US20130061419A1 - Propane vacuum - Google Patents
Propane vacuum Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130061419A1 US20130061419A1 US13/596,010 US201213596010A US2013061419A1 US 20130061419 A1 US20130061419 A1 US 20130061419A1 US 201213596010 A US201213596010 A US 201213596010A US 2013061419 A1 US2013061419 A1 US 2013061419A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vacuum cleaner
- vacuum
- hose
- attached
- inches
- 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
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- 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
-
- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/0081—Means for exhaust-air diffusion; Means for sound or vibration damping
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/009—Carrying-vehicles; Arrangements of trollies or wheels; Means for avoiding mechanical obstacles
-
- 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
- A47L9/106—Dust removal
-
- 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
- A47L9/14—Bags or the like; Rigid filtering receptacles; Attachment of, or closures for, bags or receptacles
- A47L9/1481—Means for removing bags in suction cleaners, e.g. ejecting means; Means for exchanging bags
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2857—User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B35/00—Piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids and characterised by the driving means to their working members, or by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors, not otherwise provided for
- F04B35/002—Piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids and characterised by the driving means to their working members, or by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors, not otherwise provided for driven by internal combustion engines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
- F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
- F02M21/0203—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels characterised by the type of gaseous fuel
- F02M21/0209—Hydrocarbon fuels, e.g. methane or acetylene
- F02M21/0212—Hydrocarbon fuels, e.g. methane or acetylene comprising at least 3 C-Atoms, e.g. liquefied petroleum gas [LPG], propane or butane
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
- F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
- F02M21/0218—Details on the gaseous fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
- F02M21/029—Arrangement on engines or vehicle bodies; Conversion to gaseous fuel supply systems
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
- F02M35/02—Air cleaners
- F02M35/024—Air cleaners using filters, e.g. moistened
- F02M35/02475—Air cleaners using filters, e.g. moistened characterised by the shape of the filter element
- F02M35/02491—Flat filter elements, e.g. rectangular
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
- F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
- F02M35/1015—Air intakes; Induction systems characterised by the engine type
- F02M35/1017—Small engines, e.g. for handheld tools, or model engines; Single cylinder engines
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)
Abstract
A vacuum cleaner having a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds. A vacuum cleaner system for a portable vacuum cleaner having a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds, and having and at least one removably attachable harness, at least one removably attachable carrier shoulder strap, at least one removably attachable handle, at least one removably attachable wheel and/or at least one rolling tray.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of co-pending non-provisional applications of Richard B. Patrono, Leonard C. Wagner, Jeff Kiersh and Andrew Lees, Ser. No. 13/219,600, filed on Aug. 26, 2011, entitled: Propane Vacuum and of Richard B. Patrono, Leonard C. Wagner, Jeff Kiersh and Andrew Lees, Ser. No. 13/219,603, filed on Aug. 27, 2011, entitled: Propane Vacuum. The entire disclosures of parent patent applications of Richard B. Patrono, Leonard C. Wagner, Jeff Kiersh and Andrew Lees, Ser. No. 13/219,600, filed on Aug. 26, 2011, entitled: Propane Vacuum of Richard B. Patrono, Leonard C. Wagner, Jeff Kiersh and Andrew Lees, Ser. No. 13/219,603, filed on Aug. 27, 2011, entitled: Propane Vacuum and Ser. No. 13/219,600 filed on Aug. 26, 2011, entitled: Propane Vacuum, are incorporated herein by reference.
- This application is related to, claims priority under and claims the benefit of the earliest available effective filing dates from the following listed applications: provisional application of Richard B. Patrono, Leonard C. Wagner, and Andrew Lees Ser. No. 61/377,411, filed on Aug. 26, 2010, entitled: Propane Vacuum; non-provisional application of Richard B. Patrono, Leonard C. Wagner, Jeff Kiersh and Andrew Lees, Ser. No. 13/219,600, filed on Aug. 26, 2011, entitled: Propane Vacuum, and; non-provisional application of Richard B. Patrono, Leonard C. Wagner, Jeff Kiersh and Andrew Lees, Ser. No. 13/219,603, filed on Aug. 27, 2011, entitled: Propane Vacuum
- The invention includes but is not limited to propane vacuum cleaners and systems.
- The invention includes embodiments of a vacuum cleaner having a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds. In some embodiments, the total weight of the vacuum cleaner is within the range of between 22 to 26 pounds.
- The invention further includes a vacuum cleaner system for a portable vacuum cleaner. The system includes a vacuum cleaner having a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds, and at least one removably attachable harness, at least one removably attachable carrier shoulder strap, at least one removably attachable set of wheels, at least one handle and/or at least one rolling tray.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
-
FIGS. 1-1B are perspective views of embodiments of the vacuum cleaner. -
FIG. 2A is an exploded view of an impeller and adaptor. -
FIGS. 3-4A are sectional views of a portion of embodiments of the vacuum cleaner. -
FIG. 4B is a top plan view of a portion of an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner. -
FIGS. 5-5A are exploded views of embodiments of the vacuum cleaner. -
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a embodiment of the vacuum cleaner. -
FIG. 6A is a plan view of an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner system. -
FIGS. 7 and 7A are perspective views of an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter bag. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exhaust hose. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a heat shield. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of hook member. -
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cradle member. -
FIG. 12 is an exploded views of an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner. -
FIGS. 13A-14B are perspective views of embodiments portions of the vacuum cleaner. -
FIGS. 15 A-F are sectional views of a portion of embodiments of the vacuum cleaner. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of the impeller housing. -
FIG. 17 is a sectional view of portion of an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner. -
FIG. 18 are perspective views of portions of an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a portion of an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 20 is a list of some components for an embodiment of the invention that is illustrated inFIGS. 20A-20E -
FIGS. 21 and 21A are perspective views of an embodiment of the invention. -
FIGS. 22 and 23 are sectional views of a portion of an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 23A is a sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of the invention. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1-23A embodiments of thevacuum cleaner 30 andvacuum cleaner system 32 of the current invention are exemplarily illustrated. Although the invention has been exemplarily illustrated by reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made which clearly fall within the scope of the invention. The invention is intended to be protected broadly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. - Referring now to exemplary
