US20240108187A1

US20240108187A1 - Vacuum Device

Info

Publication number: US20240108187A1
Application number: US18/476,388
Authority: US
Inventors: Enrique Arguilez
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-09-30
Filing date: 2023-09-28
Publication date: 2024-04-04

Abstract

A vacuum device is provided comprised of a body, a lid, a telescoping handle, and a hose. The hose may be attached to the body to suck dirt and debris from the floor and into the body of the device. In addition, the hose can be made stationary by attaching to a hose clip of the body such that the device can remove dirt from the floor by being wheeled around the floor by pushing on a handle. The angle of the handle can further be adjusted, and the length of the telescoping handle can also be adjusted to allow the device to be easily pushed around, vacuuming a large floor area.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/411,668, which was filed on Sep. 30, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of vacuums. More specifically, the present invention relates to a vacuum device that can be pushed by a user who is standing via a telescoping handle. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

To clean a floor, many different methods may be used. Using a push broom may remove much of the dust and debris from the floor, but must be manually operated which can become tiresome, especially if used multiple times throughout the day. A shop vac may not have the functionality to easily cover an entire floor or larger area as it may only have a standard suction hose and lack different attachments that make cleaning large areas easier. In addition, a shop vac may require a user to bend over into an uncomfortable position to clean the floor, putting additional pressure and discomfort on the back of the user.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved vacuum device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a vacuum device that can be operated from a standing position. Furthermore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a vacuum device that can be easily adjusted to fit the size of any user such that a user may operate the device multiple times throughout the day without discomfort.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a vacuum device. The device is comprised of a body, a lid, a telescoping handle, and a hose. The body is generally cylindrical and hollow and is preferably made from a plastic material. The hose is flexible but can be made stationary by attaching it to the body via a hose clip such that the device may remove dirt and other debris from a floor by turning the device on and pushing the device around the floor. The angle of the handle can be adjusted, and the length of the telescoping handle can also be adjusted to allow the device to be easily pushed around, vacuuming a large floor area.
In this manner, the vacuum device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides an improved vacuum. More specifically, the vacuum device can be operated from a comfortable standing position and is adjustable to fit the proportions of any user. Furthermore, the vacuum device can remove dirt and debris from any floor made of any material.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a vacuum device primarily comprised of a body, a lid, a telescoping handle, and a hose. The device is designed to be pushed around by a user in an upright, standing position to clean dirt and debris from the floor. The body is preferably a generally cylindrical, hollow body made from a plastic material. The body is further comprised of a wheel, a hose opening, and a hose clip. The wheels provide a sturdy base that allows the device to be easily moved. The hose opening and the hose clip may accept a hose to aid in cleaning a floor of dirt and other debris. In addition, a lid may be placed on the body to enclose the body during use.
A handle may be attached to the body via at least one pivot point that allows the handle to rotate to a desired angle for a user. The handle is further comprised of a housing from which a telescoping handle may extend to change the length of the handle. Once the desired length of at least one arm of the telescoping handle is reached, a locking mechanism may be activated to temporarily fix the length of the telescoping handle. A handle of the telescoping handle acts as a contact point from which a user may grip the device to push and/or pull the device around a floor.
A first end of a hose may be attached to the hose opening of the body. A second end of the hose may be attached to a vacuum head. The vacuum head may be of any shape or size or be comprised of any additional features, such as bristles, to remove dirt and debris from different materials or spaces. The hose may further be attached to the hose clip of the body to keep the hose stationary while a user pushes the device around. To operate the device, an on/off button is set to the “on” position, supplying power from a power cord or battery to a motor. The rotation of the motor controls the suction force of the device through the hose, allowing the debris to be collected in the body.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body, a lid, a telescoping handle, and a hose. Then, the first end of the hose is attached to the hose opening and the hose clip of the body. Next, the preferred vacuum head is attached to the second end of the hose. Then, the handle is rotated about the pivot point until the desired angle of the handle is reached. Next, the telescoping handle is extended to the desired length of the user and locked in place via the locking mechanism. Finally, the on/off button of the device is turned “on” to remove dirt and debris from the floor while a user wheels the device around, remaining in a standing position.
