US20100139028A1 - Surface treating appliance - Google Patents
Surface treating appliance Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100139028A1 US20100139028A1 US12/624,678 US62467809A US2010139028A1 US 20100139028 A1 US20100139028 A1 US 20100139028A1 US 62467809 A US62467809 A US 62467809A US 2010139028 A1 US2010139028 A1 US 2010139028A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- surface treating
- treating appliance
- user
- releasable portion
- fluid flow
- 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
- 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
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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
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
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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
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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
- A47L5/32—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle with means for connecting a hose
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/36—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
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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
- A47L9/24—Hoses or pipes; Hose or pipe couplings
- A47L9/248—Parts, details or accessories of hoses or pipes
Definitions
- This invention relates to a surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner. More particularly this invention relates to a surface treating appliance having a fluid flow path extending between at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet wherein at least a part of the fluid flow path is housed within a releasable portion of the surface treating appliance.
- a typical vacuum cleaner comprises a main body which houses the main components of the vacuum cleaner, such as a motor and fan for drawing dirty air into the machine and some form of separating apparatus for separating dirt, dust and other debris from a dirty airflow drawn in by the fan.
- Vacuum cleaners having at least one and often a plurality of alternative airflow paths between an air inlet and an air outlet are known. Such vacuum cleaners often incorporate a valve for selecting one of the said airflow paths to carry an airflow from an air inlet to an air outlet.
- the releasable portion was retained in an operational position with respect to the remainder of the vacuum cleaner by a release device, for example a resilient push-button, to enable an unskilled user of the vacuum cleaner to carry out basic maintenance and removal of blockages.
- a release device for example a resilient push-button
- the release device has generally been placed somewhere which is very visible and accessible. Such a location and visibility however make the release device prone to being knocked or kicked by accident which may cause the releasable portion to fall off.
- surface treating appliance is intended to have a broad meaning, and includes a wide range of appliances for cleaning or treating a surface in some manner. It includes, inter alia, appliances which apply suction to the surface so as to draw material from it, such as vacuum cleaners (dry, wet and wet/dry), as well as appliances which apply a fluid to a surface, such as polishing/waxing machines, pressure washing machines, ground marking machines and shampooing machines.
- the present invention provides a surface treating appliance comprising a fluid flow path extending between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a portion of the fluid flow path being housed within a releasable portion of the surface treating appliance, a release means or release device for releasing the releasable portion, and an accidental release prevention means or accidental release device for preventing accidental release of the release device.
- the accidental release prevention device may help to prevent a user from accidentally knocking or kicking the release device during normal use of the surface treating appliance.
- the surface treating appliance is a vacuum cleaner.
- the fluid flow path is an airflow path.
- the release device may comprise a catch, for example a quick-release catch or other suitable locking, attaching or snap fit device.
- the release device may comprise a user-operated interface, for example a button.
- the release device may comprise a first part integral with, associated with or located on the releasable portion and a second cooperating part integral with, associated with or located on the remainder of the surface treating appliance.
- the two parts inter-engage to keep the releasable portion in position on the remainder of the surface treating appliance during normal use.
- the two parts may be disengaged to release the releasable portion from the remainder of the surface treating appliance. In a particular embodiment this may be achieved by a user activating, for example by pressing on, a user-operated interface.
- the accidental release prevention device may comprise one or more projections located adjacent the release device or a part thereof. In a preferred embodiment the accidental release prevention device may be located adjacent the user-operated interface.
- the one or more projection(s) may comprise one or more raised rib(s), wall(s), point(s), hood(s) or any other suitable raised region(s).
- the projection(s) is located from 0.25 cm, or 0.5 cm or, 1 cm or 1.5 cm, or 2 cm, or 2.5 cm, or 3 cm, or 3.5 cm to 4 cm, or 4.5 cm, or 5 cm, or 5.5 cm, or 6 cm, or 6.5 cm or 7 cm from the user-operated interface.
- the projection(s) may encircle or form an enclosure around the user-operated interface, for example the projection(s) may be located on all sides of the user-operated interface forming a circle, square, rectangle or other shape around it. In a particular embodiment a single projection may surround the user-operated interface.
- projections may be located adjacent the user-operated interface.
- the user-operated interface may have from one, two, three, four or more projections located adjacent to it.
