U.S. patent application number 17/091895 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-06 for cleaning device.
The applicant listed for this patent is SharkNinja Operating LLC. Invention is credited to Oliver CHAMBERS, Samuel Emrys JAMES.
Application Number | 20210127917 17/091895 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005211037 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210127917 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JAMES; Samuel Emrys ; et
al. |
May 6, 2021 |
CLEANING DEVICE
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning
device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more
cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device
are disclosed. Each cleaning head includes a lower surface arranged
to contact a surface to be cleaned, a dirt collection chamber, and
a pocket arranged to receive an insert of the connector to attach
the cleaning head to the cleaning device. In some embodiments, the
connector insert is pivotally connected to the connector. In some
embodiments, the cleaning head includes a support structure and a
cleaning sheet, with the pocket being formed between the support
structure and the cleaning sheet.
Inventors: |
JAMES; Samuel Emrys;
(London, GB) ; CHAMBERS; Oliver; (London,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SharkNinja Operating LLC |
Needham |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005211037 |
Appl. No.: |
17/091895 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62931763 |
Nov 6, 2019 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 7/0009 20130101;
A47L 7/009 20130101; A47L 9/0686 20130101; A47L 7/0019 20130101;
A47L 9/0626 20130101; A47L 9/322 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/06 20060101
A47L009/06; A47L 7/00 20060101 A47L007/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a cleaning device having a vacuum
source, a body with a handle, and a connector arranged to attach
one or more cleaning heads to the cleaning device; and a first
cleaning head removably attachable to the cleaning device via the
connector, the first cleaning head having: an upper side and a
lower side, the lower side of the first cleaning head arranged to
contact a surface to be cleaned, a dirt collection chamber, and a
pocket arranged to receive an insert of the connector.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first cleaning head
includes a support structure.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first cleaning head
includes a cleaning sheet.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pocket is formed between
the support structure and the cleaning sheet.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the support structure includes
a flexible backing layer.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the flexible backing layer is
attachable to the cleaning sheet at or near first and second
lateral sides of the backing layer.
7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the dirt collection chamber is
attached to the support structure.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector insert is
pivotally attached to the connector.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the connector insert is
pivotable between a first position and a second position.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein when the connector insert is
in the second position, the cleaning head is held to the
connector.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the connector includes one
or more engagement elements arranged to lock the connector insert
in the second position.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first cleaning head is
arranged to hold a cleaning sheet on the lower side of the first
cleaning head.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the cleaning sheet is
permanently held to the lower side of the first cleaning head.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a
first engagement element and the first cleaning head includes a
second engagement element arranged to engage with the first
engagement element to connect the first cleaning head to the body
of the cleaning device.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first cleaning head
includes a suction nozzle.
16. An apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a spray nozzle and
a liquid reservoir arranged to supply liquid to the spray
nozzle.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first cleaning head is
disposable.
18. An apparatus comprising: a cleaning head configured to be
removably attachable to a cleaning device, the cleaning head having
an upper side and a lower side, the lower side of the cleaning head
arranged to contact a surface, the cleaning head comprising: a
cleaning sheet arranged to contact the surface; a flexible support
structure; a dirt collection chamber attached to the support
structure; and a pocket defined between the cleaning sheet and the
support structure, the pocket arranged to receive at least a
portion of the cleaning device, an opening of the pocket being
positioned in the dirt collection chamber.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the support structure
includes a flexible backing layer.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the backing layer is
attachable to the cleaning sheet at or near first and second
lateral sides of the backing layer.
21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the cleaning head includes a
suction nozzle.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the suction nozzle is
attached to at least one of the support structure and the cleaning
sheet.
23. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a cleaning
device, the cleaning device comprising: a vacuum source; a body
with a handle; and a connector arranged to attach the cleaning head
to the body.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the connector includes an
insert arranged to be inserted into the pocket.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the connector insert is
pivotable between a first position and a second position, wherein
when the connector insert is in the second position the cleaning
head is held to the connector.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the connector include one or
more engagement elements arranged to lock the connector insert in
the second position.
27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the connector includes a
first engagement element and the cleaning head includes a second
engagement element arranged to engage with the first engagement
element to connect the cleaning head to the body of the cleaning
device.
28. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the cleaning head is
disposable.
29. A method of using a cleaning device, the method comprising:
providing a cleaning head, the cleaning head having a pocket into
which the connector insert is insertable providing a cleaning
device comprising a vacuum source, a body that includes a handle,
and a connector that includes an insert arranged to removably
connect to the cleaning head; inserting the insert of the connector
of the cleaning device into the pocket of the cleaning head, the
cleaning head including a cleaning sheet, a first suction nozzle,
and a first dirt collection chamber; connecting the cleaning head
to the connector; operating the device to move dirt through the
first suction nozzle and into the dirt collection chamber; removing
the cleaning head from the connector; and disposing of the cleaning
head.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein inserting includes inserting
the connector insert into the pocket defined between the cleaning
sheet and a support structure.
31. The method of claim 29, wherein the connector insert is
pivotally connected to the connector.
32. The method of claim 31, further comprising pivoting the
connector insert between a first position and a second position,
wherein the first cleaning head is held to the connector when the
connecter insert is in the second position.
33. The method of claim 29, wherein connecting include engaging a
first engagement element on the connector with a second engagement
element on the first cleaning head.
34. The method of claim 32, wherein connecting includes locking the
connector insert in the second position.
35. The method of claim 29, further comprising: providing a second
cleaning head having a second pocket and a second dirt collection
chamber; and inserting the connector insert into the second pocket
of the second cleaning head.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/931,763, entitled
"CLEANING DEVICE" and filed Nov. 6, 2019, the entirety of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments disclosed herein related generally to cleaning
devices, and more specifically to vacuums.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0003] Cleaning devices are used in the home and office to clean
floors and other surfaces. Various types of cleaning devices are
known, such as vacuum cleaners and cleaning devices which use
cleaning pads that are removably attached to the cleaning head of
the device.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a
cleaning device having a vacuum source, a body with a handle, and a
connector arranged to attach one or more cleaning heads to the
cleaning device. The apparatus also includes a first cleaning head
removably attachable to the cleaning device via the connector, the
first cleaning head having an upper side and a lower side, the
lower side of the first cleaning head arranged to contact a surface
to be cleaned, a dirt collection chamber, and a pocket arranged to
receive an insert of the connector.
[0005] According to another embodiment, an apparatus includes a
cleaning head removably attachable to a cleaning device, the
cleaning head having an upper side and a lower side, the lower side
of the cleaning head arranged to contact a surface. The cleaning
head includes a cleaning sheet arranged to contact the surface, a
flexible support structure, a dirt collection chamber attached to
the support structure, and a pocket defined between the cleaning
sheet and the support structure, the pocket arranged to receive at
least a portion of the cleaning device, an opening of the pocket
being positioned the dirt collection chamber.
[0006] According to another embodiment, a method of using a
cleaning device is disclosed. The cleaning device includes a vacuum
source, a body including a handle, and a connector including an
insert arranged to removably connect one or more cleaning heads to
the device. Each of the one or more cleaning heads includes a
pocket into which the connector insert is insertable. The method
includes inserting an insert of a connector of a cleaning device
into a pocket of a first cleaning head, the first cleaning head
including a cleaning sheet, a first suction nozzle, and a first
dirt collection chamber, connecting the first cleaning head to the
connector, operating the device to move dirt through the first
suction nozzle and into the first dirt collection chamber, removing
the first cleaning head from the connector; and disposing of the
first cleaning head.
[0007] It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and
additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any
suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in
this respect.
[0008] The foregoing and other aspects, embodiments, and features
of the present teachings can be more fully understood from the
following description in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to
scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical
component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by
a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be
labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according
to embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a cleaning head
according to some embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the cleaning head of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the cleaning head
of FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a cleaning head according to
another embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cleaning head according to yet another
embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a cleaning sheet being attached to the
cleaning head of FIG. 6;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a cleaning head
according to another embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the cleaning head of FIG.
8;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cleaning head according
to some embodiments;
[0020] FIG. 11 shows a cleaning device and the cleaning head of
FIG. 10 attachable to the cleaning device;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cleaning head according
to some embodiments;
[0022] FIG. 13 shows a cleaning device and the cleaning head of
FIG. 12 attachable to the cleaning device FIG. 14 is a perspective
view of a cleaning head according to some embodiments;
[0023] FIG. 15 shows a cleaning device and the cleaning head of
FIG. 14 attachable to the cleaning device;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a cleaning head according to some embodiments,
with a cleaning sheet of the cleaning head rolled around a suction
nozzle of the cleaning head;
[0025] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a portion of a cleaning head
according to some embodiments;
[0026] FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a
cleaning head according to another embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 19 shows a cleaning device and a cleaning head
removably attachable to the cleaning device according to some
embodiments;
[0028] FIG. 20 shows a cleaning device and a cleaning head
removably attachable to the cleaning device, with an insert of a
connector of the cleaning device shown in a first, open
position;
[0029] FIG. 21 shows the cleaning device of FIG. 20, with the
insert inserted into a pocket of the cleaning head of FIG. 20;
[0030] FIG. 22 shows the cleaning device of FIG. 21 with the insert
in a second, closed position;
[0031] FIG. 23 shows a cleaning head being placed on the floor
according to one method of using a cleaning device according to
embodiments disclosed herein;
[0032] FIG. 24 shows the cleaning head of FIG. 23 being connected
to the cleaning device according to one embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 25 shows the cleaning device of FIG. 24 spraying liquid
onto the floor; FIG. 26 shows the cleaning head of FIG. 25 being
disposed; and
[0034] FIG. 27 shows a cleaning head being disposed according to
another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Cleaning a surface, such as a hard floor or carpeted
surface, can be challenging when there is a variety of different
types of debris and spills, such as wet, dry, or mixed media
spills. Cleaning devices are often suited for cleaning wet or dry
debris, but not for cleaning both. As such, users typically need to
use multiple cleaning devices to clean their floors. For example,
the user may use a broom and/or vacuum cleaner to remove dry debris
and then use a mop to clean up wet spills and/or to remove stains.
In some instances, even with debris that is of the same type, a
user may need to use multiple cleaning devices. For example, a
vacuum may be successful at picking up large particles but may not
capture smaller dust particles. Using multiple cleaning devices may
be time consuming. For example, not only may the user need to use
multiple cleaning devices, the user may need to use the same
cleaning device more than once to fully clean the floor. For
example, a user may need to sweep and/or vacuum the floor before
mopping and then again after mopping, such as to pick up debris
that was not removed from the surface prior to mopping or to pick
up dirt or debris that was formed during mopping.
[0036] Using multiple cleaning devices also may be messy and/or
require long setup time or after-use maintenance. For example, in
some instances, the user may prefer to use a broom instead of a
vacuum because of the readiness of the broom as compared to the
time to set up the vacuum cleaner. With the broom, a user will
sweep up and dispose of the dirt particles. Vacuums may require the
user to either remove a bag from within the vacuum or repeatedly
empty a dirt cup. Some cleaning devices have attempted to handle
both wet and dry media, but some of these devices can have
higher-set up times than using a broom and then a mop to clean a
floor. Additionally, the after-use maintenance can be high for such
devices, especially when cleaning liquids are involved. For
example, some combination tools can become unsanitary or develop an
odor if not properly cleaned after each use.
