U.S. patent application number 16/488360 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-19 for cleaning nozzle for upholstery for use with a surface cleaning apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is TTI (Macao Commercial Offshore Limited). Invention is credited to Edward Barrett, Tony Elkington, Chloe Scott.
Application Number | 20190380555 16/488360 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58544100 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190380555 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scott; Chloe ; et
al. |
December 19, 2019 |
CLEANING NOZZLE FOR UPHOLSTERY FOR USE WITH A SURFACE CLEANING
APPARATUS
Abstract
An upholstery tool for use with a surface cleaning apparatus,
the apparatus including a source of suction, wherein the tool
includes a body including a dirty air inlet in a tool surface which
faces a surface to be cleaned in use, wherein the dirty air inlet
includes a first inlet section which extends across the surface and
terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets a second inlet section
which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed
air inlets; and a third inlet section which fluidly connects the
first and second inlet sections; and an outlet for fluid
communication with the source of suction fluidly connected to the
dirty air inlet.
Inventors: |
Scott; Chloe; (Sutton
Coldfield West Midlands, GB) ; Elkington; Tony;
(Matlock Derbyshire, GB) ; Barrett; Edward;
(Wallingford Oxfordshire, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TTI (Macao Commercial Offshore Limited) |
Avenida da Praia Grande |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
58544100 |
Appl. No.: |
16/488360 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
February 9, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB18/50363 |
371 Date: |
August 23, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/4044 20130101;
A47L 11/4094 20130101; A47L 9/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/40 20060101
A47L011/40; A47L 9/02 20060101 A47L009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 23, 2017 |
GB |
1702960.4 |
Claims
1. An upholstery tool for use with a surface cleaning apparatus,
the apparatus including a source of suction, wherein the tool
includes: a body including a dirty air inlet in a tool surface
which faces a surface to be cleaned in use, wherein the tool
surface includes a forward edge, a rear edge, a left edge and a
right edge, and the dirty air inlet includes: a first inlet section
which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed
air inlets in the left and right edges; a second inlet section
which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed
air inlets in the left and right edges; and a third inlet section
which fluidly connects the first and second inlet sections; and an
outlet for fluid communication with the source of suction fluidly
connected to the dirty air inlet.
2. An upholstery tool according to claim 1, wherein the tool
surface includes: a forward portion positioned forwardly of the
dirty air inlet to define a part of the first inlet section; and a
rearward portion positioned rearwardly of the dirty air inlet to
define a part of second inlet section.
3. An upholstery tool according to claim 2 wherein the tool surface
includes: first and second side portions positioned between the
forward and rearward portions to define respective parts of the
first and second inlet sections.
4. An upholstery tool according to claim 3, wherein the first and
second side portions define respective parts of the third inlet
section.
5. An upholstery tool according to claim 3, wherein the first and
second side portions are positioned generally midway between the
forward and rearward portions.
6. An upholstery tool according to any claim 2 wherein at least one
or both of the forward and rearward portions are generally
curved.
7. An upholstery tool according to claim 3, wherein the first and
second side portions are generally planar.
8. An upholstery tool according to claim 2 wherein a leading edge
of the forward portion is curved.
9. An upholstery tool according to claim 2 wherein a rearward edge
of the rearward portion is curved.
10. An upholstery tool according to claim 1 wherein the first and
second inlet sections each have a greater surface area than the
third inlet section.
11. An upholstery tool according to claim 1 wherein the first inlet
section is substantially linear.
12. An upholstery tool according to claim 1 wherein the second
inlet section is substantially linear.
13. An upholstery tool according to claim 1 wherein the first inlet
section has a substantially uniform depth.
14. An upholstery tool according to claim 1 wherein the second
inlet section has a substantially uniform depth.
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. An upholstery tool according to claim 1 wherein the neck is at
an angle .beta. positioned towards the rearward edge, and wherein
the angle .beta. is between 30.degree. to 60.degree..
18. An upholstery tool according to claim 17 wherein the angle
.beta. is between 40.degree. to 50.degree..
19. An upholstery tool according to claim 18 wherein the angle
.beta. is 45.degree..
20. An upholstery tool according to claim 4, wherein the first and
second side portions are positioned generally midway between the
forward and rearward portions, wherein at least one or both of the
forward and rearward portions are generally curved, wherein the
first and second side portions are generally planar.
21. An upholstery tool according to claim 20 wherein a leading edge
of the forward portion is curved, wherein a rearward edge of the
rearward portion is curved, and wherein the first and second inlet
sections each have a greater surface area than the third inlet
section.
22. An upholstery tool according to claim 20 wherein the first
inlet section is substantially linear, wherein the second inlet
section is substantially linear, wherein the first inlet section
has a substantially uniform depth, and wherein the second inlet
section has a substantially uniform depth.
Description
FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to an upholstery tool for a surface
cleaning apparatus which includes a source of suction.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Tools for use with a surface cleaning apparatus to clean
surfaces are known.
[0003] For example, upholstery tools and surface cleaning apparatus
including a source of suction for cleaning upholstery are known.
Typically, upholstery tools are provided with a body having a dirty
air inlet and a neck connected to the body having an outlet
connection with the source of suction of a vacuum cleaner to permit
the suctioning of dirt from the upholstery to be cleaned.
[0004] Upholstery tools are generally designed for cleaning
upholstery, for example fabric on armchairs and sofas. Such fabric
can be difficult to clean because it is relatively pliable in that
it can move with respect to the product to which it is attached so
that during cleaning a portion of the fabric may move under suction
into the upholstery tool. This is commonly referred to as clamping.
Other issues include having to clean in restricted spaces and
crevices.
[0005] Another type of tool is known as the floor tool. Floor tools
are generally larger than upholstery tools because they are
designed to clean large planar surfaces, and so have relatively
large planar sole plates. This makes them unsuitable for cleaning
upholstery.
SUMMARY
[0006] It is desired to increase the effective cleaning area of an
upholstery tool without significantly increasing the size of the
tool. It is also desired to prevent or ameliorate motor burn out in
the case of a blockage in the tool. It is a non-exclusive object of
the present disclosure to provide these desiderata.
[0007] There is provided an upholstery tool for use with a surface
cleaning apparatus, the apparatus including a source of suction,
wherein the tool includes: [0008] a body including a dirty air
inlet in a tool surface which faces a surface to be cleaned in use,
wherein the dirty air inlet includes: [0009] a first inlet section
which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed
air inlets; [0010] a second inlet section which extends across the
surface and terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets; and [0011] a
third inlet section which fluidly connects the first and second
inlet sections; and [0012] an outlet for fluid communication with
the source of suction fluidly connected to the dirty air inlet.
[0013] There is also provided an upholstery tool for use with a
surface cleaning apparatus, the apparatus including a source of
suction, wherein the tool includes: [0014] a body including a dirty
air inlet in a tool surface which faces a surface to be cleaned in
use, wherein the tool surface includes a forward edge, a rear edge,
a left edge and a right edge, and the dirty air inlet includes:
[0015] a first inlet section which extends across the surface and
terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets in the left and right
edges; [0016] a second inlet section which extends across the
surface and terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets in the left
and right edges; and [0017] a third inlet section which fluidly
connects the first and second inlet sections; and [0018] an outlet
for fluid communication with the source of suction fluidly
connected to the dirty air inlet.
[0019] The tool surface may include a forward portion positioned
forwardly of the dirty air inlet to define a part of the first
inlet section.
[0020] The tool surface may include a rearward portion positioned
rearwardly of the dirty air inlet to define a part of second inlet
section.
[0021] The tool surface may include first and second side portions
positioned between the forward and rearward portions to define
respective parts of the first and second inlet sections.
[0022] The first and second side portions may define respective
parts of the third inlet section.
[0023] The first and second side portions may be positioned
generally midway between the forward and rearward portions.
[0024] At least one or both of the forward and rearward portions
may be generally curved.
[0025] The first and second side portions may be generally
planar.
[0026] A leading edge of the forward portion may be curved.
[0027] A rearward edge of the rearward portion may be curved.
[0028] The first and second inlet sections may each have a greater
surface area than the third inlet section.
[0029] The first inlet section may be substantially linear.
[0030] The second inlet section may be substantially linear.
[0031] The first inlet section may have a substantially uniform
depth.
[0032] The second inlet section may have a substantially uniform
depth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of
example only with reference to the accompanying figures in
which:
[0034] FIG. 1 is an underside view of an upholstery tool in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a side view of an upholstery tool of FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a side view of an upholstery tool of FIG. 1;
[0037] FIGS. 4 and 5 are differently annotated underside views of
the upholstery tool of FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 6 is a front view of the upholstery tool of FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 7 is a front view of an optional brush attachment for
use with the upholstery tool of FIG. 1;
[0040] FIG. 8 is a side view of the brush attachment of FIG. 7;
[0041] FIG. 9 is an underside view of the brush attachment attached
to the upholstery tool of FIG. 1;
[0042] FIG. 10 is a front view of the brush attachment attached to
the upholstery tool of FIG. 1; and
[0043] FIG. 11 is a side view of the brush attachment on the
upholstery tool of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0044] Referring to the figures, there is shown an embodiment of an
upholstery tool 1. The upholstery tool 1 is for use with a surface
cleaning which includes a source of suction.
[0045] The upholstery tool 1 includes a body 10 including a dirty
air inlet 12 in a tool surface 14 which faces a surface to be
cleaned in use. The tool 1 has an outlet 18 for fluid communication
with the source of suction which is fluidly connected to the dirty
air inlet 12. Attached to an upper side of the body, i.e. a surface
which may be generally opposite the tool surface, a neck 16 may be
provided which extends away from the body. The outlet 18 may be
provided in the neck 16.
[0046] The tool surface 14 may have a forward edge 42, a rearward
edge 44, a left edge 46 and a right edge 48.
[0047] The neck 16 may have a generally elongate axis which may
form an angle .beta. to (a portion of) the tool surface 14. The
angle .beta. may be between 30 to 60.degree.. The angle .beta. may
be between 40 to 50.degree.. The angle .beta. may be
45.degree..
[0048] The angle .beta. may be positioned towards the rearward edge
44 of the tool 1.
[0049] The neck 16 may function as a handle, in use.
[0050] The combination of the angle .beta. being in the above
described ranges and the neck 16 functioning as a handle means that
the tool 1 may be easy to use. In particular, the tool surface 14
and the dirty air inlet 12 may be naturally presented at a
convenient angle.
[0051] The dirty air inlet 12 is provided in three sections: a
first inlet section 20; a second inlet section 22 and a third inlet
section 24. The dirty air inlet 12 may be provided in four or more
sections without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0052] The first inlet section 20 extends across the tool surface
14. The first inlet section 20 terminates in peripheral bleed air
inlets 26, 28. The peripheral bleed air inlets 26, 28 may be
provided in respective left and right edges 46, 48 of the body
10.
[0053] The second inlet section 22 extends across the tool surface
14. The second inlet section 22 terminates in peripheral bleed air
inlets 30, 32. The peripheral bleed air inlets 30, 32 may be
provided in the left and right edges 46, 48.
[0054] Such an upholstery tool may be particularly advantageous. In
particular, such a construction can provide a particularly
effective tool. For example, the four bleed air inlets 26, 28, 30,
32 can help to reduce clamping, whilst still providing good flow of
air over the surface being cleaned.
[0055] The first inlet section 20 may be substantially linear. The
first inlet section 20 may have a substantially uniform depth. The
first inlet section 20 may be curved.
[0056] The first inlet section 20 may have a varying depth. In
particular, the first inlet section 20 may have a depth which
reduces as it extends towards the peripheral air bleed inlets 26,
28.
[0057] Such arrangements have been found to appropriately
distribute the source of suction within the first inlet 20 across
the dirty air inlet 12 to effectively carry dirt away from the
surface to be cleaned.
[0058] The second inlet section 22 may be substantially linear. The
second inlet section 22 may have a substantially uniform depth. The
second inlet section 22 may be curved.
[0059] The second inlet 22 section may have a varying depth. In
particular, the second inlet section 22 may have a depth which
reduces as it extends towards the peripheral air bleed inlets 30,
32.
[0060] Again, such arrangements have been found to appropriately
distribute the source of suction within the second inlet 22 across
the dirty air inlet 12 to effectively carry dirt away from the
surface to be cleaned.
[0061] The third inlet section 24 fluidly connects the first and
second inlet sections 20, 22. The third inlet section 24 may be
provided between the first and second inlet sections in a generally
central area of the tool surface 14, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0062] The tool surface 14 may include a forward portion 34 which
is positioned forwardly of the dirty air inlet 12 to define a part
of the first inlet section 20.
[0063] The tool surface may include a rearward portion 36
positioned rearwardly of the dirty air inlet 12 to define a part of
the second inlet section 22.
[0064] The tool surface 14 may include first and second side
portions 38, 40 positioned between the forward 34 and rearward 36
portions to define respective parts of the first and second inlet
sections 20, 22.
[0065] The first and second side portions 38, 40 may be at
peripheral regions of the dirty air inlet 12. For example, they may
be positioned at a left and a right edge 46, 48 of the tool,
respectively.
[0066] The forward portion 34 may be provided with a thread lifting
material. The rearward portion 36 may be provided with a thread
lifting material. The first side portion 38 may be provided with a
thread lifting material. The second side portion 40 may be provided
with a thread lifting material.
[0067] The thread lifting materials (if present) may be orientated
in particular directions, as discussed in more detail below.
[0068] The first and second side portions 38, 40 may define
respective parts of the third inlet section 24. In particular, with
reference to FIG. 1, the third inlet section may be partly defined
by lines A and B which are imaginary lines showing how part of the
first and second inlet sections extend across the tool, and may
also be partly defined by the first and second side portions.
[0069] The dirty air inlet may extend a distance X1 between the
forward portion and the rearward portion. X1 may be between 15 mm
and 35 mm. X1 may be between 20 mm and 30 mm. X1 may be
approximately 25 mm.
[0070] The first inlet section may extend a distance X2 between the
forward portion and the first and second side portions. X2 may be
between 5 mm and 13 mm. X2 may be between 7 mm and 11 mm. X2 may be
approximately 9 mm.
[0071] The second inlet section may extend a distance X3 between
the rearward portion and the first and second side portions. X3 may
be between 5 mm and 13 mm. X3 may be between 7 mm and 11 mm. X3 may
be approximately 9 mm.
[0072] The third inlet section may extend a distance Y1 between the
first and second side portions. Y1 may be between 57 mm and 65 mm.
Y1 may be between 59 mm and 63 mm. Y1 may be approximately 61
mm.
[0073] The first and second side portions 38, 40 may be positioned
generally midway between the forward the rearward portions 34, 36.
The first and second side portions 38, 40 may be positioned at a
periphery of the surface 14. The first and second side portions may
extend a distance X4 between the forward and rearward portions. X4
may be between 2 mm and 10 mm. X4 may be between 4 mm and 8 mm. X4
may be approximately 6 mm.
[0074] The forward and rearward portions 34, 36 may be generally
curved. In particular, in side cross-section as shown in FIG. 2,
the forward and rearward portions may lie on a curve having a
radius of curvature defined by a circle C having a radius R of
between 40 mm and 50 mm. The radius R may be between 43 mm and 48
mm. The radius R may be approximately 46 mm. The use of such curved
forward and rearward portions in embodiments may permit
advantageous cleaning of upholstery products because it can reduce
the contact area between the tool surface 14 and the upholstery
depending on the shape of the upholstery. It may also assist with
cleaning curved upholstery surfaces.
[0075] A rearward edge 44 of the rearward portion 36 may be
positioned a distance L above the first and second side portions
38, 40. A forward edge 42 of the front portion 34 may be positioned
a distance L above the first and second side portions 38, 40. The
distance L may be between 5 mm and 9 mm. The distance L may be
approximately 7 mm.
[0076] The first and second side portions 38, 40 may be generally
planar. Alternatively, they may be generally curved. In particular,
in side cross-section as shown in FIG. 2, the first and second side
portions 38, 40 may lie on a curve having a radius of curvature
defined by the circle C having a radius R of between 40 mm and 50
mm. The radius R may be between 43 mm and 48 mm. The radius R may
be approximately 46 mm.
[0077] The leading, or forward, edge of the forward portion 34 may
be curved. It may, alternatively, be generally linear. The forward
portion may extend a distance X5 forwardly of the dirty air inlet.
X5 may be between 6 mm and 14 mm. X5 may be between 8 mm and 12 mm.
X5 may be approximately 10 mm.
[0078] The rearward edge 44 of the rearward portion 36 may be
curved. Alternatively, the rearward edge 44 may be generally
linear. The rearward portion may extend a distance X6 rearwardly of
the dirty air inlet. X6 may be between 6 mm and 14 mm. X6 may be
between 8 mm and 12 mm. X6 may be approximately 10 mm.
[0079] The first inlet section may have a greater surface area than
the third inlet section. The second inlet section may have a
greater surface area than the third inlet section. The first and
second inlet sections 20, 22 may each have a greater surface area
than the third inlet section 24.
[0080] One or more of the peripheral bleed inlets 26, 28, 30, 32
may have a substantially rectangular cross sectional area.
Alternatively, they may (alone or in combination) have a circular
cross sectional area. They may have a generally circular cross
sectional area with a segment of the circle defining the cross
sectional area being removed.
[0081] The peripheral bleed air inlets 26, 28, 30, 32 may have a
bottom edge which faces a surface to be cleaned in use. In other
words, the peripheral bleed air inlets 26, 28, 30, 32 may extend
the dirty air inlet 12 from the tool surface 14 into side walls 46,
48.
[0082] The body 10 may have a width between the left and right
edges 46, 48 of Y2. Y2 may be between 80 mm and 120 mm. Y2 may be
between 90 mm and 110 mm. Y2 may be approximately 105 mm.
[0083] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 11, there may be provided an
optional brush attachment 50 for attachment to the upholstery tool
1. The brush attachment 50 may be provided with bristles 52 which
provide a substantially planar cleaning surface, by providing
bristles of varying lengths. The bristles 52 may be positioned
around a periphery of the tool. The attachment 50 may be provided
with surfaces 56, 58 which cover the forward and rearward portions
34, 36 in use. A clip 54 may be provided to permit the brush
attachment 50 to be connected to the tool 1.
[0084] It has also been found that the peripheral bleed air inlets
26, 28, 30, 32 provide the advantageous effect of permitting dirt
which is positioned to the sides of the tool to be suctioned up
whilst in use. This can increase the effective cleaning area of the
upholstery tool 1 without increasing the size of the tool. This is
advantageous as it can enable a greater effective surface area to
be cleaned whilst permitting an upholstery tool 1 to fit into small
spaces where other tools would not be able to fit. It also enables
any dirt which is trapped in creases in the upholstery to be
cleaned up effectively. If present, the thread lifting material on
the forward portion 34 may extend across 90% (or more) of the width
of the forward portion 34 and/or the rearward portion 36. E.g. 95%
or more of the width of the forward portion 34 and/or the rearward
portion 36.
[0085] If present, the thread lifting material on the rearward
portion 36 may extend across 90% of the width of the forward
portion 34 and/or the rearward portion 36. E.g. 95% or more of the
width of the forward portion 34 and/or the rearward portion 36.
[0086] Providing such widths of thread lifting material can help to
increase the useable width of the tool.
[0087] If present, the thread lifting material on each of the
forward and rearward portions 34, 36 and first and second side
portions 38, 40 may be provided as lint pickup strip(s).
[0088] The thread lifting material on each of the forward and
rearward portions 34, 36 and first and second side portions 38, 40
may include bristles.
[0089] In some embodiments, the forward portion 34 may include
bristles. The rearward portion 36 may include bristles. The first
and second side portions 38, 40 may include bristles.
[0090] The bristles may be oriented in a first direction A' on the
forward portion 34.
[0091] The bristles may be oriented in a second direction B' on the
rearward portion 36. The bristles may be oriented in a third
direction C' on the first and second side portions 38, 40.
[0092] The first direction A' and the second direction B' may be
the same. The second direction B' and the third direction C' may be
the same. The first direction A' and the third direction C' may be
the same. The first and second and third direction A', B', C' may
be the same.
[0093] However, the first direction A' and the second direction B'
may be different. The second direction B' and the third direction
C' may be different. The first direction A' and the third direction
C' may be different. The first, second and third directions A', B',
C' may be different. Any of the first, second and third directions
A', B', C' may be generally opposite.
[0094] In some embodiments the first and second directions A', B'
may be generally opposite whilst the first and third directions A',
C' may be generally the same.
[0095] For instance, in some embodiments the first direction A' is
generally rearwardly of the tool. The second direction B' is
generally forwardly of the tool. The third direction C' is
generally rearwardly of the tool.
[0096] Such a combination has been found to be particularly
effective. In particular, the combination provides effective thread
(e.g. lint) lifting from surfaces which being cleaned.
[0097] When used in this specification and claims, the terms
"comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the
specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are
not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features,
steps or components.
[0098] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the
following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their
specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed
function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed
result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of
such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse
forms thereof.
* * * * *