U.S. patent application number 11/997742 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-25 for combined nozzle for dust vacuum cleaner.
Invention is credited to Francoise Thibault, Alice Varichon, Denis Varichon, Doris Varichon, Frederic Varichon, Vincent Varichon.
Application Number | 20090158551 11/997742 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37669683 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090158551 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Varichon; Frederic ; et
al. |
June 25, 2009 |
COMBINED NOZZLE FOR DUST VACUUM CLEANER
Abstract
Combined nozzle for a dust vacuum-cleaner includes a brush with
an interchangeable arrangement at the end of a tube connected to a
suction device. The brush has a lower planar face and joint for an
arrangement in two different transverse positions with respect to
the tube or two different positions longitudinally in the tube
extension. In each position, the suction is achieved by an opening
in the planar face, or an opening at one of the ends. The joint
includes a pivot about at least two axes, such that, when in a
position for suction by an end, the brush is oriented so that the
lower face and the longitudinal axis of the brush are essentially
parallel to the axis of the suction tube.
Inventors: |
Varichon; Frederic; (St. Foy
les Lyon, FR) ; Varichon; Denis; (St. Foy les Lyon,
FR) ; Varichon; Vincent; (St., Foy les Lyon, FR)
; Varichon; Alice; (St. Foy les Lyon, FR) ;
Varichon; Doris; (St. Foy les Lyon, FR) ; Thibault;
Francoise; (St. Foy les Lyon, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EGBERT LAW OFFICES
412 MAIN STREET, 7TH FLOOR
HOUSTON
TX
77002
US
|
Family ID: |
37669683 |
Appl. No.: |
11/997742 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
July 27, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2006/050754 |
371 Date: |
February 20, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/416 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/242 20130101;
A47L 9/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/416 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/02 20060101
A47L009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 4, 2005 |
FR |
0552429 |
Apr 6, 2006 |
FR |
0651232 |
Claims
1. Combined nozzle for a dust vacuum-cleaner, the nozzle
comprising: a brush interchangeably arranged at an end of a tube
connected to a suction device, said brush having a planar face on a
lower side thereof; and a joint means for arrange said brush in at
least two different positions, transversely with respect to said
tube or longitudinally in an extension of said tube, in each
position, suction being carried out through an opening provided for
at a level of said planar face and over a full length of said
planar face, or part of same, or through an opening positioned at
one of the ends, respectively, wherein said joint means comprise
means for pivoting according to at least two axes so that, when
said brush is positioned for use for suction through one end, said
brush is oriented so that said planar face as well as a
longitudinal axis of said brush are substantially parallel to an
axis of said tube.
2. Combined nozzle according to claim 1, wherein said brush has an
upper portion shaped, on a side opposite a side or end with said
opening, accommodating the tube, when said tube is arranged along
an axis of said opening.
3. Combined nozzle according to claim 1, further comprising: a
spring means restoring said brush into the longitudinal position,
in the extension of the tube.
4. Combined nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the joint means
are comprised of a hollow spherical joint.
5. Combined nozzle according to claim 1, wherein said joint means
comprise a pivotal chamber, into which ends the tube and an opening
in communication with either said opening or the opening provided
for at the level of the planar face, depending on pivoting of said
brush.
6. Combined nozzle according to claim 5, wherein the tube is
pivotally mounted on the movable pivotal chamber, according to an
axis perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to another axis
of pivoting of said pivotal chamber.
7. Combined nozzle according to claim 6, wherein the end of the
tube closely penetrates said pivotal chamber, depending on pivoting
of said brush.
8. Combined nozzle according to claim 7, further comprising: an
automatic indexing system for said brush in the extension of the
tube, the indexing system comprising a connecting rode pivotally
articulated on said brush, restored by a spring, and engaging an
eccentric resting point support of the movable pivotal chamber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC
[0004] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates to a combined nozzle for a
dust vacuum-cleaner.
[0007] 2. Description of Related Art Including Information
Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.
[0008] There are already known nozzles for a dust vacuum-cleaner.
Each nozzle has a particular use, and they are interchangeably
fitted at the end of a tube connected to a suction device.
[0009] The most frequently used nozzles of this type are the brush
for hard floors, the carpet brush or the like, and the suction
devices for suction in narrow places. In order to avoid the
necessity for the user to have to frequently change the nozzle,
so-called "combined" nozzles, i.e. nozzles transformable to pass
from one use to another use, have been provided.
[0010] Such nozzles are essentially for brushes, in order to allow
passing from a hard floor to a carpet or the like, and vice-versa,
without changing the nozzle, which is achieved through retractable
brushes.
[0011] Except for some very specific cases that require a suction
device of an adapted shape, the pragmatic user removes the brush
and uses the bare tube, then fixes the brush in order to carry on.
Removing and fixing the brush are operations not easy to carry out,
because the connection is steady, in order to ensure good
mechanical strength. In addition, when the brush is laid down on
the floor, it is necessary to bend the body to take it up after
using the suction device. When held by the hand, this transition is
detrimental to guiding the tube.
