Handle Movable Relative To Floor Tool Air Exhaust Conduit Patents (Class 15/351)
  • Patent number: 6862773
    Abstract: A dust cover sealing apparatus of a vacuum cleaner comprises a first fence protruding from an edge of a dust collecting chamber and having a predetermine height, and a second fence protruding from an inner surface of the dust cover to contact an end of the first fence when the dust cover is mounted on a cleaner body, and a plurality of guide ribs protruding from an inner surface of the dust cover adjacent to a side of the second fence, for guiding the second fence so that ends of the first and second fences contact each other when the dust, cover is mounted on the cleaner body. Accordingly, the sealing efficiency of the dust collecting chamber is maintained, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-seon Park, Iil-won Yang, Hyung-il Jeon
  • Publication number: 20040261215
    Abstract: An upright-type electric vacuum cleaner including a vacuum cleaner main body with at least a dust collector and an exhaust outlet, and a suction body provided at a lower front of the vacuum main body. The dust collector is disposed on a rearward side of the vacuum cleaner main body and wherein the exhaust outlet is disposed on a front surface side of the dust collector. The area of the exhaust outlet can be made large without being interfered by the dust collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuzo Ueyama, Hidetoshi Fukuoka, Shinichi Hagino, Jun Yoshida, Yoshihiro Mori
  • Publication number: 20040261214
    Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner having a small sized cyclone dust collecting apparatus and dust bag in a dust collecting chamber comprises a main body including the dust collecting chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet, and a motor driving chamber in fluid communication with the air outlet, a suction brush mounted adjacent the main body of the vacuum cleaner, a cyclone dust collecting apparatus detachably mounted on the main body of the vacuum cleaner and having a path connected to the air inlet of the dust collecting chamber for discharging a cleaned air, and a dust bag detachably disposed in the dust collecting chamber to collect the dust and filth separated from an air drawn in through the suction brush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Jung-Seon Park, Hyung-Il Jeon
  • Publication number: 20040261212
    Abstract: A multifunction vacuum cleaner, in which a main body is removably connected to a frame portion, comprises a nozzle assembly for suctioning in an air including dusts or dirt on a cleaning area, a main body having a cyclone dust collector for centrifugally separating the dusts or dirt from the sucked air, a dust receptacle for collecting the separated dusts or dirt, a main body frame having an upper casing and a lower casing, a button operation portion formed on an upper part of the main body frame, and a connecting projection integrally formed with the button operation portion and moving elastically, and a frame portion which is pivotably connected with the nozzle assembly, and having a connecting groove to correspond to the connecting projection. The main body of the vacuum cleaner is removably mounted in the frame portion. As a result, the main body can be conveniently connected with or separate from the frame portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Jung-Seon Park, II-Won Yang
  • Publication number: 20040231088
    Abstract: A floor care appliance is provided with an improved power management system for controlling the total amount of current provided to at least a first and a second load device of an appliance. The power management system is comprised of a microprocessor, an alternating current voltage source, a voltage regulating circuit, a clamping circuit, at least two load devices, and a MOC and a triac for each of the at least two load devices. The clamping circuit outputs a fixed voltage of 5.7 volts during the positive portion of the ac cycle and a fixed voltage of −0.7 volts during the negative portion of the ac cycle. The fixed voltages are input to a microprocessor which utilizes these inputs to control the average voltage and the amount of time the current is turned on to each of the at least first and second load devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Aaron P. Tondra, Evan A. Gordon, Adam C. Sclafani
  • Patent number: 6813807
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a body having a container which collects dirt and dust. A surface cleaning head defining a primary dirt and dust collection inlet is configured to contact a surface over which the surface cleaning head is moved. A passageway connects the primary inlet to the container. A secondary dirt and dust collection inlet is remote from the primary inlet and spaced from the surface. The cleaner suctions dirt and dust through the primary and secondary inlets into the container. The primary inlet is adapted to draw surface-borne dirt and dust efficiently into the container and the secondary inlet is adapted to draw airborne dirt and dust efficiently into the container. Dampening means are provided to at least one of the primary inlet and the secondary inlet and is controlled by an actuator activated directly or indirectly by an operator of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Hayley Ibbertson, Julie Stark
  • Publication number: 20040216266
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a suction motor and fan assembly in a main airflow conduit extending between the dirty air inlet, typically in a surface cleaning head, and a filtration member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Wayne Conrad
  • Publication number: 20040211030
    Abstract: A suction apparatus of a cleaner includes: a suction motor inserted in a cleaner body and generating a suction force; a filter for collecting dust or filth sucked by a suction force generated fro the suction motor; a suction head connected to the filter by a suction pipe and sucking dust and filth on the floor by the suction force generated from the suction motor; and an auxiliary suction unit installed at the opposite side of a side where the suction pipe of the suction head is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyeun Sik Nam, Yong Woo Lee, Ho-Seon Rew, Choon Myun Chung
  • Publication number: 20040211023
    Abstract: A floor care cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle assembly including a housing defining an agitator cavity. A canister assembly is connected to the nozzle assembly. A suction generator is carried by either the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly. A dirt collection vessel is also carried by one of these assemblies. In addition, an agitator cavity fitting is carried by the nozzle assembly. The agitator cavity fitting includes a cooperating air guide and conduit. The conduit defines an intake port of the floor cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Eric J. Streciwilk
  • Patent number: 6807707
    Abstract: An air exhaust structure for an upright-type vacuum cleaner capable of a convenient use by providing a filter cover which is not easily opened by a discharging pressure of the air, while the filter cover is easily opened and closed by the user. The air exhaust structure of an upright-type vacuum cleaner has a frame having a duct formed at a side of the cleaner body to communicate with the motor driving chamber, a support member protruded from an inside wall of the duct, a filter, a filter cover having a grill portion disposed at the frame; and a removable means for opening and closing the filter cover. The removable means includes a hook formed at a front end of the filter cover and a locking hole having a locking protrusion disposed at the frame placed at a corresponding position of the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-seon Park, Il-won Yang, Hyung-il Jeon
  • Patent number: 6807708
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly having a nozzle cavity and a canister assembly pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly. A dust bag is carried by the canister assembly. A dirty air pathway provides fluid communication between the nozzle cavity and dust bag. A suction generator generates a vacuum for drawing dirt and debris from the nozzle cavity, through the dirty air pathway to the dust bag. The dirty air pathway includes dual suction ports carried on the nozzle assembly in fluid communication with the nozzle cavity, a splitter carried on the canister assembly, dual suction hoses in fluid communication between the dual suction ports and the splitter, a removable bag mount carried on the canister assembly and a feed conduit on the canister assembly which provides fluid communication between the splitter and the removable bag mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Corporation of America
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Roney, Danielle M. Hafling
  • Publication number: 20040205926
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having a muffler system is disclosed. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a carpet engaging nozzle base and an upper housing pivotally connected to the nozzle base. The upright vacuum cleaner further includes a dirt cup removably secured to the upper housing and having an inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle base and an exit. The upright vacuum cleaner yet further includes a motor/fan unit fluidly connected to the dirt cup exit and positioned proximate to a pivot axis between the base and the upper housing. The upright vacuum cleaner still further includes an expansion chamber defined at least partially by the upper housing and a vertical wall of the dirt cup when the dirt cup is in an operational position relative to the housing. The motor fan units draws air from the dirt cup exit and directs air toward the expansion chamber. A method of operating an upright vacuum cleaner is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher J. Fawcett
  • Patent number: 6792647
    Abstract: A filter supporting structure for an upright-type vacuum cleaner having a body divided by a partition into a dust-collecting chamber having a dust bag and a motor driving chamber, a filter grill formed at the partition in order to allow an air passed through the dust bag of the dust-collecting chamber to flow to the motor driving chamber, and having a filter for filtering the drawn air, supporting protrusions disposed at both sidewalls of the dust-collecting chamber in order to support both sides of the filter mounted on the filter grill, and a plurality of ribs disposed around the filter grill in order to support the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-seon Park, Il-won Yang, Hyung-il Jeon
  • Publication number: 20040168280
    Abstract: A floor care appliance such as a vacuum cleaner is provided having an filtration bag changing assembly located in the filtration compartment. A supply of filtration material is packaged in a container in the form of a continuous tube to be fed into the filtration compartment. A sealing and cutting assembly seals the tube at the lower end after a bag is fed into the filtration compartment. Once a filtration bag is full, a new filtration bag is pulled into place with the lower end of the tube being sealed and the old filtration bag being cut from the tube by a cutter. A pair of opposing heating elements are used to seal the opposing sidewalls of the tube together to form the filtration bag. The free end of the tube is fluidly connected to the suction nozzle by a connector and a dirt duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Jackson W. Wegelin
  • Patent number: 6782585
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a first cyclonic cleaning stage and a second cyclonic stage positioned in series with the first cyclonic cleaning stage. The second cyclonic stage comprises a plurality of second stage cyclones. A passage connects the first cyclonic cleaning stage outlet and the second stage cyclones inlets. The passage does not increase in cross-sectional area in a downstream direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Fantom Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Helmut Gerhard Conrad
  • Publication number: 20040163202
    Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner including a vacuum cleaner main body, a suction tool main body connected to the vacuum cleaner main body and having an suction inlet which is open at a lower surface thereof, a dust box connected to the vacuum cleaner main body, and a grip portion for operating the vacuum cleaner main body. The suction tool main body, an interior of the vacuum cleaner main body, the grip portion and the dust box are directly connected in this order such that circulation of air is permitted. The interior of the vacuum cleaner main body and the grip portion are connected in a freely attachable and detachable manner. It is possible to perform both ordinary use (floor cleaning) using a suction tool main body and use of an attachment through a grip portion by utilizing one successive flow path so that it will not be necessary to provide a flow path switching mechanism to thereby simply the arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Yoshimi, Kazumasa Kamatani, Shuzo Ueyama, Hiroyuki Takami, Kouichi Nakai
  • Patent number: 6779230
    Abstract: An air flow structure for an upright-type vacuum cleaner having a body divided by a partition into a dust-collecting chamber having a dust bag and a motor driving chamber having a motor; an air suction port protruded at an upper part of the dust-collecting chamber in order to draw air thereinto, and having the dust bag disposed around the air suction port; a dust cover to cover the dust-collecting chamber and having a plurality of ribs disposed therein in a lengthwise direction, a concaved portion formed at a rear wall of the dust-collecting chamber in a lengthwise direction, and a grill portion formed between the dust-collecting chamber and the motor driving chamber in order to allow the air of the dust-collecting chamber to flow to the motor driving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-seon Park, Il-won Yang, Hyung-il Jeon
  • Patent number: 6772477
    Abstract: A floor nozzle for a vacuum cleaner includes a central housing. A left nozzle head is movably secured to the central housing. A right nozzle head is movably secured to the central housing, wherein a portion of the left nozzle head and a portion of the right nozzle head extend into the central housing and move around a vertical axis passing through the central housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: John S. Murphy, Robert A. Matousek, Richard C. Farone, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Craig M. Saunders
  • Patent number: 6772474
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly, a canister assembly pivotally mounted to said nozzle assembly, a suction fan and drive motor and a biaser. The biaser has a first end that engages the nozzle assembly and a second end that engages the canister assembly. The biaser provides a positive downforce urging the forward end of the nozzle assembly toward the surface being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Corporation of America
    Inventors: Tamaki Nishikori, Ron Davis
  • Patent number: 6763548
    Abstract: A new and improved vacuum cleaner is disclosed which would be powered solely by battery means and/or self-generated power means. The vacuum cleaner would preferably be a standard push-type vacuum cleaner and would include a rechargeable battery which would be externally mounted. The vacuum cleaner would also have a top-mounted light which would face forward and assist a user in vacuuming. The light would be powered by a generator that would produce power when the wheels of the vacuum cleaner are turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventors: Ruben Birle, Victor Birle
  • Publication number: 20040134022
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle base having a main suction opening formed in an underside thereof. A housing is hingedly connected to the nozzle base. The housing includes a dirt separation chamber and a dirt receptacle for receiving dirt and dust separated by the dirt separation chamber. A conduit connects the nozzle base to the housing. A suction source is located in one of the housing and the nozzle base. The suction source is in fluid communication with the dirt separation chamber. A generally conically shaped filter extends into the dirt separation chamber along a longitudinal axis of the dirt separation chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Royal Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: John S. Murphy, David Khalil, Michael F. Wright, Robert A. Matousek, Yung Leong Hin
  • Publication number: 20040088820
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner arrangement includes a cleaner main body accommodating a secondary battery and a blower, and having a terminal connector. The arrangement also includes a charger having a charging terminal to be connected to the terminal connector for charging the cleaner main body, and the charger has a box portion accommodating a power transformer. A notice device is on the charger to indicate when the charging terminal is connected to the terminal connector such that power can be supplied from the charging terminal to the terminal connector. The charging terminal is positioned adjacent a side wall of the box portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Tomonori Kato, Tamaki Nishikori, Hiroshi Hayakawa, Naoyuki Ohara, Koichi Ito, Toru Odachi, Seizo Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20040083573
