US20080216283A1 - Vacuum cleaner base with belt drive disengager - Google Patents
Vacuum cleaner base with belt drive disengager Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080216283A1 US20080216283A1 US11/813,832 US81383207A US2008216283A1 US 20080216283 A1 US20080216283 A1 US 20080216283A1 US 81383207 A US81383207 A US 81383207A US 2008216283 A1 US2008216283 A1 US 2008216283A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vacuum cleaner
- assembly
- actuator
- hub
- housing
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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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
- A47L5/34—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle with height adjustment of nozzles or dust-loosening tools
-
- 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
- A47L5/225—Convertible suction cleaners, i.e. convertible between different types thereof, e.g. from upright suction cleaners to sledge-type 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
- 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
-
- 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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- 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
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0494—Height adjustment of dust-loosening tools
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/06—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/06—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like
- A47L9/066—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like with adjustably mounted brushes, combs, lips or pads; Height adjustment of nozzle or dust loosening tools
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/06—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like
- A47L9/0673—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like with removable brushes, combs, lips or pads
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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
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/06—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like
- A47L9/068—Nozzles combined with a different cleaning side, e.g. duplex nozzles or dual purpose nozzles
-
- 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
- A47L9/122—Dry filters flat
Definitions
- the invention relates to suction cleaners, and in particular, to the base portion of an upright vacuum cleaner.
- Upright vacuum cleaners employing cyclone separators are well known. Some cyclone separators follow textbook examples using frusto-conical shape separators and others use high-speed rotational motion of the air/dirt to separate the dirt by centrifugal force. Typically, working air enters and exits at an upper portion of the cyclone separator as the bottom portion of the cyclone separator is used to collect debris. Furthermore, in an effort to reduce weight, the motor/fan assembly that creates the working air flow is typically placed at the bottom of the handle, below the cyclone separator.
- BISSELL Homecare, Inc. presently manufactures and sells in the United States an upright vacuum cleaner that has a cyclone separator and a dirt cup.
- a horizontal plate separates the cyclone separator from the dirt cup.
- the air flowing through the cyclone separator passes through an annular cylindrical cage with baffles and through a cylindrical filter before exiting the cyclone separator at the upper end thereof.
- the dirt cup and the cyclone separator are further disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,810,557 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,772 to Dyson discloses an upright vacuum cleaner employing a two stage cyclone separator.
- the first stage is a single separator wherein the outlet of the single separator is in series with an inlet to a second stage frusto-conical separator.
- a vacuum cleaner comprises a base assembly having a housing, a suction nozzle, and an agitator rotatably mounted to the housing.
- a motor has a motor shaft and a flywheel mounted to the motor shaft for rotation therewith.
- a belt drive assembly is mounted between the flywheel and the agitator for selectively driving the agitator and comprises an actuator for selectively uncoupling the belt drive assembly and a hub rotatably mounted to the actuator and selectively coupled with the flywheel for rolling contact therewith.
- the actuator comprises a first portion positioned exterior of the housing for user access and a second portion positioned interior of the housing.
- the hub is rotatably mounted to the second portion.
- the first portion is adapted to be moved by the foot of a user from an engaging position wherein the hub is in rolling contact with the flywheel and a disengaging position in which the hub is disengaged from rolling contact with the flywheel.
- a biasing member biases the actuator to the engaging position.
- a detent maintains the actuator in the disengaging position.
- the motor is preferably vertically oriented in the housing of the base assembly.
- the hub further comprises a hub shaft, and a belt is coupled between the hub shaft and the agitator. Additionally, the hub can be laterally movable with respect to the flywheel to change the relative speed of the agitator.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an upright vacuum cleaner with a base assembly according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a rear quarter perspective view of the upright vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the vacuum cleaner from FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the base assembly from FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a wheel axle shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 6 is an exploded bottom quarter perspective view of a snap in bushing as shown in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 7 is a rear left perspective view of a nozzle height adjustment as shown in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 8 is a rear right perspective view of the nozzle height adjustment as shown in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a drive disengaging device shown in FIG. 4 , illustrating the belt engaged with the brush.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a drive disengaging device shown in FIG. 4 , illustrating the belt disengaged from the brush.
- FIG. 11 is a rear left perspective view of a first alternate nozzle height adjustment mechanism according to the invention.
- FIG. 12 is a rear right perspective view of the nozzle height adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 13 is a cut-away perspective view of a second alternate nozzle height adjustment mechanism according to the invention.
- FIG. 14 is a cut-away perspective view of a third alternate nozzle height adjustment mechanism according to the invention.
- FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a fourth alternate nozzle height adjustment mechanism according to the invention.
- FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the nozzle height adjustment mechanism from FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a first alternate drive disengaging mechanism according to the invention.
- FIG. 18 is a right side view of the drive disengaging mechanism from FIG. 17 , illustrating the drive mechanism engaged with the brush.
- FIG. 18A is a left side view of the drive disengaging mechanism from FIG. 17 , illustrating the drive mechanism engaged with the brush.
- FIG. 19 is a right side view of the drive disengaging mechanism from FIG. 17 , illustrating the drive mechanism disengaged from the brush.
- FIG. 19A is a left side view of the drive disengaging mechanism from FIG. 17 , illustrating the drive mechanism disengaged from the brush.
- FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a second alternate drive disengaging mechanism according to the invention.
- FIG. 21 is a top view of a lower housing of the base assembly from FIG. 4 , illustrating a first alternate embodiment of a suction nozzle.
- FIG. 22 is a top view of a lower housing of the base assembly from FIG. 4 , illustrating a second alternate embodiment of a suction nozzle.
- FIG. 23 is a front view of a brush roll assembly according to the invention.
- FIG. 24 is a front view of an alternate brush roll assembly according to the invention.
- FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view of an alternate brush roll assembly according to the invention.
- FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of a second alternate brush roll assembly according to the invention.
- FIGS. 1-3 An exemplary upright vacuum cleaner 10 according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-3 , and comprises an upright assembly 12 pivotally mounted to a base assembly 14 .
- the upright assembly 14 further comprises a primary support section 16 with a grip 18 on one end to facilitate movement by the user.
- a motor cavity 20 is formed at an opposite end of the upright assembly 12 and contains a commonly known motor/fan assembly 22 ( FIG. 17 ) oriented transversely therein.
- the upright assembly 12 pivots relative to the base assembly 14 through an axis formed relative to a shaft 24 ( FIG. 9 ) within the motor/fan assembly.
- the upright assembly 12 further receives a dirt separation and collection assembly, illustrated as a cyclone separation assembly 26 on the primary support section 16 .
- the cyclone module assembly 26 forms part of a working air path fluidly connecting the base assembly 14 to the motor/fan assembly and separates and collects debris from a working air stream for disposal after the cleaning operation is complete.
- the details of cyclone separators are known in the vacuum cleaner art and will not be described in detail herein.
- the base assembly 14 further comprises a lower housing 28 that mates with an upper housing 30 to form a brush chamber 32 in a forward portion thereon.
- a rotating brush roll assembly 34 is positioned within the brush chamber 32 .
- a pair of rear wheels 36 is secured to a rearward portion of the base assembly 14 , rearward being defined relative to the brush chamber 32 .
- a variety of different base assembly 14 configurations can be assembled to the upright assembly 12 that comprise various features. Typically, the base assembly 14 can vary in width so that the cleaning path can be narrower or wider depending upon the size of the brush chamber 32 .
- a suction nozzle 38 is formed at a lower surface of the brush chamber 32 on the base assembly 14 and is in fluid communication with the surface to be cleaned.
- a foot conduit 40 provides an air path from the suction nozzle 38 through the base assembly 14 and terminates in a hose grip receiver 42 .
- the foot conduit 40 is a smooth rigid blow molded tube with a bendable portion 44 that coincides with the pivot point between the base assembly 14 and the upright assembly 12 to allow the upright assembly 12 to pivot with respect to the base assembly 14 .
- the foot conduit 40 is a commonly known flexible hose typically used in the vacuum cleaner industry.
- the air path is formed by and between the housings 28 , 30 with no secondary blow molded or flexible hose parts.
- a live hose 46 terminates in a fixed hose grip 48 on one end and a cyclone inlet receiver 50 on the other end.
- the live hose 46 is preferably a commonly known flexible vacuum hose.
- the cyclone inlet receiver 50 is rigidly fixed to an upper portion of the primary support section 16 of the upright assembly 12 .
- the hose grip 48 is removably received in the hose grip receiver 42 via a bayonet latch or, alternatively a friction fit so as to create an air tight seal when the hose grip 48 is inserted therein.
- the live hose 46 is managed via a pair of commonly known hose hooks (not shown) at a lower portion of the primary support section 16 and near the grip 18 as is commonly known in the vacuum industry.
- a cyclone outlet receiver 52 is integrally formed on an upper portion of the primary support section 16 in close proximity to the cyclone inlet receiver 50 and is in fluid communication with a pre-motor filter assembly 54 positioned upstream of an inlet to the motor/fan assembly 22 located in the motor cavity 20 . Fluid communication can be accomplished by an air path (not shown) integrally formed in the primary support section 16 or can be a rigid blow molded tube or a commonly known flexible vacuum hose.
- An outlet of the motor/fan assembly 22 is in fluid communication with a working air exhaust assembly 56 .
- the working air exhaust assembly 56 is positioned adjacent to or may be integral with the primary support section 16 , in fluid communication with the exhaust air flow from the motor/fan assembly 22 .