FIGS. 1 , 12 and 20-21A, thevacuum cleaner 30 has apropane fuel source 34 that is contained on the vacuum cleaner. As a result, the vacuum cleaner is not required to be tethered to an electrical outlet via an electrical cord to provide power while in use and not required to be battery-powered. In addition, the vacuum cleaner is not required to be attached to any fuel source other than the propane contained on the vacuum cleaner. In some embodiments, the propane can be contained on thevacuum cleaner 30 in at least onesmall propane canister 34 typically commercially available in pressurized canisters. In some embodiments, the propane can be contained on thevacuum cleaner 30 in onesmall propane canister 34. Pressurizedpropane canisters 34 currently typically commercially available weigh about one pound. However, it is to be understood that other receptacles for pressurized propane that currently exist or become available may be used to carry the propane fuel source, provided that when the propane and propane receptacle are attached to the vacuum cleaner, the overall weight of the receptacle and propane does not cause the total weight of thevacuum cleaner 30 to exceed its maximum weight, as described in more detail in the next paragraph herein. - For purposes of the definitions that follow the term “total weight” is intended to mean the weight of the vacuum cleaner and full propane power source. However, if a portability attachment, which could be but is not limited to, a harness, at least two wheels, at least one carrier shoulder strap, at least one rolling tray and/or at least one handle are removable, the total weight does not include the removable portability attachment or attachments. In some embodiments, the total weight of the
vacuum cleaner 30 of the current invention is in the range of between 10.5 and 40 pounds. In some embodiments the total weight of thevacuum cleaner 30 is in the range of between 22 and 40 pounds. In some embodiments the total weight of thevacuum cleaner 30 is in the range of between 10.5 and 28 pounds. In some embodiments, the total weight of thevacuum cleaner 30 is not more than 26 pounds. In some embodiments, the total weight of the vacuum cleaner is between 10.5 and 26 pounds. In some embodiments the total weight of thevacuum cleaner 30 is in the range of 22 to 26 pounds. In some embodiments the total weight of thevacuum cleaner 30 is in the range of 22 to 26 pounds. In some embodiments, the total weight of thevacuum cleaner 30 is about 22 pounds. In some embodiments, the total weight of thevacuum cleaner 30 is about 23.5 pounds. In some embodiments, the total weight of thevacuum cleaner 30 is about 24.5 pounds. In some embodiments, the total weight of thevacuum cleaner 30 is about 20.5 pounds. - Power is delivered by a propane gas powered four stroke,
internal combustion engine 36 with brake horsepower in the range of 1.5-1.6. In one embodiment, theengine 36 operates on propane fuel, with approximately 1.6 brake horsepower, and is an air cooled, splash lubricated, four stroke, single cylinder, spark ignition,internal combustion engine 36 with a swept displacement of approximately 25 to 35 cc.; theengine 36 can operate in any orientation with respect to the pull of gravity. In one embodiment, aHonda GX 35 engine can be used. - As previously known in the art, the fuel system can include a carburetor, pressure regulator, vacuum lock-off valve, and a fuel inlet fitting 38 to which the propane fuel canister is attached. The carburetor mixes the propane fuel with air in the correct proportions and introduces the mixture to the inlet manifold of the
engine 36. The pressure regulator controls the pressure of the propane fuel so that it is constant at the carburetor regardless of the pressure in the propane fuel canister. Theengine 36 will operate in a range of about 1,000 to 7,000 rpm. In some embodiments, thevacuum cleaner 30 can also include a manual shutoff valve. - In one embodiment, as known in the art, propane is delivered to the
engine 36 initially through a fuel inlet fitting 38 that is an industry standard. The fuel flows through a first fuel line to a pressure regulator, through a second fuel line to a lock-off valve, and then through a third fuel line to the carburetor. In addition, as known in the art, there is a vacuum line between the lock-off valve and the intake manifold. The vacuum lock-off valve shuts off flow of the propane to theengine 36 when it is not running to prevent an unintended discharge of propane into the atmosphere. As known in the art, a vacuum sensor and solenoid valve can be used as an electronically controlled alternative to the mechanical lock-off valve. In that case, a solenoid valve would replace the lock off in the fuel line, a vacuum sensor would be installed in the intake manifold, and an electrical cable generally would run between the sensor and the solenoid generally along the path taken by the vacuum line. A manual shut off can be included in the fuel line between thepropane canister 34 and the pressure regulator so that the operator can stop the flow of propane when the vacuum is not in use. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 11 and 11A in which apropane canister 34tank cradle system 40 is exemplarily illustrated. In the embodiment, thecradle member 42 includes aflange portion 44, acradle portion 46, atank strap member 48 and at least one tankstrap hook member 50. Theflange portion 44 includes at least twoholes 52 for attachment to thechassis 54. Theholes 52 provide openings for attachers such as, but not limited to, screws or bolts to pass. Athird opening 56 in theflange portion 44 provides a space for attachment of a tankstrap hook member 50 and for passage of atank strap member 48. Thecradle portion 46 is curved in a dimension that is complimentary to the outer curvature of a standardsmall propane canister 34, such that thecanister 34 can rest in thecradle 46 with almost no room for sideways movement. In addition, at least onestrap 48 is included that can be made from a memory material, such as, but not limited to natural rubber and elastomeric materials. The strap can include at least twoholes 62, with each end of the strap having at least onehole 62. The side of thecradle member 42 that is opposite from the side where the flange is located, has astrap attacher 64. The strap attacher 64 can be a protrusion or hook that can fit into one of the strap holes or can be a secondtank strap hook 50. While utilizing thetank cradle system 40, apropane tank 34 can be placed in thecradle 46 and removably secured on thevacuum cleaner 30. Once thepropane tank 34 is placed in thecradle 46, thetank strap 48 will be removably secured to the attachers on either side of thetank cradle 46. Thetank strap 48 will be sufficiently tight against thetank 34 that it will not be able to move from side to side or front to back when the vacuum is turned in any direction with no more than a moderate amount of force. In addition, the texture of the natural rubber will add friction to thepropane canister 34 and further reduce slippage of thetank 34. - It is to be understood that other ways that are known or to be discovered of securing at least one
propane tank 34 to thevacuum cleaner 30 are intended to be included in the invention. Other ways of securing thepropane tank 34 to thevacuum cleaner 30 include, but are not limited to screwing it into a fitting and using metal straps. - Reference is now made to exemplary
FIGS. 2-4B . The vacuum is created by the rotation of a fan. In some embodiments, the fan that creates the vacuum includes asingle impeller 66 rotating inside a formedhousing 100. The formedhousing 100 is known in the art as a fan housing, an impeller housing or a vacuum chamber. Theimpeller 66 is a centrifugal flow design. Thefan impeller 66 is attached with theengine 36 so that it is turning at the same speed as theengine 36. In some embodiments, the attachment of theimpeller 66 with theengine 36 may incorporate an adapter to facilitatevarious engine 36 andimpeller 66 configurations. Theengine 36 and theimpeller 66 will operate at about 1,000 to 7,000 rpm. The impeller can be made of polycarbonate. In addition, the impeller can be made of other materials including, but not limited to, aluminum and ABS. - In some embodiments, the