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided including a housing, a nozzle inlet, a suction generator carried on the housing and a dirt cup carried on the housing. The dirt cup includes a bottom wall, a sidewall, a dirt collection chamber, an air inlet to the dirt collection chamber in the bottom wall and an air outlet from the dirt collection chamber. A method of directing an airstream in a dirt cup is also provided. That method includes directing the airstream upwardly through the dirt cup in an air inlet conduit, discharging the airstream from the air inlet conduit into the dirt cup in a substantially hemihorn torus shape and exhausting the airstream from the dirt cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Michael J. Shanor
  • Publication number: 20040083571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an upright vacuum cleaner. The upright vacuum cleaner according to the present invention comprises a main body for housing a suction power generating means for sucking air and a filtering means for filtering out foreign substances contained in the sucked air; a suction nozzle pivotably connected to a lower portion of the main body for sucking the air containing the foreign substances and then guiding the sucked air into the main body; a handle installed at the top of the main body and gripped by a user in use; and a potential meter installed at one side surface of the handle and capable of controlling a suction power level and on/off operations of the vacuum cleaner by means of a sliding manipulation. Further, the potential meter is preferably installed at a front surface of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Byung-Do Yoo, Suk-Young Kim
  • Patent number: 6725499
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a first housing member with at least one housing wall defining a first housing passage. The first housing passage having an intake end adjacent a subjacent surface and a discharge end opposite the intake end. A second housing member mounted on the first housing member with the second housing member including a filter chamber. The filter chamber has at least one filter chamber wall defining a collection cavity therein. The at least one filter chamber wall has a port communicating with the collection cavity. A vacuum source supported on either the first or second housing member and in fluid communication with the first housing passage and the port. A conduit extends between the discharge end of the first housing passage and the port of the filter chamber. The conduit has a conduit wall defining a conduit passage in fluid communication between the first housing passage and the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Steven J. Palobeis, Paul D. Stephens
  • Publication number: 20040034962
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is provided. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle base section including a main suction opening formed in an underside thereof. An upright housing section is hingedly connected with the nozzle base section. The housing section includes a cyclonic airflow chamber and a dirt cup for receiving dirt and dust separated by the cyclonic airflow chamber. A hose connects the nozzle base section to the upright section and is selectively detachable from the nozzle base section. The hose communicates an airstream that flows from the main suction opening to airflow chamber. A suction source is located in one of the upright housing section and the nozzle base section and is in fluid communication with the cyclonic airflow chamber. A filter assembly is located in an airflow chamber upstream from the suction source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.
    Inventors: Charles J. Thur, Steven J. Paliobeis
  • Publication number: 20040025284
    Abstract: A dispenser (50) for dispensing particulate cleaning material onto a floor surface comprises a hopper (52) for holding the particulate material. A part of the hopper (70, 71) is movable with respect to the hopper (52) to define a dispensing aperture (75) and to impart movement to particulate material in the hopper towards the dispensing aperture (75). The dispenser (50) is attachable to a floor cleaning apparatus (10). Biasing means (56) bias the movable part (70, 71) into a position which closes the aperture (75) when the dispenser (50) is removed from the floor cleaning apparatus. Thus, the dispenser (50) is self-closing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen Benjamin Courtney, Matthew James Roger Allard, Peter David Gammack
  • Patent number: 6684451
    Abstract: In the invention, a brush body 30 that is rotated and driven by a motor 32 is disposed in a suction unit 2, and dust is sucked from the suction unit 2 by a blower 4, while exhaust of the blower 4 is sent to the suction unit 2 side through an exhaust passage 27. While the exhaust of the blower 4 is blown to the motor 32 exhaust is blown to the floor for lifting the dust from the floor to enhance the dust collection efficiency, and moreover, if the output of the motor 32 for driving the brush 30 is increased, temperature rise of the motor 32 can be suppressed, and thus durability may be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomonori Kato, Tamaki Nishikori, Hiroshi Hayakawa, Naoyuki Ohara, Koichi Ito, Toru Odachi, Seizo Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6678916
    Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner according to the present invention includes a cleaner main body 16, and a suction unit 24 which is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the cleaner main body 16 and includes a suction port 23 and a rotary brush 25. The cleaner main body 16 includes a dust collecting chamber 19, and a fan chamber 18 equipped with an electric fan 17 disposed at the bottom thereof. A handle 21 having a grip portion 20 and a control circuit board 22 are installed above the dust collecting chamber 19. Components such as the handle 21 and the electric fan 17 are installed at the rear of the cleaner main body 16. With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner is prevented from falling down when it is set upright. Further, the safety in use of the vacuum cleaner will be improved. Also, the user is able to easily use the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, it is possible to finish assembling the component parts only at the rear of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Hashizume, Koichi Ito, Kenichiro Sunaba
  • Publication number: 20040006842
    Abstract: An improved versatile vacuum cleaner is disclosed which comprises a main body, a socket, a first cleaner, a second cleaner, a motor assembly, a cord reel, a handle, and an exhaust duct, and can be converted easily into different configurations each suitable for a specifically different type of vacuum cleaning operation. Improvements are made in details such as the arrangement or the configuration of the main body, the socket, the first cleaner, the second cleaner, the cord reel, the handle, and exhaust duct, thereby improving the operability of the vacuum cleaner and inproving the performance thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Nam-Ho Lee, Jae-Duck Lee, Min-Ho Park, Im-Suk Choi
  • Patent number: 6647587
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an electric blower generating the suction force; a suction port body on which the suction force of the electric blower acts and which sucks in the dust on the surface to be cleaned; and a centrifugal force dust collection section to collect the dust from the suction port body. The electric blower includes a fan section and a low input type motor to drive the fan section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Ohara, Saburo Kajikawa, Tomonori Kato, Hiroshi Mori, Kouichi Ito, Shin Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20030200620
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a vacuum cleaner filter bag comprises a vacuum cleaner fill tube. The fill tube is configured for the bag to be mounted on the fill tube. The fill tube has an outlet through which a working flow of vacuum cleaner air can exit the fill tube to enter the bag when the bag is mounted on the fill tube. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a valve shiftable into and out of a closed condition in which the valve blocks the air from exiting the fill tube through the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Diane L. Dodson, Philip G. Hays, Robert L. Petrosky, Phillip E. Bearden
  • Publication number: 20030200621
    Abstract: A cyclonic vacuum cleaner with simple structure, low airflow leakage, excellent maintainability, and less possibility of littering a floor in the case of dumping dusts or care of the cleaner. A cyclonic portion 14 of an approximately cylindrical shape, having a bottom, an introducing portion 15 for introducing dust-laden airflow to the cyclonic portion 14, and a reinforcing rib 35 provided on a lowermost end of the dust-collecting portion 11 for allowing it to stand on end, are formed into a one-piece structure. Thus, the structure from the introducing portion 15 to the cyclonic portion 14 can be simplified and the possibility of airflow leakage can be reduced. Also, maintenance of the cyclonic portion 14 and the introducing portion 15 can be easily performed through the detachment of the dust-collecting portion 11 together with the introducing portion 15.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Twinbird Corporation
    Inventors: Mineyuki Inoue, Katsuhiko Yoshida, Takeshi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20030188396
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a canister assembly and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes both a main inlet and an edge cleaning inlet. A dirt container and a fan and motor assembly/suction generator are carried on either the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly. An airflow system conveys a vacuum airstream from the nozzle assembly to the dirt container. The airflow system includes a control valve, a first conduit between the main inlet and the control valve, a second conduit between the edge cleaning inlet and the control valve and a third conduit between the control valve and the dirt container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: J. Erik Hitzelberger, Eric J. Streciwilk
  • Publication number: 20030177602
    Abstract: Floor cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a dispenser (50) for dispensing particulate cleaning material onto a floor surface. Particulate material is held in a hopper (52). Movable part (70, 71) is movable with respect to the hopper (52) to define a dispensing aperture (75) and for imparting movement to particulate material in the hopper towards the dispensing aperture (75). Adjustment means (80) are provided for adjusting the operational width of the dispensing aperture (75) so as to provide a range of dispensing settings. Adjustment means (80) is pivotally mounted to the movable part (70, 71) about a rotational axis (82) and has an outer surface which acts as a camming surface. The radius of the outer surface varies in value in different angular directions about the rotational axis (82). Adjustment means (82) provides a discrete set of different spacings between the cam (40) and movable part (71).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen Benjamin Courtney
  • Publication number: 20030177604
    Abstract: A discharging duct of an upright-type vacuum cleaner having side walls and a pair of ribs defining a passage portion, the passage portion connecting an air outlet pipe and a motor driving chamber of a cleaner body. A cover is connected to the duct and seals the passage portion. The cover includes side walls and sealing strips integrally formed thereon to tightly contact the ribs, the sealing strips completely contacting an outer surface of the ribs. Accordingly, the contact area of the cover with respect to the ribs of the duct is lengthened, and sufficient sealing effect is guaranteed without having to use a separate sealing member. Since the need for a separate sealing member is eliminated, the duct is easier to assembly and less costly to manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: SAMSUNG GWANGJU ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Byung-jo Lee
  • Patent number: 6609270
    Abstract: An air exhaust structure of an upright-type vacuum cleaner includes a duct vertically formed in a side of a cleaner body, communicating with a motor driving chamber, a supporting member protruded from an inner wall of the duct to a predetermined height, a filter supported by the supporting member and received in the duct, and a grill hinged to the cleaner body for opening and closing an air discharge opening of the duct. The air exhaust structure of the upright-type vacuum cleaner enables simple fabrication and reduced number of parts and fabrication cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nae-Jung Kim
  • Publication number: 20030145419
    Abstract: An air exhaust structure for an upright-type vacuum cleaner capable of a convenient use by providing a filter cover which is not easily opened by a discharging pressure of the air, while the filter cover is easily opened and closed by the user. The air exhaust structure of an upright-type vacuum cleaner has a frame having a duct formed at a side of the cleaner body to communicate with the motor driving chamber, a support member protruded from an inside wall of the duct, a filter, a filter cover having a grill portion disposed at the frame; and a removable means for opening and closing the filter cover. The removable means includes a hook formed at a front end of the filter cover and a locking hole having a locking protrusion disposed at the frame placed at a corresponding position of the hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Jung-seon Park, Il-won Yang, Hyung-il Jeon
  • Publication number: 20030145420
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaner body pivotably connected to a suction port assembly, plural locking recesses formed in a side of the cleaner body, and a resilient pedal pivotably mounted on the suction port assembly, and having a locking protrusion which is sequentially locked in the one or more locking recesses when the cleaner body rotates. The locking recesses comprise a parallel position recess in which the locking protrusion is locked when the cleaner body rotates to a parallel position with respect to a surface to be cleaned. Accordingly, even when the cleaner body is in a position parallel to the surface to be cleaned for a long time, the resilient support portion of the resilient pedal is prevented from being deformed permanently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Jung-Seon Park, Iil-Won Yang, Hyung-Il Jeon
  • Publication number: 20030140446
    Abstract: A filter supporting structure for an upright-type vacuum cleaner having a body divided by a partition into a dust-collecting chamber having a dust bag and a motor driving chamber, a filter grill formed at the partition in order to allow an air passed through the dust bag of the dust-collecting chamber to flow to the motor driving chamber, and having a filter for filtering the drawn air, supporting protrusions disposed at both sidewalls of the dust-collecting chamber in order to support both sides of the filter mounted on the filter grill, and a plurality of ribs disposed around the filter grill in order to support the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Jung-Seon Park, Il-Won Yang, Hyung-Il Jeon
  • Publication number: 20030140447
    Abstract: A dust cover sealing apparatus of a vacuum cleaner comprises a first fence protruding from an edge of a dust collecting chamber and having a predetermine height, and a second fence protruding from an inner surface of the dust cover to contact an end of the first fence when the dust cover is mounted on a cleaner body, and a plurality of guide ribs protruding from an inner surface of the dust cover adjacent to a side of the second fence, for guiding the second fence so that ends of the first and second fences contact each other when the dust, cover is mounted on the cleaner body. Accordingly, the sealing efficiency of the dust collecting chamber is maintained, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Jung-seon Park, Iil-won Yang, Hyung-il Jeon
  • Publication number: 20030140445
    Abstract: An air flow structure for an upright-type vacuum cleaner having a body divided by a partition into a dust-collecting chamber having a dust bag and a motor driving chamber having a motor; an air suction port protruded at an upper part of the dust-collecting chamber in order to draw air thereinto, and having the dust bag disposed around the air suction port; a dust cover to cover the dust-collecting chamber and having a plurality of ribs disposed therein in a lengthwise direction, a concaved portion formed at a rear wall of the dust-collecting chamber in a lengthwise direction, and a grill portion formed between the dust-collecting chamber and the motor driving chamber in order to allow the air of the dust-collecting chamber to flow to the motor driving chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Jung-Seon Park, Il-Won Yang, Hyung-il Jeon
  • Publication number: 20030131439
    Abstract: The invention provides a portable or hand-held vacuum cleaner that includes a filtration system or filtration module that can pick up particles and contaminants. It has a first passive stage (such as a HEPA filter) to collect dust particles, and contaminants over a predetermined size. The invention also includes an active stage filter(such as an ozone generator) which may include one or more chemical (or biological) agents effective to kill bacteria, viruses, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Sheree H. Wen
  • Patent number: 6588054
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright housing section and a nozzle section. A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening formed in the underside of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber. The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container that defines the chamber. A main filter element filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: National City Bank
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Patent number: 6588051
    Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner according to the present invention includes a cleaner main body 16, and a suction unit 24 which is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the cleaner main body 16 and includes a suction port 23 and a rotary brush 25. The cleaner main body 16 includes a dust collecting chamber 19, and a fan chamber 18 equipped with an electric fan 17 disposed at the bottom thereof. A handle 21 having a grip portion 20 and a control circuit board 22 are installed above the dust collecting chamber 19. Components such as the handle 21 and the electric fan 17 are installed at the rear of the cleaner main body 16. With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner is prevented from falling down when it is set upright. Further, the safety in use of the vacuum cleaner will be improved. Also, the user is able to easily use the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, it is possible to finish assembling the component parts only at the rear of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Hashizume, Koichi Ito, Kenichiro Sunaba
  • Patent number: 6574827
    Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner according to the present invention includes a cleaner main body 16, and a suction unit 24 which is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the cleaner main body 16 and includes a suction port 23 and a rotary brush 25. The cleaner main body 16 includes a dust collecting chamber 19, and a fan chamber 18 equipped with an electric fan 17 disposed at the bottom thereof. A handle 21 having a grip portion 20 and a control circuit board 22 are installed above the dust collecting chamber 19. Components such as the handle 21 and the electric fan 17 are installed at the rear of the cleaner main body 16. With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner is prevented from falling down when it is set upright. Further, the safety in use of the vacuum cleaner will be improved. Also, the user is able to easily use the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, it is possible to finish assembling the component parts only at the rear of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Hashizume, Koichi Ito, Kenichiro Sunaba
  • Patent number: 6571425
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (10) includes an upper housing (12) and a nozzle base (14). An underside (20) of the nozzle base includes a main suction opening (26) formed therein which is in fluid communication with the upper housing via a hose assembly (28). The hose assembly is coupled to the nozzle suction opening via a coupling member (40). The coupling member is substantially cylindrical in shape and is dimensioned to be inserted into a receiving portion (42) of the nozzle base. The coupling member includes a first tapered end (60) dimensioned to be frictionally fit within a suction inlet (44) of the receiving portion. A second end (62) of the coupling member is configured to be supported on a rear wall (50) of the receiving portion. A quarter turn thread segment (72) is disposed on the coupling member's peripheral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Robert A. Vystrcil, Ruskan Iskaliev, Craig Barbeck
  • Publication number: 20030084536
    Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner having a removable dust extraction and collection unit. The removable dust extraction and collection unit has an enclosed inlet chamber and an enclosed outlet chamber. The bottom wall of the enclosed inlet chamber is pivotally hinged such that the bottom wall can be alternatively opened and closed. When opened, accumulated dust within the inlet chamber is conveniently gravitated out of the dust extraction and collection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Billy Yung
  • Patent number: 6553613
    Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner has a main body incorporating an electric blower, a nozzle unit having a nozzle, and a first and a second connection pipe fitted between the main body and the nozzle unit so as to serve as part of the passage for a dust suction air flow generated by driving the electric blower. The first and second connection pipes are rotatable, and support the main body in a standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Onishi, Kazumasa Hayashi, Kiyomu Nagai, Teruhisa Inoue, Nobuharu Hikida
  • Publication number: 20030070251
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a surface cleaning head defining an inlet. A container for collecting dirt and dust and a primary passageway connecting the inlet in the cleaning head to the container. Suction means for drawing dirt and dust in through the inlet in the cleaning head along the primary passageway and into the container. One or more secondary inlets are provided on a surface of the vacuum cleaner remote from the inlet in the cleaning head, in order to drawn in airborne dirt and dust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Hayley Ibbertson, Julie Stark