Handle Features, E.g., Limit Stops Or Storage Locks Patents (Class 15/410)
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Patent number: 7503097Abstract: Traveling equipment for a cleaner comprises: a traveling motor mounted to a cleaner head part and for generating a normal torque and a reverse torque; a traveling shaft penetrated and coupled to the traveling motor and supplied with the torque of the traveling motor; traveling wheels coupled to both sides of the traveling shaft; an operation mode selection means for selectively regulating the automatic back and forth operation function and manual function; a control means for outputting a control signal upon receiving a signal selected by the operation mode selection means; and a driving means for driving the traveling motor upon receiving the control signal of the control means. By this, the user's convenience is raised and the simplicity of the components is acquired.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sang-Young Kim, Jun-Young Lim, Yong-Won Choi
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Publication number: 20090056065Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes an upper body with a handle, a base unit and a carriage configured to move the base unit on the surface. The carriage includes a wheel disposed in a rear portion of the base unit. A motor-fan unit is disposed in the base unit and configured to create a partial vacuum at the surface. A tilting joint provides for relative tilting between the upper body and the base unit. The tilting joint has a pivot axis extending in a horizontal direction when the vacuum cleaner is in a position of use. The wheel is mounted on a pivotable carrier member, which has a pivot axle that is spaced apart from a rotatable axle of the wheel. A pivoting mechanism is disposed on the tilting joint in a vicinity of the carrier member and is configured to pivot the carrier member and the wheel during a pivoting movement of the upper body relative to the base unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: Miele & Cie. KGInventor: Christian Finke
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Publication number: 20090056063Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes an upper body with a dust collection container received therein, and a base unit. A carriage is configured to provide movement of the base unit on the surface. A motor-fan unit is disposed in the base unit and configured to provide a partial vacuum at the surface. The upper body is connected to the base unit by a tilting joint such that the upper body and base unit are tiltable relative to each other about a tilt axis extending horizontally when the upright vacuum cleaner is in a position of use. An air conduit is disposed rotatably with respect to the motor-fan unit and communicates with a suction side of the motor-fan unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: Miele & Cie. KGInventor: Michael Poetting
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Publication number: 20090056058Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes an upper body having a dust collection container disposed therein, a base unit and a carriage configured to move the base unit on the surface. A tilting joint is disposed between the base unit and the upper body. The tilting joint is operable to provide tilting of the upper body relative to the base unit about a horizontal axis from a vertical parked position to an inclined tilted operating position. A swivel joint is disposed between the base unit and the upper body. The swivel joint is operable to provide a change in a direction of travel of the base unit by twisting the upper body. A rotation-locking device is configured to lock the upper body against rotation when the vacuum cleaner is in the parked position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: Miele & Cie. KGInventors: Christian Finke, Michael Poetting
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Publication number: 20090056064Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes an upper body with a dust collection container disposed therein, a base unit and a carriage configured to provide movement of the base unit on the surface. A tilting joint connects the upper body and base unit. The tilting joint is configured to provide relative tilting between the upper body and the base unit about a tilting axis extending horizontally when the upright vacuum cleaner is in a position of use. At least one cover configured to cover a clearance in a vicinity of the tilting joint between the upper body and the base unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: Miele & Cie. KGInventors: Christian Finke, Michael Poetting
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Publication number: 20090056057Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes an upper body having a dust collection container received therein, a base unit and a carriage configured to provide movement of the base unit on the surface. A motor-fan unit is disposed in the base unit and configured to create a partial vacuum at the surface. A rigid, yoke-shaped duct member provides at least a portion of an air path from the base unit to the upper body. The yoke-shaped duct member supports the upper body such that the upper body is pivotable relative to the base unit about a tilt axis extending horizontally when the upright vacuum cleaner is in a position of use.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: Miele & Cie. KGInventor: Michael Poetting
