Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
131~92~
Field of Invention
This invention relates to improvements in a method and apparatus
for controlling dispensing of finely divided particulate compositions
and especially to a method and apparatus for cleaning carpets, rugs
or broadloom by the application thereto of a suitable ~dry~ finely
divided particulate cleaning composition followed by the recov~ry
therefrom of the residues and associated soil or contaminants and
other debris lodged therein.
Back~round to the Invention
~Dry~ cleaning compositions for cleaning carpets, rugs or
broadloom or the like have been developed ar.d with the improvements
of recent years have been shown in use to be particularly effective
in removing soil and contaminants therefrom.
"Dry" indicates that the cleaning compositions can be handled
in the form of a powder that will flow at room temperature although
such compositions may contain a considerable amount of liquid such
as water or organic solvents. Such "dry~ cleaning compositions have
a high soil or contaminant removal capacity so as to extract same over
a relatively short interval of time.
"Dry" powdered cleaning compositions of the type to be employed
in the improved method and apparatus of this invention may take the
form of polyurethanej polyscyrene and phenol-formaldehyde resin
particles combined with water, an organic li~uid, and a surfactant,
as set forth in U.S. Patent No. 2,015,972.
~5 Another "dry~' powdered cleaning composition likewise effective
in removing soil or contaminants is derived from solid polymeric
urea-formaldehyde particles from about 10 to 105 microns in si~e and
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a suitable solvent as described in U.S.P. 4,0i3,594.
Still another suitable composition is disclosed in U.S.P.
4,108,800 wherein polyethylene glycol is added to a semi-dry cleaning
composition such as that set out in U.S.P. 4,013,594 to prevent
adhering of the very fine particles of the composition to the fibres,
which occur in part from the breakdown of the larger particles due to
abrasion and thereby increase overall efficiency in the recovery of
such residues by a suction- type cleaner.
"Dry" carpet cleaning compositions are expensive. ~ccordingly
the effective and efficient application of same is desirable and may
be a critical factor in some circumstances, considering the cost, as
to whether such a treatment should be undertaken.
;One early example of an applicator for such compositions is
illustrated in U.S.P. 2,632,538 which includes a rotatable foraminous
hollow cylinder adapted to be filled with a ~dry~ powdered cleaning
;composition which passes therethrough and to be distributed thereby
over the surface of the fibrous floor covering when the cylinder is
rotated.
Brushes carried by the frame of such unit are used to work the
particles of cleaning composition into the fibres.
Other applicators that utilize similar structures are found in
U.S.P. 3,289,240 and U.S.P. 4,381,156.
A more recent example of applicator, marketed under the trade-
mark XENMORE, includes a wheeled lower main body portion of an upright
25~ suction or vacuum cleaner provided forwardly with a hopper thereabove
mounted to extend over the rotating brush or beater thereof.
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`Such hopper is provided with a pair of spaced apart discharge
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slots or orifices each having a fixed perimeter or cross sectionpositioned forwardly and lowermost, through which the dry po~Jdered
cleaning composition is adapted to be discharged in spaced apart
streams under gravity aided by a selectively driven bladed dispensing
roll moun~ed for rotation within the hopper so as to agitate the
particulate material and direct the flow towards the discharge slots
or orifices.
According to this arrangement the particles of cleaning
composition are deposited somewhat unevenly and are adapted to be
spread and worked into the fibres by manipulation of the appliance
in which the rotary brush is driven in a direction reversely to the
normal forward direction when the appliance is used for vacuuming.
Clogging of the spaced apart discharge orifices from the hopper
of the a~orementioned unit often occurs requiring the apparatus be
~; 15 shut down and the orifices cleared during the operation.
Sub~equently after the elapse of an appropriate interval of time
the appliance is converted to operate as a suction or vacuum cleaner
with the drive to the brush or beater reversed to rotate in the
forward direction to loosen the residues and other debris which are
then taken up into the noæzle of the unit and carried to the
collection chamber therein for later disposal in ~he well known
; manner.
No shut off or effeckive closure of the discharge orifices is
included~in the KENMORE uni~ so ~hat all of the cleaning material is
usually dispersed in the opera~ion at hand or must be drawn into the
suction recovery passageway when the apparatus is activated to operate
as a vacllum cleaner.
~3~9~2
Nor does there appear to be sufficient suction generated T~7ith
such appliance to recover in a satisfactory way the ver~y finely
divided residues which when taken up in the dirty air stream tend to
escape into the atmosphere through the mesh of the disposable bags or
~abrics used to contain same, which ~ine particles collect on the
surfaces of furniture and floor covexings in the surrounding area.
Obiects of the Invention
It is a principal object o~ this i~ention therefore to provide
an improved method and apparatus for controlling the dispensing of
"dry~' powdered compositions such as cleaning compositions for
carpets, rugs, broadloom from a confined body of same, and
particularly to deliver only the requisite amount of material and in
a more uniform pattern in the case of the discharge of same onto ~he
surfaces of floor coverings, whereby the particles can be more
effectively worked into the fibres to extract soil a~d contaminants
therefrom and so minimize waste and effort and thereby increase ihe
overall efficiency of such an operation at a reduction in the cost.
More particularly it is a very important object to provide an
improved dispensing method for such particulate compositions and
improved apparatus to implement same in which the likelihood of
clogging of the discharge orifice is also minimized thereby promoting
a more even 10w of particles therethrough and in the c~se of carpet
cleaning operations a more uniform application of the par-ticles to the
: surfaces of the floor coverings to be treated.
2~ Still another important object is to provide improved apparatus
in which a minimum of operable components of relatively simple but
sturdy construction are utilized for achieving a substantially uniform
2 ~
dispensing pattern of dry powdered composition, and which in the case
of the application of such compositions to carpets, rugs, or
broadloom, can be readily adapted for combined operation with auction
or vacuum cleaners that include a rotating brush or beater within th~
nozzle whereby the deposited particles can be worked well into the
fibres.
Another very important object is to provide a novel combination
of improved dispensing apparatus and modified suction or vacuum unit
utilizing a rotating brush or beatsr with an improved system for
collecting the very finely divided residues whereby a greater
proportion of such residues are recovered and retained therewithin for
later disposal.
It is al60 an important object to provide an improved method and
apparatus wherein not only unnecessary waste or loss of the expensive
particulate cleaning composition is minimized but in which any unused
portion can be safely preserved and ætored ater the treatment step
is terminated and be immediately available and ready for dispensing
when the ensuing treatment is undertaken.
Still another very important object is to provide such improved
combination of dispensing apparatus associa~ed suction or vacuum unit
and improved collection system with an attractive high tech appearance
of relatively light weight, ready manoeuvrability and operability so
as to promote its general acceptance both for domestic and commercial
use.
Features of the Invention
The principal feature of this invention resides in controlling
the dispensing of finely divided particles from a confined body of
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131~922
same through a discharge orifice leading therefrom by directing such
body of particles in a stream towards such discharge orifice and
imparting oscillatory movement to such stream next before discharge
so as to agitate, separate and propel the foremost particles of thP
stream through the discharge orifice.
More particularly the stream of particles is adapted to be
directed along a downwardly inclined pakhway for the discharge of
same through an orifice lowermost while such oscillatory movement is
imparted to the descending stream of particle~ therealong and which
os~illatory movement i~ of the greatest magnitude in the region
thereof next before discharge.
Still more particularly according to the preferred method
embodying the invention the finely divided particulate composition
descends in a stream under gravity along a pathway of substantial
width the lowermost portion thereof defining such pathway being
displaceable such that oscillatory movement can be imparted to the
stream of particles from below and with e~er increasing amplitude
until finally propelled through the discharge orifice in a wide thin
substantially continuous uniform pattern.
It is a feature of this invention in implementing such preferred-
method to provide such discharge orifice to one side and lowermost of
a hopper formation in which the particulate composition is to be
confined in the receptacle portion thereof, which discharge orifice
takes the form of spaced apart lip~ of a jaw-like structure, the upper
jaw-like component being presented by the upstanding front or forward
wall formation of the receptacle portion and includes a generally
horizontally extending elongated edge formation or upper lip with a
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portion of the bottom wall constituting the lower jaw-like component
likewise presenting a co-operating generally horizontally extending
edge formation or lower lip and wherein the lower jaw-like component
or bottom wall portion is supported for limited swinging displacement
about an axis rearwardly of and remote from the lower lip, the upper
surface of such bottom wall portion constituting a pathway portion
leading to the discharge orifice whereby under reciprocation of same
the opposed lips are repeatedly separated and oscillatory movement of
increasing and sufficient amplitude imparted to reciprocate the
particles thereabove throughout their advancemen~ over the pathway
portion next before discharge so as to agi~ate, separate and propel
the particles ~hrough the gap defined by the spaced apart lip8 in a
substantially continuous uniform pattern and at a substantially
constant rate.
~` 15More particularly by providing the discharge orifice formation
~` in the form of separable lips the optimum separation or gap for
effectively passing a range of particle si~es of a preferred
composition therebetween can be established through limiting the
descent under reciprocation of the lower jaw-like component or pathway
portion of the bottom wall forma~ion. Such an arrangement provides
greater control over the discharge of such fine particles.
Furthermore, since the discharge orifice is defined by opposing
lips presented by adjacent front or bottom wall portions defining the
hopper formation in the preferred apparatus the separation of the side
and rear wall forma~ions can be selected so as to match the
longitudinal extent of the rotary brush or beater of an applicator or
a suitable suction or vacuum unit upon which the hopper formation is
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131~22
to be mounted in the combinations of the preferred embodiment.
Accordingly, with such discharge orifice in combination with a
rotary ~rush or beater the requisite amount of a selected cleaning
composition can be laid down in a ~hin layer upon a floor covering
surface next before the advance of such brush or beater in a width
corresponding to the length of such brush or beater, thereby
minimiæing unevenness of deposition and the required manipulation of
the appliance to effectively distribute and work the particles into
the fibres.
Still more particularly it is a feature of this invention to
mount the lower jaw-like component or bottom wall portion of the
hopper formation at an inclination to the hori20ntal preferably of the
order of 15~ so that the confined particles will be positively
directed under gravity upon reciprocation, to descend in a stream
towards the gap between the lips.
Another feature of this invention resides in utilizing in the
preferred embodiment of the apparatus an eccentric cam driven at a
selected angular velocity and associated depending cam follower
carried by the lower jaw-like component of the discharge orifice to
reciprocate same so as to impart periodic oscillatory movement to the
stream of particles directed towards the discharge orifice and whereby
~hrough appropriate dimensioning and placement of the cam and cam
follower the desired lip eparation or gap can be established.
Further, it is a f ature o~ this invention, when imparting
periodic movement to the s~ream of particles to be discharged, to bias
the lower jaw-like component of the discharge orifice against the
eccentric cam thereby reducing disruptions in the reciprocable
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1315~2
movement of same providing a more continuous periodic oscillatory
movement to the stream of particles directed to the discharge orifice,
and maintaining, for ready passage of such particles therethrough, the
desired lip separation or gap established.
More particularly it is a feature to mount the eccentric cam
upon the axle of the rotating brush or beater of an applicator or
~uitable suction or vacuum cleaner thereby and utilizing the drive
from the main motor for rotating both the brush and for reciprocating
the lower jaw-like component or bottom wall portion.
Still another feature resides in providing in combination with
the novel dispensing apparatus and associated suction or vacuum unit
as outlined above of a two stage cyclone separator embodying the
features of U.S. patent nos. 4,043,748, 4,377,882, 4,373,228,
4,571,772, 4,593,429 and U.S. Reissue no. 32,257, placed in communi-
cation with the discharge of the suction fan of the unit to receive
and separate out the recovered residues in two stages, the second
stage having the capability of removing a greater proportion of the
very finely divided residues entrained in the dirty air stream before
the air stream is discharged into the atmosphere and collecting and
- 20 retaining same therein for ready later disposal.
Still another feature resides in providing in the preferred
embodiment of the combined dispensing applicator or appliance
including the driven rotary brush or beater, a switching device that
includee a displaceable cam element mounted for rota~ion remotely
control}ed~from the handle of the appliance through a tensioned cable
~ .
connector for actuating an electrical switch to energize the motor and
; for positioning the displaceable lower jaw-like component or bottom
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13~5922
wall portion of the dischaLge orifice while rotating the rotary brush
or beater for achieving the following:
(i) delivering the particulate composition onto the floor
covering surface and working same thereinto by the rotating
brush or beater in the first mode; and where the applicator
includes the suction or vacuum cleaner option,
(ii) closing the discharge oriice and maintaining the brushing
action and continuing to work the particles into the fibrQs
in the second mode,
(iii) maintaining the discharge orifice in the closed position
while operating the appliance as a vacuum cleaner and
utilizing the rotating brush or beater to recover the
residues from the fibrss and deliver same through the
suction fan to the recovery stage preferably the two stage
cyclone separator in the third mode, and
(iv) maintaining the discharge orifice in the closed position
upon shutting down the operation of the appliance.
Another feature of this invention resides in providing in the
aforementioned preferred embodiment a swingable valve for closing the
suction pas6ageway extending between the aforemen~ioned nozzle
formation and the intake of the suction fan, and opening a bypass
aperture or inlet thereinto for communication with the atmosphere,
which valve position is controlled by the displacement of rotatable
:cam element of the swltching device such that when the apparatus is
to be~operated in the dispensing and brushing mode such suction
pas~ageway is sealed by such valve against communication between the
nozzle and the fan intake to prevent particles of dispensed cleaning
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131~922
composition from being drawn into the nozzle and suction fan and place
the intake of the suction fan in communication with the atmosphere
through the bypass aperture or inlet to relieve such valve against the
suction forces genera~ed by the fan; and when the appliance is
pxogrammed through the switching dPvice remotely controlling the
aforementioned rotatable cam element to implement the vacuum mode to
take up the spent cleaning composition residues and the like, the
valve is displaced in a direction so that communication between the
nozzle and suction fan intake is restored and the bypass aperture or
inlet sealed off.
These and other objects and features are to be found in the
following description to be read in conjunction with the accompanying
sheets of drawings in which: -
Figure 1 is a perspective view taken from a point to the front
and to the left side of a carpet cleaning apparatus or appliance
embodying the invention disposed in the upright or inoperative
position;
Figure 2 is a perspective view ~aken from a point to the rear
right side of the apparatus as illustrated in Figure l;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the right side of the
apparatus as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the main lower body portion of
the apparatus of Figures 1 to 3;
Figure 5 is an exploded vLew in perspective of those components
constituting the main lower body portion of the apparatus of Figures
1 to 4 inclusive;
: Figure 6 is a partially exploded view in perspective of the
:
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componen~s of the upright body portion of the apparatus of Figures 1
to 5 inclusive;
Figure 7 is a side elevational view partly broken away and in
partial cross-section of the main lower body por~ion taken from the
right side of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 along the line 7-7
thereof;
Figure 8 is a further side elevational view partly broken away
in partial cross-section of the main lower body portion taken from the
right side of the apparatus illustra~ed in Figure 1 along the line
8~8;
Figure 3a is a still further side elevational view partly broken
away of the main lower body portion taken along the line 9-9 of Figure
lO, focusing upon the structure of the cam for activating the remote
switch mechanism and relationship of such cam to the other associated
components when the carpet cleaning apparatus is in the vacuuming
mode;
Figure 9b is a side elevational view partly broken away
corresponding to Figure ga illustrating the structure of the cam and
: its relationship to the other associated components when the carpet
cleaning apparatus is in the brush only mode;
~: Figure 9c is again a side elevational view partly broken away
corresponding to Figure 9a illustrating the structure of the cam and
its relationship to the other associated components when the carpet
c1eanLng:apparatus is in the dispensing and brush mode;
:~25Figure 9d is a view similar ~o Figure 9c but illustrating ~he
means for biasing the lower ~aw-like componen~ of ~he discharge
:~ orifice;
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Figure 10 is a plan view partly broken away of that part of the
main lower body portion illustrated in Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a further side elevational view partly broken away
of that part of the main lower body portion illustrated in Figure 10
taken from the left side of the apparatus along the line 11-11;
Figure 12 i5 a vertical cross sectional view, partly broken away
of the handle extension of the apparatus of Figure 1 together with the
upright hollow column supporting same for indexed movement taken along
the line 12-12 of Figure 1;
Figure 13 is a vertical cross sectional view corresponding to
Figure 12, but from the side of the apparatus opposite to that
iIlustrated in Figure 12 taken along line 13-13 of Figure 1.
