CA2273103C - Easy maintenance vacuum cleaner - Google Patents
Easy maintenance vacuum cleaner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2273103C CA2273103C CA002273103A CA2273103A CA2273103C CA 2273103 C CA2273103 C CA 2273103C CA 002273103 A CA002273103 A CA 002273103A CA 2273103 A CA2273103 A CA 2273103A CA 2273103 C CA2273103 C CA 2273103C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- agitator
- vacuum cleaner
- base
- shield
- mounting
- 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
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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
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/30—Arrangement of illuminating devices
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- 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
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
- A47L5/30—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle with driven dust-loosening tools, e.g. rotating brushes
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
Abstract
A vacuum clearer includes a housing having a nozzle assembly and a handle. An agitator shield is held in the nozzle assembly. An agitator is mounted for rotation relative to the nozzle assembly in an agitator chamber. A fan and motor assembly mounted to the housing drive the agitator and provide suction.
Description
c EASY MA I ~TTENPNCE VACU-LTM CLEANER
Technical Field The present invent~or_ relates generally to the floor care field and, more particularly, to an upright vacuum cl ear_e-r of ur_i que constr~:ctior_ all owing maintenance of the headlight, agitatcr and the agitator drive belt without having to invert cr otherwise reorient the vacuum cleaner frcm its normal storage position.
Backcrround of the Irvent~on A vacuum cleaner is an electrically powered, mechanical appliance utilized for the dry remcval of dust and loose dirt from carpets, rugs, fabrics ar_d other surfaces. Vacuum cleaners have been widely utilized for years in domestic and industrial cleaning applications. In operation, a pressure drop is utilized to fcrce air entrained with the dust and loose dirt into the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner. The dirt and dust laden air is ther_ drawn through a bag wh_ch traps and retains the dust and ci_rt. The air is then exhausted by electric fan through an additional filter to remove relatively fine particles. It is this car that provides the air pressure drop or vacuum that prod~.~ces the cleanir_g action.
The present invention relates to an upright type of vacuum cleaner which allows easy ir_ home service of the headlight, agitator and agitator belt while the Jacu~::n cleaner is maintained in the right side up orientation. This is a significant convenience feature sine it eliminates the need to lift and manipulate the vacuum clewner to complete this maintenance seraice.
Summarv of the Ir_vention It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an upright vacuum cleaner cf unicrue constructio~ that is simple and eccr_omical to manufacture.
i5 '~et another object of the present invention is to provide an upright vacuum cleaner providing dependable service and ease of maintenance.
Still another object of the present inventior_ is to provide an upright vacuum cleaner allowing service of the headlight, agitator and agitator drive belt by the simple removal of one or more covers while the vacuum cleaner is maintained in its normal storage position without the need to invert the vacuum cleaner.
In this way, manipulation and lifting of the vacuum cleaner is avoided and standard mai::tenance is simplified ar_d made far more convenient for the satis~actior_ of the user.
Additional objects, advantages ar_d other novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and ir_ part will become apparent to those spilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, an improved vacuum cleaner is provided.
That improved vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing including a handle and a nozzle assembly having a base and a removable upper cover; a removable inner agitator shield held in said nozzle assembly substantially underlying said removable upper cover, said inner agitator shield including an elongated, substantially arcuate body and a releasable latch; an agitator mounted for rotation relative to said nozzle assembly in an agitator chamber; and a motor and fan assembly mounted to said housing for driving said agitator and providing suction.
The upper cover preferably includes at least one slide latch while the base includes at least one cooperating mounting boss. When the cover is positioned and locked in position on the base the slide latch engages the mounting boss.
The inner agitator shield preferably includes an elongated, substantially arcuate body and a releasable latch allowing the inner agitator shield to be selectively removed from the nozzle assembly and, more specifically, the base.
Preferably, the inner agitator shield includes at least one projecting lug and the base includes at least one 3a cooperating lug engaging shoulder. Further, the releasable latch includes at least one resilient locking clip projecting in a a direction substantially opposite from the projecting lug. The base also includes a cocpe-ratir_c lip for engaging the locking clip. Accordingly, t~-~e agitator shield is held securely in positicr_ en the base of t:ie nozzle assembly by engagement of the lug with the shoulder cn one side and at least one resilient leckir_c clip with the cooperatir_g lip or_ the other side.
Additionally, it should be appreciated that the base includes a pair of opposed mouraing chancels.
IO Each of the mour_ting chanr_els is closed at one end and opens upwardly at a second, opposite end toward the removable upper cover. The agitator includes a pair c.
end caps. One end cap is provided at each er_d of the agitator. Each end cap also includes a mounting lug.
Each mounting lug is received in or._e of the mounting channels w~~en the agitator is carried in and mounted for rotation relative to the base.
Further describing the invention, the inner agitator shield is preferably molded from a single piece of resilient plastic. Additionally, the vacuum clearer preferably includes a headlight mounted to the inner agitated shield adjacent a window provided in the releasable cover. Preferably, the i:~Ter agitator shield is molded from white plastic so as to act as a secondary Iight reflect or that directs the light through the window in order to provide better illumination for vacuuming shadowy areas.
Advantageously, the structural arrangement of the vacuum cleaner of the present inver.ticr_ allows one to change the headlight, the agitator ar_d/or the agitator drive belt by the opening of one or more latches and the simple removal of various parts. As an extra benefit and convenience, the disassembly and the maintenance service may be performed without inverting, tilting or otherwise manipu_atina the vacuum clearer from the upright storage pcsition. Thus, it should be appreciated that the present inventicn also embodies a methcd of changing an agitator drive belt in a vacuum 5 cleaner. This method ir_cludes the step of removir_g~the removable cover from the base so as to expose the agitator shield. The method also includes the removinc of the agitator shield so as to expose the agitator.
This is then followed by the step of removing the agitator and changing the agitator drive belt all while -maintaining the vacuum cleaner in the right side up orientation.
Still other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in this art from the following descripticr_ wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of this invention, simply by way of illustration of one of the mcdes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invent_on is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable o=
modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the inver_tion. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and r_ot as restrictive.
Brief Description of the Draw~ncr The accompanying drawing incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrates several aspects of the present invention and together with the description ser-res to explain the prir_ciples of the invention. In the drawing:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner constructed in accordar_ce with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view showing the releasable cover of the nozzle assembly and the inr_er agitator shield exploded to provide access to the agitator and agitator drive belt;
Figure 3 is a detailed partially sectional v'_ew o.
the connection of the discharge z~ort of the inner IO agitator shield with the suction conduit carried by the nozzle body;
Figure 4 is a detailed, partially sectional view showing the connection of the releasable locoing clip of the inner agitator cover with the cooperating '_ip or_ I5 the base of the nozzle assembly;
Figures 5a and 5b are detailed top plan views showing the slide latch and cooperating boss that are utilized to secure the releasable cover to the base of the nozzle assembly;
Figure 6 is a detailed perspective view showing the structural arrangement for carryir_g the agitator ir_ the base of the nozzle assembly; and Figure 7 is a detailed cross-sectional view ef the structure shown in Figure 6.
25 Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
Detailed Description of the ~n~renticr Reference is now made to Fig-are 1 showing the upright vacuum cleaner 10 of the present invention.
The upright vacuum cleaner 10 includes a nozzle assembly, generally designated by -reference numeral 12 and a handle 14 pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly. As is well known in the ar t of up-rig?~~t vacuum cleaners, the handle i4 includes an internal cavity 13 which holds and receives a ra_n and motor assembly 15 and a dust bag 17 for collecting dirt and debris. The dust bag 17 may be accessed by removing the main door 16 through operation of the hand latch 18. A second smaller door 20 carried on the main door includes a hand latch 22 that may be manipulated to 15 allow access to a final filter cartridge (not shown).
The handle 14 includes a hand grip 24 that is grasped by the operator when vacuuming. An on/off switch 26 is conveniently located adjacent the hand grip 24. Of course, electrical power is supplied through a cord (not shown) .
A pair of rear wheels 26 (only one shown) are mounted for relative rotation at the lower portion of the handle 14. These rear wheels 25 are provided to support the weight of the vacuum cleaner 10. The rear wheels 26 also provide a pivot point about which the nozzle assembly 12 pivots when the height of the nozzle assembly is adjusted by manipulation of the height adjustment switch 28.
' As is known in the art, a foot latch 30 locks the ' handle 14 in the upright or storage position shown in rrigure 1 in order to allow storage and off-the-floor cleaning. When the foot latch 30 is released, the handle 14 may be pivoted relative to the nozzle assembly 12 in a manner well known in the art so as to allow an individual to manipulate and direct the vacuum cleaner 10 as desired through the hand grip 24. The actuator 32 is provided to allow one to disengage the drive motor from the agitator drive belt 34 (also see Figure 2). In this way, it is possible to disengage the drive to the agitator 40 and provide "suction only" cleaning operation for bare floor cleaning or other appropriate applications. Operation of the actuator 32 is fully explained in U.S. Patent No. 6,067,689 and entitled "Shifter Mechanism For Vacuum Cleaner".
As best shown with reference to Figure 2, the nozzle assembly 12 includes a base 36 with a protective ribbon bumper 37 and a cooperating removable cover 38. As shown the base 36 carries the height adjustment switch 28 and its associated mechanism, the foot latch 30 and its associated mechanism and the actuator 32 and its associated mechanism. As shown, an agitator 40 including a series of bristles 42 is mounted for rotation relative to the base 36 of the nozzle assembly 12. More specifically, the agitator 40 rotates relative to a pair of bearing end caps 44, one end cap at each end of the agitator (see also Figure 6 and 7). Each end cap 44 includes an outwardly projecting mounting lug 46. The base 36 includes a pair of opposed mounting channels 48. Each mounting channel 48 is closed at the lower or bottom end and open at a second opposite end 50 directed upwardly toward the cover 38.
When the agitator 40 is properly positioned in the base 36, the mounting lugs 46 are received in the mounting channels 48 adjacent the closed end 52 thereof. A detent 54 is provided in each mounting channel 48 adjacent the closed end 52 thereof. Together the side walls of the mounting channels 48, the closed ends 52 and the detents 54 function to engage the mounting lugs 46 at all four sides and hold the agitator 40 in position to allow relative rotation with respect to the base 36. The connection is further secured by a pair of mounting brackets 56 that are integrally molded into opposite sidewalls of the base 36 (note particularly Figure 6). Each mounting bracket 56 engages and holds an end cap 44. As one mounting bracket 56 is provided to hold each end cap 44, the agitator 40 is securely held in position at all times of operation.
The base 36 of the nozzle assembly 12 also receives and holds an inner agitator shield 58. Inner agitator shield 58 includes an elongated, substantially arcuate body 60 which forms a concavity that cooperates with the base 36 to define the agitator chamber 62 in which the agitator 40 is mounted (see also Figure 4).
The inner agitator shield 58 also includes a series of projecting lugs 64 and at least one and more preferably two resilient locking clips 66. As shown, the lugs 64 and locking clips 66 are provided along opposite sides of the agitator shield 58.
The agitator shield 58 also includes a discharge port 68. The discharge port 68 functions to direct dirt and debris laden air from the agitator chamber 62 into the suction conduit 70 carried in the base 76. The suction conduit 70 is in fluid communication with the fan and motor assembly 15 through connection of a hose (not shown) between the suction conduit 70 and the cavity 13 so as to allow delivery of dirt and debris to the dust bag 17 where it is captured for disposal.
The inner agitator shield 58 is mounted irl the base 36 by engaging the lugs 6a and clips 66, 5 respectively; ur_der cooperating shoulders 72 and lips 74 molded into the base 76 (see Figure Q). When properly positioned the discharge port 68 of the agitator shield 58 aligns with and butts against the suction conduit 70 to provide an efficiently sealed air 10 pathway (see Figure 3}.
as shown in Figure 2, it should be appreciated that the agitator shield 58 also carries a headlight 76 and cooperating primary reflector 78. The cover 38 includes a window 80 through which light from the headlight 76 is directed. Cover 80 also includes a contoured aperture 82 that receives the height adjustment switch 38 and a cut out portion 84 that provides clearance for the handle la.
The cover 38 also includes a pair of cooperating slide latches 86. Each slide latch 86 includes a projecting ear 88 carrying~a notch 90 (see particularly, Figures 5a and 5b}. When the cover 38 is secured to the base 36, the notch 90 engages a screw boss 92 carried on the base 36 with the head ef the screw boss engaging the ear 88 and preventing direct lifting of the cover 38 from the base 36. With the cover 38 properly meunted on the base 36, the w_ndow 80 is provided in front of the headlight 76. The primary reflector 78 directs most of the light from the headlight 76~ through the window 80. It should be appreciated, however, that the agitator shield 58 is molded from white plastic and functions as a secondary reflector to also direct light from the headlight 76 through the window 80 for best illumination of the work area during vacuuming.
Advantageously, the structure of the present invention allows one to quickly and conveniently service various component parts of t'r_e vacuum cleaner including the headlight 76, the agitator 40 and the agitator drive belt 34. ~o-re particularly, with the vacuum cleaner 10 in the storage position shown in Figure 1, an individual simply slides the slide latches 86 outwardly in the direction of action arrow A shown in Figures 2 and 5a. This series to release the notch 90 0= ear 88 from the cooperating bcss 92 at each side of the vacuum cleaner 1Q. This is followed by the remcving of the cover 38 from the base 36 by simple liftir_g motion. The cut out portion 84 insures clearance of the cover around tine handle 14 during the lift_ng operation. Removal of the cover 38 serves to expose both the headlight 76 for replacement if necessary as well as the inner agitator shield 58.
If it is desired to replace the agitatcr 40 or the agitator drive belt 34, the next step is the removing of the inner agitator shield 58. This is easily performed. Specifically, the ir_dividual manually engages the projecting fingers 94 of the two resilient clips 66 provided near each end of the agitator shield 58. The clips 66 are then depressed in the direction of action arrow B in Figure 4 in order to release the mountir_g lug 96 of each of the cl~ps from cooperating lips 74 of the base 36. Once the clips 66 are released, the agitator shield 58 is pivoted upwardly 3'0 and forwardly to release the lugs 64 from the cooperating shoulders 72 of the base 36. The removal of the agitator shield 58 serves to expose the agitator 4Q. The agitator 40 is easily removed from the base 36 by pulling upwardly on the agitator 40 at each end while pushing outwardly on the sidewails of the base 36 . Specifica 1 ly, the base 36 has suffic~.er_t resiliency to bow slightly under the pressure and thereby allow the mounting lugs 46 to clear the detents 54. After removing the agitator 40 from the base 36 cf the nozzle assembly 12, the agitator may be repaired or replaced. Similarly, the agitator drive belt 34 may be removed from the agitator 40 and the drive pulley 98 and -replaced.
Reassembly is quite simple. The agitator drive belt 34 is threaded over the drive pulley 98 and the agitator 40. The end caps 44 of the agitator 40 are then aligned with the mounting brackets 56 molded into the base 36 . S_:nultar_eousl y, the mountir_g 1 ugs 46 are aligned with the mounting channels 48 formed in the base 36. The agitator 40 is then pressed downwardly (note action arrow C in Figure 7) into the base 36 until the mounting lugs 46 snap past the detents 54 and the agitator 40 is effectively secured in its operating position.
Next the inner agitator shield 58 is resecured to the base 36. Specifically, the agitator shield 58 is aligned over the base 36 with the discharge port 68 engaging the suction conduit 7G. Next the agitator shield 58 is pressed dowr_wardly (note action arrow D in Figures 3 and 4) until the lugs 64 properly engage with the shoulders 72 and the clips 66 properly engage with the lip 74. The resiliency of the clips 66 allow the necessary clearance and then snap into position so that the mour_tir_a lugs 96 fully engage the lips 74 and provide a secure connection.
Next, the cover 38 is resecured to the base 36.
Specifically, the cover 38 is aligned ever the base 36 and pressed down cn the base. next, the slide latches 86 are manipulated in the direction of action arrow E
(see Figure 5b) so that the notches 90 on the ears 88 fully engage the bosses 92. This functions to secure the cover 38 in position. Advantageously, through this simple operation, maintenance of the headlight 76, agitator 40 and/or agitator drive belt 34 is easily completed without manipulatir~ the machine from the storage position shown in Figure 1.
~n summary, numerous benefits result from employing the concepts of tre prssent invention. -Specifically, a vacuum cleaner of simple and inexpensive construction is provided. Advantageously, that vacuum cleaner provides a number of beneficial features including ease and conver_ient maintenance of the headlight 76, agitator 40 and agitator drive belt 34. Specifically, maintenance is completed while the vacuum cleaner is in the right side up position so that it is not necessary to manipulate or lift the vacuum cleaner during the performance of the desired service.
The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration ar_d description. It is rot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodimer_t was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary sk_11 in the art to utilize the ir_vention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the apper_ded claims wher_ interpreted ir_ accordance with la_ the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and enuitably entitled.
Technical Field The present invent~or_ relates generally to the floor care field and, more particularly, to an upright vacuum cl ear_e-r of ur_i que constr~:ctior_ all owing maintenance of the headlight, agitatcr and the agitator drive belt without having to invert cr otherwise reorient the vacuum cleaner frcm its normal storage position.
Backcrround of the Irvent~on A vacuum cleaner is an electrically powered, mechanical appliance utilized for the dry remcval of dust and loose dirt from carpets, rugs, fabrics ar_d other surfaces. Vacuum cleaners have been widely utilized for years in domestic and industrial cleaning applications. In operation, a pressure drop is utilized to fcrce air entrained with the dust and loose dirt into the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner. The dirt and dust laden air is ther_ drawn through a bag wh_ch traps and retains the dust and ci_rt. The air is then exhausted by electric fan through an additional filter to remove relatively fine particles. It is this car that provides the air pressure drop or vacuum that prod~.~ces the cleanir_g action.
The present invention relates to an upright type of vacuum cleaner which allows easy ir_ home service of the headlight, agitator and agitator belt while the Jacu~::n cleaner is maintained in the right side up orientation. This is a significant convenience feature sine it eliminates the need to lift and manipulate the vacuum clewner to complete this maintenance seraice.
Summarv of the Ir_vention It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an upright vacuum cleaner cf unicrue constructio~ that is simple and eccr_omical to manufacture.
i5 '~et another object of the present invention is to provide an upright vacuum cleaner providing dependable service and ease of maintenance.
Still another object of the present inventior_ is to provide an upright vacuum cleaner allowing service of the headlight, agitator and agitator drive belt by the simple removal of one or more covers while the vacuum cleaner is maintained in its normal storage position without the need to invert the vacuum cleaner.
In this way, manipulation and lifting of the vacuum cleaner is avoided and standard mai::tenance is simplified ar_d made far more convenient for the satis~actior_ of the user.
Additional objects, advantages ar_d other novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and ir_ part will become apparent to those spilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, an improved vacuum cleaner is provided.
That improved vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing including a handle and a nozzle assembly having a base and a removable upper cover; a removable inner agitator shield held in said nozzle assembly substantially underlying said removable upper cover, said inner agitator shield including an elongated, substantially arcuate body and a releasable latch; an agitator mounted for rotation relative to said nozzle assembly in an agitator chamber; and a motor and fan assembly mounted to said housing for driving said agitator and providing suction.
The upper cover preferably includes at least one slide latch while the base includes at least one cooperating mounting boss. When the cover is positioned and locked in position on the base the slide latch engages the mounting boss.
The inner agitator shield preferably includes an elongated, substantially arcuate body and a releasable latch allowing the inner agitator shield to be selectively removed from the nozzle assembly and, more specifically, the base.
Preferably, the inner agitator shield includes at least one projecting lug and the base includes at least one 3a cooperating lug engaging shoulder. Further, the releasable latch includes at least one resilient locking clip projecting in a a direction substantially opposite from the projecting lug. The base also includes a cocpe-ratir_c lip for engaging the locking clip. Accordingly, t~-~e agitator shield is held securely in positicr_ en the base of t:ie nozzle assembly by engagement of the lug with the shoulder cn one side and at least one resilient leckir_c clip with the cooperatir_g lip or_ the other side.
Additionally, it should be appreciated that the base includes a pair of opposed mouraing chancels.
IO Each of the mour_ting chanr_els is closed at one end and opens upwardly at a second, opposite end toward the removable upper cover. The agitator includes a pair c.
end caps. One end cap is provided at each er_d of the agitator. Each end cap also includes a mounting lug.
Each mounting lug is received in or._e of the mounting channels w~~en the agitator is carried in and mounted for rotation relative to the base.
Further describing the invention, the inner agitator shield is preferably molded from a single piece of resilient plastic. Additionally, the vacuum clearer preferably includes a headlight mounted to the inner agitated shield adjacent a window provided in the releasable cover. Preferably, the i:~Ter agitator shield is molded from white plastic so as to act as a secondary Iight reflect or that directs the light through the window in order to provide better illumination for vacuuming shadowy areas.
Advantageously, the structural arrangement of the vacuum cleaner of the present inver.ticr_ allows one to change the headlight, the agitator ar_d/or the agitator drive belt by the opening of one or more latches and the simple removal of various parts. As an extra benefit and convenience, the disassembly and the maintenance service may be performed without inverting, tilting or otherwise manipu_atina the vacuum clearer from the upright storage pcsition. Thus, it should be appreciated that the present inventicn also embodies a methcd of changing an agitator drive belt in a vacuum 5 cleaner. This method ir_cludes the step of removir_g~the removable cover from the base so as to expose the agitator shield. The method also includes the removinc of the agitator shield so as to expose the agitator.
This is then followed by the step of removing the agitator and changing the agitator drive belt all while -maintaining the vacuum cleaner in the right side up orientation.
Still other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in this art from the following descripticr_ wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of this invention, simply by way of illustration of one of the mcdes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invent_on is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable o=
modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the inver_tion. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and r_ot as restrictive.
Brief Description of the Draw~ncr The accompanying drawing incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrates several aspects of the present invention and together with the description ser-res to explain the prir_ciples of the invention. In the drawing:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner constructed in accordar_ce with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view showing the releasable cover of the nozzle assembly and the inr_er agitator shield exploded to provide access to the agitator and agitator drive belt;
Figure 3 is a detailed partially sectional v'_ew o.
the connection of the discharge z~ort of the inner IO agitator shield with the suction conduit carried by the nozzle body;
Figure 4 is a detailed, partially sectional view showing the connection of the releasable locoing clip of the inner agitator cover with the cooperating '_ip or_ I5 the base of the nozzle assembly;
Figures 5a and 5b are detailed top plan views showing the slide latch and cooperating boss that are utilized to secure the releasable cover to the base of the nozzle assembly;
Figure 6 is a detailed perspective view showing the structural arrangement for carryir_g the agitator ir_ the base of the nozzle assembly; and Figure 7 is a detailed cross-sectional view ef the structure shown in Figure 6.
25 Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
Detailed Description of the ~n~renticr Reference is now made to Fig-are 1 showing the upright vacuum cleaner 10 of the present invention.
The upright vacuum cleaner 10 includes a nozzle assembly, generally designated by -reference numeral 12 and a handle 14 pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly. As is well known in the ar t of up-rig?~~t vacuum cleaners, the handle i4 includes an internal cavity 13 which holds and receives a ra_n and motor assembly 15 and a dust bag 17 for collecting dirt and debris. The dust bag 17 may be accessed by removing the main door 16 through operation of the hand latch 18. A second smaller door 20 carried on the main door includes a hand latch 22 that may be manipulated to 15 allow access to a final filter cartridge (not shown).
The handle 14 includes a hand grip 24 that is grasped by the operator when vacuuming. An on/off switch 26 is conveniently located adjacent the hand grip 24. Of course, electrical power is supplied through a cord (not shown) .
A pair of rear wheels 26 (only one shown) are mounted for relative rotation at the lower portion of the handle 14. These rear wheels 25 are provided to support the weight of the vacuum cleaner 10. The rear wheels 26 also provide a pivot point about which the nozzle assembly 12 pivots when the height of the nozzle assembly is adjusted by manipulation of the height adjustment switch 28.
' As is known in the art, a foot latch 30 locks the ' handle 14 in the upright or storage position shown in rrigure 1 in order to allow storage and off-the-floor cleaning. When the foot latch 30 is released, the handle 14 may be pivoted relative to the nozzle assembly 12 in a manner well known in the art so as to allow an individual to manipulate and direct the vacuum cleaner 10 as desired through the hand grip 24. The actuator 32 is provided to allow one to disengage the drive motor from the agitator drive belt 34 (also see Figure 2). In this way, it is possible to disengage the drive to the agitator 40 and provide "suction only" cleaning operation for bare floor cleaning or other appropriate applications. Operation of the actuator 32 is fully explained in U.S. Patent No. 6,067,689 and entitled "Shifter Mechanism For Vacuum Cleaner".
As best shown with reference to Figure 2, the nozzle assembly 12 includes a base 36 with a protective ribbon bumper 37 and a cooperating removable cover 38. As shown the base 36 carries the height adjustment switch 28 and its associated mechanism, the foot latch 30 and its associated mechanism and the actuator 32 and its associated mechanism. As shown, an agitator 40 including a series of bristles 42 is mounted for rotation relative to the base 36 of the nozzle assembly 12. More specifically, the agitator 40 rotates relative to a pair of bearing end caps 44, one end cap at each end of the agitator (see also Figure 6 and 7). Each end cap 44 includes an outwardly projecting mounting lug 46. The base 36 includes a pair of opposed mounting channels 48. Each mounting channel 48 is closed at the lower or bottom end and open at a second opposite end 50 directed upwardly toward the cover 38.
When the agitator 40 is properly positioned in the base 36, the mounting lugs 46 are received in the mounting channels 48 adjacent the closed end 52 thereof. A detent 54 is provided in each mounting channel 48 adjacent the closed end 52 thereof. Together the side walls of the mounting channels 48, the closed ends 52 and the detents 54 function to engage the mounting lugs 46 at all four sides and hold the agitator 40 in position to allow relative rotation with respect to the base 36. The connection is further secured by a pair of mounting brackets 56 that are integrally molded into opposite sidewalls of the base 36 (note particularly Figure 6). Each mounting bracket 56 engages and holds an end cap 44. As one mounting bracket 56 is provided to hold each end cap 44, the agitator 40 is securely held in position at all times of operation.
The base 36 of the nozzle assembly 12 also receives and holds an inner agitator shield 58. Inner agitator shield 58 includes an elongated, substantially arcuate body 60 which forms a concavity that cooperates with the base 36 to define the agitator chamber 62 in which the agitator 40 is mounted (see also Figure 4).
The inner agitator shield 58 also includes a series of projecting lugs 64 and at least one and more preferably two resilient locking clips 66. As shown, the lugs 64 and locking clips 66 are provided along opposite sides of the agitator shield 58.
The agitator shield 58 also includes a discharge port 68. The discharge port 68 functions to direct dirt and debris laden air from the agitator chamber 62 into the suction conduit 70 carried in the base 76. The suction conduit 70 is in fluid communication with the fan and motor assembly 15 through connection of a hose (not shown) between the suction conduit 70 and the cavity 13 so as to allow delivery of dirt and debris to the dust bag 17 where it is captured for disposal.
The inner agitator shield 58 is mounted irl the base 36 by engaging the lugs 6a and clips 66, 5 respectively; ur_der cooperating shoulders 72 and lips 74 molded into the base 76 (see Figure Q). When properly positioned the discharge port 68 of the agitator shield 58 aligns with and butts against the suction conduit 70 to provide an efficiently sealed air 10 pathway (see Figure 3}.
as shown in Figure 2, it should be appreciated that the agitator shield 58 also carries a headlight 76 and cooperating primary reflector 78. The cover 38 includes a window 80 through which light from the headlight 76 is directed. Cover 80 also includes a contoured aperture 82 that receives the height adjustment switch 38 and a cut out portion 84 that provides clearance for the handle la.
The cover 38 also includes a pair of cooperating slide latches 86. Each slide latch 86 includes a projecting ear 88 carrying~a notch 90 (see particularly, Figures 5a and 5b}. When the cover 38 is secured to the base 36, the notch 90 engages a screw boss 92 carried on the base 36 with the head ef the screw boss engaging the ear 88 and preventing direct lifting of the cover 38 from the base 36. With the cover 38 properly meunted on the base 36, the w_ndow 80 is provided in front of the headlight 76. The primary reflector 78 directs most of the light from the headlight 76~ through the window 80. It should be appreciated, however, that the agitator shield 58 is molded from white plastic and functions as a secondary reflector to also direct light from the headlight 76 through the window 80 for best illumination of the work area during vacuuming.
Advantageously, the structure of the present invention allows one to quickly and conveniently service various component parts of t'r_e vacuum cleaner including the headlight 76, the agitator 40 and the agitator drive belt 34. ~o-re particularly, with the vacuum cleaner 10 in the storage position shown in Figure 1, an individual simply slides the slide latches 86 outwardly in the direction of action arrow A shown in Figures 2 and 5a. This series to release the notch 90 0= ear 88 from the cooperating bcss 92 at each side of the vacuum cleaner 1Q. This is followed by the remcving of the cover 38 from the base 36 by simple liftir_g motion. The cut out portion 84 insures clearance of the cover around tine handle 14 during the lift_ng operation. Removal of the cover 38 serves to expose both the headlight 76 for replacement if necessary as well as the inner agitator shield 58.
If it is desired to replace the agitatcr 40 or the agitator drive belt 34, the next step is the removing of the inner agitator shield 58. This is easily performed. Specifically, the ir_dividual manually engages the projecting fingers 94 of the two resilient clips 66 provided near each end of the agitator shield 58. The clips 66 are then depressed in the direction of action arrow B in Figure 4 in order to release the mountir_g lug 96 of each of the cl~ps from cooperating lips 74 of the base 36. Once the clips 66 are released, the agitator shield 58 is pivoted upwardly 3'0 and forwardly to release the lugs 64 from the cooperating shoulders 72 of the base 36. The removal of the agitator shield 58 serves to expose the agitator 4Q. The agitator 40 is easily removed from the base 36 by pulling upwardly on the agitator 40 at each end while pushing outwardly on the sidewails of the base 36 . Specifica 1 ly, the base 36 has suffic~.er_t resiliency to bow slightly under the pressure and thereby allow the mounting lugs 46 to clear the detents 54. After removing the agitator 40 from the base 36 cf the nozzle assembly 12, the agitator may be repaired or replaced. Similarly, the agitator drive belt 34 may be removed from the agitator 40 and the drive pulley 98 and -replaced.
Reassembly is quite simple. The agitator drive belt 34 is threaded over the drive pulley 98 and the agitator 40. The end caps 44 of the agitator 40 are then aligned with the mounting brackets 56 molded into the base 36 . S_:nultar_eousl y, the mountir_g 1 ugs 46 are aligned with the mounting channels 48 formed in the base 36. The agitator 40 is then pressed downwardly (note action arrow C in Figure 7) into the base 36 until the mounting lugs 46 snap past the detents 54 and the agitator 40 is effectively secured in its operating position.
Next the inner agitator shield 58 is resecured to the base 36. Specifically, the agitator shield 58 is aligned over the base 36 with the discharge port 68 engaging the suction conduit 7G. Next the agitator shield 58 is pressed dowr_wardly (note action arrow D in Figures 3 and 4) until the lugs 64 properly engage with the shoulders 72 and the clips 66 properly engage with the lip 74. The resiliency of the clips 66 allow the necessary clearance and then snap into position so that the mour_tir_a lugs 96 fully engage the lips 74 and provide a secure connection.
Next, the cover 38 is resecured to the base 36.
Specifically, the cover 38 is aligned ever the base 36 and pressed down cn the base. next, the slide latches 86 are manipulated in the direction of action arrow E
(see Figure 5b) so that the notches 90 on the ears 88 fully engage the bosses 92. This functions to secure the cover 38 in position. Advantageously, through this simple operation, maintenance of the headlight 76, agitator 40 and/or agitator drive belt 34 is easily completed without manipulatir~ the machine from the storage position shown in Figure 1.
~n summary, numerous benefits result from employing the concepts of tre prssent invention. -Specifically, a vacuum cleaner of simple and inexpensive construction is provided. Advantageously, that vacuum cleaner provides a number of beneficial features including ease and conver_ient maintenance of the headlight 76, agitator 40 and agitator drive belt 34. Specifically, maintenance is completed while the vacuum cleaner is in the right side up position so that it is not necessary to manipulate or lift the vacuum cleaner during the performance of the desired service.
The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration ar_d description. It is rot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodimer_t was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary sk_11 in the art to utilize the ir_vention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the apper_ded claims wher_ interpreted ir_ accordance with la_ the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and enuitably entitled.
Claims (11)
1. A vacuum cleaner comprising:
a housing including a handle and a nozzle assembly having a base and a removable upper cover;
a removable inner agitator shield held in said nozzle assembly substantially underlying said removable upper cover, said inner agitator shield including an elongated, substantially arcuate body and a releasable latch;
an agitator mounted for rotation relative to said nozzle assembly in an agitator chamber; and a motor and fan assembly mounted to said housing for driving said agitator and providing suction.
a housing including a handle and a nozzle assembly having a base and a removable upper cover;
a removable inner agitator shield held in said nozzle assembly substantially underlying said removable upper cover, said inner agitator shield including an elongated, substantially arcuate body and a releasable latch;
an agitator mounted for rotation relative to said nozzle assembly in an agitator chamber; and a motor and fan assembly mounted to said housing for driving said agitator and providing suction.
2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein said inner agitator shield includes at least one projecting lug and said base includes a cooperating lug engaging shoulder.
3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, wherein said releasable latch includes at least one resilient locking clip projecting in a direction substantially opposite said projecting lug.
4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 3, wherein said base includes a lip for engaging said locking clip.
5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 4, wherein said removable upper cover includes a slide latch and said base includes a mounting boss, said slide latch engaging said mounting boss when said removable upper cover is locked in position on said base.
6. ~The vacuum cleaner of claim 5, wherein said base includes a pair of opposed mounting channels each said mounting channel being closed at one end and opening upwardly at a second opposite end toward said removable upper cover.
7. ~The vacuum cleaner of claim 6, wherein said agitator includes a pair of end caps, one end cap being provided at each end of said agitator, each end cap also including a mounting lug, each mounting lug being received in one of said mounting channels when said agitator is carried in said base.
8. ~The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein said inner agitator shield is molded as a single piece of resilient plastic.
9. ~The vacuum cleaner of claim 8, wherein said vacuum cleaner includes a headlight mounted to said inner agitator shield and said inner agitator shield is white so as to act as a secondary light reflector.
10. ~The vacuum cleaner of claim 9, wherein said inner agitator shield includes an integral discharge port.
11. ~A method of changing an agitator drive belt in a vacuum cleaner incorporating an agitator shield and a nozzle assembly having a removable cover and a base, said method comprising:
removing said removable cover from said base so as to expose said agitator shield;
removing said agitator shield so as to expose said agitator; and removing said agitator and changing said agitator drive belt all while maintaining said vacuum cleaner in a right-side-up orientation.
removing said removable cover from said base so as to expose said agitator shield;
removing said agitator shield so as to expose said agitator; and removing said agitator and changing said agitator drive belt all while maintaining said vacuum cleaner in a right-side-up orientation.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1998/008200 WO1999053820A1 (en) | 1998-04-23 | 1998-04-23 | Easy maintenance vacuum cleaner |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2273103A1 CA2273103A1 (en) | 1999-10-22 |
| CA2273103C true CA2273103C (en) | 2005-01-11 |
Family
ID=22266902
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002273103A Expired - Fee Related CA2273103C (en) | 1998-04-23 | 1998-04-23 | Easy maintenance vacuum cleaner |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2273103C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999053820A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6842942B2 (en) * | 2001-09-18 | 2005-01-18 | The Hoover Company | Nozzle assembly removal arrangement |
| CN105411488B (en) * | 2014-09-05 | 2018-04-24 | 深圳市智意科技有限公司 | Automatic ground washing machine |
| CN114403741B (en) | 2017-03-10 | 2024-02-27 | 尚科宁家运营有限公司 | Agitator with a hair remover and hair removal |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3148400A (en) * | 1960-12-22 | 1964-09-15 | Mauz & Pfeiffer | Carpet beating and cleaning machine |
| US4512057A (en) * | 1984-04-30 | 1985-04-23 | The Singer Company | Floor care appliance |
| US4724574A (en) * | 1987-03-19 | 1988-02-16 | Sara Lee Corporation | Suction cleaner |
| US5309601A (en) * | 1992-10-16 | 1994-05-10 | White Consolidated Industries, Inc. | Vacuum cleaner with improved assembly |
| US5448794A (en) * | 1993-09-16 | 1995-09-12 | Electrolux Corporation | Corded handheld vacuum cleaner |
| US5671499A (en) * | 1996-01-11 | 1997-09-30 | Black & Decker Inc. | Vacuum cleaner with all components in floor traveling head |
-
1998
- 1998-04-23 CA CA002273103A patent/CA2273103C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-04-23 WO PCT/US1998/008200 patent/WO1999053820A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2273103A1 (en) | 1999-10-22 |
| WO1999053820A1 (en) | 1999-10-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20180423 |