Handle assemblies for floor care devices and methods of using same

• US 6,484,349 B1
• Filed: 09/29/2000
• Issued: 11/26/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Oreck Holdings LLC (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Inventors: Roberts, Terrance Monty, Verdura, Javier, Paterson, Chris M., Cohen, Shane P., Millard, Jeffrey A., Lamb, Dennis
• Primary Examiner(s): MOORE, CHRISTOPHER K
• Application Number:
  US09/675,474
• Time in Patent Office: 788 Days
• Field of Search: 153/23, 154/10, 242/400.1
• 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 9/26 Incorporation of winding devices for electric cables devices specially adapted for repeatedly paying-out or re-storing cables B65H75/34; arrangements of electrical cables or lines between relatively-movable parts H02G11/00
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2857 User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2868 Arrangements for power supply of vacuum cleaners or the accessories thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/325 for wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle

Abstract

Handle assemblies for floor care devices, and methods for using the same, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a handle apparatus includes a main member partially surrounding a cord retaining space that is adapted to receive a plurality of portions of a power cord of the floor care device. A retaining member is moveably attached to the main member, and includes a retaining surface that is positionable proximate the cord retaining space. In a first or “retaining” position, the retaining surface retains the plurality of power cord portions within the cord retaining space, and in a second or “releasing” position, the retaining surface releases the plurality of power cord portions from the cord retaining space. In alternate embodiments, the retaining member may be rotatably, pivotably, or slidably attached to the main member, pivotably attached to the main member. In another embodiment, a handle assembly includes a main member having a grip portion adapted to be held by an operator of the floor care device, and a base portion attached to the grip portion. The base portion includes an attachment portion adapted to attach to an attachment end of a handle support, and a receiving portion adapted to attach to a first end of a power cord. A support axis projects axially outwardly from the attachment end of the handle support into the attachment portion, and a first axis projects axially outwardly from the first end of the power cord into the receiving portion such that the first axis is approximately parallel to the support axis.

Claims

1. A handle assembly for a floor care device having a handle support and a power cord, comprising:

a main member partially surrounding a cord retaining space adapted to receive a plurality of portions of the power cord and including a base portion adapted to attach to the handle support and a main surface adjacent the cord retaining space;

a lower portion coupled to the base portion and having a forward section projecting forwardly and upwardly from the base portion;

an upper portion coupled to the forward section of the lower portion and having a first section projecting upwardly and rearwardly from the forward section and a second section projecting downwardly from the first section; and

a retaining member moveably attached to the main member and having a retaining surface adjustably positionable proximate the cord retaining space, the retaining member being movable between a first position in which the retaining surface cooperates with the main surface to be adapted to at least partially retain the plurality of power cord portions within the cord retaining space, and a second position in which the retaining surface cooperates with the main surface to be adapted to release the plurality of power cord portions from the cord retaining space.

2. The handle assembly according to claim 1 wherein the retaining member is moveably attached to the base portion.

3. The handle assembly according to claim 1 wherein the retaining member is rotatably attached to the main member.

4. The handle assembly according to claim 1 wherein the retaining member is pivotably attached to the main member.

5. The handle assembly according to claim 1 wherein the retaining member is slidably attached to the main member.

6. The handle assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a restraining mechanism for releasably maintaining the retaining member in the first or second positions.

7. The handle assembly according to claim 1 wherein the retaining member includes a base end attached to the main member and a second end projecting away from the main member, the second end being spaced a greater distance from the main member when the retaining member is in the second position than when the retaining member is in the first position.

8. The handle assembly according to claim 1 wherein the retaining member comprises a generally cone-shaped member having a curved central axis, an oblong cross-sectional shape and a base end rotatably attached to the main member and wherein the retaining surface is at least partially concave.

10. The handle assembly according to claim 1 wherein the cord retaining space is at least partially disposed between the upper and lower portions, the lower portions including at least a portion of the main surface.

11. The handle assembly according to claim 1 wherein at least part of the retaining surface is substantially continuous with the main surface when the retaining member is in the first position.

12. The handle assembly according to claim 1 wherein the retaining member is moveable to a third position in which the retaining surface is engaged against the main member.

9. A handle assembly for a floor care device having a handle support and a power cord, comprising:

a main member partially surrounding a cord retaining space adapted to receive a plurality of portions of the power cord and including a base portion adapted to attach to the handle support and a main surface adjacent the cord retaining space; and

a retaining member moveably attached to the main member and having a retaining surface adjustably positionable proximate the cord retaining space, the retaining member being movable between a first position in which the retaining surface cooperates with the main surface to be adapted to at least partially retain the plurality of power cord portions within the cord retaining space and further the retaining surface being substantially continuous with the main surface when the retaining member is in the first position, and a second position in which the retaining surface cooperates with the main surface to be adapted to release the plurality of power cord portions from the cord retaining space.

13. A handle assembly for a floor care device having a handle support and a power cord, comprising:

a main member partially surrounding a gripping space and including a base portion adapted to attach to the handle support and an outer surface adjacent the gripping space;

a lower portion coupled to the base portion and having a forward section projecting forwardly and upwardly from the base portion;

an upper portion coupled to the forward section of the lower portion and having a first section projecting upwardly and rearwardly from the forward section and a second section projecting downwardly from the first section;

wherein the gripping space is at least partially disposed between the upper and lower portions; and

a retaining member moveably attached to the main member and having a retaining surface adjustably positionable proximate the outer surface, the retaining member being movable between a first position in which the retaining surface cooperates with the outer surface to form a cord retaining space adapted to at least partially retain a plurality of loops of a power cord, and a second position in which the retaining surface cooperates with the outer surface to be adapted to release the plurality of power cord portions from the cord retaining space.

14. The handle assembly according to claim 13 wherein the retaining member is moveably attached to the base portion.

15. The handle assembly according to claim 13 wherein the retaining member is rotatably attached to the main member.

16. The handle assembly according to claim 13 wherein the retaining member is pivotably attached to the main member.

17. A floor care device having a floor engaging head, a power cord operatively coupled to the floor engaging head, a handle support attached to and projecting away from the floor engaging head, and a handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising:

a main member partially surrounding a cord retaining space adapted to receive a plurality of portions of the power cord and including a base portion adapted to attach to the handle support and a main surface adjacent the cord retaining space;

a lower portion coupled to the base portion and having a forward section projecting forwardly and upwardly from the base portion;

an upper portion coupled to the forward section of the lower portion and having a first section projecting upwardly and rearwardly from the forward section and a second section projecting downwardly from the first section; and

a retaining member moveably attached to the main member and having a retaining surface adjustably positionable proximate the cord retaining space, the retaining member being movable between a first position in which the retaining surface cooperates with the main surface to be adapted to at least partially retain the plurality of power cord portions within the cord retaining space and further the retaining surface being substantially continuous with the main surface when the retaining member is in the first position, and a second position in which the retaining surface cooperates with the main surface to be adapted to release the plurality of power cord portions from the cord retaining space.

18. The floor care device according to claim 17 wherein the retaining member is rotatably attached to the main member.

19. The floor care device according to claim 17 wherein the retaining member is pivotably attached to the main member.

20. The floor care device according to claim 17 wherein the retaining member comprises a generally cone-shaped member having a curved central axis, an oblong cross-sectional shape and a base end rotatably attached to the main member and wherein the retaining surface is at least partially concave.

21. The floor care device according to claim 17 wherein the cord retaining space is at least partially disposed between the upper and lower portions, the lower portion including at least a portion of the main surface.

22. The floor care device according to claim 17 wherein the floor engaging head includes an airflow propulsion device having a motor and a suction fan driveably coupled to the motor.

23. A handle assembly for a floor care device having an elongated handle support and a cord, comprising:

a main member having a grip portion adapted to be held by an operator of the floor care device, and a base portion attached to the grip portion, the base portion including,

an attachment portion adapted to attach to a handle tube along a longitudinal handle axis of the handle tube,

a first receiving portion proximate the attachment portion and adapted to attach to a first end of the cord along a longitudinal first axis, the first axis being approximately parallel to the handle axis, and

a second receiving portion proximate the first receiving portion and adapted to attach to a second end of a second cord along a longitudinal second axis, the second axis being approximately parallel to the first axis.

24. The handle assembly according to claim 23 wherein the cord comprises a control cord, the handle assembly further comprising a control switch attached to the main member and operatively coupled to the first end of the control cord.

25. The handle assembly according to claim 23 wherein the main member partially surrounds a cord retaining space adapted to receive a plurality of portions of the cord and includes a main surface adjacent the cord retaining space, the handle assembly further comprising:

a retaining member moveably attached to the main member and having a retaining surface adjustably positionable proximate the cord retaining space, the retaining member being movable bet ween a first position in which the retaining surface cooperates with the main surface to be adapted to at least partially retain the plurality of cord portions with in the cord retaining space, and a second position in which the retaining surface cooperates with the main surface to be adapted to release the plurality of power cord portions from the cord retaining space.

26. The handle assembly according to claim 25 wherein the retaining member comprises a partially cone-shaped member having a curved central axis, an oblong cross-sectional shape and a base end rotatably attached to the main member, the retaining surface is at least partially concave.

27. A floor care device having a floor engaging head, a cord operatively coupled to the floor engaging head, an elongated handle support coupled to and projecting away from the floor engaging head, and a handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising:

a main member having a grip portion adapted to be held by an operator of the floor care device, and a base portion attached to the grip portion, the base portion including,

an attachment portion adapted to attach to a handle tube along a longitudinal handle axis of the handle tube,

a first receiving portion proximate the attachment portion and adapted to attach to a first end of the cord along a longitudinal first axis, the first axis being approximately parallel to the handle axis, and

a second receiving portion proximate the first receiving portion and adapted to attach to a second end of a second cord along a longitudinal second axis, the second axis being approximately parallel to the first axis.

28. The floor care device according to claim 27 wherein the cord comprises a control cord, the handle assembly further comprising a control switch attached to the main member and operatively coupled to the first end of the control cord.

29. The floor care device according to claim 27 wherein the main member partially surrounds a cord retaining space adapted to receive a plurality of portions of the cord and includes a main surface adjacent the cord retaining space, the handle assembly further comprising:

a retaining member moveably attached to the main member and having a retaining surface adjustably positionable proximate the cord retaining space, the retaining member being movable between a first position in which the retaining surface cooperates with the main surface to be adapted to at least partially retain the plurality of cord portions within the cord retaining space, and a second position in which the retaining surface cooperates with the main surface to be adapted to release the plurality of power cord portions from the cord retaining space.

30. The floor care device according to claim 27 wherein the floor engaging head includes an airflow propulsion device having a motor and a suction fan driveably coupled to the motor.

31. A handle assembly for a floor care device having a handle support and a power cord, comprising:

a main member adapted to attach to the handle support and including a main surface;

a retaining member moveably attached to the main member and being movable between a first position in which the retaining member cooperates with the main surface to at least partially retain a plurality of portions of the power cord, and a second position in which the retaining member cooperates with the main surface to release the plurality of power cord portions; and

wherein the power cord originates in the handle assembly.

32. The handle assembly according to claim 31 wherein the retaining member is moveably attached to the base portion.

33. The handle assembly according to claim 31 wherein the retaining member is rotatably attached to the main member.

34. The handle assembly according to claim 31 wherein the retaining member is pivotably attached to the main member.

35. The handle assembly according to claim 31 wherein the retaining member is slidably attached to the main member.

36. A method of placing a power cord of a floor care device in a secure position, comprising:

providing a handle assembly having a main member that partially surrounds a cord retaining space adapted to receive a plurality of portions of the power cord and that includes,

a main surface proximate the cord retaining space,

a base portion adapted to attach a handle support of the floor care device,

a lower portion coupled to the base portion and having a forward section projecting forwardly and upwardly from the base portion, and

an upper portion coupled to the forward section of the lower portion and having a first section projecting upwardly and rearwardly from the forward section and a second section projecting downwardly and rearwardly from the first section, the upper and lower portions partially surrounding a cord retaining space;

providing a moveable retaining surface proximate the main surface, the retaining surface being movable between a retaining position in which the retaining surface more fully cooperates with the main surface to more fully retain the plurality of power cord portions within the cord space, and a releasing position in which the retaining surface less fully cooperates with the main surface to less fully confine the plurality of power cord portions within the cord retaining space;

positioning the moveable retaining surface in the retaining position; and

positioning at least some of the plurality of power cord portions within the cord retaining space.

37. The method according to claim 36 wherein positioning the retaining surface in the retaining position comprises rotating the retaining surface into the retaining position.

38. The method according to claim 36 wherein positioning the retaining surface in the retaining position comprises pivoting the retaining surface into the retaining position.

39. The method according to claim 36 herein positioning the retaining surface in the retaining position comprises sliding the retaining surface into the retaining position.