[0037] The inventors have recognized that advantages may be
realized by having a cleaning head that collects wet and/or dry
debris and is removably attachable to the cleaning device. A dirt
collection chamber may be attached to the removable cleaning head
to collect dirt being suctioned by the vacuum cleaner. The cleaning
head may be constructed such that instead of opening the dirt
collection chamber to dispose of the collected dirt, the dirt
collection chamber is disposed of with the cleaning head.
[0038] For purposes herein, dirt being suctioned into the dirt
collection chamber may include dry and/or wet media. For example,
in some embodiments, a liquid applied to the surface may be
absorbed by a cleaning sheet and also suctioned by the vacuum into
the dirt collection chamber. In some embodiments, the wet media may
be absorbed by at least a portion of the material used to form the
dirt collection chamber. In some embodiments, the dirt collection
chamber may be formed of a material which allows for fluid
absorption into the material but does not allow for fluid transfer
through the material. In such embodiments, fluid may not travel
through the dirt collection chamber. For example, the material used
to form the dirt collection chamber may be absorptive on the inner
side of the dirt collection chamber, but impermeable.
[0039] In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber may be
permanently attached to the cleaning head. Without the need for
detachment members, in some embodiments, the dirt collection
chamber can be arranged to provide air filtration over a
substantial surface area of the dirt collection chamber walls.
[0040] Advantages also may be realized if the user does not have to
handle the wet or dirty cleaning head after operation of the
cleaning device. For example, the cleaning device may be arranged
to release the cleaning head after using the cleaning device such
that the user does not have to grasp the cleaning head to discard
it. With a permanently attached dirt collection chamber, and a
release arrangement that does not require the user to touch the
cleaning head, the cleaning head can be disposed of with limited or
no user contact.
[0041] In some embodiments, the cleaning head includes a support
structure to which the dirt collection chamber is attached. In such
embodiments, the user may simply attach the cleaning head to the
cleaning device, operate the cleaning device to move dirt from the
surface and into the dirt collection chamber, remove the cleaning
head, and dispose the cleaning head into a trash receptacle. Such a
process may be repeated each time the user cleans the surface.
[0042] In some embodiments, the cleaning device may include a
cleaning sheet and/or a liquid spray assembly to help with
cleaning. In such embodiments, because the cleaning head may be the
only part of the cleaning device to contact the surface and contain
the wet and/or dry debris, the remainder of the cleaning device may
remain clean throughout and after operation of the cleaning
device.
[0043] In some embodiments, the lower side of the cleaning head is
arranged to contact the surface to be cleaned. For example, the
lower side of the cleaning head may have one or more wheels to
facilitate movement of the cleaning head on the surface. As another
example of the lower side of the cleaning head contacting the
surface, the cleaning head may include a cleaning sheet that
contacts the surface to clean the surface during operation of the
cleaning device. In some embodiments, the cleaning head includes a
support arranged to hold the cleaning sheet on the cleaning head.
In such embodiments, the cleaning sheet may be permanently or
removably attached to the cleaning head.
[0044] In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber is
positioned on the upper side of the cleaning head. In some
embodiments, the dirt collection chamber protrudes from the upper
side of the cleaning head.
[0045] In some embodiments, the cleaning head includes a suction
inlet to move debris from the surface into the dirt collection
chamber. In some embodiments, the suction inlet includes a suction
nozzle that, in some embodiments, extends laterally across a front
of the cleaning head. In some embodiments, the suction nozzle is
fluidically connected to a vacuum source of the cleaning
device.
[0046] In some embodiments, the suction nozzle may be permanently
attached to the cleaning head. For example, the suction nozzle may
be integrally formed with the support structure of the cleaning
head. The suction nozzle also may be fixedly attached to the
support structure and/or to a cleaning sheet, such as via an
adhesive or another suitable attachment mechanism. In such
embodiments, the user may attach the cleaning head to the cleaning
device, such as via a connector, as will be described, operate the
cleaning device, and discard the soiled cleaning head.
[0047] In other embodiments, the suction nozzle may be removable
attachable to the cleaning head. In such embodiments, the user may
attach the suction nozzle to the cleaning head prior to attaching
the cleaning head to the cleaning device for use. In still another
embodiment, the suction nozzle may be removably attachable to the
cleaning device, such as to the connector.
[0048] In some embodiments, the cleaning heads are stackable. In
some embodiments, the dirt collection chambers are arranged to be
collapsible. For example, the dirt collection chamber may include a
bag. In some embodiments, the cleaning heads may be rolled up.
[0049] In some embodiments, the cleaning device includes a body
having a handle, a vacuum, source, and a connector to connect the
cleaning head to the cleaning body. In some embodiments, the
connector includes a first engagement element and the cleaning head
includes a second engagement element arranged to engage with the
first engagement element to connect the cleaning head to the body
of the cleaning device. In such embodiments, the cleaning head is
held to the connector once the first and second engagement elements
are engaged with one another.
[0050] In some embodiments, when the cleaning head is attached to
the cleaning device, at least a portion of the dirt collection
chamber may be covered by the cleaning device. For example, in some
embodiments, the dirt collection chamber may be covered by the
connector used to connect the cleaning head to the cleaning device.
In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber may be formed at
least in part by an air filter. In such embodiments, the air filter
portion is covered by the connector when the cleaning head is
attached to the cleaning device, and suction is applied to the air
filter.
