With Storage Facilities For Tools Or Nozzles, Conduits, Etc., E.g., Racks And Cabinets Patents (Class 15/323)
  • Publication number: 20110088200
    Abstract: An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body having a user operable handle, and a stand moveable relative to the main body between a supporting position for supporting the main body in an upright position, and a retracted position. The stand includes at least one surface-engaging rolling member for allowing the appliance to be rolled along a surface using the handle when, with the stand in its supporting position, the main body is reclined rearwardly from its upright position. The appliance further includes a stand retaining mechanism for releasably retaining the stand in the supporting position and from which the stand is releasable upon application of a force to the main body. The stand retaining mechanism includes a system for increasing the force required to release the stand when the main body is reclined rearwardly from its upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: James WHITE, Christopher Alan Jennings
  • Publication number: 20110088201
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a lower housing part, on which wheels are mounted for moving the vacuum cleaner along a floor surface, and which forms a dirt collection container with a suction inlet to which a suction hose is connectable, and an upper housing part which is mountable on the lower housing part and accommodates an electrically drivable suction unit, and an electric supply cable for connecting the suction unit to an electrical voltage source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Hess, Martin Foell, Andreas Kramer, Andreas Renz
  • Patent number: 7913352
    Abstract: In a dust collector which includes a tank and a main body disposed over the tank, the main body includes a housing and an air intake unit incorporated in the housing. A hook is provided in the housing of the main body, and capable of being manually operated to change a position thereof to one of a retracted position and a pull-out position. The hook in the retracted position is completely embedded in a profile of the housing, and the hook in the pull-out position projects sideward from the housing with a hooked end portion thereof oriented upward. A power tool with its projected portion disposed between the housing and the hook end portion of the hook in the pull-out position can be stably supported on an upper surface of the housing and an upper end of the hook end portion of the hook in the pull-out position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ichikawa, Kazunori Tsuge, Yoshinori Shibata
  • Publication number: 20110041282
    Abstract: A vacuum hose storage system includes a housing which is mounted in a storage area of a dwelling or vehicle and connected to a vacuum source. A length of flexible, expandable cleaning hose is mounted in a looped fashion about a plurality of spaced rollers rotatably mounted within the housing. A handle is attached to one end of the hose and is seated in a cradle formed in the housing when the hose is in a fully retracted position within the housing. The cradle is mounted in the housing and receives the open end of the hose when not in use and enables other vacuum tubes in the structure to be operational without shutting off the vacuum to the stored hose. An ON/OFF switch is located in the cradle for controlling the vacuum source and is actuated when the handle is placed in or removed from the cradle. The hose has an internal helical spring which biases the hose toward a retracted position about the spaced rollers within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: H-P Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Smith, Andrew L. Gabric
  • Publication number: 20110023258
    Abstract: A vacuum including a housing with a suction device disposed within the housing is provided. The vacuum can also include a frame having a plurality of wheels mounted thereto. The frame can include an aperture, which can be adapted to removably receive the housing therein. The frame can have a handle attached thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Gregg L. Sheddy, Stuart J. Wright, Kathy E. DiPasquale, Spencer G. Maid
  • Patent number: 7877837
    Abstract: A cleaning appliance of the cylinder type includes a main body and a hose and wand assembly including a telescopic wand movable between retracted and extended positions and a flexible hose having a first end connected to the main body and a second end connected to the wand. The wand and the main body include a retainer for releasable attaching the wand to the main body when the wand is in the retracted state and the hose passes around the main body. Alternatively, the wand and the main body include a retainer for releasably attaching the wand to an upper surface of the main body when the wand is in the retracted state. This construction provides a compact storage solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Peter David Gammack, James Dyson, Matthew James Roger Allard, Emma Jane Heatley
  • Publication number: 20110016656
    Abstract: A vacuum electronic power tool sense system senses the operation of a power tool that is plugged into an onboard power outlet and the vacuum source is automatically operated to facilitate user clean-up of debris generated by use of the power tool. A delay period can be utilized to maintain the vacuum source is an on state for a predetermined period of time after the power tool is turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: David R. Beers, Kathy E. DiPasquale, Spencer G. Maid
  • Publication number: 20100325831
    Abstract: A hose and accessory holder for an upright vacuum cleaner comprises a tool fixing portion having accessory tools insertable thereinto, a hose fixing portion for attachably/detachably fixing a hose thereto, and a holder fastening portion for attachably/detachably fastening the holder to a vacuum cleaner body. The tool fixing portion further comprises fitting members respectively formed in the insertion directions of the accessory tools on inner circumferential surfaces of the tool fixing portion, and protruding inwardly from the tool fixing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-Jo Lee, See-hyun Kim
  • Publication number: 20100325832
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a vacuum cleaner body with a cord outlet is provided. A power cord may be extracted from or retracted into the vacuum cleaner body through the cord outlet, and a plug is provided at an end of the power cord. A stopper is formed at a position spaced from the end of the power cord at a predetermined distance, and a socket portion is provided at the vacuum cleaner body so that the plug may be inserted into the socket portion when cleaning is finished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG GWANGJU ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong-hun YOO, Min-Lo Yun
  • Publication number: 20100319157
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a detachable cord reel unit is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a brush assembly connected to the main body and, a cord reel unit attachable to and detachable from a discharging portion of the main body, the cord reel unit comprising a power cord and a cooling fan formed therein, wherein the cooling fan stops driving automatically when the cord reel unit is mounted in the main body, and the cooling fan starts driving automatically to cool the power cord when the cord reel unit is detached from the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG GWANGJU ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byung-Jo LEE, See-hyun KIM, Jang-keun OH
  • Publication number: 20100313378
    Abstract: An upright-type vacuum cleaner is provided. The upright-type vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body comprising a motor chamber in which a suction motor is mounted, a brush assembly connected to the cleaner body, a discharge filter unit mounted on a first surface of the cleaner body, to filter out impurities from an air stream discharged from the suction motor, and a cord reel assembly mounted on a second surface of the cleaner body and having a power cord. The discharge filter unit includes a filter member mountable and demountable to and from the cleaner body by a user outside the vacuum cleaner, and at least a part of an air stream filtered by the filter member shifts a direction to pass through the cord reel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeong-Hee CHO
  • Patent number: 7824457
    Abstract: A portable dust collector for woodshop or other use with portable tools has a conic body that is supported on a tripod carriage formed of three legs attaching to gussets at the sides of the conic body. A divider plate within the conic body divides it into a cyclonic chamber between the divider plate and the lower nose, and a fan chamber between the divider plate and a motor plate that closes the upper mouth of the conic body. A final filter cartridge is fitted onto the outlet pipe, so that the dust collector exhausts clean, filtered air into the ambient. The final filter may be supported from a 90-degree elbow, with a removable tray for catching process dust that is knocked off the interior of the filter. The process dust in the cyclone settles into a dust collection barrel supported on a barrel cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Robert M. Witter
  • Patent number: 7797788
    Abstract: A floor care appliance is provided for cleaning bare surfaces such as tile, marble, linoleum and wood. The floor care appliance includes an accessory hose, telescoping wand and accessory tools for cleaning bare surfaces. A latch having a latch cover is provided for connecting the telescoping wand to the handgrip portion of the accessory hose. The latch and latch cover arrangement could also be utilized for connecting the accessory tools such as a accessory suction nozzle and grout tool to the telescoping wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventor: Chan Chi Tong
  • Publication number: 20100199456
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner may include a dust separation device that separates dust and a dust container in which the dust separated in the dust separation device may be stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Sang-Jun PARK, Young-Min Hyun, Hyuk-Joo Kwon, Hyo-Churl Shin, Hae-Seock Yang, Jin-Wook Seo
  • Publication number: 20100162515
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner and accessory tool. The vacuum cleaner has a first magnet feature and a first mounting feature. The accessory tool has a second magnet feature and a second mounting feature. One of the first and second mounting features is shaped to wrap partially around the other of the first and second mounting features to mount the accessory tool to the vacuum cleaner. When the accessory tool is mounted, the first magnet feature is adjacent the second magnet feature. The accessory tool and vacuum cleaner may be devoid of snap fitment features that frictionally engage to mount the accessory tool to the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Benjamin Stephens
  • Patent number: 7739772
    Abstract: There is provided an upright vacuum cleaner that can be conveniently and stably operated. In the upright vacuum cleaner, an intake nozzle is provided to suck air, dust, and other material, a body is extended upward from the intake nozzle in a rotatable relationship with the intake nozzle, a dust collector is installed in the body to remove the dust and other material from the air, and a cord reel is installed on one side of the body to accommodate a power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Tae Jin Park
  • Patent number: 7716783
    Abstract: A vacuum including a housing and a suction device disposed within the housing is provided with hose and power cord storage features. A pivotal inlet coupling facilitates storage of the hose. A separately formed inlet body facilitates easier formation of the inlet. A cord wrap feature allows easier storage and removal of the power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Kathy E. DiPasquale, Paul S. White, Gregg L. Sheddy, Michael P. Kunz, Stuart J. Wright, Spencer G. Maid
  • Patent number: 7699395
    Abstract: The high chair apparatus focuses on safety by providing no sharp edges. External edges and features of the apparatus are rounded to avoid potential injury to a child, whether in or around the apparatus. The seat prevents a child's escape from the chair via the harness and the divider. The built-in vacuum has a substantially selectively hidden hose so that the hose is out of the way except during use. The hose extends sufficiently to clean the apparatus and any area around the apparatus. The removable tray cover and chair back cover further aid in cleanup by providing removable washability. The pedestal housing the vacuum components is insulated to negate excessive noise. Triangularly positioned wheels provide mobility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventors: John V. Bozarth, Erica L. Bozarth
  • Patent number: 7690485
    Abstract: A power cord cooling apparatus disposed in a cord reel chamber formed inside a main body of the vacuum cleaner to cool a power cord wound around a cord reel, wherein the power cord cooling apparatus allows outside air to enter the cord reel chamber, to contact the power cord wound around the cord reel, and to be discharged outside the cord reel chamber via a center space in the cord reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-jun Cho, Tak-soo Kim
  • Patent number: 7681279
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising: a cleaner body 3; an elongate handle 5 connected to the cleaner body, the elongate handle being movable between an extended position, extending outwardly from the cleaner body, and a stowed position, in which the elongate handle is positioned substantially adjacent to the cleaner body; wherein the vacuum cleaner further comprises a carry handle 11 which becomes accessible for use when the elongate handle is moved from the extended to the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hoover Limited
    Inventor: David Kelly
  • Patent number: 7653963
    Abstract: A wet/dry utility vacuum with a canister, a powerhead assembly with a fan, a shut-off device that prevents the fan from drawing liquids into the fan inlet when a volume of the liquid in the canister exceeds a predetermined volume. The powerhead assembly includes a controller that permits the utility vacuum to be operated in a desired power mode so that the user may employ either an AC power source or a DC power source, such as a battery pack, for example. In some applications, the battery pack may be interchangeable with the battery packs of various cordless tools, including drill/drivers and saws. A tool set and a method for operating a battery-powered tool set are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John R Cochran, Jason M Goger, Daniel N Lopano, Christine H Potter, James B Watson
  • Patent number: 7650668
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is provided. Thanks to a mini nozzle seat formed by subsiding in a front side on an upper portion of the vacuum cleaner, a mini nozzle can be received in a stable and solid manner when the mini nozzle is not in use, whereby convenience in use can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kyung Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 7644471
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner, comprising a housing, in which a dust chamber is embodied for housing a dust separator, which may be sealed by means of a dust chamber lid, mounted on the housing and a housing for accessory pieces which can be closed by the dust chamber lid. According to the invention, the contamination of the accessory pieces by dust from the dust chamber may be prevented, whilst maintaining easy access to the accessory pieces by means of the dust chamber lid, whereby the housing is embodied as an adjoining chamber, directly adjacent to the dust chamber which is separated from the dust chamber in a dust-tight manner by means of a separating wall. The above has the advantage of permitting a user to remove an accessory piece without getting dirty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Bott, Roland Illig, Anja Niedergesaess
