U.S. patent application number 17/826636 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-08 for vacuum assemblies and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rexair LLC. Invention is credited to Alan BELVILLE, Thomas L. CARRINGTON, Mark HOWIE, James D. JAKUBOS.
Application Number | 20220280002 17/826636 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006362103 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220280002 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BELVILLE; Alan ; et
al. |
September 8, 2022 |
VACUUM ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS
Abstract
Vacuums including a water pan mount coupled to a housing and
configured to receive a water pan are provided herein. The housing
is operably rotatable around a fulcrum, relative to the water pan
mount, to secure the water pan within the housing. At least one
latch is coupled to the housing and is operably positionable in an
engaged position and in a disengaged position, wherein, in the
engaged position, the at least one latch prevents rotation of the
housing around the fulcrum.
Inventors: |
BELVILLE; Alan; (Leroy,
MI) ; HOWIE; Mark; (Cadillac, MI) ;
CARRINGTON; Thomas L.; (McBain, MI) ; JAKUBOS; James
D.; (Cadillac, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rexair LLC |
Troy |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006362103 |
Appl. No.: |
17/826636 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16593715 |
Oct 4, 2019 |
11344169 |
|
|
17826636 |
|
|
|
|
62741312 |
Oct 4, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/246 20130101;
A47L 9/248 20130101; A47L 9/181 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/24 20060101
A47L009/24; A47L 9/18 20060101 A47L009/18 |
Claims
1. A vacuum, comprising: a housing comprising a canister with an
internal volume; a water pan mount coupled to the housing and
configured to slidably receive a removable water pan, the removable
water pan having at least one protrusion extending from a periphery
of the removable water pan, the protrusion configured to cooperate
with at least one channel disposed on an interior surface of the
water pan mount, wherein substantially the entire housing is
operably rotatable around a fulcrum, relative to the water pan
mount, to secure the water pan within the housing; and at least one
latch coupled to the housing, the at least one latch being operably
positionable in an engaged position and in a disengaged position,
wherein, in the engaged position, the at least one latch prevents
rotation of the housing around the fulcrum and secure the removable
water pan to the water pan mount.
2. The vacuum of claim 1, further comprising a series of biasing
members coupled to the housing and the water pan mount, wherein the
series of biasing members are configured to apply rotational force
to the housing about the fulcrum.
3. The vacuum of claim 2, wherein the series of biasing members
comprise one of at least two gas lift springs, a set of compression
springs, a set of extension springs, a set of torsion springs, a
set of tension springs wherein each tension spring is operably
coupled to opposed bars, and a constant force spring.
4. The vacuum of claim 1, wherein the housing and the water pan
each comprise at least two apertures configured to operably align
to define a path for airflow.
5. The vacuum of claim 4, wherein at least one of the apertures,
configured for coupling to a vacuum hose, is disposed on an
exterior front of the housing.
6. The vacuum of claim 1, wherein the fulcrum comprises an
axle.
7. The vacuum of claim 1, wherein the internal volume is further
configured to contain additional vacuum components.
8. The vacuum of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion
comprises a set of handles disposed on opposing sides of the water
pan.
9. The vacuum of claim 1, wherein the at least one latch is coupled
to the water pan in the engaged position.
10. The vacuum of claim 9, wherein the at least one latch is
operably coupled to a catch disposed on a front of the water pan in
the engaged position.
11. A vacuum, comprising: a housing; a water pan mount rotably
coupled to the housing around a fulcrum, the water pan mount
contoured to slidably receive a removable water pan, the removable
water pan having at least one protrusion extending from a periphery
of the removable water pan, the protrusion configured to cooperate
with at least one channel disposed on an interior surface of the
water pan mount; at least two biasing members coupling the housing
to the water pan mount, the at least two biasing members disposed
on opposing sides of the vacuum and configured to apply rotational
force to substantially the entire housing about the fulcrum,
wherein the two biasing members define a maximum degree of rotation
of the housing about the fulcrum; and at least one latch disposed
on the housing, the at least one latch operably positionable in an
engaged position and in a disengaged position, wherein, in the
engaged position, the at least one latch prevents rotation of the
housing with respect to the water pan mount.
12. The vacuum of claim 11, wherein, in the disengaged position,
the housing is rotatable around the fulcrum.
13. The vacuum of claim 11, wherein the at least two biasing
members are one of at least two gas lift springs, a set of
compression springs, a set of extension springs, a set of torsion
springs, a set of tension springs wherein each tension spring is
operably coupled to opposed bars, and a constant force spring.
14. The vacuum of claim 11, wherein the housing comprises a
canister comprising an internal volume configured to contain vacuum
components.
15. The vacuum of claim 11, wherein the at least one protrusion
comprises a set of handles disposed on opposing sides of the water
pan.
