U.S. patent number RE32,751 [Application Number 07/096,349] was granted by the patent office on 1988-09-20 for stick vacuum cleaner.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Bissell Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael S. Joss, David E. McDowell.
United States Patent |
RE32,751 |
Joss , et al. |
September 20, 1988 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Stick vacuum cleaner
Abstract
A vacuum cleaner convertible between an upright vacuum cleaner
and a portable hand carried vacuum cleaner. The conversion is
accomplished by means of a handle pivotally mounted for selective
movement between an open position extending from the body of the
unit for manipulation thereof in an upright floor carried vacuum
operation, and a closed position overlying the body of the unit
wherein the handle and housing cooperate to form a handgrip of
discrete length for manipulation thereof in a portable hand carried
vacuum cleaning operation. The handle automatically latches upon
opening and closing. The vacuum cleaner also includes a dirt
reservoir and filter bag assembly carried by the body of the unit
and removable from the body of the unit and separable from each
other for ease of cleaning.
Inventors: |
Joss; Michael S. (Chicago,
IL), McDowell; David E. (Grand Rapids, MI) |
Assignee: |
Bissell Inc. (Grand Rapids,
MI)
|
Family
ID: |
26791607 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/096,349 |
Filed: |
September 11, 1987 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
715324 |
Mar 25, 1985 |
04644605 |
Feb 24, 1987 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/329; 15/344;
15/350; 15/352; 15/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L
5/24 (20130101); A47L 9/322 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47L
5/22 (20060101); A47L 9/32 (20060101); A47L
5/24 (20060101); A47L 005/28 () |
Field of
Search: |
;15/329,350,351,352,344,410 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Moore; Chris K.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Price, Heneveld, Cooper, DeWitt
& Litton
Claims
We claim:
1. A vacuum cleaner convertible between an upright vacuum cleaner
and a portable hand carried vacuum cleaner, the combination
comprising;
a housing having opposite ends;
nozzle means at one end of said housing;
motor means in said housing for effecting suction of air through
said nozzle means;
filter means in said housing for receiving air from said nozzle
means and arranged to remove and collect dirt from the air;
a handle pivotably mounted on the other end of said housing for
selective movement between an open position extending from said
housing for manipulation thereof in an upright floor carried vacuum
cleaning operation, and a closed position overlying said housing
wherein said handle and housing cooperate to form a hand grip of
discrete length at a location remote from said nozzle means
adjacent said other end for manipulation thereof in a portable hand
carried vacuum cleaning operation; and
handle locking means for automatically locking said handle in its
open positioon upon movement thereto.
2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein said housing includes a
recess at said other end to provide a hand-hold space between said
handle and said housing for said grip when said handle is in its
closed position.
3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, further including handle
fastening means on said housing for fastening said handle in its
closed position so that the length of said handle between its free
end and said recess is held in a substantially abutting
relationship against said housing.
4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein said housing includes a
pair of opposite spaced apart longitudinal side walls extending
between said opposite ends, and said handle pivots about an axis
transverse to said side walls.
5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein said automatic handle
locking means includes means normally restraining the handle from
pivotal movement out of its open position except upon the
application of a predetermined external bending force on said
handle.
6. A vacuum cleaner convertible between an upright vacuum cleaner
and a portable hand carried vacuum cleaner, the combination
comprising:
a housing having opposite ends;
nozzle means at one end of said housing;
motor means in said housing for effecting suction of air through
said nozzle means;
filter means in said housing for receiving air from said nozzle
means and arranged to remove and collect dirt from the air, said
filter means includes a removable dirt reservoir carried by said
housing disposed between said nozzle means and said motor means,
and a filter bag carried by said dirt reservoir disposed between
said reservoir and said motor means; and
a handle pivotably mounted on the other end of said housing for
selective movement between an open position extending from said
housing for manipulation thereof in an upright floor carried vacuum
cleaning operation, and a closed position overlying said housing
wherein said handle and housing cooperate to form a hand grip of
discrete length at a location remote from said nozzle means
adjacent said other end for manipulation thereof in a portable hand
carried vacuum cleaning operation, and wherein said dirt reservoir
includes handle latching means thereon for latching said handle in
its closed position.
