Retractable, I.e., Selective Use Patents (Class 15/373)
  • Patent number: 11744431
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a base assembly, an upright assembly, and a fluid recovery system. The base assembly includes a base housing, a brush chamber, at least one brushroll in the brush chamber; and a removable brush housing. A portion of the brush chamber is removable with the brush housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: BISSELL Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Johnson, James Michael Preston, Alan Finnie, Mitchell J. DeJonge, Jason W. Pruiett
  • Patent number: 9907446
    Abstract: A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance comprising a body including a suction nozzle, a neck coupled to the body so as to pivot relative to it about an axis ‘A’, wherein the neck includes a base portion that defines a rail formation located at least partially about its circumference and the body includes a runner formation that is engaged with a discrete part of the rail formation, the rail formation being slidable relative to the runner formation thereby coupling the base portion to the body but permitting the base portion to pivot relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Kyle Toole, David Andrew Isley
  • Publication number: 20140096340
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a suction head including a cover and a bottom plate provided with a suction hole through which air is sucked from a surface to be cleaned and rotatably combined with the cover. The bottom plate is rotated in one direction relative to the cover when the suction head moves forward, and is rotated in the other direction relative to the cover when the suction head moves backward. Further, the vacuum cleaner includes a brush base including brushes and movable upward and backward between the cover and the bottom plate. The brush base includes indicating parts exposed to the outside of the cover and forming at least a portion of the external appearance of the suction head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Ju LEE, Hyeon Cheol Kim
  • 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: 8544145
    Abstract: A surface treating head in the form of a floor tool for a vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a suction cavity and an outlet. The suction cavity includes first and second suction channels, bounded on both sides by respective working edges. A fluid flow path extends from the first suction channel to the second suction channel and from there to the outlet. The plurality of suction channels permits effective pick-up of dirt. To enable the surface treating head to be used to treat both carpeted floor surfaces and hard floor surfaces, the surface treating head may be provided with a brush unit and a drive mechanism for moving the brush unit between a stowed position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Spencer James Robert Arthey, Henry Licming Lambourn, Stephen Robert Dimbylow, Alistair William Skuse
  • Patent number: 8468647
    Abstract: A surface treating head in the form of a floor tool for a vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a suction cavity and an outlet. The suction cavity includes first and second suction channels bounded on both sides by respective working edges. A fluid flow path extends from the first suction channel to the second suction channel and from there to the outlet. The plurality of suction channels permits effective pick-up of dirt, which may be further enhanced by an air duct, in the form of a slot, which draws air over some of the working edges. The invention permits a tool with a lower profile to be manufactured than would be achievable by providing separate flow paths between the respective channels and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Henry Licming Lambourn
  • Patent number: 8402604
    Abstract: A combined crevice tool and dusting brush includes a main body having a first end including a first suction inlet, a side wall including a second suction inlet, a second end including a discharge outlet and an internal air path. The combined tool and brush further includes a valve body that is received in that air path. The valve body includes a closed end, a discharge end including a discharge opening and a wall including a suction opening. The discharge opening is aligned with the discharge outlet. Further, the valve body is displaceable between two different operating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventor: Ryan T. Dant
  • Patent number: 8387207
    Abstract: A surface treating head includes a main body, a suction cavity in the main body including first and second suction channels, each of which is bounded on one side by a working edge, an air duct interposed between the first and second suction channels for conveying air towards the working edges, a brush unit and a drive mechanism for moving the brush unit between a stowed position in which the air duct is open to the atmosphere and a deployed position in which the air duct is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Robert Dimbylow, Alistair William Skuse, Spencer James Robert Arthey, Henry Licming Lambourn, Scott Andrew Maguire
  • Patent number: 8387206
    Abstract: A surface treating head includes a main body; a brush unit; and a drive mechanism for moving the brush unit relative to the main body between a stowed position and a deployed position. The drive mechanism includes a pressure chamber and a valve unit for varying the pressure within the chamber. The valve unit includes a housing, a valve located within the housing and, disposed on the housing, an actuator moveable relative to the housing through engagement with a surface to be treated for operating the valve and at least one surface engaging member extending downwardly beyond the actuator. The housing is moveable relative to the main body to maintain the surface engaging member in contact with the surface to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Spencer James Robert Arthey, Stephen Robert Dimbylow, Alistair William Skuse
  • Patent number: 8365351
    Abstract: Water slider for a floor cleaning machine 1, comprising a sliding unit 2 located in front of the brush unit 5 of the machine, characterized by actuating means 3, 6, 13; 3, 6?, 11, 12; 3, 6, 7; 3, 6, 7?; 3, 6, 7?; 3, 6?, 10; 3, 6?, 10?; 3, 6?, 10? for raising and lowering the sliding unit. The actuation of the water slider can be obtained in several ways: automatically via an actuating bar 3 which connects the sliding unit to the driving wheels of the machine mechanically and which raises/lowers the sliding unit on a forward/backward movement of the wheels; intuitively via a mechanical connection of the bar 3 to the steering handle 8 via a negative gear transmission; manually via an actuating lever 7; 7?; 7?; or by a powered mechanism 10; 10?; 10? which is steered by the electronics of the machine and which raises/lowers the water slider when the machine is moved forward/backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventor: Dieter Windmeisser
  • Patent number: 8250704
    Abstract: A suction nozzle assembly for a vacuum cleaner is provided. The suction nozzle assembly includes a suction nozzle assembly body, a hair collecting unit that is disposed on the suction nozzle assembly body, and an elevating unit for raising and lowering the hair collecting unit, wherein if the front of the suction nozzle assembly body contacts a wall, the elevating unit raises the hair collecting unit, and if the suction nozzle assembly body is separated from the wall, the elevating unit lowers down the hair collecting unit to a previous position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-hun Yoo
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8122562
    Abstract: An surface cleaning implement comprises a recovery tank and a suction nozzle in fluid communication with a recovery tank, a fan/turbine assembly including a turbine-driven suction fan for generating suction at the suction nozzle, which draws liquid and air into and through the accessory tool. A fluid dispensing assembly is disclosed for storing and distributing fluid to the surface to the cleaned. An agitator assembly can be moved from a use to a non-use orientation to alternately scrub the surface to the cleaned and to extract fluid from the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Krebs
  • Patent number: 8117714
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a hair collection assembly having a hair collection element adapted to collection hair from a surface. The hair collection assembly can be mounted to the cleaning head of the vacuum cleaner for movement between a use position in which the hair collection element is in contact with the surface and a second position in which the hair collection element in spaced from the surface. The hair collection element can further be configured to collect hair from the surface when the cleaning head is moved in a first direction and to not collect hair from the surface when the cleaning head is moved in a second direction. A method of removing hair from a surface is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Minh Nguyen, Steven J. Butkiewicz, Alan J. Krebs, George C. Moyher, Jr., Gary A. Kasper, Timothy S. Parker, Daniel M. Heidenga, Brandon Graham
  • Patent number: 8015662
    Abstract: A cleaning device is provided. The cleaning device may include a handle, an activation mechanism moveable between a first position and a second position by a user of the device, a hollow member having a suction opening at an end of the hollow member, an electrically powered motor configured to produce suction at the suction opening, and a bristle support member pivotable relative to the hollow member. The bristle support member may include a plurality of bristles attached thereto. The bristle support member may be operatively coupled to the activation mechanism. When the activation mechanism is in the first position, the bristle support member may be in a closed position adjacent to the suction opening of the hollow member and the plurality of bristles may be positioned to perform a sweeping function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Max Rosenzweig, Ognjen Vrdoljak
  • Patent number: 7987552
