VACUUM CLEANER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner assembly is provided that includes a body extending along an axis to a base connection end that includes a protrusion. A handle extends from the body opposite the base connection end. A dust collection portion includes a body connection end that includes a track with a lock passage extending perpendicularly from the track. The protrusion is located in the lock passage in a locked position and in the track in an unlocked position to selectively remove the dust collection portion from the body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/407,960, filed on Sep. 19, 2022, entitled “VACUUM CLEANER ASSEMBLY,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a vacuum cleaner assembly, and more specifically, to a vacuum cleaner assembly with a multi-functional construction.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner assembly is provided that includes a body extending along an axis to a base connection end that includes a protrusion. A handle extends from the body opposite the base connection end. A dust collection portion includes a body connection end that includes a track with a lock passage extending perpendicularly from the track. The protrusion is located in the lock passage in a locked position and in the track in an unlocked position to selectively remove the dust collection portion from the body.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner assembly includes a body that extends along an axis to a base connection end. A handle extends from the body opposite the base connection end. A dust collection portion extends between a body connection end for selective attachment to the base connection end and a nozzle. A motor and an impeller driven by the motor are located in the body for creating suction. A dust collection cavity is defined inside of the dust collection portion and a filter is located between the dust collection portion and the impeller. The nozzle defines a nozzle face sized for connecting to at least one attachment.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner assembly includes a body that extends along an axis to a base connection end. A handle extends from the body opposite the base connection end. A dust collection portion extends between a body connection end for selective attachment to the base connection end and a nozzle. A motor and an impeller driven by the motor are located in the body for creating suction. A dust collection cavity is defined inside of the dust collection portion. A user interface having a button region and a control unit configured to apply different vacuum strengths based on at least one functional sequence of activating the button region.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top, perspective view of a vacuum cleaner assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the vacuum cleaner assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the vacuum cleaner assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the vacuum cleaner assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the vacuum cleaner assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a nozzle of the vacuum cleaner assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a disassembled perspective view of the vacuum cleaner assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional, side view of the vacuum cleaner assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged disassembled perspective view of the vacuum cleaner assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a scraper attachment of the vacuum cleaner assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the scraper attachment connected to a crevice attachment according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a storage base of the vacuum cleaner assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a storage base of the vacuum cleaner assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a vacuum cleaner assembly. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, reference numeral 10 generally designates a vacuum cleaner assembly that generally extends along an axis A. The vacuum cleaner assembly 10 generally includes a handle 12, a body 14, and a dust collection portion 16 extending from the body 14 opposite the handle 12. The body 14 may be generally cylindrical extending about the axis A between a top side and a bottom side. The body 14 includes a battery portion 18 extending from a bottom surface therefrom. The handle 12 extends from the top surface of the body 14 at a downward angle (e.g., a downward angle transverse to the axis A) towards a plane that the bottom side of the body 14 resides. In some embodiments, the handle 12 is coextensive with the body 14. In some embodiments, the handle 12 merges into the body 14 at a rounded (e.g., concave) fillet 15. The handle 12 includes a substantially smaller cross-sectional perimeter than a cross-sectional perimeter of the body 14.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, the body 14 defines at least one vent 20 that extends into an internal cavity of the body 14. In some embodiments, the at least one vent 20 includes a plurality of vents 20 that are slot shaped and extend generally horizontally and parallel to the axis A. In other embodiments, the plurality of vents 20 are slot shaped and extend generally about the axis (e.g., vertically between the top surface of the body 14 and the bottom surface). The plurality of vents 20 may be in groupings of equal numbers of vents 20 (e.g., two or more) discretely placed at different locations of the body 14 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the at least one vent 20 is located closer to the bottom surface of the body 14 than the top surface. In other embodiments, the at least one vent 20 is substantially equal between the top and bottom surface of the body 14 and/or includes groupings extending upwardly or downwardly from an area of the body 14 that is central between the upper and lower surface of the body 14. The dust collection portion 16 may include a base 22 that extends from the body 14 and narrows to a nozzle 24. In some embodiments, the base 22 includes a body connection end 26 opposite the nozzle 24 and the body 14 includes a base connection end 28 opposite the handle 12. The body connection end 26 and the base 14 may be cross-sectionally equal in size and shape (e.g., cylindrically shaped with an equal radius) such that the base 22 (i.e., excluding the nozzle 24) includes a top surface coextensive with the top surface of the body 14 and a bottom surface coextensive with the top bottom surface of the body 14. The base 22 may extend a distance along the axis A and be substantially cross-sectionally equal to the body connection end 26. A nozzle fillet 30 merges the base 22 into the nozzle 24. The nozzle fillet 30 may include a semi-spherical portion 32 extending (e.g., in a convex shape) from the base 22 that merges into a rounded portion 33 (e.g., in a concave shape) extending to the nozzle 24.

