CA2132176C - Vacuum cleaner accessory - Google Patents
Vacuum cleaner accessoryInfo
- Publication number
- CA2132176C CA2132176C CA 2132176 CA2132176A CA2132176C CA 2132176 C CA2132176 C CA 2132176C CA 2132176 CA2132176 CA 2132176 CA 2132176 A CA2132176 A CA 2132176A CA 2132176 C CA2132176 C CA 2132176C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- teeth
- vacuum cleaner
- brush component
- brush
- hair
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/06—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/06—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like
- A47L9/0606—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like rigidly anchored brushes, combs, lips or pads
- A47L9/0613—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like rigidly anchored brushes, combs, lips or pads with means specially adapted for picking up threads, hair or the like, e.g. brushes, combs, lint pickers or bristles pads
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Brushes (AREA)
Abstract
A two-component vacuum brush device has been designed for the dual purpose of grooming animals and for the removal of hair and debris from fabric such as found on upholstery. The body of the device is molded from high impact plastic material to resist cracking and breakage and is adapted to the contours of a person's hand with thumb grips on the side. The brush has soft pliable flexible teeth that are contained in a circumferential skirt and central crosspiece. Pressure drop across the device is controlled by the crosspiece and the optimal design and depth of the triangular teeth. The use of soft "grippy"
elastomer-based rubber triangular teeth contributes to the efficient removal of hair and debris.
elastomer-based rubber triangular teeth contributes to the efficient removal of hair and debris.
Description
213~176 VACUUM CTT'~NT'R ACCESSORY
FIELD OF THE lNv~l.,lON
The invention is a vacuum cleaner accessory that is directed primarily as a novel grooming tool for animals that is effective for the removal of hair and associated debris but has the additional feature of being equally effective for the removal of hair and dirt from fabric such as found on upholstery or in bedding.
BACRGROUND OF THE lNV~ lON
There are a large number of curry combs and brushes for grooming animals that are commercially available. Some of these grooming tools have been adapted for attachment to some form of vacuum machine. For example, a dog brush that can be attached to a vacuum cleaner hose is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,955,238. Although there are numerous devices in the marketplace, there are some serious deficiencies in terms of performance that are cited in U.S.
Patent 4,190,924 and U.S. Patent 4,343,265, for example, that include short teeth that do not adequately penetrate through the animals fur down to the skin, stiff and inflexible teeth that irritate or even injure the animal's skin, teeth shape and design that result in hair clogging, and excessive suction pressure on the surface being vacuumed. It has been noted, as well, that minimal attention has been placed on the selection of teeth materials nor in maximizing ergonomic, user friendly ~1321 7G
handling features. To our knowledge there has been no disclosure of a vacuum cleaner accessory that has a dual function; one for grooming animals and the other for hair removal on fabric such as found on upholstery and bedding areas. There is accordingly a long-felt need for a vacuum cleaner accessory that has improved hair and dirt removal and ergonomic features by focussing specific attention on materials of construction and design for the comb/brush part of the device and providing a moderated vacuum, combined with the application of the device for hair and debris removal on a variety of substrates inclusive of animal skin and fabric.
SUMMARY OF THE lNv~NllON
The invention provides a vacuum cleaner accessory that has been designed specifically for the efficient removal and collection of hair and associated debris from a variety of substrates that include fabric and animal skin.
