U.S. patent application number 13/958264 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-06 for floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is Dyson Technology Limited. Invention is credited to Thomas Michael MCVEY.
Application Number | 20140033473 13/958264 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46934831 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140033473 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MCVEY; Thomas Michael |
February 6, 2014 |
FLOOR TOOL FOR A VACUUM CLEANING APPLIANCE
Abstract
A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance, the floor tool
comprising a main body including a suction nozzle comprising a
surface engaging skirt that depends downwardly to define an outer
periphery of a suction chamber having a suction chamber outlet, the
surface engaging skirt including a leading edge, a trailing edge,
and side edges extending between the leading edge and the trailing
edge, and wherein the trailing edge depends downwardly from the
suction nozzle by a first distance and the leading edge depends
downwardly from the suction nozzle by a second distance that is
less than the first distance so as to define a predetermined gap
with a floor surface, in use.
Inventors: |
MCVEY; Thomas Michael;
(Malmesbury, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dyson Technology Limited |
Wiltshire |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
Wiltshire
GB
|
Family ID: |
46934831 |
Appl. No.: |
13/958264 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/415.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/02 20130101; A47L
9/068 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/415.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/02 20060101
A47L009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 3, 2012 |
GB |
1213842.6 |
Jul 10, 2013 |
GB |
1312354.2 |
Claims
1. A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance, the floor tool
comprising a main body including a suction nozzle comprising a
surface engaging skirt that depends downwardly to define an outer
periphery of a suction chamber having a suction chamber outlet, the
surface engaging skirt including a leading edge, a trailing edge,
and side edges extending between the leading edge and the trailing
edge, and wherein the trailing edge depends downwardly from the
suction nozzle by a first distance and the leading edge depends
downwardly from the suction nozzle by a second distance that is
less than the first distance so as to define a predetermined gap
with a floor surface, in use.
2. The floor tool of claim 1, wherein the surface engaging skirt
member is flexible.
3. The floor tool of claim 1, wherein the surface engaging skirt
member is defined by at least one of a plurality of bristles, a
plurality of filaments and at least one strip of flexible
material.
4. The floor tool of claim 3, wherein the surface engaging skirt
member is defined by a unitary strip of plastics material.
5. The floor tool of claim 4, wherein the surface engaging skirt
member is over-moulded onto a supporting spine of the suction
nozzle.
6. The floor tool of claim 1, wherein the leading edge depends
downwardly from the suction nozzle by a distance that is between 1
and 4 mm less than the distance of the trailing edge so as to
define a gap of between 1 and 4 mm with the floor surface.
7. The floor tool of claim 6, wherein the distance is 3 mm.
8. The floor tool of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal wall extends
along the suction chamber longitudinally to partition the suction
chamber into front and rear suction channels.
9. The floor tool of claim 8, wherein the wall includes one or more
openings to allow fluid to flow through the openings between the
front suction channel and the rear suction channel.
10. The floor tool of claim 8, wherein the skirt includes a lateral
wall that extends between the trailing edge and the longitudinal
wall so as to partition the suction chamber into first and second
sub-chambers, each having an associated suction chamber outlet.
11. The floor tool of claim 10, wherein the lateral wall extends
between the trailing and leading edges approximately in mid-way
between the side edges.
12. The floor tool of claim 10, wherein the lateral wall depends
downwardly by a distance less than the leading edge and the
trailing edge of the skirt.
13. The floor tool of claim 9, wherein the longitudinal wall
includes a non-uniform profile along its length.
14. The floor tool of claim 1, wherein the skirt includes a lateral
wall that extends between the trailing edge and the leading edge so
as to partition the suction chamber into first and second
sub-chambers each having an associated suction chamber outlet.
15. The floor tool of claim 14, wherein the lateral wall extends
between the trailing and leading edges approximately mid-way
between the side edges.
16. The floor tool of claim 15, wherein the wall depends downwardly
by a distance less than the leading edge and the trailing edge of
the skirt.
17. The floor tool of claim 1, wherein the trailing edge includes a
non-uniform surface-engaging profile along its length.
18. The floor tool of claim 1, wherein at least one of the side
edges includes bristles.
19. The floor tool of claim 1, wherein the main body further
comprises a support member adapted to support a cleaning element
and wherein the suction nozzle lies adjacent a first edge of the
supporting member.
20. The floor tool of claim 19, wherein a further suction nozzle is
provided that lies adjacent a second edge of the support member
parallel to the first edge.
21. The floor tool of claim 20, wherein the further suction nozzle
is configured substantially the same as the first suction
nozzle.
22. The floor tool of claim 21, when dependent on claim 9, wherein
the openings in the longitudinal wall in the first suction nozzle
have a flow area that is different to the flow area of the openings
in the longitudinal wall of the second suction nozzle.
23. A vacuum cleaner comprising the floor tool of claim 1.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of United Kingdom
Application No. 1213842.6, filed Aug. 3, 2012, and United Kingdom
Application No. 1312354.2, filed Jul. 10, 2013, the entire contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a floor tool for a vacuum
cleaning appliance, and a vacuum cleaning appliance incorporating
such a floor tool, whether as a detachable component or as an
integral part.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Vacuum cleaners are generally supplied with a range of tools
for dealing with different cleaning tasks. For example, such a tool
may be a general purpose floor tool for on-the-floor cleaning of
both hard and textile surface coverings. Typically, a floor tool
comprises a main body which engages with a floor surface. The main
body has a lower surface comprising a suction opening through which
dirt and dust may be drawn into the floor tool due to a suction
force generated by a vacuum cleaner to which the tool is attached.
Although floor tools are adept at removing loose dirt and debris
from a floor surface, they are less accomplished at removing other
forms of dirt, for example stains, which may be left behind from
liquid that is spilt on a hard floor covering. Of course, there are
implements available for cleaning such stains. One example is shown
in US2002/0184726, in which a long handled cleaning implement
includes a cleaning head to which a cleaning sheet is removably
attached. Such an implement can then be used by a user to scrub or
mop a hard floor surface to remove stubborn stains.
[0004] It also is known to combine the functionality of a vacuum
cleaner floor tool with a cleaning sheet in order to provide the
floor tool with the facility to wipe dirt and stains from a floor
surface in addition to the usual function of sucking up loose dirt
and debris. By way of example, JP9028638 describes a device which
combines a mop with a vacuum cleaner floor tool by arranging an
elongate nozzle adjacent a mop holder to which a mop is attached.
The floor tool therefore carries out floor wiping and vacuum
cleaning functions. Also, EP1608253 discloses a floor tool for a
vacuum cleaner in which a rectangular supporting element carries a
disposable wipe and wherein elongate suction nozzles are positioned
adjacent the fore and aft long edges of the support element.
