U.S. patent application number 12/858134 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-23 for combination cleaning attachment assembly.
Invention is credited to Ronald E. Davis, Anthony E. Spiggle.
Application Number | 20120042469 12/858134 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44676562 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120042469 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; Ronald E. ; et
al. |
February 23, 2012 |
COMBINATION CLEANING ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A cleaning attachment assembly for a floor care apparatus
includes a main body defining a suction conduit having an inlet and
an outlet. A cleaning attachment mounting structure is carried on
the main body. Either of two different cleaning attachments may be
mounted to the main body by means of the cleaning attachment
mounting structure. A retractable cover is received over the main
body.
Inventors: |
Davis; Ronald E.; (New
Castle, IN) ; Spiggle; Anthony E.; (Danville,
KY) |
Family ID: |
44676562 |
Appl. No.: |
12/858134 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/246.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/06 20130101; A47L
9/0613 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/246.2 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/00 20060101
A47L009/00 |
Claims
1. A cleaning attachment assembly for a floor care apparatus,
comprising: a main body including a suction conduit having an inlet
and an outlet; a cleaning attachment mounting structure carried on
said main body; a first cleaning attachment that is selectively
secured to said main body through said cleaning attachment mounting
structure; a second cleaning attachment that is selectively secured
to said main body through said cleaning attachment mounting
structure when said first cleaning attachment is not so attached;
and a cover received over said main body, said cover being
displaceable between (a) a retracted position wherein either of
said first or second cleaning attachment secured to said main body
is exposed for use and (b) an extended position wherein said cover
covers either of said first or second cleaning attachment secured
to said main body.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said first cleaning attachment
comprises a pet hair cleaning attachment.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said pet hair cleaning
attachment includes a bristleless, toothless cleaning surface and a
second cleaning attachment mounting structure that cooperates with
said cleaning attachment mounting structure to secure said first
cleaning attachment to said main body.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein said second cleaning attachment
comprises a base, a series of bristles projecting from said base,
an air pathway at least partially encircled by said base and a
third cleaning attachment mounting structure that cooperates with
said cleaning attachment mounting structure to secure said second
cleaning attachment to said main body.
5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein said pet hair cleaning
attachment is made from a material selected from a group of
materials consisting of thermoplastic rubber and said cleaning
surface is smooth.
6. The assembly of claim 4, wherein said pet hair cleaning
attachment is made from a material selected from a group of
materials consisting of thermoplastic rubber and said cleaning
surface is textured.
7. The assembly of claim 4, wherein said cleaning attachment
mounting structure includes two, opposed projections.
8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein said second cleaning attachment
mounting structure includes two opposed slots that receive said two
opposed projections.
9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein one slot of said two opposed
slots is provided upon a resilient tab.
10. The assembly of claim 7, wherein said third cleaning attachment
mounting structure includes two opposed slots that receive said two
opposed projections.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein one slot of said two opposed
slots is provided upon a resilient tab.
12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said main body includes at
least one guide projection.
13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein said cover includes at least
one guide channel for receiving and sliding along said at least one
guide projection.
14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein said cover includes a series
of guide ribs projecting toward said main body.
15. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said cover includes an open
space to allow access to said resilient tab in order to remove said
first cleaning attachment from said main body.
16. The assembly of claim 1, further including a lock carried on
said main body for securing said assembly to the floor care
apparatus.
17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein said lock is pivotally
mounted to said main body and a spring biases said lock into a
locking position.
18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein said lock includes a locking
lug and an actuator button.
19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein said cover includes a first
stop for limiting sliding movement of said cover on said main body
when said cover is moved into said extended position.
20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein said cover includes a groove
extending around said lock and forming a second stop for limiting
sliding movement of said cover on said main body when said cover is
moved into said retracted position.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the floor care
equipment field and, more particularly, to a new and improved
combination cleaning attachment assembly for use on a floor care
apparatus such as a vacuum cleaner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Cleaning attachments for floor care apparatus such as vacuum
cleaners are well known in the art. Examples of such attachments
are disclosed in U.S. Pat No. 6,820,305 to Albert et al; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,768,747 to Smith; U.S. Pat. No. 4,319,379 to Carrigan et al;
and U.S. Pat. No. 3,259,934 to Leinfelt.
