PORTABLE CLEANING ASSEMBLY WITH VACUUM UNIT DISPOSED WITHIN CAVITY OF WASTE CONTAINER

Abstract

A portable cleaning assembly includes a vacuum unit for cleaning debris, a waste container for collecting waste separate from the debris, and a transport mechanism for moving the waste container and the vacuum unit. The waste container includes a sidewall defining a cavity. At least part of the vacuum unit, i.e., a motor and/or a filter assembly, is disposed within the cavity. Batteries are stored in a housing of the transport mechanism for powering the vacuum unit. A top surface of the transport mechanism may also include an additional area to support an article besides the waste container.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 61/196,003, filed Oct. 14, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The subject invention relates to a portable cleaning assembly and specifically to a portable vacuum unit and waste container.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the field of industrial and office cleaning, portable cleaning assemblies having both a waste container and a vacuum unit are becoming well known. In these prior art assemblies, the vacuum unit, which includes a motor and a filter, is typically stored in a transport mechanism supporting the waste container or hung on an exterior of the waste container.

The transport unit may also be used to store batteries for powering the vacuum unit. As such, when the vacuum unit is stored in the transport mechanism, less physical area is available for the batteries. Furthermore, when the vacuum unit is hung on the exterior of the waste container, the waste container may become unbalanced.

Also, the portable cleaning assemblies of the prior art do not sufficiently address the need for additional cleaning devices beyond the vacuum unit and waste container.

Therefore, the present invention is directed towards solutions to these shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

The present invention includes a cleaning assembly having a vacuum unit for cleaning debris from an area. The vacuum unit includes a motor for creating a vacuum and a filter apparatus in fluidic communication with the motor for capturing the debris. The assembly also includes a waste container for collecting waste separate from the debris collected by the vacuum unit. The waster container includes an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall extending between the upper and lower ends. A transport mechanism supports the waste container and the vacuum unit for moving the waste container and the vacuum unit thereof. A cavity is defined by the sidewall for accommodating at least one of the filter apparatus and the motor therewithin.

Accommodating the filter apparatus within the cavity provides the cleaning assembly of the present invention numerous advantages over the prior art. First, as the filter apparatus and/or motor are not disposed within the transport mechanism itself, the transport mechanism has additional area to store batteries. Second, the filter apparatus disposed in the cavity is easily accessible by an operator of the cleaning assembly, such that the debris may be removed from the filter apparatus. Finally, by partially disposing the filter apparatus and/or motor within the cavity, balance of the waste container is improved.

The transport mechanism may also include a top surface having a first area supporting the waste container and a second area for supporting an article separate from the waste container.

The second area can support important cleaning articles, such as, but not limited to, a mop bucket, clothing racks, or an additional vacuum unit, which can moved simultaneously with the vacuum unit and waste container. As such, the cleaning assembly provides additional functionality for more efficient cleaning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cleaning assembly showing a filter apparatus for a vacuum unit disposed within a cavity formed in a waste container and a motor and batteries for the vacuum unit disposed within a housing of a transport mechanism;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the cleaning assembly showing the filter apparatus removed from the cavity and showing a frame for supporting the filter apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the cleaning assembly showing a filter apparatus and the motor of the vacuum unit disposed within the cavity;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the cleaning assembly showing the filter apparatus and motor removed from the cavity and showing a hole in the frame to accommodate an exhaust port of the vacuum unit;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the cleaning assembly showing the filter apparatus disposed in a first cavity and the motor disposed in a second cavity;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the cleaning assembly showing the transport mechanism having a top surface with a first area and a second area;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the cleaning assembly showing the waste container supported by the first area and a mop bucket and press supported by the second area with the entire vacuum unit disposed within the housing of the transport mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the cleaning assembly showing the waste container supported by the first area and the mop bucket supported by the second area with the filter assembly disposed within the cavity of the waste container;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the cleaning assembly showing the waste container supported by the first area, an auxiliary rack supported by the waste container, and an upholstery cleaner supported by the second area;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the cleaning assembly showing the waste container supported by the first area and a battery pack supported by the second area;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of shelves that may be supported by the transport mechanism;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a cabinet that may be supported by the transport mechanism;

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a power washer that may be supported by the transport mechanism;

FIG. 11D is a perspective view of a bin that may be supported by the transport mechanism;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the cleaning assembly showing the waste container supported by the first area, the bin and a clothes rack supported by the second area, and the battery pack supported by a third area between the first and second areas;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the cleaning assembly showing the mop bucket supported by the first area, a wet vac supported by the second area, and the bin supported by the third area; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the cleaning assembly showing the mop bucket trailered to the transport mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a cleaning assembly 20 is shown herein.

The cleaning assembly 20 includes a vacuum unit 22 for applying a vacuum used in cleaning debris from an area. Vacuum units 22 are known to those skilled in the art and various configurations may be employed with the subject invention. The vacuum unit 22 includes a motor 24 for use in creating the vacuum as is well known to those skilled in the art. The vacuum unit 22 also includes a filter apparatus 26 in fluidic communication with the motor for capturing the debris as is also well known to those skilled in the art. In the illustrated embodiments, the filter apparatus 26 includes a shell (not numbered) and a filter (not numbered) disposed within the shell such that debris is captured by, and may be emptied from, the shell. The motor 24 and filter apparatus 26 may be disposed adjacent one another and directly connected as an integrated unit. Alternatively, the motor 24 and filter apparatus 26 may be disposed apart from one another. 10. A hose 27 may be connected to the motor 24 and the filter apparatus 26 for providing the fluidic communication therebetween, as is seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4.

The cleaning assembly 20 also includes a waste container 28 for collecting waste. The waste collecting in the waste container 28 is separate from the debris collected by said vacuum unit 22. (However, the debris collected by the vacuum unit 22 may, at some point, be deposited in the waste container 28.) The waste container 28 for use with the subject invention is preferably, but not limited to, a circular fifty-five or a forty-four gallon barrel. However, differently shaped and sized containers may be utilized depending upon the particular applications. The waste container 28 has an upper end 30 defining an opening 32 and a lower end 34 with a bottom (not numbered). The opening 30 is designed to receive and secure a waste liner (not shown) and/or to receive any waste deposited therein. The waste container 28 includes a sidewall 40 extending between the upper end 30 and the lower end 34. The sidewall 40 defines an interior 42 and an exterior 44 of the waste container 28. Handles (not numbered) may extend from the sidewall 40. A waste container lid (not shown) may be disposed on the upper end 30 for enclosing the waste container 28.

The cleaning assembly 20 also includes a transport mechanism 46 supporting at least the vacuum unit 22 and the waste container 28. As such, the transport mechanism 46 allows portable, self-contained movement of the waste container 28 and the vacuum unit 22 about an area. Therefore, the vacuum unit 22 may be utilized to collect the debris and while allowing for independent filling of the waste container 28 with waste. The transport mechanism 46 preferably includes wheels 48 for moving about the area, and more preferably includes at least three castors (not labeled). Of course, it is to be understood that different types of wheels 48 may be utilized depending upon the type of vacuum unit 22 and waste container 28.

In the illustrated embodiments, the assembly 20 includes at least one battery 50 electrically connected to the vacuum unit 22 for supplying electrical power to the vacuum unit 22. More specifically, the at least one battery 50 is electrically connected to the motor 24 of the vacuum unit 22. The term battery 50 herein refers to a cell for holding an electric charge, as is well known to those skilled in the art. The battery 50 may be of the many types known to those skilled in the art, such as, but not limited to, rechargeable, disposable, lead acid, Alkaline, Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH), and Lithium Ion (LiO). The at least one battery 50 is typically implemented as a plurality of batteries 50. The batteries 50 may be connected in parallel and/or series to generate a proper level of electric power to operate the vacuum unit 22. The use of the term “batteries” herein is done for convenience and does not necessarily require that multiple batteries 50 are implemented with the assembly 20. In other embodiments (not shown), electrical power is supplied to the vacuum unit 22 via conventional utility power using a cord (not shown).

The transport mechanism 46 may define a housing 52 for storing various components. The housing 52 is preferably disposed between the wheels 48 and the waste container 28, however other locations for the housing 52 may alternatively be utilized. In a first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 52 stores the motor 24 of the vacuum unit 22 and the batteries 50. In a second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and a third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the housing 52 stores the batteries 50. Other uses for the housing 52 may also be utilized.

The waste container 28 may also include a cavity 54 defined by the sidewall 40, as best seen in FIG. 2. The cavity 54 preferably accommodates part of the vacuum unit 22 therewithin. Specifically, the cavity 54 preferably accommodates the filter apparatus 26, the motor 24, or both the filter apparatus 26 and the motor 24. Of course, the cavity 54 may also accommodate other components of the vacuum unit 22 and/or components not related to the vacuum unit 22. However, in the first embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cavity 54 accommodates only the filter apparatus 26, while the motor 24 is disposed within the transport mechanism 46.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the cleaning assembly 20 preferably includes a frame 56 attached to the sidewall 40. The frame 56 surrounds a peripheral edge (not numbered) of the cavity 54 for detachably receiving the filter apparatus 26. The frame 56 includes a platform 58 disposed adjacent a bottom (not numbered) of the cavity 54 for supporting the filter apparatus 26. Of course, the frame 56 and/or platform 58 may also be utilized to support the motor 24 and/or other components off the vacuum unit 22. The frame 56 of the first embodiment preferably includes one or more attachment mechanisms (not numbered) to secure the filter apparatus 26 while still allowing convenient removal of the filter apparatus 26.

The frame 56 preferably protrudes into the interior 42 of the waste container 28, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4. As such, part of the filter apparatus 26 (or other components) is disposed on one side of the sidewall 40 and part of the filter apparatus 26 is disposed on the other side of the sidewall 42. That is, part of the filter apparatus 26 is partially disposed within the interior 42 of the waste container 28.

In a second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, both the filter apparatus 26 and the motor 24 are disposed within the cavity 54. Preferably, in the second embodiment, the filter apparatus 26 is removable from the cavity 54 while the motor 24 says secured in place. In the second embodiment, the frame 56 also defines a hole 58, as shown in FIG. 4. The hole 58 receives air exhausted from the filter apparatus 26 such that the exhausted air is sent to the interior 42 of the container 28.

Disposition of the filter apparatus 26 and/or the motor 24 in the cavity 54 provides the cleaning assembly 20 of the present invention numerous advantages. First, as the filter apparatus 26 and/or motor 24 is not disposed within the housing 52 of the transport mechanism 46, the housing 52 is able to store more batteries 50 than in prior art embodiments where the filter apparatus 26 and/or motor 24 are disposed within the transport mechanism 46. Second, the filter apparatus 26, when disposed in the cavity 54, is easily accessible by an operator of the cleaning assembly, such that the debris may be removed from the filter apparatus 26. Finally, by partially disposing the filter apparatus 26 and/or motor 24 on either side of the sidewall 42, balance of the waste container is improved over prior art implementations where the vacuum unit 22 is attached to the sidewall 42 on the exterior of the waste container 28.

In a third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the cavity 54 is further defined as a first cavity 54a and a second cavity 54b separate from the first cavity 54a. In this third embodiment, the filter apparatus 26 is disposed within the first cavity 54a and the motor 24 is disposed within the second cavity 54b. Preferably, the first and second cavities 54a, 54b are disposed in opposition with on another, that is, on opposite “sides” of the waste container 28. As such, the filter apparatus 26 and motor 24 are balanced with one another, to prevent tip-over of the waste container 28.

The transport mechanism 46 may support others articles, aside from the waste container 28, vacuum unit 22, and batteries 50 described above. As shown in FIG. 6, the transport mechanism of a fourth embodiment includes a top surface 60 having a first area 62 and a second area 64. As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first area 62 supports the waste container 28. The second area 64 may then be utilized to support an article 65 separate from the waste container 28. Preferably, the second area 64 is at least 50% of the size of the first area 62. More preferably, and as best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first area 62 and the second area 64 are the same size. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the top surface 60 is oval shaped. However, other suitable shapes for the top surface 60, such as, but not limited to, a figure-eight shape, may also be acceptable.

Referring to FIG. 6, the transport mechanism 46 preferably includes a first interface 66 extending from the first area 62 and a second interface 68 extending from the second area 64. The first interface 66 is preferably for interfacing with the waste container and the second interface 68 is preferably for interfacing with the article 65. The interfaces 66, 68 shown in the Figures are circular; however other suitable shapes may be implemented. Each of the interfaces 66, 68 shown in FIG. 6 also include a plurality of tongues 69 extending therefrom. These tongues 69 interlock with corresponding grooves (not shown) on the waste container 28 and/or the article 65.

Many different articles 65 could be supported by the second area 64. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, one potential article 65 is a mop bucket 70. The mop bucket 70 is engagable with the second interface 68 to prevent accidental tip-over of the mop bucket 70. Another potential article 65, as shown in FIG. 9, is an upholstery/rug cleaner 72. The upholstery/rug cleaner 72 may be electrically connected to the batteries 50, such that the upholstery/rug cleaner 72 and the vacuum unit 22 share the same batteries 50 as power source. Alternatively, the upholstery/rug cleaner may have an independent power source. FIG. 9 also shows an auxiliary rack 73 which may be disposed around the opening 32 of the waste container 28. The auxiliary rack 73 may be utilized to hold various cleaning supplies (not shown).

Another potential article 65 supported by the second area 64, as shown in FIG. 10, is a battery pack 74. The battery pack 74 stores one or more batteries 50 for providing electric power to the vacuum unit 22. Other potential articles 65 are shown in FIGS. 11A-11D. These articles 65 include, but are not limited to, shelves 76, a cabinet 78 such as a tool box, a pressure washer 80, and a bin 82. Other examples of potential articles 65 include a clothes hanging rack 84, as shown in FIG. 12. The article 65 supported by the second area 64 may also be another vacuum unit 22. For example, one vacuum unit 22 may be used primarily for dry debris, i.e., a “dry vac”, while the other vacuum unit 22 may be used primarily for liquids and wet debris, i.e., a “wet vac”.

The top surface 60 may be divided into more than two areas. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the top surface 60 may be divided into the first area 62, the second area 64, and a third area 86. In this embodiment, the third area 86 is disposed between the first and second areas 62, 64. In one example of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the vacuum unit 22 is disposed within the housing 52 of the transport mechanism 46, the waste container 28 is supported on the first area 62, the bin 82 and a clothes rack 84 is supported on the second area 64, and the battery pack 74 is supported on the third area 86. In another example, as shown in FIG. 13, one vacuum unit 22 and batteries 50 are disposed within the housing 52, the mop bucket 70 is supported on the first area 62, another vacuum unit 22 (e.g., a wet vac) is supported on the second area 64, and the waste container 28 is supported by the third area 86.

The cleaning assembly 20 may also include a handle 88 operatively connected to the transport mechanism 46, as shown in FIG. 7. The handle 88 assists in movement of the assembly 20. This is particularly useful in the fourth embodiment which includes the larger top surface 60, and thus, more mass carried by the assembly 20.

In a fifth embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 14, the cleaning assembly 20 includes the mop bucket 70 trailered by the transport mechanism 46. That is, the mop bucket 70 includes auxiliary wheels 90 independent from the wheels 48 of the transport mechanism 46. The mop bucket 70 and transport mechanism 46 are operatively connected together such that when the transport mechanism 46 is moved, the mop bucket 70 moves as well, and vice-versa. A pair of straps 92 is utilized to operatively connect the transport mechanism 46 to the mop bucket 70, as shown in FIG. 14. However, those skilled in the art realize other techniques to connect the transport mechanism 46 and the mop bucket 70.

The present invention has been described herein in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning assembly comprising:

a vacuum unit for cleaning debris from an area including a motor for creating a vacuum and a filter apparatus in fluidic communication with said motor for capturing the debris;

a waste container for collecting waste separate from the debris collected by said vacuum unit and including an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall extending between the upper and lower ends;

a transport mechanism supporting said waste container and said vacuum unit for moving said waste container and said vacuum unit thereof; and

a cavity defined by said sidewall for accommodating at least one of said filter apparatus and said motor therewithin.

2. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said filter apparatus is disposed within said cavity.

3. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said transport mechanism defines a housing and said motor is disposed within said housing.

4. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 3 further comprising at least one battery electrically connected to motor for supplying electrical power to said motor.

5. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said at least one battery is disposed within said housing.

6. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein both said filter apparatus and said motor are disposed within said cavity.

7. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cavity is further defined as a first cavity and a second cavity separate from said first cavity.

8. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said filter apparatus is disposed within said first cavity and said motor is disposed within said second cavity.

9. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein first cavity and said second cavity are disposed in opposition with on another such that said motor and said filter apparatus are balanced with one another to prevent tip-over of said cleaning assembly.

10. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 2 further comprising a frame attached to said sidewall and surrounding a peripheral edge of said cavity for detachably receiving said filter apparatus.

11. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said frame includes a platform disposed adjacent a bottom of said cavity for supporting said at least one of said filter apparatus and said motor.

12. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said sidewall separates an interior of said waste container from an exterior of said waste container and wherein said frame protrudes into said interior.

13. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said frame defines a hole to receive air exhausted from said filter apparatus.

14. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sidewall separates an interior of said waste container from an exterior of said waste container and wherein said at least one of said filter apparatus and said motor is disposed at least partially within said interior of said waste container.

15. A cleaning assembly comprising:

a vacuum unit for cleaning debris from an area including a motor for creating a vacuum and a filter apparatus in fluidic communication with said motor for capturing the debris;

a waste container for collecting waste separate from the debris collected by said vacuum unit and including an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall extending between the upper and lower ends; and

a transport mechanism supporting said waste container and said vacuum unit for moving said waste container and said vacuum unit thereof; wherein

said transport mechanism including a top surface having a first area supporting said waste container and a second area for supporting an article separate from said waste container.

16. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 15 further comprising a first interface extending from said first area of said top surface for interfacing with said waste container and a second interface extending from said second area of said top surface for interfacing with said article.

17. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said top surface is oval shaped.

18. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said article is further defined as a mop bucket.

19. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said article is further defined as a mop bucket.

20. A cleaning assembly as set forth in claim 15 further comprising a handle operatively connected to said transport mechanism for assisting in movement of said assembly.