[0005] Although such combined mop and suction floor tools have
their advantages, the cleaning performance of such tools on hard
floors tends to be compromised and their versatility is limited. It
is with a view to addressing these drawbacks that the invention has
been devised.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In a first aspect, the invention provides a floor tool that
may be integral with or removably connectable to a vacuum cleaning
appliance, the floor tool comprising a support member adapted to
support a cleaning sheet and at least one suction nozzle in
communication with a conduit that is coupled to a vacuum cleaning
appliance, in use, wherein a neck for controlling the floor tool is
coupled to the support member and wherein the at least one suction
nozzle is configured so as to float relative to the neck.
[0007] The invention therefore provides a floor tool in the context
of a vacuum cleaning appliance that has a dual functionality.
Firstly, the floor tool provides a suction cleaning function and,
secondly, the floor tool has the capability to carry a cleaning
sheet to wipe the floor surface at the same time as vacuuming the
floor surface. The suction nozzle is configured to float relative
to the connecting neck of the floor tool which confers several
benefits. Firstly, the downwards force applied to the user via the
neck is transmitted directly to the support member, but not to the
suction nozzle, the downwards pressure improving the cleaning
performance of the wipe sheet carried on the support member.
Secondly, since very little downwards force is applied to the
suction nozzle, it is able to ride lightly across the floor surface
which benefits the pickup performance of the suction nozzle.
[0008] Although the floor tool of the invention may include a
single suction nozzle located adjacent a leading or trailing edge
of the support member, an alternative embodiment includes first and
second suction nozzles, one nozzle located adjacent a respective
one of the leading and trailing edges of the support member.
[0009] In the preferred embodiment, the suction nozzles communicate
with a manifold that may be located in a central position with
respect to the support member, each of the suction nozzles being
linked to the manifold by a fluid carrying arm. The fluid carrying
arms and the nozzles are therefore configured into an `overslung`
arrangement over the support member.
[0010] The manifold may extend through a part of the neck of the
floor tool and may be dimensioned so that the manifold is permitted
to move relative to the neck in order to provide the suction
nozzles with the ability to `float`. To allow a user to manoeuvre
the floor tool the neck may define a first portion that is
pivotably attached to the support member about a first axis. The
first portion may be cylindrical in form that defines a rail
arrangement arranged at least partially about its periphery and
which is engaged with a complementary runner formation on the
support member so that the rail arrangement can ride/slide along
the runners. Since only the peripheral edge of the cylindrical base
portion engages with the support member, the central volume of the
cylindrical base portion is substantially free of obstructions so
that the manifold can pass through it, thereby coupling the
manifold to the support member.
[0011] In order to provide a further degree of manoeuvrability, the
neck may include a second portion that is pivotably connected to
the base portion about a second axis that is perpendicular to the
first axis. This allows the floor tool to be swivelled in a plane
parallel to the floor surface by rotating the neck, effectively
providing the floor tool with the ability to be `steered`.
[0012] In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold communicates
with a flexible hose that extends through the second portion of the
neck to a connecting part and so serves to duct air from the
manifold to an associated vacuum cleaner via the neck.
[0013] In a second aspect, the invention provides a floor tool for
a vacuum cleaning appliance comprising a body including a suction
nozzle, a neck coupled to the body so as to pivot relative to it
about an axis `A`, wherein the neck includes a base portion that
defines a rail formation located at least partially about its
circumference and the body includes a runner formation that is
engaged with a discrete part of the rail formation, the rail
formation being slidable relative to the runner formation thereby
coupling the base portion to the body but permitting the base
portion to pivot relative to the body. More particularly, the rail
formation may include a rim of the base portion and the runner
formation on the body may include a projection that overlaps the
rim and is slidable relative to it. In this way, the body holds the
base portion of the neck at a discrete point on its rim which means
that the centre of the base portion can be left open. The open
central area of the base portion is therefore able to receive a
conduit of the floor tool. By selection of the dimension of the
conduit relative to the base portion, the conduit can be configured
to flat relative to the base portion.
[0014] The pivoting movement of the neck may be limited by a flange
extending inwardly from the rim about a limited portion thereof,
the end points of the flange defining limit stops for pivoting
movement of the base portion.
[0015] The floor tool described above provides a dual function tool
which works to suck debris from the floor and also to clean the
floor with a wet or dry cleaning wipe. However, it is possible that
a user may wish to vacuum the floor without needing to wipe the
floor as well. Therefore, in a third aspect, the invention provides
a floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance comprising a support
member adapted to support a cleaning sheet and at least one suction
nozzle in communication with a conduit, wherein the support member
comprises a removable pad which is detachable from the support
member and a rolling arrangement depending from the support
member.
[0016] The invention enhances the versatility of the floor tool
since the tool can be used in a "suction-and-wipe" mode of
operation in which the suction nozzles combine in function with the
removable pad, and a `suction-only` mode of operation in which only
the suction nozzles are involved with cleaning the floor surface.
Such an arrangement may, in practice, be used frequently by a user
as a hard floor cleaner since it is envisaged that a floor surface
will require vacuuming more often than it requires wiping with a
moist disposable wiping sheet. The floor tool is therefore not
limited to using the floor pad in conjunction with the vacuuming
facility.
[0017] The support member may include a carrier plate from which
the removable pad is separable, the rolling arrangement being
provided on the underside of the carrier plate.
[0018] Although the rolling arrangement could be embodied by
rollers, spheres, casters, or even low-friction skids, one option
is the rolling arrangement includes a plurality of wheels or
rollers that depend down from the support member to define a plane
of contact parallel to the floor surface.
[0019] The wheels or rollers may extend at least partially into
apertures defined in the removable pad when the removable pad is
coupled to the carrier plate.
[0020] In the floor tool as described above, there is a risk that
the rather convoluted geometry of the suction nozzles and the fluid
flow conduit can cause debris to be trapped within the fluid flow
path of the tool. There is a need to mitigate this risk and thus,
in a fourth aspect, the invention provides a floor tool for a
vacuum cleaning appliance comprising a support member adapted to
support a cleaning sheet and at least one suction nozzle in
communication with a conduit, wherein the conduit includes one or
more plug elements that are engageable with respective sockets
provided in the conduits, the plugs being removable from the
sockets to provide access to the interior of the conduit. The
invention therefore provides a floor tool that combines suction and
wipe-cleaning capability with improved user maintainability.
[0021] The plug elements may be secured to their respective sockets
by way of a press- or screw-fit so that they are mounted securely.
Optionally, the plug elements may include a tether which serves to
retain the plug elements in a position close to the sockets when
they are removed so as to reduce the likelihood of the plug
elements being mislaid. Alternatively, the plug elements may be
hinged relative to the conduit so that the elements can be hinged
away from the sockets but still being attached to the conduit.
[0022] In the preferred embodiment, the manifold is configured in a
central position on the support member and first and second suction
nozzles are located against leading and trailing edges of the
support member in the direction of movement. In this embodiment,
the plug element, or elements, may be provided on the manifold
which provides a central access point to the conduit increasing the
ease at which blockages can be cleared. In one embodiment, first
and second plug elements are provided at opposite ends of the
manifold, which is substantially tubular. Therefore, access is
provided at each end of the manifold and which also allows a
cleaning implement to be pushed right through the manifold.
[0023] One advantage of the floor tool of the invention is that the
ability of the floor tool to pick up dust, fluff and other debris
from a floor surface is improved. Part of this benefit is achieved
by arranging first and second suction chambers on either side of a
wipe support member, but the performance improvement is also
achieved by way of a configuration of the suction nozzles
themselves. Therefore, from a fifth aspect, the invention provides
a floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance, the floor tool
comprising a main body including a suction nozzle comprising a
surface engaging skirt that depends downwardly to define an outer
periphery of a suction chamber having a suction chamber outlet, the
surface engaging skirt including a leading edge, a trailing edge,
and side edges extending between the leading edge and the trailing
edge, and wherein the trailing edge depends downwardly from the
suction nozzle by a first distance and the leading edge depends
downwardly from the suction nozzle by a second distance that is
less than the first distance so as to define a predetermined gap
with a floor surface, in use.
[0024] In effect, therefore, the suction nozzle configuration
provides a narrow gap substantially across the full width of the
nozzle, although a full width gap is not essential, which gap
enables a great amount of debris to be drawn into the suction
nozzle and, therefore, to the associated vacuum cleaner. The skirt
member may, in theory, be formed from any material that provides a
strip-like member for engaging the floor surface and to form a seal
with it so that airflow may get in to the suction nozzle primarily
through the leading edge gap. For example, a wall of bristles may
provide a suitable strip. However, it is preferred that the surface
engaging skirt is flexible, so that is has the ability to confirm
to a floor surface, and preferably a strip of plastics material,
such as rubber.
[0025] Although the skirt may be formed from several pieces, each
forming a substantially unbroken skirt, it may also be formed from
a single strip of material. Preferably the strip of material is
overmoulded onto the main body of the suction nozzle as this avoids
more complicated techniques that would be required to attach a
flexible strip or strips to the underside of the suction
nozzle.
[0026] The precise dimensions of the gap are to some extent
determined by the suction power of the vacuum cleaning device with
which the floor tool is used. However, it is currently envisaged
that a gap width of between 1 mm and 4 mm provides a suitable high
speed air flow through the gap while admitting a wide range of
debris to enter the floor tool through the gap. Most preferred is a
gap width of about 3 mm, that is to say that the leading edge
depends downwardly from the suction nozzle by a distance that is
between 3 mm less than the distance of the trailing edge so as to
define a gap of 3 mm with the floor surface.
[0027] In one embodiment, a longitudinal wall extends along the
suction chamber longitudinally to partition the suction chamber
into front and rear suction channels. One or more openings may be
provided in the longitudinal wall, or at the ends thereof, to allow
fluid to flow through the openings between the front suction
channel and the rear suction channel.
[0028] The skirt may also include a lateral wall that extends
between the trailing edge and the leading edge, or between the
trailing edge and the longitudinal wall, so as to partition the
suction chamber into first and second sub-chambers each having an
associated suction chamber outlet. The lateral wall may depend
downward by the same amount as the trailing edge of the skirt or,
alternatively by an amount the same as the leading edge of the
skirt.
[0029] As mentioned above, the configuration of the suction nozzle
increases the ability of the floor tool to pick up small debris in
particularly and, importantly, dirt and debris that resides in
crevices in the floor surface such as floorboard gaps etc. However,
the fourth aspect of the invention has particular utility in the
context of the dual function floor too which combines a suction
function and also a hard floor wiping function. In this manner, the
main body may include a support member adapted to support a
cleaning sheet and wherein the suction nozzle lies adjacent a first
edge of the supporting member.
[0030] Although such a floor tool may be adequate with a single
suction nozzle, it is preferred that a further suction nozzle is
provided that lies adjacent a second edge of the support member
parallel to the first edge.
[0031] When two suction nozzles are provided the openings in the
longitudinal wall in the first suction nozzle may be configured
with a flow area that is different to the flow area of the openings
in the longitudinal wall of the second suction nozzle. The effect
of this is to bias the `suction power` generated by the vacuum
cleaner either more to the front or more to the rear suction
nozzle.
[0032] As has been mentioned, the floor tool of the invention
combines the functionality of a suction-type tool and a hard floor
wipe implement. It is known to attach a wipe to a base plate by
hook and loop fastening systems and also to wrap the wipe sheet
around a base plate so that edges of the wipe sheet can be pushes
into slit formations defined on the top of the wipe sheet. However,
such attachment schemes can fail to hold the wipe sheet securely
and the wipe sheet can tend to pull away from the attachment scheme
during the back and forth movement of the floor tool. With a view
to improving the means by which a wipe sheet is attachable to a
suction-type floor tool, the invention therefore provides, in a
sixth aspect, a floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance
comprising a support member adapted to support a cleaning sheet and
at least one suction nozzle adjacent the support member, wherein
the support member includes a carrier pate and a floor engaging pad
that are releasably held together by a clamping arrangement so that
edges of a cleaning sheet can be clamped between the carrier plate
and the floor pad in order to hold the cleaning sheet securely on
the pad.
[0033] Such a configuration provides a particularly usable scheme
for a user to attach a cleaning sheet to the floor tool, and one
which fastens securely the cleaning sheet so that it cannot work
itself loose during use. In one embodiment, once the cleaning sheet
is wrapped around the floor pad, the clamping means is operable to
automatically lock the floor pad to the carrier plate when the
floor pad is pushed against the carrier plate. In this way a user
simply has to push the carrier plate onto the pad and the two parts
are locked together, which can be done form a standing position.
This is particularly convenient from a user's perspective.
[0034] The clamping means may include at least one button which is
operable by a user to release the floor pad from the carrier plate.
The button may be mounted to an upper surface of the floor pad
about a pivot point and defines a latch face for cooperating with a
catch face provided on the carrier plate. The automated latching of
the button arrangement may be embodied by a catch face including an
upper surface and an inclined lower surface which strikes a surface
of the button as the floor pad is brought into contact with the
plate, the inclined lower surface thereby urging the button to
pivot clear of the catch to allow the floor pad to fully engage
with the carrier plate, whereby the button return-pivots into a
position to lock the floor pad to the carrier plate.
[0035] Although only a single button could be provided, which would
cause one side of the pad to be releasable, in the preferred
embodiment first and second user operable buttons are disposed at
each end of an upper surface of the floor pad to engage with
respective catches on the carrier plate.
[0036] Sufficient force to capture the cleaning sheet securely
between the carrier plate and the floor pad may be provided by
sandwiching the cleaning sheet between the two components. However,
to increase the hold that the floor tool has on the sheet, the
carrier plate/floor pad may further comprise a gripping arrangement
configured to grip edges of a cleaning sheet in circumstance when a
cleaning sheet is engaged between the floor pad and the carrier
plate. The gripping arrangement may be defined by at least one rib
provided on the floor pad, the rib being engageable with a
respective channel provided on the carrier plate.
[0037] It should be appreciated that preferred and/or optional
features of first, second, third fourth, fifth and sixth aspects of
the invention may be combined with each other as appropriate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaning appliance
and associated floor tool in accordance with the invention;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the front of the floor
tool in FIG. 1 isolated from the vacuum cleaner body;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the rear of the floor tool
in FIG. 2;
[0042] FIG. 4 is a view like that in FIG. 2, but with a neck of the
floor tool partly removed to show an internal flow passage;
[0043] FIGS. 5a and 5b are perspective views of the floor tool in
FIGS. 2 and 3 but with its suction nozzle assembly removed in order
to show the way in which the neck connects to a support member of
the floor tool;
[0044] FIGS. 6a and 6b are views like those in FIGS. 5a and 5b but
the neck is in a reclined position;
[0045] FIG. 7a is a side view of the floor tool which shows the
support member of the floor tool in a raised position, and FIG. 7b
is a section view of FIG. 7a along the line A-A;
[0046] FIG. 8a is a view like that in FIG. 7a but with the support
member in a lowered position, and FIG. 8b is a section view of FIG.
8a along the line A-A;
[0047] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the floor tool in an
exploded form;
[0048] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the floor tool, from below,
with the floor pad removed, in order to show a wheel arrangement of
the floor tool;
[0049] FIG. 11 is a side view of the floor tool in FIG. 10;
[0050] FIG. 12 is a view from underneath of the floor tool in FIGS.
10 and 11;
[0051] FIG. 13 is a view of a variant of the floor tool in FIG. 10
from underneath; and
[0052] FIG. 14 is a view of a suction nozzle of another variant of
the floor tool.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0053] With reference firstly to FIG. 1, a vacuum cleaning
appliance 2 of the so-called `stick-vac cleaner` type comprises a
handheld vacuum cleaner 4 which can be carried in the hand of a
user.
[0054] An elongate wand 6 is attached to the handheld vacuum
cleaner 4 which reaches down to a floor tool 8 provided at the end
of the wand 6, the floor tool 8 resting on a floor surface in
normal use. Note that the floor surface itself is not shown
explicitly in FIG. 1, but its presence is implicit.
[0055] The handheld vacuum cleaner 4 comprises a motor-driven fan
unit (not shown) which is arranged inside a motor casing 10 and
draws air in through an air inlet nozzle 12 positioned at the front
of the handheld vacuum cleaner 4. The elongate wand 6 is connected
to the air inlet nozzle 12, and the floor tool 8 is in turn
connected to the lower end of the wand 6. In use, dirty air is
drawn in through the floor tool 8 and is ducted to the air inlet
nozzle 12 through the wand 6. Dirty air that enters the air inlet
nozzle 12 passes through a cyclonic separation system 14 that
separates dirt from the air, and then relatively clean air is then
exhausted back to the ambient environment via an exhaust 16 located
at the rear. The dirt which is separated from the airflow inside
the cyclonic separating system 14 is collected in a bin 18 for
disposal. The hand held vacuum cleaner 4 is powered by a multi-cell
rechargeable battery which is housed in a battery pack 20.
[0056] The floor tool 8 is detachable from the wand 6 by means of a
catch 21. The wand 6 is in turn detachable from the handheld vacuum
cleaner 4 by means of a further catch 23. The handheld vacuum
cleaner 4 can thus be used in isolation as a standalone unit by
detaching the wand 6 or, alternatively, the handheld vacuum cleaner
4, wand 6 and floor tool 8 can be used in combination as a hard
floor cleaning device with a suction functionality.
[0057] It should be noted that the vacuum cleaner 2 in FIG. 1
illustrates one potential configuration in which the floor tool 8
of the invention may be used. In the context of a stick-vac
cleaner, the floor tool 8 provides a convenient and portable way in
which to clean hard floors in particular. However, the floor tool 4
may also be used with other types of vacuum cleaners, for example
connected to a wand and hose assembly of a cylinder or upright
vacuum cleaner. Although it is preferred that the floor tool is
connectable to an associated vacuum cleaner, this is not essential
to the invention and the floor tool may be an integral component,
for example integral to the wand in the handheld vacuum cleaner of
FIG. 1.
[0058] Turning also to FIGS. 3 and 4 which show the floor tool 8 in
more detail, the floor tool 8 comprises a main body 22 and a
pivotable neck 24 which serves to connect the floor tool 8 to a
vacuum cleaner and enables a user to manoeuvre the floor tool
across a surface to be cleaned.
[0059] The main body 22 comprises a suction nozzle assembly 26 and
a generally oblong support member 28 on which can be carried a
sheet-like cleaning element (not shown). The suction nozzle
assembly 26 includes first and second elongate suction nozzles 30,
32 arranged adjacent respective long edges of the support member
28.
[0060] In FIG. 2, the floor tool 8 is oriented such that its
`front` is facing towards the left hand side of the drawing.
Therefore, the first and second suction nozzles 30, 32 can be
considered to be a front suction nozzle 30 and a rear suction
nozzle 32, respectively, and shall be referred to as such from now
on.
[0061] The suction nozzle assembly 26 includes a central air
manifold 34 that is mounted to an upper surface of the support
member 28. Each of the first and second suction nozzles 30, 32 are
supported relative to the manifold 34 by first and second
connecting arms 36 that extend away in opposite directions at
either end of the manifold 34. Each of the connecting arms 36 is
hollow and therefore serves as a fluid passageway along which air
is ducted from the nozzles 30, 32 to the manifold 34.
[0062] The manifold 34 is coupled to the neck 24 so that the neck
24 pivots about a central part of the manifold 34 located between
the junctions 38 where the connecting arms 36 meet the manifold 34.
However, as will become clear, although the neck may pivot around
the manifold, the manifold is able to float up and down with
respect to the neck. As marked on FIG. 2, the neck 24 pivots about
axis A.
[0063] The neck 24 has an open structure which houses a flexible
hose 40 extending from the manifold 34 to an upper connecting part
42 of the neck 24. The neck 24 therefore serves to duct air from
the suction nozzles 30, 32 to an associated vacuum cleaner via the
connecting part 42. As shown clearly in FIG. 4, in which a part of
the neck 24 has been removed for clarity, the flexible hose 40
extends from the connecting part 42 of the neck to a T-shaped
junction pipe 44 that connects to both sides of the manifold 34 and
therefore functions to converge air flowing through the manifold 34
into the flexible hose 40. The T-shaped pipe 44 is connected to the
manifold 34 so as to be angularly movable about the axis A.
[0064] In FIGS. 5a and 5b, the suction nozzle assembly 26 has been
removed so as to illustrate clearly the manner in which the neck 24
is pivotably connected to the support member 28. Broadly, the neck
24 comprises first and second neck sections 46, 48 that cooperate
with each other to define a universal joint. In this way, the first
(lower) neck section 46 allows the neck to swing up and down
relative the main body 22 about the axis A, and the second (upper)
neck section 48 allows the connecting part 42 to pivot relative to
the first section 46 about an axis B that is perpendicular to the
axis A. This enables the floor tool 8 to be manoeuvred easily by a
user such that a rotating movement of the wand results in the floor
tool rotating in a plane parallel to the floor over a wide range of
angles between the neck and the floor tool.
[0065] With this in mind, the first neck section 46 is generally
cylindrical in form and engages with the support member 28 so that
it can rotate about axis A. The first neck section 46 also includes
a rectilinear or box-like extension 50 that extends away
perpendicularly and defines an opening 52 through which the
flexible hose 40 extends up through the interior of the neck 24.
The second neck section 48 includes two parallel forks 54 that are
journaled to the box-like extension 50 so as to be able to swing
left and right about the axis B, being perpendicular to axis A.
[0066] The first neck section 46, more specifically the cylindrical
portion of it, is engaged with the support member 28 by way of a
rail formation 56. Each outer end or `rim` of the first neck
section 46 includes a rail portion 58 around part of its
circumference in between an inwardly projecting flange 60 that
extends about the remainder of the circumference. The rail portion
58 is retained under a projection 62 in the form of a tab or tooth
defined by the support member 28. The projection 62 engages a
discrete part of the rail portion 58 and runs along the rail
portion 58 as the neck 24 is inclined up and down with respect to
the support member 28. The projections 62 therefore act as a
`runner formation` that engage and cooperate with the rail portions
58 to allow the neck 24 to pivot. The term `discrete part` is used
to mean that the rail portion 58 engages only a sub-section of the
rail portion 58, and this arrangement permits the neck section 46
to remain substantially open so that the manifold can pass through
it.
[0067] It should be noted that FIGS. 5a and 5b show the neck in an
inclined position, this position being limited by the engagement of
the projections/runners 62 against an extreme end of the flange 60,
whereas FIGS. 6a and 6b show the neck in a reclined position, the
position being limited by the runners 62 engaging the other extreme
end of the flange 60.
[0068] The rail arrangement 56 between the neck 24 and the support
member 28 provides a direct connection between these two components
so that the neck can apply a downward force to the support member
28 during cleaning. However, the coupling also envelops and retains
the manifold 34 so that it is permitted to float with respect to
the support member 28 and also, therefore, the neck 24. In this
respect, the diameter of the first neck section 46 is larger than
the diameter of the manifold 34 so that the manifold 34 can move
relative to it. This is particularly advantageous, as it allows
downwards force to be exerted on the support member 28 through the
neck, which promotes the wiping action of the support member 28,
whilst enabling the suction nozzles associated with the manifold 34
to ride lightly over the floor surface without being pressed down
too forcefully. Since the suction nozzles are in light physical
contact with the floor surface, the ability of the floor tool to
remove dirt from crevices in the floor surface is improved.
[0069] In this embodiment, the manifold 34 is permitted
approximately 5 mm of vertical linear movement with respect to the
support member 28, the amount of movement being determined by the
difference in diameter between the manifold 34 and the neck 24,
however it should be appreciated that the value of 5 mm is given
here as an example only and is not meant to be limitative.
Accordingly, the skilled person would appreciate that by selecting
the relative dimensions of the manifold and the neck appropriately,
different degrees of float are possible.
[0070] The effect of the floating suction nozzles 30, 32 is
illustrated in the following figures: FIGS. 7a and 7b show the
suction nozzles 30, 32 in a lowered position with respect to the
support member 28 and FIGS. 8a and 8b show the suction nozzles 30,
32 in a raised position with respect to the support member 28. The
movement of the manifold 34 relative to the support member 28 is
guided by posts 64 formed on the underside of the manifold 34 which
slidably engage with complementary shaped guide apertures 34
provided on the upper surface of the support member 28. The suction
nozzles and the manifold are therefore able to move up and down in
a vertical direction, that is to say, in a direction perpendicular
to the floor surface. In use, therefore, the suction nozzles always
rest on the floor surface lightly regardless of the thickness of
the cleaning sheet that is being used on the tool. So, the support
member 28 is able to accommodate cleaning sheets of different
thicknesses without changing the ride height of the suction
nozzles. So, the pickup performance of the floor tool 8 is retained
regardless of the type of wipe element that is affixed to the
support member.
[0071] Turning now to FIG. 9, the `overslung` configuration of the
suction nozzle assembly in this embodiment configures the air flow
passages with relatively sharp changes of direction and the skilled
person will appreciate that there is the potential for debris to
become trapped in parts of the suction nozzle assembly. This
problem may present itself particularly with long debris, such as
hair and fluff, which may catch around the angled pathways of the
tool. To provide a solution to this, the manifold 34 is provided
with access means comprising first and second caps 68 at opposed
extreme ends of the manifold 34. The caps 68 are circular and are
engagable in the open ends 69 of the manifold 34 by way of lugs 70
that mate with complementary channels 72 in the open ends 69 of the
manifold 34 so as to define a twist-fit engagement. Such a
twist-fit engagement is currently preferred since it relies on a
positive action by a user to remove the caps. An alternative would
be a simple press fit, possibly including a rubber o-ring to ensure
a snug fitting, although a risk is that the caps 68 may become
dislodged from the manifold 34 inadvertently. As a further
alternative, the caps 68 may be coupled to the manifold 34 by a
suitable retaining means so that they cannot be completely removed
by a user. One way of achieving this would be to mount the caps 68
so that they pivot with respect to the manifold 34 and, in this
way, a user could simply pivot the cap away from the manifold in
order to gain access to its interior passages. Another alternative
would be to retain the caps with some form of tether to allow a
limited degree of separation between the manifold 34 and the caps
68.
[0072] It is of course possible that a user could remove debris
from the manifold 34 if only a single cap were provided in one end
of the manifold 34. However, the suction nozzle assembly 26 may
more easily be maintained by having a cap at either end of the
manifold, since access is provided into each end of the manifold
and, by virtue of their location, also into the connecting arms 36.
Furthermore, as the manifold 34 is tubular and generally linear,
removing both caps 68 allows a visual inspection along the length
of the manifold 34, and a cleaning implement such as a brush can be
pushed right through it which helps with the removal of debris that
may be stuck onto the internal surfaces of the manifold.
[0073] As has been mentioned, in a general sense, the floor tool 8
has a dual function: firstly, the support member 28 is adapted to
carry a moisture bearing sheet of material, such as a commonly
available poly-based disposable wipe, so that the floor tool 8 can
be used to scrub stubborn stains and dirt from the floor surface;
and secondly, the suction nozzles 30, 32 remove loose dirt and
debris from the floor surface for conveyance to the associated
vacuum cleaner in a dirt-bearing airflow that is drawn through the
floor tool. In order to carry a wipe element, the support member 28
comprises a floor pad 74 and a pad carrier plate 76 which are
releasably held together so that a wipe sheet can be secured
between them when the two parts are engaged, as will now be
explained.
[0074] FIG. 9 shows the floor pad 74 and the pad carrier plate 76
separated from one another. The floor pad 74 is generally oblong in
shape and has an oblong recess 78 defined on its upper side into
which the carrier plate 76 is receivable. In use, a cleaning sheet
can be wrapped around the floor pad 74 such that ends of the
cleaning sheet extend up and over the long edges 80 of the floor
pad 74 so as to rest within the recess 78. The floor pad 74 is then
engaged with the carrier plate 76 and secured to it which clamps
the cleaning sheet in position.
[0075] The floor pad 74 is secured to the carrier plate 76 by way
of a clamping arrangement 82. The clamping arrangement 82 comprises
first and second latches 84, 86 located at respective ends of the
floor pad 74. The latches 84, 86 are engageable with respective
first and second catches 88, 90 defined by recesses in each short
edge of the carrier plate.
[0076] Each latch 84, 86 comprises a user-operable button having a
generally oval upper face 92 defining a shallow circular recess 94
that acts as a contact point for a finger of a user. The buttons
84, 86 are preferably an engineering plastics such as a
polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate blend (PC+PBT) which has
good strength characteristics and chemical inertness and may be
coloured so as to contrast with the surrounding components so that
they stand out visually to a user. The high strength and chemical
inertness of PC+PBT is preferred, but not essential, for the
buttons since they will experience repeated actuation and in use
will be subject to cleaning chemicals typically found in domestic
cleaning sheets.
[0077] The buttons 84, 86 are illustrated clearly in FIG. 7b, in
which the button 86 on the left hand side of the figure is in a
depressed position and the button 84 on the right hand side of the
figure is in a rest position. The buttons are identical in this
embodiment so reference will be made to a single button for
brevity. Each button 84, 86 is pivotable about a pivot point 96
defined on the floor pad 74 and defines a latch face 98 extending
towards the centre of the floor pad 74. Biasing means 100 in the
form of a spring is provided to bias the button into the rest
position. The latch face 98 is engageable with a cooperating catch
surface 102 provided on an upstanding ledge 104 defined by the
floor pad 74, the latch face 98 of the buttons and the catch
surface 102 on the floor pad 74 cooperating to lock the carrier
plate 76 to the floor pad 74 when the two components are pressed
together firmly.
[0078] One benefit of the clamping arrangement 82 is that the
buttons 84, 86 lock automatically with the catches 88, 90 which
makes it easy for a user to assemble the components. To this end,
the catches 88, 90 include a lower surface 106 that is inclined
upwardly thereby defining a cam surface. As the floor pad 74 is
brought into contact with the carrier plate 76, the cam surface 106
of the catch contacts the upper surface 92 of the button. This
contact causes the button 84, 86 to move angularly about its pivot
96. Further movement of the floor pad 74 towards the carrier plate
76 causes the button to be bumped out of the way of the catch face
106 and then for the latch surface 98 to lock into the upper catch
face 102, thereby securing the floor pad 74 to the carrier plate
76.
[0079] The carrier plate 76 and the floor pad 74 come together to
secure a wipe element between them, and it is preferred, although
not essential that engagement means are provided between the pad
and the carrier plate to strengthen the clamping effect on the wipe
element. In this embodiment, the engagement means comprises two
elongate ribs 108 provided adjacent the respective long edges of
the recess 78 on the floor pad 74 and these project into
corresponding channels 110 provided on the underside of the carrier
plate 76. The wipe element is therefore effectively clamped into
position which reduces the likelihood of the wipe element working
loose under the to-and-fro action of the floor tool, in use.
[0080] As well as combining the functionality of a hard floor wipe
cleaner and a hard floor vacuuming tool, the floor tool 8 of the
invention has the facility to be used in a purely vacuuming mode.
This may be useful if a user wishes to vacuum the floor surface but
does not consider it necessary wipe the floor as well. To this end,
the carrier plate 76 includes a rolling arrangement 112 which
supports the support member 28 on a floor surface in the absence of
the floor pad 74.
[0081] In this embodiment, as shown clearly in FIG. 10, the rolling
arrangement 112 includes two pairs of wheels 114, although these
could also be embodied as rollers or even skids. Each wheel 114 is
held in a respective wheel cup 116 and has a rolling axis that
extends parallel to the long axis of the floor tool 8 (axis A) so
that the wheels 114 are oriented in the direction of travel of the
floor tool, in use. As shown, the wheels 114 are arranged in pairs,
each pair being aligned in a plane perpendicular to the axis A of
the floor tool and, in this way, they provide a stable rolling
contact point for the carrier plate 76 and bear the force that is
applied to the floor tool 8 through the neck 24.
[0082] This is illustrated particularly well in FIG. 11, in which
the carrier plate 76 is in a lowered position with a force F being
applied through the neck 24, the wheels 114 bear the carrier plate
76 on the floor surface S, whilst the suction nozzles 30, 32 are
free to float relative to the carrier plate 76. It will be
appreciated that key to this scheme is that the wheels 114 act as a
bearing point for the carrier plate so, in this context, a suitable
set of skids and rails would also perform the same function and
should therefore be considered to be encompassed by the term
`rolling arrangement`.
[0083] Such a tool may, in practice, be used frequently by a user
as a hard floor cleaner since it is envisaged that a floor surface
will require vacuuming more often than it requires wiping with a
moist disposable wiping sheet. The floor tool is therefore not
limited to using the floor pad in conjunction with the vacuuming
facility which enhances the versatility of the floor tool.
[0084] In circumstances where the floor pad 74 is attached to the
carrier plate 76, the wheel cups are received in respective
apertures 118 provided in the floor pad 74, as is shown in FIG.
12.
[0085] A further advantageous feature of the floor tool 8 of the
invention is the configuration of the suction nozzles 30, 32, which
provide the floor tool 8 with particularly good debris pickup
performance on hard floors, as will now be explained.
[0086] With particular reference to FIGS. 10 and 12, each of the
front and rear suction nozzles 30, 32 includes a generally
rectangular floor engaging skirt 120 that depends downwardly from a
rigid upper portion or `spine` 122 of the suction nozzle. A further
member or `dividing wall` 124 extends transversely between long
edges of the skirt 120 approximately mid-way between the two ends
of the suction nozzles and therefore divides the suction nozzles
into a first suction chamber 126 and a second suction chamber 128,
located side by side.
[0087] The outer peripheral skirt/wall 120 of the suction chambers
126, 128 and also the dividing wall 124 are, in this embodiment, an
integral body made of plastics material, although it is envisaged
that the skirt 120 may be made from a plurality of individual
strips. In the preferred embodiment, the skirts 120 are a
thermoplastic elastomer and are overmoulded onto the spine 122 of
the suction nozzles, although it should be appreciated that this is
not essential and the skirts could also be inserted into slots
defined in the suction nozzle. As a further alternative, the skirts
120 may also be formed from bristles, although currently flexible
plastics or rubber strips are preferred for their durability and
since they don't tend to capture debris as can occur with
bristles.
[0088] Each skirt 120 can be considered to include a trailing edge
130 which is located directly adjacent a respective long edge 80 of
the floor pad 74, and a leading edge 132 that is remote from the
floor pad 74. Furthermore, side edges 134 extend between the
leading and trailing edges 132, 130 thereby completing the oblong
sealing skirt 120.
[0089] In order to promote good debris pickup performance,
substantially the entire leading edge 132 of the skirt 120 is
shorter than the trailing edge 130 so that it is spaced from the
floor surface `S` when in use. This is shown clearly in FIG. 11
which illustrates the spacing as dimension `L`. In this embodiment,
the spacing or gap 1' is 3 mm, although a larger or smaller gap
still provides benefits. The key consideration is that the spacing
L is selected to maximise flow velocity through the suction nozzles
30, 32 given the suction that is applied to the floor tool 8 whilst
still allowing debris of a useful range of sizes to enter into the
suction chambers 126, 128.
[0090] Configuring the leading edge 132 of the suction nozzle so
that it is spaced from the floor surface S in this way avoids
`snowploughing` debris in front of the suction nozzle during
cleaning that may occur with known floor tools having apertured or
`castellated` leading edges as is often found on existing hard
floor tools. Furthermore, by configuring both the front and rear
suction nozzles in this way, the same advantage is achieved during
forward and reverse strokes of the floor tool, although this is not
essential.
[0091] Conversely, the trailing edge 130 of the suction nozzles 30,
32 defines a straight linear edge that engages the floor surface in
the manner of a lip seal or `squeegee` to guard against debris
accumulating on the cleaning sheet. Beneficially, this avoids the
floor surface being marked as well as extending the life of the
cleaning sheet.
[0092] Each of the adjacent suction chambers 126, 128 is further
provided with an additional floor engaging member 136, also in the
form of a rubber strip, which defines an interior wall extending
longitudinally within the respective suction chamber 126, 128. The
interior wall 136 or `longitudinal strip` divides the interior of
the first and second suction chambers 126, 128 into first and
second longitudinal suction channels (front and rear suction
channels, respectively) 138, 140 which are fluidly linked by
apertures or notches 142, 144 formed in the strips 136 thereby
defining `connecting channels`. As can be seen clearly in FIG. 12,
each suction nozzle 30, 32 includes two suction outlets 146 that
lead into the connecting arms 36, one outlet 146 emerging into the
rear of the suction channels 140 in each suction chamber 126,
128.
[0093] In use, with the floor tool located on a floor surface, the
application of suction to the floor tool 8 by an associated vacuum
cleaner generates two different pressure regions within each
suction chamber 126, 128 of each suction nozzle 30, 32. Due to the
relatively tight seal formed around the rear suction channels 140
by the trailing edge 130 and side edges 134, a relatively high
vacuum is established in the rear suction channels 140. This
promotes a relatively high-speed air flow which benefits the
entrainment of debris located within crevices in the floor surface
into the airflow through the rear suction channels 140.
Furthermore, since the trailing edge 130 is straight and uniform,
this reduces the likelihood of debris passing under the trailing
edge which protects the wipe element and the floor pad from debris
pickup.
[0094] The provision of the connecting channels 142, 144
establishes a relatively low vacuum in the front suction channels
138 to enable dust and relatively large debris located on the floor
surface to be entrained within a fluid flow drawn into the front
suction channels 138 through the leading edge gap L. This
dirt-bearing fluid flow is then conveyed from the front suction
channels 138 through the connecting channels 142, 144 to the rear
suction channel 140 and then into the connecting arms 36 of the
suction nozzle assembly. From there, the airflow continues to the
manifold and to the flexible hose.
[0095] It should be noted that the apertures 142, 144 defined in
the longitudinal strips 136 in the front and rear suction nozzles
30, 32 are not equal in size. More specifically, the apertures 142
in the front suction nozzle 30 are semi-circular in form and have a
larger flow area than the apertures 144 in the rear suction nozzle
32 that are rectangular in form. In this particular embodiment, the
apertures 142 in the front suction nozzle 30 are semicircles with a
radius of 5 mm, the centre of radius being located on the lower
edge of the strip 136, therefore resulting in a flow area of
approximately 40 mm.sup.2, whereas the dimensions of the apertures
144 in the rear suction nozzle 32 are 9 mm by 3 mm resulting in a
flow area of approximately 27 mm.sup.2. It should be noted that
these values are only exemplary.
[0096] The lower flow area defined by the apertures 144 in the rear
suction nozzle 32 increases the resistance to air flow of the rear
suction nozzle 32, which has the effect of increasing the flow
through the front suction nozzle 30 in comparison. Therefore, the
suction `power` that is applied to the floor tool is biased towards
the front suction nozzle 30 thereby increasing the pickup
performance in the front nozzle 30, which is beneficial since it is
the front suction nozzle that leads as a user pushes the tool along
a floor surface.
[0097] By dividing the suction nozzles into two separate chambers
126, 128, with each of the chambers having respective front and
rear suction channels 138, 140 it can be assured that a high speed
fluid flow through the suction chambers is experienced across the
whole width of the floor tool which greatly promotes debris
entrainment and pickup. Furthermore, the recessed leading edge 132
reduces snowploughing of debris and thus further improves pickup
performance of the floor tool.
[0098] Further advantages may be realised by removal of a section
of the dividing wall 124 of the embodiment in FIG. 12. FIG. 13
illustrates this, and it can be seen that a front section of the
dividing wall in FIG. 12 has been removed leaving only a rear
section 150 of dividing wall that extending between the
longitudinal strips 163 and the trailing edge 130 of the skirts
120. Therefore, a single front suction channel 162 extends across
substantially the entire width of the suction nozzles. Removal of
the front section of dividing wall eliminates any `dead space`
within the front suction channel where debris could hesitate or
become stuck.
[0099] Alternatively, the front section of the dividing wall 124 in
FIG. 10 need not be removed completely as in the embodiment of FIG.
13. In one embodiment, the front section of the dividing wall 124
may be configured so that is it shallower than the rear section of
dividing wall. This leaves a small gap between the lower edge of
the front section of the dividing wall and the floor surface which
means that air flow can bleed through the gap between the front two
chambers 126, 128. This improves debris pickup by guarding against
any dead spots in the front chambers 126, 128 but still provides
structural support to the longitudinal walls 136.
[0100] Some alternative suction nozzle configurations have been
described above. A further example is illustrated in FIG. 14 in
which a single suction nozzle 30 of the floor tool is shown in
isolation for clarity. Note that in FIG. 14 parts common to the
previously described embodiments are identified by the same
reference numerals.
[0101] The floor tool described in the above embodiments makes use
of rubber strips to define the floor-engaging part of the suction
nozzle. Such a configuration has the potential to generate noise
when the tool is pushed and pulled across the floor surface by a
user. The embodiment in FIG. 14 is provided with several features
intended to reduce noise that might be generated by the tool when
in use.
[0102] As in the previous embodiments, the suction nozzle 30 shown
in FIG. 14 includes a rubberised peripheral curtain defined by a
trailing edge 130, a leading edge 132 and side edges 134, wherein
the leading edge 132 is `raised` with respect to the trailing edge
130 to define an elongated entry path for air to flow into the
suction nozzle underneath the leading edge 132.
[0103] However, with reference to the trailing edge 130, it will be
seen that it is provided with a non-uniform profile as opposed to a
uniform or straight profile. In more detail, side portions 170 of
the trailing edge 130 define a wavy profile and the side portions
170 flank a central portion 172 that has a straight profile. The
purpose of the non-uniform profile is to alter the stiction
attributes across the length of the trailing edge 130 to guard
against the potential of the trailing edge 130 to `squeal` as it
runs across a smooth surface. However, due to the flexibility of
the trailing edge 132, the wavy-edge profile does not adversely
affect the ability of the trailing edge to seal against a floor
surface. Although a wavy profile is shown, it should be appreciated
that any non-uniform profile that serves to change the stiction
attributes of the trailing edge 130 would also be acceptable. For
example, shallow castellations, or a saw-tooth waveform could be
provided. Currently, however, the gentle wavy profile is preferred
since it is envisaged to retain its sealing properties more
effectively. Furthermore, the trailing edge 130 is here shown as
being separated from the side edges 134 which contributes to the
flexibility of the trailing edge 130.
[0104] The side edges 134 are also provided with measures to guard
against noise. Here, the rubberised section 134a of the side edges
134 is augmented with a portion of bristles 174 which extend
further than the rubberised section 134a so as to level with the
trailing edge 132. Various techniques may be used to fix the
bristle portions 174 to the suction nozzles. For example, the
bristles may be moulded directly into the polymeric material of the
suction nozzle, or the bristles may be secured together by a spine
member (not shown) in a short linear pattern, as is shown in FIG.
14 and fixed in place by gluing, moulding, stapling or other
suitable fastening technique.
[0105] The bristle portion 174 has a different stiction attribute
compared to a rubberised strip and so further reduces the noise
generation of the suction nozzle 30. However, since the bristle
portions 174 extend down to the same level as the trailing edge
130, they also serve to seal the side edges 134 of the suction
nozzle effectively so air cannot bleed across this part which would
otherwise reduce the pressure retention of the nozzle.
[0106] In a similar way to embodiments previously described, the
interior of the suction nozzle 30 is provided with a single
interior wall 136 that extends longitudinally along the suction
nozzle 30 between its side edges 134 and so constitutes a floor
engaging member or strip of the nozzle 30. Differently to the
previously described embodiments, the suction nozzle 130 is not
provided with any dividing walls and so the interior wall 136
partitions the interior of the suction nozzle into a front suction
channel 138 and a rear suction channel 140. Air is permitted to
flow between the front suction channel 138 to the rear suction
channel and, thus, to the outlets 146, by way of flow apertures 144
provided in the wall 136.
[0107] The interior wall 136 also is provided with a non-uniform
profile in the form of a wavy edge. The non-uniform profile extends
along substantially its entire width and this provides the same
noise-reduction effect whilst retaining the ability of the interior
wall to seal against the floor surface. However, although the wavy
edge is shown along substantially the entire length of the interior
wall 136 it should be appreciated that this is not essential and
the non-uniformity may be provided along a sufficient length of the
wall 136 in order to have a desired reduction in noise.
[0108] It is possible for variations to be made to the specific
embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the
invention defined by the claims. For example, the supporting member
has been described above as rectangular, but the skilled person
will appreciate that other shapes are also viable; the supporting
member could also be triangular, diamond-shaped, or even oval, with
appropriately modified suction nozzles.
[0109] Also, although the supporting member has been described as
being particularly suitable for use with a non poly-based non-woven
cleaning sheet, it should be appreciated that this is not essential
to the invention and it may also be used with other types of wiping
members such as woven cleaning cloths. Still alternatively, the
supporting member may carry a porous cleaning member such as a
sponge pad that is secured on its underside, by a hook-and-loop
type fastening system for example, or formed integrally with
it.
[0110] Although the floor tool may in principle be made from a wide
range of materials, plastics are currently preferred for their cost
effectiveness and ease of manufacture since parts can be formed,
for example by injection moulding, into almost any desired
shape.
[0111] In the context of the floor tool of the invention, the
choice of plastics influences the effectiveness and the long term
durability of the floor tool since it is designed to be used with
wipes that contain a variety of chemicals which may have a
detrimental impact on some plastics.
[0112] Preferably, the first and second neck portions are made from
injection moulded PC-PBT since this material is strong yet
resistant to chemical attack. The neck connector is preferably
talc-filled polypropylene (PP) since this provides increased
strength to this part so as to withstand the forces applied to it
via the wand, but is more cost effective that PC-PBT.
[0113] The suction nozzle assembly is predominantly formed from
polypropylene, apart from the skirt which is thermoplastic
elastomer (TPE) which is preferably overmoulded onto a respective
spine of a suction nozzle.
[0114] Turning to the support member, it is currently envisaged
that the carrier is injection moulded talc-filled polypropylene for
increased strength, and the floor pad is a combination of
polypropylene for the upper surface to provide strength and
thermoplastic elastomer plus a blowing agent as the body of the
floor pad to provide it with a degree of resilience which improves
the contact with the floor surface.
* * * * *