ACCESSORY TOOL FOR VACUUM CLEANER

Abstract

An accessory tool for a vacuum cleaner includes a body comprising a suction chamber, a crevice nozzle on the body, the crevice nozzle comprising a suction inlet into the suction chamber, and a swiper tool on a lower side of the body. The swiper tool has an exterior rubbing surface configured to be rubbed against the surface to be cleaned, and the tool is usable by swiping the swiper tool back and forth on a surface to be cleaned in a direction generally along a swiping axis and by sawing the swiper tool back and forth on a surface to be cleaned in a direction generally along a sawing axis.

Claims

1. An accessory tool for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a body comprising a suction chamber; an attachment tube extending from the body, the attachment tube being in fluid communication with the suction chamber; a crevice nozzle on the body, the crevice nozzle comprising a first suction inlet into the suction chamber; and a swiper tool on a lower side of the body, the swiper tool comprising a wall disposed below the crevice nozzle and the suction chamber, the wall comprising an exterior rubbing surface configured to be rubbed against a surface to be cleaned; the swiper tool comprising a swiping axis defining a first direction of intended movement of the swiper tool and a sawing axis, the sawing axis being generally transverse to the swiping axis and defining a second direction of intended movement of the swiper tool; wherein the wall is longer along the sawing axis than along the swiping axis.

2. The accessory tool of claim 1 wherein the wall comprises a bottom wall of the swiper tool, and the swiper tool comprises spaced first and second side walls, a front end wall, and a back end wall, with the bottom wall joining the first and second side walls and joining the front and back end walls.

3. The accessory tool of claim 2 wherein the bottom wall is rounded from at least one of front to back and side to side.

4. The accessory tool of claim 2 wherein the bottom wall defines a bottom exterior surface and first and second lateral side exterior surfaces that curve outwardly from the bottom exterior surface and join the first and second side walls.

5. The accessory tool of claim 1 wherein the swiper tool comprises a cup-shaped cover on the body, the cup-shaped cover comprising a plurality of flexible walls.

6. The accessory tool of claim 1 wherein the swiper tool comprises a second suction inlet into the suction chamber.

7. The accessory tool of claim 6 comprising at least one of a plurality of serrations and a plurality of nubs on the wall disposed adjacent to the second suction inlet.

8. The accessory tool of claim 6 wherein a plurality of serrations are disposed outwardly of the second suction inlet and wherein a plurality of nubs are disposed outwardly of the plurality of serrations.

9. The accessory tool of claim 6 comprising at least one of a plurality of serrations and a plurality of nubs on the wall arranged on opposite sides of and spaced from the second suction inlet and extending outwardly of the wall.

10. The accessory tool of claim 9 wherein the at least one of the plurality of serrations and the plurality of nubs are arranged in a plurality of rows on opposite sides of and spaced from the second suction inlet, the plurality of rows including a first row on a first side of the second suction inlet and a second row on a second side of the second suction inlet.

11. The accessory tool of claim 1 comprising at least one of a plurality of serrations and a plurality of nubs on the wall, wherein the at least one of the plurality of serrations and the plurality of nubs are spaced from each other in a direction generally along the sawing axis.

12. The accessory tool of claim 1 comprising at least one blade extending from the wall, the blade elongated in the direction of the sawing axis and comprising a plurality of serrations.

13. The accessory tool of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a frame on the lower side of the body to stiffen the swiper tool, wherein the frame comprises at least one cross-piece transverse to the sawing axis, the cross-piece having an outer surface in contact with an inner surface of the swiper tool.

14. The accessory tool of claim 1 comprising a grip on an upper side of the body, wherein the swiper tool is disposed below the grip, wherein the grip is elongated along the sawing axis.

15. An accessory tool for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a body comprising a suction chamber; an attachment tube extending from the body, the attachment tube being in fluid communication with the suction chamber; and a swiper tool on a lower side of the body, the swiper tool comprising: a wall disposed below the suction chamber, the wall comprising an exterior rubbing surface configured to be rubbed against a surface to be cleaned; a suction inlet through the wall, the suction inlet in fluid communication with the suction chamber; a plurality of serrations on the exterior rubbing surface adjacent to the suction inlet, the plurality of serrations extending outwardly of the wall; and a plurality of nubs on the exterior rubbing surface adjacent to the suction inlet, the plurality of nubs extending outwardly of the wall; the swiper tool comprising a swiping axis defining a first direction of intended movement of the swiper tool and a sawing axis, the sawing axis being generally transverse to the swiping axis and defining a second direction of intended movement of the swiper tool; wherein the wall is longer along the sawing axis than along the swiping axis; and wherein at least one of the plurality of serrations and the plurality of nubs are spaced from each other in a direction generally along the sawing axis.

