摘要:
Floor care devices (102) having an elongated handle (160) or body portion for control thereof are provided with mid-level handles (170) for facilitating manipulation of the devices (102) in certain conditions, for storing power cords (162), for hanging and storing the floor care device (160) and the like. The mid-level handle (170) may fold from a retracted position adjacent the elongated handle (160) or body portion to an extended position. A retainer (182, 184) is provided to maintain the handle (170) in its retracted and extended positions.
摘要:
An outer bag assembly (20) for an upright vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The outer bag assembly (20) comprises a flexible, air permeable enclosure having an internal volume adapted to contain a disposable inner bag. The outer bag assembly (20) is further comprised of an upper end adapted to provide access to the internal volume through a closure device, and an opposite end attached to a handle assembly (112) through a bag clip assembly (26). In one embodiment, the closure device includes a zipper (32) disposed along an upper front peripheral edge (34) of the outer bag assembly (20) that allows a front panel (22) of the bag assembly (20) to be partially released. In another embodiment, the closure device includes a zipper (52) disposed along an upper front peripheral edge (34), and a zipper (54) disposed along an upper rear peripheral edge of the outer bag assembly (20) that allows a top panel (58) of the outer bag assembly (20) to be partially released.
摘要:
Handle assemblies (320, 420, 520, 620, 720) for floor care devices (200), and methods for using the same, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a handle apparatus (320) includes a main member (330) partially surrounding a cord retaining space (350) that is adapted to receive a plurality of portions (352) of a power cord (328) of the floor care device (200). A retaining member (340) is moveably attached to the main member (330), and includes a retaining surface (344) that is positionable proximate the cord retaining space (350). In a first or 'retaining' position (347), the retaining surface (344) retains the plurality of power cord portions (352) within the cord retaining space (350), and in a second or 'releasing' position (349), the retaining surface (344) releases the plurality of power cord portions (352) from the cord retaining space (350). In alternate embodiments, the retaining member (340) may be rotatably, pivotably, or slidably attached to the main member, pivotably attached to the main member (330).
摘要:
Apparatus and methods of supporting and shielding flexible outer bags (110) of vacuum cleaners are disclosed. In one embodiment, a suport structure (101) includes a backing plate (100) disposed within the flexible outer bag (110), and one support member (102A, 102B) attached to the backing plate (100) and projecting away from the backing plate (100). The backing and support members contact and extend proximate respective portions of the outer bag (110), providing three-dimensional support to the outer bag (110). Alternately, a plurality of airflow apertures (104A-D) may be disposed through the support structure (101). In another embodiment, a shield structure (800) includes a backing member (806) positioned proximate to and extend over at least a portion of a rear panel of an outer bag (805) of a vacuum cleaner. First and second sidewall members (804A, 804B) are attached to and project away from the backing member (806). Alternately, the shield structure (800) may include top and front shielding members.
摘要:
A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner (100) having improved functionality including, alone or in combination, a headlight (102), a sidelight (104), anti-ingestion bars (1200), side brushes (410), a squeegee (1202), and a scent cartridge (234) for use in cleaning floors, floor coverings, carpets, upholstery and other surfaces. One embodiment includes a tortuous air flow path (802, 804) created by baffles (806) that divert air flow. The tortuous path creates quieter air flow through the vacuum housing. The tortuous air flow arrangement is for cooling the internal parts of a vacuum cleaner. Another embodiment includes an indicator light assembly (114) for the vacuum cleaner (100) visually providing the user with the vacuum's current operation status. In another embodiment, the rear wheels (224) are recessed within the head housing (106) and slightly offset rearwardly of the rear wall of the head housing (106) to provide enhanced maneuverability.