AC/DC HAND PORTABLE WET/DRY VACUUM HAVING IMPROVED PORTABILITY AND CONVENIENCE

• US 20100005614A1
• Filed: 09/18/2009
• Published: 01/14/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Christine Helen Potter, Daniel Nicholas Lopano, James B. Watson, Jason Myles Goger, John Reed Cochran
• Original Assignee: Christine Helen Potter, Daniel Nicholas Lopano, James B. Watson, Jason Myles Goger, John Reed Cochran
• Inventors: Potter, Christine Helen, Lopano, Daniel Nicholas, Cochran, John Reed, Goger, Jason Myles, Watson, James B.
• Granted Patent: US 8,365,350 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/327.500
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4019 Fill level sensors; Security means to prevent overflow, e.g. float valves
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/14 cleaning by blowing-off, also combined with suction cleaning
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/24 Hand-supported suction cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/36 Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/0028 Security means, e.g. float valves or level switches for preventing overflow
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/0038 with means for emptying the tanks
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/0042 Gaskets; Sealing means
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/0009 Storing devices winding devices for electric cables A47L9/26; Supports, stands or holders
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/0027 specially adapted for holding the suction cleaning tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/0045 specially adapted for holding the suction tube
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/22 Mountings for motor fan assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/242 Hose or pipe couplings
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/26 Incorporation of winding devices for electric cables devices specially adapted for repeatedly paying-out or re-storing cables B65H75/34; arrangements of electrical cables or lines between relatively-movable parts H02G11/00
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2878 Dual-powered vacuum cleaners, i.e. devices which can be operated with mains power supply or by batteries
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2889 Safety or protection devices or systems, e.g. for prevention of motor over-heating or for protection of the user
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2207/40 adapted for charging from various sources, e.g. AC, DC or multivoltage
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 15/01 Rechargeable batter

Abstract

A wet/dry vacuum that is configured to be powered by a DC power source.

Claims

1. A utility vacuum comprising:

a canister;

a powerhead assembly coupled to the canister and having a fan inlet, a fan, a motor for providing rotary power to the fan, a receptacle assembly and an electric circuit for distributing electrical power to the motor, the fan being in fluid communication with the fan inlet;

a filter in fluid communication with the fan inlet;

a shut-off device associated with the powerhead assembly, the shut-off device being configured to prevent the fan from drawing a liquid into the fan inlet when a volume of the liquid in the canister exceeds a predetermined volume; and

wherein the receptacle assembly includes a receptacle housing, which is configured to receive a battery pack, and a connector with a plurality of terminals that are configured to electrically couple the battery to the electric circuit; and

wherein the powerhead assembly includes a housing in which the fan, the motor and the electric circuit are housed, the housing including an inlet and an outlet, wherein operation of the utility vacuum draws an intake flow of air into the canister through the inlet and discharges a discharge flow of air through the outlet;

wherein a compartment is defined by the housing and a lid, the lid being movable relative to the housing between a first condition, which permits ingress of the battery to the compartment and egress of the battery pack from the compartment, and a second condition, in which ingress of the battery pack to the compartment and egress of the battery pack from the compartment is inhibited; and

wherein the utility vacuum further comprise a latch that can be engaged to maintain the lid in the second condition, the latch including a first latch element that is coupled to the lid and a second latch element that is coupled to the housing, the first and second latch elements being engaged to one another to engage the latch.