Bladed disk brush roller assembly for a vacuum cleaner
A brush roller assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a spindle rotatable within a vacuum cleaner housing. A first airflow enhancing device (AED) may be attached to the first end of the spindle. When rotated, the spindle may increase the flow of air from the end of the spindle toward the central portion of the spindle and thereby improve the vacuum cleaner's edge cleaning capability.
This application is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority from utility patent application Ser. No. 10/222,673, filed on Aug. 16, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. ______ which is incorporated herein by reference.
I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA. Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to new and novel improvements in a bladed disk brush roller assembly for a vacuum cleaner. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses related to a brush roller assembly for a vacuum cleaner that generates direct and/or indirect force that moves air and debris, such as dirt and dust, away from the ends of the spindle and toward the middle of the spindle where it is removed by the suction of the vacuum cleaner.
B. Description of Related Art
Brush roller assemblies for vacuum cleaners are well known and have been described in numerous references, including a number of issued United States patents. A typical brush roller assembly includes a rotatably mounted and motor driven spindle having a brush on a cylindrical or non-cylindrical outer surface thereof and a non-rotatable mounting structure at each end to mount the brush roller assembly to a vacuum cleaner housing. While the mounting structure may vary considerably, one type of known mounting structure includes end assemblies at each end of the spindle, the end assemblies including a rotatable stub shaft, a bearing and an end cap member which is fixedly secured to the vacuum cleaner housing.
Certain problems are known to exist with known prior art brush roller assemblies for vacuum cleaners. In particular, debris, such as dirt and dust, tends to collect in such known prior art brush roller assemblies. Further discussion of this problem is commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,611 which is incorporated herein by reference. This debris collection problem is thought to be due, at least in part, to the lack of movement of air from the ends of the brush roller assembly to the central portion of the brush roller assembly where debris, such as dirt and dust, can be removed from the brush roller assembly by the vacuum of the vacuum cleaner.
II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one embodiment of this invention, a vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a top, a bottom and first and second side walls. An intake aperture is provided in the bottom of the housing and first and second openings are provided in the first and second side walls, respectively. A drive motor may be supported to the housing. The vacuum cleaner may also include: (a) a spindle operatively connected to the drive motor and selectively rotatable within the housing, the spindle having a central portion and first and second ends juxtaposed to the first and second openings in the housing, respectively; (b) a first airflow enhancing device positioned on the first end of the spindle, the first airflow enhancing device is selectively rotatable by the spindle to increase the flow of air from the intake aperture and first opening to the central portion of the spindle; and, (c) a second airflow enhancing device positioned on the second end of the spindle, the second airflow enhancing device is selectively rotatable by the spindle to increase the flow of air from the intake aperture and second opening to the central portion of the spindle.
According to another embodiment of this invention, the spindle may have pins extending from the spindle ends. The pins may be adapted to be rotatably received by the housing and to be received by holes formed in the first and second airflow enhancing devices.
According to another embodiment of this invention, the spindle may have first and second recesses formed in the first and second ends of the spindle. At least a portion of the first and second airflow enhancing devices may be positioned within the first and second recesses.
According to another embodiment of this invention, the spindle may have a driven pulley adapted to engage a belt driven by the drive motor.
According to another embodiment of this invention, first and second adjustment mechanisms may be used to adjust the size of the first and second openings, respectively.
According to another embodiment of this invention, a device may include: (a) a spindle having first and second ends and a central portion, the spindle is adapted to be driven by a vacuum cleaner motor and rotated within a vacuum cleaner housing; and, (b) first and second airflow enhancing devices fixed on the first and second ends, respectively, of the spindle. The first and second airflow enhancing devices may be selectively rotatable by the spindle to increase the flow of air from the first and second ends of the spindle to the central portion of the spindle.
According to another embodiment of this invention, a method may include the following steps: (a) providing a vacuum cleaner comprising: (1) a housing having an intake aperture and a first opening; and, (2) a drive motor; (b) providing a device comprising a spindle operatively connected to the drive motor and selectively rotatable within the housing, the spindle having a central portion and a first end juxtaposed to the first opening in the housing; and, (c) operating the drive motor to rotate the spindle thereby drawing air through the first opening and along the longitudinal axis of the spindle from the first end toward the central portion.
According to another embodiment of this invention, prior to the step of, operating the drive motor to rotate the spindle, the method comprises the step of adjusting the size of the first opening.
Other advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating one or more embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same,
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The cap 200 may also include a body 202 operatively connected to the housing 40 through the first opening such that the first opening is substantially covered. Likewise, the body 202 of end cap 200 is also adapted to connect to the housing 40 through the second opening in the second sidewall 46b such that the second opening is substantially covered. The body 202 of the cap 200 further comprises a body having a top 240, sidewalls 242, an inner member 204 and an outer member 206, which defines a cavity therebetween. As shown in the FIGURES, the top 240 may be semi-circular in shape, but this is not required. Any shape may be chosen in accordance with sound engineering judgment as long as the openings in the sidewalls 46a, 46b are covered.
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The improved edge cleaning is about ten percent (10%). These results indicate an increase in edge cleanability but a decrease in general cleanability. The improved edge cleaning can be attributed to the edge cleaning concept but the decrease in general cleanability may be explained because the overall effective width of the model B is wider than the standard model A. The available suction airflow is distributed over a wider area. Performance may therefore be improved by either narrowing model B to be the same as model A, or by increasing the airflow proportionally in model B. In either event, the relative edge cleaning of a model with the end caps 200 should be superior to a standard model while maintaining comparable overall cleanability. Testing by Intertek ETL SEMKO, having its principal place of business at 3933 US Route 11, Cortland, N.Y. 13045, tested this embodiment of the invention on Apr. 13, 2004.
The test specimens supplied by the applicant were received assembled. Testing was performed using an ASTM approved plush carpet panel and standard test soil supplied by Intertek. All testing was performed in an environmentally controlled room maintained at 70+5° F. (21+3° C.) and 45% to 55% relative humidity. All components involved with the testing, except the test specimens and bags, were exposed in the controlled environment for a minimum of sixteen hours prior to testing. In order to provide a uniform basis for measuring the capability of the upright vacuum cleaner to remove household embedded dirt, standardized test soil was employed from Annex Al of the referenced specification. Carpet-embedded dirt removal effectiveness testing was conducted in accordance with Section 10 of ASTM F608-03 with client specified modifications. Two (2) runs were conducted on each sample.
To provide a basis for measuring the ability of a vacuum to clean along an edge, 20 grams of standard test soil (⅕th of ASMT F608 test load) was evenly spread in 1-inch strips along each inside edge of the test load application frame (test area) of an ASTM approved plush carpet segment. The strips of soil were 54-inches in length and stopped 2-inches from the front edge. The test area was isolated using a cardboard template supplied by the client. The frame was removed and two, (2) embedment strokes were applied to the soiled segment using the standard embedment tool at 4.8 ft/sec. The frame was then replaced in its original location, and the sample was operated 8 strokes at 4.8 ft/sec on each inside edge. Sample A was run a total of two times; sample B was run a total of four times (brush agitator was replaced after first two runs).
Legend:
Sample “A” - Model A
Sample “B” - Model A with inventive end cap
Legend:
Sample “A” - Model A
Sample “B” - Model A with Inventive End Cap
Sample “BB” - Model A with Inventive End Cap & Replacement Brush Agitator
In order to utilize the present invention, the following steps are taken. The embodiment herein described and shown in
Accordingly, although the present invention has been described above in detail, the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. It is apparent to those having a level of ordinary skill in the relevant art that other variations and modifications in the brush roller assembly for a vacuum cleaner in accordance with the present invention, as described and shown herein, could be readily made using the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope and content of the present invention are to be defined only by the terms of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A vacuum cleaner comprising:
- a housing having a top, a bottom and first and second side walls, an intake aperture is provided in the bottom of the housing, first and second openings are provided in the first and second side walls, respectively;
- a drive motor supported to the housing; and,
- a device comprising: (a) a spindle operatively connected to the drive motor and selectively rotatable within the housing, the spindle having a central portion and first and second ends juxtaposed to the first and second openings in the housing, respectively; (b) a first airflow enhancing device positioned on the first end of the spindle, the first airflow enhancing device is selectively rotatable by the spindle to increase the flow of air from the intake aperture and first opening to the central portion of the spindle; and, (c) a second airflow enhancing device positioned on the second end of the spindle, the second airflow enhancing device is selectively rotatable by the spindle to increase the flow of air from the intake aperture and second opening to the central portion of the spindle.
2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein:
- the spindle comprises first and second pins extending from the first and second ends of the spindle, respectively, the first and second pins are adapted to be rotatably received by the housing; and,
- the first and second airflow enhancing devices have first and second holes, respectively, that receive the first and second pins, respectively.
3. The vacuum cleaner of claim I wherein the spindle comprises:
- first and second recesses formed in the first and second ends of the spindle, respectively, wherein at least a portion of the first and second airflow enhancing devices are positioned within the first and second recesses, respectively.
4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the spindle comprises:
- a driven pulley adapted to engage a belt driven by the drive motor; and,
- at least one brush extending from the outer surface of the spindle.
5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein:
- the housing has third and fourth openings provided in the bottom of the housing juxtaposed to the first and second ends of the spindle, respectively;
- the first airflow enhancing device is selectively rotatable by the spindle to increase the flow of air from the third opening to the central portion of the spindle; and, the second airflow enhancing device is selectively rotatable by the spindle to increase the flow of air from the fourth opening to the central portion of the spindle.
6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 further comprising:
- first and second adjustment mechanisms selectively adjustable to adjust the size of the first and second openings, respectively.
7. The vacuum cleaner of claim 6 wherein the first and second adjustment mechanisms are pressurization mechanisms.
8. A vacuum cleaner comprising:
- a housing having an intake aperture and a first opening;
- a drive motor; and,
- an assembly comprising: (a) a spindle operatively connected to the drive motor and selectively rotatable within the housing, the spindle having a central portion and a first end juxtaposed to the first opening in the housing; and, (b) a first airflow enhancing device positioned on the first end of the spindle, the first airflow enhancing device is selectively rotatable by the spindle to increase the flow of air from the intake aperture and first opening to the central portion of the spindle.
9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8 wherein the first airflow enhancing device comprises:
- a central portion; and,
- a plurality of blade projections extending from the central portion.
10. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8 wherein:
- the spindle comprises a first pin extending from the first end of the spindle, the first pin is adapted to be rotatably received by the housing; and,
- the first airflow enhancing device has a first hole that receive the first pin.
11. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8 wherein the spindle comprises:
- a first recess formed in the first end of the spindle, wherein at least a portion of the first airflow enhancing device is positioned within the first recess.
12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8 wherein the spindle comprises:
- a driven pulley adapted to engage a belt driven by the drive motor; and,
- at least one brush extending from the outer surface of the spindle.
13. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8 further comprising:
- an adjustment mechanism selectively adjustable to adjust the size of the first opening.
14. The vacuum cleaner of claim 13 wherein the adjustment mechanism is a pressurization mechanism.
15. The vacuum cleaner of claim 13 wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises:
- a plate rotatably attached to the housing.
16. A device comprising:
- a spindle having first and second ends and a central portion, the spindle is adapted to be driven by a vacuum cleaner motor and rotated within a vacuum cleaner housing; and,
- first and second airflow enhancing devices fixed on the first and second ends, respectively, of the spindle, the first and second airflow enhancing devices are selectively rotatable by the spindle to increase the flow of air from the first and second ends of the spindle to the central portion of the spindle.
17. The device of claim 16 wherein the spindle comprises:
- at least one brush extending from the outer surface of the spindle.
18. The device of claim 16 wherein:
- the spindle comprises first and second pins extending from the first and second ends of the spindle, respectively, the first and second pins are adapted to be rotatably received by the vacuum cleaner housing; and,
- the first and second airflow enhancing devices have first and second holes, respectively, that receive the first and second pins, respectively.
19. The device of claim 16 wherein the spindle comprises:
- first and second recesses formed in the first and second ends of the spindle, respectively, wherein at least a portion of the first and second airflow enhancing devices are positioned with the first and second recesses, respectively.
20. The device of claim 16 wherein the first and second airflow enhancing devices are screwed on to the spindle.
21. The device of claim 16 wherein the first and second airflow enhancing devices are molded into the spindle.
22. The device of claim 16 wherein the first and second airflow enhancing devices and the spindle are fabricated as an integrated assembly.
23. The device of claim 16 wherein the spindle comprises:
- a driven pulley adapted to engage a belt driven by the vacuum cleaner motor.
24. A method comprising the steps of:
- providing a vacuum cleaner comprising: (1) a housing having an intake aperture and a first opening; and, (2) a drive motor;
- providing a device comprising a spindle operatively connected to the drive motor and selectively rotatable within the housing, the spindle having a central portion and a first end juxtaposed to the first opening in the housing; and,
- operating the drive motor to rotate the spindle thereby drawing air through the first opening and along the longitudinal axis of the spindle from the first end toward the central portion.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein prior to the step of, operating the drive motor to rotate the spindle, the method comprises the step of:
- adjusting the size of the first opening.
26. The method of claim 25 further comprising the steps of:
- providing an adjustment mechanism comprising a plate rotatably attached to the housing; and,
- wherein the step of, adjusting the size of the first opening, comprises the step of rotating the plate.
27. The method of claim 24 further comprising the steps of:
- providing the housing with a top, a bottom and a side wall;
- providing the intake aperture in the bottom of the housing and the first opening in the side wall;
- providing a second opening in the bottom of the housing juxtaposed to the first end of the spindle;
- wherein the step of, operating the drive motor to rotate the spindle, comprises the step of drawing air through the second opening and along the longitudinal axis of the spindle from the first end toward the central portion.
28. The method of claim 24 further comprising the steps of:
- providing the housing with a top, a bottom and first and second side walls;
- providing the intake aperture in the bottom of the housing and the first opening in the first side wall;
- providing the spindle with a second end;
- providing a second opening in the second side wall juxtaposed to the second end of the spindle;
- wherein the step of, operating the drive motor to rotate the spindle, comprises the step of drawing air through the second opening and along the longitudinal axis of the spindle from the second end toward the central portion.
29. The method of claim 24 further comprising the steps of:
- providing an airflow enhancing device fixedly attached to the first end of the spindle; and,
- wherein the step of, operating the drive motor to rotate the spindle, comprises the step of rotating the airflow enhancing device.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 12, 2005
Publication Date: Apr 13, 2006
Inventors: William Kimmerle (Hudson, OH), Carl Sauers (Barberton, OH)
Application Number: 11/248,068
International Classification: A47L 9/04 (20060101);