WO1999037198A1 - Dispositif combine de nettoyage et brossage de moquettes, d'aspiration et de redressage des poils de moquettes - Google Patents

Dispositif combine de nettoyage et brossage de moquettes, d'aspiration et de redressage des poils de moquettes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999037198A1
WO1999037198A1 PCT/US1999/001324 US9901324W WO9937198A1 WO 1999037198 A1 WO1999037198 A1 WO 1999037198A1 US 9901324 W US9901324 W US 9901324W WO 9937198 A1 WO9937198 A1 WO 9937198A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ået
unit
brushes
vacuum
tray
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/001324
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Daniel Lynn Gwilliam
Graham A. Scott
Original Assignee
Interface, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Interface, Inc. filed Critical Interface, Inc.
Priority to AU23336/99A priority Critical patent/AU2333699A/en
Priority to EP99903275A priority patent/EP1056385A1/fr
Publication of WO1999037198A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999037198A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0405—Driving means for the brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0411—Driving means for the brushes or agitators driven by electric motor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/32—Carpet-sweepers
    • A47L11/33—Carpet-sweepers having means for storing dirt
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/34—Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or vapour, e.g. by steam
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4013—Contaminants collecting devices, i.e. hoppers, tanks or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4036—Parts or details of the surface treating tools
    • A47L11/4041—Roll shaped surface treating tools
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4036—Parts or details of the surface treating tools
    • A47L11/4044—Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4061—Steering means; Means for avoiding obstacles; Details related to the place where the driver is accommodated
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4075—Handles; levers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4077—Skirts or splash guards
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/408—Means for supplying cleaning or surface treating agents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4091—Storing or parking devices, arrangements therefor; Means allowing transport of the machine when it is not being used
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
    • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
    • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
    • A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
    • A47L5/30—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle with driven dust-loosening tools, e.g. rotating brushes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
    • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
    • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
    • A47L5/36—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
    • A47L9/0488—Combinations or arrangements of several tools, e.g. edge cleaning tools

Definitions

  • This invention relates in general to the field of carpet cleaning devices, and in particular, to machines for carpet cleaning, vacuuming and pile lifting.
  • Rhine Industries has manufactured such units by mounting a vacuum cleaner apparatus above the conventional Host brush unit, with a hose attached to a manifold and vacuum intake between the brushes.
  • Racine Industries has also manufactured a redesigned unit, again positioning a vacuum cleaner unit above the brushes but with a housing better integrated with the base housing that covers the brushes and motor that drives the brushes.
  • the vacuum inlet positioned between the brushes in the Host units is open toward the floor and not toward the brushes, so that material is not directed by the brushes directly into the opening. Both Host units are quite heavy and extremely cumbersome to use. Because of the difficulty encountered in transporting these units, each is offered with a base that has wheels and on which the unit may be placed and locked into position for transportation.
  • the earlier Host unit can be operated only under tables and other furniture well off the floor because of the substantial height of the unit even with the handles folded down toward the floor.
  • the newer Host unit stands upright during operation and cannot be operated under any conventional tables or other objects because of its height.
  • the combination brush and vacuum Host units are used by broadcasting cleaning powder on a carpet (typically after it has been vacuumed to remove loose dirt, and a pile lifter may also be used to lift the carpet pile). The powder is then brushed into the carpet using the machine with the brushes rotating but without the vacuum activated. Then, after the powder has dried, the machine is again maneuvered over the carpet with both the brushes and the vacuum operating. Pile lifters are another conventional carpet maintenance device.
  • Such devices typically use an aggressive rotating brush to lift carpet pile. They are large, cumbersome and difficult to use. Therefore, a need exists for a combination carpet cleaning, vacuum and pile lifting machine that is easy to operate and transport and is usable under furniture with a low clearance from the floor and can be used as a stand alone vacuum cleaner.
  • This invention is a combination carpet cleaning, vacuum and pile lifter unit having a carpet brush unit, a backpack vacuum unit, a flexible hose connecting the carpet brush unit to the backpack vacuum unit and a handle pivotably attached to the carpet brush unit.
  • the carpet brush unit includes a shroud, a pair of short bristle counter-rotating cylindrical brushes, a tray-shaped bottom plate, a means for receiving the flexible hose and a motor for driving the carpet brush unit.
  • a chamber exists within the carpet brush unit for receiving and re-distributing cleaning powder to a cleaning surface.
  • the bottom plate has diverter bar strips on each end of the plate relatively close to the brushes for controlling the entry of cleaning powder on and off the plate.
  • the handle pivotably attached to the carpet brush unit pivots such that the handle can be dropped to a position substantially parallel to the carpet. In this position, the brushes of the combination carpet cleaning, vacuum and pile lifter operate just as it does when the handle is in a substantially upright position.
  • the brushes and vacuum component of this invention serve to lift carpet pile but the horizontal forces exerted by the brushes on the carpet balance each other. By using this invention, resistance by an operator is not required as is necessary with conventional single brush pile lifters.
  • the vacuum component can include a one-half speed control for providing a reduced vacuum force for drawing air containing airborne cleaning powder near the carpet brush unit into the vacuum unit without lifting the cleaning powder off the carpet and out of the brushes. Additionally, this invention operates as a stand along vacuum unit.
  • Objects of this invention include:
  • the carpet brush unit has a plastic housing a few inches tall that covers a pair of short bristle, counter-rotating cylindrical brushes that are relatively widely separated and a motor for rotating the brushes.
  • a lightweight handle is pivotably attached to the housing.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a combination carpet cleaning, vacuum and pile lifter unit, including a carpet brush unit, a handle pivotably attached to the carpet brush unit, a backpack vacuum unit, and a flexible hose for attaching the carpet brush unit to the backpack vacuum unit;
  • Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the carpet brush unit shown in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of the carpet brush unit shown in Fig. 1 ; and
  • Figs. 4A-4C show schematic side elevation views of the carpet brush unit shown in Fig. 3, collecting, extracting and spreading cleaning powder.
  • Fig. 1 shows a combination carpet cleaning, vacuum and pile lifter unit 10 of this invention.
  • the combination carpet cleaning, vacuum and pile lifter unit 10 includes a carpet brush unit 12, a backpack vacuum unit 14, a handle 16 pivotably attached to the carpet brush unit 12, and a flexible hose 18 connected between the backpack vacuum unit 14 and the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12.
  • a suitable power source is operatively connected to the combination carpet cleaning, vacuum and pile lifter unit 10 shown in Fig. 1 such as a conventional electrical cord.
  • this invention may be powered using a battery power source.
  • the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12 has a low profile (preferably less than five inches) for operating under furniture, equipment and the like, that is located only a few inches above a surface to be cleaned.
  • the combination ca ⁇ et cleaning, vacuum and pile lifter unit 10 is operated with the handle 16 in a substantially upright position relative to a cleaning surface.
  • the handle 16 is pivotably attached to the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12 by a lever 20 attached to an upper portion 21 of the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12.
  • the handle 16 pivots to a position substantially parallel to the ca ⁇ et, permitting the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12 of this invention to operate under very low furniture.
  • Fig. 2 shows a bottom view of the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12.
  • the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12 includes a shroud 21, a pair of relatively short bristle counter-rotating cylindrical brushes 22, 24, a tray-shaped bottom plate 26, a hole 28 for receiving the flexible hose 18 and a motor (shown in Fig. 1 as reference number 19) for driving the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12.
  • the plate 26 includes a tray 30 having a first strip 32 at one side of the tray 30 and a second strip 34 at an opposite side of the tray 30. Holes, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 and 46 provide for removably attaching the plate 26 to the shroud 21 using screws (not shown).
  • the flexible hose 18 may be connected to the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12 by positioning the end of the flexible hose 18 remote from the backpack vacuum unit 14 in a suitably sized hole 28 in the top cover of the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12 in a position midway between the brushes.
  • An underside of the shroud 52 defines two opposing side walls 39, 41 near the brushes 22, 24. Slots 35, 37 in the side walls 39, 41 are provided so that air, cleaning powder and other debris may be drawn through the slots 35, 37 from the region near of the brushes 22, 24 into the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12.
  • strips 32 and 34 cooperate with the slots 35, 37 and brushes 22 and 24 to direct powder and dirt into a chamber 48 of the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a schematic side elevation view of the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12 of this invention showing the sides of the tray 30 extended. This may be accomplished by gluing or otherwise fastening diverter bars or strips 32, 34 of aluminum plate or other suitable material along the edges of the tray and extending adjacent to the brushes to reduce, in effect the space ("X" in Fig. 3) between tray 30 and the brushes 22, 24. This causes dry powder initially to be taken up by the brushes 22, 24 (while the vacuum is not in use or is at a low power level) and to be deposited in the tray 30.
  • a chamber 48 exists between the tray interior 50 and the underside of the shroud 52. After the chamber 48 becomes full, the powder begins to be redistributed on the ca ⁇ et by the brushes. This significantly improves the cleaning effectiveness of this combination unit because the powder application is leveled or "evened-out.”
  • Optimum spacing "X" between the brushes and adjacent edges of the strips can be determined by trial and error.
  • distance "X" is about one-fourth inch. This permits cleaning powder lifted by the brushes 22, 24 to get past the strips 32, 34, through the slots 35, 37, and into the tray interior 50, with the strips 32, 34 functioning like the front lip of a dust pan.
  • the shroud 21 be positioned close to the brushes but with sufficient space "Y” for movement of the cleaning powder between the brushes 22, 24 and shroud 21 during re-distribution of cleaning powder collected onto the tray interior 50 back into the ca ⁇ et 54.
  • Optimum separation "Y” can again be determined by trial and error.
  • the separation distance "Y" is about one-fourth inch.
  • diverter bar strips 32, 34 are shown fixed in Fig. 3, they can be movable in order to adjust the cleaning powder uptake or, if desired, block it entirely, by permitting the strips 32, 34 to entirely block cleaning powder entry into the tray interior 50.
  • the strips 32, 34 can be attached to the sides of the tray 30 using a hinge mechanism, so that the strips 32, 34 have the form of a piano hinge.
  • This and other adjustable structures that may be remotely controlled permit control of cleaning powder uptake and control of its re-deposition on the ca ⁇ et 54.
  • re-depositing the cleaning powder from the tray interior 50 onto a ca ⁇ et 54 is controlled by downward air pressure from backpack vacuum unit 14 through the flexible hose 18 attached to the hole 28 in the ca ⁇ et brush unit 21.
  • the handle 16 on the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12 can be positioned almost parallel to the floor while the cleaning brushes 22, 24 are still in operating position relative to the floor. Additionally, the flexible hose 18 can be attached to the handle 16 assuming essentially the same position in relation to the backpack vacuum unit 14 when the handle 16 is substantially upright, because the backpack vacuum unit 14 is entirely clear of the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12.
  • the configuration of the combination ca ⁇ et brush and vacuum unit 10 provides for operating this invention under very low furniture.
  • FIGs. 4A - 4C shows collecting, extracting and spreading particulate utilizing the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12 of this invention.
  • Fig. 4A shows the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12 collecting particulate from a ca ⁇ et 54.
  • Particulate for example, cleaning powder 58
  • the cleaning powder 58 is broadcast onto a ca ⁇ et 54 or other surface to be cleaned.
  • the cleaning powder 58 With the vacuum function of the backpack vacuum unit 14 off or operating on low speed, the cleaning powder 58 begins to collect on and between the short bristle counter-rotating cylindrical brushes 24, 26.
  • the position of the strips 32, 34 relative to the brushes 24, 26 assist in the movement of the cleaning powder 58 from the brushes, through the slots 35, 37 and onto the interior 50 of the tray 30.
  • As the brashes 24, 26 continue to rotate more cleaning powder 58 is taken up and deposited onto the tray interior 50. This process continues until the tray interior 50 is filled with cleaning powder 60.
  • Fig. 4B shows cleaning powder 60 redepositing onto the ca ⁇ et 54.
  • the cleaning powder 60 spills out of the slots 35, 37 into an area between the strips 32, 34 and the shroud 21.
  • the strips 32, 34 are positioned such that the cleaning powder 60 moves from the strips 32, 34 and onto the brushes 24, 26.
  • Sufficient space “Y” exists between the shroud 21 and the brushes 24, 26, to allow the cleaning powder 66, 68 to move between and on the brushes 24, 26.
  • the cleaning powder 66, 68 moves from the brushes 24, 26 onto the ca ⁇ et 54.
  • the redistribution of the cleaning powder 66, 68 provides for a more even distribution of the cleaning powder 70 onto the ca ⁇ et.
  • Fig. 4C shows extraction of the cleaning powder 72.
  • the cleaning powder 72 and debris collected on the brushes 24, 26 is drawn through the slots 35, 37 and onto the chamber 48 of the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12.
  • these particles 72 are swept up through the hole 28 and into the flexible hose 18.
  • the particles travel within the flexible hose 18 and are subsequently deposited into the dirt collection chamber 49 of the backpack vacuum unit 14.
  • the combination of brushing action and vacuum serves very successfully to lift ca ⁇ et pile.
  • this invention can be used as a pile lifter, substituting for expensive, difficult to operate machines manufactured for that single pu ⁇ ose.
  • This dual brush pile lifter 10 is easier to operate since the horizontal forces exerted by the brushes 22, 24 on the ca ⁇ et 54 tend to balance each other and do not need to be resisted by the operator to the extent necessary with conventional single brush pile lifters. This makes this combination unit 10 feel "self-propelled” in use by comparison to conventional single brush pile lifters.
  • Backpack mounted vacuum units usable to practice this invention include, among others, the "Nac-Pak” unit sold by Windsor and backpack vacuums available from Pro-Team, 5118 North Sawyer Avenue, Boise Idaho 83714.
  • Another aspect of this invention provides a vacuum unit that operates during a cleaning cycle utilizing rotating brushes 22, 24.
  • the backpack vacuum unit 14 is capable of operating at two or more power levels. This can be accomplished using a two-speed motor or a motor speed control.
  • a choke could also be used to reduce the volume of air inlet into the backpack vacuum unit 14 or the volume of air that can be exhausted by the backpack vacuum unit 14.
  • ca ⁇ et cleaning typically involves broadcasting cleaning powder "dry” on the ca ⁇ et, brushing the powder into the ca ⁇ et, and then vacuuming the ca ⁇ et to remove the cleaning powder and foreign materials.
  • the cleaning powder actually contains a small amount of water and other solvents when it is spread on the ca ⁇ et; these volatile components evaporate).
  • This invention solves this problem by removing air in the vicinity of the brushes with the backpack vacuum unit 14 operating at a level that draws air containing airborne cleaning powder in the vicinity of the ca ⁇ et brush unit 12 into the backpack vacuum unit 14 but is not at a sufficiently powerful level to lift powder off the ca ⁇ et and out of the brushes.
  • This can be accomplished utilizing the combination ca ⁇ et cleaning, vacuum and pile lifter unit 10 and operating the backpack vacuum unit 14 at about one-half of its normal speed or power level.
  • a switch 76 shown in Fig. 1 provides for speed and/or power control of the backpack vacuum unit.
  • An advantage of this invention is that it provides a lightweight, easily transportable, simple to operate combination ca ⁇ et cleaning, vacuum and pile lifter unit.
  • Another advantage is that this invention operates with a low profile ca ⁇ et brush unit that is usable under items of furniture that are relatively low to the floor.
  • Yet another advantage of this invention is that the handle can be positioned almost parallel relative to the cleaning surface while the cleaning brushes remain in operating position relative to the floor.
  • Still another advantage of this invention is that cleaning power initially taken up by the brushes and deposited on the tray of the ca ⁇ et brash unit is redistributed onto the cleaning surface and then vacuumed up which significantly improves the effectiveness of cleaning soiled surfaces because the cleaning powder is leveled out.
  • vacuum unit may be operated while cleaning a surface to capture airborne cleaning powder.
  • short bristle counter- rotating cylindrical brushes serve as a pile lifter.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un dispositif combinant des fonctions de nettoyage, d'aspiration et de redressage des poils de moquette. Ce dispositif comporte une unité de brossage (12), une unité d'aspiration (14) dorsale, un tuyau souple (18) reliant l'unité de brossage (12) des moquettes à l'unité d'aspiration (14) dorsale et une poignée (16) fixée de manière détachable à l'unité de brossage (12). Ladite unité de brossage (12) possède une paire de brosses (22, 24) cylindriques, contrarotatives, à poils courts qui sont séparées par une distance relativement importante, et un moteur conçu pour faire tourner ces brosses (22, 24). L'unité de brossage comporte une chambre (48) munie de fentes (35, 37), conçue pour recevoir et redistribuer de la poudre détergente sur une surface de nettoyage. Des barres plates (32, 34) réglables, de déviation, placées à chaque extrémité de la plaque (26) positionnée de manière relativement proche des brosses permet de commander la distribution de la poudre détergente pour amener cette dernière sur la plaque ou l'en retirer. Dans une autre réalisation, l'unité d'aspiration est conçue pour être utilisée comme un aspirateur traditionnel.
PCT/US1999/001324 1998-01-23 1999-01-22 Dispositif combine de nettoyage et brossage de moquettes, d'aspiration et de redressage des poils de moquettes WO1999037198A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU23336/99A AU2333699A (en) 1998-01-23 1999-01-22 Combination carpet cleaning brush unit, vacuum and pile lifter
EP99903275A EP1056385A1 (fr) 1998-01-23 1999-01-22 Dispositif combine de nettoyage et brossage de moquettes, d'aspiration et de redressage des poils de moquettes

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US7222698P 1998-01-23 1998-01-23
US60/072,226 1998-01-23
US10623498P 1998-10-29 1998-10-29
US60/106,234 1998-10-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999037198A1 true WO1999037198A1 (fr) 1999-07-29

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/001324 WO1999037198A1 (fr) 1998-01-23 1999-01-22 Dispositif combine de nettoyage et brossage de moquettes, d'aspiration et de redressage des poils de moquettes

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1056385A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2333699A (fr)
WO (1) WO1999037198A1 (fr)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2360695A (en) * 2000-03-30 2001-10-03 Lindhaus S R L Multipurpose tool for cleaning machines
JP2002177177A (ja) * 2000-12-12 2002-06-25 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd 掃除機用吸込み口およびそれを用いた電気掃除機
WO2005041738A1 (fr) * 2003-10-24 2005-05-12 Oreck Holdings, Llc Ensemble plaque de fond pour aspirateur menager
GB2434743A (en) * 2006-02-02 2007-08-08 James Anthony West Surface debris removal apparatus
GB2476810A (en) * 2010-01-08 2011-07-13 Dyson Technology Ltd A Cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner
US8745818B2 (en) 2010-01-08 2014-06-10 Dyson Technology Limited Cleaner head
WO2017106900A1 (fr) * 2015-12-22 2017-06-29 Run The Race Pty Ltd Fixation de tête d'aspiration améliorée et aspirateur
WO2018127680A1 (fr) * 2017-01-09 2018-07-12 Dyson Technology Limited Tête de nettoyage pour aspirateur
WO2019048496A1 (fr) 2017-09-08 2019-03-14 Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG Machine de nettoyage de surface ayant des unités à rouleaux de nettoyage contrarotatives et procédé de fonctionnement d'une machine de nettoyage de surface
US10292556B2 (en) 2013-07-31 2019-05-21 Dyson Technology Limited Cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner

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Cited By (22)

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GB2360695A (en) * 2000-03-30 2001-10-03 Lindhaus S R L Multipurpose tool for cleaning machines
JP2002177177A (ja) * 2000-12-12 2002-06-25 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd 掃除機用吸込み口およびそれを用いた電気掃除機
WO2005041738A1 (fr) * 2003-10-24 2005-05-12 Oreck Holdings, Llc Ensemble plaque de fond pour aspirateur menager
US7293325B2 (en) 2003-10-24 2007-11-13 Oreck Holdings, Llc Vacuum cleaner base plate assembly
GB2434743B (en) * 2006-02-02 2011-07-20 James Anthony West Surface Debris Removal Apparatus
GB2434743A (en) * 2006-02-02 2007-08-08 James Anthony West Surface debris removal apparatus
US8745818B2 (en) 2010-01-08 2014-06-10 Dyson Technology Limited Cleaner head
WO2011083293A1 (fr) 2010-01-08 2011-07-14 Dyson Technology Limited Tête de nettoyage
JP2013516261A (ja) * 2010-01-08 2013-05-13 ダイソン テクノロジー リミテッド 掃除機ヘッド
GB2476810B (en) * 2010-01-08 2014-01-08 Dyson Technology Ltd Cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner
GB2476810A (en) * 2010-01-08 2011-07-13 Dyson Technology Ltd A Cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner
US9066640B2 (en) 2010-01-08 2015-06-30 Dyson Technology Limited Cleaner head
US10667661B2 (en) 2010-01-08 2020-06-02 Dyson Technology Limited Cleaner head
US10292556B2 (en) 2013-07-31 2019-05-21 Dyson Technology Limited Cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner
US10786127B2 (en) 2013-07-31 2020-09-29 Dyson Technology Limited Cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner
EP3393323A4 (fr) * 2015-12-22 2019-08-14 Run The Race Pty Ltd Fixation de tête d'aspiration améliorée et aspirateur
WO2017106900A1 (fr) * 2015-12-22 2017-06-29 Run The Race Pty Ltd Fixation de tête d'aspiration améliorée et aspirateur
AU2016374644B2 (en) * 2015-12-22 2021-07-29 Run The Race Pty Ltd Improved vacuum head attachment and vacuum cleaner
US20210290012A1 (en) * 2015-12-22 2021-09-23 Run The Race Pty. Ltd. Improved vacuum head attachment and vacuum cleaner
WO2018127680A1 (fr) * 2017-01-09 2018-07-12 Dyson Technology Limited Tête de nettoyage pour aspirateur
WO2019048496A1 (fr) 2017-09-08 2019-03-14 Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG Machine de nettoyage de surface ayant des unités à rouleaux de nettoyage contrarotatives et procédé de fonctionnement d'une machine de nettoyage de surface
DE102017120722A1 (de) * 2017-09-08 2019-03-14 Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine mit gegenläufigen Reinigungswalzeneinheiten und Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine

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