[0003] The present invention relates to a new and improved cleaning
attachment assembly that receives and holds multiple cleaning
attachments including a particularly useful pet hair cleaning
attachment that provides for more efficient and effective cleaning
of pet hair from carpets, upholstery, draperies and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with the purposes and advantages of the
present invention as described herein, a cleaning attachment
assembly is provided for a floor care apparatus. The cleaning
attachment assembly comprises a main body including a suction
conduit having an inlet and an outlet. The cleaning attachment
assembly also includes a cleaning attachment mounting structure
carried on the main body. In addition the assembly includes a first
cleaning attachment that is selectively secured to the main body
through the cleaning attachment mounting structure as well as a
second cleaning attachment that is selectively secured to the main
body through the cleaning attachment mounting structure when the
first cleaning attachment is not so attached. Still further, the
assembly includes a cover received over the main body. The cover is
selectively displaceable between (a) a retracted position wherein
either the first or second cleaning attachment secured to the main
body is exposed for use and (b) an extended position wherein the
cover covers either of the first or second cleaning attachments
secured to the main body.
[0005] More specifically describing the invention, the first
cleaning attachment comprises a pet hair cleaning attachment. The
pet hair cleaning attachment includes a bristleless, toothless
cleaning surface and a second cleaning attachment mounting
structure that cooperates with the cleaning attachment mounting
structure to secure the first cleaning attachment to the main body.
The cleaning surface may either be smooth or lightly textured.
[0006] The second cleaning attachment comprises a base, a series of
bristles projecting from the base and an air pathway at least
partially encircled by the base. Further, the second cleaning
attachment includes a third cleaning attachment mounting structure
that cooperates with the cleaning attachment mounting structure to
secure the second cleaning attachment to the main body.
[0007] In one particularly useful embodiment, the cleaning
attachment mounting structure includes two, opposed projections.
The second cleaning attachment mounting structure includes two
opposed slots that receive the two opposed projections. One of the
two opposed slots may be provided upon a resilient tab. The third
cleaning attachment mounting structure is identical to the second
cleaning attachment mounting structure.
[0008] In accordance with additional aspects of the present
invention, the main body includes at least one guide projection.
The cover includes at least one guide channel for receiving and
sliding along the at least one guide projection. Further, the cover
includes a series of guide ribs that project toward the main body.
In addition, the cover includes an open space to allow access to
the resilient tabs of the second or third cleaning attachment
mounting structures in order to allow respective removal of the
first and second cleaning attachments from the main body.
[0009] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention a lock is carried on the main body. The lock secures the
assembly to the floor care apparatus. The lock is pivotally mounted
to the main body and a spring is provided to bias the lock into a
locking position. The lock includes a locking lug and an actuator
button which may be depressed to release the locking lug from the
floor care apparatus and thereby allow removal of the cleaning
attachment assembly.
[0010] In the following description there is shown and described
several different embodiments of the invention, simply by way of
illustration of some of the modes best suited to carry out the
invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of
other different embodiments and its several details are capable of
modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from
the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be
regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0011] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming a
part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the
present invention and together with the description serve to
explain certain principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning
attachment assembly of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2a is a cross sectional view illustrating the cleaning
attachment assembly of FIG. 1 connected to the control handle of a
wand assembly of a standard canister vacuum cleaner of a type known
in the art with the cover fully extended over the bristle brush
cleaning attachment;
[0014] FIG. 2b is an end view of the main body and cover of the
cleaning attachment assembly with all cleaning attachments removed
illustrating the structure for allowing sliding movement of the
cover over the main body;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaning
attachment assembly of the present invention connected to a wand
control handle with the cover retracted to expose the bristle brush
cleaning attachment for use;
[0016] FIG. 4a is an end view of the cleaning attachment assembly
mounted on the wand control handle;
[0017] FIG. 4b is an end view of the end of the wand assembly to
which the control handle of FIG. 4a is to be attached;
[0018] FIG. 4c is a perspective view illustrating the connection
between the control handle of FIG. 4a with the wand of FIG. 4b with
the cleaning attachment assembly of the present invention secured
to the control handle;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an additional perspective view illustrating the
connection of the cleaning attachment assembly onto the end of a
wand opposite a control handle;
[0020] FIG. 6a is a detailed perspective view of the first cleaning
attachment connected to the main body of the cleaning attachment
assembly (cover removed for clarity); and
[0021] FIG. 6b is a detailed perspective view of the second
cleaning attachment connected to the main body of the cleaning
attachment assembly (cover removed for clarity).
[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiment of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0023] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 2a illustrating the
cleaning attachment assembly 10 of the present invention. The
assembly 10 includes a main body 12 of tubular construction that
defines a suction conduit 14 including an inlet 16 and an outlet
18. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 12 carries a
cleaning attachment mounting structure comprising two opposed
projections 20, 22. The assembly 10 further includes a first
cleaning attachment 24 and a second cleaning attachment 26. Either
of the cleaning attachments 24, 26 may be alternatively secured to
the main body 12 by means of the cleaning attachment mounting
structure/projections 20, 22 as described in greater detail
below.
