Vacuum cleaner

• US 6,256,832 B1
• Filed: 10/18/1999
• Issued: 07/10/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited (Beeswax Holdings UK Limited)
• Original Assignee: Notetry Limited
• Inventors: Dyson, James
• Primary Examiner(s): MOORE, CHRISTOPHER K
• Application Number:
  US09/355,498
• Time in Patent Office: 631 Days
• Field of Search: 153/39, 153/37, 153/24
• US Class Current: 15/324
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/30 with driven dust-loosening tools, e.g. rotating brushes
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/04 with driven brushes or agitators
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2842 Suction motors or blowers
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2847 Surface treating elements
• 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: A47L 9/30 Arrangement of illuminating devices

Abstract

The invention provides a vacuum cleaner (2) having a cleaner head (8) comprising a dirty air inlet (12) and a passage 20) forming an airflow path for dirty air entering the dirty air inlet (12). Access means (24, 26) are provided for allowing access to the airflow path (20) to facilitate cleaning thereof and or removal of blockages therefrom. A transparent portion is provided in an outer casing (22) of the cleaner head (8) to allow the interior of the airflow path (20) to be visually inspected. The improved vacuum cleaner facilitates use and maintenance of the vacuum cleaner (2) by enabling a user to easily and quickly detect and remove blockages in the airflow path (20) between the dirty air inlet (12) and dust separating apparatus (6).

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising a main body containing dust separation apparatus and a cleaner head connected to the main body, the cleaner head comprising an airflow passage;

a downwardly directed dirty air inlet, a brush bar rotatably supported in the airflow passage adjacent the dirty air inlet, and a removable cover portion on an upper surface of the cleaner head, wherein the removable cover portion is located to allow physical access to a portion of the airflow passage adjacent to the brush bar.

2. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein the removable cover portion is hingedly connected to an upper surface of the cleaner head.

3. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein the removable cover portion is slidingly connected to an upper surface of the cleaner head.

4. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tether is provided between the removable cover portion and the cleaner head.

5. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein the removable cover portion is held in position by quick-release fasteners.

6. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 5, wherein the quick-release fasteners are quarter-turn fasteners.

7. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein the removable cover portion is held in position by snap-fit fasteners.

8. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein a light is provided inside the cleaner head.

9. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 8, wherein switch means are provided for switching on the light when the removable cover portion is opened to allow access to the airflow passage.

10. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 9, wherein the switch means are connected in a manner to operate when the removable cover portion is opened.

11. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein cut-off means are provided for deactivating the brush bar when the removable cover portion is opened.

12. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 11, wherein the cut-off means comprise a switch for cutting off a motor of the vacuum cleaner.

13. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 11, wherein the cut-off means comprise a clutch for disengaging the drive of the brush bar.

14. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner further comprises cyclonic separating apparatus.

15. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner is an upright vacuum cleaner.