While the primary function of the device is as a grooming tool for animals, the device has been found to be equally effective for fabric. The device is comprised of two components, the first component is the body which is moulded of high impact rigid thermoplastic material to resist cracking and breakage that comprises thumb grip seats and five boss heads for connection of the second component. The body is also ergonomically designed, dimensioned and shaped to fit an average sized woman's hand and contoured for the defined application. The vacuum wand attachment angle is 2132~7G
such that the wand/attached hose does not interfere with intended use. While the point of attachment does not configure specifically to any model vacuum cleaner, provision can be made for an adaptor that interfaces more efficiently with commercial units, if necessary. The second component is injection moulded with a thermoplastic rubber that is durable and flexible to maximize the efficiency of hair removal and comprises ergonomically designed ribbed handgrips, five boss head receptacles for attachment to the body, and a circumferential skirt combined with a central crosspiece that has teeth for providing the necessary efficient action for hair and debris removal. The teeth are triangular in shape and function by creating a flicking motion that pulls dead hair from the substrate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention, Fig. 1 is a side view of the brush and body illustrating the large ribbed thumb grip for efficient handling;
Fig. 2 is an overview of the brush body and attachment source for vacuum;
Fig. 3 is a three dimensional view of the brush;
Fig. 4 is the side view of the brush;
Fig. 5 is the bottom view of the brush;
Fig. 6 is a section of the brush and body, top view;
213Z~76 Fig. 7 is a section view on the line A-A of Fig. 6; and Fig. 8 is a view of the underside of the body.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT~
As shown in Figures 1-8, the device is comprised of two components that are assembled by attaching a strip of double-sided tape or other suitable adhesive to either side of the brush body in the thumb grip seats 24 (Fig. 2). The flexible brush component 2 is then attached to the body 4 by pushing the five friction fit bosses 6 onto the pins 8 that are molded to the underside of the body (Figs. 4 and 6). A
tongue and groove joint design provides a friction grip around the front and rear ends of the brush (Fig. 3); groove 18 on the brush snugly receives lower edge 20 of the body 4.
The thumb grips 10 are pressed against the double-sided tape to complete the assembly (Fig. 1).
The invention comprises several technical features that constitute an improvement over the prior art but also address very functional design features that contribute to extremely efficient hair and dirt removal and collection.
The device is preferably ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and grip for the user and for the intended application. For example, the body has been kept small so that it can be easily held and gripped by the average hand. Although the preferred embodiment has been based on a small device, larger models that would be configured for grooming large animals are considered to be within the scope of the invention. Specially contoured side grips have been added to maximize grip and ease of use. An additional feature of the ergonomic design is the location of the wand 22 by which the vacuum attachment is made. This design approach maximizes the hand grooming features of the device without interference from the vacuum hose. The main body is moulded of high impact rigid thermoplastic material such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadine styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate to resist cracking and breakage.
The brush/comb component 2 comprises a circumferential element defining a wall 36 with a downwardly projecting skirt 12 and central cross-members 14 therebetween from which teeth 16 downwardly project. Optimal materials of construction are selected that maximize hair and dirt removal.
Specifically, thermoplastic rubber ranging from a flexible material having a durometer reading of "Shore A47" to a rigid material having a durometer reading of "Shore D63" provides for a defined coefficient of friction between the device and substrate that results in the efficient pulling of dead hair and exposes the hair to the vacuum part of the device for collection and disposal. The preferred thermoplastic material for the brush is KRATON G2761 (trademark) having a durometer reading of "Shore A65". The additional feature of employing soft, "grippy" elastomer-based rubber teeth is that they pleasantly massage an animal and are non-irritating, in contrast with combs and brushes that have teeth formed from hard plastic or metal. Finally, the choice of flexible rubber for the teeth permits a flicking action as the device is passed over the substrate. This flicking motion projects both hair and debris into the air for ready access to vacuum.
There are also two means by which the device optimally controls the pressure drop between the device and the substrate thus eliminating excessive suction. In the first case, the central crosspiece sections the device into four separate vacuum compartments. In the second case, the optimal design of the depth of the triangular teeth permits the passage of air flow across the teeth to carry loose hair and debris to the vacuum source. The length of the teeth is preferably about ~ inch. The depth and width of the teeth is preferably about /8 inch.
The device can be constructed with rubber materials having a durometer range to best suit the specific application.
As well, the depth of the teeth can have a range that defines the specific application.
FIELD OF THE lNv~l.,lON
The invention is a vacuum cleaner accessory that is directed primarily as a novel grooming tool for animals that is effective for the removal of hair and associated debris but has the additional feature of being equally effective for the removal of hair and dirt from fabric such as found on upholstery or in bedding.
BACRGROUND OF THE lNV~ lON
There are a large number of curry combs and brushes for grooming animals that are commercially available. Some of these grooming tools have been adapted for attachment to some form of vacuum machine. For example, a dog brush that can be attached to a vacuum cleaner hose is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,955,238. Although there are numerous devices in the marketplace, there are some serious deficiencies in terms of performance that are cited in U.S.
