U.S. patent application number 15/198389 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-05 for portable waste collection and cleaning device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Karcher North America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Adam Bearup, Jeff Bernath, Scott Geschwentner, Mark McCullough, Scott Pyne, Michael Rasmussen, Lynn Relph.
Application Number | 20170000306 15/198389 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57609161 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170000306 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pyne; Scott ; et
al. |
January 5, 2017 |
PORTABLE WASTE COLLECTION AND CLEANING DEVICE
Abstract
A portable cleaning assembly is provided. The assembly comprises
a body or chassis portion supported by wheels. The body portion
comprises a first portion for selectively receiving a waste
container or barrel, as well as a housing member for storing
various features of the assembly as well as additional cleaning
products and devices. The housing at least partially contains a
vacuum, a motor, and a rechargeable battery for powering the
motor.
Inventors: |
Pyne; Scott; (Englewood,
CO) ; Bearup; Adam; (Lakewood, CO) ;
McCullough; Mark; (Castle Rock, CO) ; Relph;
Lynn; (Englewood, CO) ; Rasmussen; Michael;
(Denver, CO) ; Geschwentner; Scott; (Littleton,
CO) ; Bernath; Jeff; (Denver, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Karcher North America, Inc. |
Denver |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57609161 |
Appl. No.: |
15/198389 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62186666 |
Jun 30, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/26 20130101; A47L
9/2889 20130101; A47L 9/0081 20130101; B65F 1/1468 20130101; A47L
9/009 20130101; A47L 7/00 20130101; A47L 5/365 20130101; A47L
9/0045 20130101; A47L 9/0036 20130101; A47L 9/2857 20130101; B62B
2202/50 20130101; B62B 3/02 20130101; A47L 9/2878 20130101; A47L
9/2884 20130101; A47L 9/0027 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/28 20060101
A47L009/28; A47L 9/26 20060101 A47L009/26; A47L 9/00 20060101
A47L009/00; A47L 5/36 20060101 A47L005/36; A47L 9/14 20060101
A47L009/14 |
Claims
1. A portable cleaning assembly comprising: a main body portion
comprising a substantially horizontally extending platform for
receiving at least one waste container, and a housing comprising a
plurality of sidewalls, at least some of said sidewalls extending
perpendicularly to the horizontally extending platform; a plurality
of wheels provided on a lower portion of the main body portion to
enable movement of the assembly; a vacuum unit comprising a motor,
the vacuum unit at least partially disposed within the housing; a
collection device in fluid communication with the motor for
collecting materials; at least one rechargeable battery provided
within the housing and electrically connected to the motor for
supplying electrical power to the motor; and wherein at least one
sidewall of the housing comprises an attachment member on an
exterior portion of the sidewall for selectively receiving and
securing a waste container.
2. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 1, wherein the waste
container comprises a plastic barrel.
3. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 1, wherein the
collection device comprises a vacuum canister in fluid
communication with the motor.
4. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 1, wherein the vacuum
unit comprises a lid provided proximal to an upper portion of the
housing.
5. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing
comprises an access panel operable to provide access to an interior
of the housing.
6. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 5, wherein the access
panel comprises a rear panel of the main body portion provided on
an opposing side of the housing relative to the platform.
7. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 1, further comprising an
electronic control unit in communication with the rechargeable
battery, and wherein the battery is operable to receive power from
an external source and wherein the battery is configured to power
the motor and be simultaneously charged by the external source.
8. A portable cleaning assembly comprising: a main body portion
comprising a horizontally extending platform for receiving at least
one waste container, and a housing comprising a plurality of
sidewalls, at least some of said sidewalls extending
perpendicularly to the horizontally extending platform, the housing
comprising an at least partially enclosed volume; a plurality of
wheels provided on a lower portion of the main body portion to
enable movement of the assembly; a vacuum unit comprising a motor
and a vacuum canister; the motor provided within the housing; at
least one source for power provided within the housing for
supplying electrical power to the vacuum unit; and wherein the
vacuum unit comprises an exhaust hose, the exhaust hose in fluid
communication with the vacuum motor and an outlet of the
housing.
9. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 8, wherein the source
for power is a rechargeable battery.
10. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 8, wherein the source
for power comprises a power cord connected to at least the
motor.
11. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 8, wherein the vacuum
canister is in fluid communication with the motor.
12. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 8, wherein the vacuum
unit comprises a lid provided proximal to an upper portion of the
housing.
13. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 8, wherein the housing
comprises an access panel operable to provide access to an interior
of the housing, wherein the access panel comprises a rear panel of
the main body portion provided on an opposing side of the housing
relative to the platform.
14. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 8, wherein the at least
one source for power comprises a rechargeable battery, and wherein
the rechargeable battery is operable to receive a charge from an
external power source and concurrently provide power to the
motor.
15. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 8, further comprising
at least one of a clip, a strap, and a cord to selectively secure
the collection device to the assembly.
16. A portable cleaning assembly comprising: a main body portion
comprising a forwardly extending platform operable to receive at
least one waste container, and a housing comprising a plurality of
sidewalls, at least some of the sidewalls extending perpendicularly
to the platform, the housing comprising an at least partially
enclosed volume; a plurality of wheels provided on a lower portion
of the main body portion to enable movement of the assembly; a
vacuum unit comprising a motor and a vacuum canister; the motor
provided substantially within the at least partially enclosed
volume; at least one rechargeable battery provided within the
housing for supplying electrical power to the vacuum unit; and
wherein the vacuum unit comprises an exhaust hose, the exhaust hose
in fluid communication with the vacuum motor and an outlet of the
housing.
17. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 16, further comprising
an electronic control unit provided within the housing, the
electronic control unit operable to control at least one of
charging the battery and operating the vacuum unit.
18. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 16, wherein the vacuum
canister comprises a removable canister that operable to be removed
for emptying contents of the vacuum canister.
19. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 16, further comprising
at least one of a clip, a strap, and a cord to selectively secure
the collection device to the assembly.
20. The portable cleaning assembly of claim 17, wherein the
electronic control unit is configured to simultaneously charge the
battery and provide power from the battery to the motor such that
the battery is rechargeable in a state of use.
Description
[0001] This U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the
benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 62/186,666, filed Jun. 30, 2015, the entire disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and
devices for collecting waste and debris, and cleaning areas or
surfaces. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure
relate to a portable device comprising a vacuum unit and additional
components for receiving waste and storing related articles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various known devices provide a vacuum unit in combination
with a waste container, such as a trash barrel or similar feature.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,560, which is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety, discloses an assembly having a vacuum
attached to a waste container. The vacuum has an inlet for
attachment to a hose to allow the vacuum to be utilized in an area
without having to move the assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,714, which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, also discloses
an assembly having a waste container housing a vacuum unit. The
vacuum unit has an inlet in the bottom of the waste container for
collecting swept debris and for cleaning of dustpans. These
devices, however, fail to disclosure various novel features of the
present disclosure. For example, in various embodiments, the
present disclosure provides systems and devices comprising features
for receiving and transporting a waste container, and an at least
partially enclosed housing for receiving and containing a vacuum
unit, a battery, and one or more control features for operation of
the battery and/or vacuum unit.
[0004] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,732,403, 7,979,954, 7,472,456,
2007/0186371, and 2009/0113664 to Moore et al., which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entireties, disclose various
waste barrels supported by or connected to a vacuum unit, but fail
to disclose various novel features of devices of the present
disclosure. For example, in various embodiments, the present
disclosure provides systems and devices comprising a portable
system for receiving a waste container, and an at least partially
enclosed portion for receiving a vacuum unit and associated
features in a manner that is aesthetically pleasing and reduces or
isolates noise emissions from a vacuum unit.
SUMMARY
[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a
mobile cleaning and waste collection device with integrated vacuum
features. It is a further object of the present disclosure to
provide a device comprising portable vacuum features with a power
source (e.g. power cord or rechargeable battery), and wherein
vacuum and battery features are at least partially contained within
a housing member of the device, and wherein access and control
features are provided such that they are accessible to a user.
Devices and features in furtherance of these objects are shown and
described herein.