The body 14 may include at least one annular band 34. In some embodiments, the annular band 34 is located adjacent to the base connection end 28. The at least one annular band 34 may include an annular shape (e.g., with one or more pieces forming the annular shape). In some embodiments, the annular band 34 defines an outer annular surface substantially cross-sectionally equal to the body 14. As such, the annular band 34 may be located in an annular groove 36 (FIG. 8) defined in the body 14. It should be appreciated that the annular band 34 could also be other shapes, such as a circumferential array of discretely placed members without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. When assembled, the annular band 34 visually defines a border between the body 14 and the dust collection portion 16.

With reference now to FIGS. 2-6, the battery portion 18 connects to the body 14 at a battery connection port 38. The battery portion 18 may include at least one first battery connection member 40 (e.g., a pair of diametrically opposed battery supporting clips or protrusions). The battery connection port 38 may include at least one second battery connection member 42 (e.g., a pair of diametrically opposed battery supporting clips or protrusions) that attaches to the at least one first battery connection member 40. The battery portion 18 may therefore be configured to be selectively attached and removed from the body 14 to facilitate charging and/or replacement. The selective removal and attachment may be configured via snap-fit engagement between the at least one first battery connection member 40 and the at least one second battery connection member 42 (e.g., via snapping a pair of diametrically opposed and inwardly biased battery supporting clips over protrusions). In some embodiments, the first battery connection member 40 may include a hook with a release button that articulates the hooks into a non-engagement position in order to release the battery portion 18. The battery connection port 38 may be inset into a depression 44 of the body 14 (FIG. 4). As such, when the battery portion 18 is connected to the battery connection port 38 at least part of a weight of the battery portion 18 is located closer to the axis A than the bottom surface of the body 14.

The battery portion 18 and battery connection port 38 include terminals 46 (FIG. 8) for providing power to the electrical components of the vacuum cleaner assembly 10. The battery portion 18 may include one or more battery modules (not shown) configured, in some embodiments, for 20V operation or 12V operation. The one or more battery modules may be non-removable from the battery portion 18. The battery modules may include Lithium Ion, Nickel-Metal Hydride, Nickel-Cadmium, and/or other materials that permit recharging. It should be appreciated that alternative or additional power sources may be used, for example, the vacuum cleaner assembly 10 may receive AC from a cord and a wall outlet (not shown). The battery portion 18 is removably coupled with the connection port 38 of the body 14 such that a battery portion 18 of, potentially, a number of available compatible battery portions 18 can be selected and attached with the vacuum cleaner assembly 10 for powering the operation thereof by way of the electrical connection facilitated by connection of terminals 47 (FIG. 8) of the battery modules with the terminals 46 of the vacuum cleaner assembly 10 that are exposed within the battery connection port 38. In this manner, the battery portion 18 can be removed from the vacuum cleaner assembly 10 for use with one or more other compatible appliances (such as a hand mixer, a hand blender, a countertop blender) or to be replaced with a charged battery portion 18, such as when the in-use battery portion 18 has become depleted. In this manner, a depleted battery portion 18 can be charged using a compatible charger having mechanical components similar to the battery connection port 38 and terminals described in connection with the present vacuum cleaner assembly 10. An example of such a charger is described in the co-pending, commonly-assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/315,355, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. Another example of such a charger is described in the co-pending, commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/115,069 filed Feb. 28, 2023, and claiming benefit of U.S. Patent Provisional Application Serial Nos. 63/407,933 and 63/315,355, the entire contents of each are incorporated by reference herein.

With reference now to FIG. 5, at least one illumination element 50 may be located on the battery portion 18, the handle 12, and/or the body 14. The at least one illumination element 50 may provide a charge status of the battery portion 18, a power setting (e.g., corresponding with a suction strength) of the vacuum cleaner assembly 10, a notification to empty the vacuum cleaner assembly 10, to clean one or more filters that will be described in greater details herein, and/or other notifications related to the functionality of the vacuum cleaner assembly 10. In some embodiments, the at least one illumination element 50 includes a plurality of between 2 and 5, between 2 and 4, between 3 and 5, 2, 3, or 4 illumination elements 50. The notification may include the number of the illumination elements 50 that are illuminated, a color (e.g., out of several) of the illumination, a pattern of flashing, and/or an intensity of the illumination.

With reference now to FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7, the nozzle 24 extends substantially centrally about the axis A. The nozzle 24 includes a nozzle face 52 with a top edge 54 and a bottom edge 56 extending between a pair of side edges 58 (FIGS. 6 and 7). From the front (FIG. 6) the nozzle face 52 defines width “W” and a height “H.” In some embodiments, the width W is greater than the height H, for example, by an order of magnitude of about 2. The top edge 54 and the bottom edge 56 may both be substantially linear and the side edges 58 may each be rounded (e.g., equally and oppositely). As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7, the nozzle face 52 may be angled. More particularly, the top edge 54 may extend further away from the body 14 than the bottom edge 56 whereat the side edges 58 extend at an angle with respect to the axis A. The angle defined by the handle 12 has a magnitude between the axis A and the angle defined by the side edges 58 of the nozzle 24. The nozzle 24 may include an attachment connection member 60 (e.g., a protrusion in FIG. 7) for connecting various vacuum attachments such as brushes, flexible tubes, other nozzles of different shapes, and/or the like (FIGS. 11-14).

With reference now to FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 8 and 9, the vacuum cleaner assembly 10 includes a user interface 62. The user interface 62 may be located substantially on the handle 12 and may extend at least partially on the body 14. The user interface 62 includes at least one button region 64, 66 that may include include a power button region 64 and a boost button region 66. The power button region 64 and the boost button region 66 may be spaced from one another or otherwise configured as the same button. It should be appreciated that the term “button” may include other forms of switches, toggles, mechanical, and/or electrical (e.g., touch activated) sensors. The user interface 62 may be located in a small depression or reside substantially flush with the handle 12 and body 14. In some embodiments, the power button region 64 and the boost button region 66 may be a single button with functionality dictated by which region of the singular button is pressed (or different distinct interactions with a single region). In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner assembly 10 turns on and off in a lower-speed mode when the power button region 64 is pressed and depressing the boost region 66 activates a higher-speed mode while held.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 8 and 9, the control unit 74 may be configured to apply different vacuum strengths based on at least one functional sequence of activating the button region 64, 66. The at least one functional sequence may include a first functional sequence that includes pressing and releasing the button region 64, 66 causing the control unit 74 to facilitate a normal speed of the impeller 77 causing a normal suction strength. During the normal speed of the impeller 77, a user may press and hold the button region 64, 66 causing the control unit 74 to facilitate a high speed of the impeller 77 causing a high suction strength greater than the normal suction strength. During the high speed of the impeller 77, a user may release the button region 64, 66 causing the control unit 74 to facilitate the normal speed of the impeller 77. In some embodiments, the at least one functional sequence may include a second functional sequence in addition to the first functional sequence that includes, while the impeller 77 is at a zero speed, pressing and holding the button region 64, 66 causing the control unit 74 to facilitate the high speed of the impeller 77 causing the high suction strength. During the high speed of the impeller 77, a user may then release the button region 64, 66 causing the control unit 74 to facilitate a normal speed of the impeller 77 with a normal suction strength that is less than the high suction strength.

With reference now to FIG. 8, the vacuum cleaner assembly 10 is shown in a disassembled condition to illustrate internal components. In some embodiments, the handle 12 and body 14 are formed of a two-piece housing construction including a top housing portion 68 and a bottom housing portion 70 that are connected by a series of connection clips 72. The base connection end 28 may include a cross-sectionally different perimeter (e.g., smaller or larger) than the body connection end 26 such that the base connection end 28 can be securely fit (e.g., press-fit, snap-fit, and/or the like) into (e.g., when the perimeter is smaller) or outside (e.g., when the perimeter is larger) of the body connection end 26. A control unit 74 is located in the body 14 and may include a PCB that locates a processor and a memory. The processor may include any suitable processor or number of processors. The memory may comprise a single disk or a plurality of disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory. In some embodiments, the memory may include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The memory may include Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. The memory may include instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to, at least, perform the functions associated with the components of the vacuum cleaner assembly 10 (e.g., the user interface 62, the illumination elements 50 and notifications associated therewith, and/or the like). It should be appreciated that the control unit 74 may include other configurations without departing from the subject disclosure, such as a logic control circuit with or without the processor and/or memory.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, a motor 76 and an impeller 77 (FIG. 9) driven by the motor 76 may be located in the body 14 and balanced substantially along the axis A. The at least one vent 20 functions as an outlet from air drawn from the impeller 77. The impeller 77 may be located in an impeller housing 78 that defines a suction aperture 80 extending about the axis A. In some embodiments, the motor 76 and impeller 77 are part of a singular unit. The motor 76 and impeller 77 are located within the body 14 via a motor housing 81 that includes a series of fins 82 that extend radially outwardly and contact and inner wall of the body 14. The body 14 includes a connection ring 84 (FIG. 10) that is located between the impeller 77 and the dust collection portion 16. A gasket 85 (e.g., of annular shape) may be located between the impeller housing 78 and the connection ring 84. The connection ring 84 includes a first filter or grill shaped array 86 for preventing debris from entering the suction aperture 80. A second filter 88 is located at least partially within the dust collection portion 16 (FIG. 9). The second filter 88 includes a filter frame 90 defining a cup shape and at least one mesh cover 92 (e.g., a pair of mesh covers). The second filter 88 further includes an annular frame 94 and a filter cup 96 (e.g., a HEPA filter) extending from the annular frame 94 to a top plate 98. The filter cup 96 may be located within the at least one mesh cover 92 and the filter frame 90.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the nozzle 24 includes an internal portion 100 that extends into the base 22. The nozzle 24 includes an internal surface 102 defining a passage that expands radially outwardly at the internal portion 100 to a dust collection cavity 103 defined by an interior surface of the dust collection portion 16. A door 104 is located on an end of the internal portion 100 opposite the nozzle face 52 and provides a semi-seal for the internal surface 102 such that debris cannot exit the dust collection cavity 103. When the impeller 77 is actuated, the door 104 pivots away from the internal portion 100 as a result of negative pressure to permit debris to enter into the dust collection portion 16 where it is retained by the second filter 88. The door 104 includes a door connection 106 that is retained within a pocket 108 defined by the internal surface 102. In some embodiments, the door 104 is formed of elastic material such that it is deformed upon pivoting. It should be appreciated that the door 104 and door connection 106 may alternatively have a mechanical hinge type configuration with relative moving parts. The handle 12 includes an internal and hollow post 109 (e.g., extending from the top housing portion 68 and the bottom housing portion 70) that a fastener can be used to further secure the top housing portion 68 and the bottom housing portion 70. The battery portion 18 may include a battery control unit (not shown) which may be used alternatively or in conjunction to perform the functionality of the control unit 74 and may provide further functionalities (e.g., surge protection, charging control, and the like). The batter control unit may share all the same features and functionalities as the control unit 74.

With reference now to FIG. 10, an interior surface of the body connection end 26 defines at least one first track 110 (e.g., one, two, three, or more) extending along the axis A and a first lock passage 112 extends perpendicular from the track 110. An exterior surface of the nozzle connection portion 28 defines at least one second track 114 (e.g., one, two, three, or more) extending along the axis A and a second lock passage 116 extends perpendicular to the second track 114. The connection ring 84 includes internal protrusions 118 and external protrusions 120. In operation, the internal protrusions 118 enter the second track 114 and become interlocked within the second lock passage 116 upon relative rotation. The connection ring 84 may be fastened to the body 14 with additional fasteners for a substantially permanent connection without intermediary tools. Likewise, the external protrusions 120 enter the first track 110 and become interlocked within the first lock passage 112 upon relative rotation. In this manner, the body connection end 26 and the nozzle connection portion 28 can be removably coupled thereto. In other words, the connection ring 84 may form or otherwise define the base connection end 28. As such, as the dust collection portion 16 becomes filled with debris, it can be easily removed from the base connection end 28 and emptied. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the base connection end 28 may include the connection ring 84 and in other embodiments the body connection end 26 may include the connection ring 84.

With reference now to FIG. 11, the vacuum cleaner assembly 10 may include various vacuum attachments including a scraper attachment 122. The scraper attachment 122 may extend between a nozzle connection mouth 124 and a scraper bucket 126. The scraper attachment 122 may include an aperture 128 for insertion of the attachment connection member 60 (FIG. 7). The aperture 128 may be located adjacent to the nozzle connection mouth 124. The scraper bucket 126 includes a top edge 130 and a bottom edge 132 extending between a pair of side edges 134. The top edge 130 and the bottom edge 132 may both be substantially linear and the side edges 134 may each be angled between the top edge 130 and the bottom edge 132. The bottom edge 132 defines a lip 136 that extends to an apex 138 that is narrow or blade-like. In this manner, the lip 136 (e.g., apex 138) can effectively scrape a cleaning surface during operation disrupting and collecting debris for an efficient cleaning operation.

With reference now to FIG. 12, the scraper attachment 122 may include a connection feature 139 (e.g., aperture, clip, and/or the like) for connection to another vacuum attachment, such as a crevice attachment 140. The crevice attachment 140 may likewise include a connection feature 141 (e.g., a corresponding aperture, clip, and/or the like) for removably coupling with the connection feature 139 of the scraper attachment 122. In this manner, two vacuum attachments can be simultaneously coupled to the nozzle 24 for easy switching. For example, one attachment may provide suction and scrapping (e.g., the scraper attachment 122) while the other attachment provides brushes. Likewise, one attachment may provide suction and crevice cleaning (e.g., the crevice attachment 140) while the other attachment provides scrapping and collecting (e.g., scraper attachment 122) or vise-versa. The crevice attachment 140 may include a nozzle connection mouth 142 and an aperture 144 for insertion of the attachment connection member 60 (FIG. 7). Both the scraper attachment 122 and the crevice attachment 140 may include recessed grip portions 146. In some embodiments, the grip portions 146 are mechanically interlinked with the connection features 139, 141 to articulate an engagement member and facilitate removal.

With reference now to FIGS. 13 and 14, the vacuum assembly 10 may include a storage base 148. The storage base 148 may include an outer perimeter 150 and a floor 152. A ridge 154 may extend around the outer perimeter 150. A plurality of posts may extend from the floor 152 in an upward direction. The plurality of posts may include a nozzle connection post 156 and an at least one attachment connection post 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage base 148 includes a pair of attachment connection posts 158 and one nozzle connection post 156 located centrally therebetween. The attachment connection posts 158 may have the same general profile as the nozzle face 52 from FIG. 6 (e.g., substantially the same width W and a height H with or without being angled). The attachment connection posts 158 may also define protrusions 160 similar in size and dimension to the connection member 60 illustrated in FIG. 7. In this manner, the vacuum attachments (e.g., scraper attachment 122 and the scraper attachment 140) may connect to the attachment connection posts 158 in a same or similar fashion as the vacuum attachments connect to the nozzle 24. The nozzle connection post 156 may be similar in size and dimension to the nozzle connection mouths 124, 142. The nozzle connection post 156 may define an aperture 162 (e.g., a depression or pocket) similar in size and dimension to the apertures 128, 144. In this manner, the nozzle 24 may connect to the nozzle connection post 156 in the same manner that the nozzle 24 connects to the nozzle connection mouths 124, 142 of the various vacuum attachments. In some embodiments, the nozzle connection post 156 and the attachment connection posts 158 are oblong in shape that are longer in a first direction than a second direction. In some embodiments, the nozzle connection post 156 is located at an angle (e.g., 90°) from the attachment connection posts 158 such that the long directions between posts 156 and 158 are different (e.g., 90°). The nozzle connection post 156 is configured to at least support the dust collection portion 16. In this manner, the dust collection portion 16 may be substantially balanced about the axis A, such that a center of mass of the dust collection portion 16 extends centrally or substantially centrally along the axis A. In some embodiments, the nozzle connection post 156 is further configured to also support the body 14 when attached to the dust collection portion 16. In this manner, the body 14 may be substantially balanced about the axis A, such that a center of mass of the body 14 extends centrally or substantially centrally along the axis A. As such, the body 14 and dust collection portion may extend and be balanced vertically on the storage base 148.

The invention disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner assembly is provided that includes a body extending along an axis to a base connection end that includes a protrusion. A handle extends from the body opposite the base connection end. A dust collection portion includes a body connection end that includes a track with a lock passage extending perpendicularly from the track. The protrusion is located in the lock passage in a locked position and in the track in an unlocked position to selectively remove the dust collection portion from the body.

According to another aspect, a track extends along an axis.

According to another aspect, a base connection end includes a plurality of protrusions and a body connection end includes a plurality of tracks and lock passages.

According to another aspect, the base connect end includes three diametrically opposed protrusions and the body connection end includes three equally spaced tracks and lock passages.

According to another aspect, a handle extends from a body at an angle transverse to an axis.

According to another aspect, a dust collection portion includes a base connected to a body and a nozzle extending from a base opposite a body.

According to another aspect, the base defines the body connection end.

According to another aspect, a nozzle includes a top edge and a bottom edge extending between a pair of side edges, the top edge extends further away from a body than the bottom edge such that the side edges define a transverse angle relative to an axis.

According to another aspect, an angle defined by a handle has a magnitude between the axis and the angle defined by the side edges of a nozzle.

According to another aspect, a nozzle includes an attachment connection member for connecting at least one attachment.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner assembly includes a body that extends along an axis to a base connection end. A handle extends from the body opposite the base connection end. A dust collection portion extends between a body connection end for selective attachment to the base connection end and a nozzle. A motor and an impeller driven by the motor are located in the body for creating suction. A dust collection cavity is defined inside of the dust collection portion and a filter is located between the dust collection portion and the impeller. The nozzle defines a nozzle face sized for connecting to at least one attachment.

According to one aspect, a nozzle defines a passage to a dust collection cavity and a door engages the passage to prevent debris from exiting the dust collection cavity.

According to another aspect, a door is biased in a closed position that closes a passage and an open position facilitated by a suction from an impeller that opens the passage.

According to yet another aspect, the at least one attachment includes a first attachment and a second attachment that each include a connection feature for connecting the first attachment to the second attachment in a stacked position such that only one of the first attachment and the second attachment are operably attached to the nozzle at a time.

According to yet another aspect, the first attachment includes a scraper attachment that includes a scraper bucket with a bottom edge including a lip that narrows into an apex.

According to still yet another aspect, the second attachment includes a crevice attachment.

According to yet another aspect, a scraper attachment and a crevice attachment each include a nozzle connection mouth for insertion of a nozzle face.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner assembly includes a body that extends along an axis to a base connection end. A handle extends from the body opposite the base connection end. A dust collection portion extends between a body connection end for selective attachment to the base connection end and a nozzle. A motor and an impeller driven by the motor are located in the body for creating suction. A dust collection cavity is defined inside of the dust collection portion. A user interface having a button region and a control unit configured to apply different vacuum strengths based on at least one functional sequence of activating the button region.

According to another aspect, a control unit is configured to apply different vacuum strengths based on at least one functional sequence of activating the button region. The at least one functional sequence includes a first functional sequence that includes pressing and releasing the button region causing the control unit to facilitate a normal speed of the impeller causing a normal suction strength. During the normal speed of the impeller, a user may press and hold the button region causing the control unit to facilitate a high speed of the impeller causing a high suction strength greater than the normal suction strength. During the high speed of the impeller, a user may release the button region causing the control unit to facilitate the normal speed of the impeller.

According to yet another aspect, a control unit is configured to apply different vacuum strengths based on at least one functional sequence of activating the button region. The at least one functional sequence includes a second functional sequence that includes while the impeller is at a zero speed, pressing and holding the button region causing the control unit to facilitate the high speed of the impeller causing the high suction strength. During the high speed of the impeller, a user may then release the button region causing the control unit to facilitate a normal speed of the impeller with a normal suction strength that is less than the high suction strength.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner assembly comprising:

a body extending along an axis to a base connection end that includes a protrusion;

a handle extending from the body opposite the base connection end;

a dust collection portion including a body connection end that includes a track with a lock passage extending perpendicularly from the track; and

wherein the protrusion is in the lock passage in a locked position and in the track in an unlocked position to selectively remove the dust collection portion from the body to selectively remove the dust collection portion from the body.

2. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 1, wherein the track extends perpendicularly to the axis.

3. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 2, wherein the base connection end includes a plurality of protrusions and the body connection end includes a plurality of tracks and lock passages.

4. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 3, wherein the base connection end includes three diametrically opposed protrusions and the body connection end includes three equally spaced tracks and lock passages.

5. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle extends from the body at an angle transverse to the axis.

6. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 5, wherein the dust collection portion includes a base connected to the body and a nozzle extending from the base opposite the body.

7. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 6, wherein the base defines the body connection end.

8. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 7, wherein the nozzle includes a top edge and a bottom edge extending between a pair of side edges, the top edge extends further away from the body than the bottom edge such that the side edges define a transverse angle relative to the axis.

9. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 8, wherein the angle defined by the handle has a magnitude between the axis and the angle defined by the side edges of the nozzle.

10. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 6, wherein the nozzle includes an attachment connection member for connecting at least one attachment.

11. A vacuum cleaner assembly comprising:

a body extending along an axis to a base connection end;

a handle extending from the body opposite the base connection end;

a dust collection portion extending between a body connection end for selective attachment to the base connection end and a nozzle;

a motor and an impeller driven by the motor are located in the body for creating suction;

a dust collection cavity defined inside of the dust collection portion and a filter located between the dust collection portion and the impeller; and

the nozzle defining a nozzle face sized for connecting to at least one attachment.

12. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 11, wherein the nozzle defines a passage to the dust collection cavity and a door engages the passage to prevent debris from exiting the dust collection cavity.

13. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 12, wherein the door is biased in a closed position that closes the passage and an open position facilitated by the suction from the impeller that opens the passage.

14. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one attachment includes a first attachment and a second attachment that each include a connection feature for connecting the first attachment to the second attachment in a stacked position such that only one of the first attachment and the second attachment are operably attached to the nozzle at a time.

15. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 14, wherein the first attachment includes a scraper attachment that includes a scraper bucket with a bottom edge including a lip that narrows into an apex.

16. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 15, wherein the second attachment includes a crevice attachment.

17. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 16, wherein the scraper attachment and the crevice attachment each include a nozzle connection mouth for insertion of the nozzle face.

18. A vacuum cleaner assembly comprising:

a body extending along an axis to a base connection end;

a handle extending from the body opposite the base connection end;

a dust collection portion extending between a body connection end for selective attachment to the base connection end and a nozzle;

a motor and an impeller driven by the motor are located in the body for creating suction;

a dust collection cavity defined inside of the dust collection portion;

a user interface having a button region; and

a control unit configured to apply different vacuum strengths based on at least one functional sequence of activating the button region.

19. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 18, wherein the at least one functional sequence includes a first functional sequence comprising:

pressing and releasing the button region causing the control unit to facilitate a normal speed of the impeller causing a normal suction strength; and

during the normal speed of the impeller, pressing and holding the button region causing the control unit to facilitate a high speed of the impeller causing a high suction strength greater than the normal suction strength; and

during the high speed of the impeller, releasing the button region causing the control unit to facilitate the normal speed of the impeller.

20. The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 18, wherein the at least one functional sequence includes a second functional sequence comprising:

while the impeller is at a zero speed, pressing and holding the button region causing the control unit to facilitate a high speed of the impeller causing a high suction strength; and during the high speed of the impeller, releasing the button region causing the control unit to facilitate a normal speed of the impeller with a normal suction strength that is less than the high suction strength.