    Abstract: A floor care appliance is provided for cleaning bare surfaces such as tile, marble, linoleum and wood. The floor care appliance is comprised of a base portion having a suction nozzle and a brush block having a plurality of vertical axis rotary agitators for cleaning bare floors. The rotary agitators are driven by an independent motor for agitating the floor surface. With the addition of an accessory hose and tools, the cleaning utility can be expanded to areas wherein the suction nozzle cannot normally reach such as behind the toilet, shower walls, and the grout between tile. While used in the capacity for cleaning bare floors, the floor care appliance can be moved between three modes by a rotating a member located on the upper housing. The first mode is dry mode, the second mode is wet scrub mode and the third mode is wet pickup mode. The accessory tools are stored in an accessory caddy that is placed freestanding over the suction nozzle and in front of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Evan A. Gordon, Jeffery S. Louis, Kevin E. Scheifele, Jeffery A. Morgan, Brent L. Burchfield
  • Patent number: 7958595
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus having a cleaning system including at least one downwardly directed spray nozzle is supported by the chassis proximal the chassis forward end and in fluid communication with at least one cleaning solution tank. The at least one spray nozzle sprays cleaning solution from the tank onto the floor. At least one ground engaging agitation brush is disposed rearwardly of the at least one spray nozzle for agitating the cleaning solution sprayed onto the floor. At least one vacuum shoe is supported by the chassis rearwardly of the at least one agitation brush, and in fluid communication with the at least one recovery tank. Cleaning solution drawn into the vacuum shoe is deposited into the at least one recovery tank. In one embodiment, the apparatus is drivable. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a second cleaning system including a vacuum squeegee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Nilfisk-Advance, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean K. Goff
  • Patent number: 7934287
    Abstract: A cleaning implement having a dirt bin for collecting debris from a floor. The dirt bin has at least one of a cleaning sheet and/or air filter attached thereto, as presented to the user. This arrangement allows for more efficient disposal of debris from the dirt bin and soiled components. The dirt bin may be emptied and reused or may be discarded after a single use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Widalys Luz De Soto-Burt, Kerry Lloyd Weaver, Brian David Andres, Paul John Edward Vernon, Nicola John Policicchio, Brett Delainey
  • Patent number: 7908705
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bare floor cleaner capable of wet pickup through a first nozzle opening with the aid of a squeegee, wet scrubbing with an agitator, and dry pickup through a second nozzle opening. The bare floor cleaner comprises a dual-path nozzle assembly having a wet suction path in communication with the first nozzle opening and a dry suction path in communication with the second nozzle opening. A diverter valve selectively controls fluid communication between a suction source and one of the first and second nozzle openings for conversion between wet and dry modes. The bare floor cleaner further comprises a single actuator that controls the positions of the agitator and of the diverter valve. As a result, the cleaning mode of the bare floor cleaner can be controlled with a single switch that is preferably located on the handle assembly for convenient access by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel S. VanderBaan
  • Patent number: 7870638
    Abstract: A bare floor cleaner for wet and dry bare floor surfaces comprises a base with wet and dry suction nozzles and a handle pivotally connected to the base. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between each of the dry suction nozzle and the wet suction nozzle to a recovery tank is movable by movement of the handle between a dry suction position and a wet suction position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the wet suction nozzle and the dry suction nozzle, respectively, to the recovery tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Jansen
  • Patent number: 7870639
    Abstract: A spray extraction nozzle for taking in liquids which have been applied to a surface includes a suction duct which ends in a suction mouth, and a spray nozzle, as well as an adapter for working on surfaces which have different properties. The adapter is connected to the spray extraction nozzle through a pivot axis, and the adapter can be pivoted from a position of rest which is remote from the suction mouth to a position of operation in front of the suction mouth of the spray extraction nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Thomas Metall - und Elektrowerke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Paul Gerhard Thomas
  • Patent number: 7823250
