U.S. patent application number 12/062470 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-19 for self-evacuating vacuum device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Orubor Integrated Technology Inc.. Invention is credited to Lawrence Orubor.
Application Number | 20090070953 12/062470 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39796787 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090070953 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Orubor; Lawrence |
March 19, 2009 |
SELF-EVACUATING VACUUM DEVICE
Abstract
A device for collecting waste and for disintegrating and
self-cleaning and evacuating waste, the device including a waste
collection system for collecting the waste, a fluid dispensing
system for disintegrating the waste which is collected by the waste
collection system, and a discharge system for evacuating the
disintegrated waste from the device.
Inventors: |
Orubor; Lawrence; (Calgary,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP
1279 OAKMEAD PARKWAY
SUNNYVALE
CA
94085-4040
US
|
Assignee: |
Orubor Integrated Technology
Inc.
Calgary
CA
|
Family ID: |
39796787 |
Appl. No.: |
12/062470 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60910186 |
Apr 4, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/320 ;
15/347 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/106 20130101;
A47L 9/183 20130101; E01H 1/008 20130101; A01K 1/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/320 ;
15/347 |
International
Class: |
A47L 7/00 20060101
A47L007/00; A47L 9/00 20060101 A47L009/00 |
Claims
1. A device for removing waste materials comprising: (a) an intake
nozzle for accepting the waste materials; (b) a vacuum for
providing suction to the intake nozzle; (c) a waste receptacle in
communication with the intake nozzle for storing the waste
materials which are vacuumed into the intake nozzle; and (d) a
discharge pump in communication with the waste receptacle for
pumping the waste out of the device.
2. A device as in claim 1 wherein the waste receptacle includes
rotateable blades for disintegrating the waste in the waste storage
receptacle in order to facilitate evacuation.
3. A self-cleaning and evacuating vacuum cleaning device
comprising: (a) an intake nozzle for accepting waste materials; (b)
a vacuum pump in communication with the intake nozzle for providing
suction to the intake nozzle; (c) a waste storage receptacle in
communication with the intake nozzle for storing the waste vacuumed
into the intake nozzle; (d) a fluid reservoir for storing fluid,
the fluid reservoir in fluid communication with a fluid delivery
hose located in the interior of the intake nozzle; (e) a chemical
solution reservoir for storing concentrated solution, the chemical
solution reservoir in fluid communication with a chemical solution
delivery hose located in the exterior of the intake nozzle; (f) a
pump in communication with the fluid reservoir for dispensing fluid
from the fluid reservoir; (g) a spraying system for disintegrating
the waste in the waste storage receptacle in order to facilitate
evacuation; and (h) a discharging pump in communication with the
waste storage receptacle for evacuating the disintegrated waste
from the waste storage receptacle.
4. A device as in claim 3 wherein the intake nozzle includes a
chemical solution delivery hose in fluid communication with the
chemical solution reservoir for spraying the chemical fluid the
target waste.
5. A device as in claim 3 wherein the chemical solution reservoir
has a one-way valve to prevent to waste within the chemical
delivery hose from travelling back towards the intake nozzle.
6. A device as in claim 3 wherein the fluid reservoir is in
communication with an exterior spray system.
7. A device as in claim 6 wherein the exterior spray system
comprises: (a) an external delivery hose pump in communication with
the fluid reservoir for dispensing fluid from the fluid reservoir;
and (b) a spray nozzle for spraying the fluid into an area from
where the waste was collected.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/910,186, filed on Apr. 4, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a self-evacuating
and self-cleaning vacuum device. More particularly, the present
invention relates to a device for collecting, disintegrating and
evacuating waste.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the art, there have been a variety of cleaning devices
capable of collecting either dry material (such as debris), wet
material (such as medical spills or animal feces) or both.
[0004] As an example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,152,080 discloses an animal
waste cleaning device including collection means which can be
provided in various sizes to accommodate the collection of
different sized pet waste. However, this device exposes operators
to the waste and associated noxious fumes as some handling of the
waste by the operators is required.
[0005] Further, tank-type vacuum cleaners used for suctioning dry
material and liquids are known in the art. However, it is difficult
to empty liquids from such tank-type vacuum cleaners. When the
receptacle is full, the receptacle is removed and the contents are
dumped out. If the receptacle is used to collect liquid material,
the container may be very heavy so that lifting the tank to pour
the contents into a sink or the like is difficult. Even tilting the
container to pour the contents into a floor drain may be unwieldy
when the liquid level in the receptacle is high.
