Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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WIDE-AREA VACUUM NOZZLE
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a nozzle for a vacuum
cleaner, and
specifically, to a wide-area vacuum nozzle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A vacuum nozzle for a vacuum cleaner can have a specific range of air
flow
distribution and a body that is shaped for a specific cleaning function. An
operator of the
vacuum cleaner may have multiple nozzles for a single vacuum cleaner where
each nozzle may
be attached to a vacuum hose or adapter to perform a specific cleaning
function, and then
removed and replaced with a different nozzle for a different cleaning
function. Because each
nozzle is designed to address a particular function or cleaning need, the body
of a nozzle is
generally shaped according to the cleaning job or for the specific target
cleaning surface. For
example, a nozzle may be a flattened tube with a highly concentrated narrow
intake orifice that
is useful to pick up heavy objects and to reach small areas in narrow spaces.
In another
example, a typical vacuum cleaner nozzle has a wide, rectangular body to cover
large target
areas. The typical vacuum cleaner is operated by moving the nozzle head
backward and
forward repeatedly over the same cleaning surface until the target cleaning
surface is clear.
[0003] Inconvenient, yet common cleaning jobs re cleaning corners,
crevices, and large
target areas located underneath furniture and adjacent walls. The typical
rectangular vacuum
cleaner nozzle may not provide enough suction at the sides of the nozzle body
to clean near
walls or near vertical surfaces without changing the orientation of the nozzle
relative to the
target cleaning area. This is because the hose or wand is connected at the
center of the nozzle,
so air is drawn in through the middle of the nozzle more easily than air is
drawn near the outer
edges of the nozzle. To address this, divider walls may be placed in the
interior of the nozzle to
direct more suction towards the outer edges. Divider walls, however, may
reduce overall
suction and may increase likelihood that debris becomes lodged in the nozzle.
Therefore, in
some cases, the air distribution of the nozzle cannot adequately reach certain
areas without
contacting furniture or walls.
[0004] Additionally, the nozzle body of the typical vacuum cleaner is
generally too tall to fit
under furniture. Instead, an operator may have to lift and rearrange large and
heavy furniture to
reach the target surface areas. If the furniture cannot be moved, an operator
may replace the
typical vacuum nozzle with a narrow nozzle to reach underneath the furniture.
While a narrow
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nozzle may fit within tight spaces and the concentrated suction force of the
intake orifice may
pick up heavy objects, the small intake orifice of the wand may not distribute
air flow beyond its
intake orifice to allow an operator to clean a wide target area efficiently.
These particularly
difficult cleaning jobs (e.g., cleaning near walls and under furniture) may
add significant time to
cleaning and often require an operator to either work with a tool having a
small air distribution
range, or lift and remove heavy and bulky pieces of furniture before resuming
cleaning.
SUMMARY
[0005] In accordance with a first exemplary aspect of the present
disclosure, a wide-area
vacuum nozzle may include a body having a first surface, a second surface, a
leading edge,
and a trailing edge, where the leading edge and trailing edge may at least
partially define an
outer periphery of the body. The body may include a first juncture and a
second juncture
disposed between the leading edge and the trailing edge. An aperture may be
formed through
the first surface and second surface of the body and may be disposed between
the leading
edge and the trailing edge. A fitting may be connected to the aperture and may
be adapted for
connection to a vacuum source. The leading edge may define an arc extending
between the
first juncture and the second juncture.
[0006] In accordance with a second exemplary aspect of the present disclosure,
a wide-area
vacuum nozzle may include a body having a first surface, a second surface, a
leading edge,
and a trailing edge. The leading edge and trailing edge may at least partially
define an outer
periphery of the body, in which the outer periphery may include a first
juncture and a second
juncture disposed between the leading edge and the trailing edge. An aperture
may be formed
through the first surface and second surface of the body and may be disposed
between the
leading edge and the trailing edge. A back wall of may be operatively coupled
to the trailing
edge and may be perpendicularly oriented relative to the body. The back wall
may extend
beyond the second surface of the body to contact a cleaning surface.
[0007] In accordance with a third exemplary aspect of the present
disclosure, a wide-area
vacuum nozzle and bracket assembly for coupling to a vacuum cleaner tank may
include a
nozzle having a flat body with a first surface, a second surface, a leading
edge, and a trailing
edge. The leading edge and the trailing edge may at least partially define an
outer periphery of
the body. The outer periphery may include a first juncture and a second
juncture to disposed
between the leading edge and the trailing edge. An aperture may be disposed
between the
leading edge and the trailing edge and extending through the first surface and
second surface of
the body. A bracket may have a first end and a second end, where the first end
may be
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hingedly coupled to the nozzle and the second end may be spaced away from the
nozzle. The
bracket may be oriented at an angle relative to the body of the nozzle.
[0008] In accordance with a fourth exemplary aspect of the present disclosure,
a wide-area
vacuum nozzle may include a generally horizontal plate having a leading edge
and a trailing
edge, wherein (i) each of the trailing edge and leading edge may have a
midpoint, a left side
and a right side; (ii) a left intersection disposed between the left sides of
the leading edge and
trailing edge ; and (iii) a right intersection disposed between the right
sides of the leading edge
and the trailing edge. An aperture through the plate may be proximate to the
midpoint of the
trailing edge, wherein the aperture may be adapted to connect to a vacuum
source. The
aperture may be (a) approximately equidistant from the left intersection and
the right
intersection, and (a) further than or equidistant from the midpoint of the
leading edge as it is
from the right intersection and left intersection.
[0009] In further accordance with any one or more of the foregoing first,
second, third, and
fourth exemplary aspects, a wide-area vacuum nozzle or a wide-area vacuum
nozzle and
bracket assembly may include any one or more of the following preferred forms.
[0010] In one preferred form, the outer periphery of the body may be a fan
shape and the
aperture may be positioned adjacent a bend of the trailing edge.
[0011] In another preferred form, the body may be transparent.
[0012] In another preferred form, the body may be a plate and the first
surface and second
surface of the plate are parallel.
[0013] In another preferred form, the nozzle may include a back wall
operatively coupled to
the trailing edge of the body and oriented perpendicularly relative to the
body.
[0014] In another preferred form, the durable material of back wall may be
an ultra-high
molecular weight polyethylene.
[0015] In another preferred form, the back wall may extend in a
perpendicular direction
beyond the second surface of the body to contact a cleaning surface.
