Convertible Central Vacuum Unit

Abstract

A central vacuum wherein said central vacuum comprises a housing with a portion of said housing comprising a motor housing, a filter housing and a dust collecting bin. A motor, power source, foam filter a dust collecting bin are incorporated within the filer housing.

The housing further compromising an exhaust outlet, and at least two optional intake ports adapted to receive an intake hose. The first intake port is adapted such that the air and debris received from an intake hose is channeled into the filter where it passes through the filter, trapping dust and debris in the filter. The second intake port is adapted such that the air and debris received from an intake hose is channeled directly into a bag adapter and the air and debris is channeled into a vacuum filter bag, trapping the dust and debris in the bag. With either intake port, the air to flows through the filter or filter bag into the housing, where the air is exhausted through the exhaust outlet.

The intake ports further comprise a seal, such that when an intake port is not in use it can be sealed and prevent the escape of any airflow, dust and debris through the intake port.

Claims

1. A central vacuum wherein said central vacuum comprises a housing with a portion of said housing comprising a motor housing, a filter housing and a dust collecting bin; a motor and power source within the motor housing, and a foam filter within the filer housing; said housing further compromising an exhaust outlet, and at least two optional intake ports, a first intake port and second intake port, adapted to receive an intake hose; wherein said first intake port is adapted such that the air and debris received from an intake hose secured to said first intake port is channeled into the filter where it passes through the filter, trapping dust and debris, allowing the air to flow through the filter into the housing, where the air is exhausted through the exhaust outlet; and wherein said second intake port is adapted such that the air and debris received from an intake hose secured to said second intake port is channeled directly into a bag adapter and the air and debris is channeled into a vacuum filter bag, trapping the dust and debris, allowing the air to flow through the filter bag into the housing, where the air is exhausted through the exhaust outlet; and wherein each of said intake ports further comprises a seal, such that when an intake port is not in use it can be sealed and prevent the escape of any airflow, dust and debris through the intake port.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the central vacuum unit of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the central vacuum unit of the present invention, from the opposite side perspective as FIG. 1; and

[0012] FIG. 3 is an interior view of the filter housing of the central vacuum unit of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE IMAGES

[0013] In general, a Central vacuum unit (10) has a housing with a top portion comprising a motor housing (11) and a filter housing (12); a central connecting portion (13); and a lower portion serving as a dust collecting bin (14). The top portion houses the motor and power source within the motor housing (11) and a foam filter (20) within the filer housing (22). One optional intake, the traditional intake port (21), channels air into the top portion and through the filter, where the air is exhausted through the exhaust outlet (22). Central connecting portion (13) serves as a connection ring for the entire unit, joining the top and bottom portions. The central portion (13) further comprises a second optional intake, the bag adapter (30) and intake port (31), which channels the air downwards directly into a bag attached to the end of adapter (30), and stored within the bottom housing (14). The bottom portion is essentially the collection container (14) for storing the dust and debris, with or without a bag. The top portion and bottom portion are connected by intermediate portion (13), which comprises a funnel (40) leading to the bottom portion as well as the aforementioned alternate intake port (31) and adaptor (30).

[0014] In traditional use, no bag is used, and an intake hose is attached to the filter housing intake port (21). During cleaning, the debris and dust is drawn through an intake hose and into the unit through the intake port (21), where it enters the top portion of the unit. A filter (20) is housed inside the unit, so air and debris entering the unit through the intake port (21) is than passed through filter (20). The debris is filtered, and fine debris is trapped in the filter while larger debris does not enter the filter and passes through funnel (40) and into the debris container (14). The air is channeled through the filter and exhausted after filtration through the exhaust outlet (22).

[0015] Alternatively, the intake hose is attached to alternate intake port (31). The alternate intake port (31) is secured to adaptor (30) which is adapted to secure a vacuum bag within the bottom portion (14) of the unit. When the alternate intake port (31) is in use, the air and debris passes though the intake and adaptor directly into a bag, where it is collected for easy removal. The bag also serves as the filter, allowing the air to permeate and escape the bag, where the air is then exhausted through the exhaust outlet (22).