U.S. patent application number 14/298301 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-11 for cabinet vacuum cleaner assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Peter Schlapkohl. Invention is credited to Peter Schlapkohl.
Application Number | 20140359964 14/298301 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52004155 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140359964 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schlapkohl; Peter |
December 11, 2014 |
Cabinet vacuum cleaner assembly
Abstract
Disclosed is an improved cabinet vacuum cleaner assembly.
Improvements include cabinet mounting, use of a double pole switch
for switching auxiliary equipment. In addition, an improved front
panel latch with track and cover is presented. Spring type contacts
formed integral to the housing shell allow for ease of
attachment.
Inventors: |
Schlapkohl; Peter; (Jupiter,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schlapkohl; Peter |
Jupiter |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52004155 |
Appl. No.: |
14/298301 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61832609 |
Jun 7, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/301 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 5/38 20130101; A47L
9/00 20130101; A47L 9/22 20130101; A47L 9/2857 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/301 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/38 20060101
A47L005/38 |
Claims
1. A vacuum cleaner assembly comprising a mainframe securable to a
vertical wall defined by opposing end wall, opposing side wall, and
a rear wall forming a housing for mounting of a vacuum bag and a
vacuum mechanism, said mainframe having a releasably securable
front panel assembly for sealing the housing said front panel
assembly defined by an inner surface and an outer surface with a
vacuum tube opening extending therethrough, said tube extending
outwardly from the inner surface for attaching to said vacuum bag;
a latch slidably attached to a latch track formed in said front
panel assembly, said latch including at least one latch spring
constructed and arranged to fit within a receiver slot formed at
one end of said latch track; and a cover slidably attached to said
latch track formed in said front panel assembly; said cover movable
from a normally closed position for concealing the vacuum tube
opening to an open position allowing attachment of a vacuum tube
hose, and said latch movable from a normally closed position to an
open position to release said cover from said mainframe.
2. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 1 wherein said
latch track is a receiver slot which captures and upper section and
a lower section of said latch.
3. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 1 wherein said
latch is biased by a spring to a maximum distal travel by a latch
spring.
4. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 3 wherein said
spring keeps a latch tab formed in said latch engaged in a latch
receiver slot.
5. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 1 wherein said
latch include a latch finger aperture, said latch finger aperture
constructed and arranged to allow manual movement to disengage said
latch from a latch receiver slot to permit removal of said front
panel from said mainframe to access said vacuum bag and vacuum
mechanism.
6. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 5 including a
cover spring to bias said cover in a closed position to conceal
said opening when no vacuum tube hose is present.
7. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 6 wherein said
latch is captured in a latch receiver by said cover spring to limit
lateral travel of said cover.
8. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 1 including a
retainer tab for engaging a rear latch receiver slot.
9. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 1 including a
mounting lug secured to a rear surface of said mainframe is
rotatable from a front surface of said mainframe into a gripping
position for clamping said mainframe to the wall.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is
included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith.
Accordingly, the present invention claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/832,609, entitled "CABINET
VACUUM CLEANER ASSEMBLY" filed Jun. 7, 2013. The contents of which
the above referenced application is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
vacuum cleaning devices and, more specifically, to cabinet mounted
central vacuum cleaning systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Central vacuum cleaning systems are useful in homes, offices
and commercial establishments. These systems generally utilize a
unitary centrally located station containing a vacuum supply, a
collection receptacle and a plurality of conduits which
interconnect various parts of the structure to the central station.
The conduits normally terminate in a hose adapter coupling enabling
each area to be cleaned by inserting the hose assembly into the
hose coupling and activating the central station vacuum supply. The
hose assembly is normally moved from one room to another. In some
systems the hose coupling also supplies electrical power to a
brushing system, sometimes referred to as a powerhead.