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Publication number: 20090038112Abstract: A handle assembly for a cleaning appliance includes a slidably extendible wand and a connecting portion that includes a first locking arrangement releasably securing the handle assembly to the main body of the cleaning appliance, a second locking arrangement releasably locking the wand in a pre-determined position with respect to the connecting portion and an actuator. The actuator is adapted and arranged to move the first and second locking arrangements between locked and unlocked positions. The first locking arrangement is movable independently of the actuator. This arrangement allows a single actuator to be operated by a user to unlock both the first and second locking arrangements simultaneously. However, because the first locking arrangement can move independently of the second locking arrangement, it is possible to secure the handle assembly to the main body of the cleaning appliance while keeping the wand in a locked position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: DYSONN TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventor: Ralph Michael WOOD
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Publication number: 20090038111Abstract: A cleaning appliance includes a main body, a handle assembly and a hose. The handle assembly includes a tube and a gripping portion fixedly attached thereto. The hose has one end attached to the main body. The tube is movable relative to the main body between a stored position in which at least a part of the tube lies within the hose and an extended position in which the gripping portion can be used to manipulate the cleaning appliance in use. By providing such an arrangement, the handle assembly and the hose can be stored compactly. When the user wishes to store the cleaning appliance, the tube can be retracted inside the hose for storage. When the tube is extended, the gripping portion is at a convenient height to be manipulated by a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventors: William Robert James WHITE, Tom Vallance Hamilton CRAWFORD
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Publication number: 20090031526Abstract: A handle arrangement on a vacuum cleaner hose has an inner bushing non-rotatably attached to one end of the hose and is inserted in a handle tube and axially fixed therein such that it can rotate. Electrical leads are guided outwards from the hose and the inner bushing in a radial direction through a wall opening of the handle tube and into the cavity of a handle part. The handle part is firmly connected at both ends to the handle tube. The electrical leads are fixed so as to form a length reserve loop in the cavity. A receiving space is provided on the inner bushing, into which electrical leads from the length reserve loop are shifted when relative rotations take place between the hose and the handle tube. The possible rotation angle is delimited by stops according to the lead length available in the length reserve loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Georg Peter Linhart, Christian Norbert Linhart
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Publication number: 20080301903Abstract: Handle has status indicators viewable by operator while viewing location being cleaned and using handle in ordinary cleaning position, and light illuminating location being cleaned. Indicators are LED lamps. Light is an LED lamp. Microphone senses particles and illuminates an indicator. Indicators and light are provided in a housing section that forms part of a housing for handle. Housing section may be integrated with the remainder of the housing, or may be unit that fits into remainder of housing. Light has central axis generally parallel, within approximately five degrees from parallel, with cleaning axis of handle. Indicators each have a central axis generally parallel, within approximately 5 degrees from parallel, with cleaning axis of handle. The indicators have limited beam angle. Indicator viewable over grasping section of handle from towards distal end of handle. The cleaner may be a vacuum cleaner, which may be a central vacuum cleaner.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2005Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: Cube Investments LimitedInventors: James Vern Cunningham, Paul Charlebois, Tasneem Babul Rayani, Paul Arato
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Publication number: 20080282499Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a floor-engaging portion provided with a first air inlet, an upright portion pivotally connected at its lower end to the floor-engaging portion, a handle upstanding from the upper end of the upright portion, a first or lower end of the handle being detachably engaged with an socket on the upright portion of the cleaner, a rigid tubular duct extending along the handle from a second air inlet at the lower end of the handle to an outlet disposed remote from that end of the handle, and a flexible hose connected to the outlet on the handle. The rigid tubular duct has, at the first end of the handle, an elongate portion which has either a transverse dimension or a cross-sectional area which is substantially uniform over its length.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2005Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: HOOVER LIMITEDInventors: Euan Skinner Macleod, Christopher Richard Henderson, Ross Richardson
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Publication number: 20080250602Abstract: A handle assembly for a cleaning appliance includes a handle portion and a tubular wand having an open end configured to receive tools or other accessories when the cleaning appliance is in use. The handle assembly also includes a wand cap which is movable between a first position in which the wand cap covers the open end of the tubular wand and a second position in which the open end of the tubular wand is not covered by the wand cap. The wand cap is releasably connected to the handle portion or the tubular wand in a snap-fit manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2005Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventor: Sarah Helen Liddell
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Publication number: 20080244860Abstract: A handle assembly for a cleaning appliance such as a vacuum cleaner includes a flexible hose having a first end that is connectable to a main body of the cleaning appliance and a second end, a handle portion for maneuvering the handle assembly during use and a tubular wand. The second end of the flexible hose is connected to handle portion, and the tubular wand is slidably mounted in the handle portion so as to be movable between a first position in which the tubular wand extends beyond the handle portion inside the flexible hose and a second position in which the tubular wand extends beyond the handle portion away from the flexible hose.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2005Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventors: Peter David Gammack, Andrew McCulloch, Benjamin John Strutt, Sarah Helen Liddell, William Robert James White
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Patent number: 7411133Abstract: A cord management system operable to reduce or eliminate various forces exerted on a vacuum cleaner power cord. The system includes a swiveling strain relief incorporated into the vacuum handle and collars, used to connect sections of dirty air conduit, having exterior portions that enable the power cord to be retained in a secure manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Oreck Holdings LLCInventors: Charles Jeff Morgan, Christopher M. Paterson, Steven Philip Irby, Paul A. Moshenrose
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Patent number: 7406743Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a handle unit for a vacuum cleaner. The handle unit for the vacuum cleaner for controlling a cleaner body of the vacuum cleaner includes a handle body of the vacuum cleaner; and a supporting unit projected from one side of the handle body, the supporting unit holding an accessory brush, wherein the supporting unit and the handle body is molded in a single piece by the injection molding process.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Inventors: Tae-Gwang Kim, Jeong-Hee Cho
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Publication number: 20080178420Abstract: Several embodiments of an upright surface cleaning apparatus are disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus has a first cyclonic cleaning stage and comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the upright surface cleaning apparatus. A support member is mounted to the surface cleaning head. A mounting member mounted to the support member. At least one of a first cleaning stage of the upright surface cleaning apparatus and a suction motor is mounted directly or indirectly to the mounting member. A suction motor is provided in the fluid flow path.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
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Publication number: 20080172825Abstract: A rotary brush cleaning device including a wheel configured to rotate in a direction based on a direction the rotary brush cleaning device is propelled, a brush element configured to rotate in an opposite direction of the wheel when the rotary brush cleaning device is propelled, a cover configured to enclose a top part of the wheel and the brush element, and a handle that is configured to provide a location for a user to propel the rotary brush cleaning device. A rotary brush cleaning system is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2008Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventor: Scot H. Weiss
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Patent number: 7398579Abstract: An ergonomic appliance handle is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The appliance handle includes a base adapted to be affixed to a handle portion of an appliance, a handle grip, and a pivot device for pivotally attaching the handle grip to the base. The pivot device is positioned at a first location on the base. The pivot device allows the handle grip to pivot on the base between at least two pivoting positions. The appliance handle further includes a pivot restraint device for removably latching the handle grip in a closed position of the at least two pivoting positions. The pivot restraint device is positioned at a second location on the base that is spaced-apart from the first location.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2004Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLCInventor: Paul A. Moshenrose
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Patent number: 7383609Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner is provided that includes a main body containing a filtering device that filters out foreign materials entrained in sucked air, a suction nozzle device connected to a lower portion of the main body to be pivoted on a first joint portion, so as to suck the air with the entrained foreign materials and guide the sucked air into the main body, and a handle that is connected to an upper portion of the main body to be pivoted on a second joint portion. The handle is provided with a third joint portion in the middle of the handle so that the handle may be folded at certain angles, and grasped by a user in use. The main body, the suction nozzle device, and the handle are connected to one another through the three joint portions in various configurations and at different angles so that users having various physical conditions may conveniently use the vacuum cleaner in various manners.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Heon-Pyeong Ji
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Patent number: 7383608Abstract: A vacuum-cleaner suction tool includes a sucking portion for sucking up dust on a surface to be cleaned, a joint portion having one end connected to the upper side of the sucking portion and the other end provided with a connection pipe, and an agitator disposed within the sucking portion for scraping dust off the surface. The opening, the joint portion, and the connection pipe each have a channel portion allowing sucked-up dust to pass therethrough. The joint portion is configured to be turnable, relative to the sucking portion, in a horizontal direction substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned to such an extent that the longitudinal central axis of the sucking portion becomes substantially parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the connection pipe, whereby the forward end of the sucking portion, from left to right, can be brought into close contact with wall surfaces so that dust liable to collect in corners can be fully sucked up.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Odachi, Hideo Okubo, Saburo Kajikawa, Tetsuo Imai
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Patent number: 7377007Abstract: A multi-use, dual power mode vacuum cleaner (10) that can be used as an upright vacuum cleaner or as a portable, hand-carried vacuum cleaner comprises a detachable vacuum module (16) selectively mounted to an upright handle assembly (12). The detachable vacuum module (16) includes a motor and fan assembly (64) for creating a working air flow, a particle separator (48) for separating dirt form the working air flow and a portable power source (104) for providing power to the motor and fan assembly (64). The particle separator can be a cyclone separator (48) or a bag separator.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Bissell Homecare, Inc.Inventor: Michael F. Best
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Publication number: 20080115318Abstract: A vacuum having a container and a cover coupled to the container. The coupled cover and container define an interior space communicating with an inlet and an outlet. A fan is fluidly disposed between the inlet and the outlet and a motor is operable to rotationally drive the fan, wherein rotation of the fan creates a fluid flow from the inlet, through the interior space, and out the outlet. A frame supports the container and a handle coupled to the frame is moveable between a use position and a stowed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventors: Katherine E. Phelan, Kathy E. DiPasquale, Stuart J. Wright, Brian Horigan
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Patent number: 7373690Abstract: A floor cleaning device having a base assembly and an operating handle selectively movable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The operating handle has a lower handle connected to the base assembly and an upper handle connected to the lower handle. The lower handle is pivotally connected to the base assembly and the upper handle is pivotally connected to the lower handle. The handle is moved to the collapsed position by folding the lower handle downward relative to the base assembly and folding the upper handle relative to the lower handle. The base occupies a floor space defined by an outer periphery of the base assembly, and the lower and upper handles are positioned above the base assembly and do not extend laterally and longitudinally a substantial distance from the outer periphery of the base assembly when the operating handle is moved to the collapsed position.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc.Inventors: Arnie Sepke, Randall Sandlin, Vince Bobrosky, Bill Reimer
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Patent number: 7363681Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to one of the base portion and handle. A recovery tank is removably mounted to the handle. A suction nozzle is secured to the base portion. A suction source is located downstream of the recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A suction conduit is fluidly connected between the recovery tank and the suction source.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Healthy Gain Investments Ltd.Inventors: Michael A. Durbin, Andrew C. Budd, Timothy T. Hertrick, Charles A. Lang, Bruce C. Straslicka, William H. Theiss, Jr.
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Patent number: 7353564Abstract: An attachment for portable power and suction units, including a long control tube having a length to extend from a floor to adjacent shoulder height of a standing user and a vacuum head formed from a length of tube having a slot in one side and with the ends of the slot closed; and a flexible connection between the interior of the vacuum head and the interior of a control tube to be connected to a portable power and suction unit while allowing limited pivoting of the long control tube in the plane of the slot and normal to a bottom of the vacuum head.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Inventor: Robert Wertz
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Patent number: 7350267Abstract: A wand for a domestic appliance (e.g., vacuum cleaner) includes a plurality of tubes which are dimensioned to telescope inside one another. Each tube is associated with a securing mechanism for securing the tube in an extended position with respect to another of the tubes. Adjacent securing mechanisms are positioned on their respective tubes such that, when the tubes are retracted, one securing mechanism presses against another to release the other securing mechanism. Thus, a user does not need to separately operate each securing mechanism when extending the wand. Also, the tubes automatically secure themselves in an extended position with respect to one another. A hook on the widest tube cooperates with a collar on the narrowest tube to retain the tubes in a stored position.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2002Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Dyson Technology LimitedInventor: Nicholas Alexander Evans
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Patent number: 7350261Abstract: An accessory support for an upright type vacuum cleaner, the upright type vacuum cleaner comprising a cleaner body, a suction brush formed adjacent a lower part of the cleaner body, and a handle engaged with the cleaner body, the accessory support comprising: a hanger attached to a connecting part between the handle and the cleaner body; and a support bracket detachably attached to the hanger, and having a mounting part on which the accessory is removably mounted.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byung-jo Lee, Yun-hee Park
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Patent number: 7350266Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner has a locking to selectively restrain the pivoting of a handle assembly when the handle assembly is pivoted to be in a right angle with respect to a base. The locking device includes a locking portion disposed at a side of the base, a locking protrusion movably disposed at the handle assembly and selectively moving between a locking position where the locking protrusion contacts with the locking portion and an unlocking position where the locking protrusion releases out of the locking portion, and a pedal member pivotably disposed at the handle assembly to move the locking protrusion. As the pedal member is disposed at the handle assembly, the size of the base can be reduced and the manipulation of the pedal member becomes easy.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung-seon Park, Hyung-il Jeon
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Patent number: 7331082Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to a side of the handle. A recovery tank is removably mounted to the opposite side of the handle. A suction nozzle is secured to the base portion. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: The Hoover CompanyInventors: Timothy T. Hertrick, David J. Boles, Michael A. Durbin, Jonathan E. Fawcett, Gary M. Johns, Charles A. Lang, Richard S. Parr, Ryan S. Steiner, William H. Theiss, Jr., Donald R. Wright, Paul E. Volkmann
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Patent number: 7320150Abstract: A broom (20) which permits picking up dust and disposing of said dust while standing up. The broom (20) comprises an aspiration canal (24) in the broom brush (22), reaching an aspiration tubing situated inside the broom handle (26). The aspiration tubing is ended by a removable cap (28). A motor (34) is situated alongside the tubing and permits the aspiration of air through the aspiration canal and aspiration tubing by an opening (32) along the tubing side. The opening is made of a semi permeable membrane (38) which allows air to exit the tube while keeping dust inside. The broom inside tubing comprises means to keep the dust inside the tubing, so the dust does not fall out through the bottom of the tubing. After the broom operator has finished aspiring the dust inside the broom handle, he may remove the cap, turn the broom upside down, and empty the dust into. All this without bending down.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventor: Pierre Stewart
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Patent number: 7313845Abstract: An upright type cleaner comprises: a body provided with a handgrip at an upper side thereof; a suction head positioned at a lower side of the body and hinge-connected to the body, for sucking dust and foreign materials of a floor; and a power ON/OFF unit disposed between the body and the suction head for turning off a power when the body is uprighted and turning on the power when the body is inclined. According to this, the power is automatically turned on without a user's additional handle at the time of performing a cleaning and the power is automatically turned off at the time of completing the cleaning, thereby increasing the user's convenience.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Hyeun Sik Nam
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Patent number: 7296322Abstract: A hose connection assembly for a vacuum cleaner comprises a flexible hose having one end connected to the dust-collecting chamber, a hose holder connected to the other end of the flexible hose and removably connected to a connection part of the suction brush, and a handle mounted on the hose holder to assist in connecting and disconnecting the hose holder with respect to the connection part. A mounting portion having a circumferential bead is preferably formed on an outer circumference of the hose holder to mount the handle therein, and the handle is rotatably mounted on the mounting portion. The handle comprises a fixing portion shaped as a cylinder and is mounted on the mounting portion, and a holding portion protruding from one side of the fixing portion in a perpendicular direction, and the fixing portion has a larger diameter than the mounting portion, thereby providing rotatability about the mounting portion through 360°.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronisc Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jung-seon Park
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Patent number: 7281298Abstract: An upright-type vacuum cleaner having an improved, foldable handle structure to reduce the amount of storage space required when the cleaner is not in use. The upright vacuum cleaner is provided with a handle that is hinged at a pivot point to enable the handle to rotate relative to the cleaner body. A locking unit locks and releases the handle in at least one user-desired position.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Myoung-sun Joung, Byung-jo Lee, Joo-sung Moon, Dae-yeoun Moon
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Publication number: 20070209152Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a housing having a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. A suction inlet is provided on the nozzle assembly. A dirt collection vessel, a suction generator and a wand receiver are carried on the housing. The cleaning wand assembly includes a telescoping subassembly, including two telescoping wand sections, and a handle subassembly including a third wand section.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2007Publication date: September 13, 2007Inventors: Alan T. Pullins, James Todd Crouch, Michael L. Fry, Eric J. Streciwilk
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Publication number: 20070169306Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a handle unit for a vacuum cleaner. The handle unit for the vacuum cleaner for controlling a cleaner body of the vacuum cleaner includes a handle body of the vacuum cleaner; and a supporting unit projected from one side of the handle body, the supporting unit holding an accessory brush, wherein the supporting unit and the handle body is molded in a single piece by the injection molding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: Tae-Gwang Kim, Jeong-Hee Cho
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Patent number: 7219390Abstract: A portable surface cleaner comprises a cleaner base and an upright handle assembly pivotably connected to the cleaner base. A lower portion of the handle comprises an upper, pivot section and a lower, base section joined by a horizontal pivot axis so that the pivot section can rotate downwardly to fold against the base section to form a compact configuration for packaging, shipment, and display and pivot upwardly for assembly of the upright handle assembly prior to use.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Johnson, Kevin S. Breuker
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Patent number: 7194784Abstract: A floor care apparatus has a handle, connected to a hose, that pivots about an axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a terminal end of the hose. In this manner, the hose experiences less mechanical stress during use and, when embodied on a canister vacuum cleaner, a nozzle assembly connected to the handle has less tendency to tip over. Preferably, the hose has a cuff mounted at the terminal end with a hose insert therein. The hose insert has two stub shafts on opposing sides of an opening that form a journal defining the handle pivoting axis. The handle has two mating sections that clamshell about the journal and pinch it in place. Each mating section has a bearing surface for receipt of the journal and, when embodied as a cylinder, terminal ends of the journal become inserted therein.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North AmericaInventors: Chad D. Overvaag, James T. Crouch
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Patent number: 7188388Abstract: A multi-use vacuum cleaner capable of use as an upright vacuum or as a detachable vacuum module further comprising a cyclonic dirt separator has a detachable vacuum module selectively mounted to the base and support member of an upright vacuum cleaner. The vacuum module includes the vacuum motor, motor driven fan, cyclonic dirt separator and hose. The vacuum cleaner may be operated as an upright vacuum, or alternatively, the module can be separated from the base assembly and may be used independently of and at a great distance from the base assembly for a wide variety of cleaning purposes.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventors: Michael F. Best, Douglas J. Medema, David E. McDowell
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Patent number: 7171724Abstract: An electric cleaning apparatus (10) having a suction body (11), which is provided at one end with a suction aperture (13) connected to a suction drive member arranged inside the suction body (11), and to which a terminal suction element (32) is able to be selectively associated. The electric cleaning apparatus (10) includes tubular members (16, 21) pivoted on the suction body (11) and able to be selectively rotated with respect to the latter in order to define a first operating configuration, wherein the tubular members (16, 21) are arranged on the opposite side with respect to the suction aperture (13) in order to function as a remote handgrip for the suction body (11), and a second operating configuration, wherein the tubular members (16, 21) cooperate with the suction aperture (13) in order to function as an extension for the terminal suction element (32).Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: De' Longhi SpAInventors: Rodolfo Follegot, Francesca Cester
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Patent number: 7159271Abstract: A wet extraction floor cleaning device having a base assembly adapted for movement on a surface being cleaned, an operating handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, a supply tank having a supply tank outlet, and a recovery tank having a recovery tank inlet and a recovery tank outlet. The base assembly has an inlet nozzle that extends from an inlet slit proximal the surface being cleaned to a nozzle outlet. The device further includes a fluid deposition assembly that can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the supply tank outlet, a vacuum source, and first and second external pockets. The supply and recovery tanks are adapted to be selectively placed in the first and second external pockets, thereby placing the supply tank outlet in fluid communication with the fluid deposition system, the recovery tank inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet, and the recovery tank outlet in fluid communication with the vacuum source inlet.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Electrolux Home Care Products Ltd.Inventors: Arnie Sepke, Randall Sandlin, Vince Bobrosky, Bill Reimer
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Patent number: 7140067Abstract: A household appliance, particularly a vacuum cleaner, has a housing of rigid material and formed with at least two interconnected housing parts and a handle that is also made of a rigid material. The household appliance is rendered especially rigid and the risk of losing grip of the handle of the appliance is reduced by integrating the handle into a stiffening element that is disposed at the intersection of the housing parts and by providing the handle with a cover that is made of a softer material.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Wilma Albert, Herbert Kess, Sebastian Räder, Andreas Schlereth, Jörg Schröter, Thomas Seith
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Patent number: 7062816Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid dispensing system including at least one fluid supply tank, a dispensing nozzle connected to the fluid supply tank through a fluid supply conduit for applying a cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, a fluid recovery tank for holding recovered fluid, a suction nozzle, a working air conduit extending between the recovery tank and the suction nozzle, a vacuum source in fluid communication with the recovery tank for generating a flow of working air from the suction nozzle through the working air conduit and to the recovery tank to thereby recover fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the suction nozzle and working air conduit and into the recovery tank, and a power drive mechanism for selectively propelling the portable cleaning apparatus over the surface to be cleanedType: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Bissell Homecare, Inc.Inventors: Gary A. Kasper, Allen W. Scott, Phong Hoang Tran, David E. McDowell, Gary L. Smith
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Patent number: 7000288Abstract: A hose and wand assembly for a domestic appliance includes a flexible hose portion, a rigid wand portion and a handgrip portion. The hose terminates in a curved end portion which couples to the wand in such a manner that the hose is able to swivel about the longitudinal axis of the wand. The end portion has an outlet which communicates with the interior of the wand. A support is located on the outer wall of the end portion upstream of the outlet. The support is capable of pivotal movement about the longitudinal axis of the rigid wand portion. The hose is also rotatable with respect to the wand about the longitudinal axis of the hose.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Dyson LimitedInventor: Richard John Nighy
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Patent number: 6948212Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a single suction brush having a suction port contacting with a surface to be cleaned, and a vacuum generating device for generating a suction force at the suction port includes an air suction path connected by one end to the vacuum generating device of the suction brush, a dust collecting apparatus connected to the other end of the air suction path for separating and collecting dust and contaminants from an air drawn in through the air suction path, the dust collecting apparatus including: a cyclone-type dust collecting apparatus having a dust chamber of small capacity, causing the drawn air to whirl and thus separate the dust and contaminants from the air by centrifugal force generated by the whirling air, and a pocket-type dust collecting apparatus having a dust pocket of large capacity, and causing the drawn air to pass through the dust pocket, thereby filtering out dust and contaminants from the air, the cyclone-type dust collecting apparatus and the pocket-type dust collecting apparType: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jang-keun Oh, Dong-hun Yoo
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Patent number: 6941615Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly connected to the nozzle assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are carried by the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly. In addition, the vacuum cleaner includes a control handle displaceable between operating and storage positions. A stabilizer on the handle is provided adjacent the floor in the storage position. Engagement of the stabilizer with the floor prevents the vacuum cleaner from inadvertently tipping over rearwardly.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North AmericaInventors: Michael J. Shanor, Amy N. Mudd
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Patent number: 6928690Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed, which includes a main body formed of a fan motor generating a driving force therein, a fan, and a cyclone dust collector, a suction head connected to the main body and sucking in all kinds of impurity existing on a surface that is to be cleaned, a suction hose connected to the front portion of the main body and an extension tube connected to the suction head both installed between the main body and the suction head, a dust collecting chamber detachably fixed on a rear side of the main body and having a handle on an outer rear surface thereof, a lower holding part of the handle on the dust collecting chamber projecting beyond the lower circumference of the wheels and coming into contact with the surface of a lower step, when the front portion of the main body of the vacuum cleaner is fastened to the edge of an upper step, and a roller caster formed on both sides of the lower front portion of the main body allowing back-and-forth motions and rotations on a flat surface and fasteniType: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Heon Pycong Ji
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Patent number: 6904640Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a joint assembly to selectively rotate an extension pipe with respect to a handle. The joint assembly has a joint body removably installed between the extension pipe and the handle to allow the extension pipe 130 to rotate with respect to the handle 140 within a predetermined range. Also included on the joint assembly is a supplemental handle protruding from an outer surface of the joint body. The joint assembly and supplemental handle allow the user to clean under a bed or a desk without having to bend his/her back too much. Therefore, the user is not easily fatigued even when he/she cleans under the desk or bed.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co.Inventors: Hyoung-jong Jin, Jang-keun Oh
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Patent number: 6883202Abstract: A cleaning and tool storage assembly includes a housing having a base and a lid which is hingedly connected with the base. A vacuum cleaner assembly is disposed within the housing. A handle on the lid may be utilized to retain an electrical power cord. Articles, such as a hose, which are utilized in association with the vacuum cleaner, may be retained on the lid. A tray for holding items may be provided in the base of the housing. The tray may be removable from the housing to provide access to storage space. A cover for a dust bin of the vacuum cleaner may be opened with the tray in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: White Consolidated, Ltd.Inventors: Cennert Steffen, Arnie Sepke, Vince Bobrosky, Scott Terven, John Morphey
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Publication number: 20040261211Abstract: A floor care apparatus has a handle, connected to a hose, that pivots about an axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a terminal end of the hose. In this manner, the hose experiences less mechanical stress during use and, when embodied on a canister vacuum cleaner, a nozzle assembly connected to the handle has less tendency to tip over. Preferably, the hose has a cuff mounted at the terminal end with a hose insert therein. The hose insert has two stub shafts on opposing sides of an opening that form a journal defining the handle pivoting axis. The handle has two mating sections that clamshell about the journal and pinch it in place. Each mating section has a bearing surface for receipt of the journal and, when embodied as a cylinder, terminal ends of the journal become inserted therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Chad D. Overvaag, James T. Crouch
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Publication number: 20040261219Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner has a locking to selectively restrain the pivoting of a handle assembly when the handle assembly is pivoted to be in a right angle with respect to a base. The locking device includes a locking portion disposed at a side of the base, a locking protrusion movably disposed at the handle assembly and selectively moving between a locking position where the locking protrusion contacts with the locking portion and an unlocking position where the locking protrusion releases out of the locking portion, and a pedal member pivotably disposed at the handle assembly to move the locking protrusion. As the pedal member is disposed at the handle assembly, the size of the base can be reduced and the manipulation of the pedal member becomes easy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: SAMSUNG GWANGJU ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jung-seon Park, Hyung-il Jeon