- projections may be located on at least two sides of the user-operated interface such that it is flanked by the projections.
- the projections may comprise a pair of elongate ribs which are preferably arranged parallel to one another. They may be arranged either vertically or horizontally.
- the ribs may have a level outwardly facing surface or alternatively they may be tapered along at least a part of their length.
- the outer surface of one or both ribs may have a level portion and one or two sloping portions which may slope towards the remainder of the surface treating appliance.
- one rib slopes towards both ends and has a level portion between the two sloped portions and the other rib has a level surface at one end and slopes towards the remainder of the surface treating appliance at the other end.
- the projections are spaced far enough apart to allow access to the user-operated interface by a user's fingers, but close enough together to ensure that a users foot cannot accidentally activate the user-operated interface.
- the projections are from 1 cm or, 1.5 cm, or 2 cm, or 2.5 cm, or 3 cm, or 3.5 cm to 4 cm, or 4.5 cm, or 5 cm, or 5.5 cm, or 6 cm, or 6.5 cm or 7 cm apart.
- the at least one projection, or the outer surface of the projection may project the same distance or further from the remainder of the surface treating appliance than the user-operated interface.
- the at least one projection may project the same distance or further from the remainder of the surface treating appliance than the distance from the remainder of the surface treating appliance that the user-activated interface projects in it's activated position, for example when it has been pressed by a user.
- the releasable portion may be a simple straight fluid flow path or it may comprise a bend for changing the direction of fluid flow, the bend being housed within the releasable portion. Additionally or alternatively the releasable portion may comprise other components, for example if the surface treating appliance comprises a plurality of alternative fluid flow paths, the releasable portion may further comprise a valve.
- the releasable portion may be arranged to be releasable from the remainder of the surface treating appliance in a rearward direction away from the remainder of the surface treating appliance.
- the releasable portion may be arranged to be releasable from the remainder of the surface treating appliance in any suitable direction.
- the releasable portion may be attached to the remainder of the surface treating appliance in such a way that when the user-operated interface is activated the releasable portion is released but remains associated with the remainder of the surface treating appliance.
- the releasable portion may remain hingedly attached to the remainder of the surface treating appliance.
- the releasable portion may completely disassociate from the remainder of the surface treating appliance when the user-operated interface is activated.
- the first part of the catch may comprise the at least one projection.
- the second part of the catch may comprise the at least one projection.
- at least one projection may be provided on the releasable portion or on the remainder of the surface treating appliance.
- FIG. 1 a is a rear perspective view of a prior art vacuum cleaner which has a releasable portion
- FIG. 1 b is a close up of the releasable portion shown in FIG. 1 a;
- FIG. 2 a is a rear perspective view of a prior art vacuum cleaner showing the releasable portion removed from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner;
- FIG. 2 b is a close up of the releasable portion shown in FIG. 2 a;
- FIG. 3 a is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention which has a releasable portion
- FIG. 3 b is a close up of the releasable portion shown in FIG. 3 a;
- FIG. 4 a is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the releasable portion removed from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner;
- FIG. 4 b is a close up of the releasable portion shown in FIG. 4 a;
- FIG. 5 a is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a connector between the releasable portion and the releasing device;
- FIG. 5 b is a close up of the releasable portion shown in FIG. 5 a
- FIG. 6 a is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention which has a releasable portion
- FIG. 6 b is a close up of the releasable portion shown in FIG. 6 a;
- the vacuum cleaner indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 comprises a main body 2 , a user-operable handle 3 and a cleaner head 4 .
- the cleaner head 4 is pivotably mounted to the lower end of the main body 2 , and serves, in use, to treat a floor surface.
- the lower, floor-facing side of the cleaner head 4 has an air inlet slot 11 .
- the vacuum cleaner 1 houses a motor and fan for generating a suction airflow (not visible in these drawings).
- the main body 2 houses separating apparatus 6 for separating dirt, dust and other debris from a dirty airflow drawn into the cleaner 1 by the fan and motor.
- the separating apparatus 6 is cyclonic, in which the dirt and dust is spun from the airflow.
- the cyclonic separating apparatus 6 comprises two stages of cyclone separation arranged in series with one another.
- the first stage is a cylindrically-walled chamber 7 and the second stage comprises a set of tapering, substantially frusto-conically shaped chambers 8 arranged in parallel with one another.
