Vacuum Cleaner with a detachable vacuum module

• US 5,524,321 A
• Filed: 01/06/1995
• Issued: 06/11/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 02/14/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Bissell Homecare, Inc. (Bissell Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Bissell Inc.
• Inventors: Pino, Giovanni, Zuiderveen, Marc D., Umbach, Steven, Weaver, James M.
• Primary Examiner(s): MOORE, CHRISTOPHER K
• Application Number:
  US08/362,553
• Time in Patent Office: 522 Days
• Field of Search: 15/328, 15/329, 15/323, 15/327.5, 15/410, 15/416
• US Class Current: 15/329
• 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 5/32 with means for connecting a hose hose couplings for suction cleaners A47L9/24
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/009 Carrying-vehicles; Arrangements of trollies or wheels; Means for avoiding mechanical obstacles
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2847 Surface treating elements
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2857 User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays

Abstract

A multi-use vacuum cleaner capable of use as an upright vacuum or as a detachable vacuum module is disclosed. A detachable vacuum module is selectively mounted to the foot and support member of an upright vacuum cleaner. The vacuum module includes the vacuum motor, motor-driven fan, vacuum bag and hose. The vacuum cleaner may be operated as an upright vacuum, or alternatively, the module can be separated from the foot and support member and may be used independently of and at a great distance from the foot and support member for a wide variety of cleaning purposes.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising:

a foot housing;

a base pivotally mounted to said foot housing;

an elongated support member non-removably mounted at a lower portion to the base during typical use of the vacuum cleaner, the elongated support member being adapted for use in pushing and pulling the base and the foot housing along the floor;

a portable cleaning module comprising;

a module housing;

a bag supported in the module housing for collecting dust and dirt;

a conduit for conveying the collected dust and dirt from the foot housing to the bag, the conduit having a first end connected to the bag and a second end removably connected to the base member; and

a motor-driven fan supported in the module housing for creating suction within the conduit through the bag to convey collected dust and dirt to the bag;

the module mounting the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan so that the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan are connected together as a unit, the module being selectively and removably mounted to the base at least through a mechanical interconnection so that the module can be separated from the foot housing, base and elongated support member and be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner and the module further is closely adjacent the elongated support member, extends upwardly along at least a portion of the length of the elongated support member and is adapted to pivot with the base and elongated support member relative the foot housing when the module is mounted to the base; and

the interconnection between the module and the base comprising a male projection formed on one of the base member and the module housing, a female recess formed on the other of the base member and the module housing, a first electrical connector formed on one of the base and module housing and a second electrical connector formed on the other of the base and module housing, the first and second electrical connectors being selectively engaged to supply electrical current from the module to the foot housing when the module housing is mounted to the base;

whereby the module can be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner independently of and separate from the foot housing, base and elongated support member when the module is separated from the base and the vacuum cleaner can be operated as an upright vacuum cleaner when the module is mounted to the base.

2. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 and further comprising a latch mechanism mounted to the module and the elongated support mechanism to selectively interlock the module and elongated support mechanism.

3. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 and further comprising a switch mounted to one of the base and the support member, the switch having first and second operable positions, wherein the switch is adapted to assume the first position when the support member is in a fully upright position relative to the foot housing and the switch is adapted to assume the second position when the support member is in a position other than the fully upright position relative to the foot housing, wherein in the first position, the switch prevents the flow of electrical current to an agitation motor mounted in the foot housing and in the second position, the switch completes an electrical circuit to supply electrical current to the agitation motor.

4. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 and further comprising a handle mounted to the top of the portable cleaning module, the handle being adapted to be grasped by the user when the portable cleaning module is separated from the base, foot housing and elongated support member.

5. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 and further comprising at least one accessory mounting projection formed on the base for storing accessory cleaning tools.

6. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 and further comprising an electrical cord electrically connected to the module, the cord supplying all of the electrical current necessary to operate the vacuum cleaner as an upright vacuum cleaner or to operate the module independently of the floor suction component and support member.

7. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 wherein the foot housing has a vacuum nozzle mounted therein in fluid communication with the motor driven fan and further comprising an edge cleaning brush mounted immediately adjacent the vacuum nozzle, the edge cleaning brush having a plurality of bristles fixedly mounted and extending downwardly therefrom and an airflow passageway extending between the vacuum nozzle and the exterior of the foot housing, the airflow passageway being formed immediately adjacent the bristles so that dirt and dust dislodged by the bristles of the brush are pulled into the vacuum nozzle through the airflow passageway as a result of the negative air pressure in the vacuum nozzle created by the motor driven fan.

8. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 and further comprising a three position electrical switch mounted to the module, the electrical switch being electrically connected to a source of electricity and a vacuum motor mounted to the motor-driven fan and an agitation motor mounted to an agitation member, wherein in the first position, an open electrical circuit is created between the source of electricity and the vacuum motor and the agitation motor, in a second position, a closed electrical circuit is created between the vacuum motor and the source of electricity and an open electrical circuit exists between the source of electricity and the agitation motor and in the third position closed circuits are created between the source of electricity and the vacuum motor and agitation motor.

9. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 wherein the base further comprises at least one cylindrical support member and the foot housing comprises at least one cylindrical support mounting, the at least one cylindrical support member being rotatively received in the at least one cylindrical support mounting.

10. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 9 wherein the at least one cylindrical support member comprises a wheel axle support mounting adapted to rotatively receive an axle from a wheel supporting the foot housing.

11. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 10 wherein the foot housing comprises an upper housing member and a lower housing member selectively mounted to one another, and the at least one cylindrical support mounting being defined by a semi-circular recess formed in each of the upper and lower housing members.

12. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 and further comprising a lever arm pivotally mounted to the foot housing having a first lever arm adapted to engage a bottom surface of the module and a second lever arm extending outwardly from the foot housing, whereby the lever arm assists in the removal of the module from the base member by depressing the second lever arm.

13. A vacuum cleaner comprising:

a foot housing;

a base pivotally mounted to said foot housing;

an elongated support member non-removably mounted at a lower portion to the base during typical use of the vacuum cleaner, the elongated support member being adapted for use in pushing and pulling the base and the foot housing along the floor;

a portable cleaning module comprising;

a module housing;

a bag supported in the module housing for collecting dust and dirt;

a conduit for conveying the collected dust and dirt from the foot housing to the bag, the conduit having a first end connected to the bag and a second end removably connected to the base member; and

a motor-driven fan supported in the module housing for creating suction within the conduit through the bag to convey collected dust and dirt to the bag;

the module mounting the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan so that the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan are connected together as a unit, the module being selectively and removably mounted to the base at least through a mechanical interconnection so that the module can be separated from the foot housing, base and elongated support member and be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner and the module further is closely adjacent the elongated support member, extends upwardly along at least a portion of the length of the elongated support member and is adapted to pivot with the base and elongated support member relative the foot housing when the module is mounted to the base; and

a switch mounted to one of the base and the support member, the switch having first and second operable positions, wherein the switch is adapted to assume the first position when the support member is in a fully upright position relative to the foot housing and the switch is adapted to assume the second position when the support member is in a position other than the fully upright position relative to the foot housing, wherein in the first position, the switch prevents the flow of electrical current to an agitation motor mounted in the foot housing and in the second position, the switch completes an electrical circuit to supply electrical current to the agitation motor;

whereby the module can be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner independently of and separate from the foot housing, base and elongated support member when the module is separated from the base and the vacuum.

14. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 13 wherein the interconnection between the module housing and the base comprises a male projection formed on one of the base member and the module housing and a female recess formed on the other of the base member and the module housing.

15. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 14 wherein the interconnection between the module housing and the base further comprises a first electrical connector formed on one of the base and module housing and a second electrical connector formed on the other of the base and module housing, the first and second electrical connectors being selectively engaged to supply electrical current from the module to the foot housing when the module housing is mounted to the base.

16. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 15 and further comprising a latch mechanism mounted to the module and the elongated support mechanism to selectively interlock the module and elongated support mechanism.

17. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 15 and further comprising an electrical cord electrically connected to the module, the cord supplying all of the electrical current necessary to operate the vacuum cleaner as an upright vacuum cleaner or to operate the module independently of the floor suction component and support member.

18. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 15 and further comprising a three position electrical switch mounted to the module, the electrical switch being electrically connected to a source of electricity and a vacuum motor mounted to the motor-driven fan and an agitation motor mounted to an agitation member, wherein in the first position, an open electrical circuit is created between the source of electricity and the vacuum motor and the agitation motor, in a second position, a closed electrical circuit is created between the vacuum motor and the source of electricity and an open electrical circuit exists between the source of electricity and the agitation motor and in the third position closed circuits are created between the source of electricity and the vacuum motor and agitation motor.

19. A vacuum cleaner comprising:

a foot housing;

a base pivotally mounted to said foot housing;

at least one accessory mounting projection formed on the base for storing accessory cleaning tools;

an elongated support member non-removably mounted at a lower portion to the base during typical use of the vacuum cleaner, the elongated support member being adapted for use in pushing and pulling the base and the foot housing along the floor;

a portable cleaning module comprising;

a module housing;

a bag supported in the module housing for collecting dust and dirt;

a conduit for conveying the collected dust and dirt from the foot housing to the bag, the conduit having a first end connected to the bag and a second end removably connected to the base member; and

a motor-driven fan supported in the module housing for creating suction within the conduit through the bag to convey collected dust and dirt to the bag;

the module mounting the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan so that the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan are connected together as a unit, the module being selectively and removably mounted to the base at least through a mechanical interconnection so that the module can be separated from the foot housing, base and elongated support member and be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner and the module further is closely adjacent the elongated support member, extends upwardly along at least a portion of the length of the elongated support member and is adapted to pivot with the base and elongated support member relative the foot housing when the module is mounted to the base;

whereby the module can be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner independently of and separate from the foot housing, base and elongated support member when the module is separated from the base and the vacuum cleaner can be operated as an upright vacuum cleaner when the module is mounted to the base.

20. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 19 and further comprising a latch mechanism mounted to the module and the elongated support mechanism to selectively interlock the module and elongated support mechanism.

21. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 19 wherein the interconnection between the module housing and the base comprises a male projection formed on one of the base member and the module housing and a female recess formed on the other of the base member and the module housing.

22. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 19 and further comprising a handle mounted to the top of the portable cleaning module, the handle being adapted to be grasped by the user when the portable cleaning module is separated from the base, foot housing and elongated support member.

23. A vacuum cleaner comprising:

a foot housing;

a base pivotally mounted to said foot housing;

an elongated support member non-removably mounted at a lower portion to the base during typical use of the vacuum cleaner, the elongated support member being adapted for use in pushing and pulling the base and the foot housing along the floor;

a portable cleaning module comprising;

a module housing;

a bag supported in the module housing for collecting dust and dirt;

a conduit for conveying the collected dust and dirt from the foot housing to the bag, the conduit having a first end connected to the bag and a second end removably connected to the base member;

a motor-driven fan supported in the module housing for creating suction within the conduit through the bag to convey collected dust and dirt to the bag; and

a three position electrical switch mounted to the module, the electrical switch being electrically connected to a source of electricity and a vacuum motor mounted to the motor-driven fan and an agitation motor mounted to an agitation member, wherein in the first position, an open electrical circuit is created between the source of electricity and the vacuum motor and the agitation motor, in a second position, a closed electrical circuit is created between the vacuum motor and the source of electricity and an open electrical circuit exists between the source of electricity and the agitation motor and in the third position closed circuits are created between the source of electricity and the vacuum motor and agitation motor

the module mounting the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan so that the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan are connected together as a unit, the module being selectively and removably mounted to the base at least through a mechanical interconnection so that the module can be separated from the foot housing, base and elongated support member and be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner and the module further is closely adjacent the elongated support member, extends upwardly along at least a portion of the length of the elongated support member and is adapted to pivot with the base and elongated support member relative the foot housing when the module is mounted to the base;

whereby the module can be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner independently of and separate from the foot housing, base and elongated support member when the module is separated from the base and the vacuum cleaner can be operated as an upright vacuum cleaner when the module is mounted to the base.

24. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 23 and further comprising a latch mechanism mounted to the module and the elongated support mechanism to selectively interlock the module and elongated support mechanism.

25. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 23 and further comprising an electrical cord electrically connected to the module, the cord supplying all of the electrical current necessary to operate the vacuum cleaner as an upright vacuum cleaner or to operate the module independently of the floor suction component and support member.

26. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 23 and further comprising a lever arm pivotally mounted to the foot housing having a first lever arm adapted to engage a bottom surface of the module and a second lever arm extending outwardly from the foot housing, whereby the lever arm assists in the removal of the module from the base member by depressing the second lever arm.

27. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 23 and further comprising a switch mounted to one of the base and the support member, the switch having first and second operable positions, wherein the switch is adapted to assume the first position when the support member is in a fully upright position relative to the foot housing and the switch is adapted to assume the second position when the support member is in a position other than the fully upright position relative to the foot housing, wherein in the first position, the switch prevents the flow of electrical current to an agitation motor mounted in the foot housing and in the second position, the switch completes an electrical circuit to supply electrical current to the agitation motor.

28. A vacuum cleaner comprising:

a foot housing having at least one cylindrical support mounting;

a base having at least one cylindrical wheel axle support mounting adapted to be rotatively received in the at least one cylindrical support mounting of the foot for pivotally mounting the base to the foot, the at least one cylindrical wheel axle support mounting being adapted to rotatively receive an axle from a wheel supporting the foot housing;

an elongated support member non-removably mounted at a lower portion to the base during typical use of the vacuum cleaner, the elongated support member being adapted for use in pushing and pulling the base and the foot housing along the floor;

a portable cleaning module comprising;

a module housing;

a bag supported in the module housing for collecting dust and dirt;

a conduit for conveying the collected dust and dirt from the foot housing to the bag, the conduit having a first end connected to the bag and a second end removably connected to the base member; and

a motor-driven fan supported in the module housing for creating suction within the conduit through the bag to convey collected dust and dirt to the bag;

the module mounting the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan so that the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan are connected together as a unit, the module being selectively and removably mounted to the base at least through a mechanical interconnection so that the module can be separated from the foot housing, base and elongated support member and be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner and the module further is closely adjacent the elongated support member, extends upwardly along at least a portion of the length of the elongated support member and is adapted to pivot with the base and elongated support member relative the foot housing when the module is mounted to the base;

whereby the module can be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner independently of and separate from the foot housing, base and elongated support member when the module is separated from the base and the vacuum cleaner can be operated as an upright vacuum cleaner when the module is mounted to the base.

29. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 28 and further comprising a switch mounted to one of the base and the support member, the switch having first and second operable positions, wherein the switch is adapted to assume the first position when the support member is in a fully upright position relative to the foot housing and the switch is adapted to assume the second position when the support member is in a position other than the fully upright position relative to the foot housing, wherein in the first position, the switch prevents the flow of electrical current to an agitation motor mounted in the foot housing and in the second position, the switch completes an electrical circuit to supply electrical current to the agitation motor.

30. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 28 and further comprising a three position electrical switch mounted to the module, the electrical switch being electrically connected to a source of electricity and a vacuum motor mounted to the motor-driven fan and an agitation motor mounted to an agitation member, wherein in the first position, an open electrical circuit is created between the source of electricity and the vacuum motor and the agitation motor, in a second position, a closed electrical circuit is created between the vacuum motor and the source of electricity and an open electrical circuit exists between the source of electricity and the agitation motor and in the third position closed circuits are created between the source of electricity and the vacuum motor and agitation motor.

31. A vacuum cleaner comprising:

a foot housing;

a base pivotally mounted to said foot housing;

an elongated support member non-removably mounted at a lower portion to the base during typical use of the vacuum cleaner, the elongated support member being adapted for use in pushing and pulling the base and the foot housing along the floor;

a portable cleaning module comprising;

a module housing;

a bag supported in the module housing for collecting dust and dirt;

a conduit for conveying the collected dust and dirt from the foot housing to the bag, the conduit having a first end connected to the bag and a second end removably connected to the base member; and

a motor-driven fan supported in the module housing for creating suction within the conduit through the bag to convey collected dust and dirt to the bag;

the module mounting the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan so that the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan are connected together as a unit, the module being selectively and removably mounted to the base at least through a mechanical interconnection so that the module can be separated from the foot housing, base and elongated support member and be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner and the module further is closely adjacent the elongated support member, extends upwardly along at least a portion of the length of the elongated support member and is adapted to pivot with the base and elongated support member relative the foot housing when the module is mounted to the base; and

a lever arm pivotally mounted to the foot housing having a first lever arm portion adapted to engage a bottom surface of the module and a second lever arm portion extending outwardly from the foot housing, wherein depressing the second portion of the lever arm assists in the removal of the module from the base member;

whereby the module can be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner independently of and separate from the foot housing, base and elongated support member when the module is separated from the base and the vacuum cleaner can be operated as an upright vacuum cleaner when the module is mounted to the base.

32. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 31 and further comprising a latch mechanism mounted to the module and the elongated support mechanism to selectively interlock the module and elongated support mechanism.

33. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 31 and further comprising a handle mounted to the top of the portable cleaning module, the handle being adapted to be grasped by the user when the portable cleaning module is separated from the base, foot housing and elongated support member.

34. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 31 and further comprising at least one accessory mounting projection formed on the base for storing accessory cleaning tools.

35. A vacuum cleaner comprising:

a foot housing;

a base pivotally mounted to said foot housing;

an elongated support member non-removably mounted at a lower portion to the base during typical use of the vacuum cleaner, the elongated support member being adapted for use in pushing and pulling the base and the foot housing along the floor;

a portable cleaning module comprising;

a module housing;

a bag supported in the module housing for collecting dust and dirt;

a flexible hose conduit provided on the module for conveying the collected dust and dirt to the bag, the conduit having a first end connected to the bag and a second end removably connected to the base member so that the flexible hose comprises at least a portion of the working air conduit to the bag when the module is mounted to the base and when the module is removed from the base; and

a motor-driven fan supported in the module housing for creating suction within the conduit through the bag to convey collected dust and dirt to the bag; and

the module mounting the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan so that the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan are connected together as a unit, the module being selectively and removably mounted to the base at least through a mechanical interconnection so that the module can be separated from the foot housing, base and elongated support member and be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner and the module further is closely adjacent the elongated support member, extends upwardly along at least a portion of the length of the elongated support member and is adapted to pivot with the base and elongated support member relative the foot housing when the module is mounted to the base;

whereby the module and flexible hose conduit can be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner independently of and separate from the foot housing, base and elongated support member when the module is separated from the base and the vacuum cleaner can be operated as an upright vacuum cleaner when the module and flexible hose conduit are mounted to the base.

36. A vacuum cleaner comprising:

a foot housing;

a base pivotally mounted to said foot housing;

an elongated support member non-removably mounted at a lower portion to the base during typical use of the vacuum cleaner, the elongated support member being adapted for use in pushing and pulling the base and the foot housing along the floor;

a portable cleaning module comprising;

a module housing;

a bag supported in the module housing for collecting dust and dirt;

a conduit for conveying the collected dust and dirt from the foot housing to the bag, the conduit having a first end connected to the bag and a second end removably connected to the base member; and

a motor-driven fan supported in the module housing for creating suction within the conduit through the bag to convey collected dust and dirt to the bag;

the module mounting the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan so that the bag, conduit and motor-driven fan are connected together as a unit, the module being selectively and removably mounted to the base at least through a mechanical interconnection so that the module can be separated from the foot housing, base and elongated support member and be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner and the module further is closely adjacent the elongated support member, extends upwardly along at least a portion of the length of the elongated support member and is adapted to pivot with the base and elongated support member relative the foot housing when the module is mounted to the base; and

a latch assembly comprising a first latch member provided on the elongated support member and a second latch member provided on the module, the latch assembly being adapted to selectively lock the module to the elongated support member;

whereby the module and flexible hose conduit can be operated as a portable vacuum cleaner independently of and separate from the foot housing, base and elongated support member when the module is separated from the base and the vacuum cleaner can be operated as an upright vacuum cleaner when the module and flexible hose conduit are mounted to the base.