[0006] In one embodiment, a cleaning assembly is provided, the
cleaning assembly comprising a main body portion with a
horizontally extending platform for receiving at least one waste
container, and a housing comprising a plurality of sidewalls, at
least some of the sidewalls extending perpendicularly to the
horizontally extending platform. A plurality of wheels is provided
on a lower portion of the main body portion to enable movement of
the assembly. A vacuum unit comprising a motor is also provided,
the vacuum unit at least partially disposed within the housing. A
collection device is provided in fluid communication with the motor
for collecting materials. At least one rechargeable battery is
provided within the housing and electrically connected to the motor
for supplying electrical power to the motor. At least one sidewall
of the housing comprises an attachment member for selectively
receiving and securing a waste container. In certain embodiments, a
power cord is provided in addition to or in lieu of the
rechargeable battery. Although certain embodiments contemplate
either or both of a rechargeable and a disposable battery as
providing power to various device features, it is also contemplated
that the device may be powered directly by current from an external
source (e.g. power In such embodiments, a power cord is provided
that may be selectively plugged into a current source (e.g. wall
outlet). It is also contemplated that embodiments comprising a
rechargeable battery are provided with a cord for at least one of
charging the battery and running the device and motor on current
directly from an external source. Power cords of the present
disclosure are contemplated as including, but are not limited to,
extending cords that may selectively extend from the device and be
stored substantially within the device when not in use.
[0007] In preferred embodiments, portable cleaning assemblies of
the present disclosure are configured such that at least one
rechargeable battery of the assembly is operable to run in a
"hybrid" charging mode. For example, in certain embodiments, at
least one of the battery and an electronic control unit in
communication with the battery are operable to receive a charge
from an external power source and charge the rechargeable battery
while also being provided in a mode of use. Specifically, in
certain embodiments, the battery is capable of providing power to
the motor while also being charged. Accordingly, devices of the
present disclosure comprise vacuum units including a motor that are
powered by a rechargeable battery and wherein the motor is powered
by any one or more of: a battery comprising a charge that is not
connected to an external power source, a battery comprising a
charge that is connected to an external power source, and a battery
that is devoid of a charge and is connected to an external power
source.
[0008] In certain embodiments, vacuum units of the present
disclosure comprise at least one of a canister and a bag for
receiving contents collected by the vacuum. Embodiments of the
present disclosure contemplate that a fill-level indicator of a
canister or bag is provided to indicate to a user or operator when
the canister or bag requires emptying. In preferred embodiments,
the fill-level indicator comprises a temperature sensor and a
user-interface (e.g. a light or indicia). When the temperature
sensor detects that a temperature of the motor exceeds a
predetermined value, a user is alerted to this condition by the
user-interface. The predetermined temperature value corresponds to
an increase in motor temperature due to increased load on the motor
that has been caused by the canister or bag reaching or exceeding a
desired fill level. In alternative embodiments, a mechanical or
electrical pressure switch is provided to indicate a fill-level or
condition. Such switch(es) may be provided in addition to or in
lieu of the temperature sensor and user-interface.
[0009] In various embodiments, devices of the present disclosure
contemplate reduced machine sound levels such that the devices may
be used in indoor settings with minimal impact on users and
occupants (for example). In certain embodiments, a vacuum unit and
an associated motor are at least partially provided within an
external housing and wherein the housing provides a sound baffle to
reduce noise associated with the motor and/or vacuum chamber. It is
also contemplated that embodiments of the present disclosure
comprise integrated sound reduction devices (e.g. muffler) within
the housing. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the
housing comprise baffling, such as foam provided between sidewalls
of the housing to reduce noise output. it is also contemplated that
sound-conductive elements and materials of the motor known to
conduct or transmit sound are isolated from additional components.
Existing vacuum devices teach away from the provision of such
sound-reducing and dampening features, as a critical feature of
vacuum devices relates to an ability to vent heat and exhaust from
the device. Embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate
providing a specific exhaust path as shown and described herein,
wherein a vacuum exhaust is directed from the housing. This exhaust
path of various embodiments provides the ability to shield or
shroud noise-producing components of the device without the
negative impacts of trapping vacuum heat and exhaust, and provides
for an efficient device which is also quieter than existing
technologies.
[0010] In one embodiment, a portable cleaning assembly is provided
that comprises a main body portion comprising a horizontally
extending platform for receiving at least one waste container, and
a housing comprising a plurality of sidewalk, at least some of the
sidewalk extending perpendicularly to the horizontally extending
platform. A plurality of wheels are provided on a lower portion of
the main body portion to enable movement of the assembly. A vacuum
unit comprises a motor, the vacuum unit being at least partially
disposed within the housing. A collection device is in fluid
communication with the motor for collecting materials. At least one
rechargeable battery is provided within the housing and
electrically connected to the motor for supplying electrical power
to the motor, and at least one sidewall of the housing comprises an
attachment member on an exterior portion of the sidewall for
selectively receiving and securing a waste container.
[0011] In one embodiment, a portable cleaning assembly is provided,
the assembly comprises a main body portion with a horizontally
extending platform for receiving at least one waste container, and
a housing comprising a plurality of sidewalls, at least some of
said sidewalls extending perpendicularly to the horizontally
extending platform, the housing comprising an at least partially
enclosed volume. A plurality of wheels are provided on a lower
portion of the main body portion to enable movement of the
assembly. A vacuum unit is provided that comprises a motor and a
vacuum canister. The motor is provided within the housing. At least
one rechargeable battery is provided within the housing for
supplying electrical power to the vacuum unit. The vacuum unit
comprises an exhaust hose, the exhaust hose in fluid communication
with the vacuum motor and an outlet of the housing. In various
embodiments, the exhaust hose comprises a stretch or stretchable
hose that does not comprise a fixed length but may expand and
contract as needed for use and/or storage. In certain embodiments,
on-board storage for at least one of a hose, a wand, and cleaning
accessories is integrated into the device housing.
[0012] In one embodiment, a portable cleaning assembly is provided,
the assembly comprising a main body portion having a forwardly
extending platform operable to receive at least one waste
container, and a housing comprising a plurality of sidewalls, at
least some of the sidewalls extending perpendicularly to the
platform, the housing comprising an at least partially enclosed
volume. A plurality of wheels is provided on a lower portion of the
main body portion to enable movement of the assembly. A vacuum unit
is provided that comprises a motor and a vacuum canister. The motor
is provided substantially within the at least partially enclosed
volume. At least one rechargeable battery is provided within the
housing for supplying electrical power to the vacuum unit, and the
vacuum unit comprises an exhaust hose in fluid communication with
the vacuum motor and an outlet of the housing.
[0013] The Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed
as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present
disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels
of detail in the Summary as well as in the attached drawings and
the Detailed Description and no limitation as to the scope of the
present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or
non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary.
Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more
readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the disclosed system and together with the general description of
the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the
drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the
disclosed system(s) and device(s).
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable waste
collection device according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the portable waste
collection device of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the portable waste
collection device of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the
portable waste collection of FIG. 3, and taken about line A-A of
FIG. 3.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a portable waste collection
device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the portable waste
collection device according to the embodiment of FIG. 5.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the portable waste
collection device according to the embodiment of FIG. 5.
[0022] FIG. 8 is front perspective view of the portable waste
collection device according to the embodiment of FIG. 5.
[0023] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not
necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render
other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It
should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not
necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable waste
collection device 2 according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure. As shown, the device 2 comprises a body portion 4. The
body portion 4 may be formed with various materials and
combinations of materials. In one embodiment, it is contemplated
that the body portion 4 comprises a rotomolded plastic structure
for ease of manufacturing and to provide a lightweight, portable,
and durable device. The body portion 4 and various associated
components are translatable and portable along a ground or floor
surface at least in part due to the provision of a plurality of
wheels 6 provided on or proximal to a base of the body portion 4.
The body portion 4 comprises a platform 8 extending forwardly of a
primary housing 10. Although the embodiment of FIG. 1 contemplates
a platform 8 provided forward of the primary housing 10, at least
with respect to a preferred direction of travel, the present
disclosure and its various embodiments are not limited to such
arrangements. Indeed, it is contemplated that the platform 8 and
primary housing 10 may be provided in any number of relative
spatial relationships including wherein the platform is rearward of
or adjacent to a primary housing 10 with respect to a preferred
direction of travel.
[0025] The platform 8 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is provided to
receive and transport a waste collection device (not shown in FIG.
1), such as a waste barrel, and wherein the waste barrel may be
selectively removed from the device 2 and/or secured to the device
2. The embodiment of FIG. 1 further comprises a cradle 12 to
preferably receive and at least partially secure a waste collection
device in a preferred position and to prevent unintended removal or
tipping of the waste collection device. Although the embodiment of
FIG. 1 is shown as comprising a cradle 12 in the form of a hook or
curved support, alternative embodiments of the present disclosure
contemplate various features and devices for receiving and
retaining a waste collection device or waste barrel. For example,
in one embodiment, it is contemplated that one or more straps are
provided in connection with the primary housing 10, and wherein the
strap(s) may extend around and selectively secure a waste barrel.
In additional embodiments, it is contemplated that the primary
housing 10 comprises any one or more of hook-and-loop securing
members, an adhesive device (e.g. a sticky mat), a magnet, a clamp,
and an elastic securing member (e.g. bungee cord) to selectively
secure a waste barrel to the primary housing 10 and/or the platform
8. In certain embodiments, at least one resilient or flexible clip
is provided to secure features to the device 2.
[0026] The primary housing 10 comprises vertically extending
sidewalls and an at least partially enclosed internal volume, the
internal volume at least partially comprising and containing a
vacuum unit 14 including a vacuum lid 16 and a vacuum chamber 18.
An upper portion of the primary housing 10 further comprises at
least one storage area 20 for receiving and transporting various
devices including, but not limited to, cleaning supplies and tools.
Preferably, at least one handle member 22 is provided proximal a
rear or user end of the device 2. A vacuum wand 24 is provided and
shown in a storage position wherein the wand 24 is stored for
transport on the device 2. The wand 24 may be provided in fluid
communication with the vacuum unit 14 via at least one hose (not
shown in FIG. 1).
[0027] As further shown in FIG. 1, the device 2 comprises at least
one removable panel 26 in a sidewall of the primary housing 10, and
wherein at least one removable panel 26 may be removed to allow for
a vacuum unit 14 to convey or supply waste or debris directly to a
waste barrel provided on the platform 8. In preferred embodiments,
the vacuum unit 14 and contents collected by the vacuum unit 14 are
received and stored in an interior volume of the primary housing 10
and wherein the waste container is provided as a separate device
that is not in communication with the vacuum unit 14 or the
interior volume of the primary housing 10.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the device 2 of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the device 2 comprises
various features as shown and described with respect to FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 further depicts a waste container 28 provided in connection
with the device 2, the waste container 28 comprising a plastic
barrel or similar device for receiving and storing various
contents. As further shown in FIG. 2, a rearward portion of the
primary housing 10 comprises a plug or cord 30 extending from and
in electrical communication with at least one rechargeable battery
disposed within the primary housing 10. The cord 30 preferably
extends from at least one outlet 31 in the rear panel of the
housing 10. The cord 30 is contemplated as comprising a coiled
and/or stretchable power cord for enhanced storage and cord
management, particularly when the device is in use. The device 2
further comprises at least one control feature or switch 32, which
comprises an on/off switch and/or any number of control features to
modify power settings and other device functionality as known in
the art. In certain embodiments, a removable panel 34 is provided
on a rear portion of the primary housing 10 to allow for selective
access to an internal volume of the primary housing 10. In certain
embodiments, the removable panel 34 comprises an access point for
emptying vacuum contents, servicing vacuum components, replacing a
battery, and other operations that may need to be conducted within
the internal volume of the primary housing 10.
[0029] In various embodiments, the panel 34 comprises a removable
panel wherein an entirety of the panel 34 is removable to access
features provided within the primary housing 10. In certain
embodiments, the panel 34 comprises a plurality of knock-out
features or smaller panels to allow selective access to particular
internal features, and the ability to customize the rear panel 34
based on the particular components provided within the housing 10
and the layout thereof. Additionally, embodiments of the present
disclosure provide for various vacuum exhaust flow paths wherein
vacuum exhaust may be directed to any number of features of the
device or simply vented outside of the device. In certain
embodiments, an exhaust hose (e.g. 44 in FIG. 4) and/or vacuum
exhaust flow path is directed to at least one of a battery, a
circuit board, and a control feature of the device that may provide
cooling.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of the
present disclosure. As shown, a waste collection device 2 is
provided, the device 2 comprises a plurality of wheels 6, a
platform 8, a primary housing 10, a vacuum assembly 14, a wand 24
and a waste container 28 provided on the platform 8. Although FIGS.
1-3 generally depict a waste container 28 of a given size and given
proportions, it will be expressly recognized that the present
disclosure is not limited to a waste container 28 of any particular
size or arrangement. Various waste containers and other containers
are contemplated for use in embodiments of the present disclosure.
For example, in certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the
waste container 28 comprises a water-tight container or bin adapted
to receive and store various types of solids and liquids.
Additionally, it is contemplated that a container may be provided
for purposes other than storing or collecting waste. In certain
embodiments, it is contemplated that the container 28 comprises a
bin or receptacle for various items including, but not limited,
cleaning tools, device, and products.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional elevation view taken at line A-A
of FIG. 3, and showing various internal components of the depicted
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the device 2 comprises a primary
housing 10 with an internal volume. The internal volume houses at
least a portion of a vacuum unit 14 and wherein a lid 16 of the
vacuum portion extends above the interior volume or is otherwise
easily accessible to a user. The lid 16 preferably comprises a port
for connecting to and/or receiving a vacuum hose (not shown in FIG.
4). The vacuum unit 14 comprises a chamber or canister 17 for
collecting materials, the canister 17 may be provided with a
removable and disposable vacuum bag, or be provided as a removable
chamber for emptying contents. A vacuum motor 36 is provided, and
is preferably positioned vertically below and in axial alignment
with the canister 17. The motor 36 may be provided in various
positions in order to accommodate space and sizing restrictions of
various housing members 10. An exhaust hose 44 is provided to expel
airflow from the device 2 preferably through a baffle system built
into the base of the device 2 and useful for muffling sound made by
the motor. A battery 42 is provided within the primary housing 10
to provide power to at least the vacuum unit 14. In preferred
embodiments, the battery 42 comprises a rechargeable battery. The
battery 42 is preferably connected to or provided with a cord or
cable that extends or is selectively extendable from a rear panel
of the device 2. The device is provided with a control board or
electronic control unit 40 for controlling working functions of the
device including, but not limited to, vacuum power, exhaust
features, etc. A control switch 32 is provided for controlling
and/or activating and deactivating power to the vacuum. A built-in
charger 38 is provided for charging the battery 42. In various
embodiments, at least one of the charger 38 and an electronic
control unit 40 are configured to charge the battery 42 by
conveying current from an external source (AC power from a wall
outlet, for example) while the battery is providing electrical
power to the motor 36 of the vacuum unit. Accordingly, the charger
38 and/or the control unit 40 are operable to charge the battery
and/or to run the battery and motor while the battery is charging.
When the battery 42 comprises a sufficient charge, the battery is
operable to run the vacuum unit without the device 2 being
connecting to any other power source. When the battery 42 does not
comprise a sufficient charge to run the vacuum and/or when it is
desirable to have the device 2 connected to an external power
source, the rechargeable battery may receive a charge from an
external source and wherein the battery is still operable to power
the motor 36.
[0032] A rear panel 34 is provided to allow for at least partial
access to system components provided within the interior volume of
the primary housing 10. In various embodiments, the rear panel 34
comprises a removable panel or a door to allow for a user to access
features contained within the internal volume of the primary
housing 10. In alternative embodiments, the rear panel 34 comprises
at least one aperture or port for accessing features within the
internal volume.
[0033] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a vacuum arrangement is
provided wherein a vacuum motor 36 is provided vertically below the
vacuum canister 17 and wherein the vacuum motor 36 is operable to
draw a vacuum and create a suction from an external environment
into the upper portion of the canister 17 and preferably via a hose
attachment on a vacuum lid 16. The vacuum motor 36 is connected to
an exhaust hose 44 to convey or vent air from the vacuum motor to
an exterior environment. Debris and materials drawn into the vacuum
canister 17 by the vacuum force are trapped within the vacuum
canister. Preferably, the vacuum canister 17 comprises at least one
filter element to trap or collect debris, particulates, dust, etc.
and prevent such material from simply being passed through the
system and expelled through the exhaust hose 44. The filter element
is preferably provided in a lower portion of the vacuum canister 17
in the embodiment provided in FIG. 4. Various known vacuum filters
including, but not limited to, various HEPA filters, bag filters,
foam filters, cone filters, cartridge filters, foam sleeve filters,
pleated paper filters, and various similar devices are contemplated
for use within devices of the present disclosure.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, the exhaust hose 44 is provided between
the vacuum motor 36 and a lower portion of the primary housing 10.
The exhaust hose 44 is preferably connected to a port or louver in
the lower portion of the primary housing 10 and is operable to
expel or exhaust air from the vacuum motor 36 to an exterior
environment. In alternative embodiments, the exhaust hose 44 may be
connected to a side or rear portion of the primary housing 10. It
is also contemplated that the exhaust hose 44 may be removed or
positioned such that vented or exhausted air from the vacuum motor
36 is directed toward one or more of the battery 42, electronic
control unit 40, and the charger 38 to provide cooling for on-board
components of the device 2.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a waste collection device 2 of
one embodiment of the present discourse. As shown, the device 2
comprises a waste container 28 provided on a platform or chassis. A
primary housing 10 is provided rearward (with respect to a
direction of travel) of the waste container 28. A vacuum unit 14 is
provided in combination with the primary housing, the vacuum unit
14 comprising a wand 24 connected to a hose 25 for performing
vacuum operations and transferring materials to the vacuum canister
17. In FIG. 5, a recessed storage area 20 is provided that at least
partially surrounds the vacuum unit 14. The recessed storage area
20 comprises a storage area for various articles including, but not
limited to, cleaning devices and tools. Handle members 22 are also
provided on a user-proximal side of the device 2. The handle
members 22 are contemplated as comprising a recessed area or
internal volume that is further capable of storing items.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a waste collection
device 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the device comprises a main body
portion 10 with a platform 8 extending forwardly therefrom. The
platform 8 is provided with a waste collection device 28, which may
comprise a known or preexisting garbage can. As shown in FIG. 6,
the platform 8 preferably comprises a lip 9 extending around at
least a portion of a perimeter of the platform 8. The platform 8 is
also contemplated as comprising ridges, recesses, and/or raised
features for receiving and at least partially securing a waste
container 28 and preventing or minimizing unwanted movement and
dislocation of the waste container 28.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of a waste collection device
2. As shown, the device 2 comprises a vacuum wand 24 interconnected
to a vacuum unit 14 by a vacuum hose 25. The vacuum wand 24 may
comprise a vacuum head 50, which preferably comprises a removable
device that is interchangeable between a plurality of vacuum heads
50 suitable for different cleaning operations and surfaces. A rear
portion of the main body portion 10 comprises cradle 52 or similar
receiving portion for the vacuum wand 24 such that the vacuum wand
24 may be stored in a position of non-use. A rear panel 34 is
provided. The rear panel 34 comprises an aperture 31 from which a
power cord or other connection(s) may extend. The rear panel 34
further comprises at least one control feature or switch 32, which
comprises an on/off switch and/or any number of control features to
modify power settings and other device functionality. In various
embodiments, the rear panel 34 comprises a removable panel member.
Specifically, it is contemplated that the rear panel 34 is secured
to the main body portion 10 by at least one removable fastener
which could include any number of known quick connect/disconnect
fasteners. The at least one removable fastener comprises at least
one of a screw, a bolt, a latch, a rotatable clip, and a magnet. In
preferred embodiments, the panel 34 is selectively removable and
allows for ease of access to internal components of the main body
portion 10 as shown and described herein.
[0038] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a waste collection and
cleaning device 2 according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure. As shown, the device 2 comprises a main body portion 10
with a forwardly-extending platform 8. The platform 8 comprises a
plurality of channels 11. The channels 11 are adapted to receive
extensions provided on a waste collection device (not shown in FIG.
8) and at least partially secure or stabilize the waste collection
device. When the platform 8 is not used to support a waste
collection device, the platform 8 is adapted to operate as a
general storage area or cart device for transporting various items.
As shown in FIG. 8, the device 2 comprises an extension 13 provided
on the platform 8. In certain embodiments, the extension 13 is
adjustable or moveable to accommodate and selectively secure a
plurality of waste collection devices of different shapes and
sizes. A cradle 12 is provided to selectively receive a lip or
handle portion of a waste collection device. Additional securing
members 15 are provided and adapted to receive at least one of a
waste collection device and a securing member for a waste
collection device. Securing members for waste collection devices
include, but are not limited to, straps, elastic cords, etc.
[0039] While various embodiments of the system have been described
in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of
those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to
be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are
within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, it
is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used
herein is for the purposes of description and should not be
regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or
"having" and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the
items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as,
additional items.
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