CA2239535C - Waste disposal device - Google Patents

Waste disposal device Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2239535C
CA2239535C CA 2239535 CA2239535A CA2239535C CA 2239535 C CA2239535 C CA 2239535C CA 2239535 CA2239535 CA 2239535 CA 2239535 A CA2239535 A CA 2239535A CA 2239535 C CA2239535 C CA 2239535C
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
vacuum
receptacle
door
suction inlet
outer door
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 - Lifetime
Application number
CA 2239535
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2239535A1 (en
Inventor
James N. Smith
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canplas Industries Ltd
Original Assignee
Canplas Industries Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Canplas Industries Ltd filed Critical Canplas Industries Ltd
Priority to CA 2239535 priority Critical patent/CA2239535C/en
Publication of CA2239535A1 publication Critical patent/CA2239535A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2239535C publication Critical patent/CA2239535C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L5/00Structural features of suction cleaners
    • A47L5/12Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
    • A47L5/22Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
    • A47L5/38Built-in suction cleaner installations, i.e. with fixed tube system to which, at different stations, hoses can be connected

Landscapes

  • Refuse Collection And Transfer (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Abstract

A floor mounted sweeping suction inlet is provided with a door that carries a user-activated portion by which the door may be opened by contact from a foot. This makes it unnecessary for the householder to bend over to activate the vacuum-operated waste collection system. The vacuum source can be turned-on automatically by opening the door by the presence of a door-activated electrical switch. An adapter converts the floor-mounted vacuum opening to a standard circular opening for receiving a vacuum hose and wand.

Description

TITLE: WASTE DISPOSAL DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to vacuum collection systems for the disposal of waste. More particularly, it relates to a receptacle by which waste may be delivered into a household-type central vacuum cleaning system, or a portable vacuum cleaner that is in storage, by sweeping the waste into a floor-mounted inlet.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Many houses today are equipped with central vacuum cleaning systems. Such systems operate on the basis of a suction apparatus installed in a remote location within the house, and a network of air-tight pipes that connect with various rooms in the house. These pipes terminate in individual, wall-mounted, inlets to which suction hoses are connected.
A convenience of such central vacuum cleaning systems is that a user need not carry a stand-alone vacuum cleaner from room to room. Rather, only the hose and an associated wand need be carried to the location to be cleaned.
Nevertheless, even the act of fetching such hose and wand can be an inconvenience.

