US2779432A - Vacuum cleaner assembly - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 29, 1957 c. E. MEYERHOEFER 2,779,432

VACUUM CLEANER ASSEMBLY Filed May '7, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet l Jan- 29, 71957 c. E. MEYERHOEFER 2,779,432

VACUUM CLEANER ASSEMBLY Filed May 7, 1955 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 r MM INVENTOR. ar/ Myerae/'fr BY am. mbv M m f7 TTRNEYS Jam 29, 1957 c. E. MEYERHol-:FER 2,779,432

VACUM CLEANER ASSEMBLY Filed May '7, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR fagffgffff/f@ ATTORNEYS Jan. 29, 1957 c. EL MEYr-:RHOEFER VACUUM CLEANER ASSEMBLY Filed may 'A7, 195s 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 NEN MNM

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Jan. 29, 1957 c. EMEYERHOEFER VACUUM CLEANER'ASSEMBLY 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 7, 1953 IN VEN TOR.

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Jan. 29, 1957 c. E. MEYERHQEFER V2,779,432 VACUUM CLEANER Assxanvnsml Filed May 7, 1955 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 1N V EN Y JR. (hr/ Mega/iwf Jam 29, 1957 c. E. MEYERHOEFER VACUUM CLEANER ASSEMBLY 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed May '7, 1953 /17 TORNYS 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed May 7, 1953 INVENTOR dg Y Meyefyfer ATTO R N EYS VACUUM CLEANER ASSEMBLY tassignments, `to .LewytCorporatiom Brooklyn, N. Y.,

a corporation `of New York ApplicationMay '7.,'11953, Serial No. 353,472

`7 Claims. `(Cl.,183137) LThis invention relatesto a structurally and functionally improved vacuum cleaner assembly especially intendedfor :domestic use.

lt is an object ofthe inventionto furnish an apparatus of this character in which a maximum` amount of .dirt .and other material will `be picked upbythe incoming air and in which an extremely effective air-.cleaning or filtering action willbe present so that substantially all dust and other foreign materials `entrained Within thewincoming air will be filtered out before that air is discharged from the apparatus. Moreover, the apparatus ywill be very quiet in operation, will embody a low centerof gravity Vsuch that it will be almost` incapable of being accidentally `turned over and will support a contained ltering .unit or bag in amanner such that it will he readily accessible for renewal. p

y A further object is that of incorporating in the assembly a contro-l `structure `by means of which the degree of suction exerted through thecleaning nozzle or tool maybe regulated withY nicety. Therefore, the `apparatus may be e'iciently employed in connection with surfaces requiring a maximum flow -ofair as well as instanceslsuch as light draperies) where a restrained air flow should `occurrsuch that the material will `not be frozen `in contact with `the nozzle or actually drawn into that no-zzle.

A still further object `is that of providing a vacuum `Cleaner' assembly `which will ordinarily be used to create a condition of suction for `purposes of cleaning the surfaces of walls, tables, iioors, etc., as well as removing dirt embedded within the bodies `of rugs and even below the same. Additionally, by the present teachings, an apparatus is furnished lwhich `will eflicientlysupply air under pressure. Such `air `being in maximum volume, `spraying and blowing operations of ineffective nature may readily be resorted to.

4Another object is that `of furnishing an improvedstructure by means of which it will `be feasible for an operator to move around `the suction-producing apparatus without having to rotate or twist thatapparatusupon the `floor or other supporting surface; this being avoided `by the use of a highly effective `swiveling structure, which, in operation, will in no way interfere with the efficient functioning of the apparatus.

:Still anotherobject `is that of conveniently providing a caddy or supporting structure as part of the assembly and which in use, will mount the suction-producing'mechanism. Under` these circumstances, the aforementioned swivelling action is inoperative in that the caddy will movably support the mechanism for desired shifting in any proper direction. Additionally, by the present teachings, -the caddy will embody within its assembly an eX- tremely desirable form of electrical connection and cable control :whereby the suction-producing apparatus maybe coupledto a conveniently `disposed electrical outlet.

.'lhepresent apparatus contemplates relatively few parts, each rugged and simple in design, such parts being capable of .ready manufacture .and assembly .by quantity `production methods and when so assembled, providing a mecha- Cil . ture for the apparatus.

Patented Jan. 29,1957

2 nism functioning over' long periods of time with freedom from all difliculties.` y

Withrthese and other objects in mind, reference ishad to `the attached sheetsof drawings, illustrating ,practical .embodiments of the invention `and inwhich:

Fig. l is asectionalside view of the assembly; Fig. lA is an enlarged fragmentary view of certain of the parts;

lFig..2 is a sectionalwplan view thereof taken alongliue LZ-Z in the direction of the arrows as indicated int-Fig. `1;

Fig. `3 is afragmentary plan view of` that portion of the cover assembly which mounts theiby-pass control;

Fig. 4 is anupper similar fragmentary face view `ofra side Yportionof `the outer `casing or shell of the apparatus;

Fig. 5 is a sectionalelevation showingin detail the Ystructure of one form ofV gasket which preferably provides .a part ofthe assembly;

Fig. 6 is` a `fragmentary sectional View of the bottom `portion of the `.assembly and showing -a `structure different from thatillustrated in` Fig. l;

Fig. 7 is a sectionalrside view of a caddy structureuwhich preferably forms a `partfof the assembly;

Fig. 8 is a sectional plan view taken along theline `in `the 4direction of the arrows `as indicated in Pig. 7;

Fig. -9ris a fragmentary sectional plan viewtaken along `.the-line 9-9inthedirection `of the arrows as :indicated in'Fig. 10;

Fig. 10 is a sectional side view in enlarged scale showing in detail certain of the parts illustrated in Fig. 7;

Fig. 11 vis an enlarged transverse sectional view taken along the line 11-11 fin the `direction of ,the arrows :pas indicated in Fig. 7;

Fig. 12 is a side elevation of a form of assembly involving an alternative disposition of the current-supplying lead.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary sectional View taken along the line 13-.13 in the direction of the arrows as indicated in Fig. 12;

Fig. lllis a view similar to Fig. l2 but showing a still further form of structure;

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary sectional View taken along the line 15--15 in `the direction of thearrows as indicated in Fig. 114;

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. l5 but showing another form of receiving structure;

Fig. 17 is a view similarto Figs. 12 and 14 but illus- .trating an additional arrangement of the apparatus;

Fig. 1S illustrates a still further structure involving the lead-receiving portion of the assembly; and

Fig. 19 is a plan view through the assembly as'shown-in Fig. l, with the filtering bag removed from the trough.

Primarily referring to Fig. 1, the numeral 20 identifies the lower portion of the yassembly which is preferably in the form ofa tub or cannister. This, together withpthe upper portion 2l, provides a. main shell or enclosing struc- The upper portion 21 isrclosed by a cover 46 above and to which a member 22 is secured. This cover may be hingedly connected as at 23 by aiitting to the outer face` of upper `portion 2l andwhich fitting `mates with a hingev part of member 22. A handle l24,;is included in member 22. The cover is normallymaintained in a position at which it closes the `uppersportion 2l. `of the shellfhy conveniently providing arlat'ch structure associated with these `parts.` This structuremay include,` as in Fig. 4 an actuator 25 on a shaft 26. 'The latter is rotatably mounted `adjacent the upper-.edgenof section 2l and extends beyond a facing plate `25 secured to the upper section. This shaftalso mounts withinthe body `of 'the cleaner, arkeeperor latch element 27,::the lower end of `whichrextends belowgsha'ft 2,-6vandhasr secured to it one end ofarspring. .Thefllllplilcriduof latch element 27 may present a striking or cam surface 29 for engagement with a pin 30 carried by member 22 and cover 46. This pin, in cooperation with the keeper or retaining portion of the latch will assure that the cover is normally maintained in a position at which it closes the upper face of section 2i. A

n Within the upper portion 21, a trough or pan-shaped part 30 is suitably supported. The base and side walls of this trough may be corrugated as indicated at 31. The end walls of this unit are -conveniently uncorrugated and the one adjacent the latch 27 is formed with an opening. In line with this opening, the outer shell of the apparatus is formed with a corresponding opening within which there is mounted a collar 32 which may form a part of facing plate The collar defines a bore and retaining structure to, for example, receive the end fitting of a hose eX- tension (not shown) and to prevent accidental detachment of that extension. Extending inwardly from the opening formed in the end wall of trough is a fitting 33 which may terminate in a deecto-r portion 34. These parts Serve to mount the collar 35 of a bag formed of airporous paper or other suitable material and the dimensions of which are such that it may be disposed within trough or pan 39. While the defiector portion 34 has been shown in Fig. 1 as extending downwardly, it may, of course, eX- tend in any desired direction to divert the incoming air against any elected face of the bag which is secured to the collar 35.

Supported to move with cover 46 is a filter disk. This will preferably be in the form of a mat or layer of cloth 36. Disposed adjacent the upper face of this disk is a layer 37 of perforated metal. As shown especially in Fig. 1A, a tab 33 may be secured to mat 36 and the edge of the latter preferably passes around the periphery of layer 37. In this manner, these parts are retained as a unit; the edge or layer 36 conveniently terminating in a cord bead. This assembly extends into the groove formed in the inner of a mounting ring 39 of rubber, or other suitable material, which has an outwardly extending ange or lip bearing against the inturnetl edge of cover 46 to normally retain the parts. However, by exerting a pull on tab 33, units 36 and 3'1" may be detached from ring 39, after which they may again be reniounted.

Thus, with the cover clef o., the filter assembly will lie ad toont the upper edge of trough or i9 To assure o.: rcper s between tl o parts, a pr rably ern odios the illustrated, this i o. p a body it? of ning groove or defines the base or inner air chamber 43 ex ts 'ned by a reduced or n air entra ocd within chanber 43, it is pparent that pressure agaiint any of the outer portion 44 will cause chair. er to he enlarged at other points` Therefore, this gasket .vill conform to adjacent uneven surfaces to establish an effective seal without it being necessary to resort to tine tolerances or to employ any undue clamping pressure to eifect this result. As shown especially in Fig. 1, one of these gaskets is mounted by the upper edge portion of trough 30. A `second gasket is mounted by the edge of upper section 21. This latter gasket cooperates with the edge of the cover. In line with the base of the fitting for the hinge 23 both the shell 21 and the trough 30 may be indented and secured in face-to-face contact as at 45.

The cover 46 may include a metal plate secured, for example, by bolts 47 to member 22. rPhis plate provides an air-impervious structure when the cover is in lowered position incident to its engaging the outer gasket 4@ which conforms to its peripheral edge portion as the cover is lowered and thus establishes la proper seal. At a point preferably remote from the handle, plate 46 is formed with an opening 48. Through this opening, air may pass to the interior of the assembly and which has not entered the same through the collar 32.

siot til. A tran.,y

of the latter.

