Diverse Agitating Operations, E.g., Brushing With Beating Or Movable With Stationary Patents (Class 15/364)
  • Patent number: 12150616
    Abstract: New and novel structure(s) for cleaning surfaces have been disclosed. The structures, configurations and methods disclosed herein are new to this world and functionally and structurally enable that which was not possible previously. The invention at hand uniquely and inventively improves upon the known devices in this field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Inventor: Steven Jerome Caruso
  • Patent number: 11717121
    Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner includes a main body having an underside configured to face a surface to be cleaned, a suction opening that opens into the underside of the main body and extending transversely to a main direction of travel of the robotic vacuum cleaner; and a first side cleaning member attached at a fixed location on a front part of the main body and located adjacent a first side edge of the main body, the first side cleaning member having a first cleaning part which is flexible and is configured to direct waste, which comes into contact with the first cleaning part when the robotic vacuum cleaner moves in the main direction of travel, toward the suction opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Inventors: Laurent Delair, Mickael Boillet
  • Patent number: 10765281
    Abstract: This invention relates to a suction head (10) for a vacuum cleaner and method of operation. The suction head (10) has a bottom surface (26) and one or more floor-engaging parts (36) adjacent to the bottom surface (26), an opening (24) in the bottom surface (26) and a rotatable brush (30) located at the opening (24). The suction head (10) has a front end (16) and a rear end (18), the front end (16) having a recess (22) in communication with the opening (24). A movable strip (42) is located in the recess (22), the movable strip (42) being movable between a first position and a second position, the bottom edge of the movable strip 4(2) being closer to the plane of the floor-engaging parts (36) in its first position than in its second position. At least one first element (54) is connected to the movable strip (42) and is able to project to the plane of the floor-engaging parts (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventors: Nicholas Gerald Grey, Matthew James Isted, Andrew John Kent
  • Patent number: 10299644
    Abstract: A cleaner head including a cleaner head body, a sole plate including a rear portion and flexible lateral side portions that define at least part of the periphery of a dirty air opening. The rear portion and the flexible lateral side portions are movable relative to the cleaner head body such that, in use, the rear portion and the flexible lateral side portions conform to a surface being cleaned in order to maintain a seal between the cleaner head and the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Lloyd Genn, Ashley James Hribar-Green, Matthew Jonathan Stubbs, Robert Michael Cox
  • Patent number: 10111570
    Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaner includes a base that is movable over a surface to be cleaned, a top coupled with the base, a collection chamber associated with the base, and at least one sweeping element for sweeping dirt on the surface to be cleaned toward the collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Scholten, Michael T. Dillane, Tyler James Imhoff, Scott M. Rose, Adam Luedke
  • Patent number: 9974423
    Abstract: An implement for a cleaning system. The system has a floor cleaning device, which can accept a cleaning sheet removably attachable to the device. The device has a foot which comprises a housing and a panel movable in relationship to each other. The sheet is removably attachable to the panel, without requiring attachment to the housing. This arrangement provides ergonomic benefit and ease of sheet replacement. The cleaning system may be used to clean hard surfaces, such as a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: The Prcoter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nicola John Policicchio, Glenn Allen Bradbury
  • Patent number: 9968234
    Abstract: An automatic cleaning machines comprises a high-speed reciprocating cleaning means making a cleaning cloth reciprocatingly wipe a floor at high speed and a vacuum device sucking the dust in front of the cleaning cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Hobot Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Chi-Mou Chao
  • Patent number: 9072417
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaning head having a suction nozzle adapted to be moved along a surface to be cleaned, and a hair collection assembly carried by the cleaning head and having a hair collection element adapted to collect hair from the surface to be cleaned as the cleaning head moves along the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: George Moyher, Jr., Steve Butkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20150113763
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaning head having a suction nozzle adapted to be moved along a surface to be cleaned, and a hair collection assembly carried by the cleaning head and having a hair collection element adapted to collect hair from the surface to be cleaned as the cleaning head moves along the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: George Moyher, JR., Steve Butkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20150107049
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaning head having a suction nozzle adapted to be moved along a surface to be cleaned, and a hair collection assembly provided on the cleaning head and having a hair collection element adapted to collect hair from the surface to be cleaned as the cleaning head moves along the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Gary A. Kasper, Steve Butkiewicz
