204. The tabs 1263 are not accessible unless the
first and second rear housing shells 1203, 1204 are disassembled.
Using this construction, the handle 1261 may be provided
disassembled from the rear housing 1200 to minimize the size of the
container required to ship the device, but can not be accidentally
disassembled in regular use.
[0072] The handle assembly 1238 is also housed within the first and
second rear housing shells 1203, 1204, and generally fits within a
handle recess 1267 in the second rear housing shell 1204. The
handle assembly 1238 comprises a handle support bushing 1268 into
which a handle post 1269 slidably fits. The handle support bushing
is mounted in the second rear housing shell near the top of the
handle recess 1267. Attached to the top end of the handle post 1269
are a grip adaptor 1270 and a grip 1271. The grip adapter 1270 is
preferably riveted or bonded to the handle post 1269, but may be
releasably attached thereto. The grip 1271, which is shaped as
described previously herein, is preferably formed of two halves, as
shown, that are attached to one another by screws, snap engagement,
or other fasteners. The grip 1271 and grip adapter 1270 may be
attached, either permanently or removably, by any type of fastening
method. For example, these parts may be detachably engaged by a
pushbutton release, such as described with respect to the
attachment between the base assembly 1100 and the rear housing
1200, and shown in FIG. 13.
[0073] The handle post 1269 is provided with a pair of pins 1272
that, when assembled, protrude out of corresponding holes 1273 on
either side of the handle post 1269 (only one hole 1273 is
visible). Each pin 1272 comprises a pin attached to a semi-circular
leaf spring that fits within the bore of the handle post 1269. The
leaf spring biases the pin 1272 out through the respective hole
1273, but allows it to be pushed back so that it is flush or nearly
flush with the outer surface of the handle post 1269 to allow the
handle post 1269 to be inserted into the handle support bushing
1268. When the first and second rear housing shells 1203, 1204 are
assembled, they form a pair of channels 1274 on either side of the
handle recess 1267 (only one half of one channel 1274 is visible).
The pins 1272 protrude into these channels and thereby prevent the
handle post 1269 from rotating about its axis. In other
embodiments, the handle post 1269 may be made to rotate about its
axis, either freely or only when desired. Alternatively, the handle
post 1269 and handle support bushing 1268 may be made with
corresponding non-circular profiles that do not allow relative
rotation when the handle post 1269 is inserted in the handle
support bushing 1268.
[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the handle post 1269 is a
telescoping post that may be moved from a collapsed position to an
extended position, and optionally to various intermediate
positions. A preferred telescoping lock arrangement is shown in
FIGS. 12, 15 and 16. In this embodiment, the device includes a
handle lock 1275 that is located in the second rear housing shell
1204 adjacent the handle support bushing 1268. The handle lock 1275
has a lever 1502 (FIGS. 15 & 16) that is integrally formed with
a slider 1504. The slider 1504 is slidably captured between the
second rear housing shell 1204 and the handle support bushing 1268,
and has two recessed portions 1506 that face the handle support
bushing 1268. The lever 1502 protrudes to be accessible from the
exterior of the device through an opening 1278. The handle support
bushing 1268 has two slots 1510 that are sized to receive a pair of
pins 1276 aligned perpendicular to the axis of the handle posts
1269. A spring 1277 is provided to press against the bottom of the
slider 1504 portion of the handle lock 1275 and bias it
upwards.
[0075] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the handle post 1269 has a
number of detents 1512, which are spaced from one another by the
same distance as the distances between the pins 1276 and slots
1510. When the handle lock 1275 is in the upward position under the
bias of the spring 1277, as shown in FIG. 15, the slider 1504
presses the pins into the slots 1510, and into the detents 1512 on
the handle post 1269. In this position, the handle post 1269 is
prevented from moving upwards or downwards by the engagement
between the pins 1276, slots 1510 and detents 1512. When the handle
lock 1275 is pushed downward by pushing on the lever 1502, however,
the recessed portions 1506 of the slider 1504 align with the slots
1510, thus allowing the pins 1276 to move out of the detents 1512.
In this position, the handle post 1269 can now be moved
telescopically relative to the rest of the rear housing assembly
1200. The spring 1277 returns the handle lock 1275 to the upper,
locked position when the lever 1502 is released.
[0076] While the foregoing telescoping lock mechanism is preferred,
other devices may be used instead. Examples of other telescoping
devices that may be used with the present invention are shown in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,332,266; 5,941,575; and 6,474,696, which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, a first alternative
embodiment of a valve assembly 1800 is shown removed from the
device. In this embodiment, the valve assembly 1800 comprises an
inlet tube set 1802, a switch plate 1804, a switch 1806, and an
outlet tube 1808. The inlet tube set 1802 has a base assembly inlet
tube 1810, which is fluidly attached to a base assembly (not shown)
and its corresponding suction inlet nozzle. The inlet tube set 1802
also has an auxiliary inlet tube 1812 that is fluidly connected to
a corresponding auxiliary cleaning hose.
[0078] The switch plate 1804 is attached to or positioned
immediately above the inlet tube set 1802 when they are assembled.
