US20160100725A1 - Vacuum portals to alleviate strains and stresses of vacuum cleaning - Google Patents

Vacuum portals to alleviate strains and stresses of vacuum cleaning Download PDF

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Publication number
US20160100725A1
US20160100725A1 US14/510,272 US201414510272A US2016100725A1 US 20160100725 A1 US20160100725 A1 US 20160100725A1 US 201414510272 A US201414510272 A US 201414510272A US 2016100725 A1 US2016100725 A1 US 2016100725A1
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vacuum
debris
furniture
portals
cleaning
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US14/510,272
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Alex P. Janssen, Jr.
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Individual
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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

Definitions

  • Parr 15//320 “Cleaning Machine for Cleaning a Surface with Edge Cleaning “Capability” 2005/0015916 Jan. 27, 2005 L. Orubor 15/320 “Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaning Device” 2004/0221406 Nov. 11, 04 N. G. Grey 15/42 “Surface Cleaning Apparatus” 2004/0045126 Mar. 11, 2004 Parker et al 15/403 “Sweeper with Dusting” 2003/0221281 Dec. 4, 2003 J-K. Oh 15/387 “Vacuum Cleaner having a Brush with a Floor Cloth” 2003/0192144 Oct. 16, 2003 J-G. Song et al 15/346 “Robot Vacuum Cleaner with Air Agitation” 2003/0051310 Mar.
  • This invention is an apparatus that provides a feature to a vacuum cleaner nozzle as such is found upon an upright vacuum cleaner, or to a vacuum cleaner suction hose nozzle attached to a canister type floor vacuum cleaner. This provides a means to remove debris and hair from the bottom of furniture legs.
  • This apparatus provides an upper side of the standard nozzle with a suction means when activated and opened to draw the debris and hair from the bottom of chair legs and such. This invention provides such a feature to improve the routine use of standard vacuum cleaner floor nozzles.
  • the opening citations are references in prior art of the appliance wherein we see the upright standard vacuum cleaner and the related canister and tank types that moves along surfaces with a wand containing a nozzle to vacuum with.
  • this invention in application are several distinct and different working features of the apparatus to be reviewed and considered in the prior art.
  • Vacuum cleaners constitute many varieties over the many years of there development. In the earlier cleaning devices that are before electricity became available in homes and
  • the independent cleaning of pet hair from furniture legs is accomplished by the means of a topside device with increased suction that is opened as required for this task.
  • this independent device contains a separated channel of increased suction that can be opened and closed by remote means without interruption or manual action.
  • My invention herein shown adds convenience to a standard floor nozzle and ease in the cleanup of pet hair from furniture legs.
  • the rotating-force generating unit includes a fan rotatably disposed in the nozzle body to rotate by means of drawn in-air . . . ” [col. 2, lines 50-52]
  • the rotating force-transmitting unit may include a motor disposed in the nozzle body” [col.
  • a multi-purpose vacuum cleaner accessory is provided for use in grooming multiple types of animals and for cleaning fabric and floor substrates.
  • the accessory comprises a body and a brush attachable thereto.
  • the brush is configured for creating an airflow directed to the surface of the animal's coat or substrate so that the brush is effective for use on all types of animal coats and fabric/flooring.
  • the invention further comprises an auxiliary brush extending from the forward compartment.
  • the auxiliary brush can be driven by the electric motor used to drive the elongate brush, such as by connecting the auxiliary brush to the elongate rotatable brush with a gear drive.” [col. 2, lines 37-42]
  • This forward rotating brush serves to dislodge debris into the main chamber of the nozzle by the routine suction means.
  • the increased suction is specific when the sliding valve is opened, and the entry point is ‘topside’ at one end of the standard vacuum cleaner nozzle.
  • the valve is an important feature in my invention as when it slides open, it diverts an increased suction force specifically issuing from the upper, or topside, of the standard floor nozzle, and then when not in use, it is closed.
  • the action required to open, or to close, a sliding valve, likely of plastic, is a force from the vacuum operator that will manually force it one way or the other to open and close it.
  • the sliding action will include the means to divert the suction force from the routine and normal activity of the standard floor nozzle to an increased flow through the topside opening to dislodge and collect the accumulated debris or pet hair on the bottom of a chair leg.
  • connection hole to which an external instrument is connected, a shutter to open and close one inlet, and a cap to open and close the connection hole.
  • this type of valve action is included wherein the ‘topside’ opening is activated by the use of the vacuum nozzle, and its support, to force open a sliding valve against the chair leg or an equivalent furniture item, and in turn, this also opens the increased vacuum air flow aiding the removal of debris and pet hair.
  • there is another robotic cleaner also showing a valve action to direct its air flow.
  • the air injector may further include a flow-rate control valve inserted in the air injection pipe to adjust the injection amount of air.
  • the automatic cleaning device further comprises a controller [i.e., a computer or computer module], which operates to control the flow-rate control valve based on signals transmitted from a plurality of sensors, which are attached to a location of the body to sense the presence of the walls of a room, thereby adjusting the discharge amount of air.”
  • a controller i.e., a computer or computer module
  • the side brush may have a vertically movable lifting mechanism located at the bottom of the body.”
  • This explanation continues with the mention of “a vertically slidable device to stop [shut off] the actions of the lifters.” [col.
  • the cleaning member is to be located on the upper portion of a floor nozzle unit, and I may or may not require a brush to draw in by suction the evident debris and pet hair by increased vacuum air force that is provided by a sliding device that will open and will close the device.
  • a sliding device that will open and will close the device.
  • Another similar device is to be cited to follow.
  • Vacuum machines commonly referred to as vacuum cleaners
  • vacuum cleaners have been used for many years perform debris pick-up from floor surfaces with a nozzle designed to pull an air stream from the floor surface.
  • various debris tends to cling to the feet of furniture legs and this debris will not be removed with the type of floor nozzle found on vacuum cleaners in common use today.
  • this debris requires hand removal typically which requires an operator to free up their hands from the vacuum machine, and they will have to bend over and remove this debris from the foot of the furniture.
  • the apparatus described herein relieves the vacuum operator from stooping, bending over, and hand picking off the debris or pet hair. This will make their job easier, more sanitary and pleasant, and more quickly completed.
  • ‘Vacuum Portals’ provide a world class improvement in vacuum cleaning. They reach the unreachable and make vacuum cleaning easy. They target the unreachable, the difficult, and the ‘out of the way’ debris and pet hair that is unattainable by current vacuum cleaners. This new system will sweep the world and render the existing vacuum cleaners obsolete.
  • a prime objective is the removal of accumulations of debris and pet hair from beneath chair legs, and such, that can be lifted if required, and a vacuum cleaner floor nozzle with a top side Vacuum Portal can be passed underneath such furniture feet to remove any accumulated debris and pet hair.
  • no stooping, bending over, or touching this debris with your hands is intended, in so much as these Vacuum Portals can offset direct contact and provide a quicker, cleaner, and safer way to clean off such debris.
  • the chair leg would have to be lifted up off the floor, but the overall energy and time involved is certainly less than before.
  • the “Vacuum Portals to alleviate strain and stress of vacuum cleaning” is my invention to ease the user from slowing down while operating a vacuum cleaner and from having to bend over when cleaning off debris and pet hair from furniture supports.
  • This Vacuum Portal is for a vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising a vacuum suction vent to vacuum up debris and pet hair from furniture feet.
  • This invention further comprises that this suction means has a vacuum portal vent that can vacuum up such accumulated debris and pet hair from furniture supports, including furniture feet.
  • This is a device that will apply suction from a vacuum cleaner directly to the task at hand, and herein is shown how this device will do this job. It removes the accumulated debris and pet hair from a chair leg or furniture feet while cleaning, without having to bend over and manually pick the debris off.
  • This invention introduces a new term and meaning to vacuum up and remove the accumulation of debris and pet hair from crevices and the unreachable places wherein a vacuum cleaner should be able to prevail for such removal.
  • Vacuum “[pl. vacuums or vacua/Latin from neuter vacuus empty; akin to Latin vacare to be empty] 1. emptiness of space; 2a. a space absolutely devoid of matter; 2b. a space partially exhausted ⁇ as to the highest degree possible ⁇ by artificial means ⁇ as an air pump ⁇ ; 2c. a degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure, negative pressure; 3a. a vacant space, void ⁇ his death has left a - - - in our lives ⁇ ; 3b. a state of isolation from outside influences ⁇ people who live in a - - - so that the world outside them is of no moment ⁇ W. S. Maugham; 4. a device creating or utilizing a partial vacuum.
  • Vacuum adjective 1 of, containing, producing, or utilizing a partial vacuum ⁇ separated by means of - - - distillation ⁇ 2. of or relating to a vacuum device or system ⁇ expert at - - - repair ⁇
  • [2a.] Portal adjective [New Latin ‘porta’ transverse fissure of the liver, from Latin ‘gate’] 1. of or relating to the transverse fissure on the underside of the liver where most of the vessels enter; 2. of, or relating to, or being a portal vein.
  • Vacuum is the suction force as mentioned herein in this invention application, is a principal duty of the vacuum cleaner motor.
  • Portal is from its earlier Latin descriptions of ‘gate’ and ‘entrance’ wherein in current reference, such descriptions can refer to outer space vistas, as in views through an aperture in a space craft, as a viewing portal.
  • a Vacuum Portal is an aperture wherein a suction force may draw dust, debris, and- of course- pet hair into a vacuum cleaner for its removal and disposal.
  • vacuum cleaner nozzles can direct a vacuum suction force to clean out accumulated debris and pet hair from many types, but not limited to comprising, these cited types:
  • This invention offers a better means to vacuum up hard to reach debris, as the Vacuum Portal provides auxiliary apertures positioned upon a standard floor nozzle so as to be adjacent to most of such difficult locations wherein debris will accumulate, and currently a standard floor nozzle does not gather such accumulated debris.
  • the Vacuum Portal offers a means for cleaning furniture supports, including furniture feet, and such, wherein the auxiliary vacuum suction device is to be positioned to remove debris and pet hair from the bottom of furniture supports, including furniture feet, baseboards, crevices, corners, stairways, and small areas unattainable by standard vacuum nozzles.
  • This portal will provide an auxiliary vacuum vent that can be manually opened for this task, and then it can be closed shut when the task has been completed.
  • auxiliary vents are to be located in the most expedient and convenient positions upon the vacuum cleaner nozzle to accomplish this cleaning task. All such vents, singly, and in combination, are not to be limited to any such vent means shown in the drawings, as they are to be located and shaped variously as expedient to fit upon the vacuum cleaner nozzle.
  • Vacuum Portal vents are to have appropriate means to be opened when in use, and closed after its use, and in some cases they have tabs, or levers, projecting from the surface of the vacuum nozzle that can force this apparatus to open for use and to be closed after use.
  • the vacuum nozzle passes over the floor surface so that when these tabs, or levers, are forced open the vacuum suction will divert from the routine floor use into the portal vent as there will be an increased suction force channeled, or directed, that will remove debris from the furniture, or crevices, and such.
  • these auxiliary Vacuum Portal vents may comprise in design and manufacture by those skilled in the art to be channeled with an increased vacuum suction to be directed to these vents when they are opened for use. Further, in design and manufacture by those skilled in the art, an option of a separated upper chamber could serve to direct and channel one of more, portal vents to provide the increased suction force to the vacuum portal vents when opened. Further, these auxiliary Vacuum Portal vents can direct the increased vacuum suction force when directionally activated by a projecting tab or by a sliding lever wherein the routine floor surface suction force may be shut off and redirected to serve this purpose.
  • FIG. 6-22 there is shown the feature as a tab, or lever, projection that can be pushed open manually by force from the nozzle being directed by the operator when requisite to clean off the debris or pet hair from the furniture, and such. It is then pushed closed shut when the task is completed. While the opening shown in the drawings is large and on both sides of the floor nozzle, in many other applications the opening can be singular on one end only and such can be in many various styles and types from round to oval, and even in an irregular form as any of such can perform the required tasks.
  • FIGS. 12, 13 & 14 wherein the front vent and the side vent are displayed providing diverse vents that can serve other specific areas where such debris and pet hair might be found.
  • a further improvement is the addition of brushes, bristles, and scrapers, that can be placed into the slots provided [ FIGS. 19-22 ].
  • the types of brushes, bristles, and scrapers are portrayed in FIGS. 23-26 that can dislodge and collect this debris and pet hair when encountered. This debris would be routinely vacuumed up, and any surplus collected on the brushes, bristles, and scrapers can be opportunely cleaned off, selectively as requisite.
  • These additional features could be configured to optimally serve as best desired by the users, or manufacturers of vacuum cleaners by those skilled in the art.
  • Vacuum Portals further comprise that the auxiliary vacuum portal vents be located expediently upon the vacuum cleaner nozzle to best perform the task, and comprise singly, and in combinations, but are not limited to, these following:
  • the tasks of cleaning off debris or pet hair from the legs and bottom feet of furniture and such can be facilitated by the means of nearby available attached brushes or the means of attached scrapers [seen in FIGS. 23-26 ] that agitate or displace the debris items enabling such to be drawn by the suction means into the nozzle portal vent opening available.
  • the means for cleaning furniture feet further comprising an auxiliary vacuum suction device with means to disturb and displace such debris from furniture, and such, by the means of brushes, bristles, and scrapers as requisite to accomplish this task.
  • the means for cleaning furniture, crevices, and such further comprising these brushes, bristles, and scrapers can be attached to the vacuum cleaner nozzle by the means of adhesives, hook and loop, and slotted devices [can be seen in FIGS.
  • This versatile tool can additionally be extended and offered in longer designs so as to reach around the furniture supports, and such, opposite to the approaching side to displace and free up debris.
  • my invention can offer the additional function of brushes and scrapers of various types, it proves well within obvious skill to extend such devices to reach further, or in circular fashions, to displace debris opposite to, or further along from the nozzle opening.
  • An added feature that utilizes the extended double openings ‘topside’, at the ends or sides, and at the front of the nozzle to deliver two different and, distinct iterations or variations of this design, as being taught in the Figures that follow.
  • Another strongly desired iteration could involve a possible topside, a front, or side, portal opening, either in a standard vent, or in an elongated type, to gather up debris with such a double opening and flexible apparatus.
  • the standard vacuum cleaner nozzle can be designed to extend its suction means beyond a single applicable opening to such double openings and extended features to benefit the cleaning of debris or pet hair from furniture.
  • This means for cleaning furniture feet may comprise an auxiliary vacuum suction device to remove debris from the bottom of furniture feet without requiring the user to stoop and bend enough to pull the debris from a furniture foot, or other such areas, by hand.
  • This means for cleaning furniture feet further comprises the relieving the user from requiring the person to stoop and bend to pull such debris off of a furniture foot by hand to make the task easier, more sanitary, and more quickly completed.
  • the apparatus for cleaning furniture further comprises a vacuum suction means for cleaning debris from various furniture supports, singly, and in combination, but not limited to, these following:
  • the heavy furniture can include large beds, living room couches, dining room tables and such, even in part, frames, stretchers, trestles, bases, and supports that are immobile, or just heavy and difficult to move or lift up.
  • the vacuum cleaning of many of these objects can be accomplished without undue bending or lifting effort that is an obvious saving in time, effort, and energy. It seems that my invention can ameliorate the difficulty and effort that such vacuum cleaning can involve.
  • an increased vacuum effort can be attained with open channeling of the vacuum force available when extra channels can be closed off.
  • the increase in suction can be directed into the vacuum apparatus as herein described and such will ease the difficulty of the removal of debris or pet hair from the legs or bases of furniture.
  • ‘Vacuum Portals’ provide a world class improvement in vacuum cleaning. They reach the unreachable and make vacuum cleaning easy. They target the unreachable, the difficult, and the ‘out of the way’ debris and pet hair that is currently unattainable by existing vacuum cleaners. This new system will sweep the world and render the existing vacuum cleaners obsolete.
  • the first 5 Figures herein are descriptive charts of the various functions of this invention wherein the new, novel, and unique vacuum portals are outlined and detailed for their benefits to the user of a vacuum cleaner.
  • the vacuum power is increased through these portals, as their small size restricts these openings and in turn increases the force of suction to collect the targeted debris.
  • the detailing of some of the many possible vacuum portals is to be seen in the drawings to follow these first 5 introductory charts.
  • FIG. 1 is a chart showing how the vacuum portal system will clean up the targeted debris and pet hair that is detailed in the figures to follow No. 6 through 22 .
  • the vacuum cleaner is switched on, and the fan motor and suction starts to provide an active, working vacuum cleaner that is now ready to perform.
  • the upright type will have a suction nozzle attached to the vacuum cleaner frame to serve to clean floor surfaces while in service.
  • the other model is a canister type using an attached hose and wand wherein the wand has at one end a suction nozzle to clean floor surfaces while in service.
  • an auxiliary device with the means of the use of a vacuum portal to clean and gather up debris and pet hair being targeted to be collected along the floor surface.
  • a slide means is shown available to open and to close the vacuum portal individually as needed, and in FIGS. 21 and 22 as a group of vacuum portals as seen on the right side, or on the left side, by a lever means as shown.
  • FIG. 1 it is shown that once the vacuum portals have been selected, and used to clean the debris until the task is completed, that the vacuum cleaner is then switched off and put into storage until again needed.
  • this ‘New Vacuum Cleaner’ is cited as “A New & None Before Seen Improved Way to Clean with a Vacuum” and a Canister Model is shown whereby a selection of the best nozzle for the task gives 3 choices available for this vacuum cleaning system.
  • the 3 models shown are [1] New Deluxe; [2] Standard Model; & [3] Existing Model, and each is then listed with activity choices and methods available to clean up debris and pet hair.
  • the ‘New Deluxe’ an immediate citation exclaims: “Let the Portal Clean” wherein the increased force of suction is exalted through the vacuum portal system that likely has never before seen by most people that use a vacuum cleaner.
  • the instruction in this centered column would be “Direct to Point of Work”, and “Clear Off Debris” by these selected brush means, or by the plain suction force from a vacuum portal.
  • “Direct Brush against Solid Object to Bend it into Vacuum Nozzle” wherein the suction force can collect the debris and pet hair into this canister vacuum cleaner.
  • the right hand column of FIG. 2 displays the “Existing Model” which typically can be an older model canister vacuum cleaner and as such, it would have no Vacuum Portal openings or auxiliary features available with the newer updated models just described. Available on these older existing models would be the Brush Kit separately sold, and these brushes would not have the slide-in channel to mount the selected brush to use that is seen on the newer updated models. These brushes for such existing models would have to be attached by hook & loop [Velcro] or by proper glue material. For the existing models is cited “Use a Brush Kit/Pack-Select Brush & Place It-on Vacuum Nozzle” and such a brush would remain fixed tight to the vacuum nozzle unless a Velcro release system or such is used.
  • the Chart outlines the efficiency of the Vacuum Portal expediting the clean up of debris and pet hair from around furniture—both heavy and light—wherein the operator can maneuver the vacuum cleaner with only the lifting involved, when needed to clear away pet hair.
  • Such new and novel features speed up the cleaning tasks, and can reach far and away more accumulations of debris with an ease of use never before experienced.
  • This chart opens with “NEW VACUUM CLEANER” indicating “Gather Attached Pet Hair or—Debris from Furniture Base—or Furniture Feet” and then, “Select New Type Nozzle for Task”.
  • This chart in FIG. 3 then divides into 2 columns: First, “Lift Up-Furniture”; and Second, “Furniture-Too Heavy-to Lift”.
  • the next adjoining block section states: “Direct Vacuum-Power to-Optimal-Portal” and following is the statement: “Select Best-Vacuum-Nozzle-Portal to-Dislodge-Debris”.
  • the final admonition states: “No Strain, No Fuss, Just Quicker!—Use the Vacuum Portal to Do the Work!” and then in closing: “Work Faster, Clean Better with Less Effort,—Let the Vacuum Portal Do the Work!” What this column one shows is that no-one generally has to lift furniture routinely to clean off the accumulated debris and pet hair, just let the vacuum cleaner with the new portal openings do the work, if at all possible, and if incomplete or unduly difficult, the operator can add a brush to the vacuum nozzle to finish up with any such difficult piece of furniture.
  • the second column deals with furniture that is too heavy to lift up, or it is mostly unmovable, or unreachable, or located in a bad or awkward spot to try to reach, and alternative measures will be needed to complete the task.
  • the operator is instructed to start with a “Vacuum Portal-Clears Up Debris” as this vacuum procedure might well do the job, and it certainly will gather what it can of the debris, and it assuredly will reduce what was at that spot.
  • Vacuum Portals The value and use of Vacuum Portals continues with “A New Method Unique with-Vacuum Portals” and its use is directed following “Vacuum with a Portal or a-Brush along Baseboard”.
  • the auxiliary feature of a Brush Kit/Pack combining with a Vacuum Portal can extend the ability to reach out and gather debris at a distance, and cleanly as the high suction force of the portal, assures that debris will move along into the vacuum cleaner once disturbed or displaced from the furniture or baseboard corner. This increased ability to gather up such debris is extolled in the next block section stating “If Vacuum Portal does not Reach—then Use a Brush from Kit/Pack”. This added feature combines well with the uses of a brush at any time while cleaning.
  • the Brush Kit/Pack provides specialty brushes that cleanly and easily slide into a predesigned proprietary slot built into the deluxe nozzle system; and in standard models this type of slot can be—if not built in—affixed by an adhesive material to the surface of the nozzle whereupon the selected brushes would then be placed into service; and in older existing models a similar means of adhesive attachment would serve to provide brushes that would be placed into service.
  • FIG. 1 is a mechanical operation summary
  • FIG. 2 is the 3 different types of canister vacuums
  • FIG. 3 concerns cleaning of furniture bases and feet
  • FIG. 4 covers Vacuum Portal cleaning including auxiliary brushes
  • FIG. 5 covers the usage and types of brushes.
  • FIG. 6 through FIG. 22 wherein all different types, styles, and activities of Vacuum Portals will be shown and taught as they deliver their performance for this new and non-obvious invention.
  • a standard floor nozzle [ 2 ] is shown with a right side and a left side Vacuum Portal being presented as open [ 22 ] on the top side of the nozzle [ 2 ].
  • the means to open or close each Vacuum Portal [ 6 ] is shown as a projection upward that can be moved back and forth to open and close off the suction force [ 22 ] by using a nearby solid object, or the operator's foot to move the Portal [ 6 ] open or closed as needed.
  • These two Portals [ 6 ] are located on the top side of this nozzle.
  • FIG. 7 there is shown a side view expanding the cited Section A from FIG. 6 wherein an incoming suction force [ 16 ] passes into the floor nozzle [ 2 ] that is shown as an opening [ 4 ] as the portal vent is open [ 22 ].
  • This said opening can portray a standard floor surface vacuum, or demonstrate a Vacuum Portal as it would function to gather debris.
  • the ancillary control is shown closed [ 24 ] on the upper top side [ 8 ] of the nozzle [ 2 ] as the closing is directed by pushing closed the top side tab [ 6 ] for this function.
  • FIG. 8 the same Section A view of a floor nozzle [ 2 ] is shown wherein the suction force [ 16 ] is directed upward to the top side [ 8 ] through the Vacuum Portal [ 22 ] and as directed by the opening tab [ 6 ], by the closing off of the lower floor surface suction force [ 24 ] since it would be controlled and directed when the upper tab is opened ⁇ See FIG. 11 ⁇ .
  • FIG. 9 the side view is of Section B from the prior FIG. 6 , wherein the rotating cylinder is shown [as in FIG. 11 to follow] that provides the mechanical means to open and close off the vent openings to direct the suction force to where it is needed.
  • the suction force being provided will be much stronger and more powerful when directed to the Vacuum Portal vents [as seen in FIG. 22 ] selectively as in right side or left side, and the routine floor suction force is blocked being redirected to the Portals.
  • the cylinder rotation follows the tab means [ 6 ] to close the top side [ 8 ] vent opening [ 24 ] and open the lower side vent opening [ 22 ], the floor surface vacuum in this example [ 15 ] will open for dust and debris removal.
  • the rotating cylinder openings are pre-selected depending upon the design and model as portrayed in the following FIGS. 16 through 22 wherein the suction force may be directed away from the floor surface cleaning and into selected Portals.
  • FIG. 10 shows the reverse of FIG. 9 in its functions and as an example of prior Section B from FIG. 6 .
  • the floor nozzle [ 2 ] is displayed in an end view wherein on the lower floor surface is closed shown as its vent being closed [ 24 ].
  • the upper top side [ 8 ] has its Portal vent open [ 22 ] wherein the sliding tab [ 6 ] is shown pushed back to leave the Portal open in this view.
  • FIG. 11 the elongated rotating cylinder is displayed that operates to open and shut the directed suction force inside the vacuum nozzle as shown in the prior FIGS. 6 through 10 .
  • the suction force is shown divided into two different sections wherein this suction force is directed through the nozzle opening [ 18 ] as indicated by the tabs [ 6 ] shown.
  • These two sections are shown indicated in the FIG. 22 to follow wherein by the choice of the manufacturer the two Portal functions are activated by the lever shown in FIG. 22 as being right side or left side in the Deluxe Models [See Chart in FIG. 2 ] of the vacuum nozzles.
  • Assistive force means to open or to close a Portal vent can be direct by the means of the tab, or activation of the right side or the left side which can be accomplished by activation means of levers, rotating devices, push rods, selective tabs, switch means, or remote activation means, or such as deemed appropriate.
  • This assistive means can be designed and fitted upon the Vacuum Portal nozzle by the choice of the manufacturer. The rotation of this elongated cylinder is shown supported by the center pin [ 28 ] that provides for the centering and rotary movement desired in the FIG. 11 .
  • FIG. 12 an end view again of a vacuum nozzle [ 2 ] detailing two Vacuum Portals as the floor surface vent [4] being open [ 22 ], and a closed front Vacuum Portal vent [ 24 , at the front].
  • a Vacuum Portal Vent [ 24 ] On the upper top side another Vacuum Portal Vent [ 24 ] is shown closed, as the tab [ 6 ] has been forced aside to close this Portal, so that the lower Portal may be open [ 22 ] as a floor surface component [ 4 ].
  • This FIG. 12 introduces a second series of the Vacuum Portals facing the front ahead of the floor nozzle [ 2 ] that is provided a directed means to force it open and the spring shown to close the Portal as needed.
  • the availability and placement, and as well, the activation, of all such Vacuum Portals would be at the choice of the manufacturer as they may delineate and designate different models of floor nozzles for their choice of markets and price points.
  • FIG. 13 an end view again of a vacuum nozzle [ 2 ] shown just as in the prior FIG. 12 , with the single variation that the Vacuum Portal is shown being placed at the side on the end, and not at the front as in FIG. 12 .
  • FIG. 14 an end view as above is shown wherein the two Vacuum Portals of FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are combined to display both the front and the side locations of the Vacuum Portals, as chosen by the manufacturer, or marketing department, or the designer for this model.
  • FIG. 15 a complete vacuum floor nozzle is displayed [ 2 ] wherein two Vacuum Portals are shown [Nos. 24 ] closed. On the upper top side [ 8 ], there is a tab [ 6 ] that is shown closed at a Vacuum Portal [ 24 ]. The suction force enters this floor nozzle [ 2 ] at a connecting section [ 10 ] that would attach to the wand or hose of a canister or tank type vacuum. The side Portal is shown shut [ 24 ] in this drawing, but it can be forced open or shut as needed whenever some debris is to be removed from beside this vacuum nozzle.
  • FIG. 16 the above complete vacuum floor nozzle [ 2 ] is displayed, and such is true for FIGS. 15 through 22 wherein this design of the floor nozzle is repeated showing variations of Vacuum Portals.
  • FIG. 16 there are two Portals, one at the side of the nozzle shown closed [ 24 ], and a second one at the upper top side [ 8 ] being operated by a tab [ 6 ] that shows it being also closed [ 24 ].
  • the suction force is directed into the floor nozzle through a connector [ 10 ] that would attach to a wand or hose of a canister or tank type vacuum cleaner.
  • Vacuum Portals displayed, one at the side of the vacuum nozzle [ 2 ], another on the upper top side [ 8 ] that is shown closed [ 24 ] as the tab indicates [ 6 ], and the third at the front, being an elongated type, and it is shown closed [ 24 ].
  • the vacuum suction force enters with a connector [ 10 ] that would attach to a canister or tank type vacuum through a wand or hose.
  • FIG. 18 there are four Vacuum Portals shown in a perspective view on a vacuum cleaner nozzle [ 2 ] as seen prior to.
  • the two Portals are being shown, one is closed [ 24 ], and the second one is shown open [ 22 ] each from a push by the tabs [ 6 ].
  • On one . side visible in the drawing a Portal is shown closed [ 24 ] and on the front side is an elongated Portal [ 24 ] across the front.
  • the suction force of this vacuum cleaner passes through a connector [ 10 ] that provides an attachment means to a wand or hose from a canister or tank type vacuum.
  • FIG. 19 an additional upper top side [ 8 ] fourth Portal opening [ 24 ] is shown being open, and a second one is closed. These are similar Portals as seen in prior FIG. 18 . Items in this FIG. 19 are marked the same as FIG. 18 with the exception of a brush, bristle, and scraper inset track [11].
  • FIG. 20 all markings and features are similar except that the Portals on the top side are reversed, and for an additional inset track [ 11 ] shown at the back of the nozzle [ 2 ] on the upper top side [ 8 ].
  • These inset tracks [ 11 ] allow various brush type devices to be attached to the vacuum cleaner nozzle [ 2 ] in order to loosen and dislodge debris and pet hair that in turn can be drawn up into the suction of the vacuum cleaner [ 2 ] passing through the connector [ 10 ] on its way into the storage compartment of the vacuum.
  • FIG. 21 displays this cleaning type brush in a movable manner indicating the ways to loosen and dislodge debris through this Vacuum Portal device.
  • the opening and the closing of this brush [ 26 ] would be similar to FIG. 22 to follow, wherein assistive means would be employed.
  • FIG. 22 the markings and features are shown as the same as prior FIG. 21 except for the lever device [ 20 ] that can direct the suction force selectively to the left side, or the right side, or upper chamber, or lower chamber as selected by the manufacture of this deluxe type nozzle [ 2 ].
  • the lever [ 20 ] would direct all of the suction power to just the upper chamber to serve the connected Vacuum Portals, and cut off other suction pressure that is normal to the remainder of the vacuum nozzle [ 2 ].
  • This selection of a lever [ 20 ] can also direct the suction to a left side, or a right side for the Portals, if desired, or left centered to be off, or inactive. Needless to say, that when the entire suction force is directed to such small openings [ 22 ] the effective pressure would be greatly increased, and the removal of debris and pet hair is made easier.
  • FIG. 24 that follows, a shorter brush [ 30 ] scraper is displayed with its mounting plastic sliding element that serves to attach the scraper device to a vacuum cleaner nozzle [ 2 ].
  • FIG. 26 next, shows purely just a scraper [ 32 ] for a positive dislodging of accumulated debris, when such a strong positive action may be required or needed.
  • the vacuum cleaner nozzle [ 2 ] is displayed in various perspectives to encourage a better design, and selections by a manufacturer of vacuum cleaners.
  • the attribution and placement of Vacuum Portals in different openings upon the floor nozzle serves to teach the uses of openings other than the standard floor suction nozzle [ 2 ] that is the standard today.
  • the rationale of such teaching would be the influence of all of the projected Vacuum Portals being adjacent or close to the debris and pet hair targeted for removal, and the increased force of suction that naturally would occur to be higher, as these apertures are smaller than the normal floor suction area. As depicted in FIG.
  • a lever can be placed as an assistive force to direct such suction forces into appropriate sections where the debris or pet hair is being targeted for removal.
  • suction force there can be two separated chambers with the primary one functioning to clean floor surfaces at the bottom of the nozzle, and the secondary one as an upper top side chamber that directs the suction force to the apertures, the Vacuum Portals, targeting the debris and pet hair for removal.
  • these individual Portals can have suction force channeled directly to each Vacuum Portal, if such a measure is desired.
  • Additional Vacuum Portals can be activated to be open or closed by a push rod [foot activated], or by assistive force means, or by a remote means that can be placed out of the way, such as on the vacuum cleaner handle.

Abstract

Vacuum Portals will alleviate strain and stress of vacuum cleaning. They reach the unreachable, and make vacuum cleaning easy. They target the unreachable, the difficult, and the out of the way accumulated debris and pet hair that is unattainable by current vacuum cleaners. A Vacuum Portal is for cleaning furniture supports, including furniture feet, and other related difficult areas such as baseboards, crevices, corners and stairways with this new vacuum cleaner nozzle. The Vacuum Portal is designed to give higher vacuum suction at the Portals that are openings located on selected places on a vacuum cleaner nozzle. These portals that are vent openings on the vacuum cleaner nozzle that have stronger suction force, being smaller apertures, and these vents can be directed, and as such, can be manually opened and closed as needed. These portals alleviate the strain and stress of a user to stoop and bend enough to pull the debris and pet hair from a furniture support by hand, or to be forced to lift up heavy furniture for this task. These vents are variously located on a vacuum cleaner nozzle to gather the accumulated debris and pet hair; and if needed, with an optional brush, bristle, or scrapper that can be attached to dislodge debris in the most unyielding tasks. A portal makes any vacuuming task easier, more sanitary, and more quickly completed.

Description

  • This Non-Provisional Patent in Application claims the priority benefit of a Provisional Patent No. 61/961,281 filed Oct. 10, 2013, and entitled: “Apparatus & Means for Cleaning Furniture Feet with Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle”
    • U.S. PATENT REFERENCES
  • Of Note: As suggested and required in the MPEP that comments, evaluations and such are to be included to ascertain that the referenced patents have been looked at and considered by the inventor, then to follow, there is a set in the left hand margin, the measured critique and value of the prior art as cited in this patent application.
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    +++ of relevance, meaning the cited patent has several features and components that are relevant in the prior art.
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    x of no interest or value in this patent application
  • U.S. PATENTS IN APPLICATION:
    2013/0306108 Nov. 21, 2013 K. M. Letera 134/21 
    “Multi-Function Surface Cleaning Apparatus”
    2012/0284950 Nov. 15, 2012 DeWit et al 15/320
    “Cleaning Device & Vacuum Cleaner”
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    “Vacuum Suction & Cleaning Apparatus”
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    “Brush Assembly for a Cleaning Device”
    2007/0234504 Oct. 11, 2007 Bott et al 15/347
    “Vacuum Cleaner having a Blower Capsule”
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    “Vacuum Cleaner & Intake Port Unit Thereof”
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    “Floor Care Appliance with a Plurality of Cleaning Modes”
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    • FIELD OF SEARCH
  • This invention is an apparatus that provides a feature to a vacuum cleaner nozzle as such is found upon an upright vacuum cleaner, or to a vacuum cleaner suction hose nozzle attached to a canister type floor vacuum cleaner. This provides a means to remove debris and hair from the bottom of furniture legs. This apparatus provides an upper side of the standard nozzle with a suction means when activated and opened to draw the debris and hair from the bottom of chair legs and such. This invention provides such a feature to improve the routine use of standard vacuum cleaner floor nozzles.
  • This search is in the United States Patent & Trademark Office [USPTO] Classification: “Class 15: Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning” that contains mostly all of the vacuum cleaners. The apparatus in this invention is found in selective sub-classes available in classification/300 to /422 wherein these are described as: “for inventions relating to the commonly so-called Vacuum cleaning art”. The relevant selected sub-classes are cited on the ‘Front Page’ of this application.
  • Herein I will show the standard upright Vacuum cleaner with this unique and non obvious nozzle device. This new feature would require only the change over of a nozzle in existing canister models, but it would require some effort to improve existing the nozzle of an upright vacuum by the means of a kit, or the purchase a new Vacuum. This ‘change-over’ opens up a new and satisfactory means to additional cleaning services to existing or new vacuum cleaners. Please consider the text and drawings that follow to give a better understanding of the value and uniqueness of this patent in application.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Over the many years wherein vacuum cleaners have been available there have again many styles and models produced, yet no-one has offered the features found herein in this application. Thus, it has exemplified the ‘non-obvious and unique’ characteristic required for a new patent application. To follow, these are examples in the selected classes cited that indicate useful features relevant to this application, and these will be outlined and discussed in this ‘Background’ section.
  • The opening citations are references in prior art of the appliance wherein we see the upright standard vacuum cleaner and the related canister and tank types that moves along surfaces with a wand containing a nozzle to vacuum with. In this invention in application are several distinct and different working features of the apparatus to be reviewed and considered in the prior art.
  • Vacuum cleaners constitute many varieties over the many years of there development. In the earlier cleaning devices that are before electricity became available in homes and
  • In the U.S. Pat. No. 8,402,603 issued Mar. 26, 2013 to Christine I. Meek of Arizona and not assigned entitled: “Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle” wherein an angled nozzle is shown that serves “to clean a stair structure that includes a horizontal tread that meets a vertical riser at an inward corner includes a nozzle body having a business end formed with opposed upper and lower extremities forming an angle with one another and meeting at an outward comer”. [Abstract, lines 1-5] What Inventor Meek shows is a highly specialized vacuum nozzle to clean debris from stairways, and what my invention shows is also a specialized device for a vacuum nozzle that can remove pet hair from furniture feet.
  • In the U.S. Pat. No. 8,261,407 issued Sep. 11, 2012 to R. F. Bozzelli et al, all of Ohio, and assigned to Techtronic Floor Care Technology Ltd. of Tortola, VG, entitled: “Vacuum Cleaner Accessory Tool” wherein a nozzle attached at the end of a hose that provides suction to clean floor surfaces and includes both a static ‘agitator’ as a brush at the front of the nozzle, and edge suction to gather debris from corners and such. Indicated in the specification is a detachable hose to clean crevices and stairs, but as such, this action does require interruption and a manual effort to achieve the cleaning which in my invention herein is provided directly without any interruption or manual effort. In my invention the independent cleaning of pet hair from furniture legs is accomplished by the means of a topside device with increased suction that is opened as required for this task. In my invention this independent device contains a separated channel of increased suction that can be opened and closed by remote means without interruption or manual action. My invention herein shown adds convenience to a standard floor nozzle and ease in the cleanup of pet hair from furniture legs.
  • In the U.S. Pat. No. 7,743,462 issued Jun. 29, 2010 to Doug-Hun Yoo of Gwangju, Korea and assigned to Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. of Korea, entitled: “Double Sided Suction Nozzle for Use in Vacuum Cleaner” wherein “A double sided suction nozzle having both a brush function and a duster function is disclosed”. [Abstract, lines 1-2] Cited herein this invention is “a rotating unit disposed in the nozzle unit to rotate the brush unit and the duster unit.” [col. 2, lines 36-37] Further is cited: “At this time, preferably, but not necessarily, the rotating-force generating unit includes a fan rotatably disposed in the nozzle body to rotate by means of drawn in-air . . . ” [col. 2, lines 50-52] Then, further, Inventor Yoo cites: “In accordance with further another aspect of the present disclosure, the rotating force-transmitting unit may include a motor disposed in the nozzle body” [col. 3, lines 6-8] Although the rotating brush and duster may accomplish some of what my invention intends, ‘the rotating force-transmitting unit’ exceeds by far any intention provided in my invention, as my device incorporates a topside device on a standard floor nozzle with an increased suction provision that can be remotely opened and closed as required to remove debris and pet hair from furniture legs.
  • In the U.S. Pat. No. 7,707,682 issued May 4, 2010 to Richard S. Parr of Uniontown, Ohio and assigned to Techtronic Floor Care Technology Ltd. of Tortola, VG, entitled: “Cleaning Machine for Cleaning 21 Surface with Edge Cleaning Capability” wherein is shown an upright vacuum cleaner with the means of containing and dispensing a cleaning solution. [source Abstract] Inventor Parr shows his vacuum cleaner with a side device that scours up debris that in turn will be drawn up by the main section of the nozzle, and as such, compliments the routine action of his vacuum cleaner, but it is without the increased suction in my invention application directed from a sliding Valve that will divert the main vacuum force to perform its cleaning mode.
  • Another interesting appliance accessory is seen in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,300 issued Oct. 27, 1998 to Arthur Shawn Dwight Smith, and an earlier similar U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,747 issued Jun. 23, 1998, also to Inventor Smith of Keswick, New Brunswick, ‘Canada, and both are not assigned, and both are entitled: “Vacuum Cleaner Accessory” wherein “A multi-purpose vacuum cleaner accessory is provided for use in grooming multiple types of animals and for cleaning fabric and floor substrates. The accessory comprises a body and a brush attachable thereto. The brush is configured for creating an airflow directed to the surface of the animal's coat or substrate so that the brush is effective for use on all types of animal coats and fabric/flooring. [source Abstract, lines 1-7] From the intended design shown by Inventor Smith his accessory could be manually reversed for the intended purpose of my invention, and the use of a brush anticipated by those skilled in the art; however, as my invention is directed to be located upon a floor nozzle with the feature using a sliding device to redirect the suction flow and in a ‘topside’ location and manner, his invention as shown will not impede my designated invention in application.
  • Another capricious design is shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,091 issued Jul. 15, 1997 to Bryan P. deBlois and Bernard L. Bensussen, both of Connecticut, and assigned to Black & Decker of Newark, Del., entitled: “Animal Grooming Vacuum Cleaner” wherein is shown a robotic device static in function with low to moderate suction pressure to be comfortable to animals and a hose usable with attachments that could used as in my invention application. Fortunately, in its purpose and design, it will not be useable or functional as I have directed my invention in application. My invention uses the full size upright vacuum cleaner, or the canister type with an extensible hose, to provide the cleaning of pet hair from chair legs in the easiest manner available by vacuums.
  • In this section devices will be shown and discussed that show and incorporate accessory functions on nozzles that approach the functions of my invention, but without such directed means as in my invention. An 2007 to Hyeun Sik Nam et al of Korea, and assigned to L G Electronics, Inc. of Seoul, Korea, entitled: “Suction Apparatus of Cleaner” wherein an auxiliary suction head is displayed on an upright vacuum cleaner to be opposite to the routine suction force and thus to amplify its force across the length of the nozzle. There is no claim or display that shows an increased suction by a directed means, nor of a sliding open and shut valve that serves this purpose, and so, it does not impede my invention.
  • In the U.S. Pat. No. 7,146,682 issued Dec. 12, 2006 to Charles H. Damman et al, all of Ohio, and assigned to The Hoover Company of North Canton, Ohio, entitled: “Powered Edge Cleaner” wherein such is energized by “a traction wheel powered edge cleaner comprised of a vertical axis rotary agitator which is affixed to either the right or left side of the suction nozzle. The agitator is rotated by the traction wheel when the vacuum cleaner is disposed along a wall surface and is moved relative to the wall surface. The rotating action of the agitator sweeps dirt particles off of the wall surface and along the edge of the wall surface into the path of the suction nozzle for pickup. When not in use the edge cleaner is stored in the accessory storage rack like other accessory tools.” [source Abstract, lines 1-11] In my invention the device is built into the standard nozzle, and is opened for use when the sliding valve is opened for increased suction.
  • In the U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,401 issued May 30, 2006 to Chang-Do Park of Korea, and assigned to LG Electronics, Inc., of Seoul, Korea, entitled: “Suction Nozzle for a Vacuum Cleaner” wherein “The nozzle also includes an accessory tool which communicates with the main body of the suction nozzle through a connection hose, and which, when [the hose is] extended, makes use of the suction force flowing through the main body of the suction nozzle. When not in use, the accessory tool is secured to the main body of the suction nozzle.” [source: Abstract, lines 5-10]
  • In the U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,521 issued Mar. 21, 2006 to Nicholas G. Grey of Worcestershire, Great Britain, and assigned to himself, Nicholas G. Grey, entitled: “Surface Cleaning Apparatus” wherein to describe his invention as “In other embodiments, the invention further comprises an auxiliary brush extending from the forward compartment. The auxiliary brush can be driven by the electric motor used to drive the elongate brush, such as by connecting the auxiliary brush to the elongate rotatable brush with a gear drive.” [col. 2, lines 37-42] This forward rotating brush serves to dislodge debris into the main chamber of the nozzle by the routine suction means. In my invention in application, the increased suction is specific when the sliding valve is opened, and the entry point is ‘topside’ at one end of the standard vacuum cleaner nozzle.
  • The valve is an important feature in my invention as when it slides open, it diverts an increased suction force specifically issuing from the upper, or topside, of the standard floor nozzle, and then when not in use, it is closed. The action required to open, or to close, a sliding valve, likely of plastic, is a force from the vacuum operator that will manually force it one way or the other to open and close it. In a best embodiment, the sliding action will include the means to divert the suction force from the routine and normal activity of the standard floor nozzle to an increased flow through the topside opening to dislodge and collect the accumulated debris or pet hair on the bottom of a chair leg. In prior art some related examples have been noted to follow.
  • In the U.S. Pat. No. 8,438,694 issued May 14, 2013 to Dong Won Kim et al., all of Korea, and assigned to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., entitled: “Cleaning Apparatus” wherein the cleaning apparatus is robotic and contains “ . . . a connection hole, to which an external instrument is connected, a shutter to open and close one inlet, and a cap to open and close the connection hole.” [source: Abstract, lines 4-7] In my invention in application herein, this type of valve action is included wherein the ‘topside’ opening is activated by the use of the vacuum nozzle, and its support, to force open a sliding valve against the chair leg or an equivalent furniture item, and in turn, this also opens the increased vacuum air flow aiding the removal of debris and pet hair. In the next cited patent, there is another robotic cleaner also showing a valve action to direct its air flow.
  • In the U.S. Pat. No. 7,610,651 issued Nov. 3, 2009 to Oh-hyun Back of Korea, and assigned to LG Electronics Inc., of Seoul, Korea, entitled: “Automatic Cleaning Device” wherein is disclosed an automatic and robotic cleaning device, more commonly known as a vacuum cleaner, and wherein “It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatic cleaning device in which at least one side brush is mounted in a vertically moveable manner, whereby the side brush can come into close contact with the floor during cleaning, but also can be lifted so as not to collide with things on the floor, thereby preventing the side brush from hindering operation of the automatic cleaning device. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an automatic cleaning device in which a pair of air injectors and a pair of side brushes are symmetrically arranged at opposite of the automatic cleaning device, whereby the automatic cleaning device can simply clean all the walls and corners at left or right sides thereof without a change in orientation thereof.” [col. 2, lines 11-24] “Preferably, the air injector may further include a flow-rate control valve inserted in the air injection pipe to adjust the injection amount of air. Preferably, the automatic cleaning device further comprises a controller [i.e., a computer or computer module], which operates to control the flow-rate control valve based on signals transmitted from a plurality of sensors, which are attached to a location of the body to sense the presence of the walls of a room, thereby adjusting the discharge amount of air.” [col. 2, lines 43-48] “Preferably, the side brush may have a vertically movable lifting mechanism located at the bottom of the body.” [col. 2, lines 54-55] This explanation continues with the mention of “a vertically slidable device to stop [shut off] the actions of the lifters.” [col. 2, lines 61-62] Inventor Back shows the use of valves, mechanisms to lift, and the means to slide to stop air flow, of which all are used on his automatic cleaning device that is robotic and self-contained, and self-directed, but as such, are not presented as on my invention that is used with a standard floor nozzle. Another use of brushes and switches in prior art is to follow.
  • In the U.S. Design Pat. No. D487,536 issued Mar. 9, 2004 to Christian Agren of Sweden, and assigned to Aktiebolaget Electrolux of Stockholm, Sweden, and entitled: “Feather Duster Holder Vacuum Cleaner Accessory” wherein the feather duster is shown appended to a vacuum cleaner suction hose with air flow diverters, shown as levers and switches, that can direct the full suction force into the feather brush to remove such accumulation of debris or pet hair as may be found. In my invention I can produce similar actions at the top of a vacuum cleaner floor nozzle and activate these actions remotely by forcing open and closed a sliding diverter that provides a full suction force with or without a brush means to gather debris and pet hair from the ‘topside’ of the nozzle.
  • In the U.S. Pat. No. 7,017,227 issued Mar. 28, 2006 to John B. Scott of Minnesota, and not assigned, entitled: “Vacuum Cleaner Dusting Attachment” wherein in the ‘Summary of the Invention’ is stated: “The attachment member is a hollow member having a first end for receiving the vacuum hose. The attachment end has a second end, opposite the first end, for receiving the dusting member.” [col. 1, lines 55-60] This device is an attachment as an accessory item to be put upon the working end of a vacuum hose and using the brush to displace and gather debris. In my invention the cleaning member is to be located on the upper portion of a floor nozzle unit, and I may or may not require a brush to draw in by suction the evident debris and pet hair by increased vacuum air force that is provided by a sliding device that will open and will close the device. Another similar device is to be cited to follow.
  • In the U.S. Pat. No. 7,571,514 issued Aug. 11, 2009 to Tung-Han Shih of Taiwan, and not assigned, entitled: “Dust Absorption Head of a Vacuum Cleaner” wherein a rotatable device is shown “to provide a dust absorption head of a vacuum cleaner that makes use of the suction airflow created and employs a vane wheel to bring the dust absorption brush wheel into a natural rotation for efficiently enhancing the dust absorption effect and the use value.” [col. 1, lines 34-40] “The main socket tube and the mounting cap include at corresponding places an engaging projection and a plurality of positioning holes, allowing for adjustment of the operation angle of the dust absorption head according to different requirements. [col., lines 44-48]
  • Vacuum machines, commonly referred to as vacuum cleaners, have been used for many years perform debris pick-up from floor surfaces with a nozzle designed to pull an air stream from the floor surface. Often, various debris tends to cling to the feet of furniture legs and this debris will not be removed with the type of floor nozzle found on vacuum cleaners in common use today. As such, this debris requires hand removal typically which requires an operator to free up their hands from the vacuum machine, and they will have to bend over and remove this debris from the foot of the furniture. The apparatus described herein relieves the vacuum operator from stooping, bending over, and hand picking off the debris or pet hair. This will make their job easier, more sanitary and pleasant, and more quickly completed.
  • Consider the invention as described to follow and view the drawings to better understand how my invention benefits the vacuum cleaner operator.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • ‘Vacuum Portals’ provide a world class improvement in vacuum cleaning. They reach the unreachable and make vacuum cleaning easy. They target the unreachable, the difficult, and the ‘out of the way’ debris and pet hair that is unattainable by current vacuum cleaners. This new system will sweep the world and render the existing vacuum cleaners obsolete.
  • A prime objective is the removal of accumulations of debris and pet hair from beneath chair legs, and such, that can be lifted if required, and a vacuum cleaner floor nozzle with a top side Vacuum Portal can be passed underneath such furniture feet to remove any accumulated debris and pet hair. In this invention, no stooping, bending over, or touching this debris with your hands, is intended, in so much as these Vacuum Portals can offset direct contact and provide a quicker, cleaner, and safer way to clean off such debris. Albeit, the chair leg would have to be lifted up off the floor, but the overall energy and time involved is certainly less than before.
  • The “Vacuum Portals to alleviate strain and stress of vacuum cleaning” is my invention to ease the user from slowing down while operating a vacuum cleaner and from having to bend over when cleaning off debris and pet hair from furniture supports. This Vacuum Portal is for a vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising a vacuum suction vent to vacuum up debris and pet hair from furniture feet. This invention further comprises that this suction means has a vacuum portal vent that can vacuum up such accumulated debris and pet hair from furniture supports, including furniture feet. This is a device that will apply suction from a vacuum cleaner directly to the task at hand, and herein is shown how this device will do this job. It removes the accumulated debris and pet hair from a chair leg or furniture feet while cleaning, without having to bend over and manually pick the debris off.
  • This invention introduces a new term and meaning to vacuum up and remove the accumulation of debris and pet hair from crevices and the unreachable places wherein a vacuum cleaner should be able to prevail for such removal.
  • An explanation of terms used in the Vacuum Portals:
  • [1a] Vacuum: “[pl. vacuums or vacua/Latin from neuter vacuus empty; akin to Latin vacare to be empty] 1. emptiness of space; 2a. a space absolutely devoid of matter; 2b. a space partially exhausted {as to the highest degree possible} by artificial means {as an air pump}; 2c. a degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure, negative pressure; 3a. a vacant space, void {his death has left a - - - in our lives}; 3b. a state of isolation from outside influences {people who live in a - - - so that the world outside them is of no moment} W. S. Maugham; 4. a device creating or utilizing a partial vacuum.
  • [1b] Vacuum adjective 1. of, containing, producing, or utilizing a partial vacuum {separated by means of - - - distillation} 2. of or relating to a vacuum device or system {expert at - - - repair}
  • [1c] Vacuum [verb transitive] 1. to use a vacuum device {as a cleaner} on - - - [verb intransitive] 2. to operate a vacuum device
  • [2] Portal: noun [from Medieval English, from Medieval French, from Medieval Latin: ‘portale’ city gate, porch from neuter of ‘portalis’ of a gate, from Latin porta ‘gate’, more at ‘port’ 1. Door, Entrance; especially, a grand or imposing one; 2. the whole architectural composition surrounding and including the doorways and the porches of a church; 3. the approach or entrance to a bridge or tunnel; 4. the communicating or part of an area of an organism, specifically, the point at which something {as a pathogen} enters the body.
  • [Portal, continued]
  • [2a.] Portal: adjective [New Latin ‘porta’ transverse fissure of the liver, from Latin ‘gate’] 1. of or relating to the transverse fissure on the underside of the liver where most of the vessels enter; 2. of, or relating to, or being a portal vein.
  • Source: “Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary” Made in the U.S.A., G & C Merriam Co, copyright 1981; Vacuum, p. 1281; Portal, p. 889.
  • The consensus of the Webster Dictionary, albeit now out of date, is that Vacuum is the suction force as mentioned herein in this invention application, is a principal duty of the vacuum cleaner motor. Then, Portal is from its earlier Latin descriptions of ‘gate’ and ‘entrance’ wherein in current reference, such descriptions can refer to outer space vistas, as in views through an aperture in a space craft, as a viewing portal. Thus, as herein, in combination a Vacuum Portal is an aperture wherein a suction force may draw dust, debris, and- of course- pet hair into a vacuum cleaner for its removal and disposal.
  • While a vacuum cleaner nozzle performs its task to clean off rugs and floor surfaces with the suction of air into its storage compartment or storage bag, my invention herein revealed will provide an auxiliary opening on the nozzle to pass under a chair leg to disturb the debris and pet hair and to draw it into the floor nozzle by the suction means and then into the storage chamber provided for the routine floor debris.
  • This invention would adapt upon, and serve all types of vacuum cleaners, and the special features that involve the Vacuum Portals would fit right into every type by those skilled in the art and by the manufacturers of vacuum cleaners to embellish and improve their market presence. In this invention in application, I comprise that vacuum cleaner nozzles can direct a vacuum suction force to clean out accumulated debris and pet hair from many types, but not limited to comprising, these cited types:
  • a. upright cleaners with attached nozzles;
  • b. canister types with separated nozzles;
  • c. tank types with separated nozzles;
  • d. hand-held cleaners with attached nozzles;
  • e. small cleaning attachments to canister vacuum hoses;
  • f. robotic vacuum devices, as requisite;
  • g. shop-type wet/dry cleaners with separated nozzles;
  • h. heavy duty types with separated nozzles;
  • i. commercial types with attached nozzles;
  • j. whole-house types with separated nozzles; &
  • k. nozzles as determined by such as skilled in the art.
  • This invention offers a better means to vacuum up hard to reach debris, as the Vacuum Portal provides auxiliary apertures positioned upon a standard floor nozzle so as to be adjacent to most of such difficult locations wherein debris will accumulate, and currently a standard floor nozzle does not gather such accumulated debris. The Vacuum Portal offers a means for cleaning furniture supports, including furniture feet, and such, wherein the auxiliary vacuum suction device is to be positioned to remove debris and pet hair from the bottom of furniture supports, including furniture feet, baseboards, crevices, corners, stairways, and small areas unattainable by standard vacuum nozzles.
  • This portal will provide an auxiliary vacuum vent that can be manually opened for this task, and then it can be closed shut when the task has been completed. These auxiliary vents are to be located in the most expedient and convenient positions upon the vacuum cleaner nozzle to accomplish this cleaning task. All such vents, singly, and in combination, are not to be limited to any such vent means shown in the drawings, as they are to be located and shaped variously as expedient to fit upon the vacuum cleaner nozzle.
  • These Vacuum Portal vents are to have appropriate means to be opened when in use, and closed after its use, and in some cases they have tabs, or levers, projecting from the surface of the vacuum nozzle that can force this apparatus to open for use and to be closed after use. In normal and routine use the vacuum nozzle passes over the floor surface so that when these tabs, or levers, are forced open the vacuum suction will divert from the routine floor use into the portal vent as there will be an increased suction force channeled, or directed, that will remove debris from the furniture, or crevices, and such. Additionally, if necessary and expedient for increased suction force, these auxiliary Vacuum Portal vents may comprise in design and manufacture by those skilled in the art to be channeled with an increased vacuum suction to be directed to these vents when they are opened for use. Further, in design and manufacture by those skilled in the art, an option of a separated upper chamber could serve to direct and channel one of more, portal vents to provide the increased suction force to the vacuum portal vents when opened. Further, these auxiliary Vacuum Portal vents can direct the increased vacuum suction force when directionally activated by a projecting tab or by a sliding lever wherein the routine floor surface suction force may be shut off and redirected to serve this purpose.
  • In performing these cleaning tasks wherein the ‘topside’ of the standard floor nozzle passes underneath the furniture, there is provided the means, as indicated in the drawings to follow, to open up for use, and to close off after use. In the following drawings, FIG. 6-22, there is shown the feature as a tab, or lever, projection that can be pushed open manually by force from the nozzle being directed by the operator when requisite to clean off the debris or pet hair from the furniture, and such. It is then pushed closed shut when the task is completed. While the opening shown in the drawings is large and on both sides of the floor nozzle, in many other applications the opening can be singular on one end only and such can be in many various styles and types from round to oval, and even in an irregular form as any of such can perform the required tasks.
  • Additional auxiliary portal vent features can be seen in the FIGS. 12, 13 & 14 wherein the front vent and the side vent are displayed providing diverse vents that can serve other specific areas where such debris and pet hair might be found. A further improvement is the addition of brushes, bristles, and scrapers, that can be placed into the slots provided [FIGS. 19-22]. The types of brushes, bristles, and scrapers are portrayed in FIGS. 23-26 that can dislodge and collect this debris and pet hair when encountered. This debris would be routinely vacuumed up, and any surplus collected on the brushes, bristles, and scrapers can be opportunely cleaned off, selectively as requisite. These additional features could be configured to optimally serve as best desired by the users, or manufacturers of vacuum cleaners by those skilled in the art.
  • Accordingly, the Vacuum Portals further comprise that the auxiliary vacuum portal vents be located expediently upon the vacuum cleaner nozzle to best perform the task, and comprise singly, and in combinations, but are not limited to, these following:
  • a. a single upper surface vent;
  • b. a double upper surface vent;
  • c. a single side surface vent;
  • d. a double side surface vent;
  • e. a single front surface vent;
  • f. a double front surface vent;
  • g. a single rotating vent;
  • h. multiple rotating vents;
  • i. a single rotating brush vent;
  • j. multiple rotating brush vents; &
  • k. multiple surface vents.
  • The tasks of cleaning off debris or pet hair from the legs and bottom feet of furniture and such can be facilitated by the means of nearby available attached brushes or the means of attached scrapers [seen in FIGS. 23-26] that agitate or displace the debris items enabling such to be drawn by the suction means into the nozzle portal vent opening available. The means for cleaning furniture feet further comprising an auxiliary vacuum suction device with means to disturb and displace such debris from furniture, and such, by the means of brushes, bristles, and scrapers as requisite to accomplish this task. The means for cleaning furniture, crevices, and such further comprising these brushes, bristles, and scrapers can be attached to the vacuum cleaner nozzle by the means of adhesives, hook and loop, and slotted devices [can be seen in FIGS. 23-26] as required for the attachment These items of brushes, bristles, or scrapers can attach close to the portal opening provided by the slots wherein such items would slide into place in a slot, or attach by adhesion, or by ‘hook and loop’ means. Of these examples the longer brushes as shown in FIG. 23 are flexible and bendable to allow their configuration to best reach into corners, crevices, stairs, moldings, cabinets, and such as requisite. The means for cleaning furniture feet further comprises that these brushes, bristles, and scrapers should have available replacement means when worn, to be replaced as needed. Such devices of brushes or scrapers would be designed so as to be conveniently replaced, if damaged or worn, and all such would then be available, or offered by the supplier of vacuum cleaner equipment, of various types and grades for the varied tasks at hand.
  • This versatile tool can additionally be extended and offered in longer designs so as to reach around the furniture supports, and such, opposite to the approaching side to displace and free up debris. As my invention can offer the additional function of brushes and scrapers of various types, it proves well within obvious skill to extend such devices to reach further, or in circular fashions, to displace debris opposite to, or further along from the nozzle opening. An added feature that utilizes the extended double openings ‘topside’, at the ends or sides, and at the front of the nozzle to deliver two different and, distinct iterations or variations of this design, as being taught in the Figures that follow. Another strongly desired iteration could involve a possible topside, a front, or side, portal opening, either in a standard vent, or in an elongated type, to gather up debris with such a double opening and flexible apparatus.
  • While pictured and described herein the standard vacuum cleaner nozzle can be designed to extend its suction means beyond a single applicable opening to such double openings and extended features to benefit the cleaning of debris or pet hair from furniture. This means for cleaning furniture feet may comprise an auxiliary vacuum suction device to remove debris from the bottom of furniture feet without requiring the user to stoop and bend enough to pull the debris from a furniture foot, or other such areas, by hand. This means for cleaning furniture feet further comprises the relieving the user from requiring the person to stoop and bend to pull such debris off of a furniture foot by hand to make the task easier, more sanitary, and more quickly completed.
  • In large part such extensions of design and function can facilitate the cleaning of heavy and difficult furniture, and by being able somewhat to reach around, or into, the furniture structure. The apparatus for cleaning furniture further comprises a vacuum suction means for cleaning debris from various furniture supports, singly, and in combination, but not limited to, these following:
  • a. chair legs;
  • b. table legs;
  • c. frame assemblies;
  • d. bed supports;
  • e. furniture bases;
  • f. table stretchers;
  • g. support trestles; &
  • h. heavy, difficult to reach items.
  • The heavy furniture can include large beds, living room couches, dining room tables and such, even in part, frames, stretchers, trestles, bases, and supports that are immobile, or just heavy and difficult to move or lift up. In my invention the vacuum cleaning of many of these objects can be accomplished without undue bending or lifting effort that is an obvious saving in time, effort, and energy. It seems that my invention can ameliorate the difficulty and effort that such vacuum cleaning can involve.
  • In selected embodiments by design an increased vacuum effort can be attained with open channeling of the vacuum force available when extra channels can be closed off. The increase in suction can be directed into the vacuum apparatus as herein described and such will ease the difficulty of the removal of debris or pet hair from the legs or bases of furniture.
  • In my invention application I am trying to include all relevant features to assure this invention can include all current and future vacuum cleaners. It does seem worthwhile to relieve the user of a vacuum cleaner of extra physical difficulty, or even duress, when cleaning off the bottom of furniture, and the side boards, or moldings, or other unusual features, that is to be found in a home or office.
  • ‘Vacuum Portals’ provide a world class improvement in vacuum cleaning. They reach the unreachable and make vacuum cleaning easy. They target the unreachable, the difficult, and the ‘out of the way’ debris and pet hair that is currently unattainable by existing vacuum cleaners. This new system will sweep the world and render the existing vacuum cleaners obsolete.
  • Consider my claims to follow, and the representative drawings included for viewing, and the teaching of how to do it, so as to better understand my invention and the reason to now ask for ‘a letters patent’.
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • At the onset, the first 5 Figures herein are descriptive charts of the various functions of this invention wherein the new, novel, and unique vacuum portals are outlined and detailed for their benefits to the user of a vacuum cleaner. As is obvious, the vacuum power is increased through these portals, as their small size restricts these openings and in turn increases the force of suction to collect the targeted debris. The detailing of some of the many possible vacuum portals is to be seen in the drawings to follow these first 5 introductory charts.
  • FIG. 1 is a chart showing how the vacuum portal system will clean up the targeted debris and pet hair that is detailed in the figures to follow No. 6 through 22. As detailed in this Chart, the vacuum cleaner is switched on, and the fan motor and suction starts to provide an active, working vacuum cleaner that is now ready to perform. There are two normal models shown, an upright type and a canister type, with each having a means to store the gathered debris in their machine while it is in use.
  • The upright type will have a suction nozzle attached to the vacuum cleaner frame to serve to clean floor surfaces while in service. The other model is a canister type using an attached hose and wand wherein the wand has at one end a suction nozzle to clean floor surfaces while in service. Each, and any such nozzles, would have with this invention, an auxiliary device with the means of the use of a vacuum portal to clean and gather up debris and pet hair being targeted to be collected along the floor surface. As seen later in the FIGS. 6 through 20, a slide means is shown available to open and to close the vacuum portal individually as needed, and in FIGS. 21 and 22 as a group of vacuum portals as seen on the right side, or on the left side, by a lever means as shown. Again, in FIG. 1, it is shown that once the vacuum portals have been selected, and used to clean the debris until the task is completed, that the vacuum cleaner is then switched off and put into storage until again needed.
  • In the FIG. 2 following next, this ‘New Vacuum Cleaner’ is cited as “A New & Never Before Seen Improved Way to Clean with a Vacuum” and a Canister Model is shown whereby a selection of the best nozzle for the task gives 3 choices available for this vacuum cleaning system. The 3 models shown are [1] New Deluxe; [2] Standard Model; & [3] Existing Model, and each is then listed with activity choices and methods available to clean up debris and pet hair. With the ‘New Deluxe’ an immediate citation exclaims: “Let the Portal Clean” wherein the increased force of suction is exalted through the vacuum portal system that likely has never before seen by most people that use a vacuum cleaner. Instructions begin with “Select New Type Nozzle for Task”; and continue then as “Select & Open Specialty Nozzle” which indicates the Vacuum Portal New Deluxe model that has portal openings placed at the convenient locations to best suction up debris and pet hair. In the next block of instructions we see “Direct Vacuum Power” because of the increased suction power available through a portal opening as it is smaller and restricted forcing the suction pressure to elevate through this opening. Next, it shows “Place Portal at Point of Work” wherein the increased suction force is to be directed with its increased power at the debris and pet hair to draw this material into the vacuum nozzle and into storage inside the vacuum cleaner. Altruistically, it finishes with “Vacuum Portal Clears Up Debris” and finalizes with “Use the Easy Clean Portal, A Problem Solved!” This new invention presents means that can with its increased suction power reach out to nearby debris and draw it into the vacuum cleaner without any undue operator effort.
  • In the column centered on the Chart in FIG. 2 the “Standard Model” is listed and corresponding with the New Deluxe in the statement “Let the Portal Clean!’ and then into an additional feature of brush use. The instruction in a block follows: “Option to Use a Brush to Collect Debris” as the Standard Model typically would not contain as many Vacuum Portals as the New Deluxe and/or as many auxiliary features. Then, as stated the instruction following is “Attach Specialty Brushes” which can be inclusive in the Standard Model design, or by attachment with adhesive of hook & loop [Velcro] or proper glue material. Next, the instruction in this centered column would be “Direct to Point of Work”, and “Clear Off Debris” by these selected brush means, or by the plain suction force from a vacuum portal. Finally, to clear the brush being used, “Direct Brush Against Solid Object to Bend it into Vacuum Nozzle” wherein the suction force can collect the debris and pet hair into this canister vacuum cleaner.
  • The right hand column of FIG. 2 displays the “Existing Model” which typically can be an older model canister vacuum cleaner and as such, it would have no Vacuum Portal openings or auxiliary features available with the newer updated models just described. Available on these older existing models would be the Brush Kit separately sold, and these brushes would not have the slide-in channel to mount the selected brush to use that is seen on the newer updated models. These brushes for such existing models would have to be attached by hook & loop [Velcro] or by proper glue material. For the existing models is cited “Use a Brush Kit/Pack-Select Brush & Place It-on Vacuum Nozzle” and such a brush would remain fixed tight to the vacuum nozzle unless a Velcro release system or such is used. In the next citation is found: “New Features & Less Work—Using the New Brush Kit”, and then a mention to “Attach—Brushes-with-Adhesive-Kit”. Finally, on FIG. 2, is noted: “Use Selected-Brush at-Point of-Work” and the means to clean off the accumulated debris directly first to the center column: “Direct Brush Against-Solid Object to Bend-It into Vacuum Nozzle”, or to “Remove-Debris-Manually”. It certainly points out the ease and speed of using a Vacuum Portal to accomplish cleaning of hard to reach debris and pet hair, and shows to new and novel improvement of the Vacuum Portal system.
  • In the next FIG. 3 to follow, the Chart outlines the efficiency of the Vacuum Portal expediting the clean up of debris and pet hair from around furniture—both heavy and light—wherein the operator can maneuver the vacuum cleaner with only the lifting involved, when needed to clear away pet hair. Such new and novel features speed up the cleaning tasks, and can reach far and away more accumulations of debris with an ease of use never before experienced. This chart opens with “NEW VACUUM CLEANER” indicating “Gather Attached Pet Hair or—Debris from Furniture Base—or Furniture Feet” and then, “Select New Type Nozzle for Task”. This chart in FIG. 3 then divides into 2 columns: First, “Lift Up-Furniture”; and Second, “Furniture-Too Heavy-to Lift”. In the first column the chart suggests immediately: “Let the Portal Do the Work!” and the block section following states: “Vacuum Nozzle-with Portals to-Clean Furniture-Feet” because the portals have openings at convenient locations to do just that—draw in the debris and pet hair from such awkward and difficult locations such as the bottom of furniture feet. In the next block section is shown: “Clean Fast, Clean Quick!—Use the New Vacuum Portals!” However, a line to join this to an option when it seems evident that a portal opening cannot gather the debris and pet hair sufficiently, and as it states: “Option to Use a Brush to Remove—Hair & Debris from Furniture”. If it seems satisfactory that a portal can perform its task, then you can avoid lifting to clear the debris. The next adjoining block section states: “Direct Vacuum-Power to-Optimal-Portal” and following is the statement: “Select Best-Vacuum-Nozzle-Portal to-Dislodge-Debris”. The final admonition states: “No Strain, No Fuss, Just Quicker!—Use the Vacuum Portal to Do the Work!” and then in closing: “Work Faster, Clean Better with Less Effort,—Let the Vacuum Portal Do the Work!” What this column one shows is that no-one generally has to lift furniture routinely to clean off the accumulated debris and pet hair, just let the vacuum cleaner with the new portal openings do the work, if at all possible, and if incomplete or unduly difficult, the operator can add a brush to the vacuum nozzle to finish up with any such difficult piece of furniture.
  • In FIG. 3 as above, the second column deals with furniture that is too heavy to lift up, or it is mostly unmovable, or unreachable, or located in a bad or awkward spot to try to reach, and alternative measures will be needed to complete the task. The operator is instructed to start with a “Vacuum Portal-Clears Up Debris” as this vacuum procedure might well do the job, and it certainly will gather what it can of the debris, and it assuredly will reduce what was at that spot. In the next block section is stated: “The New Easy Clean Vacuum Portal-Solves Lifting & A Lot of Hard Work”, however, a line also diverges like in column one to state: “Option to Use a Brush to Remove-Hair & Debris from Furniture” which in turn will open up a number of other options to resolve a difficult situation. In these interconnecting lines for column 2 is shown: “Use a Vacuum Portal or—Select Best Brush to—Reach Debris”, and additionally, is shown: “Slide Brush around-Furniture Base”, and again: “Slide Brush—Around Foot—To Gather-Debris”. After these tasks, it is noted that the operator is instructed to “Clear Brush—With Vacuum” and such procedures are accomplished as indicated: “Direct Brush-Against Solid-Object to Bend-It into Vacuum-Nozzle”, or if all else fails, then “Clear Brush—By Hand”. The maneuver to bend the brush which is formed on a bendable wire wrapped base into a vacuum nozzle is the most direct way to place the gathered debris on the brush into the vacuum suction of a nozzle. If all else fails, just pull the debris off of the brush and feed it into the vacuum nozzle by hand. All of this procedure is still easier than any other method of cleaning the debris or pet hair, and it is quicker also.
  • In the next chart of how the Vacuum Portals will be applied and will work to clean up the hard to reach debris and pet hair is detailed in the FIG. 4 for the “New Vacuum Cleaner”. The convenience and efficiency of this new and novel invention is extolled as “CLEANS FAST, CLEANS QUICK!—Use the New Vacuum Portals”, and this use is directed to “Select Vacuum Nozzle Portal—For Special Task”. The Vacuum Portals are then listed in a side section as “Front Right—Front Left—Top Right—Top Left—Add a Brush” because any of the various Vacuum Portals provided in the new vacuum nozzle that can best suit or reach the debris targeted to be cleaned would be selected to be used. While it is evident that a manufacturer might well add or subtract the available Vacuum Portals, it is obvious that the nearest and most convenient portals would be the best. The rationale for the selection would recognize that there is a much more powerful vacuum force at a nearby Vacuum Portal than would be the normal vacuum suction force that is provided to clean up a floor surface using the wider opening of a standard floor nozzle. The proper selection of a nearby Vacuum Portal then continues in the chart as “New Features & Easier Work—The New Vacuum Portal” wherein the operator would “Select & Open-Specialty Portal”. An auxiliary feature is charted aside in a section that cautions “If Too Difficult, Add a Brush” and the procedures that use a brush are detailed below in the chart.
  • The value and use of Vacuum Portals continues with “A New Method Unique with-Vacuum Portals” and its use is directed following “Vacuum with a Portal or a-Brush along Baseboard”. The auxiliary feature of a Brush Kit/Pack combining with a Vacuum Portal can extend the ability to reach out and gather debris at a distance, and cleanly as the high suction force of the portal, assures that debris will move along into the vacuum cleaner once disturbed or displaced from the furniture or baseboard corner. This increased ability to gather up such debris is extolled in the next block section stating “If Vacuum Portal does not Reach—then Use a Brush from Kit/Pack”. This added feature combines well with the uses of a brush at any time while cleaning. The Brush Kit/Pack provides specialty brushes that cleanly and easily slide into a predesigned proprietary slot built into the deluxe nozzle system; and in standard models this type of slot can be—if not built in—affixed by an adhesive material to the surface of the nozzle whereupon the selected brushes would then be placed into service; and in older existing models a similar means of adhesive attachment would serve to provide brushes that would be placed into service. Instructions follow to “Use a Brush Kit/Pack-Select Brush & Place It-On Vacuum Nozzle”, and then an example is seen for a specialty task, “Select Corner Brush-for Room Corners &-Stair Treads.” To clean off the accumulation of debris and pet hair on a brush, the operator is told to “Place Brush against a Solid-Object to Twist or Bend It into-Vacuum Nozzle to Clean”.
  • In closing out the chart of FIG. 4, for the column 1 on Vacuum Portals, it is stated “Return to Normal-Vacuum Cleaning” with a summary stating “A World Class Improvement—Less Labor, Less Effort, & Quicker!”. The column 2 on Brushes, states if no luck placing the brush into the vacuum nozzle, then proceed to “Or, Clean-Debris off-Brush by-Hand” [or, a possible choice would be using another location on the nozzle to suction it off], and the same admonition is provided to column 1 for Vacuum Portals. In the FIG. 4—albeit lengthy—the entire concept of this new and novel invention is disclosed, and in the following drawings [FIGS. 6 to 22] the representations of the actual designs will be portrayed to show and teach the means of delivering Vacuum Portals into service.
  • In the FIG. 5 following as “NEW VACUUM CLEANER” the use of specialty brushes would be shown in the many and various uses for cleaning debris and pet hair from furniture and floor surfaces. The operator is admonished early on to “Work Faster, Clean Better with Less Effort”, and that one should prepare to “Use Brush-Kit/Pack”. When such a step is undertaken, the opening block section states, “Select Brush” and then shows as a side section, the selection choices of “Long Bristle—Short Bristle—Corner Brush—Long Loop or—Stiff Sweep” as some of the types of bristles and brushes suggested for use in cleaning up the odd corners and difficult places. One then would “Select Best-Brush to Reach-Debris” and observe the side section attached that says “Add a Brush!—Save Labor!”. The selection of a proper best brush follows with choices for tasks as “Long-Reach-Brush”; and “Bristle Type or—Stiff Sweep Type or—Long Strand Type”, and “Short Stiff-Sweep Brush”. Following these choices, “Use Selected-Brush at-Point of-Work” whereupon a side section is attached that states “Can't Reach the Corner?—Use the New Brush Kit!”. Then, it is assumed “Clean Up Debris—Along Path or Corner” that the task would be completed. Some further work is listed, “Vacuum with Brush—Along Baseboard”, and “Use a Corner Brush for Crevices,—Stairways, or Room Corners”. Finalizing the tasks of cleaning, the Operator would “Clean Off Brush-Using a Solid Object-To Bend It Into-Vacuum Nozzle” or as a last resort, “Manually Clear-Debris Off Brush”.
  • In these five charts [FIGS. 1 to 5] having been now described in detail, it can be assumed that a summation of each would suffice to present a concise statement for each as to follow:
  • FIG. 1 is a mechanical operation summary;
  • FIG. 2 is the 3 different types of canister vacuums;
  • FIG. 3 concerns cleaning of furniture bases and feet;
  • FIG. 4 covers Vacuum Portal cleaning including auxiliary brushes;
  • FIG. 5 covers the usage and types of brushes.
  • Now the advance will present FIG. 6 through FIG. 22, wherein all different types, styles, and activities of Vacuum Portals will be shown and taught as they deliver their performance for this new and non-obvious invention.
  • In FIG. 6, a standard floor nozzle [2] is shown with a right side and a left side Vacuum Portal being presented as open [22] on the top side of the nozzle [2]. The means to open or close each Vacuum Portal [6] is shown as a projection upward that can be moved back and forth to open and close off the suction force [22] by using a nearby solid object, or the operator's foot to move the Portal [6] open or closed as needed. These two Portals [6] are located on the top side of this nozzle. [8] so that when open, any accumulated debris or pet hair can be removed from the base or feet of furniture by lifting briefly, and by passing the standard floor nozzle [2] under the accumulation to suction into the vacuum cleaner. To close of these open Portals [22] by the use of the projected tab [6] the routine vacuum cleaning can resume and the floor nozzle [15] will then direct the full suction power to cleaning off the floor surface. This suction force passes down to the floor nozzle by the connector [10] that attaches to a wand or vacuum hose. The cross sections indicated by ‘Sect A’ and by ‘Sect B’ that are seen at one end will be shown in the next several FIGS. 7 & 9 as to how they operate. The configuration as assembled in FIG. 6 shows a standard type vacuum cleaner floor nozzle with all standard features that would be needed to provide an operator with a satisfactory working model exemplifying this invention as heretofore described.
  • In FIG. 7, there is shown a side view expanding the cited Section A from FIG. 6 wherein an incoming suction force [16] passes into the floor nozzle [2] that is shown as an opening [4] as the portal vent is open [22]. This said opening can portray a standard floor surface vacuum, or demonstrate a Vacuum Portal as it would function to gather debris. The ancillary control is shown closed [24] on the upper top side [8] of the nozzle [2] as the closing is directed by pushing closed the top side tab [6] for this function.
  • In FIG. 8 to follow, the same Section A view of a floor nozzle [2] is shown wherein the suction force [16] is directed upward to the top side [8] through the Vacuum Portal [22] and as directed by the opening tab [6], by the closing off of the lower floor surface suction force [24] since it would be controlled and directed when the upper tab is opened {See FIG. 11}.
  • In FIG. 9 following, the side view is of Section B from the prior FIG. 6, wherein the rotating cylinder is shown [as in FIG. 11 to follow] that provides the mechanical means to open and close off the vent openings to direct the suction force to where it is needed. A reminder that the suction force being provided will be much stronger and more powerful when directed to the Vacuum Portal vents [as seen in FIG. 22] selectively as in right side or left side, and the routine floor suction force is blocked being redirected to the Portals. As the cylinder rotation follows the tab means [6] to close the top side [8] vent opening [24] and open the lower side vent opening [22], the floor surface vacuum in this example [15] will open for dust and debris removal. The rotating cylinder openings are pre-selected depending upon the design and model as portrayed in the following FIGS. 16 through 22 wherein the suction force may be directed away from the floor surface cleaning and into selected Portals.
  • The FIG. 10 that follows shows the reverse of FIG. 9 in its functions and as an example of prior Section B from FIG. 6. The floor nozzle [2] is displayed in an end view wherein on the lower floor surface is closed shown as its vent being closed [24]. The upper top side [8] has its Portal vent open [22] wherein the sliding tab [6] is shown pushed back to leave the Portal open in this view.
  • In FIG. 11 following, the elongated rotating cylinder is displayed that operates to open and shut the directed suction force inside the vacuum nozzle as shown in the prior FIGS. 6 through 10. The suction force is shown divided into two different sections wherein this suction force is directed through the nozzle opening [18] as indicated by the tabs [6] shown. These two sections are shown indicated in the FIG. 22 to follow wherein by the choice of the manufacturer the two Portal functions are activated by the lever shown in FIG. 22 as being right side or left side in the Deluxe Models [See Chart in FIG. 2] of the vacuum nozzles. Assistive force means to open or to close a Portal vent can be direct by the means of the tab, or activation of the right side or the left side which can be accomplished by activation means of levers, rotating devices, push rods, selective tabs, switch means, or remote activation means, or such as deemed appropriate. This assistive means can be designed and fitted upon the Vacuum Portal nozzle by the choice of the manufacturer. The rotation of this elongated cylinder is shown supported by the center pin [28] that provides for the centering and rotary movement desired in the FIG. 11.
  • In FIG. 12 following, an end view again of a vacuum nozzle [2] detailing two Vacuum Portals as the floor surface vent [4] being open [22], and a closed front Vacuum Portal vent [24, at the front]. On the upper top side another Vacuum Portal Vent [24] is shown closed, as the tab [6] has been forced aside to close this Portal, so that the lower Portal may be open [22] as a floor surface component [4]. This FIG. 12 introduces a second series of the Vacuum Portals facing the front ahead of the floor nozzle [2] that is provided a directed means to force it open and the spring shown to close the Portal as needed. The availability and placement, and as well, the activation, of all such Vacuum Portals would be at the choice of the manufacturer as they may delineate and designate different models of floor nozzles for their choice of markets and price points.
  • In FIG. 13, an end view again of a vacuum nozzle [2] shown just as in the prior FIG. 12, with the single variation that the Vacuum Portal is shown being placed at the side on the end, and not at the front as in FIG. 12.
  • In the FIG. 14 following, an end view as above is shown wherein the two Vacuum Portals of FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are combined to display both the front and the side locations of the Vacuum Portals, as chosen by the manufacturer, or marketing department, or the designer for this model.
  • In FIG. 15, a complete vacuum floor nozzle is displayed [2] wherein two Vacuum Portals are shown [Nos. 24] closed. On the upper top side [8], there is a tab [6] that is shown closed at a Vacuum Portal [24]. The suction force enters this floor nozzle [2] at a connecting section [10] that would attach to the wand or hose of a canister or tank type vacuum. The side Portal is shown shut [24] in this drawing, but it can be forced open or shut as needed whenever some debris is to be removed from beside this vacuum nozzle.
  • In FIG. 16 to follow, the above complete vacuum floor nozzle [2] is displayed, and such is true for FIGS. 15 through 22 wherein this design of the floor nozzle is repeated showing variations of Vacuum Portals. In the FIG. 16, there are two Portals, one at the side of the nozzle shown closed [24], and a second one at the upper top side [8] being operated by a tab [6] that shows it being also closed [24]. The suction force is directed into the floor nozzle through a connector [10] that would attach to a wand or hose of a canister or tank type vacuum cleaner.
  • In FIG. 17 to follow, there are three Vacuum Portals displayed, one at the side of the vacuum nozzle [2], another on the upper top side [8] that is shown closed [24] as the tab indicates [6], and the third at the front, being an elongated type, and it is shown closed [24]. The vacuum suction force enters with a connector [10] that would attach to a canister or tank type vacuum through a wand or hose.
  • In FIG. 18 following, there are four Vacuum Portals shown in a perspective view on a vacuum cleaner nozzle [2] as seen prior to. On the upper top side [8] the two Portals are being shown, one is closed [24], and the second one is shown open [22] each from a push by the tabs [6]. On one . side visible in the drawing a Portal is shown closed [24] and on the front side is an elongated Portal [24] across the front. The suction force of this vacuum cleaner passes through a connector [10] that provides an attachment means to a wand or hose from a canister or tank type vacuum.
  • In FIG. 19 following, an additional upper top side [8] fourth Portal opening [24] is shown being open, and a second one is closed. These are similar Portals as seen in prior FIG. 18. Items in this FIG. 19 are marked the same as FIG. 18 with the exception of a brush, bristle, and scraper inset track [11].
  • In FIG. 20 following, all markings and features are similar except that the Portals on the top side are reversed, and for an additional inset track [11] shown at the back of the nozzle [2] on the upper top side [8]. These inset tracks [11] allow various brush type devices to be attached to the vacuum cleaner nozzle [2] in order to loosen and dislodge debris and pet hair that in turn can be drawn up into the suction of the vacuum cleaner [2] passing through the connector [10] on its way into the storage compartment of the vacuum.
  • In FIG. 21 following, all markings and features are similar to prior FIGS. 19 and 20 except for one closed top side Portal vent, and the rotating Portal brush [26] in the sectional view, located on the upper top side at one end. FIG. 21 displays this cleaning type brush in a movable manner indicating the ways to loosen and dislodge debris through this Vacuum Portal device. The opening and the closing of this brush [26] would be similar to FIG. 22 to follow, wherein assistive means would be employed.
  • In FIG. 22 following, the markings and features are shown as the same as prior FIG. 21 except for the lever device [20] that can direct the suction force selectively to the left side, or the right side, or upper chamber, or lower chamber as selected by the manufacture of this deluxe type nozzle [2]. There may be two separate chambers wherein the lever [20] would direct all of the suction power to just the upper chamber to serve the connected Vacuum Portals, and cut off other suction pressure that is normal to the remainder of the vacuum nozzle [2]. This selection of a lever [20] can also direct the suction to a left side, or a right side for the Portals, if desired, or left centered to be off, or inactive. Needless to say, that when the entire suction force is directed to such small openings [22] the effective pressure would be greatly increased, and the removal of debris and pet hair is made easier.
  • In FIG. 23 following, two long brushes [30] are shown firmly mounted on the flexible plastic sliding element that can be affixed onto the vacuum cleaner nozzle [2] showing that upon their being used, a longer reach is achieved for debris and pet hair.
  • In FIG. 24 that follows, a shorter brush [30] scraper is displayed with its mounting plastic sliding element that serves to attach the scraper device to a vacuum cleaner nozzle [2].
  • In FIG. 25 following, a pure bristle [30] mounted on the flexible sliding element that could be placed onto the vacuum cleaner nozzle [2].
  • The FIG. 26 next, shows purely just a scraper [32] for a positive dislodging of accumulated debris, when such a strong positive action may be required or needed.
  • In all of the displayed FIGS. 6 through 26, the vacuum cleaner nozzle [2] is displayed in various perspectives to encourage a better design, and selections by a manufacturer of vacuum cleaners. The attribution and placement of Vacuum Portals in different openings upon the floor nozzle serves to teach the uses of openings other than the standard floor suction nozzle [2] that is the standard today. The rationale of such teaching would be the influence of all of the projected Vacuum Portals being adjacent or close to the debris and pet hair targeted for removal, and the increased force of suction that naturally would occur to be higher, as these apertures are smaller than the normal floor suction area. As depicted in FIG. 22, a lever can be placed as an assistive force to direct such suction forces into appropriate sections where the debris or pet hair is being targeted for removal. Additionally, in the manufacture of such directed nozzle [2] suction force, there can be two separated chambers with the primary one functioning to clean floor surfaces at the bottom of the nozzle, and the secondary one as an upper top side chamber that directs the suction force to the apertures, the Vacuum Portals, targeting the debris and pet hair for removal. Also, these individual Portals can have suction force channeled directly to each Vacuum Portal, if such a measure is desired. Additional Vacuum Portals can be activated to be open or closed by a push rod [foot activated], or by assistive force means, or by a remote means that can be placed out of the way, such as on the vacuum cleaner handle.
  • The display of the numerous views of a vacuum nozzle is depicted to teach many various ways to achieve the special removal of debris and pet hair in odd and hard to reach places. It does seem obvious that a manufacturer skilled in producing vacuum cleaners would have the skill and incentive to position the Vacuum Portals at optimal places in these floor nozzles. It would, again, seem obvious that those skilled in this art can draw out the best and optimal locations for Vacuum Portals as they are presented in my invention herein disclosed for the Letters Patent.
  • This Non-Provisional Patent in Application claims the priority benefit of a Provisional Patent No. 61/961,281 filed Oct. 10, 2013, and entitled: “Apparatus & Means for Cleaning Furniture Feet with Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle”
    • VACUUM PORTALS TO ALLEVIATE STRAINS AND STRESSES OF VACUUM CLEANING INVENTOR: Alex P. Janssen, Jr.
      • 3350 Watts Station Drive
      • Charlottesville, Va. 22911
    ASSIGNED TO: American Investment Group of North America
      • 3350 Watts Station Dr
      • Charlottesville, Va. 22911

Claims (19)

What is claimed:
1. Vacuum Portals comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising a vacuum suction means to vacuum up accumulated debris and pet hair from furniture feet.
2. The Vacuum Portals of claim 1 further comprising said vacuum suction means comprising vacuum vent means to vacuum up said accumulated debris and pet hair from furniture supports, including said furniture feet.
3. The Vacuum Portals of claim 1 further comprising said vacuum suction means to comprise an auxiliary vacuum vent means to open, and to close said vacuum vent, by the means of a force operated projected tab on said vacuum vent means.
4. The Vacuum Portals of claim 3 further comprising said auxiliary vacuum vents be located upon said vacuum cleaner nozzle to vacuum up said accumulated debris and pet hair when encountered.
5. The Vacuum Portals of claim 4 further comprising said auxiliary vacuum vents comprise vent openings to be located optimally upon said vacuum cleaner nozzle to vacuum up said accumulated debris and pet hair when encountered.
6. The Vacuum Portals of claim 5 further comprising said auxiliary vacuum vent openings may comprise any shaping expedient to fit upon said vacuum cleaner nozzle.
7. The Vacuum Portals of claim 3 further comprising said auxiliary vacuum vent comprise a manually opening, and manually closing, tab that is seen and connected upon said vacuum vent which in turn is located upon said vacuum cleaner nozzle.
8. The Vacuum Portals of claim 7 further comprising said auxiliary vacuum vents comprise a vacuum suction force directed to the said auxiliary vacuum vents by assistive force means that may comprise: singly, or in combination, but not to be limited to, these following means:
a. tabs that may be forced open or shut;
b. lever system that may be directed as requisite;
c. rotating devices that may be directed;
d. push rods conveniently located that would direct suction force;
e. switch means electrically activated; &
f. remote activation devices to direct suction force.
10. The Vacuum Portals of claim 8 further comprising said auxiliary vacuum portal vents comprise in design and manufacture by those skilled in the art to be channeled with an increased vacuum suction force to be directed to the said vacuum portal vents when opened for use.
11. The Vacuum Portals of claim 10 further comprising said auxiliary vacuum portal vents comprise in design and manufacture by those skilled in the art an option of an upper separated chamber to direct and channel said vacuum suction force to one or more vacuum portal vents to provide said increased suction force to said vacuum portal vents when opened.
12. The Vacuum Portals of claim 11 further comprising said auxiliary vacuum portal vents may comprise a separate upper chamber to contain an increased suction force when directionally activated by assistive force means, wherein the routine floor surface suction force would be shut off and redirected to serve the removal of debris and pet hair.
13. The Vacuum Portals of claim 5 further comprising said auxiliary vacuum vents being located upon said vacuum cleaner nozzle comprise singly, and in combinations, but not limited to, these following:
a. a single upper surface vent;
b. a double upper surface vent;
c. a single side surface vent;
d. a double side surface vent;
e. a single front surface vent;
f. a double front surface vent;
g. a single rotating vent;
h. multiple rotating vents;
i. a single rotating brush vent;
j. multiple rotating brush vents; &
k. multiple surface vents.
14. An apparatus for cleaning furniture supports, including furniture feet, comprising in combination with a vacuum cleaner nozzle, a vacuum suction means for cleaning said furniture supports, including furniture feet, of any accumulated debris and pet hair.
15. The apparatus for cleaning furniture supports, including furniture feet, of claim 14, and other related items, further comprising said vacuum suction means for cleaning said accumulated debris and pet hair from various furniture supports, singly, and in combination, but not limited to, these following:
a. chair legs;
b. table legs;
c. frame assemblies;
d. furniture bases;
e. table stretchers;
f. support trestles; &
g. heavy, difficult to reach items.
16. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising said vacuum suction means for cleaning said accumulated debris and pet hair by the means of such types of vacuum cleaners, singly, and in combinations, but not limited to, these following:
a. upright cleaners with attached nozzles;
b. canister types with separated nozzles;
c. tank types with separated nozzles;
d. hand-held cleaners with attached nozzles;
e. small cleaning attachments to canister vacuum hoses;
f. robotic vacuum devices, as requisite;
g. shop-type wet/dry cleaners with separated nozzles;
h. heavy duty types with separated nozzles;
i. commercial types with attached nozzles;
j. whole-house types with separated nozzles; &
k. nozzles as determined by such as skilled in the art.
17. A means for cleaning furniture supports, including furniture feet, and other related items, comprising an auxiliary vacuum suction device to remove debris and pet hair from the bottom of furniture supports, including furniture feet, baseboards, crevices, stairways, and such areas without requiring the user to stoop and bend enough to pull the debris from furniture supports, and related items, by hand.
18. The means for cleaning furniture supports, including furniture feet, and related items, of claim 17 further comprising an auxiliary vacuum suction device with means to disturb and displace said debris and pet hair from furniture supports, and related items, by an optional attachment means of brushes, bristles, and scrapers as requisite to accomplish this task.
19. The means for cleaning furniture supports, including furniture feet, and related items, of claim 18 further comprising said brushes, bristles, and scrapers being attached to a vacuum cleaner nozzle by means of adhesives, hook and loop, and slotted devices as requisite for said attachment.
20. The means for cleaning furniture supports, including furniture feet, and related items, of claim 17 further comprising said brushes, bristles, and scrapers have replacement means when worn.
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Cited By (4)

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US10667660B2 (en) 2017-05-18 2020-06-02 Dyson Technology Limited Suction nozzle
CN113613535A (en) * 2019-03-11 2021-11-05 尚科宁家运营有限公司 Dust cup gate for robot cleaner
CN113017468A (en) * 2021-03-23 2021-06-25 安徽持家汉家居工艺品有限公司 Cleaning equipment based on intelligent furniture and use method thereof
DE102022200523A1 (en) 2022-01-18 2023-07-20 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Suction nozzle with suction mouth opening that can be covered

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