[0016] In another preferred form, the back wall may extend beyond the second
surface of the
body a distance D, where distance D may be in a range of approximately 0.25
inches to
approximately 1 inch.
[0017] In another preferred form, the back wall may include an outwardly
extending flange
angled relative to the back wall.
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[0018] In another preferred form, the wall may include a first segment and a
second segment
connected to the first segment, wherein each of the first and second segments
connects to form
an angle near the midpoint of the trailing edge.
[0019] In another preferred form, the wall may be a material having a low
coefficient of
friction.
[0020] In another preferred form, a midpoint of the arc of the leading edge
may be a first
distance from a centerpoint of the aperture, the first juncture may be a
second distance from the
centerpoint of the aperture, and the second juncture may be a third distance
from the
centerpoint of the aperture. The second distance may be approximately equal to
the third
distance.
[0021] In another preferred form, the first distance may be greater than or
equal to each of
the second distance and the third distance.
[0022] In another preferred form, a distance between the first juncture and
the second
juncture may be in a range of approximately 10 inches to approximately 30
inches.
[0023] In another preferred form, the wide-area vacuum nozzle may include a
fitting sealably
coupled to the first surface of the body and surrounding the aperture formed
in the first surface.
[0024] In another preferred form, the fitting may be centered about a
fitting axis extending
from the first surface of the body, the fitting axis disposed at an angle
relative to the first surface
of the body.
[0025] In another preferred form, the fitting may be operatively coupled to
the body between
the first juncture and the second juncture and adjacent to the bend of the
trailing edge.
[0026] In another preferred form, the angle of the fitting axis relative to
the first surface of the
body may be in a range of approximately 90 degrees to approximately 180
degrees.
[0027] In another preferred form, the wide-area vacuum nozzle may include a
bracket
assembly operatively coupled to the body of the nozzle. The bracket assembly
may include a
bracket hingedly coupled to the body, and extending from the first surface of
the body at an
angle.
[0028] In another preferred form, the wide-area vacuum nozzle may include a
bracket
assembly having a bracket with a first end and a second end, the first end of
the bracket
hingedly coupled to a first surface of the plate and the second end of the
bracket adapted to
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couple to an outer surface of a vacuum cleaner tank, wherein the bracket
assembly may be
oriented at an angle relative to the plate.
[0029] In another preferred form, the bracket assembly may be disposed at an
angle relative
to the body, wherein the angle of the bracket assembly may be adjustable.
[0030] In another preferred form, the bracket assembly may be removably
coupled to the
body.
[0031] In another preferred form, the peripheral leading edge may be a
circular arc.
[0032] In another preferred form, the peripheral leading edge may be an
elliptical arc.
[0033] In another preferred form, the leading edge and the trailing edge of
the body may
meet at the first juncture and the second juncture.
[0034] In another preferred form, the wide-area vacuum nozzle may include a
spacer
extending away from the second surface of the body. The spacer may be adapted
to separate
the second surface of the body from a cleaning surface.
[0035] In another preferred form, the leading edge may define an arc extending
between the
first juncture and the second juncture and the trailing edge may define a bend
between the first
juncture and the second juncture.
[0036] In another preferred form, the back wall may be integrally formed
with the trailing
edge.
[0037] In another preferred form, the back wall includes an outwardly
extending flange.
[0038] In another preferred form, a fitting may be sealably coupled to the
first surface of the
body and surrounding the aperture formed in the first surface.
[0039] In another preferred form, a hose connector may have a first end and a
second end
where the first end may be fluidly coupled to the fitting. A bracket fitting
may be coupled to the
second end of the bracket and coupled to the second end of the hose connector.
The bracket
fitting may define an opening sized to receive the hose connector.
[0040] In another preferred form, the bracket fitting may be hingedly
coupled to the second
end of the bracket.
[0041] In another preferred form, the back wall may be at least one of a
rubber, acetal,
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene, and a brush material.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] The disclosure may be best understood by reference to the following
description taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0043] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary wide-area vacuum
nozzle and a first
exemplary bracket assembly for use with a vacuum cleaner assembled in
accordance with the
teachings of the present disclosure;
[0044] Fig. 2 is a top view of the nozzle of Fig. 1;
[0045] Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the nozzle of Fig. 1;
[0046] Fig. 4 is a side view of the nozzle of Fig. 1, where the nozzle is
in contact with a
horizontal cleaning surface;
[0047] Fig. 5 is a different perspective view of the nozzle of Fig. 1;
[0048] Fig. 6 is a bottom view of a second exemplary wide-area vacuum nozzle
assembled in
accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;
[0049] Fig. 7 is a bottom view of a third exemplary wide-area vacuum nozzle
assembled in
accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure
[0050] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary wide-area vacuum
nozzle
assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;
[0051] Fig. 9 is a side view of the nozzle of Fig. 8;
[0052] Fig. 10 is a top view of the nozzle of Fig. 8;
[0053] Fig. 11 is a back view of the nozzle of Fig. 8;
[0054] Fig. 12 is the wide-area vacuum nozzle of Fig. 1 attached to a hose of
a vacuum
cleaner in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;
[0055] Fig. 13 is the wide-area vacuum nozzle of Fig. 1 attached to a wand of
a vacuum
cleaner in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;
[0056] Fig. 14 is the wide-area vacuum nozzle and bracket assembly of Fig. 1
coupled to a
vacuum cleaner in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;
[0057] Fig. 15 is a different view of the bracket assembly and nozzle of
Fig. 10 coupled to the
vacuum cleaner;
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[0058] Fig. 16 is a side view of the wide-area vacuum nozzle of Fig. 1
partially disposed
underneath furniture in accordance with the teachings of the present
disclosure;
[0059] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a fifth exemplary wide-area vacuum
nozzle and a
second exemplary bracket assembly for use with a vacuum cleaner assembled in
accordance
with the teachings of the present disclosure;
[0060] Fig. 18 is a top view of the wide-area vacuum nozzle of Fig. 17;
[0061] Fig. 19 is a side view of the wide-area vacuum nozzle of Fig. 17;
and
[0062] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the wide-area vacuum nozzle and
bracket assembly of
Fig. 17 coupled to a vacuum cleaner in accordance with the teachings of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0063] Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of one or
more examples of
the disclosure, it should be understood that the legal scope of the disclosure
is defined by the
claims at the end of this patent. The following detailed description is to be
construed as
exemplary only and does not describe every possible example of the disclosure,
as describing
every possible example would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous
alternative examples
could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed
after the filing
date of this patent, and such alternative examples would still fall within the
scope of the claims
defining the disclosure.
[0064] A wide-area vacuum nozzle according to the present disclosure is shaped
to move
alongside walls and fit beneath furniture and to provide substantially uniform
airflow
characteristics along a wide-area inlet or leading edge. Figs. 1-5 illustrate
a first exemplary
nozzle 10 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
disclosure. The nozzle
is adapted to connect to a vacuum source via a hose, wand, or an adapter of a
vacuum
cleaner, and may be used with different types and sizes of vacuum cleaners,
wands, hoses,
and/or adapters.
[0065] As shown in Figs. 1-5, the nozzle 10 has a generally horizontal body
12, an aperture
14 formed through the body 12, and a fitting 16 surrounding the aperture 14
and adapted to
connect to a vacuum source. The body 12 of the nozzle 10 is transparent so
that an operator
may view a cleaning surface through the body 12 while operating the nozzle 10
directly over the
cleaning surface. In the illustrated example, a bracket assembly 18 is
hingedly coupled to the
body 12 of the nozzle 10 and may be used to connect a vacuum cleaner tank or
wheeled
vacuum cart to the nozzle 10. The bracket assembly 18, which includes a tank
fitting 19, is an
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optional component, and may be removed and stored when the fitting is not
used. In other
examples, the nozzle 10 is attached to a vacuum source without the bracket
assembly 18 or
includes additional components or a different bracket assembly for adapting
the nozzle 10 for
use with a vacuum source.
[0066] In Figs. 1-5, the body 12 of the nozzle 10 is generally a flat plate
having a first surface
20, a second surface 22, a leading edge 26 (also referred herein as an inlet
edge), and a trailing
edge 30. The leading edge 26 and the trailing edge 30 meet in two locations
and together
define an outer periphery 32 of the body 12. The leading edge 26 meets the
trailing edge 30 at
a first juncture 36 and at a second juncture 38 (also referred herein as a
first/second or right/left
intersections), which is shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The leading edge 26 forms an
arc extending
between the first juncture 36 and the second juncture 38, and the trailing
edge 30 forms a bend
40 at a midpoint MT (Fig. 3) between the first juncture 36 and the second
juncture 38. The bend
40 is formed by right and left portions 48, 50 of the trailing edge 30 that
meet at the midpoint MT
and form an angle y. In the illustrated example, the body 12 of the nozzle 10
is shaped like a
fan to distribute airflow across the leading edge 26 between the first
juncture 36 and the second
juncture 38. In other examples, however, the body 12 of the nozzle 10 may have
a different
shape. For example, a nozzle may include a rectangular leading edge (e.g.,
Fig. 6) or an
elliptical arc-shaped leading edge (e.g., Fig. 7). The trailing edge 30 may
have a different shape
as well, such as, for example, the bend 40 in the trailing edge 30 may have a
U-shape or a V-
shape bend where the angle y may be obtuse or acute. Additionally, other
examples may
include intermediate segments of the outer periphery that connect the leading
edge 26 and the
trailing edge 30.
[0067] As best shown in Fig. 3, the aperture 14 is formed through the first
and second
surfaces 20 and 22 of the body 12 and spaced between the midpoints ML and MT
of the leading
edge 26 and the trailing edge 30. More specifically, a centerpoint C of the
aperture 14 is
disposed inwardly from the trailing edge 30 and is aligned with the midpoint
ML of the leading
edge 26 and the midpoint MT of the trailing edge 30. As a result, the
centerpoint C of the
aperture 14 is approximately equidistant from the first juncture 36 and the
second juncture 38.
Due to the circular geometry of the leading edge 26 and the placement of the
aperture 14, the
airflow distribution at the midpoint ML of the leading edge 26 is the same or
substantially similar
as the air flow distribution at each of the first and second junctures 36 and
38 of the body 12.
This effect is achieved when a length L1 extending between the midpoint ML of
the leading edge
26 and the centerpoint C of the aperture 14 is approximately the same or
greater than a length
L2 extending between the centerpoint C of the aperture 14 and the first
juncture 36 and a length
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L3 extending between the centerpoint C and the second juncture 38. In the
illustrated example,
lengths L2 and L3 are equal, and each of lengths L2 and L3 may be
substantially equal to length
Ll. So configured, when the nozzle 10 is coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly
attached, secured,
or connected) to a vacuum source, the air flow suction force at each of the
first juncture 36 and
the second juncture 38 is approximately equal to the air flow suction force at
the midpoint ML of
the leading edge 26 and each point along the arc-shaped leading edge 26
between the first and
second junctures 36 and 38. In other words, the air distribution at the right
and left sides of the
leading edge 26 (i.e. the portions of the leading edge 26 between the first
juncture 36 and the
midpoint ML and the second juncture 38 and the midpoint ML) can pull debris
inward towards the
aperture 14 (or intake orifice) with approximately the same amount of suction.
In other
examples, the length L1 may be greater than each of lengths L2 and L3, and/or
the centerpoint C
of the aperture 14 may not be aligned with the midpoints ML and MT of the
leading edge 26 and
the trailing edge 30, and may be instead disposed closer to one of the two
junctures 36 and 38
to achieve different air flow characteristics. As a result, the lengths L2 and
L3 may not be equal
in such examples.
[0068] In any of these examples and combinations of example nozzles, the body
12 may be
manufactured from any suitable material, but is preferably formed from an
extrudable material
including, but not limited to, extrudable polymers and metals. Exemplary
extrudable plastics
include, but are not limited to, polyvinylchlorides, polyethylenes,
polypropylenes, acetals,
acrylics, nylons (polyamides), polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes,
and polycarbonates.
The body 12 is preferably made of a transparent and durable plastic, such as
polyethylene, that
may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming, or compression molding. The
body 12 may
instead be formed of any other suitable and durable material including metal,
fiberglass, or other
similar materials, or any combination of these materials. The nozzle body 12
is also preferably
transparent so that an operator may see debris underneath the body 12 and
direct the nozzle 10
to target certain debris or areas of the cleaning surface. However, in other
examples, the
nozzle 10 may be translucent or opaque. The body 12 is preferably 0.25 inches
thick and a
length L4 extending between the first juncture 36 and the second juncture 38
may be in a range
from approximately 10 inches to approximately 30 inches, depending on the
application of the
nozzle 10. For example, for a small work surface, the length L4 may be
approximately 10
inches, and for a workshop floor, the length L4 may be approximately 24 inches
or more. In the
illustrated example, the aperture 14 is an elliptical shape, however in other
examples, the
aperture 14 may be circular.
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[0069] As shown in Fig. 4, the first surface 20 and the second surface 22 are
generally flat
and parallel, providing a low-profile nozzle 10 capable of hovering close to a
cleaning surface
and also fitting within narrow spaces. The body 12 is disposed generally
parallel to a horizontal
surface S, however, in other examples, the first surface 20 and the second
surface 22 may not
be parallel. Instead, the body 12 may be contoured such that the nozzle 10 has
a curved
surface relative to the horizontal cleaning surface S. In another example, the
body 12 may be
slightly convex so that the outer periphery 32 of the body 12 is angled
slightly away from the
horizontal cleaning surface S. In these examples, the body 12 may be shaped to
promote air
flow distribution at each point around the inlet or leading edge 26 of the
nozzle 10, or achieve
other desirable air distribution characteristics. Other example nozzles 10 may
include ribs,
channels, grooves, dimples, knobs, bumps, or any combination thereof that are
provided in the
first surface 20 and/or second surface 22 of the body 12 to enhance air flow
distribution in some
or all regions of the leading edge 26 of the body 12.
[0070] The nozzle 10 further includes a spacer 44 disposed at the midpoint ML
of the leading
edge 26 and that spaces the body 12 away from the horizontal cleaning surface
S. The spacer
44 is coupled (e.g., fixed, connected, and/or attached) to the second surface
22 of the body 12
and extends away and below the second surface 22 to meet the cleaning surface
S. The
spacer 44 may be a guiding peg or piece of durable material to facilitate
movement of the
nozzle 10 over the cleaning surface S. The spacer 44 is adapted to separate
the second
surface 22 of the body 12 from the cleaning surface S so that the body 12
floats above the
cleaning surface S when the nozzle 10 is in use. The spacer 44 raises the
leading edge 26 of
the nozzle 10 so that when the nozzle 10 slides across the cleaning surface S,
the nozzle 10
may smoothly glide over any changes in elevation or floor conditions, such as
an incline or an
obstruction, without catching the leading surface 26 on the incline or
obstruction. The spacer 44
raises the midpoint ML (and the body 12) a distance D1 above the horizontal
surface S, and a
back wall 46 operatively coupled to the trailing edge 30 of the body 12
extends past the second
surface 22 of the body 12 a distance D2. Each of the back wall 46 and the
spacer 44 preferably
extends beyond (and below) the second surface 22 of the body 12 a distance in
a range of
approximately 0.25 inches to approximately 1 inch. In this example, D1 and D2
may be equal or
approximately equal. In other examples, however, D1 and D2 may be different to
provide an
incline relative to the horizontal surface S, where D1 is greater than D2, or
decline relative to the
horizontal surface S, where D2 is greater than Dl. The spacer 44 may be made
of the same or
similar material as the back wall 46 and to promote gliding on a cleaning
surface S. In other
examples, the spacer 44 may be integrally formed with the body 12 of the
nozzle 10.
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[0071] The back wall 46 of the nozzle 10 is configured to separate the body 12
and the
cleaning surface S, trap debris under the body 12, and direct debris toward
the intake orifice 14.
As shown in Figs. 1-5, the back wall 46 is operatively coupled (e.g.,
attached, fastened, welded,
affixed, integrated) to the trailing edge 30 of the body 12. The back wall 46
is made of a durable
and highly resistant (e.g., wear, abrasion, and impact resistant) material,
and at least a portion
of the back wall 46 extends below the second surface 22 of the body 12 of the
nozzle 10 to
contact the cleaning surface S. The back wall 46 is oriented perpendicularly
relative to the
generally flat body 12 of the nozzle 10, and is shaped to match or fit against
a portion of the
outer periphery 32 of the trailing edge 30. The back wall 46 includes a first
segment 48 and a
second segment 50 (also referred herein as right/left portions) connected to
the first segment 48
adjacent the midpoint MT of the trailing edge 30. The first and second
segments 48 and 50 form
a continuous ground-engaging barrier that gathers debris entering the leading
edge 26 of the
nozzle 10 that is not pulled into the aperture by its suction, and traps the
debris beneath the
second surface 22 of the body 12. In other words, the back wall 46 sweeps
debris from each
side of the aperture 14 by keeping any debris in the path of the nozzle 10 in
front of the trailing
edge 30, and directing the debris towards the aperture 14 as the nozzle 10
moves forward. The
first and second segments 48 and 50 extend from the midpoint MT of the
trailing edge 30 at an
angle y defined by the bend 40, forming an angled back wall 46. The angled
back wall 46 helps
direct debris, such as, for example, heavy dirt or objects, located near the
outer periphery 32 of
the inlet edge 26 toward the aperture 14 where the force of suction is
greater. For example, as
the nozzle 10 moves in a forward direction (i.e., in the direction forward
relative to the leading
edge 26) and over heavy debris, any debris that is not immediately drawn into
the aperture 14
and located near the outer periphery 32 may roll against the first or second
segments 48 and 50
of the angled back wall 46 toward the aperture 14.
[0072] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the back wall 46 is connected to the
trailing edge 30 of the
body 12 by one or more brackets 52 and 54 and a plurality of fasteners 56. One
bracket 52
attaches the right segment 48 of the back wall 46 to the body 12, and another
bracket 54
attaches the left segment 50 of the back wall 46 to the body 12. In other
examples, the back
wall 46 may be directly attached to the trailing edge 30, the first surface
20, and/or the second
surface 22 of the body 12 by adhesive, bolts, clamps, or other suitable
fastening devices. The
back wall 46 and the spacer 44 may be an ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW)
polyethylene or
polyurethane, rubber, acetal, Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), or brush
material. In some
examples, the back wall 46 may be any suitable material having a low
coefficient of friction that
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promotes sliding the nozzle 10 over a cleaning surface. In this way, both the
spacer 44 and the
back wall 46 facilitate moving the nozzle 10 along the cleaning surface S.
[0073] Turning back to Fig. 1, the fitting 16 of the nozzle 10 has an inlet
60 and an outlet 62,
where the inlet 60 surrounds the aperture 14 formed in the first surface 20 of
the body 12 and
the outlet 62 is spaced away from the body 12 and is adapted to couple the
nozzle 10 to a
vacuum hose or wand. As shown in Fig. 4, the fitting 16 is centered about a
fitting axis A and
extends from the first surface 20 of the body 12 at an angle a relative to a
planar (or
substantially planar) first surface 20 of the body 12. The angle a may be in a
range from
approximately 90 degrees relative to the first surface 20 of the body 12
and/or horizontal surface
S to approximately 180 degrees relative to the first surface 20 of the body 12
and/or horizontal
surface S. In a preferred example, the fitting angle a is approximately 135
degrees relative to
the body 12 and/or the horizontal surface S. The angle a in this example
allows the nozzle 10
to pick up lengthy debris without getting caught in the fitting 16. The angle
a is also effective for
using wands connected to the fitting 16 as a convenient handle for directing
the nozzle 10 over
a cleaning surface.
[0074] The fitting 16 includes a first cylindrical portion 64 and a second
cylindrical portion 66.
The first portion 64 at least partially defines the inlet 60 of the fitting 16
and is operatively
coupled (e.g. directly or indirectly attached, secured, and/or connected) to
the first surface 20 of
the nozzle body 12. More specifically, the fitting 16 may be sealably coupled
to the first surface
20 of the body 12 so that the aperture 14 and the fitting 16 are in fluid
communication. In other
examples, the first portion 64 of the fitting 16 may be shaped to fit within
the aperture 14 of the
body 12 and to sealably engage an interior wall of the aperture 14 by a
friction-fit. The second
portion 66 of the fitting 16 is coupled to the first portion 64 and at least
partially defines the outlet
end 62 of the fitting 16. As shown in Fig. 3, the inlet 60 of the fitting 16
forms an elliptical cross-
section at the first surface 20 of the body 12 to mate with or substantially
surround an elliptical
shape of the aperture 14. As shown in Fig. 1, the outlet 62 of the fitting 16
may be a universal
fitting with a circular cross-sectional area to receive, or sized to fit
within, a typical vacuum hose
or hose adapter. Either or both portions 64 and 66 may have a grip disposed on
an exterior
surface of the fitting 16 to facilitate manual operation of the nozzle 10.
[0075] The nozzle 10 is also configured for use with a push-cart vacuum
cleaner or other
mobile vacuum cleaning devices where a nozzle is attached to the vacuum
cleaner and directed
over a floor by movement of the whole vacuum cleaner or its associated cart.
As best shown in
Figs. 1 and 5, the nozzle 10 includes a removable bracket assembly 18 that is
configured to
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couple the nozzle 10 to a tank of a vacuum cleaner so that the nozzle 10 may
be pushed along
a cleaning surface S when an operator pushes the vacuum cleaner. The bracket
assembly 18
includes a tank fitting 19 and a bracket 68 having a first end 70 coupled to
the body 12 and a
second end 74 coupled to the fitting 19. Specifically, the first end 70 of the
bracket 68 is
hingedly coupled to the first surface 20 of the body 12 by a hinge pin 72,
permitting the body 12
of the nozzle 10 to rotate about an axis of the hinge pin 72. The rotatable
feature of the body 12
relative to the bracket 68 about the axis of the hinge pin 72 permits an
operator to easily access
and clean the second surface 22 of the body 12 when the body 12 is rotated so
that the second
surface 22 faces upward (e.g., Fig. 15). At an opposing end 74, the bracket 68
is hingedly
coupled to the vacuum tank fitting 19 by a second hinge pin 76. In Fig. 4, the
bracket assembly
18 is oriented so that the bracket 68 is parallel to the axis A of the fitting
16 and extends from
the first surface 20 of the body 12 to the tank fitting 19. In this
orientation, the bracket 68 is
disposed at an angle A relatively to the body 12 of the nozzle 10. The bracket
68 and the first
surface 20 of the body 12 form the angle A, which is preferably in a range
between
approximately 90 degrees and approximately 180 degrees relative to the first
surface 20 and/or
horizontal surface S. The bracket 68 is oriented downward and away from the
tank fitting 19 at
an angle 13 relative to vertical V, which is preferably in a range between
approximately 0 degrees
and approximately 90 degrees relative to the vertical V.
[0076] The hinge pins 72 and 76 of the bracket assembly 18 may be adjustable
so that the
nozzle 10 is either flexibly coupled or rigidly coupled relative to the vacuum
cleaner. For
example, the hinge pin 72 may be tightened so that the bracket 68 is rigidly
connected to the
body 12 or the hinge pin 72 may be loosened so that the bracket 68 is flexibly
connected to the
body 12, permitting the nozzle 10 to self-adjust relative to the body 12
during use. Further, the
hinge pin 76 may be tightened so that the bracket 68 is rigidly connected to
the tank fitting 19 or
the hinge pin 76 may be loosened so that the bracket 68 is flexibly connected
to the tank fitting
19, permitting the nozzle 10 to self-adjust relative to the tank fitting 19
during use. In other
words, the hinge pins 72 and 76 may be tightened to set (e.g., fix, secure)
the bracket 68 at a
desired angle A relative to the body 12 and angle 13 relative to the tank
fitting 19, respectively.
When fully tightened, each hinge pin 72 and 76 can reduce instances of
rotation or pivoting of
the bracket 68 relative to the body 12 and the tank fitting 19, respectively.
Alternatively, the
hinge pins 72 and 76 may be loosened to a certain degree to provide the nozzle
10 with a
certain degree of flexibility when the nozzle 10 is in use.
[0077] So configured, the orientation of the bracket 68 relative to the
nozzle 10, and therefore
the angle A, is adjustable by fastening or tightening the hinge pin 72 in
place when the desired
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angle A is reached. Similarly, the orientation of the bracket 68 relative to
the fitting 19, and
therefore the angle 13, is adjustable so that the nozzle 10 may work with
vacuum cleaners of
different shapes and sizes. For example, the hinge pin 76 may be fastened
according to the
location of the vacuum cleaner tank relative to the cleaning surface S. For a
vacuum cleaner
with a tank adjacent to the cleaning surface, the angle p may be set to
approximately 45
degrees or more so that the fitting 19 lies flush with the tank. When the
hinge pins 72 and 76
are fully tightened, the bracket assembly 18 maintains the angled orientation
of the bracket 68
relative to both the vacuum cleaner tank and the horizontal cleaning surface
S. This may be
particularly useful for cleaning a flat surface. As shown in Fig. 1, the tank
fitting 19 includes a
curved mating surface 78 that is shaped to lie flush against an exterior
surface of the vacuum
cleaner tank. However, in other embodiments, the tank fitting 19 may be
another shape or may
be made of a deformable foam or gel to mold to the outer surface of the vacuum
cleaner tank.
[0078] Turning now to Fig. 6, a second exemplary wide-area vacuum nozzle 110
is
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The
second exemplary
wide-area vacuum nozzle 110 is substantially similar to the first exemplary
nozzle 10 of Figs. 1-
described above. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the
same or similar
components of the second exemplary nozzle 110 will retain the same reference
numbers as
outlined above with respect to the first exemplary nozzle 10, although the
reference numbers
will be increased by 100. A description of many of these elements is
abbreviated or even
eliminated in the interest of brevity. However, unlike the first exemplary
nozzle 10 of Figs. 1-5,
the second exemplary nozzle 110 includes a body 112 having a rectangular
leading edge 126.
In this example, the body 112 incudes parallel sides or segments that together
with the leading
edge 126 define the outer periphery 132. As shown in Fig. 6, a distance
between centerpoint D
of an aperture 114 and a midpoint MF of the leading edge 126 has a length L5,
a distance
between a first juncture 136 and the centerpoint D has a length L6, and a
distance between a
second juncture 138 and centerpoint D has a length L7. Length L5 may be the
same or equal to
each of lengths L6 and L7. The air flow distribution at an outer periphery 132
of the rectangular
leading edge 126 may facilitate cleaning corners, shelves, and crevices near
walls.
[0079] In Fig. 7, a third exemplary wide-area vacuum nozzle 210 is
constructed in
accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The third exemplary
wide-area
vacuum nozzle 210 is substantially similar to the first exemplary nozzle 10.
Thus, for ease of
reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the
third exemplary
nozzle 210 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with
respect to the first
exemplary nozzle 10, although the reference numbers will be increased by 200.
A description
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of many of these elements is abbreviated or even eliminated in the interest of
brevity. Unlike
the nozzle 10 of Figs. 1-5, the third exemplary nozzle 210 includes a body 212
with a leading
edge 226 in the shape of an elliptical arc. As shown in Fig. 7, a distance
between centerpoint E
of an aperture 214 and a midpoint ME of the leading edge 226 has a length L8,
a distance
between a first juncture 236 and the centerpoint E has a length Lg, and a
distance between a
second juncture 238 and centerpoint E has a length L10. Length L8 is greater
than each of
lengths Lg and L10. In this example, the aperture 214 is circular.
[0080] Turning now to Figs. 8-11, a fourth exemplary wide-area vacuum nozzle
310 is
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The
fourth exemplary
wide-area vacuum nozzle 310 is substantially similar to the first exemplary
nozzle 10. Thus, for
ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components
of the fourth
exemplary wide-area vacuum nozzle 310 will retain the same reference numbers
as outlined
above with respect to the first exemplary nozzle 10, although the reference
numbers will be
increased by 300. However, the fourth exemplary nozzle 310 differs from the
first exemplary
nozzle 10 in the manner discussed below.
[0081] In the fourth exemplary nozzle 310, a nozzle fitting 316 and a
spacer 344 are integrally
formed with a body 312 of the nozzle 10. Similar to the spacer 44 of the first
exemplary nozzle
10, the spacer 344 of the nozzle 310 in Figs. 8-11 extends away from a second
surface 322 of
the body 312 to keep a leading edge 326 of the nozzle 310 above the cleaning
surface. The
spacer 344 is molded into the body 312 such that a divot 341 is formed in a
first surface 320.
The spacer 344 is aligned with a midpoint MG of the leading edge 326, however,
in other
examples, the spacer 344 may be offset or perpendicular relative to the
midpoint MG. As shown
in Fig. 9, the spacer 344 keeps the second surface 322 of the body 312
parallel to a target
cleaning surface. The first surface 320 may be slightly contoured or angled
relative to the
second surface 322. In some examples, the second surface 322 may be contoured
similarly as
the first surface 320, or differently, such as providing grooves or
corrugations, to affect the
distribution of air flow.
[0082] In Figs. 8 and 9, a back wall 346 of the nozzle 310 includes a lip
345 (also referred
herein as a flange), which extends away from the back wall 346 and parallel to
the cleaning
surface. The lip 345 may provide additional strength to the back wall 346 and
may improve
gliding of the nozzle 310 against the cleaning surface. Further, and as shown
in Figs. 9-11, the
fitting nozzle 316 is integrally formed with the body 312 such that the
fitting 316 extends at an
angle away from the first surface 320 and from a trailing edge 330 of the body
312. By
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comparison to the fitting 16 of the first exemplary nozzle 10, the fitting 316
is partially formed in
the back wall 346 of the trailing edge 330.
[0083] Figs. 12-16 illustrate exemplary arrangements of the first exemplary
nozzle 10
connected to a vacuum source, which in this case, is a vacuum tank 404 of a
vacuum cleaner
402 disposed on a wheeled cart 405. Second, third, and fourth exemplary
nozzles 110, 210,
and 310 are also configured to couple to the vacuum source 402. In other
examples, the
vacuum source may be any suitable vacuum tank. In Figs. 12 and 13, the nozzle
10 is coupled
to the vacuum cleaner 402 without the bracket assembly 18. However, the
bracket assembly 18
may remain attached to the body 1 2 of the nozzle 10 even when the bracket
assembly 18 is not
in use.
[0084] Turning first to Fig. 12, a first exemplary arrangement 400 includes
the vacuum
cleaner 402 coupled to the nozzle 10 by a vacuum hose 406, where the body 12
of the nozzle
floats or hovers over a horizontal cleaning surface S2. The hose 406 fluidly
connects the
fitting 16 of the nozzle 10 to the vacuum tank 404 of the vacuum cleaner,
providing a fluid-tight
seal at the fitting 16. A second exemplary arrangement 415 in Fig. 13 includes
the vacuum
cleaner 402 operatively coupled to the nozzle 10 by a wand 417. In this
arrangement 415, the
wand 417 fluidly connects the fitting 16 of the nozzle to the hose 406 of the
vacuum cleaner
402. The wand 417 may be a standard vacuum accessory configured to fluidly
connect the
fitting 16 and the hose 406.
[0085] Figs. 14-16 illustrate the first exemplary nozzle 10 operatively
coupled to the vacuum
cleaner 402 with the bracket assembly 18 attached between the nozzle 10 and
the vacuum
cleaner 402. The bracket 68 of the bracket assembly 18 is hingedly attached to
the body 12 of
the nozzle 10 at the first end 70 of bracket 68, and is connected to a tank
fitting 19 at the
second end 74. Better shown in Fig. 15, the tank fitting 19 of the bracket
assembly 18 abuts
against an exterior surface 427 of the vacuum tank 404, and the hose 406 of
the vacuum
cleaner is connected to the fitting 16 of the nozzle. The tank fitting 1 9 may
be attached to the
tank 404 or may be formed integrally with the wall of the tank 404. In Fig.
15, the nozzle 10 is
shown in a lifted position where the body 12 of the nozzle 10 is angled away
from the cleaning
surface S2. To lift the nozzle 10, the body 12 is rotated about the hinge pin
72 relative to the
bracket 68, and the bracket 68 is rotated about the hinge pin 76 relative to
the tank fitting 19.
[0086] Fig. 16 illustrates the nozzle 10 coupled to the vacuum tank 404 and
partially disposed
beneath a piece of furniture 500. In this example, the nozzle 10 may be pushed
forward in a
direction B to position the leading edge 26 of the body 12 within the narrow
space formed
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between the cleaning surface S2 and the furniture 400. Both the spacer 44 and
the back wall 46
separate the body 12 of the nozzle 10 from directly contacting the cleaning
surface S2 and
permit the body 12 to hover over the cleaning surface S2 when pushed. In this
example, an
operator may push the vacuum cleaner 402 forward so that the vacuum tank 404
connected to
the bracket assembly 18 directs the nozzle 10 in the forward direction B. The
fitting 19 may rest
against the exterior surface 427 of the tank 404 with or without an adhesive
or other fastener
securing the fitting 19 to the tank 404. For example, the fitting 19 may have
a textured surface
to frictionally engage the outer surface 427 of the tank 404 to limit the
nozzle 10 from sliding
away from the tank 404. Other suitable devices or mechanisms may be used to
removably
fasten the bracket assembly 18 to the tank 404. In the illustrated examples,
the bracket
assembly 18 attaches the tank 404 of the vacuum cleaner 402 to the nozzle 10.
In other
examples, however, the bracket assembly 18 may be configured to attach the
wheeled cart 405
or some other part or structure of the vacuum cleaner 402 to the nozzle 10.
[0087] In Figs. 17-20, a vacuum nozzle and bracket unit 600 is constructed
in accordance
with the teachings of the present disclosure. The unit 600 includes a fifth
exemplary wide-area
vacuum nozzle 610, a second exemplary bracket assembly 618, an adapter plate
621, and a
connector hose 606. The fifth exemplary wide-area vacuum nozzle 610 is
substantially similar
to the first exemplary nozzle 10, and the second exemplary bracket assembly
618 is
substantially similar to the first exemplary bracket assembly 18 discussed
above. Thus, for
ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components
of the fifth
exemplary nozzle 610 and second exemplary bracket assembly 618 will retain the
same
reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the first exemplary nozzle
10 and the first
exemplary bracket assembly 18, although the reference numbers will be
increased by 600
respectively. However, the fifth exemplary nozzle 610 and second exemplary
bracket assembly
618 differ in the manner discussed below.
[0088] In Fig. 17, the vacuum nozzle and bracket unit 600 is assembled to
facilitate coupling
the nozzle 610 and bracket assembly 618 to a vacuum source at an intake port
of the vacuum
source. By comparison to the arrangement 435 of Figs. 14-16, the bracket
assembly 618 in Fig.
17 does not rest against the vacuum tank. The unit 600 includes a hose
connector 606 secured
to both the nozzle 610 and to the bracket assembly 618. In particular, the
hose connector 606
includes a first end 608 and a second end 609, in which the first end 608 is
sealably coupled to
an aperture (not shown) in the nozzle body 612 and the second end 609 of the
hose connector
606 is disposed through a bracket fitting 619 of the bracket assembly 618. The
second end 609
of the hose connector 606 may be adapted to fluidly couple the aperture of the
nozzle 610 to the
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intake port of a vacuum cleaner. As shown in Fig. 18, the second end 609 of
the hose
connector 606 is aligned with a bracket 668 and a midpoint MH of a leading
edge 626 of the
nozzle 610. In the illustrated example, the bracket 668 has an adjustable
length so that a user
may adjust the bracket assembly 618 to fit a number of different heights of
vacuum cleaner
intake ports. However, in other examples, the bracket 668 may be replaced with
a bracket 668
of a different length to fit the bracket assembly 618 with a different vacuum
cleaner.
[0089] The bracket fitting 619 of the bracket assembly 618 is hingedly coupled
to a second
end 674 of the bracket 668 so that the bracket 668 is free to move relative to
a cleaning surface.
By comparison to the fitting 19 of the first exemplary bracket assembly 18,
the second
exemplary fitting 619 does not lean against an outer surface of a vacuum
cleaner, but instead is
configured to help align the second end 609 of the hose connector 606 with the
intake port of
the vacuum cleaner. The second exemplary bracket fitting 619 couples the
bracket 668 to a
vacuum cleaner and aligns the hose connector 606 with the intake port of a
vacuum cleaner
702, as shown in Fig. 20. The fitting 619 has an aperture 682 that receives
the second end 609
of the hose connector 606 and holds the second end 609 in an orientation
(e.g., parallel relative
to a cleaning surface) to facilitate alignment of the hose connector 606 with
the intake port of the
vacuum cleaner. In the illustrated example, the hose connector 606 extends
through the
aperture 682 of the fitting 619. However in another example, the second end
609 of the hose
connector 606 may be a separate connector piece that extends through the
aperture 682
between the hose connector 606 and the intake of the vacuum cleaner.
[0090] The hose connector 606, bracket assembly 618, and nozzle 610 may be
separable to
facilitate disassembly and storage of each of the parts of the unit 600. The
hose connector 606
may be locked to the nozzle 610 by a first fastening device 631 at the first
end 608, and locked
to the fitting 619 by a second fastening device 633 at the second end 609. The
first fastening
device is 631 is a snap-lock that snaps a nozzle fitting 616 of the nozzle 610
to the first end 608
of the hose connector 606 when the hose connector 606 is inserted into the
fitting nozzle 616.
The second fastening device 633 is disposed between the fitting 619 and the
second end 609 of
the hose connector 606 to removably couple the second end 609 of the hose
connector 606 to
the intake port of the vacuum cleaner. The second fastening device 633 may be
a rotatable
lock that rotates to remove or secure the second end 609 of the hose connector
606 to the
fitting 619. The fitting 619 may be tightened and locked around the second end
609 of the hose
connector 606 via the second fastening device 633, which may adjust the size
of the aperture
682 to receive different hose sizes. In other examples, the first and second
fastening devices
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631, 633 may lock to the hose connector 606 and fitting 619, respectively, by
other fastening
mechanisms.
[0091] As
shown in Figs. 17 and 18, the fifth exemplary nozzle 610 also differs from the
first
exemplary nozzle 10 by including the adapter plate 621. The adapter plate 621
is attached to a
first surface 620 of the body 612 and extends along a trailing edge 630 of the
body 612 between
a first juncture 636 and a second juncture 638 of a back wall 646. A first end
670 of the bracket
668 is hingedly coupled to the adapter plate 621. The adapter plate 621 is
shaped to fit around
the fitting 616. In Fig. 19, the back wall 646 is secured to the adapter plate
621 by a plurality of
fasteners 656.
[0092] Fig. 20 illustrates an exemplary arrangement 700 of the nozzle and
bracket unit 600
connected to a vacuum source, which in this case, is a vacuum tank 704 of a
vacuum cleaner
702 disposed on a wheeled cart 705. The nozzle 610 is operatively coupled to
the vacuum
cleaner 702 with the bracket assembly 618 and fitting 619. The bracket 668 of
the bracket
assembly 618 is hingedly attached to the body 612 of the nozzle 610 at the
first end 670 of the
bracket 668, and is connected to the fitting 619 at the second end 674. The
fitting 619 is
spaced away from the outer surface 727 of the tank 702 and aligns the second
end 609 of the
hose connector 606 of with the intake port of the vacuum cleaner. As shown in
the side view of
Fig. 20, the bracket assembly 618 does not lean against the outer surface 727
of the vacuum
cleaner 702. Instead, and as described above, the fitting 619 is disposed
between the bracket
668 and the vacuum cleaner 702 and couples the unit 600 to the vacuum cleaner
702 at one
connection point.
[0093] Each of the wide-area vacuum nozzles 10, 110, 210, 310, and 610 of the
present
disclosure provides a cleaning tool specifically suited to reach difficult
cleaning areas and to
reduce cleaning time. The nozzles 10, 110 210, 310, and 610 may effectively
harness the
suction force of a vacuum cleaner to clean a wide target surface area,
extending air suction
capabilities across a wide inlet peripheral edge. In particular, the nozzles
10, 110 210, 310, and
610 maximize the debris gathered on flat surfaces and beneath furniture,
cabinets, and other
areas adjacent walls or other vertical surfaces. The generally flat and thin
body 12, 112, 212,
312, and 612 of each nozzle 10, 110, 210, 310, and 610 allows the nozzle 10,
110, 210, 310,
and 610 to fit within narrow gaps. The rounded leading edge 26, 126, 226, 326,
and 626 of
each nozzle 10, 110, 210, 310, and 610 extends the suction force and/or air
distribution beyond
an area immediately adjacent the aperture and gathers debris pick-up close to
walls and other
vertical surfaces. The shape of the flat body 12, 112, 212, 312, and 612 of
each nozzle 10, 110,
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210, 310, and 610 may evenly distribute air suction across the outer periphery
32, 132, 232,
332, and 632 of the body 12, 112, 212, 312, and 612, and may even enhance
suction at the first
juncture 36, 136, 236, 336, and 636 and/or second juncture 38, 138, 238, 338,
and 638 unlike
most other nozzle designs where suction at the edges is often weak. The
transparent body 12,
112, 212, 312, and 612 of each nozzle 10, 110, 210, 310, and 610 also permits
an operator to
efficiently clean a target surface area by revealing whether debris is
successfully drawn into the
aperture of the nozzle 10, 110, 210, 310, and 610. If the debris is too heavy
to be picked up
near the outer periphery 32, 132, and 232, then the operator may guide the
nozzle 10, 110, 210,
310, and 610 so that the aperture is positioned directly above the heavy
object.
[0094] Additionally, the nozzles 10, 110, 210, 310, and 610 of the present
disclosure are
adaptable for use with different vacuum cleaners and vacuum cleaner functions.
For example,
the bracket assemblies 18 and 618 permit an operator to easily maneuver the
nozzle 10, 110,
210, 310, and 610 when the nozzle 10, 110, 210, 310, and 610 is operatively
coupled to a
vacuum tank supported by a wheeled vacuum cart. For a different cleaning job,
the fitting 16,
116, 216, 316, and 616 of each nozzle 10, 110, 210, 310, and 610 may
operatively couple to an
adapter or a hose so that the nozzle 10, 110, 210, 310, and 610 may be
manually operated for
greater control. The hinge pins 72, 672 and 76, 676 of the bracket assemblies
18 and 618 also
provide greater adaptability to the nozzle 10, 110, 210, 310, and 610 by
permitting an operator
to adjust the nozzle 10, 110, 210, 310, and 610 according to a particular type
and size vacuum
cleaner. Additionally, the hinge pins 72, 672 and 76, 676 provide the nozzle
10, 110, 210, 310,
and 610 with a range of flexibility, permitting the nozzle 10, 110, 210, 310,
and 610 to self-adjust
to varying floor conditions. As described above, the wide-area vacuum nozzles
10, 110, 210,
310, and 610 are adaptable for use with a vacuum source. In other examples,
however, the
wide-area vacuum nozzles 10, 110, 210, 310, and 610 may be used as a blowing
accessory
and may be attached to a blower port of a vacuum to distribute air flow out
through the aperture
and around the leading edge of the body.
[0095] The figures and description provided herein depict and describe
preferred
embodiments of a wide-area vacuum nozzle for purposes of illustration only.
One skilled in the
art will readily recognize from the foregoing discussion that alternative
embodiments of the
components illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the
principles described
herein. Thus, upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will
appreciate still additional
alternative structural and functional designs for vacuum nozzles. Thus, while
particular
embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be
understood that
the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and
components
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disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be
apparent to
those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and
details of the methods
and components disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope
defined in the
appended claims.
21
