Angular Or Lateral Adjustment Of Cleaner By Axial Rotation Of Handle Patents (Class 15/411)
  • Patent number: 12256884
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle (N) has a steering hinge arrangement (H1, H2) between a body (B) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (N) and a connector (C) that is connectable to a unit having a handle, wherein the steering hinge arrangement (H1, H2) comprises first (H1) and second (H2) steering hinges, the first steering hinge (H1) being operational until a first steering angle, and the second steering hinge (H2) being operational from the first steering angle, a transmission ratio of the second steering hinge (H2) exceeding a transmission ratio of the first steering hinge (H1). As a result, a transmission ratio of the steering hinge arrangement (H1, H2) increases with an increasing steering angle also when the unit is substantially flat. The first steering angle may be determined by edges (E) on the first steering hinge (H1) interacting with a protrusion (P) on the second steering hinge (H2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jonne Steeman, Matthijs Hendrikus Lubbers, Klaas Hilverda
  • Patent number: 12004700
    Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner has a main body housing a suction motor, the suction motor having a suction motor axis of rotation. A cyclone assembly is removably mounted to the main body. The cyclone assembly comprises a first cyclonic stage and a second cyclonic stage. The first cyclonic stage comprises a first stage cyclone, and the second cyclonic stage comprises a plurality of cyclones in parallel. The first cyclonic stage is provided at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the second cyclonic stage is positioned rearward of the first cyclonic stage, and the suction motor is positioned rearward of the second cyclonic stage. The first stage cyclone axis of rotation, the second stage cyclone axes of rotation and the suction motor axis of rotation are parallel. The first stage cyclone axis of rotation extends through the second cyclonic stage and the suction motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 11700986
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an upright handle assembly, a foot assembly adapted to be moved along a surface to be cleaned and having a suction nozzle, a multi-axis joint swivelably mounting the upright handle assembly to the foot assembly and defining a first axis about which the upright handle assembly twists relative to the foot assembly and a second axis about which the upright handle assembly pivot relative to the foot assembly, and a detachable vacuum module supported on the upright handle assembly by the module platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: BISSELL Inc.
    Inventor: Gary A. Kasper
  • Patent number: 9125537
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly, a lower body pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly and provided with an inclination unit on the outer circumferential surface of the lower body, an upper body rotatably connected to the lower body, a bearing member installed between the lower body and the upper body, a steering unit contacting the inclination unit and elastically installed on the upper body, wherein, when the upper body is swiveled with respect to the lower body, the steering unit is moved upwards and downwards by the inclination unit and then applies pressure to the upper body so as to return the upper body to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ji Won Seo
  • Patent number: 9027200
    Abstract: Provided is an upright vacuum cleaner. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle comprising a plurality of wheels, a main body relatively rotatable with respect to the suction nozzle, and a steering device steering the plurality of wheels to correspond to the movement of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chung-Ook Chong, Kyu-Chun Choi, Geun-Bae Hwang, Chang-Hwa Sun
  • Patent number: 9009915
    Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The upright type vacuum cleaner may include a main body, a suction nozzle provided at a lower end of the main body, a first leg assembly configured to support a first side of the main body, and a second leg assembly configured to support a second side of the main body. The main body may further include a coupler configured to pivotally rotatably couple the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly to each other. The first leg assembly and the second leg assembly may be rotated by different angles to support the main body when the main body is tilted leftward or rightward. The first leg assembly and the second leg assembly may be rotated by a same angle to support the main body when the main body is tilted rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seunghyun Song, Hyosung Kim, Seonil Yu
  • Patent number: 9009913
    Abstract: An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body, a surface treating head connected to a yoke, and a stand. To provide a compact appliance the yoke and the stand are pivotable independently relative to the main body about a common pivot axis. This can also enable the yoke and the stand to be rotatably connected to the main body using one or more common connectors or bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Andrew James Wills, Matthew William Ford, James Dyson, Peter David Gammack, Stephen Benjamin Courtney, Samuel James Czerpak, Michael Sean Joynt, Adam William Rollo, James White
  • Patent number: 8966711
    Abstract: A cleaner head for a surface treating appliance includes a main body, a front conduit, and a rear conduit. The front conduit includes a front section connected to the main body for rotation relative thereto about a first axis extending rearwardly from the main body and centrally through the front section, a rear elbow section and at least one first connector. The rear conduit includes a front elbow section into which the rear elbow section of the front conduit is inserted, a rear section and at least one second connector connected to said at least one first connector to enable the rear conduit to pivot relative to the front conduit about a second axis which is orthogonal to the first axis and which lies outside a fluid flow path passing through the front conduit and the rear conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: David Alan Millington, Stephen Robert Dimbylow, Peter David Gammack
  • Patent number: 8887352
    Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a body having a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are carried on that body. The floor care apparatus also includes a control handle, a swivel assembly and a swivel lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventor: Eric Muhlenkamp
  • Patent number: 8869348
    Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises an anti-rotation locking mechanism that is automatically operably engaged when the upper section is moved into the storage position and is automatically operably disengaged when the upper section is moved into the floor cleaning position. In another embodiment, an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises an anti-rotation locking mechanism that is engaged when the upper section is moved into the storage position and an alignment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 8869349
    Abstract: A surface cleaning device having a steering assembly is provided. The surface cleaning device includes a foot, a handle assembly with a user manipulated handle, and a steering assembly coupling the handle assembly to the foot. The steering assembly includes a means for biasing the foot with respect to the handle assembly. Movement of the handle assembly stores energy within the biasing means so that the biasing means exerts a corresponding force on the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventor: Gregg A. Henderson
  • Patent number: 8839485
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a reduced frictional force between a vacuum base and a cleaning medium is described. The vacuum has a handle, yoke, body, and base. A handle and yoke distinct from, and behind, the base provides a moment arm anterior to the base when a force is applied. The handle and yoke assembly reduce the friction between the cleaning surface and the vacuum, allowing for larger motor and debris capturing capabilities, with easier handling and maneuverability resulting in advanced and superior cleaning capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventor: Charles J. Morgan
  • Patent number: 8813308
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an elongate body portion 11 which is mounted at its lower end via a neck 15 to the rear of a wheeled floor-engaging head portion 10, the body 11 being pivotable in use relative to the head about a first axis A1 for movement upwardly and downwardly and about a second orthogonal axis A2 for movement from side-to-side. A catch 17 is disposed on the neck 15 for preventing pivotal movement of the body 11 about the second axis A2 when the body 11 is disposed in its most upright position. The provision of the catch 17 improves the stability of the cleaner when the cleaner is not in use or when it is being used for above floor cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hoover, Limited
    Inventor: Jian Xue
  • Patent number: 8789238
    Abstract: A rotatable coupling for a vacuum cleaner is described. The rotatable coupling includes: an inner conduit having an outer surface; a compressible strip disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit; an outer conduit adapted to snugly fit over the strip and the first conduit. The rotatable coupling can include a non-reactive high-viscosity lubricant disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit adjacent the strip. The outer conduit of the coupling can be rotatable about the inner conduit and an interference fit is formed between the inner conduit and the outer conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventor: Steven Wayne Myers
  • Patent number: 8769765
    Abstract: A surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a device generating a flow of fluid in the form of a motor and fan, housed in a main body. A hose and wand assembly, a surface treating head and a rotary change over valve are also provided. The valve is selectively rotatable so as to allow fluid flow from either the surface-treating head or the hose. A support assembly is moveable between a supporting position, in which it supports the main body, and a retracted position. The change over valve and support assembly are arranged so that motion of the support assembly between the supporting and retracted positions induces rotary motion of the change over valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: David Colin Worker, Nicholas Timothy Spence
  • Patent number: 8752241
    Abstract: A suction nozzle has a housing, a tilting bearing, a connection nozzle, a lock for the tilting bearing, a connection nozzle, a lock for the tilting bearing, actuators and a housing duct. The tilting joint has a bearing connected rigidly to the housing and a connector piece which is pivotally mounted about an axis S. The lock has a first locking element, which is mounted rotatably on the housing, and a second locking element, which is rigidly connected to the connecting piece of the tilting joint. A restoring force for the first locking element is generated by magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Duepro AG
    Inventor: Peter Woerwag
  • Patent number: 8720003
    Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner is disclosed. And The upright type vacuum cleaner includes a main body comprising an arrangement angle that is changeable with respect to a surface to clean; a suction nozzle coupled to the main body, the suction nozzle movable along the surface to clean; a supporting unit provided in the main body to support the main body with respect to the main body; a connection member provided between the main body and the supporting unit, to rotatably connect the supporting unit with the main body; and a fixing member fixedly provided between the supporting unit and the connection member to limit the rotation of the supporting unit, to maintain the main body supporting of the supporting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jinwook Seo
  • Patent number: 8677556
    Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner includes a main body; a suction nozzle provided below the main body; a rotation guide member provided between the main body and the suction nozzle; and a supporting assembly connected with the rotation guide member, to support load of the main body and to guide the movement of the main body with respect to the surface which will be cleaned, wherein the supporting assembly includes a first supporting shaft connected with the rotation guide member, to receive the load of the main body; a second supporting shaft connected with an end of the first supporting shaft to transfer the load of the main body to the first supporting shaft; and wheels rotatably provided at both ends of the second supporting shaft to distribute the load of the main body transferred to the second supporting shaft to the surface which will be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jinwook Seo
  • Patent number: 8671511
    Abstract: An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body having a user operable handle, a surface treating head connected to a yoke moveable relative to the main body, a stand moveable relative to both the main body and the yoke between a supporting position for supporting the main body in an upright position, and a retracted position, and a stand retaining mechanism for releasably retaining the stand in the supporting position and from which the stand is releasable upon application of a force to one of the main body and the stand. The yoke is moveable relative to the main body in response to an impact on the surface treating head to apply said force to the stand. This allows the force of the impact on the surface treating head to be transferred through the stand to the stand retaining mechanism, which, depending on the magnitude of the impact, can release both the stand and the yoke for movement relative to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Andrew James Wills, Matthew William Ford, James White, James Dyson, Peter David Gammack, Stephen Benjamin Courtney
  • Patent number: 8667643
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for influencing movement of a handle of a floor treatment device, such as a vacuum. The floor treatment device may include a handle portion that is attached to a base, which includes a floor treatment portion. The handle portion may be pivotally movable about a rotation axis relative to the base between at least first and second positions, where the rotation axis lies in a vertical plane that includes a longitudinal axis of the handle when the handle portion is in the first position and the longitudinal axis is a non-vertical position. A pivot assist device may apply a bias to the handle portion that urges the handle portion to move from the second position to the first position, e.g., to help support the weight of the handle when a user steers the floor treatment device across a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: David J. Simonelli, Jason Boyd Thorne
  • Patent number: 8661613
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a body having a nozzle assembly and a handle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a suction inlet and a pivot. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are both carried on the body. A connecting arm pivotally connects the handle assembly to the nozzle assembly. The connector arm includes (a) a hub received on the pivot so as to provide a first pivotal connection along a first axis and (b) a trunion providing a second pivotal connection about which the handle assembly is tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventors: Samuel A. Marsh, Michael L. Fry, James T. Crouch, Kyle A. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8650708
    Abstract: An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body having a user operable handle, and a support assembly for allowing the appliance to be rolled along a surface using the handle. The support assembly includes a yoke pivotably connected to the main body, and a pair of domed-shaped wheels rotatably connected to the yoke. A surface treating head is connected to the yoke. The yoke is shaped so that a section of the yoke is located between the rims of the wheels. To afford a compact appearance to the appliance, the outer surfaces of the wheels and the section of the yoke together at least partially delimit a substantially spherical volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: James Dyson, Peter David Gammack, Stephen Benjamin Courtney, David Christopher James Newton, Samuel James Czerpak, Michael Sean Joynt
  • Patent number: 8627545
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner has a body including a nozzle assembly and a handle assembly. A suction generator and dirt collection vessel are carried on the body. A dual pivot connector connects the handle assembly with the nozzle assembly. The connector provides a first pivotal connection between the connector and the nozzle assembly and a second pivotal connection between the connector and the handle assembly. In addition a tilt handle assembly is connected to the body by a third pivotal connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventor: Eric J. Streciwilk
  • Patent number: 8572802
    Abstract: A cleaning appliance of the canister type includes a substantially spherical floor engaging rolling assembly comprising a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid flow and a device for acting on the fluid flow received through the inlet, and a steering mechanism for steering the cleaning appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: James Dyson, Peter David Gammack, David Robert Sunderland, Stuart Lloyd Genn
  • Patent number: 8572803
    Abstract: A support assembly for a surface treating appliance includes a central roller arranged to engage a surface and outer rollers at either end of the central roller. The rollers together define a rolling support surface, and the outer rollers rotate about an axis spaced from the rotational axis of the central roller. This arrangement of rollers provides a rolling support surface over a wide range of motions, and spacing the rotational axes of the rollers permits the rollers to be arranged relative to one another to define a region into which components of the appliance are mountable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Douglas Andrew Inge, Stephen Benjamin Courtney
  • Patent number: 8528166
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a reduced frictional force between a vacuum base and a cleaning medium is described. The vacuum has a handle, yoke, body, and base. A handle and yoke distinct from, and behind, the base provides a moment arm anterior to the base when a force is applied. The handle and yoke assembly reduce the friction between the cleaning surface and the vacuum, allowing for larger motor and debris capturing capabilities, with easier handling and maneuverability resulting in advanced and superior cleaning capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventor: Charles J. Morgan
  • Patent number: 8468649
    Abstract: The joint system comprises a first piece secured to a driven tool and suitable for pivoting about a horizontal axis, and a second piece secured to a manual steering member and articulated to the first piece about an axis orthogonal to the horizontal axis. According to the invention, at least the second piece is formed by a flexible structure having a longitudinal neutral axis and including a base fastened to the first piece of the tool, and a head fastened to the member; said base and said head being interconnected via a pair of splines that are opposite and parallel to the neutral axis and that extend in a plane transverse to the horizontal axis, it being possible for said pair to be flexed under the effect of a force applied orthogonally to its plane and transmitted by the manual member. The invention applies to the field of household electrical appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Nielsen Innovation
    Inventors: Henrik Nielsen, David Petitdemange
  • Patent number: 8448295
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base to move on a surface, an intermediate member having a first and second passages, and a first joint connecting the base to the intermediate member to permit relative rotation between the base and the intermediate member about a first axis that is generally parallel to the surface and perpendicular to a direction of movement. An air passage connects a base inlet to the first intermediate member passage. A second joint connects a handle to the intermediate member and permits rotation between the intermediate member and the handle about a second axis that is parallel to a nominal direction of movement of the vacuum. The handle has a grip a dirt collector to receive and separate dirt from air. First and second passages connect the intermediate member passages to the dirt collector inlet and outlet. A vacuum fan draws air into the base air inlet, through the intermediate member, through the dirt collector, through the second handle air passage, and back into the intermediate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Vines, Donald Davidshofer
  • Patent number: 8438699
    Abstract: An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body having a user operable handle, and a support assembly for allowing the appliance to be rolled along a surface using the handle. The support assembly includes a yoke and a pair of wheels rotatably connected to the yoke, the yoke being shaped so that a section of the yoke lies between the rims of the wheels. A surface treating head is connected to the yoke. The main body is pivotably connected to the yoke for movement about a pivot axis passing between the wheels, and so that a part of the main body is located between the rims of the wheels. As the main body is pivoted about said axis from an upright position to a reclined position, the spacing between said section of the yoke and said part of the main body increases, and so a shield is provided for covering the gap so formed between said section of the yoke and said part of the main body to prevent dirt and dust from passing into the support assembly through the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: James Dyson, Peter David Gammack, Stephen Benjamin Courtney, Michael Anthony Saunders
  • Patent number: 8434193
    Abstract: A cleaning appliance of the canister type includes separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, a floor engaging rolling assembly comprising a device for drawing the fluid flow through the separating apparatus, a chassis connected to the rolling assembly, a duct moveable relative to the chassis for conveying the fluid flow to the separating apparatus, a floor engaging steering member for steering the rolling assembly, and a control mechanism for moving the steering member relative to the rolling assembly in response to movement of the duct relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: David Robert Sunderland, Stuart Lloyd Genn
  • Patent number: 8429791
    Abstract: An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body and a stand pivotable relative to the main body between a supporting position and a retracted position. A stand retaining mechanism is provided for releasably retaining the stand in the supporting position, and which includes a locking member pivotably moveable about a first axis to release the stand as it is moved from the supporting position to the retracted position, and about a second axis spaced from the first axis to retain the stand as it is returned to the supporting position. At least one biasing member applies a relatively large first force to the locking member which resists movement thereof about the first axis. To facilitate the return of the stand to its supporting position, the biasing member is arranged to apply a relatively small second force to reset the locking member following movement thereof about the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: James White
  • Patent number: 8370993
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a surface cleaning head having a dirt inlet and an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head. The upright section may comprise an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower upper portion may be rotatable relative to the lower portion about an axis that intersects a longitudinal axis of at least one of the upper and lower portions. The upright surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a wheel provided on the upright section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 8336164
    Abstract: An upright cleaning appliance having a handle for maneuvering the appliance across a floor. The handle is secured on a reclining upright body of the appliance for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the upright body. The handle includes a forward-extending handgrip portion which terminates in an abutment flange for preventing the handgrip portion from slipping out through the bottom of a user's grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: James Martin Coleman, James John Bryden, Adam James Bates
  • Patent number: 8336165
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Christian Finke, Michael Poetting
  • Publication number: 20120304417
    Abstract: There is provided a portable cleaning appliance (100) comprising a main body (102), a nozzle (104) and a graspable handle (106), the nozzle (104) and handle (106) each being movable relative to the main body (102) between a first, storage, position adjacent the main body (102) and a second, in-use, position in which the nozzle (104) and handle (106) extend from the main body (102), wherein the nozzle (104) and handle (106) are connected by a linkage member (128) arranged such that, in use, movement of one of the nozzle (104) and the handle (106) between the first and second positions causes a corresponding coupled movement of the other of the nozzle (104) and handle (106) between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventor: Martyn Riley
  • Patent number: 8272097
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventor: Michael Poetting
  • Patent number: 8201302
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventor: Michael Poetting
  • Patent number: 8186007
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface. The vacuum cleaner includes an upper body having a dust collection container, a base unit having a suction mouth and a carriage for moving the base unit on the surface. A motor-fan unit is included and is disposed outside the upper body. The motor-fan unit is operable to create a partial vacuum on the surface. A combined coaxial conduit is disposed in a transition region to the upper body. The combined coaxial conduit includes a first air conduit from the suction mouth to the upper body and a second air conduit from the upper body to the motor-fan unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Tina Iseringhausen, Udo Mersmann
  • Publication number: 20120060322
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for influencing movement of a handle of a floor treatment device, such as a vacuum. The floor treatment device may include a handle portion that is attached to a base, which includes a floor treatment portion. The handle portion may be pivotally movable about a rotation axis relative to the base between at least first and second positions, where the rotation axis lies in a vertical plane that includes a longitudinal axis of the handle when the handle portion is in the first position and the longitudinal axis is a non-vertical position. A pivot assist device may apply a bias to the handle portion that urges the handle portion to move from the second position to the first position, e.g., to help support the weight of the handle when a user steers the floor treatment device across a floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: David J. Simonelli, Jason Thorne
  • Patent number: 8082624
    Abstract: A steerable vacuum cleaner and a method to steer the vacuum is described. The vacuum cleaner include: a base; a handle having a longitudinal axis and including a conduit; and a rotatable coupling pivotally attached between the base and the handle, with the coupling defining an air channel for providing a flow of air from the base to the conduit in the handle. The base of the vacuum rotates about the longitudinal axis while pushing the vacuum by twisting the handle. The rotatable coupling of the vacuum cleaner includes: an inner conduit having an outer surface; a compressible strip disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit, wherein the strip is disposed the outer surface of the inner conduit; an outer conduit adapted to snugly fit over the strip and the first conduit; and a non-reactive high-viscosity lubricant disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit adjacent the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Steven Wayne Myers
  • Patent number: 7979959
    Abstract: An accessory for a cleaning appliance includes a head having a housing, a downwardly-directed suction opening in the housing and a neck adapted for attachment to a hose or wand of the cleaning appliance. A rotatable connection is provided between the neck and the head for allowing rotation of the neck relative to the head. A wheel arrangement maneuverably supports the accessory on a surface to be cleaned and is mounted on the neck of the accessory. The wheel arrangement may normally be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, but the point or points of contact between the wheel arrangement and the surface to be cleaned are dependent upon the rotational position of the neck with respect to the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Benjamin Courtney
  • Publication number: 20110107553
    Abstract: A steerable vacuum cleaner and a method to steer the vacuum is described. The vacuum cleaner include: a base; a handle having a longitudinal axis and including a conduit; and a rotatable coupling pivotally attached between the base and the handle, with the coupling defining an air channel for providing a flow of air from the base to the conduit in the handle. The base of the vacuum rotates about the longitudinal axis while pushing the vacuum by twisting the handle. The rotatable coupling of the vacuum cleaner includes: an inner conduit having an outer surface; a compressible strip disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit, wherein the strip is disposed the outer surface of the inner conduit; an outer conduit adapted to snugly fit over the strip and the first conduit; and a non-reactive high-viscosity lubricant disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit adjacent the strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Steven Wayne Myers
  • Patent number: 7854039
    Abstract: A cleaner having a handle assembly rotatable in all directions is disclosed, the handle assembly including a housing; a handle which is capable of being gripped by a user; a connection unit which connects the handle with the housing to rotate in all directions; and an elastic unit which elastically biases the handle to a neutral position. As the handle is capable of rotating in all directions, a user can clean a surface without feeling strain in his or her joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-ju Lee, Hwa-gyu Song, Jea-won Lee, Jeoung-kyo Jeoung, Hee-cheon You, Ki-hyo Jung, Joon-ho Chang, Won-sup Lee
  • Patent number: 7823251
    Abstract: A surface-treating appliance in the form of a vacuum cleaner has a main body, a surface-treating head and a support assembly. The support assembly is moveable between a supporting position, in which it supports the main body, and a stored position, in which it lies substantially against the main body. The provision of a support assembly that lies substantially against the main body of the appliance when not needed improves the maneuverability and range of motion achievable by the appliance in use. The support assembly may be brought out of its supporting position by a user-depressible pedal, which makes the appliance user-friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: James Dyson, Stephen Benjamin Courtney, Peter David Gammack, William Robert James White
  • Patent number: 7805804
    Abstract: A steerable upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright section including a dirt collecting portion, a collar on which the upright section is mounted and base section to which the collar is attached. The upright section is mounted on the collar such that the upright section pivots around a first axis with respect to the collar. The base section is attached to the collar such that the collar pivots around a second axis with respect to the base section. The second axis is approximately perpendicular to the first axis. The base section includes a nozzle that communicates with the dirt collecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Loebig
  • Patent number: 7725984
    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. A shut-off valve is mounted in the recovery tank to prevent fluid communication between a suction source and the recovery tank when the amount of liquid in the recovery tank reaches a first predetermined amount with the handle forward and a second predetermined amount with the handle rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Bissell Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Jansen
  • Patent number: 7707684
    Abstract: An implement comprising a first handle, on which are disposed control elements for the implement, and a second handle. The first handle is adjustable between a first operating position for a two-handed operation in which the implement is adapted to be guided by both the first handle and the second handle, and a second operating position for one-handed operation in which the implement is adapted to be guided by the first handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Hittmann, Uwe Gaese, Klaus Langhans
  • Patent number: 7607196
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a head for contacting the ground and a body which is pivotable relative to the head about a first axis of rotation and about a second axis of rotation. The body has a locking mechanism and the head has a reciprocal locking mechanism which are arranged such that the locking mechanism is engageable with the reciprocal locking mechanism so as to resist pivotal movement of the body relative to the head about the first axis of rotation. The locking mechanism is disengageable from the reciprocal locking mechanism to allow pivotal movement of the body relative to the head about the first axis of rotation. The vacuum cleaner also includes a stabilizer coupled to the head such that in use the stabilizer maintains contact with the ground when the body is rotated relative to the head about the first or second axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Chun Kit Li
  • Patent number: 7594297
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an angle control apparatus for an upright type vacuum cleaner. The angle control apparatus comprises a main body having a suction port and a discharge port formed thereon and including a suctioning device inside the suction port, a suction unit having a dust collecting port and a discharge opening and on which the main body is rotatably installed, a suction hose made of an elastic material and positioned between the suction port and the discharge opening, and a locking assembly installed to the suction unit to restrict rotation of the main body. With the angle control apparatus, the main body of the vacuum cleaner is rotatably coupled to the suction unit such that the main body is rotated at a suitable angle with respect to the suction unit sliding on a floor according to a location of a user during the cleaning operation, thereby enabling a convenient cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Im Suk Choi
  • Patent number: 7587786
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning attachment. A base has an outlet port configured to be attached to the cleaning attachment and draw air from a household surface through the attachment and exhaust the air through the outlet port. A handle is configured to have an installed position removably attached to the base for manually moving the base by the handle. The handle has an inlet port configured to be connected to a dirt receptacle and to move toward and into connection with the outlet port by movement of the handle toward and into the installed position, for the air exhausted through the outlet port to flow through the inlet port into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: The Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Terry L. Zahuranec, David Scott Smith, Daniel L. Steele, Diane L. Dodson