Upright vacuum with floating head

• US 8,839,485 B2
• Filed: 08/30/2013
• Issued: 09/23/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Inventors: Morgan, Charles J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Glessner, Brian
• Assistant Examiner(s): STEPHAN, BETH A
• Application Number:
  US14/015,113
• Publication Number:
  US 20130340202A1
• Time in Patent Office: 389 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 15/410
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/28 Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle A47L5/24 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/30 with driven dust-loosening tools, e.g. rotating brushes
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/32 with means for connecting a hose hose couplings for suction cleaners A47L9/24
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/34 with height adjustment of nozzles or dust-loosening tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/0081 Means for exhaust-air diffusion; Means for sound or vibration damping
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/02 Nozzles suction nozzles for fluid transport B65G51/00
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2805 Parameters or conditions being sensed
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2831 Motor parameters, e.g. motor load or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2842 Suction motors or blowers
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2857 User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
• 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 9/2894 Details related to signal transmission in suction cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/327 for suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner with a reduced frictional force between a vacuum base and a cleaning medium is described. The vacuum has a handle, yoke, body, and base. A handle and yoke distinct from, and behind, the base provides a moment arm anterior to the base when a force is applied. The handle and yoke assembly reduce the friction between the cleaning surface and the vacuum, allowing for larger motor and debris capturing capabilities, with easier handling and maneuverability resulting in advanced and superior cleaning capabilities.

Claims

1. A vacuum comprising:

a handle;

a yoke connected to the handle;

a base separate from the yoke;

an axle connected to the yoke and the base;

an airflow duct exiting the base wherein the airflow duct is distinct from the handle;

a dirt collection device connected to the airflow duct; and

a sliding connector connecting the dirt collecting device to the handle.

2. The vacuum of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a lifting device that raises the base off the cleaning surface.

3. The vacuum of claim 2, wherein the lifting device comprises a wheel.

4. The vacuum of claim 2, wherein the lifting device comprises a biasing device to keep the lifting device receded into the base and a ramp to expel the lifting device from the base when the handle is placed in a locked position.

5. The vacuum of claim 1, wherein the handle is hollow and is adapted to receive an electrical cord.

6. The vacuum of claim 1, wherein the yoke includes a handle insert, wherein the handle receives the handle insert.

7. The vacuum of claim 6, wherein the handle insert includes an interior wall that divides the handle insert into two cavities, the interior wall includes a fastener receiver.

8. The vacuum of claim 1, further comprising a wheel connected to the axle.