U.S. patent application number 12/140799 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-09 for hand vacuum with filter indicator.
Invention is credited to Murray D. Hunter, Olga Makeev, Carolyn Martin, Patrick W. Mooney, Jacob R. Prosper, David M. Shaver.
Application Number | 20080244858 12/140799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32930536 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080244858 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shaver; David M. ; et
al. |
October 9, 2008 |
HAND VACUUM WITH FILTER INDICATOR
Abstract
A hand-held portable vacuum having a filter indicator that is
coupled to an outlet housing and in fluid communication with a
portion of the outlet housing between a fan inlet and an intake.
The filter indicator includes a pressure differential indicator
that is configured to indicate a pressure differential between air
in the portion of the outlet housing and atmospheric air pressure.
The filter indicator is employed to indicate to the user of the
hand-held vacuum that replacement and/or cleaning of the filter is
required. The vacuum may also be used in a blower mode with a set
of inflator nozzles to permit a user to inflate an article.
Inventors: |
Shaver; David M.;
(Brockville, CA) ; Prosper; Jacob R.; (Brockville,
CA) ; Hunter; Murray D.; (Mallorytown, CA) ;
Martin; Carolyn; (Baltimore, MD) ; Mooney; Patrick
W.; (Brockville, CA) ; Makeev; Olga;
(Mallorytown, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Harness Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C.
P.O. Box 828
Bloomfield Hills
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
32930536 |
Appl. No.: |
12/140799 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
10787059 |
Feb 25, 2004 |
|
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12140799 |
|
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|
60449987 |
Feb 26, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/327.5 ;
15/330; 15/339; 15/344; 15/347; 15/414 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/19 20130101; A47L
7/04 20130101; A47L 5/14 20130101; A47L 9/02 20130101; A47L 5/24
20130101; A47L 9/242 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/327.5 ;
15/339; 15/344; 15/330; 15/347; 15/414 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/19 20060101
A47L009/19; A47L 7/00 20060101 A47L007/00; A47L 5/24 20060101
A47L005/24 |
Claims
1. A hand-held portable vacuum comprising: an inlet housing
defining an inlet that is configured to receive dirt, dust and
debris therethrough; an outlet housing releasably coupled to the
inlet housing, the outlet housing defining a handle, an intake, a
fan mount and an outlet, the handle being configured to be grasped
by a single hand of a user to permit the user to maneuver the
hand-held portable vacuum and orient the inlet into a desired
position, the fan mount being disposed between the intake and the
outlet; a fan assembly mounted in the fan mount and housed by the
outlet housing, the fan assembly having a fan inlet and being
operable for generating an air flow therethrough; a filter disposed
between the inlet and the intake and being releasably coupled to
one of the inlet housing and the outlet housing; and a filter
indicator coupled to the outlet housing and being in fluid
communication with a portion of the outlet housing between the fan
inlet and the intake, the filter indicator including a pressure
differential indicator that is configured to indicate a pressure
differential between air in the portion of the outlet housing and
atmospheric air pressure.
2. The hand-held portable vacuum of claim 1, wherein an indicator
recess is formed in the outlet housing, the indicator recess being
configured to receive the filter indicator therein.
3. The hand-held portable vacuum of claim 2, wherein a flow
aperture is formed through the outlet housing at a point within the
indicator recess, the flow aperture facilitating fluid connection
between the filter indicator and the fan inlet through the outlet
housing.
4. The hand-held portable vacuum of claim 2, wherein a mounting
aperture is formed through the outlet housing, the mounting
aperture being configured to receive therethrough a bayonet leg
that secures the filter indicator to the outlet housing.
5. The hand-held portable vacuum of claim 4, wherein the mounting
aperture is formed through the indicator recess.
6. The hand-held portable vacuum of claim 2, wherein the indicator
recess includes a gasket flange, and wherein a gasket seals an
interface between the filter indicator and the gasket flange.
7. The hand-held portable vacuum of claim 1, wherein the outlet
housing comprises a pair of housing shells.
8. The hand-held portable vacuum of claim 7, wherein each housing
shell includes a circumferentially extending rib that defines at
least a portion of the fan mount.
9. The hand-held portable vacuum of claim 8, further comprising a
resilient seal that forms a seal between the fan assembly and the
fan mount.
10. The hand-held portable vacuum of claim 1, wherein the inlet
housing defines a dirt cup.
11. The hand-held portable vacuum of claim 1, wherein the fan
assembly includes a power cord that is adapted to be coupled to an
alternating current power source.
12. A bag-less, hand-held portable vacuum comprising: a dirt cup
having an inlet that is configured to receive dirt, dust and debris
therethrough; and a housing assembly having a housing, a fan
assembly and a filter indicator, the housing being releasably
coupled to the dirt cup and including a handle and an intake, the
handle being configured to be grasped by a single hand of a user to
permit the user to maneuver the hand-held portable vacuum and
orient the inlet into a desired position, the fan assembly being
mounted in the housing and having a fan inlet, the filter indicator
being coupled to the housing and in fluid communication with a
portion of the housing between the fan inlet and the intake, the
filter indicator being responsive to an air pressure in the portion
of the housing and providing at least one of a visual and an
audible alarm when the air pressure reaches a predetermined
threshold.
13. The bag-less, hand-held portable vacuum of claim 12, wherein a
indicator recess is formed in the housing, the indicator recess
being configured to receive the filter indicator therein.
14. The bag-less, hand-held portable vacuum of claim 13, wherein a
flow aperture is formed through the outlet housing at a point
within the indicator recess, the flow aperture facilitating fluid
connection between the filter indicator and the fan inlet through
the outlet housing.
15. The bag-less, hand-held portable vacuum of claim 13, wherein a
mounting aperture is formed through the outlet housing, the
mounting aperture being configured to receive therethrough a
bayonet leg that secures the filter indicator to the outlet
housing.
16. The bag-less, hand-held portable vacuum of claim 15, wherein
the mounting aperture is formed through the indicator recess.
17. The bag-less, hand-held portable vacuum of claim 12, wherein
the housing comprises a pair of housing shells.
18. The bag-less, hand-held portable vacuum of claim 12, wherein
the fan assembly includes a power cord that is adapted to be
coupled to an alternating current power source.
