US3040364A

US3040364A - Multi-purpose suction cleaner nozzle

Info

Publication number: US3040364A
Application number: US698944A
Authority: US
Inventors: Carlberg Erik Reinhold
Original assignee: Electrolux AB
Current assignee: Electrolux AB
Priority date: 1956-12-05
Filing date: 1957-11-26
Publication date: 1962-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 1979-06-26
Also published as: GB850397A; CH360776A; NL101882C; DE1142681B; FR1187514A

Description

June 26, 1962 E. R. CARLBERG MULTI-PURPOSE SUCTON CLEANER NOZZLE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 26. 1957 INVENTOR.

" Wm/swf? June 26, 1962 E. R. CARLBERG MULTI-PURPOSE sucTIoN CLEANER NozzLE Filed Nov. 26. 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 WM'HWHWM ArrdH/VE'Y UIIld S MULTI-PURPOSE SUCTGN CLEANER NZZLE Erik Reinhold Carlberg, Stockholm, Sweden, assigner to Aktlebolaget Electrolux, Stockholm, Sweden, a corporation of Sweden FiledNov. 26, 1957, Ser. No. 698,944 `Claims priority, application Sweden Der. 5, 1956 Claims. (Cl. 15-325) The present invention relates to vacuum cleaners and more particularly to a multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner adapted to perform different types of cleaning operations.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose vacuum cleaner nozzle of improved construction which may be easily and quickly adjusted to selectively-perform dilierent cleaning operations by merely turnmg the nozzle on a supporting element projecting therefrom.

Another object is to provide a multi-purpose nozzle of the type indicated in which the nozzle may be conveniently turned by the operators foot while the nozzle is held above the surface to be cleaned by a handle extending from the supporting element.

Another object is to provide a multi-purpose nozzle of the type Vindicated in which a plurality of cleaning implements on the nozzle are moved alternately into and out of engagement with the surface to be cleaned upon successive rotations of thenozzle on the supporting element.

Another object is to provide a multi-purpose nozzle of the type indicated in which a single complete revolution of the nozzle on its supporting element will relatively move each of the separate cleaning implements through one half of its cycle of movement through operative and lnoperative positions.

Another object is to provide a multi-purpose vacuum cleaner nozzle of the type indicated in which the relative positions of the separate cleaning implements of the nozzle may be visually observed by the operator from a standing position.

Still another object is t provide a multi-purpose vacuum cleaner nozzle of the type indicated which is of simple, compact and lightweight construction and one which is dependable in operation.

These and other objects will become more apparent from the following description and drawings in which like reference characters denote -like parts throughout the several views. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the `drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not a denition of the limits of the invention, reference being had for this purpose to the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIGURE l is a longitudinal sectional view of a vacuum cleaner nozzle incorporating the novel features of the present invention and taken on line 11 of FIGURE 2 to show the relationship of the relatively movable suction head and brush in one operative position.

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the nozzle with the cover removed to show the suction head located in an opening in the nozzle frame on which the brush is mounted;

l relatively movable implements FIGURE 3 is a plan View of the suction head partly in section to show the eccentric bushing rotatable in an eccentric strap-projecting upwardly from the suction head;

FIGURE 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 4-4 of FIGURE 2 and showing the brush engaging the surface to be cleaned and the suction head raised with respect to the brush by the eccentric bushing;

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 4 showing the suction head loweredA with respect to the brush into engagement with the surface to be cleaned;

FIGURE 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the noz- 3,64),364 Patented J une 26, 1962 IC@ Y zle frame taken on line 6-6oi` FIGURE 2 to show the clips for clamping the brush to the frame and the interengaging detents on the frame and suction head;

FIGURE 7 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 7-,7 of FIGURE 2 to show the relationship of the interengaging flanges on the suction head and frame;

FIGURE 8 is a side elevational View of the eccentric bushing and showing the radially projecting plate for engaging a groove in the bearing on the element in which it rotates; and

FIGURE 9 is a side elevational View of the eccentric bushing -showing the air inlet openings at opposite sides thereof and the spur gear at one end thereof.

Referring now to the drawings, the present invention is shown applied to a vacuum cleaner nozzle lit of the type having an air outlet tube 11 projecting from one side at an angle thereto. A handle (not shown) is attached to the air outlet tube 11 and used to propel the nozzle over the surface to be cleaned. It will be understood that air and entrained dust and dirt flow through the nozzle and hollow handle to a tank where the' dirt is filtered from the air.

In accordance with the present invention, the air outlet tube 11 and handle connected thereto constitute a supporting element on which the nozzle 10 is mounted to rotate freely as a unit. The nozzle '10 has a plurality of for different cleaning operations which are selectively actuated to operative position by rotating the nozzle on the air outlet tube 11. As shown most clearly in FIGURES 4 and 5, the air outlet tube 1i comprises a straight cylindrical portion 12' forming a journal 12a on which the nozzle 10 is mounted to rotate and another cylindrical portion 13 projecting upwardly at an angle to the nozzle for connection with the handle. A strut 14 depends from the top ofthe tube portion 12 to provide a support for an axial boss 15 projecting from the end thereof. The lower half of the tube portion 12 is cut away outwardly from the journal 12a and an annular disk 16 surrounds the axial boss 15 and cooperates with the end of the tube and cut out portion to define the semi-circular air inlet opening 17. Projecting outwardly from the end of boss `15 is a shouldered screw 18 having a threaded end screwed into a tapped hole 19 in the end of boss 15. The shouldered portion of the screw adjacent the screw head provides a second journal 20 in axial alignment with the journal 12a formed by the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 12 of the air outlet tube 11.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 10- comprises a generally rectangular frame 24, see FIGURES 1 and 2, having a centrally located rectangular opening 25 therein. A suction head 26 is located in the central opening 25 of frame 24 and depending `from the frame and surrounding' the suction head is a brush 27. Both the frame 24, brush 27 depending therefrom and suction head 26 are mounted to rotate on the air outlet tube 11 as a unit, but the suction head also is moved relative to the frame in opening 25 during rotation of the nozzle by an eccentric bushing 28 and reduction gearing 29, later to be described in detail.

Nozzle frame 24 may be formed in any suitable manner of any Suitable material as by stamping it from sheet metal stock, but in the illustrated embodiment, it is cast of metal such as aluminum. Frame 24 has substantially flat side and end rails surrounding the central opening 25, see FIGURES 1 and 2, With raised bridge straps 30 extending across the opening between the rails. Centrally located bearing

hubs

31 and 32 project upwardly from the side rails of frame Z4 at opposite sides of the opening 25. As shown most clearly in FIGURES 4 and 5, bearing hub 31 closely tits a cylindrical bushing 33` on the journal 12a of the air outlet tube 11 while the bearing 3 hub 32 closely fits the journal 29 on the screw 1S. Thus, the rectangular frame 24, is supported by and mounted to freely rotate on the cylindrical portion 12 on the air outlet tube 11.

Brush 27 comprises a rectangular metal frame 36 of generally U-shaped form in cross-section in which rows of bristles 37 are clamped, see FIGURES 4, 5 and 7. Brush trame 36, in turn, is clamped to the rectangular frame 24 with a gasket 38 therebetween by means of clips 39. Clips 39 are attached to the bottom ofthe side rails of the frame 2.4 by screws 4%' and have fingers engaging the bottom of the brush frame at spaced points.

Gasket 3S is of generally T-shaped form in cross-section and composed of a resilient material such as natural or synthetic rubber. One leg of the T-shaped gasket 38 is positioned between the supporting frame 24 and brush frame 36 so that a flange 41 projecting from opposite sides of the clamped leg surrounds the outer periphery of the rectangular frame 24 to provide a resilient bumper for the sides and ends of the nozzle. Flange 41 of gasket 38 also depends over the bristles 37 to provide a depending skirt for limiting the area to cause air to flow to the suction head 26 at high velocity.