- Airflow is directed tangentially into the upper part of the chamber 7 by a duct 9 . Larger debris and particles are removed and collected in this cyclonic chamber 7 .
- the airflow then passes through a shroud (not shown) to the set of cyclonic chambers 8 . Finer dust is separated by these chambers 8 and collected in a common collecting region.
- the second set of separators 8 can be upright, i.e. with their fluid inlets and outlets at the top and their dirt outlets at the bottom, or inverted, i.e. with their fluid inlets and outlets at the bottom and their dirt outlets at the top.
- the nature of the separating apparatus 6 is not material to the present invention.
- the main body 2 also houses filters (not visible in these drawings) for trapping fine particles in the cleaned airflow. These filters remove any fine particles of dust which have not already been removed from the airflow by the separating apparatus 6 .
- a first filter called a pre-motor filter, is provided before the motor and fan.
- a second filter called a post-motor filter, is provided after the motor and fan. Where the motor for driving the suction fan has carbon brushes, the post-motor filter also serves to trap any carbon particles emitted by the brushes. Clean air is then expelled to the atmosphere.
- the cleaner has two different airflow paths 12 , 13 which direct the air either from the air inlet slot 11 during floor cleaning use or from the end of the wand 14 during above floor cleaning.
- a change over valve 15 is provided to automatically change between the two airflow paths 12 , 13 in response to movement of the vacuum cleaner 1 between its upright position as shown in FIG. 1 a and an inclined position.
- the airflow paths 12 , 13 comprise bends. Whenever a vacuum cleaner incorporates a bend in the airflow path 12 , 13 , there is an increased risk of blockages occurring.
- the releasable portion 16 can be retained in an operational position with respect to the remainder of the vacuum cleaner 1 by a quick release mechanism 17 .
- the quick release mechanism 17 comprises a user-operated interface, for example a button 18 .
- the quick release mechanism 17 also has a first part 19 located on the releasable portion 16 and a second cooperating part 20 located on the remainder of the vacuum cleaner 1 .
- the two parts 19 , 20 inter-engage to keep the releasable portion 16 in position on the vacuum cleaner 1 during normal use, but can be disengaged quickly by a user pressing on the button 18 and sliding the two parts 19 , 20 out of engagement with each other.
- the button 18 stands proud of the features adjacent to it and it is therefore prone to being knocked or kicked by accident. This is especially true during normal use of the cleaner 1 due to the location of the button 18 near the base of the cleaner 1 .
- the releasable potion 16 may be released from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner 1 by accident.
- the present invention aims to help with this problem.
- the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention shares many features with the vacuum cleaner described with reference to FIGS. 1 a to 2 b and the same numbers will be used to donate similar features.
- the vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention further comprises an accidental release prevention device 24 in the form of a pair of projecting ribs positioned one on either side of the user-operable button 18 . These ribs 24 help to prevent accidental activation of the user-operable button 18 .
- the ribs 24 are elongate and are preferably parallel to one another. They are vertically arranged in the Figures but may be arranged horizontally or at any suitable angle.
- the ribs 24 have a level surface 26 opposite their attachment surface.
- the outer surface of one or both ribs 24 may also comprise one or more sloping portions 30 which slope towards the remainder of the vacuum cleaner 1 . In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 a to 5 b, one of the ribs 24 slope towards both ends from a level surface 26 in the middle and the other rib 24 slopes towards one end from a level surface 26 .
- the ribs 24 are spaced far enough apart to allow access to the button 18 by a user's fingers, but close enough together to ensure that a users foot or other unintended part of the body cannot accidentally activate the button 18 .
- the ribs 24 are from 1 cm or, 1.5 cm, or 2 cm, or 2.5 cm, or 3 cm, or 3.5 cm to 4 cm, or 4.5 cm, or 5 cm, or 5.5 cm, or 6 cm, or 6.5 cm or 7 cm apart.
- the outer surface of at a least a portion of the ribs 24 preferably projects the same distance or further from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner 1 than the button 18 .
- at least a portion of the ribs 24 may project the same distance or further from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner 1 than the distance from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner 1 that the button 18 has to be pressed before the quick release mechanism 17 is activated and the releasable portion 16 can be released from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner 1 . If during use of the vacuum cleaner 1 a user accidentally kicks the area were the button 18 is located, the user's foot will hit the ribs 24 and not the button 18 .