19. A portable vacuum comprising: an inlet housing defining an
inlet that is configured to receive dirt, dust and debris
therethrough; an outlet housing releasably coupled to the inlet
housing, the outlet housing defining a handle, an intake, and an
exhaust outlet; a tubular extension; and an adaptor for selectively
coupling the hose to the exhaust outlet, the adaptor including a
first coupling portion, a second coupling portion, and a
deflectable portion that is disposed between the first and second
coupling portions, the first coupling portion having an outer
perimeter that is sized to be received into the exhaust outlet, the
second coupling portion being configured to engage a first end of
the tubular extension, the deflectable portion in response to the
application of a force to the adaptor that exceeds a predetermined
force; wherein the adaptor is sufficiently rigid to support the
tubular extension without deflection.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/787,059 entitled "Hand Vacuum With Filter
Indicator" filed Feb. 25, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/449,987, filed Feb. 26, 2003. The
aforementioned patent applications are incorporated by reference as
if fully set forth in detail herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to hand-held
portable vacuum cleaners and more particularly to a hand-held
portable vacuum cleaner having a filter indicator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Bag-less, portable hand-held vacuums of the corded and
cordless varieties are well known in the art and typically include
a fan for producing an air flow, a dirt cup for retention of the
material, such as dirt, dust and debris, that is drawn into the
vacuum and a filter that prevents this material from being drawn
into the fan. The filter may include a single filter media, which
may be a fabric or paper material, or may utilize several materials
that are arranged in series so as to progressively filter the air
flow.
[0004] As is well known in the art, the users of such bag-less
portable hand-held vacuums tend to be less than diligent in the
maintenance of such vacuums so that such vacuums are frequently
operated with clogged and/or dirty filters. Operation of a bag-less
hand-held vacuum in this manner impairs the performance of the
vacuum, increases the load on the fan motor and fan (which tends to
reduce the life of these components), and in the case of cordless
vacuums, tends to reduce both the life of its rechargeable battery
and the duration with which the vacuum may be operated on a single
charge.
[0005] In view of the tendency of consumers to operate such vacuums
with clogged or dirty filters, the industry has focused on improved
filter configurations that utilize several filtering stages that
commence with a relatively coarse plastic or wire screen and
terminate in a relatively fine fabric or paper material that is
configured to prevent relatively small sized particles from
entering the fan. We have found that although the advancements in
filter technology for such vacuums have generally increased the
time interval that is permissible between filter cleanings, these
advancements have thus far not eliminated the necessity of such
cleanings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one form, the teachings of the present invention provides
a hand-held portable vacuum having an inlet housing, an outlet
housing, a fan assembly and a filter indicator. The inlet housing
defines an inlet that is configured to receive therethrough dirt,
dust and debris. The outlet housing is releasably coupled to the
inlet housing and defines a handle, an intake, a fan mount and an
outlet. The handle is configured to be grasped by a single hand of
a user to permit the user to maneuver the hand-held portable vacuum
and orient the inlet into a desired position. The fan mount is
disposed between the intake and the outlet. The fan assembly is
mounted in the fan mount and housed by the outlet housing. The fan
assembly includes a fan inlet and is operable for generating an air
flow therethrough. The filter is disposed between the inlet and the
intake and is releasably coupled to one of the inlet housing and
the outlet housing. The filter indicator is coupled to the outlet
housing and in fluid communication with a portion of the outlet
housing between the fan inlet and the intake. The filter indicator
includes a pressure differential indicator that is configured to
indicate a pressure differential between air in the portion of the
outlet housing and atmospheric air pressure.
[0007] In another form, the teachings of the present invention
provide a portable vacuum having an inlet housing, an outlet
housing, a fan assembly, a hose and a set of inflator nozzles. The
inlet housing defines an inlet that is configured to receive dirt,
dust and debris therethrough. The outlet housing may be releasably
coupled to the inlet housing and may define a handle, an intake,
and an exhaust outlet. The fan assembly is mounted in the outlet
housing and is operable for generating an air flow that is
exhausted through the exhaust outlet. The hose has a first end,
which may be selectively coupled to the exhaust outlet, and a
second end. Each of the inflator nozzles includes a coupling
portion, which is configured to selectively engage the second end
of the hose, a tapered male connector that defines an outlet
aperture, and a relief aperture that extends through a wall of the
inflator nozzle into a generally hollow interior. The tapered male
connector of each inflator nozzle is differently sized.
[0008] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Additional advantages and features of the present invention
will become apparent from the subsequent description and the
appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a vacuum kit
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the vacuum kit
of FIG. 1 illustrating the vacuum in greater detail;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned, partially exploded view of
the vacuum of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an exploded side view in partial section of a
portion of the vacuum of FIG. 2 illustrating the motor assembly in
greater detail;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a partial rear view of the motor assembly
illustrating the discharge side of the fan housing in greater
detail;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a partially sectioned side view of the vacuum of
FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of the vacuum of FIG. 2,
illustrating a housing shell in greater detail;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a front view of a portion of the vacuum of FIG. 2,
illustrating the internal baffle in greater detail;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a rear view of a portion of the vacuum of FIG. 2,
illustrating the rear deflector in greater detail;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 10-10 of
FIG. 9;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a partially exploded, partially sectioned side
view of a portion of the vacuum of FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a side view of a portion of the vacuum of FIG. 2
illustrating the exterior of a portion of a housing shell in the
vicinity of the indicator recess;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a section view taken along the line 13-13 of FIG.
12;
[0023] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a portion of the vacuum of
FIG. 2 illustrating the filter system in greater detail;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the vacuum of
FIG. 2 illustrating the filter indicator in greater detail;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a longitudinal section view of the filter
indicator;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the filter
indicator;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a partially broken away side elevation view of
the vacuum of FIG. 2 illustrating the filter indicator indicating
that the intake filter is in a clogged or dirty condition;
[0028] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the
vacuum kit of FIG. 1 illustrating the connectability of the crevice
and brush tools to the dirt cup assembly;
[0029] FIG. 19A is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum kit
of FIG. 1 illustrating the coupling of the crevice tool directly to
the dirt cup assembly;
[0030] FIG. 19B is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum kit
of FIG. 1 illustrating the coupling of the brush tool directly to
the dirt cup assembly;
[0031] FIG. 19C is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum kit
of FIG. 1 illustrating the coupling of the floor sweeper head to
the dirt cup assembly via the inlet port adapter tool;
[0032] FIG. 19D is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum kit
of FIG. 1 illustrating the coupling of the floor sweeper head to
the dirt cup assembly via the inlet port adapter tool and the
extension tubes;
[0033] FIG. 19E is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum kit
of FIG. 1 illustrating the coupling of the crevice tool to the dirt
cup assembly via the inlet port adapter tool, an extension tube and
the tool adapter;
[0034] FIG. 19F is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum kit
of FIG. 1 illustrating the coupling of the brush tool to the dirt
cup assembly via the inlet port adapter tool, the extension tubes
and the tool adapter;
[0035] FIG. 19G is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum kit
of FIG. 1 illustrating the coupling of the brush tool to the dirt
cup assembly via the inlet port adapter tool, the flexible hose and
the adapter;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a portion of the vacuum kit of
FIG. 1 illustrating the adapter in greater detail;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the adapter;
[0038] FIG. 22 is a longitudinal section view of the adapter taken
along the line 22-22 of FIG. 20;
[0039] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum kit of
FIG. 1 illustrating the use of the adapter for directing the
discharge of the vacuum;
[0040] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
vacuum kit of FIG. 1 as employed in a blower mode;
[0041] FIG. 25 is a partially sectioned side view of a portion of
the vacuum kit of FIG. 1 illustrating the adapter deflecting in
response to closing of the rear deflector against the adapter;
[0042] FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
vacuum kit of FIG. 1 as employed in an inflator mode;
[0043] FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the
vacuum kit of FIG. 1 illustrating the inflator nozzle in greater
detail;
[0044] FIG. 28 is a partial longitudinal section view of the
inflator nozzle;
[0045] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a portion of the vacuum kit
of FIG. 1 illustrating the operation of the inflator nozzle;
and
[0046] FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating the uncoupling of
the inflator nozzle from the flexible hose.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0047] With reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a vacuum kit
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The
vacuum kit 10 is illustrated to include a hand-held corded vacuum
10a and a set of accessories 10b. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3,
the vacuum 10a is illustrated to include a dirt cup assembly 12 and
a housing assembly 14. In the particular example provided, the dirt
cup assembly 12 includes an inlet housing or dirt cup 20 and a
resilient closure member 22, while the housing assembly 14 includes
motor assembly 30, an outlet housing or housing 32, a filter system
34, a filter indicator 36 and a latch release 38 having a
conventional latch mechanism 40 and a conventional retaining tab 42
that is integrally formed with the housing 32.
[0048] The dirt cup 20 includes a wall member 50 that defines a
container-like housing structure 52 and an inlet port 54 that is
formed through the housing structure 52 and which extends
rearwardly therefrom. A pair of securing apertures 56a and 56b are
formed through the housing structure 52 and a plurality of
prefilter locating tabs 58 extend inwardly from the wall member 50
about the inside perimeter of the housing structure 52. Both the
securing apertures 56a and 56b and the prefilter locating tabs 58
will be discussed in additional detail, below.
[0049] In the particular example provided, the inlet port 54 is
semi-circular in shape (see, e.g., FIG. 19), extending rearwardly
from the housing structure 52 and terminating at a rearwardly and
downwardly tapered face 60 (i.e., the bottom of the inlet port 54
extends further rearwardly than the top of the inlet port 54). As
will be discussed in greater detail, below, the inlet port 54 is
configured to frictionally engage various components of the
accessory set 10b.
[0050] A mounting boss 62, which is coupled to the housing
structure 52 above the inlet port 54, serves as the location at
which the resilient closure member 22 is hingedly coupled to the
housing structure 52. The resilient closure member 22 is configured
to abut the rearwardly and downwardly tapered face 60 of the inlet
port 54 but deflect upwardly (away from the rearwardly and
downwardly tapered face 60) during the operation of the vacuum 10a.
As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the resilient closure
member 22 may be omitted through techniques that are well known in
the art, as through extending the inlet port 54 rearwardly and
upwardly toward the upper rear of the housing structure 52.
[0051] In FIGS. 4 through 6, the motor assembly 30 is illustrated
to include a motor 70, a fan assembly 72, a power cord 74, a power
switch 76, a set of isolators 78 and a strain relief 80. The motor
70 is a conventional AC motor having a stator body 84 and a rotor
86 that includes a motor output shaft 88. The fan assembly 72 is a
conventional centrifugal fan that includes an impeller 90, which is
coupled for rotation with the output shaft 88, and a fan housing
92. The fan housing 92 includes an inlet aperture 94 that is
centered about the rotational axis of the impeller 90, and a
plurality of discharge apertures 96, which are located on a side of
the fan housing 92 opposite the inlet aperture 94 and radially
outwardly therefrom. Air that is discharged from each discharge
aperture 96 is guided through an associated flow channel 98 where
the air is directed radially inwardly toward the rotational axis of
the rotor 86 for cooling of the motor 70 when the vacuum 10a is
operating.
[0052] The power cord 74 conventionally includes a connector plug
100, which is adapted to be connected to an electrical outlet, and
a cord member 104 having first and second conductors 106 and 108,
which are electrically coupled to the connector plug 100 in a
conventional and well known manner. The first conductor 106 is
electrically coupled to a first terminal 110a on the motor 70,
while the second conductor 108 is electrically coupled to a first
terminal 112a on the power switch 76. The power switch 76 is a
conventional toggle switch that selectively enables or disables the
transmission of electric power across its first and second
terminals 112a and 112b, respectively. The second terminal 112b of
the power switch 76 is electrically coupled to the second terminal
110b on the motor 70. The strain relief 80 is coupled to the power
cord 74 to strengthen the portion of the power cord 74 that enters
into the housing 32, as well as to seal the housing 32 so that air
traveling through the vacuum 10a is not discharged through the
aperture through which the cord member 104 extends. The strain
relief 80 is illustrated as being fixedly coupled or formed with
the insulative cover of the cord member 104, but those skilled in
the art will appreciate that the strain relief 80 may be a discrete
component that has been slid over the cord member 104.
[0053] The set of isolators 78 includes a fan isolator 120 and a
motor isolator 122, both of which are formed from a suitable
resilient material, such as rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer. In
the embodiment illustrated, the fan isolator 120 is an annular band
that wraps around the outer perimeter of a forward portion of the
fan housing 92 as well as the radially outermost portion of its
front face 124. The fan isolator 120 engages the fan housing 92 in
a conventional friction-fit manner. Furthermore, contact between
the fan isolator 120 and the front face 124 of the fan housing 92
limits rearward movement of the fan isolator 120.
[0054] The motor isolator 122 includes a hub portion 128 and a
locating element, the latter of which is illustrated to include a
pair of tabs 130 that are formed onto the rear surface of the hub
portion 128. The hub portion 128 is configured to frictionally
engage the end of the motor 70 opposite the fan assembly 72; a pair
of legs 132 that extend generally parallel to the centerline of the
hub portion 128 are configured to engage the stator body 84 such
that the tabs 130 are positioned in a predetermined location as
will be described in greater detail, below.
