US20100107356A1 - Nozzle brush arrangements for vacuum cleaner assemblies - Google Patents
Nozzle brush arrangements for vacuum cleaner assemblies Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100107356A1 US20100107356A1 US12/610,731 US61073109A US2010107356A1 US 20100107356 A1 US20100107356 A1 US 20100107356A1 US 61073109 A US61073109 A US 61073109A US 2010107356 A1 US2010107356 A1 US 2010107356A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vacuum cleaner
- brushroll
- nozzle brush
- nozzle
- motor
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0427—Gearing or transmission means therefor
- A47L9/0433—Toothed gearings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0427—Gearing or transmission means therefor
- A47L9/0444—Gearing or transmission means therefor for conveying motion by endless flexible members, e.g. belts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
- A47L9/0466—Rotating tools
- A47L9/0472—Discs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
- A47L9/0488—Combinations or arrangements of several tools, e.g. edge cleaning tools
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/110,797 filed Nov. 3, 2008 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- This disclosure is generally related to vacuum cleaners and, more particularly to vacuum cleaner bases with rotating brush arrangements.
- Vacuum cleaners are used to pick up dirt and debris that has become deposited or embedded into various floor types. To improve performance of vacuum cleaners, some vacuum cleaners employ a revolving brushroll to loosen up dirt and debris, so an air flow created by the vacuum cleaner may entrain such dirt and debris. Additionally, brushrolls have generally been configured to rotate in a manner to push the dirt and debris toward an opening to a vacuum chamber, in the pathway of the air flow, such that the dirt and debris get picked up and deposited into canister for disposal.
- Brushrolls are generally contained in housings that prevent the brushroll from extending all the way to the edge or through the edge of the housing so as prevent the rotating brushroll from projecting dirt and debris up into the air rather than into the opening of a vacuum chamber. As a result, brushrolls are generally contained within a housing which, in turn, creates a gap between the outer edge of the housing and the brushroll. When vacuuming up against a wall in a room this gap prevents the brushroll from being able to loosen dirt and debris on the edge of the floor abutting the wall. While one solution to cleaning this edge of the floor abutting the wall is to use an attachment wand and nozzles that are connect to the vacuum chamber, such an arrangement requires reconfiguring the setup of a vacuum cleaner, increasing cleaning time.
- Therefore, what is needed is a vacuum cleaner design that can effectively loosen dirt and debris, like the rotating brushroll, but also provide such action to the edge of a vacuum cleaner housing without requiring additional reconfiguration of the vacuum cleaner through the use of external attachment accessories.
- A vacuum cleaner assembly is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner assembly comprises at least one brushroll and at least one nozzle brush. The brushroll is rotatably supported about a first axis within the vacuum cleaner and is operatively connected to a motor. The nozzle brush is operatively connected to the brushroll and configured to rotate about a second axis. When the brushroll is rotated about the first axis, the nozzle brush is actuated to rotate about the second axis.
-
FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a vacuum cleaner base. -
FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of a first nozzle brush arrangement. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner base. -
FIG. 4 a plan view of an underside of the vacuum cleaner base ofFIG. 3 , illustrating a second nozzle brush configuration. -
FIG. 5 a plan view of the underside of the vacuum cleaner base ofFIG. 4 , with a cover panel removed. -
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a gear housing used with a brushroll and nozzle brush arrangement. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a forward portion of a vacuum cleaner base. -
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a casing that mounts a brushroll and nozzle brush arrangement. -
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner base having a nozzle brush therein, wherein the vacuum cleaner is engaged against a wall. - Referring now to the drawings, illustrative and exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent some embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain characteristics may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure. Further, the embodiments set forth herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit or restrict the disclosure to the precise forms and configurations disclosed in the following detailed description.