16. The vacuum of claim 11, wherein the at least one latch is
operably coupled to the water pan in the engaged position.
17. The vacuum of claim 11, wherein, in the engaged position, the
at least one latch is coupled to the water pan mount.
18. The vacuum of claim 11, wherein the housing and the water pan
each comprise at least two apertures configured to operably align
to define a path for airflow.
19. The vacuum of claim 18, wherein at least one of the apertures,
configured for coupling to a vacuum hose, is disposed on an
exterior front of the housing.
20. The vacuum of claim 11, wherein the at least two biasing
members are configured to apply rotational force to the housing
about the fulcrum.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority under
35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 from U.S. patent application Ser. No.
16/593,715 entitled "VACUUM ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS," filed on Oct.
4, 2019, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/741,312 entitled "VACUUM
ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS," filed on Oct. 4, 2018, the disclosures of
each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present application relates generally to vacuum
cleaners, and more particularly to vacuum cleaners having an
actuating lift for removing a removable water pan and/or a wand
assembly with electrical contacts.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Water filter vacuums vary from traditional air filter
vacuums by pulling debris through a reservoir of water instead of a
cyclonic or paper/cloth air filter. For example, water filter
vacuums send the matter coming into the vacuum through the interior
reservoir of water to trap dirt, debris, and odors from the air.
Over time, as the water filter vacuum is used, the water within the
interior reservoir becomes dirty and needs to be replaced with
fresh water. The water filter vacuum housing stores the interior
reservoir inside a cover that must be unlatched, lifted, and set
aside to remove the interior reservoir. Accordingly, there exists a
need for improved interior water reservoir removal and
cleaning.
[0004] Wand assemblies, or hollow rigid tubes attached to one end
of a vacuum hose, are typically simple pieces of plastic or metal
of various sizes and shapes. Some wand assemblies, however, include
an electric connection extending along the body of the wand. The
electric connection may be necessary for certain vacuum attachments
such as brushes or other cleaning tools. Oftentimes, the cyclic
process of pushing and pulling the powered accessory back and forth
will provide enough mechanical resistance to create relative motion
between the electrical terminal connections within the wands. This
repeated motion can wear the components rather quickly. Therefore,
there exists a need for improving the wand assembly to withstand an
increased number of cycles.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a
vacuum is provided. The vacuum includes a housing. A water pan
mount is coupled to the housing and configured to receive a water
pan, wherein the housing is operably rotatable around a fulcrum,
relative to the water pan mount, to secure the water pan within the
housing. At least one latch is coupled to the housing. The at least
one latch is operably positionable in an engaged position and in a
disengaged position, wherein, in the engaged position, the at least
one latch prevents rotation of the housing around the fulcrum.
[0006] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the vacuum further comprises a series of biasing
members coupled to the housing and the water pan mount, wherein the
series of biasing members are configured to apply rotational force
to the housing about the fulcrum.
[0007] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the series of biasing members comprise one of at least
two gas lift springs, a set of compression springs, a set of
extension springs, a set of torsion springs, a set of tension
springs wherein each tension spring is operably coupled to opposed
bars, and a constant force spring.
[0008] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the housing and the water pan each comprise at least
two apertures configured to operably align to create a path for
airflow.
[0009] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the fulcrum comprises an axle.
[0010] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the at least one latch comprises two latches configured
to secure the housing to the water pan mount.
[0011] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the housing comprises a canister comprising an internal
volume configured to contain vacuum components.
[0012] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the water pan comprises a set of handles configured to
engage housing.
[0013] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the at least one latch is coupled to the water pan in
the engaged position.
[0014] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the at least one latch is operably coupled to the set
of handles in the engaged position.
[0015] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, in the engaged position, the at least one latch is
coupled to the water pan mount.
[0016] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a
vacuum is provided. The vacuum includes a housing. A water pan
mount is rotably coupled to the housing around a fulcrum and
contoured to complementarily receive a water pan. At least one
biasing member couples the housing to the water pan mount. The at
least one biasing member is configured to apply rotational force to
the housing about the fulcrum. At least one latch is disposed on
one of the housing and the water pan mount. The at least one latch
is operably positionable in an engaged position and in a disengaged
position, wherein, in the engaged position, the at least one latch
prevents rotation of the housing with respect to the water pan
mount.
[0017] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, in the disengaged position, the housing is rotatable
around the fulcrum.
[0018] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the at least one biasing member is configured to apply
rotational force to the housing about the fulcrum.
[0019] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a
vacuum is provided. The vacuum includes a hollow wand including a
distal end. A vacuum accessory includes a proximal end. The vacuum
accessory is configured to releasably couple with the hollow wand.
A first terminal is disposed at the distal end of the hollow wand.
