U.S. patent application number 17/091983 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 Michael James DOUGLAS, Richard MATHIAS, Brandon SULESKI.
Application Number | 20210127918 17/091983 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005211046 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210127918 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SULESKI; Brandon ; et
al. |
May 6, 2021 |
CLEANING DEVICE
Abstract
Apparatus and method for adjusting a height of a suction chamber
of a vacuum cleaner relative to a target cleaning surface. The
vacuum cleaner includes a compressible cleaning sheet, such that as
a user selectively executes different motions and/or applies
different forces to a handle of the vacuum cleaner, the cleaning
sheet compresses or uncompresses, dynamically adjusting the height
of the suction chamber.
Inventors: |
SULESKI; Brandon;
(Cambridge, MA) ; MATHIAS; Richard; (Brighton,
MA) ; DOUGLAS; Michael James; (London, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SharkNinja Operating LLC |
Needham |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005211046 |
Appl. No.: |
17/091983 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62931603 |
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. A method of using a cleaning device to clean a surface, the
cleaning device comprising a cleaning sheet support, the cleaning
sheet support including a suction inlet and a compressible sheet,
the method comprising: (a) moving the cleaning sheet support across
the surface in a first direction with the suction inlet positioned
ahead of the compressible sheet relative to the first direction,
wherein as the cleaning sheet support moves in the first direction,
at least a portion of the compressible sheet is compressed such
that a leading edge of the suction inlet is positioned at a first
height above the surface; (b) moving the cleaning sheet support
across the surface in a second direction such that the suction
inlet is positioned behind the compressible sheet relative to the
second direction, wherein as the cleaning sheet support moves in
the second direction, the leading edge of the suction inlet is
positioned at a second height above the surface, the second height
being greater than the first height.
2. A method as in claim 1, wherein during a transition from the
first direction to the second direction, the leading edge of the
suction inlet is positioned at a third height above the surface,
the third height being greater than the second height.
3. A method as in claim 1, wherein the cleaning device is
configured to be supported on the surface by only the compressible
sheet.
4. A method as in claim 1, wherein the compressible sheet is
permanently attached to the cleaning sheet support.
5. A method as in claim 1, wherein a leading edge of the suction
inlet comprises castellations.
6. A method as in claim 1, wherein the compressible cleaning sheet
is a nonwoven sheet.
7. A method as in claim 1, wherein the difference between the first
height and the second height is at least 0.5 mm.
8. A method as in claim 7, wherein the difference between the first
height and the second height is at most 4.0 mm.
9. A method as in claim 1, wherein the difference between the first
height and the second height is at least 0.8 mm.
10. A method as in claim 9, wherein the difference between the
first height and the second height is at most 4.0 mm.
11. A method as in claim 1, wherein the cleaning sheet has an
uncompressed thickness of at least 2.0 mm at a forward edge of the
cleaning sheet.
12. An apparatus comprising: a cleaning sheet support configured to
be attachable to a cleaning appliance body; a compressible cleaning
sheet attached to the sheet support; and a suction inlet, the
suction inlet being attached to the cleaning sheet support and
positioned forwardly of the compressible cleaning sheet, the
suction inlet having a leading edge which is configured to be
positioned above a target cleaning surface by a first distance when
the cleaning apparatus is placed at rest on the target cleaning
surface; wherein the cleaning sheet support, the suction inlet
leading edge, and the compressible cleaning sheet are arranged such
that compression of the cleaning sheet is capable of reducing the
distance between the leading edge of the suction inlet and the
target cleaning surface by at least 0.8 mm as compared to the first
distance.
13. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein the cleaning sheet
support, the suction inlet leading edge, and the compressible
cleaning sheet are arranged such that compression of the cleaning
sheet is capable of reducing the distance between the leading edge
of the suction inlet and the target cleaning surface by at most 2.0
mm as compared to the first distance
14. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein the leading edge of the
suction inlet comprises castellations.
15. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein the compressible cleaning
sheet is permanently attached to the sheet support.
16. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the
compressible cleaning sheet is at least 3.0 mm thick.
17. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein the compressible cleaning
sheet has an average thickness of at least 3.0 mm.
18. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein the cleaning apparatus is
configured to be supported on the target cleaning surface by only
the compressible cleaning sheet.
19. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein the compressible cleaning
sheet comprises a nonwoven sheet.
20. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein the cleaning sheet
support, the suction inlet leading edge, and the compressible
cleaning sheet are arranged such that compression of the cleaning
sheet is capable of reducing the distance between the leading edge
of the suction inlet and the target cleaning surface by at least
1.0 mm as compared to the first distance.
21. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein the cleaning sheet has an
uncompressed thickness of at least 2.0 mm at a forward edge of the
cleaning sheet.
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. 62/931,603, entitled
"CLEANING DEVICE" and filed Nov. 6, 2019, the entirety of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments disclosed herein are related generally to
cleaning devices, and more specifically to cleaning devices having
a suction nozzle and a cleaning sheet.
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, including devices which have a suction nozzle and a cleaning
sheet.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one embodiment, a method of using a cleaning
device, which includes a cleaning sheet support with a suction
nozzle and a compressible sheet, comprises moving the cleaning
sheet support across the surface in a first direction with the
suction nozzle positioned ahead of the compressible sheet relative
to the first direction. As the cleaning sheet support moves in the
first direction, at least a portion of the compressible sheet is
compressed such that a leading edge of the suction nozzle is
positioned at a first height above the surface. The method further
comprises moving the cleaning sheet support across the surface in a
second direction such that the suction nozzle is positioned behind
the compressible sheet relative to the second direction. As the
cleaning sheet support moves in the second direction, the leading
edge of the suction nozzle is positioned at a second height above
the surface, wherein the second height is greater than the first
height.
[0005] According to another embodiment, a cleaning apparatus
comprises a suction source, a body including a handle, a cleaning
sheet support pivotably attached to the body, a compressible
cleaning sheet attached to the sheet support, and a suction nozzle.
The suction nozzle is operatively connectable to the suction source
and is attached to the cleaning sheet support and positioned
forwardly of the compressible cleaning sheet, and has a leading
edge which is configured to be positioned above a target cleaning
surface by a first distance when the cleaning apparatus is placed
at rest on the target cleaning surface. The body, the suction
nozzle, and the cleaning sheet support are arranged such that
pushing on the handle to move the cleaning apparatus in a forward
direction compresses the cleaning sheet and reduces the distance
between the leading edge of the suction nozzle and the target
cleaning surface to a second distance that is at least 0.2 mm less
as compared to the first distance. The body, the suction nozzle,
and the cleaning sheet support are arranged such that transitioning
from pushing on the handle to pulling on the handle increases the
distance between the leading edge of the suction nozzle and the
target cleaning surface to a third distance that is at least 0.5 mm
greater as compared to the second distance.
[0006] According to a further embodiment, a cleaning apparatus
comprises a suction source, a body including a handle, a cleaning
sheet support pivotably attached to the body, a compressible
cleaning sheet with at least a portion that is at least 3.0 mm
thick, the sheet being permanently attached to the sheet support,
and a suction nozzle. The suction nozzle is operatively connectable
to the suction source and is attached to the cleaning sheet support
and positioned forwardly of the compressible cleaning sheet, and
has a leading edge which is configured to be positioned above a
target cleaning surface by a first distance when the cleaning
apparatus is placed at rest on the target cleaning surface. The
body, the suction nozzle, and the cleaning sheet support are
arranged such that pushing on the handle to move the cleaning
apparatus in a forward direction compresses the cleaning sheet and
reduces the distance between the leading edge of the suction nozzle
and the target cleaning surface to a second distance that is at
least 0.2 mm less as compared to the first distance. The body, the
suction nozzle, and the cleaning sheet support are arranged such
that transitioning from pushing on the handle to pulling on the
handle increases the distance between the leading edge of the
suction nozzle and the target cleaning surface to a third distance
that is at least 0.5 mm greater as compared to the second
distance.
[0007] According to another embodiment, an apparatus includes a
cleaning sheet support configured to be attached to a cleaning
appliance body, and a compressible cleaning sheet attached to the
sheet support. The apparatus further includes a suction nozzle, the
suction nozzle being attached to the cleaning sheet support and
positioned forwardly of the compressible cleaning sheet, the
suction nozzle having a leading edge which is configured to be
positioned above a target cleaning surface by a first distance when
the cleaning apparatus is placed at rest on the target cleaning
surface. The cleaning sheet support, the suction nozzle leading
edge, and the compressible cleaning sheet are arranged such that
compression of the cleaning sheet is capable of reducing the
distance between the leading edge of the suction nozzle and the
target cleaning surface by at least 0.8 mm as compared to the first
distance
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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
[0010] 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:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according
to some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front view of the cleaning device of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the cleaning device of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of region 4 from FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cleaning device with the
cleaning sheet support removed according to some embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cleaning sheet support
according to some embodiments;
[0017] FIGS. 7-10 show cross-sectional views of a cleaning sheet
support as a cleaning method progression through different
stages;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a schematic showing a ride height for the
different stages shown in FIGS. 7-10;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a graph showing experimental ride height data for
one embodiment of a cleaning device; and
[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cleaning sheet support
with castellations according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] In many vacuums, there is a balance between the airflow
speed that a vacuum can generate and the size and of debris that
can be picked up. A large opening in a vacuum's suction nozzle may
correlate with a lower airflow speed, but the ability to pick up
large debris. Conversely, a small opening in a suction nozzle may
correlate with higher airflow speed, but such a vacuum may be able
to pick up only small debris.
[0022] In many vacuums, the size of the suction nozzle opening is
fixed. The size of the suction nozzle opening is defined in part by
the height of the lower edge of the suction nozzle relative to the
target cleaning surface, often referred to as the ride height. In
some vacuum cleaners, the ride height may be adjusted. However,
such adjustments typically require that the user stop cleaning and
adjust the ride height manually. Such adjustments may require the
user to crouch in order to release a detent and/or rotate a dial to
change the ride height. In situations in which a user may want to
prioritize high suction for the majority of a cleaning process and
only increase ride height for occasional large debris, frequent
manual adjustments of ride height may be disruptive and
inefficient.
[0023] Applicant has recognized and appreciated that it may be
desirable for a user to be able to dynamically adjust the ride
height of a cleaning device. Disclosed herein are cleaning devices
that include a suction nozzle and a cleaning sheet, with the
cleaning sheet mounted to a cleaning sheet support. The cleaning
sheet is sufficiently thick such that a user is able to selectively
compress the cleaning sheet in order to dynamically adjust the ride
height of the suction nozzle.
[0024] For example, in some embodiments, the cleaning device is
configured such that when a user is executing a front stroke, the
force applied toward the front of the cleaning sheet support
compresses the cleaning sheet and lowers the ride height. As the
user transitions to a back stroke, the force on the front of the
cleaning sheet support is removed, allowing the front portion of
the cleaning sheet to uncompress, raising the ride height. In this
manner, much of the larger debris that is pushed forward and
prevented from entering the suction nozzle during the forward
stroke is able to be picked up by the cleaning device during the
transition to the back stroke.
[0025] In some embodiments, these changes to the ride height may be
performed naturally and dynamically as a result of the user's
pushing and pulling on the handle to move the device around the
floor. That is, the suction nozzle position and the cleaning sheet
thickness and compressibility may be set so that the typical forces
applied to the cleaning device during cleaning produce the effects
described above.
[0026] Applicant has also recognized the importance of the cleaning
sheet thickness in regard to the ability to dynamically adjust the
ride height. Many cleaning pads are typically too thin to enable
variable ride height sufficient to enhance user experience.
[0027] FIGS. 1-3 are different views of a cleaning device 100
according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The
cleaning device 100 includes a body 104 with a handle 102, a
suction source 106, and a cleaning sheet support 108. The cleaning
sheet support 108 includes a compressible cleaning sheet 110 and a
suction nozzle 112 positioned in front of the cleaning sheet.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows additional details of an enlarged portion of
the side view of the cleaning device 100 shown in FIG. 3. The
cleaning sheet support 108 may be pivotably attached to the body
104. In some embodiments, the cleaning sheet support is pivotably
attached to the body through a connector, as explained in greater
detail below with reference to FIG. 5.
[0029] In some embodiments, the compressible cleaning sheet 110 is
permanently attached to the cleaning sheet support 108. The
cleaning sheet may be permanently attached to the cleaning sheet
support using adhesive, fasteners, or any other suitable attachment
mechanism, or the cleaning sheet may be integrally formed with the
cleaning sheet support. The cleaning sheet 110 may be formed of any
suitable material, and may be made of one or more layers, as
described in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 6. In some
embodiments, the cleaning sheet is a nonwoven sheet. In some
embodiments, the cleaning device 100 is configured to be supported
on the target cleaning surface 120 by only the cleaning sheet 110.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cleaning sheet 110
has a thickness of at least 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, at least a
portion of the cleaning sheet 110 has a thickness of at least 3.2
mm. In some embodiments, an average thickness of the cleaning sheet
is at least 3.0 mm.
[0030] The suction nozzle 112 is operatively connectable to the
suction source 106 such that suction generated at the suction
source may be transmitted to the suction nozzle to allow the
suction nozzle to pick up debris. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the
suction nozzle 112 is depicted as extending across the front lower
edge of the cleaning sheet support. In other embodiments, the
suction nozzle does not extend across the entire width of the
cleaning sheet support. In some embodiments, the front edge of the
cleaning sheet support includes curved portions or is curved across
the entire width. In such embodiments, the suction nozzle may be
similarly curved.
[0031] The suction nozzle 112 includes a lower edge 114 positioned
above a target cleaning surface 120. The gap between the lower edge
114 and the target cleaning surface 120 provides an inlet 118 to
the suction nozzle 112. The ride height is the height of the lower
edge 114 of the suction nozzle 112 relative to the target cleaning
surface 120. As described above, and as will be explained in
greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 7-11, the ride height
may be dynamically adjusted by selectively compressing the
compressible cleaning sheet 110.
[0032] FIG. 5 shows the cleaning sheet support removed from
cleaning device 200. The cleaning device 200 includes a body 204
with a handle 202, a cleaning sheet support 208, and a connector
216. In some embodiments, the cleaning sheet support 208 is
pivotably attached to the body 204 through the connector 216. In
some embodiments, the connector is substantially the same size as
the cleaning sheet support, as in the embodiment depicted in FIG.
5. In other embodiments, the connector is substantially smaller
than the cleaning sheet support. In some embodiments, the connector
includes passages that enable air to flow between the cleaning
sheet support and the body and/or other components of the cleaning
device. The cleaning sheet support may attach to the connector with
clips, fasteners, magnets, or any other suitable attachment
mechanism.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cleaning sheet support
208 according to some embodiments. The cleaning sheet support
includes a suction nozzle 212, a debris collection chamber 218, and
an air filter 220 in the illustrated embodiment. A cleaning sheet
210 is permanently attached to the cleaning sheet support, though
the sheet may be removably attached in other embodiments. The
debris collection chamber 218 is configured to hold debris that is
sucked into the cleaning device 200 through the suction nozzle 212.
In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber may be
integrally formed with the suction nozzle, for example by
thermoforming. The air filter 220 is configured to permit the flow
of air such that a suction force may be created in the suction
nozzle 212, but to block debris from exiting the collection chamber
218. The air filter may be comprised of one or more layers, and may
be made of any suitable material(s). The cleaning sheet support
does not need to include any or all of a suction nozzle, a debris
collection chamber, and an air filter to be considered to be a
cleaning sheet support. In some embodiments, the debris collection
chamber may be mounted to the body portion of the cleaning device,
and the suction nozzle may be fluidically connected to the
collection chamber via a conduit which travels through the
connector to the debris collection chamber.
[0034] The cleaning sheet 210 may include one or more layers, such
as a multifunctional strip attached to a face layer, which may be
backed by an acquisition layer and a retention layer.
[0035] The face layer may be made with a hydrophobic material. The
hydrophobic material may be arranged such that the weight of the
unit applies a pressure on the layer such that liquid is allowed to
penetrate the layer from the floor, but the material is able to
help hold acquired liquid within the sheet. The face layer may be
treated with paraffin. In some embodiments, the paraffin improves
the retention of solid particles on the sheet when the sheet is
wetted, thereby reducing the potential for redeposit.
[0036] The face layer may include a texture to aid with capturing
debris from the floor. For example, the face layer may include an
embossed three-dimensional pattern with crevices in which debris
can be held. The use of a vacuum cleaner in combination with the
sheet reduces the amount of solid debris reaching the embossed face
layer, thereby allowing the face layer to be used on a wet surface.
The face layer may include a PET spunlace that is
hydroentangled.
[0037] The acquisition layer may be formed of thermal bonded
airlaid. A density may be used which permits liquid to be absorbed
from the floor and desorbed into the retention layer. The
acquisition layer may be formed with a suitable percentage of
bi-component to increase mechanical stability and reduce wet
collapse. For example, in some embodiments, the thermal bonded air
laid may be formed with 70% pulp and 30% bi-component. In some
embodiments, the material may be formed with at least 30% of
bi-component.
[0038] The retention layer may have a higher density airlaid than
the acquisition layer to promote liquid migration from the
acquisition layer into the retention layer. The higher density
airlaid provides mechanical structure to reduce compression within
the retention layer and retain liquid, while allowing the
acquisition layer to maintain a higher compressibility. In some
embodiments, the retention layer material may be formed with 80%
pulp and 20% bi-component. The retention layer material may be
formed with 20% or less bi-component in some embodiments.
[0039] The multifunctional strip may be formed with hydrophilic
meltblown polypropylene in some embodiments. By using a hydrophilic
material, the sheet may provide a more even wipe to reduce
streakiness. The strip may help to break up stains in some
embodiments. Additionally, in some embodiments, by providing a
source of friction that is higher than the face layer, the
multifunctional strip can provide feedback to the user indicating
when more liquid as needed.
[0040] In some embodiments, forward and rear edges of the cleaning
sheet may be sealed. For example, the face layer, the acquisition
layer, and the retention layer may be ultrasonically welded and/or
heat sealed to one another at the forward and rear edges. For
purposes herein, the forward edge of the cleaning sheet is the edge
of the cleaning sheet which is configured to be closest to the
leading edge of the suction nozzle when the cleaning head is
attached to the cleaning device. In some embodiments, sealing the
forward and rear edges of the cleaning sheet may prevent lamination
of the of the cleaning sheet (e.g., pealing of one layer of the
cleaning sheet from another layer of the cleaning sheet) during
use.
[0041] FIGS. 7-10 include cross-sectional views of a cleaning sheet
support at different stages of a cleaning method sequence. FIGS.
7-10 show the cleaning sheet support 308 of a cleaning device at
rest (FIG. 7), during a forward stroke (FIG. 8), during a
transition (FIG. 9) from the forward stroke to a backward stroke,
and during a backward stroke (FIG. 10). The cleaning sheet support
308 includes a cleaning sheet 310 and a suction nozzle 312 in the
illustrated embodiment. A ride height extends from the target
cleaning surface to the height of the lower edge of the suction
nozzle 312.
[0042] When the cleaning device is placed at rest (FIG. 7) on the
target cleaning surface 314, the lower edge of the suction nozzle
312 is positioned above the target cleaning surface at a first ride
height 316. As a user pushes on the handle of the cleaning device
in a forward direction during a forward stroke (FIG. 8), a forward
portion of the cleaning sheet 310 compresses, reducing the ride
height to a second ride height 318. In some embodiments, the second
ride height 318 is at least 0.2 mm less than the first ride height
316. In some embodiments, the second ride height 318 is at most 2.0
mm less than the first ride height 316. In some embodiments, the
second ride height 318 is at least 0.8 mm less than the first ride
height 316.
[0043] During a transition to a backward stroke (FIG. 9), the
cleaning sheet 310 may uncompress partially or fully, and also may
rise slightly off of the target cleaning surface 320 such that a
third ride height 320 is achieved. In some embodiments, the third
ride height 320 is at least 0.5 mm greater than the second ride
height 318. In some embodiments, the third ride height 320 is at
most 4.0 mm greater than the second ride height 318. In some
embodiments, the third ride height is the same as the first ride
height.
[0044] As the user pulls on the handle of the cleaning device in a
backward direction during a backward stroke (FIG. 10), a rear
portion of the cleaning sheet 310 may compress, and the cleaning
sheet 310 may fully regain contact with the target surface 314,
yielding a fourth ride height 322. In some embodiments, the fourth
ride height 322 is at least 0.1 mm greater than the second ride
height 318. In some embodiments, the fourth ride height 322 is at
most 2.0 mm greater than the second ride height 318.
[0045] FIG. 11 is a schematic of ride height for the different
cleaning conditions shown in FIGS. 7-10. The dashed line in the
graph corresponds to the ride height when the cleaning device is at
rest 300 (corresponding to FIG. 7). The solid line in the graph
shows the ride height during a forward stroke 302 (corresponding to
FIG. 8), a transition 304 (corresponding to FIG. 9), and a backward
stroke 306 (corresponding to FIG. 10). The ride height during a
backward stroke 306 is generally greater than the ride height
during a forward stroke 302 in the illustrated embodiment. The ride
height during a transition 304 is generally greater than the ride
height during a backward stroke 306 in the illustrated
embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 12 is a graph showing experimental ride height data for
one embodiment of a cleaning device. As can be seen in this
example, the trend of the experimental data is captured in the
general description of the ride height for different cleaning
conditions in reference to FIGS. 7-11. That is, the ride height
during a backward stroke is generally greater than the ride height
during a forward stroke, and the ride height during transition is
generally greater than the ride height during a backward
stroke.
[0047] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cleaning sheet support
400 with castellations 406 according to some embodiments. In some
embodiments, a lower edge of a suction nozzle 404 may comprise
castellations 406. The castellations may allow large debris to be
captured by the cleaning device while still retaining a sufficient
degree of suction. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 13, the castellations are of a uniform size and
are uniformly spaced. In other embodiments, the castellations are
not of a uniform size and/or are not uniformly spaced. In some
embodiments, the castellations do not extend across the entire
width of the suction nozzle.
[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the suction nozzle
comprises castellations 406 resulting in a lower edge of the
suction nozzle 404 that includes four slots 408. In some
embodiments, a castellated edge of the suction nozzle may have
three slots, two slots, or a single slot. In other embodiments, a
castellated edge of the suction nozzle may have more than four
slots. In some embodiments, a castellated edge of the suction
nozzle may have angled slots that move debris towards the suction
inlet for capture.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] Also, embodiments of 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
* * * * *