Detachable And/or Extension Nozzles Patents (Class 15/414)
  • Patent number: 11766157
    Abstract: A dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner includes a chamber having an inlet through which dirt-laden fluid enters and an outlet through which cleansed fluid exits the chamber. A disc located at the outlet rotates about a rotational axis and comprises holes through which the cleansed fluid passes. The dirt-laden fluid enters the chamber along a flow axis that intersects the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Charles Howard Percy-Raine, Andrew John Isaacs, Alexander Michael Campbell-Hill
  • Patent number: 11343980
    Abstract: An example collapsible blower extension for a leaf blower is provided. The collapsible blower extension may include an elongate body forming an internal airflow passageway. The elongate body may be formed of a pliable material causing the internal airflow passageway to be collapsible. The collapsible blower extension may also include an input opening at a proximal end of the elongate body configured to be disposed proximate a leaf blower working assembly airflow outlet and an output opening at a distal end of the elongate body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: Jeff Osterchill, Andrew Curtis
  • Patent number: 10869586
    Abstract: An improved wet/dry vacuum device is provided. The device comprises features for enhancing the portability, mobility and usefulness of existing wet/dry vacuums and canister vacuum devices. Features of devices of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, hose storage features, accessory storage features, and power cord management features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: KARCHER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Adam Bearup, Manuel Schulze, Sheri Huther, Jonathan Guilford
  • Patent number: 10145057
    Abstract: A non-marring nozzle attachment that may be used with a vacuum device to clean delicate surfaces such as lint screens. The non-marring nozzle attachment may use a non-marring material with a beveled surface to allow for a vacuum to safely and effectively clean delicate surfaces. The non-marring nozzle attachment may further include spaced slits to allow for more intimate contact between the nozzle tip and a surface to be cleaned. The vacuum device may be mounted near the desired area of use to a variety of rigid surfaces without having to penetrate the rigid surface with nails or screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventors: Gwynn J. Goble, Julia A. Goble
  • Patent number: 10065219
    Abstract: A power-operated air propelling work apparatus includes: an air flow pipe including an air inlet opening, an air outlet opening and a pipe wall formed between the air inlet opening and the air outlet opening to define an air flow passageway inside the pipe wall; an electric air propelling fan disposed within the air flow passageway for sucking in air from the air inlet opening and blowing out air from the air outlet opening; an apparatus housing surrounding and supporting the air flow pipe and forming a housing space between the apparatus housing and the air flow pipe; and a control circuit unit disposed within the housing space for controlling an operation of the electric air propelling fan, wherein the pipe wall is formed with an air passage hole by which the air flow passageway and the housing space communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Suzuki, Yuki Koide
  • Patent number: 9750356
    Abstract: A bag dispenser includes a bag platform with a first support surface, a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end. At least one side support extends outwardly from the first and second sides of the bag platform and upwardly from the platform. The at least one side support defines a space sized and shaped to accommodate at least one stack of bags. An overhead mounting feature is attached to the side support and has a series of apertures penetrating the feature for use in attaching to an overhead horizontal surface with at least one fastener. An end panel is pivotally attached to either of the first and second ends of the bag platform. A latching mechanism maintains the end panel in a first, upright position. The latching mechanism is magnetic or includes loop and eye fittings. The dispenser may also have a pivoting side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: Stephanie Tan
  • Patent number: 9695545
    Abstract: A non-marring nozzle attachment that may be used with a vacuum device to clean delicate surfaces such as lint screens. The non-marring nozzle attachment may use a non-marring material with a beveled surface to allow for a vacuum to safely and effectively clean delicate surfaces. The non-marring nozzle attachment may further include spaced slits to allow for more intimate contact between the nozzle tip and a surface to be cleaned. The vacuum device may be mounted near the desired area of use to a variety of rigid surfaces without having to penetrate the rigid surface with nails or screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventors: Gwynn J. Goble, Julia A. Goble
  • Patent number: 9351621
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner suction pipe with at least one inner and at least one outer pipe, and at least one locking device, the locking device being movable by manual actuation, the locking device having a toothed rack, and in the locking position the rack being kept engaged to a toothed strip of the inner pipe, as a result of which the position of the inner pipe is fixed relative to the outer pipe. The locking device is movable into a release position by axial displacement relative to the outer pipe, and in the release position, the rack can be disengaged from the toothed strip by a relative force between the outer pipe and inner pipe, without the effect of a spring force, by the flanks of the teeth of the toothed strip pushing the flanks of the teeth of the rack upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: fischer Rohrtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Cordes, Stephan Cordes