A second terminal is disposed at the proximal end of the vacuum
accessory. The second terminal is configured to correspondingly
electrically mate with the first terminal. A biasing member is
operably coupled to one of the first terminal and the second
terminal, wherein, when the hollow wand is releasably coupled to
the vacuum accessory, the biasing member is compressed such that
the first terminal and the second terminal are maintained in mating
contact with each other.
[0020] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, when the hollow wand is releasably coupled to the
vacuum accessory, relative positions of the first terminal and the
second terminal are maintained in mating contact with each other,
and refrain from sliding movement against each other, despite
movement between the hollow wand and the vacuum accessory.
[0021] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the biasing member is one of a compression spring, a
tension spring, a constant force spring, and an extension
spring.
[0022] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the vacuum further includes a second biasing member
operably coupled to the other one of the first terminal and the
second terminal.
[0023] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the first terminal is a male terminal.
[0024] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the first terminal comprises one of a pin terminal, a
flat terminal, and a straight blade plug.
[0025] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the second terminal is a female terminal.
[0026] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the second terminal is one of a receptacle barrel
terminal, a flat terminal, and a straight blade connector.
[0027] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the vacuum further includes a sleeve mechanically
coupled to the hollow wand, wherein the first terminal is partially
disposed within the sleeve between the hollow wand and the
sleeve.
[0028] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the sleeve comprises an elongated neck, a first
apertural band and a second apertural band, wherein the first
apertural band and the second apertural band are configured to
secure the sleeve to the hollow wand.
[0029] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the vacuum further includes a button lock operably
coupled to the sleeve, wherein the button lock is selectively
actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position.
The button lock is configured to, in the engaged position, secure
the first terminal to the second terminal when the hollow wand is
releasably coupled to the vacuum accessory.
[0030] According to certain implementations of the present
disclosure, the button lock is configured to releasably disengage
the first terminal from the second terminal when the button lock is
selectively actuated from the engaged position to the disengaged
position.
[0031] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a
vacuum is provided. The vacuum includes a hollow wand including a
distal end. The hollow wand is configured to releasably couple with
a vacuum accessory. A first terminal is disposed at the distal end
of the hollow wand. A biasing member operably is coupled to the
first terminal, wherein, when the hollow wand is releasably coupled
to the vacuum accessory, the biasing member is compressed such that
the first terminal is maintained in mating electrical contact with
a second terminal of the vacuum accessory.
[0032] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a
vacuum accessory is provided. The vacuum accessory includes a
vacuum accessory end configured to releasably couple with a hollow
wand. A first terminal disposed at the vacuum accessory end. A
biasing member is operably coupled to the first terminal, wherein,
when the vacuum accessory end is releasably coupled to the hollow
wand, the biasing member is compressed such that the first terminal
and a second terminal of the hollow wand are maintained in
electrical mating contact with each other.
[0033] The subject technology is capable of other and different
configurations and its several details are capable of modification
in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of
the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed
description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as
restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Referring now to the drawings, which are meant to be
exemplary and not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered
alike. The detailed description is set forth with reference to the
accompanying drawings illustrating examples of the disclosure, in
which use of the same reference numerals indicates similar or
identical items. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may
include elements, components, and/or configurations other than
those illustrated in the drawings, and some of the elements,
components, and/or configurations illustrated in the drawings may
not be present in certain embodiments.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a
vacuum with a self-actuating lift.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the vacuum of FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a water
pan of the vacuum of FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 4A is a top view of the vacuum of FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG. 4B is a partial cross-sectional view of the vacuum of
FIG. 4A, taken along the line 4B-4B illustrating a latch in an
engaged position.
[0040] FIG. 4C is a partial cross-sectional view of the vacuum of
FIG. 4A, taken along the line 4B-4B illustrating the latch in a
disengaged position.
[0041] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum of FIG. 4A,
taken along the line 4D-4D illustrating the latch in the engaged
position.
[0042] FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum of FIG. 4A,
taken along the line 4D-4D illustrating the latch in the disengaged
position.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vacuum
cleaner wand assembly.
[0044] FIG. 6A is a side cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner
wand assembly of FIG. 5.
[0045] FIG. 6B is a side cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner
wand assembly of FIG. 5 illustrating the vacuum cleaner wand
assembly releasably coupled to a vacuum and a vacuum accessory.
[0046] FIG. 6C is perspective view illustrating the vacuum cleaner
wand assembly releasably coupled to a vacuum and a vacuum
accessory.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a top x-ray view of the vacuum cleaner wand
assembly of FIG. 5.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a top cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
sleeve of a vacuum cleaner wand assembly.
[0049] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
sleeve of a vacuum cleaner wand assembly.
[0050] FIG. 10A is a top view of one embodiment of a receptacle
body of a wand assembly.
[0051] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle body of
FIG. 10A.
[0052] FIG. 11A is a top view of one embodiment of a cover of a
wand assembly.
[0053] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG.
11A.
[0054] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the cover of FIG.
11A.
[0055] FIG. 13 is a front view of one embodiment of a female
terminal of a wand assembly.
[0056] FIG. 14 is side view of the vacuum of FIG. 1 illustrating an
implementation of the biasing member when the latch is in an
engaged position.
[0057] FIG. 15 is a side view of the vacuum of FIG. 14 illustrating
an implementation of the biasing member when the latch is in a
disengaged position.
[0058] FIG. 16 is a side view of the vacuum of FIG. 1 illustrating
an alternative implementation of the biasing member when the latch
is in the disengaged position.
[0059] FIG. 17 is a side view of the vacuum of FIG. 1 illustrating
another alternative implementation of the biasing member when the
latch is in the disengaged position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] Vacuums including a self-actuating lift and/or a vacuum wand
assembly, and methods of using the same are provided herein. For
example, the vacuums may be water filter-type vacuums or other
suitable vacuums.
Self-Actuating Lift Mechanisms
[0061] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, a vacuum includes a
housing and a water pan mount. In some embodiments, the water pan
mount is coupled to the housing and configured to receive a water
pan, such as are known for use in water filter-type vacuums. In
some embodiments, the housing is operably rotatable around a
fulcrum, relative to the water pan mount, to secure the water pan
within the housing. In some embodiments, the vacuum includes at
least one latch coupled to the housing, with the at least one latch
being operably positionable in an engaged position and a disengaged
position. In some embodiments, the latch in an engaged position
prevents operable rotation of the housing around the fulcrum.
[0062] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4E and 14-17, the
vacuum 100 includes a series of biasing members 114 coupled to the
housing 102 and the water pan mount 106. The biasing members 114
may be configured to rotate the housing 102 around the fulcrum
point 116. For example, the biasing members 114 may include one or
more gas lift springs configured to exert a normal force on the
housing 102. For example, the gas lift springs may use compressed
gas within an enclosed cylinder to exert an opposite force on an
external force applied parallel to the direction of the piston (not
shown). In some instances, the biasing members 114 may be another
type of spring, such as a compression spring, an extension spring,
a torsion spring 126 (see FIG. 17), a tension spring 120 operably
coupled to opposing bars 122 (see FIGS. 14-15), a gas spring 124
operably coupled to a strut 125 (see FIG. 16), or a constant force
spring configured to rotate the canister 104 around a fulcrum point
116. For example, after the latch 112 is disengaged, the biasing
members 114 may begin to lift the canister 104 around the fulcrum
point 116 or may allow a user to rotate the canister about the
fulcrum 116.
[0063] In some instances, the biasing members 114 automatically
lift (i.e., self-actuate) the canister 104 and rotate the canister
104 around the fulcrum point 116. For example, upon disengagement
of the latch 112, the biasing members 114 may rotate the canister
90 degrees. In other instances, upon disengagement of the latch
112, the biasing members 114 may rotate the canister 104 some
distance less than 90 degrees around the fulcrum point 116. In yet
other instances, upon disengagement of the latch 112, the biasing
members 114 rotate the canister some distance greater than 90
degrees around the fulcrum point 116. In some instances, the
biasing members 114 may be configured to assist in rotating the
canister 104 around the fulcrum point 116. For example, a user may
need to apply additional rotational force to the canister 104 to
rotate the canister around the fulcrum point 116. In other
instances, the vacuum 100 does not include biasing members. For
example, the vacuum 100 housing 102 may include a fulcrum point
around which a user must rotate the canister 104 without biasing
members.
[0064] In certain implementations, the biasing members 114 are
tension springs 120 that are coupled to the opposing bars 122, as
illustrated in FIGS. 14-15. In such implementations, one of the
opposing bars 122 can be disposed on the water pan mount 106 and
the other of the opposing bars 122 can be disposed on the housing
102 such that the tension spring 120 is operably coupled to each of
the opposing bars 122 in an extended state when the latch 112 is
engaged. After the latch 112 is disengaged, the tension spring 120
recoils and may begin to lift the housing 102 around the fulcrum
point 116 or may allow a user to rotate the housing 102 about the
fulcrum 116. In certain implementations, one set of the tension
spring 120 and the opposing bars 122 can be disposed on each side
of the vacuum 100.
[0065] In certain implementations, the biasing members 114 are the
gas spring 124 that is operably coupled to the strut 125, as
illustrated in FIG. 16. In such implementations, the gas spring 124
can be coupled to the housing 102 and pivotally coupled to the
strut 125, which can be coupled to the water pan mount 106. After
the latch 112 is disengaged, the gas spring 124 may begin to rotate
the housing 102 around the fulcrum point 116.