16. The accessory tool of claim 15 wherein the wall comprises a bottom wall of the swiper tool, and the swiper tool comprises spaced first and second side walls, a front end wall, and a back end wall, with the bottom wall joining the first and second side walls and joining the front and back end walls.

17. The accessory tool of claim 16 wherein the bottom wall is rounded from at least one of front to back and side to side.

18. The accessory tool of claim 16 wherein the bottom wall defines a bottom exterior surface and first and second lateral side exterior surfaces that curve outwardly from the bottom exterior surface and join the first and second side walls.

19. The accessory tool of claim 15 wherein: the plurality of serrations comprises: a first set of serrations on a first side of the suction inlet; and a second set of serrations on a second side of the suction inlet that is opposite the first side; and the plurality of nubs comprises: a first set of nubs on the first side of the suction inlet; and a second set of nubs on the second side of the suction inlet.

20. The accessory tool of claim 15 wherein at least some of the plurality of serrations are disposed outwardly of the suction inlet and wherein at least some of the plurality of nubs are disposed outwardly of the plurality of serrations.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus, or floor cleaner, having an accessory tool to one aspect of the disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the accessory tool of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the accessory tool taken through line III-III of FIG. 2;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the accessory tool taken through line IV-IV of FIG. 2;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the accessory tool;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a close-up front view of the accessory tool of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the accessory tool of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a view showing an operation of the accessory tool in a swiping movement to clean the surface of an upholstered couch cushion;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a view showing an operation of the accessory tool in a sawing movement to clean between couch cushions;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an accessory tool according to another aspect of the disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an accessory tool according to yet another aspect of the disclosure; and

[0021] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the accessory tool taken through line XII-XII of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] An accessory tool having improved pet fur cleaning features is described below. The accessory tool has an exterior rubbing surface configured to be rubbed against the surface to be cleaned, which may have: (1) a flexible, curved, and hollow shape with one or more walls that can bend to conform to the surface to be cleaned; (2) projecting features to increase pet hair removal by increasing friction with a surface to be cleaned and/or providing surfaces at a variety of different orientations to engage a surface to be cleaned at a variety of different angles; (3) a material that encourages pet hair removal; or any combination thereof. As but one example, the accessory tool can be used in a swiping motion or a sawing motion to release pet fur from a surface to be cleaned and draw the pet fur into the air path internally within the accessory tool. For even more detailed cleaning, the accessory tool may have a crevice nozzle.

[0023] As will be appreciated from the description herein, the accessory tool has myriad use applications, but is generally used as an accessory tool to remove pet fur, hair, and other debris not limited to fur or hair, from upholstered surfaces, compressible surfaces, and/or surfaces with complex geometry, including, but not limited to, couches, chairs, cushions, pillows, pet beds, and cat towers. The accessory tool also works well for non-upholstered surfaces and can be used for general vacuum cleaning as well. At least some aspects of the accessory tool provided herein function through the various elements thereof, as described below, to be used in either a swiping motion or a sawing motion depending on the contour of the surface to be cleaned. By using a swiping motion, pet fur can be removed from larger upholstered surfaces and by using a sawing motion, pet fur can be removed from crevices and corners. By providing an accessory tool with one or more of the features disclosed herein, pet fur is quickly and effectively removed from all areas of upholstered furniture, compressible surfaces, and/or surfaces with complex geometry. As such, certain features of the surface cleaning apparatus may be considered functional but may also be implemented in different aesthetic configurations.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, an accessory tool is illustrated and generally designated at 10. As discussed in further detail below, the accessory tool 10 is provided with various features and improvements, including improved pet hair cleaning features to remove pet hair and other debris not limited to pet hair, from upholstered surfaces and in tight spaces of upholstered furniture, such as between couch cushions or in corners. Generally, the term debris as used herein includes pet hair, pet fur, dirt, dust, stains, soil, and other debris.

[0025] For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms upper, lower, right, left, rear, front, vertical, horizontal, inner, outer, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the accessory tool 10 as oriented in FIG. 1 from the perspective of a user holding the tool 10 in one hand. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2-3, the accessory tool 10 includes a body 12 that can be coupled to a vacuum cleaner, a crevice nozzle 14, and a swiper tool 16. As illustrated, the tool 10 includes a first end 18 including the crevice nozzle 14, a second end 20 including an air outlet 22, and a lower side 24 between the first and second ends 18, 20, with the swiper tool 16 located on the lower side 24. Having both the crevice nozzle 14 and swiper tool 16, the accessory tool 10 is a multi-function or combination tool having multiple cleaning functions, as will be described in further detail below.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the body 12 comprises a suction chamber 28. The suction chamber 28 is adapted to be in fluid communication with a source of suction, such as the suction source of a vacuum cleaner or other surface cleaning apparatus. The air outlet 22 forms the exit from the suction chamber 28.

[0028] The crevice nozzle 14 defines a first suction inlet 26, which opens into the suction chamber 28. The first suction inlet 26 comprises at least one opening in the crevice nozzle 14 through which fur and other debris can be ingested. An internal flow path F1 is defined within the suction chamber 28 of the body 12 and between the first suction inlet 26 and the air outlet 22.

[0029] The swiper tool 16 can define a second suction inlet 30. The second suction inlet 30 comprises at least one opening in the swiper tool 16 through which fur and other debris can be ingested. A second internal flow path F2 is defined within the body 12 between the second suction inlet 30 and a passage 34 to the suction chamber 28, such that the two flow paths F1, F2 merge within the body 12 of the tool 10 at a location upstream of the air outlet 22.

[0030] The first suction inlet 26 can be located at the first end 18 of the tool 10 and the second suction inlet 30 can be located on a lower side of the swiper tool 16, such that the inlets 26, 30 are oriented in different planes. Accordingly, pet hair and other debris can be drawn into the tool 10 at two locations that are spaced apart from each other.

[0031] Generally, the tool 10 has a longitudinal axis X and a lateral axis Y. The first end 18 and second end 20 of the tool 10 are spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis X. As illustrated, the tool 10 includes a first lateral side 36 and a second lateral side 38, and the lateral axis Y is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and extends through the lateral sides 36, 38. Further, the swiper tool 16 can be offset from the longitudinal axis X along a vertical third axis Z that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and the lateral axis Y.

[0032] The tool 10 is usable by swiping the swiper tool 16 back and forth on a surface to be cleaned in a direction generally along the lateral axis Y, also referred to herein as a swiping axis, and by sawing the swiper tool 16 back and forth on a surface to be cleaned in a direction generally along the longitudinal axis X, also referred to herein as a sawing axis. One example of the swiping action is shown in FIG. 8 and one example of the sawing action is shown in FIG. 9. Thus, the lateral or swiping axis Y defines a first direction of intended movement of the swiper tool 16 and the longitudinal or sawing axis X defines a second direction of intended movement of the swiper tool 16. Additionally, the tool 10 is usable by moving the crevice nozzle 14 across a surface to be cleaned, such as by holding the tool 10 at an angle where the first suction inlet 26 is against or close to a surface to be cleaned.

[0033] The swiper tool 16 comprises a wall 40 disposed below the crevice nozzle 14 and the suction chamber 28. The wall 40 comprises an exterior rubbing surface 42 configured to be rubbed against the surface to be cleaned as the tool 10 is swiped back and forth along the axis Y or sawed back and forth along the axis X. The exterior rubbing surface 42 can have a physical shape, flexibility and/or material that encourages pet hair removal, for example by dragging swiper tool 16 back and forth across the surface to be cleaned with pressure and pulling out embedded pet hair and other debris from the surface. The swiping and/or sawing action can gather the pet hair or other collected material into a ball, which can then be removed by vacuum suction via one or both of the suction inlets 26, 30. Flexibility of the exterior rubbing surface 42, through flexing of the wall 40, improves pet hair removal by allowing the tool 16 to conform to the contour of the surface to be cleaned.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 5, the wall 40 can be elongated along the sawing axis X, e.g., have a greater dimension along the sawing axis X than along the swiping axis Y. Correspondingly, the exterior rubbing surface 42 of the wall 40 can be generally elongated along the sawing axis X, e.g., greater in length than it is in width. The tool 16 accordingly covers a larger surface area as it is swiped back and forth across the swiping axis Y than it does when it is sawed back and forth along the sawing axis X. The narrow shape allows the swiper tool 16 reach into tight, narrow spaces, such as between couch cushions when sawing back and forth.

[0035] The wall 40 can define, at least in part, a bottom of the swiper tool 16. In addition to the wall 40, the swiper tool 16 can further include side walls 44, 46 and front and back end walls 48, 50, with the side walls 44, 46 and end walls 48, 50 depending from the lower side of the body 12, and the wall 40 joining the side and end walls 44, 46, 48, 50. The side walls 44, 46 are respectively oriented toward the first lateral side 36 and second lateral side 38 of the tool 10. The front and rear end walls 48, 50 are respectively oriented toward the first and second ends 18, 20 of the tool 10. The various walls 40, 44, 46, 48, 50 can be joined to one another at rounded corners to minimize turbulent air flow and/or to avoid sharp corners that might collect hair or other debris.