The switch plate 1804 comprises a plate 1814 or block having a hole
1816 formed therein. The hole 1816 is shaped and sized to fit over
and provide fluid communication to both the base assembly inlet
tube 1810 and the auxiliary inlet tube 1812. Alternatively, two
separate holes may be formed, with one hole corresponding to each
of the inlet tubes 1810, 1812. When assembled, the hole 1816 or
holes are positioned adjacent the inlet tube set 1802, and may be
provided with a seal (not shown) to help prevent air leaks between
the plate 1814 and the inlet tube set 1802.
[0079] The switch plate 1804 also has a recessed track 1818 formed
therein to receive a corresponding flow diverter 1820 on the switch
1806. The flow diverter 1820 comprises a plate-like structure that
fits within the track 1818 such that it can be slid into a first
position to block the auxiliary inlet tube 1812, and a second
position to block the base assembly inlet tube 1810. These
positions correspond to the floor cleaning and auxiliary cleaning
positions, respectively. The switch plate 1804, switch 1806 and/or
the vacuum housing in which the parts are contained may also
include detents or other movement inhibitors to firmly hold the
switch 1806 in each of the two positions to prevent the switch 1806
from sliding out of place when it is not desired to change the
cleaning mode. A switch handle 1822 (FIG. 19) is provided on the
switch 1806 and accessible to a user from outside the vacuum
body.
[0080] The outlet tube 1808 is positioned immediately above the
flow diverter 1820. The lower portion 1824 of the outlet tube 1808
is adapted to fit against the top of the switch plate 1804 and
provide a fluid-tight fit to prevent vacuum leaks at this junction.
A seal (not shown) may be provided to help seal the parts together,
or a seal may be provided by simply abutting the parts. The outlet
tube 1808 comprises a relatively large bell mouth 1826 that is
shaped to cover both the base assembly inlet tube 1810 and the
auxiliary inlet tube 1812, and thus can receive the working air
from either of the inlet tubes 1810, 1812, depending on which is
exposed by the flow diverter 1820. The outlet tube 1808 narrows to
a smaller diameter portion 1828 above the bell mouth 1826, which is
fluidly connected to the dirt receptacle (not shown).
[0081] Referring now to FIG. 20, still another embodiment of a
valve assembly 2000 that may be used with the present invention is
shown. In this embodiment, the valve assembly 2000 comprises a base
assembly inlet tube 2002 that is connected or connectable to a base
assembly (not shown) and its corresponding suction nozzle, a switch
member 2004, and an outlet tube 2006 that is connected to the
device's dirt receptacle (not shown). The inlet tube 2002 and
outlet tube 2006 are mounted in a spaced-apart relationship, such
as shown, and the switch member 2004 is adapted to slide on one or
more tracks 2008 located between the tubes 2002, 2006. Like the
switch plate 1804 described above with reference to FIGS. 18 and
19, the tracks 2008 are adjacent the respective tubes 2002, 2006 to
provide a tight seal, and may be integrally formed therewith.
[0082] The switch member 2004 comprises a block-like structure
having a first passage 2010 that extends entirely through the
switch member 2004 in the vertical direction (note that the use of
directional indications is used solely for clarity of explanation,
and it will be appreciated that the device can be reoriented in any
direction). A second passage 2012, located next to the first
passage 2010, extends vertically through the top of the switch
member 2004, but turns laterally through a side opening 2014
through the end of the switch member 2004. The bottom of the second
passage 2012 is blocked. An auxiliary hose 2016 (or auxiliary hose
mounting cuff) is attached to switch member 2004 to communicate
with the side opening 2014.
[0083] When assembled, the switch member 2004 slides on the tracks
2008 between the inlet and outlet tubes 2002, 2006 and is provided
with a switch handle 2018 that can be actuated by a user. The
switch member 2004 can be placed in a first position in which the
first passage 2010 is located to provide a fluid communication path
between the tubes 2002, 2006, thereby placing the device in the
floor cleaning mode of operation. The switch member 2004 can also
be slid into a second position in which the second passage 2012 is
located below, and in fluid communication with, the outlet tube
2006, to thereby place the device in the auxiliary cleaning mode.
Like the switch assemblies described with reference to FIGS. 12 and
18, the switch member 2004 may be provided with detents or other
travel inhibitors to help hold it in the two positions and prevent
accidental movement. To prevent the user from pulling the switch
member 2004 out of position by pulling on the auxiliary hose 2016,
the auxiliary hose 2016 may be firmly attached to a portion of the
housing at some point between the switch member 2004 and the
working end, or a separate intermediate hose or telescoping tube
can be provided between the switch member 2004 and the device's
housing to isolate the switch member 2004 from the auxiliary hose.
The switch member 2004 and/or tracks 2008 may also be constructed
such that a user can easily slide the entire switch member out of
the device housing to facilitate cleaning and removal of
obstructions.
[0084] While the embodiments of the invention described above are
preferred, it will be recognized and understood that these
embodiments are not intended to limit the invention, which is
limited only be the appended claims. Various modifications may be
made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit of the
invention and the scope of the claims.
* * * * *