Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
.
1 CANISTER TYPE VACWM CLEANER
2 FIELD OF THE INVENTION
3 This application claims the benefit of U.S.
4 Provisional Application No. 60/035,359, filed January 10,
1997.
6 The present invention relates to a novel canister type
7 vacuum cleaner. Canister vacuum cleaners are known in the
8 art. These vacuum cleaners are compact and incorporate
9 many features typically found in upright vacuum cleaners.
Accordingly, as canister vacuum cleaners have evolved, they
11 have become relatively complicated, often utilizing
12 intricate internal assemblies. The resulting complexity
13 significantly impacts manufacturing and assembling such
14 vacuum cleaners. Accordingly, there is a need for a
canister type vacuum cleaner that is relatively easy to
16 assemble and which is economical to manufacture.
17 A specific concern related to the complex assembly of
18 currently available canister vacuum cleaners is the manner
19 in which the motor is mounted within the enclosure.
Although a wide array of mounting configurations have been
21 utilized, none have provided significant improvement from
22 early canister vacuum cleaners. That is, the problems of
23 noise, vibration, leaks, and durability have continued to
24 plague artisans in this area. Accordingly, there is a need
for a simplified and efficient technique for mounting and
26 incorporating a motor within a canister enclosure.
27 Many canister vacuum cleaners employ exhaust ports
28 along the rear of their enclosures. Although generally
29 satisfactory, these exhaust ports serve only a single
function--that of directing exhaust from the unit. There
31 are numerous applications and attachments for canister
32 vacuum cleaners requiring diverting of the exhaust or
33 directing the exhaust through one or more other components.
34 As far as is known, currently available canister vacuum
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 cleaners do not provide for manipulating exhaust flow from
2 the enclosure, or for easily incorporating attachments to
3 the enclosure. Thus, there is a need for a canister vacuum
4 cleaner having an exhaust port with an improved
configuration for directing airflow from the unit.
6 Recently, consumers have demanded increased filtering
7 of exhaust air. As will be appreciated, it is desirable to
8 remove as much of the contaminants and pollutants from the
9 exhaust air stream as possible before returning it to the
environment, which typically is inside the user's home.
11 Accordingly, some vacuum cleaners, most notably large
12 industrial units, have provided a supplemental filter for
13 the exhaust stream. It would be desirable to provide, in a
14 simple and economical manner, an assembly for attaching a
supplemental filter to a canister type vacuum cleaner to
16 further filter exhaust from the unit.
17 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
18 The present invention achieves the foregoing
19 objectives and provides in a first aspect, a vacuum cleaner
comprising a front module and a rear module that is adapted
21 to releasably engage the front module. Each module has a
22 unique configuration. The rear module includes a rearward
23 walled enclosure with an upwardly projecting handle, that
24 collectively define a first sealing edge. The front module
provides an enclosed region that defines a second sealing
26 edge. The modules sealingly engage each other along the
27 first and second edges.
28 In another aspect, the present invention provides a
29 vacuum cleaner comprising a rear module having an interior
mounting ledge and defining an exhaust duct providing an
31 opening through the rear module. The rear module also
32 includes a forwardly directed sealing edge. The vacuum
33 cleaner also comprises a front module having a generally
34 enclosed interior within which is disposed a partition
wall. The partition wall includes a support member. The
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 vacuum cleaner also comprises a motor disposed between the
2 rear module and the front module, and specifically
3 contacting the mounting ledge of the rear module and the
4 support member of the front module.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
6 a vacuum cleaner having first and second housing components
7 adapted to releasably engage one another, and a unique
8 exhaust port disposed on an end wall of one of the housing
g components. The exhaust port is configured about an
exhaust aperture defined in the end wall and includes a
11 plurality of support legs that extend from the end wall,
12 and which are disposed around the exhaust aperture.
13 Attached to the support legs and spaced from the end wall
14 and positioned in front of or directly over the exhaust
aperture, is a blocking plate.
16 In yet another aspect, the present invention provides
17 a vacuum cleaner comprising a first housing component
18 having an interior chamber for a filter bag, and a second
19 housing component adapted to releasably engage the first
housing component. The second housing component provides a
21 unique handle configuration.
22 In a further aspect, the present invention provides a
23 vacuum cleaner comprising a body module having an integral
24 and ported interior partition, a bag cover module
detachably connected to one end of the body module, a rear
26 housing module affixed to the other end of the body module,
27 a motor clamped between the rear housing module and the
28 body module, and fasteners extending between the rear
29 housing module and the body module to affix the modules
together and apply clamping pressure to the motor.
31 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
32 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
33 preferred embodiment vacuum cleaner in accordance with the
34 present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the preferred
CA 02226190 1998-01-0
1 embodiment vacuum cleaner;
2 FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment
3 vacuum cleaner;
4 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rear module
component of the preferred embodiment vacuum cleaner;
6 FIG. 5 is a rear end view of the rear module
7 component;
8 FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the rear module
9 component;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the rear module
11 component;
12 FIG. 8 is a view of the underside of the rear module
13 component;
14 FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a front module
component of the preferred embodiment vacuum cleaner;
16 FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the front module
17 component and a front cover utilized in the preferred
18 embodiment vacuum cleaner;
19 FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the front module
component and the front cover;
21 FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the front module
22 component and the front cover;
23 FIG. 13 is a front end view of the front cover and
24 front module component;
FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the front module
26 component and a caster assembly; and
27 FIG. 15 is an exploded view illustrating the placement
28 of a switch within the front module component.
29 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The preferred embodiment vacuum cleaner 10 in
31 accordance with the present invention is best illustrated
32 in FIGS. 1-3. Before describing the preferred embodiment
33 vacuum cleaner, it is to be understood that all references
34 to "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", and "sides", including
references to orientations of "up" and "down", generally
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 refer to the assembled vacuum cleaner placed in its normal
2 operating position on a floor such that its wheels and
3 front caster assembly, all described below, contact the
4 floor. Accordingly, the front of the vacuum cleaner 10 is
the region at which a front cover 500 is located.
6 Similarly, the top of the vacuum cleaner is the region at
7 which the handle 50 is disposed.
8 The preferred embodiment vacuum cleaner 10 comprises a
9 rear module 20, a motor 270, a front module 300, and a
front cover 500 hingedly attached to the front module 300.
11 As illustrated in FIG. 1, the rear module 20 and the front
12 module 300 engage each other and form a generally hollow
13 interior within which is disposed the motor 270. As
14 described in greater detail below, the vacuum cleaner 10
further comprises an inlet port 510 defined along the front
16 cover 500 at which may be attached various hoses and
17 cleaning instruments. When the components of the preferred
18 embodiment vacuum cleaner 10 are fully assembled, the rear
19 module 20 provides a handle 50 and a pair of rotatable
wheels 110 and 120, that in conjunction with a caster
21 assembly 440 providing a wheel 448 disposed on the
22 underside of the front module 300, facilitate moving the
23 vacuum cleaner with relative ease across the floor.
24 The rear module 20 utilizes a unique design and
provides numerous features. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4-8,
26 the rear module 20 generally provides a pair of opposing
27 sloped sides generally shown in the drawings as a first
28 side 30 and a second side 40. The two sides 30 and 40
29 extend upwards toward a top wall 24 at which is disposed
the handle 50. The top wall 24 is generally horizontal.
31 The first side 30 defines a rounded and outwardly
32 projecting first shoulder 32 and a generally arcuate cavity
33 designated as the first wheel well 34. The first shoulder
34 32 extends downward in an arcuate fashion, as best shown in
FIG. 6, to an arcuate fender support 36. Similarly, on the
36 opposite side of the rear module 20, the second side 40
37 provides an arcuate and generally outwardly projecting
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 shoulder 42 that merges into a fender support 46 and which
2 also defines a second wheel well 44. The handle 50 extends
3 upward from the top wall 24 of the rear module 20 a
4 distance that is sufficient to provide clearance for a
user's hand inserted between the underside of the handle 50
6 and the top wall 24. The handle extends toward the front
7 of the vacuum cleaner 10, i.e. toward the front cover 500
8 in the assembled vacuum cleaner 10. The handle 50 is
9 preferably oriented parallel with the longitudinal axis of
the vacuum cleaner 10. The distal end of the handle 50
11 proximate to the front end of the vacuum cleaner 10 defines
12 a flanged arcuate collar 52 which, as discussed in greater
13 detail below, serves to engage the rear module 20 with the
14 front module 300. The collar 52 comprises two upwardly
sloping legs that merge into an arcuate upper wall to
16 provide a generally continuous inverted U-shaped lip. An
17 ear 56 also projecting toward the front of the vacuum
18 cleaner 10 is preferably disposed between the legs of the
19 collar 52. The handle 50 is preferably hollow having both
ends open to thereby define a throughway 58.
21 Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the rear region of the
22 rear module 20 provides several significant features. The
23 rear module 20 provides a rear face 60 generally extending
24 across the lower rear portion of the rear module 20. The
rear module also provides a recessed rear face 62 located
26 along the upper region of the rear portion of the rear
27 module 20. The recessed rear face 62 is generally defined
28 by and extends between first and second sloping sidewalls
29 64 and 66, respectively, and a sloping rear face 68.
Extending over the recessed rear face 62, is a cradle 70.
31 The cradle 70 is preferably oriented parallel with the
32 longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner 10. The cradle 70
33 provides a generally arcuate or concave receiving surface
34 72 that terminates at a U-shaped upper rear edge 74. The
cradle 70 is adapted for supporting and/or releasably
36 engaging one or more tools or attachments that may be used
37 in conjunction with the vacuum cleaner 10.
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 The rearwardly extending cradle 70 also preferably
2 serves as a "kickstand" member. In some applications, it
3 is desirable to tilt the vacuum cleaner 10 upward so that
4 the rear face 60 of the rear module 20 is directed toward
the floor and the front cover 500 is directed upwards. In
6 a most preferred configuration, the cradle 70 extends
7 beyond the rear face 60 of the rear module 20 a sufficient
8 distance such that when the vacuum cleaner 10 is tilted
9 upwards, the rear edge 74 and the two wheels 110 and 120
contact the floor.
11 The rear module 20 comprises provisions for supporting
12 and retaining rotatable wheels 110 and 120. Referring to
13 FIGS. 5 and 6, the rear module 20 provides a first wheel
14 support 90 extending laterally outward from the first wheel
well 34. The first wheel support 90 is generally
16 cylindrical and provides an interior bearing surface. One
17 or more support ribs 92 may be provided around the
18 periphery of the wheel support 90. A second wheel support
19 100 and corresponding support ribs 102 are provided within
and extending from the second wheel well 44. The first
21 wheel 110 provides a centrally located axle member
22 rotatably engaging the first wheel support 90. The axle
23 member of the first wheel rotatably engages the interior
24 bearing surface of the first wheel support 90. Similarly,
the second wheel 120 has an axle member that rotatably
26 engages the second wheel support 100 and preferably, a
27 corresponding interior bearing surface thereof. The wheels
28 110 and 120 are sized such that they are received and
29 freely rotate within the corresponding wheel wells 34 and
44.
31 Referring to FIG. 8, the bottom wall 80 of the rear
32 module 20 is illustrated. Disposed along the bottom wall
33 80 and extending generally toward the rear of the rear
34 module 20 and preferably in a direction parallel with the
longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner 10 is a cord tongue
36 130. It can be seen in FIGS. 4-6 that the cord tongue 130
37 provides a channel defined between the bottom wall 80 of
--7--
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 the rear module 20 and the upper surface of the cord tongue
2 130. The cord tongue 130 facilitates wrapping and
3 retaining the cord along the underside of the vacuum
4 cleaner 10.
Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 8, the configuration
6 and arrangement of fastener receptacles along the rear
7 module 20 are shown. The entire assembly of the vacuum
8 cleaner 10 is secured and retained together by the use of
g four threaded fasteners, i.e. screws. A first lower
fastener 140 is engaged and received within a first lower
11 fastener boss 144. A first notch 142 may be provided along
12 the lower periphery of the rear face 60 of the rear module
13 20 to increase the access to the first lower boss 144.
14 Preferably disposed proximate the other side of the rear
face 60 of the rear module 20, a second lower fastener 150
16 is received within a second lower fastener boss 154 through
17 a second notch 152. The first and second lower fastener
18 bosses 144 and 154 preferably serve to align and support
19 the corresponding fasteners. The lower fastener bosses 144
and 154 typically do not threadedly engage the fasteners
21 140 and 150 as described in greater detail below.
22 Referring further to FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 8, a first upper
23 fastener 160 is provided proximate the first side 30 of the
24 rear module 20. The first upper fastener 160 is received
within a first upper fastener boss 162. Similarly, a
26 second upper fastener 170 is received within a second upper
27 fastener boss 172 preferably disposed proximate to the
28 second side 40 of the rear module 20. The first and second
29 upper fastener bosses 162 and 172 serve to align and retain
the first and second upper fasteners 160 and 170 and
31 typically do not threadedly engage these fasteners. As
32 described in conjunction with FIG. 9 below, the fasteners
33 threadedly engage fastener receptacles 400, 404, 408, and
34 412 provided in the front module 300.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, preferably provided within
36 the recessed rear face 62 along the rear of the rear module
37 20, are a pair of rearwardly extending first and second
--8--
., ,
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 projections 180 and 190. The first projection 180 is
2 disposed proximate to the first side 30. Similarly, the
3 second projection 190 is disposed proximate to the second
4 side 40. Each projection has a semi-circular cross-
section. That is, the first projection 180 has a laterally
6 and outwardly facing arcuate side 182 and an inwardly
7 facing planar face 184. Similarly, the second projection
8 190 has a laterally and outwardly facing arcuate side 192
9 and an inwardly facing planar face 194. The planar face
184 of the first projection 180 preferably faces the planar
11 face 194 of the second projection 190.
12 The vacuum cleaner 10 utilizes a unique exhaust
13 discharge configuration. Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the rear
14 module 20 provides an exhaust port 230 concentrically
defined within an annular recess 220 disposed along the
16 rear face 60 of the rear module 20. As described in
17 greater detail below, the exhaust airstream from the vacuum
18 cleaner 10 exits through the exhaust port 230. A circular
19 blocking plate 240 is disposed directly over, yet spaced
from the opening of the exhaust port 230. The blocking
21 plate 240 is rearwardly spaced from the opening of the
22 exhaust port 230 by a plurality of support legs 242. The
23 support legs 242 are preferably equally spaced around the
24 opening of the exhaust port 230. The support legs 242 and
the blocking plate 240 define a plurality of apertures
26 through which exhaust air exits during operation of the
27 vacuum cleaner 10. As the exiting air is discharged from
28 the rear of the vacuum cleaner 10, it is directed laterally
29 outward by a plurality of horizontally extending baffles
210. The baffles 210 extend across the rear face 60 of the
31 rear module 20. The baffles 210 as shown are generally
32 horizontal and are arranged around the upper portion of the
33 exhaust port 230. The baffles 210 may be continuous and
34 generally extend across the width of the rear face 60 or
may be noncontinuous and arranged around each side of the
36 rear face 60. The exhaust port 230 and the annular recess
37 220 may also be adapted for coupling attachment tools to
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 utilize the exhaust air stream of the vacuum cleaner 10.
2 As shown in FIG. 5, one or more attachment clips 264
3 can be provided along the rear face 60 of the rear module
4 20. It may be desirable to utilize one or more
supplemental filters in conjunction with the vacuum cleaner
6 10. For instance, a detachable HEPA rated filter cartridge
7 could be releasably secured over the exhaust port 230 and
8 retained by the clips 264. The filter cartridge would
9 provide a final filtering operation upon the air stream
exiting the vacuum cleaner 10.
11 The rear module 20 utilizes a unique motor support
12 configuration as follows. Referring to FIG. 1, the rear
13 module 20 provides a forwardly projecting motor rear
14 support ledge 250. The size and shape of the motor rear
support ledge 250 corresponds to the rear region of the
16 motor 270 disposed within the vacuum cleaner 10. A
17 mounting bushing 251 is preferably utilized between the
18 support ledge 250 and the motor 270. An exhaust duct 260
19 is also provided along the lower portion of the rear module
20 and provides access from the interior of the rear module
21 20 to the exterior of the rear module 20. During operation
22 of the motor 270, air exits the vacuum cleaner 10 from the
23 exhaust duct 260 and is discharged to the rear of the
24 vacuum cleaner 10 at the exhaust port 230. This is
explained in greater detail below.
26 The vacuum cleaner 10 comprises a motor 270 disposed
27 within and between the rear module 20 and the front module
28 300. The motor 270 is preferably clamped between these
29 components as described in greater detail below. The motor
may be nearly any type of conventional motor as commonly
31 used in domestic and industrial appliances and particularly
32 vacuum cleaners. A most preferred motor is 120 volt AC 10
33 amp motor. Included with the motor 270 are associated
34 impeller and housing components as known in the art for
producing a moving air stream or pressure differential. A
36 sealing ring 280 is preferably provided to facilitate
37 support and retention of the motor 270 within the vacuum
--10--
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 cleaner 10. The sealing ring 280 preferably fits over the
2 outer periphery of the motor 270 or its mounting base and
3 serves to support the motor 270 within the vacuum cleaner
4 10 and dampen and absorb any vibration resulting from
operation of the motor 270. The sealing ring 280 can be
6 formed from a wide array of materials so long as it
7 exhibits the previously noted characteristics. A pliable
8 elastomeric material is preferred.
g The front module 300 is illustrated in FIGS. 9-13.
The front module 300 provides an interior hollow chamber
11 304 generally accessible from the front of the vacuum
12 cleaner 10. The chamber 304 serves to house and contain a
13 filter bag as known in the art. The front module 300
14 comprises a first side 310 and a second side 320 extending
between a top wall 340 and a bottom wall 330. A backwall
16 422 is provided at one end of the resulting chamber 304.
17 The chamber 304 is generally defined as the region between
18 the opening of the front module 300, i.e. at which the
19 front cover 500 is hingedly attached, the backwall 422, the
first side 310, the second side 320, the top wall 340, and
21 the bottom wall 330. The backwall 422 is preferably
22 integral with the front module 300. A front lip 306 is
23 defined along the edges, farthest from the backwall 422,
24 of the first side 310, the second side 320, the top wall
340, and the bottom wall 330. The front lip 306 is
26 preferably continuous and defines an opening to the chamber
27 304. One or more ribs 308 are preferably provided along
28 the interior surfaces of the sides 310 and 320, and the top
29 and bottom walls 340 and 330. It is preferred that the
first and second sides 310 and 320 slope towards one
31 another slightly as they extend upwards to the top wall
32 340. It is further preferred that rounded corners or
33 arcuate transition regions be provided between all
34 adjoining surfaces of the top, bottom, and side walls.
Provided along the top wall 340 of the front module
36 300 is an upwardly extending hood 350. The hood 350
37 includes a sloping front wall 352 disposed between first
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 and second side walls 354 and 356, respectively. The first
2 and second walls 354 and 356 and the sloping front wall 352
3 combine to form a rearwardly disposed continuous edge 358.
4 The previously described flanged arcuate collar 52 defined
along the forward distal end of the handle 50 is inserted
6 within the rearwardly facing opening of the hood 350
7 defined by the edge 358. These components are preferably
8 frictionally held together by an interference fit.
9 However, the use of adhesives and other affixment
provisions to secure the distal end of the handle 50 to the
11 hood 350 of the front module 300 are contemplated. A
12 switch knob 360 and a resilient flexible member 362 are
13 provided along the front and upward regions of the hood 350
14 and are described in greater detail below. The hood 350
encloses a switch for operating the motor 270 and utilizes
16 a unique switch mounting configuration also described in
17 greater detail below.
18 Preferably located along the front region of the front
19 module 300 and along the sloping front wall 352 of the hood
350 is a clasp seat 366 and a clasp receiving region 364.
21 These are described in conjunction with the front cover
22 500. Preferably disposed along the bottom wall 330 and
23 proximate the front lip 306 are one or more hinge members
24 334. These are also described in conjunction with the
front cover 500.
26 A first fender 370 is preferably provided proximate to
27 the rear end of the front module 300 and along the first
28 side 310. The first fender 370 is preferably arcuate and
29 engages the first fender support 36 provided on the rear
module 20. Preferably disposed along the second wall 320
31 of the front module 300 is a second fender 380. Similarly,
32 the second fender 380 is arcuate and corresponds to and
33 receives the second fender support 46 of the rear module
34 20. An upper engaging surface 390 is defined along the top
wall 340 of the front module 300 and proximate to the rear
36 region of the front module 300 behind the hood 350. The
37 upper engaging surface 390 facilitates engagement and
-12-
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 support between the front module 300 and the rear module
2 20. One or more retention slits 392 are defined along the
3 rear periphery of the upper engaging surface 390.
4 As can be seen in the accompanying drawings, the rear
module 20 and the front module 300 engage each other along
6 a long and winding, i.e. tortuous, interface region. Such
7 a lengthy interface region increases the sealing and
8 seating area for the modules 20 and 300 and promotes the
9 overall rigidity of the assembled unit.
As noted, the preferred embodiment vacuum cleaner 10
11 utilizes a particular arrangement and configuration of
12 assembly fastener receptacles. The fastener receptacles
13 are adapted to receive and engage the previously described
14 upper and lower fasteners 160, 170, 140, and 150.
Referring to FIG. 9, the front module 300 provides a first
16 lower fastener receptacle 400 and a second lower fastener
17 receptacle 404 defined along the lower portion of the rear
18 face of the front module 300. Similarly, the front module
19 300 further provides a first upper fastener receptacle 408
and a second upper fastener receptacle 412, along the upper
21 portion of the rear face. Each of the fastener receptacles
22 400, 404, 408 and 412 are adapted to engage, and preferably
23 threadedly engage a corresponding fastener. That is, in
24 the assembled vacuum cleaner 10, the first lower fastener
receptacle 400 is aligned with the first lower fastener
26 boss 144 of the rear module 20 and engagably receives the
27 first lower fastener 140. The second lower fastener
28 receptacle 404 is aligned with the second lower fastener
29 boss 154 of the rear module 20 and engagably receives the
second lower fastener 150. The first upper fastener
31 receptacle 408 is aligned with the first upper fastener
32 boss 162 of the rear module 20 and engagably receives the
33 first upper fastener 160. The second upper fastener
34 receptacle 412 is aligned with the second upper fastener
boss 172 of the rear module 20 and engagably receives the
36 second upper fastener 170. Each of the fastener
37 receptacles 400, 404, 408, and 41Z preferably projects
-13-
.~ .
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 toward the rear of the assembled vacuum cleaner 10 and is
2 oriented in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis
3 of the vacuum cleaner 10. The fasteners not only affix the
4 front: and rear modules together, but also maintain a
clamping pressure on the motor disposed between those
6 modules. This configuration simplifies the assembly of the
7 unit and reduces the number of components otherwise
8 necessary for its assembly.
9 The front module 300 also serves to support and retain
the ~otor 270 disposed within the vacuum cleaner 10.
11 Referring to FIG. 9, it is preferred to provide at least
12 one arcuate motor front support flange 420 along the
13 rearwardly facing portion of the front module 300. The
14 backwall 422 of the front module 300 provides support for
the one or more motor front support flanges 420. As shown
16 in F~G. 9, the preferred front module 300 utilizes four
17 arcuate support flanges 420 concentrically disposed on the
18 backwall 422.
19 The backwall 422 defines a plurality of apertures
with:Ln an intake region 424 as shown in FIG. 9. Airflow to
21 the motor 270 passes through this intake region 424 from a
22 filter bag disposed within the chamber 304. Disposed on
23 the opposite side of the backwall 422 is a filter 430 as
24 best shown in FIG. 10. The filter 430 serves to screen the
airflow passing through the intake region 424.
26 The vacuum cleaner 10 utilizes a caster assembly 440
27 to facilitate moving or rolling the vacuum cleaner 10 along
28 a floor. Referring to FIG. 14, the caster assembly 440 is
29 prov:ided along the bottom wall 330 of the front module 300.
The caster assembly 440 comprises a downwardly extending or
31 vert:ical post 442 that is rotatably received by a pivot arm
32 444. One or more ribs 443 may be provided proximate to the
33 post 442 for increased rigidity. A detent 441 is
34 preferably provided along the bottom wall 330 of the front
modu:le 300. The detent 441 biases or assists in retaining
36 a desired orientation of a caster wheel 448. Defined along
37 the top region of the pivot arm 444 is a cylindrical bore
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 446 corresponding to the dimensions of the post 442. The
2 wheel 448 is rotatably retained within the pivot arm 444 by
3 a pair of guide members 452 that rotatably support an axle
4 450 extending through the wheel 448. It is preferred that
the pivot arm 444 have a cantilevered portion which serves
6 as a cord receiving region 454. The pivot arm 444 further
7 preferably defines a wheelway 456 within which the wheel
8 448 :is disposed.
9 The vacuum cleaner 10 of the present invention
util:izes a unique switch configuration as follows.
11 Referring to FIG. 15, defined within the hood 350 is a
12 generally horizontal switch support ledge 470 having a
13 receiving slot 472 defined therein. Defined along the
14 bottom portion of the hood 350 and generally along the top
wall 340 of the front module 300 is a receiving seat 474.
16 A switch 460 is received within the hood 350 and generally
17 supported and retained by the previously noted switch
18 support ledge 470 and receiving the seat 474. The switch
19 460 may be any type of conventional control switch as known
in the art. It is preferred that the switch 460 comprises
21 a vertically extending actuator 462 which when depressed
22 actuates the switch 460. The switch 460 includes a body
23 466, one or more electrical leads 464, and a collar
24 assembly 468. Upon placement of the switch 460 within the
hood 350, the actuator 462 is either contacting or in close
26 proximity to the switch knob 360. Accordingly, when a user
27 presses downward upon the switch knob 360, the actuator 462
28 is operated thereby actuating the switch 460.
29 Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, 13, and 14, the front cover
500 is generally rectangular in shape, however having an
31 outwardly projecting or bulging front wall 502. The front
32 cover 500 is adapted to sealingly engage the front module
33 300 and particularly along the front lip 306. The front
34 cover 500 provides a sealing channel 504 extending around
the periphery of the front cover 500 and preferably along
36 the rearward face of the front cover 500. The sealing
37 channel 504 sealingly engages the front lip 306 of the
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 front module 300. Disposed generally at the center of the
2 front cover 500 is an air inlet port 510. A generally
3 cylindrical inlet duct 512 extends rearwardly from the rear
4 face of the front cover 500. A filter bag may be
releasably attached to the inlet duct 512 as known in the
6 art. The filter bag preferably comprises a flap of
7 material such as cardboard that, after the bag is removed
8 from the inlet duct 512, is folded over the inlet opening
g of the bag. This prevents or significantly minimizes loss
of waste and contaminants from the bag. The front cover
11 500 is preferably hingedly attached to the front module 300
12 by a hinge assembly. Accordingly, it is preferred that one
13 or more hinge members 334 of the front module 300 are
14 rotatably affixed to one or more hinge members 520 of the
front cover 500, preferably by hinge pins 522 extending
16 therethrough. A clasp member 530 is preferably provided
17 along the upper portion of the front cover 500 and is
18 received by the clasp receiving region 364 and the clasp
19 seat 366 along the hood 350.
The preferred embodiment vacuum cleaner 10 utilizes a
21 unique cord routing configuration. As will be appreciated,
22 since the motor 270 preferably utilizes an external AC
23 power supply, it is necessary to provide an electrical
24 power supply cord between the exterior of the vacuum
cleaner 10 and the motor 270 disposed within the interior
26 of the unit. FIGS. 2, 9, 12, and 14 illustrate a cord
27 outlet 332 provided along the underside of the front module
28 300. The cord outlet 332 is a relatively small canopy that
29 provides protection for a conventional electrical power
supply cord passing through the underside of the vacuum
31 cleaner 10. Referring to FIG. 9, it is most preferred to
32 provide a cord retaining passage provided by a notch 337
33 and a cord way 336 defined between a dividing wall 335 and
34 the bottom wall 330. Upon placement of an electrical cord
within the notch 337 and the cord way 336, shown in FIG. 9
36 as dashed lines, the cord is securely held by the front
37 module 300. This cord routing configuration prevents
-16-
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 damage to electrical connections at the cord and terminals
2 of the motor 270 caused by pulling the cord away from the
3 vacuum cleaner 10. The cord can be conveniently stored
4 about the vacuum cleaner 10 by winding it along the
underside of the unit. Particularly, the cord is wrapped
6 between the cord tongue 130 provided on the underside of
7 the rear module 20 and the cantilevered portion of the
8 pivot arm 444 disposed on the underside of the front module
9 300.
During operation of the vacuum cleaner 10, the
11 backwall 422 provided in the front module 300 partitions
12 the interior chamber 304, i.e. the suction chamber housing
13 a filter, dust, or collection bag, from the exhaust chamber
14 generally defined between the rear face of the backwall 422
and the front region of the rear module 20. The motor and
16 associated impeller draw air from the inlet port 510,
17 through the chamber 304, and into the exhaust duct 260.
18 The air then exits the vacuum cleaner through the exhaust
19 port 230. The motor 270 is mounted within this exhaust
chamber proximate to, and preferably immediately adjacent
21 to the backwall 422 so that its impeller draws air through
22 the intake region 424 defined in the backwall 422.
23 In another preferred embodiment, a flexible tube or
24 conduit is provided between the motor bearings and the
suction side or negative pressure side of the system. The
26 conduit and resulting air flow through the conduit captures
27 particles and contaminants otherwise potentially leaking
28 through the bearing or around the bearing and into the
29 atmosphere. In the absence of such conduit, particles and
contaminates may leak from inside the enclosure or motor
31 shroud to the outside environment. Another advantage of
32 providing the flexible conduit is that the resulting
33 airflow therethrough draws air through and around the
34 bearing thereby cooling the bearing and neighboring
components.
36 The rear module 20, the front module 300, and the
37 front cover 500 are preferably formed from a plastic.
CA 02226190 1998-01-0~
1 However, the present invention includes vacuum cleaners
2 formed from, or utilizing housing components formed from,
3 materials other than plastics such as for instance metals
4 and composite materials. The various components can be
formed by a wide array of techniques. If plastic is
6 utilized for any of the rear module 20, the front module
7 300 or the front cover 500, injection molding is the
8 preferred manufacturing technique.
9 While the foregoing details are what is felt to be the
preferred embodiments of the present invention, no material
11 limitations to the scope of the claimed invention are
12 intended. Further, features and design alternatives that
13 would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art are
14 considered to be incorporated herein. The scope of the
invention is set forth and particularly described in the
16 claims herein below.
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