Accordingly, the vacuum device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that improves upon existing shop vacuum devices known in the art. More specifically, the vacuum device can remove dirt and other debris from any floor made of any material. Furthermore, the vacuum device can be operated from a comfortable standing position and is adjustable to fit the proportions of any user. In this manner, the vacuum device overcomes the limitations of existing vacuums known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a vacuum device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of a hose connection area of one potential embodiment of a vacuum device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a vacuum device of the present invention while being used by a user in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a vacuum device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved vacuum device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a vacuum device that can be operated from a standing position to remove dust and debris from the floor of any material. Furthermore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a vacuum device that can be easily adjusted to fit the size of any user such that a user may operate the device multiple times throughout the day without discomfort.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a vacuum device. The device is primarily comprised of a body, a lid, a telescoping handle, and a hose. The device is designed to be pushed around by a user in an upright, standing position to clean dirt and debris from the floor.
More specifically, the device preferably has all commonly found features of a shop vac (or another vacuum of the like) in addition to the improvements provided. The device is comprised of a cylindrical body that is preferably made from a plastic material. The body is further comprised of an internal container, at least one wheel, a hose opening, and a hose clip. The internal container is the hollow space of the body in which dirt and debris may be sucked when removing dirt and debris from the floor that is to be cleaned. There are preferably four wheels of the body that allow the device to easily move around a floor and remain balanced when moving. The hose opening allows dirt and debris to pass into the internal container of the body via a hose. The hose clip may be fixedly attached to the body such that the hose may be positioned according to the preferences of a user. The body may additionally be enclosed by the attachment of a lid. The lid may be attached to the body via at least one fastener, such as a clip or other easily removable fastener. The lid is further comprised of a handle that allows the lid to be easily placed onto and removed from the body.
A handle may be attached to the body via at least one pivot point. Preferably, there is a pivot point on either side of the body, allowing the handle to attach and rotate about two points along the same horizontal axis. The handle is further comprised of a housing from which a telescoping handle may extend. The telescoping handle is comprised of two arms, a locking mechanism, and a handle. By releasing the locking mechanism, the arms of the telescoping handle may extend, increasing the distance between the handle of the telescoping handle and the pivot point of the handle. Once a desired length is reached, the locking mechanism may be activated to temporarily fix the length of the telescoping handle. The handle of the telescoping handle may be further comprised of a grip area to allow a user to better grip the device during use.
A motor stored in the internal container of the body may operate the device to remove debris from the floor. The motor is further comprised of at least one battery, a power cord, and an on/off button. By turning the on/off button to the “on” position, power may be sent to the motor, either from the battery, the power cord, or both, allowing the motor to create a suction force through the hose opening of the body. A hose may be removably attached to the hose opening of the body during use to pick up dirt from a floor surface. The hose may be further comprised of a first end and a second end. The first end of the hose may attach to the hose opening of the body via at least one connector to secure the hose to the body. The second end of the hose may be attached to a vacuum head from which dirt may be removed from the floor. The vacuum head may be of any shape, size, or configuration. Further, any part of the hose may be attached to the hose clip of the body, allowing flexibility in the length and orientation of the hose.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body, a lid, a telescoping handle, and a hose. Then, the first end of the hose is attached to the hose opening and the hose clip of the body. Then, the preferred vacuum head is attached to the second end of the hose. Next, the handle is rotated about the pivot point until the desired angle of the handle is reached. Then, the telescoping handle is extended to the desired length of the user and locked in place via the locking mechanism. Next, the on/off button of the device is turned “on” to remove dirt and debris from the floor while a user wheels the device around, remaining in a standing position.
Accordingly, the vacuum device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that improves upon existing shop vacuum devices known in the art. More specifically, the vacuum device is adjustable such that it can be operated by a standing user in a comfortable position. Furthermore, the vacuum device can remove dirt, dust, and other debris from any material or any floor type. In this manner, the vacuum device overcomes the limitations of existing vacuums known in the art.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a vacuum device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is primarily comprised of a body 110, a lid 120, at least one telescoping handle 140, and at least one hose 160. The device 100 is designed to be pushed by a user in an upright, standing position while vacuuming dirt and debris from a floor or other flat surface.
The device 100 preferably has all commonly found features of a shop vac (or another vacuum of the like) in addition to the improvements provided with the present invention. The device 100 is comprised of a body 100 that is preferably cylindrical in shape but may be any shape such as rectangular, square, circular, etc. The body 110 may be made of any material but is preferably made from a plastic material, such as, but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, etc.
The body 110 is further comprised of at least one internal container 112, at least one wheel 114, at least one hose opening 116, and a hose clip 118. The internal container 112 is the hollow space of the body 110 that provides storage for the dirt and debris that is vacuumed by the device. Preferably, the device 100 has four wheels 114 to provide a sturdy base for the device 100 to prevent tipping over during movement. The wheels 114 are preferably caster wheels but may be any wheels capable of changing direction known in the art and may be locking wheels in one embodiment.
The hose opening 116 is preferably a circular opening from which a hose 160 may be removably attached to the body 110, as best seen in FIG. 2 . The hose opening 116 allows dirt and debris to enter into the internal container 112 of the body 110 via the hose 160. The hose clip 118 may be fixedly attached to the body 110 and provides a place to further attach the hose 160 to the body 110 during use. To enclose the body 110, a lid 120 may be placed on top of the body 110. The lid 120 may be easily placed onto and removed from the body 110 via a handle 122 that provides a grip point for a user. The lid 120 may be a locking lid in one embodiment.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a vacuum device 100 of the present invention while being used by a user in accordance with the disclosed architecture. At least one handle 130 may be fixedly or removably attached to the body 110 at least one pivot point 134. The pivot point 134 allows the handle 130 to rotate (preferably at least 90 degrees) to an angle preferred by a user. In the preferred embodiment, there are two pivot points 134 on opposite sides of the body 110 attaching to each end of a housing 132 of the handle 130. A telescoping handle 140 may extend from the housing 132. The telescoping handle 140 may be further comprised of at least one, but preferably two, arms 142 (that a preferably parallel), a locking mechanism 144, and a handle 146 which connects each arm 142.
The arms 142 may adjust in length by telescoping out from the housing 132 of the handle 130. The length in which the arms 142 are extended can be temporarily fixed by closing the locking mechanism 144. The arms 142 are then connected via the handle 146. The handle 146 acts as a contact point for a user to push and pull the device 100, and may be comprised of a grip area 148 that provides better grip by being made from a different material, such as rubber, or by being comprised of a raised or recessed texture for improved grip.
A vacuum motor 150 may be housed in the internal container body 110. The motor 150 provides vacuum suction to remove dirt and debris from a surface of a floor. The motor 150 may be further comprised of a battery 152, a power cord 154, and an on/off button 156. Power may be supplied to the motor 150 from the battery 152 as a cordless tool, the power cord 154 from a wall outlet, or both the battery 152 and the power cord 154. The battery 152 may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery in the form of an alkaline, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride battery, etc., such as any 3V-12 volts DC battery or other conventional battery such as A, AA, AAA, etc. that supply power to the device 100. Throughout this specification, the term “battery” may be used interchangeably to refer to one or more wet or dry cells or batteries of cells in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of DC power. References to recharging or replacing the battery 152 may refer to recharging or replacing individual cells, individual batteries of cells, or a package of multiple battery cells as is appropriate for any given battery technology that may be used.
The on/off button 156 may be pressed to the “on” position, which allows the device 100 to begin suction through the hose opening 116 of the body 110. During use, a first end 162 of a hose 160 may be removably attached to the hose opening 116. A connector 164 may secure the first end 162 of the hose 160 to the hose opening 116. The connector 164 may be any fastener known in the art such as, but not limited to, a clip, lever, bolt, snap-fit, screw, etc. A second end 166 of the hose 160 may be removably attached to a vacuum head 168. The vacuum head 168 may be any type of vacuum head shape, size, or style, such as a bristle-head, an extension piece, a crevice cleaner, a dusting brush, etc. such that the vacuum head 168 can be easily interchanged with another style vacuum head 168 for differing cleaning applications. Further, the hose 160 may be attached to the hose clip 118 of the body 110. By attaching the hose 160 to the hose clip 118, the hose 160 becomes stationary rather than handheld, allowing a user to push the device 100 around a floor to clean a large floor space area while the head 168 remains in a fixed position.
The present invention is also comprised of a method 200 of using the device 100, as seen in FIG. 4 . First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110, a lid 120, a telescoping handle 140, and a hose 160 [Step 202]. Then, a first end 162 of the hose 160 is attached to a hose opening 116 and a hose clip 118 of the body 110 [Step 204]. Then, a preferred vacuum head 168 is attached to a second end 166 of the hose 160 [Step 206]. Next, a handle 130 is rotated about the pivot point 134 until the desired angle of the handle 130 is reached [Step 208]. Then, the telescoping handle 140 is extended to the desired length by pulling the telescopic handle 140 from the handle 130 by the user and locking the handle 140 into place via the locking mechanism 144 [Step 210]. Next, the on/off button 156 of the device 100 is turned “on” to activate vacuum motor 150 suction from the head 168 [Step 212]. Then, a user can push the device via the handle 140 across a floor surface (while standing) to remove dirt and debris from the floor surface [Step 214].
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons, may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “vacuum device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the vacuum device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the vacuum device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the vacuum device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the vacuum device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the vacuum device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the vacuum device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A vacuum device comprising:

a body comprised of a wheel, an internal container, a hose opening, and a lid;

a handle comprised of a housing attached to a pivot point;

a telescopic handle positioned within the housing;

a motor;

a hose; and

a vacuum head.

2. The vacuum device of claim 1, wherein the wheel is comprised of a locking wheel.

3. The vacuum device of claim 1, wherein the hose attaches to the hose opening.

4. The vacuum device of claim 1, wherein the hose attaches to the vacuum head.

5. The vacuum device of claim 1, wherein the lid is comprised of a handle.

6. The vacuum device of claim 1, wherein the motor is comprised of a vacuum motor.

7. The vacuum device of claim 1, wherein the wheel is comprised of a caster wheel.

8. A vacuum device comprising:

a body comprised of a wheel, an internal container, a hose opening, and a lid;

a handle comprised of a housing attached to a pivot point;

a telescopic handle positioned within the housing, the telescopic handle comprised of an arm;

a motor;

a hose;

a hose clip; and

a vacuum head.

9. The vacuum device of claim 8, wherein the telescopic handle can be locked at an extended position from the housing via a locking mechanism.

10. The vacuum device of claim 8, wherein the telescopic handle is comprised of a grip area.

11. The vacuum device of claim 10, wherein the grip area is comprised of a raised or recessed texture.

12. The vacuum device of claim 8, wherein the housing rotates 90 degrees about the pivot point.

13. The vacuum device of claim 8, wherein the vacuum head is comprised of a bristle head.

14. The vacuum device of claim 8 is further comprised of a connector.

15. The vacuum device of claim 14, wherein the connector attaches to the hose and to the vacuum head.

16. The vacuum device of claim 8 is further comprised of a power cord.

17. The vacuum device of claim 8 is further comprised of a battery.

18. The vacuum device of claim 8, wherein the motor is comprised of a vacuum motor.

19. A method of using a vacuum device, the method comprising the following steps:

providing a vacuum device comprised of a body, a lid, a telescoping handle, and a hose;

attaching a first end of the hose to a hose opening of the body and to a hose clip of the body;

attaching a vacuum head to a second end of the hose;

rotating a housing of a handle about a pivot point;

extending the telescopic handle from the housing and locking the telescopic handle at a position via a locking mechanism;

turning on a vacuum motor of the vacuum device; and

pushing the vacuum motor device across a floor surface while standing via the telescoping handle.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the vacuum head is attached to the body via a hose clip.