Patents by Inventor Michael F. Wright

Michael F. Wright has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20010010108
    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: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Publication number: 20010010107
    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: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Patent number: 6260234
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber and a second housing defining a main suction opening that is in communication with an inlet of the cyclonic chamber. A suction source has a suction airstream inlet in communication with an outlet of the cyclonic chamber, and establishes a suction airstream that enters said main suction opening, passes through said cyclonic chamber, and passes to an outlet of said suction source. A substantial portion of particulates entrained in the suction airstream are separated therefrom when said suction airstream moves in a cyclonic fashion through the cyclonic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Charles J. Thur, Brett Latimer, Paul D. Stephens, Mark E. Cipolla, Craig J. Barbeck
  • Patent number: 6209168
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a nozzle base comprising a primary suction opening and a suction source. A dust cup assembly is releasably secured to the nozzle base. The dust cup assembly comprises a first inlet and a door positioned adjacent the inlet to selectively open and close the inlet. A rotatable brushroll assembly is positioned adjacent the primary suction opening. A three position control assembly is located on the nozzle base. The control assembly comprises a selector switch and a slide bar. Movement of the selector switch to first and second positions moves the slide bar out of engagement with a finger extending from the door allowing the door to open due to suction air. Movement of the selector switch to a third position moves the slide bar into engagement with the finger to prevent the door from opening due to suction air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: David M. Brickner, John S. Murphy, Michael F. Wright, Kyoshi Yokote
  • Patent number: 6108861
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a suction motor and a filter chamber. A floor nozzle is connected to the housing. A hose, which communicates with the filter chamber, includes a first end, an intermediate portion and a second end. A wand, which has a first end and a second end, is selectively mounted on the housing. At least a part of the hose intermediate portion extends longitudinally through the wand from the first end to the second end. The hose first end is secured to the wand first end. A connector assembly is secured on the hose second end. When the wand is selectively mounted on the housing, a section of the hose intermediate portion is stowed in the wand. When the wand is spaced from the housing, the section of the hose intermediate portion is pulled out of the wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Robert A. Vystrcil, Mark E. Cipolla, Charles J. Thur, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Michael F. Wright, Robert A. Salo
  • Patent number: 6101671
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction cleaning device which provides liquid dispensing, scrubbing, squeegeeing, and suction drying in a single, compact, self contained device. The suction cleaning device includes a cleaning device housing, a handle connected to the housing, an absorbent cleaning member mounted on the housing and movable between an extended and a retracted position, and a pair of squeegee blades. The squeegee blades are mounted in a squeegee tray, and at least one of the squeegee blades is movable between an extended and a retracted position in response to changes in the relative angle between the housing and the surface being cleaned. The movable squeegee blade is spring-biased into the extended position by one or more springs such as leaf springs. The device includes a suction system which draws the water from the floor surface which has been cleaned into a tank mounted on the housing which collects the liquid from the floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Laurie M. Shumaker, Craig M. Saunders, Joseph Lazzara, Mark Cipolla, Glenn E. Specht, Richard C. Farone, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Terry L. Zahuranec, Gary J. Dieterich, David J. Shimko
  • Patent number: 6070291
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). 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 (52) that defines the chamber (54). A main filter element (K) 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: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Patent number: 6065182
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction cleaning device which provides liquid dispensing, scrubbing, squeegeeing, and suction drying in a single, compact, self contained device. The suction cleaning device includes a cleaning device housing, a handle connected to the housing, an absorbent cleaning member mounted on the housing and movable between an extended and a retracted position, and a pair of squeegee blades. The device includes a suction system which draws the water from the floor surface which has been cleaned into a tank mounted on the housing which collects the liquid from the floor surface. A clean water bottle is provided on the housing for delivering cleaning liquid to the floor and a rechargeable battery power source provides power to the suction motor. The cleaning device is compact and lightweight and leaves the floor in a substantially dry state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Laurie M. Shumaker, Craig M. Saunders, Joseph Lazzara, Mark Cipolla, Glenn E. Specht, Richard C. Farone, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Terry L. Zahuranec
  • Patent number: 6026540
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). 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 (52) that defines the lower portion of the chamber (54). A main filter element (H) 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: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Charles J. Thur, Brett A. Latimer, Paul D. Stephens, Mark E. Cipolla
  • Patent number: 6012200
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle base (12) with at least one suction opening (60) formed therein. A rotatable brushroll (64) is positioned adjacent to the suction opening (60) for agitating a surface being cleaned. A suction source (54) is housed within the nozzle base (12). A dust cup assembly (70) is releasably connected to the nozzle base (12). The dust cup assembly (70) connects the suction source (54) and the suction opening (60) in fluid communication. A filter assembly (90) including a handle (101) is positioned between the dust cup assembly (70) and the suction source (54) to block the passage of dirt and dust to the suction source (54). A handle (10) is pivotally connected to the nozzle base (12) and includes an upper handle grip (22) including a hooked portion (24) for hanging the upright vacuum cleaner. First and second wings (74a, 74b) extend from opposite lateral sides of the dust cup cover (72) to facilitate the separation of the dust cup assembly (70) and the nozzle base (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: John S. Murphy, Robert Matousek, Richard C. Farone, David M. Brickner, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Craig M. Saunders, Michael F. Wright
  • Patent number: 6003196
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). 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 (52) that defines the lower portion of the chamber (54). A main filter assembly (50) includes a main filter element (H) for filtering 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: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Charles J. Thur, Brett Latimer, Paul D. Stephens
  • Patent number: D443960
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: David Shimko, Jeffrey M. Kalman, David J. Boll, Michael F. Wright, Richard C. Farone, Robert A. Matousek, Craig M. Saunders
  • Patent number: D418265
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg Co.
    Inventors: Richard C. Farone, Craig M. Saunders, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Paul D. Stephens, Robert A. Salo, Charles J. Thur, Michael F. Wright
  • Patent number: D418953
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Richard C. Farone, Craig M. Saunders, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Paul D. Stephens, Robert A. Salo, Charles J. Thur, Michael F. Wright
  • Patent number: D420477
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Craig M. Saunders, Jeffrey M. Kalman, John S. Murphy, Richard C. Farone, Robert A. Matousek, Michael F. Wright, David M. Brickner
  • Patent number: D426358
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Craig M. Saunders, Jeffrey M. Kalman, John S. Murphy, Richard C. Farone, Robert A. Matousek, Michael F. Wright, David M. Brickner
  • Patent number: D427399
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Charles J. Thur, Michael F. Wright, Mark E. Cipolla, Craig Saunders, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Richard C. Farone
  • Patent number: D427736
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Craig M. Saunders, Jeffrey M. Kalman, John S. Murphy, Richard C. Farone, Robert A. Matousek, Michael F. Wright, David M. Brickner
  • Patent number: D429044
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Craig M. Saunders, Jeffrey M. Kalman, John S. Murphy, Richard C. Farone, Robert A. Matousek, Michael F. Wright, David M. Brickner
  • Patent number: D433201
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Charles J. Thur, Brett Latimer, Paul D. Stephens, Mark E. Cipolla