[0066] In certain implementations, the biasing members 114 are the
torsion spring 126 operably coupled to the water pan mount 106 and
the housing 102, as illustrated in FIG. 17. In such
implementations, after the latch 112 is disengaged, the torsion
spring 126 may begin to rotate the housing 102 around the fulcrum
point 116.
[0067] In some embodiments, the canister 104 may be rotated
opposite to the force of the biasing members 114 to engage the
latch 112 of the housing. For example, the biasing members 114 may
rotate the canister 104 around the fulcrum point 116 to an open
position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). The water pan 108 may be
placed within the water pan mount 106. The canister 104 may be
rotated opposite the force of the biasing members 114 on the
canister 104. The latch 112 may then be configured to engage with
the housing 102 to secure the water pan 108 between the water pan
mount 106 and the canister 104.
[0068] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum 100
housing 102 includes a canister 104. In some instances, the
canister 104 may include one or more sidewalls defining an internal
volume. For example, the canister 104 may be a cylindrical shape
with an internal volume (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). In some
instances, the canister 104 may be another shape, such as
rectangular or pyramidal shape configured to create an internal
volume. For example, the internal volume of canister 104 may
provide a collection area for debris collected by the vacuum 100
during operation and/or storage for internal components configured
to create a suction for the vacuum 100. The canister may include
filters (e.g., high efficiency particulate air filters), a
controller, a motor, and other components to facilitate the suction
of particulates through a hose or other apparatus (not shown). In
other instances, the canister may not include one or more
filters.
[0069] In some embodiments, the vacuum 100 includes a water pan
mount 106 coupled to the housing 102, with the water pan mount 106
being configured to receive a water pan 108. For example, the water
pan mount 106 may be coupled to a fulcrum (not shown) attached to
the canister 104 of housing 102. In other embodiments, the water
pan mount 106 may be coupled to the housing 102 by another method,
including a fastener or adhesive. In some instances, the water pan
mount 106 may be configured to rotate around the fulcrum. For
example, the housing 102 and the water pan mount 106 may be
operably rotatable relative to one another. One benefit to operable
rotation of the housing 102 and/or the water pan mount 106 is
assisting with the process of completely detaching the housing 102
and/or canister 104 from the water pan mount 106 to remove the
water pan 108.
[0070] In some embodiments, the water pan mount 106 is configured
to receive the water pan 108. For example, the water pan 108 may be
saucer-shaped, and the water pan mount 106 may be donut-shaped to
receive the water pan 108. For example, the water pan mount 106
donut shape may have a smaller inner diameter of the apertural
portion 110 than the diameter of the water pan 108. The apertural
portion 110 sidewalls may be sloped towards the center of the water
pan mount 106 to complement the shape of the water pan 108. For
example, the water pan 108 may securely rest within the water pan
mount 106 because of the complementary shapes. In other instances,
the water pan 108 and water pan mount 106 may be other
complementary shapes for the water pan 108 to selectively set
within the water pan mount 106.
[0071] In some embodiments, the canister 104 and the water pan
mount 106 of the housing 102 are configured to rotate around the
fulcrum to secure the water pan 108. For example, the water pan
mount 106 and the canister 104 may be coupled to a hinge around
which the water pan mount 106 and the canister 104 rotate. In other
instances, the fulcrum around which the water pan mount 106 and the
canister 104 rotate is another type of rotary joint or swivel, such
as one or more ball joints. In some instances, the fulcrum may be
an axle. As used herein, the term "axle" refers to a rod or spindle
(either fixed or rotating) to which the rotatable components are
rotatably coupled.
[0072] In some embodiments, the vacuum 100 includes at least one
latch 112 configured to prevent operable rotation of the housing
102 and water pan mount 106 around the fulcrum. For example, the at
least one latch 112 may lock the housing 102 onto itself or onto
another surface (i.e., the water pan mount 106 or canister 104) to
prevent rotation around the fulcrum. For example, the at least one
latch 112 may be selectively movable between, and positionable in,
an engaged position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4) and a disengaged
position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1), relative to the water pan
mount 106 and housing 102. In some embodiments, the latch 112 is
associated with the canister 104 and engages with the water pan
mount 106. In other instances, the latch 112 engages with another
portion of the housing 102 or the water pan 108. In some
embodiments, the latch 112 is associated with the water pan mount
106 or water pan 108.
[0073] For example, the latch 112 may be a chin latch configured to
engage between the canister 104 and another portion of the housing
102. In other instances, the latch 112 may be another type of
mechanical latch to prevent rotation of the canister 104 and/or the
water pan mount 106, including a sliding latch. In some instances,
the latch 112 in the engaged position may prevent rotation of the
housing 102, including the canister 104 and the water pan mount
106. One benefit in preventing rotation is the water pan 108 may be
set within the water pan mount 106, and the engaged latch 112 may
firmly secure the water pan 108 within the water pan mount 106. In
other instances, the latch 112 may be in a disengaged position. For
example, the latch 112 may be pushed, pulled, or moved in some way
to disconnect from at least one surface of the housing 102. The
disengaged latch 112 may then allow the canister 104 and the water
pan mount 106 to operably rotate around the fulcrum, as described
herein. In some instances, the latch 112 may engage the water pan
mount 106 to secure the water pan 108.
[0074] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the water pan 108
includes a set of handles 109. The set of handles 109 may be
configured to orient the water pan 108 within the water pan mount
106. For example, the handles 109 may be positioned within the
water pan mount 106 to engage a bottom catch on the housing 102. In
some instances, the canister 104 may rotate towards the water pan
108 and the latch 112 may attach to the front of the water pan 108.
The canister 104 may also latch onto the handles 109. In this
manner, the latch points between the canister 104 and the water pan
108 may create a water-tight seal for the water pan 108 apertures
118 described herein.
[0075] In some embodiments, the housing 102 and the water pan 108
include at least two apertures 118 configured to align to create a
path for airflow. For example, the apertures 118 of the water pan
108 may be disposed on a top surface of the water pan and the
apertures 118 of the housing 102 may be disposed on a surface
opposed from the water pan mount 106. In some instances, once the
one or more latches 112 are in an engaged position, the apertures
118 may align to create a path for airflow within the housing 102.
For example, the airflow may be carried throughout the housing 102
created by the internal components of the canister 104 and any
debris in the airflow may be caught by water contained by the water
pan 108. In some instances, the water pan 108 and the housing 102
are operably engaged in an operating position when the apertures
118 are aligned. For example, setting the water pan 108 within the
water pan mount 106 may align the apertures 118 of the water pan
108 and the housing 102 once the latch 112 is in an engaged
position.
Wand Assemblies
[0076] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, vacuum cleaner wand
assembly includes a hollow wand. The hollow wand has a proximal end
and a distal end, with the distal end being configured for operable
attachment to a vacuum accessory. The vacuum cleaner wand assembly
includes a sleeve selectively coupled to the wand as well as a
cable. In some embodiments, the cable extends between the proximal
end and the distal end of the wand. In some embodiments, the cable
includes a male terminal and a female terminal configured for
operable electrical connection to the vacuum accessory and/or the
vacuum. The male terminal may include a pin terminal, a flat
terminal, a slide electrical connector, straight blade plug, or
other terminal type. The female terminal may include a receptacle
barrel terminal, a blade receptacle terminal, straight blade
connector, or some other terminal type. As described herein, the
male terminal and female terminal may be disposed on opposed ends
of the vacuum cleaner wand assembly. In some instances, the wand
assembly may have one or more terminals on each end of the wand. In
other instances, the male terminal and female terminal may be
disposed on either end of the vacuum cleaner wand assembly.
[0077] In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner wand assembly 200
includes a sleeve 208 and a cable contained within the sleeve 208.
In some embodiments, the sleeve 208 and the cable are configured to
establish electrical connection between a vacuum 250 (see FIG. 6B)
and a vacuum accessory 252 (see FIG. 6B). For example, the vacuum
may provide a power source that traverses across the cable to
provide the electrical power to the vacuum accessory. For example,
as discussed later, the vacuum accessory may mate with the distal
end 204 of the sleeve 208 and the wand 202 to be powered by the
aforementioned electrical connection. Vacuum cleaner accessories
for operable connection via the wand assemblies may include any
suitable accessories as known in the industry, including a power
nozzle, an AquaMate.RTM., a RainJet.RTM., a RainbowMate.RTM., a
MiniJet.RTM., or a JetPad.RTM., all commercially available from
REXAIR.
[0078] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the vacuum cleaner
wand assembly 200 includes a hollow wand 202. In some embodiments,
the hollow wand 202 may be a cylindrical hollow tube. In other
embodiments, the hollow wand 202 may have another cross-sectional
shape, such as rectangular, square, or triangular. Dirt, debris,
and other particles may traverse the hollow tube from a distal end
204 to a proximate end 206. In some embodiments, the hollow wand
202 may be configured to receive and transfer dust and debris
through an interior volume. For example, the hollow wand 202 distal
end 204 may be configured to receive dirt through an aperture (not
shown) to an interior volume. The dirt may travel through the
interior volume to the proximate end 206 and be received by the
vacuum (not shown). In some instances, the hollow wand 202 may be
composed of a metal alloy. In other instances, the hollow wand 202
may be composed of some other material, such as a plastic
material.
