U.S. patent application number 13/696105 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-16 for wheel assembly for a vacuum cleaner.
This patent application is currently assigned to TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is Matthew J. Doerfler. Invention is credited to Matthew J. Doerfler.
Application Number | 20130117961 13/696105 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46172563 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130117961 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doerfler; Matthew J. |
May 16, 2013 |
WHEEL ASSEMBLY FOR A VACUUM CLEANER
Abstract
A vacuum cleaner having a specific ratio of wheel diameter to
wheel separation distance in addition to a u-shaped yoke operably
coupled to an axle, thus giving the vacuum cleaner a zero turn
radius allowing the user to more easily and efficiently operate and
maneuver the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner may also include
one or more vacuum cleaner components disposed between the
wheels.
Inventors: |
Doerfler; Matthew J.;
(Wooster, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Doerfler; Matthew J. |
Wooster |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY
LIMITED
Road Town, Tortola
VI
|
Family ID: |
46172563 |
Appl. No.: |
13/696105 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
December 1, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2011/062831 |
371 Date: |
January 31, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61418726 |
Dec 1, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/323 ;
15/300.1; 15/347; 15/412; 15/415.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 5/28 20130101; A47L
9/22 20130101; A47L 9/10 20130101; A47L 9/00 20130101; A47L 9/28
20130101; A47L 9/009 20130101; A47L 9/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/323 ;
15/300.1; 15/347; 15/412; 15/415.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/00 20060101
A47L009/00; A47L 9/22 20060101 A47L009/22; A47L 9/26 20060101
A47L009/26; A47L 9/10 20060101 A47L009/10 |
Claims
1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing; an axle coupled to the
housing; a first wheel having a diameter and operably coupled to
the axle; a second wheel set apart a wheel separation distance from
the first wheel, the first wheel and second wheel being capable of
independent rotation, wherein the ratio of first wheel diameter to
wheel separation distance is between 0.85 and 2.
2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the ratio of first wheel
diameter to wheel separation distance is between 1.15 and 1.35.
3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2 further comprising: a drum coupled
to the axle; and an electrical cord coupled to the drum.
4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 3 further comprising a spring
coupled to the drum for providing a force causing the drum to
rotate.
4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the first wheel and the
second wheel are coupled to the axle.
5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 4 further comprising a base having a
suction nozzle, said base coupled to the axle.
6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein a motor is disposed in the
housing.
7. The vacuum cleaner of claim 6 wherein the motor powers a
fan.
8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 further comprising a motor coupled
to the axle wherein the motor selectively drives the first
wheel.
9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8 wherein the motor is a pancake
motor.
10. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 further comprising: a drum
coupled to the axle; a filter disposed in the interior of the
drum.
11. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a first wheel having a diameter
and a second wheel, the first wheel and second wheel being disposed
on an axle and being capable of independent rotation; an electrical
cord for providing electrical power to the vacuum cleaner, the
electrical cord having a stored position in which the cord is
wrapped around the axle.
12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11 further comprising: an upper
housing; a motor disposed in the upper housing; and an electrical
lead electrically coupled to the motor and the electrical cord,
wherein the electrical lead passes through at least one aperture in
the axle.
13. The vacuum cleaner of claim 12 further comprising: a drum for
storing the electrical cord; and a spring coupled to a drum for
providing a force causing the drum to rotate causing the electrical
cord to be wrapped around the axle.
14. The vacuum cleaner of claim 13 wherein the second wheel is set
apart a wheel separation distance from the first wheel and further
wherein the ratio of first wheel diameter to wheel separation
distance is between 1.15 and 1.35.
15. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11 wherein the second wheel is set
apart a wheel separation distance from the first wheel and further
wherein the ratio of first wheel diameter to wheel separation
distance is between 0.85 and 2.
16. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a base having a suction nozzle
wherein the suction nozzle has a nozzle width; an upper housing
having a motor, a dirt collection chamber and a yoke having an open
interior portion; a first wheel having a diameter and a second
wheel set apart a wheel separation distance from the first wheel,
the first wheel and second wheel being disposed in the open
interior portion of the yoke; a housing disposed in the open
interior portion of the yoke; and an axle coupled to the base, the
yoke, the first wheel, the second wheel and the housing.
17. The vacuum cleaner of claim 16 further comprising an electrical
cord having a stored position, wherein the electrical cord is
wrapped around the axle in the stored position.
18. The vacuum cleaner of claim 17 further comprising an electrical
lead 50 electrically coupled to the motor and the electrical cord,
wherein the electrical lead passes through at least one aperture in
the axle.
19. The vacuum cleaner of claim 18 wherein the ratio of first wheel
diameter to wheel separation distance is between 1.15 and 1.35.
20. The vacuum cleaner of claim 16 wherein the ratio of first wheel
diameter to wheel separation distance is between 0.85 and 2.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Priority is hereby claimed to U.S. Provisional Application
No. 61/418,726 filed on Dec. 1, 2010, the entire contents of which
are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to an upright vacuum cleaner
and more particularly to an upright vacuum cleaner having a base
assembly and an upper housing that are able to rotate with respect
to one another.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one embodiment, the invention provides a vacuum cleaner
having a first wheel and a second wheel set apart a wheel
separation distance, where the first wheel and second wheel are
capable of independent rotation. The vacuum cleaner also includes a
cord reel disposed between the first wheel and second wheel and a
suction nozzle having a width wherein the ratio of suction nozzle
width to wheel separation distance is between 1.6 and 3.5.
[0004] In another embodiment the invention provides a vacuum
cleaner having a housing, an axle coupled to the housing, and a
first wheel having a diameter and operably coupled to the axle. The
invention further has a second wheel set apart a wheel separation
distance from the first wheel, the first wheel and second wheel
being capable of independent rotation. In this invention the ratio
of first wheel diameter to wheel separation distance is between
0.85 and 2.
[0005] In an alternative embodiment, the invention provides a
vacuum cleaner having a first wheel and a second wheel set apart a
wheel separation distance, the first wheel and second wheel being
capable of independent rotation, and a housing disposed between the
first wheel and second wheel, the housing being partially disposed
in an interior portion of a base. The vacuum cleaner further
provides the base having a suction nozzle wherein the suction
nozzle has a nozzle width, the ratio of suction nozzle width to
wheel separation distance being between 1.6 and 3.5.
[0006] Yet another alternative embodiment of the invention provides
a vacuum cleaner having a first wheel and a second wheel, the first
wheel and second wheel being disposed on an axle and being capable
of independent rotation. The invention also provides an electrical
cord for providing electrical power to the vacuum cleaner, the
electrical cord having a stored position in which the cord is
wrapped around the axle.
[0007] An alternative embodiment of the invention provides a vacuum
cleaner having a base having a suction nozzle wherein the suction
nozzle has a nozzle width, an upper housing having a motor, a dirt
collection chamber and a yoke having an open interior portion, and
a first wheel and a second wheel set apart a wheel separation
distance, the first wheel and second wheel being disposed in the
open interior portion of the yoke. The invention also includes a
housing disposed in the open interior portion of the yoke, and an
axle coupled to the base, the yoke, the first wheel, the second
wheel and the housing.
[0008] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a zero radius turn vacuum
cleaner.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of wheels and a cord reel of
the zero radius turn vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the wheels and the
cord reel of the zero radius turn vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a section view of the wheels and cord reel of the
zero radius turn vacuum cleaner taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a section view of an alternative embodiment of the
vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways.
[0015] A zero radius turn vacuum cleaner 10 is illustrated in FIG.
1 and includes a base assembly 12, a first wheel 14, a second wheel
16, a cord reel assembly 18, a dirty air hose 20 (illustrated in
FIG. 3) and an upper housing 22. The embodiment illustrated in FIG.
1 shows the cord reel assembly 18 disposed between the first wheel
14 and second wheel 16, however, other embodiments have other
vacuum cleaner components such as, by way of example only, a
filter, a fan motor, one or more wheel driving motors or a dirt cup
disposed between the first wheel 14 and the second wheel 16. Other
alternative embodiments may include a combination of vacuum cleaner
components, such as, by way of example only, the cord reel assembly
and a filter, the cord reel assembly and a fan motor, etc.,
disposed between the first wheel 14 and the second wheel 16.
[0016] The base assembly 12 includes a suction nozzle 24 and an
axle 26 (illustrated in FIG. 2). The base assembly is formed
approximately in the shape of a "U", with the suction nozzle 24
being disposed approximately at the base of the "U" and the axle 26
coupled between the arms of the "U". The suction nozzle 24 has a
width N (illustrated in FIG. 1) of approximately 14 inches. Other
embodiments may have a width N between 12 and 16 inches. The base
assembly includes a hose opening (not shown) to enable connection
of the dirty air hose 20 to the base assembly 12. The suction
nozzle 24 is fluidly connected to the hose opening. The base
assembly 12 includes a first recess 28 disposed on one arm of the
"U" and a second recess 30 on the other arm of the "U" to receive
the axle 26. In one construction the base assembly 12 is made of
multiple pieces which are coupled together using screws. In another
construction the base assembly is a single piece.
[0017] The axle 26 is hollow and is made of plastic. In another
construction, the axle 26 is made of metal such as steel or
aluminum. In yet another construction, the axle 26 is solid. The
axle 26 has two apertures 31 thereon to allow a wire or the like to
enter and exit the interior portion of the axle 26. Alternative
constructions may have additional apertures to allow for additional
entry and exit points into the axle. Another alternative
construction may include caps placed in each end of the axle 26
near the first and second recesses 28, 30 to seal the ends of the
axle 26. Both ends of the axle 26 are received in the base assembly
12 such that that the axle 26 is coupled to the base assembly 12.
The first and second recesses 28, 30 are sized to inhibit rotation
of the axle 26 with respect to the base assembly 12. In some
embodiments the axle 26 is coupled to the first and second recesses
28, 30 to inhibit rotation of the axle 26 with respect to the base
assembly 12.
[0018] The upper housing 22 includes a handle 32, a dirt chamber
34, a motor housing 33 and a yoke 36. A dirt opening (not shown) is
disposed on the dirt chamber 34 to allow the dirty air hose 20 to
be fluidly coupled to the dirt chamber 34. A motor 54 for driving a
suction fan (not shown) is disposed in the motor housing 33.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 4, the yoke 36 is in the shape of an
inverted "U", with the motor housing 33 being disposed at the base
of the "U". The yoke includes an open interior portion 37
illustrated in FIG. 1. The yoke 36 includes a first opening 38 and
a second opening 40 to allow the axle 26 to pass through the yoke
36. Bearings 42 are disposed in the first and second openings 38,
40. The bearings 42 are sized and configured to allow the axle 26
to pass through the bearings 42. The bearings 42 allow the upper
housing 22 to rotate with respect to the axle 26 and the base
assembly 12.
[0020] The first wheel 14 and second wheel 16 are substantially
similar. Both the first wheel 14 and the second wheel 16 have a
width w of approximately 0.75 inches and a diameter d of 7.5
inches. Alternative embodiments may use a diameter d between 6.5
and 9 inches. Yet other alternative embodiments use a diameter d
between 6.5 and 7.5 inches. The first and second wheels 14, 16 have
openings 60, 62 disposed therein to allow the axle 26 to pass
through the first and second wheels 14, 16. Bearings 39 are
disposed in the openings 60, 62. The bearings 39 are sized and
configured to allow the axle 26 to pass through the bearings 39.
The bearings 39 allow the first wheel 14 and second wheel 16 to
rotate with respect to the axle 26. The first wheel 14 and second
wheel 16 may rotate independently of one another. One or more clips
43 are pressed on the axle 26 to inhibit movement of the first
wheel 14 and the second wheel 16 along the rotational axis of the
axle 26. The wheel separation distance D is defined as the distance
between the centerline of the first wheel 14 and the centerline of
the second wheel 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wheel
14 and the second wheel 16 have a wheel separation distance D of
approximately 6 inches, but other embodiments envision placing the
first wheel 14 and the second wheel 16 such that the wheel
separation distance D is between 4.5 and 7.5 inches. In other
embodiments the wheel separation distance D is 5.5 to 6 inches.
[0021] The ratio of first wheel 14 or second wheel 16 diameter d to
wheel separation distance D to is important because the proper
ratio assists in allowing the vacuum cleaner 10 to be easily
maneuvered in tight spaces and assists in allowing the vacuum
cleaner to have a zero turn radius. In the illustrated embodiment
the ratio of wheel diameter d to wheel separation distance D to is
1.25. Alternative embodiments contemplate the ratio of wheel
diameter d to wheel separation distance D being between 0.85 and 2.
Yet other embodiments contemplate the ratio of wheel diameter d to
wheel separation distance D being between 1.15 and 1.35. The zero
turn radius allows the vacuum cleaner 10 to rotate about a central
axis of the upper housing 22 while the first wheel 14 and second
wheel 16 have minimal or no skid or slip with respect to a surface
to be vacuumed. Prior art vacuum cleaners are not as easily
maneuverable and do not have such a zero turn radius, at least in
part due to their ratio of wheel diameter to wheel separation
distance. It has been found that a vacuum cleaner 10 having a zero
turn radius is easier to operate and use, as compared to vacuum
cleaners not having a zero turn radius, thus leading to greater
ease and efficiency in vacuuming.
[0022] The cord reel assembly 18, illustrated in section view in
FIG. 4, includes a reel housing 44, a drum 46, a torsion spring 56,
a brake (not shown), a brake release lever 47 (seen in FIG. 3), an
electrical cord 48, a pair of commutator rings (not shown), and an
electrical lead 50. The brake serves to inhibit drum 46 from
rotating in at least one direction with respect to the reel housing
44. The reel housing 44 is cylindrical in shape and is hollow so
that other elements of the cord reel assembly 18 may reside
therein. The reel housing 44 has an opening 45 disposed thereon
(seen in FIG. 3) to allow a portion of the electrical cord 48 to
exit the reel housing 44. The drum 46 is disposed within the reel
housing 44 and is able to rotate with respect to the reel housing
44. The reel housing 44 has an aperture 35 in the interior portion
which is aligned with the aperture 31 of the axle 26 to allow the
electrical lead 50 to exit the reel housing 44 and enter the axle
26. The electrical cord 48 is configured to provide electrical
power to the vacuum cleaner 10.
[0023] The torsion spring 56 is disposed next to the drum 46 and is
coupled to the drum 46 and the reel housing 44. The brake is
coupled to the drum 46 and the reel housing 44. The brake is
coupled to the brake release lever 47 such that when the brake
release lever 47 is pressed, the brake is released. The brake
release lever 47 is sized and configured such that it is easily
operated with the user's foot. The reel housing 44 is coupled to
the axle 26 by a key 49, to inhibit rotation of the reel housing
with respect to the axle 26. In the illustrated embodiment the key
49 is an integral part of the reel housing 44, and the key 49
resides in a slot in the axle 26. In another construction, the key
not an integral part of the reel housing 44. Alternative
constructions may couple the reel housing 44 to the axle 26 with a
friction fit, an adhesive, etc.
[0024] The electrical cord 48 may be substantially wound around the
drum 46, but may be partially pulled out of the reel housing 44.
The electrical cord 48 includes a plug 52 which, due to the size
and configuration of the opening 45, is inhibited from entering the
interior portion of the reel housing 44. The electrical cord 48 is
electrically coupled to the pair of commutator rings. The
commutator rings are electrically coupled to the electrical lead
50. The electrical lead 50 is electrically connected to the motor
54. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the electrical lead 50 exits the reel
housing 44 through the aperture 35 and enters the interior portion
of the axle 26 through the aperture 31. The electrical lead 50 then
exits the interior portion of the axle 26 between the first wheel
14 and the yoke 36. The electrical lead 50 then enters the motor
housing 33 where it is electrically connected to the motor 54. Thus
when the electrical cord 48 is electrically connected to an
electrical outlet, the motor 54 is able to receive electrical
power. In an alternative embodiment the electrical lead 50 may also
be electrically connected to another motor, a light, or some other
accessory that requires electrical power.
[0025] In a stored position, the electrical cord 48 is
substantially disposed in the interior of the reel housing 44, the
electrical cord 48 being wrapped around the axle 26 as shown in
FIG. 4. When the user pulls on the electrical cord 48 to extract a
portion of the electrical cord 48 from the reel housing 44, the
drum 46 rotates with respect to the reel housing 44. As the drum 46
rotates the torsion spring 56 is wound. The brake allows the drum
46 to rotate with respect to the reel housing 44, by means of a
ratchet mechanism for example, in only one direction when the brake
is applied. When the user wishes to wind the electrical cord 48
into the reel housing 44, the user pushes the brake release lever
47. When the brake release lever 47 is pressed, the brake is
released which allows the drum 46 to rotate in either direction.
The torsion spring 56 exerts a force on the drum 46 to turn the
drum 46 in a direction that winds the electrical cord 48 back
around the drum 46.
[0026] An alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, of the
vacuum cleaner 10 includes an independent drive motor 58 for the
first wheel 14 and a second independent drive motor 58 for the
second wheel 16. The independent drive motors 58 may take the form
of pancake motors placed next to the wheels 14, 16. Thus each wheel
14, 16 can be driven independently of the other wheel 14, 16. In an
alternative construction, drive motors can be placed between the
wheels in place of the cord reel assembly 18. In yet another
construction, a single drive motor with a transmission for each
wheel can be placed between the wheels in place of the cord reel
assembly 18. In yet other embodiments, each of the wheels can be
driven in forward and reverse directions allowing for zero radius
turns. The independent drive motors 58 are electrically connected
to the electrical cord 48 in a similar fashion as has been
described with regard to the motor 54. In yet another alternative
embodiment the independent drive motors 58 can be used with the
cord reel assembly 18, the independent drive motors 58 being
disposed proximate to the cord reel assembly 18.
[0027] Yet another embodiment of the vacuum cleaner 10 has a filter
housing and a filter, such as a HEPA filter, disposed between the
wheels in place of the cord reel assembly 18. In this construction,
conduits are coupled to the filter housing to deliver an air stream
to and away from the filter. In yet another alternative embodiment
a filter housing and filter are used in combination with the cord
reel assembly 18, the filter housing and filter being disposed in
an interior portion of the drum 44.
[0028] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, only one axle 26
is used. However, other embodiments contemplate using multiple
axles. Some constructions which are contemplated include an axle
for the first wheel 14, an axle for the second wheel 16, an axle
for the cord reel assembly 18, an axle for the yoke 36, and an axle
for the base assembly 12, or any combination of these axles. In one
construction, at least one of the axles may be offset from the
other axles.
[0029] It has been found that placing the first wheel 14 and the
second wheel 16 in the interior of the yoke 36 facilitates stable
turns and allows the user to easily maneuver the vacuum cleaner 10
in small areas. The connection of the yoke 36 to the axle 26 also
facilitates stable turns of the vacuum cleaner 10 and assists in
allowing the user to easily maneuver the vacuum cleaner 10 in small
areas. In fact, the location of the first wheel 14 and second wheel
16 with respect to the yoke, and the connection of the yoke 36 to
the axle 26 allows the vacuum cleaner 10 to have a zero turn radius
such that the vacuum cleaner 10 rotates about a central axis of the
upper housing 22 while the first wheel 14 and second wheel 16 have
minimal or no skid or slip with respect to a surface to be
vacuumed. Prior art vacuum cleaners are not as easily maneuverable
and do not have such a zero turn radius due to at least one of the
location of their wheels and the connection of an axle to the
housing instead of a yoke.
[0030] It has also been found that the ratio of suction nozzle 24
width N to wheel separation distance D aids in the stability of the
vacuum cleaner 10 and assists in allowing the vacuum cleaner 10 in
maneuvering in tight spaces. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
1-4, the suction nozzle 24 width N to wheel separation distance D
ratio is 2.3. However, other embodiments may have a suction nozzle
24 width N to wheel separation distance D ratio of between 2.0 and
2.5. Even other embodiments may have a suction nozzle 24 width N to
wheel separation distance D ratio of between 1.6 and 3.5. In
addition, the diameter d of the first wheel 14 and second wheel 16
aids in the stability of the vacuum cleaner 10 and assists in
allowing the vacuum cleaner 10 in maneuvering in tight spaces.
[0031] Thus, the invention provides, among other things, a vacuum
cleaner 10. Various features and advantages of the invention are
set forth in the following claims. What is claimed is:
* * * * *