7. A vacuum cleaner convertible between an upright vacuum cleaner
and a portable hand carried vacuum cleaner, the combination
comprising;
a housing having opposite ends;
nozzle means at one end of said housing;
motor means in said housing for effecting suction of air through
said nozzle means;
filter means in said housing for receiving air from said nozzle
means and arranged to remove and collect dirt from the air, said
filter means includes a removable dirt reservoir carried by said
housing disposed between said nozzle means and said motor means,
and a filter bag carried by said dirt reservoir disposed between
said reservoir and said motor means, and said housing includes a
hollow portion extending between said motor means and said nozzle
means, said dirt reservoir includes a cover closing said hollow
portion, and said housing futher includes a bottom wall and side
walls interconnecting said cover and bottom walls;
a handle pivotably mounted on the other end of said housing for
selective movement between an open position extending from said
housing for manipulation thereof in an upright floor carried vacuum
cleaning operation, and a closed position overlying said housing
wherein said handle and housing cooperate to form a hand grip of
discrete length at a location remote from said nozzle means
adjacent said other end for manipulation thereof in a portable hand
carried vacuum cleaning operation;
latching means on said housing for removably latching said cover
thereto in air tight relationship therewith; and
mounting means for removably mounting said filter bag on said dirt
reservoir, and mounting means includes a frame carrying said filter
bag, a flange formed on said bottom and side walls, a groove on
said frame for slidably receiving said flange, and means for
holding said filter bag frame in air tight relationship in said
reservoir.
8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 7, wherein said holding means
includes projection means on said cover engageable with said filter
bag frame to hold said frame against said reservoir.
9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8, wherein said holding means
further includes abutment means within the hollow portion of said
housing engageable with said filter bag frame to hold said flange
against said groove. .Iadd.10. A vacuum cleaner convertible between
an upright vacuum cleaner and a portable hand-carried vacuum
cleaner comprising:
housing for vacuum components;
said housing having opposite ends, a first side surface and a
second opposite side surface;
said vacuum components including a vacuum nozzle opening at one end
of said housing, a motor having means for effecting suction of air
through said vacuum nozzle, and a filter for receiving air from
said vacuum nozzle and arranged to remove and collect dirt from the
air;
a handle pivotally mounted on the other end of said housing for
selective movement between an open position extending from said
housing means for manipulation thereof in an upright floor carried
vacuum cleaning operation, and a closed position overlying said
first side surface of said housing, said handle closely overlying
said first side surface of said housing throughout substantially
the entire length of said handle to create a compact visual
appearance, said first side surface of said housing deviating
downwardly away from said handle for only a sufficient portion of
the length of said handle to define a hand-hold recess below said
handle whereby a user can readily grasp said handle in said
hand-hold area when said handle is in said closed position for
manipulation thereof in a portable hand-carried vacuum cleaning
operation; and
handle locking means for locking said handle in its open position
upon
movement thereto. .Iadd.11. The vacuum cleaner of claim 10, further
including handle fastening means on said housing for fastening said
handle in its closed position so that the length of said handle
between its free end and said recess is held in a substantially
abutting relationship against said housing means. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 10 wherein said handle
locking means includes means for normally restraining the handle
from pivotal movement out of its open position except upon the
application of a predetermined external bending force on said
handle. .Iaddend. .Iadd.13. A vacuum cleaner convertible between an
upright vacuum cleaner and a portable hand-carried vacuum cleaner,
a combination comprising:
housing for vacuum components;
said housing having opposite ends;
said vacuum components including a vacuum nozzle opening at one end
of said housing means, a motor and motor driven fan for effecting
suction of air through said vacuum nozzle, and a filter for
receiving air from said vacuum nozzle and arranged to remove and
collect dirt from the air;
a handle pivotally mounted on the other end of said housing for
selective movement between an open position extending from said
housing for manipulation thereof in an upright floor carried vacuum
cleaning operation, and a closed position overlying said housing
for manipulation thereof in a portable hand-carried vacuum cleaning
operation;
handle locking means for automatically locking said handle in its
open position upon movement thereto; and
handle fastening means for automatically locking said handle in its
closed portion upon movement thereto..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to vacuum cleaners and more
particularly to a vacuum cleaner convertible between an upright
unit and a portable hand carried unit.
The conventional upright vacuum cleaner is provided with a housing
or body having a nozzle means at its lower end and a handle mounted
on its upper end extending from the housing for manipulating the
vacuum cleaner in an upright manner along the floor to be cleaned.
Examples of such vacuum cleaners can be found in Valbona et al U.S.