- the quick release mechanism 17 comprises the button 18 , a first part 19 and a second cooperating part 20 .
- the two parts 19 , 20 inter-engage to keep the releasable portion 16 in position on the vacuum cleaner 1 during normal use, but can be disengaged quickly by a user pressing on the button 18 .
- the first part 19 is removably attachable to a connector 32 on the removable portion 16 for ease of manufacture.
- the first part 19 may be releasably attachable to the second cooperating part 20 by any suitable device.
- a user may slide the first part 19 onto runners 34 (one can be seen in FIG. 4 b ) of the second part 20 until it snaps into a locking engagement.
- a user can press the button 18 which is arranged to release the mechanism which secures the first part 19 into the second part 20 .
- the first part 19 can then be slid out of engagement with the second part 20 and the releasable portion is then free and can be inspected for blockages.
- FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show an alternative embodiment where ribs 24 ′ are positioned one on either side of the user-operable button 18 ′ to protect the removable portion 160 from accidental release.
Abstract
The present invention relates to a surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner having a fluid flow path extending between at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet wherein at least a part of the fluid flow path is housed within a releasable portion of the surface treating appliance.
Description
- This application claims the priority of United Kingdom Application No. 0822223.4, filed Dec. 5, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates to a surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner. More particularly this invention relates to a surface treating appliance having a fluid flow path extending between at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet wherein at least a part of the fluid flow path is housed within a releasable portion of the surface treating appliance.
- Surface treating appliances such as vacuum cleaners are well known. The majority of vacuum cleaners are either of the ‘upright’ type or of the ‘cylinder’ type. A typical vacuum cleaner comprises a main body which houses the main components of the vacuum cleaner, such as a motor and fan for drawing dirty air into the machine and some form of separating apparatus for separating dirt, dust and other debris from a dirty airflow drawn in by the fan.
- Vacuum cleaners having at least one and often a plurality of alternative airflow paths between an air inlet and an air outlet are known. Such vacuum cleaners often incorporate a valve for selecting one of the said airflow paths to carry an airflow from an air inlet to an air outlet.
- The airflow path(s) of vacuum cleaners can become blocked during use. In prior art vacuum cleaners, it was found to be somewhat awkward to gain access to the portions of the airflow paths in which blockages can occur. The construction of these vacuum cleaners was therefore improved in order to facilitate maintenance and repair.
- This was achieved by providing a releasable portion in the airflow path which allows the user of the vacuum cleaner to release the releasable portion should any blockages occur in the airflow path. Release of the releasable portion gives the user of the vacuum cleaner easy access to the airflow path allowing any blockages to be quickly and easily cleared.
- In the known prior art the releasable portion was retained in an operational position with respect to the remainder of the vacuum cleaner by a release device, for example a resilient push-button, to enable an unskilled user of the vacuum cleaner to carry out basic maintenance and removal of blockages. This advantageously reduces the amount of professional time required to maintain the vacuum cleaner and keeps the vacuum cleaner operational for longer periods, thus increasing user satisfaction and decreasing the amount of time required for maintenance and repair.
- A disadvantage has however been found to occur with some of the prior art arrangements and in particular with those where the release device is located on the lower half of a vacuum cleaner. The release device has generally been placed somewhere which is very visible and accessible. Such a location and visibility however make the release device prone to being knocked or kicked by accident which may cause the releasable portion to fall off.
- The term “surface treating appliance” is intended to have a broad meaning, and includes a wide range of appliances for cleaning or treating a surface in some manner. It includes, inter alia, appliances which apply suction to the surface so as to draw material from it, such as vacuum cleaners (dry, wet and wet/dry), as well as appliances which apply a fluid to a surface, such as polishing/waxing machines, pressure washing machines, ground marking machines and shampooing machines.
- Accordingly the present invention provides a surface treating appliance comprising a fluid flow path extending between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a portion of the fluid flow path being housed within a releasable portion of the surface treating appliance, a release means or release device for releasing the releasable portion, and an accidental release prevention means or accidental release device for preventing accidental release of the release device.
- This is advantageous because the accidental release prevention device may help to prevent a user from accidentally knocking or kicking the release device during normal use of the surface treating appliance.
- In a preferred embodiment the surface treating appliance is a vacuum cleaner.
- Preferably the fluid flow path is an airflow path.
- In an embodiment the release device may comprise a catch, for example a quick-release catch or other suitable locking, attaching or snap fit device. The release device may comprise a user-operated interface, for example a button.
- In a particular embodiment the release device may comprise a first part integral with, associated with or located on the releasable portion and a second cooperating part integral with, associated with or located on the remainder of the surface treating appliance.
- In a preferred embodiment the two parts inter-engage to keep the releasable portion in position on the remainder of the surface treating appliance during normal use. The two parts may be disengaged to release the releasable portion from the remainder of the surface treating appliance. In a particular embodiment this may be achieved by a user activating, for example by pressing on, a user-operated interface.
- In an embodiment the accidental release prevention device may comprise one or more projections located adjacent the release device or a part thereof. In a preferred embodiment the accidental release prevention device may be located adjacent the user-operated interface. The one or more projection(s) may comprise one or more raised rib(s), wall(s), point(s), hood(s) or any other suitable raised region(s).
- Preferably the projection(s) is located from 0.25 cm, or 0.5 cm or, 1 cm or 1.5 cm, or 2 cm, or 2.5 cm, or 3 cm, or 3.5 cm to 4 cm, or 4.5 cm, or 5 cm, or 5.5 cm, or 6 cm, or 6.5 cm or 7 cm from the user-operated interface.
- The projection(s) may encircle or form an enclosure around the user-operated interface, for example the projection(s) may be located on all sides of the user-operated interface forming a circle, square, rectangle or other shape around it. In a particular embodiment a single projection may surround the user-operated interface.
- In an alternative embodiment several projections may be located adjacent the user-operated interface. For example, the user-operated interface may have from one, two, three, four or more projections located adjacent to it.
- In a particular embodiment projections may be located on at least two sides of the user-operated interface such that it is flanked by the projections. The projections may comprise a pair of elongate ribs which are preferably arranged parallel to one another. They may be arranged either vertically or horizontally. The ribs may have a level outwardly facing surface or alternatively they may be tapered along at least a part of their length. In a preferred embodiment the outer surface of one or both ribs may have a level portion and one or two sloping portions which may slope towards the remainder of the surface treating appliance. In a particular embodiment one rib slopes towards both ends and has a level portion between the two sloped portions and the other rib has a level surface at one end and slopes towards the remainder of the surface treating appliance at the other end.
- In a preferred embodiment the projections are spaced far enough apart to allow access to the user-operated interface by a user's fingers, but close enough together to ensure that a users foot cannot accidentally activate the user-operated interface. Preferably the projections are from 1 cm or, 1.5 cm, or 2 cm, or 2.5 cm, or 3 cm, or 3.5 cm to 4 cm, or 4.5 cm, or 5 cm, or 5.5 cm, or 6 cm, or 6.5 cm or 7 cm apart.
- In a particular embodiment the at least one projection, or the outer surface of the projection may project the same distance or further from the remainder of the surface treating appliance than the user-operated interface. Alternatively the at least one projection may project the same distance or further from the remainder of the surface treating appliance than the distance from the remainder of the surface treating appliance that the user-activated interface projects in it's activated position, for example when it has been pressed by a user.
- The releasable portion may be a simple straight fluid flow path or it may comprise a bend for changing the direction of fluid flow, the bend being housed within the releasable portion. Additionally or alternatively the releasable portion may comprise other components, for example if the surface treating appliance comprises a plurality of alternative fluid flow paths, the releasable portion may further comprise a valve.
- In a preferred embodiment the releasable portion may be arranged to be releasable from the remainder of the surface treating appliance in a rearward direction away from the remainder of the surface treating appliance. However, the releasable portion may be arranged to be releasable from the remainder of the surface treating appliance in any suitable direction. The releasable portion may be attached to the remainder of the surface treating appliance in such a way that when the user-operated interface is activated the releasable portion is released but remains associated with the remainder of the surface treating appliance. For example the releasable portion may remain hingedly attached to the remainder of the surface treating appliance. In an alternative embodiment the releasable portion may completely disassociate from the remainder of the surface treating appliance when the user-operated interface is activated.
- In a particular embodiment the first part of the catch may comprise the at least one projection. In an alternate embodiment the second part of the catch may comprise the at least one projection. Alternatively or additionally at least one projection may be provided on the releasable portion or on the remainder of the surface treating appliance.
- A preferred embodiment of a surface treating appliance according to the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 a is a rear perspective view of a prior art vacuum cleaner which has a releasable portion; -
FIG. 1 b is a close up of the releasable portion shown inFIG. 1 a; -
FIG. 2 a is a rear perspective view of a prior art vacuum cleaner showing the releasable portion removed from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner; -
FIG. 2 b is a close up of the releasable portion shown inFIG. 2 a; -
FIG. 3 a is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention which has a releasable portion; -
FIG. 3 b is a close up of the releasable portion shown inFIG. 3 a; -
FIG. 4 a is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the releasable portion removed from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner; -
FIG. 4 b is a close up of the releasable portion shown inFIG. 4 a; -
FIG. 5 a is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a connector between the releasable portion and the releasing device; and -
FIG. 5 b is a close up of the releasable portion shown inFIG. 5 a -
FIG. 6 a is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention which has a releasable portion; -
FIG. 6 b is a close up of the releasable portion shown inFIG. 6 a; - With reference to
FIGS. 1 a to 2 b the structure of a prior art vacuum cleaner can be seen. The vacuum cleaner indicated generally by thereference numeral 1 comprises amain body 2, a user-operable handle 3 and acleaner head 4. Thecleaner head 4 is pivotably mounted to the lower end of themain body 2, and serves, in use, to treat a floor surface. The lower, floor-facing side of thecleaner head 4 has anair inlet slot 11. - The
vacuum cleaner 1 houses a motor and fan for generating a suction airflow (not visible in these drawings). Themain body 2houses separating apparatus 6 for separating dirt, dust and other debris from a dirty airflow drawn into thecleaner 1 by the fan and motor. - In this prior art cleaner the separating
apparatus 6 is cyclonic, in which the dirt and dust is spun from the airflow. Thecyclonic separating apparatus 6 comprises two stages of cyclone separation arranged in series with one another. The first stage is a cylindrically-walled chamber 7 and the second stage comprises a set of tapering, substantially frusto-conically shapedchambers 8 arranged in parallel with one another. Airflow is directed tangentially into the upper part of thechamber 7 by aduct 9. Larger debris and particles are removed and collected in thiscyclonic chamber 7. The airflow then passes through a shroud (not shown) to the set ofcyclonic chambers 8. Finer dust is separated by thesechambers 8 and collected in a common collecting region. The second set ofseparators 8 can be upright, i.e. with their fluid inlets and outlets at the top and their dirt outlets at the bottom, or inverted, i.e. with their fluid inlets and outlets at the bottom and their dirt outlets at the top. The nature of theseparating apparatus 6 is not material to the present invention. - The
main body 2 also houses filters (not visible in these drawings) for trapping fine particles in the cleaned airflow. These filters remove any fine particles of dust which have not already been removed from the airflow by the separatingapparatus 6. A first filter, called a pre-motor filter, is provided before the motor and fan. A second filter, called a post-motor filter, is provided after the motor and fan. Where the motor for driving the suction fan has carbon brushes, the post-motor filter also serves to trap any carbon particles emitted by the brushes. Clean air is then expelled to the atmosphere. - The cleaner has two
different airflow paths air inlet slot 11 during floor cleaning use or from the end of thewand 14 during above floor cleaning. A change overvalve 15 is provided to automatically change between the twoairflow paths vacuum cleaner 1 between its upright position as shown inFIG. 1 a and an inclined position. - As can be seen in
FIG. 1 theairflow paths airflow path - In order to help an end user to clear blockages in the
airflow paths art vacuum cleaners 1 have been provided withreleasable portions Releasable portion 16 can be seen in its released configuration inFIGS. 2 a and 2 b. Removal of thesereleasable portions vacuum cleaner 1 easy access to theairflow paths - It can be seen that the
releasable portion 16 can be retained in an operational position with respect to the remainder of thevacuum cleaner 1 by aquick release mechanism 17. - The
quick release mechanism 17 comprises a user-operated interface, for example abutton 18. Thequick release mechanism 17 also has afirst part 19 located on thereleasable portion 16 and a second cooperatingpart 20 located on the remainder of thevacuum cleaner 1. The twoparts releasable portion 16 in position on thevacuum cleaner 1 during normal use, but can be disengaged quickly by a user pressing on thebutton 18 and sliding the twoparts - It can be seen in
FIGS. 1 a to 2 b that thebutton 18 stands proud of the features adjacent to it and it is therefore prone to being knocked or kicked by accident. This is especially true during normal use of thecleaner 1 due to the location of thebutton 18 near the base of thecleaner 1. When thebutton 18 is kicked thereleasable potion 16 may be released from the remainder of thevacuum cleaner 1 by accident. - Accordingly the present invention aims to help with this problem. As can be seen in
FIGS. 3 a to 5 b thevacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention shares many features with the vacuum cleaner described with reference toFIGS. 1 a to 2 b and the same numbers will be used to donate similar features. - In
FIGS. 3 a to 5 b it can be seen that thevacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention further comprises an accidentalrelease prevention device 24 in the form of a pair of projecting ribs positioned one on either side of the user-operable button 18. Theseribs 24 help to prevent accidental activation of the user-operable button 18. - The
ribs 24 are elongate and are preferably parallel to one another. They are vertically arranged in the Figures but may be arranged horizontally or at any suitable angle. Theribs 24 have alevel surface 26 opposite their attachment surface. The outer surface of one or bothribs 24 may also comprise one or moresloping portions 30 which slope towards the remainder of thevacuum cleaner 1. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3 a to 5 b, one of theribs 24 slope towards both ends from alevel surface 26 in the middle and theother rib 24 slopes towards one end from alevel surface 26. - In a preferred embodiment the
ribs 24 are spaced far enough apart to allow access to thebutton 18 by a user's fingers, but close enough together to ensure that a users foot or other unintended part of the body cannot accidentally activate thebutton 18. Preferably theribs 24 are from 1 cm or, 1.5 cm, or 2 cm, or 2.5 cm, or 3 cm, or 3.5 cm to 4 cm, or 4.5 cm, or 5 cm, or 5.5 cm, or 6 cm, or 6.5 cm or 7 cm apart. - The outer surface of at a least a portion of the
ribs 24 preferably projects the same distance or further from the remainder of thevacuum cleaner 1 than thebutton 18. Alternatively at least a portion of theribs 24 may project the same distance or further from the remainder of thevacuum cleaner 1 than the distance from the remainder of thevacuum cleaner 1 that thebutton 18 has to be pressed before thequick release mechanism 17 is activated and thereleasable portion 16 can be released from the remainder of thevacuum cleaner 1. If during use of the vacuum cleaner 1 a user accidentally kicks the area were thebutton 18 is located, the user's foot will hit theribs 24 and not thebutton 18. - In
FIGS. 3 a to 5 b it can be seen that thereleasable portion 16 can be retained in an operational position with respect to the remainder of thevacuum cleaner 1 by thequick release mechanism 17. Thequick release mechanism 17 comprises thebutton 18, afirst part 19 and a second cooperatingpart 20. The twoparts releasable portion 16 in position on thevacuum cleaner 1 during normal use, but can be disengaged quickly by a user pressing on thebutton 18. - In
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b it can be seen that thefirst part 19 is removably attachable to aconnector 32 on theremovable portion 16 for ease of manufacture. Thefirst part 19 may be releasably attachable to the second cooperatingpart 20 by any suitable device. In a preferred embodiment in order to locate the releasable portion onto the remainder of the vacuum cleaner a user may slide thefirst part 19 onto runners 34 (one can be seen inFIG. 4 b) of thesecond part 20 until it snaps into a locking engagement. - In order to release the releasable portion 16 a user can press the
button 18 which is arranged to release the mechanism which secures thefirst part 19 into thesecond part 20. Thefirst part 19 can then be slid out of engagement with thesecond part 20 and the releasable portion is then free and can be inspected for blockages. -
FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show an alternative embodiment whereribs 24′ are positioned one on either side of the user-operable button 18′ to protect theremovable portion 160 from accidental release. - Appropriate modifications and alternative arrangements will be apparent to a reader skilled in the art.
Claims (12)
1. A surface treating appliance comprising:
a fluid flow path extending between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a portion of the fluid flow path being housed within a releasable portion of the surface treating appliance;
a release device for releasing the releasable portion; and
an accidental release prevention device for preventing accidental release of the release device.
2. The surface treating appliance according to claim 1 , wherein the fluid flow path comprises an airflow path.
3. The surface treating appliance of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the release device comprises a catch.
4. The surface treating appliance of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the release device comprises a user-operated interface.
5. The surface treating appliance of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the accidental release prevention device is a projection located adjacent the release device.
6. The surface treating appliance of claim 4 , wherein the accidental release prevention device comprises a projection located adjacent the user operated interface.
7. The surface treating appliance of claim 6 , wherein the at least one projection projects an equal or greater distance from a remainder of the surface treating appliance than the user-operated interface.
8. The surface treating appliance of claim 6 , wherein the at least one projection projects an equal or greater distance from a remainder of the surface treating appliance than the user-operated interface in its activated position.
9. The surface treating appliance of claim 6 , wherein two projections are arranged such that the user-operated interface is located between the two projections.
10. The surface treating appliance of claim 9 , wherein the projections are spaced far enough apart to allow access to the user-operated interface by a user's fingers, but close enough together to prevent a user's foot from accidentally activating the user-operated interface.
11. The surface treating appliance of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the fluid flow path incorporates a bend, the bend being housed within the releasable portion.
12. The surface treating appliance of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the fluid flow path comprises a plurality of alternative fluid flow paths.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0822223.4A GB2466011B (en) | 2008-12-05 | 2008-12-05 | Surface treating appliance with blockage prevention means |
GB0822223.4 | 2008-12-05 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100139028A1 true US20100139028A1 (en) | 2010-06-10 |
Family
ID=40289544
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/624,678 Abandoned US20100139028A1 (en) | 2008-12-05 | 2009-11-24 | Surface treating appliance |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100139028A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2193737A2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4982906B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101744582B (en) |
GB (1) | GB2466011B (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20210245560A1 (en) * | 2008-02-21 | 2021-08-12 | Coda Innovations S.R.O. | Device for adjustment of pressure in tires |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN107638130A (en) * | 2016-07-21 | 2018-01-30 | 苏州宝时得电动工具有限公司 | Dust collecting system |
US20200107683A1 (en) * | 2018-06-19 | 2020-04-09 | Craig E. Hacker | Vacuum Attachment For Removing Airborne Dust Particles |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6442791B1 (en) * | 1998-10-08 | 2002-09-03 | Dyson Limited | Vacuum cleaner |
US20050144754A1 (en) * | 2003-12-23 | 2005-07-07 | Techtronic Industries Company Limited | Suction cleaners |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP3064593B2 (en) * | 1991-11-27 | 2000-07-12 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Vertical vacuum cleaner |
JP3494995B2 (en) * | 2001-01-04 | 2004-02-09 | 日本航空電子工業株式会社 | connector |
EP1438918B1 (en) * | 2003-01-17 | 2011-03-16 | Panasonic Corporation | A vacuum cleaner |
-
2008
- 2008-12-05 GB GB0822223.4A patent/GB2466011B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2009
- 2009-11-06 EP EP09175243A patent/EP2193737A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2009-11-24 US US12/624,678 patent/US20100139028A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-12-03 JP JP2009275446A patent/JP4982906B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-12-07 CN CN2009102257781A patent/CN101744582B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6442791B1 (en) * | 1998-10-08 | 2002-09-03 | Dyson Limited | Vacuum cleaner |
US20050144754A1 (en) * | 2003-12-23 | 2005-07-07 | Techtronic Industries Company Limited | Suction cleaners |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20210245560A1 (en) * | 2008-02-21 | 2021-08-12 | Coda Innovations S.R.O. | Device for adjustment of pressure in tires |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2466011A (en) | 2010-06-09 |
JP2010131392A (en) | 2010-06-17 |
CN101744582A (en) | 2010-06-23 |
JP4982906B2 (en) | 2012-07-25 |
CN101744582B (en) | 2013-04-17 |
EP2193737A2 (en) | 2010-06-09 |
GB0822223D0 (en) | 2009-01-14 |
GB2466011B (en) | 2013-05-29 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED,UNITED KINGDOM Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GREENWAY, OWEN EDWARD;REEL/FRAME:023933/0656 Effective date: 20100204 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |