Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02927443 2016-04-18
[0001]TITLE OF THE INVENTION
[0002] LIGHTED VACUUM NOZZLE
[0003] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0004] This application is a continuation-in-part of application serial number
14/452,683, filed August 6, 2014, entitled "Vacuum Nozzle with Integrated
Light",
which is incorporated herein by specific reference.
[0005] STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR
DEVELOPMENT
[0006] Not applicable.
[0007] REFERENCE TO APPENDIX
[0008] Not applicable.
[0009] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0010]Field of the Invention. The inventions disclosed and taught herein
relate
generally to attachments for vacuum appliances. More specifically, the
inventions
disclosed and taught herein are related to cleaning tool attachments which are
adaptable for use in conjunction with a variety of vacuum cleaners and which
include
an illuminated portion for use in dark areas during cleaning, such as under
seats in an
automobile.
[0011] Description of the Related Art.
[0012] Vacuum cleaners of the type having a nozzle end and a handle end, as
well as
canister-type vacuum appliances like wet/dry vacuum cleaners, are generally
well
known in the art. When gripped by their handle ends and moved in a generally
back
and forth oscillatory motion, the nozzle ends of these devices trace a back-
and-forth
cleaning path. During such typical operation, the wrist of the hand by which
the handle
ends are gripped controls the trajectory of their nozzle ends. When in normal
use with
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the hand extended straight out, the cleaning path is generally in front of the
user, but
when the wrists are rolled to either the right or to the left, the cleaning
path traced by
the nozzle ends follows the roll to the right and left of the wrist. In the
case of vacuum
appliances such as wet/dry vacuums, the user typically uses a vacuum hose that
attaches directly to the vacuum head, allowing for collection of dirt, solid
debris, and
liquids in the vacuum collection drum. In this operation, the user typically
moves the
open end of the vacuum hose, versus the entire vacuum appliance, over the
debris to
be collected.
[0013]In general, these vacuum appliances perform quite well to pick up dirt,
solid
debris, and liquid spillage (in the case of wet/dry vacuums) immediately
subjacent to
their nozzle ends, whether stationery, or when moved in one of the manners
described
above. However, to clean areas that lie beyond the cleaning path obtained by
manipulating such devices, e.g., within the crevices of wood floors, or under
furniture,
various attachment tools need to be employed. One type of known attachment
tool is
the crevice tool. Generally, such a tool includes an end for attachment to the
nozzle
end of a hand-held vacuum appliance or an associated vacuum hose, a nozzle
end,
often smaller than the nozzle end of the vacuum cleaner, and a rigid, narrow
tube
axially connecting the attachment and the nozzle ends in fluid-tight
communication.
With the crevice tool attached, back and forth motion of the hand-held vacuum
cleaner
enables cleaning in small or spatially-confined areas, such as in crevices and
cracks
(such as the cracks between wood floor boards), as well under furniture where
dust,
debris, or liquids can accumulate and which do not lie in an area that is
easily traced
by the standard cleaning path of a vacuum cleaner. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
4,951,340 describes a multi-component crevice tool for a hand-held vacuum
cleaner,
the nozzle end of which may be indexed to different rotation positions so as
to clean
spillage in small areas defined by angular cross-sections, such as the small
space
between a bookshelf and a closely adjacent wall, that otherwise may not permit
of
ready cleaning (except, for example, by moving the bookcase away from the
wall).
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Other approaches have included crevice tools adapted for use with a water
extraction
cleaning machine, and tools which incorporate a long, rubber body for
flexibility.
However, while allowing for access to confined spaces for cleaning, there is
no way for
the user to see the area being cleaned in order to determine if all the debris
has been
removed by the vacuuming operation.
[0014]Another type of known attachment tool for use with vacuum cleaners for
cleaning narrow or hard-to-reach areas is the so-called "extension wand."
Generally,
such a tool includes an end for attachment to the nozzle end of a hand-held
vacuum
cleaner, a nozzle end, and an elongated, rigid tube connecting the attachment
and
nozzle ends in fluid-tight communication. The reach of the vacuum cleaner is
thus
extended to the degree that the rigid interconnecting tube is elongated,
thereby
permitting cleaning of spillage and debris in areas that otherwise would lie
beyond the
reach of the hand-held vacuum cleaner. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,311
discloses a telescoping assembly especially suited for vacuum cleaner wands
that
includes a first tube having an outer diameter and a second tube having an
inner
diameter which is larger than the outer diameter of the first tube. In this
way, the first
tube fits within the second tube in an axially sliding manner. A collet is
positioned
within the second tube and encircles the first tube. The collet includes a
locking
element for selectively securing the first tube in relation to the second
tube, the locking
element cooperating with a portion of the second tube upon a rotation of the
collet to
prevent a telescoping movement of the first tube in relation to the second
tube. This
multi-component extension wand reportedly telescopes outward so as to clean
spillage
in areas that may lie at different distances.
[0015]The previously described and utilized attachment tools, however, have
had their
utility limited either by over-complexity, difficulty in manufacturing,
shortened tool
lifespan, or poor air flow design such that during operation, the amount of
vacuum
pressure available for cleaning is reduced. Additionally, none of these
approaches
allow for the illumination of dark regions to be cleaned with the attachment
nozzle,
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such as within automobiles, most particularly under the seats and by the
operating
pedals.
[0016] The inventions disclosed and taught herein are directed to vacuum
attachments
for use with a vacuum appliance, wherein the attachments include a shaped body
for
enhanced air flow during operation, and a light to allow for the illumination
of the
regions to be cleaned with simple engagement from the operator.
[0017)BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018]The objects described above and other advantages and features of the
invention are incorporated in the application as set forth herein, and the
associated
drawings, related to systems for cleaning surfaces, the systems including
vacuum
accessory tools with at least one light emitting element.
[0019]In accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure, an
attachment
tool for a vacuum cleaner operable as a crevice tool is described, the
attachment tool
comprising an attachment end adapted for mounting to a vacuum cleaner; a
nozzle
end spaced apart from the attachment end; a nozzle body intermediate between
the
attachment end and the nozzle end and defining an exterior of the tool, the
nozzle
body comprising a lower housing region proximate the nozzle and an upper
housing
region comprising a first, upper body region proximate the air conduit and a
second,
intermediate body region intermediate the upper housing region and the lower
housing
region; and a light assembly comprising a housing containing at least one
light emitting
element that will illuminate a surface to be cleaned, the light assembly being
mounted
on the nozzle body.
[0020]In accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a
tool for
use with a vacuum accessory is described, the tool comprising an illumination
assembly, the illumination assembly including a housing configured to clamp
about a
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nozzle body of a vacuum cleaner system; a light module including at least one
light
emitting element and a switch to selectively power the at least one light
emitting
element; and a cover covering at least a portion of the module, thereby
securing the
module to the housing and nozzle body.
[0021] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner
system
is described, the vacuum system comprising a housing; a debris collection
vessel; a
vacuum suction generator; a cleaning hose connected to the suction generator;
and a
crevice tool including: a main body having a first end including a suction
inlet, a
second end including a discharge outlet, an internal air path, and a
longitudinal
centerline axis A; a nozzle body intermediate between the suction inlet and
the
discharge outlet, the nozzle body comprising a lower housing region proximate
the
suction inlet and an upper housing region comprising a first, upper body
region
proximate the discharge outlet and a second, intermediate body region
intermediate
the upper housing region and the lower housing region; and a light assembly
comprising a light housing containing at least one light emitting element that
will
illuminate a surface to be cleaned, the light assembly being mounted on the
nozzle
body.
[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The following figures form part of the present specification and are
included to
further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention
may be
better understood by reference to one or more of these figures in combination
with the
detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.
[0024]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary vacuum appliance
incorporating a vacuum nozzle attachment tool in accordance with the present
disclosure.
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[0025]FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary attachment tool in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the attachment tool of FIG. 2.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the attachment tool of FIG. 2.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the attachment tool of FIG. 2.
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the attachment tool of FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the attachment tool of FIG. 2.
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the attachment
tool of FIG. 2,
taken along line A¨A.
[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary attachment tool
having a
module mounted thereon in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the
attachment tool of
FIG. 9.
[0034] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the attachment tool of FIG. 9.
[0035] FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the attachment tool of FIG. 9.
[0036] FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom view of the attachment tool of FIG. 9.
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[0037] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective exploded view of select components of
a light
assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 15 illustrates another perspective exploded view of select
components of
the assembly of FIG. 14.
[0039] FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom view of a lower portion of a housing of
the assembly
of FIG. 14.
io [0040] FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of a lower portion of a housing of
the assembly of
FIG. 14.
[0041] FIG. 18 illustrates a front view of a lower portion of a housing of the
assembly of
FIG. 14.
[0042] FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of a lower portion of a housing of the
assembly of
FIG. 14.
[0043] FIG. 20 illustrates a rear view of a lower portion of a housing of the
assembly of
FIG. 14.
[0044] FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of an upper portion of a housing of the
assembly
of FIG. 14.
[0045] FIG. 22 illustrates a bottom view of an upper portion of a housing of
the
assembly of FIG. 14.
[0046] FIG. 23 illustrates a front view of an upper portion of a housing of
the assembly
of FIG. 14.
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[0047] FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of an upper portion of a housing of the
assembly
of FIG. 14.
[0048] FIG. 25 illustrates a rear view of an upper portion of a housing of the
assembly
of FIG. 14.
[0049] FIG. 26 illustrates a top view of a module cover of the assembly of
FIG. 14.
[0050] FIG. 27 illustrates a bottom a module cover of the assembly of FIG. 14.
[0051] FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of a module cover of the assembly of
FIG. 14.
[0052] FIG. 29 illustrates a rear view of a module cover of the assembly of
FIG. 14.
[0053] FIG. 30 illustrates a front view of a module cover of the assembly of
FIG. 14.
[0054] While the inventions disclosed herein are susceptible to various
modifications
and alternative forms, only a few specific embodiments have been shown by way
of
example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The figures and
detailed
descriptions of these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the
breadth or
scope of the inventive concepts or the appended claims in any manner. Rather,
the
figures and detailed written descriptions are provided to illustrate the
inventive
concepts to a person of ordinary skill in the art and to enable such person to
make and
use the inventive concepts.
[0055] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] The Figures described above and the written description of specific
structures
and functions below are not presented to limit the scope of what Applicants
have
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invented or the scope of the appended claims. Rather, the Figures and written
description are provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and
use the
inventions for which patent protection is sought. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate
that not all features of a commercial embodiment of the inventions are
described or
shown for the sake of clarity and understanding. Persons of skill in this art
will also
appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment
incorporating
aspects of the present inventions will require numerous implementation-
specific
decisions to achieve the developer's ultimate goal for the commercial
embodiment.
Such implementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are not limited
to,
compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related and other
constraints, which may vary by specific implementation, location and from time
to time.
While a developer's efforts might be complex and time-consuming in an absolute
sense, such efforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of
skill in
this art having benefit of this disclosure. It must be understood that the
inventions
disclosed and taught herein are susceptible to numerous and various
modifications
and alternative forms. Lastly, the use of a singular term, such as, but not
limited to,
"a," is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Also, the use of
relational terms,
such as, but not limited to, "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper,"
"lower," "down," "up,"
"side," and the like are used in the written description for clarity in
specific reference to
the Figures and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the
appended
claims.
[0057]Applicants have created a vacuum accessory tool, specifically a vacuum
nozzle, such as the type used for cleaning surfaces within automobiles,
wherein the
tool includes a nozzle body having a suction nozzle at one end formed by the
body,
and an attachment end for fluidic attachment to a remote vacuum source, such
as a
vacuum cleaner. At least one light emitting element that emits light on a
surface to be
vacuumed is secured to the body of the tool.
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[0058]Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an
exemplary
vacuum appliance 10 with a collection drum incorporating a vacuum nozzle
accessory
tool 50, in accordance with the present disclosure. The vacuum nozzle tool 50
may be
coupled directly to a suction means such as flexible vacuum hose 20 attached
to a
vacuum inlet of a vacuum appliance, such as a wet/dry vacuum 10, or to an
optional
hose extension wand 30 which can be inserted intermediate between a vacuum
hose
20 and the tool 50, via any appropriate coupling method, such as by frictional
attachment, threaded attachment, or similar, locking attachment methods. While
the
figure illustrates a wet/dry vacuum appliance 10, it will be realized that the
vacuum
nozzle 50 as described herein may be used in association with any of a number
of
types of vacuum appliances, including but not limited to upright vacuum
cleaners,
backpack vacuum cleaners, hand-held vacuum cleaners, wall-mounted vacuum
cleaners, canister-type vacuum cleaners, and central-vacuum systems.
[0059]As shown in FIG. 1, there is illustrated in perspective view an
exemplary
vacuum appliance 10 suitable for use with the accessory tool 50 described
herein. In
one preferred embodiment of the instant disclosure, vacuum 10 is of the
wet/dry
variety, i.e., capable of picking up both wet and dry material. Vacuum 10
comprises a
collection canister, or drum, 12 having a bottom, sides, an open top opposite
the
bottom, a lid 11, and a powerhead 14 attached to the top face of lid 11, which
is
releasably secured over the open top of collection canister 12 via handles 17.
Affixed
to the bottom of drum 12 are a plurality of casters 15 having wheels 16 which
allow the
vacuum 10 to be pushed or pulled, the casters 15 being optionally shaped to
have
stepped mounting means formed on their top face for accepting vacuum
accessories
such as vacuum wands and the like for storage when the accessories are not in
use.
Collection drum 12 may also include a drain outlet and drain plug member 13 at
the
bottom of the drum, so as to allow for enhanced removal of liquid debris from
within
the drum itself, such as with a pump accessory as shown in U.S. Design Pat.
No.
D551,681. Powerhead 14 houses a motor and impeller assembly (not shown) within
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an impeller chamber, for establishing vacuum pressure within the vacuum 10
during
operation. A flexible vacuum hose 20 is configured so that one end can be
inserted
into an air inlet 18 formed in the front portion of the powerhead 14. In one
embodiment, hose 20 is simply friction-fitted into inlet port 18. In other
embodiments
of the present disclosure, hose 20 may be lock-fit into inlet port 18, or
employ a quick-
connect/disconnect mechanism in order to obtain a leak-free seal, in
accordance with
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,370,730 and 6,115,881, both of which are incorporated herein
by
reference. The collection drum, the lid and the powerhead of vacuum 10 are
preferably made of injection-molded plastic, such as polypropylene or the
like, in
accordance with conventional practice.
[0060]In accordance with conventional designs, the air inlet port 18 is
defined in a side
wall of the collection drum 12 as shown, or alternatively, may be defined in
the lid or
within a face of powerhead 14. The powerhead assembly 14 houses a motor and an
Is impeller assembly housed within an impeller chamber, and has defined
therein an air
exhaust or outlet port (not shown). The powerhead assembly 14 is operable to
create
a suction within the collection drum 12, such that during operation debris
and/or liquid
is drawn into the collection drum 12 through the hose 20, which is attached to
the inlet
port 18 via an appropriate connection member that may be locking or not.
[0061]From FIG. 1 it is apparent that an upper portion of the powerhead may be
configured to serve as a carrying handle for vacuum 10. Toward the front of
handle
13, an on/off switch 19 may be disposed, such that the switch may be
conveniently
reached with one's thumb while holding vacuum 10 by the handle. Power to the
vacuum appliance 10 may be via a typical AC power source via power cord, or
via a
battery system, as appropriate.
[0062] The details of an exemplary vacuum nozzle 50 in accordance with the
present
disclosure are illustrated in FIGs 2-8. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an
exemplary
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vacuum nozzle 50. FIG. 3 is a top view of the exemplary nozzle 50; FIG. 4 is a
bottom
view of nozzle 50. FIG. 5 is a front end view of the exemplary vacuum nozzle
50, and
FIG. 6 is a rear, or back end view of the exemplary vacuum nozzle 50. These
Figures
will be discussed in combination.
[0063]As best shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2, vacuum nozzle accessory
tool
50 according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises a nozzle body 51
formed by the an upper housing region 56 and a lower housing region 58,
forming an
attachment end and a spaced apart nozzle end, respectively. The tool 10
further
comprises an illumination, or light emitting element 114 and associated light
assembly
100 attached to a top face 57 of the upper housing. The tool 50, in whole or
in parts
thereof, such as at least the nozzle body 51, is preferably formed of a
plastic or other
polymeric material by any appropriate method, such as by blow molding,
rotomolding,
or similar production methods.
[006411n the illustrated embodiment, a suction nozzle 54 is formed at a
forward, lower
portion of the lower housing 58. The upper housing 56 further includes a
working air
conduit 52 positioned on an end of the nozzle body 51 opposite the suction
nozzle 54,
the upper housing further comprising a first, upper body region 56A, proximate
the air
conduit 52, and a second, intermediate body region 56B intermediate the upper
body
region 56A and the lower housing region 58. As shown in the figures,
intermediate
body region 56B may further and optionally be shaped, such as in a
substantially
planar manner to form a flat, planar region 57 on the top surface of region
56B, so as
to receive at least a part of a similarly-shaped illumination assembly 100.
The working
air conduit 52 is configured to be connected to a vacuum hose 20 (or similar
vacuum
connection assembly, such as a vacuum wand 30) to couple the tool 50 to a
remote
suction source 10, such as a wet/dry vacuum appliance.
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[0065] Light assembly 100 includes a light housing or cover 102 containing a
power
source (such as a battery, not shown) and the light emitting element(s) 114,
the cover
102 having a forward, frontal edge 104 and a rearward edge 106, the rearward
edge
sized and shaped to mate with upper body region 56A. As shown in the Figures,
cover 102 may be of an inverted "U-shape", although it is not limited to this
configuration, and any other appropriate shape may be used as desired. The top
face,
or surface of the light housing, or cover 102 further includes at least one
attachment
element 108, such as a screw or similar threaded attachment element, or
similar
attachment means. Also located on the top face or surface of the cover 102 is
at least
one power switch, or actuator, 110. In the embodiment shown in the figures,
and as
particularly shown in FIG. 3, the accessory tool 50 can include a primary
power switch
110, and a secondary power switch 112. During operation, the user depresses
the
primary power switch 110 to turn the light emitting element 114 "on" or "off',
the switch
being actuated by either depressing and releasing it, or depressing it and
keeping it
depressed during operation to keep the light element 114 illuminated.
Alternatively, a
user can depress the secondary power switch 112 so as to toggle the light
between a
"constant on" operation mode and a "intermittent" mode, or an "off' and "on"
mode, the
latter of these working, for example, when the switch 112 is toggled and held
in one
direction or another by the user, as the user deems appropriate for the
particular task
for which the tool 50 is being used. Other power actuation modes and
variations will
be understood by those of skill in the art.
[0066]The air and debris suction chamber 60 within nozzle tool 50 is defined
by the
interior regions of the various body regions, which typically include top
walls, bottom
walls, and side walls, as appropriate, and depending upon the shape of the
particular
body region. For example, in upper body region 56A, as illustrated, there is a
single
wall 61 rather than separate top, bottom, and side walls. However, as
illustrated in the
frontal view of FIG. 6, the chamber 60 is defined by interior top wall 62,
opposite,
interior bottom wall 64, and opposite interior side walls 66A, 66B, the side
walls being
generally perpendicular to the top and bottom walls. The walls 62, 64, 66 at
the
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terminal end of the lower housing region 58 of the suction chamber define an
open
mouth 55.
[0067]FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate rear and front views of accessory nozzle
tool 50,
respectively. As shown in the exemplary figures, the first end, suction nozzle
54, has
a substantially oval-shaped cross section, while the second end of the main
body 51,
working air conduit 52, has a generally circular cross section. The oval cross-
section
tapers upward toward a more circular cross section moving from the first end
of the
tool to the second end, as shown perhaps most clearly in FIG. 6.
[0068]FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate in more detail the tapered and downward
angle
orientation of the lower housing 58 relative to the upper housing 56. These
figures
also illustrate the relationship between the orientation, or downward
deflection angle,
of the lower housing 58 to the forward, front edge 104 of the of the light
assembly 100,
which advantageously allows for a deep penetration of the nozzle assembly 50
into an
orifice, such as between a seat in an automobile, while simultaneously
allowing for
illumination of the surface to be cleaned with the light assembly and light
emitting
element 114 without damaging or blocking the light assembly 100. That is, the
relationship between the angle of downward deflection of the lower housing 58
and the
placement of the light assembly 100 on the upper housing 56 is such that
illumination
is not compromised, and the light emitting element 114 is protected from
damage.
FIG. 7 illustrates this relationship, in accordance with embodiments of this
disclosure.
[0069] More particularly, as illustrated in the side view of FIG. 7, a plane 7
that is in
alignment with and parallel to the top face 58A of lower housing region 58,
when
extended upward in the direction of the upper housing 56, intersects the
front, or
forward edge 104 of the light cover 102. In accordance with select aspects of
this
embodiment of the present disclosure, plane y intersects the light cover 102
at the
highest, most forward and central point 105. As also illustrated generally in
FIG. 7, the
CA 02927443 2016-04-18
plane y forms an angle 6 between the top face 57 of upper body region 56B and
the
plane y, the angle 6 ranging from about 20 to about 40 , preferably about 30
.
[0070]FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tool 50 of FIG. 2,
taken along line
8-8. The tool of the present disclosure includes a central, longitudinal axis
A. The
arrows (4) indicate direction of air flow through the internal air path 60 of
the nozzle
tool 50, from a surface being cleaned (not shown), in through the suction
inlet region
55 of the suction nozzle 54, though the interior suction chamber 60, and out
the air
conduit 52 and toward a vacuum appliance 10 that is in operation with the
vacuum
io nozzle tool. An axis drawn perpendicular, or normal, to the longitudinal
axis A,
perpendicular axis P, allows for a relationship between the upper housing
region 56 of
the tool 50, and the lower housing region 58 to be described. That is, the
lower
housing region 58 is disposed at a downward, deflective angle relative to the
longitudinal axis A along which upper housing region 56 is aligned. The angle
of
downward deflection can be described as an obtuse angle a relative to the
longitudinal
axis A, or as an acute angle p relative to the perpendicular axis P. More
particularly,
lower housing region 58 can be oriented in a downward direction away from the
upper
housing region 56 at an obtuse angle a relative to the longitudinal axis A,
the angle a
ranging from about 1000 to about 170 , more particularly from about 110 to
about
165 , and more particularly from about 120 to about 160 , including an angle
of about
130 , about 140 , and about 150 . This relationship is also shown
schematically in the
side view of FIG. 7, similarly illustrating the angle of downward offset a.
Alternatively,
and equally acceptable, the lower housing region 58 can be oriented in a
downward
direction away from the upper housing region 56 at an acute angle p relative
to the
perpendicular axis P, the angle p ranging from about 30 to about 80 , more
particularly from about 30 to about 75 , and more particularly from about 40
to about
70 , including an angle of about 45 , about 50 , about 55 , about 60 , and
about 65 .
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[0071] Details of the light assembly 100 attached to tool 50 are perhaps best
seen with
reference to FIG. 3. The illumination, or light emitting element 114 is
preferably
positioned on or towards a leading edge of the tool 50, so as to effectively
illuminate
the surfaces to be cleaned. The light assembly 100 comprises at least one
light
emitting element 114, a housing or cover 102, and a power source, such as a
battery
(not shown). The light emitting element 114 can be chosen from a range of
optional
light emitting elements based upon the desired effect and dictated by the
range in the
light spectrum. For example, illumination of the surface to be cleaned
requires a light
source in the visible light spectrum with a wavelength of at least 400
nanometers (nm).
io Other options include various ranges in the ultraviolet (UV) light
spectrum. For
example, light in the UVA range comprising a wavelength from about 400
nanometers
to about 320 nanometers (also known as "black light") is effective for
illuminating
carbon-based stains, including pet stains such as urine stains. UVA light
causes
carbon-based stains to fluoresce, thus making the previously invisible stain
visible to
the eye. Furthermore, it is known that illuminating certain peroxygen
cleaning
compounds with UVA light can improve cleaning efficacy and decrease the
cleaning
time. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the light emitting
element
114 can also optionally be chosen to have a sanitization or disinfection
action on the
surface to be cleaned. Disinfecting the surface to be cleaned is best achieved
with a
UVC wavelength of about 260 nanometers; however wavelengths from about 280 nm
to about 100 nm are also effective. Once the desired effect is known, the
light emitting
element 114 can be chosen from known constructions, including light emitting
diodes
(LED), incandescent, fluorescent, and combinations thereof. Furthermore,
multiple
dissimilar light emitting element types can be incorporated into the
illumination light
assembly 100, without limitation. Use of a commonly known selector or toggle
switch,
such as toggle switch 112, can allow selection of UVA, UVC, and/or visible
light
independently, or, in various combinations depending on the specific desired
use.
[0072]Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, at least one mounting recess can optionally
be
formed on a leading surface of the intermediate body region 56B on which the
light
17
CA 02927443 2016-04-18
assembly 100, which includes light emitting element 114, may be positioned. A
cover
102 is mounted on the intermediate body region 56B to enclose the mounting
recesses and can further optionally include at least one lens (not shown) at
the
forward region, proximate to forward edge 104, to allow light from the light
emitting
element 114 to pass through the lens. The lens can be transparent or
translucent and
can advantageously be convex-shaped to disperse the light emitted by the light
emitting element 114. Alternately, the cover 102 can be made from a
transparent or
translucent material thereby transmitting light from the light emitting
element 114
through at least a part of the cover in addition to, or without need for, an
optional lens.
io The cover 102 can also include integral mounting features (not shown) to
house and
retain the light emitting element 114.
[0073]In accordance with alternative embodiments of the present disclosure,
the
vacuum nozzle accessory tool 50 can further comprises an external power source
for
supplying power to the illumination assembly 100. In one exemplary, preferred
embodiment, the external power source can be the vacuum appliance itself,
supplying
power though a cord or similar power conveying means or system to power the
illumination assembly 100 while the vacuum appliance is in operation.
[0074] FIGs. 9-30 illustrate a vacuum nozzle accessory tool 50 according to a
second
embodiment of the invention. The tool 50 according to the second embodiment
may
or may not share any of the above described features, completely or to some
lesser
degree. For example, the light assembly 100 of the first embodiment is
described, and
shown in the referenced figures, as being capable of being integrally mounted
to the
nozzle body 51. The light assembly 100 of the second embodiment is described,
and
shown in the referenced figures, below as being at least partially removable
mounted
to the nozzle body 51.
18
CA 02927443 2016-04-18
[0075]As best shown in FIGs. 14 and 15, the light assembly 100 of the second
embodiment may include an upper housing portion 202 and a lower housing
portion
204. These portions 202,204 may be removably mounted to the nozzle body 51.
For
example, the portions 202,204 may clamp about the nozzle body 51 utilizing
screws
206. Alternatively, either of the housing portions 202,204 may be integral to
the nozzle
body 51. Of course, where the upper housing portion 202 is integral to the
nozzle
body 51, there may be no need for the lower housing portion 204.
[0076]The light assembly 100 of the second embodiment preferably includes a
light
io module 200. In a preferred embodiment, a cover 208 is secured to either
one of the
housing portions 202,204 by one or more screws 210 to hold the light module
200
adjacent either one of the housing portions 202,204. For example, the module
200
may fit within a recess 212 in the upper housing portion 202. The light
emitting
element 114 may protrude from the module 200 through a port 214 in the upper
housing portion 202, the cover 208, or both.
[0077] Many variations are possible. For example, rather than merely screws
210, the
cover may alternatively, or additionally, be secured to either one of the
housing
portions 202,204 by hooked tabs 216 that fit into slots 218 in either one of
the housing
portions 202,204.
[0078]As another possible variation, the light assembly 100 may not need the
port
214, and may include instead a lens 220 in the cover 208 and/or in either of
the
housing portions 202,204. The lens(es) 220 may be secured to, or formed as, a
front
face of the cover 208 or housing portion 202,204. The either of the lenses 220
may be
a focusing lens, a dispersing lens, or have no effect on the light pattern
emitted from
the light emitting element 114. Furthermore, the lenses may be different from
one
another.
19
CA 02927443 2016-04-18
[0079]The switch 19 that selectively powers the light emitting element 114 of
the
module 200 may protrude through an aperture 222 in the cover 208.
Alternatively, the
switch 19 may be operable through the cover 208. For example, the cover 208,
or a
portion thereof, may be made from a flexible material that permits operation
of the
switch 19, while sealing the module 200 underneath.
[0080]In any case, the wet/dry vacuum 10, the flexible vacuum hose 20, the
hose
extension wand 30, and/or vacuum nozzle accessory tool 50, or portions
thereof, may
be made of metal, or other heat resistant materials for use with hot
substances, such
as fireplace ash.
[0081]Other and further embodiments utilizing one or more aspects of the
inventions
described above can be devised without departing from the spirit of
Applicant's
invention. For example, the illumination device can be arranged so as to
circumscribe
one or more portions of the vacuum nozzle or tool, e.g., the lights can
circumscribe the
body of the vacuum tool. Further, the various methods and embodiments of the
methods of manufacture and assembly of the system, as well as location
specifications, can be included in combination with each other to produce
variations of
the disclosed methods and embodiments. Discussion of singular elements can
include plural elements and vice-versa.
[0082]The order of steps can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwise
specifically limited. The various steps described herein can be combined with
other
steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split into multiple steps.
Similarly,
elements have been described functionally and can be embodied as separate
components or can be combined into components having multiple functions.
[0083]The inventions have been described in the context of preferred and other
embodiments and not every embodiment of the invention has been described.
CA 02927443 2016-04-18
Obvious modifications and alterations to the described embodiments are
available to
those of ordinary skill in the art. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments
are not
intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the invention
conceived of by
the Applicants, but rather, in conformity with the patent laws, Applicants
intend to fully
protect all such modifications and improvements that come within the scope or
range
of equivalent of the following claims.
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