  • Patent number: 7640620
    Abstract: A retractable hose extension for a vacuum having an expandable hose within a containment structure, a first coupling at the first end of the hose and in the first end of the containment structure for connecting the hose to a vacuum, a valve at the second end of the hose, and either a door or other releasable retention device for the hose. Preferably, the valve is an iris valve. Two fixed embodiment and one portable embodiment exist. The first fixed embodiment is inserted within a wall. The second fixed embodiment is rotatably attached to a tube contained within or running below a ceiling and extending from a vacuum system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: John H. Stockton
  • Patent number: 7610653
    Abstract: A surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a main body, a surface treating head and a support assembly. The support assembly is rollably mounted to the main body for allowing the main body to be rolled along a surface. The support assembly also houses a component of the appliance, such as a motor for driving a surface-agitating device. Alternatively, or additionally, the support assembly may accommodate a fluid inlet for receiving fluid flow, a fluid outlet for exhausting fluid and a device for acting on the fluid flow received by the inlet such as a filter or suction apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Benjamin Courtney
  • Publication number: 20090205156
    Abstract: A vacuum apparatus having a suction nozzle, an air suction unit to which the suction nozzle is pivotally connected and which fluidly communicates with the suction nozzle through a connection channel, a dirt receptacle which has at least two collecting parts fluidly communicating with at least two outlets formed at the air suction unit, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jang-keun Oh, Min-ha Kim, Hyun-il Lee
  • Publication number: 20090188072
    Abstract: A vacuum hose storage system includes a housing which is mounted in a storage area of a dwelling or vehicle and connected to a vacuum source. A length of flexible, expandable cleaning hose is mounted in a looped fashion about a plurality of spaced rollers rotatably mounted within the housing. A handle is attached to one end of the hose and is seated in a cradle formed in the housing when the hose is in a fully retracted position within the housing. The cradle is mounted in the housing and receives the open end of the hose when not in use and enables other vacuum tubes in the structure to be operational without shutting off the vacuum to the stored hose. An ON/OFF switch is located in the cradle for controlling the vacuum source and is actuated when the handle is placed in or removed from the cradle. The hose has an internal helical spring which biases the hose toward a retracted position about the spaced rollers within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: H-P Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew L. Gabric, Shawn C. Metz, Darrell V. Nieschwitz, James F. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090188073
    Abstract: A vacuum hose storage system includes a housing which is mounted in a storage area of a dwelling or vehicle and connected to a vacuum source. A length of flexible, expandable cleaning hose is mounted in a looped fashion about a plurality of spaced rollers rotatably mounted within the housing. A handle is attached to one end of the hose and is seated in a cradle formed in the housing when the hose is in a fully retracted position within the housing. The cradle is mounted in the housing and receives the open end of the hose when not in use and enables other vacuum tubes in the structure to be operational without shutting off the vacuum to the stored hose. An ON/OFF switch is located in the cradle for controlling the vacuum source and is actuated when the handle is placed in or removed from the cradle. The hose has an internal helical spring which biases the hose toward a retracted position about the spaced rollers within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew L. Gabric, Shawn C. Metz, Darrell V. Nieschwitz, James F. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090178567
    Abstract: A cyclone dust collector includes a cyclone body including a first cyclone chamber to centrifugally separate dust from drawn-in air for a first time, a plurality of second cyclone chambers to centrifugally separate dust from the drawn-in air for a second time, and a plurality of discharge ports to cause the drawn-in air to be discharged from the plurality of second cyclone chambers; an upper cover to cover an upper portion of the cyclone body, the upper cover having an inner wall facing the plurality of discharge ports; and a noise reduction part disposed between the plurality of discharge ports and the inner wall of the upper cover, to reduce noise generated inside the upper cover by the air discharged through the plurality of discharge ports. Therefore, it is possible to reduce noise generated inside the upper cover of the cyclone dust collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Jung-gyun Han, Joung-soo Park, Byung-jo Lee, Tae-gwang Kim, See-hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7552806
    Abstract: An extensible electrical connecting device comprises an extensible supporting bar device and an extensible electric cable. The extensible electrical connecting device further comprises a first electrical connecting base which is connected to one end of the extensible supporting bar device and connected to one end of the extensible electric cable and a second electrical connecting base which is connected to another end of the extensible supporting bar device and connected to one end of the extensible electric cable. Therefore the extensible electric cable is capable to extend its length along with the extending motion of the extensible supporting bar device so as to provide an electrical connection between the first electrical connecting base and the second electrical connecting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Sammy Fai Sai Tong
  • Publication number: 20090158548
    Abstract: A wand assembly for a cleaning appliance includes a handle portion having a channel formed therethrough; a tubular wand received within the channel and moveable between a first position and a second position; a locking mechanism having a lock position and an unlock position and preventing the wand from moving from the first position when in the lock position; and a release mechanism mounted to the wand and which can be actuated to move the locking mechanism from the lock position to the unlock position. The release mechanism is actuated by relative movement of the release mechanism with respect to the wand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Daniel Francis Helps, Christopher Simon Osborn, Blair Hugh Hutton, Alan Glynn Sanderson, Hadley White
  • Patent number: 7513007
    Abstract: A storage console for a vehicle includes a vacuum cleaner. In an exemplary embodiment, the console includes an interface at which the vacuum cleaner is releasably affixed to the console. The console may include a hose operatively connected to the vacuum cleaner whereby suction from the vacuum cleaner is transferred through the hose. The interface may include electrical contacts for recharging a battery in the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian B. Chernoff
  • Patent number: 7513464
    Abstract: A holder for storing ribbed vacuum cleaner hoses and associated vacuum cleaner tubes that includes a pair of support members mounted on a support, each support member having one or more ribs to engage the corrugated surface of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Shop-Vac Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Berfield
  • Publication number: 20090056054
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes a base unit with a brush motor and a brush roller drivable by the brush motor. An air conduit leads from the base unit to a dust collection container and includes an interface and a first section downstream of the interface. The first section includes a hose or a hose-and-wand assembly and is arranged externally on an upper body of the vacuum and is also securable to the upper body. A receiving structure on the upper body is configured to receive the first section and is removable from the receiving structure in a region of the interface so as to enable a vacuuming mode of operation that is independent of the base unit. A turning-off device is operable to turn off the brush motor when the first section is removed from the receiving structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Mark Hanschur, Udo Mersmann
  • Publication number: 20090056055
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes a base unit, a carriage configured to provide movement of the base unit on the surface and an upper body including a dust collection container therein. A substantially U-shaped elongated receiving structure is recessed into at least one side surface of the upper body and at least a portion of an upper surface of the upper body. The vacuum cleaner includes an air passageway with an interface and a section formed by a hose or an assembly of the hose and a wand, the section being connected downstream of the interface. The section is externally disposed on the upper body with at least the hose being receivable on the receiving structure. The section is disconnectable in a region of the interface so as to enable a vacuuming mode of operation that is independent of the base unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Klemens Andrup, Udo Mersmann
  • Publication number: 20090049641
    Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a housing having a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. A suction inlet is provided on the nozzle assembly. A dirt collection vessel, a suction generator and a wand receiver are carried on the housing. A first air flow pathway connects the suction inlet to the dirt collection vessel and the suction generator. An air flow control valve includes a valve body received in the first air flow pathway and an actuator having at least a portion thereof extending into the wand receiver. A cleaning wand assembly is displaceable between a first storage position wherein a first end of the cleaning wand assembly is held in the wand receiver engaging the actuator and opening the valve and a second position wherein the cleaning wand assembly is withdrawn from the wand receiver for cleaning with the cleaning wand assembly thereby disengaging the actuator and closing the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Alan T. Pullins, Shannon D. Phegley, Donald E. Proffitt, II, Eric J. Strecrwilk
  • Publication number: 20090038109
    Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a telescoping handle stalk and a handle adjustment mechanism. The handle adjustment mechanism includes a control switch, an adjustment block, a linkage connecting the control switch and adjustment block and a locking pin for securing the handle stalk in a selected position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Eric E. Muhlenkamp
  • Patent number: 7480959
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising a housing (1), in which a dust compartment (5), which can be closed by a dust compartment cover and is designed to receive a dust interceptor (6), and a fan compartment (7) for receiving a motor-driven fan unit (8) are configured. The vacuum cleaner also comprises a receiving compartment (16) for attachments (17), which extends below the dust compartment (5) and/or the fan compartment (7) and can be accessed by means of an opening (18) in the housing (1). The aim of the invention is to permit users to remove attachments (17) easily from the receiving compartment (16) that is located below the dust compartment (5) and the fan compartment (7). To achieve this, the opening(s) (18) is/are provided in a lateral wall (19) of the housing (1). This permits attachments (17) to be removed, without bringing the vacuum cleaner out of its normal operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Bott, Roland Illig, Anja Niedergesaess
  • Patent number: 7478456
    Abstract: A mounting device 202 for mounting accessories 258, 260 of a vacuum cleaner to an elongate tube 94 of the vacuum cleaner for storage is disclosed. The device 202 comprises a collar 244 for mounting to the elongate tube 94 and a body portion 256 has open ends for accommodating accessories 258, 260 for storage. The device 202 also includes a latching portion 204 for releasably mounting the device to a housing of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David Barker, Barry Pears, Martyn Riley
  • Patent number: 7472455
    Abstract: A portable hair stylists' station includes a case and a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner including a canister associated with the case and a hose connected to a suction opening of the canister. A method for conducting a hairstyling business is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Tamara C. Dolton
  • Patent number: 7472456
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a vacuum unit and a waste container. The vacuum unit applies a vacuum to clean an area to collect debris and the waste container collects waste by a user separate from debris collected by the vacuum unit. The vacuum unit includes an exhaust port in fluid communication with the waste container for releasing a waste liner from the waste container. A transport mechanism supports the vacuum unit and the waste container for moving the vacuum unit and the waste container across the area while applying the vacuum to collect the debris and while allowing independent filling of the waste container with waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Vacbarrell LLC
    Inventors: Glen E. Moore, Susan Williamson
  • Patent number: 7472454
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising a housing containing a housing part for receiving components of electrical appliances, and a dust compartment which can be closed by a dust compartment cover that is mounted in such a way that it can pivot between a position wherein the dust compartment is closed and a position wherein the dust compartment is opened. Said cover is provided with a socket for the electrical supply of additional appliances, said socket being connected to an electrical line leading out of the housing part. The aim of the invention is to ensure the operating safety of the inventive vacuum cleaner over a very long period of time. To this end, the housing is provided with a compartment for automatically inserting a section of the electrical line during the pivoting of the dust compartment cover from the opening position to the closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Silvio Hamm, Roland Illig, Thomas Strehler
  • Publication number: 20090000054
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an inlet nozzle, a dirt collection chamber having a chamber opening, and a lid adapted to selectively close the chamber opening. The lid includes a lid passage that extends between a lid inlet and a lid outlet, and the lid outlet is in fluid communication with the dirt collection chamber. A dirty air inlet passage is fluidly connected between the inlet nozzle and the lid inlet. A fan is provided and adapted to convey dirty air into the inlet nozzle, through the dirty air inlet passage, through the lid passage, and into the dirt collection chamber. The lid passage includes a removable portion that can be removed to expose at least a portion of the lid passage to allow removal of obstructions from the lid passage. The vacuum may have a plug recess to hold a power cord plug while it powers the vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Leonard Hampton, John Morphey
  • Patent number: 7461430
    Abstract: A central vacuum system connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure includes a housing having an upper end, a lower end, and a side wall defining a collection chamber, the side wall defining an opening communicating between atmosphere and the collection chamber, and a vacuum motor supported in the housing and being operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Christian Reick-Mitrisin, Robert K. Hasty, Stephen E. Hutchinson, Gordon Thomas, Tom Remm, William Thorn, Mike Jones
  • Publication number: 20080282495
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner has a hose assembly (10, 10?) attached at one end to the base (1, 1?) of the cleaner. The hose assembly is stowed alongside the handle (6, 6?) and is retained by the free end (19) of the assembly engaging a fixture (21) on the handle. The hose assembly (10, 10?) comprises a rigid wand (12, 12?) and a flexible hose (11, 11?) with a natural extended length. The hose can be retracted to a shorter length using the power of the vacuum cleaner by closing a valve (20, 20?) on the wand (12, 12?) to prevent air flow along the hose assembly and produce a reduced pressure. The wand (12, 12?) is stowed by sliding inside or outside the hose (11, 11?) and has a flange (18, 18?) at one end that engages and seals with a flange (15, 15?) at the free end of the hose when the wand is extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Smiths Group plc
    Inventors: Philip Peter Battle, Diane Gibson, Derek Robert Harkness McGaw
  • Publication number: 20080282496
    Abstract: A reel having a relatively large, hollow, winding drum and end flanges large enough to provide adequate capacity for the intended hose is rotably mounted in a frame. There are no swivel joints in the vacuum conduit. The drum has a slot for receiving the hose near one end flange. The slot begins with a portion offset approximately 45 degrees from the drum axis, then curves to a lesser angle. The over all length of the slot is 2 to 4 hose diameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Evan Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20080276411
    Abstract: A new vacuum cleaner/bracket combination has a bracket that mates with an indented side on a vacuum cleaner or blower. The indented side has a downwardly-facing upper lip portion and a laterally-facing side lip portion. There is an upper groove portion behind the downwardly-facing upper lip portion, and a side groove portion behind the side lip portion. The bracket has an upper rim portion that is configured to fit within the upper groove portion on the indented side. A side rim portion on the bracket is positioned below the upper rim portion. It is configured to fit within the side groove portion on the indented side when the upper rim portion on the bracket fits within the upper groove portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Shop-Vac Corporation
    Inventor: Li H. Liu
  • Publication number: 20080271280
    Abstract: A portable drive unit (10) for operating a handheld power tool (70) by means of suction and/or blown air, is portable in an especially handy and space-saving way in that it has a housing (11), which is designed as a case (13) that is closable with a lid (24), and that its air feeding power is adapted to the power requirement of the handheld power tool (70), and it serves to store at least one such or similar handheld power tool (70), particularly with its accessories, such as air-carrying tubes and hoses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Steffen Tiede, Juergen Hesse, Frank Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7444710
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable vacuum system that is secured to the underside of a child safety seat. The invention consists of a child safety seat with a vacuuming system neatly fastened to the seat base. The vacuuming system would be powered by either batteries or a cord connection to the cigarette lighter of a vehicle. The vacuuming system would include a retractable hose with a nozzle and various attachments. The lower seat base would also have simple control switches as well as a disposal tray for removing dirt and debris collected during vacuuming. A second embodiment of the present invention would include a child safety seat with the vacuuming system integrated into the base of the child safety seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Ashly R. Martin
  • Publication number: 20080216280
    Abstract: A vacuum that includes a container, a hose in fluid communication with the container, a fan assembly coupled to the container, an attachment and an accessory apron. The fan assembly includes a fan housing and a fan that is configured to draw a debris-laden air flow through the hose and into the container. The attachment is capable of being releasably coupled to at least one of the hose and the fan housing. The accessory apron has a strap and a holder that is sized to receive and removably store the attachment. The strap is configured to be releasably secured to at least one of the canister and the fan assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: James D. Marshall, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, Ray T. Smith, Damon Nawrozki, Michelle M. Baldwin, Richard P. Rosa, Andrew E. Meng