vacuum impeller 66 can be attached with anengine flywheel 72 such that theimpeller 66 rotates at the same speed as theflywheel 72. - As illustrated in exemplary
FIG. 3 , theimpeller 66 can be molded so that it has attachment positions 74 that directly align with corresponding attachment positions 74 in theflywheel 72. In an embodiment of this embodiment, the attachment points 74 are bolt holes on theimpeller 66 and internal bolt threads on theflywheel 72. In this embodiment, abolt 76 and optionally awasher 90, can be threaded through theimpeller 66 bolt hole and threaded directly into the bolt threads bored into theflywheel 72. - In another embodiment, as exemplarily illustrated in
FIGS. 4 and 4B , an adaptor having anadaptor shaft 80 can be attached with theflywheel 72. Theadaptor shaft 80 can be cut with at least onekeyed way 82, and theimpeller 66 can be made to have a complimentarily internally keyedshaft 84 or wheel, such that it can be slid onto the adaptor shaft. - In addition, in some embodiments of this embodiment, at least one attacher, such as, but not limited to a retaining
bolt 86 can also be used. When a retainingbolt 86 is used, the top of theadaptor shaft 80 hasinternal bolt threads 88 bored into it and the adaptor shaft is constructed to be slightly shorter than the height of theimpeller 66 where it surrounds theadaptor shaft 80. Awasher 90 is placed over the end of theadaptor shaft 80, and abolt 86 is screwed into the top of theadaptor shaft 80, such that when thebolt 86 is fully screw into the threads, thewasher 90 rests on theimpeller 66 and compresses theimpeller 66 toward theflywheel 72. Referring now to exemplaryFIGS. 4A and 4B , theadaptor shaft 80, which can be made of aluminum, and theimpeller 66 shaft that surrounds theadaptor shaft 80 can be constructed such that they are wider on the end that is toward theflywheel 72 and gradually taper inward toward the end that is away from theflywheel 72. In this embodiment, the top of the adaptor shaft hasinternal bolt threads 88 bored into it and theadaptor shaft 80 is constructed to be slightly shorter than the height of theimpeller 66 where it surrounds theadaptor shaft 80. When awasher 90 is placed over the shafts and thebolt 86 is fully screwed into theadaptor shaft 80, thewasher 90 rests on theimpeller 66 and compresses theimpeller 66 toward theflywheel 72, and theadaptor shaft 80 and theimpeller 66 shaft migrate toward each other and impact each other; thereby creating a more secure attachment. - In another embodiment, as exemplarily illustrated in
FIG. 2A anadaptor 70 could be used that has a first set of attachment positions 92 that directly align with corresponding attachment positions in theflywheel 72 and separate second set of attachment positions 94 that directly align with corresponding attachment positions on theimpeller 66. In this embodiment theimpeller 66 is attachable to theadaptor 70 and theflywheel 72 is also attachable to theadaptor 70, such that when both theimpeller 66 and theflywheel 72 are attached to the adaptor, both theimpeller 66 and theflywheel 72 are attached with each other. In embodiments of this embodiment, the attachers could be, but are not limited to,bolts 76, bolt holes 98 and correspondinginternal bolt threads 88, whereby theimpeller 66 contains bolt holes 98 that are lined-up withinternal threads 88 in theadaptor 70, and theadapter 70 also contains bolt holes 98 that are lined-up withinternal threads 88 in theflywheel 72. - It is to be understood the above-described ways that the
impeller 66 can be attached with theengine 36 are exemplary and that there are other ways in which theimpeller 66 could be attached with theengine 36 such that theengine 36 would cause theimpeller 66 to rotate at the same speed as theengine 36, and that additional attachments of theimpeller 66 with theengine 36 are intended to be within the scope of the invention. - Referring now to exemplary
FIGS. 5 , 5A, 12, 15A-16, 19 theimpeller 66 operates inside ahousing 100 shaped to maximize vacuum creation. Thehousing 100 can be formed or molded from materials including but not limited to plastic or metal. Thehousing 100 has aninlet 104 that can be generally concentric with the axis of the adapter shaft. In some embodiments theinlet 104 is from 2 to 7 inches in diameter. Thecentrifugal impeller 66 discharges into avolute 106 around the periphery of theimpeller 66 formed into thefan housing 100. In some embodiments, thedischarge 108 from thevolute 106 is from 2 to 5 inches in diameter. - In some embodiments, the
impeller housing 100 is made in two members, afirst housing member 110 and asecond housing member 112, that fit together and are sealed. In some embodiments, thefirst housing member 110 andsecond housing member 112 that fit together with aseal 114 between the members. In some embodiments, theseal 114 is an elastomeric seal. This arrangement allows easy access to theimpeller 66 for assembly or servicing. The first 110 andsecond housing member 112 can be attached with one another by attachers 116 currently known in the art and to be discovered, including, but not limited to by: screws, draw latches, metal clips, pawl or cam action latches, and quarter turn fasteners.FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment where the first 110 and second 112 housing members are attached with one another by a plurality of screws 116, 262 and screwholes 116, 264 onscrew attachment protrusions 116, 266. - In the embodiments exemplarily illustrated, the
first housing member 110 contains thevolute 106 shape and has more depth than thesecond housing 112 member, which is almost flat. However, it is to be understood that in some embodiments, both thefirst housing member 110 and thesecond housing 112 members could have depths of equal or varying sizes provided that when the housing members are attached with one another, there is sufficient room within thehousing 100 for theimpeller 66 to rotate. - As exemplarily illustrated in
FIGS. 5 , 15A-C, the sealer between the first and second housing members is anelastomeric gasket 118 that fits within the inside of theouter rim 120 of thefirst housing member 110 when the first 110 and second 112 housing members are attached with each other. When the first 110 and the second 112 housing members are attached with one another, thegasket 118 is compressed and causes a seal. As illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 15 D-F anelastomeric sealer 122 is attached to the inside of the outer rim of thesecond housing member 112. When the first 110 and the second 112housing 100 members are attached with one another, thesealer 122 is compressed and causes a seal. It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary only, and that other ways of sealing the first 110 and second 112 housing members that currently exist or are to be discovered are intended to be included in the invention. - Some embodiments have at least one of the following size ranges: the
impeller 66 diameter is in the range of 9 inches to 12 inches; theimpeller 66 blade height is in the range of 1 inch to 2 inches; thevolute 106 swept angle is in the range of 300 degrees to 330.degrees; thevolute 106 starting tip gap is in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.200 inches; thevolute 106 exiting tip gap is in the range of 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches; thevolute 106 starting height is in the range of 1.25 inches to 2.50 inches, and; thevolute 106 exiting height is in the range of 2 inches to 4 inches. - Some embodiments have the following size ranges: the
impeller 66 diameter is in the range of 9 inches to 12 inches; theimpeller 66 blade height is in the range of 1 inch to 2 inches; thevolute 106 swept angle is in the range of 300 degrees to 330 degrees; thevolute 106 starting tip gap is in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.200 inches; thevolute 106 exiting tip gap is in the range of 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches; thevolute 106 starting height is in the range of 1.25 inches to 2.50 inches, and; thevolute 106 exiting height is in the range of 2 inches to 4 inches. - Some embodiments have at least one of the following sizes: the
impeller 66 diameter is 9.47 inches; theimpeller 66 blade height is 1.25 inches; thevolute 106 swept angle is 315 degrees; thevolute 106 starting tip gap is 0.13 inches; thevolute 106 exiting tip gap is 3.03; thevolute 106 starting height is 1.65 inches, and thevolute 106 exiting height is 2.85 inches. - Some embodiments have the following sizes: the
impeller 66 diameter is 9.47 inches; theimpeller 66 blade height is 1.25 inches; thevolute 106 swept angle is 315 degrees; thevolute 106 starting tip gap is 0.13 inches; thevolute 106 exiting tip gap is 3.03; thevolute 106 starting height is 1.65 inches, and thevolute 106 exiting height is 2.85 inches. - In some embodiments where the
first housing member 110 has depth and thesecond housing member 112 is almost flat, at least one of the following sizes occurs: theimpeller 66 diameter is 9.47 inches; theimpeller 66 blade height is 1.25 inches; thevolute 106 swept angle is 315 degrees; thevolute 106 starting tip gap is 0.13 inches; thevolute 106 exiting tip gap is 3.03; thevolute 106 starting height is 1.65 inches, and thevolute 106 exiting height is 2.85 inches. - In some embodiments where the
first housing member 110 has depth and thesecond housing member 112 is almost flat, the following sizes occur: theimpeller 66 diameter is 9.47 inches; theimpeller 66 blade height is 1.25 inches; thevolute 106 swept angle is 315 degrees; thevolute 106 starting tip gap is 0.13 inches; thevolute 106 exiting tip gap is 3.03; thevolute 106 starting height is 1.65 inches, and thevolute 106 exiting height is 2.85 inches. - In some embodiments where the
first housing member 110 has depth and thesecond housing member 112 is almost flat, at least one of the following size ranges occurs: theimpeller 66 diameter is in the range of 9 inches to 12 inches; theimpeller 66 blade height is in the range of 1 inch to 2 inches; thevolute 106 swept angle is in the range of 300 degrees to 330 degrees; thevolute 106 starting tip gap is in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.200 inches; thevolute 106 exiting tip gap is in the range of 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches; thevolute 106 starting height is in the range of 1.25 inches to 2.50 inches, and; thevolute 106 exiting height is in the range of 2 inches to 4 inches. - In some embodiments where the
first housing member 110 has depth and thesecond housing member 112 is almost flat, the following size ranges occurs: theimpeller 66 diameter is in the range of 9 inches to 12 inches; theimpeller 66 blade height is in the range of 1 inch to 2 inches; thevolute 106 swept angle is in the range of 300 degrees to 330 degrees; thevolute 106 starting tip gap is in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.200 inches; thevolute 106 exiting tip gap is in the range of 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches; thevolute 106 starting height is in the range of 1.25 inches to 2.50 inches, and; thevolute 106 exiting height is in the range of 2 inches to 4 inches. - Canister, hip, and upright vacuums can also be made using this engine system.
FIGS. 21 and 21A are illustrations of one example of the way avacuum cleaner 30 of the current invention could look if the components were arranged in a vertical manner. It is to be understood that there a many examples of ways that the elements of the current invention could be arranged and that the various arrangements are intended to be within the scope of the invention. - Referring to exemplary
FIGS. 5A and 5B , the debris will be picked up at thedistal end 124 of theinlet hose 126 or its attachments. This end of the hose can be sized so that commercially available vacuum hose extensions, wands, floor tools, crevice tools, brushes, and the like can be attached. The debris will then flow through the length of the hose to theinlet 104 opening of theimpeller housing 100. The hose and theinlet 104 opening of theimpeller housing 100 can be connected with each other by anelbow cuff 128, which is known in the art. Thehousing 100 will have adischarge 108. The debris will then pass alongside theimpeller 66 and out thedischarge 108 opening of theimpeller housing 100. The debris is directed out of the vacuum cleaner or into a receptacle of some kind on the vacuum cleaner. In some embodiments, animpeller end 132 of anexhaust tube 130 can attach to thedischarge 108. - Referring now to exemplary
FIGS. 1 , 1A, 6, 7A, 8, 9, 12, 14A, 14B and 17, upon exiting theimpeller housing 100 the debris can be directed through anexhaust tube 130 that connects theimpeller housing 100 to a filter bag that can be adisposable filter bag 134. In some embodiments, thedisposable filter bag 134 will be a commercially available disposable paper bag. In some embodiments, the disposable paper filter bag will be an Electrolux brand style U bag. Thedisposable filter bag 134 can be contained in a canvas or similar fabric material, such as but not limited to, nylon or cotton fabric,outer bag 136 that permits the flow of air created by the vacuum to exit. Theouter bag 136 can have an opening that has asealer 140 that is easily sealed and reopened for the purpose of removing and replacing thedisposable filter bag 134. In some embodiments the sealer is azipper 142. Other sealers that can be used include, but are not limited to, hook andloop material 60, overlapping material and buttons, snaps 218, hooks and the like. The fabricouter bag 136 may contribute to the filtering affect of thedisposable filter bag 134. In some embodiments a vinyl type of material may be used in place of the fabric bag and fitted with a replaceable HEPA filter to further increase the cleanliness of the air exhausted from the vacuum. - The
outer bag 136 can have at least onehose entry side 144, atop side 146 and afront side 148. In some embodiments the sealer is placed on thefront side 148 for easy access. Thehose entry side 144 includes ahose opening 150. In addition, the inside 152 of thehose entry side 144 can include abag support 154 which gives the hose entry side additional supportive structure. In some embodiments thebag support 154 is made of ABS. In other embodiments, thebag support 154 can be made of materials including but not limited to, cardboard, wood and aluminum. In some embodiments, the inside 152 of thehose side 144 of theouter bag 136 has at least oneelastic strap 156 member. Theelastic strap 156 member is attached at its ends to the inside 152 of thehose side 144 of theouter bag 136, extends beyond both sides of thebag support 154, and traps thebag support 154 between it and thehose entry side 144 of theouter bag 136. In some embodiments, the inside 152 of thehose side 144 of theouter bag 136 has twoelastic straps 156, with one being located above thehose opening 150 and one being located below thehose opening 150. Theelastic straps 156 give additional support to thebag support 154 and help to keep it in place. - The
outer filter bag 136 can have at least one attacher 260 with theframework 168 other than via theexhaust hose 130. As exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 7A , the top side of theouter filter bag 136 can haveloops 270 that can attach tohooks 254 in theframework 168. It is to be understood that other types of attachers of theouter filter bag 136 with theframework 168 could be used that are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Other attachers could include, but are not limited to hook andloop material 60, clips and the like. - Referring now to exemplary
FIGS. 9 and 17 , theexhaust tube 130 can have animpeller end 132 and afilter bag end 158. Thebag end 158 can be inserted into thehose opening 150 of theouter bag 136. The innerdisposable bag 134 has ahose opening 160 into which thebag end 158 of theexhaust tube 130 is insertable. When the innerdisposable bag 134 andouter filter bag 136 are assembled on thefilter bag end 158 of theexhaust tube 130, debris that is pulled through theimpeller housing 100 is deposited in thedisposable filter bag 134. In some embodiments, theexhaust tube 130 is made of polyethylene. In other embodiments, theexhaust tube 130 could be made from materials including, but not limited to polypropylene, nylon and ABS. - Referring now to exemplary
FIG. 1 , theengine 36,fan housing 100, and fuel system components can be mounted to achassis 54 plate. Thechassis 54 plate can have cut-outportions 164 to reduce the weight of the plate. Thechassis 54 plate can be made of materials including but not limited to aluminum. - The vacuum cleaner can include full or partial covering.
- In some embodiments, a
shroud 166 can be mounted to thechassis 54 plate. In one embodiment, theshroud 166 is made of Kydex (PVC). It is to be understood that theshroud 166 could also be made of other materials, including, but not limited to, fiberglass composite, ABS, Polycarbonate, carbon fiber composites, or Kevlar composites, and aluminum. Theshroud 166 can have at least onevent slot 236 in the top end through which exhaust can escape. - The
chassis 54 can be mounted to aframework 168. In some embodiments, thechassis 54 is mounted to aframework 168 in a manner which reduces the amount of the vibration from theengine 36 that is transferred to the frame. In some embodiments, thechassis 54 is mounted to the frame via at least one vibration reducer. Vibration reducers include vibration reducers currently known in the art and to be discovered, such as, but not limited tovibration isolators 170, springs, hydraulics, rubber, elastomeric material and spongy material. In some embodiments, the chassis can be attached with the frame by at least one strap such that the chassis does not make contact with the frame to reduce the amount of vibration transferred from the engine to the frame. In some embodiments the chassis can be attached with the frame via at least one vibration isolator. In some embodiments the chassis can be attached with the frame via four vibration isolators. In some embodiments the chassis can be attached with the frame via more than four vibration isolators. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , an exemplary frame assembly is illustrated. This embodiment includes afirst tube frame 172 and asecond tube frame 174, a first cross bar and a second cross bar, a lower cross bar, at least a first tube connector and a second tube connector, and abottom tray 186. In addition, in some embodiments, theframe 168 also includes a firstback cover mount 188 and a secondback cover mount 190. In some embodiments, thefirst tube frame 172 andsecond tube frame 174, first cross bar and second cross bar, lower cross bar, first tube connector and second tube connector are all made of aluminum tube, the firstback cover mount 190 and secondback cover mount 190 are made of aluminum, and thebottom tray 186 is made of Kydex (PVC). It is to be understood that thebottom tray 186 could also be made of other materials, including, but not limited to, fiberglass composite, ABS, Polycarbonate, and aluminum. The back cover mounts 188, 190 can be generally rectangular pieces that have gentle lengthwise jog and a hole in each corner for attachers, such as but not limited to bolts or screws, to pass. Thebottom tray 186 can include at least one cut-out 268 to reduce its weight. In addition, thebottom tray 186 can include at least oneridge 192 to increase its strength. - As exemplarily illustrated in
FIG. 7A a cross bar can include at least onehook member 254 onto which theouter filter bag 136 can attach to provide additional attachment of the filter bag to thevacuum cleaner 30. - Referring now to exemplary
FIGS. 1-1B , 6, 12, and 13A-14B, in some embodiments aback cover 194 is mounted to theframework 168. In some embodiments, theback cover 194 is made of Kydex (PVC). It is to be understood that theback cover 194 could also be made of other materials, including, but not limited to, fiberglass composite, ABS, polycarbonate, carbon fiber composites, or Kevlar composites, and aluminum. In some embodiments, theback cover 194 can include an exhaust tube cut-out 196. In some embodiments, theback cover 194 can include at least oneinlet hose opening 150. As exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 13A , 13B, 14A and 14B, theback cover 194 can have twoinlet hose openings 150 with one located on the right side of thevacuum cleaner 30 and one located on the left side of thevacuum cleaner 30. Withinlet hose openings 150 on two sides of thevacuum cleaner 30, the user can select on which side theinlet hose 126 will exit theback cover 194. Among other benefits, when worn by a user the user then can have the hose readily accessible either to his or her left or right hand. While the illustration shows roundinlet hose openings 150, it is to be understood that the shape is exemplary and the openings could be made in other shapes and sizes. - In addition, in some embodiments the
inlet hose 126 could exit theback cover 194 at at least one opening in the top of theback cover 194 and/or in the bottom of the back cover such that theinlet hose 126 could be directed to either the right or the left of the vacuum cleaner after exiting the cover. In some of these embodiments, theinlet hose 126 will be able to exit theback cover 194 from at least one opening generally in the center of the top of theback cover 194 and/or from at least one opening generally in the center of the bottom of theback cover 194. - The bottom of the
back cover 194 can also include at least onebottom opening 200, which can be used to give access to at least onebottom foot pad 202 and/or at least twowheels 204 to mount to the frame. In some embodiments, the bottom of theback cover 194 can include more than onebottom opening 200. In some embodiments, the bottom of theback cover 194 includes twobottom openings 200. In some embodiments, the bottom of theback cover 194 includes threebottom openings 200. In some embodiments, the bottom of theback cover 194 includes fourbottom openings 200. The back of theback cover 194 can also include at least oneharness slot 206, which can be used to give theshoulder straps 208 access to theframe 168 for attachment. In some embodiments, the back of theback cover 194 includes at twoharness slots 206. - In some embodiments, at least three
foot pads 202, currently known in the art, can be included on thevacuum cleaner 30. Thefoot pads 202 can be attached with the frame and they would impact the surface, such as the floor, on which thevacuum cleaner 30 could be placed. In one embodiment, thevacuum cleaner 30 will have fourfoot pads 202, one being place in each corner of the bottom of thevacuum cleaner 30. Wheels can be attached to at least one foot pad in ways currently known in the art or to be discovered. In one embodiment, as currently known in the art, the bottom of each of thefoot pads 202 can have an opening into which thestem 222 of a wheel can be removably inserted. - In some embodiments, at least one bottom foot pad is attached with the frame. In some embodiments, more than one bottom foot pad is attached with the frame. In some embodiments, two bottom foot pads are attached with the frame. In some embodiments, three bottom foot pads are attached with the frame. In some embodiments, four bottom foot pads are attached with the frame.
- In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner includes at least one wheel. The at least one wheel can be attached to the vacuum cleaner in any way currently known in the art or to be discovered. In some embodiments, as further known in the art, the
wheels 204 can becaster wheels 204 that would have 360 degree rotational capabilities. - In some embodiments, at least two wheels are attached with the frame. In some embodiments, more than two wheels are attached with the frame. In some embodiments, two wheels are attached with the frame. In some embodiments, three wheels are attached with the frame. In some embodiments, four wheels are attached with the frame.
- In some embodiments, at least one wheel is attachable with the frame. In some embodiments, at least two wheels are attachable with the frame In some embodiments, more than two wheels are attachable with the frame. In some embodiments, two wheels are attachable with the frame. In some embodiments, three wheels are attachable with the frame. In some embodiments, four wheels are attachable with the frame.
- In some embodiments, at least one wheel is attached to at least one foot pad that is attached or attachable with the frame. In some embodiments, at least two wheels are attached to at least one foot pad that is attached or attachable with the frame. In some embodiments, more than two wheels are attached to at least one foot pad that is attached or attachable with the frame. In some embodiments, two wheels are attached to at least one foot pad that is attached or attachable with the frame. In some embodiments, three wheels are attached to at least one foot pad that is attached or attachable with the frame. In some embodiments, four wheels are attached to at least one foot pad that is attached or attachable with the frame.
- In some embodiments, at least one wheel is attachable to at least one foot pad that is attached or attachable with the frame. In some embodiments, at least two wheels are attachable with at least one foot pad that is attached or attachable with the frame. In some embodiments, more than two wheels are attachable with at least one foot pad that is attached or attachable with the frame. In some embodiments, two wheels are attachable with at least one foot pad that is attached or attachable with the frame. In some embodiments, three wheels are attachable with at least one foot pad that is attached or attachable with the frame. In some embodiments, four wheels are attachable with at least one foot pad that is attached or attachable with the frame. The outside of the
back cover 194 can have at least oneback pad 210 attached to it. Theback pad 210 can be made of or include a material that provides some cushion for the back of the user when the user is wearing thevacuum cleaner 30. Examples of materials of which theback pad 210 could be made include, but are not limited to, foams, such as, but not limited to, polyurethane foam. In one embodiment, tworectangular back pads 210 are included that are attached to theback cover 194, with oneback pad 210 being located below each of theharness slots 206 and extending down most of the rest of theback cover 194. - The
back cover 194 and theshroud 166 can be attached with each other by attachers currently known in the art or to be discovered. In some embodiments, theback cover 194 and theshroud 166 are attached with each other with alatch 212 and latchsupport 214 assembly. - In some embodiments, a
backpack harness 216 is also mounted to theframework 168. The backpack harness can be mounted at theshoulder straps 208, and it can be fixedly attached or removably attached. If it is removably attached, at least one attacher can be included for each shoulder strap, which could include, but are not limited to, snaps 218, buckles, hook andloop material 60, and buttons. The harness can also include ahip belt 220. In some embodiments, as known in the art, the harness is adjustable to fit various sized users. In some embodiments, as known in the art, the harness is reversible. In some embodiments, as known in the art, the harness is reversible and adjustable. - In some embodiments, at least one
carry handle 224 can also be included. At least onecarry handle 224 can be attached with the vacuum cleaner in a variety of ways currently known in the art. In addition, at least one carry handle can be either fixedly or removably attached with the vacuum cleaner. In some embodiments, at least one handle could be molded into the cover of the vacuum cleaner. In some embodiments, at least onecarrier strap 228 can be attached with the vacuum cleaner in a variety of ways currently known in the art. In addition, at least onecarrier strap 228 can be either fixedly or removably attached with the vacuum cleaner. - As exemplarily illustrated in
FIG. 1A , atop carry handle 224 can be attached with the top portion of the first 172 and second tube frames 174 viaopenings 162 in the top of theshroud 166. In one embodiment thehandle 224 is made of plastic, however thehandle 224 can be made of many materials known in the art or to be discovered, including, but not limited to, cloth, aluminum, and wood. In addition or alternately, at least onecarrier shoulder strap 228 could be attached with the vacuum cleaner. In some embodiments, at least onecarrier shoulder strap 228 could be attached with the top portion of the first 172 and second tube frames 174 viaopenings 162 in the top of theshroud 166. - Referring now to exemplary
FIG. 13A theinside side shroud 166 and/or of theback cover 194 can be covered with a soundinsulating material 232 currently known or to be discovered, such as but not limited to, foam, fiberglass, soundproofing board and cork. As exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 13B , in some embodiments, theinside side shroud 166 and/or of theback cover 194 will not be covered with a soundinsulating material 232. - In some embodiments, the
bottom end 234 of theshroud 166 is open to thetop side 146 of theouter filter bag 136. In some embodiments thebottom end 234 of theshroud 166 touches the top of thefilter bag 136 and thereby at least partially enshrouds it. It is to be noted that at least some of the exiting air flow from the filter bag will flow upward on theinside side 230 of theshroud 166 toward theengine 36, displacing hot stagnant air outvent slots 236 in the top of theshroud 166 and having the effect of providing some cooling to theengine 36. In some embodiments the flow of the exiting air flow to theengine 36 creates a cooled area, which could be described as a kind of bubble of cooler air, next to theengine 36. - Referring now to exemplary
FIGS. 9 and 10 aheat shield 238 is illustrated. In some embodiments at least oneheat shield 238 is included on the vacuum cleaner. the at least oneheat shield 238 can be made of aluminum. Theheat shield 238 can have ashield portion 240 and twoflange portions 242 that are perpendicular to each and to theshield portion 240. Theshield portion 240 further can include at least onehole 244 through which an attacher such as, but not limited to a screw or a bolt can pass. Theheat shield 238 can be attached to thechassis 54 and located generally directly opposite the exhaust port of theengine 36 to reduce the transfer of heat from theengine 36 and to divert the flow of warmed exhaust air from directly blowing on the surrounding components, particularly the inside 230 of theshroud 166 and thesound absorbing material 232. As a result, more of the exhaust air flows out of thevacuum cleaner 30 through the top vents 236. In addition, theheat shield 238 provides some noise reduction to the user when wearing thevacuum cleaner 30. - In some embodiments, vacuum power can be user adjustable via control of the
engine 36 revolutions per minute (RPM). Some embodiments can have an automatic gas shutoff system that can shut off the flow of propane gas to theengine 36. Referring now to exemplaryFIGS. 22-23A , in some embodiments, as previously known in the art, theengine 36 speed is controlled by a thumb operated knob, orspeed control slider 246, connected to the throttle of theengine 36 via aflexible throttle cable 248. The thumb knob can be housed in acontrol box 226 located on theinlet hose 126 of the vacuum at a convenient location so as to facilitate ease of use for the user. In some embodiments, thecontrol box 226 will be located at or near the distal end of theinlet hose 126. In some embodiments where at least one hose extension, such as but not limited to, wands, floor tools, crevice tools, brushes, and the like, can be attached thecontrol box 226 will be located at or near the distal end of theinlet hose 126. In some embodiments, when the distal end of theinlet hose 126 extends to the floor or near the floor, the control box can be located proximally from the distal end near where the user's hand will be placed while using the vacuum cleaner. - In some embodiments, the thumb knob will at minimum have three positions for operation. The first position will be slow or idle, the second will be medium and will be the approximate middle of the engine's RPM range. The third position will be full or fast and will be the maximum attainable RPM for which the
engine 36 is designed. The operating positions can be designated by markings on thecontrol box 226. In some embodiments, the operating positions will have a feature integral to the assembly of thecontrol box 226 and the thumb knob so that the thumb knob cannot freely move along its direction of travel without moving the thumb knob perpendicular to its said direction of travel. In some embodiments, thecontrol box 226 will contain anelectrical switch 102 to turn off or kill theengine 36. This electrical switch will be of momentary contact, single or multiple poles and can be of either rocker or push button in design. The control box can also include a flat spring 250. - A
throttle cable 248 can be extended from thecontrol box 226 to the throttle. Thethrottle cable 248 can be fixedly or removably attached with other elements of thevacuum cleaner 30 between the control box and the throttle for convenience and so that is will not get caught on unintended things. - The control box can have a
Velcro strip 60 running through the bottom of thecontrol box 226 and around thehose 126. - It is to be noted that when the
control box 226 is attached with theinlet hose 126, and the user wants to pass thecontrol box 226 andinlet hose 126, along with thethrottle cable 248, through an inlet hose opening 150 in theback cover 194, the opening has to be large enough for them to pass. If the opening is not large enough for them to pass while assembled, thecontrol box 226 can be disconnected from theinlet hose 126, and theinlet hose 126 and control box can be passed through thehose opening 198 separately. Thecontrol box 226 can be removably attachable to theinlet hose 126 byattachers 256 such as, but not limited to, Velcro straps 60, elastomeric straps, and metal straps. Thethrottle cable 248 can be removably attached with theinlet hose 126 by attachers known in the art or to be discovered, such as, but not limited to, hook andloop material 60, tie backs and the like. - The vacuum cleaner can include at least one removable portability attachment that can be used the transport the vacuum cleaner. Referring now to
FIGS. 6 and 6A and 21 and 21A a portablevacuum cleaner system 32 is exemplarily illustrated. Thevacuum cleaner 30 can have at least tworemovable wheels 204 and/or aremovable shoulder harness 208 andhip belt 220 as previously described. With these removable elements, the user can decide how to use thevacuum cleaner 30 of the current invention. It could be worn with the attachment of theharness 208 andhip belt 220, and the removal of thewheels 204 that would reduce the weight of the device. Alternatively thevacuum cleaner 30 could be pulled or pushed by attachment of thewheels 204, and removal of theshoulder harness 208 andhip belt 220 would reduce the weight of the device and to prevent theharness 208 andhip belt 220 from dragging or getting caught on unintended things. Still alternatively, thewheels 204 and theshoulder harness 208 andhip belt 220 could be removed, and thevacuum cleaner 30 could be placed in a rollingtray 58, which is known in the art, and thevacuum cleaner 30 and rollingtray 58 could be pushed or pulled by the user. In another alternative, theshoulder harness 216,shoulder strap 208 andhip belt 220 could be removed, thewheels 204 could be removed and the rollingtray 58 could not be utilized, and the user could carry thevacuum cleaner 30 by ahandle 224, such as by the handle illustrated inFIG. 1A . In another alternative, theshoulder harness 216,shoulder strap 208 andhip belt 220 could be removed, thewheels 204 could be removed and the rollingtray 58 could not be utilized, and the user could carry thevacuum cleaner 30 by acarrier shoulder strap 228. In another alternative, theshoulder harness 216,shoulder strap 208 andhip belt 220 could be removed, thewheels 204 could be removed, and the rollingtray 58 could not be utilized, thecarrier shoulder strap 228 could be removed and the user could carry thevacuum cleaner 30 without any of the portability attachments. It is to be understood, that the above-listed combinations are exemplary, and that in some embodiments any combination of portability attachments could be used. Further, it is to be understood, that in some embodiments, some of the portability attachments could be removable while other portability attachments could be fixedly attached. - It is further to be understood that while the portability attachments that are listed as follows are identified, other portability attachments currently known in the art and to be discovered are intended to be included in the invention: at least two wheels; a
shoulder harness 208 andhip belt 220; a shoulder harness without a hip belt; at least one rollingtray 58; at least onecarrier strap 228; and at least onehandle 224. All combinations of removably and fixedly attached portability attachments are intended to be included in the invention. - Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 20-20E, which are illustrations of a specific embodiment of the
vacuum cleaner 30 of the current invention, whereinFIG. 20 lists many of the parts used.
Claims (22)
1. A vacuum cleaner, said vacuum cleaner comprising a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds.
2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 , said vacuum cleaner further comprising a harness.
3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 , said vacuum cleaner further comprising at least one wheel.
4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 3 , said vacuum cleaner further comprising at least two wheels.
5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 3 , said vacuum cleaner further comprising at least three wheels.
6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 , said vacuum cleaner further comprising a total weight of not more than 26 pounds.
7. The vacuum cleaner of claim 6 , said vacuum cleaner comprising a total weight in the range of 22 to 26 pounds.
8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 , said vacuum cleaner further comprising a total weight in the range between 10.5 and 28 pounds.
9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 , said vacuum cleaner further comprising at least one vibration reducer.
10. The vacuum cleaner of claim 9 , said vacuum cleaner further comprising a frame and at least one vibration isolator, said at least one vibration isolator being attached with said frame.
11. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 , said vacuum cleaner further comprising sound absorbing material.
12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11 , said vacuum cleaner further comprising a back cover, said back cover further comprising said sound absorbing material.
13. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11 , said vacuum cleaner further comprising ashroud, said shroud further comprising said sound absorbing material.
14. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 , said vacuum cleaner further comprising at least one vacuum hose, said hose having a distal end, said at least one vacuum hose further comprising a cut-off switch, said cut-off switch being affixed to said hose at said distal end.
15. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 , said vacuum cleaner further comprising at least one hose opening.
16. The vacuum cleaner of claim 15 , said vacuum cleaner further comprising at least two hose openings
17. The vacuum cleaner of claim 16 , wherein at least one of said at least two hose openings is located on the left side of said vacuum cleaner and at least one of said at least two hose openings is located on the right side of said vacuum cleaner.
18. A portable vacuum cleaner system, said portable vacuum cleaner system further comprising a vacuum cleaner, said vacuum cleaner comprising a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds.
19. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 18 , said system further comprising at least one harness.
20. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 18 , said system further comprising at least one wheel.
21. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 20 , said system further comprising at least two wheels.
22. A portable vacuum cleaner, said vacuum cleaner comprising a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber, a total weight in the range of between 22 and 28 pounds, at least one harness, at least one vibration reducer and sound absorbing material, said vacuum cleaner further comprising an intake hose, said intake hose having a distal end, said vacuum cleaner further comprising at least one vacuum cleaner control, said at least one vacuum cleaner control being located at said distal end of said intake hose.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/596,010 US20130061419A1 (en) | 2010-08-26 | 2012-08-27 | Propane vacuum |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US37741110P | 2010-08-26 | 2010-08-26 | |
US13/219,600 US20120222233A1 (en) | 2010-08-26 | 2011-08-26 | Propane Vacuum |
US13/219,603 US20130047367A1 (en) | 2011-08-27 | 2011-08-27 | Propane Vacuum |
US13/596,010 US20130061419A1 (en) | 2010-08-26 | 2012-08-27 | Propane vacuum |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/219,600 Continuation-In-Part US20120222233A1 (en) | 2010-08-26 | 2011-08-26 | Propane Vacuum |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130061419A1 true US20130061419A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 |
Family
ID=47828520
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/596,010 Abandoned US20130061419A1 (en) | 2010-08-26 | 2012-08-27 | Propane vacuum |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130061419A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150020345A1 (en) * | 2013-07-17 | 2015-01-22 | Tacony Corporation | Wearer Comfort Backpack Vacuum |
WO2017194140A1 (en) * | 2016-05-12 | 2017-11-16 | Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg | Operating device and cleaning appliance which can be carried on the back |
USD804166S1 (en) * | 2016-04-18 | 2017-12-05 | Mark Anthony McCoy | Backpack |
KR20210041721A (en) * | 2019-10-08 | 2021-04-16 | 주석영 | Backpack type vacuum cleaner |
US11013379B2 (en) * | 2015-07-31 | 2021-05-25 | Electrical Home-Aids Pty Ltd | Harness and back pack vacuum cleaner therefore |
US11434929B2 (en) | 2019-08-02 | 2022-09-06 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Blowers having noise reduction features |
US11778960B2 (en) | 2020-01-21 | 2023-10-10 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Blowers |
US11817073B2 (en) | 2020-01-21 | 2023-11-14 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Power tool having noise reduction features |
US11950672B1 (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2024-04-09 | II Roy Franklin Partin | Diaper bag vacuum |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3286446A (en) * | 1963-08-27 | 1966-11-22 | Singer Co | Multiuse canister type vacuum cleaner |
US6305048B1 (en) * | 1999-03-03 | 2001-10-23 | Harold Salisian | Electric backpack blower and accessory operator |
US6928693B1 (en) * | 2002-10-07 | 2005-08-16 | William A. Ericson | Blower with dual tubes |
US7159691B2 (en) * | 2001-05-11 | 2007-01-09 | Aktiebolaget Electrolux | Casing for leaf blower |
US20070174992A1 (en) * | 2005-09-30 | 2007-08-02 | Murray Christopher W | Quiet vacuum cleaner |
US20070294855A1 (en) * | 2006-06-21 | 2007-12-27 | Kioritz Corporation | Backpack blower |
US20100293741A1 (en) * | 2007-11-30 | 2010-11-25 | John Ferris | Waste Collecting Device |
-
2012
- 2012-08-27 US US13/596,010 patent/US20130061419A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3286446A (en) * | 1963-08-27 | 1966-11-22 | Singer Co | Multiuse canister type vacuum cleaner |
US6305048B1 (en) * | 1999-03-03 | 2001-10-23 | Harold Salisian | Electric backpack blower and accessory operator |
US7159691B2 (en) * | 2001-05-11 | 2007-01-09 | Aktiebolaget Electrolux | Casing for leaf blower |
US6928693B1 (en) * | 2002-10-07 | 2005-08-16 | William A. Ericson | Blower with dual tubes |
US20070174992A1 (en) * | 2005-09-30 | 2007-08-02 | Murray Christopher W | Quiet vacuum cleaner |
US20070294855A1 (en) * | 2006-06-21 | 2007-12-27 | Kioritz Corporation | Backpack blower |
US20100293741A1 (en) * | 2007-11-30 | 2010-11-25 | John Ferris | Waste Collecting Device |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150020345A1 (en) * | 2013-07-17 | 2015-01-22 | Tacony Corporation | Wearer Comfort Backpack Vacuum |
US9486120B2 (en) * | 2013-07-17 | 2016-11-08 | Tacony Corporation | Wearer comfort backpack vacuum |
US11013379B2 (en) * | 2015-07-31 | 2021-05-25 | Electrical Home-Aids Pty Ltd | Harness and back pack vacuum cleaner therefore |
USD804166S1 (en) * | 2016-04-18 | 2017-12-05 | Mark Anthony McCoy | Backpack |
CN109310251A (en) * | 2016-05-12 | 2019-02-05 | 阿尔弗雷德·卡赫欧洲两合公司 | Operating device and the cleaning appliance on back can be carried |
WO2017194140A1 (en) * | 2016-05-12 | 2017-11-16 | Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg | Operating device and cleaning appliance which can be carried on the back |
US11434929B2 (en) | 2019-08-02 | 2022-09-06 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Blowers having noise reduction features |
US11841023B2 (en) | 2019-08-02 | 2023-12-12 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Blowers having noise reduction features |
US11950672B1 (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2024-04-09 | II Roy Franklin Partin | Diaper bag vacuum |
KR20210041721A (en) * | 2019-10-08 | 2021-04-16 | 주석영 | Backpack type vacuum cleaner |
KR102265663B1 (en) * | 2019-10-08 | 2021-06-16 | 주석영 | Backpack type vacuum cleaner |
US11778960B2 (en) | 2020-01-21 | 2023-10-10 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Blowers |
US11817073B2 (en) | 2020-01-21 | 2023-11-14 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Power tool having noise reduction features |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20130061419A1 (en) | Propane vacuum | |
US6473933B2 (en) | Belt-mounted vacuum apparatus and methods | |
US9486120B2 (en) | Wearer comfort backpack vacuum | |
US4723893A (en) | Portable blower | |
CA2628573C (en) | Motor, fan and filter arrangement for a vacuum cleaner | |
US9545180B2 (en) | All in the head surface cleaning apparatus | |
US5035586A (en) | Portable hand-held blower/vacuum unit with resilient engine mounting system | |
US9295363B1 (en) | All in the head surface cleaning apparatus | |
US7509706B2 (en) | Battery-powered portable vacuum | |
US20130047367A1 (en) | Propane Vacuum | |
JPS60139230A (en) | Vacuum cleaner | |
GB2519262A (en) | Vacuum axle with a motor embedded therein and wheels | |
US20190350419A1 (en) | Vacuum cleaner including debris tube and handle | |
US9795264B2 (en) | All in the head surface cleaning apparatus | |
US20120222233A1 (en) | Propane Vacuum | |
US9775481B2 (en) | All in the head surface cleaning apparatus | |
US20140310911A1 (en) | Blower vacuum device and attachment thereof | |
US20160174791A1 (en) | All in the head surface cleaning apparatus | |
US20190223668A1 (en) | Stick vacuum cleaner with improved filter | |
US20160174796A1 (en) | All in the head surface cleaning apparatus | |
CN215224211U (en) | Knapsack gasoline sprayer-duster | |
US8505159B2 (en) | Agitator cavity fitting for floor care cleaning apparatus | |
US20140130327A1 (en) | Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner Leaf Mulcher | |
US20050086762A1 (en) | Bagless portable backpack vacuum cleaner with bottom-mounted inlet hose | |
US9717383B2 (en) | All in the head surface cleaning apparatus |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PATRONO, RICHARD B., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KIERSH, JEFF;WAGNER, LEONARD C.;LEES, ANDREW;REEL/FRAME:028889/0520 Effective date: 20120824 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |