U.S. patent application number 14/524386 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-12 for steering assembly for surface cleaning device.
The applicant listed for this patent is TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED. Invention is credited to Gregg A. Henderson.
Application Number | 20150040344 14/524386 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44908109 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150040344 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Henderson; Gregg A. |
February 12, 2015 |
STEERING ASSEMBLY FOR SURFACE CLEANING DEVICE
Abstract
A surface cleaning device having a steering assembly is
provided. The surface cleaning device includes a foot, a handle
assembly with a user manipulated handle, and a steering assembly
coupling the handle assembly to the foot. The steering assembly
includes a means for biasing the foot with respect to the handle
assembly. Movement of the handle assembly stores energy within the
biasing means so that the biasing means exerts a corresponding
force on the foot.
Inventors: |
Henderson; Gregg A.; (Munroe
Falls, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED |
Tortola |
|
VG |
|
|
Family ID: |
44908109 |
Appl. No.: |
14/524386 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13273928 |
Oct 14, 2011 |
8869349 |
|
|
14524386 |
|
|
|
|
61393459 |
Oct 15, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/354 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/02 20130101; A47L
9/242 20130101; A47L 9/009 20130101; A47L 9/325 20130101; A47L 5/28
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/354 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/28 20060101
A47L005/28 |
Claims
1. A surface cleaning device operable to clean a surface, the
surface cleaning device comprising: a foot; a handle assembly
pivotally coupled to the foot for movement between an upright
position and an inclined position, the handle assembly having a
longitudinal axis; and a steering assembly coupled between the
handle assembly and the foot, the steering assembly including a
biasing member and defining an axis of rotation, the biasing member
movable with the handle assembly relative to the foot as the handle
assembly pivots between the upright position and the inclined
position, the axis of rotation formed at an acute angle relative to
the longitudinal axis of the handle assembly; wherein rotation of
the handle assembly relative to the foot about the axis of rotation
stores energy within the biasing member such that the biasing
member exerts a corresponding force on the foot to encourage
turning of the foot.
2. The surface cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the axis of
rotation extends through the biasing member.
3. The surface cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the axis of
rotation is a longitudinal axis of the biasing member.
4. The surface cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the acute angle
is between 15 degrees and 75 degrees.
5. The surface cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the biasing
member includes a first end secured to the handle assembly to
inhibit movement of the first end with respect to the handle
assembly, and a second end secured to the foot to inhibit movement
of the second end with respect to the handle assembly.
6. The surface cleaning device of claim 5, wherein the biasing
member includes a first knob located at the first end and a second
knob located at the second end, wherein the first knob is received
in a first recess of the handle assembly, and wherein the second
knob is received in a second recess of the foot.
7. The surface cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the biasing
member includes a resilient piece of molded rubber.
8. The surface cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the steering
assembly includes a fastener that rotatably couples the handle
assembly to the foot, and wherein the fastener extends through the
biasing member.
9. The surface cleaning device of claim 8, wherein the fastener
extends along the axis of rotation.
10. The surface cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the foot
includes a suction opening and wheels.
11. The surface cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the handle
assembly pivots relative to the foot between the upright position
and the inclined position about an incline axis, and wherein the
incline axis is generally parallel to an axle of the wheels.
12. The surface cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the surface
cleaning device is an upright vacuum cleaner including a dirt
collection chamber and a motor housing supported by the handle
assembly, and wherein the suction opening is fluidly coupled to the
dirt collection chamber.
13. A surface cleaning device operable to clean a surface, the
surface cleaning device comprising: a foot; a handle assembly
pivotally coupled to the foot for movement between an upright
position and an inclined position, the handle assembly having a
longitudinal axis; and a steering assembly coupled between the
handle assembly and the foot, the steering assembly including a
biasing member and defining an axis of rotation, the biasing member
including a first end secured to the handle assembly to inhibit
movement of the handle assembly relative to the first end of the
biasing member, the axis of rotation formed at an acute angle
relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle assembly; wherein
rotation of the handle assembly relative to the foot about the axis
of rotation stores energy within the biasing member such that the
biasing member exerts a corresponding force on the foot to
encourage turning of the foot.
14. The surface cleaning device of claim 13, wherein the acute
angle between the axis of rotation and the longitudinal axis
remains constant as the handle assembly pivots between the upright
position and the inclined position.
15. The surface cleaning device of claim 13, wherein the biasing
member also includes a second end secured to the foot to inhibit
movement of the foot relative to the second end of the biasing
member.
16. The surface cleaning device of claim 15, wherein the axis of
rotation extends through the first end and the second end of the
biasing member.
17. The surface cleaning device of claim 15, wherein the steering
assembly includes a fastener that rotatably couples the handle
assembly to the foot, and wherein the fastener extends through the
first end and the second end of the biasing member.
18. The surface cleaning device of claim 13, wherein the biasing
member includes a resilient piece of molded rubber.
19. The surface cleaning device of claim 18, wherein the resilient
piece of molded rubber includes a knob located at the first end,
and wherein the knob is received in a recess of the handle
assembly.
20. The surface cleaning device of claim 13, wherein the foot
includes a suction opening and wheels, wherein the handle assembly
pivots relative to the foot between the upright position and the
inclined position about an incline axis, and wherein the incline
axis is generally parallel to an axle of the wheels.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/273,928, filed Oct. 14, 2011, which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/393,459,
filed Oct. 15, 2010, the entire contents of both of which are
hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to surface cleaning devices
and, more particularly, to steering assemblies for surface cleaning
devices.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one embodiment, the invention provides a surface cleaning
device to clean a surface. The surface cleaning device has a foot,
a handle assembly with a handle that can be manipulated by a user,
and a biasing member that is coupled between the handle assembly
and the foot. Movement of the handle assembly stores energy within
the biasing member, such that the biasing member exerts a
corresponding force on the foot.
[0004] In another embodiment, the invention provides a surface
cleaning device to clean a surface. The surface cleaning device has
a foot, a handle assembly with a handle that can be manipulated by
a user, and a steering assembly that pivotally couples the handle
assembly to the foot. The steering assembly includes a first pivot
member and a second pivot member. The first pivot member is coupled
to a lower portion of the handle assembly, such that the first
pivot member rotates with the handle assembly about a pivot axis.
The second pivot member is coupled to the foot, such that the
second pivot member rotates with the foot about the pivot axis. A
biasing member couples the first and second pivot members together
for relative rotation about the pivot axis and resists relative
rotation between the first and second pivot member about the pivot
axis. Rotation of the handle assembly and the first pivot member
about the pivot axis stores energy within the biasing member, such
that the biasing member exerts a corresponding force on the second
pivot member and the foot to encourage turning of the foot.
[0005] In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a vacuum
cleaner to remove debris from a surface. The vacuum cleaner has a
foot, a handle assembly with a handle that can be manipulated by a
user, and a steering assembly that couples the handle assembly to
the foot. The steering assembly includes a means for biasing the
foot with respect to the handle assembly. Movement of the handle
assembly stores energy within the biasing means, such that the
biasing means exerts a corresponding force on the foot.
[0006] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning device
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of the surface
cleaning device of FIG. 1 illustrating a steering assembly of the
surface cleaning device.
[0009] FIG. 2B is a view similar to FIG. 2A illustrating a surface
cleaning device according to another embodiment of the
invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the steering assembly of
FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front side view of the steering assembly of FIG.
3 illustrating a flange of the assembly rotated.
[0012] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the steering assembly of FIG.
3.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the steering assembly
taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a surface
cleaning device including a steering assembly according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 is an alternative perspective view of the surface
cleaning device of FIG. 7.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a surface
cleaning device including a steering assembly according to another
embodiment of the invention and showing a handle of the surface
cleaning device in an inclined position during use of the surface
cleaning device.
[0017] FIG. 10 is an alternative perspective view of the surface
cleaning device of FIG. 9 illustrating the handle in an upright
position.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of a surface
cleaning device including a steering assembly according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of a surface
cleaning device including a steering assembly according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 13 is an alternative perspective view of the surface
cleaning device of FIG. 12.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning device
including a steering assembly according to another embodiment of
the invention.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a steering assembly
according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a foot of a surface
cleaning device including the steering assembly of FIG. 15 coupled
to the foot.
[0024] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the steering assembly of FIG.
15.
[0025] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the steering assembly
taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 15.
[0026] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a surface cleaning device 10 that
includes a nozzle, base, or foot 12 and a body or handle assembly
18 that is movably coupled to the foot 12 via a steering assembly
16. The illustrated surface cleaning device 10 is an upright style
vacuum cleaner and the handle assembly 18 may include a handle 14,
a canister 20, a fan and suction source 28, and a main power supply
34. In alternative embodiments, the suction source 28 may be
located in the foot 12. The main power supply 34 may comprise a
cordless power supply such as a battery, or alternatively, may
comprise a corded supply with a cord that connects to and provides
electricity from an AC power source such as a wall socket. The
canister 20 may include a cyclonic separation chamber 22 and a dirt
cup or dirt collection chamber 24 to collect dirt and debris
separated by the cyclonic separation chamber 22. In other
embodiments, the canister 20 can have flexible walls. In yet other
embodiments, the canister may include a housing or fabric bag that
houses a filter bag. In the illustrated embodiment, the canister 20
is coupled to the handle 14 such that the canister 20 pivots with
the handle 14 with respect to the foot 12. The canister 20 is
removably coupled to the handle 14 so that a user can remove the
canister 20 from the handle 14 to empty the dirt cup 24. A fan or
impeller and a motor may be located within the suction source 28
and the fan and the motor can be operable to generate an airflow or
suction through the cyclonic separation chamber 22. In the
illustrated embodiment, the suction source 28 is coupled to the
handle 14 such that the suction source 28 moves with the handle 14
with respect to the foot 12.
[0028] A hose 32 is coupled to the foot 12 and the canister 20. The
hose 32 provides fluid communication of air and debris from the
foot 12 to the canister 20. In one embodiment, the hose 32 can
include an electrical wire located within or coupled to a sidewall
of the hose 32. The electrical wire can provide electrical power
from the main power supply 34 to the foot 12 to power components
located within the foot 12. For example, in one embodiment, the
foot 12 includes an agitator or brush roll that is rotated by a
motor separate from the main suction motor located within the
suction source 28, and the electrical wire of the hose 32 provides
power to the brush roll motor. In alternative embodiments discussed
later herein, rather than using hose 32, the steering assembly 16
itself can provide fluid communication of air and debris from the
foot 12 to the canister 20.
[0029] The foot 12 includes an inlet or suction opening 38 and
wheels 40 to move the inlet 38 and surface cleaning device 10 along
a surface to be cleaned. The illustrated wheels 40 are rear wheels
and the surface cleaning device 10 also includes front wheels (not
shown) rotatably coupled to the nozzle 12 immediately behind the
suction opening 38 to support the front of the nozzle 12 for
movement over the surface to be cleaned. The inlet 38 is in fluid
communication with the hose 32 and canister 20 and draws air and
debris from the surface to be cleaned into the canister 20. The
wheels 40 are rotatable about an axle 42. In other embodiments, the
width and placement of wheels 40 on foot 12 may vary based on the
structure, size, weight distribution, and housing configuration of
foot 12. In yet other embodiments, foot 12 may not include any
wheels.
[0030] While the illustrated surface cleaning device 10 is an
upright vacuum cleaner, in alternative embodiments, the surface
cleaning device 10 may be a canister style vacuum cleaner (not
shown). In this embodiment, the handle assembly does not include
the canister. Rather, the canister is separate from the handle
assembly. The canister may include the cyclonic separation chamber,
the dirt cup, the motor housing, and the wheels. The handle
assembly may include the handle and a tube coupled to the foot. The
tube is coupled to the foot via the steering assembly. The steering
assembly includes a biasing member and may take the form of any of
the embodiments described below. The steering assembly may include
an open path to fluidly couple the suction inlet of the foot to the
tube and the separation chamber, or the hose can fluidly connect
the suction inlet to the separation chamber. Similar to the upright
style vacuum embodiment, rotation of the handle in the canister
style vacuum embodiment causes the tube to rotate and store energy
in the biasing member, which allows the steering assembly to steer
the foot. Alternatively, surface cleaning device 10 is hand held or
light duty vacuum.
[0031] In other embodiments, the surface cleaning device 10 is not
a dry vacuum cleaner. Rather, the surface cleaning device 10 may be
a wet vacuum cleaner capable of drawing in air, liquid and debris.
Alternatively, the surface cleaning device 10 may be an extractor
capable of both dispensing liquid and drawing in air, liquid, and
debris. In yet other embodiments, the surface cleaning device 10
may be a steam cleaner that dispenses liquid or steam but does not
include a suction source. In additional embodiments, surface
cleaning device 10 may be a sweeper that includes a handle and a
pivoting base that supports a wet or dry cloth that is positioned
below the base. These sweepers do not dispense liquid and do not
include a suction source. Regardless of what form surface cleaning
device 10 takes, surface cleaning device 10 includes the steering
assembly 16 movable coupled between the handle assembly 18 and the
foot 12. In all embodiments, steering assembly 16 stores energy
based on movement of the handle assembly 18 to steer the foot 12,
as described in detail below.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the steering assembly 16
allows the handle 14, and therefore the canister 20 and the suction
source 28 (i.e., the handle assembly 18), to rotate about a
horizontal axis 46 with respect to the foot 12 between an upright
or storage position (FIG. 1) and multiple operating or inclined
positions (one inclined position illustrated in FIG. 2) during use
of the surface cleaning device 10. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2A, the axle 42 is coincident with the horizontal axis 46, and
in other embodiments (some of which are described in greater detail
below), the axis 46 is offset from the axle 42. In some
embodiments, the surface cleaning device 10 includes a locking
mechanism (not shown) that holds the handle assembly 18 in the
upright position. For example, the locking mechanism can include a
projection from one of the handle assembly 18 and the foot 12 that
is lockingly received within a recess of the other of the handle
assembly 18 and the foot 12 to maintain the handle assembly 18 and
the foot 12 coupled together in the upright position. The locking
mechanism also can include a release latch that will allow the
projection to be released from the recess thereby allowing pivoting
of the handle assembly 18 relative to the foot 12 to an inclined
position.