  • Publication number: 20150107050
    Abstract: Described is a gutter cleaning attachment for a leaf blower. The gutter cleaning attachment can be removably attached to a leaf blower in order to provide an elongated tubular cleaning structure that allows a user to direct air blown by the leaf blower into a rain gutter, while standing on the ground below the rain gutter. The gutter cleaning attachment includes a plurality of tubular segments that can be removably secured together in series in order to reach the rain gutter. A first tubular segment is sized so as to be attached to a conventional leaf blower. A gutter cleaning head is disposed on a tubular segment and includes an accordion-like mid-section that can be extended, compressed, and bent as desired. In operation, a user can bend the cleaning head into a U-shape or hook shape in order to direct air downward and into the rain gutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Walter Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20150101637
    Abstract: A flexible vacuum attachment and method of use is provided for attaching a vacuum section to a vacuum to collect debris from a surface. The vacuum attachment comprises a flexible vacuum nozzle and nozzle opening, An end of the nozzle is attachable to a connector, which is then attachable to a vacuum. The nozzle forms a tube made of flexible material with a suction end. The suction end of the nozzle has a flexible tapered opening that is radially collapsible and foldable in one or more axial directions that can conform to various shapes. The tapered opening may include a rim that extends coplanar to a vacuumable surface. The suction end is capable of beating up and down on a vacuumable surface when operated with a vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Nicholas VATALARO
  • Patent number: 8925144
    Abstract: A canister vacuum cleaner comprising a main body, a hose, and a coupling for attaching the hose to the main body. The coupling includes a first part attached to the main body and a second part attached to the hose. Each part has a duct through which fluid is carried from the hose to the main body. The second part is attachable to the first part by sliding the second part relative to the first part along a sliding axis. When the second part is attached to the first part, the two ducts seal in a sealing plane that is non-orthogonal relative to the sliding axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Howard Dennington Mantell, Giles Ashbee
  • Publication number: 20140366316
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a multipurpose suction accessory which includes a cylindrical main body coupled to the handle pipe and including an introduction port formed on a lateral surface of the main body and a discharge port formed at one of both longitudinal end portions of the main body to communicate with the handle pipe, a cylindrical rotating body rotatably coupled to an outside of the main body and including a plurality of suction parts formed on a lateral surface of the rotating body and spaced a predetermined distance from each other in a circumferential direction, the suction ports being sequentially positioned to correspond to the introduction port of the main body by rotating the rotating body with respect to the main body, and a locker to restrict rotation of the rotating body with respect to the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae Gwang KIM, Dong Hun Yoo, Byung Jo Lee
  • Patent number: 8893350
    Abstract: A water tank cleaning apparatus and kit of components, the apparatus utilizing a wet or dry vacuum source, an adapter having one part of a two-component separable connector with a thumb tab thereon to facilitate separation of the two-component separable connector, and a working tip element having a second part of the two-component separable connector and functional end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Hoa Mai
  • Publication number: 20140338148
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vacuum cleaner including a main body generating suction force, a suction head contacting a surface to be cleaned and sucking air and dust from the surface, a handle pipe for user operation, a flexible hose connecting the handle pipe and the main body, and an extension pipe connecting the suction head and the handle pipe. The handle pipe includes a handle pipe body communicating the extension pipe and the flexible hose with each other, and a sub-accessory assembly combined integrally with the handle pipe body so as to suck air and dust from the surface as a substitute for the suction head. In the vacuum cleaner, sub-accessories may be easily replaced, a separate space for storage of the sub-accessories is not required, and there is no danger of loss of the sub-accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Han Saem LEE, See Hyun KIM, Hyeon Cheol KIM, Hyun Ju LEE
  • Publication number: 20140283333
    Abstract: An extension tube for a vacuum cleaner comprises an outer tube, an inner tube slidingly sheathed in the outer tube, wherein the front end of the inner tube being embedded with a sealing component with an end extending out from the inner tube, the inner tube being provided with several rows of clamping grooves, and each row of clamping grooves being provided with a plurality of clamping grooves at intervals in the length direction, and a length adjustment component mounted on the rear end of the outer tube and used for selectively fixing the inner tube to adjust the length of the extension tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Qinfeng Village, Miaoqiao, Tangqiao Town
    Inventor: Yoonki Kim
  • Publication number: 20140237767
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a first flexible electrified air flow conduit having an air inlet end that is electrified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: G.B.D. Corp.
  • Patent number: 8813297
    Abstract: A floor cleaning device includes a floor cleaning head and a pole directly or indirectly connectable to the floor cleaning head. The pole includes two sections, and a joint for lockably positioning the two pole sections in at least two different angular orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Mark Rosenzweig, Stephen Gatchell
  • Patent number: 8800102
    Abstract: The forwardly projecting wand of a conventional commercial carpet steam cleaner is propped up by a connected stabilization leg extension so as to reduce the weight imposed upon the operator by the cleaner during its operation. The stabilizing leg extension is provided the same cleaning capabilities the conventional cleaner has so that, modified in this way, the number of cleaning members is doubled and twice as much of the cleaning area is covered with each stroke of the wand. Handlebars are added to further ease the task and an attached stowage nest is incidentally included for a supplementary cleaning extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Gordon Wright Massey
  • Patent number: 8789237
    Abstract: A blower tube (4) to be connected to a power blower has a tube main body (42) having a distal end portion (42a) diminished in diameter toward its distal end and an attachment (44) to be coupled to the distal end (42a) of the tube main body (42) and including a distal end portion (44a) gradually diminished in diameter toward its distal end. Both these distal end portions (42a, 44a) are each provided three projections at distant position to protrude radially inward toward an axial line of the blower tube (4). The first projections (46) on the tube main body (42) and the second projections (48) on the attachment are positioned offset in phase to align in an alternate order. The blower tube (4) having the projections (46, 48) at the distal end portion can reduce the noise caused by ejection of a high-speed airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Yamabiko Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Hatano, Yusuke Kinoshita
  • Publication number: 20140165327
    Abstract: A canister vacuum cleaner comprising a main body, a hose, and a coupling for attaching the hose to the main body. The coupling includes a first part attached to the main body and a second part attached to the hose. Each part has a duct through which fluid is carried from the hose to the main body. The second part is attachable to the first part by sliding the second part relative to the first part along a sliding axis. When the second part is attached to the first part, the two ducts seal in a sealing plane that is non-orthogonal relative to the sliding axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Howard Dennington MANTELL, Giles ASHBEE
  • Patent number: 8739362
    Abstract: A gutter cleaning attachment for a leaf blower comprises an elongated angled pipe assembly adaptably attached to an existing leaf blower. An upper portion of the attachment is inserted into the gutter portion of a structure allowing propelled air from the leaf blower to remove debris such as leaves, twigs, silt, insect nests, seed pods, and other similar items. The safety of the user is improved by avoiding the use of ladders or climbing on roofs to perform gutter cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Richard V. Conder
  • Patent number: 8719997
    Abstract: A pass-through vacuum includes a mixing tube and separate and removable housing extending along a mutual central longitudinal axis. The housing contains at least one location for retaining a nozzle which extends along a nozzle axis and has an inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a compressed gas source and an outlet in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the mixing tube via an aperture. The nozzle axis of the nozzle extends at an acute angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the mixing tube. The at least one nozzle accelerates gas from the compressed gas source to create an improved performance to entrain gas and material to flowing through the mixing tube from the entrance end to the exit end. The mixing tube and the housing can each be independently configured to optimize their function and performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Guardair Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Nathenson, Mark W. Yorns
  • Patent number: 8713749
    Abstract: A cleaner spotter tool for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner having a fluid containing tank, an extractor nozzle housing coupled to the tank, a fluid delivery pump mounted in the nozzle housing, a tubing fluidly coupled to both the tank and the pump for delivering fluid from the tank to the pump, and a spray nozzle on the nozzle housing coupled to the pump for spraying fluid out of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Koblenz Electrica S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Marco Antonio Cortes Ruiz, Felix Rodriguez Perfino, Richard Arthur Kohler
  • Patent number: 8713754
    Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus has an upper section that is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between an in use position and a storage position. The upper section is rotationally mounted to the surface cleaning head. The upright surface cleaning apparatus has an alignment mechanism comprising a first cooperating alignment member associated with the surface cleaning head and a second cooperating alignment member associated with the upper section, the first and second members guiding the upper section to a particular orientation or range of orientations when the upper section is moved into the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 8695154
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner (11) with a housing (12) and a suction hose (16) as well as to a suction hose holder (31) arranged on the housing (12) that has two holding elements (32, 37) that are at a distance from each other and that each have a receptacle (34, 39) to hold two sections of the suction hose (16), whereby additional holders (20, 35, 40) are provided at the receptacles (34, 39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Eduard Sever, Franz Huber, Joachim Vedder, Dragomir Ljubojevic
  • Patent number: 8677595
    Abstract: A method of making retractable pipe, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: (1) preparing a pipe body which comprises an outer pipe and an inner pipe; providing a handle seat and a handle button on the outer pipe; providing a handle actuation means inside the handle seat; providing a push rod assembly, a locking block, a sliding block and a reset spring at the handle actuation means; (2) providing a guiding groove and locking troughs on the inner pipe, and arranging locking troughs on the inner pipe; (3) providing a fixing sleeve inside the handle seat; providing raised guiding rails on the fixing sleeve; the raised guiding rails are slidably inserted in the guiding groove; the sliding block forces a locking tongue to fit into the locking trough to lock the retractable pipe. A retractable pipe made by the above method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Dongguan Jiede Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhengwei Zeng
  • Publication number: 20140075716
    Abstract: A candy-cane shaped vacuum cleaner attachment is disclosed for cleaning top surfaces of elevated objects, such as ceiling fan blades and rain gutters. The vacuum cleaner attachment includes a preferably tapered straight tubular wand portion able to receive a vacuum supply at a proximal end and from which extends distally a substantially rigid, preferably tapered, tubular curved portion which terminates in a dual-purpose brush coupling and rain gutter tool. The vacuum cleaner attachment may be made in various sizes to fit commercial-off-the-shelf brushes and vacuum cleaners, or may be specially sized for other purposes. Custom brushes may be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Waylan Elmenhurst
  • Patent number: 8627531
    Abstract: When the electrically driven fan (14) of a vacuum cleaner is driven, air containing dust is drawn into the cleaner main body (1) through a hose (7) connected to a hose socket (8) and is exhausted into the outside of the cleaner main body (1) through an exhaust port (1b) via first and second suction passageways (10, 13). Disposed outside the first suction passageway (10) is an ion generator (23), it being arranged that plus and minus ions generated in the ion generator (23) are fed to the air stream flowing in the first suction passageway (10). Since the plus and minus ions kill floating germs in the air stream, the exhaust can be purified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohji Ninomiya, Mikio Yagi, Shigenori Hato, Kazumasa Hayashi, Hiroshi Yoshimura, Yoshihiro Shimizu, Hideo Nojima, Hisaharu Yagi, Kazuo Nishikawa, Tetsuyuki Ohtani
  • Publication number: 20130312213
    Abstract: A backpack power apparatus is comprised of a back carrier frame for being piggybacked by a user, a blower unit including a fan driven by a drive motor for sucking in or blowing out air through an airflow duct, and an airflow tube fluidically communicating with the airflow duct of the blower unit for sucking in or blowing out air through the airflow tube. The blower unit is mounted on the back carrier frame via a vibration isolating means, and the airflow tube is supported on the back carrier frame and adapted for being held and operated by the user when in use. The airflow tube is floatingly coupled to the airflow duct of the blower unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuji TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20130305482
    Abstract: A debris collection system is disclosed comprising a vehicle and an articulating vacuum hose. The articulating vacuum hose includes a vacuum hose assembly and an articulating arm. The articulating arm is configured to support the vacuum hose assembly which is comprised of a vacuum hose, support bands and support cables. The articulating arm includes a first arm extension and a second arm extension. The first arm extension is mounted to the vehicle and rotatable with respect to the vehicle about two perpendicular pivot axes. The second arm extension is pivotally connected to the first arm extension and is rotatable with respect to the first arm extension about a third pivot axis. The first and second arm extensions can be moved to a folded position wherein both extensions are parallel to each other and to an exterior surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventor: James Crockett
  • Publication number: 20130298351
