Vacuum cleaner head

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner head with a suction component consisting of laterally-opposed wing-like members positioned transversely to the front end of the head used to access and suction dirt, debris and fluids within confined or low-clearance areas under furniture and appliances and includes a generally thin flat elongated hollow member designed to reach maximum extension and floor surface coverage within the confined or low-clearance areas. Included is a flexible hollow hose fitting set back and disposed at an acute angle from the back end of the vacuum cleaner head for slidably mounting the vacuum cleaner head to a hollow hose wand. The hollow hose wand with a bottom end releasably attached to the flexible hollow hose fitting is adapted to be bent downward toward the floor surface when a sufficient downward pressure is exerted by the user upon the hollow hose wand used for maneuvering (approximately eleven inches in width) the vacuum cleaner head. This action also ensures that the head continues in constant sliding engagement with the floor to prevent the head from separating or lifting off from the floor surface and neutralizing the otherwise full functional capability of the suction head.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner head to clean confined or low clearance areas for suctioning dirt, debris or fluids off a floor surface and into a collection unit comprising: an elongated top member (28) comprising a front end (34) having a suction head (40) with a pair of laterally opposed wing members (42, 44) and an underside (74) with one or more downwardly projecting tab members (76); an elongated bottom member (30); the elongated top member and the elongated bottom member connected to each other to form an elongated hollow member (26) having an intake opening (79) along the longitudinal axis facing the front end, and a distal back end (36); the elongated top member further having a discharge opening (27) located between the front end and back end, distally from the front end; a flexible tubular member (47) operably connected at the discharge opening at an acute angle, and having a distal end wherein the flexible tubular member can be releasably connected to a suction tube for operable connection to a collection unit.

2. The vacuum cleaner head of claim 1 in which the front end (34) is curved and the vertical distance between the curved end and the elongated bottom member (30) being less than the vertical distance between the underside (74) and the elongated bottom member (30).

3. The vacuum cleaner head of claim 1 in which the distance between distal back end (36) and the discharge opening is no greater than 15 percent of the entire length of elongated hollow member (26).

4. A vacuum cleaner head to clean confined or low clearance areas for suctioning dirt, debris or fluids off a floor surface and into a collection unit comprising: an elongated top member (28) comprising a front end (34) having a suction head (40) with a pair of laterally opposed wing members (42, 44) and an underside (74); an elongated bottom member (30); the elongated top member and the elongated bottom member connected to each other to form an elongated hollow member (26) having an intake opening (79) along the longitudinal axis facing the front end, and a distal back end (36); the elongated top member further having a discharge opening (27) located between the front end and back end, distally from the front end; a flexible tubular member (47) operably connected at the discharge opening at an acute angle, and having a distal end wherein the flexible tubular member can be releasably connected to a suction tube for operable connection to a collection unit.

5. The vacuum cleaner head of claim 4 wherein the underside (74) further comprises one or more downwardly projecting tab members (76).

6. The vacuum cleaner head of claim 4 in which the distance between distal back end (36) and the discharge opening is no greater than 15 percent of the entire length of elongated hollow member (26).

7. The vacuum cleaner head of claim 5 in which the distance between distal back end (36) and the discharge opening is no greater than 15 percent of the entire length of elongated hollow member (26).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top of the vacuum cleaner head according to one embodiment of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom of the vacuum cleaner head according to one embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the vacuum cleaner head according to one embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the top of the vacuum cleaner head according to one embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the bottom of the vacuum cleaner head according to one embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the vacuum cleaner head according to one embodiment of the present invention showing the approximate range of flexibility of the flexible hollow hose fitting.

(7) FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the vacuum cleaner head according to one embodiment of the present invention showing the direction of the suctioned air flow entering the suction head at the front end.

(8) FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the vacuum cleaner head according to one embodiment of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 9 is a view of the vacuum cleaner head according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in combination with other component parts of a vacuum cleaner.

(10) FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner head according to one embodiment of the present invention shown along lines 10-10 of FIG. 4.

(11) FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the flexible hollow hose fitting according to one embodiment of the present invention shown along circular line 11 of FIG. 10.

(12) FIG. 12 is a cross-section perspective view of the elongated hollow member of the vacuum cleaner head according to one embodiment of the present invention shown along lines 12-12 of FIG. 4.

(13) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner head according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in operation by the user.

(14) FIG. 14 is a perspective side view of an example of a conventional vacuum cleaner head in the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(15) The present invention will be described in more detail with reference first to FIG. 1, a vacuum cleaner head 10 used to access and clean confined or low-clearance areas 12 such as, for example, the usually confined space 14 under furniture 16 and appliances (not shown) in combination with an assemblage of integrally related suction components 18 (see also FIG. 9) for suctioning dirt, assorted debris and fluids 20 off a floor surface 22 into a dirt, debris and fluid collection unit 24 located nearby a conventional suction source 25. Vacuum cleaner head 10 consists generally of a thin and flat elongated hollow member 26 designed to reach maximum extension and floor surface area coverage within confined or low-clearance areas 12 (see also FIGS. 9 and 13) of a size generally no greater than one-half inch in height and more effectively, efficiently and reliably vacuum those areas in the process. Using vacuum cleaner head 10 of the present invention also obviates the need for utilizing a special wand or crevice tool attachment (not shown) normally employed, though often not very effective, to access and clean difficult to reach areas under furniture, appliances and the like. Elongated hollow member 26 includes a top member 28 and a bottom member 30 with the means 32 to snap-fasten the top member 28 and bottom member 30 together, a front end 34, a back end 36, a hollow chamber 38, and a suction head 40 at the front end 34 having a pair of laterally opposed wing-like members 42,44 positioned transversely to the front end 34. The means 32 to snap-fasten top member 28 to bottom member 30 consists of mateable openings 17 and projections 19, which are joined with the use of an appropriate amount of pressure and then fastened with a snap action as shown in FIGS. 3 and 12 of the drawings. Top member 28 and bottom member 30 may also be attached using any other suitable means for that purpose including, without limitation, any kind of conventional screw, staples, rivets or adhesive.

(16) Also provided is flexible hollow hose fitting 46, which includes a flexible tubular member 47, with arcuate sidewall 45, a back side 53 and a collar 35 integrally formed at the base 41 of flexible tubular member 47. Integrated within top member 28 of elongated hollow member 26 is a raised section 31 defining within a recessed area 33, which is designed to receive flexible tubular member 47 of flexible hollow hose fitting 46 through an opening 27. Recessed area 33 and collar member 35, which generally conform in shape and size, are brought together after which top member 28 and bottom member 30 are joined in snap-fashion or in some other suitable manner to secure the two components together and fix firmly in place flexible hollow hose fitting 46, more specifically collar 35. Flexible hollow hose fitting 46, though more specifically back side 53 of arcuate sidewall 45, is best located at a place 39 approximately three (3) inches from the back end 36 of elongated hollow member 26 though not so far forward as to create a fulcrum effect that would cause front end 34 to lift off floor surface 22 when hollow hose wand or suction tube 48 is directed toward floor surface 22 (see for example FIG. 14), which would otherwise neutralize, weaken or eliminate entirely the full functional capability of the suction head 40.

(17) Another useful guide in properly positioning flexible hollow hose fitting 46 is to mount hose fitting 46 at a point forward of back end 36 so that the distance between back end 36 and the position where flexible hose fitting 46 is mounted is no greater than about fifteen (15) percent of the entire length of elongated hollow member 26. Means that may be suitable for securing flexible hollow hose fitting 46, including integrally formed collar 35, between top member 28 and bottom member 30, in addition to snap-fastening, as described, include, without limitation, any kind of conventional screw, adhesive or rivet. Vacuum cleaner head 10, more specifically opposed wing-like members 42,44, is constructed in a manner that enables vacuum cleaner head 10 to clean dirt, debris and fluids 20 located behind various appendages such as, for example, legs 15 of furniture 16. The wing shape and size of the opposed wing-like members 42, 44 (approximately eleven inches in width), though not an absolute requisite, make it possible for vacuum cleaner head 10 to cover a greater area or floor surface 22 and more efficiently suction a much larger amount of dirt, debris and fluids 20 in the process.

(18) Flexible hollow hose fitting 46 is set back and disposed angularly, preferably at an acute angle 37, from back end 36 of elongated hollow member 26 for slidably engaging or otherwise joining with hollow hose wand or suction tube 48 having an upper end 50 and a bottom end 52. Bottom end 52 is releasably mounted to flexible hollow hose fitting 46 with the interior diameter 56 of flexible hollow hose fitting 46 being slightly larger than the exterior diameter 59 of bottom end 52 of hollow hose wand or suction tube 48. Hollow hose wand or suction tube 48 may be connected to flexible hollow hose fitting 46 in any other manner suitable for the intended purpose of joining the two together. Though preferably round in shape where the two are attached, flexible hollow hose fitting 46 and bottom end 52 of hollow hose wand of suction tube 48 may consist of any other suitable shape, such as, for example, rectangular or oval. The relative dimensions of these attachable components may also vary depending upon a variety of factors.

(19) Upper end 50 employs a user-operated means, including, for example, any type of conventional handle 51, for pushing and pulling vacuum cleaner head 10 in all directions. Materials used to construct the components, which include, without limitation, those comprising the assemblage of suction related components 18 all of which are joined together in cooperative relation with vacuum cleaner head 10 to constitute a conventional vacuum cleaner, such as shown in FIG. 9 include, without limitation, polymers such as polypropylene, polyvinylchloride and plastics, metal alloys (e.g., aluminum), natural rubber and any other suitable material that may be used to construct those components. Flexible hollow hose fitting 46 is adapted to be bent in a downward direction 60 toward floor surface 22 when a sufficient downward pressure 62 is exerted upon hollow hose wand or suction tube 48, including any point along wand or tube 48, though preferably nearby or at conventional handle 51, for the purpose of directing vacuum cleaner head 10 into confined or low-clearance or areas 12 to gain entry there for vacuuming and cleaning floor surface 22.

(20) Downward-exerted pressure 62 forced upon hollow hose wand or suction tube 48, while attached to flexible hollow hose fitting 46, which is in turn mounted at acute angle 37 upon elongated hollow member 26, compels vacuum cleaner head 10 to remain tight against floor surface 22 in a sliding contact engagement 66 mode. This, in turn, prevents vacuum cleaner head 10 from separating from floor surface 22, which, if not undertaken in this manner, would otherwise neutralize, weaken or eliminate entirely the full functional capability of suction head 40. This also enables person 64 operating vacuum cleaner 65 to remain in a generally more comfortable and enduring relatively upright posture or full standing position 68 in the process rather than having to experience the alternative of a less comfortable and more strained posture, which would result, if the need arises, to bend or kneel down closer to floor surface 22 attempting to achieve the same objective. Suction head 40 comprises an upper member 70 with an underside 74 that includes one or more downwardly projecting tab members 76, which are affixed to underside 74. Projecting tab members 76 have multiple objectives, the first of which is to maintain the position of suction head 40, more specifically underside 74, in spaced-relation with floor surface 22 to prevent underside 74 of suction head 40 from engaging completely with floor surface 22 and, thus, neutralizing, weakening or eliminating entirely the suctioning capability of suction head 40. The second objective is for downward-projecting tab members 76 to funnel or coordinate the flow of suctioned air 78 into and through opening 79. From there, the flow of suctioned air 78 carrying dirt, debris or fluids is directed into and through hollow chamber 38. Elongated hollow member 26 also includes an opening 29 formed within back end 36 for use in hanging or storing vacuum cleaner head 10 on, for example, a nail or hook (not shown) when not in use.

(21) Although the dimensions of elongated hollow member 26 may vary depending upon a number of factors, it is preferable, though not an absolute prerequisite, that elongated hollow member 26, including suction head 40, be no less than 30 inches in length, no greater than 4 inches in width, and no more than 0.375 inches in thickness. It is also preferable that opening 79 be approximately 0.0625 inches in height and span the width of elongated hollow member 26 to allow for the maximum amount of suctioned air 78 to flow through suction head 40 and continue throughout the rest of the vacuum system.

(22) While the invention will be described in connection with a certain preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that particular embodiment. Rather, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.