Abstract: A replaceable vacuum cleaner hose cover made from a tube of circularly knitted yarn and a replaceable vacuum cleaner bag each having a ground yarn surface and terry loops extending from the ground yarn surface. The yarn used in forming the cover and bag is conventional multifilament crimped polyester or nylon yarn interspersed selectively with a carbon strand or strand segments, the strand effective for conducting electrostatic charges from the vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner hose to prevent electrostatic discharges that could occur from high electrostatic charge build up or inadvertent gas leakage within an environment and for eliminating algae and dust mites as a result of the electromagnetic field resulting from the use of this material.

Abstract: The invention is a lightweight vacuum device to be used on furnishings, floors and walls. The apparatus consists of a housing having suction slots on four sides and the bottom. A motor device sits within the housing and creates a vacuum which draws dust into the slots. A filter mechanism within the housing traps the dust for subsequent removal from the housing. The housing is covered by a soft cloth cover as not to scratch the surfaces to be cleaned. The cover has a plurality of holes on the side and bottom in order to allow the dust particles to access the suction slots and an internally sewed glove to allow the unit to be hand held. An appenditure on the top of the housing has internal threads in order to accept a broom handle to allow the unit to be easily used on floors and walls.

Abstract: A running member is attached rotatably to a body member, and a working member is attached movably to the body member. Therefore, in a large area, a work can be carried out efficiently even in a corner portion, and a desired work can be implemented even in a narrowed portion by shifting the working member to a working area and directly operating the working member in the narrowed portion.

Abstract: On floor cleaning machines, and on vacuum cleaners in particular, there is a protective bumper to provide protection for the machine against impacts and to protect furniture and other objects. The bumper extends along at least a portion of a side wall in the circumferential direction of the protective bumper. The protective bumper is provided with a supporting body which is made of an elastic material or an elastically compressible material, and is provided in the vicinity of its dimension, or side, facing away from the side wall with a cover which is made of a flexible material. The protective bumper provides a large exhaust surface area, which large exhaust surface area is used for the discharge of the exhaust air. As a result of the exhaust of the air over a large area, the invention achieves both a good reduction of acoustical emissions and a good filtering action.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a suction port body and a handle body which incorporates a fan motor and a dust collecting case and which is mounted to the suction port body to be tiltable about the rotating shaft of the fan motor as the tilting fulcrum. The suction port body is constituted by a suction port base, having a substantially rectangular suction port at a front lower surface thereof through which a rotary brush is exposed, for rotatably axially supporting the rotary brush, and a suction port hood detachably mounted to the suction port base.

Abstract: A fabric cover for a vacuum hose provides a snug fit about the hose and is easily installed and removed. The cover is an elongate rectangular piece of fabric having a width approximating the circumference of the hose and having parallel longitudinal edges. A zipper or other suitable fastener is attached along the longitudinal edges to provide the means for installation of the cover about the hose. The longitudinal edges are provided with a bead which cover the fastener when the fabric cover is installed on the hose.

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus having a housing, a vacuum generating system, and a hose. The housing has a small height and a general circular disk shape. A side perimeter of the housing has a hose receiving area that extends around a majority of the housing. The hose is located in the hose receiving area to both house the hose and use the hose as a bumper for the apparatus. The apparatus is configured to provide a maximum vacuuming pressure of only about 10 to 12 inches of water such that animals can be groomed without harming the animals. The vacuum generating system has a variable speed motor such that the motor speed can be adjusted by a user dependent upon the size or type of animal being groomed. The vacuum apparatus also has a noise reduction system including a muffler, an impeller with long fan blades, and multiple air flow path redirections of air traveling through the housing.

Abstract: A utility vacuum cleaner tool caddy for utility vacuum cleaner drums as well as an axleless wheel mount are disclosed. The tool caddy has rear and front wheels with integral rear and front bumpers at least partially overlying the rear and front wheels. This provides a wider/larger wheel base/caddy which increases the stability of the utility vacuum cleaner during movement. The rear bumper is also provided with a plurality of spaced openings for receiving a corresponding number of vacuum tools which are stored in an out-of-way location when moving or storing the utility vacuum cleaner. The axleless wheel mount provides a snap-in mounting of individual wheels with full bearing support, thus eliminating the need of an axle between spaced and aligned wheels. Additionally, the wheel support increases the load capacity while improving the overall look and appearance of the base unit or tool caddy.

Abstract: Embodiments of a bumper system are shown and described, each being for installation on floor maintenance equipment to prevent damage to walls, furniture, and woodwork, and to make easier and smoother the movement of the equipment around such obstacles. Each bumper system includes a bumper member that may resiliently retract to cushion head-on impacts and to allow the equipment to reach close to the edge of the floor or carpet. Secondly, the bumper member may rotate or pivot, so that, during a side-impact, the bumper member urges or pivots the equipment away from and around the obstacle. Thirdly, the bumper member has a rolling function, so that the bumper member may roll along a wall or obstacle surface. Preferred embodiments include a pie-piece-shaped or circle-sector-shaped member pivotally attached to the equipment head, with the arc-edge of the sector member facing out toward the corner and side of the equipment head, and having a roller connected to the front edge of the sector.

Abstract: A floor scrubbing machine has a chassis mounted on front and rear wheels and a scrub head attached to the front of the chassis by a system of articulated links. Structure is provided for absorbing the kinetic energy of the moving machine in the event that the scrub head strikes a fixed object. On impact the geometry of the linkage system causes the front wheels to be lifted off the floor, thereby quickly lifting considerable weight. Also, a pair of heavy springs stretch, and parts of the chassis deform elastically. By this structure the kinetic energy is absorbed within the machine. No heavy protective shrouds are needed, and a simple flange along the front edge of the scrub head housing provides adequate stiffness.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of preventing bumping and falling of an automatic travelling cleaner wherein a situation of the cleaner is determined by sensing a variation of flow rate of a fluid in an extension pipe depending on a gap between an intake port and a surface to be cleaned, thereby deriving a suction work ratio or sensing revolutions and a current value of a cleaning motor or a torque value of each travel motor, and then determining a travel, a bumping, and a step sensing, based on the sensed value. The present invention eliminates the provision of a plurality of sensors densely arranged around a cleaner and adapted to sense bumping and falling of the cleaner and thus eliminates the requirement of additional devices for the sensors. This reduces the manufacture costs.

Abstract: A fabric covering adapted to be placed over the suction head of a conventional electric broom to prevent the scratching and/or marring of a non-carpeted floor surface. The fabric covering includes first and second opposed openings formed therethrough. The first opening includes an elastic band positioned in a peripheral hem to gather the covering about the suction head. The second opening is substantially, identically shaped as the suction opening formed in the bottom surface of the suction head. Therefore, once the covering is placed over the suction head, no portion of the suction head can contact either the floor surface or any inanimate objects which may be contacted when the electric broom is moved about the floor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an upright vacuum cleaner having an improved assembly to optimize the assembly and operational characteristics of the vacuum cleaner. The floor engaging unit of the vacuum cleaner has a two-piece body including a base and a hood which are snap-fit together. A motor is rotatably mounted within the body at the end of a handle assembly. The handle assembly, which also functions as a conduit for dirty air to travel to a disposable filter bag, carries an electrical connector which connects the motor to power. The handle further provides a stop which engages a hose hook that slidably fits over the top of the handle, the stop being located such that the hose hook is properly positioned to support a hose during storage thereof. A filter bag, which is mounted to the handle at a location downwardly spaced from the top of the filter bag, is provided with a wire frame to help support the weight of the disposable filter bag.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner accessory to be attached to a vacuum cleaner by means of a vacuum cleaner hose. In a first operative configuration, the accessory is designed to facilitate vacuuming of spaces that are accessible from any given direction. An upper tube member (20) is operatively connected at its upper end (22) to a vacuum cleaner hose (10), and at its lower end (23) to an elongate lower tube member (30). The elongate lower tube member (30) has a remote end (31) that defines a contoured intake opening (33) through which air, dust, water, and/or debris are suctioned. In a second operative configuration, the accessory is designed primarily to access floor level horizontally accessible spaces. A transverse sweeper member 60, which includes a downwardly facing transverse intake opening 66, is operatively connected to the remote end (31) of the lower tube member (30).

Abstract: An electric cleaner is provided with a moving mechanism for avoiding or escaping an obstacle so as to turn and move a cleaner body when the cleaning body collides with the obstacle. According to the electric cleaner, even if the cleaner body is collided with the obstacle, it is easy to escape or avoid away from the obstacle to ensure a smooth travel of the cleaner body while preventing an overturn of the cleaner.

Abstract: A protective "bumper cover" for vacuum cleaners, used by janitorial building personnel in commercial locations to prevent damage to conventional office furniture and walls, has a top and sides made of a tough moldable plastic material, for example, a polyurethane, which can be molded with a resilient inner layer and a tough outer "skin," the inner layer yielding in the case of impact with furniture, thus absorbing the collision energy, the outer "skin" resisting cutting and damage to the bumper cover due to such impact. Apertures in the cover provide access to adjustment screws and for inspection of the driving motor brushes. Straps molded integrally with the cover can be secured to the vacuum cleaner itself at various suitable anchoring points.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body to which an intake hose is connectable, traveling members for enabling the traveling of the cleaner body, and an obstacle-escaping angularly-movable member angularly movably mounted on the cleaner body. A dust collector chamber is formed in a front portion of the cleaner body, and an electrically-operated fan is mounted in a rear portion of the cleaner body. The angularly-movable member is so arranged as to be angularly movable around an outer wall of the dust collector chamber. A portion of the angularly-movable member projects outwardly from the front face of the cleaner body and the front side portions of the cleaner body.

Abstract: A device for protecting furniture and interior finishing from the abrasive damage which may be caused by a vacuum hose. The device is a removable fabric sleeve used to cover the vacuum hose. This provides the vacuum hose with an intermediate non-abrasive sliding contact surface.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a power brush which projects dirt particles directly into a specially formed and located vacuum nozzle in such a manner that low air consumption can be used. The vacuum nozzle has an inlet extending along the full axial length of the power brush. Inclined grooming brushes may be provided to eliminate wheel tracks. The front wall forwardly of the power brush may be modified to provide front edge cleaning. A cordless upright vacuum cleaner may advantageously be provided having a cleaning performance comparable with that of mains powered upright cleaners.

Abstract: In a floor nozzle for a vacuum cleaner the nozzle housing is provided with a substantially closed bottom, and it has in its upper housing portion a lockable opening, through which the suction chamber and the mechanical driving members of the cleaning means are accessible when the floor nozzle is in the operating position. The opening is locked by a cover which is hinged on the forward front face of the nozzle housing.

Abstract: A front side flexible member is provided along the vicinity of an opening front edge of a suction opening of a suction nozzle main body and has a plurality of opening grooves. The flexible member is positioned at a dent wall of the suction nozzle main body. A suction guide wall is formed between the flexible member and the suction opening of the suction nozzle main body. The suction guide wall is positioned at a dent portion more than a bottom face of the suction nozzle main body. The large size solid dust at the corner portion is moved smoothly into the suction opening and the cleaning operation with the large size solid dust at the corner portion is carried out thoroughly.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a furniture guard that extends around at least a portion of the cleaner. The furniture guard is slotted so as to provide for outward ventilation of cleaner air.

Abstract: A cover for a portable appliance that includes a body section having a bottom surface disposed adjacent a floor when the appliance is in use, a top surface opposite the bottom section and a side surface between and connecting the top and bottom sections. The cover includes a removable bonnet for substantially covering the top surface and side surface of the body section and being capable of absorbing mechanical energy. The cover further includes a retaining device for removably retaining the removable bonnet to the body section of the appliance. The retaining device is capable of holding the bonnet at a fixed spaced relationship to the bottom of the body section of the appliance to establish a pre-determined spacing between the cover and the floor when the appliance is disposed on the floor.

Abstract: A cover for a portable appliance that includes a body section having a bottom surface disposed adjacent a floor when the appliance is in use, a top surface opposite the bottom section and a side surface between and connecting the top and bottom sections. The cover includes a removable bonnet for substantially covering the top surface and side surface of the body section and being capable of absorbing mechanical energy. The cover further includes a retaining device for removably retaining the removable bonnet to the body section of the appliance. The retaining device is capable of holding the bonnet at a fixed spaced relationship to the bottom of the body section of the appliance to establish a pre-determined spacing between the cover and the floor when the appliance is disposed on the floor.

Abstract: A protective cover for a vacuum cleaner or other floor treating machine to prevent marring furniture, base boards, and any other object or fixture likely to come in contact with the machine; the cover including a portion over the lateral and/or upper surface of the head, and a portion over the handle and a portion of the cannister to cover portions being releasably attachable to the machine and being made of a soft fabric, including felt-like materials, single layer of multi-layer fabrics, such as velour and quilted materials, respectively.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for use on the head of a vacuum cleaner, carpet sweeper, or the like, includes a strip of fabric having a length sufficient to extend along the front and sides of the head. First and second brushes are removably coupled to the strip of fabric at locations which are adjacent the first and second sides of the head when the strip is secured to the periphery of the head. The strip is detachably secured to the periphery of the head as for example by means of loop and hook fasteners.

Abstract: The invention comprehends a canister type cleaner having an intermediate piece which extends over the major horizontal extent of the cleaner and is utilized for bag chamber forming and operating element support.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner housing having a covering which cushions the side surfaces of the housing and is formed by a wall of semi-rigid material of a cap placed over the housing, the wall extending in self-supporting manner at a distance from the housing side walls, the cap being supported for longitudinal displacement in spaced position by a supporting rib. In this way effective protection against impact is obtained by simple means.

Abstract: A furniture guard and bearing pad structure for use with a vacuum cleaner nozzle. The nozzle defines a laterally enlarged front portion. The furniture guard and bearing pad structure is defined by a bumper element which is preformed to closely fit the irregular shape of the nozzle. The bumper is provided with a plurality of T-section connectors retained in outwardly opening slots in the peripheral wall of the nozzle. Bearing pads are formed integrally with the bumper and, in the illustrated embodiment, include projecting portions received in recesses in the nozzle for accurately locating the bearing pads. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewalls of the nozzle are provided with openings receiving portions of the vacuum cleaner projecting from the base of the nozzle. A rotatable beater brush is rotatably carried by the projecting portions.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner floor tool is provided which comprises a housing and an air-powered turbine motor within the housing. An agitator partially extends from the housing and is coupled to the turbine motor and driven thereby. At least one end of the agitator is supported by a substantially L-shaped spring metal strip having one end supported in a notch in the base plate of the floor tool and the other end supported on a stub on the base plate of the floor tool. The base plate of the floor tool is removably mounted on the housing and forms a wall thereof. The agitator extends from the housing through an opening in the base plate, and air passes through this opening into the turbine motor. The floor tool is coupled to a vacuum cleaner wand or hose by means of an elbow coupling, and the elbow coupling has a latch which comprises a protrusion on the elbow itself and a latch plate having a protrusion thereon, the latch plate being spring-biased towards the elbow coupling.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner floor tool is provided which comprises a housing, an air-powered turbine motor in the housing and an agitator partially extending from the housing. The agitator has spiral grooves therein which hold agitating devices, such as brushes or beater bars, and one end of the agitator is reduced or turned down to form a reduced diameter portion. The diameter of the reduced diameter portion is such that the spiral grooves form substantially flat surfaces and these surfaces are engaged by lugs on a connector fitted over the reduced portion. A transmission belt interconnects the connector with the turbine motor in order to drive the agitator. The floor tool has a removable base plate mounted on the housing which forms one wall thereof, and the agitator extends from the housing through an opening in the base plate.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner floor tool is provided which comprises a housing formed by upper and lower members which mate with one another along a single plane inclined with respect to the base plane or bottom of the lower member. An air-powered turbine motor is positioned in the housing and includes a turbine chamber for the turbine motor, and a rotary floor agitator is provided which partially extends from the housing. The agitator is coupled to the turbine motor and is driven thereby. A base plate is removably mounted on the housing and forms a portion of a wall thereof, with the agitator extending from the housing through an opening in the base plate. Air passes through the opening in the base plate into the turbine chamber. The base plate includes a ramp which extends from the base plate into the housing, where the ramp and a portion of the turbine chamber form a nozzle for the turbine motor.

Abstract: A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner runs on rollers (4) at the ends of a suction passage (24) whose front and rear margins are defined by replaceable insert strips (7', 8', 9'; 7, 8, 9). The rollers have a cranked axle bar (5) supported at intervals by open bushings (23) of different orientations, integral with the nozzle body (1). At the ends of the suction passage (24) gaps between the rollers (4) and the front strips (7, 8, 9) create lateral suction. A plastic covering (2) caps the nozzle body (1) and is secured by integrally molded studs (14).