[0051] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the connector,
e.g., a connector portion, also referred to herein as a connector
insert or insert, may be inserted into the cleaning head to connect
the cleaning head to the device. In such embodiments, a portion of
the connector may be positioned below the dirt collection chamber
(e.g., in a pocket formed in the cleaning head) and a portion of
the connector also may cover the dirt collection chamber.
[0052] In some embodiments, the body includes a spray nozzle and a
liquid reservoir to supply liquid to the spray nozzle. As will be
appreciated, the liquid reservoir may be removably or permanently
attached to the cleaning device.
[0053] FIG. 1 illustrates a cleaning device 100 according to
embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in this figure, the
cleaning device 100 includes a body 102 with a handle 104, a
connector 106, and a cleaning head 108 which is removably
attachable to the body, such as via the connector. In some
embodiments, the handle length may be adjustable to allow a user to
adjust the height of the cleaning device. For example, the handle
may be telescoping to increase or decrease the length of the
handle.
[0054] As shown by way of example in FIGS. 2-4, the cleaning head
108 may include a dirt collection chamber 112 to collect debris
removed from the surface. As will be appreciated, the dirt
collection chamber may be a dirt cup, a dirt bin, or any other
suitable container for collecting dirt such as dust or wet and/or
dry media. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning
head may have a support structure 110. In such embodiments, the
dirt collection chamber 112 may be permanently attached to the
support structure. For example, the dirt collection chamber 112 may
be glued, heat sealed, or otherwise permanently affixed to the
support structure.
[0055] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the support
structure may include a substantially planar support frame,
although the support structure may have other suitable
arrangements. In some embodiments, the support structure may
include a rigid structure, although the support structure also may
include a flexible structure. For example, in some embodiments, the
support structure may include the cleaning sheet and/or another
flexible layer attachable to the cleaning sheet.
[0056] In some embodiments, the support structure may be arranged
to contact a surface to be cleaned. For example, in some
embodiments, the support frame may directly contact the surface to
be cleaned. In other embodiments, the support frame may contact the
surface to be cleaned via one or more wheels, a cleaning sheet, or
a cleaning sheet with a backing pad. As will be appreciated, in
embodiments in which the cleaning sheet is the support frame, the
support frame may directly contact the surface when the cleaning
sheet contacts the surface to be cleaned.
[0057] In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber protrudes
upwardly from the support structure. For purposes herein, the term
"protruding upwardly" means that the dirt collection chamber
protrudes away from the support structure in a direction away from
the surface being cleaned. In some embodiments, the support frame
may include one or more grooves 115 to increase the rigidity of the
support frame (see, e.g., FIG. 2). As will be appreciated, the
support structure and the dirt collection chamber need not be the
same shape or size. For example, the support structure may be
larger than the dirt collection chamber in some embodiments. In
some embodiments, the support structure may have a substantially
rectangular shape (top view) while the dirt collection chamber has
a generally oval, racetrack, or otherwise curved shape (top
view).
[0058] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2-5, 7, and 9, the
cleaning head may include a cleaning sheet 114, 214, 314, 414. In
some embodiments, the cleaning sheet may be attached to the lower
surface of the cleaning head. For example, the cleaning sheet may
be attached to the lower surface of a support structure. In some
embodiments, the lower surface of the support structure may be
positioned opposite to the surface on which the dirt collection
chamber is positioned. In some embodiments, the cleaning sheet may
be larger than the support structure, although it may be the same
size as, or smaller than, the support structure in other
embodiments. The support structure and cleaning sheet may be the
same shape or they may have different shapes.
[0059] In some embodiments, the cleaning sheet may be permanently
attached to the cleaning head, such as permanently attached to the
support structure. For example, the cleaning sheet may be glued,
heat sealed, or otherwise fixedly attached to the support
structure. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, where the
cleaning sheet 214 forms the support structure of the cleaning head
208, the dirt collection chamber 212 may be directly attached to an
upper surface of the cleaning sheet 214. The suction nozzle 218
also may be attachable to the cleaning sheet 212 in such
embodiments. In other embodiments, the cleaning sheet may be
removably attached to the cleaning head. For example, the support
structure may have one or more hook and loop fasteners that engage
with hook and loop fasteners on the cleaning sheet. In another
embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6-7, the cleaning sheet 314 may
include a pocket 315 into which at least a portion of the support
structure 310 is slidably inserted. As will be appreciated, in such
embodiments, the cleaning sheet may be attachable to the cleaning
head, such as to the support structure and/or the dirt collection
bin, prior to attaching the cleaning head to the cleaning device.
In some embodiments, the cleaning sheet may be attachable to the
cleaning head after the cleaning head is attached to the cleaning
device.
[0060] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cleaning
head may include a pocket 435 into which at least a portion of the
cleaning device (e.g., a connector insert) may be inserted to
connect the cleaning head to the cleaning device.
[0061] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cleaning
head 408 may include a cleaning sheet 414, a suction nozzle 418, a
dirt collection chamber 412, and a support structure. In some
embodiments, the suction nozzle may be attached to at least a
portion of the cleaning sheet. The suction nozzle also may be
attached to at least a portion of the support structure. In some
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the support structure may include
a flexible backing layer 440 that is attachable to the cleaning
sheet. In some embodiments, the backing layer may be positioned at
least partially behind the suction nozzle (see the dashed line
labeled 442). In some embodiments, the suction nozzle may be
attached to at least a portion of the backing layer. In some
embodiments, the dirt collection chamber 412 is attachable to the
backing layer 440. In some embodiments, the backing layer
cooperates with the cleaning sheet to form the pocket for receiving
the connector insert. For example, in some embodiments, the backing
layer may be attached to the cleaning sheet at or near the first
and second lateral sides 446a, 446b (see FIG. 9), but not at the
rear 448 of the backing layer. In such embodiments, an opening for
the pocket (e.g., for insertion of the connector insert) may be
formed between opposite faces of the rear 448 of the backing layer
and the rear 450 of the cleaning sheet. In some embodiments, the
opening of the pocket is positioned behind the dirt collection
chamber. In some embodiments, the opening of the pocket is
positioned behind the suction nozzle.