[0055] With reference to FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, the housing 32 of the
particular embodiment provided includes a pair of housing shells
150a and 150b, an internal baffle 152 and rear deflector 154. The
housing shells 150a and 150b are configured to be coupled together
in a conventional and well known manner to define a switch mounting
structure 160, a switch aperture 162, a latch mounting structure
164, the retaining tab 42 and a handle 168. The switch mounting
structure 160 is conventionally configured to receive therein and
support the power switch 76 of the motor assembly 30 such that the
power switch 76 extends through the switch aperture 162 so as to be
actuate-able by the user of the vacuum 10a.
[0056] The latch mounting structure 164 is configured to receive
therein and support a conventional latch mechanism 40 having a push
button 170 for engaging the securing aperture 56a in the housing
structure 52 of the dirt cup assembly 12 and a spring (not shown)
for biasing the push button 170 outwardly from the housing 32.
[0057] The retaining tab 42 extends outwardly from the housing 32
and defines an abutting wall 174. The retaining tab 42 is
configured to project through the securing aperture 56b when the
dirt cup assembly 12 is coupled to the housing assembly 14 to
permit the abutting wall 174 to cooperate with the rear edge of the
securing aperture 56b to thereby limit forward movement of the dirt
cup assembly 12 relative to the housing assembly 14.
[0058] In the example provided, the handle 168 is integrally formed
with the housing shells 150a and 150b, extending between the
forward and rearward portions of the housing 32 and above the body
of the housing 32 to define therebetween a handle aperture 180 that
is sized to receive the hand of the user of the vacuum 10a. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the handle 168
may be a discrete component that is joined or fastened to the
remainder of the housing 32 in a known manner. For reasons that
will be apparent from the description below, the handle 168 is
preferably configured so as to be comfortably gripped by the user
of the vacuum 10a, regardless of whether the vacuum 10a is facing
forwardly or rearwardly in the hand of the user.
[0059] Except as noted below, each of the housing shells 150a and
150b is constructed in an identical manner so that further
description of the housing shell 150a will suffice for both. With
primary reference to FIG. 7 and additional reference to FIG. 6, the
housing shell 150a includes a wall member 186 that defines a front
wall 188, a side wall 190, a bottom wall 192 and a rear wall 194,
all of which cooperate to create a central cavity 196.
[0060] A plurality of ribs extend into the central cavity 196 from
the side wall 190 and include first and second fan ribs 200 and
202, respectively, and first and second motor ribs 204 and 206,
respectively. The first and second fan ribs 200 and 202 are
semi-circular in shape, with the first fan ribs 200 extending
radially inwardly relatively farther than the second fan ribs 202.
The first fan ribs 200 are spaced apart to receive therebetween the
fan housing 92 and the fan isolator 120. As such, the first fan
ribs 200 serve to locate the fan assembly 72 relative to the front
wall 188. In contrast, the second fan ribs 202, which are disposed
between the first fan ribs 200, serve to locate the fan assembly 72
relative to a predetermined axis (e.g., the lateral centerline) of
the vacuum 10a.
[0061] The first motor ribs 204 are interconnected to one another
to strengthen the area at which they contact the stator body 84 of
the motor assembly 30. The first motor ribs 204 are similar to the
second fan ribs 202 in that they are configured to locate the motor
assembly 30 relative to the predetermined axis of the vacuum 10a.
Additionally, the first motor ribs 204 engage the stator body 84 so
as to inhibit rotation of the stator body 84 relative to the
housing shell 150a.
[0062] The second motor rib 206 includes a hub mounting portion 210
and a hub locating portion 212 that is interconnected to but spaced
somewhat rearwardly of the hub mounting portion 210. The hub
mounting portion 210 terminates at the end opposite the side wall
190 in an arcuate surface 216, which is configured to abut against
the cylindrical part of the hub portion 128 of the motor isolator
122, while the hub locating portion 212 terminates at a bifurcated
end that defines a tab aperture 220 which is sized to receive an
associated one of the tabs 130 of the motor isolator 122. The hub
mounting portion 210 and the hub locating portion 212 further abut
various rear surfaces of the hub portion 128. Accordingly, both the
hub mounting portion 210 and the hub locating portion 212 limit
rearward movement of the motor isolator 122 (and therefore the
motor 70 as well).
[0063] In the example provided, the front wall 188 is generally
planar, except for a semi-circular intake port 230 that extends
forwardly from therefrom. The intake port 230 includes a lattice
structure 232 through which air is drawn. The lattice structure 232
serves to limit access to the rotating fan blades.
[0064] The rear wall 194 is also generally planar, but in the
particular embodiment illustrated includes a quarter circle-shaped
outlet port 240 (when the housing shells 150a and 150b are
assembled to one another, the outlet port 240 of the vacuum 10a is
half-moon or semi-circular in shape as illustrated in FIG. 23). A
gusset 242 and a plurality of reinforcements 244, which
interconnect the gusset 242 and the rear wall 194, serve to
strengthen the rear wall 194, particularly in the area of the
outlet port 240. A flow aperture 246 is formed through the gusset
242, which in the example provided, has a shape and size that
approximately mimics the shape and size of the outlet port 240.
[0065] A set of baffle ribs 248a, 248b are located somewhat
rearwardly of the second motor rib 206 and forwardly of the gusset
242. The set of baffle ribs 248a includes a first pair of ribs,
which extend downwardly from the portion of the side wall 190 below
the handle aperture 180, and the set of baffle ribs 248b include a
second pair of ribs, which extend upwardly from the bottom wall
192. The set of baffle ribs 248a, 248b are configured so as to
frictionally engage the opposite faces of the internal baffle 152
to thereby maintain the location of the internal baffle 152 at a
desired location between the second motor rib 206 and the gusset
242.
[0066] With additional reference to FIG. 8, the internal baffle 152
of the particular example provided includes a frame 260 that is
configured to generally conform to the central cavity 196 at the
location of the set of baffle ribs 248a, 248b. A plurality of
generally horizontally arranged flow guiding vanes 262 and a
generally vertically arranged strengthening members 264 are set
into the frame 260 and fixedly coupled thereto. The internal baffle
152, in general, and the flow guiding vanes 262, in particular, are
employed to prevent direct access to the live motor parts.
[0067] With specific reference to FIGS. 9 through 11, and
additional reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the rear deflector 154 also
includes a frame 270, a plurality of flow guiding vanes 272 and a
generally vertically arranged strengthening member 274 that are set
into the frame 270 and fixedly coupled thereto. The flow guiding
vanes 272 of the particular embodiment illustrated are arcuately
shaped so as to direct the air exiting the outlet port 240 both
rearwardly and radially outwardly from the outlet port 240.
[0068] Unlike the frame 260 of the internal baffle 152, the frame
270 of the rear deflector 154 extends forwardly of the flow guiding
vanes 272 to create a pocket 276 into which may be fitted an
optional porous exhaust filter 280. The exhaust filter 280 operates
to filter the air that exits the outlet port 240 and thereby
prevents fine dust particles from being expelled from the vacuum
10a when the vacuum 10a is being used in a vacuuming mode. The
exhaust filter 280 is formed from a non-woven mesh fabric in the
particular embodiment provided and is thus washable should it
become undesirably dirty or clogged. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate, however, that the exhaust filter 280 may be formed from
another washable filter media or may alternately be a disposable
type filter (e.g., paper).
[0069] The frame 270 also includes a pair of trunnions 284 and a
pair of clip structures 286. The trunnions 284 permit the rear
deflector 154 to be pivotably coupled to the housing 32. More
specifically, each of the housing shells 150a and 150b includes a
recess 288 that is spherically shaped in the particular embodiment
provided to receive an associated one of the trunnions 284. Each
trunnion 284 is illustrated as being coupled to a portion of the
frame 270 that may be deflected laterally inward (i.e., toward the
centerline of the rear deflector 154) so that the trunnions 270 may
be installed to their respective recess 284 when the housing shells
150a and 150b are coupled to one another. With the trunnions 284
engaged to recesses 288, the rear deflector 154 may be pivoted
between a closed position (illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6), wherein
the rear surface of the rear deflector 154 covers the outlet port
240, and an open position (illustrated in FIG. 11), wherein the
rear deflector 154 substantially clears the outlet port 240.
[0070] The clip structures 286 are configured to resiliently
deflect in response to the application of a modest force to the
rear deflector 154 to permit the rear deflector 154 to be secured
to or released from the rear wall 194 when the rear deflector 154
is moved into or out of the closed position. As will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art, engagement of the clip
structures 286 to the rear wall 194 effectively maintains the rear
deflector 154 in the closed position. Those skilled in the art will
also appreciate that features such as recesses or tabs 194a may be
formed into the rear wall 194 of the housing 32 to serve as points
that enhance or improve the ability of the clip structures 286 to
engage the rear wall 194.
[0071] Returning to FIGS. 9 and 10 of the example provided, the top
of the frame 270 of the rear deflector 154 is illustrated as being
arcuately shaped to define a finger grip 290 that is configured to
receive the thumb or finger of the user of the vacuum 10a so that
the thumb or finger may be employed to move the rear deflector 154
out of the closed position. The finger grip 290 preferably includes
a gripping feature, such as a raised lip 292, that permits the user
to pry downwardly and outwardly on the rear deflector 154 with
their thumb or finger to thereby disengage the clip structures 286
from the rear wall 194.
[0072] As noted above, the housing shell 150a differs somewhat from
the housing shell 150b. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7, 12
and 13, the housing shell 150a includes a indicator recess 300 that
is configured to receive the filter indicator 36 (FIG. 2). The
indicator recess 300 includes a flow aperture 302 that is located
between the front wall 188 and the forward most first fan rib 200
and which extends through the housing shell 150a to form a flow
path between the indicator recess 300 and the portion of the
central cavity 196 forward of the first fan ribs 200.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 14, the filter system 34 is illustrated to
include an intake filter 310 and the above-discussed optional
exhaust filter 280. The intake filter 310 includes a prefilter 312
and a primary filter 314. The prefilter 312 includes a filter
flange 320, a filter housing 322 and a securing means 324 for
releasably securing the prefilter 312 to the housing 32. The filter
flange 320 extends outwardly from the filter housing 322 and is
configured to sealingly engage the interior of the dirt cup
assembly 12. Furthermore, the filter flange 320 abuts or is spaced
just rearwardly of the prefilter locating tabs 58 in the vacuum to
thereby limit forward movement of the prefilter 312 in the dirt cup
assembly 12. The filter flange 320 is illustrated as being
unitarily formed with the remainder of the prefilter 312 from a
material that is structural yet somewhat flexible, such as
polyethylene or polypropylene. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate, however, that the filter flange 320 could alternatively
include a resilient band of material (not shown) that is coupled to
the remainder of the filter flange 320, via a mechanical
connection, adhesives or overmolding.
[0074] The filter housing 322 is illustrated as being
container-like in shape, having a front wall 330 and a pair of side
walls 332 that have a plurality of filtering apertures 334 formed
therethrough. The filtering apertures 334 are sized to coarsely
filter dirt and debris from the air flowing into the primary filter
314. In the example provided, the filtering apertures 334 are about
0.020 inch (0.5 mm) to about 0.040 inch (1.0 mm) in diameter.
[0075] In the particular embodiment provided, the securing means
324 is illustrated to include a pair of latch members 340a and
340b, each having a leg portion 342, which extends rearwardly from
the filter flange 320, and a base portion 344 that is coupled to
the leg portion 342 and extends generally perpendicularly away from
the leg portion 342 in a direction outwardly from the filter
housing 322. Each of the latch members 340a and 340b is configured
to engage an associated engagement recess 350a and 350b,
respectively, formed onto the front face of the front wall 188 of
the housing 32. More specifically, the latch member 340a is
initially positioned such that its base portion 344 engages the
engagement recess 350a, the prefilter 312 is then rotated toward
the front wall 188 of the housing 32 while the user of the vacuum
exerts downward force on the leg portion 342 of the latch member
340b to both maintain the base portion 344 of the latch member 340a
in the engagement recess 350a and deflect the base portion 344 of
the latch member 340b in a downward direction so that the base
portion 344 of the latch member 340b may be positioned directly
below the engagement recess 350b. Thereafter, the latch member 340b
is released to permit the base portion 344 of the latch member 340b
to rebound upwardly and engage the engagement recess 350b to
thereby releasably secure the prefilter 312 to the housing 32.
[0076] In the particular example provided, the primary filter 314
includes a perimeter flange 356 and a filter element 358, which is
shown as a pleated paper filter element. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate, however, that various other filtering media may be
used and as such, the particular example provided is not intended
to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. The perimeter
flange 356 is configured to sealingly engage the filter housing 322
as well as the front face of the front wall 188 when the prefilter
312 is secured to the housing 32. In the particular embodiment
provided, the perimeter flange 356 terminates at its outer edge in
a generally S-shaped form that permits it to sealingly engage both
the side and rear faces 360 and 362, respectively, of the filter
housing 322, as well as the front face of the front wall 188 of the
housing 32. The inward portion of the perimeter flange 356 serves
as an open-ended container into which the filter element 358 is
disposed and coupled. The perimeter flange 356 thus forms a seal
about the outer perimeter of the filter element 358 and operably
limits forward movement of the filter element 358 toward the front
wall 330 of the filter housing 322 as well as rearward movement of
the filter element 358 toward the front wall 188 of the housing 32.
The lattice structure 232 further supports the primary filter 314
to prevent excessive deflection or collapse of the primary filter
314 during the operation of the vacuum.
[0077] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 15 through 17, the filter
indicator 36 is generally similar to that which is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,416,033 entitled "Full Bag Indicator", the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully
set forth herein. Accordingly, a detailed discussion of the filter
indicator 36 need not be provided herein. Briefly, the filter
indicator 36 is illustrated to include an indicator housing 370, an
indicator piston 372, an indicator piston biasing means 374, an
indicator gasket 376 and an indicator attachment means 378. The
indicator housing 370 defines a flange 380, which extends around
the perimeter of the indicator housing 370, a chamber 382, which
has an inlet 384 and an outlet 386, and a viewing window 388 that
permits the user of the vacuum 10a to view a portion of the chamber
382. The indicator piston 372 is slidably disposed in the chamber
382 and biased toward the inlet 384 by the indicator piston biasing
means 374, which is illustrated in the particular embodiment
provided to be a conventional compression spring. The indicator
gasket 376 is abutted against the flange 380 and is preferably
formed from a resilient material that may be coated on one or both
sides with an adhesive material.
[0078] In the example provided, the indicator attachment means 378
includes a pair of conventional bayonets 390 that are integrally
formed with a portion of the indicator housing 370. Each of the
bayonets 390 includes a leg portion 392, which is fixedly coupled
to the indicator housing 370, and an engagement portion 394, which
is fixedly coupled to the distal end of the leg portion 392. With
additional reference to FIG. 12, the bayonets 390 are sized to fit
through corresponding mounting apertures 396 formed through the
housing shell 150a (the mounting apertures 396 are illustrated as
being formed in the indicator recess 300 in the embodiment
provided). More specifically, contact between each engagement
portion 394 and the housing shell 150a in an area proximate the
corresponding mounting aperture 396 operably deflects the leg
portion 392 in a first direction to permit the bayonet 390 to be
fitted through the housing shell 150a. Once the engagement portion
394 has cleared the inner side of the housing shell 150a, the leg
portion 392 moves in a second direction opposite the first
direction so that a ledge 398 of the engagement portion 394 engages
the inside of the housing shell 150a to thereby inhibit the removal
of the filter indicator 36 from the housing shell 150a. With the
filter indicator 36 thus attached to the housing shell 150a, the
indicator gasket 376 operably seals the joint or interface between
the flange of the indicator housing 370 and the housing shell
150a.
[0079] With reference to FIGS. 6, 13 and 16, when the vacuum 10a is
operated, the fan assembly 72 expels air from the fan housing 92
which creates a negative pressure differential relative to
atmospheric conditions. The negative pressure differential is
communicated through the flow aperture 302 in the indicator housing
370 to the indicator piston 372.
[0080] As the pressure of the air in the portion of the central
cavity 196 forward of the first fan ribs 200 is relatively lower
than atmospheric conditions, atmospheric pressure forces air
through the intake filter 310 as well as applies a force to the
indicator piston 372 through the inlet 384 of the indicator housing
370. When the intake filter 310 is relatively clean, the negative
pressure differential is less than a predetermined threshold and
the application of atmospheric pressure on the indicator piston 372
does not cause the indicator piston 372 to slide within the
indicator housing 370 into the viewing window 388 beyond a
predetermined threshold point. As the intake filter 310 becomes
dirty or clogged, however, the flow of air through the intake
filter 310 becomes increasingly restricted (relative to a clean
filter) so that the negative pressure differential increases in
magnitude. At a predetermined point when the intake filter 310 has
become sufficiently clogged as illustrated in FIG. 18, the negative
pressure differential is sufficiently large in magnitude so that
the application of atmospheric pressure on the indicator piston 372
causes the indicator piston to slide within the indicator housing
370 into the viewing window 388 beyond the predetermined threshold
point to thereby provide the user of the vacuum 10a with a visual
indication or alarm that the intake filter 310 has become
sufficiently clogged and/or dirty as to require cleaning. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that a porous material (not
shown), such as felt, may additionally be placed between the inlet
384 of the indicator housing 370 and the indicator piston 372 to
prevent dirt and debris from entering the indicator housing 370 and
accumulating thereon or on the indicator piston 372 in a manner
that would effect the operation of the filter indicator 36.
[0081] Although the filter indicator 36 has been illustrated and
described as being completely mechanical and providing only a
visual alarm, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
filter indicator 36 may be constructed somewhat differently. For
example, various well known devices, such as pressure transducers,
may be employed to determine when the pressure of the air between
the intake filter 310 and the fan assembly 72 decreases to a
predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the filter indicator 36 may
be configured so as to additionally or alternatively provide an
audible alarm when the pressure of the air between the intake
filter 310 and the fan assembly 72 decreases to a predetermined
threshold to thereby alert the user of the vacuum 10a that the
intake filter 310 should be cleaned and/or replaced. Lastly, those
of even basic skill in the art will appreciate that the filter
indicator 36 may alternatively be constructed to function based on
the absolute pressure of the air between the intake filter 310 and
the fan assembly 72, rather than on the aforementioned pressure
differential with the atmosphere.
[0082] Returning to FIG. 1, the set of accessories 10b is
illustrated to include a variety of tools, some of which are
conventional in their construction and use, and others which are
novel. The conventional tools, which include a set of extension
tubes 400, a flexible hose 402 and a floor sweeper head 404, are
generally well known in the art and as such, a detailed discussion
of their construction and use need not be provided herein. The
conventional tools also include a crevice tool 406 and a brush tool
408 of the type that are well known in the art but which have a
rigid semi-circular stem portion 410 that is configured to
frictionally engage the inner surface of the inlet port 54 in the
dirt cup assembly 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 19, 19A and 19B.
[0083] Returning to FIG. 1, the extension tubes 400 and floor
sweeper head 404 utilize a hollow, gently tapered female connector
414 (that is sized, for example, to receive in a conventional
friction-fit manner the tapered male connector end 416 of one of
the extension tubes 400 or the flexible hose 402). As the inlet
port 54 in the dirt cup assembly 12 is generally semi-circular in
shape, an inlet port adapter tool 420 is provided. The inlet port
adapter tool 420 is formed from a rigid plastic material and
includes a first, male end 422 that is sized to engage the inner
surface of the inlet port 54 in a friction fit manner, and a
second, female end 424 that is sized to engage the male end of the
extension tubes 400 or the flexible hose 402 as illustrated in
FIGS. 19C and 19D.
[0084] As the stem portion 410 of the crevice tool 406 is generally
semi-circular in shape, a tool adapter 430 is provided having a
first end that defines a first female connector 432, which is
configured to engage the tapered male connector end 416 of the
extension tubes 400 and the flexible hose 402 in a friction fit
manner, and a second female connector 434, which is configured to
engage the rigid semi-circular stem portion 410 of the crevice tool
406 as further illustrated in FIG. 19E. While the brush tool 408
may also be coupled to the tool adapter 430 as illustrated in FIG.
19F, we have found that the connection of the brush tool 408, the
tool adapter 430 and the flexible hose 402 to one another is
relatively uncomfortable to employ.
[0085] Accordingly, we have invented an adapter 450 for flexibly
coupling the brush tool 408 to the flexible hose 402 as illustrated
in FIG. 19G. With specific reference to FIGS. 20 through 22, the
adapter 450 is unitarily formed from a resilient material such as
polyethylene, and includes a first coupling portion 452, a second
coupling portion 454 and a deflectable portion 456. The first
coupling portion 452 is tubular in shape, with an inner tapered
wall 460 that is configured to sealingly engage the tapered male
connector end 416 (FIG. 1) of an extension tube 400 or the flexible
hose 402 via a friction fit.
[0086] The second coupling portion 454 includes a semi-circular
opening 464, which is sized to receive and sealingly engage the
stem portion 410 of the brush tool 408 (FIG. 1) via a friction fit,
an outer sealing ridge 466, which extends around the outer
perimeter of the second coupling portion 454, and an inner sealing
ridge 468, which extends around the inner perimeter of the second
coupling portion 454. The outer sealing ridge 466 includes a
generally vertical abutting wall 476, a rearwardly tapering wall
478 and a rounded crest 480 that couples the abutting wall 476 to
the tapering wall 478. The outer sealing ridge 466 will be
discussed in further detail, below.
[0087] The inner sealing ridge 468 is formed with a rounded profile
that permits the second coupling portion 454 to engage the stem
portion 410 (FIG. 1) of the brush tool 408 in a line-to-line manner
around the perimeter of the stem portion 410 for improved sealing
and easier insertion of the stem portion 410 to the second coupling
portion 454.
[0088] The deflectable portion 456 interconnects the first and
second coupling portions 452 and 454 and includes a plurality of
convolutions 490 and a pair of optional detents 470, which are
located between the outer sealing ridge 466 and the convolutions
490. The convolutions 490 permit the first and second coupling
portions 452 and 454 to be deformed or flexed relative to one
another in a predictable manner. The characteristics of the
material from which the adapter 450 is formed and the geometry of
the convolutions 490 (including wall thicknesses) provide the
deflectable portion 456 with a degree of rigidity so that it does
not deflect excessively under normal use but which permits the
deflectable portion 456 to bend and yield (as required) in the
event that stress levels beyond a predetermined threshold are
applied to the first and second coupling portions 452 and 454. As
those skilled in the art will appreciate, the deflectable portion
456 may bend or flex such that the convolutions 490 flex or bend
about the longitudinal axis of the adapter 450 and/or contract
along the longitudinal axis of the adapter 450. Preferably, the
material characteristics and the geometry of the convolutions 490
permit the deflectable portion 456 to return to (or close to) its
original shape and configuration once such stress levels are
removed. The convolutions have been designed both in number and
ratio of large to small diameter, along with wall thickness, to
allow for no permanent deformation during normal use with extension
tubes including some side force from pushing against a typical
household object such as furniture. The characteristic of permanent
deformation/bending in the area of convolutions may be a level that
is below the force required to break the housings if the unit were
dropped or the vacuum with adaptor and extension tubes were used to
excessively push or pry an object, with a safety factor considered.
The detents 470 are located on the opposite lateral sides of the
second coupling portion 454 and are configured to be engaged by the
thumb and index finger of the user of the vacuum 10a.
[0089] The adapter 450 is additionally useful when it is desired to
employ the exhaust of the vacuum 10a for tasks such as blowing or
inflating as is illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24. In this mode, the
rear deflector 154 is positioned in the open position to expose the
outlet port 240. The second coupling portion 454 is then inserted
into the outlet port 240 such that the vertical abutting wall 476
abuts the rear wall 194 of the housing 32. Frictional engagement
between the second coupling portion 454, the outlet port 240 and
the gusset 242 is sufficient to maintain the adapter 450 engaged to
the vacuum 10a in most conditions, even where relatively heavy
components, such as the extension tubes 400 and a blower diffuser
tool 494, are collectively coupled to one another as illustrated in
FIG. 23.
[0090] The adapter's 450 capability of being deformed
advantageously guards against damage to the vacuum 10a should the
user drop or impact the vacuum 10a. For example, if the vacuum 10a
were to be used in the blower mode and dropped so that the rear
deflector 154 pivoted toward the closed position and impacted the
adapter 450 as illustrated in FIG. 25, the adapter 450 is capable
of deflecting to thereby prevent damage to (or at least reduce the
extent of such damage) to the rear deflector 154 and the housing
shells 150a and 150b.
[0091] As noted above, the vacuum 10a may also be used in the
blower mode to inflate inflatable articles. To aid in this task,
the accessory set 10b further includes a set of inflator nozzles
500 having nozzles 502a, 502b and 502c as illustrated in FIGS. 1,
26 and 27. The nozzles 502a, 502b and 502c are illustrated as being
generally identical to one another except for the relative size
(e.g., outer diameter) of their outlet 504. As such, a description
of nozzle 502a will suffice for all three.
[0092] In FIGS. 27 and 28, the nozzle 502a is illustrated as being
unitarily formed from a plastic material such as polypropylene. In
addition to the outlet 504, the nozzle 502a includes a tapered
female coupling portion 510 and a hollow body portion 512. The
tapered female coupling portion 510 is generally similar to the
tapered female connector 414 of the extension tubes 400, except for
the inclusion of a coupling prong 518, an uncoupling tab 520 and a
key 522. The coupling prong 518 is a protrusion that extends
inwardly from the interior surface of the tapered female coupling
portion 510 and which is configured to engage a hole or a
depression 524 that is formed on the exterior of the tapered male
connector end 416 of the flexible hose 402. In the particular
embodiment provided, the depression 524 is integrally formed with
the remainder of the tapered male connector end 416, as is a first
alignment feature 526, which is illustrated to be an arrow in the
particular embodiment provided. Furthermore, a keyway 527 is formed
into the tapered male connector end 416 of the flexible hose 402
which is sized to receive the key 522. In the particular example
provided, the key 522 is a flat beam-like protrusion and the keyway
527 is a slot that is formed in the tapered male connector end
416.
[0093] The uncoupling tab 520 is a flap-like member that extends
rearwardly from the remainder of the tapered female coupling
portion 510 and is coupled to the remainder of the tapered female
coupling portion 510 via a pair of living hinges 520a. The
uncoupling tab 520 is configured to be gripped between the thumb
and index finger of the user of the vacuum 10a when the inflator
nozzle 502a is to be uncoupled from the flexible hose 402. One or
more link members 520b may be employed to couple an end of the
uncoupling tab 520 to the tapered female coupling portion 510. The
link members 520b, which may be arcuately shaped, may be configured
to limit an amount by which the uncoupling tab 520 is pivoted about
the living hinges 520a. A second alignment feature 528, which is
illustrated to be an arrow in the particular embodiment provided,
is integrally formed with the uncoupling tab 520.
[0094] In the particular embodiment illustrated, the body portion
512 tapers gently between a first end, which is coupled to the
tapered female coupling portion 510, and a second end, which is
coupled to the outlet 504. The body portion 512 includes a relief
aperture 530 that extends completely through the body portion 512.
The outlet 504 is illustrated as being a gently tapered hollow
frustum with a tip portion 534 that is sized to be received into
the valve or orifice of an inflatable object.
[0095] To install the nozzle 502a to the flexible hose 402, the
tapered male connector end 416 of the flexible hose 402 is
initially inserted (but not fully inserted) into the tapered female
coupling portion 510 of the nozzle 502a. The nozzle 502a and the
tapered male connector end 416 are rotated relative to one another
as necessary to align the key 522 and the keyway 527 and the
tapered male connector end 416 is thereafter fully inserted into
the tapered female coupling portion 510 of the nozzle 502a.
Alignment of the first and second alignment features 526 and 528 to
one another ensures that the coupling prong 518 will extend into
the depression 524 on the tapered male connector end 416 to thereby
inhibit the nozzle 502a from disengaging the flexible hose 402
during the operation of the vacuum 10a.
[0096] Exhaust from the vacuum 10a is ordinarily able to exit both
the relief aperture 530 and the outlet 504 of the nozzle 502a. The
relief aperture 530 is preferably larger in size than the outlet
504 of the nozzle 502a to permit the user to better control the
rate with which an object may be inflated as will be described in
greater detail, below. In the particular example provided, the
relief aperture 530 is generally triangular in shape, having an
area of approximately 0.09 square inch while the size of the outlet
504 is about 0.27 inch in diameter and having an area of about
0.057 square inch. With the tip portion 534 of the outlet 504
inserted into the valve, the user may selectively close of all or a
portion of the relief aperture 530 with their thumb 550 or index
finger to control the rate with which an object is inflated as
illustrated in FIG. 29. Furthermore, once an object has been
inflated, the user can release their thumb 550 or index finger from
the relief aperture 530 so that the exhaust of the vacuum is
discharged wholly or at least in substantial part from the relief
aperture 530 to thereby guard against over-inflation of the
inflatable object.
[0097] To remove the nozzle 502a from the flexible hose 402, the
uncoupling tab 520 is lifted as shown in FIG. 30 to disengage the
coupling prong 518 from the depression 524 and thereafter the
nozzle 502a is slidingly removed from the tapered male connector
end 416 of the flexible hose 402. From the foregoing, those skilled
in the art will readily appreciate that the coupling prong 518 may
alternatively be formed on or otherwise attached to the tapered
male connector end 416 of the flexible hose 402 and that the
depression 524 may be formed or otherwise into the nozzle 502a.
[0098] With reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, the housing 32 is
illustrated to include a tool storage cavity 600 for storing the
brush tool 408 and the crevice tool 406. The cavity 600 includes a
brush tool aperture 602, a crevice tool aperture 604, a plurality
of engagement ribs 606 and a pair of securing legs 608. The brush
tool aperture 602 is formed into the arcuately shaped bottom wall
192 and sized to receive the brush tool 408. The engagement ribs
606 are disposed within the brush tool aperture 602 and extend
generally outwardly therefrom. The engagement ribs 606 are
configured to engage the sides of the stem portion 410 of the brush
tool 408 in a snap-fit manner to thereby releasably secure the
brush tool 408 within the brush tool aperture 602.
[0099] The crevice tool aperture 604 is sized to receive the
crevice tool 406, while the securing legs 608 are sized to engage
the outer perimeter of the stem portion 410 of the crevice tool
406. In this regard, the securing legs 608 essentially mimic a
portion of the inlet port 54 (FIG. 19) so that the stem portion 410
of the crevice tool 406 frictionally engages the securing legs 608
when the crevice tool 406 is inserted therebetween. Additionally,
the nose 406a of the crevice tool 406 is sized to engage the
interior of the stem portion 410 of the brush tool 408 when the
brush tool 408 is secured in the brush tool aperture 602.
Engagement of the crevice tool 406 to the brush tool 408 further
resists undesired uncoupling of these tools from the housing
32.
[0100] With the crevice tool 406 and the brush tool 408 stored in
the housing 32, the housing 32 may be overturned and rested on the
bottom wall 192. As the bottom wall 192 is arcuately shaped, the
brush tool 408 and the crevice tool 406 are positioned so as not to
affect the point at which the vacuum 10a contacts a flat surface,
such as a floor. In this regard, the vacuum 10a is configured so
that the securing legs 608 and the portion of the bottom wall 192
forwardly of the tool storage cavity 600 support the vacuum 10a.
Additionally, the design of the rear surface of the vacuum includes
offset projections that allow it to rested on the rear surface with
three points touching for stability while the cord is wrapped
around the main housing body and secured with the cord retaining
clip molded into the plug end of the cord.
[0101] While the invention has been described in the specification
and illustrated in the drawings with reference to various
embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for
elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention
as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of
features, elements and/or functions between various embodiments is
expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the
art would appreciate from this disclosure that features, elements
and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another
embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise, above.
Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the invention without
departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is
intended that the invention not be limited to the particular
embodiment illustrated by the drawings and described in the
specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying
out this invention, but that the invention will include any
embodiments falling within the foregoing description and the
appended claims.
* * * * *