Pat. No. 3,667,085 and Findley et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,193,992.
Additionally, Fisker, U.S. Pat. No. 1,558,006 illustrates an
upright vacuum cleaner provided with a handle pivotally connected
to the body of the unit so that it may be swung into a position
alongside of the body of the vacuum cleaner during transport or
storage.
Recently, small portable lightweight vacuum cleaners adapted to be
hand carried have been developed. These types of vacuum cleaners
are generally cordless, battery powered electric driven units which
inclue a removable section to permit insertion, removal and
replacement of a filter bag. Illustrative of these types of vacuum
cleaners are Pugh et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,209,875 and Miller et al
U.S. Pat. No. 4,380,845.
Additionally, Nupp et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,758,914 illustrates a
vacuum cleaner that is convertible between an upright vacuum
cleaner and a portable hand carried vacuum cleaner. The Nupp et al
patent also includes a removable dirt box and a handle which is
rotatable between an extended position and a retracted position
overlying the dirt box. A number of different forms of vacuum
cleaners have been developed wherein dirt boxes or other components
of the vacuum cleaner are removable from the body of the unit.
Illustrative of such vacuum cleaner structures are those shown in
Nerheim, U.S. Pat. No. 2,564,339; Krammes, U.S. Pat. No. 3,040,362;
and Buchtel, U.S. Pat. No. 4,467,493.
A number of different forms of connections between the handle and
body of cleaning devices have also been developed. For example, the
above Fisker patent shows a handle pivotally connected to the body
of a vacuum cleaner which may be adjusted and secured to various
positions by a butterfly or wing nut. Osborn, U.S. Pat. No.
2,460,236 illustrates a handle for a vacuum cleaner which includes
a mechanism similar to a "dead man" switch in that whenever a
trigger on the handle is squeezed the handle may be freely pivoted
on the body of the vacuum cleaner, and whenever the trigger is
released the handle is locked in position. Lauderbach, U.S. Pat.
No. 2,191,348 illustrates a two section handle for a dust mop or
broom that includes a breakaway type latching mechanism between the
two handle sections.
Furthermore, a number of different forms of push type operating
handles for various devices have been developed that may be folded
or collapsed to provide a carrying handle for the device. Gaudry et
al, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,631,559 and 3,673,628 as well as Anderson,
U.S. Pat. No. 3,203,707 and Greene et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,204,272
all relate to foldable handles for floor waxers or polishers.
Benson et al, U.S. Pat. No. 2,821,258 relates to a foldable handle
assembly for a power driven lawn mower while Avolio, U.S. Pat. No.
4,381,766 discloses a foldable applicator which enables persons to
reach their backs to apply lotions, creams, oils and the like.
In designing a multipurpose vacuum cleaner of improved
construction, problems are always found relative to the placement
and mounting of the various components. This is especially true in
connection with the handle assembly, as well as the dirt receptacle
and filter bag assembly. It is important that the vacuum cleaner be
designed so that it can be manufactured economically, as well as be
assembled and serviced with a minimum of difficulty. Also, it is
important that the dirt receptacle and filter bag assembly be
easily removable and reinsertable to permit cleaning of the filter
bag and disposal of the collected dirt. Thus, the elements of the
vacuum cleaner should cooperate and function in an efficient
manner, keeping in mind the need for a compact unit which is
visually attractive.
It is therefore a task of the present invention to provide a vacuum
cleaner of improved construction which is convertible between an
upright vacuum cleaner and a hand carried portable vacuum cleaner
wherein the various components cooperate and function in an
efficient manner.
It is another task of the invention to provide a convertible vacuum
cleaner that is lightweight, easy to clean and visually
attractive.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a vacuum cleaner is
provided that is convertible between an upright vacuum cleaner and
a portable hand carried vacuum cleaner that inclues a handle
pivotally mounted on the body of the unit for selective movement
between an open position extending from the body for manipulation
thereof in an upright floor carried vacuum cleaning operation, and
a closed position overlying the body of the unit wherein the handle
and housing cooperate to form a hand grip of discrete length for
manipulation thereof in a portable hand carried vacuum cleaning
operation. More specifically, the body of the unit includes a
recess which provides a hand hold space between the handle and the
body of the unit to form the grip when the handle is in its closed
position. Thus, the handle enables the unit to be readily converted
from an upright vacuum cleaner to a portable hand carried vacuum
cleaner.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the handle of
the vacuum cleaner includes locking means for automatically locking
the handle in position upon opening to its upright position and
upon closing to its hand held portable position. The handle locking
means includes a "breakaway" type latch which normally restrains
the handle from pivotal movement out of its open position except
upon the application of a predetermined external bending force on
the handle. The locking means also includes a latch for the handle
when it is closed which is located on the door of the dirt
receptacle and filter bag assembly rather than on the cleaner body.
This prevents removal of the dirt receptacle and filter bag
assembly when the handle is in its closed position. Thus, removal
of the dirt receptacle and filter bag assembly is only permitted
after movement of the handle from its closed position to its open
extended position.
In still another aspect of the invention, the dirt receptacle and
filter bag assembly is separable from the body of the unit and from
each other for easy cleaning. This assembly includes a cover which
forms a portion of the body of the unit and a dirt receptacle or
reservoir integrally attached thereto which is receivable within a
hollow portion of the body of the unit. The filter bag is attached
to a frame which is slidable onto one end of the dirt reservoir and
sealingly held in place in an air tight relationship when the cover
is latched on the cleaner body.
The present invention thus provides an improved construction for a
vacuum cleaner convertible between upright operation and portable
hand held operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of
carrying out the invention.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a side view in elevation of a vacuum cleaner embodying
the invention with its handle closed and arranged as a portable
hand carried vacuum cleaner;
FIG. 2 is a side view in elevation of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1
with its handle in the extended open position and arranged as an
upright floor carried vacuum cleaner;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view similar to FIG. 1 with parts broken
away and in section;
FIG. 4 is an end view in cross section with parts broken away taken
along the plane of the line 4--4 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view in section taken along the plane
of the line 5--5 in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side view in section illustrating on an
enlarged scale the sealing connection provided for the filter bag
frame on the dirt reservoir;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side view with parts broken away and in
section illustrating the breakaway latch for automatically locking
the handle in its open extended position;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the removal and insertion
of the dirt reservoir and filter bag assembly on the body of the
vacuum cleaner;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary detailed view in cross section illustrating
the latch for holding the dirt reservoir and filter bag assembly on
the cleaner body; and
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary detailed view in cross section
illustrating the latch for locking the handle of the vacuum cleaner
in its closed position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a vacuum
cleaner generally designated by the numeral 1 constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention. As shown
best in FIG. 8, however, vacuum cleaner 1 includes a U-shaped body
or housing 2 enclosed at its upper end by a motor housing cover 3
and at its lower end by a door or cover 4 for the filter bag and
dirt reservoir assembly which will hereinafter be described. Vacuum
cleaner 1 is provided at its lower end with a nozzle 5, and at its
upper end with a handle 6 for use in manipulating cleaner 1 in a
vacuum cleaning operation. Handle 6 is pivotally mounted on the
upper end of body 2 for selected movement between an open position
extending from body 2 (FIG. 2) for manipulating vacuum cleaner 1 in
an upright floor carried vacuum cleaning operation, and a closed
position (FIG. 1) overlying body 2 and in abutment therewith
wherein vacuum cleaner 1 is converted into a portable hand carried
vacuum cleaner. In this latter position handle 6 and motor cover 3
cooperate to form a hand grip of discrete length at the upper end
of cleaner 1 for manipulation in the portable hand carried vacuum
cleaning operation. In order to accomplish this, motor cover 3 is
substantially Z-shaped so that a recessed portion 7 is formed to
provide a hand hold space 8 between handle 6 and cover 3 when
handle 6 is in its closed position.
Nozzle 5 may comprise a conventional nozzle as shown in FIG. 2
having wheels for movably supporting vacuum cleaner 1 on a floor
surface. The nozzle may also include conventional rotating or
reciprocating brushes (not shown) for facilitating the removable of
dirt and other material in the vacuum cleaning operation. As shown
in FIG. 1, a conventional flexible hose 9 may be attached to the
lower end of vacuum cleaner 1 to which in turn nozzle 5 may be
connected so that vacuum cleaner 1 may be placed on the floor or
other supporting surface while a user merely manipulates nozzle 5
to clean furniture, upholstery or the like.
In operation, dirt is picked up by nozzle 5 and drawn through hose
9, if used, and then through a suction inlet tube 10 integrally
attached to the lower end of body 2. The suction force is produced
by air drawn through inlet 10 by means of a fan driven by a
suitable electric motor housed within the upper end of body 2 and
enclosed by cover 3. The electric motor receives electricity
through a conventional power cord 11 which enters body 2 through
the upper end of cover 3.
Dirt and air are delivered through suction inlet tube 10 to the
dirt reservoir and filter bag assembly, which is best shown in
FIGS. 3 and 8. The dirt reservoir and filter bag assembly includes
cover 4 which as best shown in FIG. 8 is channel or U-shaped and
includes a top wall and a pair of opposite downwardly extending
side walls. The lip or edge of cover 4 sealingly engages the lip or
edge of body 2 and motor cover 3 so as to form an air tight seal
when cover 4 is assembled on body 2. The dirt reservoir and filter
bag assembly also includes a U-shaped container or reservoir 12
which includes a bottom wall and a pair of opposite side walls
which interconnect the bottom wall with the top wall of cover 4.
Thus, the side walls of cover 4 lie adjacent the side walls of
reservoir 12 to form a ledge as shown best in FIG. 8. Reservoir 12
includes a tubular member 13 therein which is open at its opposite
ends so that one end matingly engages suction inlet tube 10 when
cover 4 is assembled on body 2 and reservoir 12 projects into the
hollow portion of body 2. The opposite end of tube 13 opens to the
interior of a filter bag 14 which is connected to a frame 15 which
in turn is slidably mounted on the front of reservoir 12. Bag 14 is
composed of any suitable woven material which is permeable to
enable air to be drawn therethrough and dirt to be deposited
thereon. As shown best in FIGS. 3-6, frame 15 includes a
rectangular shaped flat frame member 16 which is abuttable against
the front edge of reservoir 12 in sealing engagement therewith. As
a means for holding frame member 16 against the front edge of
reservoir 12 in an air tight relationship, cover 4 includes four
spaced apart downwardly extending projections 17. As shown best in
FIG. 3, reservoir 12 includes a wall 18 disposed adjacent cover 4
having its front edge spaced from projections 17 a distance
substantially equal to the thickness of frame member 16, as shown
best in FIG. 6. Frame member 16 also includes a rectangular flange
member 19 projecting toward the upper end of body 2 to which the
filter bag 14 is attached, as by adhesives or any other
conventional manner. Frame member 16 also includes an L-shaped
member 20 projecting toward the lower end of body 2 which forms a
channel 21 for slidably receiving the front edge of reservoir 12.
As shown best in FIG. 3, member 20 extends only about one-half to
two-thirds of distance of frame member 16. As shown best in FIG. 6,
the front edge of reservoir 12 includes a flange 22 which projects
into channel 21 and flange 22 together with member 20 are held in
air tight relationship by means of the longitudinal abutment or rib
member 23 extending within the hollow portion of body 2 as shown
best in FIGS. 4 and 6, rib member 23 engages member 20 when
reservoir 12 and filter bag 14 are inserted within the hollow
portion of body 2 to force flange 22 and member 20 into an air
tight relationship to provide an air tight seal for frame member 16
along its bottom edge. Thus, frame 15 is held in an air tight
relationship on the front of reservoir 12 when cover 4 is latched
on body 2.
Cover 4 along with reservoir 12 and filter bag 14 are held within
the hollow portion of body 2 at one end by a rounded projection 24
integrally formed on the lower end of cover 4 which freely
pivotally engages a hook member 25 projecting from the edge of body
2 at its lower end adjacent inlet tube 10. The opposite end of
cover 4 is secured by means of a latch 26 which, as shown best in
FIGS. 3 and 9 includes a latch member 27 pivotally mounted on cover
3 and located within a notch 28 formed therein. Latch member 27 is
biased to its latching position by means of a spring 29 and
includes a lip 30 which overlaps and engages the edge of cover 4 as
shown best in FIG. 9. The edge of cover 4 also includes a seal 31
along its edge which may be made of rubber or urethane which
enhances the air tight relationship between cover 4 and motor cover
3. Thus, cover 4 is latched on body 2 by first inserting rounded
projection 24 against hook member 25 and pivoting its upper end
downwardly past lip 30 to automatically lock cover 4 in place.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown a tab 32 at the
lower end of cleaner 1 and a tab 33 at the upper end of cleaner 1.