    Abstract: An attachment for an air blower that enables a nozzle portion to be configured at various angles is provided. The attachment includes an elongated cylindrical portion, a connector portion, a nozzle portion, and an actuating sleeve. The cylindrical portion has a first end and a second end and has a longitudinal axis running therethrough. The connector portion is disposed at the first end of the cylindrical portion and configured to couple the cylindrical portion to an airflow outlet of an air blower. The nozzle portion is disposed at the second end of the cylindrical portion and is configured to direct airflow. The actuating sleeve is rotatably retained at the second end of the cylindrical portion and coupled to the nozzle portion. The actuating sleeve is configured to adjust the nozzle portion at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion when the user rotates the actuating sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Franco Romito
  • Patent number: 8544145
    Abstract: A surface treating head in the form of a floor tool for a vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a suction cavity and an outlet. The suction cavity includes first and second suction channels, bounded on both sides by respective working edges. A fluid flow path extends from the first suction channel to the second suction channel and from there to the outlet. The plurality of suction channels permits effective pick-up of dirt. To enable the surface treating head to be used to treat both carpeted floor surfaces and hard floor surfaces, the surface treating head may be provided with a brush unit and a drive mechanism for moving the brush unit between a stowed position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Spencer James Robert Arthey, Henry Licming Lambourn, Stephen Robert Dimbylow, Alistair William Skuse
  • Patent number: 8533907
    Abstract: A flexible accessory tool for a vacuum appliance is described, comprising an elongated body with a body portion having an attachment end, a nozzle end spaced apart from the attachment end and having an opening formed therein, and a flexible intermediate region for imparting flexibility to the accessory tool during use. The flexible intermediate region is made up of a rigid skeleton portion having a one or more ribs and support struts, over which a layer of non air-permeable flexible material is applied. During use, the flexible accessory tool may be bent to extreme angles in order to reach and clean debris from hard to reach areas, while not suffering from a decrease in vacuum air flow through the tool as it flexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Curtis J. Eccardt, Matthew A. Williams, Robert R. Hollis
  • Patent number: 8522394
    Abstract: A hose and accessory holder for an upright vacuum cleaner comprises a tool fixing portion having accessory tools insertable thereinto, a hose fixing portion for attachably/detachably fixing a hose thereto, and a holder fastening portion for attachably/detachably fastening the holder to a vacuum cleaner body. The tool fixing portion further comprises fitting members respectively formed in the insertion directions of the accessory tools on inner circumferential surfaces of the tool fixing portion, and protruding inwardly from the tool fixing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-Jo Lee, See-hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8499772
    Abstract: The present invention includes a vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly that has protective rollers that glide along the surface to be cleaned without interfering with the function of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The nozzle comprises a tubular nozzle conduit in fluid communication with a vacuum conduit on a first end of the tubular nozzle and a nozzle mouth at the second end of the tubular nozzle opposite the first end. The nozzle conduit has a circumferential roller assembly collar attached to the outside of the tubular nozzle, the collar is formed with a plurality of radially spaced apart seats that are sized and configured to securely receive a plurality of respective balls that are rotatable inside the respective seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Courtney Schumacher
  • Patent number: 8479358
    Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus has an upper section that is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between an in use position and a storage position. The upper section is rotationally mounted to the surface cleaning head. The upright surface cleaning apparatus has an alignment mechanism comprising a first cooperating alignment member associated with the surface cleaning head and a second cooperating alignment member associated with the upper section, the first and second members guiding the upper section to a particular orientation or range of orientations when the upper section is moved into the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 8468649
    Abstract: The joint system comprises a first piece secured to a driven tool and suitable for pivoting about a horizontal axis, and a second piece secured to a manual steering member and articulated to the first piece about an axis orthogonal to the horizontal axis. According to the invention, at least the second piece is formed by a flexible structure having a longitudinal neutral axis and including a base fastened to the first piece of the tool, and a head fastened to the member; said base and said head being interconnected via a pair of splines that are opposite and parallel to the neutral axis and that extend in a plane transverse to the horizontal axis, it being possible for said pair to be flexed under the effect of a force applied orthogonally to its plane and transmitted by the manual member. The invention applies to the field of household electrical appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Nielsen Innovation
    Inventors: Henrik Nielsen, David Petitdemange
  • Patent number: 8468647
    Abstract: A surface treating head in the form of a floor tool for a vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a suction cavity and an outlet. The suction cavity includes first and second suction channels bounded on both sides by respective working edges. A fluid flow path extends from the first suction channel to the second suction channel and from there to the outlet. The plurality of suction channels permits effective pick-up of dirt, which may be further enhanced by an air duct, in the form of a slot, which draws air over some of the working edges. The invention permits a tool with a lower profile to be manufactured than would be achievable by providing separate flow paths between the respective channels and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Henry Licming Lambourn
  • Publication number: 20130111699
    Abstract: Connector for connecting a vacuum hose to a vacuum cleaner body includes a central tube removably connected to the body and an enclosure that at least partially encloses the central tube and the vacuum hose when positioned partly over the central tube. The connector retains the vacuum hose to allow for swiveling of the vacuum hose about the central tube and prevents rotation between the central tube and the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Mark GENOA, Scott GENOA
  • Publication number: 20130081226
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner comprising a telescopic suction wand fluidly connected to a separating apparatus on the cleaner via a hose and which is used, as required, to clean above the level of the floor. The wand comprises a lower wand section, an upper wand section telescopically mounted to the lower wand section and a moveable locking member which, when the wand is released for use, is biased towards a locking position for locking out the wand sections in telescopic extension. The locking member is releasable from this locking position via a reaction member provided on the cleaner, against which reaction member a user may readily force the biased locking member out of the locking position using the locked-out wand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Dyson Technology Limited
  • Patent number: 8407853
    Abstract: The present invention (High Place Vacuum Cleaner) relates generally to vacuum cleaners and, more specifically to a simple attachment for a vacuum cleaner so that the operator may reach high places with ease. The attachment is a wand with an elongated bent handle and a tool, which has a rotatable connection to the handle. The wand may have an adaptor so that the handle can be connected to the hose of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. The wand may have an adaptor so that the handle can be connected to the hose of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner for dirty outside work. The wand with or without extender(s) may be utilized to clean ceiling fan housing and blades, high windows, light fixtures, high ceilings, air conditioner registers, as well as outside windows, eaves of a home, underside of elevated decks, etc. The present invention is also operable in both push or pull directions of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: John Baxt
  • Publication number: 20130061422
    Abstract: Multi-operational mode fluid extractors and associated methods are disclosed herein. An extractor configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a waste fluid tank positioned to receive extracted waste fluid and an air mover proximate to the waste fluid tank. A first airflow connector couples the air mover to the waste fluid tank for drawing a vacuum in the waste fluid tank. A second airflow connector is operably coupled to the waste fluid tank and positioned to be coupled to a suction source that is spaced apart from the extractor. In particular embodiments, heat from air moving through the air mover can be transferred from the air mover cavity into the waste fluid tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Dri-Eaz Products, Inc
    Inventors: Richard A. Black, William Bruders, Kevin A. Wolfe, Larry White
  • Publication number: 20130047371
    Abstract: A portable air blower includes: a first pipe having a first outlet opening communicating with a main body, the first pipe discharging wind generated in the main body through the first outlet opening; and a second pipe having a larger diameter than that of the first pipe, the second pipe being attached movably in the axial direction to the outer circumference of the first pipe and having a second outlet opening having a larger diameter than that of the first outlet opening. In the portable air blower, the second pipe is moved relative to the first pipe to dispose the second outlet opening upstream or downstream of the first outlet opening; the second pipe has an inflow window disposed upstream of the first outlet opening, the inflow window enabling air to flow from the outside into the second pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: MARUYAMA MFG. CO., INC.
    Inventors: Shigeki Namekata, Junichi Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20130047370
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an auxiliary suction nozzle in fluid communication with an auxiliary port provided on the vacuum cleaner. A vacuum hose can be coupled with the auxiliary port to establish fluid communication between the auxiliary suction nozzle and a source of suction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.
    Inventor: Jose Carlito Santiago
  • Patent number: 8375512
    Abstract: A tool for a surface treating appliance includes a main body connected to a conduit. To enable the main body to be widely maneuverable over, for example, a floor surface, the conduit includes a front section and a rear section. The front section is pivotably connected to the main body for movement relative thereto about a first axis to allow the conduit to be raised and lowered relative to the main body. The rear section is pivotably connected to the front section for movement relative thereto about a second axis to allow the rear section to be angled relative to the front section. The front section includes at least one port though which fluid is conveyed into the conduit from the main body, and through which the first axis passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Giles Ashbee
  • Publication number: 20130000071
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technology, which is capable of easily switching between the vacuum function and the blower function of the vacuum cleaner with a simple configuration, and is also capable of effectively utilizing the blower function even in the various situations. Typical air suction/injection device is configured that the interior of the main unit constitutes a main passage of air, and the interior of an injection passage section provided in the main body constitutes a sub-passage. Once a suctioned airstream is created in the main passage, a power fan inside of a suction chamber is rotated, and in conjunction with such a rotation, an injection fan is rotated so that an injecting airstream is created in the sub-passage. In such case, a passage switching section composed of a valve member provided in the location of joining the main passage and the sub-passage is switched to easily switch between a creation of an injecting airstream and a creation of a suctioned airstream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Itou, Katsumi Matsumura, Yoshiki Kuroki, Tooru Odachi, Tatsuo Kikkawa, Masakazu Onda
  • Publication number: 20120311815
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner detail attachment comprised of two attachably connected parts, a base and a tube. The base is flexible, with a plurality of support pegs, a lip around the inner edge and a hole for allowing the insertion of a tube. The tube is flexible as well as collapsible with a lip on one end to secure the tube to the base and a nozzle on the other end that tapers off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Abraham Martin Pickens
  • Publication number: 20120312328
    Abstract: A detector cleaner generally defined as a funnel structure with a preferably integrally formed wide surface area on one end, and an integrally formed narrow surface area on the opposite end, the funnel structure further having an interior void V or funnel channel where the wide area of the funnel structure is adapted to be placed over a detector to thereby completely encapsulate the detector. The narrow area of the funnel structure is adapted to be removeably connectable to a suction means (such as a vacuum machine) through a vacuum connection. Preferably, one or more angled holes are formed variously on the funnel structure so that when the suction means is engaged, the exterior air or other fluid flowing through each angled hole will dramatically enter the interior of the funnel to thereby create a significant fluid cyclone or swirling effect within the interior chamber of the funnel structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Richard A. Chavez
  • Publication number: 20120297571
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaning tool for removing animal hair from nearly any hand-held grooming tool is disclosed. A vacuum grooming tool is also disclosed. A vacuum plenum of the cleaning tool is attachable to a vacuum source and has an opening for cleaning a grooming tool in one pass. The cleaning tool can be mounted on a stationary support and may also include a pivot-action mechanism that connects the cleaning tool to the vacuum source during its engagement by a hand-held grooming tool being cleaned. This pivot-action mechanism can switch the vacuum off to a connected vacuum grooming tool and on to the cleaning tool, such that the airflow through the cleaning tool does not have to compete with any vacuum or airflow through the vacuum grooming tool during its cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: HAIR PATROL LLC
    Inventor: James E. Freidell
  • Patent number: 8296901
    Abstract: A wand, such as for a surface cleaning apparatus, comprises at least an upstream rigid tube and a downstream rigid tube releasably pivotally connected to the upstream rigid tube. A flexible fluid flow conduit connects the downstream, tube in fluid flow communication with the upstream tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Mark Rosenzweig, Yigal Offir, James Russell Varney, Bryan Robert Hotaling, John A. MacNeill