The suction head 26 also is of generally rectangular form, see FIGURES 3 and 7 having an open bottom 44 with a peripheral flange 45- projecting laterally therefrom. Overlying the peripheral ilange 45 projecting laterally from the sides of the open bottom 44 is a rectangular sheath 47 of a smooth sheet material such as stainless steel. The sheath 47 is attached to the bottom of the suction head 26 as by crimping the upper edges over the top of the peripheral ilange 45 4and the sides taper downwardly from the edges toward the open bottom as shown in FIGURES 4 and 5.

As shown in FIGURE l, the walls of the suction head 26 taper upwardly from the ends toward the center and are formed to provide a bearing hub 46. Bearing hub 46 projects laterally from one side to the edge of the peripheral flange 4S as illustrated in FIGURE 3. As stated above the suction head 26 is located in the opening 25 in the rectangular frame 24 and its bearing hub 46 is located between the

bearing hubs

31 and 32 of the rectangular frame 24. Bearing hub 46 surrounds the journal 12a on the straight cylindrical portion 12 of the air outlet 11, but is' of considerably larger diameter than the journal toprovide a space therebetween.

The eccentric bushing 28 of the actuating mechanism is positioned between the journal 12a of the air outlet tube 11 and the bearing hub 46 of the suction head 26. As shown in FIGURES l, 8 and 9, eccentric bushing 28 is of hollow construction comprising spaced disks Sil and 51 with peripheral segments 52 and 53 extending between the disks at opposite sides thereof. One of the disks 50 is bored to provide a bearing S4 of a diameter to closely t the journal 12a of the air outlet tube 11, see FIGURE 4, and the disk 51 has an axial metallic bushing 56- of a size to closely fit the axial boss 15 at the end of the air outlet tube. The bearing 54 and bushing 56 are in axial alignment, but arranged eccentrically to the center of the

disks

50 and 51. Thus, the hollow eccentric bushing 28 is mounted to rotate on the air outlet tube 11 and actuate the suction head 26 from a raised position illustrated in FIGURE 4 to a lowered position engaging the surface to be cleaned as illustrated in FIG- URE 5. In either of the two positions illustrated in FIGURE-

S

4 and 5, one or the other of the peripheral openings 57 and 58 between the segments 52 and 53 of bushing 28 will align with the air outlet opening 17 in the tube 11.

Eccentric bushing 28 is held in alignment with the bearing hub 46 of the suction head 26 by means of a plate 59, see FIGURES 1 and 4, attached to the outside face of disk 561 by screws and having a radially projecting edge projecting into a slot 60; in the bearing hub. The plate and slot connection 59 and 6G prevents axial move- 4 ment of the eccentric bushing 28 and suction head 26 while permitting relative rotation therebetween. A packing ring 61, see FIGURE 4, isclamped between the bushing 56 and disk 51 for engaging the disk 16 at the end of portion 12 of the air outlet tube 11 to seal the joint therebetween. Y

The reduction `gearing 29 for rotating the eccentric bushing 28 relative to the air outlet tube 11 comprises a spur gear 62 surrounding the shouldered screw 18 and keyed to the end of the boss 15 on the air outlet tube. Spur gear 62 meshes with one set of teeth 63a of a compound gear 63 having a second set of teeth 63b meshing with a spur gear 64 mounted fast on the outer end of bushing 56 projecting from the disk 56` of the eccentric bushing 28. As illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 4, the wall of the bearing hub 32 is extended to provide a housing 65 surrounding an annular boss 66 projecting from the eccentric vbushing 28 adjacent the spur gear 64 and enclosing the reduction `gearing 26. Compound gear 63 is mounted to rotate on a pin 67 extending between the walls of the housing 65 on the frame 24. The number of teeth on the spur gears 62 and 64 and compound gear 63 is such as to produce a 2 to 1 ratio. Thus, one complete 360 revolution of the nozzle 10 on the air outlet tube 11 around the spur gear 62 transmits motion through the compound gear 63 and spur gear 64 to rotate the eccentric bushing 28 through a half revolution and thereby raise or lower the suction head 26 relative to the rectangular frame 24.