In order to control the flow of such air, a valve is employed. The structure embraced in this Valve and its control is best shown in Fig. 3 taken in conjunction with Fig. 1. In those views, the numeral 49 indicates a dial which may present on its outer face indicia including, for example, the legen-ds of Cotton carpets, Wool carpets and Drapes and upholstery, as indicated at 50. This dial is positioned above the outer faces of member 22 and cover 46. The member may provide a well portion 51 to receive its lower edge. The dial or knob is supported upon a shaft 52 having rotatable bearing in an opening formed in plate 46 at a point adjacent opening 48. A valve 53 is secured to shaft 52 to turn with the same and a spring 54 may bear against this valve to assure a firm frictional contact between the latter and the depressed upper surface of plate 46 within which opening 48 is provided. The legends on the dial 49 are so correlated to valve 53 that when these legends are aligned with an indicating mark 55, the valve will either completely close or obstruct opening 48, will increasingly clear that opening or will be completely beyond the latter so as not to obstruct in any manner air flow therethrough. As shown particularly in l. the well portion 51 is spaced from the adjacent edges of dial 49 so that air may freely pass around these edges below the dial and through opening/4S when the latter is partially or completely unobsrtucted. By .tg the by-pass opening 48 in advance of the upper face of the filter dish assembly 36-37, that structure causes a filtering action on the incoming air.

The base of upper portion or section 2l is inturned as at Within this intnrned area, pedestal portions are provided which abut against similar parts formed integrally with the onse of trough These pedestal portions have been indicated by the numeral. "7.' and securing elements are provided to pri-,vent any displacement; of the trough with respect to the inturned portion 56, Similar asteir ing' elements are convenieatiy utilized to secure the upper ends of straps or brackets 59 to the inturned portion 56. These straps as in Fig. 2, may he integral and each comprise a Uehape body with the bodies of different straps intersecting in their c'minon base zones and the iegs of the stt ing each spaced appro imately 90. The central atea of portion 56 i cut ay to furnish an opening within which supporting ring titi is disposed by ha ing its flange 6i ex "nd into the groove of a mounting ring Th: ring is formed of rubber and is overlapped by tie inner edge of portion S6. l" is supported upon instruck shoulder' portions o3 eonven :.-"ly forming parte of the arms or strap" it downwardly extending arms which are t ,a to the casing of a blower unit which, in turn, supports a motor c.sing 66. The motor within that casing serves to operate the blower unit.

The lower end ol" ino-tor ing (i6 terminates a preferably dat face which, a nd 7 bears against a iayer tl'" conveniently formed of sponge rubber and acting as a shock absorber mounting. This layer may, in turn, be supported upon and secured to a mounting hub 68. That hub extends through a centrally located opening in the base of tub 2t) and provides the common central portion of the spider of which arms 59 form parts as in Fig. 2. The tub base is dished inwardly and within the area of this recess is formed with a radial series of ribs 69 shown in Fig. 1. A retaining ring or plate 70 is afixed to the lower face of the hub portion and overlaps the base of the tub so as to prevent an axial separation of these parts, although permitting of a rotation of the latter with respect to each other. A lip or rib 71 extends outwardly from the base portion of the brackets or arms 59 and bears `against the ribs 69 in order to furnish an antiafriction structure while at the same time adequately supporting the parts. A. layer 72 of fiber glass or similar material is supported upon the upper faces of arms 59. The cylindrical brush holders 73 of the motor bear against the upper surface of layer 72.

A ring 74 is secured to the inner face of tub 20 at a point above its base and slidably supports a collar 75 of filtering material which again may be fiber glass. That unit extends from the inner face of the tub through to the outer face of the blower wheel casing 65. Beyond this point and intermediate tub 20 and upper shell portion 21, is an annular series of outwardly extending flanges or ribs 76 between which outlet ports are defined as in Fig. 2. It is to be noted that the upper end of one of the arms 59 is continued as at 77 to provide a support for an electrical plug '73. The opposite upper arm p0rtion 59 has an extension 79 furnishing a mounting for a switch 80 as well as the operating parts of the same.

These parts include a spring-pressed actuating portion 81 which forms a part of the conventional assembly of this type of unit. Additionally, a spring 82 may encircle this portion and bear against the underface of a treadle 83 projecting beyond the side face of the assembly. That treadle bears against the upper end of actuator 81 and terminates in fulcrum portions 84. The latter rotatably engage the surfaces of a portion of the extension 79. Gasket 62 overlies this recess. Accordingly, when that gasket is in position, the inner end of the treadle is confined against displacement.

Now with a view to providing a structure controlling the flow of air through the ports defined by ribs 76 and as shown in Fig. 2, a band 85 of flexible metal has one of its ends secured as at 86 to the inner face of the outer shell adjacent the Wall 87 of the same which defines the recess into which the inner end of the treadle 83 extends. This band lies adjacent the inner ends of the ribs or vanes 76 and between these and the ring assembly 6ft- 61 which forms a barrier between the air entering the blower casing 65 and the air flowing towards the annular series of ports. Supporting portions 87 underlie band 85 and prevent its downward displacement. A part 8S of plug 78 underlying band 85 further prevents its downward displacement, while upward movement is prevented by inturned portion 56. That end of the band which is opposite the one secured by the rivet 86 or otherwise, is movably attached to the inner end of a lever 89 pivotally supported as at 90 upon extension 79. The support 90 may comprise a pin which extends through an opening in treadle 83 and is encircled by a spring 91 which on the one end bears against extension 79 while, on the other end, it bears against the inner face of lever 89. It is apparent that when this lever is in the position shown in Fig. 2, band 85 is, in effect, constricted so that it is shifted away from the inner ends of ribs or vanes 76. When the lever is swung to an opposite position, the ring or band 85 is expanded so as to bear against the surfaces defining the ports between the vanes and thus prevent an escape of air through the same. To maintain lever 89 in one of these two extreme positions, a flat spring 92 may be secured in a position at which the inner end of the lever bears against it, in its movements through a central zone. Therefore, the lever will be maintained in one of its two extreme positions. By providing pin 90 and spring 91, lever 89 is, in effect, given a floating support such that it may be depressed without distorting or otherwise damaging the parts. Under those circumstances, its inner end will rock with respect to the attached end of band 85.