[0012] Some people have provided combined nozzles permitting
conversion from the brush to the suction device, and vice-versa.
Such a nozzle is described in World Intellectual Property
Organization Publication No. WO 02/39865, and it includes an
elongated brush having, on the lower side, a planar face, being
provided or not with brushes, and being provided with a joint
means. Depending on a pivoting according to an axis substantially
perpendicular to said planar face, the joint means allows
positioning transversely with respect to the tube or longitudinally
in the extension of said tube, so as to carry out the suction
through an opening extending over the full length, or part of the
same, of the brush or through an opening arranged at an end of said
brush, respectively.
[0013] This nozzle has drawbacks in that maneuvering is not easy
when being configured for either use as brush or suction. Though
its use is identical, in the brush function, to that of a
traditional brush, the nozzle function is used in very limited
ways, even inefficient ways, namely because of the inclination of
the brush with respect to the tube, and because it must be pushed
onto the floor.
[0014] German Patent No. DE 1173623 also provides a combined
nozzle, which includes an elongated brush having, on its lower
side, a planar face being provided, or not, with brushes, and being
provided with a joint means. The joint means, depending on a
pivoting according to an axis substantially parallel to said planar
face, allows transversely or longitudinally positioning, so as to
carry out the suction through an opening over the full length of
the brush or at an end of the latter through another opening
provided to this end, respectively.
[0015] Such a nozzle also has drawbacks, namely in that in the
suction-device position, though the brush can be positioned
parallel to the tube, it is on the other hand laterally offset with
respect to the axis of said tube. Because of the imbalance and its
size, is particularly prejudicial to the maneuverability and the
precision of use.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The aim of the present invention is to provide a combined
nozzle for a dust vacuum-cleaner allowing coping with the various
above-mentioned drawbacks.
[0017] The combined nozzle for a dust vacuum-cleaner according to
the invention comprises a brush interchangeably arranged at the end
of a tube connected to a suction device. The brush has a planar
face on the lower side thereof with or without brushes. A joint
means permits arrangement thereof in at least two different
positions, namely transverse with respect to the tube or
longitudinally in the extension of the tube. In each position, the
suction is carried out through an opening provided for at the level
of the planar face over its full length, or part of the same planar
face, or through an opening positioned at one of the ends,
respectively. Essentially the joint means have means for permitting
a pivoting according to at least two axes so that, when the brush
is positioned for use for suction through one end, the brush is
oriented so that the lower face as well as the longitudinal axis of
the brush are substantially parallel to the axis of the suction
tube.
[0018] The joint means permit not only guiding along the suction
path, but also orientation of the nozzle so that the nozzle can be
used in a way similar to a traditional suction-device in the
suction-device function.
[0019] According to an additional feature of the combined nozzle of
the invention, the upper portion of the brush is so shaped to
accommodate the suction tube or the like, when the latter is
arranged along the axis of the end opening, on a side opposite the
one including the end opening.
[0020] According to another additional feature of the combined
nozzle according to the invention, the nozzle includes a spring
means capable of restoring the brush portion into the longitudinal
position, in the extension of the suction tube.
[0021] According to another additional feature of the combined
nozzle according to the invention, the joint means are in the form
of a hollow spherical joint.
[0022] The joint means also include two spherical or partly
spherical elements, one of them being capable of closely pivoting
inside the other one. The elements are provided with openings
capable of being brought in front of each other depending on the
orientation of one of said elements with respect to the other
one.
[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the combined nozzle
according to the invention, the joint means include a pivotal
chamber. The suction tube ends in the pivotal chamber, which
includes an opening capable, depending on the pivoting, of being
brought into communication with either the end opening or the
opening provided for at the level of the planar face.
[0024] According to an additional feature of the particular
embodiment of the combined nozzle according to the invention, the
suction tube is pivotally mounted, directly or indirectly, on the
movable chamber, according to an axis perpendicular, or
substantially perpendicular, to the axis of pivoting of said
chamber.
[0025] According to another additional feature of the particular
embodiment of the combined nozzle according to the invention, the
end of the suction tube closely penetrates into the movable
chamber, depending on pivoting of said end.
[0026] According to another additional feature of the particular
embodiment of the combined nozzle according to the invention, the
present invention includes an automatic indexing system for the
brush in the extension of the suction tube. The system comprises a
connecting rod pivotally articulated on said brush, restored by a
spring, and capable of engaging an eccentric supporting point of
the movable chamber, so as to cause the latter to pivot.
[0027] The advantages and features of the combined nozzle according
to the invention will become clear from the following description,
which refers to the attached drawings, which represents several
non-restrictive embodiments of same.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 represents a partial and schematic cross-sectional
view according to a median vertical plane of the combined nozzle
for a dust vacuum-cleaner according to the invention, in a brush
position.
[0029] FIG. 2 represents a partial and schematic cross-sectional
view according to a median vertical plane of the same nozzle, in a
suction-device position.
[0030] FIG. 3 represents a partial and schematic cross-sectional
view according to a median horizontal plane of the same nozzle, in
the suction-device position.
[0031] FIG. 4 represents a schematic top and cross-sectional view
of another embodiment of the combined nozzle for a dust
vacuum-cleaner according to the invention.
[0032] FIG. 5 represents a schematic elevational and
cross-sectional view of the same nozzle.
[0033] FIG. 6 represents a partial schematic plane and
cross-sectional view of the same nozzle.
[0034] FIG. 7 represents a schematic cross-sectional view of the
same nozzle.
[0035] FIGS. 8a and 8b represent partial schematic cross-sectional
views of a portion of the same nozzle, in two different positions
of operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] In FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, one can see a first embodiment 1 of a
combined nozzle according to the invention, assembled at the end of
a tube 2 connected to suction means, not shown. The combined nozzle
1 comprises an elongated element 10, aimed at forming a brush,
including a lower planar face 11 provided with a longitudinal
opening 12 and capable of being provided with retractable or
non-retractable brushes. One of its ends has a suction opening 13
capable of being connected to the tube 2 through conduit 14.
[0037] The combined nozzle 1 includes a sleeve 15 for coupling to
the tube 2, which is connected to the element 10 through multi-axis
joint means 16 capable of permitting, through pivoting motions
according to the arrows P and R, orientation of the element 10 so
that, like in FIG. 1, the element 10 is in the brush position.
Oriented transversely, the face 10 is parallel to the floor S,
while the tube 2 is at an angle with respect to the floor S, and
like in FIGS. 2 and 3, the element 10 is, in the suction-device
position, oriented in the extension of tube 2. The face 10 is
substantially parallel to the tube 2.
[0038] The element 10 also includes a valve system 3 permitting,
depending on its brush or suction-device position, the suction to
occur through the opening 12 or the opening 13, respectively.
[0039] When referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8a and 8b, one can
see another embodiment 4 of the combined nozzle according to the
invention.
[0040] It also includes an elongated element 40 forming a brush the
lower face 41 of which is provided with a longitudinal suction
opening 42, while a suction opening 43 is arranged at one end and
is capable of being connected, or not, through a conduit 44, to a
sleeve 45 for coupling to the suction tube, not shown, through a
multi-axis joint means 5.
[0041] The joint means 5 shown in particular in FIGS. 6, 7, 8a and
8b, is in the form of a chamber-like part 50 pivoting about an axis
XX' that extends substantially perpendicular to the general axis of
the brush 40.
[0042] This part 50 includes a plate or the like 51, on which can
be articulated the sleeve 45, on a pivot 46 with an axis YY'
perpendicular to the axis XX'. To this end, the end 47 of the
sleeve 45 is so shaped as to be capable, depending on the pivoting
according to the axis YY', of penetrating into the part 50 through
an opening 52 in the latter, as can be seen in FIGS. 8a and 8b,
which represent the two extreme positions capable of being adopted
during this pivoting.
[0043] The part 50 also includes, in front of the opening 52, a
second opening 53 aimed at being positioned in front of either the
conduit 44 or the opening 42, depending on the pivoting according
to the axis XX'.
[0044] It will be understood that, depending on the position of the
part 50, the suction occurs either through the opening 43 or
through the opening 42.
[0045] When the nozzle 4 is used in a traditional way, the
articulation of the part 50 according to both axes XX' and YY'
permits the orientation of the brush 40. One should note the
presence of sealing skirts 54 arranged on both sides of the opening
53, which permit to guarantee the suction during the orientation of
the brush 40.
[0046] For a use as a suction-device, the end 47 of the sleeve 45
is fully inserted into the part 50, which pivots so as to position
the opening 53 in front of the conduit 44. While the sleeve 45
locates itself in a recess 48, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, provided for
in the body of the brush 40, so that the nozzle 45 and the conduit
44 are aligned.
[0047] It should be noted that the nozzle 4 includes a system 6 for
indexing its positioning in a suction-device position. This system
6 includes a pivotally mounted connecting rod 60, restored through
a spring 61, and capable of acting on the rotation of the part 50,
or more specifically on the rotation of the brush 40 about the part
50.
[0048] It can thus be contemplated that, when the brush 40 rests on
the floor, its positioning in the transverse direction with respect
to the suction tube 2 is imposed by its being held by the user. On
the other hand, when the brush 40 is separated from the floor,
nothing imposes its orientation and it is freely pivoting about the
part 50, which is, in turn, integral with the sleeve 45. The system
6 can then enter into operation. The connecting rod 60 is released,
and the spring 61 causes it to pivot so that it engages a finger 55
of the part 50, which is in an eccentric position. It is caused to
pivot according to the axis XX', or more specifically, in a
relative way, to cause the brush 40 to pivot about the part 50.
Thus, the lifting of the brush 40 allows it to automatically adopt
the suction-device position, and letting it rest on the floor
allows overcoming the pulling force of the spring 61 and causing it
to adopt its transverse position.
* * * * *