[0024] A cover 28 is received over the main body 12. The cover 28
is selectively displaceable between (a) a retracted position
wherein either of the cleaning attachments 24, 26 secures to the
main body 12 is exposed for use (see FIG. 3) and (b) an extended
position wherein the cover covers either of the cleaning
attachments 24, 26 secured to the main body 12 (see FIG. 2).
[0025] The first cleaning attachment 24 is particularly designed
for cleaning pet hair from a rug, the nap of a carpet, upholstery,
draperies or the like (see FIG. 6a). More specifically, the first
or pet hair cleaning attachment 24 includes a bristleless,
toothless cleaning surface 30 comprising a combination of cross
members 32 and suction inlet openings 34. By "bristleless,
toothless" it is meant that the entire cleaning surface 30 that
engages the work surface being cleaned is void of bristles and
teeth. Preferably the surface 30 is smooth but it could be lightly
textured. Preferably, the pet hair cleaning attachment 24, or at
least the cleaning surface 30, is made from a material selected
from a group consisting of thermoplastic rubber such as santoprene
rubber. Such materials have a tendency to develop a slight static
charge during use which further aides in cleaning pet hair from the
work surface being cleaned. The pet hair cleaning attachment 24 is
made from a soft material that will not harm delicate surfaces it
contacts. There are also no bristles or other structures upon which
hair can become entangled. Further, the attachment 24 can be washed
clean in a sink if desired.
[0026] As best illustrated in FIG. 6b the second or bristle brush
cleaning attachment 26 comprises a base 36, a series of bristles or
bristle tufts 38 projecting from the base and an air pathway 40 at
least partially encircled by the base.
[0027] As best illustrated by FIGS. 1, 2a, 6a and 6b in
combination, the pet hair cleaning attachment 24 and the second or
bristle brush cleaning attachment 26 both include a mounting
structure for securing the respective attachments to the main body
12 of the assembly 10. More specifically, the pet hair cleaning
attachment 24 includes a base 54 that carries a second cleaning
attachment mounting structure comprising two opposed slots 42, 44.
As should be appreciated, the slot 44 is received in a resilient
tab 46. Similarly, the bristle brush cleaning attachment 26
includes a third cleaning attachment mounting structure comprising
two opposed slots 48, 50. The slot 50 is received in a resilient
tab 52 carried on the base 36.
[0028] The pet hair cleaning attachment 24 is secured to the base
12 by positioning the first slot 42 over the projection 20 and then
positioning the attachment base 54 over the main body 12 so that
the second slot 44 receives the second projection 22. Here it
should be appreciated that the resilient tab 46 provides a snap
action that locks the attachment 24 in place on the main body 12. A
user simply engages the resilient tab 46 to release the projection
22 from the slot 44 when it is desired to remove the pet hair
cleaning attachment 24 from the main body 12.
[0029] The bristle brush cleaning attachment 26 is connected to the
main body 12 in the same manner. Specifically, the base 36 is
placed over the main body 12 so that the slot 48 receives the
projection 20. The base 36 is then manipulated over the main body
12 until the slot 50 receives the projection 22 with the resilient
tab 52 providing a snap action that locks the bristle brush
cleaning attachment 26 on the base 12. When desired, the bristle
brush attachment 26 may be removed by engaging the resilient tab 52
and forcing it back so that the projection 22 is released from the
slot 50.
[0030] Whether the pet hair cleaning attachment 24 or the bristle
brush cleaning attachment 26 is secured to the main body 12, the
cover 28 may be positioned to overlie and cover the attachment.
This allows one to shield the potentially dirty surface of the
attachment 24, 26 from view and physical contact when desired. The
cover 28 may also be maintained in an extended position during use
if desired to focus and direct the air stream beneath the cleaning
attachment 24, 26 as it is used to clean a work surface. For most
applications, however, the cover will be retracted during use so as
to fully expose the cleaning attachment 24, 26.
[0031] As best illustrated in FIG. 2b, a series of guide
projections 56 are provided at spaced locations along the main body
12. The cover 28 includes a series of cooperating guide channels 58
that receive and slide along the guide projections 56. Further, the
cover 28 may include a series of spaced guide ribs 60 that project
outwardly toward the main body 12 when the cover 28 is positioned
over the main body. As one slide the cover 28 over the main body 12
between the fully retracted and fully extended positions, the edges
of the guide ribs 60 may engage the wall of the main body 12 to
help maintain the alignment of the cover on the main body so as to
ensure smooth sliding action.
[0032] It should also be appreciated from viewing FIGS. 1 and 3,
that the cover 28 includes an open space or cutout 62. The open
space 62 allows access to the resilient tab 46 or 52 to allow
removal of the respective cleaning attachments 24, 26 from the main
body 12 when desired. The cover 28 also includes a first stop 64
(see FIG. 2b) for limiting the sliding movement of the cover on the
main body 12 when the cover is moved into the extended position.
More specifically, the stop 64, in the form of a series of lugs,
engages the resilient tab 46 or 52 when the respective attachments
24, 26 are positioned on the main body. When neither attachment is
present, the stop 64 engages the projection 22.
[0033] The cleaning attachment assembly also includes a lock 66
(see FIGS. 1 and 2a) that is carried on the main body 12. As will
be described in greater detail below, the lock 66 functions to
secure the assembly 10 to a floor care apparatus and more
particularly, to a control handle H or wand W of that floor care
apparatus.
[0034] More specifically, the lock 66 comprises an actuator button
68 including opposed pivot pins 70 and a locking lug 72. The lock
66 is received in a cavity 74 provided on the main body 12 within a
raised rim 75. More specifically, the pivot pins 70 are captured in
slots or notches 76 provided in the rim 75. A spring 78 is captured
between the lock 66 and the main body 12 in the cavity 74. The
spring 78 engages the lock 66 on the side of the pivot pins 70
opposite the locking lug 72. Accordingly, the compression spring 78
biases the lock 66 about the pivot pins 70 so that the locking lug
72 projects into the suction conduit 14 through an opening 80 in
the wall of the main body 12 (see also FIG. 2b). This allows the
assembly 10 to be secured and locked to either the control handle H
or wand W of a floor cleaning apparatus in a manner that will be
described in greater detail below.
[0035] The cover 28 further includes a groove 82 that extends
around the lock 66 and more particularly the raised rim 75 formed
on the body 12. The innermost edge 86 of the groove 82 functions as
a second stop for limiting sliding movement of the cover 28 on the
main body 12 when the cover is moved into the retracted position.
Specifically, the edge 86 engages the rim 75 when the cover 28 is
moved into the fully retracted position.
[0036] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2a, 3 and 4a illustrating the
cleaning attachment assembly 10 of the present invention attached
directly to the control handle H of a floor care apparatus such as
a canister vacuum cleaner. As illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 3, the
main body 12 of the assembly 10 is positioned over the suction end
of the handle H. The operator then slides the main body 12 onto the
handle H until the locking lug 72 is biased by the spring 78 into
the locking aperture A on the handle H. This secures the assembly
10 to the handle H for cleaning purposes. When it is desired to
remove the assembly 10 from the handle H, the operator depresses
the actuator button 68 over the spring 78 thereby forcing the
locking lug 72 to pivot against the biasing force of the spring out
of the locking aperture A. The operator then simply slides the
assembly 10 off of the handle H as desired.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 4a, when the assembly 10 is fully
seated and locked on the handle H, the air pathway 40 of the
bristle brush cleaning attachment 26 and the suction conduit 14 of
the main body 12 open completely to the suction inlet I and
electrical connector C carried on the handle H. In the illustrated
embodiment, the electrical connector C is of female configuration.
As further illustrated in FIG. 4b, the end of the wand W includes a
suction passage P and an electrical connector E. As illustrated,
the electrical connector E is of male configuration so that when
the handle H is connected to the wand W, the electrical connector E
and the electrical connector C mate to form a complete electrical
connection.
[0038] Since the air pathway 40 in the bristle brush cleaning
attachment 26 and the suction conduit 14 in the main body 12 are
fully open to the suction inlet I and electrical connector C of the
control handle H, it should be appreciated that the handle H may be
connected to the wand W even when the assembly 10 is received over,
fully seated and locked to the handle H by means of the lock 66.
More specifically, the end of the wand W slides into the suction
inlet I while the electrical connector E engages and fully connects
with the electrical connector C. In this way the handle H and wand
W are properly mated even when the assembly 10 (connected to the
attachment 26) is secured to the end of the handle H (see FIG.
4c).
[0039] As further illustrated in FIG. 5, the assembly 10 may
alternatively be connected to the wand W at the end opposite the
handle H. In this position the locking lug 72 of the lock 66 is
received in a locking aperture (not shown) in the wand W so as to
lock the assembly 10 to the wand.
[0040] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of
the present invention have been presented for purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious
modifications or variations are possible in light of the above
teachings. For example, the pet hair cleaning attachment 24 may
include optional bleed holes 55 in the attachment base 54 to reduce
the air drawn through the openings 34 in the cleaning surface
30.
[0041] The embodiments were chosen and described to provide the
best illustration of the principles of the invention and its
practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in
the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the
scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when
interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are
fairly, legally and equitably entitled. The drawings and preferred
embodiments do not and are not intended to limit the ordinary
meaning of the claims in their fair and broad interpretation in any
way.
* * * * *