Normally, and with the assembly acting as a suction apparatus, band 85 will be in the position shown in Fig. 2. Thus, air discharged through and above filter collar 75 will freely escape through the ports defined between ribs 76. Below this ring or body, the tub 20 is formed with an opening normally closed by a plug or cap 93. The latter is permanently connected to the tub by means of a hinge extension 94. When in tub-sealing position, plug 93 extends into the bore of a collar 95. The latter `correspondsto collar 32 and is provided with detent and retaining portions as shown in association with the former unit. By means of these, the hose extension (not shown) may be coupled to project through the collar bore and thus establish communication with the interior of `the apparatus.

Considering the operation of the `apparatus so fardescribed, it will be assumed that the several components have been assembled and that an electric supply lead socket has been connected with the terminals within plug 78. It will be realized that leads extend from the plug through to the motor and switch is interposed in at least one of these leads. As shown in Fig. 1, collar will be sealed by cap 93. Also, cover 22 will be in closed position and the collar 35 of a bag will have been applied to fitting 33. As afore brought out, nozzle or deflector 34 may extend either in the direction shown in this gure, at an angle to either side, or be modified in design as desired. However, it should ordinarly not deflect incoming air upwardly. Under the conditions outlined, the inner end of a hose, or hose extension will be disposed within collar 32 and shifted to a position where it will remain associated with that collar with substantially all entering air passing through the bore of the hose or other accessory. Switch 80 will be of that type in which one retraction of its actuator 81 closes the circuit through the same and a subsequent retraction and release of the actuator, opens that circuit. Therefore, with treadle 83 having been operated by being rocked downwardly, it will be assumed that the circuit through the switch has closed and accordingly, themotor within casing 66 is functioning.

Under these circumstances, dust-laden air will pass through the neck 35 of the bag and into the interior of the latter. That bag being formed of ltering material such as air-porous paper, it follows that vthe air, in escaping from its interior and passing through its side walls, will be subjected to a filtering action. Not alone will the end wall adjacent the neck or collar be subjected to the passage of air and which air also passes through the upper face of the bag, but also the side and bottom faces of the bag will have air flowing through them. This is because of the corrugations or equivalent parts 31 which are employed to prevent a freezing of the bag in contact with the base and side walls of trough 30'. That wall of the trough adjacent which the base portion of the bag is disposed may also be modified if desired so that air channels such as corrugations 31 are furnished through which air may be drawn. In any event, the filtered air will pass upwardly from trough 30 through those areas of filtering mat 36 and plate 37 which are adjacent and defined by the upper edge of trough 30. Therefore, the

air flowing from the bag will pass above the disk filter into the space between the upper face of thesame and i the inner face of plate 46.

It is to be remembered in this connection that despite inequalities of surfaces, resulting in their extending to one side or the other of a given plane, an `effective seal is provided by the gaskets 40 which conform to the inequalities of the surfaces and sealingly contact them as the parts are brought to operative positions. Thus, all air in flowing from the trough` 30 will pass into the space below the cover 46, portions of the trough 30 being spaced inwardly from the casing to provide communication between the spaces above the filter cloth 36 and the space between the trough 30' and the casing 21. A second filtering action has occurred as the air flowed through the mat 36. It will now reverse its course and move downwardly within the shell 21 and mainly to each side of trough 30"as in Fig. 19, thus flowing overthe outer surfaces of the latter and within the space defined by shell 21. In so flowing, the air will, of course, again pass through the mat and through the openings of plate 37. Incident to its passage through the former element, a third filtering action will have occurred.

The air will flow inwardly over the surface of flange or inwardly extending portion 56.V It is confined to this path offtravelncident-to the partition'structure'fin which is@included'itheiring'assembly andthe gasket62.I ThereL fore, all air will flow toward the blower disposedwithin' housing 65. Accordingly, it will escapefromA theports inthe lower face of this housingfand'will flow withhigh velocity towardsthe'layer- 72. Anyparticles of foreign material Istill entrained lwithinfthe-air will impinge against the'surface of layer 72 and be retainedthereby. Therefore,. a fourth material-retaining factor exists at this point. The air will reverse its course between thev arms or. legs 59 and ow'upwardly through ring 75 and escape between theribs'or vanesv76. Due to the fact thatlasubstantially annular seriesy ofthe latter are present, theye'locity of the escaping air will be diminished to a fractionof its former speed Therefore,. the noise of this air flow willl not be perceptible. Also, prior to its passingV through the ports, it will have-flowed at low velocity through'ring 751where a-fth ltei-ing action will havetoccurred and further noise suppression will also have resulted.

lnthe case of wool carpets and other relatively heavy bodies of material, in which it isdesired to remove dirt embedded below the surface, the full air flow produced by the.. actuation of the motor blower unit should pass through collar 32. Therefore, dial 49 should, under these circumstances, be adjusted to a position where the valve 53-completely obstructs opening 48. With such obstruction, air flow will occur: in the manner desired. In the case of drapes and upholstery, a lesser velocity of owsV should occur. Therefore, again by adjusting the indicia dial 4-9 with relation to the registering mark 55, valve 53 is shifted to a point where it does not obstruct opening 48. Under these circumstances, a certain amount of' air will How past dial 49 and through opening 48 directly into the space between plate 46 andthe mat- 36. This will be because the incoming air will tend to follow the path of least resistance and accordingly will flow at lesser velocity through an operating tool, the attached' hose, the body of th ltztring bag rnd upwardly through the mat 36. A certn am^"nt cf air will by-pass this as- ;:mbly and simply m^ve downwardly through the mat towards the mctcr blrwer unit. This will be clean air which dees not require filtering and according to its volume of flow, the airstream through the hose will be diminished. T he degree of suction exerted by the tool adjacent the outer end of the hose or otherwise attached to collar 32, will be reduced and drapes, upholstery, light fabrics and other bodies being cleaned will not freeze in Contact with the nozzle nor tend to be drawn into the latter. With dial 49 adjusted to a point where its indicia` 50 (designating, for` example, cotton carpets) is in line with registration 55', valve 53 will be; partially to one side of opening 43 so that theopening is only partly obstructed. Therefore, only a limited amount of air willy be by-passed through opening 48 but at the same time, the suction exerted through collar 32 will be diminished to a pointatwhich the mouth ofthe nozzle attached to the outer end of the hose does not tend to have its. edges immovably sealt against the rug or other unit which is being cleaned.

During the foregoing operations, tub 20 will of course have been resting upon a supporting surface such as a door. It may have been substantially centrally disposed thereon. In any event, the operator will have moved the hose or other coupling secured to. collar 32 around the axis of the assembly. That portion 21 of the cleaner which is directly connected to the hose will have swiveled ing surface. adjacent its periphery. The bearing sur-` faces provided between the. inner face. of the. tub,r lips 71 and4 hub portion 68 are relativelyt reduced. and are substantially adjacent the point of pivoting or the axis.

of. the assembly. Therefore, if a rotational force is exerted againstI theupper section or sh'ellportion 21 of that assembly, the latter will turn, carrying with it the inwardly extending'portion 56, the vanes 76, the arms 59 and the motor blower assemblyk carried by` the spider embracing these arms. Also, ring 75 will be rotated within tub 20. Obviously, the rotationalforce will be created incidentto the'traversing'of the inner hose end or= the extension'of the same through an arc. This end portion being disposed within collar 32 and substantially immovable with respect to the same, will cause the upper shell portion to oscillate.

If after operating for al certain period of'time, it' is desired to inspect the dust-containingbag, this may readily be done bysimply swinging actuator to release pin 38 from keeper 27. Thereupon, by means of handle 24,

cover 22 may be raised and lifted clear of the trough. With such raising, it will carry with it mat 36and perforated plate 37. The bag is therefore exposed. Accordingly, the operator mayflightly press against the ex`- terior of the bag to ascertain how much dust and` other foreign-materials it contains. If it is substantially full, by simply moving collar 35 inwardly, it may be detached' from fitting 33. Thereupon, a new bag may be'substitutedV by dropping the body of the latter into trough and sliding its collar over the fitting to have a frictional engagement therewith. Under subsequent operation vof the apparatus, the iniushing air will serve to expand the Now the matl maybe cleaned or an entirely new matandplate assembly may be disposed in position. Insofar as layer 72`is concerned, this will remain efective throughout the entire life of the apparatus. of ring 75.

. When it is desired to use the apparatus for blowing-y purposes, thenthe hose extension is disconnected from collar` 32. That collar isleft unobstructed. It is immaterial what position dial 49 is left in. Cap 93 is swung to uncover collar 95. The hose extension is thereupon applied to the latter. In order` to discharge all air through collar 95 and the hose attachedthereto, it is necessary to obstruct the ports between the vanesor ribs 76. To

achieve this-result, lever 89? is swung from the position shown' in Fig. 2 to its opposite extreme position. Under such'circumstances, it moves in a counterclockwise direction and. carries with its inner end the attached end of band 85. The latter in effect expands and as lever` 89V swings, spring 92 is exed so as to act as a detent to prevent an accidental return movement of the. lever. With the expansion of band the inner ends of the ports are sealed. This sealing will be rendered even more effective incident to the fact that. a pressure or plenuml chamber exists at points beyond the discharge end of the blower and up to the inner face of' band S5. This pressure will? cause the band tobear against the surfaces defining the rear zones of the ports. Therefore, air may not escape through them. Consequently, allair will have to pass through collar 95 and accordinglyahose.attached to the latter will receive andconduct all air movedby the blower. Care should, of course, be exercised so that when the apparatus again functions asa vacuum cleaner, the ports are unobstructed as in Fig. 2 and cap 93 is in place. However, should the ports-7,6l be leftV obstructed and the plug 93 inserted, the latter will be expelled from collar 95,- due to aV build-up of air pressure. On the other hand; should the... plug 9,3 be-left detached' and the unitbe operated asa vacuum cleanenair;athighvelocity will be discharged' from. opening 9.5,. Since no. sound mufing o ccursnnder these conditions, the. ensuing noise will serve to alertv the operator'to, correct thecondition.

The same effect may be achieved by the structure- The same is true shown in Fig. 6 in which the numeral 96 indicates the bottom shell or tub of the assembly which mounts a cover plate 97 carrying a scaling member 98 acting to normally prevent passage of air through an opening formed in the side Wall of the tub. t When cover 97 is elevated, then hose extension 99 may be inserted through this opening. The motor blower unit 100 is supported within a shell 101 preferably formed of sheet metal and beyond which is arranged a ring 102 of liltering material corresponding in function to ring 7S. This shell is formed with an opening 103 aligned with the opening in tub 96. The latter opening is defined by a collar 104 which corresponds to collars 32 and 9S as aforedescribed. As shown, shell 101 has lip portions 105 which bear against the base of the tub to which it is rotatably secured by means of a grommet 106 defining a pivot.

In this form of apparatus, when it is desired to perform a blowing operation, then cover 97 is swung to the raised position thereby exposing collar 104. The hose extension 99 is inserted through the bore of the collar` to a point where it extends into the opening 103 of shell 101. All air discharged from that shell passes through this opening. Therefore, with the opening plugged by l extension 99, all air moving from the blower will pass through the extension. The swiveling action of the parts will occur around the pivot defined by the grommet or equivalent securing element 106. It will, of course, be necessary to align opening 103 with the bore of collar 104 in order to insert extension 99. When the latter is removed and cover 97 closed, all air will flow upwardly through ring 102 to the annular series of discharge ports corresponding to ports defined by ribs or vanes 76 as afore traversed.

As heretofore described, the cleaner `assembly may be employed as a single unit or apparatus in conjunction with the necessary accessories such as a hose, wand sections, nozzles, brushes, spraying attachments, etc. So employed, its upper portion with which the suction inlet is associated may swivel with respect to its lower portion. This enables an operator to move without difficulty to one part or another of a room with freedom from having to turn the entire apparatus on the supporting surface, otherwise, the assembly may be mounted upon a dolly or caddy which forms a part of the mechanism and which is substantially freely movable over a floor or other supporting surface so that with minimum effort and without conscious manipulation, an operator may shift the mechanism from one to another desired location as cleaning operations progress. structure which has heretofore permitted a swivelling of the upper portion of the mechanism may be locked against movement so as to prevent such movement. Therefore, the present inventioncontemplates as part of the dolly and general assembly a structure to automatically provide for the desired result. p

Reference is primarily had to Figs. 7 and 8 in this connection and in which numeral 107 indicates the body or carriage of the caddy which is formed in its upper face with a recessed or Well portion 106` having a diameter such that it may receive the base of tub or cannister 20. Extending upwardly from this well and adjacent the center of the same are a pair of spaced ribs 109. The latter receive between them a non-circular lower portion 110 of the hub 68. Therefore, with thatpart of the hub disposed between them, the spider portion including arms 59 will no longer be capable of being freely rotated with respect to carriage 107. As shown especially in Fig. 7, the hub is formed with a threaded bore. Attached to the underface of well portion 108 is a retaining and mounting member 111 having a bore which aligns with the threaded bore of the hub when the latter has its extended portion 110 disposed between the ribs 109. Projecting into this bore is the shank of a headed retaining member 112 which has its outer end screw threaded as at 113; these threads corresponding to those of the hub bore. Adjacent the lower or outer end of the bore Under these circumstances, the` forming a part of the mounting member, threads 113. may be formed to prevent the accidental displacement of member 112. The latter may beformed with a head groove or slot so that it will vbe capable of being readily turned. In any event, when itis projected into the bore of the hub 68 to engage the threads of the same and is turned to a point where the hub is drawn inwardly and tightened, it is apparent that it will prevent a detachment of the hub and all of the parts of the assembly. Additionally, the drawing of the hub toward the base of well 10S will cause increased frictional contact between arms 59 and the base of tub or cannister 20. This will prevent a swiveling action between that part and the upper portion of the assembly. Drawing the parts into the well portion will, of course, preclude any turning of the tub with respect to the carriage 107.`

That carriage, as in Fig. 8, may be provided with a pair of non-dirigible casters 114 adjacent one of its ends. A pair of dirigible casters 115 are swivelly connected to its underface adjacent the opposite end thereof. The carriage may be formed with sockets or openings 116 capable of receiving the stems of tools or wand sections (not shown) so that these parts will be readily available. As indicated in Fig. 7, a socket member 117 is provided which may be connected with the prongs contained within plug 78. A current-supplying lead 118 extends upwardly from the caddy and is connected with socket 117. A coupling plug 119 is connected to one end of a lead 120 extending through the side face of carriage 107. That leadin a manner hereinafter brought outis electrically connected with lead 118. A bumper strip 121 may be applied to the outer edge of the carriage. Finally, it will be noted that as in` Fig. 7, carriage 107 may mount a bottom plate 121 to provide a compartment between the upper face of the latter and the inner face of well` portion 108.

Within this well portion, a reel is disposed. That reel.

includes a pair of spaced plates 122; the central portions of which may extend in contact and be secured against relative movement by fastening bolts 123. The outer edges of the plates are conveniently flared as indicated at 124. The spacing between these plates is just suicient to accommodate the diameter of lead 120. That lead `after extending through the opening in carriage 107 may pass through a guide 125 mounted by the carriage and aligned with the space between the reel plates. A coil spring 126 is housed within a hub extension 127 of the upper plate and has one of its ends secured to that plate; its opposite end being secured to mounting member 111. Spring 126 `is disposed and tensioned in a manner such thatit tends to rotate the reel and wind convolutions of lead 120 thereon to a point where plug 119 is disposed immediately adjacent the side flange of carriage 107 as shown in Fig. 7. Spring 126 will be relatively weak so that practically no perceptible force will be necessary in causing lead 120 to be extended by simply exerting a pull on plug 119.

To establish proper electrical connection between the inner ends of leads 118 and 120 and as in Figs. 9 and 10, the inner contact portions 128 of the latter may be connected to terminals 129 forming 'parts of contact rings 130. These rings are suitably secured to a dielectric disk 131 mounted within the well portion 132 of the lower plate 122. Brushes 133 engage one with each of rings and are connected to the terminal ends of leads 118. These brushes are conveniently supported upon a dielectric block 134 mounted on plate 121. Thus, a conductive path is provided between the contacts of plug 117, the wires of lead 118, brushes 133, rings 130 and the wires of lead 120. Accordingly, plug` 119 may be connected to, forexample, a wall socket and with socket 117 applied to plug 78, the motor within the casing 66 will be subject to energization merely by lclosing switch 80.

Now with a view to controlling the rewinding action exerted by spring 126 upon the cord reel, a brake shoe 135 as in Fig. 8V is provided which` engages the peripheral portions 1'24V of the reel plates. This shoe or element is cam shaped and it is tobe assumed as in the figure last mentioned that a counterclockwise rotation of. the reel results in an unwinding of leadf12il. Element 135 is supported upon a slide 136 mounted between guiding walls 137 affixed to the carriage. The spacing between the slide and these Walls is such that the former is capable of slight oscillation. A relatively strong spring 138 has one of its ends secured to an extension of the left-hand wall 137 as viewed in Fig. 8, and a relatively weak spring 139 has its corresponding end secured to an extending portion forming a part of thev second wall 137. These springs are connected to a rearward extension 140 forming a part of slide 136. A pivot around which the slide may oscillateV within the limits deined, is provided by the tapered portion 141 of a stem 142 (see Fig. 1l) which has a treadle or contacting part 143 associated with its upper end. A spring 144 encircles the lower reduced end of this pin and normally urges the same into elevated position.

It is thus apparent that when the reel is rotated infa counterclockwise direction as in Fig. 8, the cam-shaped brake element 135 will rock in a clockwise direction around flared portion 141 which will deline the pivot for the assembly. So rocking, it will not resist or prevent the rotationof the reel. However, should this rotation of the reel be interrupted, then under the slightest clockwise rotation of the same, element 135' will swing in a counterclockwise direction and similarly move its slide 136. That slide is projected by springs 138 and 139 to 'assure contact between the brake element andthe periphery. of the reel. powerful spring, it follows that extension 140 will be biased around part 141 as a pivot to assure a swinging of the brake element 135 and slide 136 in a counterclockwise direction. Due to the cam edge surface of the brake element the reel will accordingly be locked from clockwise rotation.

However, should an operator desire to release the reel for such rotation, all that has to bedone is to exert pressure on operatingpart 143. This will cause stern 142 together with tapered part 141 to move inwardly as in Fig. ll. Tapered portion 141 will provide a cam riding within the opening furnished in slide 136 to retract that slide or move it away from the reel. The instant that'brake element 13S is out of engagement with the reel surface spring 126 will be free to turn that reel in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 8. Therefore, the parts will move in this manner andl lead or cord 120 will be disposed upon the reel up to a point where plug 119 may be positioned adjacent the ange of carriage 107.

ln the event that the apparatus is nevertheless used independently of a caddyy structure and it is desired to provide a receiving and retaining portion for an electric cable, then structures of the type shown in Figs. l2 to 18 inclusive may be employed. As in Figs. 12 and 13, the lead or cable 145 may have its inner end directly connected with the switch of the apparatus or may mount a socket for detachable connection with a plug mounted by and coupled to the assembly. In any event, this outer end should preferably support and be connected with 'a plug 146. Upon the outer face of the shell or casing and preferably in association with the upper end of the latter, is a retaining structure generaily including a ring of plastic` or rubber composition as indicatedat 147. rthis ring may present on its outer face partitions 14S' arranged in the form of convolutions andhaving their outer ends beaded to provide detent or retaining portions. The recesses thus furnished should have diameters substantiallyequalto the diameter of lead 145. Therefore, the latter may be disposed between the par- Also, spring 138, being the morel titions 148 in a form such as a spiral and the beaded portions will prevent an accidental displacement ofthe lead. At the same time, that cable may readily be un- Wound from supporting relationship with respect to the shell.

As in Figs. i4, 15 and 16, `a trough portion may be provided as part of the assembly to receive the lead. As shown in the first two of these figures, the shell may be recessedas at 149 and an outer ring or plate 150 is disposed in spaced relationship to this recessed portion in a manner such that lead 151 may have its convolutions disposed therein. Again in Fig. 16, a trough member has its body portion 152 anchored against movement with respect to the casing and presents opposed side walls 153 separated by flexible lip portions 154 to receive therebetween the lead 155. In both of these structures, the easing may be rotatably supported as at 156 upon a stationary base 157 and be provided with a ridge or projections 158 which have bearing contact with the base 15?. ln both'of these structures by means of thel handle of the apparatus or Otherwise, the casing may be rotated. While so rotating the lead 151 or 155 may be fed into ythe trough or channel portion which receives it. 1t will be retained therein against all probability of accidental displacement. In the form of structure shown in Fig. 17, lead 159'is connected to the switch and has its outer end extending through the base portion of the shell and terminating in a plug 160. Its body is disposed aroundthe innershell or spider 161. The upper part ofthis casingywill rotate with respect to the tub or base portion in the manner heretofore described in connec tion with Fig. l. So rotating, it will wind lead 159 onto part 161. A` lower disk or plate 162 may be secured to this parttoprevent a displacement of the cable.

Where only limited turning of the upper portion ofv the casing is to occur with respect to the base tub, the structure suggested in Fig. 18 may be employed. In that case, lead portion 164 will connect with the switch and extend within the shell of spider 163. lt will project'into a reel-part 166 in the form of convolutions and anchoring clamps 165 may be employed. The outer end of the lead 167 will extend through the shell and connect to the wall outlet.

Thus, among others, the several objects of the invention'as specifically aforenoted are achieved. It will be understood that numerous changes in construction and rearrangement of the parts might be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

I claim:

1. 1n a Vacuum cleaner in combination, a casing comprising upper and lower sections, means providing a rotatable connection between said sections whereby the upper is movably supported upon the lower, a base portion closing the lower section, a cover movably mounted upon the upper section for sealing the latter, said upper section being formed with an inlet opening in its side wall, an air-guiding and bag-mounting fitting secured to said, upper casing section and extending inwardly of the same in line with said opening, a bag including a single body of air porous material providing a complete enclosure and having an opening encircling said fitting, said bag extending transversely across said upper casing section with its axis horizontally disposed, an inwardly extending supporting portion at the lower end of said upper section and below said bag, a motor-blower unit suspended against rotation from and below said supporting portion, the thus supported unit having its axis, extending in a `Jertical plane intersecting such bagwith.

the blower of the unit disposed above the motor. thereof andsaid casing being'formed with an outlet opening for the discharge of airmoved by said unit.

2. In a vacuum ,cleaner as specied .in claim 1, the rotatable connection between said. upper and lower seca.

tions comprising a support extending from said supporting portion adjacent said unit and towards said base por tion and a movable coupling between the lower end of said support and said base portion.

3. In a vacuum cleaner in combination a vertically extending casing wall, a base portion closing the lower end of said casing, a movable cover sealing the upper casing end, said casing being formed with an inlet opening in its vertical side wall adjacent its upper end, an airguiding and bag-mounting fitting secured to said casing and extending inwardly of the same in line with said opening, a bag including a single body of air porous material providing a complete enclosure and having an opening encircling said fitting, a trough presenting an upper edge extending substantially in the same plane as the upper casing edge andV supported by said casing, said bag being disposed within said trough, means whereby contact between said trough and bag is limited to parts of adjacent faces of said elements, a sheet of filtering material, means for detachably securing said sheet to move with said cover, said cover in closed position causing said sheet to engage the trough edge, the area of said sheet being such as to extend beyond the trough edge towards the inner face of the casing whereby air llowing from said bag will pass upwardly through said sheet and outwardly into line with the space between said trough and casing and thence downwardly through the passage dened between such trough and casing, a

motor-blower unit mounted by said casing below said trough and said casing being formed with an outlet opening at a point beyond said unit.

4. In a vacuum cleaner in combination a vertically extending casing wall, a base portion closing the lower end of said casing, a movable cover sealing the upper casing end, said casing being formed with an inlet opening in its vertical side wall adjacent its upper end, a bag in cluding a single body of air-porous material providing a complete enclosure and having an opening connected to said inlet opening, said bag extending transversely across said casing, an inwardly extending supporting portion intermediate the ends of said casing wall and below said bag, a motor-blower unit, means for suspending said unit from and below said supporting portion, said casing being formed with an outlet opening for the discharge of air moved by said unit, said cover being formed with an air by-pass opening, a valve movably carried by said cover to control the eiective area of said opening and manually operable means solely controlling the position of such valve irrespective of the volume of air flow through said by-pass opening.

5. In a vacuum cleaner in combination, an outer casing formed with an inlet opening, a lter within said casing through which air flowing into said opening is caused to pass, a motor-blower unit within said casing to cause such air flow, said casing being formed with a plurality of radial openings through which the filtered air is dischargeable, a exible band disposed adjacent the radial openings of said casing and spaced from the face of the latter whereby air is free to ow from the interior of said casing through said openings into the outer atmosphere and shiftable means mounted by said casing and connected to said band for changing the effective diameter of the latter to cause said band to move into intimate contact with said casing and seal the radial openings thereof against air flow.

6. In a vacuum cleaner as specified in claim 5, means for mounting said band within said casing, means for securing one end of said band to sai-d casing in line with said radial openings and said shiftable means comprising a lever connected to the opposite end of said band for moving the latter away from the first-named band end to thereby expand the effective diameter of said band to seal the inner ends of said openings.

7. In a vacum cleaner as specified in. claim 5, said casing being formed with a further opening disposed intermediate said unit and said radial openings and means for normally sealing said further opening.

References Cited inthe le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,106,231 Marshall Aug. 4, 1914 1,880,665 Barker Oct. 4, 1932 2,231,326 Dow et al. Feb. ll, 1941 2,276,844 Holm-Hansen Mar. 17, 1942 2,439,182 Nutfer et al. Apr. 6, 1948 2,503,568 Timm Apr. 1l, 1950 2,532,933 Nuler Dec. 5, 1950 2,582,219 Ardito et al. Jau. 15, 1952 2,594,456 Kroenlein Apr. 29, 1952 2,621,756 Senne Dec. 16, 1952 2,656,009 Kent Oct. 20, 1953 2,661,074 Gerber Dec. 1, 1953 2,672,949 Hage Mar. 23, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 53,312 Austria Apr. 25, 1912 153,721 Austria July 11, 1938 718,049 France Oct. 27, 1931

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