As shown in FIGURES 6 and 7, the nozzle frame 24 has spaced flanges 70 projecting inwardly from one side rail while the suction head 26 has outwardly directed

flanges

45 and 71 overlying the ilanges on the frame and spaced therefrom a distance substantially equal to the movement of the suction head 26 relative to the frame. Thus, when the suction head 26 is moved downwardly to engage the surface to be cleaned as illustrated in FIGURE 5, the flanges 71 projecting laterally therefrom will engage the inwardly projecting flanges 70 on the rectangular frame 24 to stabilize the parts and prevent relative rotation. On the other hand, when the suction head 26 is raised to engage the brush 27 with the surface to be cleaned, the peripheral iiange 45 on the suction head 26 will engage the bottom of the flanges 70 land hold the suction head from movement relative to the frame 24.

The top of nozzle 10 is closed by a cover '72' which .conforms to the contour of the parts. Cover 72 may be formed of a suitable material and overlies the bridge straps 30 on nozzle frame 24 and is attached thereto by screws 73. The cover 72 is provided with `a central peep hole 74 which overlies the top of the bearing hub 46 of the suction head 26. Peep hole 74 provides a visual indication of the position of the suction head, either raised or lowered, and the hub 46 may have `a colored spot which is visible when the suction head is raised and not visible when lowered. The open bottom of gearing housing 65, see FIGURES 5 and 6, is also closed by a cover 7S clamped to frame 24 by two of the clips 39 for attaching the brush 27 thereto. One form of the Vinvention having now been described in detail, the mode of operation is explained below.

The parts of the nozzle lt are assembled by attaching the brush frame 36 to the nozzle frame 24 with the gasket 38 therebetween. This is accomplished by applying the clamping clips 39 by means of screws 40. The hollow eccentric bushing 28 is then mounted in the bearing hub 46 of the suction head 26, as shown in FIGURE 3, with the upper edge of plate 59 engaging the slot 60v in the bushing. S-uction head 26 with bushing 28 therein is then inserted into the rectangular opening 25 of the nozzle frame 24 through the bottom thereof until its bearing hub 46 is in substantial alignment with the bearing

hubs

31 and 32 of the frame 24. 'Ihe straight cylindrical portion 12 of the air outlet tube 11 is then inserted through the aligned

bearing hubs

31, 32 and 46 of the frame 24 and suction head 26, respectively. When air outlet tube 11 is inserted, the angular portion 13 of the air outlet tube 11 should be positioned in substantial alignment with the lobe axis of the eccentric bushing 23 to properly engage the teeth of the spur gear 62 with the teeth of the compound gear 63. The shouldered screw stud 18 is then inserted through the opening in bearing hub 32 and its threaded end screwed into the tapped hole 19 in the axial boss 15 projecting from the end of the air outlet tube 11. Preferably, a lock washer is provided between the shouldered screw 18 and gear 62 -to lock the screw against movement relative to the air outlet tube 11. The spaced

bearing hubs

31 and 32 of the frame 24 then bear on the

journals

12a and 20 on the air outlet tube 11 to mount the frame for rotation on the tube. The hollow eccentric bushing 28 bears on the journal 12a and boss 15 on the air outlet tube 11 between the bearing

bosses

31 and 32 of the frame 24. With the parts assembled in the relationship illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 4, the eccentric bushing 28 supports the .centrally positioned suction head 26 labove the bristles 37 of brush 27. Furthermore, tiange `45 on the suction head 26 engages the spaced flanges 70 on frame 24 -to prevent relative rocking movement.

With the relationship of the parts illustrated in FIG- URES 1 and 4, the nozzle is propelled over the'surface to be cleaned and the brush loosens dirt from cracks and crevices which is caught in the air stream owing to the open bottom 44 of the suction head 26. During a cleaning operation, the ange 41 of peripheral gasket 38 acts as a bumper guard and restricts the air opening to -the suction head 26 -to cause air to flow thereto at high velocity. The air with dirt entrained therein is drawn through the open bottom 44 and ows through peripheral opening 58 between segments 52 and 53 of the hollow eccentric bushing 28 and air inlet opening 17 into the air outlet tube 11. As explained above, the air with dirt entrained therein is directed through a hollow handle (not shown) to a tank where the dirt is separated from the air. The nozzle is used in the manner described until this brush-type cleaning operation is completed.

When it is desired to directly engage the suction head 26 with a surface to be cleaned, such as a rug or other porous material, the nozzle 10 is turned one complete 360 revolution on the cylindrical portion 12 on the air outlet tube 11. This operation may be facilitated by raising the nozzle away from the surface to be cleaned by the handle and'then turning the nozzle 10 with the foot. Such rotation of the nozzle 10 on the air outlet tube 11 causes the compound gear 63- to rotate around the spur gear 62 keyed to the end of the boss 15 of the stationary air outlet tube 11 and turn on its mounting pin 67. Such rotation of the compound gear 63 is transmitted to the spur gear 64 at Vthe end of the eccentric bushing to turn the bushing relative to the air outlet tube 11 and suction head 26 from the position illustrated in FIGURE 4 to that illustrated in FIGURE 5. As

gears

62, 63 and 64 have a reduction ratio of 2 to 1, the eccentric bushing 28 is turned through one half a revolution during each complete 360 revolution of the nozzle 10 on the air outlet tube 11. Thus, with this relationship of parts the other opening 57 in eccentric bushing 28 aligns with air inlet opening 17 in the air outlet tube 11 and the suction head 26 is moved from its raised position illustrated in FIGURE 4 to its lowered position illustrated in FIGURE 5. The nozzle 10 then projects beyond brush 27 and directly engages the surface to be cleaned over which it may be propelled by the handle. The engagement of flanges 71 on the suction head 26 with flanges 70 on frame 24 holds the latter from rocking on the suction head.

When it is desired to again shift from a direct cleaning operation to a brushing operation, the nozzle 10 again is rotated through one complete 360 revolution on the air outlet tube 11 in either direction. Thus, the nozzle suction head and

brush elements

26 and 27 are alternately actuated to operative positions by successive 360 rotations of the nozzle 10 on the air outlet t-ube 11. Furthermore, it will be observed that one complete 360 revolution of the nozzle 10 on the air outlet tube 11 moves the suction head 26 through one half of its cycle of movement relative to the brush 27.

lt will now be observed that the present invention provides a multi-purpose vacuum cleaner nozzle of improved construction which may be easily and quickly adjusted to selectively perform diiierent cleaning operations by' merely turning the nozzle on `a supporting element projecting therefrom. It will fur-ther be observed that the present invention provides -a `multi-purpose nozzle having a plurality of cleaning implements which are moved a1- ternately tinto and out of engagement with the surface to be cleaned by the operator turning the nozzle on its supporting element with his foot. It `will further be observed that the present invention provides a multipurpose nozzle in which a single complete 360 revolution of the nozzle relatively moves the separate cleaning elements through one half of their cycle of movement which may be visually observed by the operator from a standing position. lt will still further be observed that the present invention provides `a vacuum cleaner nozzle which is of simple, compact and lightweight construction and one `which is dependable in operation.

While a single embodiment of the invention is herein illustrated and described, it will be understood that changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, without limitation in this respect, the invention `is defined by the following claims:

`1. A nozzle for a vacuum cleaner having separate relatively movable parts `for engaging the surface to be cleaned, an element for supporting the nozzle, means for mounting the nozzle to rotate on its supporting element, and mechanism connecting the relatively movable parts of the nozzle and operated by successive 360 rotations of the nozzle in the same direction on its supporting element to alternately project the separate parts into engagement with the surface to be cleaned.

2. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner comprising relatively movable parts for engaging the surface to be cleaned, an air outlet tube formed to provide a journal, means for mounting said nozzle to rotate as a unit on the journal of the air outlet tube, and mechanism operated by the rotation of the nozzle on the air outlet tube and connected to relatively move one of the parts into engagement with and the other part out of engagement from the surface to be cleaned during one 360 revolution of the nozzle in one direction on the air outlet tube and `to relatively move the other part into engagement with and the one part out of engagement from the surface to be cleaned during another 360 revolution of the nozzle in the same one direction on the `air outlet tube.

3. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner having separate relatively movable parts for engaging the surface to be cleaned, an element for supporting the l during each complete revolution of the nozzle on its supporting element to move said one part into engagement or withdraw said one part from engagement with the surface to be cleaned.

4. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner having a suction head and a brush surrounding the suction head, a supporting element, means for mounting the nozzle for rotation on the supporting element as a unit, the suction head and brush being mounted for relative movement toward and away from the surface to be cleaned, and operating means connected between the supporting element and at least one of the movable suction head and brush elements to move the connected element in one direction relative to the other element during one complete revolution of the nozzle in one direction on the supporting element and move the connected element in the opposite direction relative to the other element during the next complete revolution of the nozzle in the same one direction `on the supporting element.

5. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner having a suction head and brush, a supporting element providing a journal, said suction head and brush having bearings surrounding the journal to mount the nozzle for rotation as a unit on the supporting element, an eccentric bushing between the journal on the supporting element and one of the suction head and brush elements, and means operated by rotation of the nozzle on the supporting element to turn the bushing through one half -a revolution for each revolution of the nozzle whereby tomove the element mounted on the eccentric bushing in opposite direction relative to the other element during successive rotations of the nozzle on the supporting element.

6. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner having an elongated open frame, a brush mounted on the frame and having depending bristles, a supporting element having coaxial journals, said frame having bearings to mount it for rotation on the journals of the supporting element, a suction head located within the open frame and having a bearing hub surrounding a journal on the supporting element between the bearings on the frame, an eccentric bushing mounted to rotate between the journal of the supporting element and bearing hub of the suction head, and reduction gearing connected between the `supporting element and eccentric bushing to turn the latter through one half of a revolution during each cornplete revolution of the nozzle on Ithe supporting element to alternately raise and lower the suction head relative to the frame during successive revolutions of the nozzle.

7. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner comprising relatively movable parts for engaging the surface to be cleaned, an air outlet tube formed to provide a journal, means for mounting said nozzle to rotate as a unit on the journal of the air outlet tube, and mechanism operated by the rotation of the nozzle on the air outlet tube and connected to relatively move one of the parts into engagement with and the other part out of engagement from the surface to be cleaned during one 360 revolution of the nozzle on the air outlet tube, one of the relatively movable parts comprising an elongated-frame having a central opening, bristles depending from said frame around the opening to provide a brush, another of said relatively movable parts comprising an elongated suction head located in the central opening of said frame, said brush frame and suction head having bearings mounted on the journal of the air outlet tube, and the mechanism operated by rotation of the nozzle on the air outlet member comprising an eccentric bushing between the journal on the air outlet tube and bearing on the suction head.

8. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 3 in which inter-engaging means are pnovided on the separate parts for holding the parts against relative movement in their operative position.

9. A multi-purpose nozzle for `a vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 2 in which one of the relatively movable parts comprises an elongated frame having a central opening, bristles depending from said frame around the opening to provide a brush, another of said relatively movable parts comprising an elongated suction head located in the central opening of said frame, said brush frame and suction head having bearings mounted on the journal of the air outlet tube, the mechanism operated by rotation of the nozzle on the air outlet member comprising an eccentric bushing between the journal on the air outlet tube and bearing on the suction head, said open frame having inwardly directed flanges, and the suction head having spaced outwardly projecting flanges for engaging the inwardly direct-ed iianges on the frame at the end of its vertical movement relative to the frame in each direction.

l0. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner comprising relatively movable parts for engaging the surface to be cleaned, an air outlet tube formed to provide a journal, means for mounting said nozzle to rotate as a unit on the journal of the air outlet tube and mechanism operated by the rotation of the nozzle on the air outlet tube and connected to relatively move one of the parts into engagement with and the other part out of engagement from the surface to be `cleaned during one 360 revolution of the nozzle on the air outlet tube, the mechanism operated by the rotation of the nozzle and air outlet member comprising a hollow eccentric bushing between one or" the relatively movable parts and the journal of the air outlet tube, and the hollow bushing and tube having cooperating peripheral openings to permit the ow of air therethrough.

ll. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner in accord-ance with claim 10 in which the eccentric bushing and member which it engages have an interengaging slot and detent connection for holding the bushing member and part Vin alignment while permitting relative rotation.

l2. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim l0 in which a packing ring is provided between the hollow eccentric bushing and air outlet tube.

l3. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner comprising relatively movable parts for engaging the surface to be cleaned, an air outlet tube formed to provide a journal, means for mounting said nozzle to rotate as a unit on the journal of the air outlet tube, and mechanism operated by the rotation of the nozzle on the air outlet ytube and connected to relatively move one of the parts into engagement with and the other part out of engagement from the surface to be cleaned during one 360 revolution of the nozzle on the air outlet tube, the air outlet tube having an axial boss extending from its end, one of the relatively movable parts comprising an open frame having spaced sides, bearing hubs projecting from the spaced sides to the frame, said frame having one bearing hub surrounding the air outlet tube, a stud projecting through the other bearing hub and having a threaded end screwed into the axial boss of the air outlet tube to mount the frame for rotation on the tube, said other part being mounted to rotate on the air outlet tube between the bearing rings of the frame, and the mechanism operated by rotation of the nozzle on the air outlet tube comprising an eccentric bushing between the tube and other part.

14. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 13 in which the mechanism operated by the rotation of the nozzle on the air outlet tube comprises a gear on the boss, a gear on the bushing, and a compound gear on the frame meshing with the gears on the boss and bushing, respectively.

15. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 14 in which the gearing for operating the bushing is located at one side of the bushing out of the path of air iiow to the air outlet tube.

16. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 14 in which the bearing hub on the side of the frame adjacent gearing being formed to provide an enclosing housing.

17. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner having a suction head and a brush surrounding the suction head, a supporting element, means for mounting the nozzle for rotationon the supporting element as a unit, the suction head and brush being mounted for relative movement toward and away from the surf-ace to be cleaned, and operating means connected between the supporting element and at least one of the movable suction head and brush elements to move the connected element in one direction relative to the other element during one complete revolution of the nozzle and move the connectled element in the opposite direction during the next cornplete revolution of the nozzle, the brush surrounding the suction head comprising an elongated open frame having depending bristles, a second elongated open frame, a resilient gasket between said frames, means for clamping the frames to each other with the gasket therebetween in an integral unit, and said gasket having a iange surrounding the frames to provide a bumper guard for the nozzle land a skirt overlying the bristles to control the ow of air to the nozzle.

18. A multi-purpose nozzle for a vacuum cleaner in accordance with clairn 3 having indicating means on said one part actuated by the eccentric bushing to indicate which of the parts is in operative position to engage the surface to be cleaned.

19. A multi-purpose nozzle in accordance with claim 18 in which the nozzle is enclosed by a detachable cover, an opening in the top of the cover overlying said one part actuated by the eccentric bushing, and a visual indicator on said one part actuated by the eccentric bushing and underlying the opening in the cover to show the relationship of said one part relative to the other part.

20. A nozzle member yfor a vacuum cleaner having rst and second parts for engaging the surface to be cleaned, a member for supporting the nozzle member, means for mounting said nozzle member to rotate on its supporting member, said nozzle member being so constructed and arranged that each of said parts is bodily movable Vertically with respect to the other when said nozzle member is positioned upon the surface to be cleaned, and means to raise said first part vertically with respect to said second part and from the surface to be cleaned responsive to relative rotation of said supporting member and said nozzle member in a rst range of 360 in which one of said members rotates in one direction with respect to the other of said members, and to raise said second part vertically with respect to said first part and from the surface to be cleaned responsive to further relative rotation 'of said supporting member and said nozzle member in a second range of 360 in which said one member rotates in the same one direction with respect to said other member.

2l. A nozzle member as set forth in claim 20 in which said supporting member comprises an air outlet tube.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,314,081 Dow et al Mar. 16, 1943 2,613,388 Walker Oct. 14, 1952 2,656,561() Smith Oct. 27, 1953 2,682,682 Lewyt et a1 July 6, 1954 2,822,565 Dow Feb. 11, 1958 2,948,014 Allen Aug. 9, 1960 2,966,693 Anderson Ian. 3, 1961 FOREIGN PATENTS 217,208 Switzerland Jan. 16, 1942 729,508 Great Britain May 4, 1955