US20150040344A1 - Steering assembly for surface cleaning device - Google Patents
Steering assembly for surface cleaning device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150040344A1 US20150040344A1 US14/524,386 US201414524386A US2015040344A1 US 20150040344 A1 US20150040344 A1 US 20150040344A1 US 201414524386 A US201414524386 A US 201414524386A US 2015040344 A1 US2015040344 A1 US 2015040344A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- foot
- cleaning device
- surface cleaning
- handle assembly
- biasing member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
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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
- A47L9/009—Carrying-vehicles; Arrangements of trollies or wheels; Means for avoiding mechanical obstacles
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
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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
- A47L9/32—Handles
- A47L9/325—Handles for wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- 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
- A47L9/242—Hose or pipe couplings
Definitions
- the present invention relates to surface cleaning devices and, more particularly, to steering assemblies for surface cleaning devices.
- the invention provides a surface cleaning device to clean a surface.
- the surface cleaning device has a foot, a handle assembly with a handle that can be manipulated by a user, and a biasing member that is coupled between the handle assembly and the foot. Movement of the handle assembly stores energy within the biasing member, such that the biasing member exerts a corresponding force on the foot.
- the invention provides a surface cleaning device to clean a surface.
- the surface cleaning device has a foot, a handle assembly with a handle that can be manipulated by a user, and a steering assembly that pivotally couples the handle assembly to the foot.
- the steering assembly includes a first pivot member and a second pivot member.
- the first pivot member is coupled to a lower portion of the handle assembly, such that the first pivot member rotates with the handle assembly about a pivot axis.
- the second pivot member is coupled to the foot, such that the second pivot member rotates with the foot about the pivot axis.
- a biasing member couples the first and second pivot members together for relative rotation about the pivot axis and resists relative rotation between the first and second pivot member about the pivot axis. Rotation of the handle assembly and the first pivot member about the pivot axis stores energy within the biasing member, such that the biasing member exerts a corresponding force on the second pivot member and the foot to encourage turning of the foot.
- the invention provides a vacuum cleaner to remove debris from a surface.
- the vacuum cleaner has a foot, a handle assembly with a handle that can be manipulated by a user, and a steering assembly that couples the handle assembly to the foot.
- the steering assembly includes a means for biasing the foot with respect to the handle assembly. Movement of the handle assembly stores energy within the biasing means, such that the biasing means exerts a corresponding force on the foot.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning device according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of the surface cleaning device of FIG. 1 illustrating a steering assembly of the surface cleaning device.
- FIG. 2B is a view similar to FIG. 2A illustrating a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the steering assembly of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a front side view of the steering assembly of FIG. 3 illustrating a flange of the assembly rotated.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the steering assembly of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the steering assembly taken along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a surface cleaning device including a steering assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 8 is an alternative perspective view of the surface cleaning device of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a surface cleaning device including a steering assembly according to another embodiment of the invention and showing a handle of the surface cleaning device in an inclined position during use of the surface cleaning device.
- FIG. 10 is an alternative perspective view of the surface cleaning device of FIG. 9 illustrating the handle in an upright position.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of a surface cleaning device including a steering assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of a surface cleaning device including a steering assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 13 is an alternative perspective view of the surface cleaning device of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning device including a steering assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a steering assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a foot of a surface cleaning device including the steering assembly of FIG. 15 coupled to the foot.
- FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the steering assembly of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the steering assembly taken along line 18 - 18 of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates a surface cleaning device 10 that includes a nozzle, base, or foot 12 and a body or handle assembly 18 that is movably coupled to the foot 12 via a steering assembly 16 .
- the illustrated surface cleaning device 10 is an upright style vacuum cleaner and the handle assembly 18 may include a handle 14 , a canister 20 , a fan and suction source 28 , and a main power supply 34 .
- the suction source 28 may be located in the foot 12 .
- the main power supply 34 may comprise a cordless power supply such as a battery, or alternatively, may comprise a corded supply with a cord that connects to and provides electricity from an AC power source such as a wall socket.
- the canister 20 may include a cyclonic separation chamber 22 and a dirt cup or dirt collection chamber 24 to collect dirt and debris separated by the cyclonic separation chamber 22 .
- the canister 20 can have flexible walls.
- the canister may include a housing or fabric bag that houses a filter bag.
- the canister 20 is coupled to the handle 14 such that the canister 20 pivots with the handle 14 with respect to the foot 12 .
- the canister 20 is removably coupled to the handle 14 so that a user can remove the canister 20 from the handle 14 to empty the dirt cup 24 .
- a fan or impeller and a motor may be located within the suction source 28 and the fan and the motor can be operable to generate an airflow or suction through the cyclonic separation chamber 22 .
- the suction source 28 is coupled to the handle 14 such that the suction source 28 moves with the handle 14 with respect to the foot 12 .
- a hose 32 is coupled to the foot 12 and the canister 20 .
- the hose 32 provides fluid communication of air and debris from the foot 12 to the canister 20 .
- the hose 32 can include an electrical wire located within or coupled to a sidewall of the hose 32 .
- the electrical wire can provide electrical power from the main power supply 34 to the foot 12 to power components located within the foot 12 .
- the foot 12 includes an agitator or brush roll that is rotated by a motor separate from the main suction motor located within the suction source 28 , and the electrical wire of the hose 32 provides power to the brush roll motor.
- the steering assembly 16 itself can provide fluid communication of air and debris from the foot 12 to the canister 20 .
- the foot 12 includes an inlet or suction opening 38 and wheels 40 to move the inlet 38 and surface cleaning device 10 along a surface to be cleaned.
- the illustrated wheels 40 are rear wheels and the surface cleaning device 10 also includes front wheels (not shown) rotatably coupled to the nozzle 12 immediately behind the suction opening 38 to support the front of the nozzle 12 for movement over the surface to be cleaned.
- the inlet 38 is in fluid communication with the hose 32 and canister 20 and draws air and debris from the surface to be cleaned into the canister 20 .
- the wheels 40 are rotatable about an axle 42 .
- the width and placement of wheels 40 on foot 12 may vary based on the structure, size, weight distribution, and housing configuration of foot 12 .
- foot 12 may not include any wheels.
- the surface cleaning device 10 may be a canister style vacuum cleaner (not shown).
- the handle assembly does not include the canister. Rather, the canister is separate from the handle assembly.
- the canister may include the cyclonic separation chamber, the dirt cup, the motor housing, and the wheels.
- the handle assembly may include the handle and a tube coupled to the foot. The tube is coupled to the foot via the steering assembly.
- the steering assembly includes a biasing member and may take the form of any of the embodiments described below.
- the steering assembly may include an open path to fluidly couple the suction inlet of the foot to the tube and the separation chamber, or the hose can fluidly connect the suction inlet to the separation chamber. Similar to the upright style vacuum embodiment, rotation of the handle in the canister style vacuum embodiment causes the tube to rotate and store energy in the biasing member, which allows the steering assembly to steer the foot.
- surface cleaning device 10 is hand held or light duty vacuum.
- the surface cleaning device 10 is not a dry vacuum cleaner. Rather, the surface cleaning device 10 may be a wet vacuum cleaner capable of drawing in air, liquid and debris. Alternatively, the surface cleaning device 10 may be an extractor capable of both dispensing liquid and drawing in air, liquid, and debris. In yet other embodiments, the surface cleaning device 10 may be a steam cleaner that dispenses liquid or steam but does not include a suction source. In additional embodiments, surface cleaning device 10 may be a sweeper that includes a handle and a pivoting base that supports a wet or dry cloth that is positioned below the base. These sweepers do not dispense liquid and do not include a suction source.
- surface cleaning device 10 includes the steering assembly 16 movable coupled between the handle assembly 18 and the foot 12 .
- steering assembly 16 stores energy based on movement of the handle assembly 18 to steer the foot 12 , as described in detail below.
- the steering assembly 16 allows the handle 14 , and therefore the canister 20 and the suction source 28 (i.e., the handle assembly 18 ), to rotate about a horizontal axis 46 with respect to the foot 12 between an upright or storage position ( FIG. 1 ) and multiple operating or inclined positions (one inclined position illustrated in FIG. 2 ) during use of the surface cleaning device 10 .
- the axle 42 is coincident with the horizontal axis 46 , and in other embodiments (some of which are described in greater detail below), the axis 46 is offset from the axle 42 .
- the surface cleaning device 10 includes a locking mechanism (not shown) that holds the handle assembly 18 in the upright position.
- the locking mechanism can include a projection from one of the handle assembly 18 and the foot 12 that is lockingly received within a recess of the other of the handle assembly 18 and the foot 12 to maintain the handle assembly 18 and the foot 12 coupled together in the upright position.
- the locking mechanism also can include a release latch that will allow the projection to be released from the recess thereby allowing pivoting of the handle assembly 18 relative to the foot 12 to an inclined position.
- the steering assembly 16 allows the user to rotate the handle 14 , and therefore the handle assembly 18 , with respect to the foot 12 about an axis of rotation 48 to facilitate steering the foot 12 and the surface cleaning device 10 along the surface to be cleaned.
- the axis 48 forms an acute angle A relative to a longitudinal axis 30 of the handle assembly 18 .
- the longitudinal axis 30 is vertical.
- the handle assembly 18 is tilted about axis 46 away from the vertical or upright position, the same acute angle A is maintained between the axis of rotation 48 and the longitudinal axis 30 .
- the angle A is about 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle is between 40 and 50 degrees, between 30 and 60 degrees, or between 15 and 75 degrees.
- the steering assembly 16 includes a first pivot member 52 and a second pivot member 50 .
- the second pivot member 50 includes an elongated base 56 and an aperture 58 that extends through the elongated base 56 .
- the axle 42 of the wheels 40 extends through the aperture 58 to couple the second pivot member 50 to the foot 12 such that the second pivot member 50 rotates with respect to the foot 12 about the horizontal axis 46 .
- steering assembly 16 can be connected to the foot 12 in a position separate from the wheels 40 and the axle 42 .
- the second pivot member 50 and the elongated base 56 are rotatably coupled directly to the top of the foot 12 , forward of the wheels 40 and axle 42 .
- second pivot member 50 is rotatably connected to the foot 12 approximately three inches forward of the wheels 40 and the axle 42 .
- the elongated base 56 rests on a pair of opposed ledges 54 within a pair of opposed cylindrical cavities 60 in the foot 12 .
- the axis 46 can be set rearward of wheels 40 and axle 42 .
- the second pivot member 50 further includes a cylindrical flange 62 that is coupled to the base 56 .
- the cylindrical flange 62 includes a cavity 64 and an aperture 66 .
- the axis 48 extends centrally through the cavity 64 and the aperture 66 .
- the first pivot member 52 includes a first, generally flat, flange 70 and a second, cylindrical, flange 72 .
- the first flange 70 includes apertures 74 that receive fasteners 76 ( FIG. 1 ) to couple the suction source 28 , and thereby the handle assembly 18 to the steering assembly 16 .
- the first pivot member 52 is formed as a separate component from the handle assembly 18 and is coupled to the handle assembly 18 using the fasteners 76 .
- the first pivot member 52 can be integrally formed with other portions of the surface cleaning device 10 .
- the first pivot member 52 can be molded as part of the suction source 28 or the handle 14 .
- the second pivot member 50 may be integrally formed with and at any spot on the foot 12 .
- the cylindrical second flange 72 includes a cavity 78 and an aperture 80 .
- the axis 48 extends centrally through the cavity 78 and the aperture 80 .
- the flanges 70 and 72 are integrally formed as a single component, such as by molding the first pivot member 52 from plastic.
- the steering assembly 16 further includes a fastener 84 to couple the second pivot member 50 and the first pivot member 52 such that the pivot members 50 , 52 can rotate with respect to each other about the axis 48 .
- the pivot members 50 , 52 include a mechanical stop, such as a tab, rib, or the like, to limit relative rotation between the pivot members 50 , 52 about the axis 48 .
- the relative rotation about the axis 48 is limited to about 120 degrees.
- the relative rotation about the axis 48 may be expanded to 240 or even 360 degrees.
- the fastener 84 may include a nut and a bolt, as in the illustrated embodiment, which extends through the aperture 80 of the first pivot member 52 and the aperture 66 of the second pivot member 50 .
- the fastener 84 may comprise a snap engagement.
- the fastener 84 may comprise a living spring with a tab that snaps into a corresponding engagement of the aperture 80 .
- the pivot members 50 , 52 are coupled such that the cavities 64 , 78 are joined to form a cavity 88 that includes both of the cavities 64 , 78 .
- the steering assembly 16 further includes a biasing member 92 that stores energy to facilitate steering the foot 12 of the surface cleaning device 10 .
- the biasing member 92 is a torsion spring in the form of a resilient piece of molded rubber having a durometer of about 90 A.
- the biasing member 92 can be formed from other suitable materials having a different durometer, such as in a range of 80-100, and can be other suitable types of torsions springs, such as a coil spring.
- the durometer would be lower than if the surface cleaning device is an upright vacuum cleaner.
- the biasing member 92 may comprise two distinct biasing members having the same or different durometers connected, for instance, via corresponding splines.
- the biasing member 92 may be any member or mechanism capable of storing energy, such as a compression spring, a torsion bar, a torsion fiber, a magnet, a pneumatic, or a hydraulic member. Whatever form the biasing member 92 takes, the biasing member 92 device functions to store mechanical energy when the handle assembly 18 is twisted relative to the foot 12 . The stored energy is then used to bring the steering assembly 16 back to center after it has been rotated by a user when the foot 12 is rolled forwards or backwards during use.
- the biasing member 92 includes an aperture 94 that extends longitudinally through the biasing member 92 .
- the fastener 84 extends through the aperture 94 to couple the biasing member 92 to the second pivot member 50 and the first pivot member 52 .
- rounded knobs 96 are located at a first end 98 of the biasing member 92 and rounded knobs 100 are located at a second end 102 of the biasing member 92 .
- the knobs 96 are received in recesses 104 of the first pivot member 52 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the knobs 98 .
- the knobs 100 are received in recesses of the second pivot member 50 (not visible in FIG.
- the knobs 96 inhibit rotation of the first end 98 of the biasing member 92 with respect to the first pivot member 52 and the knobs 100 inhibit rotation of the second end 102 of the biasing member 92 with respect to the second pivot member 50 .
- the biasing member 92 is resilient such that the ends 98 and 102 of the biasing member 92 , and therefore the second pivot member 50 and the first pivot member 52 , can rotate with respect to each other about the axis 48 and yet the biasing member 92 returns to the position illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- the knobs 96 and 100 and recesses 104 are rounded in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the knobs and recesses can take other suitable shapes.
- adhesives, fasteners, and the like can be used to couple the ends 98 and 102 of the biasing member 92 for rotation with the respective first pivot member 52 and the second pivot member 50 .
- the handle 14 is typically in an upright position ( FIG. 1 ) with respect to the foot 12 when the surface cleaning device 10 is not in use or is being stored.
- the user pivots the handle 14 and the handle assembly 18 about the horizontal axis 46 with respect to the foot 12 to an inclined position ( FIG. 2 ).
- the inclined positions of the handle 14 and the handle assembly 18 vary during use of the surface cleaning device 10 as the user uses the handle 14 to move the foot 12 in forwards and backwards directions along the surface.
- the user can steer the foot 12 to move the foot 12 generally in horizontal directions (generally represented by arrows 110 and 112 of FIG. 2 ) along the surface being cleaned.
- the user rotates the handle 14 , and therefore the handle assembly 18 , with respect to the foot 12 about the axis 48 ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ).
- the first pivot member 52 which is coupled for rotation with the handle assembly 18 about the axis 48 , rotates with respect to the second pivot member 50 , which is fixed from rotation about the axis 48 with respect to the foot 12 .
- Rotating the first pivot member 52 with respect to the second pivot member 50 causes the first end 98 of the biasing member 92 to rotate with respect to the second end 102 of the biasing member 92 .
- the resilient properties of the biasing member 92 cause the biasing member 92 to resist rotation of the handle assembly 18 with respect to the foot 12 about the axis 48 .
- this resistance and energy stored in the biasing member 92 by rotation of the handle assembly 18 about the axis 48 moves the foot 12 in either direction of arrows 110 or 112 depending on which direction the user rotates the handle 14 about the axis 48 when the foot 12 is being rolled in the forward direction.
- the handle assembly 184 then rotates about the axis 48 back to the position illustrated in FIG. 2 (also illustrated by phantom lines in FIG. 4 ) because of the resiliency and recovery forces of the biasing member 92 .
- any rotation of the handle 14 about the axis 48 will result in twisting of the biasing member 92 to store energy in the biasing member 92 .
- the stored energy is released from the biasing member 92 when the foot 12 is rolled forwards or backwards. For example, if the handle 14 is twisted left, then the stored energy of the biasing member 92 will turn the front of the foot 12 toward the left direction 110 when the foot 12 is rolled forwards thereby bringing the steering assembly 16 back to its original, unbiased position.
- the stored energy of the biasing member will turn the back of the foot 12 toward the left direction 110 when the foot 12 is rolled backwards thereby bringing the steering assembly 16 back to its original, unbiased position.
- the stored energy of the biasing member 92 will turn the front of the foot 12 toward the right direction 112 when the foot 12 is rolled forwards thereby bringing the steering assembly 16 back to its original, unbiased position.
- the stored energy of the biasing member 92 will turn the back of the foot 12 toward the right direction 112 when the foot 12 is rolled backwards thereby bringing the steering assembly 16 back to its original, unbiased position. In this manner, the steering assembly 16 smoothly transitions user-actuated twisting of the handle 14 into a delayed yet seamless steering of the foot 12 .
- the steering assembly 16 allows the user to pivot the handle 14 with respect to the foot 12 about the horizontal axis 46 from the upright position to one of the inclined positions. Also, the steering assembly 16 allows the user to rotate the handle 14 with respect to the foot 12 about the axis 48 which facilitates steering the foot 12 along the surface being cleaned. Furthermore, the steering assembly 16 includes the biasing member 92 which allows the steering assembly 16 to steer the foot 12 and return the handle 14 to its original position about the axis 48 .
- FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a steering assembly 16 B according to another embodiment of the invention.
- the steering assembly 16 B is similar to the steering assembly 16 of FIGS. 1-6 and like components have been given like reference numbers with the addition of the suffix ‘B,’ and only the differences between the steering assemblies 16 and 16 B will be discussed in detail.
- the steering assembly 16 B includes similar components and operates in a similar manner to the steering assembly 16 of FIGS. 1-6 .
- the first pivot member 52 B has a relatively long length 116 B and the base 56 B and the flange 62 B of the second pivot member 50 B are alternatively positioned with respect to each other to position the handle 14 B with respect to the foot 12 in a slightly different and higher position with respect to the surface being cleaned.
- FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a steering assembly 16 C according to another embodiment of the invention.
- the steering assembly 16 C is similar to the steering assemblies 16 and 16 B of FIGS. 1-8 and like components have been given like reference numbers with the addition of the suffix ‘C,’ and only the differences between the steering assemblies 16 , 16 B, and 16 C will be discussed in detail.
- the steering assembly 16 C is configured for use with a surface cleaning device 10 C that includes a single rear wheel 40 C as opposed to the surface cleaning devices 10 and 10 B that include multiple wheels 40 and 40 B, respectively.
- the horizontal axis 46 C is not coincident with the axle 42 C.
- the second pivot member 50 C also includes tabs 120 C.
- the tabs 120 C engage a rim 122 C of the wheel 40 C to retain the handle 14 C in the upright position ( FIG. 10 ).
- the handle 14 C pivots slightly with respect to the foot 12 C about axis 46 C to create a small gap between the outer periphery of the wheel 40 C and the second pivot member 50 C. Therefore, the wheel 40 C can roll about axle 42 C to move or trundle the surface cleaning device 10 C with the handle 14 C in the upright position.
- the handle 14 C can pivot slightly while the tabs 120 C are engaged with the rim 122 C so that the second pivot member 50 C rests on the outer periphery of the wheel 40 C to inhibit rotation of the wheel 40 C so the wheel 40 C, and the surface cleaning device 10 C, do not roll along the surface when the handle 14 C is in the storage position.
- the wheel 40 C includes a transparent outer periphery.
- a light source and a generator are located within the transparent outer periphery.
- the generator provides power to illuminate the light source.
- the generator does not provide enough power to illuminate the light source until the wheel 40 C rotates about the axle 42 C above a predetermined speed.
- the predetermined speed can be a preferred speed for moving the foot 12 C along the surface being cleaned to achieve the greatest vacuuming efficiency.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a steering assembly 16 D according to another embodiment of the invention.
- the steering assembly 16 D is similar to the steering assemblies 16 , 16 B, and 16 C of FIGS. 1-10 and like components have been given like reference numbers with the addition of the suffix ‘D,’ and only the differences between the steering assemblies 16 , 16 B, 16 C, and 16 D will be discussed in detail.
- the steering assembly 16 D has a biasing member 92 D that differs from the biasing member 92 of FIGS. 1-6 .
- the biasing member 92 D is a resilient elastomeric component that is received within an aperture of the second pivot member 50 D.
- the shape of the elastomeric component 92 D is changed by rotating the fastener 84 D to apply more or less compressive force to the component 92 D.
- the fastener 84 D is rotated to change the amount of resistance the component 92 D applies to relative rotation of the second pivot member 50 D with respect to the first pivot member 52 D.
- FIGS. 12-13 illustrate a steering assembly 16 E according to another embodiment of the invention.
- the steering assembly 16 E is similar to the steering assemblies 16 , 16 B, 16 C, and 16 D of FIGS. 1-11 and like components have been given like reference numbers with the addition of the suffix ‘E,’ and only the differences between the steering assemblies 16 , 16 B, 16 C, 16 D, and 16 E will be discussed in detail.
- the steering assembly 16 E includes an additional pivoting coupling 130 E between the second pivot member 50 E and the first pivot member 52 E.
- the handle assembly 18 E is tilted left or right, rather than twisted, to steer the foot 16 E left or right.
- steering mechanism 16 E rotates around the axis defined by the 84 E, and the biasing member 92 E stores energy to cause the foot 12 E to steer in the direction the handle assembly 18 E is tilted.
- FIG. 14 illustrates a steering assembly 16 F according to another embodiment of the invention.
- the steering assembly 16 F is similar to the steering assemblies 16 , 16 B, 16 C, 16 D, and 16 E of FIGS. 1-13 and like components have been given like reference numbers with the addition of the suffix ‘F,’ and only the differences between the steering assemblies 16 , 16 B, 16 C, 16 D, 16 E, and 16 F will be discussed in detail.
- the steering assembly 16 F illustrates an alternative embodiment configured for use with a foot 12 F having a single rear wheel 40 F with its axle 42 F being coaxial with the horizontal axis 46 F of the steering assembly 16 F.
- the width of the wheel 40 F may vary depending on the structure, size, weight distribution, and housing configuration of foot 12 F.
- FIGS. 15-18 illustrate an open path steering assembly 16 G according to another embodiment of the invention.
- the steering assembly 16 G is described with reference to the surface cleaning device 10 , described above, where like components have been given like reference numbers with the addition of the suffix ‘G’.
- the open path steering assembly 16 G provides an open path through the steering assembly 16 G itself The open path can be used to fluidly communicate air and debris from the foot 12 G to the handle assembly 18 G in place of the hose 32 , which was discussed in the first embodiment.
- the open path may be used to communicate liquid drawn from the foot 12 G to the handle assembly 18 G, or may be used to communicate liquid from the handle assembly 18 G to be dispensed on the surface via the foot 12 G.
- the open path can be used to route or provide a path for any number of vacuum components, such as a power cord from the power supply 34 G down to the foot 12 G, to power components located within the foot 12 G such as a brush roll motor or lights positioned in the foot.
- the open path steering assembly 16 G includes a steering tube 202 , a biasing member 204 , a lock ring 206 , a steering lock 208 , a hose 210 , and front and rear covers 212 , 214 .
- the open path constitutes an open conduit that extends from the steering tube 202 down through the hose 210 .
- the hose 210 is fluidly connected to a suction opening 38 G of the foot 12 G and is also fluidly connected to the cyclonic separation chamber 22 G in the canister 20 G. In this manner, the fan or impeller and motor located within the suction source 28 G can generate an airflow or suction through the open path.
- Steering tube 202 includes an assembly aperture 216 , one or more ring apertures 218 , and a lower lip 220 .
- the assembly aperture 216 is designed to receive a corresponding protrusion (not shown) in the handle assembly 18 G, such that as the handle 14 G and the handle assembly 18 G are rotated about a longitudinal axis 48 G of steering tube 202 , the corresponding protrusion received in the assembly aperture 216 causes the steering tube 202 to rotate in the same manner about the axis 48 .
- assembly aperture 216 can receive a protrusion from handle assembly 18 G to removably lock the handle assembly 18 G to the steering tube 202 , such that removing the protrusion from the assembly aperture 216 allows the steering assembly 16 G to be detached from the steering tube 202 .
- the one or more ring apertures 218 are designed to receive one or more lock protrusions 222 of the lock ring 206 .
- the lower lip 220 has a recess 224 ( FIG. 18 ) around its circumference that is adopted to receive and create an interference fit with a tube side 226 of the biasing member 204 .
- the width of the recess 224 may vary around its circumference in order to accommodate reception of a plurality of rounded knobs 230 that protrude from and extend the length of the biasing member 204 .
- the steering lock 208 includes a pair of protrusions 232 , a base recess 234 , and a circumferential ring recess 236 .
- the pair of protrusions 232 work to trap the steering lock 208 within the recess created between the covers 212 , 214 . In this manner, the pair of protrusions 232 prevent the steering lock 208 from rotating about the vertical axis 48 G of the steering mechanism 16 G, absent force from a user.
- the ring recess 236 is adopted to allow the lock ring 206 to fit around the recess 236 .
- the base recess 234 around the base of the steering lock 206 is adopted to receive and create an interference fit with a lock end 238 of the biasing member 204 .
- the width of the base recess 234 may vary around its circumference in order to accommodate reception of the plurality of rounded knobs 230 protruding from the biasing member 204 , as shown in FIG. 17 .
- a top end 240 of the hose 210 is secured to the steering lock 208 via a threaded connection 242 as illustrated in FIG. 18 .
- the covers 212 , 214 have a pair of complementary half cylindrical extensions 244 ( FIG. 17 ) that extend traverse to the axis 48 G.
- the complementary extensions 244 together create rotatable cylinders 250 ( FIG. 15 ).
- a rotational axis 46 G of the steering mechanism 16 G extending from rotatable cylinders 250 , may be coincident with the axle 42 G of the wheels 40 G, similar to the horizontal axis 46 in FIG. 2A .
- the user pivots the handle assembly 18 G about the axis 46 G with respect to the foot 12 G to an inclined position.
- FIG. 17 The covers 212 , 214 have a pair of complementary half cylindrical extensions 244 ( FIG. 17 ) that extend traverse to the axis 48 G.
- the complementary extensions 244 together create rotatable cylinders 250 ( FIG. 15 ).
- a rotational axis 46 G of the steering mechanism 16 G extending from rotatable cylinders 250 , may be coincident with the axle
- the steering mechanism 16 G and rotational axis 46 G may be set forward of the axle 42 G.
- the cylinders 250 when set within the foot 12 G, work to allow a user to tilt the surface cleaning device 10 G forward and backward about the axis 46 G.
- the steering mechanism 16 G and axis 46 G can be set rearward of the wheels 40 G and axle 42 G.
- the biasing member 204 is an energy storing means that stores energy to facilitate steering the foot 12 of the vacuum.
- the biasing member 204 is an elastic steering bushing, a single resilient piece of molded rubber having a durometer of about 90 .
- the biasing member 204 can be formed from other suitable materials having a different durometer.
- the biasing member 204 can be any member or mechanism capable of storing energy, such as a compression spring, a torsion bar, a torsion fiber, a magnet, a pneumatic, or a hydraulic member.
- the biasing member 204 functions to store mechanical energy when the handle assembly 18 G is twisted relative to the foot 12 G. The stored energy is then used to bring the open path steering assembly 16 G back to center after it has been rotated by a user by turning the foot 12 G relative to the handle assembly 18 G when the nozzle 12 G is rolled forwards or backwards during use.
- the tube side 226 and the knobs 230 tightly fit within the recess 224 of the steering tube 202 , the tube side 226 and the knobs 230 inhibit rotation of the tube end 226 of the biasing member 204 with respect to the steering tube 202 .
- the lock end 238 and the knobs 230 tightly fit within the base recess 234 of the steering lock 208 , the lock end 238 and the knobs 230 inhibit rotation of the lock end 238 of the biasing member 204 with respect to the steering lock 208 .
- the biasing member 204 is resilient such that the ends 226 , 238 of the biasing member 204 , and therefore the steering tube 202 and the steering lock 208 , can rotate with respect to each other about the axis 48 G, and yet the biasing member 204 returns to its original position.
- the knobs 230 are rounded in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the knobs can take other suitable shapes.
- adhesives, fasteners, and the like can be used to couple the ends 226 and 238 of the biasing member 204 for rotation with the respective steering tube 202 and the steering lock 208 .
- the user can steer the foot 12 G to move the foot 12 G generally in horizontal directions along the surface being cleaned.
- the user rotates the handle 14 G, and therefore handle assembly 18 G, with respect to the foot 12 G about the axis 48 G.
- the steering tube 202 which is coupled for rotation with the handle 14 G via the assembly aperture 216 , rotates with respect to the steering lock 208 , which is fixed from rotation about the axis 48 G with respect to the foot 12 G.
- Rotating the steering tube 202 with respect to the steering lock 208 causes the tube end 226 of the biasing member 204 to rotate with respect to the lock end 238 of the biasing member 204 .
- the resilient properties of the biasing member 204 cause the biasing member 204 to resist rotation of the handle assembly 18 G with respect to the foot 12 G about the axis defined by the open path. However, this resistance and energy stored in the biasing member 204 by rotation of the handle 18 G about the axis 48 G, moves the foot 12 G, depending on which direction the user rotates the handle assembly 18 G about the axis defined by the open path. When the user no longer desires to turn the foot 12 , the user releases or stops turning the handle 14 G and handle assembly 18 G about the axis 48 G. Then, the handle assembly 18 G rotates about the axis 48 G back to its original position because of the resiliency and recovery forces of the biasing member 204 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
- Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
- Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
- Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)
Abstract
A surface cleaning device having a steering assembly is provided. The surface cleaning device includes a foot, a handle assembly with a user manipulated handle, and a steering assembly coupling the handle assembly to the foot. The steering assembly includes a means for biasing the foot with respect to the handle assembly. Movement of the handle assembly stores energy within the biasing means so that the biasing means exerts a corresponding force on the foot.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/273,928, filed Oct. 14, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/393,459, filed Oct. 15, 2010, the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates to surface cleaning devices and, more particularly, to steering assemblies for surface cleaning devices.
- In one embodiment, the invention provides a surface cleaning device to clean a surface. The surface cleaning device has a foot, a handle assembly with a handle that can be manipulated by a user, and a biasing member that is coupled between the handle assembly and the foot. Movement of the handle assembly stores energy within the biasing member, such that the biasing member exerts a corresponding force on the foot.
- In another embodiment, the invention provides a surface cleaning device to clean a surface. The surface cleaning device has a foot, a handle assembly with a handle that can be manipulated by a user, and a steering assembly that pivotally couples the handle assembly to the foot. The steering assembly includes a first pivot member and a second pivot member. The first pivot member is coupled to a lower portion of the handle assembly, such that the first pivot member rotates with the handle assembly about a pivot axis. The second pivot member is coupled to the foot, such that the second pivot member rotates with the foot about the pivot axis. A biasing member couples the first and second pivot members together for relative rotation about the pivot axis and resists relative rotation between the first and second pivot member about the pivot axis. Rotation of the handle assembly and the first pivot member about the pivot axis stores energy within the biasing member, such that the biasing member exerts a corresponding force on the second pivot member and the foot to encourage turning of the foot.
- In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a vacuum cleaner to remove debris from a surface. The vacuum cleaner has a foot, a handle assembly with a handle that can be manipulated by a user, and a steering assembly that couples the handle assembly to the foot. The steering assembly includes a means for biasing the foot with respect to the handle assembly. Movement of the handle assembly stores energy within the biasing means, such that the biasing means exerts a corresponding force on the foot.
- Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning device according to one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of the surface cleaning device ofFIG. 1 illustrating a steering assembly of the surface cleaning device. -
FIG. 2B is a view similar toFIG. 2A illustrating a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the steering assembly ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a front side view of the steering assembly ofFIG. 3 illustrating a flange of the assembly rotated. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the steering assembly ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the steering assembly taken along line 6-6 ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a surface cleaning device including a steering assembly according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 8 is an alternative perspective view of the surface cleaning device ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a surface cleaning device including a steering assembly according to another embodiment of the invention and showing a handle of the surface cleaning device in an inclined position during use of the surface cleaning device. -
FIG. 10 is an alternative perspective view of the surface cleaning device ofFIG. 9 illustrating the handle in an upright position. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of a surface cleaning device including a steering assembly according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of a surface cleaning device including a steering assembly according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 13 is an alternative perspective view of the surface cleaning device ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning device including a steering assembly according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a steering assembly according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a foot of a surface cleaning device including the steering assembly ofFIG. 15 coupled to the foot. -
FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the steering assembly ofFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the steering assembly taken along line 18-18 ofFIG. 15 . - Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
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FIG. 1 illustrates asurface cleaning device 10 that includes a nozzle, base, orfoot 12 and a body orhandle assembly 18 that is movably coupled to thefoot 12 via asteering assembly 16. The illustratedsurface cleaning device 10 is an upright style vacuum cleaner and thehandle assembly 18 may include ahandle 14, acanister 20, a fan andsuction source 28, and amain power supply 34. In alternative embodiments, thesuction source 28 may be located in thefoot 12. Themain power supply 34 may comprise a cordless power supply such as a battery, or alternatively, may comprise a corded supply with a cord that connects to and provides electricity from an AC power source such as a wall socket. Thecanister 20 may include acyclonic separation chamber 22 and a dirt cup ordirt collection chamber 24 to collect dirt and debris separated by thecyclonic separation chamber 22. In other embodiments, thecanister 20 can have flexible walls. In yet other embodiments, the canister may include a housing or fabric bag that houses a filter bag. In the illustrated embodiment, thecanister 20 is coupled to thehandle 14 such that thecanister 20 pivots with thehandle 14 with respect to thefoot 12. Thecanister 20 is removably coupled to thehandle 14 so that a user can remove thecanister 20 from thehandle 14 to empty thedirt cup 24. A fan or impeller and a motor may be located within thesuction source 28 and the fan and the motor can be operable to generate an airflow or suction through thecyclonic separation chamber 22. In the illustrated embodiment, thesuction source 28 is coupled to thehandle 14 such that thesuction source 28 moves with thehandle 14 with respect to thefoot 12. - A
hose 32 is coupled to thefoot 12 and thecanister 20. Thehose 32 provides fluid communication of air and debris from thefoot 12 to thecanister 20. In one embodiment, thehose 32 can include an electrical wire located within or coupled to a sidewall of thehose 32. The electrical wire can provide electrical power from themain power supply 34 to thefoot 12 to power components located within thefoot 12. For example, in one embodiment, thefoot 12 includes an agitator or brush roll that is rotated by a motor separate from the main suction motor located within thesuction source 28, and the electrical wire of thehose 32 provides power to the brush roll motor. In alternative embodiments discussed later herein, rather than usinghose 32, thesteering assembly 16 itself can provide fluid communication of air and debris from thefoot 12 to thecanister 20. - The
foot 12 includes an inlet or suction opening 38 andwheels 40 to move theinlet 38 andsurface cleaning device 10 along a surface to be cleaned. The illustratedwheels 40 are rear wheels and thesurface cleaning device 10 also includes front wheels (not shown) rotatably coupled to thenozzle 12 immediately behind thesuction opening 38 to support the front of thenozzle 12 for movement over the surface to be cleaned. Theinlet 38 is in fluid communication with thehose 32 andcanister 20 and draws air and debris from the surface to be cleaned into thecanister 20. Thewheels 40 are rotatable about anaxle 42. In other embodiments, the width and placement ofwheels 40 onfoot 12 may vary based on the structure, size, weight distribution, and housing configuration offoot 12. In yet other embodiments,foot 12 may not include any wheels. - While the illustrated
surface cleaning device 10 is an upright vacuum cleaner, in alternative embodiments, thesurface cleaning device 10 may be a canister style vacuum cleaner (not shown). In this embodiment, the handle assembly does not include the canister. Rather, the canister is separate from the handle assembly. The canister may include the cyclonic separation chamber, the dirt cup, the motor housing, and the wheels. The handle assembly may include the handle and a tube coupled to the foot. The tube is coupled to the foot via the steering assembly. The steering assembly includes a biasing member and may take the form of any of the embodiments described below. The steering assembly may include an open path to fluidly couple the suction inlet of the foot to the tube and the separation chamber, or the hose can fluidly connect the suction inlet to the separation chamber. Similar to the upright style vacuum embodiment, rotation of the handle in the canister style vacuum embodiment causes the tube to rotate and store energy in the biasing member, which allows the steering assembly to steer the foot. Alternatively,surface cleaning device 10 is hand held or light duty vacuum. - In other embodiments, the
surface cleaning device 10 is not a dry vacuum cleaner. Rather, thesurface cleaning device 10 may be a wet vacuum cleaner capable of drawing in air, liquid and debris. Alternatively, thesurface cleaning device 10 may be an extractor capable of both dispensing liquid and drawing in air, liquid, and debris. In yet other embodiments, thesurface cleaning device 10 may be a steam cleaner that dispenses liquid or steam but does not include a suction source. In additional embodiments,surface cleaning device 10 may be a sweeper that includes a handle and a pivoting base that supports a wet or dry cloth that is positioned below the base. These sweepers do not dispense liquid and do not include a suction source. Regardless of what formsurface cleaning device 10 takes,surface cleaning device 10 includes thesteering assembly 16 movable coupled between thehandle assembly 18 and thefoot 12. In all embodiments, steeringassembly 16 stores energy based on movement of thehandle assembly 18 to steer thefoot 12, as described in detail below. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 , 2, and 3, the steeringassembly 16 allows thehandle 14, and therefore thecanister 20 and the suction source 28 (i.e., the handle assembly 18), to rotate about ahorizontal axis 46 with respect to thefoot 12 between an upright or storage position (FIG. 1 ) and multiple operating or inclined positions (one inclined position illustrated inFIG. 2 ) during use of thesurface cleaning device 10. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2A , theaxle 42 is coincident with thehorizontal axis 46, and in other embodiments (some of which are described in greater detail below), theaxis 46 is offset from theaxle 42. In some embodiments, thesurface cleaning device 10 includes a locking mechanism (not shown) that holds thehandle assembly 18 in the upright position. For example, the locking mechanism can include a projection from one of thehandle assembly 18 and thefoot 12 that is lockingly received within a recess of the other of thehandle assembly 18 and thefoot 12 to maintain thehandle assembly 18 and thefoot 12 coupled together in the upright position. The locking mechanism also can include a release latch that will allow the projection to be released from the recess thereby allowing pivoting of thehandle assembly 18 relative to thefoot 12 to an inclined position. - Also, the steering
assembly 16 allows the user to rotate thehandle 14, and therefore thehandle assembly 18, with respect to thefoot 12 about an axis ofrotation 48 to facilitate steering thefoot 12 and thesurface cleaning device 10 along the surface to be cleaned. In the illustrated embodiment, theaxis 48 forms an acute angle A relative to alongitudinal axis 30 of thehandle assembly 18. When thehandle assembly 18 is in the vertical or upright position, thelongitudinal axis 30 is vertical. When thehandle assembly 18 is tilted aboutaxis 46 away from the vertical or upright position, the same acute angle A is maintained between the axis ofrotation 48 and thelongitudinal axis 30. As shown inFIG. 6 , the angle A is about 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle is between 40 and 50 degrees, between 30 and 60 degrees, or between 15 and 75 degrees. - The steering
assembly 16 includes afirst pivot member 52 and asecond pivot member 50. Thesecond pivot member 50 includes anelongated base 56 and anaperture 58 that extends through theelongated base 56. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2A , theaxle 42 of thewheels 40 extends through theaperture 58 to couple thesecond pivot member 50 to thefoot 12 such that thesecond pivot member 50 rotates with respect to thefoot 12 about thehorizontal axis 46. - Alternatively, steering
assembly 16 can be connected to thefoot 12 in a position separate from thewheels 40 and theaxle 42. In embodiments where theaxis 46 is offset from theaxle 42, thesecond pivot member 50 and theelongated base 56 are rotatably coupled directly to the top of thefoot 12, forward of thewheels 40 andaxle 42. For instance, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 2B ,second pivot member 50 is rotatably connected to thefoot 12 approximately three inches forward of thewheels 40 and theaxle 42. Theelongated base 56 rests on a pair ofopposed ledges 54 within a pair of opposedcylindrical cavities 60 in thefoot 12. In other embodiments, theaxis 46 can be set rearward ofwheels 40 andaxle 42. Thesecond pivot member 50 further includes acylindrical flange 62 that is coupled to thebase 56. As best seen inFIG. 6 , thecylindrical flange 62 includes acavity 64 and anaperture 66. Theaxis 48 extends centrally through thecavity 64 and theaperture 66. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , thefirst pivot member 52 includes a first, generally flat,flange 70 and a second, cylindrical,flange 72. Thefirst flange 70 includesapertures 74 that receive fasteners 76 (FIG. 1 ) to couple thesuction source 28, and thereby thehandle assembly 18 to thesteering assembly 16. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst pivot member 52 is formed as a separate component from thehandle assembly 18 and is coupled to thehandle assembly 18 using thefasteners 76. In other embodiments, thefirst pivot member 52 can be integrally formed with other portions of thesurface cleaning device 10. For example, in such embodiments, thefirst pivot member 52 can be molded as part of thesuction source 28 or thehandle 14. Similarly, in other embodiments, thesecond pivot member 50 may be integrally formed with and at any spot on thefoot 12. As best seen inFIG. 6 , the cylindricalsecond flange 72 includes acavity 78 and anaperture 80. Theaxis 48 extends centrally through thecavity 78 and theaperture 80. In the illustrated embodiment, theflanges first pivot member 52 from plastic. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , the steeringassembly 16 further includes afastener 84 to couple thesecond pivot member 50 and thefirst pivot member 52 such that thepivot members axis 48. In one embodiment, thepivot members pivot members axis 48. In one such embodiment the relative rotation about theaxis 48 is limited to about 120 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the relative rotation about theaxis 48 may be expanded to 240 or even 360 degrees. - The
fastener 84 may include a nut and a bolt, as in the illustrated embodiment, which extends through theaperture 80 of thefirst pivot member 52 and theaperture 66 of thesecond pivot member 50. In other embodiments, thefastener 84 may comprise a snap engagement. For instance, thefastener 84 may comprise a living spring with a tab that snaps into a corresponding engagement of theaperture 80. Thepivot members cavities cavity 88 that includes both of thecavities - The steering
assembly 16 further includes a biasingmember 92 that stores energy to facilitate steering thefoot 12 of thesurface cleaning device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasingmember 92 is a torsion spring in the form of a resilient piece of molded rubber having a durometer of about 90A. In other embodiments, the biasingmember 92 can be formed from other suitable materials having a different durometer, such as in a range of 80-100, and can be other suitable types of torsions springs, such as a coil spring. For example, in embodiments where thesurface cleaning device 10 is hand held or light duty vacuum, the durometer would be lower than if the surface cleaning device is an upright vacuum cleaner. In other embodiments, the biasingmember 92 may comprise two distinct biasing members having the same or different durometers connected, for instance, via corresponding splines. In yet other embodiments, the biasingmember 92 may be any member or mechanism capable of storing energy, such as a compression spring, a torsion bar, a torsion fiber, a magnet, a pneumatic, or a hydraulic member. Whatever form the biasingmember 92 takes, the biasingmember 92 device functions to store mechanical energy when thehandle assembly 18 is twisted relative to thefoot 12. The stored energy is then used to bring thesteering assembly 16 back to center after it has been rotated by a user when thefoot 12 is rolled forwards or backwards during use. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , the biasingmember 92 includes anaperture 94 that extends longitudinally through the biasingmember 92. Thefastener 84 extends through theaperture 94 to couple the biasingmember 92 to thesecond pivot member 50 and thefirst pivot member 52. Also,rounded knobs 96 are located at afirst end 98 of the biasingmember 92 androunded knobs 100 are located at asecond end 102 of the biasingmember 92. Theknobs 96 are received inrecesses 104 of thefirst pivot member 52 having a shape corresponding to the shape of theknobs 98. Likewise, theknobs 100 are received in recesses of the second pivot member 50 (not visible inFIG. 5 ) similar to therecesses 104 of thefirst pivot member 52. Theknobs 96 inhibit rotation of thefirst end 98 of the biasingmember 92 with respect to thefirst pivot member 52 and theknobs 100 inhibit rotation of thesecond end 102 of the biasingmember 92 with respect to thesecond pivot member 50. However, the biasingmember 92 is resilient such that the ends 98 and 102 of the biasingmember 92, and therefore thesecond pivot member 50 and thefirst pivot member 52, can rotate with respect to each other about theaxis 48 and yet the biasingmember 92 returns to the position illustrated inFIG. 3 . Although theknobs ends member 92 for rotation with the respectivefirst pivot member 52 and thesecond pivot member 50. - In operation, the
handle 14 is typically in an upright position (FIG. 1 ) with respect to thefoot 12 when thesurface cleaning device 10 is not in use or is being stored. When the user desires to use thesurface cleaning device 10 to clean a surface, the user pivots thehandle 14 and thehandle assembly 18 about thehorizontal axis 46 with respect to thefoot 12 to an inclined position (FIG. 2 ). The inclined positions of thehandle 14 and thehandle assembly 18 vary during use of thesurface cleaning device 10 as the user uses thehandle 14 to move thefoot 12 in forwards and backwards directions along the surface. Also, the user can steer thefoot 12 to move thefoot 12 generally in horizontal directions (generally represented byarrows FIG. 2 ) along the surface being cleaned. To steer thefoot 12, the user rotates thehandle 14, and therefore thehandle assembly 18, with respect to thefoot 12 about the axis 48 (FIGS. 3 and 4 ). When the user rotates thehandle assembly 18 about theaxis 48, thefirst pivot member 52, which is coupled for rotation with thehandle assembly 18 about theaxis 48, rotates with respect to thesecond pivot member 50, which is fixed from rotation about theaxis 48 with respect to thefoot 12. Rotating thefirst pivot member 52 with respect to thesecond pivot member 50 causes thefirst end 98 of the biasingmember 92 to rotate with respect to thesecond end 102 of the biasingmember 92. The resilient properties of the biasingmember 92 cause the biasingmember 92 to resist rotation of thehandle assembly 18 with respect to thefoot 12 about theaxis 48. However, this resistance and energy stored in the biasingmember 92 by rotation of thehandle assembly 18 about theaxis 48, moves thefoot 12 in either direction ofarrows handle 14 about theaxis 48 when thefoot 12 is being rolled in the forward direction. When the user no longer desires to turn thefoot 12 in thedirection handle 14 and thehandle assembly 18 about theaxis 48. The handle assembly 184 then rotates about theaxis 48 back to the position illustrated inFIG. 2 (also illustrated by phantom lines inFIG. 4 ) because of the resiliency and recovery forces of the biasingmember 92. - Specifically, when the
handle 14 is in an inclined position and thefoot 12 is not moving forwards or backwards, any rotation of thehandle 14 about theaxis 48 will result in twisting of the biasingmember 92 to store energy in the biasingmember 92. The stored energy is released from the biasingmember 92 when thefoot 12 is rolled forwards or backwards. For example, if thehandle 14 is twisted left, then the stored energy of the biasingmember 92 will turn the front of thefoot 12 toward theleft direction 110 when thefoot 12 is rolled forwards thereby bringing thesteering assembly 16 back to its original, unbiased position. Also, if thehandle 14 is twisted left, then the stored energy of the biasing member will turn the back of thefoot 12 toward theleft direction 110 when thefoot 12 is rolled backwards thereby bringing thesteering assembly 16 back to its original, unbiased position. Likewise, if thehandle 14 is twisted right, then the stored energy of the biasingmember 92 will turn the front of thefoot 12 toward theright direction 112 when thefoot 12 is rolled forwards thereby bringing thesteering assembly 16 back to its original, unbiased position. Also, if thehandle 14 is twisted right, then the stored energy of the biasingmember 92 will turn the back of thefoot 12 toward theright direction 112 when thefoot 12 is rolled backwards thereby bringing thesteering assembly 16 back to its original, unbiased position. In this manner, the steeringassembly 16 smoothly transitions user-actuated twisting of thehandle 14 into a delayed yet seamless steering of thefoot 12. - Therefore, the steering
assembly 16 allows the user to pivot thehandle 14 with respect to thefoot 12 about thehorizontal axis 46 from the upright position to one of the inclined positions. Also, the steeringassembly 16 allows the user to rotate thehandle 14 with respect to thefoot 12 about theaxis 48 which facilitates steering thefoot 12 along the surface being cleaned. Furthermore, the steeringassembly 16 includes the biasingmember 92 which allows thesteering assembly 16 to steer thefoot 12 and return thehandle 14 to its original position about theaxis 48. -
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate asteering assembly 16B according to another embodiment of the invention. Thesteering assembly 16B is similar to thesteering assembly 16 ofFIGS. 1-6 and like components have been given like reference numbers with the addition of the suffix ‘B,’ and only the differences between thesteering assemblies steering assembly 16B includes similar components and operates in a similar manner to thesteering assembly 16 ofFIGS. 1-6 . However, thefirst pivot member 52B has a relativelylong length 116B and thebase 56B and theflange 62B of thesecond pivot member 50B are alternatively positioned with respect to each other to position thehandle 14B with respect to thefoot 12 in a slightly different and higher position with respect to the surface being cleaned. -
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate asteering assembly 16C according to another embodiment of the invention. Thesteering assembly 16C is similar to thesteering assemblies FIGS. 1-8 and like components have been given like reference numbers with the addition of the suffix ‘C,’ and only the differences between thesteering assemblies steering assembly 16C is configured for use with asurface cleaning device 10C that includes a singlerear wheel 40C as opposed to thesurface cleaning devices 10 and 10B that includemultiple wheels horizontal axis 46C is not coincident with theaxle 42C. Thesecond pivot member 50C also includestabs 120C. Thetabs 120C engage arim 122C of thewheel 40C to retain thehandle 14C in the upright position (FIG. 10 ). However, when thehandle 14C is in the upright position, thehandle 14C pivots slightly with respect to thefoot 12C aboutaxis 46C to create a small gap between the outer periphery of thewheel 40C and thesecond pivot member 50C. Therefore, thewheel 40C can roll aboutaxle 42C to move or trundle thesurface cleaning device 10C with thehandle 14C in the upright position. However, when in the upright position thehandle 14C can pivot slightly while thetabs 120C are engaged with therim 122C so that thesecond pivot member 50C rests on the outer periphery of thewheel 40C to inhibit rotation of thewheel 40C so thewheel 40C, and thesurface cleaning device 10C, do not roll along the surface when thehandle 14C is in the storage position. - Also, in the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 9-10 , thewheel 40C includes a transparent outer periphery. A light source and a generator are located within the transparent outer periphery. In operation, as thewheel 40C rotates about theaxle 42C, the generator provides power to illuminate the light source. However, the generator does not provide enough power to illuminate the light source until thewheel 40C rotates about theaxle 42C above a predetermined speed. The predetermined speed can be a preferred speed for moving thefoot 12C along the surface being cleaned to achieve the greatest vacuuming efficiency. -
FIG. 11 illustrates asteering assembly 16D according to another embodiment of the invention. Thesteering assembly 16D is similar to thesteering assemblies FIGS. 1-10 and like components have been given like reference numbers with the addition of the suffix ‘D,’ and only the differences between thesteering assemblies steering assembly 16D has a biasingmember 92D that differs from the biasingmember 92 ofFIGS. 1-6 . The biasingmember 92D is a resilient elastomeric component that is received within an aperture of thesecond pivot member 50D. The shape of theelastomeric component 92D is changed by rotating thefastener 84D to apply more or less compressive force to thecomponent 92D. Thefastener 84D is rotated to change the amount of resistance thecomponent 92D applies to relative rotation of thesecond pivot member 50D with respect to thefirst pivot member 52D. -
FIGS. 12-13 illustrate asteering assembly 16E according to another embodiment of the invention. Thesteering assembly 16E is similar to thesteering assemblies FIGS. 1-11 and like components have been given like reference numbers with the addition of the suffix ‘E,’ and only the differences between thesteering assemblies steering assembly 16E includes anadditional pivoting coupling 130E between thesecond pivot member 50E and thefirst pivot member 52E. In this embodiment, the handle assembly 18E is tilted left or right, rather than twisted, to steer thefoot 16E left or right. Specifically, when the handle assembly 18E is tilted,steering mechanism 16E rotates around the axis defined by the 84E, and the biasingmember 92E stores energy to cause thefoot 12E to steer in the direction the handle assembly 18E is tilted. -
FIG. 14 illustrates asteering assembly 16F according to another embodiment of the invention. Thesteering assembly 16F is similar to thesteering assemblies FIGS. 1-13 and like components have been given like reference numbers with the addition of the suffix ‘F,’ and only the differences between thesteering assemblies steering assembly 16F illustrates an alternative embodiment configured for use with afoot 12F having a singlerear wheel 40F with itsaxle 42F being coaxial with thehorizontal axis 46F of thesteering assembly 16F. As described above, the width of thewheel 40F may vary depending on the structure, size, weight distribution, and housing configuration offoot 12F. -
FIGS. 15-18 illustrate an openpath steering assembly 16G according to another embodiment of the invention. Thesteering assembly 16G is described with reference to thesurface cleaning device 10, described above, where like components have been given like reference numbers with the addition of the suffix ‘G’. Unlike steeringassemblies FIGS. 1-14 , the openpath steering assembly 16G provides an open path through thesteering assembly 16G itself The open path can be used to fluidly communicate air and debris from thefoot 12G to the handle assembly 18G in place of thehose 32, which was discussed in the first embodiment. Alternatively, in embodiments wheresurface cleaning device 10 is a wet vac, extractor, or steam cleaning device, the open path may be used to communicate liquid drawn from thefoot 12G to the handle assembly 18G, or may be used to communicate liquid from the handle assembly 18G to be dispensed on the surface via thefoot 12G. In other embodiments, the open path can be used to route or provide a path for any number of vacuum components, such as a power cord from the power supply 34G down to thefoot 12G, to power components located within thefoot 12G such as a brush roll motor or lights positioned in the foot. - Referring to
FIGS. 17-18 , the openpath steering assembly 16G includes asteering tube 202, a biasingmember 204, alock ring 206, asteering lock 208, ahose 210, and front andrear covers steering tube 202 down through thehose 210. Thehose 210 is fluidly connected to asuction opening 38G of thefoot 12G and is also fluidly connected to the cyclonic separation chamber 22G in the canister 20G. In this manner, the fan or impeller and motor located within the suction source 28G can generate an airflow or suction through the open path. -
Steering tube 202 includes anassembly aperture 216, one ormore ring apertures 218, and alower lip 220. Theassembly aperture 216 is designed to receive a corresponding protrusion (not shown) in the handle assembly 18G, such that as the handle 14G and the handle assembly 18G are rotated about alongitudinal axis 48G ofsteering tube 202, the corresponding protrusion received in theassembly aperture 216 causes thesteering tube 202 to rotate in the same manner about theaxis 48. Additionally,assembly aperture 216 can receive a protrusion from handle assembly 18G to removably lock the handle assembly 18G to thesteering tube 202, such that removing the protrusion from theassembly aperture 216 allows thesteering assembly 16G to be detached from thesteering tube 202. The one ormore ring apertures 218 are designed to receive one ormore lock protrusions 222 of thelock ring 206. Thelower lip 220 has a recess 224 (FIG. 18 ) around its circumference that is adopted to receive and create an interference fit with atube side 226 of the biasingmember 204. The width of therecess 224 may vary around its circumference in order to accommodate reception of a plurality ofrounded knobs 230 that protrude from and extend the length of the biasingmember 204. - The
steering lock 208 includes a pair ofprotrusions 232, abase recess 234, and acircumferential ring recess 236. The pair ofprotrusions 232 work to trap thesteering lock 208 within the recess created between thecovers protrusions 232 prevent thesteering lock 208 from rotating about thevertical axis 48G of thesteering mechanism 16G, absent force from a user. Thering recess 236 is adopted to allow thelock ring 206 to fit around therecess 236. Thebase recess 234 around the base of thesteering lock 206 is adopted to receive and create an interference fit with alock end 238 of the biasingmember 204. Similar to therecess 224 of thelower lip 220, the width of thebase recess 234 may vary around its circumference in order to accommodate reception of the plurality ofrounded knobs 230 protruding from the biasingmember 204, as shown inFIG. 17 . Atop end 240 of thehose 210 is secured to thesteering lock 208 via a threadedconnection 242 as illustrated inFIG. 18 . - The
covers FIG. 17 ) that extend traverse to theaxis 48G. When thecovers complementary extensions 244 together create rotatable cylinders 250 (FIG. 15 ). As shown inFIG. 16 , arotational axis 46G of thesteering mechanism 16G, extending fromrotatable cylinders 250, may be coincident with theaxle 42G of thewheels 40G, similar to thehorizontal axis 46 inFIG. 2A . In operation, the user pivots the handle assembly 18G about theaxis 46G with respect to thefoot 12G to an inclined position. Alternatively, and as described earlier and shown inFIG. 2B , thesteering mechanism 16G androtational axis 46G may be set forward of theaxle 42G. Thecylinders 250, when set within thefoot 12G, work to allow a user to tilt thesurface cleaning device 10G forward and backward about theaxis 46G. In yet other embodiments, thesteering mechanism 16G andaxis 46G can be set rearward of thewheels 40G andaxle 42G. - The biasing
member 204 is an energy storing means that stores energy to facilitate steering thefoot 12 of the vacuum. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasingmember 204 is an elastic steering bushing, a single resilient piece of molded rubber having a durometer of about 90. In other embodiments, the biasingmember 204 can be formed from other suitable materials having a different durometer. In yet other embodiments, the biasingmember 204 can be any member or mechanism capable of storing energy, such as a compression spring, a torsion bar, a torsion fiber, a magnet, a pneumatic, or a hydraulic member. Whatever form the biasingmember 204 takes, the biasingmember 204 functions to store mechanical energy when the handle assembly 18G is twisted relative to thefoot 12G. The stored energy is then used to bring the openpath steering assembly 16G back to center after it has been rotated by a user by turning thefoot 12G relative to the handle assembly 18G when thenozzle 12G is rolled forwards or backwards during use. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 17 and 18 , because thetube side 226 and theknobs 230 tightly fit within therecess 224 of thesteering tube 202, thetube side 226 and theknobs 230 inhibit rotation of thetube end 226 of the biasingmember 204 with respect to thesteering tube 202. Similarly, because thelock end 238 and theknobs 230 tightly fit within thebase recess 234 of thesteering lock 208, thelock end 238 and theknobs 230 inhibit rotation of thelock end 238 of the biasingmember 204 with respect to thesteering lock 208. However, the biasingmember 204 is resilient such that the ends 226, 238 of the biasingmember 204, and therefore thesteering tube 202 and thesteering lock 208, can rotate with respect to each other about theaxis 48G, and yet the biasingmember 204 returns to its original position. Although theknobs 230 are rounded in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the knobs can take other suitable shapes. In yet other embodiments, adhesives, fasteners, and the like can be used to couple theends member 204 for rotation with therespective steering tube 202 and thesteering lock 208. - In operation, the user can steer the
foot 12G to move thefoot 12G generally in horizontal directions along the surface being cleaned. To steer thefoot 12G, the user rotates the handle 14G, and therefore handle assembly 18G, with respect to thefoot 12G about theaxis 48G. When the user rotates the handle assembly 18G about theaxis 48G, thesteering tube 202, which is coupled for rotation with the handle 14G via theassembly aperture 216, rotates with respect to thesteering lock 208, which is fixed from rotation about theaxis 48G with respect to thefoot 12G. Rotating thesteering tube 202 with respect to thesteering lock 208 causes thetube end 226 of the biasingmember 204 to rotate with respect to thelock end 238 of the biasingmember 204. The resilient properties of the biasingmember 204 cause the biasingmember 204 to resist rotation of the handle assembly 18G with respect to thefoot 12G about the axis defined by the open path. However, this resistance and energy stored in the biasingmember 204 by rotation of the handle 18G about theaxis 48G, moves thefoot 12G, depending on which direction the user rotates the handle assembly 18G about the axis defined by the open path. When the user no longer desires to turn thefoot 12, the user releases or stops turning the handle 14G and handle assembly 18G about theaxis 48G. Then, the handle assembly 18G rotates about theaxis 48G back to its original position because of the resiliency and recovery forces of the biasingmember 204.
Claims (20)
1. A surface cleaning device operable to clean a surface, the surface cleaning device comprising:
a foot;
a handle assembly pivotally coupled to the foot for movement between an upright position and an inclined position, the handle assembly having a longitudinal axis; and
a steering assembly coupled between the handle assembly and the foot, the steering assembly including a biasing member and defining an axis of rotation, the biasing member movable with the handle assembly relative to the foot as the handle assembly pivots between the upright position and the inclined position, the axis of rotation formed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle assembly;
wherein rotation of the handle assembly relative to the foot about the axis of rotation stores energy within the biasing member such that the biasing member exerts a corresponding force on the foot to encourage turning of the foot.
2. The surface cleaning device of claim 1 , wherein the axis of rotation extends through the biasing member.
3. The surface cleaning device of claim 2 , wherein the axis of rotation is a longitudinal axis of the biasing member.
4. The surface cleaning device of claim 1 , wherein the acute angle is between 15 degrees and 75 degrees.
5. The surface cleaning device of claim 1 , wherein the biasing member includes a first end secured to the handle assembly to inhibit movement of the first end with respect to the handle assembly, and a second end secured to the foot to inhibit movement of the second end with respect to the handle assembly.
6. The surface cleaning device of claim 5 , wherein the biasing member includes a first knob located at the first end and a second knob located at the second end, wherein the first knob is received in a first recess of the handle assembly, and wherein the second knob is received in a second recess of the foot.
7. The surface cleaning device of claim 1 , wherein the biasing member includes a resilient piece of molded rubber.
8. The surface cleaning device of claim 1 , wherein the steering assembly includes a fastener that rotatably couples the handle assembly to the foot, and wherein the fastener extends through the biasing member.
9. The surface cleaning device of claim 8 , wherein the fastener extends along the axis of rotation.
10. The surface cleaning device of claim 1 , wherein the foot includes a suction opening and wheels.
11. The surface cleaning device of claim 10 , wherein the handle assembly pivots relative to the foot between the upright position and the inclined position about an incline axis, and wherein the incline axis is generally parallel to an axle of the wheels.
12. The surface cleaning device of claim 10 , wherein the surface cleaning device is an upright vacuum cleaner including a dirt collection chamber and a motor housing supported by the handle assembly, and wherein the suction opening is fluidly coupled to the dirt collection chamber.
13. A surface cleaning device operable to clean a surface, the surface cleaning device comprising:
a foot;
a handle assembly pivotally coupled to the foot for movement between an upright position and an inclined position, the handle assembly having a longitudinal axis; and
a steering assembly coupled between the handle assembly and the foot, the steering assembly including a biasing member and defining an axis of rotation, the biasing member including a first end secured to the handle assembly to inhibit movement of the handle assembly relative to the first end of the biasing member, the axis of rotation formed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle assembly;
wherein rotation of the handle assembly relative to the foot about the axis of rotation stores energy within the biasing member such that the biasing member exerts a corresponding force on the foot to encourage turning of the foot.
14. The surface cleaning device of claim 13 , wherein the acute angle between the axis of rotation and the longitudinal axis remains constant as the handle assembly pivots between the upright position and the inclined position.
15. The surface cleaning device of claim 13 , wherein the biasing member also includes a second end secured to the foot to inhibit movement of the foot relative to the second end of the biasing member.
16. The surface cleaning device of claim 15 , wherein the axis of rotation extends through the first end and the second end of the biasing member.
17. The surface cleaning device of claim 15 , wherein the steering assembly includes a fastener that rotatably couples the handle assembly to the foot, and wherein the fastener extends through the first end and the second end of the biasing member.
18. The surface cleaning device of claim 13 , wherein the biasing member includes a resilient piece of molded rubber.
19. The surface cleaning device of claim 18 , wherein the resilient piece of molded rubber includes a knob located at the first end, and wherein the knob is received in a recess of the handle assembly.
20. The surface cleaning device of claim 13 , wherein the foot includes a suction opening and wheels, wherein the handle assembly pivots relative to the foot between the upright position and the inclined position about an incline axis, and wherein the incline axis is generally parallel to an axle of the wheels.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/524,386 US20150040344A1 (en) | 2010-10-15 | 2014-10-27 | Steering assembly for surface cleaning device |
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US13/273,928 US8869349B2 (en) | 2010-10-15 | 2011-10-14 | Steering assembly for surface cleaning device |
US14/524,386 US20150040344A1 (en) | 2010-10-15 | 2014-10-27 | Steering assembly for surface cleaning device |
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US14/524,386 Abandoned US20150040344A1 (en) | 2010-10-15 | 2014-10-27 | Steering assembly for surface cleaning device |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2012051550A1 (en) | 2012-04-19 |
EP2521474B1 (en) | 2016-05-11 |
US8869349B2 (en) | 2014-10-28 |
JP2013542783A (en) | 2013-11-28 |
JP5723017B2 (en) | 2015-05-27 |
US20120090105A1 (en) | 2012-04-19 |
CN102711573B (en) | 2015-04-08 |
EP2521474A1 (en) | 2012-11-14 |
CN102711573A (en) | 2012-10-03 |
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