U.S. patent application number 11/876757 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-23 for surface-cleaning apparatus with height adjustable base.
Invention is credited to Yuen Chi Frankie Lam.
Application Number | 20080256743 11/876757 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39324187 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080256743 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lam; Yuen Chi Frankie |
October 23, 2008 |
Surface-Cleaning Apparatus with Height Adjustable Base
Abstract
A surface cleaning apparatus for cleaning debris is presented.
The apparatus includes a housing having a battery, a DC motor and a
switch. A belt attaches to the floor brush and DC motor for
rotating the floor brush. Front wheels are positioned forward of
the floor brush. A height adjustable rear wheel is positioned
centrally at a rear of the apparatus. The rear wheel has a first
height for operating the apparatus on a hard surface such that the
debris is brushed from the surface and friction between the floor
brush and the surface is minimized and a second height for
operating the apparatus on a soft surface such that the debris is
brushed from the surface and friction between the floor brush, the
housing and the surface is minimized thus reducing electricity
consumption and providing a smooth movement of the apparatus over
the surface.
Inventors: |
Lam; Yuen Chi Frankie;
(Kennedy Town, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAY AREA INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP, LLC
PO BOX 210459
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94121-0459
US
|
Family ID: |
39324187 |
Appl. No.: |
11/876757 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60862761 |
Oct 24, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/329 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/32 20130101;
A47L 11/4005 20130101; A47L 11/4041 20130101; A47L 11/4013
20130101; A47L 11/4025 20130101; A47L 9/0494 20130101; A47L 11/4069
20130101; A47L 11/4075 20130101; A47L 11/4072 20130101; A47L
11/4058 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/329 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/00 20060101
A47L005/00 |
Claims
1. A surface cleaning apparatus for cleaning debris from the
surface, the apparatus comprising: a housing comprising: an upper
body comprising a battery, a DC motor for operating a part of the
apparatus, and a switch for connecting said battery to said DC
motor; a forward compartment comprising a floor brush, a belt
attachable to said floor brush and DC motor for rotating said floor
brush when said DC motor is activated and front wheels positioned
forward of said floor brush for rolling on the surface; and a lower
body comprising a dust tray for collecting the debris brushed by
said floor brush and a height adjustable rear wheel positioned
centrally at a rear of said lower body, said rear wheel comprising
a first height for operating the apparatus on a hard surface where
said lower body and said floor bush are at a first distance from
the surface such that the debris is brushed from the surface and
friction between said floor brush and the surface is minimized thus
reducing scratching of the surface and electricity consumption of
the apparatus and said rear wheel comprising a second height for
operating the apparatus on a soft surface where said lower body and
said floor bush are at a second distance from the surface such that
the debris is brushed from the surface and friction between said
floor brush, said housing and the surface is minimized thus
reducing electricity consumption of the apparatus and avoiding the
surface from blocking movement of the apparatus over the surface to
provide smooth movement of the apparatus over the surface; and a
lower handle for moving the apparatus over the surface.
2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a wheel
holder for holding said rear wheel, said wheel holder comprising a
post with a spring disposed thereon, said spring providing a
suspension function for flexible movement at different
positions.
3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a wheel
adjust button for alternatively selecting said first and second
heights.
4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said rear wheel
further comprises a plurality of heights between said first and
second height.
5. The apparatus as recited in claim 4, further comprising a turn
wheel to select a one of said plurality of heights for optimizing
debris removal, minimizing electricity consumption and providing
smooth movement of the apparatus over the surface.
6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising an
extension attachable to said lower handle and an upper handle
attachable to said extension for moving the apparatus over the
surface by said upper handle.
7. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising means
for charging said battery.
8. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said forward
compartment further comprises a light positioned forward of said
forward compartment and operable by said switch to illuminate an
area of the surface in front of the apparatus.
9. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
release button for releasing said dust pan from said lower bottom
for emptying debris from said dust pan.
10. A surface cleaning apparatus for cleaning debris from the
surface, the apparatus comprising: means for housing the apparatus;
mean for operating a part of the apparatus for cleaning debris;
means for brushing the debris from the surface; means for
collecting the brushed debris; means for adjusting the height of a
rear wheel, where, at a first height for operating the apparatus
said housing means and said brushing means are at a first distance
from the surface such that the debris is brushed from the surface
and friction between said brushing means and the surface is
minimized thus reducing scratching of the surface and electricity
consumption of the apparatus and, where, at a second height for
operating the apparatus, said housing means and said brushing means
are at a second distance from the surface such that the debris is
brushed from the surface and friction between said brushing means,
said housing means and the surface is minimized thus reducing
electricity consumption of the apparatus and avoiding the surface
from blocking movement of the apparatus over the surface to provide
smooth movement of the apparatus over the surface; and means for
moving the apparatus over the surface.
11. The apparatus as recited in claim 10, further comprising means
for a suspension function for flexible movement at different
positions.
12. The apparatus as recited in claim 10, further comprising means
for providing a plurality heights between said first and second
height for optimizing debris removal, minimizing electricity
consumption and providing smooth movement of the apparatus over the
surface.
13. An apparatus for adjusting the height of a surface cleaning
apparatus for cleaning debris from the surface, the apparatus
comprising: a wheel assembly comprising a wheel and an axle, said
wheel configured for rolling on a hard surface and a soft surface;
a wheel holder for retaining said wheel assembly such that said
wheel and axle may freely rotate about an axis of said axle; an
adjustment platform for containing at least a portion of said wheel
holder such that said wheel holder may move vertically with respect
to said adjustment platform, said adjustment platform configured to
be positioned centrally at a rear portion of the surface cleaning
apparatus where said wheel extends below a bottom of the surface
cleaning apparatus; and means for adjusting the vertical position
of said wheel holder relative to said adjustment platform such that
the height of the surface cleaning apparatus relative to the
surface may be adjusted for said hard and soft surfaces, whereby
the surface cleaning apparatus may be optimized for debris removal
and smooth movement of the surface cleaning apparatus over the
surface.
14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, further comprising means
for a suspension function for flexible movement at different
positions.
15. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said adjusting
means comprises a first height for operating the surface cleaning
apparatus on said hard surface and a second height for operating
the surface cleaning apparatus on said soft surface.
16. The apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said adjusting
means further comprises teeth and grooves means for providing said
first and second heights.
17. The apparatus as recited in claim 15, further comprising a
wheel adjust button for alternatively selecting said first and
second heights.
18. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said adjusting
means comprises a plurality heights for optimizing debris removal
and providing smooth movement of the apparatus over the
surface.
19. The apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein said adjusting
means further comprises a screw means for providing said plurality
of heights.
20. The apparatus as recited in claim 18, further comprising a turn
wheel for selecting a one of said plurality of heights.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present Utility patent application claims priority
benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No.
60/862,761 filed on Oct. 24, 2006 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The
contents of this related provisional application are incorporated
herein by reference for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to surface cleaning
apparatuses. More particularly, the invention relates to a surface
cleaning apparatus, for example, without limitation, for a floor or
upholstery, incorporating an elongate rotating brush arrangement
and an electric motor or mechanical system for rotating the
brush.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses with rotating
brushes and electric motors or mechanical systems for rotating the
brush do not enable efficient usage on different surfaces. Types of
applicable surfaces are hard surfaces and soft surfaces. For
example, without limitation, wood floors and carpeted floors
clearly illustrate the existing problem. Different textures of
surfaces to be cleaned affect the performance of the cleaning
apparatus as the hardness or softness of the surface affects the
distance between the body of the cleaning apparatus and the surface
to be cleaned. For example, without limitation, the wheels of the
cleaning apparatus sink down into a carpeted floor but not into a
wood floor.
[0004] The distance between the bristles of the floor brush and the
surface to be cleaned is critical for cleaning effectiveness and
operating efficiency. A gap between the bristle ends and the
surface to be cleaned enables debris such as, but not limited to,
dust, dirt and crumbs, to be missed. If the bristle ends are too
close to the surface to be cleaned, the bristles may harshly
scratch the surface, and the electricity consumption of the
apparatus will significantly increase. Also, the distance between a
blocking bar and the surface to be cleaned affects the cleaning
effectiveness and the smooth operation of the apparatus. The
blocking bar is attached to the underside of the cleaning apparatus
to prevent missed rubbish from going underneath the cleaning
apparatus and remaining on the surface after the cleaning apparatus
has passed. A gap between the blocking bar and the surface to be
cleaned allows rubbish to go underneath the apparatus and be left
after the cleaning apparatus passes. However, if the blocking bar
is too close to the surface to be cleaned, the friction between the
blocking bar and the surface may make it difficult to move the
cleaning apparatus across the surface. Sometimes, rubbish is left
behind due to a jumping action of the cleaning apparatus caused by
too much fiction. Existing surface cleaning apparatuses often
sacrifice smooth operation for cleaning effectiveness or vice versa
in these situations.
[0005] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a surface
cleaning apparatus that can be applied on different surfaces for
effective cleaning, efficient operation, and smooth operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary surface cleaning
apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view, partly in section of the
surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with a cross-sectional
view of an exemplary back wheel adjusting system, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate an exemplary surface cleaning
apparatus being used on different types of floors, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows the
cleaning apparatus on a hard floor such as, but not limited to,
hardwood, and FIG. 2B shows the cleaning apparatus on a softer
floor such as, but not limited to carpeting;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the surface cleaning
apparatus of FIG. 1 with an extension handle, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the surface cleaning
apparatus shown by way of example in FIG. 1 with part of the
housing removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a back view of the surface cleaning apparatus of
FIG. 1 with the lower body detached, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an exemplary back wheel
adjustment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate an exploded view and a
cross-sectional view, respectively, of an exemplary system for the
height adjustment of the back wheel with suspension function, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrate an exploded view and a
cross-sectional view, respectively, of an exemplary system for the
height adjustment of the back wheel of a surface cleaning apparatus
with suspension function, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary system
for the height adjustment of a back wheel of a surface cleaning
apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are
not necessarily drawn to scale.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance
with the purpose of the invention, surface cleaning apparatus with
height adjustable base is presented.
[0019] In one embodiment, a surface cleaning apparatus for cleaning
debris from the surface is presented. The apparatus includes a
housing including an upper body having a battery, a DC motor for
operating a part of the apparatus, and a switch for connecting the
battery to the DC motor. A forward compartment includes a floor
brush, a belt attachable to the floor brush and DC motor for
rotating the floor brush when the DC motor is activated and front
wheels positioned forward of the floor brush for rolling on the
surface. A lower body includes a dust tray for collecting the
debris brushed by the floor brush and a height adjustable rear
wheel positioned centrally at a rear of the lower body. The rear
wheel includes a first height for operating the apparatus on a hard
surface where the lower body and the floor bush are at a first
distance from the surface such that the debris is brushed from the
surface and friction between the floor brush and the surface is
minimized thus reducing scratching of the surface and electricity
consumption of the apparatus. The rear wheel includes a second
height for operating the apparatus on a soft surface where the
lower body and the floor bush are at a second distance from the
surface such that the debris is brushed from the surface and
friction between the floor brush, the housing and the surface is
minimized thus reducing electricity consumption of the apparatus
and avoiding the surface from blocking movement of the apparatus
over the surface to provide smooth movement of the apparatus over
the surface. A lower handle is included for moving the apparatus
over the surface. In another embodiment, the apparatus further
includes a wheel holder for holding the rear wheel. The wheel
holder includes a post with a spring disposed thereon. The spring
provides a suspension function for flexible movement at different
positions. In a further embodiment, the apparatus further includes
a wheel adjust button for alternatively selecting the first and
second heights. In yet other embodiments, the rear wheel further
includes a plurality of heights between the first and second height
and a turn wheel selects a one of the plurality of heights for
optimizing debris removal, minimizing electricity consumption and
providing smooth movement of the apparatus over the surface. In
still another embodiment, the apparatus further includes an
extension attachable to the lower handle and an upper handle
attachable to the extension for moving the apparatus over the
surface by the upper handle. Other embodiments further include
means for charging the battery, a light positioned forward of the
forward compartment and operable by the switch to illuminate an
area of the surface in front of the apparatus and a release button
for releasing the dust pan from the lower bottom for emptying
debris from the dust pan.
[0020] In another embodiment, a surface cleaning apparatus for
cleaning debris from the surface is presented. The apparatus
includes means for housing the apparatus, mean for operating a part
of the apparatus for cleaning debris, means for brushing the debris
from the surface, means for collecting the brushed debris, means
for adjusting the height of a rear wheel, where, at a first height
for operating the apparatus the housing means and the brushing
means are at a first distance from the surface such that the debris
is brushed from the surface and friction between the brushing means
and the surface is minimized thus reducing scratching of the
surface and electricity consumption of the apparatus and, where, at
a second height for operating the apparatus, the housing means and
the brushing means are at a second distance from the surface such
that the debris is brushed from the surface and friction between
the brushing means, the housing means and the surface is minimized
thus reducing electricity consumption of the apparatus and avoiding
the surface from blocking movement of the apparatus over the
surface to provide smooth movement of the apparatus over the
surface and means for moving the apparatus over the surface. In
another embodiment the apparatus further includes means for a
suspension function for flexible movement at different positions.
In yet another embodiment the apparatus further includes means for
providing a plurality heights between the first and second height
for optimizing debris removal, minimizing electricity consumption
and providing smooth movement of the apparatus over the
surface.
[0021] In another embodiment, an apparatus for adjusting the height
of a surface cleaning apparatus for cleaning debris from the
surface is presented. The apparatus includes a wheel assembly
including a wheel and an axle, the wheel configured for rolling on
a hard surface and a soft surface. A wheel holder retains the wheel
assembly such that the wheel and axle may freely rotate about an
axis of the axle. An adjustment platform contains at least a
portion of the wheel holder such that the wheel holder may move
vertically with respect to the adjustment platform. The adjustment
platform is configured to be positioned centrally at a rear portion
of the surface cleaning apparatus where the wheel extends below a
bottom of the surface cleaning apparatus and means for adjusting
the vertical position of the wheel holder relative to the
adjustment platform such that the height of the surface cleaning
apparatus relative to the surface may be adjusted for the hard and
soft surfaces, whereby the surface cleaning apparatus may be
optimized for debris removal and smooth movement of the surface
cleaning apparatus over the surface. A further embodiment includes
means for a suspension function for flexible movement at different
positions. In other embodiments the adjusting means includes a
first height for operating the surface cleaning apparatus on the
hard surface and a second height for operating the surface cleaning
apparatus on the soft surface, the adjusting means further includes
teeth and grooves means for providing the first and second heights
and a wheel adjust button for alternatively selecting the first and
second heights. In still further embodiments the adjusting means
includes a plurality heights for optimizing debris removal and
providing smooth movement of the apparatus over the surface, the
adjusting means further includes a screw means for providing the
plurality of heights and the apparatus further includes a turn
wheel for selecting a one of the plurality of heights.
[0022] Other features, advantages, and object of the present
invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood
from the following detailed description, which should be read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The present invention is best understood by reference to the
detailed figures and the description set forth herein.
[0024] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with
reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with
respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the
invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example,
without limitation, it should be appreciated that those skilled in
the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention,
recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches,
depending on the needs of the particular application, to implement
the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the
particular implementation choices in the following embodiments
described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and
variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but
that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular
words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as
feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative
embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually
exclusive.
[0025] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary surface cleaning
apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
present embodiment comprises three major compartments; an upper
body 1, a forward compartment 2, and a lower body 3, shown by way
of example in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5. Lower body 3 includes, without
limitation, a dust tray. Upper body 1 carries a battery 5 that is
linked to a DC motor 4 through a main switch 8. The rotation of DC
motor 4 puts a floor brush 6 in motion via a belt 7. Floor brush 6
and belt 7 are located in forward compartment 2. The present
surface cleaning apparatus performs cleaning functions by the
rotation of floor brush 6, which picks up debris and throws the
debris into the dust tray located in lower body 3. To remove the
dust tray, the user pushes a dust tray release button 17 located on
upper body 1.
[0027] The present embodiment comprises two headlights 16, which
may be switched on by main switch 8 to provide the user better
visibility while cleaning. Battery 5 may also be linked to a
charger for power recharging through a DC jack 20 whenever needed.
The present embodiment also comprises an indicator light 9.
Indicator light 9 alerts the user when the battery is fully
charged.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view, partly in section of the
surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with a cross-sectional
view of an exemplary back wheel adjusting system, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present
embodiment, floor brush 6 rotates when DC motor 4 turns belt 7.
This causes bristles 19 of floor brush 6 to brush the floor and
gather debris. FIG. 2 also shows battery 5 and a lower handle 10.
Underneath dust tray release button 17, shown by way of example in
FIG. 1, is the back wheel adjusting system, which enables the
adjustment of the height of a back wheel 12 by pushing a back wheel
adjust button 18. In the present embodiment, font wheels 11 are
stationary. However in alternate embodiments, front wheels 11 may
also have means for height adjustment.
[0029] In the present embodiment, by adjusting the height of back
wheel 12, the distance between floor brush 6 and the floor and the
distance between the base of the surface cleaning apparatus and the
floor is adjusted. This height is adjustable to optimize the
cleaning effectiveness and efficiency of the surface cleaning
apparatus against different surfaces such as, but not limited to,
hard floor and carpeted floor.
[0030] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate an exemplary surface cleaning
apparatus being used on different types of floors, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows the
cleaning apparatus on a hard floor such as, but not limited to,
hardwood or tile, and FIG. 2B shows the cleaning apparatus on a
softer floor such as, but not limited to carpeting or a rug. The
wheels of the cleaning apparatus sink deeper into the floor when
the cleaning apparatus is being used on a soft floor or other types
of soft surfaces, such as, but not limited to, upholstered
furniture.
[0031] Back wheel 12 is preferably adjusted to the high position,
making the body of the surface cleaning apparatus further from the
ground, when the surface cleaning apparatus is used on carpeted
floor to ensure that there is enough distance between the base of
the cleaning apparatus and the floor to avoid the carpet from
blocking the movement of the cleaning apparatus to provide smooth
movement of the apparatus over the surface. Being in the high
position also optimizes the running time, as power is not wasted on
excessive rubbing of bristles 19 against the carpet. Back wheel 12
is preferably adjusted to the low position, making the body of the
surface cleaning apparatus closer to the ground, when the cleaning
apparatus is used on a hard floor to ensure that the distance
between the base of the cleaning apparatus and the floor is not too
large to cause floor brush 6 to miss the debris. The debris is
brushed from the surface and friction between the floor brush and
the surface is minimized thus reducing scratching of the surface
and electricity consumption of the apparatus.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the surface cleaning
apparatus of FIG. 1 with an extension handle, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment,
lower handle 10 is coupled to an extension pole 15, and extension
pole 15 is coupled to an upper handle 14. The movement of the
cleaning apparatus by the user is handled by holding upper handle
14 for comparatively distanced applications such as, but not
limited to, cleaning a floor, or by holding lower handle 10 for
comparatively close applications such as, but not limited to,
cleaning stairs, furniture, or a vehicle interior. The height of
upper handle 14 can be adjusted by extending or retracting
extension pole 15. Upper handle 14 and extension pole 15 may be
removed from lower handle 10 when the user desires to control the
surface cleaning apparatus by lower handle 10. Also shown in FIG. 3
are upper body 1, forward compartment 2, lower compartment 3, front
wheels 11, back wheel 12, and back wheel adjustment button 18. In
an alternate embodiment upper handle 14 and extension pole 15 may
not be removable, and in another alternate embodiment, a pole of
fixed length may be provided instead of extendable pole 15.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the surface cleaning
apparatus shown by way of example in FIG. 1 with part of the
housing removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The present figure illustrates an exemplary placement of
the following elements: DC motor 4, battery 5, floor brush 6, belt
7, main switch 8, and DC jack 20. In the present embodiment the
surface cleaning apparatus may be plugged into a DC outlet through
DC jack 20 to charge battery 5. When main switch 8 is pressed,
battery 5 provides power to DC motor 4 to rotate belt 7 and floor
brush 6. When floor brush 6 is rotating, bristles 19 collect debris
and push the debris into the dust tray. In the present embodiment,
an inner dust cover 13 separates the dust tray from the internal
mechanisms of the surface cleaning apparatus to protect these
mechanisms from dirt and debris that may interfere with their
function. Dust tray release button 17 detaches the dust tray from
the surface cleaning apparatus when depressed so that the user may
dispose of the debris in the dust tray when the dust tray is full
or whenever the user desires to empty the dust tray.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a back view of the surface cleaning apparatus of
FIG. 1 with lower body 3 detached, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention. In the present embodiment, lower body 3
may be removed by pushing dust tray release button 17 and pulling
lower body 3 out for debris disposal when the dust tray is full.
Indicator light 9 lights up when the dust tray is full. When the
dust tray is removed, inner dust cover 13 generally prevents the
debris from falling out of the dust tray. The present embodiment
comprises a lower handle joint 21 where lower handle 10, shown by
way of example in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 attaches to the surface
cleaning apparatus. In the present embodiment, lower handle joint
21 is round so that lower handle 10 may swivel with respect to the
body of the surface cleaning apparatus to make maneuvering easier
for the user. In alternate embodiments lower handle 21 may be
stationary on the body of the surface cleaning apparatus. The
present figure also shows main switch 8, indictor light 9, height
adjustor switch 18, and DC jack 20.
[0035] In typical use, the surface cleaning apparatus according to
the embodiment shown by way of example in FIGS. 1-5 runs on battery
power from battery 5. The user first adjusts the height of back
wheel 12 according to the type of surface being cleaned. If the
user is cleaning a hard surface, back wheel 12 is put in the low
position, and if the user is cleaning a soft surface, back wheel 12
is put in the high position. The user may then turn on the surface
cleaning apparatus with main switch 8 and guide the surface
cleaning apparatus over the surface using upper handle 14 or, lower
handle 10. While in use, floor brush 6 rotates pushing debris into
the dust tray. When the user is finished cleaning the surface, the
user turns the surface cleaning apparatus off using main switch 8.
The user may then want to empty the dust tray by pushing dust tray
release button 17 and removing the dust tray to dispose of the
dust. The dust tray then snaps back into place on the surface
cleaning apparatus.
[0036] Alternate embodiments may include mechanical means other
than a DC motor to accomplish the rotation of the floor brush such
as, but not limited to, a turbo brush. A turbo brush is a floor
brush that is attached to a vacuum machine and the rotation of the
floor brush is powered by the suction of the vacuum machine. Other
alternate embodiments may include means for suction for debris
collection along with the rotating floor brush. In another
alternate embodiment, the wheels of the surface cleaning apparatus
may be able to swivel similar to a wheel on a castor for added
maneuverability. The means for swiveling may be incorporated into
all of the wheels, only the rear wheels, or only the front
wheels.
[0037] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an exemplary back wheel
adjustment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. Back wheel 12 comprises an axle 31 and an axle cover 30.
In the present embodiment, axle 31 is coupled to a back wheel
holder 24 so that axle 31 is able to spin therefore enabling axle
cover 30 and back wheel 12 to spin. A back wheel button holder 28
and a link plate 22 connect back wheel adjust button 18 to the back
wheel adjustment system. Link plate 22 is connected to an up and
down button holder 23, which holds an upper piece 25 of an up and
down button and a lower piece 26 of the up and down button. The up
and down button connects back wheel holder 24 to an adjustment
platform 27.
[0038] In the present embodiment, the height of back wheel 12 can
change from a high position to a low position and back each time
the user pushes back wheel adjust button 18. Upper piece 25 will
generally be pushed downward whenever button 18 is being pushed
down. upper piece 25 will turn clockwise or anticlockwise for every
pushing down due to the gears on it. The turning of upper piece 25
will change the distance between the wheel holder 24 and the body
and thus the height of back wheel 12, much like the mechanism of a
ball point pen. This function is actualized by the turning of upper
piece 25 against lower piece 26 of the up and down button due to
teeth and grooves in the mechanism of the up and down button. For
example, without limitation, if back wheel 12 is in the lower
position, the teeth of the mechanism are lined up so that upper
piece 25 and lower piece 26 are extended. If the user pushes back
wheel adjust button 18 at this point, the back wheel adjust system
turns upper piece 25 of the up and down button so that the teeth of
upper piece 25 mate with the grooves of lower piece 26 so that the
up and down button is contracted. The extension and contraction of
the up and down button moves back wheel holder 24 and back wheel 12
down and up, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, Upper piece
25 rotates against lower piece 26 by 90.degree., whereby this
90.degree. exactly causes the alignment of the teeth and groove to
change.
[0039] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate an exploded view and a
cross-sectional view, respectively, of an exemplary system for the
height adjustment of the back wheels with suspension function, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The present
embodiment comprises the same elements as the embodiment shown by
way of example in FIG. 6; back wheel button holder 28, link plate
22, up and down button holder 23, back wheel holder 24, upper piece
25 of the up and down button, lower piece 26 of the up and down
button, and adjustment platform 27. Also, as in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 6, back wheel 12 comprises an axle 31 and an axle
cover 30, and axle 31 is movably coupled to back wheel holder 24.
The present embodiment is an alternate system for the back wheel
adjustment with a spring 33 on a post 36 on the upper portion of
back wheel holder 24 for flexible movement at different positions.
The distance between the base of back wheel 12 will reduce when
there is a sudden rise in the floor height and vice versa. Spring
33 is a conventional coil spring preferably made of a flexible
metal. A spring cover 32 covers spring 33. In the present
embodiment, the height of the back wheel can change from a high
position to a low position and back each time the user pushes back
wheel adjust button 18. This function is actualized by the turning
of an upper piece 25 of an up and down button against a lower piece
26 due to the mechanism of the up and down button, similar to the
function of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.
[0040] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrate an exploded view and a
cross-sectional view, respectively, of an exemplary system for the
height adjustment of the back wheels of a surface cleaning
apparatus with suspension function, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is
another alternative system for the back wheel adjustment with a
spring 35 and a spring cover 34 for flexible movement at different
positions. Spring 35 in the present embodiment is a simpler spring
with a lower cost than spring 33 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A
and FIG. 7B. The present embodiment comprises back wheel adjustment
button 18, back wheel button holder 28, link plate 22, up and down
button holder 23, back wheel holder 24, upper piece 25 and lower
piece 26 of the up and down button, and adjustment platform 27. As
in the previous embodiment, back wheel 12 is movably coupled to
back wheel holder 24 by axle 31 and axle cover 30. The present
embodiment functions in the same manner as the embodiment shown by
way of example in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B.
[0041] FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary system
for the height adjustment of a back wheel 44 of a surface cleaning
apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The present embodiment is another alternative system for
the back wheel adjustment that comprises a turn wheel 41, which is
linked with back wheel 44 by a joint 43. An axle 45 of back wheel
44 attaches to joint 43 so that axle 45 is able to spin, and
therefore back wheel 44 is able to spin. In the present embodiment,
a turn wheel cover 40 covers the entire turn wheel mechanism. The
turning of turn wheel 41 adjusts the height of back wheel 44
through a screw 42. When the user turns turn wheel 41 in one
direction, back wheel 44 lowers, and when the user turns turn wheel
41 in the other direction, back wheel 44 raises. The direction of
turning that determines whether back wheel 44 raises or lowers
depends on the placement and the handedness of screw 42. Turn wheel
41 is positioned in the surface cleaning apparatus so that a
portion of turn wheel 41 protrudes from the body of the surface
cleaning apparatus, giving the user access to turn wheel 41 so that
the user can adjust the height of back wheel 44 according to the
desired use for optimizing debris removal, minimizing electricity
consumption and providing smooth movement of the apparatus over the
surface.
[0042] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the
present invention, other equivalent or alternative means for
implementing a surface cleaning device with adjustable height
according to the present invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way
of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not
intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed.
For example, without limitation, the embodiments above are directed
toward a battery powered cleaning apparatus, however, in alternate
embodiments, the cleaning apparatus may be powered through power
cord and a DC outlet. Some embodiments may incorporate a dust
collection bag instead of a dust tray, and other embodiments may
have multiple adjustable wheels. The invention is thus to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *