公开(公告)号：US06393656B1

公开(公告)日：2002-05-28

申请号：US09619799

申请日：2000-07-20

Applicant: Christopher M. Paterson ,  Paul A. Moshenrose ,  William G. Fish ,  James McCain ,  Charles W. Reynolds ,  Michael E. Embree

Inventor： Christopher M. Paterson ,  Paul A. Moshenrose ,  William G. Fish ,  James McCain ,  Charles W. Reynolds ,  Michael E. Embree

IPC: A47L536

CPC classification number: A47L5/36

Abstract: Belt-mounted vacuum apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a belt-mounted vacuum apparatus includes a belt member adapted to engage about an operator's waist, a dirt receptacle attached to the belt member, and a vacuum unit attached to the belt member and spaced apart from the dirt receptacle. The vacuum unit is operatively coupled with the dirt receptacle such that an airflow created by the vacuum unit propels particulates through the intake port and into the dirt receptacle. In alternate embodiments, the vacuum unit may be spaced apart from the dirt receptacle by a small distance, or may be positioned on opposite sides of the operator. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a belt member having a stiffened portion. The stiffened portion may, for example, comprise an outer shell. Alternately, the belt member may also include a flexible, padded layer that engages with the operator's waist. In yet another embodiment, an apparatus includes a belt member, a dirt receptacle attached to the belt member and located at an accessible location on the belt member, and a vacuum unit. The dirt receptacle may be located proximate a front side of the operator's waist, or along a left or right side of the operator's waist, or at any other accessible location on the belt member.