Fireplace cleaning device

• US 4,747,178 A
• Filed: 06/01/1987
• Issued: 05/31/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 09/06/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kenneth P. Breitbach
• Original Assignee: Kenneth P. Breitbach
• Inventors: Breitbach, Kenneth P.
• Primary Examiner(s): MOORE, CHRISTOPHER K
• Application Number:
  US07/056,718
• Time in Patent Office: 365 Days
• Field of Search: 15/257 A, 15/310, 15/339, 15/352, 15/415 R, 126/242
• US Class Current: 15/339
• CPC Class Codes: F24B 1/1915 Means for removing ash

Abstract

The fireplace cleaning device comprises a partial open ended container, substantially box-like in construction, for removing ashes from the hearth. A holding element is mounted on top of the container for supporting a portable vacuum device. The vacuum intake of the device has access to the interior for creating a draft therein when ashes are picked up and deposited therein. The removal of ashes is achieved with practically no spillage or the release of dust in the residence.

Claims

1. A cleaning receptacle for removing ashes off of a fireplace hearth in combination with a portable vacuum device mounted thereon, which comprises:

a container for receiving ashes having spaced side panels, a top and bottom panel, a rear end panel and a front end open at the bottom portion with a partial front panel closing the top portion,

a small first opening extending through the top panel adjacent to the front end,

an inner horizontal panel connected at the outer end edge to the bottom lateral edge of the partial panel, and an inner end extending rearwardly between said top panel and the bottom panel,

a holding member mounted on said top panel with a bottom second opening disposed over the first opening, the holding member being adapted to support a portable vacuum device having a vacuum intake opening in registry with said first opening and the second opening in communication with the container interior, and

means for removing the ashes from a fireplace with said container adapted to engage a mound of ashes for depositing therein and, in cooperation with the vacuum of the vacuum device, suppress a substantial amount of dust arising therewith.

2. A cleaning receptacle as recited in claim 1, wherein:

said partial panel is connected to the front edges of said top and the side panels and extends downwardly for a distance less than the distance the front end opening extends upwardly.

3. A cleaning receptacle as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the inner panel stretches rearwardly for a distance equal to approximately the distance between said top and bottom panels.

4. A cleaning receptacle as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the holding member includes perpheral railing around the bottom of said member and a hood-like portion adapted to enclose the front intake nose section of said vacuum device.

5. A cleaning receptacle for removing ashes off a fireplace hearth in combination with a portable vacuum device mounted thereon, which comprises:

an elongated, rectangular container for holding ashes constructed of spaced parallel side panels, a top and bottom panel, a rear end panel, and a front end opened at the bottom including a partial front panel closing the top portion,

a slotted first opening extending through the top panel parallel and adjacent to the front end for entry to the container,

an interior panel forming an extension of the partial panel folded inwardly and rearwardly at the bottom lateral edge of said partial panel for providing a divided air space within said container,

a holding member secured to said top panel including a second bottom opening in alignment with the first opening, having a portable vacuum device supported thereon with a vacuum intake opening over said first and second openings for providing a suction motion in the interior of said container,

means for removing the ashes in a fireplace with said container, said container being adapted to receive said ashes therein and, with the vacuum from the vacuum device supported thereon, suppress a substantial amount of dust particles disturbed by the movement of said ashes.

6. A cleaning receptacle as recited in claim 5, wherein:

the interior panel extends a distance of approximately 1/2 the distance from said front end to the rear end of said container.

7. A cleaning receptacle as recited in claim 6, wherein:

said interior panel side edges are not attached to the interior surface of the side panels and separates the air space therein by 1/3 for the upper and 2/3 for the bottom space.

8. A cleaning receptacle as recited in claim 5, wherein:

the holding member has an upstanding rim secured around the bottom edge to engage and support said vacuum device including a front cover connected to the upper edge of the rim so that the vacuum intake opening is in communication with said container interior through said second and first openings.

9. A cleaning receptacle as recited in claim 5, wherein:

said means for removing ashes further includes a lateral, scoop-like lip extending forewardly and downwardly along the bottom edge of said front end.

10. A cleaning receptacle as recited in claim 5, wherein:

when said container is carefully shoved into a mound of ashes and tipped upwardly to deposit said ashes in the rear of said container with the vacuum of the vacuum device turned on, said receptacle can be transported safely outdoors.