Prior art patents such as U.S. 3,027,587 and 3, 027, 588 to Bierstock, U. S. 5, 408, 721 to Wall, U. S. 5, 279, 016 to Klassen, U.S. 5,504,967 to Graham, and the present applicant's own earlier Canadian application 2,105,554, laid-open on 4 March, 1995 all disclose vacuum inlets in the form of a floor-mounted receptacle through which trash may be swept for delivery to a vacuum cleaning suction source.
The present invention addresses the need for a floor-mounted vacuum inlet or sweeping suction inlet of an improved design that can be connected to a central vacuum cleaning suction source. In particular, this invention relates to a receptacle for receiving waste that does not entail the transport of the normal hose and wand tools to the site being cleaned.
A further aspect of this invention provides for an arrangement whereby the floor-mounted vacuum inlet may accommodate and operate a traditional flexible vacuum hose with a suction wand.
The invention in its general form will first be described, and then its implementation in terms of specific embodiments will be detailed with reference to the drawings following hereafter. These embodiments are intended to demonstrate the principle of the invention, and the manner of its implementation. The invention in its broadest and more specific forms will then be further described, and defined, in each of the individual claims which conclude this Specification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention a floor-mounted waste receptacle for a suction-based vacuum cleaning system is provided with a sealing outer door and an electrical switch assembly where the user-activating portion of the electrical switch assembly is carried by the door itself. More particularly, the door is provided with an activation flange extending along its length for ready opening and closing of such door.
The waste receptacle of the invention is intended to be located at floor level, preferably installed beneath an existing household fixture, such as a kitchen counter. Its mechanical dimensions also allow it to fit within a wall framed with four inch (nominal) studs. By reason of this location, the activation system of the invention provides special convenience to users by reason of the fact that it may be foot activated.
The waste receptacle has a waste transfer chamber that is elevated above the plane of the floor to provide space for a vacuum conduit coupling located on its lower side. A
conduit coupling is preferably also provided on the upper side of the receptacle. With an enlarged receptacle an option for further multiple vacuum outlets may also be included. A
ramped surface rises from the floor level forward edge of the suction inlet to merge with the elevated lower surface of the transfer chamber.
Upon opening of the door, the vacuuming action of the vacuum collecting system is automatically initiated by means of a door-activated switch associated with such door which switches the vacuum suction source "on" when the door is opened. Closure of the door shuts the vacuum source "off".
In one application of the invention, the vacuum cleaning suction source is located at a fixed, central place within the building housing the system. In another application of the invention, the vacuum suction source may be provided by a portable vacuum cleaner that is stored in a 1 5 location where it is electrically and pneumatically coupled to provide the vacuum suction upon which the invention relies.
A further feature of the invention is the inclusion of a coupling means to convert the floor-mounted opening of the receptacle to a circular orifice that is angled upwards for engagement with a flexible vacuum hose that can terminate in a suction wand. More particularly, this adaptive coupling engages with, and seals against, the opening in the receptacle -by being positioned between:
(1) a lower, horizontal dust-receiving ramp extending along the lower edge of the suction inlet opening in the receptacle; and (2) the receptacle door in its opened position.
The angled shape and position of the door as established by the activation flange serve to locate and retain the coupling in place. The retention of the coupling in place is further assisted by the lower pressure condition developed therein upon activation of the vacuum suction mechanism.
The foregoing summarizes the principal features of the invention and some of its optional aspects. The invention may be further understood by the description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the drawings, which now follow.
SUMMARY OF THE FIGURES -Figure 1 a pictorial view of a prior art arrangement of a portable vacuum cleaner stored in a kitchen cupboard and connected electrically and pneumatically to serve as the suction source for a floor-mounted vacuum receptacle.
Figure 2 is a schematic profile view of a prior art arrangement for a floor-mounted vacuum receptacle connected to a central vacuum suction source through a coupling and conduits that extend downwardly from the receptacle, including the wiring that may be used to automatically activate on the vacuum system when the door to the receptacle opens.
Figure 3 is a rear perspective, upper quadrant, view of the receptacle of the invention with the door and switch hardware removed.
Figure 4 is a front, upper quadrant, perspective view of the receptacle of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the door with gasket intended for mounting on the receptacle of Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the receptacle of Figure 3, with the door of Figure 5 mounted thereon in closed position and electrical hardware installed.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the receptacle of Figure 6 with the door in open position.
~15 Figure 8 is a side view of the details of the electrical hardware on the receptacle of.Figure 6 in two positions ~ r~o~~.rr :and ~rQ~~-~. .
Figure 9 is a side view of the receptacle of Figure 6 taken from the side opposite the electrical hardware with the door in an open position.
Figure 10 is a side view of the receptacle of Figure ' 6 taken from the side of the electrical hardware with the door in an open position.

Figure 11 is a top view of the receptacle of Figure 6 with the door closed showing the direction of the cross-sectional view of Figure 13.
Figure 12 is a front view of Figure 11.
Figure 13 is the side cross-sectional view taken through Figure 11.
Figure 14 is a side view of the receptacle in ghost outline with a hose coupling positioned beneath the door and a hose attached thereto.
Figure 15 is a top view of the coupling of Figure 14.
Figure 16 is a front view of Figure 15.
Figure 17 is a side view of Figure 16.
Figure 18 is an upper perspective view of the coupling of Figure 15, 16 and 17.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In Figure 1 a prior art system utilizes a standard portable vacuum cleaner unit 1 as the suction source 2.
Conveniently, this unit is stored in a storage compartment or cabinet 3 proximate to the waste receiving receptacle 4 as, for example, beneath a counter 5. It is stored with its normal hose 6 connected to a pipe 7 leading through ducting to the waste receptacle 4. It is also stored with its electrical plug 9 engaged in a power outlet 10 controlled by the power switch 8. Lastly, it is stored with its own switch 12 positioned at "on".
In this manner, the normal household vacuum cleaner 1, while in storage, will serve to ogerate the waste receptacle outlet in the same manner as a central vacuuming system. The advantage of the embodiment of Figure 1 is that it can readily be installed for less cost than a central vacuuming system.
Figure 2 shows another prior art arrangement with a Waste receptacle 4 connected to a central vacuum suction source 1a. That source 1a is provided with electrical energy from a relay-controlled outlet 11.
In Figure 2, the supply of electricity from the outlet 11 to .the vacuum suction generator 1a is controlled through wires 13 leading to the power switch 14. A low voltage switch activated by the door 15 on the receptacle 4 controls the electrical power outlet 11. With the door 15 open and the suction source 1a operating, an air flow through the entrance opening 16 of the receptacle 4 carries waste through a sealed transfer chamber 17 to an outlet 49 that is .
coupled to ducting 18. This ducting 18. connects to the suction source 1a.
In Figures 3 and~4 the body of the waste receptacle 20 of the invention is shown without its door attached. A
transfer chamber 17 has upper 49a and lower outlets 49b for coupling to ducting. The receptacle is sold with sealing knock-out discs 21 closing the outlets 49a, 49b. At the job site one disc 21 is removed, depending on which outlet 49a, -49b is selected for coupling to the ducting 18.
The transfer chamber 17 carries a front plate 22 supported through main flanges 23. A stiffening plate 24 strengthens the flanges 23. The stiffening plate 24 also partially blocks the entrance opening 16 formed in the front plate 22.
In Figure 4 it will be seen that the top 25a and bottom 25b front edges of the transfer chamber 17 terminate at the plane of the front plate opening 16. This defines a suction inlet portion 16a within the opening 16.
The bottom edge 25b of the suction inlet portion 16a -has a bevelled ramp 25 terminating in line with the bottom plane of the receptacle 4. 4~lhen mounted, this ramp 25 ends at its outer edge in alignment with the floor. The ramp 25 may protrude slightly beyond the front plane of the front plate 22 and extends inwardly and upwardly to terminate along its inner edge at the bottom panel of the transfer chamber 17, above the plane of the floor. This allows the lower coupling 49a to extend downwardly from a position that starts above the plane of the floor.
A door 26 shown separately in Figure 5 has a flat closure plate portion 27 which carries a gasket 28 for sealing against the suction inlet 16a. An angled flange 29 extends above the closure plate portion 27, protruding outwardly.
Hinge support flanges 30 carry a pair of hinge pins 31 (only one being shown in Figure 5) and reinforcing plates 32 stiffen these hinge flanges 30. , The door 26 is mounted over the suctiow inlet opening 16a as shown in Figure 6 with the reinforcing plates 32 extending through the portion of the opening 16 above the suction inlet 16a. The angled flange 29, with the door 26 closed, is forwardly and outwardly inclined.
With the door 26 open, as shown in Figure 7, the upper angled flange 29 on the door 26 bears against the front plate 22 with the gasket 28 just overlying, or contacting, the protruding portion of the ramp 25. A small protrusion 28a of the gasket 28 along the lower edge of the door 26.assists in effecting a vacuum seal. ~n one main flange 2.3 as shotrm in Figure 8 , two electrical contacts 33 are mounted through circular holes 34 (Figure 3). A further switch activating pin 48 extends through an arcuate hole 35 in ' this main flange 23. A spring 36 is fastened on one of the electrical contacts 33 extending past the switch activating pin 48 to lie adjacent the second electrical contact 33. Upon opening the door 26, the switch activating pin 48 in the slot 35 travels in an arcuate path pressing the spring 36 against the second electrical contact 33 to lie in a position~36a.

This serves to close a low voltage circuit provided through wires (not shown in Figure 8 but see wires 13 in Figure 2) connected to the electrical outlet 11 to activate the suction source 1a. A brass rim 37 may be mounted on the switch activating pin 48 to reduce wear.
Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12 show a receptacle 20with the door 22 open.
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken through Figure 11 the shows the inner space 38 of the transfer chamber 17.
In 'Figure 14 a hose coupling 40 in positioned against the front face of the front plate 22 of a receptacle with the door 26 in an open gosition. A hose 41 is connected outwardly from the coupling 40.
16 ~ In Figures 15, 16, 17 and 18 the coupling 40 is shown in. greater detail. The coupling 40 has a coupling plate 42~and gasket 43 that lies over the suction inlet portion 16a of the opening 16 in the face plate 22 of the receptacle 4.
An opening 44 in the coupling plate 42 transforms from a 20 generally rectangular form at the coupling plate 42 to a circular opening 46 at the hose coupling end.
The top edge of the coupling plate 42 preferably carries a small bevelled flange 47 that engages the inner side of the door 26 on the receptacle along the closure plate portion 27. The lower edge of the plate 42 is seated at the ramp 25.
The result of this arrangement is that with the door 26 open and the closure plate portion 27 angled downwardly, the flange 47 on the coupling plate 42 jams the coupling 40 in place with sufficient firmness that, upon starting the vacuum source 1a, the coupling 40 is drawn into a tight sealing engagement against the receptacle's suction inlet portion 16a.
This provides a convenient conversion of the sweeping suction inlet into a coupling source for a standard vacuum hose. It also provides a form of attachment that will allow the coupling to break-away from the vacuum receptacle if excessive force is applied to the coupling by pulling on the wand. This break-away feature allows a disconnection to occur with reduced risk of breakage.
CONCLUSION
The foregoing has constituted a description of specific embodiments showing how the invention may be applied and put into use. These embodiments are only exemplary. The invention in its broadest, and more specific aspects, is further described and defined in the claims which now follow.
These claims, and the language used therein, are to be understood in terms of the variants of the invention which have been described. They are not to be restricted to such variants, but are to be read as covering the full scope of the invention as is implicit within the invention and the disclosure that has been provided herein.

Claims (5)

1. A floor-mountable waste receptacle for a suction-based vacuum cleaning system comprising:

(a) a waste transfer chamber having a vacuum suction inlet and an outlet for coupling said chamber to a vacuum source;

(b) a sealing outer door mounted on said chamber, said outer door having an open and closed position, wherein said outer door is for opening and closing said vacuum suction inlet; and (c) an electrical switch assembly including a switch for activating said vacuum source and a user activating portion on said switch assembly, wherein said user activating portion is carried by the outer door itself.
2. A waste receptacle as in claim 1 wherein said user activating portion comprises an activation flange extending across a width of said outer door.
3. A waste receptacle as in claim 1 in combination with a coupling means for converting said vacuum suction inlet to a circular orifice that is angled upwards to engage a flexible vacuum hose.
4. A waste receptacle as in claim 3 wherein said coupling means sealingly engages, said vacuum suction inlet by seating between:

(a) a bottom edge of said vacuum suction inlet; and (b) said outer door when said outer door is in said open position.
5. A waste receptacle as in claim 4 wherein said receptacle is provided with a lower horizontal dust receiving ramp extending along said bottom edge of said vacuum suction inlet, and which bottom edge is adapted to receive a lower edge of said coupling means.
CA 2239535 1998-06-03 1998-06-03 Waste disposal device Expired - Lifetime CA2239535C (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2239535 CA2239535C (en) 1998-06-03 1998-06-03 Waste disposal device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2239535 CA2239535C (en) 1998-06-03 1998-06-03 Waste disposal device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2239535A1 CA2239535A1 (en) 1999-12-03
CA2239535C true CA2239535C (en) 2006-11-21

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2239535 Expired - Lifetime CA2239535C (en) 1998-06-03 1998-06-03 Waste disposal device

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Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6459056B1 (en) 1999-03-05 2002-10-01 Bernard John Graham Cleaning apparatus for central vacuum system
KR100712400B1 (en) * 1999-08-04 2007-04-27 캔플라스 인더스트리즈 엘티디. Vacuum fitting
PL2637544T3 (en) 2010-11-10 2019-04-30 Kitvac Int Pty Ltd Vacuum assembly

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CA2239535A1 (en) 1999-12-03

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Effective date: 20180604