Patent 4,190,924 and U.S. Patent 4,343,265, for example, that include short teeth that do not adequately penetrate through the animals fur down to the skin, stiff and inflexible teeth that irritate or even injure the animal's skin, teeth shape and design that result in hair clogging, and excessive suction pressure on the surface being vacuumed. It has been noted, as well, that minimal attention has been placed on the selection of teeth materials nor in maximizing ergonomic, user friendly ~1321 7G
handling features. To our knowledge there has been no disclosure of a vacuum cleaner accessory that has a dual function; one for grooming animals and the other for hair removal on fabric such as found on upholstery and bedding areas. There is accordingly a long-felt need for a vacuum cleaner accessory that has improved hair and dirt removal and ergonomic features by focussing specific attention on materials of construction and design for the comb/brush part of the device and providing a moderated vacuum, combined with the application of the device for hair and debris removal on a variety of substrates inclusive of animal skin and fabric.
SUMMARY OF THE lNv~NllON
The invention provides a vacuum cleaner accessory that has been designed specifically for the efficient removal and collection of hair and associated debris from a variety of substrates that include fabric and animal skin.
While the primary function of the device is as a grooming tool for animals, the device has been found to be equally effective for fabric. The device is comprised of two components, the first component is the body which is moulded of high impact rigid thermoplastic material to resist cracking and breakage that comprises thumb grip seats and five boss heads for connection of the second component. The body is also ergonomically designed, dimensioned and shaped to fit an average sized woman's hand and contoured for the defined application. The vacuum wand attachment angle is 2132~7G
such that the wand/attached hose does not interfere with intended use. While the point of attachment does not configure specifically to any model vacuum cleaner, provision can be made for an adaptor that interfaces more efficiently with commercial units, if necessary. The second component is injection moulded with a thermoplastic rubber that is durable and flexible to maximize the efficiency of hair removal and comprises ergonomically designed ribbed handgrips, five boss head receptacles for attachment to the body, and a circumferential skirt combined with a central crosspiece that has teeth for providing the necessary efficient action for hair and debris removal. The teeth are triangular in shape and function by creating a flicking motion that pulls dead hair from the substrate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention, Fig. 1 is a side view of the brush and body illustrating the large ribbed thumb grip for efficient handling;
Fig. 2 is an overview of the brush body and attachment source for vacuum;
Fig. 3 is a three dimensional view of the brush;
Fig. 4 is the side view of the brush;
Fig. 5 is the bottom view of the brush;
Fig. 6 is a section of the brush and body, top view;
213Z~76 Fig. 7 is a section view on the line A-A of Fig. 6; and Fig. 8 is a view of the underside of the body.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT~
As shown in Figures 1-8, the device is comprised of two components that are assembled by attaching a strip of double-sided tape or other suitable adhesive to either side of the brush body in the thumb grip seats 24 (Fig. 2). The flexible brush component 2 is then attached to the body 4 by pushing the five friction fit bosses 6 onto the pins 8 that are molded to the underside of the body (Figs. 4 and 6). A
tongue and groove joint design provides a friction grip around the front and rear ends of the brush (Fig. 3); groove 18 on the brush snugly receives lower edge 20 of the body 4.
The thumb grips 10 are pressed against the double-sided tape to complete the assembly (Fig. 1).
The invention comprises several technical features that constitute an improvement over the prior art but also address very functional design features that contribute to extremely efficient hair and dirt removal and collection.
The device is preferably ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and grip for the user and for the intended application. For example, the body has been kept small so that it can be easily held and gripped by the average hand. Although the preferred embodiment has been based on a small device, larger models that would be configured for grooming large animals are considered to be within the scope of the invention. Specially contoured side grips have been added to maximize grip and ease of use. An additional feature of the ergonomic design is the location of the wand 22 by which the vacuum attachment is made. This design approach maximizes the hand grooming features of the device without interference from the vacuum hose. The main body is moulded of high impact rigid thermoplastic material such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadine styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate to resist cracking and breakage.
The brush/comb component 2 comprises a circumferential element defining a wall 36 with a downwardly projecting skirt 12 and central cross-members 14 therebetween from which teeth 16 downwardly project. Optimal materials of construction are selected that maximize hair and dirt removal.
Specifically, thermoplastic rubber ranging from a flexible material having a durometer reading of "Shore A47" to a rigid material having a durometer reading of "Shore D63" provides for a defined coefficient of friction between the device and substrate that results in the efficient pulling of dead hair and exposes the hair to the vacuum part of the device for collection and disposal. The preferred thermoplastic material for the brush is KRATON G2761 (trademark) having a durometer reading of "Shore A65". The additional feature of employing soft, "grippy" elastomer-based rubber teeth is that they pleasantly massage an animal and are non-irritating, in contrast with combs and brushes that have teeth formed from hard plastic or metal. Finally, the choice of flexible rubber for the teeth permits a flicking action as the device is passed over the substrate. This flicking motion projects both hair and debris into the air for ready access to vacuum.
There are also two means by which the device optimally controls the pressure drop between the device and the substrate thus eliminating excessive suction. In the first case, the central crosspiece sections the device into four separate vacuum compartments. In the second case, the optimal design of the depth of the triangular teeth permits the passage of air flow across the teeth to carry loose hair and debris to the vacuum source. The length of the teeth is preferably about ~ inch. The depth and width of the teeth is preferably about /8 inch.
The device can be constructed with rubber materials having a durometer range to best suit the specific application.
As well, the depth of the teeth can have a range that defines the specific application.
Claims (5)
1. A multi-purpose vacuum cleaner accessory for use in grooming animals and cleaning fabric substrates comprising:
(a) a body having a back, downwardly-projecting sides and a nozzle for attachment to a vacuum source; and, (b) a brush component comprising a circumferential element defining a wall, a skirt extending downwardly from said circumferential element, a plurality of spaced cross-members extending inwardly from the sides of said circumferential element and joining together in the interior thereof, and means to attach said body to said brush component, said skirt and cross-members having a plurality of downwardly-projecting, closely-spaced, flexible teeth comprised of a suitable thermoplastic material having a sufficiently high co-efficient of friction to adhere to loose hair to be suctioned and sufficient strength for said brush component to achieve brushing action, said teeth being configured for creating an airflow directed to the surface of the animal's coat or substrate and across said teeth.
(a) a body having a back, downwardly-projecting sides and a nozzle for attachment to a vacuum source; and, (b) a brush component comprising a circumferential element defining a wall, a skirt extending downwardly from said circumferential element, a plurality of spaced cross-members extending inwardly from the sides of said circumferential element and joining together in the interior thereof, and means to attach said body to said brush component, said skirt and cross-members having a plurality of downwardly-projecting, closely-spaced, flexible teeth comprised of a suitable thermoplastic material having a sufficiently high co-efficient of friction to adhere to loose hair to be suctioned and sufficient strength for said brush component to achieve brushing action, said teeth being configured for creating an airflow directed to the surface of the animal's coat or substrate and across said teeth.
2. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 wherein said brush component is molded of a flexible elastomer based rubber having a durometer reading between Shore A47 and Shore D63.
3. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 2 wherein the shape of said teeth is triangular and four-sided, the depth and width - Page 1 of Claims -thereof being the same.
4. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 3 wherein the length of said teeth is about 1/4 inch and the depth and width thereof is about 1/8 inch.
5. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said body has two recesses on opposed sides thereof and said brush component has two upwardly extending flanges on opposed sides thereof for engagement with said recesses, said flanges being adapted to be gripped by a user of said accessory.
- Page 2 of Claims -
- Page 2 of Claims -
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2132176 CA2132176C (en) | 1994-09-15 | 1994-09-15 | Vacuum cleaner accessory |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2132176 CA2132176C (en) | 1994-09-15 | 1994-09-15 | Vacuum cleaner accessory |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2132176A1 CA2132176A1 (en) | 1996-03-16 |
| CA2132176C true CA2132176C (en) | 1998-08-25 |
Family
ID=4154332
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2132176 Expired - Fee Related CA2132176C (en) | 1994-09-15 | 1994-09-15 | Vacuum cleaner accessory |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2132176C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2006201894B2 (en) | 2005-05-05 | 2010-09-16 | Bissell Inc. | Vacuum accessory tool |
-
1994
- 1994-09-15 CA CA 2132176 patent/CA2132176C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2132176A1 (en) | 1996-03-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20140916 |