Tab 32 is intergrally formed with rounded projection 24 and is thus
part of cover 4 whereas tab 33 projects into hand hold space 8 from
motor cover 3. Tabs 32 and 33 provide means for storing power cord
11 when not in use by wrapping cord 11 therearound.
As shown best in FIG. 3, handle 6 includes a longitudinal portion
34 and an offset portion 35 which is pivotally connected to the
upper end of body 2 by pin 36. When closed, the longitudinal
portion 34 of handle 6 is held in substantially abutting
relationship against cover 4. Portion 34 also includes a recess 37
which permits clearance for latch member 27. The free end of
portion 34 includes a lip 38 which cooperates with a latch 39 which
acts to automatically lock handle 6 in its closed position. As
shown best in FIG. 10, latch 39 includes a latch member 40
pivotally connected, as at 41 to cover 4. Latch member 40 includes
a projection 42 for engagement with lip 30 to hold handle 6 in its
closed position. A spring 43 biases latch member 40 in a
counterclockwise latching position as shown in FIG. 10. Spring 43
is friction fit about a projecting seat 44 to maintain its proper
position as shown in FIG. 10. Thus, when handle 6 is being closed
the beveled edge of lip 38 slides against the beveled edge of
projection 42 forcing latch member 40 clockwise until the point of
lip 38 passes the point of projection 42 so that spring 43 forces
latch member 40 to the left or counterclockwise to automatically
lock handle 6 in its closed position.
As shown best in FIGS. 3 and 7, handle 6 pivots about pin 36 which
defines an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis defined by the
opposite ends of body 2 and moves in a plane extending through the
longitudinal axis. A latch 45 disposed at the upper end of body 2
is employed to automatically lock handle 6 in its open position. As
shown best in FIGS. 3 and 7, latch 45 includes a latch member 46
pivotally mounted as at 47 on body 2. Latch member 46 is biased in
a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 7 by a spring 48 one end of
which engages the underside of latch member 46 and the other end of
which is secured on a land 49 projecting from body 2. A hook member
50 is integrally attached to latch member 46 and includes an
abutment surface 51 engageable with a corresponding abutment
surface 52 in a recess 53 formed in offset portion 35 of handle 36.
Thus, as handle 6 is moved toward its open position, recess 53
engages the beveled portion of hook member 50 forcing latch member
46 in a counterclockwise direction until spring 48 forces abutment
surface 51 to be engaged with abutment surface 52. Latch 45 is what
may be termed a "breakaway" latch which means that latch 45
normally restrains handle 6 from pivotal movement out of its open
position but will allow pivotal movement upon the application of a
predetermined external bending force on handle 6. The amount of
bending force necessry to cause the latch to "breakaway" is
determined by the force of spring 48.
Control of the operation of electric motor within body 2 may be by
means of an electric switch 54 which is located on motor cover 3
adjacent the pivotal connection of handle 6 to body 2.
When it is desired to clean reservoir 12 and filter bag 14 of the
dirt collected during a cleaning operation, handle 6 must first be
pivoted to its open position so that latch 26 may be released.
Cover 4 may then be removed along with reservoir 12 and filter bag
14. Filter bag 14 may then be slid off the front of reservoir 12
and cleaned. Also, the dirt collected in reservoir 12 may be
deposited in an appropriate disposable container. Filter bag 14 may
then be replaced on the front of reservoir 12 and cover 4 maybe
reassembled on body 2.
The ability of handle 6 to be disposed selectively in a closed
position also facilitates storage of the vacuum cleaner 1 by
reducing its overall length to substantially about 1/2 of its
length from that when handle 6 is in its open position.
The invention has been illustrated in connection with the use of a
nozzle 12 or combination nozzle 12 and hose 9. However, other
suitable nozzles may be attached to the lower end of suction inlet
tube 10 as is conventional in the vacuum cleaner art. Thus, for
example, in using the vacuum cleaner 1 as a portable unit for
cleaning draperies and the like a suitable modified form of nozzle
(not shown) which is typically smaller than nozzle 5 may be
utilized as desired.
A vacuum cleaner 1 has been illustrated and described which is
convertible between an upright vacuum cleaner and a portable hand
held vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner construction is extremely
simple and economical with numerous elements of the vacuum cleaner
structure being readily formed of molded plastic providing its
relatively light weight.
Various modes of of carrying out the invention are contemplated as
being within the scope of the following claims particularly
pointing and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is
regarded as the invention.
* * * * *