[0079] In some embodiments, the hollow wand 202 of the vacuum
cleaner wand assembly 200 is associated with a sleeve 208. In some
embodiments, the hollow wand 202 includes a series of apertures
210. The series of apertures 210 may be disposed on the proximate
end 206 of the hollow wand 202. In some instances, the series of
apertures 210 may be configured to receive a series of detents 212
disposed on the sleeve 208. For example, the series of detents 212
may be disposed on the interior of an apertural band 216A/216B of
the sleeve 208. For example, the series of detents 212 may extend
from the interior surface of the apertural band 216A/216B and
operably snap into the series of apertures 210 of the hollow wand
202. In some instances, the apertural band 216A/216B and detent 212
maintains a seal around the inner surface 218 of the hollow wand
202. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, once the series of
detents 212 snap into the series of apertures 210, the sleeve 208
is secured onto the hollow wand 202.
[0080] In some embodiments, the sleeve 208 includes an elongated
neck 220, the first and second apertural bands 216A/216B, and a
first cover 222 and a second cover 224. In some embodiments, a
cable (not shown), a male terminal 226, and a female terminal 228
are disposed within the sleeve 208. For example, the sleeve 208 may
be an overmolded plastic configured to secure and protect the
terminals and cable within the sleeve 208. For example, as
previously mentioned, the apertural bands 216A/216B may wrap or
otherwise be positioned around the hollow wand 202 to secure the
sleeve 208 onto the wand 202. In other instances, the apertural
bands 216A/216B may secure the sleeve 208 onto the wand 202 some
other method, such as tension, friction, or fasteners. In some
embodiments, the hollow wand 202 may not include a sleeve 208. For
example, the cable, male terminal 226, and female terminal 228 may
be disposed or embedded within the hollow wand 202. In some
instances, the various components may be disposed within the hollow
wand 202 and secured by adhesive. In other instances, the various
components may be embedded within an overmolded plastic formed in
the inner surface 218 of the hollow wand 202.
[0081] The elongated neck 220 of the sleeve 208 may be disposed on
one side to complement the shape of the hollow wand 202. In some
instances, the elongated neck 220 may be hollow (not shown) and
configured to store the electric cable between the terminals. In
other instances, the elongated neck 220 may be molded onto the
electrical wire to connect the terminals. The elongated neck 220
may extend from the proximate end 206 of the hollow wand 202 to the
distal end 204. In some instances, the elongated neck 220 may
partially extend along the hollow wand 202 or form another shape.
For example, the elongated neck 220 may twist around the body of
the hollow wand 202 from the proximate end 206 towards the distal
end 204.
[0082] In some embodiments, the elongated neck 220 extends to a
first cover 222 and a second cover 224. For example, the elongated
neck 220 extends towards the proximate end 206 to widen into the
first cover 222. For example, the elongated neck 220 may have a
smaller area cross-section than the cross-sectional area of the
first cover 222. In some instances, the elongated neck 220 may have
a larger cross-sectional area than the first cover 222. In some
embodiments, the elongated neck 220 extends to a distal end 204 to
widen into the second cover 224. For example, the elongated neck
220 may have a smaller area cross-section than the cross-sectional
area of the second cover 224. In some instances, the elongated neck
220 may have a larger cross-sectional area than the second cover
224. In some instances, the first cover 222 and the second cover
224 are configured to protect the later discussed male terminal 226
and female terminal 228. For example, the first cover 222 and the
second cover 224 may be composed of plastic to protect the male
terminal 226 and the female terminal 228 from the environment
(i.e., wind, rain, and dirt). In some instances, the male terminal
226 and female terminal 228 may be interchangeable. In other
instances, both terminals may be only male terminals or only female
terminals.
[0083] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6-9, the vacuum
cleaner wand assembly 200 includes a cable 230 configured to
traverse between a male terminal 226 and a female terminal 228. In
some embodiments, the cable 230 is configured for operable
electrical connection to the aforementioned vacuum accessories via
the terminals. As used herein, the term "about" refers to a range
of +/-two percent of the unit of measurement stated thereafter. In
some embodiments, the cable 230 is disposed within the sleeve 208.
For example, the sleeve 208 may include an internal volume and the
cable 230 rests within the internal volume. In some instances, the
cable 230 may be within the hollow wand 202 or disposed elsewhere
on the vacuum cleaner wand assembly 200, such as without a separate
protective sleeve.
[0084] In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner wand assembly 200
includes a male terminal 226 and a female terminal 228. In some
embodiments, the male terminal 226 and the female terminal 228 are
configured for operable electrical connection to the vacuum and
vacuum accessory. For example, the male terminal 226 may include a
series of pins 232 configured to be matingly inserted into a female
end 256 (i.e., terminal) of the vacuum accessory 252. For example,
the male terminal 226 may be inserted into the female end 256 of
the vacuum accessory and snap into place, securing the vacuum
cleaner wand assembly 200 to a desired accessory. For example, the
male terminal 226 may include mating connectors such as detents,
joints, blades, fasteners, or other mechanisms configured to secure
the male terminal 226 to the accessory.
[0085] In some embodiments, the male terminal 226 is coupled to a
biasing member 234 configured to eject male terminal 226. For
example, the biasing member 234 may be compressed as the male
terminal 226 attaches to the vacuum accessory. That is, the male
terminal 226 moves relative to the sleeve 208 as the vacuum
accessory slides attaches to the male terminal 226, thereby
compressing the biasing member 234. In some instances, the male
terminal 226 may selectively lock onto the button lock 236 as
described herein. In this manner, the button lock 236 may hold the
vacuum accessory and male terminal 226 together. That is, the
button lock 236 and/or the biasing member 234 may be configured to
hold in place the terminals as the attached accessory and vacuum
are pushed and pulled by a user. In some instances, the male
terminal 226 may actuate between an engaged and a disengaged
position with the vacuum accessory, and the female terminal 228 may
remain static when attaching to the vacuum. In other instances, the
male terminal 226 and the female terminal 228 may both actuate,
relative to the sleeve 208, between engaged and disengaged
positions. In yet other instances, the male terminal 226 and female
terminal 228 may both be static. The terminals may interchange
between the type of terminal disposed at either end of the sleeve
208 as well as interchange their relative motion to the sleeve 208
for engaging the vacuum and vacuum accessories.
[0086] In certain implementations, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the
female end 256 of the vacuum accessory 252 is coupled to another
biasing member 254. For example, when the vacuum cleaner wand
assembly 200 is releasably coupled to the vacuum accessory 252 the
biasing member 254 is compressed within the vacuum accessory 252
while the biasing member 234 that is operably coupled to the male
terminal 226 of the vacuum cleaner wand assembly 200 is also
compressed. Although both the female end 256 of the vacuum
accessory 252 and the male terminal 226 of the vacuum cleaner wand
assembly 200 are coupled to respective biasing members 254, 234, it
should be understood that, in certain other implementations, the
female end 256 is not coupled to a biasing member while the male
terminal 226 of the vacuum cleaner wand assembly 200 is coupled to
a biasing member, and vice versa.
[0087] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, a button lock 236
or another suitable interface is operable to engage and disengage
the biasing member 234. For example, the button lock 236 may be
configured to disengage the biasing member 234 and male terminal
226 from the vacuum accessory. The disengaged biasing member 234
may force the male terminal 226 to disengage the vacuum accessory.
In some instances, the biasing member 234 may be preloaded within
the sleeve 208. In this manner, the biasing member 234 removes any
play with the male terminal 226. For example, when the vacuum
cleaner wand assembly 200 is releasably coupled to the vacuum
accessory 252, the biasing member 234 exerts force to maintain the
male terminal 226 in electrical mating contact with the female end
256 of the vacuum accessory 252. The relative positions of the
first terminal and the second terminal are maintained in mating
electrical contact with each other, and refrain from sliding
movement against each other, despite movement between the vacuum
cleaner wand assembly 200 and the vacuum accessory 252 such as, for
example, when the vacuum accessory 252 is being pushed and pulled
during operation. One benefit of removing play with the biasing
member 234 may include increasing the number of cycles the terminal
for engaging and disengaging accessories and the vacuum with the
wand. That is, the longevity of the wand terminals increase. In
some instances, the biasing member 234 may be a compression spring.
In other instances, the biasing member 234 may be a tension spring,
a constant force spring, or an extension spring, among others.
[0088] In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner assembly 200
includes a female terminal 228 configured for operable electrical
connection to a vacuum or other vacuum connection or accessory. In
some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the female terminal 228 may
be disposed within a first cover 222 of the sleeve 208. For
example, the first cover 222 may be configured to protect the
female terminal from the environment surrounding the terminal. The
female terminal may include an electrical receptor 238. For
example, the electrical receptor 238 may be configured to receive
an electrical connection from the vacuum. The electrical connection
from the vacuum may vary in amperage and voltage. The electrical
connection from the vacuum may be delivered via a pair of mating
pins (not shown). For example, the female terminal 228 may include
terminal ends 240 configured to receive the pair of mating pins
from the vacuum. In some instances, the female terminal 228 may
include a button lock (not shown) configured to operably engage and
disengage mating pins from the vacuum. In other instances, the
female terminal 228 may have a different mechanism operable to
engage and disengage the vacuum electrical connection, such as a
set of fasteners.
[0089] While the disclosure has been described with reference to a
number of embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed
embodiments. Rather, the disclosed embodiments can be modified to
incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions,
or equivalent arrangements not described herein, but which are
commensurate with the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *