Utility vacuum cleaner tool caddy and wheel mount

• US 5,528,794 A
• Filed: 09/09/1994
• Issued: 06/25/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Emerson Electric Company
• Original Assignee: Emerson Electric Company
• Inventors: Tomasiak, Mark J.
• Primary Examiner(s): MOORE, CHRISTOPHER K
• Application Number:
  US08/303,689
• Time in Patent Office: 655 Days
• Field of Search: 15/323, 15/325, 15/327.6, 15/327.1, 15/327.2
• US Class Current: 15/323
• 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 9/0036 specially adapted for holding the suction hose
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/009 Carrying-vehicles; Arrangements of trollies or wheels; Means for avoiding mechanical obstacles

Abstract

A utility vacuum cleaner tool caddy for utility vacuum cleaner drums as well as an axleless wheel mount are disclosed. The tool caddy has rear and front wheels with integral rear and front bumpers at least partially overlying the rear and front wheels. This provides a wider/larger wheel base/caddy which increases the stability of the utility vacuum cleaner during movement. The rear bumper is also provided with a plurality of spaced openings for receiving a corresponding number of vacuum tools which are stored in an out-of-way location when moving or storing the utility vacuum cleaner. The axleless wheel mount provides a snap-in mounting of individual wheels with full bearing support, thus eliminating the need of an axle between spaced and aligned wheels. Additionally, the wheel support increases the load capacity while improving the overall look and appearance of the base unit or tool caddy.

Claims

1. A utility vacuum cleaner tool caddy for a variety of similar sized utility vacuum drums;

comprising;

a tool caddy supported by front and rear wheels and having an internal depression corresponding in shape and size to a lower end portion of one of a number of similarly sized utility vacuum drums for receiving one of such utility vacuum drums;

the tool caddy having integral rear and front bumpers at least partially overlying the rear and front wheels of the tool caddy; and

the rear bumper including a plurality of spaced openings for receiving a corresponding number of vacuum tools.

2. The utility vacuum cleaner tool caddy as defined in claim 1 wherein the front and rear wheels comprise front and rear pairs of spaced wheels.

3. The utility vacuum cleaner tool caddy as defined in claim 2 wherein the rear bumper is a one-piece continuous bumper at least partially overlying the rear pair of spaced wheels.

4. The utility vacuum cleaner tool caddy as defined in claim 3 wherein the front bumper includes spaced integral bumper sections extending from the tool caddy each overlying one of the front pair of spaced wheels.

5. The utility vacuum cleaner tool caddy as defined in claim 4 wherein the rear pair of wheels are all-terrain type wheels which are larger than the front pair of wheels each of which are constructed as a wheel caster.

6. The utility vacuum cleaner tool caddy as defined in claim 5 wherein the rear bumper and front bumpers are shaped, dimensioned and configured to protect the rear pair of all-terrain type wheels and the front pair of wheel casters from impact regardless of the direction of movement of the tool caddy and its associated utility vacuum drum.

7. The utility vacuum cleaner tool caddy as defined in claim 6 wherein the spaced tool openings include internally spaced projections for engagement with associated tools.

8. The utility vacuum cleaner tool caddy as defined in claim 7 wherein the internal spaced projections are dimensional relative to associated tool openings for frictional engagement with associated tools.

9. The utility vacuum cleaner tool caddy as defined in claim 8 wherein the tool caddy and its integral rear and front bumpers are molded as a one-piece unit.