Apparatus in the form of appliance 10 suitable for carpet
cleaning operations or the like embodying the invention is depicted
in Figures 1 to 13 inclusive of the drawings hereof.
Appliance 10 is comprised of a wheeled main lower body or base
portion 12 and a swingable upright handle formation 13 that includes
an elongated generally cylindrically-~haped cyclone-kype separator 14
upstanding centrally rearwardly of main lower body portion or base 12
: supported thereabove between a pair of upstanding aligned oppo~itely
disposed extensible hollow support column formations 18 connected
lowermost to main body portion 12 through respective spaced apart
: hollow-pivo~ formations 20, 22.
; 25 Hollow-pivot formations 20, 22 have a common transversely
extending axis 24 with associated hollow column formations 16, 18 and
cyclone separator 14 carried and supported therebetween together
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~31~92~
presenting a rearwardly upstanding centrally located hollow shaft~ e
control member 26 thereabove which control member 26 terminates
uppermost in a hollow pivotal connector or knuckle 28 from which a
hollow hand-gripping extension 30 rearwardly projects.
5The aforementioned hollow structures provide an internal or
protected passageway from the outer end of hollow hand-gripping
extension 30 to within the interior of housing 32 of the main lower
body portion 12 for enclosing eLectrical cable 34 for energizing
electric motor 36 through displacement of contact 37 of remotely
10controlled electric switch 38 as follows:
Electrical cable 34 extends from plug 40 to the outer end of
hollow hand-gripping extension 30 and therealong internally thereof
through hollow knuckle 28 down centralIy located hollow shaft-like
control member 26 and under truncated conically shaped cap formation
1541, mounted in overlying spaced relation above the discharge outlet
42 for cyclone separator 14 and secured thereto, which cap formation
41 diverts, when operating, the airstream expelled therefrom, then
down through extensible hollow support column 16 and through lower
hollow pivot formation 20 into the interior of housing 32 to connect
20with remotely controlled electric switch 38.
As best illustrated in Figure lO electric switch 38 includes a
cam~follower 33 and a displaceable contact 37. Cam followsr 33 is
adapted to follow the contoured side surface 35 of rotatable cam
:element 39 so as to depress or release displaceable contact 37,
: 25 depending upon the direction and extent of rotation of cam element 39.
:~ Displacement of rotatable cam element 39 is controlled by a
switching device 44 mounted for indexed ro~ation within hollow
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~31~92~
connector or knuckle 28 of handle formation 13 from which hollo~ hand
gripping extension 30 projects through a tensioned control cable 45
secured therebetween which will be described in more detail in
paragraphs to follow.
Control cable 45 is aAapted to be maintained in its tensioned
: state by means of a helically wound mschanical spring element 46
carried by hub portion 47 of displaceable cam element 39 in the manner
illustrated in Figure 9a with one arm 48a of element 46 bearing
against a support projection 49 presented by the housing 32 and with
the other arm 48b anchored in cam element 39 so as to urge cam element
39 in a direction to tension control cable 45.
; Control cable 45 in a similar manner to electrical cable 34
extends from switching device 44 down centrally located hollow
sha~t-like control member 26 and under truncated conically shaped cap
formation 41, then down through extensible hollow support column 16
: and through lower hollow pivot formation 20 into the interior of
housing 32 to connect with the rotary cam element 39. In order to
insure that tensioned control cable 45 slides freely in those regions
where it changes direction along its path, when switching device 44
is appropriated to rotate displaceable cam element 39, control cable
; 45 is provided with sleeved portions 29 in those regions, as best
illustrated in Figures 10, 11, and l2.
: Housing 32 of main body portion 12 which is illustrated in detail
in:Fiqur~s 4, 5 and 7 to 11 inclusive is comprised of a lower section
;: 25 or support base member 50 and separable upper section or overlying
enclosure 51 with both sections 50, 51 preferably moulded from a
~ suitable strong resilient plastic.
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Lower support base member 50 is shaped to present requisite
upstanding perimetral, side, forward and rearward support portions
52a, 52b, 53 and 54 separated by a central connecting web portion 55
presenting requisite recesses and support projections for locating the
required components to be mounted thereon or therewithin and for
securing same thereto.
Part cylindrical recesses 56a, 56b presented by side and rear
support portions 52a, 52b and 54 each opening to the rear and
outwardly to the opposed sides of lower support base member 50 have
aligned rear supporting wheels 58a, 58b of a substantial radius
mounted therein for rotation.
Lower support base member 50 on the underside presents inwardly
disposed centrally located spaced apart part cylindrical recesses 60a,
60b wherein suitable wheels 62a, 62b of lesser radius as compared with
rear supporting wheels 58a, 58b are mounted for rotation upon a
shiftable axle 64, to give requisite support to the appliance 10 to
promote manoeuvrability of same over the carpet surfaces to be
treated.
Axle 64 carrying wheels 62a, 62b in order to shift is supported
for swinging movement within spaced apart retaining elements 66a, 66b
secured to the underside of central web portion 55. A helically wound
spring (not illustrated) normally urges the axle 64 towards a
retracted position of the wheels 62a, 62b. An indexed rotary control
member 68 including graded tooth elements 69, is mounted for rotation
within the side portion 52a of base member 50 and engages one end of
axle 64 between successi~e graded tooth elements 6~ to swing the axle
64 through an arc against the action of the spring 67 out of the
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retracted position and so selectively set and fix the downward descent
of same.
Lower support base member 50 as best illustrated in Figures 4 and
5 also includes an elongated transversely extending aperture inlet 70
foremost and in advance of central supporting wheels 62a or 62b to
define the inlet for nozzle 72 of the suction fan 74 for the appliance
lO which nozzl~ 72 has a generally hollow cylindrically shaped
configuration interiorly 80 as to embrace rotary brush or beater 78
and through which inlet 70 thereof the bristles 76 of a rotary brush
or beater 78 are adapted to project.
Nozzle 72 is defined by the ma'cing of lower support base member
50 with overlying enclosure 51.
Nozzle 72 communicates through an internal passageway 82
presented by a rearwardly and upwardly extending conduit section 84
with the intake 86 of suction fan 74.
: Impeller 88 of suction fan 74 is mounted within the fan housing
90 upon suitable spaced apart pro~ections 80 that impeller shaft 92
thereof extends transversely and in alignment with motor shaft 94 of
electric motor 36, which shafts are coupled together to drive impeller
88 directly from electric motor 36.
Cylindrically-shaped brush or beater element 78 is mounted for
rotation about it~ longitudinal axle 96 within transversely extending
hollow nozzle formation 72 upon suitable bearing elements 98a, 9Bb
~: ~ which~are releasably anchored within upstanding side support portions
5~a, 52b of lower support base member 50 in a suitable manner with the
axis of rotation arranged to extend in parallel relation to the axis
of motor shaft 94.
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The internal configurations of nozæle 72, the diameter of rotary
brush or beater 78, extent of bristles 76 thereof are all selected so
that bristles 76 project sufficiently below main body portion 12
through inlet 70 50 as to effectively penetrate and separate the
S fibres of the carpet to be treated when appliance 10 i5 programmed to
discharge ~dryll powdered cleaning compositions and brush same into the
fibres, for the brushing mode so as to continue the working of ~he
powdered cleaning compositions into the carpet, and for the vacuum
mode to take up the dry powdered cleaning composition re3idues
associated soil and other debris therefrom.
The penetration of the bristles 76 can be adjusted for different
carpets by dispIacing the indexed rotary control member 68 to lower
or retract the centrally mounted wheels 62a, 62b.
Passageway 82 connecting nozzle 72 to the fan intake 86 has a
generally rectilinear configuration in cross section in the preferred
embodiment, wherein a displaceable clo~ure or valve plate 100 is
swingably mounted so to close and seal same when the apparatus is
programmed for or switched to the dispensing mode to reapply the
selected particulate cleaning composition and brush same thereinto.
Valve plate 100 has an outline corresponding to the generally
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rectLlinear configuration of the cross~section of passageway 82 and
is supported therein upon a pivot formation 102 extending transversely
of passageway 82 to swing from the position shown in solid outline
il1ustrated in Figure 8 wherein passageway 82 is sealed oif to the
~ 25 position shown in broken outlLne wherein passageway 82 is fully opened
-~ and the~nozzle 72 placed in communication with the fan intake 8~.
~,
~ According to this arrangement the airstream generated by the
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131~2
operation of the impeller 88 of suction fan 74 can only pass ~hrough
nozzle 72 and connecting pa~sageway 82 to fan intake 86 when appara~us
10 is programmed for or switched to the vacuum mode to ~ake up and
recover the dry powdered cleaning composition residues and associated
soil from the carpet. Otherwise the fan intake 86 is isolated from
the nozzle 72 by valve plate 10~.
More particularly, since the suction fan 74 con~inues to operate,
passageway 82 is provided in the region above and rearwardly of pivot
formation 102 with a bypass aperture 104 communicating with the
atmosphere whereby atmospheric air can enter passageway 82 while valve
plate 100 seals off nozzle 72 and be drawn inko fan intake 86, which
arrangement effectively preserves the seating of valve plate 100 to
isolate the nozzle 72 and prevents any particles of cleaning
composition from being drawn into the suction fan 74 while appliance
10 is operated in the dispensing and brushing mode or the brushing
mode.
The position of valve plate 100 is controlled by a pair of sector
gears 106, 108 located exteriorly of passageway 82.
Sector gear 106 fixedly secured to one end of pivot formation 102
is adapted to be displaced by sector gear 108 which is located on the
inner surface of rota~ing cam element 39 and is likewise mounted upon
pivot formation 109 presented by the end cover plate 107 of fan
housing 90 for limited swinging movement.
Sector gear 106 presents an integral offset arm portion 110 for
25 engagement wi~h a mechanical spring elemen~ 112 fixedly anchored to
housing 32 and arranged so as to normally urge sector gear 106 in a
direction to displace swing valve plate 100 into the position shown
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131~9~2
in solid outline in Figure 8 to completely and ~ealingly clo~e
passageway 82.
Seckor gear 106 is also provided wi~h a cam follower 114 project-
ing in a transverse direction to register within a contoured recess
116 presented by rotary cam element 39.
Upon rotation imparted to cam element 39 by tensioned control
cable 45 from switching device 44 to implement the vacuum mode of
operation sector gear 108 rotates sector gear 106 about pivot
formation 102 through cam follower 114 against the tension of spring
element 112 so as to swing sector gear 106 and associated valve plate
100 in a direction to close bypass aperture 104, shown in broken
outline in Figure 8, and so retain same in such position to establish
communication between the noæzle 72 and the fan intake 86 while
operating in the vacuum mode.
Motor shaft 94 at the end thereof remote from the coupling to
suction fan 74 is provided with a pinion gear 120 which in turn drives
gear wheel 122 mounted for rotation upon suitable support projection
118.
Gear wheel 122 through associated pinion gear 124 and toothed
~: 20 endless drive belt 126 engaging peripheral pinion gear 128 mounted at
one end of the axle 130 of rotary brush beater 78 rotates same in the
direction of the arrows 132.
Such gear train preferably has a ratio of the order of 10 to 1
: so that wlth motor shaft 94 and associated pinion gear 120 operating
~ at 20,000 rpm, rotary brush or beater 78 will be driven at 2,000 rpm.
Coaxially mounted upon axle 130 of rotary brush or beater 78 at
the end thereof next adjacent pinion gear 128 is a cam element 134
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shown in Figure 7 in broken and solid outline, whose perimetral
eccentric edge formation 136 is adapted to engage a depending cam
follower 138 carried by an overlying plate-like element 140
constituting the forward lower portion of a bottom wall formation 142
of a transversely extending rec~ptacle or reposi~ory portion of a
hopper formation 144 presented by the upper section 51.
Hopper formation 144 extends transversely to overlia the nozzle
72 and rearwardly upwardly therefrom wherein dry particulate carpet
cleaning compositions are adapted to be deposited, confined and then
to be dispensed through an elongated narrow discharge orifice
formation 146 presented by ~uch hopper formation 144 foremost
lowermost and to one side thereof above nozzle 72.
Forwardly di~posed bottom wall portion 142 and rearwardly
disposed bottom wall portion 148 are interconnected by a hinge
formation 149 on an axis parallel with the axis of axle 96 of rotary
- brush or beater 78 and have an angle of inclination of the order of
15 degrees so as to ensure the descent under gravity towards the
discharge orifice formation 146 of the particulate cleaning composit-
ions.
Ups~anding side wall portions 150a, 150b of the receptacle or
repository of hopper formation 144 are preferably sector shaped in the
preferred embodiment. A di.splaceable cover 151, preferably
transparent, overlies bottom wall portion~ 142 and 148 and has an
;arcuate configuration matching the curvature of the upper edges of
sector shaped side wall portions 150a, 150b.
Displaceable cover 151 is mounted to swing about pivots 152a,
152b located above and rearwardly of forward up~tanding wall portion
-" 1315922
154 of hopper formation 144 from a position closing the hopper 144 as
illustrated in Figure 7 forwardly and upwardly in the direction of the
arrows 155 to an upstanding or open position as shown in Figure 8 for
~ loading the hopper 144 with the powdered cleaning composition.
: 5The transparent cover 151 is provided with depending side wall
portions 156a and 156b which are adapted to extend outwardly of and
below opposed sector shaped side wall portions 150a, 150b and shaped
so as to register within matching recesses 157a and 157b presented
outwardly thereof so as to closely confine the ~dry~ particulate
lOcarpet cleaning composition therewithin.
Forward ups~anding wall portion 154 of hopper formation 144 is
adapted to present a narrow transversely extending edge formation or
lip 158 rearwardly centrally thereof as seen in Figures 7 and 8 and
in parallel relation to the respective foremost edge formation or
15lower lip 160 of bot~om wall portion 142 and axis o~ hinge formation
149 so as to engage with such edge formation or lip 160 and in such
seaIing position prevent the contents of the receptacle or repository
portion of hopper formation 144 from escaping therebetween.
Swingable plate-like element 140 of bottom wall portion 142 is
20adapted to be supported with lower lip 160 in sealing engagement
agaLnst upper lip 158 by means of a second depending cam follower 162
engaging rotary cam element 39 as shown in Figure 8.
~: Depending cam follower 162 is located at the end of bottom wall
: : portion:142 opposed to that shown in Figure 7 and offset forwardly of
25the axis of hinge formation 149 and is so shaped and dimensioned as
to only engage against arcuate edge portion 164 presented by rotary
cam element 39 in the setting for operation of the appliance lO in the
.
,
:
22
~,
"'''~''` ' ' ' ' ' .
131~22
brushing or vacuum mode, or when the appliance is shut do~m.
With cam follower 162 engaging arcuate portion 164 of rota~y cam
element 39 the lower lip 160 of bottom wall portion 142 is displaced
upwardly into sealing engagement with upper lip 158.
The extent and configuration of arcuate portion 164 is selected
such that upon further partial rotary displacement of cam element 39
in a direction to implement the dispensing and brushing mode cam
follower 162 descends into a recess portion 166 whereupon plate like
element 140 is released to swing downwardly to occupy the lower
position shown in broken outline in Figure 7 with the lips 158, 160
separated.
Thus can the discharge orifice formation 146 defined by the
elongated transversely extending narrow edge formation or upper lip
15~ projecting inwardly intermediately rearwardly from forward
upstanding wall portion 154, the upper "-Jaw", and cooperating
elongated lower edge formation or lower lip 160 presented by the
displaceable lower bottom wall portion 140, the lower "jaw", be
perceived as jaw-like.
It will be appreciated that with lower edge formation or lip 160
separated from upper edge formation or lip 158 a uniform gap
therebetween is established which extends in generally parallel
relation over the brush or beater 78 and forwardly of the nozzle 72
and has a selected transverse ex~ent matching that of inlet 70 of
nozzle 72 and of the projecting bristles 76 of rotary brush or beater
78.
Thus released and separated from upper lip 158 plate-like element
140 of bottom wall portion 142, as revealed in broken outline in
23
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13~5922
Figure 7, is supported about the horizontal axis of hinge for~ation
149 for swinging movement upwardly through a small acute angle, the
mean setting for the separation of the lips 158, 160 being determined
by the offset placement to hinge formation 149 and extent thereof
respectively of the first mentioned depending cam follower 138 which
engages and is in alignment with accentric edge formation 136
presented by rotary cam element 134 which act to periodically displace
plate~like element 140 upwardly to impart reciprocatory morement
thereto in the dispensing and brushing mode.
~ gap between the lips 158, 160 of the order of 4 mm constitutes
an effective discharge passageway for the particle sizes of the
available carpet cleaning compositions to be dispensed from hopper
formation l44 thereby ensuring an improved substantially continuous
metered flow therethrough and a more efficient laying down of the
appropriate quantity of particulate cleaning composition and in a
substantially uniform thin pattern transversely of the path taken by
the appliance.
The rearwardly projecting edge formation or upper lip 158
presented by forward upstanding wall portion 154 and the foremost
edge formation or lip 160 plate-like element 140 of bottom wall
portion 142 can be angled or chamfexed, respectively or may overl~p
so that in the sealing disposition the lips 158, 160 can bear directly
against one another and so prevent the escape of the small particles
from the hopper formation 144 under vibrations imparted during the
brushing~or vacuum modes or when ~ransported.
Whan plate-like element 14Q of bottom wall portion 142 is
released upon displacement of rotary cam element 39 to implement the
~- 24
'''~': '' ' : -
1315922
dispensing and brushing mode of appliance 10 the electric motor 36 is
simultaneously energized through electric switch 38 which imparts
rotation to the rotary brush or beater 78 and coaxially mounted cam
element 134 through gear train 120, 122, 124, drive belt 126 and
pinion gear 12B.
Plate-like element 140 of bottom wall portion 142 in that mode
so supported from hinge formation 149 swings downwardly and presents
cam follower 138 to bear upon eccentric peripheral surface 136 of cam
element 134 as it i~ rotated which peripheral sur~ace i8 guitably
contoured so as to periodically swing plate-like element 140 of bottom
wall portion 142 upwardly and release same to descend under gravity
so as to impart thereto ~oscillatory movement" having a frequency, in
the preerred embodiment, of the order of 2,000 cpm.
;It can be appreciated that upon imparting such "oscillatory
; 15 movement" having a frequency of the order of 2,000 cpm to plate-like
element 140 of bottom wall portion 142 there is insufficient time for
plate-like element 140 to descend under gravity so that cam follower
138 continually bears against eccentric peripheral surface 136 of cam
element 134. Further, at such frequencies contoured surface 136 of
cam element 134 could impart enough upward velocity to plate-like
element 140 so as to momentarily close the gap established between
lips 158, 160 preventing the discharge of the particles through the
discharge orifice. These disruptions to the ~oscillatory movement"
of plate-like element 140 hindar the discharge of the particles
;through the discharge orifice. By providing a sui~able biasing means
such as spring 147, as illustrated in Figure 9d, cam follower 138 of
plate-like element 140 continually bears against the eccentric
;`
~,
~ 25
. -, .
131~2~
peripheral surface 136 of cam element 134 as it is rotated.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9d spring 147 is secur~d
at one end to cam follower 162 and at its other end to bottom wall
portion 148. Upon partial rotary displacement of cam element 39 in
a direction to implement the dispensing and brushing mod~ cam follower
162 descends into recess portion 166 through both the action of
gravity and the pull of spring 147, releasing plate-like element 140
to swing downwardly with the lips 158, 160 separted. With plate-like
element 140 so biased depending cam follower 138 continually engages
eccentric edge formation 136 presented by rotary cam element 134 when
same is rotated ensuring continuous feed of particles through the gap
established between lips 158, 160.
Those particles traversing the upper surface sequentially
repeatedly descending under gravity and displaced upwardly by
plate-like element 140 are agitated within the confined body of same
and cause the particles to abrade and separate with the forces of
gravity and those imparted by upwaxd displacement propelling same in
a direction towards the discharge orifice and through the gap
established between lips 158, 160.
It will also be appreciated that the amplitude of the oscillatory
movement imparted by the plate-like element 140 of the bottom wall
portion 142 to those particles traversing the upper surface thereof
increases as the particles approach the region next before discharge
so that the combined forces applied to discharge the particles ~hrough
the gap between lips 158, 160 are maximized at that stage.
: Such forces imparted to the advancing particles of the confined
composition ~hroughout the extent of plate-like element 140 of bottom
:
26
. , ,
,
1 31~922
wall portion 142 serve to deliver same continuously towards and
through the full extent of the gap between lips 158, 160 for deposit
onto the carpet surface therebelow through discharge passageway 168
located immediately ahead of the advancing rotary brush element or
beater 78.
Further, it is found in the preferred embodiment that bottom
wall portion 142 be angled to the horizontal substantially 15 to
facilitate the approach of the particles to the discharge passageway
168 as same descend under gravity and have imparted thereto
~'oscillatory movemant" by the plate~like element 140.
Cyclone-type separator 14 embodies the essential structure of the
-two stage cyclone apparatus illustrated and described in copending
Canadian patent application serial numbers 628346, 458362 and 458360
and revealed also by issued U.S. patents nos. 4,377,882, reissue
32,257, 4,373,228, 4,571,772, 4,593,429 and 4,043,748.
Cyclone separator 14 is comprised of an outer cyclone 170
presenting an inner wall 172 of generally cylindrical configuration
and an inner cyclone 174 presenting an inner wall 176 of generally
truncated conical configuration. An appropriate scroll-shaped first
dlrty air inlet (not illustrated) leads into the first stage and an
appropriate second scroll-shaped dirty air inlet (not illustrated~
leads from the outer cyclone 170 into the inner cyclone 174 which
~inner cyclone terminates in centrally located clean air outlet 42
uppermost for discharge of the clean airstream to the atmosphere.
The respective outer and inner collection receptacle portions
184, 186 of the cyclones 170 and 174 are disposed lowermost one within
`the other.
27
.
-``` 131~2~
According to this aspect of the invention, with appliance 10
programmed to operate in the vacuum or take-up mode, valve plate 100
and bottom wall portion 142 are respectively displaced by rotary cam
element 39 through tensioned control cable 45 and associated switchiny
device 44 to open passageway 82 extending between nozzle 72 and the
suction fan intaks 86 and close bypass aperture 104 and seal the gap
between lips 158 and 160 of the discharge orifice formation 146.
Simultaneously electric motor 36 is energized through the contact
37 electric switch 38 to rotate the brush or beater 78 and impeller
88 of suction fan 74.
The rotary brush or beater 78 of the appliance 10 in such mode
is used to sweep the spent cleaning composition residues and
associated carpet soil and contaminants out of the carpet fibres and
under suction generated by the fan 74 are drhwn into inlet 70 of
nozzle 72 for entrainment in the airstream so generated and delivered
through connecting passageway 82 to the fan intake 86.
~he dirty airstream drawn into the fan intake 86 is then
delivered by impeller 88 into passageway 190 extending within hollow
pivot formation 22 mounted upon the main lower body portion 12 through
the hollow interior 195 of upstanding hollow support column 18.
Internal passageway 135 at the upper end communicates with the
: scroll shaped lnlet of the outer cyclone of cyclone separator 14
delivering the dirty airstream thereinto where, in such first stage,
~: the airstxeam is stripped o the larger entrained particles and debriswhich descend6 into the collection receptacle portion 184 lowermost
~:~ thereof.
~ The stripped dirty airstream is then discharged through the
::
28
~3~2~
outlet of the outer cyclone 170 into the scroll shaped inlet 5~ inner
cyclone 174 wherein the finer particles entrained ~herain are
substantially completely stripped therefrom and descend to the
lowermost receptacle portion 186 thereof.
The resultant clean airstream substantially stripped of entrained
particles is then directed upwardly centrally of the inner cyclone 174
and discharged through outlet 42 under cap formation 41 spaced
thereabove and diverted radially thereby ko the atmosphere.
The switching device 44 for controll.ing the displacement of
rotary cam element 39 so as to implement the several modes o~
operation of appliance 10 is illustrated in detail in Figures 12 and
13 of the drawings.
Switching device 44 includes a displaceable indexed rotary
control element 196 presenting a transversely extending upstanding bar
portion 198 joining a pair of spaced apart disc-shaped elements l99a,
l99b between which centrally located axle 200 extends which axle is
mounted for rotation within re~uisitely shaped opposed recesses of the
knuckle housing of knuckle 28.
Mounted upon axle 200 within knuckle housing 28 intermediately
between disc-shaped elements l99a, 199~ is a pulley fo~mation 204
presenting a grooved perimeter 206 in which the upper end of cable
portion 31 of control cable 45 is received so as to extend therearound
and be securely anchored against separation therefrom by means of a
suitable tubular metal element 20~ swaged onto the end thereof and
, . :
wedged within the grooved perimeter 206 as illustrated in Fi~ure 12.
Mounted upon axle 200 for displacement therewith and in spaced
relation alongside pulley formation 204 is a second disc~like member
29
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: :
131~922
210 whose perimeter is contoured to present several indents or
recesses 212 circumferentially spaced so as to correspond with the
requisite disposition of remote rotary cam element 39 to ~,7hich
displacement is to be imparted through tensioned control cable 45 upon
displacement of control element 196 to implement the several modes or
stages of operation of appliance 10 earlier described.
The several settings of control element 196 within the knuckle
housing 28 are established by means of a spring urged ball bearing 214
presen~ed by the hollow hand gripping extension 30 to the periphexy
of disc-like member 210 to register within the respective selected
indents or recess 212 signifying the mode.
A spring 216 is mounted to extend between an abutment 218
presented by the interior of knuckle housing 28 and a fixed projection
220 presented by disc-like member 210 offset from axle 200 urges
control element 196 in a direction indicated by arrow 222 so as to
tension control cable 45.
Rotatable cam element 39, like pulley formation 204 presents
grooved perimeter 224 in which the other end of cable portion 31 of
~ control cable 45 is received to extend therearound and be securely
anchored thereto against separation by a similar tubular element (not
illustrated) swaged onto the end thereof and wedged within the grooved
perimeter 224.
Thus can rotary displacement of lndexed control member 196 be
imparted to rotatable cam element 39 through control cable 45
:extending therebetween which cable is tensioned by mechanical spring
~:; element 216 and by helically wound mechanical spring element 46
carried by the hub of rotary cam element 39 so as to implement the
1 3 1 ~ 9 2 ~
several stages or modes of operation of appliance 10 sequentially and
maintain such stage or mode by registering the ball bearing 214 in the
selected detent or recess establishing the mode.
According to the invention the cyclone separator 14 is assembled
from a lower section 226 and an upper section 228 with tha lower
hollow generally cylindrically-shaped section 226 preferably
transparent, and adapted for separation from upper section 228 and
removal from appliance 10 for emptying the recovered spent particles
of cleaning composition soil and debris.
Upright hollow support column formations 16, 18 between which the
cyclone separator is mounted are extensible, each comprising a lower
portion 16a, 18a respectively secured lowermost to the respective
hollow pivot formations 20, 22 and into which aligned mating hollow
extension portions 16b, 18b which depend from the upper mating section
228 of cyclone separator 14 telescope.
Upper telescoping sections 16b, 18b arP adapted to be releasably
secured to the lower sections 16aj l~a against separation by suitable
latches 230a and 230b disposed outwardly of the respective upstanding
hollow support formations 16, 18.
Lower cylindrically-shaped section 226 of cyclone separator 14
is adapted to be releasably anchored be~ween the spaced apart
ups~anding hollow support formations 16a, 18a through alignment and
registration of respective interengageable ledge formations 232a, 232b
and 234a and 234b carried by cylindrically-shaped lower section 226
and lower hollow extension portions 16a, 18a respectively as indicated
in Figure 6, which, when upper support columns 16b, 18b are fully
~ xegistered within lower support columns 16a, 18a, retain such
; 31
,
1~1592~
cylindrically-shaped lower section 226 centrally within lower hollo-n
extension portions 16a, 18a against downward displacement and are so
positioned that the lowermost extent of section 226 is supported above
fixed pivot portions 236a and 236b of hollow pivot formations 20, 22
mounted upon housing 32.
Upper casing portion 228 and associated depending hollow
extensions 16b, 18b when released by latches 230a, 230~ are
displaceable upwardly together so as to break the seal between lower
and upper sections 226, 228 and clear the upper edge 240 o~ lower
section 226 whereby lower section 226 can be removed from between
lower extensions 16a, 18a by disengaging ledge formations 232a, 232b
and 234a, 23~b ~nd grasping the handle 242 to draw same therefrom.
When such lower section 226 is to be reinserted the respective
ledge ~ormations 232a, 232br and 234a, 234b are reengaged and when
fully registered upper section 228 displaced downwardly to fully
register telescoping sections 16b, 18b within upstanding hollow
sections 16ar 18a and ully seat the uppe~ circumferential edge 240
of lower section 226 within the flange forma~ion 238 against the seal
so as to reestablish the cyclone separator 14 structure.
The respective sections 16a, 16br 18ar 18b of hollow support
formations 16, 18 are then secured together by latches 230ar 230b and
which act to hold sections 226, 228 of the cyclone separator 14
against separation.
Latches 230a, 230b comprise outwardly and upw~rdly displaceable
releasable clasp means 229a, 229b including inwardly disposed
projections (not illustrated) whi~ch are attached to upper hollow
; support members 16b, 18b, respectively, and which are adapted to
32
9 2 ~
releasably clasp corresponding reces~ means 231a, 231b, located in
respective lower hollow support formations 18a. To release the
respective sections 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b, 20 of hollow support
formations 16, 18, the operator grasps respective clasp means 22ga,
229b and urges same outwardly releasing same from the respective
recess means 231a, 231b. Pulling upwardly on clasp means 229a, 229b
then releases depending hollow extensions 16b, 18b, from hollow
extensions 16a, 18a, allowing the operator to displace upper casing
portion 228 and associated depending hollow extension 16b, 18b
upwardly so as to break the seal between lower and upper sections 226,
228 and clear the upper edge 240 of lower section 226 whereby the
lower section 226 can be removed from between lower extensions 16a,
18a as hereinbefore described.
It can be appreciated that since hollow support member 18 is
comprised of lower and upper sections 18a, 18b, respectively, that
when dirty air passes through the hollow interior 195 of upstanding
hollow support column 18, leakage of dirty air can occur through the
juncture between the respective lower and upper members 18a, 18b when
same are in sealing engagement.
In order to overcome this difficulty a displaceable seal 194 is
~provided to be slidably received within the hollow interior 195 of
lower support column 18a. DLsplaceable seal 194 has an outer
perimetral extent which matches the inner perimetral extent of column
18a. Furthex, upper hollow support column 18b is provided on its
;~ 25 lower edge with a suitable seal 192. Therefore, when upper and lower
sections 18a, 18b of hollow support formation 18 are engaged and
secured together by latches 232a, 232b, and upon drawing dirty air
'~
33
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: ~ .
,
into fan intake chamber 86 and ~hen delivering same by impeller 88 to
the hollow interior 195 of upstanding hollow support column 1~
displaceable seal 194 is displaced upwardly by the dirty air through
hollow support column 18a and brought into pressure sealing engagement
5with seal 192 of upper hollow support column 18b. This provides an
effective seal preventing any egress of air rom the juncture of upper
and lower support columns 18a, 18b, respectively.
Dispensin~ and Brushina Mode of Operation
When appliance 10 is to be operated to dispense the "dry~
10particulate carpet cleaning powder to ~he carpet, broadloom, or rug
to be cleaned, such appliance is first checked to make sure that same
is turned "off" by grasping upstanding bar portion 198 of indexed
rotary control element 196 of switchiny device 44 and rotating same
to the "off" position indicated on the exterior of knuckle 28
15immediately beneath portion 198 and held in such position by spring
urged ball bearing 214 registering within the respective indent or
recess 212 of disc-like member 210.
: In particular, in the "off" mode cam follower 33 of electric
switch 38 is displaced by camming surface 35 so as to depress
20displaceable contac~ 37. Upon switching the appliance to either the
"dispensing & brush", "brush", or "vacuum" only modes the camming
surface 35 is rotated through rotary cam element 39 so that cam
follower 33 is no longer displaced by camming surface 35 and no longer
depresses contact 37. Figure 10 illustrates the configuration of cam
25follower 33 and camming surface 35 when appliance 10 is switched to
the "off" mode. It can be appreciated from this drawing that upon
`displacement of camming surface 35 of rotary cam element 39 in either
.
15922
direction cam follower 33 will no longer be displaced by camming
surface 35 thereby releasing contact 37 to complete the "circuit" of
electric switch 38 which in turn energizes electric motor 36.
With bar portion 198 of rotary control element 196 placed in the
"off" mode electric cord and associated plug 40 is then inserted into
an appropriate wall socket to provide the power to operate the
appliance.
Electric cord 40 is stored on appliance 10 wound or looped around
at the upper end thereof a quick release hook formation 250, located
on the upper rear surface of shaft-like control member 26, and at the
lower end thereof around handle 242, located on the rear surface of
lower cyclone section 226. Particularly the electric cord is held
within the space provided between projection 254 of quick release 250
and the rear surface of shaft-like control member 26, as best
illustrated in Figure 12, and the space provided between projection
243 of handle 242 and rear surface of lower cyclone seçtion 226.
To release the wound electric cord and associated plug 40 rom
appliance 10 the operator rotates quick release 250 about pivot 252
so that projection 254 faces downwardly thereby presenting a smooth
uninterrupted surface upwardly enabling the electric cord to be slid
off ~uick release 250 freeing .same at the upper end thereof for
~release from its wound stored position on appliance 10.
The height adjustment of the appliance is then set by adjusting
: indexed rotary control member 68 which engages one end of axle 64,
- 25 carrying the wheels 62a, 62b, between successive graded tooth elements
69 to swing same through an arc against the action of associated
helically wound spring (not illustrated) out of the retracted position
.
1 3~ ~922
and so selectively set and fix the downward descent of same.
When appliance 10 is to be operated to dispense and apply the
"dry~ carpet cleaning composition to the carpet, broadloom, or rug to
be cleaned, such composition is deposited in the receptacle portion
of hopper formation 144 by swinging shell-like cover 151 forwardly and
upwardly about pivots 152a, 152b in the direction of arrow 155, as
shown in Figure 8, to pro~ide access thereto. After hopper formation
144 is filled with the required amount of powder, cover 151 is then
swung rearwardly until depending side wall portions 156a and 156b
register within matching recesses 157a and 157b presented by the
sector shaped sidewall portions 150a, 150b of enclosure 51 so as to
closely confine the ~dry~ particular carpet cleaning composition
therein.
Such particulate cleaning composition should be evenly
distributed over the respective transversely extending plate-like
element 140 of bottom wall formation 142 and associated rearwardly
extending bottom wall portion 148.
Upstanding hollow support columns 16, 18 and associated cyclone
separator 14, and control member 26 with hand-gripping extension 30
are released from the vertical disposition for storage shown in
Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings by depressing a suitable spring-urged
latching mechanism 244 80 as to release same for swinging movement
rearwardly downwardly throughou~ a range of inclined positions to
accommodate the handling of the appliance 10 by the operator in the
usual manner.
Spring urged latching mechanism 244 is best illustrated in
Figures 5 and 7 and includes a spring 246 for urging latching
36
131~22
mechanism 244 upwardly, and a projection 247, best illustrated in
Figure 5, for slidably engaging a respective slot (not illustra~ed)
located in the outer surface of hollow pivot fo~mation 22.
The operator, applies pressure to the upper toothed surface 248
S of latching mechanism 244 and urges same downwardly against the action
of spring 246 so as to disengage pro~ection 247 from the respective
slot located on hollow pivot formation 22 releasing upstanding hollow
support columns 16, 18 and associated cyclone separator 14, and
control member 26 with hand-gripping extension 30 from the vertical
disposition rearwardly and downwardly to accommodate the handling of
the appliance by operator.
Appliance 10 is then rolled onto the area of carpet to be treated
with the rearwardly disposed wheels 58a and 58b and the forward pair
of wheels 62a and 62b supporting the main body portion 12 thereof in
selected spaced relation thereabove.
Naving successfully adjusted the height of the vacuum appliance,
- and providing the required amount of ~dry" cleaning composition to the
hopper formation 144, and upon moving the machine to the appropriate
; area to be cleaned the appliance is then placed in the "dispense &
; 20 brush" mode by rotating bar portion 198 of rotary control element 196
as illustrated in Figure 12 from the "off" position upwardly to the
up~ermost position defined by spring urged ball bearing 214
registering within the respective indent or recess 212 and indicated
by the appropriate markings on outer knuckle housing 28 of the mode:
I'dispense ~ brush."
Upon rotating bar portion 198 of rotary control element 196
upwardly to the ~'dispense & brush~ mode uppermost the tension on cable
: ~ ~
~ 37
, - .
13~922
portion 31 of control cable 45 is relaxed so that same is slidably
displaced within ou~er sleeve 29 by its other end securely anchored
within grooved end perimeter 224 on rotary cam element 39 by helically
wound spring 46 mounted on hub portion 47 of the rotary cam element
so that cam element 3g is rotated to the posi~ion illustrated in
Figure 9c. It can be appreciated upon viewing Figure 10 that by
displacing bar portion 198 of rotary con~rol element 196 upwardly to
the "dispense & brush" mode camming surface 35 moves to the right of
the position shown in that figure by the displacement of rotatable cam
element 39 by helical spring 46 so that cam follower 33 is no longer
engaged by camming surface 35 thereby releasing contact 37 actuating
electric switch ~8 which actuates electric motor 36 for rotating
impeller shaft 92 and motor shaft g4 which in turn rotates impeller
88 and brush or beater 78.
Looking at Figure 9c it can be seen that sector gear 108 has not
engaged sector gear 106 so as to pivot same about pivot 102 and
displace valve plate 100. In the ~dispense & brush" mode cam follower
114 of sector gear 106 is riding on the arcuate edge portion 164 of
rotary cam element 39 and in such position remains rotated about pivot
102 so that valve pl~te 100 remains in the closed position illustrated
in solid outline in Figure 8. Further~ mechanical spring 112 attached
to the arm portLon 110 of sector gear 106 provides additional pull to
sector gear 106 about pivot 102 to further ensure valve plat~ 100
e~fectively seals internal passageway 82 leading from the inlet for
: 25 nozzle 72 to the intake 86 of suction fan 74. With valve plate 100
~: in such position air is supplied to impeller 88 through the by-pass
aperture 104.
38
131592~
Further, with rotary cam element 39 rotated to the po~ition
illustrated in Figure 9c cam follower 162 of plate-like element 140
of bottom wall formation 142 follows the arcuate edge portion 164 of
rotary cam element 39 and descends into recess portion 166 through the
action of gravity, and, in the case of the embodiment illustrated in
Figure 9d, the pull of spring 147, whereupon plate-like element 140
is released to swing about hinge 149 downwardly to occupy th~ lower
position shown in broken outline in Figure 7 with lips 158, 160
separated: the gap between the lips 158, 160 in the preferred
embodiment being of the order of 4 millimetres to constitute an
effective discharge passageway for the particle sizes of the available
:~ carpet cleaning compositions to be dispensed from hopper formation
: 144.
~ As illustrated in Figure 7, upon release and separation from
:~ 15 upper lip 158 depending cam follower 138 of plate-like element 140
engages eccentric edge formation 136 presented by rotary cam element
134 which acts to periodically displace plate-like element 140
upwardly imparting reciprocatory movement thereto which agitates the
"dry~ carpet cleaning composition contained within hopper formation
144 and causes the particles to abrade and separate under the forces
of gravity and those imparted by the upward displacement propelling
~ame in a direction towards the discharge passageway 168 and through
~ the gap established between lips 158, 160.
: With such forces imparted to the advancing particles of the
:~ 25 confined composition throughout the extent of plate-like element 140
of bottom wall portion 142 the particles are delivered continuously
-~: towards and through the full extent of the gap between lips 158, 160
39
:~,
.
1 3 ~
for deposit onto the carpet surface therebelow through discharge
passageway 168 located immediately ahead of rotary brush element of
beater 78.
With the apparatus depositing evenly and continuously the "dry"
powdered cleaning composition apparatus 10 is moved backwards approxi-
mately a distance of three feet or one meter. An even layer of ~dry"
powdered cleaning composition is deposited to the carpeted sur~ace to
be cleaned~
After moving apparatus 10 backwards approximately three feet or
one meter, the apparatus is slowly moved forwardly parallel to that
portion of carpet that has just had its first layer of cleaning
compound applied. During this forward movement the cleaning compound
is deposited in the aforementioned manner and through bristles 76 of
rotary brush or beater 78 worked into the fibres of the carpet. This
back and forth motion is repeated until the entire surface to be
cleaned has been covered. After the entire surface area to be cleaned
has been covered with the ~dry" powdered cleaning composition the
operator rotates bar portion 198 of rotary control element 196 of
switching device 44 to the "brush'l only mode. Once the appliance has
been switched to the ~brush~ only mode the carpeted area where the
cleaning compound was dispensed by backwards strokes but not brushed
in is then gone over working into the fibres of the carpet the "dry"
powder cleaning composition.
; The entire area of the carpeted surface to be cleaned can then
be gone over by the appliance in the "brush" only mode and further
work the "dry" powdered cleaning composition into the fibres of the
carpet.
'
2 2
By pushing bar portion 198 of rotary control element 196
downwardly to the next position above the /'off" position defined by
spring urged ball bearing 214 in recess or detent 212 of disc-shaped
formation 210 and indicated on knuckle formation 28 to be the ~'bru3h"
only mode cable portion 31 .is slidably displaced within outer sleeve
29 so as to rotate rotary cam element 39 against the action of
helically wound spring 46 to the position illustrated in Figure 9b.
The rotation of rotary cam element 39 moves cam follower 162 of
plate-like element 140 out of recess 166 and onto the arcuate edge
portion 164 of rotary cam element 39 displacing upwardly plate-like
element 140 of bottom wall formation 142 and sealingly engaging lower
lip 160 with upper lip 158. In such a position no "dry" powder
cleaning composition can escape and exit through discharge passageway
: 168.
Further, the rotation imparted to rotary cam element 39 upon
xotating rotary control element 196 to the ~brush~ only mode, is
insufficient to engaged sector gear 106 with sector gear 108 and h~nce
sector gear 106 maintains its position keeping valve plate 100 closed
as described and illustrated in Figure 9c for the ~dispense & brush~
mode.
Vacuum Mode of Operation:
When the powdered residue and associated carpet soil and
accumulations are to be removed, the switching device is actuated to
implement the third mode wherein plate valve 100 is displaced in the
direction to establish communication between nozzle formation 72 and
the intake 86 of blower of suction fan 74 through internal passagPway
~; 82 so that the airstream generated by the suction of the blower or fan
41
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~ 131~22
74 flowing in through the inlet orifice 70 and through nozzle
formation 72 and rotating brush element or beater 78 entrains the
powdered residues, carpet soil, and accumulations loosened by the
brush fibres or bristles 76 and are ultimately directed, as earlier
outlined, into the hollow passageway within upright support member 18
and into the dirty air inlet of the outer cyclone 170 of separator 14.
In the "vacuum~ mode of operation bar portion 198 of rotary
control element 196 is displaced downwardly through the "off" position
and into the "vacuum" mode therebelow 80 indicated on knuckle 28 and
defined by the positioning of spring urged ball bearing 214 within
recess or detent 212 of disc-shaped formation 210.
Downward displacement of bar portion 198 of rotary control
element 196 through control cable 45 rotates rotary control element
39 further against the action of helically wound spring 46 to the
:~ 15 position illustrated in Figure 9a for the "vacuum" mode. As seen in
Figure 9a cam follower 162 of plate-like element 140 continues to
engage the arcuate edge portion 164 of rotary cam element 39 in a
similar manner as described and illustrated for the ~brush~ only mode
in Figure 9b.
In the "vacuum" only mode, sector gear 108 is rotated upon
rotation of rotary cam element 39 to engage sector gear 106 and rotate
same about pivot 102 to swing sector gear 106 and associated valve
plate I00 in a direction to close by-pa~s aperture 104, shown in
broken outline in Figure 8, and so retain same in such position to
establish communication between the nozzle 72 and the fan intake 86
while operating in the "vacuum" mode.
: Upon rotation of sector gear 106 by sector gear 108 upon rotation
: 42
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131~9~2
of rotary cam element 39 cam follower 114 of sector gear 106 upon
following arcuate edge portion 164 of rotary cam element 39 descends
into recess 116.
The dirty airstream drawn into the fan intake 86 is then
S delivered by impeller 88 into passageway 190 extending within hollow
pivot formation 22 mounted upon the main lower body portion 12 and
through the hollow interior 195 of upstanding hollow support column
18. Internal passageway 195 delivers the dirty airstream through the
scroll shaped inlet to the outer cyclone 170 of cyclone separator 14
where the airstream is stripped of the large intake particles and
debris which descend into the collection receptacle portion 184
lowermost thereof~
The stripped dirty airstream is then discharged through the
outlet of the outer cyclone 170 into the scroll shaped inlet of inner
cyclone 174 wherein the finer particles entrained therein are
substantially completely stripped therefrom and descend to the
lowermost receptacle portion 186 thereof. The resultant clean .
airstream substantially stripped of entrained particles is then
directed upwardly centrally of the inner cyclone 174 and discharged
through outlet 42 under cap formation 41 spaced thereabove and
diverted radially thereby to the atmosphere.
Once the entire carpet to which the "dry~' powdered cleaning
composition has been added has been vacuumed bar portion 198 of rotary
: control element 196 is moved upwardly to the "off" position wherein-
rotary cam element 39 under the action of h~lically wound spring 46
rotates to the position illustrated in Figure 10 wherein camming
surface 35 of rotary control element 39 depresses cam follower 33 of
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~ 43
,~,,",=, ~ .
9 2 2
electric switch 38 depressing button 37 and discontinuing the power
to elactric motor 36.
After appliance 10 has been switched "off" the operator separates
lower section 226 from upper section 228 for emptying ~che recovered
intake particles, soil, and debris, by grasping respective clasp means
229a, 229b and ur~ing same outwardly to release the respective rece~s
means 231a, 231b. Pulling upwardly on clasp means 229a, 229b releases
depending hollow extensiorls 16b, 18b, from hollow extensions 16a, 18a,
respectively, allowing the operator to displace upper casing portion
228 and associated depending hollow extensions 16b, 18b upwardly so
as to break the seal between lower and upper sections 226, 228, and
clear the upper edge 240 of lower section 226 whereby the lower
section 226 can be removed from between lower extensions 16a, 18a by
grasping handle 242 and removing same for emptying of the en~rained
particles and debris.
After the respective outer and inner receptacle portions 184, 186
are emptied of debris and other entrapped particles lower section 226
is reinserted by aligning respective edge formations 232a, 232b, and
234a, 234b and upon full registration of same upper section 228 is
displaced downwardly to fully register telescoping sections 16b, 18b
within upstanding hollow sections 16a, 18a and fully seat the upper
edge 240 of lower section 226 within flange formation 238 and so
xe-establish the cyclone separator 14 structure.
The electric cord and associated plug 40 is then disconnected
from the power outlet and wound about respective handle 242 and quick
release 25~- quick release 250 is rotated about pivot 252 upwardly to
secure the electric cord therewithin.
44
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It will be understood that variations or alterations may be
undertaken by those persons skilled in the art in respect of the
method and apparatus described and illustrated herein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in
the claims appended hereto.
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