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bare floor cleaner capable of wet pickup through a first nozzle opening with the aid of a squeegee, wet scrubbing with an agitator, and dry pickup through a second nozzle opening. The bare floor cleaner comprises a dual-path nozzle assembly having a wet suction path in communication with the first nozzle opening and a dry suction path in communication with the second nozzle opening. A diverter valve selectively controls fluid communication between a suction source and one of the first and second nozzle openings for conversion between wet and dry modes. The bare floor cleaner further comprises a single actuator that controls the positions of the agitator and of the diverter valve. As a result, the cleaning mode of the bare floor cleaner can be controlled with a single switch that is preferably located on the handle assembly for convenient access by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel S. Vander Baan
  • Patent number: 7640622
    Abstract: Floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment including a hydraulic system and adjustable linkages to allow a user to adjust particular features to suit the equipment for different applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Raymond E. Vankouwenberg
  • Patent number: 7467439
    Abstract: A suction attachment has a suction nozzle and is coupled to a suction channel of a vacuum cleaner by a coupling member. The coupling member is pivotable relative to the suction nozzle about a pivot axis which extends perpendicularly to a main displacement direction of the attachment. The suction nozzle has front and rear brushes. The suction nozzle also has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the two brushes between retracted and protruding positions relative to the bottom surface of the suction nozzle. The suction attachment further has a rolling member is arranged near the pivot axis. The pivot axis is arranged between the front brush and at least a portion of the rear brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Henk Lijzenga, Alexander Poul Splinter
  • Patent number: 7251856
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle for floors and carpets having a housing comprised of an upper part and a slide sole, a pivotable rocker located in the housing on a rear segment in working direction and an actuating lever to operate the rocker. Strip-shaped gasket elements are attached to the rocker, which are arranged in working direction in front of and behind a suction port formed into the slide sole and can be retracted and moved out of openings on the lower side of the housing with a pivoting movement of the rocker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Wessel-Werk GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Kaffenberger, Thomas Lind
  • Patent number: 7222393
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle has a housing with a plastic upper part, a slide sole and a gasket base pivotably arranged around an axis in the upper part of the housing. There is at least one strip-shaped gasket element that can be retracted and moved out with an adjusting movement of the gasket base at the lower side of the nozzle. The slide sole is fastened to the upper part of the housing with slip joints between pivot-shaped projections on the upper part and counter-elements formed on the slide sole. The gasket base is guided on at least one of the pivots formed by slip joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Wessel-Werk GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Kaffenberger, Thomas Lind
  • Patent number: 6862775
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle having a housing at which a pivoting terminal connecting piece is attached for connecting a guide suction pipe. A spoiler-shaped surface on at least one side of the nozzle housing, which protrudes over the contour of the nozzle housing and tapers to a point at its free end, eliminates the need to separately lift a loose rug to be able to clean at least the border region covered by the rug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Wilma Albert, Martin Jessenberger, Herbert Kess, Andreas Schlereth, Thomas Seith
  • Patent number: 6675438
    Abstract: A vacuum-cleaner floor head has a base plate formed with an elongated mouth through which air is aspirated, a frame vertically displaceable between a lower position and an upper position, and a plastic tube carried on the frame, engaging a floor underneath the head in the lower position, and clear of the floor in the upper position. The plastic tube is elastomerically compressible, surrounds the mouth, and is sufficiently firm to support the head off the floor without substantial deformation during normal back and forth stroking of the head on the floor in the lower position of the frame. The plastic tube has at least to a front side of the mouth a profiled lower surface formed with a plurality of alternating ridges and hollows so that in the lower position the ridges engage the floor and air can be aspirated through the hollows between the floor and the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Wessel-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Dilger, Hans-Joachim Steudtner, Dieter Kaffenberger
  • Patent number: 6640386
    Abstract: A floor cleaning device includes a base portion for movement along a surface. The base portion further includes a suction nozzle and a brush assembly driven by a brush motor for agitating the surface. The brush assembly includes a lifting mechanism for moving the brush assembly from a first position wherein the brush is off the surface to a second position wherein the brush assembly is on the surface. A switching assembly is responsive to the brush lifting mechanism to energize the brush motor when the brush assembly is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Morgan, Douglas E. Gerber, Robert W. Hecht, Charles A. Lang, Adam C. Sclafani, Kevin L. Thomas, Vincent L. Weber, Robert S. Wilson, Christopher J. Fawcett, Kam Hoi Ma, Tak On Yip
  • Patent number: 6588050
    Abstract: A floor cleaner for providing enhanced fluid application, scrubbing, and fluid extraction from floor surfaces. The floor cleaner includes a housing having a top and a bottom, and a front and a rear. A scrubbing system is provided for applying fluid to a floor surface and rubbing the floor surface. The scrubbing system has a lowered position for contacting the floor surface below the housing and a raised position for positioning the scrubbing system out of contact with the floor system. A vacuum system is provided for removing soiled fluid from the floor surface. Optionally included is an auxiliary cleaning assembly for applying and extracting fluids. The auxiliary cleaning assembly comprises a cleaning wand for applying fluid to and rubbing confined areas, and cleaning wand having first and second portions pivotally mounted together such that the second portion may be pivoted between a stored position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Michael D. Aiken
  • Publication number: 20030051308
    Abstract: An improved floor cleaning device comprises a base portion for movement along a surface and a handle portion pivotally connected to the base. The base portion further includes a suction nozzle and a brush assembly driven by a brush motor for agitating the surface. The brush assembly includes a lifting mechanism for moving the brush assembly from a first position wherein the brush is off the surface to a second position wherein the brush assembly is on the surface. A switching assembly is responsive to the brush lifting mechanism to energize the brush motor when the brush assembly is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Morgan, Douglas E. Gerber, Robert W. Hecht, Charles A. Lang, Adam C. Sclafani, Kevin L. Thomas, Vincent L. Weber, Robert S. Wilson, Christopher J. Fawcett, Kam Hoi Ma, Tak On Yip
  • Publication number: 20030051309
    Abstract: An improved floor cleaning device comprises a base portion for movement along a surface and a handle portion pivotally connected to the base. The base portion further includes a suction nozzle and a brush assembly for agitating the surface, wherein the brush assembly and the nozzle assembly are in a first position raised off of the surface for vacuuming said surface, and the nozzle assembly is lowered to a second position contacting the surface for collecting and picking up liquid and dirt from the surface. A method of cleaning a surface by first dry vacuuming the surface using a cleaning unit in which the nozzle assembly is raised to pick up particles and then wet vacuuming the floor with the nozzle assembly lowered to collect and pick up dirt from the floor mixed with cleaning solution distributed on the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Morgan, David A. Bradshaw, Douglas E. Gerber, Charles A. Lang, Adam C. Sclafani, Kevin L. Thomas, Vincent L. Weber, Robert S. Wilson, Siu Wai Hui, Wing Leung Ng
  • Patent number: 6514356
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is disclosed, comprising an upright section (12) and a base (14) with primary nozzle (18), and further including an edge cleaner (40). The edge cleaner includes a main body (46) and brushes (50). The edge cleaner is rotatably mounted to the vacuum cleaner base (14) through hole (41) by fastener (42) and receptacle (44), and preferably includes a vacuum inlet (48). The edge cleaner (40) has an operational position in which the edge cleaner extends beyond an edge of base (14) and is engaged with the floor; and a stowed position in which the brushes are lifted off the floor, the vacuum inlet is disconnected from the vacuum suction, and the edge cleaner resides in a recess (57) of the base (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Robert A. Vystrcil, Craig M. Saunders, Cynthia M. Caffoe
  • Publication number: 20020166193
    Abstract: An extraction cleaning apparatus including a base housing, a fluid recovery system including a tank having a fluid recovery chamber for holding recovered fluid, a working air conduit, an above floor accessory hose mounted at one end to the housing for optional above floor cleaning, and a unitary duct mounted to the housing and connected at a first end to the accessory hose one end and, at another end, connected to the working air conduit at an accessory hose inlet a conversion valve in the working air conduit between the suction nozzle and the accessory hose inlet to selectively connect the vacuum source to either the suction nozzle or to the accessory hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Gary A. Kasper
  • Patent number: 6473934
    Abstract: A suction attachment for a vacuum cleaner. The suction attachment comprises a foot, a suction opening extending in an imaginary plane, and a connection member for connecting the foot to a suction channel of the vacuum cleaner. The foot is provided with a brush, which is displaceable by means of an adjusting device from a first position, in which the brush is recessed in the suction opening, to a second position, in which the brush protrudes from the suction opening. The foot is rotatable with respect to the connection member about an axis of rotation, which extends substantially perpendicularly to the imaginary plane, from a first position to at least a second position, and the adjusting device includes a coupling member by means of which the brush is coupled to the connection member, the coupling member holding the brush in its first position, in the first position of the foot, and the coupling member holding the brush in its second position, in the second position of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Henk Lijzenga
  • Patent number: 6421874
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a handle pivotally mounted to a nozzle assembly. An agitator is received in an agitator cavity formed in the nozzle assembly. A suction fan and suction fan drive motor are carried on the housing. An edge cleaning brush is pivotally mounted to the nozzle assembly along a lateral edge of the nozzle assembly adjacent the agitator cavity. The brush includes a body having a series of apertures for receiving cleaning bristles and a pair of opposed mounting lugs. The edge cleaning brush is received in a recess with the mounting lugs held in a pair of opposed mounting openings in the nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Corporation of America
    Inventor: Michael J. McCormick
  • Publication number: 20020083552
    Abstract: A vacuum-cleaner floor head has a base plate formed with an elongated mouth through which air is aspirated, a frame vertically displaceable between a lower position and an upper position, and a seal strip carried on the frame, engaging a floor underneath the head in the lower position, and clear of the floor in the upper position. The strip is elastomerically compressible, surrounds the mouth, and is sufficiently firm to support the head off the floor without substantial deformation during normal back and forth stroking of the head on the floor in the lower position of the frame. The strip has at least to a front side of the mouth a profiled lower surface formed with a plurality of alternating ridges and hollows so that in the lower position the ridges engage the floor and air can be aspirated through the hollows between the floor and the strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: WESSEL-WERK GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Dilger, Hans-Joachim Steudtner, Dieter Kaffenberger
  • Patent number: 6385811
    Abstract: A suction head for floor vacuum cleaners has a unitary plastic housing (1) containing a suction channel (2), and a bottom plate (7) arranged on the underside of the housing and having a suction mouth (13). The suction mouth adjoins a vertically aligned, box-shaped connection element (14) of the suction channel and feeds into a bottom channel (15) of the bottom plate (7). The bottom plate (7) is pivot-mounted both on the connection element (14) of the suction channel and also at the end side on the inner surfaces of the plastic housing (1). For this purpose, the box-shaped connection element (14) contains transverse bridges (17) that define the suction channel laterally and which have bottom edges designed as bearing surfaces (18) rounded in a curved manner. The bottom plate (7) is supported on the curved, rounded support surfaces (18) of the connection element (14), and rotatably interlocked with the wall surfaces of the connection element (14) extending parallel with the transverse bridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Wessel-Werk GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Dilger, Dieter Kaffenberger, Thomas Lind, Hans-Joachim Steudtner
  • Publication number: 20020017006
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suction attachment (9) for a vacuum cleaner. The suction attachment comprises a foot (11), a suction opening (15) extending in an imaginary plane (13), and a connection member (23) for connecting the foot to a suction channel (17) of the vacuum cleaner. The foot is provided with a brush (67, 69), which is displaceable by means of an adjusting device from a first position, in which the brush is recessed in the suction opening, to a second position, in which the brush protrudes from the suction opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Henk Lijzenga
  • Publication number: 20010042282
    Abstract: Universal nozzle to be used in connection with general known vacuum cleaners and the like, with or without washing devices, to clean floors with different floorings, including carpets, textiles and the like. The nozzle is provided with one or more cylindrical rollers, (FIG. 1 and FIG. 2), so suspended and so designed, by means of free wheeling bearings, so the rollers freely can revolve around their own axis, when the nozzle (14) is moved in one direction, but where the rollers are blocked, when moved in the opposite direction. Hair, thread and other foreign materials are thereby assembled in an oblong cylindrical cushion, easy to evacuate. The rollers can be provided with outside linings of different kind, for instance as a rubber roller, (FIG. 1), or as a brush roller, (FIG. 2). The rollers can be suspended in an activation device (7) and (10), making it possible to activate one or more of the rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Jorgen Sjogreen
  • Patent number: 6076228
    Abstract: A floor cleaner is provided including a housing having a grip extending from a top portion thereof for gripping purposes. Also included is a scrub assembly mounted on a bottom portion of the housing for cleaning a floor. Next provided is a vacuum port mounted on the bottom portion of the housing and connected to a recovery tank for suctioning water from the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Michael D. Aiken
  • Patent number: 6065182
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction cleaning device which provides liquid dispensing, scrubbing, squeegeeing, and suction drying in a single, compact, self contained device. The suction cleaning device includes a cleaning device housing, a handle connected to the housing, an absorbent cleaning member mounted on the housing and movable between an extended and a retracted position, and a pair of squeegee blades. The device includes a suction system which draws the water from the floor surface which has been cleaned into a tank mounted on the housing which collects the liquid from the floor surface. A clean water bottle is provided on the housing for delivering cleaning liquid to the floor and a rechargeable battery power source provides power to the suction motor. The cleaning device is compact and lightweight and leaves the floor in a substantially dry state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Laurie M. Shumaker, Craig M. Saunders, Joseph Lazzara, Mark Cipolla, Glenn E. Specht, Richard C. Farone, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Terry L. Zahuranec
  • Patent number: 6029311
    Abstract: A vacuum assisted broom for sweeping floors having a sweeping member, preferably in the form of a plurality of stiff bristles, for bi-directional sweeping of the floor. The sweeping member is operatively mounted within a housing member, which housing member partially encloses the sweeping member within its hollow interior such that the bristles depend from the housing member through a first opening. A handle member is securely attached to the housing member and extends upwardly therefrom. The sweeping member has bristles which are extended such that the broom may be used as a conventional broom, and as a vacuum pick-up. An electrical switch is actuated so as to turn on a suction means that is operatively connected to the interior of the housing member, thus to create a partial vacuum, at the first opening of the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventors: Iberio E. Scanni, Nino V. Scanni
  • Patent number: 6009594
    Abstract: In a cleaning head (10) of the kind having agitating means (26) engageable with a surface to be cleaned for agitating cleaning liquid thereon, and collecting means (25) for collection of liquid from the surface by suction, the agitating means (26) and collection means (25) are relatively movable such that one or the other is selectively prominently engaged with the surface being cleaned. In a preferred arrangement the agitating means (26) is movable relative to a housing (11) of the cleaning head while the collecting means (25) is fixed in position relative to the housing (11). Cleaning liquid is delivered to the agitating means through a passage (45) which is closed by a pad (70) at the upper side of the agitating means (26) when the latter is in its raised position. Movement of the agitating means (26) between its raised and lowered positions is controlled by means of a foot pedal (65).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Vax Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Grey
  • Patent number: 6000088
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction cleaning device which provides liquid dispensing, scrubbing, squeegeeing, and suction drying in a single, compact, self contained device. The suction cleaning device includes a cleaning device housing, a handle connected to the housing, an absorbent cleaning member mounted on the housing and movable between an extended and a retracted position, and a pair of squeegee blades. The device includes a suction system which draws the water from the floor surface which has been cleaned into a tank mounted on the housing which collects the liquid from the floor surface. A clean water bottle is provided on the housing for delivering cleaning liquid to the floor and a rechargeable battery power source provides power to the suction motor. The cleaning device is compact and lightweight and leaves the floor in a substantially dry state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Laurie M. Shumaker, Craig M. Saunders, Joseph Lazarra, Mark Cipolla, Glenn E. Specht, Richard C. Farone, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Terry L. Zahuranec
  • Patent number: 5924167
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction cleaning device which provides liquid dispensing, scrubbing, squeegeeing, and suction drying in a single, compact, self contained device. The suction cleaning device includes a cleaning device housing, a handle connected to the housing, an absorbent cleaning member mounted on the housing and movable between an extended and a retracted position, and a pair of squeegee blades. The device includes a suction system which draws the water from the floor surface which has been cleaned into a tank mounted on the housing which collects the liquid from the floor surface. A clean water bottle is provided on the housing for delivering cleaning liquid to the floor and a rechargeable battery power source provides power to the suction motor. The cleaning device is compact and lightweight and leaves the floor in a substantially dry state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Laurie M. Shumaker, Craig M. Saunders, Joseph Lazarra, Mark Cipolla, Glenn E. Specht, Richard C. Farone, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Terry L. Zahuranec
  • Patent number: 5722112
    Abstract: A vacuum assisted broom for sweeping floors having a sweeping member, preferably in the form of a plurality of stiff bristles, for bi-directional sweeping of the floor. The sweeping member is operatively mounted within a housing member, which housing member partially encloses the sweeping member within its hollow interior such that the bristles depend from the housing member through a first opening. A handle member is securely attached to the housing member and extends upwardly therefrom. The sweeping member is moveable between a first extended position the bristles are extended sufficiently that the broom may be used as a conventional broom, and a second retracted position where the sweeping member is substantially retracted into the housing member, with only a short end portion of the bristles extending outwardly from the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventors: Iberio E. Scanni, Nino V. Scanni
  • Patent number: 5652997
    Abstract: An auxiliary suction tool for a vacuum cleaner comprises a main body having an elongated flattened tubular shape. One end of the body is connected to a vacuum cleaner hose, and the other end thereof is terminated in a flattened air intake opening. Each flat side of the body has a guide slot and a plurality of engaging aperatures. Selectively inserted into the flattened air intake opening is a pair of brush attachment frame with brushes having a fixed length on one end thereof. Each brush attachment frame has a guide member slided along the guide slot of the body and a semi-spherical projection selectively engaged with one of the aperature of the body, respectively, selectively adjusting the brush length depending on the desired cleaning purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Woon-Hee Na
  • Patent number: 5625920
    Abstract: A cleaning tool is disclosed that includes a brush unit having bristles that is positionable in each of a selected one of a cleaning position and a storage position. In the cleaning position, the brush bristles contact the surface being cleaned using the tool. In the storage position, the brush bristles face in a different direction from the cleaning position and do not contact any surface being cleaned. The tool includes an attachment member for receiving the brush unit. In order to change the position of the brush unit, it is removed from remaining parts of the tool and rotated or otherwise changed in position before re-joining it to the attachment member. In changing between cleaning and storage positions, the ends of the brush unit are disposed at opposite ends of the attachment member. Preferably, the cleaning tool includes a spray control assembly for controlling the spraying of a liquid cleaner during use of the cleaning tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick M. Bores, Dan Venard, Michael Guest
  • Patent number: 5621946
    Abstract: A suction tube mounted with an auxiliary brush of a vacuum cleaner separates coupled extension pipes from each other while projecting the auxiliary brush from the suction tube, and couples the extension pipes with each other while retreating the auxiliary brush from the preceding end of the suction tube which includes the first extension pipe, second extension pipe and auxiliary brush slidably mounted to the outer periphery of the first extension pipe in the lengthwise direction. The auxiliary brush is biased toward the front side of the first extension pipe by a biasing member and retreats toward the rear side of the first extension pipe by a retracting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nam-Ho Lee