US20010005919A1 - Vacuum cleaner - Google Patents
Vacuum cleaner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010005919A1 US20010005919A1 US09/793,051 US79305101A US2001005919A1 US 20010005919 A1 US20010005919 A1 US 20010005919A1 US 79305101 A US79305101 A US 79305101A US 2001005919 A1 US2001005919 A1 US 2001005919A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- tank
- vacuum cleaner
- filter
- disposed
- 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.)
- Granted
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D39/00—Filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D39/14—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material
- B01D39/16—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material of organic material, e.g. synthetic fibres
- B01D39/1607—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material of organic material, e.g. synthetic fibres the material being fibrous
- B01D39/1623—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material of organic material, e.g. synthetic fibres the material being fibrous of synthetic origin
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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
- A47L5/36—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
- A47L5/365—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back of the vertical type, e.g. tank or bucket type
-
- 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
- A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
- A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
- A47L7/0023—Recovery tanks
- A47L7/0028—Security means, e.g. float valves or level switches for preventing overflow
-
- 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
- A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
- A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
- A47L7/0023—Recovery tanks
- A47L7/0038—Recovery tanks with means for emptying the tanks
-
- 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
- A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
- A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
- A47L7/0042—Gaskets; Sealing means
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A47L9/0081—Means for exhaust-air diffusion; Means for sound or vibration damping
-
- 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
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/12—Dry filters
- A47L9/127—Dry filters tube- or sleeve-shaped
-
- 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
- A47L9/20—Means for cleaning filters
-
- 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
- A47L9/22—Mountings for motor fan assemblies
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D39/00—Filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D39/08—Filter cloth, i.e. woven, knitted or interlaced material
- B01D39/083—Filter cloth, i.e. woven, knitted or interlaced material of organic material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2239/00—Aspects relating to filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D2239/06—Filter cloth, e.g. knitted, woven non-woven; self-supported material
- B01D2239/065—More than one layer present in the filtering material
- B01D2239/0654—Support layers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2239/00—Aspects relating to filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D2239/06—Filter cloth, e.g. knitted, woven non-woven; self-supported material
- B01D2239/069—Special geometry of layers
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S55/00—Gas separation
- Y10S55/03—Vacuum cleaner
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to vacuum cleaners.
- Some type of vacuum cleaners include a generally upright tank and a lid which is removably connected to and which generally closes off the upper end of the tank.
- a vacuum source connected to the lid draws process air, i.e., air carrying dust and debris, through an inlet opening in the tank and then through an exit opening in the lid.
- a generally cylindrical foam or paper filter with an open upper end in communication with the exit opening in the lid and a closed lower end is typically connected to the underside of the lid and extends downwardly into the canister.
- the vacuum source draws process air into the tank and then through the pleated filter for removal of particulate from the air stream, whereupon the air exits the upper end of the filter and through the exit opening in the lid.
- the vacuum source causes a build-up of particulate on the side of the filter. After a certain quantity of contaminant or debris builds up on the outside of the filter, or when the vacuum source is turned off, the build-up may or may not fall from the filter.
- a typical prior art solution has been to cover the filter with a pre-filter bag.
- This bag is made of tightly woven fibers in order to stop dust from entering the filter.
- the vacuum is turned on, the air flow through the filter pulls the bag into contact with the filter.
- the vacuum is turned off, the bag returns to its original shape, allowing dirt to fall off the bag. While this solution has been used with vacuums that collect dry materials, it is problematic to use with vacuums used for collecting wet materials because the suction would pull water into the bag. Because of the bag construction, the water drains from the bag very slowly.
- an improved vacuum cleaner is employed.
- the vacuum cleaner comprises a tank assembly having an open end, a cap assembly removably connected to and generally closing off the open end, an inlet assembly disposed on one of the tank and cap assemblies, an exit opening disposed on one of the tank and cap assemblies, a vacuum source connected to one of the tank and cap assemblies for drawing process air through the inlet assembly, a filter assembly disposed between the inlet assembly and the exit opening, the filter assembly comprising a filter, and a filter bag assembly covering at least part of the filter, wherein the filter bag assembly comprises a filter bag and a drain tube connected to the filter bag.
- the drain tube is integrally built into the filter bag.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a side view of a wheel preferably used in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the wheel of FIG. 2 along line III-III;
- FIG. 4 is a side view of a latch mechanism preferably used in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 4 along line V-V;
- FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of a latch mechanism similar to the latch mechanism of FIG. 4, where FIG. 6A illustrates a locked latch mechanism and FIG. 6B illustrates an unlocked latch mechanism;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a gasket preferably used in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an inlet preferably used in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 9 is a rear view of the inlet of FIG. 8 along line IX-IX;
- FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing of the air flow within the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 11 is a partial rear view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 12 is a partial right view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a filter assembly preferably used in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 14 illustrates the operation of the filter assembly of FIG. 13, where FIG. 14A illustrates the filter assembly during a vacuuming operation and FIG. 14B illustrates the filter assembly after the vacuuming operation has ended;
- FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a cap assembly preferably used in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the cap assembly of FIG. 15 along line XVI-XVI;
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the cap assembly of FIG. 15 along line XVII-XVII;
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the cap assembly of FIG. 15 along line XVI-XVI;
- FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the cap assembly of FIG. 15 along line XVI-XVI;
- FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cap assembly of FIG. 15;
- FIG. 21 is a side view of a hose adapter preferably used in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the hose adapter of FIG. 21 along line XXII-XXII;
- FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the hose adapter of FIG. 21 along line XXIII-XXIII.
- a vacuum cleaner apparatus 10 preferably comprises a generally upright tank assembly 20 , and a cap assembly 30 which is removably connected to and which generally closes off the upper end of the tank assembly 20 .
- Tank assembly 20 includes a tank 22 , which is preferably made of blow-molded polyethylene.
- Tank assembly 20 may include an inlet assembly 230 .
- Inlet assembly 230 preferably has an opening 231 through which process air, i.e., air carrying dust and debris, travels.
- process air i.e., air carrying dust and debris
- a motor assembly ( 70 in FIGS. 16 - 20 ) may be connected to and/or contained within the cap assembly 30 for drawing process air through the inlet assembly 230 and then through an exit duct ( 54 in FIGS. 16 - 20 ) in the cap assembly 30 . Further details on these elements will be found below. Persons skilled in the art should also recognize that motor assembly 70 may be disposed in tank assembly 20 .
- Cap assembly 30 may also carry switch 32 for turning the vacuum cleaner 10 on and off.
- tank assembly 20 comprises wheels for facilitating movement of the vacuum cleaner 10 .
- wheels may include typical roller wheels 21 , which may pivot about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheels. Allowing wheels 21 to rotate about two respective axis facilitates the maneuvering of vacuum cleaner 10 during movement.
- Tank assembly 20 may also comprise wheel assemblies 220 .
- tank assembly 20 carries at least two wheel assemblies 220 .
- a wheel assembly 220 may include a hub frame 221 , which may be made of plastic, preferably talc-filled polypropylene.
- Hub frame 221 may include ribs 222 for strength and/or aesthetic design.
- Hub frame 221 may also include a rim 223 and openings 224 disposed throughout the rim 223 .
- the rim 223 has a generally T-shaped cross-section.
- Tire 225 may be disposed on rim 223 .
- the tire 225 is preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer compound sold under the tradename SANTOPRENE by Advanced Elastomer Systems L.P., Akron, Ohio.
- Each wheel assembly 220 may be formed in a two-step injection molding, or overmolding, process.
- Hub frame 221 is formed in a first step by injecting the plastic into a mold.
- the hub frame 221 may then be placed as an insert in a second mold.
- Tire 225 is then molded around the hub frame 221 .
- the tire 225 may be mechanically interlocked to the hub frame 221 by the T-shaped rim 223 and/or by the openings 224 in the rim 223 .
- the wheel assemblies 220 may be connected via an axle (not shown).
- tank 22 may have an axle channel 23 formed therein, preferably spanning the entire width of tank 22 .
- Tank 22 may also have at least two molded axle sockets 24 preferably located near the ends of axle channel 23 .
- axle channel 23 and/or axle sockets 24 are integrally formed in tank 22 .
- the axle socket 24 may have a mouth 26 having an aperture which is smaller than the diameter of the axle.
- mouth 26 and/or axle socket 24 are resilient, so that the axle can be forced or snap-fitted through the mouth 26 and is retained in the socket 24 .
- mouth 26 retains the axle in socket 24 .
- axle socket 24 and/or axle channel 23 have an upper wall 25 .
- axle socket 24 and/or axle channel 23 have an upper wall 25 .
- axle When the axle is in place, it contacts upper wall 25 to strengthen and distribute the load in the connection between the tank 22 and the axle.
- the vacuum cleaner 10 may be used for vacuuming both liquid and dry materials, it is advantageous to provide a drain tube 27 in the tank assembly 20 .
- the drain tube 27 is preferably molded integrally with the tank 22 .
- the drain tube 27 may extend from a lower wall of the tank 22 .
- Preferably drain tube 27 is molded with at least one thread 28 . This allows the operator to open and/or close the drain tube 27 by screwing a cap closure onto and off the thread 28 . Persons skilled in the art will recognize other means to open and/or close the drain tube 27 .
- the inlet assembly 230 may include a body 233 defining inlet opening 231 .
- Inlet assembly 230 is preferably offset from the vertical lengthwise center plane 232 of the tank assembly 20 .
- the offset inlet assembly 230 thus directs incoming dirt and fluid away from the filter assembly 300 and provides unique styling.
- Inlet assembly 230 may also include an end cap 235 connected to the body 233 .
- End cap 235 has an outlet opening 234 for allowing the incoming dirt and fluid to exit from inlet assembly 230 .
- End cap 235 may be shaped so that the outlet opening 234 is located between the angles of 135° and 315°, where zero degrees is preferably at the twelve-o'clock position, as shown in FIG. 9.
- the incoming air is directed downwardly toward the adjacent wall of the tank 22 .
- the incoming air then preferably spirals around the tank 22 until it reaches filter assembly 300 , as shown in FIG. 10.
- a cap assembly 30 is removably connected to and which generally closes off the upper end of the tank assembly 20 .
- a latch assembly 400 may be used to removably connect cap assembly 30 and tank assembly 20 .
- the latch assembly 400 preferably has an overcenter mechanism, but persons skilled in the art will recognize that other simpler mechanisms may be used for connecting the tank and cap assemblies. Accordingly, the latch assembly 400 may comprise a latch body 401 having at least one ear 407 . Preferably two ears 407 , each connected to a respective side of the latch body 401 , are used. A pivot shaft 406 is carried by the ear(s) 407 .
- a pivot link 404 is pivotally connected to the pivot shaft 406 .
- Pivot link 404 is also pivotally connected to shaft 405 , which is in turn pivotally connected to base 402 .
- the axis of shaft 405 and pivot shaft 406 are substantially parallel.
- Base 402 may be connected to tank assembly 20 .
- base 402 is fixedly attached thereto by a rivet 403 .
- the latch body 401 can be pivoted relative to the base 402 .
- the lower end 401 L of the latch body 401 can be pivoted upwards and outward relative to the base 402 (and thus relative to tank assembly 20 ) to permit a hook 408 on the upper end of the latch body 401 to be hooked over a latch keeper wall 33 on cap assembly 30 , as shown in FIG. 6B.
- the lower end 401 L can then be pivoted inwardly and downwardly to the location shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A.
- the latch body 401 , a main wall of cap assembly 30 and a main wall of tank assembly 20 may be disposed relative to each other so that they are generally coplanar. As a result the latch body 401 would be generally flush with the main walls of the cap and tank assemblies in the latched position.
- a pocket 413 may also be used as a hand hold while dumping the contents of tank assembly 20 .
- the pivot shaft 406 is preferably shifted overcenter relative to the shaft 405 , i.e., inwardly of the shaft 405 and towards tank assembly 20 .
- the overcenter position of the pivot shaft 406 permits the latch body 401 to be retained stably latched under the bias applied by the gasket against cap assembly 30 , and thus against latch keeper wall 33 and hook 408 .
- latch assembly components could be disposed either the tank assembly 20 or cap assembly 30 .
- base 402 can be disposed on cap assembly 30 .
- hook 408 may be connectable to a latch keeper wall 33 disposed on tank assembly 20 , in the same manner as discussed above.
- the gasket is disposed between the tank and cap assemblies.
- Such gasket could be generally flat shaped, such as gasket 409 ′ in FIG. 6, or elongated as gasket 409 in FIG. 5.
- elongated gasket 409 may have a half-cylindrical main body 411 and an elongated stem 410 connected thereto.
- Stem 410 may also include at least one frustroconical segment for fastening.
- the stem 410 may be disposed in a channel in the cap assembly 30 , as shown in FIG. 5.
- the width of the channel is smaller than the outer diameter of the stem 410 .
- the stem 410 is thus in compression and resists removal from the channel.
- gasket 409 is made of extruded neoprene rubber.
- Body 411 may have an elongated lip 412 extending therefrom.
- Preferably lip 412 extends radially from body 411 at an angle of about 45 ° from the centerline of the body 411 . Lip 412 improves the seal with tank assembly 20 .
- a filter assembly 300 is preferably disposed between the cap assembly 30 and the tank assembly 20 to filter the process air. Referring to FIGS. 13 - 14 , the filter assembly 300 may be connected to a bottom wall 34 of cap assembly 30 . The filter assembly 300 may also extend downwardly into the tank assembly 20 . Persons skilled in the art should however recognize that the filter assembly 300 may be disposed on tank assembly 20 and still perform the same function.
- filter assembly 300 comprises a filter cartridge assembly 310 .
- the filter cartridge assembly 310 may include a filter 311 .
- filter 311 is generally cylindrical and made of foam, paper or polyester. The foam, paper or polyester may be folded into pleats 312 to increase filtering area.
- Filter 311 may be formed with an open upper end in communication with an exit opening 36 formed in the bottom wall 34 . Filter 311 may also be formed with a closed lower end.
- Filter cartridge assembly 310 may also include an inner expanded metal core 313 supporting filter 311 to resist compressive forces during operation.
- Metal core 313 may also have a closed bottom (not shown) to provide greater filter integrity.
- the metal core 313 may be constructed from a sheet of metal that is slit longitudinally and then pulled, i.e., expanded, to form the openings therein.
- Filter cartridge assembly 310 may also include an upper ring 315 for supporting the metal core 313 and/or filter 311 .
- the upper ring 315 is made of rubber or plastic.
- An annular flange 316 may be disposed on the cartridge assembly 310 , preferably on ring 315 , to form a seal against the bottom wall 34 .
- Preferably flange 316 extends upwardly from the ring 315 .
- Filter cartridge assembly 310 may also include a bottom 317 supporting the metal core 313 and/or filter 311 .
- the bottom 317 is made of rubber or plastic.
- metal core 313 and/or filter 311 extend between upper ring 315 and bottom 317 .
- the filter cartridge assembly 310 may be attached to the bottom wall 34 via posts 35 and hooks 314 .
- posts 35 are disposed on wall 34 while hooks 314 are disposed on the cartridge assembly 310 (or ring 315 ), but persons skilled in the art should recognize that the reverse arrangement would also work for the intended purpose.
- Cartridge assembly 310 may then be installed by rotating the cartridge assembly 310 about its axis and engaging hooks 314 with posts 35 , as shown in FIG. 13.
- hooks 314 may engage bolts instead of posts 35 and still obtain the same result.
- cartridge assembly 410 may be disposed directly on posts 35 and held in place by thumbscrews threadedly engaged to posts 35 .
- the filter cartridge assembly 310 may be partly covered by a pre-filter assembly 304 .
- pre-filter assembly 304 may include a bag 301 .
- bag 301 covers most, if not all, of filter 311 .
- Bag 301 may be attached to the cartridge assembly 310 via a draw string 303 , by an elastic band, and/or by openings letting hooks 314 therethrough.
- bag 301 is made of Dacron or other fabric materials. It is also preferable that the fibers constituting the fabric be tightly woven, so as to properly filter dust particles.
- Bag 301 has a drain tube 302 .
- drain tube 302 is formed integrally with bag 301 .
- the drain tube 302 may extend downwardly from the bottom of the bag 301 . Accordingly, when the vacuum is in operation, the air flow pulls the bag 301 into contact with the filter 311 , filtering most dust particles. Suction also causes the drain tube 302 to close, as shown in FIG. 14A. When the vacuum is turned off, the bag 301 returns to its original shape, allowing dirt to fall off the bag 301 . The drain tube 302 then opens and allows the liquid in the bag 301 to drain, as shown in FIG. 14B.
- bag 301 may also be provided with non-integral drain tubes made of, for example, plastic, and arranged in such manner that the bag 301 itself blocks the drain tube.
- the drain tube may include a movable flap that closes itself, and thus blocks the drain tube, during vacuum operation.
- the blocking function may also be performed by the filter cartridge assembly 310 .
- bottom 317 may solely or jointly contribute towards blocking the drain tube.
- the filter assembly 300 may also include a shut-off assembly 320 , which will stop the airflow when a water level within tank assembly 20 is reached, and/or when vacuum cleaner 10 is inverted.
- Shut-off assembly 320 may include a cage 321 (a quarter of which is shown in FIG. 13).
- Cage 321 may be molded integrally as part of bottom wall 34 .
- cage 321 may be part of the filter cartridge assembly 310 or placed therewithin.
- cage 321 consists of at least 3 ribs 323 .
- a float 322 is placed within cage 321 .
- Float 322 is preferably made of rubber or plastic and may be shaped as a sphere, an inverted cup (i.e., with the open end facing downwardly) or any other appropriate shape. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a cup-shaped float is easier to mold than a spherical float. Float 322 will move along and/or be guided by cage 321 as the water level in tank assembly 22 increases, until it closes exit opening 36 , shutting off the airflow. Foam rubber, or other similar materials, on float 322 and/or walls defining exit opening 36 may be used to enhance sealing of exit opening 36 .
- float 322 could be placed within filter cartridge assembly 321 without a cage, with or without the metal core 313 functioning as cage 322 .
- cap assembly 30 may include a cover 37 , a midlevel partition 38 and bottom wall 34 .
- cover 37 , the partition 38 and the bottom wall 34 are made of molded plastic.
- the cover 37 , partition 38 and bottom wall 34 are preferably supported in a spaced relationship to each other by a plurality of spaced bushings and/or walls.
- wall 39 of partition 38 contacts cover 37 and maintains the cover 37 and partition 38 in a determined spaced relationship.
- partition 38 may protrude forming walls 40 , which may also contact cover 37 to maintain cover 37 and partition 38 in a determined spaced relationship.
- walls 39 and/or 40 are also formed in such manner so as to assist in directing the different airflows, as explained fuller in detail below.
- Bottom wall 34 may also protrude forming walls 41 , which may also contact partition 38 to maintain partition 38 and bottom wall 34 in a determined spaced relationship.
- Walls 41 may have a hole 41 H for receiving a bolt and nut combination (not shown) contacting both bottom wall 34 and partition 38 for securely holding the two layers in place.
- partition 38 may have a bushing projection 43 which contacts a bushing projection 42 of bottom wall 34 .
- a bolt 44 may threadedly hold the two bushing projections 42 , 43 together in place, maintaining partition 38 and bottom wall 34 in the desired spaced relationship.
- Similar bushings may be disposed between cover 37 and partition 38 , and between partition 38 and bottom wall 34 as necessary or desired.
- bottom wall 34 has a bushing projection 45 contacting partition 38 .
- Bushing projection 45 is preferably substantially cylindrical and hollow.
- partition 38 may have a bushing projection 46 contacting cover 37 .
- Bushing projection 46 is preferably substantially cylindrical and hollow.
- bushing projections 45 , 46 are substantially coaxial and adapted to receive bolt 31 B and/or nut 31 N. By securing bolt 31 B and nut 31 N as shown in FIG. 17, cover 37 , partition 38 and bottom wall 34 are securely held in place and in the desired spaced relationship.
- similar bushing projections may be disposed between the cover 37 and partition 38 , and between partition 38 and bottom wall 34 to perform the same function.
- Motor assembly 70 may be disposed within cap assembly 30 for drawing the process air into tank assembly 20 and filter assembly 300 .
- Motor assembly may include a motor 71 at least partly enclosed by a motor housing 72 .
- motor housing 72 is supported by partition 38 .
- Motor 71 may have a drive shaft 73 for driving fan 74 .
- Fan 74 may be at least partly enclosed by fan housing 75 , which may be supported by bottom wall 34 and/or partition 38 .
- Fan housing 74 preferably has an inlet opening 78 that communicates with exit opening 36 .
- fan housing 74 may have at least one exit opening 76 for allowing process air to exit from fan housing 74 .
- resilient layers 79 , 80 are disposed between the fan housing 74 and partition 38 , and between fan housing 74 and bottom wall 34 , respectively.
- Layers 79 , 80 may be made of rubber, plastic or foam to decrease the vibrations transmitted from the fan housing 74 to the partition 38 and bottom wall 34 and/or to provide a seal between the fan housing 74 , the partition 38 and bottom wall 34 . Accordingly, it is preferable that layers 79 , 80 be made of high-density, or closed small-porosity, foam rubber material.
- Motor 71 may also drive a cooling air fan 77 , for drawing air into the motor housing 72 and cooling motor 71 .
- Ducting layers 48 , 49 may be disposed between cover 37 and partition 38 to assist directing the cooling air drawn by fan 77 .
- cover 37 , partition 38 , and ducting layers 48 , 49 define the cooling air path.
- ducting layers 48 , 49 are made of a pliant material that is substantially impenetrable by air, such as rubber or a high-density, or closed small-porosity, foam rubber material.
- Ducting layers 48 , 49 may be fixedly attached to cover 37 and/or partition 38 via glue, rivets, tabs, etc.
- the cooling air may enter via an inlet duct 50 formed within cap assembly 50 , preferably by partition 38 and/or cover 37 .
- Ducting layers 48 , 49 preferably direct the cooling air towards fan 77 .
- Cooling air then moves past motor 71 and exits from motor housing 72 .
- Cooling air may then pass through an inner annular notched wall 51 preferably surrounding the motor housing 72 and supporting ducting layer 49 .
- Cooling air may then pass through intermediate annular notched wall 39 .
- Finally cooling air may curve around an outer solid wall 58 surrounding the intermediate wall 39 and possibly forming an expansion chamber 52 .
- Preferably expansion chamber 52 may slow the speed of the cooling air, thus reducing noise.
- intermediate wall 39 and solid wall 58 may be disposed on three sides of the cap assembly 30 , whereas inlet duct 50 is only located at the rear of cap assembly 30 . Accordingly, cooling air preferably enters cap assembly 30 from a first side, whereas it exits cap assembly 30 from all sides but the first side.
- the filtered process air preferably enters fan housing 74 via inlet opening 78 and exits fan housing 74 via exit opening 76 .
- Process air then exits cap assembly 30 via a pathway and out an exit duct 54 preferably formed by partition 38 and/or bottom wall 34 , as shown in FIG. 20.
- exit duct 54 is omnidirectional, thus allowing process air to exit cap assembly 30 in all directions.
- exit duct 54 may be formed in any location within vacuum cleaner 10 , including tank assembly 20 and/or cap assembly 30 .
- FIGS. 16 - 20 it is preferable to manipulate the air flow along the process air pathway in order to slow its speed and/or reduce noise.
- solid walls and/or ducting layers may be disposed to create noise-reduction chambers.
- an annular expansion chamber 53 may be disposed near the exit duct 54 for slowing the process air speed and reducing noise.
- Persons skilled in the art will recognize that other shapes for expansion chamber 53 would achieve the same result.
- solid wall 59 formed by partition 38 and/or bottom wall 34 may be used to create a chamber 60 .
- wall 59 is a single annular shape surrounding motor assembly 70 , and defining an annular chamber 60 .
- Chamber 60 could be adapted to function as an expansion chamber.
- chamber 60 could act as an acoustic chamber for damping audible signals, and thus reducing noise.
- Ducting layers may be disposed between partition 38 and bottom wall 34 to further assist in directing the process air.
- an inverted egg-carton ducting layer 55 is disposed as shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, for directing air towards chamber 53 .
- ducting layer 55 is made of a pliant material that is substantially impenetrable by air, such as rubber or a high-density, or closed small-porosity, foam rubber material. Accordingly, the process air would follow a tortuous, twisting path towards chamber 53 .
- process air exiting fan housing 75 may enter chamber 60 .
- chamber 60 would not act as an expansion chamber once it is properly pressurized. Instead, it could act as an acoustic chamber due to the combination of soft (foam) and hard (walls) surfaces used, thus reducing noise.
- soft (foam) and hard (walls) surfaces used, thus reducing noise.
- Persons skilled in the art should recognize that the above is only a theory and should not be interpreted as the manner in which chamber 60 is actually used or actually functions, but rather as a possible mode of operation.
- annular layer 56 between layer 55 and fan housing 75 .
- ducting layer 57 may be disposed on bottom wall 34 .
- Ducting layer 58 may be disposed on layer 57 , creating a path for the process air.
- layer 57 and/or 58 have an egg-carton configuration, forcing air to turn multiple times before reaching chamber 53 .
- cap assemblies 30 described above have fewer parts and are significantly simpler to assemble than typical prior art vacuums.
- elements of cap assembly 30 such as ducts, chambers, etc., can be disposed in tank assembly 20 by itself and/or in combination with cap assembly 30 .
- the cap assembly 30 may also support filter brush assembly 90 .
- Filter brush assembly 90 includes a filter brush 91 which may be moved along filter 311 for cleaning filter 311 and removing dust therefrom.
- filter brush 91 has bristles 92 contacting filter 311 .
- Filter brush assembly 90 may include a rod 93 attached to filter brush 91 at one end and to a knob 94 at the other end. Such construction allows the operator to move the filter brush 91 without opening vacuum cleaner 10 .
- Rod 93 may be slidably received by cap assembly 30 .
- wall 40 may be preferably substantially cylindrical and hollow.
- partition 38 and/or bottom wall 34 may have a projection 97 which may be substantially cylindrical and hollow.
- wall 40 and projection 97 are substantially coaxial.
- Rod 93 may be slidably received within wall 40 and projection 97 and enter tank assembly 20 .
- plugs 95 , 96 (FIG. 16) to dispose within wall 40 and projection 97 , respectively. Using plugs 95 , 96 avoids any undesired leakage of air from one chamber into the other.
- latch assemblies 400 are used to connect the cap assembly 30 with tank assembly 20 .
- each latch assembly 400 is preferably disposed at each corresponding side of vacuum cleaner 10 .
- a handle 31 is preferably fixedly attached to cap assembly 30 .
- handle 31 may be attached to the cap assembly 30 by a pair of bolts 31 B each located adjacent one of the latch assemblies 400 to distribute the pulling force during lifting of vacuum cleaner 10 from cap assembly 30 to tank assembly 20 through the latch assemblies 400 .
- Each bolt 31 B preferably extends through the cover 37 and along bushing projections 45 , 46 at a location that is adjacent to and slightly inwards and rearward of the latch assembly 400 .
- Each bolt 31 B may be threadedly engaged to a nut 31 N disposed on or below bottom wall 34 .
- nut 31 N may be formed integrally within wall 34 . With such construction, the bolts 31 B and nuts 31 N provide structural support for the cap assembly 30 and help transfer the force to the tank assembly 20 through the latch assemblies 400 .
- the hose adapter assembly 500 is used to connect a vacuum hose 510 to the vacuum cleaner 10 .
- the inlet assembly 230 preferably has a tapered inlet opening 231 .
- the adapter assembly 500 may include a male coupling 501 , which in turn has an end 503 .
- the end 503 has an identical taper to that of the inlet opening 231 .
- the male coupling 501 wedges and locks into the inlet opening 231 during insertion.
- An operator may also rotate male coupling 501 about its longitudinal axis (axis 504 ) to aid in wedging the coupling 501 into the inlet opening 231 .
- Such a tapered connection is commonly known as a “locking taper.”
- the adapter assembly 500 may further comprise a hose coupling 502 that may be telescopically connected to the male coupling 501 .
- a swivel connection is formed when both couplings 501 , 502 are connected. Such swivel connection aids in preventing the hose 510 from becoming twisted during operation.
- the swivel connection may be obtained by forming an annular groove in one of the two couplings and an annular rib in the other coupling, where the groove and rib are mateable with each other.
- the hose coupling 502 has an annular groove 505 , for receiving an annular rib 506 formed on the male coupling 501 , preferably on its inner surface.
- the couplings may then be assembled by inserting the male coupling 501 over the hose coupling 502 until the rib 506 is seated in the mating groove 506 .
- the forward wall of the rib 506 and the tip of the hose coupling 501 may be rearwardly tapered.
- Hose coupling 502 may also have threads 509 for threadedly receiving threads 511 of hose 510 .
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates generally to vacuum cleaners.
- Some type of vacuum cleaners include a generally upright tank and a lid which is removably connected to and which generally closes off the upper end of the tank. A vacuum source connected to the lid draws process air, i.e., air carrying dust and debris, through an inlet opening in the tank and then through an exit opening in the lid. A generally cylindrical foam or paper filter with an open upper end in communication with the exit opening in the lid and a closed lower end is typically connected to the underside of the lid and extends downwardly into the canister.
- During normal operation of the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum source draws process air into the tank and then through the pleated filter for removal of particulate from the air stream, whereupon the air exits the upper end of the filter and through the exit opening in the lid. With this arrangement, the vacuum source causes a build-up of particulate on the side of the filter. After a certain quantity of contaminant or debris builds up on the outside of the filter, or when the vacuum source is turned off, the build-up may or may not fall from the filter.
- A typical prior art solution has been to cover the filter with a pre-filter bag. This bag is made of tightly woven fibers in order to stop dust from entering the filter. When the vacuum is turned on, the air flow through the filter pulls the bag into contact with the filter. When the vacuum is turned off, the bag returns to its original shape, allowing dirt to fall off the bag. While this solution has been used with vacuums that collect dry materials, it is problematic to use with vacuums used for collecting wet materials because the suction would pull water into the bag. Because of the bag construction, the water drains from the bag very slowly.
- In accordance with the present invention, an improved vacuum cleaner is employed. The vacuum cleaner comprises a tank assembly having an open end, a cap assembly removably connected to and generally closing off the open end, an inlet assembly disposed on one of the tank and cap assemblies, an exit opening disposed on one of the tank and cap assemblies, a vacuum source connected to one of the tank and cap assemblies for drawing process air through the inlet assembly, a filter assembly disposed between the inlet assembly and the exit opening, the filter assembly comprising a filter, and a filter bag assembly covering at least part of the filter, wherein the filter bag assembly comprises a filter bag and a drain tube connected to the filter bag. Preferably, the drain tube is integrally built into the filter bag.
- Additional features and benefits of the present invention are described, and will be apparent from, the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below.
- The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention according to the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a side view of a wheel preferably used in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the wheel of FIG. 2 along line III-III;
- FIG. 4 is a side view of a latch mechanism preferably used in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 4 along line V-V;
- FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of a latch mechanism similar to the latch mechanism of FIG. 4, where FIG. 6A illustrates a locked latch mechanism and FIG. 6B illustrates an unlocked latch mechanism;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a gasket preferably used in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an inlet preferably used in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 9 is a rear view of the inlet of FIG. 8 along line IX-IX;
- FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing of the air flow within the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 11 is a partial rear view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 12 is a partial right view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a filter assembly preferably used in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 14 illustrates the operation of the filter assembly of FIG. 13, where FIG. 14A illustrates the filter assembly during a vacuuming operation and FIG. 14B illustrates the filter assembly after the vacuuming operation has ended;
- FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a cap assembly preferably used in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the cap assembly of FIG. 15 along line XVI-XVI;
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the cap assembly of FIG. 15 along line XVII-XVII;
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the cap assembly of FIG. 15 along line XVI-XVI;
- FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the cap assembly of FIG. 15 along line XVI-XVI;
- FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cap assembly of FIG. 15;
- FIG. 21 is a side view of a hose adapter preferably used in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the hose adapter of FIG. 21 along line XXII-XXII; and
- FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the hose adapter of FIG. 21 along line XXIII-XXIII.
- The invention is now described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals designate like parts. Referring to FIG. 1, a
vacuum cleaner apparatus 10 preferably comprises a generallyupright tank assembly 20, and acap assembly 30 which is removably connected to and which generally closes off the upper end of thetank assembly 20. -
Tank assembly 20 includes atank 22, which is preferably made of blow-molded polyethylene.Tank assembly 20 may include aninlet assembly 230.Inlet assembly 230 preferably has anopening 231 through which process air, i.e., air carrying dust and debris, travels. Persons skilled in the art will recognize thatinlet assembly 230 may be disposed oncap assembly 30 instead. Theinlet assembly 230 will be discussed in further detail below. - A motor assembly (70 in FIGS. 16-20) may be connected to and/or contained within the
cap assembly 30 for drawing process air through theinlet assembly 230 and then through an exit duct (54 in FIGS. 16-20) in thecap assembly 30. Further details on these elements will be found below. Persons skilled in the art should also recognize thatmotor assembly 70 may be disposed intank assembly 20. -
Cap assembly 30 may also carryswitch 32 for turning thevacuum cleaner 10 on and off. - Preferably,
tank assembly 20 comprises wheels for facilitating movement of thevacuum cleaner 10. Such wheels may includetypical roller wheels 21, which may pivot about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheels. Allowingwheels 21 to rotate about two respective axis facilitates the maneuvering ofvacuum cleaner 10 during movement. -
Tank assembly 20 may also comprisewheel assemblies 220. Preferablytank assembly 20 carries at least twowheel assemblies 220. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, awheel assembly 220 may include ahub frame 221, which may be made of plastic, preferably talc-filled polypropylene.Hub frame 221 may includeribs 222 for strength and/or aesthetic design.Hub frame 221 may also include arim 223 andopenings 224 disposed throughout therim 223. Preferably, therim 223 has a generally T-shaped cross-section. -
Tire 225 may be disposed onrim 223. Thetire 225 is preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer compound sold under the tradename SANTOPRENE by Advanced Elastomer Systems L.P., Akron, Ohio. - Each
wheel assembly 220 may be formed in a two-step injection molding, or overmolding, process.Hub frame 221 is formed in a first step by injecting the plastic into a mold. Thehub frame 221 may then be placed as an insert in a second mold.Tire 225 is then molded around thehub frame 221. Thetire 225 may be mechanically interlocked to thehub frame 221 by the T-shapedrim 223 and/or by theopenings 224 in therim 223. - The
wheel assemblies 220 may be connected via an axle (not shown). Referring to FIGS. 11-12,tank 22 may have anaxle channel 23 formed therein, preferably spanning the entire width oftank 22.Tank 22 may also have at least two moldedaxle sockets 24 preferably located near the ends ofaxle channel 23. Preferablyaxle channel 23 and/oraxle sockets 24 are integrally formed intank 22. - The
axle socket 24 may have amouth 26 having an aperture which is smaller than the diameter of the axle. Preferablymouth 26 and/oraxle socket 24 are resilient, so that the axle can be forced or snap-fitted through themouth 26 and is retained in thesocket 24. Preferablymouth 26 retains the axle insocket 24. - Preferably
axle socket 24 and/oraxle channel 23 have anupper wall 25. When the axle is in place, it contactsupper wall 25 to strengthen and distribute the load in the connection between thetank 22 and the axle. - Because the
vacuum cleaner 10 may be used for vacuuming both liquid and dry materials, it is advantageous to provide adrain tube 27 in thetank assembly 20. Referring to FIGS. 11-12, thedrain tube 27 is preferably molded integrally with thetank 22. Thedrain tube 27 may extend from a lower wall of thetank 22. Preferably draintube 27 is molded with at least onethread 28. This allows the operator to open and/or close thedrain tube 27 by screwing a cap closure onto and off thethread 28. Persons skilled in the art will recognize other means to open and/or close thedrain tube 27. - Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8-10, the
inlet assembly 230 may include abody 233 defininginlet opening 231.Inlet assembly 230 is preferably offset from the vertical lengthwise center plane 232 of thetank assembly 20. The offsetinlet assembly 230 thus directs incoming dirt and fluid away from thefilter assembly 300 and provides unique styling. -
Inlet assembly 230 may also include anend cap 235 connected to thebody 233.End cap 235 has anoutlet opening 234 for allowing the incoming dirt and fluid to exit frominlet assembly 230.End cap 235 may be shaped so that theoutlet opening 234 is located between the angles of 135° and 315°, where zero degrees is preferably at the twelve-o'clock position, as shown in FIG. 9. As a result, the incoming air is directed downwardly toward the adjacent wall of thetank 22. The incoming air then preferably spirals around thetank 22 until it reachesfilter assembly 300, as shown in FIG. 10. - As mentioned above, a
cap assembly 30 is removably connected to and which generally closes off the upper end of thetank assembly 20. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4-6, alatch assembly 400 may be used to removably connectcap assembly 30 andtank assembly 20. - The
latch assembly 400 preferably has an overcenter mechanism, but persons skilled in the art will recognize that other simpler mechanisms may be used for connecting the tank and cap assemblies. Accordingly, thelatch assembly 400 may comprise alatch body 401 having at least oneear 407. Preferably twoears 407, each connected to a respective side of thelatch body 401, are used. Apivot shaft 406 is carried by the ear(s) 407. - A
pivot link 404 is pivotally connected to thepivot shaft 406.Pivot link 404 is also pivotally connected toshaft 405, which is in turn pivotally connected tobase 402. Preferably the axis ofshaft 405 andpivot shaft 406 are substantially parallel.Base 402 may be connected totank assembly 20. Preferably,base 402 is fixedly attached thereto by arivet 403. - Because of this construction, the
latch body 401 can be pivoted relative to thebase 402. Thelower end 401L of thelatch body 401 can be pivoted upwards and outward relative to the base 402 (and thus relative to tank assembly 20) to permit ahook 408 on the upper end of thelatch body 401 to be hooked over alatch keeper wall 33 oncap assembly 30, as shown in FIG. 6B. Thelower end 401L can then be pivoted inwardly and downwardly to the location shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A. - The
latch body 401, a main wall ofcap assembly 30 and a main wall oftank assembly 20 may be disposed relative to each other so that they are generally coplanar. As a result thelatch body 401 would be generally flush with the main walls of the cap and tank assemblies in the latched position. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that it may be expedient to provide apocket 413 to allow the operator to move thelatch body 401. Thepocket 413 may also be used as a hand hold while dumping the contents oftank assembly 20. - When the
latch body 401 is pivoted into the latched position, thehook 408 pulls thecap assembly 30 tightly against thetank assembly 20. Agasket 409 disposed between the tank and cap assemblies is thus compressed, sealing the contact between the two assemblies so that air cannot escape. - In the latched position, the
pivot shaft 406 is preferably shifted overcenter relative to theshaft 405, i.e., inwardly of theshaft 405 and towardstank assembly 20. The overcenter position of thepivot shaft 406 permits thelatch body 401 to be retained stably latched under the bias applied by the gasket againstcap assembly 30, and thus againstlatch keeper wall 33 andhook 408. - To unlatch, the
lower end 401L latch is again pivoted outwardly and upwardly until thehook 408 can be pivoted outwardly from thelatch keeper wall 33. - Persons skilled in the art should recognize that the latch assembly components could be disposed either the
tank assembly 20 orcap assembly 30. For example,base 402 can be disposed oncap assembly 30. Similarly, hook 408 may be connectable to alatch keeper wall 33 disposed ontank assembly 20, in the same manner as discussed above. - As mentioned above, the gasket is disposed between the tank and cap assemblies. Such gasket could be generally flat shaped, such as
gasket 409′ in FIG. 6, or elongated asgasket 409 in FIG. 5. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, suchelongated gasket 409 may have a half-cylindricalmain body 411 and anelongated stem 410 connected thereto.Stem 410 may also include at least one frustroconical segment for fastening. Thestem 410 may be disposed in a channel in thecap assembly 30, as shown in FIG. 5. Preferably, the width of the channel is smaller than the outer diameter of thestem 410. Thestem 410 is thus in compression and resists removal from the channel. Preferablygasket 409 is made of extruded neoprene rubber. -
Body 411 may have an elongated lip 412 extending therefrom. Preferably lip 412 extends radially frombody 411 at an angle of about 45° from the centerline of thebody 411. Lip 412 improves the seal withtank assembly 20. - A
filter assembly 300 is preferably disposed between thecap assembly 30 and thetank assembly 20 to filter the process air. Referring to FIGS. 13-14, thefilter assembly 300 may be connected to abottom wall 34 ofcap assembly 30. Thefilter assembly 300 may also extend downwardly into thetank assembly 20. Persons skilled in the art should however recognize that thefilter assembly 300 may be disposed ontank assembly 20 and still perform the same function. - Preferably filter
assembly 300 comprises afilter cartridge assembly 310. Thefilter cartridge assembly 310 may include afilter 311. Preferably filter 311 is generally cylindrical and made of foam, paper or polyester. The foam, paper or polyester may be folded intopleats 312 to increase filtering area. -
Filter 311 may be formed with an open upper end in communication with anexit opening 36 formed in thebottom wall 34.Filter 311 may also be formed with a closed lower end. -
Filter cartridge assembly 310 may also include an inner expandedmetal core 313 supportingfilter 311 to resist compressive forces during operation.Metal core 313 may also have a closed bottom (not shown) to provide greater filter integrity. Themetal core 313 may be constructed from a sheet of metal that is slit longitudinally and then pulled, i.e., expanded, to form the openings therein. -
Filter cartridge assembly 310 may also include anupper ring 315 for supporting themetal core 313 and/orfilter 311. Preferably theupper ring 315 is made of rubber or plastic. Anannular flange 316 may be disposed on thecartridge assembly 310, preferably onring 315, to form a seal against thebottom wall 34. Preferablyflange 316 extends upwardly from thering 315. -
Filter cartridge assembly 310 may also include a bottom 317 supporting themetal core 313 and/orfilter 311. Preferably the bottom 317 is made of rubber or plastic. Preferablymetal core 313 and/or filter 311 extend betweenupper ring 315 andbottom 317. - The
filter cartridge assembly 310 may be attached to thebottom wall 34 viaposts 35 and hooks 314. Preferably posts 35 are disposed onwall 34 whilehooks 314 are disposed on the cartridge assembly 310 (or ring 315), but persons skilled in the art should recognize that the reverse arrangement would also work for the intended purpose.Cartridge assembly 310 may then be installed by rotating thecartridge assembly 310 about its axis andengaging hooks 314 withposts 35, as shown in FIG. 13. Persons skilled in the art should also recognize thathooks 314 may engage bolts instead ofposts 35 and still obtain the same result. Furthermore, persons skilled in the art should recognize that other means for attaching thecartridge assembly 310 to thebottom wall 34 are available. For example,cartridge assembly 410 may be disposed directly onposts 35 and held in place by thumbscrews threadedly engaged toposts 35. - The
filter cartridge assembly 310 may be partly covered by apre-filter assembly 304. Referring to FIGS. 13-14,pre-filter assembly 304 may include abag 301. Preferablybag 301 covers most, if not all, offilter 311.Bag 301 may be attached to thecartridge assembly 310 via adraw string 303, by an elastic band, and/or byopenings letting hooks 314 therethrough. Preferablybag 301 is made of Dacron or other fabric materials. It is also preferable that the fibers constituting the fabric be tightly woven, so as to properly filter dust particles. -
Bag 301 has adrain tube 302. Preferably draintube 302 is formed integrally withbag 301. Thedrain tube 302 may extend downwardly from the bottom of thebag 301. Accordingly, when the vacuum is in operation, the air flow pulls thebag 301 into contact with thefilter 311, filtering most dust particles. Suction also causes thedrain tube 302 to close, as shown in FIG. 14A. When the vacuum is turned off, thebag 301 returns to its original shape, allowing dirt to fall off thebag 301. Thedrain tube 302 then opens and allows the liquid in thebag 301 to drain, as shown in FIG. 14B. - Persons skilled in the art should recognize that
bag 301 may also be provided with non-integral drain tubes made of, for example, plastic, and arranged in such manner that thebag 301 itself blocks the drain tube. Alternatively, the drain tube may include a movable flap that closes itself, and thus blocks the drain tube, during vacuum operation. Persons also skilled in the art will recognize that the blocking function may also be performed by thefilter cartridge assembly 310. For example, bottom 317 may solely or jointly contribute towards blocking the drain tube. - The
filter assembly 300 may also include a shut-offassembly 320, which will stop the airflow when a water level withintank assembly 20 is reached, and/or whenvacuum cleaner 10 is inverted. Shut-off assembly 320 may include a cage 321 (a quarter of which is shown in FIG. 13).Cage 321 may be molded integrally as part ofbottom wall 34. Alternatively,cage 321 may be part of thefilter cartridge assembly 310 or placed therewithin. Preferablycage 321 consists of at least 3ribs 323. - A
float 322 is placed withincage 321.Float 322 is preferably made of rubber or plastic and may be shaped as a sphere, an inverted cup (i.e., with the open end facing downwardly) or any other appropriate shape. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a cup-shaped float is easier to mold than a spherical float.Float 322 will move along and/or be guided bycage 321 as the water level intank assembly 22 increases, until it closesexit opening 36, shutting off the airflow. Foam rubber, or other similar materials, onfloat 322 and/or walls definingexit opening 36 may be used to enhance sealing ofexit opening 36. - Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the
float 322 could be placed withinfilter cartridge assembly 321 without a cage, with or without themetal core 313 functioning ascage 322. - Referring now to FIGS.15-20,
cap assembly 30 may include acover 37, amidlevel partition 38 andbottom wall 34. Preferably thecover 37, thepartition 38 and thebottom wall 34 are made of molded plastic. - The
cover 37,partition 38 andbottom wall 34 are preferably supported in a spaced relationship to each other by a plurality of spaced bushings and/or walls. For example,wall 39 ofpartition 38 contacts cover 37 and maintains thecover 37 andpartition 38 in a determined spaced relationship. Similarly,partition 38 may protrude formingwalls 40, which may also contactcover 37 to maintaincover 37 andpartition 38 in a determined spaced relationship. Preferablywalls 39 and/or 40 are also formed in such manner so as to assist in directing the different airflows, as explained fuller in detail below. -
Bottom wall 34 may also protrude formingwalls 41, which may also contactpartition 38 to maintainpartition 38 andbottom wall 34 in a determined spaced relationship.Walls 41 may have a hole 41H for receiving a bolt and nut combination (not shown) contacting bothbottom wall 34 andpartition 38 for securely holding the two layers in place. - Similarly,
partition 38 may have abushing projection 43 which contacts abushing projection 42 ofbottom wall 34. A bolt 44 may threadedly hold the twobushing projections partition 38 andbottom wall 34 in the desired spaced relationship. Similar bushings may be disposed betweencover 37 andpartition 38, and betweenpartition 38 andbottom wall 34 as necessary or desired. - Preferably
bottom wall 34 has abushing projection 45 contactingpartition 38. Bushingprojection 45 is preferably substantially cylindrical and hollow. Similarly,partition 38 may have a bushing projection 46 contactingcover 37. Bushing projection 46 is preferably substantially cylindrical and hollow. Preferably bushingprojections 45, 46 are substantially coaxial and adapted to receivebolt 31B and/ornut 31N. By securingbolt 31B andnut 31N as shown in FIG. 17,cover 37,partition 38 andbottom wall 34 are securely held in place and in the desired spaced relationship. Persons skilled in the art should recognize that similar bushing projections may be disposed between thecover 37 andpartition 38, and betweenpartition 38 andbottom wall 34 to perform the same function. -
Motor assembly 70 may be disposed withincap assembly 30 for drawing the process air intotank assembly 20 andfilter assembly 300. Motor assembly may include amotor 71 at least partly enclosed by amotor housing 72. Preferablymotor housing 72 is supported bypartition 38.Motor 71 may have adrive shaft 73 for drivingfan 74. -
Fan 74 may be at least partly enclosed byfan housing 75, which may be supported bybottom wall 34 and/orpartition 38.Fan housing 74 preferably has aninlet opening 78 that communicates withexit opening 36. Furthermore,fan housing 74 may have at least oneexit opening 76 for allowing process air to exit fromfan housing 74. - Preferably,
resilient layers fan housing 74 andpartition 38, and betweenfan housing 74 andbottom wall 34, respectively.Layers fan housing 74 to thepartition 38 andbottom wall 34 and/or to provide a seal between thefan housing 74, thepartition 38 andbottom wall 34. Accordingly, it is preferable that layers 79, 80 be made of high-density, or closed small-porosity, foam rubber material. -
Motor 71 may also drive a coolingair fan 77, for drawing air into themotor housing 72 and coolingmotor 71. - Ducting layers48, 49 may be disposed between
cover 37 andpartition 38 to assist directing the cooling air drawn byfan 77. In other words, cover 37,partition 38, and ducting layers 48, 49 define the cooling air path. Preferably ductinglayers partition 38 via glue, rivets, tabs, etc. - The cooling air may enter via an
inlet duct 50 formed withincap assembly 50, preferably bypartition 38 and/orcover 37. Ducting layers 48,49 preferably direct the cooling air towardsfan 77. Cooling air then movespast motor 71 and exits frommotor housing 72. Cooling air may then pass through an inner annular notchedwall 51 preferably surrounding themotor housing 72 and supportingducting layer 49. Cooling air may then pass through intermediate annular notchedwall 39. Finally cooling air may curve around an outersolid wall 58 surrounding theintermediate wall 39 and possibly forming anexpansion chamber 52. Preferablyexpansion chamber 52 may slow the speed of the cooling air, thus reducing noise. - As shown in FIG. 20,
intermediate wall 39 andsolid wall 58 may be disposed on three sides of thecap assembly 30, whereasinlet duct 50 is only located at the rear ofcap assembly 30. Accordingly, cooling air preferably enterscap assembly 30 from a first side, whereas it exitscap assembly 30 from all sides but the first side. - As mentioned above, the filtered process air preferably enters
fan housing 74 viainlet opening 78 and exitsfan housing 74 viaexit opening 76. Process air then exitscap assembly 30 via a pathway and out anexit duct 54 preferably formed bypartition 38 and/orbottom wall 34, as shown in FIG. 20. Preferably exitduct 54 is omnidirectional, thus allowing process air to exitcap assembly 30 in all directions. Persons skilled in the art will recognize thatexit duct 54 may be formed in any location withinvacuum cleaner 10, includingtank assembly 20 and/orcap assembly 30. - Referring to FIGS.16-20, it is preferable to manipulate the air flow along the process air pathway in order to slow its speed and/or reduce noise. Accordingly, solid walls and/or ducting layers may be disposed to create noise-reduction chambers. For example, an
annular expansion chamber 53 may be disposed near theexit duct 54 for slowing the process air speed and reducing noise. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that other shapes forexpansion chamber 53 would achieve the same result. - Similarly,
solid wall 59 formed bypartition 38 and/orbottom wall 34 may be used to create achamber 60. Preferablywall 59 is a single annular shape surroundingmotor assembly 70, and defining anannular chamber 60.Chamber 60 could be adapted to function as an expansion chamber. Alternatively,chamber 60 could act as an acoustic chamber for damping audible signals, and thus reducing noise. - Ducting layers may be disposed between
partition 38 andbottom wall 34 to further assist in directing the process air. For example, an inverted egg-carton ducting layer 55 is disposed as shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, for directing air towardschamber 53. Preferably ductinglayer 55 is made of a pliant material that is substantially impenetrable by air, such as rubber or a high-density, or closed small-porosity, foam rubber material. Accordingly, the process air would follow a tortuous, twisting path towardschamber 53. - Referring now to FIG. 16, process air exiting
fan housing 75 may enterchamber 60. Theoretically,chamber 60 would not act as an expansion chamber once it is properly pressurized. Instead, it could act as an acoustic chamber due to the combination of soft (foam) and hard (walls) surfaces used, thus reducing noise. Persons skilled in the art should recognize that the above is only a theory and should not be interpreted as the manner in whichchamber 60 is actually used or actually functions, but rather as a possible mode of operation. - To prevent air from entering
chamber 60, it may be preferable to dispose anannular layer 56 betweenlayer 55 andfan housing 75. - Persons skilled in the art should recognize that other ducting layer arrangements may be used for directing process air flow. For example, referring to FIG. 19,
ducting layer 57 may be disposed onbottom wall 34.Ducting layer 58 may be disposed onlayer 57, creating a path for the process air. Preferably,layer 57 and/or 58 have an egg-carton configuration, forcing air to turn multiple times before reachingchamber 53. - Persons skilled in the art should recognize that the
cap assemblies 30 described above have fewer parts and are significantly simpler to assemble than typical prior art vacuums. Persons skilled in the art should also recognize that elements ofcap assembly 30, such as ducts, chambers, etc., can be disposed intank assembly 20 by itself and/or in combination withcap assembly 30. - Referring to FIGS. 16 and 18-20, the
cap assembly 30 may also supportfilter brush assembly 90.Filter brush assembly 90 includes afilter brush 91 which may be moved alongfilter 311 for cleaningfilter 311 and removing dust therefrom. Preferably filterbrush 91 has bristles 92 contactingfilter 311.Filter brush assembly 90 may include arod 93 attached to filterbrush 91 at one end and to aknob 94 at the other end. Such construction allows the operator to move thefilter brush 91 without openingvacuum cleaner 10. -
Rod 93 may be slidably received bycap assembly 30. For example,wall 40 may be preferably substantially cylindrical and hollow. Similarlypartition 38 and/orbottom wall 34 may have aprojection 97 which may be substantially cylindrical and hollow. Preferablywall 40 andprojection 97 are substantially coaxial.Rod 93 may be slidably received withinwall 40 andprojection 97 andenter tank assembly 20. - If the
filter brush assembly 90 is not installed, it is preferable to provideplugs 95, 96 (FIG. 16) to dispose withinwall 40 andprojection 97, respectively. Using plugs 95, 96 avoids any undesired leakage of air from one chamber into the other. - As mentioned above,
latch assemblies 400 are used to connect thecap assembly 30 withtank assembly 20. Referring to FIG. 1, eachlatch assembly 400 is preferably disposed at each corresponding side ofvacuum cleaner 10. - A
handle 31 is preferably fixedly attached to capassembly 30. Referring to FIGS. 1, 15 and 17, handle 31 may be attached to thecap assembly 30 by a pair ofbolts 31B each located adjacent one of thelatch assemblies 400 to distribute the pulling force during lifting of vacuum cleaner 10 fromcap assembly 30 totank assembly 20 through thelatch assemblies 400. Eachbolt 31B preferably extends through thecover 37 and alongbushing projections 45, 46 at a location that is adjacent to and slightly inwards and rearward of thelatch assembly 400. Eachbolt 31B may be threadedly engaged to anut 31N disposed on or belowbottom wall 34. Persons skilled in the art should recognize thatnut 31N may be formed integrally withinwall 34. With such construction, thebolts 31B andnuts 31N provide structural support for thecap assembly 30 and help transfer the force to thetank assembly 20 through thelatch assemblies 400. - Another aspect of the present invention is the
hose adapter assembly 500, which is used to connect avacuum hose 510 to thevacuum cleaner 10. Referring to FIGS. 21-23, theinlet assembly 230 preferably has a taperedinlet opening 231. Theadapter assembly 500 may include amale coupling 501, which in turn has anend 503. Preferably theend 503 has an identical taper to that of theinlet opening 231. With such construction, themale coupling 501 wedges and locks into the inlet opening 231 during insertion. An operator may also rotatemale coupling 501 about its longitudinal axis (axis 504) to aid in wedging thecoupling 501 into theinlet opening 231. Such a tapered connection is commonly known as a “locking taper.” - The
adapter assembly 500 may further comprise ahose coupling 502 that may be telescopically connected to themale coupling 501. Preferably, a swivel connection is formed when bothcouplings hose 510 from becoming twisted during operation. - The swivel connection may be obtained by forming an annular groove in one of the two couplings and an annular rib in the other coupling, where the groove and rib are mateable with each other. As shown in FIGS.22-23, the
hose coupling 502 has anannular groove 505, for receiving anannular rib 506 formed on themale coupling 501, preferably on its inner surface. The couplings may then be assembled by inserting themale coupling 501 over thehose coupling 502 until therib 506 is seated in themating groove 506. To aid in making the connection, the forward wall of therib 506 and the tip of thehose coupling 501 may be rearwardly tapered. -
Hose coupling 502 may also havethreads 509 for threadedly receivingthreads 511 ofhose 510. - Persons skilled in the art may recognize other alternatives to the means disclosed herein. However, all these additions and/or alterations are considered to be equivalents of the present invention.
Claims (27)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/793,051 US6363574B2 (en) | 1998-09-17 | 2001-02-26 | Vacuum cleaner |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10074298P | 1998-09-17 | 1998-09-17 | |
US09/383,131 US6219880B1 (en) | 1998-09-17 | 1999-08-25 | Vacuum cleaner |
US09/793,051 US6363574B2 (en) | 1998-09-17 | 2001-02-26 | Vacuum cleaner |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/383,131 Continuation US6219880B1 (en) | 1998-09-17 | 1999-08-25 | Vacuum cleaner |
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US6363574B2 US6363574B2 (en) | 2002-04-02 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/383,131 Expired - Lifetime US6219880B1 (en) | 1998-09-17 | 1999-08-25 | Vacuum cleaner |
US09/793,051 Expired - Lifetime US6363574B2 (en) | 1998-09-17 | 2001-02-26 | Vacuum cleaner |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/383,131 Expired - Lifetime US6219880B1 (en) | 1998-09-17 | 1999-08-25 | Vacuum cleaner |
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US7703170B2 (en) | 2004-12-29 | 2010-04-27 | Lawrence Orubor | Self-cleaning wet dry vacuum cleaning device |
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US20090070953A1 (en) * | 2007-04-04 | 2009-03-19 | Orubor Integrated Technology Inc. | Self-evacuating vacuum device |
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US20220071460A1 (en) * | 2019-10-31 | 2022-03-10 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Floor cleaner |
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US11759072B2 (en) * | 2019-10-31 | 2023-09-19 | Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited | Floor cleaner |
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US6219880B1 (en) | 2001-04-24 |
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