  • Patent number: 8997306
    Abstract: A floor cleaning machine has a housing and a movable hood that covers over vacuum and liquid hoses of the machine that are visible in prior art floor cleaning machines. The vacuum and liquid hoses are each pivotally connected to a wall of the machine housing and are also pivotally connected to a transparent dome provided on the hood. These connections reduce stresses on the hoses when the hood is moved and allow the dome to pivot relative to the hood. The floor cleaning machine also has a pair of slit orifices that eject fan spray patterns of cleaning liquid that are non-coplanar and do not intersect each other. Furthermore, the floor cleaning machine has an oscillating brush assembly that includes a brush that is replaceable without using tools. The brush height can be adjusted via an adjustment member provided on the oscillating portion of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Rug Doctor, LLC
    Inventors: Jason E. Hill, Timothy J. Wall, Steven A. Wahl, Schubert Pereira, Benjamin J. Heath, David James Gennrich, Randall Scott Koplin, Felix Rodriguez Perfino
  • Patent number: 8978196
    Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a body having at least one outer wall, a drive system disposed on the body and configured to maneuver the robot over a work surface, and a cleaning assembly carried by the body. The cleaning assembly includes first and second cleaning rollers rotatably coupled to the body, a suction assembly having a channel disposed adjacent at least one of the cleaning rollers, and a container in fluid communication with the channel. The container is configured to collect debris drawn into the channel. The suction assembly is configured to draw debris removed from the work surface by at least one of the cleaning rollers into the channel, and the container has a wall common with the at least one outer wall of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Selma Svendsen, Daniel N. Ozick, Christopher M. Casey, Deepak Ramesh Kapoor, Tony L. Campbell, Chikyung Won, Christopher John Morse, Scott Thomas Burnett
  • Patent number: 8857011
    Abstract: A hand-held cleaning device that utilizes a low-power, low-torque motor coupled to an impeller for creating a vacuum. The device includes a contact head having a plurality of protrusions formed on its top surface. The contact head contacts the surface to be cleaned, for example, the coat of a pet. The protrusions are sized and spaced to avoid tangling or clumping of pet hair. The device includes a container for collecting hair and debris. The impeller includes ribs on a disk portion thereof for increasing the efficiency of the vacuum system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Robert W. Casper
  • Patent number: 8806711
    Abstract: An automatic cleaner includes a casing including a suction port, a suction device disposed in the casing to suction a foreign substance through the suction port, a moving device that moves the casing, and a side brush assembly movably installed on the casing. The side brush assembly includes a brush housing rotatable about a first rotation shaft, and a brush rotatably mounted on the brush housing by a second rotation shaft. The second rotation shaft is moved according to a rotation of the brush housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jaewon Jang
  • Patent number: 8806709
    Abstract: A vacuum sweeping machine having a chassis, which is configured for moving the vacuum sweeping machine over a surface to be cleaned, a sweeping roller, a suction extraction device, a side broom and a connecting line. The sweeping roller, which is driven in rotation, is mounted on the chassis and surrounded by the sweeping-roller housing. The sweeping roller extends along its rotational axis between a first and a second side wall of the sweeping-roller housing. The suction extraction device has a suction side that is connected to the sweeping-roller housing for the purpose of suction extraction of dust-laden air. The side broom, which is driven in rotation and mounted on the chassis, is surrounded by an enclosure. The connecting line is provided between the sweeping-roller housing and the enclosure. Coupling of the connecting line to the sweeping-roller housing is provided in one of the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Hako GmbH
    Inventors: Bertram Ulrich, Anatoliy Schmidt, Carsten Protz
  • Publication number: 20140189978
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a surface (20), comprising: —a brush (12) rotatable about a brush axis (14), said brush (12) being provided with flexible brush elements (16) that are substantially uniformly distributed over the periphery of the brush (12), wherein the brush (12) is at least partly surrounded by a nozzle housing (28) and protrudes at least partially from a bottom side (30) of said nozzle housing (28), which, during use of the device (100), faces the surface to be cleaned (20), wherein the brush elements (16), during the rotation of the brush (12), substantially form a sealing with the housing (28) at a first position (33) where the brush elements (16) leave the housing (28) during the rotation of the brush (12), and contact the surface to be cleaned (20) during the rotation of the brush (12) at a second position (35) for picking up dirt particles (22) and liquid (24) from said surface (20), thereby defining a suction area (34) in a space between the brush (12),
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Tseard Van Der Kooi, Britt Roumen, Pieter Kingma
  • Publication number: 20140182079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a surface (20), comprising: —a nozzle arrangement (10) that comprises i) a brush (12) rotatable about a brush axis (14), said brush (12) being provided with flexible brush elements (16) having tip portions (18) for contacting the surface to be cleaned (20) and picking up dirt particles (22) and liquid (24) from the surface (20) during a pick-up period when the brush elements (16) contact the surface (20) during the rotation of the brush (12), wherein a linear mass density of a plurality of the brush elements (16) is, at least at the tip portions (18), lower than 150 g per 10 km, and ii) a single squeegee element (32) for pushing or wiping dirt particles (22) and liquid (24) across or off the surface to be cleaned (20) during movement of the cleaning device (100), said squeegee element (32) being spaced apart from the brush (12) and extending substantially along a longitudinal direction (48) being substantially parallel to the brush axis (14), whe
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Tseard Van Der Kooi, Britt Roumen
  • Patent number: 8745818
    Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a main body having a downwardly-directed suction opening and at least one surface engaging support member, a front agitator and a rear agitator, with each agitator being rotatable relative to the main body, and a mechanism for rotating the front agitator and the rear agitator. The front agitator has a relatively flexible pile and the rear agitator has relatively stiff bristles arranged to dislodge matter from the pile of the front agitator. The pile of the front agitator and the at least one surface engaging support member extend downwardly beyond the bristles of the rear agitator so as to space the bristles of the rear agitator from a relatively hard surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Mark Iles, Spencer James Robert Arthey, Scott Andrew Maguire
  • Publication number: 20140123434
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base, and a mechanical beater and a vibrating member connected thereto. A first suction inlet in the base is associated with the mechanical beater. A second suction inlet in the base is associated with the vibrating member. An airflow path is in fluid communication with the first and second suction inlets and flows to a debris collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Mark D. Bosses
  • Patent number: 8671513
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly of a vacuum cleaner capable of easily separating spidery dirt, such as hair, fur of a pet and the like, from a surface to be cleaned is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle assembly body; a drum brush unit disposed in the nozzle assembly body, and having a drum brush disposed to brush away dirt or dust adhered to a surface to be cleaned while coming in rotation contact therewith; and a subsidiary brush unit disposed to one of the nozzle assembly body and the drum brush unit, and having a subsidiary brush to preliminarily brush away the dust or dirt adhered to the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Hun Yoo, Yun Hee Park
  • Patent number: 8572800
    Abstract: A floor cleaner has a base assembly which comprises a body composed of an upper casing and a lower casing, a sweeping member mounted on the front side of the body, a steam generating member mounted at the rear side of the body, a pad tray with protrusions formed thereon to which a pad is attached, the protrusions made of a material that is softer than the material of the pad tray, and an attachment/detachment member that attaches and detaches the pad tray to and from the bottom face of the lower casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: HAAN Corporation
    Inventor: Gyung-hee Haan
  • Patent number: 8407851
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a hair collection assembly having a hair collection element adapted to collection hair from a surface to be cleaned. The hair collection element is configured to collect hair on the surface to be cleaned substantially only when the cleaning head is moved in a first direction and substantially not when the cleaning head is moved in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: George Moyher, Jr., Steve Butkiewicz
  • Patent number: 8196258
    Abstract: A brush assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a brush body having a suction inlet; a main brush which is rotatably coupled to the brush body through the suction inlet to face a surface being cleaned; and a secondary brush which is rotatably mounted on the brush body to rotate between at least two positions including a first position, in which the secondary brush contacts the surface being cleaned, and a second position, in which the secondary brush does not contact the surface being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ji-ho Seo
  • Publication number: 20120118319
    Abstract: A random orbit scrubber comprises a main body having a front end and a rear end, a squeegee assembly coupled to the rear end of the main body, and a cleaning head assembly coupled to the front end of the main body. The cleaning head assembly can include a cleaning element structured for contact with a floor surface. The cleaning head assembly can further include a motor that is operable to impart rotational and orbital movement on the cleaning element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: William Randall Stuchlik, Donald Joseph Legatt
  • Publication number: 20120110778
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a hair collection assembly having a hair collection element adapted to collection hair from a surface to be cleaned. The hair collection element is configured to collect hair on the surface to be cleaned substantially only when the cleaning head is moved in a first direction and substantially not when the cleaning head is moved in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.
    Inventors: George Moyher, JR., Steve Butkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20120090132
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising a nozzle body (1); a suction plate (2) having an elongated suction inlet (3), wherein the suction plate (2) is pivotally connected to the nozzle body (1) about a first pivot axis (A), which first pivot axis (A) extends parallel to the elongated direction of the suction inlet (3); a nozzle outlet device (5) having, at a first end thereof, a tubular opening (6), which tubular opening is matable with a tubular component (7) of a vacuum cleaner; and flexible hose (8) which is arranged to interconnect the suction plate (2) with the nozzle outlet device (5) such that the suction inlet (3) is in fluid communication with the tubular opening (6) of the nozzle outlet device (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Tommy Lindquist, Bo Pilsmo
  • Patent number: 8032985
    Abstract: A suction brush for a vacuum cleaner is provided. The suction brush a vacuum cleaner includes a brush main body connected to a cleaner main body and having a dust suction port provided on a bottom surface of the brush main body, first and second wheels rotatably engaged with both sides of the brush main body, and at least one hair removing unit, arranged in front of the suction port of the brush main body, for receiving rotation drive forces from the first and second wheels and raking up hair existing on a surface to be cleaned toward the dust suction port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ji-Ho Seo
  • Patent number: 8011061
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly of a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The A nozzle assembly includes a main casing having an air inlet formed thereto to draw in dust or dirt from a surface to be cleaned, a drum brush disposed in the main casing to brush away the dust or dirt adhered to the surface while rotating in contact with the surface, and a subsidiary brush unit disposed in front of the main casing to preliminarily brush away the dust or dirt adhered to the surface in front of the drum brush, and having a cover disposed in front of the main casing, and a subsidiary brush member to come in elastic contact with the surface. The subsidiary brush member is configured to change a relative position to the cover, and thus to selectively maintain a contact state or a non-contact state to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-Hun Yoo
  • Patent number: 7987549
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a golf massage club, including a handle (4), a cleaner body (3) connected to the first end of the handle (4), and a suction head (1) connected to the head of the cleaner body (3), wherein a golf massage head (5) is connected to the second end of the handle (4). With the vacuum cleaner of the invention, the user can use the handle for human body massage when the vacuum cleaner is not in use. The vacuum cleaner of the invention is of compact structure and multiple functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Yathung Tam
  • Patent number: 7707682
    Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is provided and includes a housing for movement along the surface. A solution container is mounted to the housing and contains a solution. A dispensing nozzle is provided on the housing and is fluidly connected to the solution container. The dispensing nozzle dispenses solution beyond the edge of the housing. In one aspect, an edge cleaner is provided at an edge of the housing and includes a plurality of pliable elements for agitating the surface, wherein the pliable elements contact the surface beyond the edge of said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventor: Richard S. Parr
  • Patent number: 7631395
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner, which includes a nozzle body having a contaminants suction port formed on a bottom surface thereof, and a fur-removing member having a fur-removing body rotatably disposed at a side of the contaminants suction port on the nozzle body, a fur-removing portion formed in a plurality of pins vertically to the fur-removing body, and a plurality of rotation cams, wherein when the nozzle body moves in a first direction, the plurality of rotation cams forces the fur-removing body to rotate so that a leading end of the fur-removing portion is spaced apart from a surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jang-keun Oh
  • Patent number: 7549190
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly of a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle assembly body having an air inlet and an air outlet, a drum brush unit disposed in the nozzle assembly body in the vicinity of the air inlet, and having a drum brush disposed to brush away dirt or dust adhered to a surface to be cleaned while coming in rotation contact therewith, and a movable brush unit disposed in at least one of the front and the rear of the air inlet on an undersurface of the nozzle assembly body to pivot in an opposite direction to a moving direction of the nozzle assembly body thus to change a contacting angle to the surface to be cleaned in the range of a predetermined angle and then to brush away dirt or dust adhered to the surface to be cleaned, in moving of the nozzle assembly body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jang-Keun Oh, Dong-Houn Yang, Hyoun-Soo Kim
  • Publication number: 20090064452
    Abstract: A powered carpeted floor scrubbing and combing machine is described. The machine includes first and second scrubbing pads, followed by a combing head having cylindrical shaped counter-rotating brushes, which is in turn followed by a carpet shoe having vacuum ability. This invention provides for simultaneous scrubbing and combing of carpeted floors. The machine is powered with an internal engine and has a user control panel for the control/driving of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: David K. Thatcher, Colby M. Haas
  • Publication number: 20080098611
    Abstract: An automatic ground surface dryer, system and method for automatically, conveniently, quickly and effectively drying a ground surface without the need for manual labour and capable of quickly drying a large ground surface is described. The automatic ground surface dryer has a frame, a drying apparatus mounted to the frame, a support for the frame to facilitate movement of the frame over the ground surface, a motor coupled to the frame to move the frame over the ground surface, and a controller coupled to the motor and the drying apparatus to drive the motor and to operate the drying apparatus in response to a rainfall data signal from a rainfall data gathering system which gathers rainfall data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Ivan Tumbocon Dancel
  • Patent number: 7293325
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner base plate assembly is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The base plate assembly includes a base plate adapted to fit to a chassis bottom of a vacuum cleaner. The base plate includes one or more nozzle apertures. The base plate assembly further includes one or more trapped components configured to rest against the base plate. The base plate assembly further includes a skid plate that fits to the base plate and that holds the one or more trapped components against the base plate when the skid plate is assembled to the base plate. The base plate assembly further includes one or more fasteners that removably affix the skid plate to the base plate. The skid plate and the one or more trapped components are removably affixed to the base plate by the skid plate and the one or more fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Paul A. Moshenrose, Charles W. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7290309
    Abstract: A cleaning head (30) for a vacuum cleaner comprises a housing (305) which extends transversely to the direction of intended movement (A) of the head. A row of bristles (310) extend outwardly from the sides of the housing (305). The bristles (310) extend transversely outwardly and forwardly from the housing and extend to a level beneath the lowermost surface of the housing. Dirt, dust and other debris which collects at the very edge of a room is either ‘guided’ out of the region next to the wall or is subjected to a vigorous ‘flicking’ action as the head (30) is moved across the floor. A suction channel (330) is located adjacent to the bristles. The bristles (310) are provided as a unit which is removable from the head (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Dyson Limited
    Inventor: Alexander Simon David Rocke
  • Patent number: 7234198
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle including a nozzle head, the nozzle head including at least one mechanical beater and at least one sonic beater, the at least one sonic beater comprising a beater portion and an actuating member that vibrates the beater portion. The beater portion includes a hollow cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Mark D. Bosses
  • Patent number: 7228590
    Abstract: A carpet extractor head for a carpet extractor including at least one sonic agitator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Mark D. Bosses
  • Patent number: 7228591
    Abstract: A carpet extractor head for a carpet extractor including at least one sonic agitator. The at least one sonic agitator includes a beater portion and an actuating member that vibrates the beater portion. The beater portion includes a hollow roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Mark D. Bosses
  • Patent number: 7225505
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle including a nozzle head, the nozzle head having at least one mechanical beater and at least one sonic beater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Mark D. Bosses
  • Patent number: 7197789
    Abstract: A beater bar assembly for use within a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The beater bar assembly is capable of both axial oscillation (horizontal motion) and axial rotation, thereby providing an efficient cleaning motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Emery Emmert
  • Patent number: 7159275
    Abstract: A glass surface cleaning machine includes a supporting frame which has a fluid receiving chamber provided therein and includes a supporting arm frontwardly extended therefrom, a wiper blade transversely mounted on a front edge of the supporting arm of the supporting frame for wiping on a glass surface, and a vacuum device supported by the supporting frame. The vacuum device includes at least a fluid suction nozzle supported underneath the wiper blade and in communication with the fluid receiving chamber and an impeller to create a low pressure within the fluid receiving chamber with respect to the atmosphere pressure so as to create a sucking effect for removing fluid from the glass surface through the fluid suction nozzle and directing the fluid to deposit in the fluid receiving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Marshall Chang
  • Patent number: 7143470
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle including a nozzle head, the nozzle head including at least one mechanical beater and at least one sonic beater, the at least one sonic beater including a beater portion and an ultrasonic actuating member that vibrates the beater portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Mark D. Bosses
  • Patent number: 7013528
    Abstract: A battery-powered, upright vacuum sweeper comprises a base assembly and a handle pivotably attached thereto. The base assembly comprises a vacuum fan assembly fluidly communicating with an inlet for vacuuming dust and the debris particles from a surface into a removable reservoir. A rotating roller brush attached to the base assembly sweeps the particles into the inlet. A dust pad assembly comprises a disposable dust cloth extending over a portion of the base assembly in contact with the surface to be cleaned for removing dust particles which are not removed by vacuuming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Bissell Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Parker, David L. Haan, David E. McDowell
  • Patent number: 6966098
    Abstract: A cleaner is provided which includes an electric dirt collection mechanism with an electrically powered dirt collection action and a wiping cleaning mechanism with a wiping cleaning action utilizing a cleaning sheet provided on the bottom surface of the main body of the cleaner which moves across the floor, wherein the electric dirt collection mechanism is switched on and off using a switch, and the wiping cleaning mechanism can be attached to, or detached from, the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinobu Sako, Masuo Ota, Akihiko Kotani
  • Patent number: 6859976
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a housing to be moved along a surface to be cleaned. Within the housing, a cleaning ribbon is disposed between a supply reel and a take-up reel. A portion of the cleaning ribbon is held parallel to, and in substantial contact with, the surface to be cleaned, for attracting and retaining smaller debris. Another portion of the cleaning ribbon is configured to create a particle trap. A rotatable brush, also disposed within the housing, sweeps larger debris into the particle trap. The supply reel, the take-up reel, the cleaning ribbon, and/or the rotatable brush are alternatively included in a cartridge which is detachably secured within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Plankenhorn
  • Patent number: 6785933
    Abstract: A suction head of a vacuum cleaner with a power brush to dislodge and remove debris from an object to be cleaned is provided. The suction head includes a head case connected to a cleaner body via a connecting tube and having a suction hold on a lower surface thereof, a power brush positioned in the head externally protruding from the head case through the suction hole allowing contact with an object to be cleaned, a supporting unit fixed in the head case for supporting the power brush to allow rotary and linear movements thereof, a rotary operating unit positioned between the supporting unit and the power brush for rotating the power brush, and a linear operating unit installed between the supporting unit and power brush for moving the power brushing linearly. With such structure, the size of the suction head is reduced and cleaning performance is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Tae Heoung Kim, Seung Hee Ryu
  • Publication number: 20040168281
    Abstract: A cleaner is provided which includes an electric dirt collection mechanism with an electrically powered dirt collection action and a wiping cleaning mechanism with a wiping cleaning action utilizing a cleaning sheet provided on the bottom surface of the main body of the cleaner which moves across the floor, wherein the electric dirt collection mechanism is switched on and off using a switch, and the wiping cleaning mechanism can be attached to, or detached from, the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yukinobu Sako, Masuo Ota, Akihiko Kotani
  • Publication number: 20040068829
    Abstract: (57) A cleaning head (30) for a vacuum cleaner comprises a housing (305) which extends transversely to the direction of intended movement (A) of the head. A row of bristles (310) extend outwardly from the sides of the housing (305). The bristles (310) extend transversely outwardly and forwardly from the housing and extend to a level beneath the lowermost surface of the housing. Dirt, dust and other debris which collects at the very edge of a room is either ‘guided’ out of the region next to the wall or is subjected to a vigorous ‘flicking’ action as the head (30) is moved across the floor. A suction channel (330) is located adjacent to the bristles. The bristles (310) are provided as a unit which is removable from the head (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Alexander Simon David Rocke
  • Patent number: 6539575
    Abstract: An agitator for use with cleaning machines, as well as methods for making the same, are shown and described. The agitator is configured to facilitate the removal of elongated fibers therefrom. In one embodiment, the agitator has a rotatable member with opposing first and second ends, an axis of rotation extending between the first and second ends, and an external surface extending at least partially between the first and second ends. A number of projections are attached to the external surface of the agitator. One or both of the ends of the agitator are configured to rotatably engage the cleaning machine, such as at a bearing or other connector. The external surface of the rotatable member has a first portion that is substantially cylindrical about the axis of rotation, and a second portion separate from the first portion that has at least a first depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Shane P. Cohen