Method for cleaning dirt and debris from surfaces

• US 20110162677A1
• Filed: 01/06/2010
• Published: 07/07/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Achim Liffers, Thomas Stein
• Original Assignee: Achim Liffers, Thomas Stein
• Inventors: Stein, Thomas, Liffers, Achim
• Granted Patent: US 8,287,655 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 134/21
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/225 Convertible suction cleaners, i.e. convertible between different types thereof, e.g. from upright suction cleaners to sledge-type suction cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/00 Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/0036 specially adapted for holding the suction hose
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/0081 Means for exhaust-air diffusion; Means for sound or vibration damping
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/1436 Connecting plates, e.g. collars, end closures

Abstract

A method for removing dirt and debris from surfaces. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Claims

1. A method of cleaning dirt and debris from surfaces, said method comprising:

detaching a first end of a handle unit from a first portion of a cleaning device, which first portion is disposed at a first end of a filter compartment of said cleaning device;

detaching a second end of said handle unit from a second portion of said cleaning device, which second portion is disposed on a second end of said filter compartment opposite said first end of said filter compartment;

removing dirt or debris from a surface by conducting dirt or debris through an opening in said second end of said handle unit and through a hose in said handle unit, and then into said filter compartment;

reattaching said first end of said handle unit to said first portion of said cleaning device;

reattaching said second end of said handle unit to said second portion of said cleaning device;

lifting said cleaning device solely by said handle unit; and

carrying said cleaning device solely by said handle unit to another location.

2. The method of cleaning dirt and debris from surfaces according to claim 1, wherein said step of lifting said cleaning device solely by said handle unit comprises:

upon said handle unit being attached to said first and second portions of said cleaning device, inserting a hand of a user through a space between said handle unit and said filter compartment, which space extends along the length of said filter compartment;

gripping an elongated handle portion of said handle unit, which elongated handle portion is disposed between and to connect said first end and said second end of said handle unit; and

lifting, with the hand of the user, said cleaning device off of a surface on which said cleaning device is resting.

3. The method of cleaning dirt and debris from surfaces according to claim 2, wherein said method further comprises:

upon said handle unit being attached to said first and second portions of said cleaning device, passing a sheath of filter material through said space between said handle unit and said filter compartment, and then wrapping said filter material around said filter compartment.

4. The method of cleaning dirt and debris from surfaces according to claim 3, wherein:

said step of detaching said first end of said handle unit from said first portion of said cleaning device comprises unlocking a first lockable connecting element on said first end of said handle unit from a locked connection with a connecting element of said first portion;

said step of detaching said second end of said handle unit from said second portion of said cleaning device comprises unlocking a second lockable connecting element on said second end of said handle unit from a locked connection with a connecting element of said second portion;

said step of reattaching said first end of said handle unit to said first portion of said cleaning device comprises locking said first lockable connecting element on said first end of said handle unit into a locked connection with said connecting element of said first portion; and

said step of reattaching said second end of said handle unit to said second portion of said cleaning device comprises locking said second lockable connecting element on said second end of said handle unit into a locked connection with said connecting element of said second portion.

5. The method of cleaning dirt and debris from surfaces according to claim 4, wherein said method further comprises:

conducting dirt or debris into a head portion of said cleaning device, then through an opening in said second end of said handle unit and through a hose in said handle unit, and then into said filter compartment;

trapping dirt or debris in said filter compartment; and

trapping any dirt or debris not trapped in said filter compartment in said sheath of filter material.