-
FIGS. 1-8 provide alternative arrangements of a brushrolls and nozzle brushes used in vacuum cleaners. While shown positioned in a vacuum cleaner base, such asvacuum cleaner bases - Referring now to
FIG. 1 , a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofvacuum cleaner base 10 is shown.Vacuum cleaner base 10 includes anouter portion 12, apanel cover 14, one ormore wheels 16, aprojection portion 18, and anozzle brush 20. A light (not shown), may also be attached toouter portion 12.Outer portion 12 may be made of a unitary piece of durable material, such as plastic, or a blend of synthetic materials that are durable and sturdy. In one exemplary embodiment,outer portion 12 is injection molded for ease of manufacturer. It is contemplated thatouter portion 12 may be made of more than one piece of durable sturdy material, held together with suitable fasteners of various types. The shape ofouter portion 12 may be designed and manufactured to fit the contents and structures contained withinvacuum cleaner base 10. Thus, it is contemplated that the shape ofouter portion 12 may vary greatly between embodiments. -
Wheels 16 are depicted inFIG. 1 as being positioned adjacent arear end 17 ofvacuum cleaner base 10, alsoadjacent projection portion 18 of thevacuum cleaner base 10. However, it is contemplated that there may be more than onewheels 16 and that any ofwheels 16 may be rearranged to different positions withinvacuum cleaner base 10, depending on the desired design of thevacuum cleaner base 10.Wheels 16 help facilitate the movement ofvacuum cleaner base 10 when attached to a vacuum cleaner body (not shown).Wheels 16 may vary in size, type (such as swivel, mechanized, spherical, etc.), and the types of materials used to makewheels 16 may range from a variety of durable materials including plastics, rubber or a blend of thereof. - In one exemplary embodiment,
projection portion 18 may be pivotally attached to the body of the vacuum cleaner (not shown).Projection portion 18 serves as a conduit to deliver debris to a vacuum receptacle of the vacuum cleaner body (not shown). As shown,projection portion 18 may be configured to extend outwardly from thevacuum cleaner base 10. Further,projection portion 18 may serve to provide stability and support betweenvacuum cleaner base 10 and the vacuum cleaner body (not shown). For example,projection portion 10 may support an attached vacuum canister, vacuum motor and a handle in an upright vacuum cleaner arrangement. In yet another exemplary arrangement,projection portion 10 may support a handle and a hose leading to the vacuum cleaner body. - Further,
projection portion 18 may be configured to facilitate a pivoting motion of the vacuum body with respect tovacuum cleaner base 10 during operation.Projection portion 18, together withwheels 16, facilitates the ease of movingvacuum cleaner base 10 over and across a targeted surface.Projection portion 18 may be made of the same material asouter portion 12.Projection portion 18 may also be made out of the same piece asouter portion 12 or may be made from a separate piece and then attached tovacuum cleaner base 10 using a variety of suitable fasteners. It is contemplated that other materials, such as those materials suitable forouter portion 12, may also be used to makeprojection portion 18. -
FIG. 2 depicts the underside of thevacuum cleaner base 10. As shown, in addition tonozzle brush 20, positioned withinvacuum cleaner base 10 is also at least onebrushroll 26.Brushroll 26 is generally configured as an elongated member and has a plurality ofbristles 27 extending from anexternal surface 29 thereof. While shown as being arranged in a spiral pattern, it is understood thatbristles 27 may be arranged in a variety of patterns.Brushroll 26 is mounted within acavity 28 such that at leastbristles 27 extend through an opening 30 formed inpanel cover 14 and positioned adjacent aforward edge 31 ofvacuum cleaner base 10.Bristles 27 may be directly attached toexternal surface 29 ofbrushroll 26.Cavity 28 is in fluid communication with an air flow channel (not shown). - In an alternative arrangement, bristles 27 may be mounted on a substrate. In such an arrangement, brushroll 26 includes a slot that is configured to receive
bristles 27 such that bristles 27 extend outward from the slot (as explained below in connection withFIG. 8 in greater detail). - In one exemplary embodiment, brushroll 26 is configured to be predominantly cylindrical in shape, but may include various grooves or channels formed in
external surface 29 ofbrushroll 26 to facilitate mechanical communication with other structures within vacuumcleaner base 10. For example, acenter portion 32 of theelongate brushroll 26 may be configured with agroove 34 to which a drive belt (not shown) is mounted to facilitate mechanical communication between a motor (not shown) andbrushroll 26. In one particular arrangement, disposed on either side ofgroove 34 is a retainingflange 34 that assists with retaining the drive belt onbrushroll 26. In another embodiment, a pair ofbrushrolls 26 are used, thebrushrolls 26 being connected together with a mounting portion that receives the drive belt. - The
brushroll 26 may be constructed from wood, or any other durable and sturdy material, as described above. It is also contemplated thatbrushroll 26 may vary in thickness throughout the span ofbrushroll 26. It may be tapered at certain portions or it may have a uniform thickness throughout. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2 , attached todistal ends 36 ofbrushroll 26 arespindles 42.Spindles 42 receiverotary belts 44 that also attach to nozzle brushes 20 to promote rotation ofnozzle brush 20 when brushroll 26 rotates. More specifically,spindles 42 support and stabilizerotary belt 44. Eachrotary belt 44 wraps around a base of anozzle brush 20, which may also be configured with a mounting groove (not shown) formed thereon to securerotary belt 44 during rotation about a vertical axis. As depicted in one exemplary embodiment, nozzle brushes 20 are positioned rearward of thebrushroll 26. However, it is understood thatnozzle brush 20 may also be positioned forward ofbrushroll 26. - In one exemplary embodiment, vacuum
cleaner base 10 may be configured with an air flow groove 53 (shown in phantom inFIG. 1 ). Air flowgroove 53 may be formed through a portion of a vacuum cleaner and leads intocavity 28 so as to be in fluid communication with a recess formed in vacuumcleaner base 10,adjacent brushroll 26 and the air channel formed therein. Generally,air flow groove 53 is positioned adjacent tonozzle brush 20 and particularly close to a pathway wherenozzle brush 20 may direct dirt and debris to. - Air flow
groove 53 is configured to have a predetermined size to create a low pressure area insidevacuum base 10. Such a low pressure area assists in creating a relatively high air flow rate throughcavity 28, the recess and aperture formed within vacuum cleaner base 10 (described in further detail in connection with the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3-5 ), and into the air channel. The high air flow forces dirt and debris (including hard objects) that may be continuously rotating aboutbrushroll 26 due to centripetal forces generated thereby, to be directed into theair channel 32. Thus, the relatively high air flow allows a vacuum cleaner effectively direct dirt and debris loosened up or pushed into the air channel of the vacuum system bybrushroll 126 andnozzle brush 120. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of avacuum cleaner base 100 andFIG. 4 illustrates the underside thereof.Vacuum cleaner base 100 includes anouter portion 112, apanel cover 114, one ormore wheels 116, aprojection portion 118, and at least onenozzle brush 120. A light 158 may also be attached toouter portion 112. As may be seen, in this embodiment, nozzle brushes 120 are positioned adjacent aforward edge 121 of vacuumcleaner base 100. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , it can be seen thatpanel cover 114 substantially covers and at least partially seals off the structures within and contents ofvacuum base 100.Panel cover 114 is depicted inFIG. 4 as one continuous piece but it is contemplated thatpanel cover 114 may be made up of more than one piece.Panel cover 114 is relatively flat as it engages with a targeted surface. However,panel cover 114 may include varying shaped depressions and extrusions depending on what structure it is covering.Panel cover 114 may be held in position by any number of fasteners suitable to securepanel cover 114 in position during use and at rest. It is contemplated thatpanel cover 114 will vary in shape and design depending on the shape and design of the corresponding base.Panel cover 114 may be made from the same or similar materials as the outer portion. - A substantial portion of a
cavity 128 is exposed through anopening 130 formed in thepanel cover 114. Arotating brushroll 126 is positioned withincavity 128.Brushroll 126 is configured to carry bristles 127.Bristles 127 may be attached directly to anouter surface 129 ofbrushroll 126, or, alternatively, indirectly to brushroll 126. More specifically, bristles 127 may be mounted to a substrate that is removably received within brushroll such that bristle 127 may extend outwardly from a channel formed throughouter surface 129 of brushroll. -
Cavity 128 may be formed in part by acasing 152 as depicted inFIG. 7 orupper casing 152a andlower casing 152b as depicted inFIG. 8 . Casing 152 may be made of one piece or multiple pieces and out of a variety of materials including metals and plastics. Casing 152 may also be formed out of a portion ofouter portion 12 or may be independently attached tovacuum base 100. - Turning now to
FIG. 5 , the underside of vacuumcleaner base 100 withpanel cover 114 removed is shown. Anair channel 132 is positioned within vacuumcleaner base 100.Air channel 132 is fluidly connected with an opening of a vacuum chamber (not shown) that is generally located in the body of the vacuum cleaner (not shown). The opening of the vacuum chamber may be partially formed fromprojection portion 118 of vacuumcleaner base 100, although it may alternatively be formed separately from theprojection portion 118.Air channel 132 may also be formed partially fromprojection portion 118. - Also contained within vacuum
cleaner base 100 is amotor 140. In one exemplary arrangement,motor 140 is at least partially covered by bothouter portion 112 and panel cover 114 (removed).Motor 140 is connected to amotor arm 136. In one exemplary arrangement,motor arm 136 extends axially intoair channel 132. Many variations of motors are suitable for use in the vacuum cleaner; especially those used and sold by Rexair, Inc., the assignee of the present disclosure. Two examples of suitable motors are described in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,949,175 and 6,777,844, each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. -
Brushroll 126 is generally cylindrically-shaped but may include various grooves or channels formed inexternal surface 129 to facilitate mechanical communication with other structures within vacuumcleaner base 100. For example, acenter portion 133 ofbrushroll 126 may be configured with agroove 134 to which adrive belt 138 is mounted to facilitate mechanical communication betweenmotor 140 andbrushroll 126. In one particular arrangement, disposed on either side ofgroove 134 is a retainingflange 135 that assists with retainingdrive belt 138 onbrushroll 126. In another embodiment, a pair ofbrushrolls 126 are used, thebrushrolls 126 being connected together with a mounting portion that receivesdrive belt 138. - In one embodiment, brushroll 126 may be constructed from wood. However, it is also contemplated that
brushroll 126 may be made from any number of durable and sturdy materials previously described above. It is also contemplated thatbrushroll 126 may vary in thickness throughout the span ofbrushroll 126. It may be tapered at certain portions or it can have a uniform thickness throughout. - In one embodiment, bristles 127 attached to brushroll 126 are arranged in a spiral pattern. More specifically, bristles 127 on
brushroll 126 are depicted inFIG. 5 as two spiral-patterned rows integrated intobrushroll 126. However, it is contemplated that more bristle rows may be present onbrushroll 126 and that the pattern with which the rows are arranged may vary from the depicted spiral design to a chevron design or other arrangements. - As discussed above, in some embodiments the
bristles 127 are removably attached or replaceable as illustrated inFIG. 8 . It is desirable to havebristles 127 that are sturdy enough to loosen debris and dirt from the targeted surface without causing damage to the surface such as unnecessary scratching, scuffing or snagging of the surface. Any number of suitable materials that are well known in the art can be used for this purpose. - In addition, bristles 170 on
nozzle brush 120 may be removably attached or replaceable.Bristles 170 of bothnozzle brush 120 and theelongate brushroll 126 may be made of various materials exhibiting a variety of properties, wherein some are thicker, coarser, and stiffer in nature while others are finer, softer, and less stiff. A variety of types and materials the bristles are made of such as plastics, acrylics, resins, goat hair and so forth, that exist are known in the art and made to be adaptable to a particular surface that is to be cleaned.Bristles 170 of thenozzle brush 120 shown inFIG. 7 ideally exhibit the same sturdy qualities as thosebristles 127 onbrushroll 126.Bristles 170 may be arranged in rows, bunches, partially or completely covering the outermost surface of thepower nozzle brush 120. A bristle-less brushroll or nozzle brush is also conceivable wherein the material used is designed to facilitate the uptake of dirt and debris. - A
recess 154 may be formed in vacuumcleaner base 100, as shown inFIG. 7 . Recess 154 aides in facilitating uptake of debris that contains small hard objects that would otherwise spit back out.Recess 154, as shown, has anangled surface 155.Angled surface 155 is oriented so as to have afirst end 157 that is positioned axially lower than asecond end 159. With this configuration dirt and debris is directed upwardly inrecess 154 frombrushroll 120, alongangled surface 155 to cause such dirt and debris to move towards anaperture 156 that opens intoair channel 132, shown inFIG. 5 . Hard objects are either directed intoair channel 132 or contained inrecess 154 until they are drawn intoair channel 132. In oneembodiment recess 154 is configured to create a vortex-like tunnel that pulls dirt and debris caught in therecess 154 from outer edges ofcasing 152 into a center portion whereaperture 156 fluidly communicates withair channel 132. Recess 154 may span the length of thecasing 152, enclosing brushroll 126 or may vary in length. In some arrangements,recess 154 may even be comprised of sections. - In some arrangements, as best seen in
FIGS. 6-7 , anair flow groove 153 is formed through a portion of a vacuum cleaner intocavity 128. More specifically, in one particular arrangement,air flow groove 153 is formed through an outer portion ofgear housing 150 orvacuum base 100 and extends intocavity 128. Thus,air flow groove 153 is in fluid communication withrecess 154,aperture 156 andair channel 132. Generally,air flow groove 153 is positioned adjacent tonozzle brush 120 and particularly close to the path thatnozzle brush 120 may direct dirt and debris to. In one exemplary arrangement,air flow groove 153 is arranged so as to be adjacent to adust pan region 161.Dust pan region 161 cooperates withair flow groove 153 to retain dirt and debris withinrecess 154 until such dirt and debris may be drawn throughaperture 156 ofair channel 132. -
Air flow groove 153 is configured to have a predetermined size to create a low pressure area insidevacuum base 100. In one exemplary arrangement,air flow groove 153 is approximately ¼ inches wide and ⅛ inches in height. Such a low pressure area assists in creating a relatively high air flow rate throughcavity 128,recess 154 andaperture 156, intoair channel 132. The high air flow forces dirt and debris (including hard objects) that may be continuously rotating aboutbrushroll 126, due to centripetal forces, to be directed intoair channel 132. Thus, the relatively high air flow allows a vacuum cleaner to effectively direct dirt and debris loosened up or pushed into theair channel 132 of the vacuum system bybrushroll 126 andnozzle brush 120. - In one arrangement, positioned at each end of
brushroll 126 areworm gears 124, seen best inFIG. 6 . In an alternative embodiment, a bearinghousing 130 is positioned adjacent to eachworm gear 124, between the end ofbrushroll 126 and worm gears 124, best seen inFIG. 5 . In both of these embodiments, worm gears 124 and the bearinghousings 130 rotate in sync withbrushroll 126, about a first axis. Specifically,motor 140 positioned withinvacuum base 100 rotatesmotor arm 136.Drive belt 138 is positioned such that it is wrapped around bothmotor arm 136 and a portion ofbrushroll 126. Asmotor 140 axially rotatesmotor arm 136 about an axis,drive belt 138 rotates around bothmotor arm 136 andbrushroll 126, facilitating continuous revolutions about a first axis. Worm gears 124, and if applicable,adjacent bearing housings 130, also rotate about the first axis, in sync withelongate brushroll 126. - In another embodiment (not shown), a
motor 140 operatively communicates withbrushroll 126 and may be attached to a drive shaft (not shown) that causes brushroll 126 to rotate about the first axis, which may be oriented to be generally horizontal with respect to an engaged surface or ground. Additionally, in one embodiment, (not shown) a motor may be positioned externally ofvacuum base 100 and in operative communication withbrushroll 127 through a turbine system. The motor draws in air which in turn causes rotational movement ofbrushroll 127 through a turbine driven system. This particular embodiment may be incorporated into a handheld version of a vacuum base wherein at least one nozzle brush is rotated throughbrushroll 127 driven by a turbine motor system. - Referring specifically to the arrangements depicted in
FIGS. 3-6 and 8,rotatable nozzle brush 120 is depicted as positioned on a forwardouter edge 141 ofvacuum base 100 so as to extend outwardly from thevacuum base 100. In an exemplary embodiment, a pair of rotatable nozzle brushes 120 are partially situated in gear housings 150 (best seen inFIG. 6 ) adjacent each end of theelongate brushroll 126. Eachgear housing 150 contains aworm gear 124 andspur gear 148 as shown inFIG. 6 . The outer circumference ofnozzle brush 120 may carry a gear having a plurality of gripping teeth protruding radially outwardly there from such as those adapted for various types of gears including spur, worm, hypoid, bevel and any type of system having a driving portion attached to brushroll 126 and a driven portion attached tonozzle brush 120. For instance inFIG. 6 , aworm gear 124 mechanically engages the plurality of gripping teeth ofspur gear 148 on the correspondingnozzle brush 120, as shown. Asworm gear 124 rotates about its axis,spur gear 148 causesnozzle brush 120 to rotate about a second axis with each revolution ofworm gear 124. The driving portion ofgear 124 is contemplated to be made of a metallic material such as stainless steel, a plastic or polymer based material including, but not limited to, Entech nylon66 and Ashland Zytel WRF 500, or other suitable resin material. Likewise, the driven portion may also be made of similar materials as to that of the driving portion. Any combination of the materials mentioned above or those having similar characteristics as recognized by those skilled in the art are conceivable. - One particular embodiment using a gear system to mechanically rotate a
nozzle brush 120 through abrushroll 126 comprises using a bath of grease such as Molbilux EP 023 to ensure adequate lubrication and prevent wearing. However, in one particular embodiment a gear system devoid of any grease is possible. More specifically, where the driving portion is made of a stainless steel while the driven portion is made of plastic material. Such an arrangement of a greaseless or tubeless system is advantageous when cleaning floors as such lubricants may soil the engaged surface if they were to leak out of the system. - One particular advantage of a gear system driving nozzle brushes 120 through
brushroll 126 is the ability to adjust the torque and speed relationships betweenbrushroll 126 and thepower nozzle brush 120. It has been found that rotatingbrushroll 126 at higher speeds tend to loosen dirt and debris caused by the rotating beating action ofbristles 127. However,rotating nozzle brush 120 at a lower rotational speed thanbrushroll 126 has been found to be more effective thanrotating nozzle brush 120 at a high rotational speed as too high of a speed tends to project dirt and debris beyond the intended intake ofvacuum base 100. The ratio of the speeds ofnozzle brush 120 to brushroll 126 may be of the range 1:1. 1:5, 1:10 and 1:20 wherein brushroll 126 rotates 20 times faster thannozzle brush 120. Other non-gear systems are also conceived to adjust the ratio of speed as discussed below. -
Nozzle brush 120 may be secured tovacuum base 100 orgear housing 150 within vacuum base by asuitable fastener 122 such as a stud, pin or a screw, traversing the center ofnozzle brush 120, so as not to hinder rotation about the second axis. Plain or ball bearings (not shown) may be press fit onto or otherwise attached to 122 facilitating rotational movement. A gear such asspur gear 148 may be press fit, pinned or molded ontofastener 122. Other fastening means may be contemplated as alternatives for attachingnozzle brush 120 to vacuum base 100 as well. More particularly, those that may be easily removed and allownozzle brush 120 to be selectively detached.Nozzle brush 120 is generally circular in shape withbristles 170 protruding from the outermost surface ofnozzle brush 120; specifically, they protrude from the surface that engages the targeted surface. - It is further contemplated that additional nozzle brushes 120 may be added to vacuum
cleaner base 100 in alternate embodiments. It is also contemplated thatnozzle brush 120 may be positioned on the outer edges of vacuumcleaner base 100 or positioned more internally, for example, near theair channel 132 of thebase 100.FIGS. 1-2 show embodiments wherenozzle brush 20 is placed on an outer edge of vacuumcleaner base 10 behindbrushroll 26.FIGS. 3-5 illustrate embodiments wherenozzle brush 120 is placed on a forward corner of vacuumcleaner base 100,adjacent brushroll 126.FIG. 9 illustrates a specific operation of the embodiments shown inFIGS. 3-5 . More specifically, asnozzle brush 120 engages atarget surface 200 to be cleaned,nozzle brush 120 is able to reachdebris 204 deposited adjacent awall 202. - As previously stated, it is contemplated that the number and position of nozzle brushes 20, 120 may vary between embodiments. It is contemplated that some nozzle brushes 20, 120 are powered by alternative means, other than through the operation of
brushroll motor 140. It is also contemplated that nozzle brushes 20, 120 may be used to drivebrushroll brushroll nozzle brush - In all of the described embodiments, as vacuum
cleaner base brushroll nozzle brush Nozzle brush nozzle brush - Rotation and beating of
bristles brushroll nozzle brush cavity aperture 156 as shown inFIG. 7 .Bristles brushroll brushroll aperture 156 intoair channel 132 that may be formed, in part, byprojection portion cleaner base - In one exemplary embodiment, the height and position of vacuum
cleaner base brushroll nozzle brush nozzle brush - The appended claims have been particularly shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, which are merely illustrative of the best modes for carrying out the invention defined by the appended claims. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternatives to the embodiments described herein may be employed in practicing the invention defined by the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in claims. The embodiments should be understood to include all novel and non-obvious combinations of elements described herein, and claims may be presented in this or a later application to any novel and non-obvious combination of these elements. Moreover, the foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature or element is essential to all possible combinations that may be claimed in this or a later application.
- With regard to the processes, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than the order described herein. It further should be understood that certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes described herein are provided for illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be construed to limit the appended claims.
- Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the arts discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In sum, it should be understood that the invention is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the following claims.
- All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “said,” etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.
Claims (24)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/610,731 US20100107356A1 (en) | 2008-11-03 | 2009-11-02 | Nozzle brush arrangements for vacuum cleaner assemblies |
MX2011004633A MX2011004633A (en) | 2008-11-03 | 2009-11-03 | Nozzle brush arrangements for vacuum cleaner assemblies. |
EP09745264A EP2358250A1 (en) | 2008-11-03 | 2009-11-03 | Nozzle brush arrangements for vacuum cleaner assemblies |
PCT/US2009/063094 WO2010062748A1 (en) | 2008-11-03 | 2009-11-03 | Nozzle brush arrangements for vacuum cleaner assemblies |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11079708P | 2008-11-03 | 2008-11-03 | |
US12/610,731 US20100107356A1 (en) | 2008-11-03 | 2009-11-02 | Nozzle brush arrangements for vacuum cleaner assemblies |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100107356A1 true US20100107356A1 (en) | 2010-05-06 |
Family
ID=42129674
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/610,731 Abandoned US20100107356A1 (en) | 2008-11-03 | 2009-11-02 | Nozzle brush arrangements for vacuum cleaner assemblies |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100107356A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2358250A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2011004633A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010062748A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2486977A (en) * | 2010-12-29 | 2012-07-04 | Bissell Homecare Inc | Suction nozzle with an edge brush and obstacle sensor |
US9801513B2 (en) | 2011-11-24 | 2017-10-31 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Turbo brush |
US10448798B2 (en) * | 2015-12-10 | 2019-10-22 | Jiangsu Midea Cleaning Appliances Co., Ltd. | Floor brush assembly for upright vacuum cleaner and upright vacuum cleaner with the same |
US10849473B2 (en) * | 2016-01-29 | 2020-12-01 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Vacuum cleaner |
US20220175204A1 (en) * | 2020-03-30 | 2022-06-09 | Bissell Inc. | Edge cleaning brushes for floor cleaner |
CN114869184A (en) * | 2021-02-05 | 2022-08-09 | 苏州瑞久智能科技有限公司 | Surface cleaning head and surface cleaning device |
CN114869180A (en) * | 2021-02-05 | 2022-08-09 | 苏州瑞久智能科技有限公司 | Cleaning head for a surface cleaning device |
WO2022166798A1 (en) * | 2021-02-05 | 2022-08-11 | 苏州瑞久智能科技有限公司 | Surface cleaning head and surface cleaning device |
CN115153346A (en) * | 2022-08-04 | 2022-10-11 | 北京顺造科技有限公司 | Scrubbing brush subassembly and surface cleaning equipment |
CN115486755A (en) * | 2021-06-18 | 2022-12-20 | 苏州瑞久智能科技有限公司 | Floor cleaning device |
Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US601628A (en) * | 1898-04-05 | Carpet-sweeper | ||
US3409933A (en) * | 1965-11-04 | 1968-11-12 | Huluforsverken Ab | Machine for removing leaves and other debris from the ground |
US3683444A (en) * | 1971-03-29 | 1972-08-15 | Nat Union Electric Corp | Suction cleaner brush roll assembly |
US3802222A (en) * | 1972-08-30 | 1974-04-09 | Black & Decker Mfg Co | Torque-responsive clutch for hedge trimmers and the like |
US3978539A (en) * | 1975-06-30 | 1976-09-07 | Bissell, Inc. | Floor sweeper with auxiliary rotary brushes |
US4099284A (en) * | 1976-02-20 | 1978-07-11 | Tanita Corporation | Hand sweeper for carpets |
US5802666A (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 1998-09-08 | Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd. | Power brush for a vacuum cleaner |
US20020092125A1 (en) * | 2001-01-12 | 2002-07-18 | Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. | Edge cleaner for vacuum cleaner |
US20040221406A1 (en) * | 2003-05-08 | 2004-11-11 | Nicholas Gerald Grey | Surface cleaning apparatus |
US6832409B2 (en) * | 2001-09-18 | 2004-12-21 | The Hoover Company | Wet/dry floor cleaning unit and method of cleaning |
US20050155169A1 (en) * | 2004-01-15 | 2005-07-21 | Chiaphua Industries Limited | Floor sweeper |
US20050181968A1 (en) * | 2004-02-12 | 2005-08-18 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Cleaning implements and substrates for cleaning surfaces |
US20060000140A1 (en) * | 2004-06-30 | 2006-01-05 | Rinaldo Caprotti | Fuel additives |
WO2006106278A1 (en) * | 2005-04-08 | 2006-10-12 | Grey Technology Limited | Surface cleaning apparatus |
US7146682B2 (en) * | 2003-01-31 | 2006-12-12 | The Hoover Company | Powered edge cleaner |
US7225503B1 (en) * | 2002-11-27 | 2007-06-05 | Bissell Homecare, Inc. | Hand-held deep cleaner |
US7331078B2 (en) * | 2001-07-20 | 2008-02-19 | Grey Technology Limited | Surface cleaning apparatus |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19706240A1 (en) * | 1997-02-18 | 1998-08-20 | Fedag Romanshorn Fa | Suction cleaning tool with roller brush |
US5949175A (en) | 1998-02-05 | 1999-09-07 | Rexair, Inc. | Brush holder for electric motor |
US6777844B2 (en) | 2000-10-24 | 2004-08-17 | Rexair, Inc. | Brushless motor |
DE102004017696A1 (en) * | 2004-04-10 | 2005-10-27 | Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh | Floor care device with a rotatable brush |
-
2009
- 2009-11-02 US US12/610,731 patent/US20100107356A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-11-03 EP EP09745264A patent/EP2358250A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2009-11-03 MX MX2011004633A patent/MX2011004633A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2009-11-03 WO PCT/US2009/063094 patent/WO2010062748A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US601628A (en) * | 1898-04-05 | Carpet-sweeper | ||
US3409933A (en) * | 1965-11-04 | 1968-11-12 | Huluforsverken Ab | Machine for removing leaves and other debris from the ground |
US3683444A (en) * | 1971-03-29 | 1972-08-15 | Nat Union Electric Corp | Suction cleaner brush roll assembly |
US3802222A (en) * | 1972-08-30 | 1974-04-09 | Black & Decker Mfg Co | Torque-responsive clutch for hedge trimmers and the like |
US3978539A (en) * | 1975-06-30 | 1976-09-07 | Bissell, Inc. | Floor sweeper with auxiliary rotary brushes |
US4099284A (en) * | 1976-02-20 | 1978-07-11 | Tanita Corporation | Hand sweeper for carpets |
US5802666A (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 1998-09-08 | Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd. | Power brush for a vacuum cleaner |
US20020092125A1 (en) * | 2001-01-12 | 2002-07-18 | Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. | Edge cleaner for vacuum cleaner |
US7331078B2 (en) * | 2001-07-20 | 2008-02-19 | Grey Technology Limited | Surface cleaning apparatus |
US6832409B2 (en) * | 2001-09-18 | 2004-12-21 | The Hoover Company | Wet/dry floor cleaning unit and method of cleaning |
US7225503B1 (en) * | 2002-11-27 | 2007-06-05 | Bissell Homecare, Inc. | Hand-held deep cleaner |
US7146682B2 (en) * | 2003-01-31 | 2006-12-12 | The Hoover Company | Powered edge cleaner |
US20040221406A1 (en) * | 2003-05-08 | 2004-11-11 | Nicholas Gerald Grey | Surface cleaning apparatus |
US20050155169A1 (en) * | 2004-01-15 | 2005-07-21 | Chiaphua Industries Limited | Floor sweeper |
US20050181968A1 (en) * | 2004-02-12 | 2005-08-18 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Cleaning implements and substrates for cleaning surfaces |
US20060000140A1 (en) * | 2004-06-30 | 2006-01-05 | Rinaldo Caprotti | Fuel additives |
WO2006106278A1 (en) * | 2005-04-08 | 2006-10-12 | Grey Technology Limited | Surface cleaning apparatus |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2486977A (en) * | 2010-12-29 | 2012-07-04 | Bissell Homecare Inc | Suction nozzle with an edge brush and obstacle sensor |
US8752240B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2014-06-17 | Bissell Homecare, Inc. | Suction nozzle with obstacle sensor |
GB2486977B (en) * | 2010-12-29 | 2014-09-17 | Bissell Homecare Inc | Suction nozzle with edge brush and obstacle sensor |
US9801513B2 (en) | 2011-11-24 | 2017-10-31 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Turbo brush |
US10448798B2 (en) * | 2015-12-10 | 2019-10-22 | Jiangsu Midea Cleaning Appliances Co., Ltd. | Floor brush assembly for upright vacuum cleaner and upright vacuum cleaner with the same |
US10849473B2 (en) * | 2016-01-29 | 2020-12-01 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Vacuum cleaner |
US20220175204A1 (en) * | 2020-03-30 | 2022-06-09 | Bissell Inc. | Edge cleaning brushes for floor cleaner |
CN114869184A (en) * | 2021-02-05 | 2022-08-09 | 苏州瑞久智能科技有限公司 | Surface cleaning head and surface cleaning device |
CN114869180A (en) * | 2021-02-05 | 2022-08-09 | 苏州瑞久智能科技有限公司 | Cleaning head for a surface cleaning device |
WO2022166798A1 (en) * | 2021-02-05 | 2022-08-11 | 苏州瑞久智能科技有限公司 | Surface cleaning head and surface cleaning device |
CN115486755A (en) * | 2021-06-18 | 2022-12-20 | 苏州瑞久智能科技有限公司 | Floor cleaning device |
CN115153346A (en) * | 2022-08-04 | 2022-10-11 | 北京顺造科技有限公司 | Scrubbing brush subassembly and surface cleaning equipment |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2010062748A1 (en) | 2010-06-03 |
MX2011004633A (en) | 2011-06-24 |
EP2358250A1 (en) | 2011-08-24 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20100107356A1 (en) | Nozzle brush arrangements for vacuum cleaner assemblies | |
US10932632B2 (en) | Vacuum accessory tool | |
CA2455440C (en) | Traction wheel powered edge cleaner | |
EP2091401B1 (en) | A vacuum cleaner nozzle, a roller as well as a vacuum cleaner | |
CA2460997C (en) | Surface cleaning apparatus | |
US20060272122A1 (en) | Vacuum brushroll edge cleaner | |
US11395569B2 (en) | Brushroll for vacuum cleaner | |
EP1043947B1 (en) | A brush bar | |
GB2251178A (en) | Vacuum cleaner | |
AU2017389095A1 (en) | Vacuum cleaner | |
CA3113514A1 (en) | Edge cleaning brushes for floor cleaner | |
CA2440905C (en) | Dual agitator drive system with worm gear | |
CA3061022A1 (en) | Cleaning apparatus with combing unit for removing debris from cleaning roller | |
GB2443364A (en) | Vacuum brushroll edge cleaner | |
KR200336735Y1 (en) | steam dustcloth combined use vacuum cleaner | |
CN114466613B (en) | Cleaner head for a vacuum cleaning appliance | |
GB2440282A (en) | Vacuum brushroll edge cleaner | |
CA2578315A1 (en) | Traction wheel powered edge cleaner | |
MXPA00005495A (en) | A brush bar |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: REXAIR, LLC,MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:JAKUBOS, JAMES D.;HOWIE, MARK;REEL/FRAME:023571/0988 Effective date: 20091102 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:REXAIR LLC;REEL/FRAME:023758/0123 Effective date: 20091222 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: RHONE GROUP L.L.C., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT,NEW YO Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:REXAIR LLC;REEL/FRAME:023854/0752 Effective date: 20091222 Owner name: RHONE GROUP L.L.C., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, NEW Y Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:REXAIR LLC;REEL/FRAME:023854/0752 Effective date: 20091222 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: REXAIR HOLDINGS, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:RHONE GROUP, L.L.C., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:025655/0267 Effective date: 20101217 Owner name: REXAIR LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:RHONE GROUP, L.L.C., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:025655/0267 Effective date: 20101217 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:REXAIR LLC;REXAIR HOLDINGS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:031589/0302 Effective date: 20131009 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: REXAIR LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:033663/0822 Effective date: 20140829 Owner name: REXAIR HOLDINGS, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:033663/0822 Effective date: 20140829 |