[0033] Also, the steering assembly 16 allows the user to rotate the
handle 14, and therefore the handle assembly 18, with respect to
the foot 12 about an axis of rotation 48 to facilitate steering the
foot 12 and the surface cleaning device 10 along the surface to be
cleaned. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis 48 forms an acute
angle A relative to a longitudinal axis 30 of the handle assembly
18. When the handle assembly 18 is in the vertical or upright
position, the longitudinal axis 30 is vertical. When the handle
assembly 18 is tilted about axis 46 away from the vertical or
upright position, the same acute angle A is maintained between the
axis of rotation 48 and the longitudinal axis 30. As shown in FIG.
6, the angle A is about 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle
is between 40 and 50 degrees, between 30 and 60 degrees, or between
15 and 75 degrees.
[0034] The steering assembly 16 includes a first pivot member 52
and a second pivot member 50. The second pivot member 50 includes
an elongated base 56 and an aperture 58 that extends through the
elongated base 56. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the axle 42
of the wheels 40 extends through the aperture 58 to couple the
second pivot member 50 to the foot 12 such that the second pivot
member 50 rotates with respect to the foot 12 about the horizontal
axis 46.
[0035] Alternatively, steering assembly 16 can be connected to the
foot 12 in a position separate from the wheels 40 and the axle 42.
In embodiments where the axis 46 is offset from the axle 42, the
second pivot member 50 and the elongated base 56 are rotatably
coupled directly to the top of the foot 12, forward of the wheels
40 and axle 42. For instance, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B,
second pivot member 50 is rotatably connected to the foot 12
approximately three inches forward of the wheels 40 and the axle
42. The elongated base 56 rests on a pair of opposed ledges 54
within a pair of opposed cylindrical cavities 60 in the foot 12. In
other embodiments, the axis 46 can be set rearward of wheels 40 and
axle 42. The second pivot member 50 further includes a cylindrical
flange 62 that is coupled to the base 56. As best seen in FIG. 6,
the cylindrical flange 62 includes a cavity 64 and an aperture 66.
The axis 48 extends centrally through the cavity 64 and the
aperture 66.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 5, the first pivot member 52 includes a
first, generally flat, flange 70 and a second, cylindrical, flange
72. The first flange 70 includes apertures 74 that receive
fasteners 76 (FIG. 1) to couple the suction source 28, and thereby
the handle assembly 18 to the steering assembly 16. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first pivot member 52 is formed as a
separate component from the handle assembly 18 and is coupled to
the handle assembly 18 using the fasteners 76. In other
embodiments, the first pivot member 52 can be integrally formed
with other portions of the surface cleaning device 10. For example,
in such embodiments, the first pivot member 52 can be molded as
part of the suction source 28 or the handle 14. Similarly, in other
embodiments, the second pivot member 50 may be integrally formed
with and at any spot on the foot 12. As best seen in FIG. 6, the
cylindrical second flange 72 includes a cavity 78 and an aperture
80. The axis 48 extends centrally through the cavity 78 and the
aperture 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges 70 and 72
are integrally formed as a single component, such as by molding the
first pivot member 52 from plastic.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the steering assembly 16 further
includes a fastener 84 to couple the second pivot member 50 and the
first pivot member 52 such that the pivot members 50, 52 can rotate
with respect to each other about the axis 48. In one embodiment,
the pivot members 50, 52 include a mechanical stop, such as a tab,
rib, or the like, to limit relative rotation between the pivot
members 50, 52 about the axis 48. In one such embodiment the
relative rotation about the axis 48 is limited to about 120
degrees. In yet other embodiments, the relative rotation about the
axis 48 may be expanded to 240 or even 360 degrees.
[0038] The fastener 84 may include a nut and a bolt, as in the
illustrated embodiment, which extends through the aperture 80 of
the first pivot member 52 and the aperture 66 of the second pivot
member 50. In other embodiments, the fastener 84 may comprise a
snap engagement. For instance, the fastener 84 may comprise a
living spring with a tab that snaps into a corresponding engagement
of the aperture 80. The pivot members 50, 52 are coupled such that
the cavities 64, 78 are joined to form a cavity 88 that includes
both of the cavities 64, 78.
[0039] The steering assembly 16 further includes a biasing member
92 that stores energy to facilitate steering the foot 12 of the
surface cleaning device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the
biasing member 92 is a torsion spring in the form of a resilient
piece of molded rubber having a durometer of about 90A. In other
embodiments, the biasing member 92 can be formed from other
suitable materials having a different durometer, such as in a range
of 80-100, and can be other suitable types of torsions springs,
such as a coil spring. For example, in embodiments where the
surface cleaning device 10 is hand held or light duty vacuum, the
durometer would be lower than if the surface cleaning device is an
upright vacuum cleaner. In other embodiments, the biasing member 92
may comprise two distinct biasing members having the same or
different durometers connected, for instance, via corresponding
splines. In yet other embodiments, the biasing member 92 may be any
member or mechanism capable of storing energy, such as a
compression spring, a torsion bar, a torsion fiber, a magnet, a
pneumatic, or a hydraulic member. Whatever form the biasing member
92 takes, the biasing member 92 device functions to store
mechanical energy when the handle assembly 18 is twisted relative
to the foot 12. The stored energy is then used to bring the
steering assembly 16 back to center after it has been rotated by a
user when the foot 12 is rolled forwards or backwards during
use.
[0040] With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the biasing
member 92 includes an aperture 94 that extends longitudinally
through the biasing member 92. The fastener 84 extends through the
aperture 94 to couple the biasing member 92 to the second pivot
member 50 and the first pivot member 52. Also, rounded knobs 96 are
located at a first end 98 of the biasing member 92 and rounded
knobs 100 are located at a second end 102 of the biasing member 92.
The knobs 96 are received in recesses 104 of the first pivot member
52 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the knobs 98.
Likewise, the knobs 100 are received in recesses of the second
pivot member 50 (not visible in FIG. 5) similar to the recesses 104
of the first pivot member 52. The knobs 96 inhibit rotation of the
first end 98 of the biasing member 92 with respect to the first
pivot member 52 and the knobs 100 inhibit rotation of the second
end 102 of the biasing member 92 with respect to the second pivot
member 50. However, the biasing member 92 is resilient such that
the ends 98 and 102 of the biasing member 92, and therefore the
second pivot member 50 and the first pivot member 52, can rotate
with respect to each other about the axis 48 and yet the biasing
member 92 returns to the position illustrated in FIG. 3. Although
the knobs 96 and 100 and recesses 104 are rounded in the
illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the knobs and
recesses can take other suitable shapes. In yet other embodiments,
adhesives, fasteners, and the like can be used to couple the ends
98 and 102 of the biasing member 92 for rotation with the
respective first pivot member 52 and the second pivot member
50.
[0041] In operation, the handle 14 is typically in an upright
position (FIG. 1) with respect to the foot 12 when the surface
cleaning device 10 is not in use or is being stored. When the user
desires to use the surface cleaning device 10 to clean a surface,
the user pivots the handle 14 and the handle assembly 18 about the
horizontal axis 46 with respect to the foot 12 to an inclined
position (FIG. 2). The inclined positions of the handle 14 and the
handle assembly 18 vary during use of the surface cleaning device
10 as the user uses the handle 14 to move the foot 12 in forwards
and backwards directions along the surface. Also, the user can
steer the foot 12 to move the foot 12 generally in horizontal
directions (generally represented by arrows 110 and 112 of FIG. 2)
along the surface being cleaned. To steer the foot 12, the user
rotates the handle 14, and therefore the handle assembly 18, with
respect to the foot 12 about the axis 48 (FIGS. 3 and 4). When the
user rotates the handle assembly 18 about the axis 48, the first
pivot member 52, which is coupled for rotation with the handle
assembly 18 about the axis 48, rotates with respect to the second
pivot member 50, which is fixed from rotation about the axis 48
with respect to the foot 12. Rotating the first pivot member 52
with respect to the second pivot member 50 causes the first end 98
of the biasing member 92 to rotate with respect to the second end
102 of the biasing member 92. The resilient properties of the
biasing member 92 cause the biasing member 92 to resist rotation of
the handle assembly 18 with respect to the foot 12 about the axis
48. However, this resistance and energy stored in the biasing
member 92 by rotation of the handle assembly 18 about the axis 48,
moves the foot 12 in either direction of arrows 110 or 112
depending on which direction the user rotates the handle 14 about
the axis 48 when the foot 12 is being rolled in the forward
direction. When the user no longer desires to turn the foot 12 in
the direction 110 or 112 the user releases or stops turning the
handle 14 and the handle assembly 18 about the axis 48. The handle
assembly 184 then rotates about the axis 48 back to the position
illustrated in FIG. 2 (also illustrated by phantom lines in FIG. 4)
because of the resiliency and recovery forces of the biasing member
92.
[0042] Specifically, when the handle 14 is in an inclined position
and the foot 12 is not moving forwards or backwards, any rotation
of the handle 14 about the axis 48 will result in twisting of the
biasing member 92 to store energy in the biasing member 92. The
stored energy is released from the biasing member 92 when the foot
12 is rolled forwards or backwards. For example, if the handle 14
is twisted left, then the stored energy of the biasing member 92
will turn the front of the foot 12 toward the left direction 110
when the foot 12 is rolled forwards thereby bringing the steering
assembly 16 back to its original, unbiased position. Also, if the
handle 14 is twisted left, then the stored energy of the biasing
member will turn the back of the foot 12 toward the left direction
110 when the foot 12 is rolled backwards thereby bringing the
steering assembly 16 back to its original, unbiased position.
Likewise, if the handle 14 is twisted right, then the stored energy
of the biasing member 92 will turn the front of the foot 12 toward
the right direction 112 when the foot 12 is rolled forwards thereby
bringing the steering assembly 16 back to its original, unbiased
position. Also, if the handle 14 is twisted right, then the stored
energy of the biasing member 92 will turn the back of the foot 12
toward the right direction 112 when the foot 12 is rolled backwards
thereby bringing the steering assembly 16 back to its original,
unbiased position. In this manner, the steering assembly 16
smoothly transitions user-actuated twisting of the handle 14 into a
delayed yet seamless steering of the foot 12.
[0043] Therefore, the steering assembly 16 allows the user to pivot
the handle 14 with respect to the foot 12 about the horizontal axis
46 from the upright position to one of the inclined positions.
Also, the steering assembly 16 allows the user to rotate the handle
14 with respect to the foot 12 about the axis 48 which facilitates
steering the foot 12 along the surface being cleaned. Furthermore,
the steering assembly 16 includes the biasing member 92 which
allows the steering assembly 16 to steer the foot 12 and return the
handle 14 to its original position about the axis 48.
[0044] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a steering assembly 16B according
to another embodiment of the invention. The steering assembly 16B
is similar to the steering assembly 16 of FIGS. 1-6 and like
components have been given like reference numbers with the addition
of the suffix `B,` and only the differences between the steering
assemblies 16 and 16B will be discussed in detail. The steering
assembly 16B includes similar components and operates in a similar
manner to the steering assembly 16 of FIGS. 1-6. However, the first
pivot member 52B has a relatively long length 116B and the base 56B
and the flange 62B of the second pivot member 50B are alternatively
positioned with respect to each other to position the handle 14B
with respect to the foot 12 in a slightly different and higher
position with respect to the surface being cleaned.
[0045] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a steering assembly 16C according
to another embodiment of the invention. The steering assembly 16C
is similar to the steering assemblies 16 and 16B of FIGS. 1-8 and
like components have been given like reference numbers with the
addition of the suffix `C,` and only the differences between the
steering assemblies 16, 16B, and 16C will be discussed in detail.
The steering assembly 16C is configured for use with a surface
cleaning device 10C that includes a single rear wheel 40C as
opposed to the surface cleaning devices 10 and 10B that include
multiple wheels 40 and 40B, respectively. In addition, the
horizontal axis 46C is not coincident with the axle 42C. The second
pivot member 50C also includes tabs 120C. The tabs 120C engage a
rim 122C of the wheel 40C to retain the handle 14C in the upright
position (FIG. 10). However, when the handle 14C is in the upright
position, the handle 14C pivots slightly with respect to the foot
12C about axis 46C to create a small gap between the outer
periphery of the wheel 40C and the second pivot member 50C.
Therefore, the wheel 40C can roll about axle 42C to move or trundle
the surface cleaning device 10C with the handle 14C in the upright
position. However, when in the upright position the handle 14C can
pivot slightly while the tabs 120C are engaged with the rim 122C so
that the second pivot member 50C rests on the outer periphery of
the wheel 40C to inhibit rotation of the wheel 40C so the wheel
40C, and the surface cleaning device 10C, do not roll along the
surface when the handle 14C is in the storage position.
[0046] Also, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 9-10, the wheel
40C includes a transparent outer periphery. A light source and a
generator are located within the transparent outer periphery. In
operation, as the wheel 40C rotates about the axle 42C, the
generator provides power to illuminate the light source. However,
the generator does not provide enough power to illuminate the light
source until the wheel 40C rotates about the axle 42C above a
predetermined speed. The predetermined speed can be a preferred
speed for moving the foot 12C along the surface being cleaned to
achieve the greatest vacuuming efficiency.
[0047] FIG. 11 illustrates a steering assembly 16D according to
another embodiment of the invention. The steering assembly 16D is
similar to the steering assemblies 16, 16B, and 16C of FIGS. 1-10
and like components have been given like reference numbers with the
addition of the suffix `D,` and only the differences between the
steering assemblies 16, 16B, 16C, and 16D will be discussed in
detail. The steering assembly 16D has a biasing member 92D that
differs from the biasing member 92 of FIGS. 1-6. The biasing member
92D is a resilient elastomeric component that is received within an
aperture of the second pivot member 50D. The shape of the
elastomeric component 92D is changed by rotating the fastener 84D
to apply more or less compressive force to the component 92D. The
fastener 84D is rotated to change the amount of resistance the
component 92D applies to relative rotation of the second pivot
member 50D with respect to the first pivot member 52D.
[0048] FIGS. 12-13 illustrate a steering assembly 16E according to
another embodiment of the invention. The steering assembly 16E is
similar to the steering assemblies 16, 16B, 16C, and 16D of FIGS.
1-11 and like components have been given like reference numbers
with the addition of the suffix `E,` and only the differences
between the steering assemblies 16, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E will be
discussed in detail. The steering assembly 16E includes an
additional pivoting coupling 130E between the second pivot member
50E and the first pivot member 52E. In this embodiment, the handle
assembly 18E is tilted left or right, rather than twisted, to steer
the foot 16E left or right. Specifically, when the handle assembly
18E is tilted, steering mechanism 16E rotates around the axis
defined by the 84E, and the biasing member 92E stores energy to
cause the foot 12E to steer in the direction the handle assembly
18E is tilted.
[0049] FIG. 14 illustrates a steering assembly 16F according to
another embodiment of the invention. The steering assembly 16F is
similar to the steering assemblies 16, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E of
FIGS. 1-13 and like components have been given like reference
numbers with the addition of the suffix `F,` and only the
differences between the steering assemblies 16, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E,
and 16F will be discussed in detail. The steering assembly 16F
illustrates an alternative embodiment configured for use with a
foot 12F having a single rear wheel 40F with its axle 42F being
coaxial with the horizontal axis 46F of the steering assembly 16F.
As described above, the width of the wheel 40F may vary depending
on the structure, size, weight distribution, and housing
configuration of foot 12F.
[0050] FIGS. 15-18 illustrate an open path steering assembly 16G
according to another embodiment of the invention. The steering
assembly 16G is described with reference to the surface cleaning
device 10, described above, where like components have been given
like reference numbers with the addition of the suffix `G`. Unlike
steering assemblies 16, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E and 16F of FIGS. 1-14,
the open path steering assembly 16G provides an open path through
the steering assembly 16G itself The open path can be used to
fluidly communicate air and debris from the foot 12G to the handle
assembly 18G in place of the hose 32, which was discussed in the
first embodiment. Alternatively, in embodiments where surface
cleaning device 10 is a wet vac, extractor, or steam cleaning
device, the open path may be used to communicate liquid drawn from
the foot 12G to the handle assembly 18G, or may be used to
communicate liquid from the handle assembly 18G to be dispensed on
the surface via the foot 12G. In other embodiments, the open path
can be used to route or provide a path for any number of vacuum
components, such as a power cord from the power supply 34G down to
the foot 12G, to power components located within the foot 12G such
as a brush roll motor or lights positioned in the foot.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 17-18, the open path steering assembly
16G includes a steering tube 202, a biasing member 204, a lock ring
206, a steering lock 208, a hose 210, and front and rear covers
212, 214. The open path constitutes an open conduit that extends
from the steering tube 202 down through the hose 210. The hose 210
is fluidly connected to a suction opening 38G of the foot 12G and
is also fluidly connected to the cyclonic separation chamber 22G in
the canister 20G. In this manner, the fan or impeller and motor
located within the suction source 28G can generate an airflow or
suction through the open path.
[0052] Steering tube 202 includes an assembly aperture 216, one or
more ring apertures 218, and a lower lip 220. The assembly aperture
216 is designed to receive a corresponding protrusion (not shown)
in the handle assembly 18G, such that as the handle 14G and the
handle assembly 18G are rotated about a longitudinal axis 48G of
steering tube 202, the corresponding protrusion received in the
assembly aperture 216 causes the steering tube 202 to rotate in the
same manner about the axis 48. Additionally, assembly aperture 216
can receive a protrusion from handle assembly 18G to removably lock
the handle assembly 18G to the steering tube 202, such that
removing the protrusion from the assembly aperture 216 allows the
steering assembly 16G to be detached from the steering tube 202.
The one or more ring apertures 218 are designed to receive one or
more lock protrusions 222 of the lock ring 206. The lower lip 220
has a recess 224 (FIG. 18) around its circumference that is adopted
to receive and create an interference fit with a tube side 226 of
the biasing member 204. The width of the recess 224 may vary around
its circumference in order to accommodate reception of a plurality
of rounded knobs 230 that protrude from and extend the length of
the biasing member 204.
[0053] The steering lock 208 includes a pair of protrusions 232, a
base recess 234, and a circumferential ring recess 236. The pair of
protrusions 232 work to trap the steering lock 208 within the
recess created between the covers 212, 214. In this manner, the
pair of protrusions 232 prevent the steering lock 208 from rotating
about the vertical axis 48G of the steering mechanism 16G, absent
force from a user. The ring recess 236 is adopted to allow the lock
ring 206 to fit around the recess 236. The base recess 234 around
the base of the steering lock 206 is adopted to receive and create
an interference fit with a lock end 238 of the biasing member 204.
Similar to the recess 224 of the lower lip 220, the width of the
base recess 234 may vary around its circumference in order to
accommodate reception of the plurality of rounded knobs 230
protruding from the biasing member 204, as shown in FIG. 17. A top
end 240 of the hose 210 is secured to the steering lock 208 via a
threaded connection 242 as illustrated in FIG. 18.
[0054] The covers 212, 214 have a pair of complementary half
cylindrical extensions 244 (FIG. 17) that extend traverse to the
axis 48G. When the covers 212, 214 are joined, the complementary
extensions 244 together create rotatable cylinders 250 (FIG. 15).
As shown in FIG. 16, a rotational axis 46G of the steering
mechanism 16G, extending from rotatable cylinders 250, may be
coincident with the axle 42G of the wheels 40G, similar to the
horizontal axis 46 in FIG. 2A. In operation, the user pivots the
handle assembly 18G about the axis 46G with respect to the foot 12G
to an inclined position. Alternatively, and as described earlier
and shown in FIG. 2B, the steering mechanism 16G and rotational
axis 46G may be set forward of the axle 42G. The cylinders 250,
when set within the foot 12G, work to allow a user to tilt the
surface cleaning device 10G forward and backward about the axis
46G. In yet other embodiments, the steering mechanism 16G and axis
46G can be set rearward of the wheels 40G and axle 42G.
[0055] The biasing member 204 is an energy storing means that
stores energy to facilitate steering the foot 12 of the vacuum. In
the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 204 is an elastic
steering bushing, a single resilient piece of molded rubber having
a durometer of about 90. In other embodiments, the biasing member
204 can be formed from other suitable materials having a different
durometer. In yet other embodiments, the biasing member 204 can be
any member or mechanism capable of storing energy, such as a
compression spring, a torsion bar, a torsion fiber, a magnet, a
pneumatic, or a hydraulic member. Whatever form the biasing member
204 takes, the biasing member 204 functions to store mechanical
energy when the handle assembly 18G is twisted relative to the foot
12G. The stored energy is then used to bring the open path steering
assembly 16G back to center after it has been rotated by a user by
turning the foot 12G relative to the handle assembly 18G when the
nozzle 12G is rolled forwards or backwards during use.
[0056] With continued reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, because the
tube side 226 and the knobs 230 tightly fit within the recess 224
of the steering tube 202, the tube side 226 and the knobs 230
inhibit rotation of the tube end 226 of the biasing member 204 with
respect to the steering tube 202. Similarly, because the lock end
238 and the knobs 230 tightly fit within the base recess 234 of the
steering lock 208, the lock end 238 and the knobs 230 inhibit
rotation of the lock end 238 of the biasing member 204 with respect
to the steering lock 208. However, the biasing member 204 is
resilient such that the ends 226, 238 of the biasing member 204,
and therefore the steering tube 202 and the steering lock 208, can
rotate with respect to each other about the axis 48G, and yet the
biasing member 204 returns to its original position. Although the
knobs 230 are rounded in the illustrated embodiment, in other
embodiments, the knobs can take other suitable shapes. In yet other
embodiments, adhesives, fasteners, and the like can be used to
couple the ends 226 and 238 of the biasing member 204 for rotation
with the respective steering tube 202 and the steering lock
208.
[0057] In operation, the user can steer the foot 12G to move the
foot 12G generally in horizontal directions along the surface being
cleaned. To steer the foot 12G, the user rotates the handle 14G,
and therefore handle assembly 18G, with respect to the foot 12G
about the axis 48G. When the user rotates the handle assembly 18G
about the axis 48G, the steering tube 202, which is coupled for
rotation with the handle 14G via the assembly aperture 216, rotates
with respect to the steering lock 208, which is fixed from rotation
about the axis 48G with respect to the foot 12G. Rotating the
steering tube 202 with respect to the steering lock 208 causes the
tube end 226 of the biasing member 204 to rotate with respect to
the lock end 238 of the biasing member 204. The resilient
properties of the biasing member 204 cause the biasing member 204
to resist rotation of the handle assembly 18G with respect to the
foot 12G about the axis defined by the open path. However, this
resistance and energy stored in the biasing member 204 by rotation
of the handle 18G about the axis 48G, moves the foot 12G, depending
on which direction the user rotates the handle assembly 18G about
the axis defined by the open path. When the user no longer desires
to turn the foot 12, the user releases or stops turning the handle
14G and handle assembly 18G about the axis 48G. Then, the handle
assembly 18G rotates about the axis 48G back to its original
position because of the resiliency and recovery forces of the
biasing member 204.
* * * * *