[0004] Wall recessed cleaning systems are known that are
self-contained so as to include the vacuum supply, vacuum bag and
hose receptacle in a single unit, adapted to be situated within an
opening prepared in the wall of an existing structure. The problem
with such prior art devices was that they were difficult to install
within an interior wall recess since they were greater than 6
inches in depth.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,967 discloses a combined inlet structure
and switching device for a central vacuum system which includes an
inlet housing having top, bottom and side walls defining a vacuum
inlet chamber and a front with a dirt receiving opening. An
aperture located in the top wall and can be connected to a pipe
leading to a central vacuum source. A closure member is movable
between first and second positions in order to close or open the
aperture. A foot operated actuator is connected to the housing and
is able to pivot the closure member between the first and second
positions. A spring biases the closure member towards the first
position and operates when the actuator is pressed in one
direction. When the closure member is moved to the second position,
it will remain there unless the actuator is pressed in another,
opposite direction. There is also a switch mechanism responsive to
movement of the actuator for opening and closing an electrical
circuit connected to the central vacuum source.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,016 discloses a suction inlet for a
central vacuum system of a building which includes a housing
mounted on the floor of the building thereby defining a slot along
the floor. The slot can be opened and closed and simultaneously a
vacuum duct connected to the housing is opened and closed by a plug
member. When the plug and the slot are opened, a switch actuates
the central vacuum system to draw air into the housing through the
slot across the floor so that dust, dirt and debris on the floor
can simply be swept into the slot and drawn away.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,292,977 discloses a vacuum fitting for
connection to a remote source of vacuum, such as a central vacuum
system. The vacuum fitting comprising a main body mountable to a
fixed structure. The main body includes an inlet opening and an
outlet opening; an openable closure is mounted to the main body and
is moveable between an open position and position covering the
inlet opening; a latch member is selectively positionable to keep
the closure in said covering position when positioned between the
main body and the closure and to permit said closure to move to an
open position when not positioned between said main body and the
closure; and a biaser to urge the closure to an open position. A
switch is also provided to initiate the remote source of vacuum,
such as a central vacuum system, when the closure is moved to the
open position by the biaser.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,080 discloses improvements in the
operation and design of wall-mounted recessed vacuum cleaner
systems. The disclosed invention incorporates an extremely compact
motor design which enables the filtering debris receptacle to be
arranged directly over the motor housing. The vacuum system of the
disclosed invention includes an upper containment compartment and a
lower evacuation compartment. The containment compartment houses an
air filtering and residue collecting receptacle, e.g. a vacuum bag
assembly, which may incorporate HEPA filtration
characteristics.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 7,580,281, issued to the inventor of the
present invention, discloses an improved wall-mounted recessed
vacuum cleaner system which incorporates vibration dampening mounts
between the motor and the outer housing, air channels within the
housing to smooth air flow and reduced number of parts to
significantly reduce the noise level during operation. The vacuum
cleaner system incorporates an extremely compact housing and motor
design with a filtering debris receptacle arranged directly over
the motor compartment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Disclosed is an improved cabinet vacuum cleaner assembly.
Improvements include cabinet mounting, use of a double pole switch
for switching auxiliary equipment. In addition, an improved front
panel latch with track and cover is presented. Spring type contacts
formed integral to the housing shell allow for ease of
attachment.
[0011] Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to
present a unique vacuum cleaner assembly.
[0012] It is a further objective of the instant invention to employ
a double pole switch for switching auxiliary equipment.
[0013] It is yet another objective of the instant invention to
provide an improved front panel latch with track and cover is
presented.
[0014] It is a still further objective of the invention to provide
spring type contacts formed integral to the housing shell allow for
ease of attachment.
[0015] Other objectives and advantages of this invention will
become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of
illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this
specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present
invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0016] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the cabinet vacuum
cleaner;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view thereof;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a top view thereof;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a front view thereof;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a rear view thereof;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a bottom view thereof;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a right view thereof;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a left view thereof;
[0024] FIG. 9 is an exploded view illustrated from the left
side;
[0025] FIG. 10 is an exploded view illustrated from the rear
perspective;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a rear view illustrating the spring type
contacts;
[0027] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view taken along lines 12-12 of FIG.
11;
[0028] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view taken along lines 13-13 of FIG.
11;
[0029] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view taken form FIG. 13;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cabinet cover;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the cabinet cover;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a front view of the cabinet cover latch;
[0033] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view taken along lines 18-18 of FIG.
17;
[0034] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view taken along lines 19-19 of FIG.
17;
[0035] FIG. 20 is a pictorial of the cabinet vacuum cleaner
installed;
[0036] FIG. 21 is a rear view of FIG. 20;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a side view of FIG. 20;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a front view of the interior of the vacuum
cleaner shell;
[0039] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the interior of the vacuum
cleaner shell;
[0040] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner shell
with motor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1 through FIGS. 10 &13, the cabinet
vacuum system 40 consist of a mainframe 1, vacuum motor 9, front
panel 2 and vacuum bag 45. Double pole switch 7, mounted in motor
retainer 6, is used to switch power to the vacuum motor 9. Vacuum
motor 9 is mechanically constrained in the mainframe 1 by front
motor mount 10 at the proximal end and by rear motor mount 8 at the
distal end. Front motor mount 10 is constrained in the motor
aperture 23 in mainframe 1 by mainframe motor mount 25 on mainframe
1 and retainer motor mount 26 on motor retainer 6. Vacuum motor 9
is sealed to the vacuum chamber by a plurality of concentric seal
rings 24 on front motor mount 10. Seal rings 24 are biased against
the outer wall of the vacuum chamber by means of wedge 22 on motor
retainer 6, also retained by the inside wall of mainframe 1,
thereby translating pressure through rear motor mount 8, vacuum
motor 9 and front motor mount 10. Motor retainer 6 is captured in
mainframe 1 by a plurality of snaps around its periphery. A sound
dampener 43, constructed from open cell urethane foam rubber, is
fixed to the inside surface of motor retainer 6 to attenuate motor
noise.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, power is applied to the cabinet vacuum
system 40 by a Romex or similar type cable consisting of a line, a
neutral and a ground wire. One line wire 51 is shown installed in
line wire connection 55. An additional neutral wire connection 54
and line wire connection are used to power auxiliary equipment. The
additional line wire connection 53 is switched by means of the
secondary pole on double pole switch 7.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2, 11, 12, 13 & 14, line and neutral
wire are stripped of insulation 16 and inserted into contact 11,
located in mainframe 1. Contact 11 is a spring type contact
consisting of contact spring 18 and contact surface 21. The striped
wire 17 is inserted into contact 11. The contact spring 18 biases
striped wire 17 against contact surface 21. A contact lug 19 on
contact 11 allows connection to a spade connector for internal
connections. A ground contact 15 provides feed-through for the
ground wire in mainframe 1. Contact cover 12 prevents shock hazard
and retains a plurality of contacts 11. Flame path boss 20 provides
wire support and spark suppression outside mainframe 1.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 24, & 25, the
vacuum operates by vacuum motor 9 drawing a vacuum in vacuum
chamber 46. The vacuum chamber 46 is sealed by door 2 and seal 5. A
vacuum bag 45 is installed on inlet tube 31 on front panel 2. A bag
retainer 32 consisting of two protruding rings around vacuum inlet
tube 31 retain vacuum bag 45. Porous vacuum bag material allows
vacuum chamber 46 negative pressure to be translated to the inside
of vacuum bag 45. Debris is collected in vacuum bag 45 through
vacuum inlet tube 31. Vacuum ribs 48 located in the vacuum chamber
46 hold the vacuum bag 45 off the side walls vacuum chamber 46 to
improve vacuum flow. Cover 3 slides in latch track 37 on front
panel 2 to cover the inlet tube 31 when not in use. The evacuated
air from vacuum motor 9 is exhausted through exhaust slots 49 on
mainframe 1.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, & 15 through 19, on front
panel assembly 27, latch 4 slides in latch track 37 on front panel
2. Latch 4 is biased to it maximum distal travel by latch spring 29
contacting spring cavity 44 on front panel 2. When door 2 is in the
closed position, the latch spring 29 keeps the latch tab 28 engaged
into the latch receiver slot 47 on bezel 50 of mainframe 1. A latch
finger aperture 30 and finger slot 36 is provided to allow latch to
be slid in latch track 37 to disengage latch tab 28 from latch
receiver slot 52 to release door 2. Latch 4 is captured in latch
track 37 by cover spring 38, through spring bearing surface 39, on
cover 3 to bias latch retainer 34 on latch 4 in latch keeper 35 to
limit its lateral travel. Door 2 is held in the opposite side by
retainer tab 33 engaged in rear latch receiver slot 47.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 9, 20, 21 & 22, the cabinet
vacuum system 40 is mounted in a cabinet drawer aperture 42 or
similar cutout in cabinet 41. As screw 13 is rotated clockwise, the
mounting lug 14 is rotated into a gripping position on the rear
side of the front face of cabinet 41. As screw 13 is further turned
clockwise, the front face of cabinet 41 is clamped between mounting
lug 14 and bezel 50 on mainframe 1. This secures cabinet vacuum
system 40 to cabinet 41.
[0047] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention
is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in
the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
[0048] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and
obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *