With Storage Facilities For Tools Or Nozzles, Conduits, Etc., E.g., Racks And Cabinets Patents (Class 15/323)
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Publication number: 20040006842Abstract: An improved versatile vacuum cleaner is disclosed which comprises a main body, a socket, a first cleaner, a second cleaner, a motor assembly, a cord reel, a handle, and an exhaust duct, and can be converted easily into different configurations each suitable for a specifically different type of vacuum cleaning operation. Improvements are made in details such as the arrangement or the configuration of the main body, the socket, the first cleaner, the second cleaner, the cord reel, the handle, and exhaust duct, thereby improving the operability of the vacuum cleaner and inproving the performance thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2001Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Nam-Ho Lee, Jae-Duck Lee, Min-Ho Park, Im-Suk Choi
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Publication number: 20040003480Abstract: A dust cover apparatus for use over the existing filter of a vacuum cleaner device comprises a multiple layer permeable flexible bag having a plurality of openings, one opening is disposed in the top and one opening is disposed in the bottom of the apparatus. A storage pocket is provided to hold the vacuum cleaner cord and vacuuming accessories. Elastic at one end and an adjustable tie cord at the other end of the apparatus secures the dust cover to a vacuum cleaner. The dust cover apparatus is removable, washable and reusable.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventor: Virginia Kovacs
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Publication number: 20030226231Abstract: A floor cleaning unit having a housing and a removable caddy which may be mounted on and removed from the housing for storing accessories. The caddy includes a body which removably mounts to the housing. A connector assembly is included on the body for removably mounting the body on the housing. The connector assembly includes a slot for receiving a hook member attached to the housing. An accessory retainer is formed on the body for storing the floor cleaning unit accessories, whereby the caddy and the floor cleaning unit accessories stored thereon may be slidably removed from the floor cleaning unit by merely applying a force to the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Applicant: The Hoover CompanyInventors: Timothy B. Hisrich, Douglas C. Baker, Glenn J. Matusz
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Publication number: 20030217433Abstract: A handle for a vacuum cleaner is attached to a suction tube and/or a suction hose and is configured as a tube, which is open at one end, for storing an accessory that is fastened therein in captive manner and that can be removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: November 27, 2003Inventors: Wilma Albert, Martin Jessenberger, Herbert Kess, Andreas Schlereth, Thomas Seith
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Publication number: 20030213090Abstract: The present invention provides a holder for storing accessories on a wet/dry vacuum. The holder securely attaches to the vacuum and readily detaches therefrom. The detachable holder may be detached with the accessories. While an operator dumps debris out of the drum of the vacuum, detaching the holder prevents the accessories from being inadvertently spilled out of or discarded from the holder. The detachable accessory holder fully secures to a bracket attached to the vacuum. The secure attachment prevents the holder from falling off or tipping on the vacuum. To attach the holder to the bracket and vacuum, grooves on the holder are set on to an axle of the vacuum. As the holder is pivoted about the axle, tabs and a latch on the holder engage slots and a step on the bracket. To remove the holder, the operator presses on the latch and lifts the holder from the bracket and the appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: Stuart V. Holsten, Mark J. Tomasiak
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Patent number: 6647586Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaning apparatus intended to be carried either on a single shoulder or worn backpack style, wherein the vacuum cleaner has an extensible tube and nozzle arrangement that may be held substantially fully enclosed in the vacuum cleaner case, wherein the hose or wand may be collapsed when not in use to prevent entanglement, or may be incrementally extended and secured in a desired position for use. Additional advantages of the present invention include a suspension arrangement for flexibly suspending the internal components of the vacuum and for providing a moment to counteract the force and movement of the wand.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Inventors: Alma L. Rogers, Dietrich Hoecht
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Publication number: 20030208872Abstract: A steam cleaning device with a built-in storage for a power cord, brushes and conversion connectors can change steam output devices by switching a first conversion connector with a second conversion connector to achieve multiple function with the same device. The device further has a winding box and a brush compartment to store the power cord and various types of brushes in one body to save storage space.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2002Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventor: Samson Tsen
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Publication number: 20030208874Abstract: A cleaning and tool storage assembly includes a housing having a base and a lid which is hingedly connected with the base. A vacuum cleaner assembly is disposed within the housing. A handle on the lid may be utilized to retain an electrical power cord. Articles, such as a hose, which are utilized in association with the vacuum cleaner, may be retained on the lid. A tray for holding items may be provided in the base of the housing. The tray may be removable from the housing to provide access to storage space. A cover for a dust bin of the vacuum cleaner may be opened with the tray in the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2002Publication date: November 13, 2003Applicant: White Consolidated, Ltd.Inventors: Cennert Steffen, Arnie Sepke, Vince Bobrosky, Scott Terven, John Morphey
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Patent number: 6637067Abstract: A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner having improved functionality including a belt storage compartment located in the bottom cover of the housing. The belt storage compartment is shaped so as to allow for storage of the belt in its relaxed state.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLCInventors: Chris M. Paterson, Javier Verdura, Owen T. Bourgeois, Jeffrey A. Millard, Mel Teitzman, Paul A. Moshenrose
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Patent number: 6615442Abstract: The present invention relates to a hook retention portion of vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner of the present invention comprises a cleaner body with a motor installed therein; a dust collector engaged detachably in the rear of the cleaner body; and a suction hole portion for guiding air, introduced by the motor, into the cleaner. Further, in the present invention, the suction hole portion is formed with a projecting hook portion, and a hook retention portion for engaging the projecting hook portion therewith is formed in the dust collector, whereby the suction hole portion can be hung on the dust collector. Furthermore, the hook retention portion of the dust collector is formed at a handle that is prominently formed at a rear face of the dust collector. According to the constitution of the present invention, the suction hole portion can be more easily stored on the body of the vacuum cleaner wherein the dust collector is mounted to the rear face of the cleaner body.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Byung-Sun Yang
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Patent number: 6611989Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a case including a dust chamber filtering dust included in air, an appliance chamber sucking the filtered air from the dust chamber and discharging the air through a discharge port, and a cord chamber storing a wound electrical cord. A fan motor assembly is installed inside the appliance chamber of the case for forcedly sucking the air inside the appliance chamber and discharging the air. An exhaust duct is installed between the fan motor assembly and the discharge port in the case and guiding the air discharged from the fan motor assembly to the discharge port, and a flowing passage is disposed between the dust chamber and the cord chamber so that the air is able to flow therein, whereby overheating of case and of the electrical cord can be prevented and the durability and reliability of the cleaner can be enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Dong Yeop Oh, Sang Wook Hong, Yong Dol Park
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Publication number: 20030145415Abstract: A device for attaching a hose to a housing. The device comprises first and second arms that are attached to the hose. The first arm extends outward from the hose toward the second arm and the second arm extends outward from the hose toward the first arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventor: Jesus Fernandez-Grandizo Martinez
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Patent number: 6597143Abstract: A mobile robot system includes a RF module that is under the control of a controlling computer. The mobile robot system includes a running device for moving the mobile robot about a room, an obstacle detecting device for detecting the presence of an obstacle in the mobile robot's path, a location recognizing device, a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving a signal to control the various devices, and a controlling computer for data processing the signal from the first transceiver and transmitting a control command to the mobile robot. The controlling computer includes a second transceiver for transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the first transceiver, an image board for processing image data from the obstacle detecting device and the location recognizing device, and connecting means for connecting to the Internet. The mobile robot is compact and sized and can be remotely controlled via the Internet.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jeong-gon Song, Sang-yong Lee
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Patent number: 6588051Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner according to the present invention includes a cleaner main body 16, and a suction unit 24 which is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the cleaner main body 16 and includes a suction port 23 and a rotary brush 25. The cleaner main body 16 includes a dust collecting chamber 19, and a fan chamber 18 equipped with an electric fan 17 disposed at the bottom thereof. A handle 21 having a grip portion 20 and a control circuit board 22 are installed above the dust collecting chamber 19. Components such as the handle 21 and the electric fan 17 are installed at the rear of the cleaner main body 16. With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner is prevented from falling down when it is set upright. Further, the safety in use of the vacuum cleaner will be improved. Also, the user is able to easily use the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, it is possible to finish assembling the component parts only at the rear of the vacuum cleaner.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Hashizume, Koichi Ito, Kenichiro Sunaba
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Patent number: 6588052Abstract: A vacuum cord and hose holder has a base with a vacuum cord and hose support, which includes a pair of oppositely disposed wings protruding upwardly therefrom to support the vacuum hose and cord; on one wing is the cord hook; a standard hose extension to facilitate storage of the extra-long shop vacuum hose and a mount which provides for a means of attaching the vacuum cord and hose support to the vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Edward P. Iversen
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Publication number: 20030106181Abstract: The present invention relates to an accessory tool mounting device for a vacuum cleaner by which accessory tools S can be detachably mounted on a main body 50 of the vacuum cleaner. The accessory tool mounting device according to the present invention is used with a vacuum cleaner including a suction means installed therein, a plurality of wheels installed at an end of the bottom thereof, and exhaust portions for filtering out foreign substances contained in air drawn by the suction means and exhausting the filtered air.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Yong-Bae Kim
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Patent number: 6574831Abstract: A latching mechanism for an upright vacuum cleaner which allows an upright handle to be quickly and easily detached and reattached to an independently usable powerhead of the vacuum cleaner. The latching mechanism includes a pair of attachment portions formed at a lower end portion of the upright handle which cooperate with a pair of recesses formed in a housing of the powerhead. A foot actuated release lever allows the user to detach the upright handle only when the handle is in an upright orientation. The design of the attachment portions and the recess, in connection with the release lever, prevent the handle from inadvertently being installed backwards on the powerhead, as well as from being inadvertently detached from the powerhead without first depressing the release lever.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Murray D. Hunter, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, Corey D. MacTavish, David M. Shaver, Jacob R. Prosper
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Patent number: 6568026Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a portable back pack vacuum consisting of a housing 12 containing vacuum components. Shoulder straps 22 and a waist belt 16 with buckle 17 are provided for easy maneuvering of the device. A hose storage compartment 28 allows the user to stow the vacuum hose 30 while not in use. The waist belt provides multiple elastic pockets 18 for easy storage and accessibility to items and attachments 20 for the device. A handle 24 is located at the top of the device for easy lifting assistance.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Inventors: Lawrence Michael Roy, Daniel Roy
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Patent number: 6568025Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an upright handle with a translucent accessory attachment supporting tray. The translucent tray is sandwiched between two housing portions of the handle to help impart structural rigidity to the handle. The tray includes a plurality of recesses formed to partially house specific cleaning attachments. The translucent material of the tray allows a user to see which cleaning attachments are being supported thereon from the front side of the handle and further forms a compact, aesthetically pleasing means for supporting the cleaning attachments.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Waldron, Mark Stratford, Stacey Ann Main, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, Jacob R. Prosper
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Patent number: 6564423Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly having a two piece upright handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a recess formed at a lower end of an upper handle component and a neck portion formed at an upper end of a lower handle component. The neck portion can be engaged within the recess such that the two handle components form a rigid assembly. A pair of fastening components are securable within threaded bores formed at the area of intersection of the two handle components to form a rigid, unitary handle assembly. The two piece handle assembly can be assembled by a user without the need for any hand tools and without complicated mechanical assembly procedures. The fastening components also function to support a portion of a power cord when the power cord is wrapped therearound.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, Richard P. Rosa, Murray D. Hunter, Jacob R. Prosper
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Patent number: 6560816Abstract: A central vacuum cleaner system is mounted within the wall of a building and includes an in wall mounted enclosure. The enclosure has a front door moveable between open and closed positions, and a vacuum cleaner bag holder in the enclosure moveable between closed and open positions, so that the door engages the holder when the door is moved from the open to the closed position, thereby moving the bag holder from its open to its closed position. A conduit extends from at least one remotely located hose inlet connector to a distal end within the enclosure, with the distal end being inserted into a bag carried by the bag holder when the bag holder is moved to the closed position. A vacuum source, preferably within the enclosure, is adapted to draw air from the inlet connector into the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Vacs America, Inc.Inventor: Clyde W. Harrelson, II
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Patent number: 6557206Abstract: A mounting assembly adapted to removably secure a vacuum cleaner to a support includes a mounting rack. The mounting rack has a surface located at its upper end that supports the vacuum cleaner in a suspended state. The mounting assembly also includes a retaining clip connected to the mounting rack. The retaining clip is movable between a first position and a second position. The retaining clip engages an outwardly extending portion of the vacuum cleaner in the first position, and disengages the outwardly extending portion in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Shop VacInventor: Li H. Liu
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Publication number: 20030070250Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a portable back pack vacuum consisting of a housing 12 containing vacuum components. Shoulder straps 22 and a waist belt 16 with buckle 17 are provided for easy maneuvering of the device. A hose storage compartment 28 allows the user to stow the vacuum hose 30 while not in use. The waist belt provides multiple elastic pockets 18 for easy storage and accessibility to items and attachments 20 for the device. A handle 24 is located at the top of the device for easy lifting assistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Lawrence Michael Roy, Daniel Roy
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Patent number: 6536072Abstract: A dirt cup latching arrangement includes a cleaner housing portion and a dirt cup mounted on the housing portion to define a mounted position. A latch assembly is pivotally mounted to the housing portion. A catch frame is pivotally mounted to the housing portion in spaced relation to the latch assembly. The latch assembly and the catch frame cooperate to selectively secure the dirt cup to the housing portion. A tool storage arrangement can include a cap pivotally mounted to the housing with the cap having an upper surface and a lower surface. At least one indentation is located on the cap upper surface and is shaped for accommodating an associated cleaning tool of the vacuum cleaner.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.Inventors: Charles J. Thur, Michael A. Seifried, Paul D. Stephens, Steven J. Paliobeis, Jeffrey M. Kalman
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Patent number: 6536073Abstract: An electric cleaner provided with a main body comprised of a cleaner housing (20) equipped with wheels (27) for mobility on a floor surface. Both side surfaces of the main body extend outwardly beyond rim portions (35) of the respective wheels (27) that stay in contact with the floor surface, and a center of gravity G (40) of the main body is placed in such a position that the main body rolls toward a direction where the wheels (27) stand on the floor surface so as to return itself into an original posture when the main body tilts in a way that one of the side surfaces lies in contact to the floor.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Uratani, Yoshiaki Ohnishi, Toshifumi Miyahara, Masaki Shibuya, Kazuma Suo, Saburo Kajikawa
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Publication number: 20030051307Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner according to the present invention includes a cleaner main body 16, and a suction unit 24 which is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the cleaner main body 16 and includes a suction port 23 and a rotary brush 25. The cleaner main body 16 includes a dust collecting chamber 19, and a fan chamber 18 equipped with an electric fan 17 disposed at the bottom thereof. A handle 21 having a grip portion 20 and a control circuit board 22 are installed above the dust collecting chamber 19. Components such as the handle 21 and the electric fan 17 are installed at the rear of the cleaner main body 16. With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner is prevented from falling down when it is set upright. Further, the safety in use of the vacuum cleaner will be improved. Also, the user is able to easily use the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, it is possible to finish assembling the component parts only at the rear of the vacuum cleaner.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Hashizume, Koichi Ito, Kenichiro Sunaba
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Patent number: 6530117Abstract: An improved wet vacuum is described which removes floor stripping chemicals and residual water left behind from a floor stripping machine. The vacuum system is portable, battery operated and houses a storage reservoir constrained via elastic straps on a rollable base. A vacuum box is operatively mounted to a motor and include moisture reduction features which reduce moisture accumulation in and around the motor via an adapted flow path and drain channel. A single lever and rear activated squeegee mechanism which is in fluid communication with the vacuum system is selectively lowered an raised for removing floor cleaning chemicals and/or other liquids from the surface of a floor. An interior mechanical brace assembly is also featured to prevent reservoir buckling from operative vacuum pressure. A simple control module is provided for operating and monitoring power for the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Inventor: Robert A. Peterson
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Publication number: 20030037402Abstract: A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner having improved functionality including a belt storage compartment located in the bottom cover of the housing. The belt storage compartment is shaped so as to allow for storage of the belt in its relaxed state.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2002Publication date: February 27, 2003Applicant: Oreck Holdings, LLCInventors: Chris M. Paterson, Javier Verdura, Owen T. Bourgeois, Jeffrey A. Millard, Mel Teitzman, Paul A. Moshenrose
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Publication number: 20030024067Abstract: A two-piece caddy and vacuum cleaner accessory assembly is provided. The caddy includes first and second body sections that are connected together without the use of a separate independent fastener. The first body section includes first, second and third accessory receptacles. The second body section includes first, second and third accessory engaging clips. The receptacles and clips function to hold various vacuum cleaner tools and accessories such as an extension hose, a wand, a crevice cleaning tool and a nozzle brush.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Jeffrey T. Roney, Eric E. Muhlenkamp
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Patent number: 6510583Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a cord retainer for holding looped cord in a horizontal position against the housing of the vacuum cleaner. The cord retainer includes two cord locks that are pivotally mounted to the vacuum cleaner housing. The cord locks are limited in their pivotal movement from a horizontal or near horizontal position to a vertical or near vertical position. The cord locks are mounted onto shafts which, in turn, are either integrally molded with the vacuum cleaner housing or connected to the vacuum cleaner housing in a suitable fashion.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Shop Vac CorporationInventors: Ronald Griffin, Kevin Fry
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Patent number: 6510582Abstract: A vacuum cleaner, provided with a detachable tool caddy unit, is disclosed. The tool caddy unit also has a pocket used for storing desired spare supplies, such as a spare dust bag or a spare transmission belt, on the cleaner body provided with a suction device for sucking dust-laden air into the cleaner body. The caddy unit consists of a mounting plate detachably mounted to the cleaner body, and a plurality of clamps for detachably holding a variety of accessory tools, such as a crevice nozzle, a brush nozzle and a flexible hose, on the caddy unit. In order to detachably mount the caddy unit on a predetermined portion of the cleaner body, a locking hook and two locking projections are formed on the mounting plate of the caddy unit, while a locking hole and two locking slots are formed on the cleaner body at positions corresponding to the locking hook and locking projections. A belt holding rib projects on the internal surface of the front cover or on the mounting plate of the caddy unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Myung-Sig Yoo
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Patent number: 6502778Abstract: An electric power cord retrieving mechanism for a vacuum cleaner includes a cord reel rotatable in an unwind direction for paying-out a cord, and in a cord wind-up direction for winding up the cord. A brake is normally urged to a reel- engaged position for preventing rotation of the reel in the cord wind-up direction, and is movable to a reel-disengaged position for permitting rotation of the reel in the cord wind-up direction. A cord button is displaceable by a manual force for moving the brake out of the reel-engaged position. A selector button is mounted on the cord button and is movable between a semi-automatic position wherein the brake returns to the reel-engaged position when the manual force is released from the cord button, and an automatic position wherein the brake remains in the reel-engaged position when the manual force is released from the cord button.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Gi-Man Kim
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Patent number: 6502276Abstract: A vacuum cord and hose holder has a base with a pair of oppositely disposed wings protruding upwardly therefrom to support the vacuum hose. Adjacent to each of the wings is an arcuate slot, providing a pair of arcuate slots adapted to receive the vacuum hose. On one wing is the cord hook, in which the vacuum cord may be received for storage.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Inventor: Edward P. Iversen
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Patent number: 6502274Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag mounting assembly for a stationary vacuum cleaner is described that includes a disposable bag housing that includes an open-front enclosure having a conduit connector wall; a hose connection conduit extending inwardly through the connector wall, a debris collection bag holder having a bag attachment wall and being pivotally mounted at one of the front edges of the compartment between a closed position and an open position; a spring urging the bag holder to its open position; and a door pivotally attached at a front edge of said enclosure and having an open position and a closed position, the door engaging the bag holder when moved from the open position to the closed position to move the bag holder from its open position to its closed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Vacs America, Inc.Inventor: Clyde W. Harrelson, II
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Publication number: 20020194694Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an upright handle with a translucent accessory attachment supporting tray. The translucent tray is sandwiched between two housing portions of the handle to help impart structural rigidity to the handle. The tray includes a plurality of recesses formed to partially house specific cleaning attachments. The translucent material of the tray allows a user to see which cleaning attachments are being supported thereon from the front side of the handle and further forms a compact, aesthetically pleasing means for supporting the cleaning attachments.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Michael E. Waldron, Mark Stratford, Stacey Ann Main, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, Jacob R. Prosper
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Patent number: 6497001Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a suction fan and a first motor assembly located in the housing and a dirt container detachably mounted on the housing. A suction nozzle is selectively mounted on the housing and is usable both in an attached position and in a detached position for cleaning. A brushroll and a second motor are mounted within the suction nozzle. An electrified hose is connected to the housing and to the suction nozzle. The dirt container includes an inlet in fluid communication with the electrified hose, and an outlet in fluid communication with the suction fan and first motor assembly. A filter assembly is releasably positioned for form an outlet of the dirt container. The dirt container has a latching mechanism for securing the dirt container to the housing. The housing further includes a hollow section formed above the suction fan and first motor assembly for storing a cleaning attachment.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.Inventors: David Di Nunzio, John S. Murphy, Michael F. Wright, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Craig M. Saunders, Richard C. Farone, Robert A. Matousek
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Patent number: 6490754Abstract: A low pressure air cleaning system that allows a surface to be cleaned easily by blowing particulate matter from the surface including a housing defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall. A motor is disposed within the housing. The motor has a power cord extending outwardly of the first end wall of the housing. The motor includes an air intake. The air intake has an open outer end extending outwardly of the first end wall. The motor includes an air outlet. An air compression tank is disposed within the housing. The air compression tank has an air inlet in communication with the air outlet of the motor. The air compression tank has an air outlet. A regulator is disposed within the housing. The regulator has an air inlet in communication with the air outlet of the air compression tank. The regulator includes an air outlet extending outwardly of the second end wall of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Inventor: Raymond E. Spaulding
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Patent number: 6493612Abstract: An autonomous vehicle, such as a robotic cleaning device, includes wheels which support the vehicle and allow the vehicle to traverse a surface. Downward looking wheel sensors sense the presence of a surface in front of the wheels. Another sensor is provided at or near a leading edge of the vehicle for sensing the presence beneath the leading edge of the vehicle. The vehicle is arranged so that movement of the vehicle is possible if the leading edge sensor senses that there is no surface beneath the leading edge of the vehicle, provided that the wheel sensors indicate that there is a surface adjacent to the wheel. When the leading edge sensor senses that there is no surface beneath the leading edge of the vehicle, the vehicle performs an edge following routine.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Dyson LimitedInventors: David Lindsey Bisset, Alan Gerard Clark
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Publication number: 20020178530Abstract: A vacuum cord and hose holder has a base with a vacuum cord and hose support comprising pair of oppositely disposed wings protruding upwardly therefrom to support the vacuum hose and cord; on one wing is the cord hook; a standard hose extension to facilitate storage of the extra-long shop vacuum hose and a mount which provides for a means of attaching the vacuum cord and hose support to the vacuum.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventor: Edward P. Iversen
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Publication number: 20020174508Abstract: A vacuum cord and hose holder has a base with a pair of oppositely disposed wings protruding upwardly therefrom to support the vacuum hose. Adjacent to each of the wings is an arcuate slot, providing a pair of arcuate slots adapted to receive the vacuum hose. On one wing is the cord hook, in which the vacuum cord may be received for storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2001Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventor: Edward P. Iversen
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Patent number: 6484348Abstract: Vacuum devices having integrated cord storage and pivotable tool holders are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vacuum device includes a housing, an airflow propulsion device, and a power cord. The housing includes an outer surface having a recess disposed therein, the recess being sized to receive a plurality of loops of the power cord. First and second cord retainers are disposed within the recess and project outwardly from the housing, the first and second cord retainers being sized to retain the plurality of loops of the power cord. The outer surface may be a bottom surface of the apparatus. In another embodiment, the housing includes a cord mount disposed within the recess, the fixed end of the power cord being connected to the cord mount such that a localized portion of the power cord proximate the cord mount is directed approximately toward the first cord retainer. Alternately, the localized portion of the power cord may be inclined with respect to the base surface, or parallel with the base surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLCInventors: Chris M. Paterson, Paul A. Moshenrose, Steven P. Irby
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Patent number: 6484349Abstract: Handle assemblies for floor care devices, and methods for using the same, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a handle apparatus includes a main member partially surrounding a cord retaining space that is adapted to receive a plurality of portions of a power cord of the floor care device. A retaining member is moveably attached to the main member, and includes a retaining surface that is positionable proximate the cord retaining space. In a first or “retaining” position, the retaining surface retains the plurality of power cord portions within the cord retaining space, and in a second or “releasing” position, the retaining surface releases the plurality of power cord portions from the cord retaining space. In alternate embodiments, the retaining member may be rotatably, pivotably, or slidably attached to the main member, pivotably attached to the main member.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLCInventors: Chris M. Paterson, Shane P. Cohen, Jeffrey A. Millard, Dennis Lamb, Terrance Monty Roberts, Javier Verdura
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Patent number: 6481047Abstract: A vacuum cleaner device for cleaning lint from lint traps of clothes dryers and the like provides the power of full size vacuum cleaners without requiring lifting or maneuvering of a heavy full size machine. The device may be semi-permanently or permanently attached to the left or right sides of a dryer by fasteners including magnetic fasteners. The device may have compartments for a motor and fan unit, for a filter bag and for a vacuum cleaner hose. The relative position of the filter bag and the connection between the vacuum cleaner hose, in relation to the enclosure of the vacuum cleaner device, may be rotated one hundred eighty degrees, by use of a removable connecting partition.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Inventor: William S. Schaefer
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Publication number: 20020148066Abstract: A method of more effectively disinfecting a surfaces by application of a disinfectant foam that remains in contact with the surface. The invention also includes a portable cleaning machine that provides on-the-go generation of a disinfectant foam that can be applied to a surface so that the foam clings to the surface for an extended period of time sufficient to disinfect the surface. Once the surface is disinfected the machine includes equipment for rinsing the surfaces and vacuuming away any remaining residue.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventor: Steven J. Bullis
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Publication number: 20020138937Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a cord retainer for holding looped cord in a horizontal position against the housing of the vacuum cleaner. The cord retainer includes two cord locks that are pivotally mounted to the vacuum cleaner housing. The cord locks are limited in their pivotal movement from a horizontal or near horizontal position to a vertical or near vertical position. The cord locks are mounted onto shafts which, in turn, are either integrally molded with the vacuum cleaner housing or connected to the vacuum cleaner housing in a suitable fashion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventors: Ronald Griffin, Kevin Fry
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Patent number: 6430772Abstract: A duct cleaning apparatus having one or more suction hose racks for storing straight lengths of suction tubing. Because the suction hose racks allow suction hose to be stored efficiently within the duct cleaning apparatus, the apparatus may include sufficient storage space for simultaneously storing multiple straight lengths of suction hose, a portable duct cleaning unit, a boroscope, and other tools. The duct cleaning apparatus may also have a plurality of air hoses which may be operated simultaneously to allow users to perform two or more air sweeps simultaneously on a duct.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: IAQ, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth R. Stricklin
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Publication number: 20020104184Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaning apparatus intended to be carried either on a single shoulder or worn backpack style, wherein the vacuum cleaner has an extensible tube and nozzle arrangement that may be held substantially fully enclosed in the vacuum cleaner case, wherein the hose or wand may be collapsed when not in use to prevent entanglement, or may be incrementally extended and secured in a desired position for use. Additional advantages of the present invention include a suspension arrangement for flexibly suspending the internal components of the vacuum and for providing a moment to counteract the force and movement of the wand.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2001Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventors: Alma L. Rogers, Dietrich Hoecht
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Patent number: 6427284Abstract: A vacuum hose storage unit for insertion within a wall is described that includes a housing with a nozzle/retractor compartment and a hose storage compartment. An opening in the hose storage compartment is in communication with an external conduit leading to a remote vacuum source. Initially, the housing can be used to connect a separately stored hose to the vacuum source by positioning an inlet connector in the nozzle/retractor compartment, and connecting an internal conduit from the inlet connector to the opening in the hose compartment. Subsequently, the internal conduit can be replaced with a hose that is stored in the hose storage compartment and a retractor to extend the hose through the nozzle/retractor compartment. One part of the nozzle/retractor compartment can be covered with a wall covering, with the retractor being inserted into another part of the nozzle/retractor compartment and then moved behind the wall covering.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Vacs America, Inc.Inventors: Clyde W. Harrelson, II, Clyde W. Harrelson, III, William R. Jones, Jr.
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Publication number: 20020088077Abstract: A dirt cup latching arrangement includes a cleaner housing portion and a dirt cup mounted on the housing portion to define a mounted position. A latch assembly is pivotally mounted to the housing portion. A catch frame is pivotally mounted to the housing portion in spaced relation to the latch assembly. The latch assembly and the catch frame cooperate to selectively secure the dirt cup to the housing portion. A tool storage arrangement can include a cap pivotally mounted to the housing with the cap having an upper surface and a lower surface. At least one indentation is located on the cap upper surface and is shaped for accommodating an associated cleaning tool of the vacuum cleaner.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: Charles J. Thur, Michael A. Seifried, Paul D. Stephens, Steven J. Paliobeis, Jeffrey M. Kalman
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Publication number: 20020083550Abstract: The present invention relates to a hook retention portion of vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner of the present invention comprises a cleaner body with a motor installed therein; a dust collector engaged detachably in the rear of the cleaner body; and a suction hole portion for guiding air, introduced by the motor, into the cleaner. Further, in the present invention, the suction hole portion is formed with a projecting hook portion, and a hook retention portion for engaging the projecting hook portion therewith is formed in the dust collector, whereby the suction hole portion can be hung on the dust collector. Furthermore, the hook retention portion of the dust collector is formed at a handle that is prominently formed at a rear face of the dust collector. According to the constitution of the present invention, the suction hole portion can be more easily stored on the body of the vacuum cleaner wherein the dust collector is mounted to the rear face of the cleaner body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Byung-Sun Yang