[0006] There have been a number of other proposed solutions to try
to help operators clean up dry or wet waste easily. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,076 describes vacuum cleaners having filter
bags for capturing debris and wet material which sit inside the
tank. However, it is difficult to empty liquid from such
receptacles, and the filter bags may be costly.
[0007] Yet another method of expelling waste is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,009,596 which describes vacuum cleaners having a pump
impeller to expel liquid to empty the liquid easily from a tank
used for collecting material. However, this device also suffers
from difficulties emptying the collected waste, especially when the
waste is in the form of a sludge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to teach a
self-evacuating and self-cleaning vacuum device which is designed
to maximize the convenience of use and which provides several
advantages designed to meet the challenges of a vacuum device for a
variety of forms of waste materials.
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to teach an
exterior spray system to spray environmentally-friendly chemical
fluid into the area from which the waste was collected.
[0010] In one aspect, the present invention provides a device for
removing waste materials having an intake nozzle for accepting the
waste materials; a vacuum for providing suction to the intake
nozzle; a waste receptacle in communication with the intake nozzle
for storing the waste materials which are vacuumed into the intake
nozzle; and a discharge pump in communication with the waste
receptacle for pumping the waste out of the device.
[0011] Preferably, the waste receptacle includes rotateable blades
for disintegrating the waste in the waste storage receptacle in
order to facilitate evacuation.
[0012] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a
self-cleaning and evacuating vacuum cleaning device having an
intake nozzle for accepting waste materials; a vacuum pump in
communication with the intake nozzle for providing suction to the
intake nozzle; a waste storage receptacle in communication with the
intake nozzle for storing the waste vacuumed into the intake
nozzle; a fluid reservoir for storing fluid, the fluid reservoir in
fluid communication with a fluid delivery hose located in the
interior of the intake nozzle; a chemical solution reservoir for
storing concentrated solution, the chemical solution reservoir in
fluid communication with a chemical solution delivery hose located
in the exterior of the intake nozzle; a pump in communication with
the fluid reservoir for dispensing fluid from the fluid reservoir;
a spraying system for disintegrating the waste in the waste storage
receptacle in order to facilitate evacuation: and a discharging
pump in communication with the waste storage receptacle for
evacuating the disintegrated waste from the waste storage
receptacle.
[0013] Preferably, the intake nozzle includes a chemical solution
delivery hose in fluid communication with the chemical solution
reservoir for spraying the chemical fluid the target waste.
[0014] Preferably, the chemical solution reservoir has a one-way
valve to prevent to waste within the chemical delivery hose from
travelling back towards the intake nozzle.
[0015] Preferably, the fluid reservoir is in communication with an
exterior spray system.
[0016] Preferably, the exterior spray system has an external
delivery hose pump in communication with the fluid reservoir for
dispensing fluid from the fluid reservoir; and a spray nozzle for
spraying the fluid into an area from where the waste was
collected.
[0017] Other aspects and features of the present invention will
become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review
of the following description of specific embodiments of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will be described by
way of example only, with references to the attached figures
where:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a partial cut-away perspective view of a device in
accordance with the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away perspective view of a device in
accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention,
deployed for use:
[0021] FIG. 3 is a partial cross section of a receptacle and
discharge system in accordance with the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 4 is a partial cut-away perspective view of a device in
accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a device 100 generally includes
a waste collection system 10, a fluid dispensing system 30, and a
discharge system 20.
Waste Collection System
[0024] The waste collection system 10 includes an intake nozzle 12
for collecting waste, a cover lid 11 hinged to the body of the
device 100 for covering the intake nozzle 12 when the device 100 is
turned off and for retracting to expose the intake nozzle 12 during
operation, and a collection hose 15 operatively connected to the
intake nozzle 12 for allowing waste to travel from the intake
nozzle 12 into a waste receptacle 21. The collection hose 15
includes a fluid delivery hose 13a in fluid communication with the
fluid dispensing system 30 for spraying water or chemical fluid at
the target waste such as animal feces. In addition, a fluid
delivery hose 13b, located in the waste collection system 10, is in
fluid communication with the fluid dispensing system 30 for
cleaning the exterior of the intake nozzle 12.
[0025] A spray jet 14 or jets may be located in the collection hose
15 as shown in FIG. 1. Spray jets 14 are in fluid communication
with fluid dispensing system 30 to begin breaking down waste, to
clean the interior of the collection hose 15 or both.
[0026] Further, the intake nozzle 12 may include a cover grille 19.
The cover grille 19 is located at the entrance of intake nozzle 12.
The cover grille 19 prevents large materials (for example, pebbles,
twigs or debris) from entering the intake nozzle 12 or the
collection hose 15. If the intake nozzle 12 or the collection hose
15 does become clogged, the cover grille 19 can be opened (through
the use of various mechanical means such as a trigger-operated
piston or through the use of electrical means which are not shown)
to allow such material to fall out of the intake nozzle 12 or out
of collection hose 15. Add water pressure without opening
cover.
[0027] In one embodiment, the cover lid 11 is in mechanical
communication with the intake nozzle 12 through the use of a rack
and pinion system 18 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The result is that
as the cover lid 11 is opened, the intake nozzle 12 will be
mechanically moved to an operative extended position.
Fluid Dispensing System
[0028] The fluid dispensing system 30 generally includes a fluid
reservoir 31 in communication with a fluid delivery pump 32 and a
valve 35 located in the fluid reservoir 31 to control the supply of
water. The fluid reservoir 31 also includes a connector 33 for
supplying water from an external water hose (not shown). The fluid
dispensing system 30 also includes a chemical reservoir 34 in
communication with the fluid delivery pump 32, the chemical
reservoir 34 including a valve 36 located in the chemical reservoir
34 to control the supply of chemical fluid. The fluid reservoir 31
may be in fluid communication with a water delivery hose 37 for
dispensing clean water or other cleaning chemicals to various
systems within the device 100 and the chemical reservoir 34 is in
fluid communication with a chemical delivery hose 38 for dispensing
chemical solution to various systems within the device 100.
[0029] The fluid dispensing system 30 may provide chemical solution
to the fluid delivery hose 13a located within the intake nozzle 12
to help dissolve and separate waste material to increase the
efficiency of the device 100. Such chemical solution may have a
number of properties well suited to washing, breaking down,
disintegrating, deodorizing, detoxifying, disinfecting or foaming
the waste (or any combination of these). A chemical solution may be
custom-designed based upon its intended use. In addition, the fluid
dispensing system 30 provides water or chemical to the fluid
delivery hose 13b located in the cover lid 11 thereby serving as a
wash basin 17 for cleaning the intake nozzle 12 when the operator
has finished using the device 100 to collect waste.
[0030] Optionally, a valve 39 may be connected with a siphon system
(not shown) to supply clean water or other cleaning chemical for
cleaning the interior of the waste receptacle 21 and for flushing
out the entire discharge system 20.
[0031] The fluid reservoir 31 and the chemical reservoir 34 may be
detachable.
[0032] The fluid dispensing system 30 (and particularly the fluid
reservoir 31 and/or chemical reservoir 34) may optionally include a
heating element or other heating device or means for heating the
fluid in the fluid reservoir 31 and/or in the chemical reservoir 34
to provide for enhanced breakdown of the waste, sterilization or
sanitation of contaminated surfaces, or enhanced efficiency of the
fluids used (or any combination of the foregoing).
Discharge System
[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge system 20 is generally
designed to evacuate waste from the device 100.
[0034] As waste is collected by the waste collection system 10 it
is deposited into a waste receptacle 21 where it is stored until
evacuated or otherwise dispensed. While waste is stored in the
waste receptacle 21, water, chemicals (or both) may be added to
accelerate or encourage the waste to break down further, make the
waste more soluble and to help disintegrate the waste. One
ordinarily skilled in the art will also appreciate that one or more
of the many known methods of breaking down or disintegrating waste
may be employed within the waste receptacle 21. By way of example
only, in addition to adding water or chemicals, the waste may be
further broken down or disintegrated by including an air pressure
device (not shown) to apply blasts of air to the waste and for
aerating the waste, by including any one of a number of agitation
devices (such as tumbling portions of the waste receptacle 21,
rotating vanes, mixers, etc.) (not shown) or any combination of the
foregoing. Breaking down or disintegrating the waste in such a
manner will decrease the load required to evacuate the waste.
[0035] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the discharge
system 20 may include rotateable blades 27 used to agitate and
break down the waste. Any combination of mechanical or electrical
agitators may be used as stated above. In addition to the
rotateable blades 27 (or in the alternative), the discharge system
20 may include a rotateable housing (not shown) for either mixing
or tumbling the waste located within the waste receptacle 21.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge system 20 includes a
discharge pump 22 for transporting waste from the waste receptacle
21 through an outlet hose 26 to a discharge outlet 24 and
ultimately to the exterior of the device 100.
[0037] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the discharge system 20
includes a cover grille 25 located within the waste receptacle 21
to prevent any large chunks of waste or insoluble masses of waste
from becoming lodged in the outlet hose 26.
[0038] To facilitate evacuation and for reducing peak loads on the
discharge pump 22, one ordinarily skilled in the art will
appreciate that it is beneficial to add water, chemicals or other
fluids into the waste receptacle 21 to make the waste more watery,
thereby ensuring more consistent flow. Such discharge may occur
through the use of spray jets 23 as shown in FIG. 3 which are
distributed through out the discharge system 20. Such spray jets
23, if included, can also be used during evacuation to ensure that
the pump receives is a constant source of fluid to avoid being
burned out and after evacuation for cleaning out the discharge
system 20, thus promoting the self-cleaning nature of the device
100.
[0039] In another embodiment, the entrance of the waste receptacle
21 may include a check valve 21a or a series of check valves 21a to
prevent waste (or waste with added fluids) from flowing back into
the waste collection system 10. In a further embodiment, a check
valve 21b may be in communication with the fluid dispensing system
30, the waste collection system 10 or both to ensure that no
further material (waste, fluid or otherwise) is added to the waste
receptacle 21 when the check valve 21b is closed. Check valve 21a
may additionally prevent waste from flowing back into the device
100 if the device is upset or overturned.
[0040] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, an evacuation valve 28
prevents waste from escaping from the waste receptacle 21 into the
outlet hose 26. Such valve may be opened through electric means
(not shown) or may be manually opened such as through the use of an
evacuation lever 28a. Alternatively, a number of one way valves
(not shown) may be used.
[0041] The discharge system 20 self-cleans through the use of at
least one spray jet 23, as mentioned above, or through the
application of fluids or chemicals throughout the discharge system
20 as provided by water or chemical delivery hoses (for example,
through delivery hoses 37 and 38 or 13a and 13b as shown in FIG. 3)
which are in fluid communication with the appropriate reservoir
(that is, fluid reservoir 31 or chemical reservoir 34) or delivered
via spray jets 23 as mentioned above, in which case pump 22 would
be used to pump in cleaning fluids or water through the spray jets
23. Such fluid or chemicals may be applied through spray jets 23,
as mentioned, through gravity-feed or pump (as may be the case
shown with delivery hoses 37 and 38) or through other fluid
applicators as known in the art.
Operation
[0042] The component systems and elements of the device 100
described above work together in a coordinated fashion. More
specifically, once the safe lock 61 is unlocked by the operator,
the operator switches a main switch 51 located on a handle 50 of
the device 100 which is connected to electronic circuitry (not
shown) within the device 100 for making various electrical
operations available. Switching the device 100 on activates a motor
(not shown) causing the hinged cover lid 11 to open. The cover lid
11 retracts into a recess 60 in the device 100 during operation.
Once the device 100 is turned on the operator can pull a vacuum
trigger 52 on the handle 50 to activate the motor for controlling
the extension and retraction of the intake nozzle 12.
[0043] The operator places the intake nozzle 12 within the vicinity
of the target waste material. The material is vacuumed into the
collection hose 15 as a result of the operation of the vacuum pump
29. The waste material travels through the collection hose 15 into
the waste receptacle 21. During the collection phase, the cover
grille 19 prevents large material from entering the intake nozzle
12.
[0044] The operator may pull a spray trigger 53 (depending upon the
nature and state of the waste) to start the fluid delivery pump 32
to supply pressurized chemical solution to the intake nozzle 12 and
the collection hose 15 for lubricating the collection hose 15 and
also for breaking down the physical, chemical and microbiological
composition of the waste material to enhance the device's ability
to collect the material and to reduce the waste's foul smell. The
chemical solution sprayed into the waste may include a deodorizing
and disinfecting function.
[0045] Any one of or a combination of waste disintegrating methods
(such as those described within the discharge system 20) may also
(or alternatively) be employed during the waste collection phase to
begin the process of breaking down the waste.
[0046] After use, the operator switches off the device 100 which
deactivates the vacuum pump 29 and the fluid delivery pump 32 and
closes the valves 35, 36 and 39 located within the reservoirs 31
and 34. This activates the motor (not shown) causing the motor to
close the cover lid 11 and retract the intake nozzle 12. Upon
closure of the cover lid 11, a safety lock 61 is engaged to prevent
opening of the cover lid 11 through inadvertence.
[0047] The safety lock 61 may optionally serve as a switch which
starts the fluid delivery pump 32 for the purpose of supplying
chemical solution through fluid delivery hoses 13a and 13b located
within the cover lid 11 which then serves as a wash basin 17 for
cleaning off waste material from the exterior and interior of the
intake nozzle 12. The fluid delivery pump 32 is activated for a
predetermined period of time or for a predetermined volume of fluid
to ensure proper cleaning of the intake nozzle 12 and cover grille
19. Once the cleaning of the intake nozzle 12 is complete, the
fluid delivery pump 32 shuts off and the vacuum pump 29 is
activated. This causes the mixed waste material and fluid in the
wash basin 17 to be vacuumed into the waste storage receptacle 21
along with the previously vacuumed waste material ensuring that the
entire device 100 is automatically cleaned except for the interior
of the waste receptacle 21. The vacuum pump 29 shuts off
automatically after a predetermined period of time and the device
100 is completely shut off.
[0048] Once the device 100 is completely shut off the device 100 is
ready for additional use or, in the instance where the waste
receptacle 21 has been filled, for the operation of the discharge
system.
[0049] The waste material may be broken down or disintegrated (or
further broken down if similar methods were used during the
collection phase) using any one of the methods of disintegrating
waste to make it easier to evacuate the waste.
[0050] The waste collected by the device 100 may be evacuated by
manual release of the evacuation valve 28 using evacuation lever
28a or through electronic means (not shown) activated by pressing
discharge button 54. Such activation will also activate the
discharge pump 22 and allow the waste to travel from the waste
receptacle 21, through the outlet hose 26 where it will be finally
discharged through discharge outlet 24. Alternatively, the waste
may be evacuated by manual removal of the waste receptacle 21 (e.g.
disposable or clean and replace).
[0051] During and after the evacuation of the waste a number of
additional processes (as described above) may be engaged for
lubricating the outlet hose 26 with fluid or chemical, for further
liquefying the waste to maintain an even load on the discharge pump
22 or for self-cleaning the discharge system 20.
[0052] Upon completion of the evacuation process the evacuation
valve 28 can be closed (again, manually or through electric means)
which will deactivate the discharge pump 22 and any of the
discharge system processes which were engaged.
[0053] After the completion of the evacuation process, to a
self-clean process for the discharge system can be activated to
ensure that the entire collection system and discharge system is
cleaned and sanitized after use. This is done by supplying fluid,
preferably pressurized fluid such as through spray jets, throughout
the discharge system 20 which is subsequently discharged.
[0054] Instead of engaging the evacuation process after each
collection, the collected waste may be sealed away in the waste
receptacle 21 by a conventional check valve shown as evacuation
valve 28 or by an electric control valve (not shown) deployed
within the deposit outlet such to avoid spillage during use and
after use. Additionally, the check valve 21a may close off the
discharge system 20 from the rest of the device 100 to prevent
waste (or waste with added fluids) from flowing back into the waste
collection system 10. Further, the check valve 21b may be in
communication with the fluid dispensing system 30, the waste
collection system 10 or both to ensure that no further material
(waste, fluid or otherwise) is added to the waste receptacle 21
when the check valve 21b is closed.
Exterior Spray System
[0055] The device 100 may include an exterior spray system 80 which
may include a detachable chemical fluid container 81 in
communication with a fluid delivery pump 32. Fluid is dispensed
from the fluid container 81 by operating a spray trigger 82 for
supplying chemical fluid through external delivery hose 83. A spray
nozzle 84 is located in the exterior of the device 100 for spraying
environmentally-friendly chemical fluid into the area from where
the waste was removed. This facilitates restoration of the area and
reduces the effect of the waste and may also be used to clean off
exterior portions of the device 100.
FURTHER EMBODIMENTS
[0056] The device 100 may be provided using an upright embodiment
which may include a wheel system 40 for increasing the ease with
which the device 100 can be used by increasing its portability.
Further, the wheel system 40 may reduce fatigue while operating the
device 100. The wheel system 40 may be used to keep the device 100
upright when not in use.
[0057] In another embodiment, the device 100 may have its
sub-systems divided, split or arranged to enable different
embodiments such as for carriage within a back pack, vehicle mount
or similar carrying system to facilitate different uses.
Additionally, the device's sub-systems may be arranged as a
canister-type vacuum.
[0058] In a further embodiment, the device 100 may be
vehicle-mounted which may involve, as in the embodiment above,
dividing, splitting or arranging the device 100 to most suitably
arrange it on a vehicle.
[0059] The device 100 may use a rechargeable dry cell battery 70 or
other portable or known power means for providing the necessary
power such as a gasoline motor, on-board electric motor, an AC or
other electricity adaptor or any combination or plurality of
these.
[0060] Any of the above-described embodiments of the present
invention are intended to be exemplary only. Alterations,
modifications and variations may be effected to the particular
embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the
scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims
appended hereto.
* * * * *