[0062] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the rear 448 of the
backing layer may include a tab 480 that is graspable by the user,
which may be used to access the pocket. For example, the user may
grasp the tab and move the backing layer away from the cleaning
sheet to access the pocket. In such embodiments, the connector
insert may be inserted into the pocket after moving the backing
layer away from the cleaning sheet. In some embodiments, the tab
may include indicia arranged to indicate the location of the pocket
and the direction of insertion for the connector insert. As will be
appreciated, the tab may be any shape and size. In some
embodiments, the rear of the backing layer may include more the one
tab for grasping by the user. As will be further appreciated, one
or more tabs may be located on other portions of the cleaning sheet
to assist the user in accessing the pocket and/or inserting the
connector insert in the pocket.
[0063] As will be appreciated, the size of the pocket may
correspond to the size of the connector. For example, the pocket
may have a width that is large enough to accommodate a width of the
connector insert. In some embodiments, as least a portion of the
connector insert may extend outwardly from the pocket when the
cleaning head is attached to the connector. For example, the
connector portion may be longer than a length of the pocket. In
some embodiments, the shape of the pocket may be the same as the
shape of connector insert, although the shapes may vary. For
example, the connector insert may be substantially oval (top view)
while the pocket may be substantially rectangular (top view).
[0064] Although the cleaning head is shown as having a single
pocket for receiving a single connector insert, the cleaning head
may have more than one pocket, such as when the connector includes
more than one connector inserts for insertion into the cleaning
head. For example, in some embodiments, the cleaning head may have
two pockets for receiving two connector inserts. As will be
appreciated, the size, shape, and location of the pockets on the
cleaning head may correspond to the size, shape, and position of
the connector inserts on the cleaning device.
[0065] In some embodiments, the cleaning head may include a suction
inlet arranged to transfer debris from the surface into the dirt
collection chamber, such as via an airflow conduit. In some
embodiments, the suction inlet includes a suction nozzle 118. In
some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the suction
nozzle may extend laterally along a front portion of the cleaning
head. The suction nozzle may have any suitable shape and size. The
suction nozzle may extend along an entire width of the cleaning
head in some embodiments. The suction nozzle also may extend along
only a portion of the width of the cleaning head in other
embodiments.
[0066] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2-7, the suction
nozzle 118 may be attached to the support structure 110. For
example, the suction nozzle may be glued, heat sealed, or otherwise
permanently attached to the support structure. In some embodiments,
such as those shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 6-7, the suction nozzle may be
attached by being integrally formed with the support structure. In
other embodiments, the suction nozzle is attached to the support
structure via a suitable attachment mechanism, such as via an
adhesive. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the nozzle may
be attachable to the cleaning sheet.
[0067] In some embodiments, as shown by way of example in FIGS.
2-4, the cleaning sheet may be positioned behind the suction nozzle
such that debris may be suctioned into the nozzle before the
cleaning sheet reaches the debris. In some embodiments, the suction
nozzle may be sized to allow both large and small particles to be
suctioned into the dirt collection chamber while still maintaining
a high air velocity to facilitate pickup. Large particles may be
collected through the center of the suction nozzle at a larger
central opening, while small particles may be collected along the
entirety of the suction nozzle.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 3-4, the cleaning head may include an
airflow conduit 116 arranged to transfer debris into the dirt
collection chamber 112. As will be appreciated, the airflow conduit
may include a tube, pathway, passageway, or simply an opening to
the dirt collection chamber. In some embodiments, such an opening
in the dirt collection chamber is always open. In other
embodiments, such an opening may be selectively openable and
closeable. For example, as will be described, the cleaning head may
include a valve which is selectively openable to allow debris into
the dirt collection chamber, and selectively closeable to prevent
debris from escaping the dirt collection chamber.
[0069] In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber may be
arranged to maintain the dirt within the dirt collection chamber
once the dirt has been moved into the dirt collection chamber. In
some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber includes a lip and
internal valve that keeps dust, dry media, and/or wet media within
the dirt collection chamber once the dirt has been moved into the
chamber, thereby preventing dust and dry media from exiting via the
suction inlet, such as when the vacuum is powered off. In some
embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 18, the dirt collection
chamber may include a selectively openable and closeable valve 119
at or near the air flow conduit. In some embodiments, the valve may
include one or more flaps that are pivotable between an open
position O (see FIG. 18) when the vacuum is turned on and a closed
position C (see FIG. 18) when the cleaning device is turned
off.
[0070] As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, the valve may
be integrally formed with at least a portion of the cleaning head.
For example, the valve may be integrally formed with the support
structure. The valve also may be separately formed and attached to
the cleaning head. For example, the valves may be fixedly attached
to the dirt collection chamber.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 19, in some embodiments, the connector 106
is pivotally connected to the body 102 of the cleaning device to
allow the cleaning head 108 to be pivotable relative to the body
(see arrow P). As will be appreciated, the connector may pivot
about one or more axes of rotation when moving relative to the body
of the cleaning device.
[0072] In some embodiments, when the cleaning head is connected to
the connector, at least a portion of the dirt collection chamber of
the cleaning head is covered by the connector. In some embodiments,
the entire dirt collection chamber is covered by the connector. The
connector also may cover part of the support structure. In some
embodiments, the connector does not cover the suction nozzle,
though in other embodiments, the connector may be arranged to cover
at least a portion of the suction nozzle or the entire nozzle.
[0073] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the dirt
collection chamber may be formed of a filter material. As will be
appreciated, such filter material may filter the debris and
moisture such that the debris and moisture stays in the dirt
collection chamber as the air flows toward the suction source. For
example, dirty air, debris, and/or moisture may remain in the dirt
collection chamber 112 as clean air flows towards the suction
source (see arrow A in FIGS. 4 and 18). In such an example, air
flows through a portion of the dirt collection chamber formed of a
filter material. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the
dirt collection chamber may include a top 113a and one or more
sides 113b. In some embodiments, at least one of the sides 113b is
made of a filter material. In some embodiments, the entire dirt
collection chamber is made of a filter material.
[0074] In some embodiments, the cleaning device may have an
additional filter to remove particles that escape through the
filter of the dirt-collection chamber. In some embodiments, the
filter may be located on the connector 106.
[0075] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the cleaning
head is removably attachable to the cleaning device. For example,
the cleaning head may be attachable to a connector of the cleaning
device. In some embodiments, the connector includes an engagement
element that engages with a corresponding engagement element on the
cleaning head to hold the cleaning head to the cleaning device
during operation.
[0076] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, the engagement
elements include jaws 150a 150b that are selectively pivotable
between an engaged position (e.g., toward one another) and a
released position (e.g., away from one another). In some
embodiments, each jaw may be separately moveable between the
released and engaged positions. In other embodiments, the first and
second jaws move simultaneously between the engaged and released
positions. As will be appreciated, the jaws may be biased toward
the engaged position such that when the user releases the actuator,
the jaws engage with corresponding recesses 152 (see FIG. 2) on an
engagement element 151 the cleaning head 108.
[0077] In some embodiments, the jaws may be moveable between the
closed and engaged position via the engagement element on the
cleaning head. For example, the engagement element 151 may have a
tapered contact surface 153 that contacts the jaws and moves the
jaws away from one another until the jaws move into the
corresponding recesses 152, at which point the jaws may move toward
one another into the engaged position.
[0078] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, the connector 106
may include an insert 160 for attaching the cleaning head to the
cleaning device. For example, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the
insert may be insertable into a pocket of the cleaning head. In
some embodiments, the insert 160 moves relative to the connector.
For example, in some embodiments, the insert may be hingedly
connected to the connector. In some embodiment, the insert 160 may
pivot between an open position (see FIG. 20) and a closed position
(see FIG. 22). In some embodiments, the insert 160 pivots about an
axis B. In some embodiments, the pivot axis is substantially
parallel to a longitudinal direction of the connector.
[0079] In some embodiments, the insert 160 may be lockable in the
closed position. As shown in FIG. 22, in the closed position, the
cleaning head may be held to the connector, with the suction nozzle
extending outwardly from a front portion of the connector 106. In
some embodiments, in the closed position, at least a portion of the
connector covers the dirt collection chamber of the cleaning head.
As will be appreciated, the insert may be lockable in the closed
position without having an attached cleaning head. For example, the
user may lock the insert in the closed position to store the
cleaning device.
[0080] In some embodiments, the connector may have one or more
engagement elements that engage with corresponding engagement
elements on the insert to lock the insert in the closed position.
In some embodiments, the engagement elements on the connector may
be biased in the engaged position such that movement of the insert
from the open position to the closed position may engage the
engagement elements to lock the insert in the closed position.
[0081] In other embodiments, the insert is moveable between the
open and closed positions, but is not lockable in either position.
Instead, in such embodiments, the connector may have first and
second engagement elements, such as the first and second jaws
described above, for engaging with engagement elements on the
cleaning head (e.g., on the suction nozzle). In such embodiments,
engagement between the first and second engagement elements on the
connector and the engagement element on the cleaning head may hold
the cleaning head on the cleaning device and may hold the insert in
the closed position.
[0082] As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, the connector
includes only engagement elements to lock the insert in the locked
position, may include only engagement elements that engage with the
cleaning head, or may include both. For example, in some
embodiments, the connector may include engagement elements arranged
to lock the insert in the locked position and engagement elements
to hold the cleaning head to the cleaning device.
[0083] Although the connector portion is shown as being pivotable
between the open and closed positions, in some embodiments, the
insert may be stationary, with the cleaning head being slidable
onto the connector portion.
[0084] In some embodiments, the handle of the cleaning device may
include an actuator to selectively engage and disengage the
engagement elements on the cleaning device to engage the cleaning
head. For example the actuator may be actuated to engage the
engagement elements on the cleaning head to attach the cleaning
head to the connector for use, and thereafter disengage the
engagement elements to dispose of the cleaning head. The handle
also may have an actuator to unlock the insert such that the insert
may move from the closed position to the open position.
[0085] In some embodiments, the cleaning head is formed of rigid
materials such that the cleaning head may maintain its shape and
allow the nozzle to maintain its shape once the cleaning head is
held to the connector. For example, at least part of the cleaning
head may be made of a cardboard or thermoformed plastic material.
In some embodiments, the suction nozzle, the support structure,
and/or the dirt collection chamber are formed of rigid materials.
In some embodiments, the support structure includes grooves to
increase the rigidity of the support structure. As will be
appreciated, the cleaning head also may be formed of flexible
materials, such as a cleaning sheet. In some embodiments, the
flexible materials may be attached to rigid materials.
[0086] In some embodiments, the only rigid element on the cleaning
head may be the suction nozzle, with the rest of the cleaning head
being formed of flexible materials. For example, in such
embodiments, the dirt collection chamber may be formed of a
collapsible bag. In some embodiments, the insert, or another
portion of the connector, may be arranged to provide structure and
stability to the cleaning head for cleaning, such as when the
insert is inserted cleaning head. As will be appreciated, stability
also may be provided by attaching the cleaning head to the
connector in another suitable manner, such as by attaching the
cleaning head to the bottom of the connector via corresponding hook
and loop fasteners.
[0087] FIGS. 10-15 illustrate embodiments in which the cleaning
head includes a rigid suction nozzle but is otherwise formed of
flexible materials. In such embodiments, similar to FIG. 5 and as
shown in these views, the cleaning sheet 514 may form the support
structure to which the suction nozzle is attached. In some
embodiments, the cleaning head may not include a dirt collection
chamber, although, in other embodiments, the cleaning head may
include a dirt collection chamber. In some embodiments, as shown in
16, the flexible cleaning sheet may be rolled around the rigid
suction nozzle, such as for storage.
[0088] As shown in FIGS. 10, 12, and 14, the suction nozzle may
extend laterally across a front of the cleaning head, though other
arrangements may be used. For example, in some embodiments, as
shown in FIG. 12, the suction nozzle may have a forward-facing
concave shape, similar to that of a blade of a snow plow. In some
embodiments, the suction nozzle may include various non-woven
materials, woven materials, and/or plastics, or another suitable
materials in front of the suction nozzle to collect dirt and/or
debris before the dirt entrained air enters the suction nozzle. In
some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, a cleaning sheet may be
wrapped around at least a portion of the suction nozzle to absorb
wet and/or dry media during cleaning.
[0089] Although the suction nozzle has been shown and described as
extending laterally across a front edge of the cleaning sheet, it
will be appreciated that the suction nozzle may be positioned in
other suitable locations. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the
cleaning head may include longitudinally extending channels. In
some embodiments, a central channel may function as the suction
nozzle 618 and may be arranged to transfer dirt-entrained air into
the dirt chamber. In some embodiments, a second channel may act as
an air filter 660 to filter debris from the dirt entrained air. For
example, the second channel may be placed on a first lateral side
of the central suction nozzle channel. In some embodiments, one or
more channels may be formed of a cleaning sheet and may be arranged
to trap dirt and debris as the cleaning sheet is moved across a
surface. As will be appreciated, although only one channel 614 is
shown as being formed of a cleaning sheet, all of the channels may
be formed at least in part by a cleaning sheet in some
embodiments.
[0090] In some embodiments, similar to the above embodiments, a
portion of the cleaning device (e.g., the connector) may be
insertable into the cleaning head to provide structure to an
otherwise flexible arrangement. In some embodiments, the cleaning
head may be formed of only flexible materials. As shown in FIG. 17,
in some embodiments, an insert 662 may be inserted into each of the
channels to connect the cleaning head 608 to the cleaning device.
In some embodiments, the insert 662 may include inflatable members
that expand, such as when the cleaning device is turned on, to
provide structure to the cleaning head, and collapse when the
cleaning device is turned off.
[0091] In some embodiments, the cleaning device includes a vacuum
source arranged to apply a vacuum to move dirt from the floor to be
cleaned and into the dirt collection chamber. As shown in FIGS. 4
and 18, the vacuum source provides a suction effect, pulling air
and any loose debris through the suction nozzle, airflow conduit,
and into the dirt collection chamber. In such arrangements, the
suction nozzle is fluidically connected to the airflow conduit and
to the dirt collection chamber. In some embodiments, the vacuum
source may be controlled via an actuator 149 located on the handle
(see FIG. 1).
[0092] In some embodiments, the vacuum source may be located inside
of the body of the cleaning device. For example, the vacuum source
may be located near or in a liquid reservoir 159. In some
embodiments, the vacuum may remain attached to the handle when the
liquid reservoir is removed. In some embodiments, the vacuum source
may be removed with the liquid reservoir. The vacuum source also
may be located and may be located proximate to the connector and
removable cleaning head. In some embodiments, the vacuum may
comprise a motor. The vacuum source may include a secondary
filter.
[0093] In some embodiments, the vacuum source applies the vacuum
over the entirety of an exposed portion of a dirt collection
chamber, such as over the walls of a dirt collection chamber formed
of an air filter material. Such an arrangement can provide a
sufficient volume air flow without undue pressure drop across the
air filter. In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber
protrudes upwardly from the cleaning head to allow the connector to
apply vacuum to the dirt collection chamber material. In such
embodiments, this arrangement may allow the bag to fill toward the
periphery of the bag and then to fill the bag toward the middle of
the bag.
[0094] In some embodiments, the cleaning device, may include a
spray nozzle 155 arranged to apply a liquid to a surface be
cleaned. In some embodiments, the spray nozzle may be located on
the body of the cleaning device. The spray nozzle also may be
located on the connector. As will be appreciated, the spray nozzle
may be located in any suitable location for applying the liquid to
the surface to be cleaned.
[0095] In some embodiments, the device may include a liquid
reservoir 159 that is arranged to supply a liquid to the spray
nozzle. In some embodiments, the reservoir may be permanently
attached to the cleaning devices, such as permanently attached to
the body. The reservoir also may be removably attachable to the
cleaning device. In some embodiments, the user may add a cleaning
liquid and/or water to the liquid reservoir, such as through a
filling port on reservoir. In some embodiments, the liquid
reservoir may be sized to include a volume of liquid for several
cleaning events. In such embodiments, the user need only attach a
cleaning head prior to operating the cleaning device. In some
embodiments, the liquid reservoir may be pre-filled, such that the
user may purchase one or more liquid reservoirs that the user may
attach to the cleaning device when the liquid reservoir is
empty.
[0096] In some embodiments, the handle includes an actuator 157 to
allow the user to activate the spray nozzle to apply a liquid to a
surface to be cleaned.
[0097] In some embodiments, the cleaning device may be battery
operated. In such embodiments, the battery may be rechargeable. In
some embodiments, the battery is arranged to maintain power for
one, two, three or more cleaning events. In some embodiments, the
batteries are replaceable. In some embodiments, the cleaning device
may be powered by an electrical cord plugged into an electrical
outlet.
[0098] According to another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 23-26, a
method of using a cleaning device is disclosed. As shown in FIG.
23, the user may select a first cleaning head from a box of
disposable cleaning heads.
[0099] Next, the user may attach the first cleaning head to the
cleaning device. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 24,
attaching the first cleaning head may include attaching the
cleaning head to a bottom of the connector of the cleaning device
(see also FIG. 19). In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20,
attaching the first cleaning head may include inserting an insert
160 of the connector into a pocket 435 of the first cleaning head
(see the arrow labeled W). FIG. 21 illustrates the cleaning device
with the insert of the connector inserted in pocket of the first
cleaning head and the insert in an open position. Next, the insert
may be moved, e.g., pivoted (see the arrow labeled X), toward the
connector and to the closed position (see FIG. 22).
[0100] The method also includes operating the cleaning device to
move dirt through the suction nozzle and into the dirt collection
chamber. In some embodiments, the user may apply a liquid to the
surface to be cleaned (see FIG. 25). The method also includes
removing the cleaning head from the connector and disposing the
cleaning head in a trash receptacle (FIG. 26).
[0101] As shown in FIG. 27, in some embodiments, removing the
cleaning head from the connector may include pivoting the insert
away from the connector (see the arrow labeled Y) to the open
position. In some embodiments, the cleaning head is arranged to
fall off of the insert when the insert is in the open position. As
will be appreciated, the user also may remove the cleaning head
from the insert once the insert is in the open position.
[0102] In embodiments in which a cleaning sheet is attached to the
cleaning head, wet and dry debris may be cleaned separately or
simultaneously. For example, in some embodiments, the vacuum source
may be turned on such that debris may be moved from the surface
into the dirt collection chamber. Dry debris already on the floor
also may be picked up by the cleaning sheet while the vacuum source
is turned on. In some embodiments, the surface also may include a
wet spill, which may be absorbed by the cleaning sheet while the
vacuum source is turned on. As will be appreciated, the cleaning
device may be used only as a vacuum cleaner in some embodiments. In
some embodiments, while the vacuum source is on, the user may
operate the spray nozzle (e.g., by pressing an actuator) to apply a
liquid to the surface to be cleaned. In such embodiments, the
cleaning device may be operated as a vacuum and as a mop at the
same time. In some embodiments, the user may spray liquid onto the
surface in the path of the cleaning head such that the wet debris
is absorbed into the cleaning sheet at the same time that the
vacuum moves debris from the surface into the dirt collection
chamber. In some embodiments, the liquid may be sprayed onto the
floor in a fan pattern, although the liquid may be sprayed on to
the floor in other suitable patterns.
[0103] As will be appreciated, the cleaning device also may be
operated as only a mop. In such instances, the user may simply
operate the spray nozzle (e.g., by pressing the actuator) to apply
the liquid to the surface to be cleaned. In such embodiments, the
user may move the cleaning device back and forth to clean the
floor. In embodiments in which the cleaning sheet is removably
attached to the cleaning head, the user may remove and discard the
cleaning sheet. In embodiments in which the cleaning sheet is
permanently attached to the cleaning head, the user may discard the
cleaning head after using the cleaning device as a mop.
[0104] In some embodiments, disposing the cleaning head includes
discarding the cleaning head with the dirt and debris contained in
the dirt collection receptacle and/or absorbed in the cleaning
sheet. In some embodiments, disposing the cleaning head includes
activating a release mechanism. For example, the release mechanism
may move first and second jaw members away from one another to
release the fastener from between the jaws and allow the cleaning
head to fall away from the connector. As will be appreciated, in
such embodiments, because the user is only activating a release
mechanism, the user may not handle the wet or dirty cleaning head.
As will be further appreciated, because the cleaning head is the
only part of the cleaning head to contact the surface and all of
the wet and/or dry debris is contained within the cleaning head,
the remainder of the cleaning device (e.g., the connector and body)
may be dean throughout and after operation of the cleaning
device.
[0105] For purposes herein, permanently containing the debris in
the dirt collection chamber means that the dirt collection chamber
is not openable by the user to dispose dirt collected in the dirt
collection chamber. Instead, as described above, the cleaning head,
with the entrained debris, is discarded in the trash receptacle. As
will be appreciated, a user may rip or cut open the dirt collection
chamber to allow debris to be emptied into a trash receptacle,
however, such an action may damage the dirt collection chamber and
may prevent the user from continuing to use the cleaning head. In a
similar manner, the user also may break or pry open the dirt trap.
As with the previous example, this action also may damage the
cleaning head such that the cleaning head may no longer be usable
with the cleaning device.
[0106] While the present teachings have been described in
conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not
intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments
or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass
various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be
appreciated by those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the
foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.
[0107] Various aspects of the present invention may be used alone,
in combination, or in a variety of arrangements not specifically
discussed in the embodiments described in the foregoing and is
therefore not limited in its application to the details and
arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or
illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one
embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in
other embodiments.
[0108] Also, the invention may be embodied as a method, of which an
example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method
may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be
constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than
illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously,
even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.
Use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., in
the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any
priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or
the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are
used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a
certain name from another element having a same name (but for use
of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.
[0109] Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the
purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The
use of "including," "comprising," or "having," "containing,"
"involving," and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass
the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as
additional items.
* * * * *