- a variety of commonly known filter elements can be utilized in the exhaust assembly 56 . In the preferred embodiment, the filter is a commonly known high efficiency particle arrestor (HEPA) filter element.
- HEPA high efficiency particle arrestor
- the lower housing 28 further comprises the suction nozzle 38 at a forward end and a handle pivot cavity 116 centrally located on a rearward end relative to the forward end.
- a plurality of upright retaining tabs 118 are oriented generally orthogonal to the lower housing 28 and on either side of the handle pivot cavity 116 , and a pair of retaining tabs 120 are positioned on the side edges of the lower housing 28 .
- a pair of wheel bearings 122 is formed on a side rear edge of the lower housing 28 and fixedly receives a wheel axle 124 upon which the wheel 36 freely rotates. The wheel 36 is captured by a flange 126 on one end of the axle 124 .
- the axle 124 is secured in the lower housing 28 via an integrally formed coaxial snap feature comprising a pair of integrally formed resilient engagement members 125 offset axially from the axle 124 .
- the engagement members 125 are tapered relative to the axle 124 shaft to provide a lead in that is self-centering when being inserted into the corresponding wheel bearing 122 .
- the wheel 36 load is centered longitudinally on the axle 124 so that bending moments on the axle 124 are minimized.
- Lower bending loads enable the use of smaller diameter axles, which, in the preferred embodiment, are made of a plastic with adequate lubricity.
- a suitable plastic material is sold by DuPont under the trade name Delrin®. This axle design significantly reduces costs over metal axles that are typically found in vacuum cleaners.
- the upper housing 30 further comprises a handle cut out 134 to accommodate rotation of the upright assembly 12 about the motor cavity 20 .
- a plurality of retaining surfaces 132 are formed by apertures in an upper surface of the upper housing 30 that correspond with the upright retaining tabs 118 on the lower housing 28 .
- a pair of engaging tabs 130 are formed on the bottom surface of the upper housing 30 that corresponding to the retaining tabs 120 on the lower housing 28 .
- the upper housing 30 is oriented at a slight upward angle so that the retaining surfaces 132 engage the retaining tabs 11 8 . The upper housing is then rotated about the retaining surfaces 132 so that the engaging tabs 130 pass over the tabs 120 .
- the sides of the upper housing 30 are pulled outward while the upper housing 30 is rotated up and forward about the retaining surfaces 132 until the upper housing 30 can be removed.
- This design facilitates easy removal of the upper housing 30 for access to the lower housing 28 without the use of tools for routine maintenance.
- the upright retaining tabs 118 can be replaced with commonly known 1 ⁇ 4 turn fasteners that also facilitate removal of the upper housing 30 without the use of tools.
- a belt chamber 160 is also integrally formed in the lower housing 28 and provides a space for a brush belt 162 to mechanically connect the rotating motor shaft 24 with the brush roll assembly 34 positioned in the brush chamber 32 in a conventional manner.
- a working airflow conduit passage 166 is integrally formed through the lower housing 28 to provide a space for the foot conduit 40 ( FIG. 3 ) to pass therethrough in a conventional manner.
- the foot conduit 40 is integrally formed by the upper and lower housings 30 , 28 and no additional parts are needed to create the working air flow path through the base assembly 14 .
- the upright assembly 12 is pivotally supported on the base assembly 14 via a pair of snap-in bushings 151 .
- the bushings 151 further comprise a bearing surface 153 , a pair of opposed tongues 155 , and a resilient snap that includes a lip 157 .
- the lower housing 28 further comprises a bushing support 300 that includes a pair of opposed grooves 302 , an arcuate portion 304 that corresponds with the bearing surface 153 , and a latch surface 306 that corresponds with the lip 157 .
- a bushing 151 is placed over a pivot pin 308 ( FIG.
- each bushing 151 can be oriented as the upright assembly 12 is moved toward the base assembly 14 so that the tongues 155 engage the grooves 302 .
- the upright assembly 12 is moved downward until the resilient lip 157 passes below the latch surface 306 and snaps in place to capture the bushings 151 on the base assembly 14 .
- the snap-in bushings 151 allow the upper housing 30 to be removed without separating the upright assembly 12 from the base assembly 14 .
- a foot-actuated nozzle height adjustment mechanism comprises a carriage assembly 150 , an actuator disc 210 , a cam disc 212 , and a pivot arm 219 .
- the carriage assembly 150 comprises a pivot pins 152 that rotate within a pivot socket 156 integrally molded into the lower housing 28 and a pair of forward freely rotating wheels 154 .
- the actuator disc 210 further comprises a foot pedal 215 and a plurality of resilient ramped surfaces 214 that selectively engage a like number of ramped surfaces 216 on a mating surface of the cam disc 212 .
- Both the actuator disc 210 and cam disc 212 are rotatably affixed to the base 28 via a pin 217 that further keeps the discs 210 , 212 in mating contact.
- a plurality of cam lobes 211 of varying dimensions surround a boss 220 formed on a surface of the cam disc 212 opposite the ramped surfaces 216 for receiving a pivot pin 221 .
- the pivot arm 219 is integrally molded with the carriage assembly 150 and slidingly engages the cam lobes 211 on the inner surface of the cam disc 212 .
- the foot pedal 215 is depressed and since it is offset from the pivot pin boss 220 , the actuator disc 210 rotates in a counterclockwise direction which, in turn, rotates the cam disc 212 via the mating ramped surfaces 214 , 216 .
- the cam disc 212 rotates, the cam lobes 211 move past the pivot arm 219 and the pivot arm 219 comes to rest in the next cam lobe recess formed between two cam lobes 211 . Since the cam lobes 211 vary in height, the carriage assembly 150 rotates about the pivot axis 152 causing the wheels 154 move either away from or towards a bottom surface of the lower housing 28 .
- a belt or drive disengaging device 159 comprises a first plate 161 that is mounted for rotation about the motor cavity 20 having motor shaft 24 extending therethrough.
- a crescent shaped bearing surface 163 is attached in an offset fashion to the first plate 161 .
- a spring 167 is connected at one end to the first plate 161 and at the other end to a location on the base assembly 14 to bias the belt disengaging device 159 to an engaged position.
- a second plate 165 is mounted for rotation about a pivot pin 175 attached to the lower housing 28 and has an engagement pin 173 extending orthogonally therefrom. The second plate 165 is biased in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG.
- a foot pedal 204 for actuating the belt disengaging device 159 is provided on the exterior of the base assembly 14 and comprises a shaft 206 that extends through the upper housing 28 for engagement with the engagement pin 173 .
- the crescent surface 163 is generally positioned between the motor shaft 24 and the brush roll assembly 34 so that the belt 162 rides on the motor shaft 24 and drives the brush roll assembly 34 .
- the shaft 206 moves linearly in a substantially vertical direction such that the engagement pin 173 is forced downwardly.
- the downward force overcomes the spring bias and rotates the second plate 165 approximately 90 degrees in a counterclockwise direction.
- the interconnection of the first and second plates 161 , 165 provided by the spring strap 177 causes the first plate 161 to rotate approximately 90 degrees in a counterclockwise direction.
- the crescent bearing surface 163 rotates into contact with and slightly stretches the belt 162 away from the shaft 24 until the shaft 24 is between the crescent bearing surface 163 and the brush roll assembly 34 , effectively disengaging the brush roll assembly 34 .
- a detent device (not shown) maintains the pedal 204 in the depressed position shown in FIG. 10 and thus maintains the belt disengaging device 159 in the disengaged position.
- the foot pedal 204 is again depressed to release the first plate 161 back to the original position.
- a first alternate embodiment 300 comprises a carriage assembly 302 , an actuator disc 304 , and a cam disc 306 .
- the carriage assembly 300 is pivotally connected to the lower housing 28 through a pivot axis 308 and comprises a pair of wheels 310 and a pivot arm 312 .
- the actuator disc 304 and cam disc 306 are received in a bracket 314 affixed within the base assembly 14 such that the discs 304 , 306 are kept in mating contact.
- the bracket 314 comprises two upstanding portions 316 , between which the actuator disc 304 and cam disc 306 are mounted by inserting a pin 318 or other suitable fastener through a pair of aligned holes 320 , a pivot arm slot 322 , and a spring arm slot 324 .
- the actuator disc 304 further comprises a foot pedal 326 , a spring arm 328 and a pair of resilient ramped surfaces 330 that selectively engage a plurality of generally rigid ramped surfaces 232 on a mating surface of the cam disc 306 .
- a plurality of cam lobes 334 of varying dimensions surround a boss 336 for receiving pin 318 .
- the pivot arm 312 engages the cam lobes 334 on the cam disc 306 .
- the spring arm 328 is received in the spring arm slot 324 and biases the actuator disc in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the orientation of FIG. 11 .
- the foot pedal 326 is depressed and the actuator disc 304 rotates in a clockwise direction with respect to the orientation of FIG. 11 which, in turn, rotates the cam disc 306 via the mating ramped surfaces 330 , 332 .
- the cam lobes 334 move past the pivot arm 312 and the pivot arm 312 comes to rest in the next cam lobe recess formed between two cam lobes 334 .
- the carriage assembly 302 rotates about the pivot axis 308 , causing the wheels 310 move either away from or towards a bottom surface of the lower housing 28 .
- the pivot arm 312 holds the cam disc 306 in place and the spring arm 328 forces the actuator disc 304 in a clockwise direction whereby the resilient ramped surfaces 330 slide past the rigid ramped surfaces 332 and come to rest in mating relation with the next ramped surface 332 .
- a second alternate embodiment of a nozzle height adjustment mechanism comprises a rotating drum 168 with a plurality of ratcheted detents 170 , a foot pedal 172 , a down actuator rod 174 , and an up actuator rod 176 .
- the drum 168 and the foot pedal 172 both rotate about separate bearing surfaces integrally molded in the lower housing 28 .
- the foot pedal 172 is pivotally mounted on a pin 178 .
- Both the up and down actuator rods 174 , 176 further comprise a pedal engagement surface 180 on one end and a ratchet engagement surface 182 on the other.
- the up actuator rod 176 further comprises a spring member 184 that biases the rod 176 into engagement with the ratchet detents 170 .
- the down actuator rod 174 is rotatably attached to an upper end of the foot pedal 172 .
- a plurality of steps 186 are formed on the surface of the drum 168 adjacent the ratchet detents 170 and engage with a carriage assembly (not shown) similar to the carriage assembly 150 ( FIG. 4 ) as previously described.
- This action rotates the drum one ratchet detent 170 which displaces the step 186 and moves the carriage assembly closer to the lower housing 28 to reduce the nozzle height above the surface to be cleaned.
- the foot pedal 172 pushes the up actuator rod 176 to release engagement surface 182 and pulls the down actuator rod 174 away from the ratchet detents 170 so that the drum 168 rotates in an opposite direction.
- the steps 186 then push the carriage assembly 150 away from the lower housing to increase the nozzle height above the surface to be cleaned. In this way, nozzle height can be adjusted incrementally in either direction as desired.
- a third alternate embodiment of a nozzle height adjustment mechanism is illustrated, and comprises a ratcheting nozzle height adjustment mechanism 340 .
- the height adjustment mechanism 340 comprises a linear track 342 with a plurality of ratchet detents 344 formed within a trapezoidal housing 346 .
- a pair of grooves 348 run along either side of the linear track 342 .
- Both the linear track 342 and the grooves 348 are aligned parallel to an upper surface of the trapezoidal housing 346 , leaving a ramped engagement surface 350 at a lower surface.
- a plurality of detents 352 are equally spaced along the upper surface of the trapezoidal housing 346 and slideably engage a resilient tab (not shown) on the lower housing 28 .
- the trapezoidal housing 346 is slideably affixed to the lower housing 28 in a horizontal orientation via the grooves 348 so that the upper surface travels in a generally horizontal plane relative to the surface to be cleaned.
- a two position foot pedal 354 is pivotally affixed to the lower housing 28 by a pin 360 and acts on an actuation rod 356 with a corresponding ratchet engagement surface 358 . The operation is similar to the second alternate embodiment shown in FIG.
- the ratchet engagement surface 358 respectively engages either the upper or lower set of ratchet detents 344 formed on the linear track 342 and pushes the trapezoidal housing 346 relative to the lower housing 28 along the grooves 348 until one of the detents 352 is captured by the resilient tab on the lower housing 28 , which forces the ratchet engagement surface 358 into the next ratchet detent 344 .
- the movable ramped engagement surface 350 directly engages the pivoting height adjustment carriage assembly (not shown) similar to the carriage assembly 150 shown in FIG. 4 , as the trapezoidal housing 346 moves horizontally, the carriage assembly is forced away from or up towards the lower housing 28 to effectively raise and lower the nozzle height above the surface to be cleaned.
- a nozzle height adjustment aperture 136 is integrally formed through the upper housing 30 and is aligned with a carriage assembly 138 pivotally mounted to the lower housing 28 .
- a height adjustment actuator 140 comprises an actuator knob 142 on one end and an engaging surface 144 on the other.
- the engaging surface 144 is comprised of a series of cam lobes 146 that vary in height relative to the actuator knob 142 .
- the engaging surface 144 abuts a corresponding engaging surface 148 on a height adjustment carriage assembly 138 .
- a plurality of rectangular engagement keys 141 protrude from the engaging surface 144 .
- the engagement keys 141 correspond with a like number of engagement slots 143 formed in the height adjustment aperture 136 .
- the keys 141 and slots 143 are oriented so that the height adjustment actuator 140 can be inserted in one orientation only.
- the height adjustment actuator 140 is positioned over the aperture 136 so that the keys 141 align with the slots 143 .
- the actuator 140 is pushed down until a lower surface 145 of the knob 142 abuts an upper surface 147 of the aperture 136 .
- the actuator 140 is then rotated approximately 90 degrees, whereby the keys 141 no longer align with the slots 143 and effectively locking the actuator 140 to the upper housing 30 .
- This locking design and mating of the lower surface 145 to the upper surface 147 serves to effectively seal the generally cylindrical portion of the actuator 140 from dirt and debris that could otherwise enter the assembly and cause binding. Additionally, a plurality of grooves 366 are provided on the upper surface 147 of the aperture 136 and allow any dirt or debris that accumulates around the nozzle height adjustment mechanism to fall between the actuator 140 and the aperture 136 via the grooves.
- the carriage assembly 138 further comprises a pivot pins 362 that rotate within the pivot socket 156 integrally molded into the lower housing 28 and a pair of forward freely rotating wheels 364 .
- the knob 142 is rotated within the aperture 136
- the cam lobes 146 interface with the upper surface 147 of the aperture 136 , thus raising or lowering the engaging surface 144 relative to the lower housing 28 .
- the carriage assembly 138 rotates downwardly about the pivot points 362 , pushing the carriage 138 down toward the surface and effectively raising the suction nozzle 38 away from the surface to be cleaned.
- the carriage 138 rotates upwardly toward the lower housing 28 thus minimizing the distance between the suction nozzle 38 and the surface to be cleaned.
- a first alternate embodiment 370 generally comprises a bracket 372 , a pair of belt disengaging pins 374 , 376 for disengaging the belt 162 from the motor shaft 24 , an actuator 378 for actuating the belt disengager 370 , and a linkage 380 between the belt disengaging pins 374 , 376 and the actuator 378 .
- the bracket 372 comprises a linear guide track 382 , an upper curved guide track 384 , a lower curved guide track 386 and a plurality of flanges 388 that facilitate mounting the bracket 372 within the base assembly 14 .
- the actuator 378 comprises a foot pedal 390 provided on the exterior of the base assembly 14 and that is rotatably coupled to the bracket 372 by a foot pedal shaft 392 .
- a retainer spring 393 mounts the foot pedal shaft 392 to the bracket 372 .
- the foot pedal shaft 392 has a rear orthogonal extension 394 pivotally coupled to the linkage 380 by a first pivot pin 396 .
- the linkage 380 comprises a pair of spaced toggle links 398 , 400 and a pair of curved arms 402 , 404 .
- the toggle links 398 , 400 are attached at one end to the rear extension 394 by the first pivot pin 396 and at the other end to one end of the curved arms 402 , 404 by a second pivot pin 406 , such that the rear extension 394 and the curved arms 402 , 404 are both positioned between the toggle links 398 , 400 .
- the other end of the curved arms 402 , 404 each comprise one of the belt disengaging pins 374 , 376 , respectively.
- the second pivot pin 406 is slidingly received in the linear guide track 382 , the belt disengaging pin 374 on the upper curved arm 402 is slidingly received in the upper curved guide track 384 , and the belt disengaging pin 376 on the lower curved arm 404 is slidingly received in the lower curved guide track 386 .
- a belt guide 408 is provided between the belt 162 and the bracket 372 , and prevents the belt 162 from rubbing against the bracket 372 and creating unwanted friction.
- a spring 410 on the foot pedal shaft 392 having an arm portion 412 wrapped around the rear extension 394 biases the foot pedal 390 , and thus the entire belt disengager 370 , to the position shown in FIGS.
- the belt disengaging pins 374 , 376 engage the belt 162 and lift it from engagement with the motor shaft 24 , as can be seen in FIG. 19A , thereby disengaging the belt drive mechanism.
- the foot pedal 390 or another portion of the actuator 378 can have a detent device (not shown) to maintain the foot pedal 390 in the depressed position shown in FIGS. 19 and 19A and thus maintain the belt in the disengaged position.
- the motor/fan assembly 22 is fixedly mounted vertically in the base assembly 14 .
- a generally circular flywheel 250 is fixedly attached to and rotates with the motor shaft 24 .
- a drive engaging arm 252 is pivotally attached to the lower housing 28 and comprises foot pedal 254 on one end and a pivot point 256 on the other end.
- a belt drive hub 258 is mounted to the drive engaging arm 252 , orthogonally to the flywheel 250 , for selective engagement therewith.
- the belt 162 is in mechanical communication with a drive hub shaft 260 extending from the drive hub 258 and the brush roll assembly 34 .
- the drive engaging arm 252 is biased by a drive engaging spring 262 to place the belt drive hub 258 in selective contact with the flywheel 250 .
- the motor shaft 24 rotates when power is applied to the motor/fan assembly 22 , causing the flywheel 250 to rotate.
- the drive engaging spring 262 forces the drive engaging arm 252 to pivot about the pivot point 256 causing the belt drive hub 258 to engage the flywheel 250 .
- the belt drive hub 258 rotates, which in turn causes the drive hub shaft 260 to rotate, rotating the belt 162 and ultimately the brush roll assembly 34 .
- a commonly known latch (not shown) can be incorporated to secure the drive engaging arm 252 away from the flywheel 250 when the user steps on the foot pedal 254 , effectively disengaging the brush drive mechanism when the user desires to use the vacuum cleaner 10 without the aid of a rotating brush roll assembly 34 .
- the drive engaging arm 252 can also pivot laterally so that the belt drive hub 258 can change contact positions on the flywheel 250 .
- the belt drive hub 258 will rotate slowly.
- the speed of the belt drive hub 258 increases thus providing a variable speed brush control.
- a first alternate embodiment comprises a suction nozzle extension 128 extends in a rearward direction at either side of the lower housing 28 , forming a generally U-shaped suction nozzle 58 .
- the suction nozzle 58 surrounds the forward portion of the lower housing 28 for cleaning additional surface area as well as improved edge cleaning.
- an optional pet hair removal device 129 is included near the suction nozzle 58 and is formed of a rubber or plastic material create a static charge when exposed to frictional forces are mounted around the suction nozzle 58 to further enhance cleaning.
- the pet hair removal devices 129 can be made of a conventional lint brush material. A more complete description of suitable pet hair removal devices can be found in US Provisional Patent Application 60/594773 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- a second alternate embodiment of a suction nozzle 60 for the base assembly 14 is illustrated, wherein the suction nozzle 60 comprises a plurality of partitions 62 sectioning the suction nozzle 60 into a plurality of individual suction chambers 64 across the width of the suction nozzle 60 .
- Each suction chamber 64 has an outlet port 66 in communication with a common manifold conduit 68 in fluid communication with the motor fan assembly 22 via the foot conduit 40 or other suitable means.
- a first embodiment of the brush roll assembly 34 comprises a generally cylindrical brush dowel 222 with a bearing surface 224 on both ends and a belt engagement surface 226 around the circumference near one end that communicates with the belt 162 .
- a plurality of flexible bristles 228 are inserted into the outer circumference of the brush dowel 222 forming individual tufts 230 .
- the bristles 228 are finished by trimming the bristles 228 after they are inserted into the brush dowel 222 resulting in a squared off end of the bristle 228 .
- a plurality of tufts 230 are arranged in a generally helix fashion in rows 232 along the outer circumference of the brush dowel as is typical in the vacuum art.
- the brush roll assembly can be biased so that a constant down force is provided to ensure even and consistent contact with the surface to be cleaned as is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/064322 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- the number of bristles 228 used to form each tuft 230 , the number of tufts 230 used to form each row 232 , and the number of rows 232 used on the brush dowel 222 can all be varied to create an optimum agitation device. Furthermore, the helix angle of the rows 232 can be increased to give a high helix angle pattern resulting in a greater bristle 228 surface area. In an alternate embodiment, the bristle end that engages the surface to be cleaned is rounded and the tufts 230 are created by inserting the bristle 228 into the brush dowel 222 so that a finished diameter is created upon insertion with no need for finish trimming.
- the bristle 228 ends can be rounded after trimming similar to the configuration of the bristles of a toothbrush.
- the rounded bristle 228 end creates a smoother bristle surface area that is preferred on the more delicate surface finishes such as wood and carpet.
- the tufts 230 ′ are attached to a flexible support 234 forming a bristle strip 236 that is removably inserted into a channel 238 formed in the dowel 222 ′.
- a number of different bristle strips 236 that vary the material, length, or stiffness of the bristles 228 ′ can be used to give the user options based upon their particular cleaning needs. For example, softer bristles 228 ′ are preferred on more delicate floors such as wood or delicate carpets to prevent damage while stiffer bristles 228 ′ are desired on hard tiled surfaces to more aggressively remove debris that is stuck to the surface to be cleaned.
- the use of bristle strips 236 provides for easy maintenance of the brush because the bristles can be replace without removing the brush roll assembly 34 ′ from the base assembly 14 .
- each tuft 230 ′′ is cut on an angle so that the angled surface is in contact with the surface to be cleaned. This allows for more of the bristle 228 ′′ends to remain in contact with the surface to be cleaned resulting in improved cleaning performance.
- the tuft 230 ′′ can be trimmed at an angle on both sides so that a more flexible tuft 230 ′′ is created.
- a stiffener 240 is embedded in the dowel 222 ′′ behind the tuft 230 ′′ relative to the direction of rotation that effectively creates a stiffer tuft 230 ′′ while improving dynamic flexing characteristics.
- the stiffener 240 can be integrally formed in the brush dowel 222 ′′ or can be mechanically fastened to the brush dowel 222 ′′ after the tufts 230 ′′ have been inserted via commonly known methods such as rivets, screws, or adhesives.
- the stiffeners 240 can be formed as a continuous strip that extends between the tufts 230 ′′ or can be individually placed behind each tuft 230 ′′.
- the tufts 230 ′′ can be stiffened by counter boring each tuft to provide the wall required to stiffen the bristle 228 ′′.
- a plurality of static strips 242 are formed of a suitable rubber or plastic material that creates a static charge when exposed to frictional forces.
- the static strips 242 are inserted into the channels in the dowel 222 ′′′ as previously described.
- Different materials create different static charges that are suitable for attracting specific debris types such as dust, pollens, pet hair, and dirt.
- One or more static strip 242 of the same or different material types can be used in the dowel 222 ′′′ depending upon the user's preference.
Abstract
An upright vacuum cleaner comprises a base assembly pivotally connected to an upright assembly. The base assembly comprises a foot-actuated belt drive disengaging mechanism and a ratchet operated nozzle height adjustment mechanism.
Description
- This application claims priority on International Application No. PCT/US2006/026696, filed Jul. 11, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/595,515, filed Jul. 12, 2005, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates to suction cleaners, and in particular, to the base portion of an upright vacuum cleaner.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Upright vacuum cleaners employing cyclone separators are well known. Some cyclone separators follow textbook examples using frusto-conical shape separators and others use high-speed rotational motion of the air/dirt to separate the dirt by centrifugal force. Typically, working air enters and exits at an upper portion of the cyclone separator as the bottom portion of the cyclone separator is used to collect debris. Furthermore, in an effort to reduce weight, the motor/fan assembly that creates the working air flow is typically placed at the bottom of the handle, below the cyclone separator.
- BISSELL Homecare, Inc. presently manufactures and sells in the United States an upright vacuum cleaner that has a cyclone separator and a dirt cup. A horizontal plate separates the cyclone separator from the dirt cup. The air flowing through the cyclone separator passes through an annular cylindrical cage with baffles and through a cylindrical filter before exiting the cyclone separator at the upper end thereof. The dirt cup and the cyclone separator are further disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,810,557 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,772 to Dyson discloses an upright vacuum cleaner employing a two stage cyclone separator. The first stage is a single separator wherein the outlet of the single separator is in series with an inlet to a second stage frusto-conical separator.
- According to the invention, a vacuum cleaner comprises a base assembly having a housing, a suction nozzle, and an agitator rotatably mounted to the housing. A motor has a motor shaft and a flywheel mounted to the motor shaft for rotation therewith. A belt drive assembly is mounted between the flywheel and the agitator for selectively driving the agitator and comprises an actuator for selectively uncoupling the belt drive assembly and a hub rotatably mounted to the actuator and selectively coupled with the flywheel for rolling contact therewith.
- In one embodiment, the actuator comprises a first portion positioned exterior of the housing for user access and a second portion positioned interior of the housing. The hub is rotatably mounted to the second portion. The first portion is adapted to be moved by the foot of a user from an engaging position wherein the hub is in rolling contact with the flywheel and a disengaging position in which the hub is disengaged from rolling contact with the flywheel. A biasing member biases the actuator to the engaging position. Preferably, a detent maintains the actuator in the disengaging position. In addition, the motor is preferably vertically oriented in the housing of the base assembly. The hub further comprises a hub shaft, and a belt is coupled between the hub shaft and the agitator. Additionally, the hub can be laterally movable with respect to the flywheel to change the relative speed of the agitator.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an upright vacuum cleaner with a base assembly according to the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a rear quarter perspective view of the upright vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the vacuum cleaner fromFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the base assembly fromFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a wheel axle shown inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 6 is an exploded bottom quarter perspective view of a snap in bushing as shown inFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 7 is a rear left perspective view of a nozzle height adjustment as shown inFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 8 is a rear right perspective view of the nozzle height adjustment as shown inFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a drive disengaging device shown inFIG. 4 , illustrating the belt engaged with the brush. -
FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a drive disengaging device shown inFIG. 4 , illustrating the belt disengaged from the brush. -
FIG. 11 is a rear left perspective view of a first alternate nozzle height adjustment mechanism according to the invention. -
FIG. 12 is a rear right perspective view of the nozzle height adjustment mechanism shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 13 is a cut-away perspective view of a second alternate nozzle height adjustment mechanism according to the invention. -
FIG. 14 is a cut-away perspective view of a third alternate nozzle height adjustment mechanism according to the invention. -
FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a fourth alternate nozzle height adjustment mechanism according to the invention. -
FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the nozzle height adjustment mechanism fromFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a first alternate drive disengaging mechanism according to the invention. -
FIG. 18 is a right side view of the drive disengaging mechanism fromFIG. 17 , illustrating the drive mechanism engaged with the brush. -
FIG. 18A is a left side view of the drive disengaging mechanism fromFIG. 17 , illustrating the drive mechanism engaged with the brush. -
FIG. 19 is a right side view of the drive disengaging mechanism fromFIG. 17 , illustrating the drive mechanism disengaged from the brush. -
FIG. 19A is a left side view of the drive disengaging mechanism fromFIG. 17 , illustrating the drive mechanism disengaged from the brush. -
FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a second alternate drive disengaging mechanism according to the invention. -
FIG. 21 is a top view of a lower housing of the base assembly fromFIG. 4 , illustrating a first alternate embodiment of a suction nozzle. -
FIG. 22 is a top view of a lower housing of the base assembly fromFIG. 4 , illustrating a second alternate embodiment of a suction nozzle. -
FIG. 23 is a front view of a brush roll assembly according to the invention. -
FIG. 24 is a front view of an alternate brush roll assembly according to the invention. -
FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view of an alternate brush roll assembly according to the invention. -
FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of a second alternate brush roll assembly according to the invention. - An exemplary
upright vacuum cleaner 10 according to the invention is shown inFIGS. 1-3 , and comprises anupright assembly 12 pivotally mounted to abase assembly 14. Theupright assembly 14 further comprises aprimary support section 16 with agrip 18 on one end to facilitate movement by the user. Amotor cavity 20 is formed at an opposite end of theupright assembly 12 and contains a commonly known motor/fan assembly 22 (FIG. 17 ) oriented transversely therein. Theupright assembly 12 pivots relative to thebase assembly 14 through an axis formed relative to a shaft 24 (FIG. 9 ) within the motor/fan assembly. Theupright assembly 12 further receives a dirt separation and collection assembly, illustrated as acyclone separation assembly 26 on theprimary support section 16. Thecyclone module assembly 26 forms part of a working air path fluidly connecting thebase assembly 14 to the motor/fan assembly and separates and collects debris from a working air stream for disposal after the cleaning operation is complete. The details of cyclone separators are known in the vacuum cleaner art and will not be described in detail herein. - The
base assembly 14 further comprises alower housing 28 that mates with anupper housing 30 to form abrush chamber 32 in a forward portion thereon. A rotatingbrush roll assembly 34 is positioned within thebrush chamber 32. A pair ofrear wheels 36 is secured to a rearward portion of thebase assembly 14, rearward being defined relative to thebrush chamber 32. A variety ofdifferent base assembly 14 configurations can be assembled to theupright assembly 12 that comprise various features. Typically, thebase assembly 14 can vary in width so that the cleaning path can be narrower or wider depending upon the size of thebrush chamber 32. Asuction nozzle 38 is formed at a lower surface of thebrush chamber 32 on thebase assembly 14 and is in fluid communication with the surface to be cleaned. Afoot conduit 40 provides an air path from thesuction nozzle 38 through thebase assembly 14 and terminates in ahose grip receiver 42. In the preferred embodiment, thefoot conduit 40 is a smooth rigid blow molded tube with abendable portion 44 that coincides with the pivot point between thebase assembly 14 and theupright assembly 12 to allow theupright assembly 12 to pivot with respect to thebase assembly 14. In an alternate embodiment, thefoot conduit 40 is a commonly known flexible hose typically used in the vacuum cleaner industry. In yet another embodiment, the air path is formed by and between thehousings - A
live hose 46 terminates in a fixedhose grip 48 on one end and acyclone inlet receiver 50 on the other end. Thelive hose 46 is preferably a commonly known flexible vacuum hose. Thecyclone inlet receiver 50 is rigidly fixed to an upper portion of theprimary support section 16 of theupright assembly 12. Thehose grip 48 is removably received in thehose grip receiver 42 via a bayonet latch or, alternatively a friction fit so as to create an air tight seal when thehose grip 48 is inserted therein. Thelive hose 46 is managed via a pair of commonly known hose hooks (not shown) at a lower portion of theprimary support section 16 and near thegrip 18 as is commonly known in the vacuum industry. - A
cyclone outlet receiver 52 is integrally formed on an upper portion of theprimary support section 16 in close proximity to thecyclone inlet receiver 50 and is in fluid communication with apre-motor filter assembly 54 positioned upstream of an inlet to the motor/fan assembly 22 located in themotor cavity 20. Fluid communication can be accomplished by an air path (not shown) integrally formed in theprimary support section 16 or can be a rigid blow molded tube or a commonly known flexible vacuum hose. An outlet of the motor/fan assembly 22 is in fluid communication with a workingair exhaust assembly 56. The workingair exhaust assembly 56 is positioned adjacent to or may be integral with theprimary support section 16, in fluid communication with the exhaust air flow from the motor/fan assembly 22. A variety of commonly known filter elements (not shown) can be utilized in theexhaust assembly 56. In the preferred embodiment, the filter is a commonly known high efficiency particle arrestor (HEPA) filter element. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , thelower housing 28 further comprises thesuction nozzle 38 at a forward end and ahandle pivot cavity 116 centrally located on a rearward end relative to the forward end. A plurality of upright retainingtabs 118 are oriented generally orthogonal to thelower housing 28 and on either side of thehandle pivot cavity 116, and a pair of retainingtabs 120 are positioned on the side edges of thelower housing 28. A pair ofwheel bearings 122 is formed on a side rear edge of thelower housing 28 and fixedly receives awheel axle 124 upon which thewheel 36 freely rotates. Thewheel 36 is captured by aflange 126 on one end of theaxle 124. Referring toFIG. 5 , theaxle 124 is secured in thelower housing 28 via an integrally formed coaxial snap feature comprising a pair of integrally formedresilient engagement members 125 offset axially from theaxle 124. Theengagement members 125 are tapered relative to theaxle 124 shaft to provide a lead in that is self-centering when being inserted into the corresponding wheel bearing 122. In the preferred embodiment, thewheel 36 load is centered longitudinally on theaxle 124 so that bending moments on theaxle 124 are minimized. Lower bending loads enable the use of smaller diameter axles, which, in the preferred embodiment, are made of a plastic with adequate lubricity. A suitable plastic material is sold by DuPont under the trade name Delrin®. This axle design significantly reduces costs over metal axles that are typically found in vacuum cleaners. - Referring back to
FIG. 4 , theupper housing 30 further comprises a handle cut out 134 to accommodate rotation of theupright assembly 12 about themotor cavity 20. A plurality of retainingsurfaces 132 are formed by apertures in an upper surface of theupper housing 30 that correspond with the upright retainingtabs 118 on thelower housing 28. A pair of engagingtabs 130 are formed on the bottom surface of theupper housing 30 that corresponding to the retainingtabs 120 on thelower housing 28. In operation, theupper housing 30 is oriented at a slight upward angle so that the retainingsurfaces 132 engage the retaining tabs 11 8. The upper housing is then rotated about the retainingsurfaces 132 so that the engagingtabs 130 pass over thetabs 120. To remove theupper housing 30, the sides of theupper housing 30 are pulled outward while theupper housing 30 is rotated up and forward about the retainingsurfaces 132 until theupper housing 30 can be removed. This design facilitates easy removal of theupper housing 30 for access to thelower housing 28 without the use of tools for routine maintenance. In an alternate embodiment, the upright retainingtabs 118 can be replaced with commonly known ¼ turn fasteners that also facilitate removal of theupper housing 30 without the use of tools. - A
belt chamber 160 is also integrally formed in thelower housing 28 and provides a space for abrush belt 162 to mechanically connect therotating motor shaft 24 with thebrush roll assembly 34 positioned in thebrush chamber 32 in a conventional manner. A workingairflow conduit passage 166 is integrally formed through thelower housing 28 to provide a space for the foot conduit 40 (FIG. 3 ) to pass therethrough in a conventional manner. In an alternate embodiment, thefoot conduit 40 is integrally formed by the upper andlower housings base assembly 14. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , theupright assembly 12 is pivotally supported on thebase assembly 14 via a pair of snap-inbushings 151. Thebushings 151 further comprise abearing surface 153, a pair ofopposed tongues 155, and a resilient snap that includes alip 157. Thelower housing 28 further comprises abushing support 300 that includes a pair ofopposed grooves 302, anarcuate portion 304 that corresponds with the bearingsurface 153, and alatch surface 306 that corresponds with thelip 157. To assemble theupright assembly 12 to thebase assembly 14, abushing 151 is placed over a pivot pin 308 (FIG. 3 ) formed on a lower portion of theupright assembly 12, on either side of themotor cavity 20. Eachbushing 151 can be oriented as theupright assembly 12 is moved toward thebase assembly 14 so that thetongues 155 engage thegrooves 302. Theupright assembly 12 is moved downward until theresilient lip 157 passes below thelatch surface 306 and snaps in place to capture thebushings 151 on thebase assembly 14. As can be appreciated, the snap-inbushings 151 allow theupper housing 30 to be removed without separating theupright assembly 12 from thebase assembly 14. - Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 8 , a foot-actuated nozzle height adjustment mechanism comprises acarriage assembly 150, anactuator disc 210, acam disc 212, and apivot arm 219. Thecarriage assembly 150 comprises a pivot pins 152 that rotate within a pivot socket 156 integrally molded into thelower housing 28 and a pair of forward freely rotatingwheels 154. Theactuator disc 210 further comprises afoot pedal 215 and a plurality of resilient rampedsurfaces 214 that selectively engage a like number of rampedsurfaces 216 on a mating surface of thecam disc 212. Both theactuator disc 210 andcam disc 212 are rotatably affixed to thebase 28 via apin 217 that further keeps thediscs cam lobes 211 of varying dimensions surround aboss 220 formed on a surface of thecam disc 212 opposite the rampedsurfaces 216 for receiving apivot pin 221. Thepivot arm 219 is integrally molded with thecarriage assembly 150 and slidingly engages thecam lobes 211 on the inner surface of thecam disc 212. In operation, thefoot pedal 215 is depressed and since it is offset from thepivot pin boss 220, theactuator disc 210 rotates in a counterclockwise direction which, in turn, rotates thecam disc 212 via the mating rampedsurfaces cam disc 212 rotates, thecam lobes 211 move past thepivot arm 219 and thepivot arm 219 comes to rest in the next cam lobe recess formed between twocam lobes 211. Since thecam lobes 211 vary in height, thecarriage assembly 150 rotates about thepivot axis 152 causing thewheels 154 move either away from or towards a bottom surface of thelower housing 28. When thefoot pedal 215 is released, thepivot arm 219 holds thecam disc 212 in place and a torsion spring (not shown) forces theactuator disc 210 in a clockwise direction whereby the resilient rampedsurfaces 214 slide past the cam rampedsurfaces 216 and come to rest in mating relation with the next rampedsurface 214. - Referring to
FIGS. 9 and 10 , a belt or drive disengagingdevice 159 comprises afirst plate 161 that is mounted for rotation about themotor cavity 20 havingmotor shaft 24 extending therethrough. A crescent shaped bearingsurface 163 is attached in an offset fashion to thefirst plate 161. Aspring 167 is connected at one end to thefirst plate 161 and at the other end to a location on thebase assembly 14 to bias thebelt disengaging device 159 to an engaged position. Asecond plate 165 is mounted for rotation about apivot pin 175 attached to thelower housing 28 and has anengagement pin 173 extending orthogonally therefrom. Thesecond plate 165 is biased in a counterclockwise direction as viewed inFIG. 9 by aspring strap 177 that is fixed at one end to the periphery of thesecond plate 165 throughpin 179 and at the other end to the periphery of thefirst plate 161 through apin 181. Thespring strap 177 is weaved between the twoplates plates foot pedal 204 for actuating thebelt disengaging device 159 is provided on the exterior of thebase assembly 14 and comprises ashaft 206 that extends through theupper housing 28 for engagement with theengagement pin 173. With thebelt disengaging device 159 in the position shown inFIG. 9 , thecrescent surface 163 is generally positioned between themotor shaft 24 and thebrush roll assembly 34 so that thebelt 162 rides on themotor shaft 24 and drives thebrush roll assembly 34. Referring toFIG. 10 , when pressure is applied to thefoot pedal 204, theshaft 206 moves linearly in a substantially vertical direction such that theengagement pin 173 is forced downwardly. The downward force overcomes the spring bias and rotates thesecond plate 165 approximately 90 degrees in a counterclockwise direction. The interconnection of the first andsecond plates spring strap 177 causes thefirst plate 161 to rotate approximately 90 degrees in a counterclockwise direction. As thefirst plate 161 is rotated, thecrescent bearing surface 163 rotates into contact with and slightly stretches thebelt 162 away from theshaft 24 until theshaft 24 is between thecrescent bearing surface 163 and thebrush roll assembly 34, effectively disengaging thebrush roll assembly 34. A detent device (not shown) maintains the pedal 204 in the depressed position shown inFIG. 10 and thus maintains thebelt disengaging device 159 in the disengaged position. To engage thebrush roll assembly 34, thefoot pedal 204 is again depressed to release thefirst plate 161 back to the original position. - While the
base assembly 14 is illustrated as comprising the nozzle height adjustment mechanism shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 , other adjustment mechanisms can be used and a few examples of alternate embodiments of suitable nozzle height adjustment mechanisms are illustrated inFIGS. 11-16 . Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12 , a firstalternate embodiment 300 comprises acarriage assembly 302, anactuator disc 304, and acam disc 306. Thecarriage assembly 300 is pivotally connected to thelower housing 28 through apivot axis 308 and comprises a pair ofwheels 310 and apivot arm 312. Theactuator disc 304 andcam disc 306 are received in abracket 314 affixed within thebase assembly 14 such that thediscs bracket 314 comprises twoupstanding portions 316, between which theactuator disc 304 andcam disc 306 are mounted by inserting a pin 318 or other suitable fastener through a pair of alignedholes 320, apivot arm slot 322, and aspring arm slot 324. Theactuator disc 304 further comprises afoot pedal 326, aspring arm 328 and a pair of resilient rampedsurfaces 330 that selectively engage a plurality of generally rigid rampedsurfaces 232 on a mating surface of thecam disc 306. On the side of thecam disc 306 opposite the rampedsurfaces 232, a plurality ofcam lobes 334 of varying dimensions surround a boss 336 for receiving pin 318. Thepivot arm 312 engages thecam lobes 334 on thecam disc 306. Thespring arm 328 is received in thespring arm slot 324 and biases the actuator disc in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the orientation ofFIG. 11 . In operation, thefoot pedal 326 is depressed and theactuator disc 304 rotates in a clockwise direction with respect to the orientation ofFIG. 11 which, in turn, rotates thecam disc 306 via the mating rampedsurfaces cam disc 306 rotates, thecam lobes 334 move past thepivot arm 312 and thepivot arm 312 comes to rest in the next cam lobe recess formed between twocam lobes 334. Since thecam lobes 334 vary in height, thecarriage assembly 302 rotates about thepivot axis 308, causing thewheels 310 move either away from or towards a bottom surface of thelower housing 28. When thefoot pedal 326 is released, thepivot arm 312 holds thecam disc 306 in place and thespring arm 328 forces theactuator disc 304 in a clockwise direction whereby the resilient rampedsurfaces 330 slide past the rigid rampedsurfaces 332 and come to rest in mating relation with the next rampedsurface 332. - Referring to
FIG. 13 , a second alternate embodiment of a nozzle height adjustment mechanism comprises arotating drum 168 with a plurality of ratcheteddetents 170, afoot pedal 172, adown actuator rod 174, and an upactuator rod 176. Thedrum 168 and thefoot pedal 172 both rotate about separate bearing surfaces integrally molded in thelower housing 28. Thefoot pedal 172 is pivotally mounted on apin 178. Both the up and downactuator rods ratchet engagement surface 182 on the other. The upactuator rod 176 further comprises aspring member 184 that biases therod 176 into engagement with theratchet detents 170. The downactuator rod 174 is rotatably attached to an upper end of thefoot pedal 172. A plurality ofsteps 186 are formed on the surface of thedrum 168 adjacent theratchet detents 170 and engage with a carriage assembly (not shown) similar to the carriage assembly 150 (FIG. 4 ) as previously described. - In operation, an upper portion of the
foot pedal 172 is pressed and the foot pedal pivots about thepin 178, thereby displacing thedown actuator rod 174 and forcing theratchet engagement surface 182 into theratchet detent 170. This causes thedrum 168 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction whereby theratchet engagement surface 182 on the upactuator rod 176 rides over theratchet detent 170 until the upactuator rod 176 clears theratchet detent 170 and thespring member 184 forces the ratchet engagement surface into thenext ratchet detent 170. This action rotates the drum oneratchet detent 170 which displaces thestep 186 and moves the carriage assembly closer to thelower housing 28 to reduce the nozzle height above the surface to be cleaned. Conversely, when the lower surface of thefoot pedal 172 is depressed, thefoot pedal 172 pushes the upactuator rod 176 to releaseengagement surface 182 and pulls thedown actuator rod 174 away from theratchet detents 170 so that thedrum 168 rotates in an opposite direction. Thesteps 186 then push thecarriage assembly 150 away from the lower housing to increase the nozzle height above the surface to be cleaned. In this way, nozzle height can be adjusted incrementally in either direction as desired. - Referring to
FIG. 14 , a third alternate embodiment of a nozzle height adjustment mechanism is illustrated, and comprises a ratcheting nozzleheight adjustment mechanism 340. Theheight adjustment mechanism 340 comprises alinear track 342 with a plurality ofratchet detents 344 formed within atrapezoidal housing 346. A pair ofgrooves 348 run along either side of thelinear track 342. Both thelinear track 342 and thegrooves 348 are aligned parallel to an upper surface of thetrapezoidal housing 346, leaving a rampedengagement surface 350 at a lower surface. A plurality ofdetents 352 are equally spaced along the upper surface of thetrapezoidal housing 346 and slideably engage a resilient tab (not shown) on thelower housing 28. Thetrapezoidal housing 346 is slideably affixed to thelower housing 28 in a horizontal orientation via thegrooves 348 so that the upper surface travels in a generally horizontal plane relative to the surface to be cleaned. A twoposition foot pedal 354 is pivotally affixed to thelower housing 28 by apin 360 and acts on anactuation rod 356 with a correspondingratchet engagement surface 358. The operation is similar to the second alternate embodiment shown inFIG. 13 , wherein when either the upper portion or the lower portion of thefoot pedal 354 is pressed, theratchet engagement surface 358 respectively engages either the upper or lower set ofratchet detents 344 formed on thelinear track 342 and pushes thetrapezoidal housing 346 relative to thelower housing 28 along thegrooves 348 until one of thedetents 352 is captured by the resilient tab on thelower housing 28, which forces theratchet engagement surface 358 into thenext ratchet detent 344. Since the movable rampedengagement surface 350 directly engages the pivoting height adjustment carriage assembly (not shown) similar to thecarriage assembly 150 shown inFIG. 4 , as thetrapezoidal housing 346 moves horizontally, the carriage assembly is forced away from or up towards thelower housing 28 to effectively raise and lower the nozzle height above the surface to be cleaned. - Referring to
FIGS. 15 and 16 , a fourth alternate embodiment of a nozzle height adjustment mechanism is illustrated. A nozzleheight adjustment aperture 136 is integrally formed through theupper housing 30 and is aligned with acarriage assembly 138 pivotally mounted to thelower housing 28. Aheight adjustment actuator 140 comprises anactuator knob 142 on one end and anengaging surface 144 on the other. Theengaging surface 144 is comprised of a series ofcam lobes 146 that vary in height relative to theactuator knob 142. Theengaging surface 144 abuts a correspondingengaging surface 148 on a heightadjustment carriage assembly 138. A plurality ofrectangular engagement keys 141 protrude from theengaging surface 144. Theengagement keys 141 correspond with a like number ofengagement slots 143 formed in theheight adjustment aperture 136. Thekeys 141 andslots 143 are oriented so that theheight adjustment actuator 140 can be inserted in one orientation only. To assemble the height adjustment assembly, theheight adjustment actuator 140 is positioned over theaperture 136 so that thekeys 141 align with theslots 143. Theactuator 140 is pushed down until alower surface 145 of theknob 142 abuts anupper surface 147 of theaperture 136. Theactuator 140 is then rotated approximately 90 degrees, whereby thekeys 141 no longer align with theslots 143 and effectively locking theactuator 140 to theupper housing 30. This locking design and mating of thelower surface 145 to theupper surface 147 serves to effectively seal the generally cylindrical portion of the actuator 140 from dirt and debris that could otherwise enter the assembly and cause binding. Additionally, a plurality ofgrooves 366 are provided on theupper surface 147 of theaperture 136 and allow any dirt or debris that accumulates around the nozzle height adjustment mechanism to fall between the actuator 140 and theaperture 136 via the grooves. - The
carriage assembly 138 further comprises a pivot pins 362 that rotate within the pivot socket 156 integrally molded into thelower housing 28 and a pair of forward freely rotatingwheels 364. As theknob 142 is rotated within theaperture 136, thecam lobes 146 interface with theupper surface 147 of theaperture 136, thus raising or lowering theengaging surface 144 relative to thelower housing 28. As theengaging surface 144 is moved down, thecarriage assembly 138 rotates downwardly about the pivot points 362, pushing thecarriage 138 down toward the surface and effectively raising thesuction nozzle 38 away from the surface to be cleaned. Conversely, as the engaging surface is raised, thecarriage 138 rotates upwardly toward thelower housing 28 thus minimizing the distance between thesuction nozzle 38 and the surface to be cleaned. - While the
base assembly 14 is illustrated as comprising the belt disengaging mechanism shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 , other belt drive disengaging mechanisms can be used and a few examples of alternate embodiments of suitable belt or drive disengaging mechanisms are illustrated inFIGS. 17-20 . Referring toFIG. 17-19A , a firstalternate embodiment 370 generally comprises abracket 372, a pair of belt disengaging pins 374, 376 for disengaging thebelt 162 from themotor shaft 24, anactuator 378 for actuating thebelt disengager 370, and alinkage 380 between the belt disengaging pins 374, 376 and theactuator 378. Thebracket 372 comprises alinear guide track 382, an uppercurved guide track 384, a lowercurved guide track 386 and a plurality offlanges 388 that facilitate mounting thebracket 372 within thebase assembly 14. Theactuator 378 comprises afoot pedal 390 provided on the exterior of thebase assembly 14 and that is rotatably coupled to thebracket 372 by afoot pedal shaft 392. A retainer spring 393 mounts thefoot pedal shaft 392 to thebracket 372. Thefoot pedal shaft 392 has a rearorthogonal extension 394 pivotally coupled to thelinkage 380 by afirst pivot pin 396. Thelinkage 380 comprises a pair of spacedtoggle links curved arms rear extension 394 by thefirst pivot pin 396 and at the other end to one end of thecurved arms second pivot pin 406, such that therear extension 394 and thecurved arms curved arms second pivot pin 406 is slidingly received in thelinear guide track 382, thebelt disengaging pin 374 on the uppercurved arm 402 is slidingly received in the uppercurved guide track 384, and thebelt disengaging pin 376 on the lowercurved arm 404 is slidingly received in the lowercurved guide track 386. Abelt guide 408 is provided between thebelt 162 and thebracket 372, and prevents thebelt 162 from rubbing against thebracket 372 and creating unwanted friction. Aspring 410 on thefoot pedal shaft 392 having anarm portion 412 wrapped around therear extension 394 biases thefoot pedal 390, and thus theentire belt disengager 370, to the position shown inFIGS. 18 and 18A , wherein thebelt 162 is engaged with themotor shaft 24 and drives thebrush roll assembly 34. When pressure is applied to thefoot pedal 390, thefoot pedal shaft 392 rotates clockwise and therear extension 394 pivots upwardly with respect to the orientation ofFIG. 18A . The pivoting motion of therear extension 394 causes the toggle links 398, 400 pivot clockwise about thefirst pivot pin 396 and thesecond pivot pin 406 to slide within thelinear guide track 382, which in turn causes thecurved arms FIG. 18A to the position shown inFIG. 19A . As thecurved arms belt 162 and lift it from engagement with themotor shaft 24, as can be seen inFIG. 19A , thereby disengaging the belt drive mechanism. Thefoot pedal 390 or another portion of theactuator 378 can have a detent device (not shown) to maintain thefoot pedal 390 in the depressed position shown inFIGS. 19 and 19A and thus maintain the belt in the disengaged position. - Referring to
FIG. 20 , in a second alternate embodiment of a drive disengaging mechanism, the motor/fan assembly 22 is fixedly mounted vertically in thebase assembly 14. A generallycircular flywheel 250 is fixedly attached to and rotates with themotor shaft 24. Adrive engaging arm 252 is pivotally attached to thelower housing 28 and comprisesfoot pedal 254 on one end and apivot point 256 on the other end. Abelt drive hub 258 is mounted to thedrive engaging arm 252, orthogonally to theflywheel 250, for selective engagement therewith. Thebelt 162 is in mechanical communication with adrive hub shaft 260 extending from thedrive hub 258 and thebrush roll assembly 34. Thedrive engaging arm 252 is biased by adrive engaging spring 262 to place thebelt drive hub 258 in selective contact with theflywheel 250. In operation, themotor shaft 24 rotates when power is applied to the motor/fan assembly 22, causing theflywheel 250 to rotate. Thedrive engaging spring 262 forces thedrive engaging arm 252 to pivot about thepivot point 256 causing thebelt drive hub 258 to engage theflywheel 250. Thebelt drive hub 258 rotates, which in turn causes thedrive hub shaft 260 to rotate, rotating thebelt 162 and ultimately thebrush roll assembly 34. A commonly known latch (not shown) can be incorporated to secure thedrive engaging arm 252 away from theflywheel 250 when the user steps on thefoot pedal 254, effectively disengaging the brush drive mechanism when the user desires to use thevacuum cleaner 10 without the aid of a rotatingbrush roll assembly 34. - As can be appreciated, the
drive engaging arm 252 can also pivot laterally so that thebelt drive hub 258 can change contact positions on theflywheel 250. For example, when thebelt drive hub 258 is positioned near the center of theflywheel 250, thebelt drive hub 258 will rotate slowly. As thebelt drive hub 258 is moved toward the outer perimeter of theflywheel 250 the speed of thebelt drive hub 258, and correspondingly the speed of thebrush roll assembly 34, increases thus providing a variable speed brush control. - While the
base assembly 14 is illustrated as comprising thesuction nozzle 38 shown inFIG. 4 , other suction nozzles can be used, and a few examples of alternate suction nozzles are illustrated inFIGS. 21 and 22 . Referring toFIG. 21 , a first alternate embodiment comprises asuction nozzle extension 128 extends in a rearward direction at either side of thelower housing 28, forming a generallyU-shaped suction nozzle 58. In this way, thesuction nozzle 58 surrounds the forward portion of thelower housing 28 for cleaning additional surface area as well as improved edge cleaning. In addition, an optional pethair removal device 129 is included near thesuction nozzle 58 and is formed of a rubber or plastic material create a static charge when exposed to frictional forces are mounted around thesuction nozzle 58 to further enhance cleaning. Alternatively, the pethair removal devices 129 can be made of a conventional lint brush material. A more complete description of suitable pet hair removal devices can be found in US Provisional Patent Application 60/594773 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. - Referring to
FIG. 22 , a second alternate embodiment of a suction nozzle 60 for thebase assembly 14 is illustrated, wherein the suction nozzle 60 comprises a plurality ofpartitions 62 sectioning the suction nozzle 60 into a plurality ofindividual suction chambers 64 across the width of the suction nozzle 60. Eachsuction chamber 64 has anoutlet port 66 in communication with acommon manifold conduit 68 in fluid communication with themotor fan assembly 22 via thefoot conduit 40 or other suitable means. - Referring to
FIGS. 23-26 , various embodiments of thebrush roll assembly 34 are illustrated. It is within the scope of this invention to incorporate any of the following brush roll assemblies on thebase assemblies 14 previously described. Referring toFIG. 23 , a first embodiment of thebrush roll assembly 34 comprises a generallycylindrical brush dowel 222 with abearing surface 224 on both ends and abelt engagement surface 226 around the circumference near one end that communicates with thebelt 162. A plurality offlexible bristles 228 are inserted into the outer circumference of thebrush dowel 222 formingindividual tufts 230. Typically thebristles 228 are finished by trimming thebristles 228 after they are inserted into thebrush dowel 222 resulting in a squared off end of thebristle 228. A plurality oftufts 230 are arranged in a generally helix fashion inrows 232 along the outer circumference of the brush dowel as is typical in the vacuum art. In addition, the brush roll assembly can be biased so that a constant down force is provided to ensure even and consistent contact with the surface to be cleaned as is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/064322 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As can be appreciated, the number ofbristles 228 used to form eachtuft 230, the number oftufts 230 used to form eachrow 232, and the number ofrows 232 used on thebrush dowel 222 can all be varied to create an optimum agitation device. Furthermore, the helix angle of therows 232 can be increased to give a high helix angle pattern resulting in agreater bristle 228 surface area. In an alternate embodiment, the bristle end that engages the surface to be cleaned is rounded and thetufts 230 are created by inserting thebristle 228 into thebrush dowel 222 so that a finished diameter is created upon insertion with no need for finish trimming. Alternatively, thebristle 228 ends can be rounded after trimming similar to the configuration of the bristles of a toothbrush. The rounded bristle 228 end creates a smoother bristle surface area that is preferred on the more delicate surface finishes such as wood and carpet. - Referring to
FIG. 24 , in a second embodiment, where like elements are indicated by the same reference numeral bearing a prime symbol (′), thetufts 230′ are attached to aflexible support 234 forming abristle strip 236 that is removably inserted into achannel 238 formed in thedowel 222′. A number of different bristlestrips 236 that vary the material, length, or stiffness of thebristles 228′ can be used to give the user options based upon their particular cleaning needs. For example,softer bristles 228′ are preferred on more delicate floors such as wood or delicate carpets to prevent damage whilestiffer bristles 228′ are desired on hard tiled surfaces to more aggressively remove debris that is stuck to the surface to be cleaned. In addition, the use of bristle strips 236 provides for easy maintenance of the brush because the bristles can be replace without removing thebrush roll assembly 34′ from thebase assembly 14. - Referring to
FIG. 25 , in a third embodiment wherein like elements are identified by the same reference numerals bearing a double prime symbol (″), eachtuft 230″ is cut on an angle so that the angled surface is in contact with the surface to be cleaned. This allows for more of thebristle 228″ends to remain in contact with the surface to be cleaned resulting in improved cleaning performance. Alternatively, thetuft 230″ can be trimmed at an angle on both sides so that a moreflexible tuft 230″ is created. In yet another embodiment, astiffener 240 is embedded in thedowel 222″ behind thetuft 230″ relative to the direction of rotation that effectively creates astiffer tuft 230″ while improving dynamic flexing characteristics. Alternatively, thestiffener 240 can be integrally formed in thebrush dowel 222″ or can be mechanically fastened to thebrush dowel 222″ after thetufts 230″ have been inserted via commonly known methods such as rivets, screws, or adhesives. Furthermore, thestiffeners 240 can be formed as a continuous strip that extends between thetufts 230″ or can be individually placed behind eachtuft 230″. Additionally, thetufts 230″ can be stiffened by counter boring each tuft to provide the wall required to stiffen the bristle 228″. - Referring to
FIG. 26 , in a fourth embodiment wherein like elements are identified by the same reference numerals bearing a triple prime symbol (′″)a plurality ofstatic strips 242 are formed of a suitable rubber or plastic material that creates a static charge when exposed to frictional forces. Thestatic strips 242 are inserted into the channels in thedowel 222″′ as previously described. Different materials create different static charges that are suitable for attracting specific debris types such as dust, pollens, pet hair, and dirt. One or morestatic strip 242 of the same or different material types can be used in thedowel 222″′ depending upon the user's preference. - While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the foregoing description and drawings without departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.
Claims (12)
1-10. (canceled)
11. A vacuum cleaner comprising:
a base assembly having a housing, a suction nozzle, and an agitator rotatably mounted to the housing;
a motor comprising a motor shaft and a flywheel mounted to the motor shaft;
a belt drive assembly between the flywheel and the agitator for selectively driving the agitator, and comprising:
an actuator for selectively uncoupling the belt drive assembly, and
a hub rotatably mounted to the actuator and selectively coupled with the flywheel for rolling contact therewith.
12. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11 wherein the actuator comprises a first portion positioned exterior of the housing for user access and a second portion positioned interior of the housing.
13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12 wherein the first portion is adapted to be moved by the foot of a user from an engaging position wherein the hub is in rolling contact with the flywheel and a disengaging position in which the hub is disengaged from rolling contact with the flywheel.
14. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 13 and further comprising a biasing member for biasing the actuator to the engaging position.
15. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 14 and further comprising a detent for the actuator for maintaining the actuator in the disengaging position.
16. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15 wherein the motor is vertically oriented.
17. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 16 wherein the motor is positioned within the housing of the base assembly.
18-26. (canceled)
27. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12 wherein the hub is rotatably mounted to the second portion.
28. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11 wherein the hub comprises a hub shaft and a belt is coupled between the hub shaft and the agitator.
29. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11 wherein the hub is laterally movable with respect to the flywheel to change the relative speed of the agitator.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/813,832 US20080216283A1 (en) | 2005-07-12 | 2007-07-12 | Vacuum cleaner base with belt drive disengager |
US13/080,952 US8839484B2 (en) | 2005-07-12 | 2011-04-06 | Vacuum cleaner base with agitator drive assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US59551505P | 2005-07-12 | 2005-07-12 | |
PCT/US2006/026696 WO2007008771A2 (en) | 2005-07-12 | 2006-07-11 | Vacuum cleaner with an agitator driving belt disengager and with a nozzle height adjustment mechanism |
US11/813,832 US20080216283A1 (en) | 2005-07-12 | 2007-07-12 | Vacuum cleaner base with belt drive disengager |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/US2006/026696 Continuation WO2007008771A2 (en) | 2005-07-12 | 2006-07-11 | Vacuum cleaner with an agitator driving belt disengager and with a nozzle height adjustment mechanism |
Related Child Applications (1)
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US13/080,952 Continuation-In-Part US8839484B2 (en) | 2005-07-12 | 2011-04-06 | Vacuum cleaner base with agitator drive assembly |
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US20080216283A1 true US20080216283A1 (en) | 2008-09-11 |
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ID=37309530
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/813,821 Abandoned US20090056069A1 (en) | 2005-07-12 | 2006-07-11 | Vacuum Cleaner Base with Nozzle Height Adjustment |
US11/813,832 Abandoned US20080216283A1 (en) | 2005-07-12 | 2007-07-12 | Vacuum cleaner base with belt drive disengager |
US13/366,754 Active US8752242B2 (en) | 2005-07-12 | 2012-02-06 | Vacuum cleaner base with nozzle height adjustment |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/813,821 Abandoned US20090056069A1 (en) | 2005-07-12 | 2006-07-11 | Vacuum Cleaner Base with Nozzle Height Adjustment |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/366,754 Active US8752242B2 (en) | 2005-07-12 | 2012-02-06 | Vacuum cleaner base with nozzle height adjustment |
Country Status (3)
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US (3) | US20090056069A1 (en) |
GB (3) | GB2441724B (en) |
WO (2) | WO2007008771A2 (en) |
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KR101232016B1 (en) * | 2006-10-10 | 2013-02-08 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Upright type vacuum cleaner |
-
2006
- 2006-07-11 WO PCT/US2006/026696 patent/WO2007008771A2/en active Application Filing
- 2006-07-11 US US11/813,821 patent/US20090056069A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-07-11 GB GB0800665A patent/GB2441724B/en active Active
- 2006-07-11 WO PCT/US2006/026695 patent/WO2007008770A2/en active Application Filing
- 2006-07-11 GB GB1014562A patent/GB2470320B/en active Active
- 2006-07-11 GB GB1006670A patent/GB2466896B/en active Active
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2007
- 2007-07-12 US US11/813,832 patent/US20080216283A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2012
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Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090089958A1 (en) * | 2007-10-04 | 2009-04-09 | Dant Ryan T | Vacuum cleaner with agitator assembly incorporating a clutch mechanism |
US20110078874A1 (en) * | 2009-10-06 | 2011-04-07 | Dever Kerry L | Agitator Belt Drive Interrupt System |
US8336162B2 (en) * | 2009-10-06 | 2012-12-25 | Panasonic Corporation Of North America | Agitator belt drive interrupt system |
US20140196250A1 (en) * | 2013-01-16 | 2014-07-17 | Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited | Vacuum suction base device with swivel coupling |
US9585535B2 (en) * | 2013-01-16 | 2017-03-07 | Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited | Vacuum suction base device with swivel coupling having electric motor inside a wheel and gaps for visibility |
US20160113458A1 (en) * | 2014-10-27 | 2016-04-28 | Conet Industries, Inc. | Cleaning nozzle assembly |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2441724B (en) | 2011-03-09 |
WO2007008770A2 (en) | 2007-01-18 |
GB2441724A (en) | 2008-03-12 |
GB2466896B (en) | 2010-08-25 |
US8752242B2 (en) | 2014-06-17 |
GB2470320A (en) | 2010-11-17 |
WO2007008771B1 (en) | 2007-08-23 |
WO2007008771A2 (en) | 2007-01-18 |
WO2007008771A3 (en) | 2007-06-07 |
US20120131764A1 (en) | 2012-05-31 |
GB0800665D0 (en) | 2008-02-20 |
GB2466896A (en) | 2010-07-14 |
GB201006670D0 (en) | 2010-06-09 |
US20090056069A1 (en) | 2009-03-05 |
GB2470320B (en) | 2011-01-05 |
WO2007008770A3 (en) | 2007-05-18 |
GB201014562D0 (en) | 2010-10-13 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BISSELL HOMECARE INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KREBS, ALAN J.;REEL/FRAME:019553/0491 Effective date: 20070710 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |