Abstract: This invention concerns a car cleaner and air pump shaped like an elephant. It can be used as a vacuum cleaner, e.g. sucking in dirt, and at the same time as an air pump, e.g. pumping pressurized air into a tire. This elephant-shaped car cleaner and air pump consists of an elephant-shaped cover, a dirt sucking device, an air pumping device, a lighting signaling device and an electric power system. The characteristic of the dirt sucking device is that dirt is sucked through the trunk and collected in the dirt bag set in the body by means of a blowing wheel turned by a motor. The characteristic of the air pumping device lies in pumping air by means of a cylinder and a piston that is moved by a set of worm-gear wheel and rod turned by the same motor that is used in the dirt sucking device.

Abstract: According to the invention, a canister with bottom and peripheral walls defines an accumulation space for matter picked up by the vacuum. A lid is secured to the upper edge of the canister and seals the space. The invention resides in the provision of a canister extension whose bottom edge conforms to the top edge of the canister and bears thereupon. The extension can be secured to the canister permanently or removably in any known manner, as by sonic welding or the like. The lid in turn mates with the extension in the same manner that it mates with the open canister edge. Accordingly, the canister capacity is increased. Any number of such extensions can be employed depending upon the range of capacity sought. The invention also contemplates providing a plate bounding an impeller chamber that can be inverted to selectively accommodate different capacity impellers and different capacity motors.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for air compressing and dust collecting and particularly to one which comprises a housing. A 12V DC motor having a shaft is disposed in the housing. A propeller is loosely mounted on the first end of the shaft and can be driven to rotate by means of a clutch which is secured to the first end thereof and controlled by a sliding member so that this apparatus can be served as a dust collector. A gear is loosely mounted on the second end of the shaft and can be driven to rotate by means of another clutch which is secured to the second end thereof and controlled by the sliding member. The gear is arranged to mesh in a reduction gear on which a linking rod is eccentrically disposed.

Abstract: Structure for converting a powered brush vacuum cleaner selectively to define a powder carpet cleaning apparatus. The conversion structure includes a shroud received within the nozzle. In one form, the shroud is movably mounted within the nozzle for selective disposition in a retracted position, permitting use of the nozzle in the normal vacuum cleaning manner, and in an operative position blocking the entrance to the suction passage for permitting the unit to be used as powder carpet cleaner. The shroud defines a smooth inner surface surrounding a portion of the brush for effectively preventing clogging of the space about the brush during the carpet cleaning operation. An opening is provided in the nozzle wall for access to the movable shroud in effecting manipulation thereof between the retracted and operative positions.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner has a removable powered brush vacuum nozzle which can be removed and replaced without operation of a belt lifter. The power linkage from the cleaner's fan motor to the nozzle brush includes a positive-drive clutch, and control means active at the inception of each operation of the cleaner in the brush-and-vacuum mode to engage the clutch prior to starting the fan motor and active at the conclusion of operation of the cleaner in the brush-and-vacuum mode to disengage the clutch only after stopping the fan motor.

Abstract: A basic snowblower unit powered by an engine has a rectangular shroud housing a fan with a drive member associated with it. A considerable number of special units including lawnmower, vacuum-and-bagger, leaf picker, edger, rotary tiller, leaf blower, sprayer, electric generator, hydraulic pump, and air compressor, are individually attachable for support and powering by the basic snowblower unit, providing for all-year use of it, compact storage and economy in purchase and ownership.

Abstract: A combined vacuum cleaner and steam iron comprising a housing having a substantially flat bottom, which housing being provided with a chamber for containing water and another chamber for collecting dust, a heating device mounted in the water chamber by which steam is generated and thus discharged through a passage out of the water chamber, means for connecting various suction tubes, which means being formed integrally with the housing, a casing connected with the housing, in which casing a motor and a fan are provided for generating a suction force which is operable to introduce the dust through the suction tube into the dust chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for surface treatment, particularly for cleaning, polishing and grinding, and including a housing provided with a handle, which surrounds at least partly an electric motor rotating in an unbalanced manner due to a balance weight, and wherein the motor transfers its oscillating movement to a rotatable tool carrier extending transversely to the axle of the motor through a rigid connection, and wherein the oscillation system, which consists of the unbalanced drive motor and a tool carrier, is oscillatably arranged on the housing.

Abstract: A rug cleaning attachment for a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The attachment has a suds confining chamber and a scrubbing brush roll mounted thereon for rotation about a horizontal axis within the chamber. The brush roll has a multiplicity of tufts which are adapted to scrub suds into the rug and which define a cylindrical envelope upon rotation of the brush roll. A shield closely conforms to the cylindrical element and guards against suds being centrifugally thrown into the drive and/or suction components of the vacuum cleaner. A scalloped doctor blade is provided for the brush roll which projects into the cylindrical envelope defined by the tufts to scrape spent suds and lint from the brush roll.

Abstract: Structure for converting a powered brush vacuum cleaner selectively to define a powder carpet cleaning apparatus. The conversion structure includes a shroud received within the nozzle. In one form, the shroud is movably mounted within the nozzle for selective disposition in a retracted position, permitting use of the nozzle in the normal vacuum cleaning manner, and in an operative position blocking the entrance to the suction passage for permitting the unit to be used as powder carpet cleaner. The shroud defines a smooth inner surface surrounding a portion of the brush for effectively preventing clogging of the brush during the carpet cleaning operation. An opening is provided in the nozzle wall for access to the movable shroud in effecting manipulation thereof between the retracted and operative positions. In another form, the shroud is fixedly mounted within the nozzle and a closure is removably installed for closing the entrance to the suction passage when it is desired to use the unit as a carpet cleaner.

Abstract: Apparatus for wet cleaning carpet is disclosed of the type which utilizes a wet-dry tank unit (C) having a vacuum hose (56) connected to the vacuum tank and a vacuum head (52). The apparatus includes a portable base (A) for moving the apparatus over the floor having a socket (12) formed in the portable base. A cleaning solution tank (B) for containing a cleaning solution includes a lower attachment collar (D) which fits in the socket (12). A liquid pump (40) is carried in a pump housing (30) formed in solution tank (B). An upper attachment recess (66) formed in solution tank (B) receives a base (74) of the vacuum unit (C). The portable base (A), solution tank (B), and vacuum unit (C) are snugly fitted together by means of a deep socket (12) and recess (66) to provide an integrally assembled structure. By housing the pump (40) low to the floor in the portable base (A), a low center of gravity and stable weight distribution is provided.

Abstract: A combined structure of a hand-held cordless vacuum cleaner and a flashlight comprises;a vacuum cleaner body housing therein a battery and an electric powered blower, and including switch means adapted to control power fed to said blower;a dust case;a flashlight case including a lighting unit;specific interconnecting means adapted to releasably interconnect either one of said dust case and said flashlight case to said vacuum cleaner body; andspecific electrical connection means adapted to electrically connect said battery in said vacuum cleaner body to said lighting unit in said flashlight case when said flashlight case is interconnected to said vacuum cleaner body by said interconnecting means.

Abstract: A floor care appliance having a main housing with a handle extending from an upper portion thereof, and having a motor blower assembly affixed thereto with an inlet tube extending from a lower portion thereof. The main housing is fashioned with a rearwardly open cavity portion for receiving a filter arrangement including a paper filter bag having connection to an outlet tube of the motor blower assembly, and a second stage of filtration implemented by an air permeable closure covering the rearwardly open cavity portion. A floor unit carries a brush actuated by a reversible motor, a dry chemical carpet cleaning powder receptacle and dispensing arrangement for selectively dispensing the powder adjacent the brush, and a plenum chamber extending from adjacent the brush to a swivel having an outlet tube connected and affixed to the inlet tube of the motor blower assembly. A switch assembly is carried by a cover for the main housing and provides for operator selection of one of several modes of operation.

Abstract: A typical power nozzle for a canister type vacuum cleaner is modified by omitting nozzle adjustment and other components, and by adding a tank for suds solution, a suds control unit, and a modified nozzle housing bottom plate which slides on the floor covering being suds-scrubbed. The sudser is used as a substitute for a typical power nozzle connected in a canister type cleaner system with the blower outlet of the power unit of the canister, in a suds-scrubbing operation. After scrubbing, a typical power nozzle is connected in the usual manner in the system, to perform normal cleaning of the area scrubbed.

Abstract: A carpet cleaning apparatus is disclosed which includes a new and improved auxiliary cleaning device arrangement incorporated in a conventional vacuum cleaner. The auxiliary cleaning device is movable into a carpet engaging position for frictionally engaging a carpet surface and simultaneously distributing cleaning material thereon which emulsify, rub, and thereby cause release of dirt, dust and other foreign particles from carpet fibers and allow their removal and collection by agitator and suction cleaning elements of the apparatus. A retraction means is provided for automatically retracting the auxiliary cleaning device in response to handle assembly movement to a storage position, and a retaining means is provided to lock the device in the retracted position. The retaining means selectively either permits movement of the device to a carpet engaging position or maintains the device in a retracted position independently of subsequent handle assembly movement.

Abstract: A wet carpet cleaning apparatus having a nozzle movable over the surface to be cleaned. Structure is associated with the nozzle for selectively delivering cleaning liquid to a cleaning portion of the nozzle. A suction apparatus is removably mounted to the nozzle for removing liquid including dirt-laden water from the surface being cleaned. The suction apparatus comprises a removable suction fan or blower module which may be employed to advantage in a number of other applications. A jet pump is associated with the nozzle for discharging removed dirt-laden liquid as to a drain. The cleaning liquid is obtained from a pressurized water supply through an elongated flexible duct and the discharge to drain is through an elongated flexible duct which may be of similar construction. Manually controlled structure is provided for selectively introducing detergent into the cleaning liquid to permit selective cleaning and rinsing operations with the supplied pressurized water.

Abstract: An attachment is disclosed for converting a rotary type lawnmower to a vacuum cleaner for picking up debris, such as grass cuttings, from sidewalks, driveways, and the like. The attachment includes a baffle member for positioning across the opening in the bottom of the housing of the rotary cutter blade. The baffle member has an opening through which air is pulled by the rotating cutter blade to lift and entrain debris from a sidewalk, driveway, or the like, and carry it into the housing for discharge through the discharge port of the housing. Means are provided for releasably attaching the baffle member to the housing so that the baffle can be attached when it is desired for the mower to act as a vacuum cleaner and removed when the mower is to function in the normal manner.

Abstract: A lightweight air blower attachment for a portable power unit such as a hand held internal combustion engine. The blower attachment includes a generally tubular shaped housing adapted for close coupling of the blower to the power unit. The housing provides a shroud and a support for an axial flow impeller having a shaft which extends through a mounting boss on the housing and includes a drive tang adapted to be drivably connected to a power takeoff shaft. The blower includes an elongated nozzle having a handle portion and being rotatably mounted on the housing to provide for changing the direction of the exit air flow without rotating the entire power unit and blower attachment. The nozzle is provided with a conical portion which converges to a throat and transitions to a somewhat flat circular sector shaped air exit portion providing for an air flow pattern particularly adapted for sweeping and dusting operations.

Abstract: Improvements in air blower driven debris collecting devices are disclosed including interchangeable air driven dispenser attachments for dispensing liquids and powders dispersed in an air stream; a debris collector including a portable air blower, a hand held debris pick-up nozzle, and a free standing debris collecting container; and an improved housing construction for a portable blower wherein the air intake and engine exhaust ports are positioned so as not to interfere with the operator carrying the blower and having an integral air cleaner filter holder for the engine carburator.

Abstract: An attachment is disclosed for converting a rotary type lawnmower to a vacuum cleaner for picking up debris, such as grass cuttings, from sidewalks, driveways, and the like. The attachment includes a baffle member for positioning across the opening in the bottom of the housing of the rotary cutter blade. The baffle member has an opening through which air is pulled by the rotating cutter blade to lift and entrain debris from a sidewalk, driveway, or the like, and carry it into the housing for discharge through the discharge port of the housing. Means are provided for releasably attaching the baffle member to the housing so that the baffle can be attached when it is desired for the mower to act as a vacuum cleaner and removed when the mower is to function in the normal manner.

Abstract: A canister-type vacuum cleaner is provided wherein the vacuum cleaner may be operated with the canister in either a horizontal or substantially upright position. When in the upright position, both vacuum and pressure effects are transmitted to a floor-cleaning device, whereby the cleaning efficiency of the floor-cleaning device is improved.

Abstract: An open top, double walled, plastic hot water storage tank is mounted within a two section injected plastic casing and is spaced internally from the walls of the casing to thermally insulate the hot water tank. A removable cylindrical dump tank closely fits the interior of a cylindrical inner wall of the storage tank. A rotatable dome locks to the upper casing half to seal off the top of the dump tank. The dump tank bears a splash deflector and filter assembly when the machine functions as a wet vacuum extraction machine. A cloth filter bag and internally replaceable paper filter bag operate in place of the dump tank when the machine functions as a dry vacuum extraction machine. A water jet circulation bypass loop maintains the water in the hot water tank in circulation. Both the vacuum pump and water are double electrically insulated. A tool caddy clamps to the casing to permit the casing to stand on end for storage of the apparatus when not in use.

Abstract: A rug and carpet cleaning apparatus of the type in which a housing is shifted along the floor and is connected to a suction chamber while having rotary brush, carpet-shampoo, massager, and like rotary units which are selectively to act upon the carpet depending upon the function or operation to be carried out. According to the invention, at least two such units are provided on opposite sides of the fulcrum or pivot of a rocker or teeter which is controlled, e.g. by a lever and cable arrangement, to selectively bring one or the other unit into action depending upon the tilt imparted to the rocker. Both units can be continuously coupled to the drive motor which can also be mounted on the rocker.

Abstract: An attachment tool for a vacuum cleaner hose is disclosed taking the form of an elongated flattened tubular housing; one end being adapted to connect to a vacuum cleaner hose, and the other end terminating in a flattened air intake opening. One flat face of the housing has an elongated opening therein adjacent the other end of the housing; the elongated opening having a means for selectively covering it. A pair of elongated strip brushes extend along opposite sides of the elongated opening.

Abstract: A device is provided to allow the use of a cannister vacuum cleaner in the manner of a highly-maneuverable, height-adjustable upright vacuum cleaner. The device preferably includes a mobile base having a cannister vacuum-receiving recess for releasably supporting a cannister vacuum cleaner. A power head including a beater bar, a motor for operatively driving the beater bar, and a nozzle, is attached to the base in an operational cleaning position. A conduit connects the power head to the cannister cleaner for vacuum removal of dirt or the like from a floor surface. Wheels and height-adjusting structure are provided on the base allowing adjustment of the clearance of the power head with respect to an underlying floor surface to maximize cleaning efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carpet cleaning system which is convertible between a vacuuming configuration and a liquid cleaning configuration.

Abstract: An attachment is disclosed for converting a rotary type lawnmower to a vacuum cleaner for picking up debris, such as grass cuttings, from sidewalks, driveways, and the like. The attachment includes a baffle member for positioning across the opening in the bottom of the housing of the rotary cutter blade. The baffle member has an opening through which air is pulled by the rotating cutter blade to lift and entrain debris from a sidewalk, driveway, or the like, and carry it into the housing for discharge through the discharge port of the housing. Means are provided for releasably attaching the baffle member to the housing so that the baffle can be attached when it is desired for the mower to act as a vacuum cleaner and removed when the mower is to function in the normal manner.

Abstract: A dual purpose suction cleaning apparatus includes an open-topped container adapted for the collection of a liquid and a motor driven air suction unit for applying suction to the container. In use, either a detachable reservoir unit, or a detachable connector member is interposed between the air suction unit and the container so that in the one case the apparatus serves as a water extraction cleaner, whereas in the other case it operates as a normal dry vacuum cleaner. The inter-changeable reservoir unit and connector member are each formed as self-contained units by means of which the exhaust air flow from the suction unit is directed by the reservoir unit so as to displace liquid therefrom, but is diverted to atmosphere by the connector member. A filter element for dry dust collection may be incorporated in the connector member or a separate dust collecting bag may be provided in the container.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for vacuum cleaning wet or dry surfaces is provided which includes an easily removable recovery tank which forms a portion of a vacuum chamber, and into which refuse or dirt picked up by the vacuum cleaner enters through a port arranged above the tank and centered thereover. Various different types of dirt-collecting devices can be used within the recovery tank without requiring any physical connection to or through the recovery tank itself.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vacuum cleaner bag assembly for an upright vacuum cleaner comprising a flexible, air-permeable, outer bag having an upper end adapted to be attached to a handle of a vacuum cleaner. The other end of the outer bag has an open mouth attached to an open mouth of a dirt-collecting box. The dirt-collecting box has a suction inlet opening and also a suction outlet opening which comprises its open mouth. A tube closes the open mouth of the box and is in fluid communication with the box and extends toward the top of the outer bag. A disposable inner bag is provided within the outer bag and has an inlet opening in fluid communication with the tube. A vacuum cleaner provided with the bag assembly may be operated as a vacuum cleaner with a disposable bag with all of the foregoing elements in place, or as an air-permeable outer bag filter vacuum when the tube and disposable bag are removed.

Abstract: An improved carpet cleaning machine which incorporates controls to allow it to be employed as either a carpet scrubber or a vacuum cleaner. The carpet cleaning machine incorporates a novel handle arrangement which can be collapsed for storage and handling.

Abstract: Suction cleaning apparatus comprising a container adapted for the collection of a liquid is provided with an inlet for connection to a suction head adapted for picking up liquid whereby incoming air flow is directed substantially radially inwardly relative to the container and impinges directly on an inner wall whereby it is spread in substantially equal and opposite streams around the interior of the container. The inner wall surrounds a suction inlet whereby suction is applied to the interior of the container and the arrangement minimises the tendency for a vortex to be generated in air flow towards such suction inlet, thereby reducing the tendency of foam to be produced on the surface of the collected liquid within the container.

Abstract: A base unit having a vacuum hose and vacuum head attachable thereto includes means for developing a source of low pressure. A detachably attachable housing supporting a conventional vacuum bag is mountable upon the base unit in fluid communication with the low pressure source to form, with the base unit, a dry or vacuum carpet cleaner. The housing is readily replaceable with a first container for ejecting a cleaning solution through jets in the vacuum head into the carpet being cleaned and with a second container in fluid communication with the low pressure source to draw and collect the cleaning solution and the debris from the carpet through the vacuum hose to form, in combination with the base unit, a wet carpet cleaner.

Abstract: The device includes a blower impeller, a blower housing conformed to fit snugly over the bottom of a standard line trimmer, and stretch traps for maintaining the housing in position on the line trimmer. The device enables one to convert a line trimmer to a blower arrangement by the removal of the spool and head of the line trimmer and the attachment of the impeller, housing and straps in their place.

Abstract: A suction head for a suction cleaning appliance with means for delivering a cleaning liquid for application to a surface to be cleaned and collecting the delivered liquid from said surface having a liquid delivery duct disposed within an inner compartment itself arranged within a suction chamber. The duct is provided with fine holes whereby the liquid is delivered in a dropwise manner. The inner compartment and the suction chamber have smooth mouths arranged in a common plane so that the liquid delivered through the holes is constrained to contact the surface being cleaned before encountering air flow over that surface induced by suction in the suction chamber.

Abstract: A suds-making device is attachable to the air-discharge port of an upright vacuum sweeper. A shampooing unit is easily attachable to the front of the vacuum sweeper in place of its easily removed suction-nozzle and rotating-brush unit. The shampooing unit has its own rotatable brush, similarly belt-driven by the sweeper motor, and also has a forwardly positioned transversely elongated tray to receive the applied and then scraper-blade-removed suds. The suds-making device and the shampooing unit (both of known construction) are interconnected by a detachable flexible hose. Importantly, the sudser end of the hose has attachable thereto, or molded thereon, a friction-held slip-on cap for closing the outlet port of the sudser, to stop suds flow.

Abstract: A carpet washing attachment for a tank-type, wet - dry vacuum cleaner comprising a fluid tank in a form of a hollow collar of a size and shape to fit around the vacuum tank and being supported on the top and depending along the sides thereof. A pump in the tank delivers a washing solution through a duct which extends along the vacuum hose and wand to terminate in a nozzle adjacent the suction head. A quick disconnect coupling at the fluid tank enables the washing attachment to be inactivated, and another at the connection between the vacuum hose and the wand enables a quick change to a shorter wand for cleaning upholstery.

Abstract: A low-cost accessory for a conventional tank-type wet-pickup vacuum cleaner which converts such a vacuum cleaner into a self-contained hot water extraction type of carpet shampooer and floor cleaner suitable for use by homeowners. The accessory includes a reservoir which attaches compactly to the vacuum cleaner. The reservoir is intended to be filled with a cleaning solution of hot water and detergent and includes means for feeding the cleaning solution to a spray nozzle located behind the vacuum pickup nozzle. A hand-controlled valve permits the operator to dispense cleaning solution and to interrupt the flow of solution while vacuuming the wetted floor or carpet. In a preferred embodiment the reservoir is a pressurizable toroidal shaped tank which fits around the vacuum cleaner. The reservoir is pressurized by an integral manual air pump. An indicating pressure relief valve provides a measure of air pressure and prevents over pressurization of the reservoir.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is mounted on a frame supported by a set of wheels and has a shaft connected to drive a blower impeller. An annular plate is mounted on the engine surrounding the engine shaft, and a blower housing has a support ring which is secured to the plate by a releasable band clamp to provide for rotating the blower housing on the axis of the engine shaft. The blower housing has a center inlet and a laterally projecting tangential outlet, and a movable air deflector is mounted on the housing adjacent the outlet. The air deflector is actuated by an elongated control rod which extends from a handle assembly projecting rearwardly and upwardly from the frame, and the control rod permits the operator to actuate the air deflector when the blower outlet and deflector are located at either a high position on one side of the frame or a low position on the opposite side of the frame.

Abstract: An attachment is disclosed for converting a rotary type lawnmower to a vacuum cleaner for picking up debris, such as grass cuttings, from sidewalks, driveways, and the like. The attachment includes a baffle member for positioning across the opening in the bottom of the housing of the rotary cutter blade. The baffle member has an opening through which air is pulled by the rotating cutter blade to lift and entrain debris from a sidewalk, driveway, or the like, and carry it into the housing for discharge through the discharge port of the housing. Means are provided for releasably attaching the baffle member to the housing so that the baffle can be attached when it is desired for the mower to act as a vacuum cleaner and removed when the mower is to function in the normal manner.

Abstract: Conventional rotary lawn mowers have a rotating cutter blade traveling at high velocity. This invention relates to an attachment for forming an enclosed housing containing the conventional mower components to create a vacuum chamber with a single input port which may be coupled to a flexible conduit to suck up leaves and other debris within an extended area for collection in conventional bags.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for cleaning upholstery, carpets, rugs and the like by either shampooing or dry vacuuming includes baffle means arranged for selectively conditioning the apparatus for either operation without changing existing connections so that the conditioning is performed quickly and efficiently to enhance the selected cleaning operation.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower with various interchangeable parts can be utilized not only as a standard lawn mower but also a vegetation chopper or shredder, a leaf blower or a snow blower. A vacuum attachment is also provided to permit inaccessible areas to be maintained.

Abstract: There is disclosed a technique for modifying a conventional rotary lawn mower to provide the capability of cleaning a paved area such as a sidewalk or driveway. Basically, the only modification to the lawn mower is the provision of a depending skirt extending downwardly from a peripheral wall of the lawn mower frame. Three embodiments are illustrated. The first embodiment comprises a skirt mounted on the lawn mower frame for adjusting movement between an upper or grass cutting position and a lower or sweeping position in which the lower edge of the skirt is spaced only slightly above the bottoms of the lawn mower wheels. The second embodiment comprises a skirt fixed to the lawn mower frame. Adjustment of the skirt to a lower sweeping position is accomplished by the provision of conventional adjustable wheels which effectively lower the lawn mower frame relative to the ground. The third embodiment comprises a skirt which is attached to the lawn mower only when it is desired to perform a sweeping function.