[0036] The side walls 44, 46 can converge toward each other in a downward direction generally along the vertical axis Z as shown in FIG. 4, with the side walls 44, 46 extending downwardly and inwardly to join the bottom wall 40. The side walls 44, 46 of the swiper tool 16 can provide a broader and more flexible means for cleaning certain surfaces and greater contact areas with such surfaces, and can, like the wall 40, and may have exterior surfaces configured to be rubbed against the surface to be cleaned as the tool 10 is swiped back and forth along the axis Y or sawed back and forth along the axis X.

[0037] One or more of the walls 40, 44, 46, 48, 50 of the swiper tool 16 are flexible and can bend inwardly to conform to the surface to be cleaned, e.g., with the bottom wall 40 generally able to flex upwardly toward axis X, the side walls 44, 46 generally able to flex inwardly toward axis Z, and/or the end walls 48, 50 40 generally able to flex inwardly toward axis Z. The flexibility of the swiper tool 16 allows the swiper tool 16 to conform to curved surfaces, such as the curved arm of an upholstered couch.

[0038] The second suction inlet 30 can extend equally on both sides of the swiping axis Y and/or on both sides of the sawing axis X, so that the tool 10 works equally well in both directions of movement along the axes X, Y.

[0039] The second suction inlet 30 can be delimited by the wall 40. The second inlet 30 can be defined by at least one air flow opening. In the embodiment shown, the second inlet 30 includes a plurality of air flow openings 52. The wall 40 can have a cross-rib 54 to separate adjacent air flow openings 52 and stiffen the swiper tool 16 so that the second inlet 30 does not collapse when swiper tool 16 is moved along the swiping axis Y.

[0040] The air flow openings 52 are narrow and elongated, with their major axis generally parallel to sawing axis X. The relatively small size of these air flow openings 52 as contrasted with the size of the suction chamber 28 insures increased air velocity through the air flow openings 52. In some embodiments, the corners of the air flow openings 52 can be rounded to minimize turbulent air flow and/or to avoid sharp corners that might collect hair or other debris.

[0041] The crevice nozzle 14 can, in some embodiments, have an intake end 58 having the suction inlet 26 therein. The intake end 58 can protrude beyond the front end wall 48 of the swiping tool 16 so that the end 58 can be inserted into tight or confined spaces. So that the accessory tool 10 may be held in a comfortable ergonomic position with the first inlet 26 pressed generally flat against a surface to be cleaned, the intake end 58 can be angled. For example, the intake end 58 can lie in a plane transverse to the sawing axis X and transverse to the swiping axis Y.

[0042] The crevice nozzle 14 is shown as a generally rectilinear part having a rectilinear intake end 58, although other shapes for the crevice nozzle 14 are possible. At least the intake end 58 of the crevice nozzle 14 can be narrow and elongated, with its width dimension along the swiping axis Y being less than its height dimension along the vertical axis Z.

[0043] Various configurations for integrating the crevice nozzle 14 into the tool 10 are possible. In one embodiment, the crevice nozzle 14 is integrally formed with the body 12 at the first end 18 of the tool 10. In other embodiments, the crevice nozzle 14 is a separate part that is attached to the body 12.

[0044] An attachment tube 60 extends from the body 12 and is configured to selectively connect to a portion of a vacuum cleaner, such as a hose and/or wand of a vacuum cleaner. At least a portion of the attachment tube 60 is hollow to defines a portion of a flow path F1 of the tool 10. The tube 60 can be somewhat tapered and sized to slide into (or around) the hose and/or wand of the vacuum cleaner and be retained thereon or therein by a friction fit. Alternatively, conventional bayonet fittings, threads, snap connectors, or other fittings may be used for this purpose.

[0045] Various configurations for integrating the attachment tube 60 into the tool 10 are possible. In one embodiment, the attachment tube 60 is integrally formed with body 12. In another embodiment, the tube 60 is a separate part that is attached to the body 12. The attachment tube 60 is shown as a generally cylindrical part having a circular profile, although other shapes for the tube 60 are possible.

[0046] The attachment tube 60 may be rotationally fixed on the body 12 or may pivot relative to the body 12. For example, the attachment tube 60 may be mounted to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the tube 60.

[0047] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the swiper tool 16, or at least the exterior rubbing surface 42 of the tool 16, is made from rubber or other elastomeric material, that assists in frictionally gripping and/or electrostatically attracting pet hair and is suitably flexible to bend when in contact with the floor or with each other without permanent deforming. Non-limiting examples of other suitable elastomers are nitrile, urethane, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), and silicone. Such materials are useful to grip pet hair or debris and gather it into a ball, which can then be removed by vacuum suction through either inlet 26, 30. Furthermore, such materials are resilient so that the tool 16 can deform to fit into tight spaces and other hard to clean areas. Other materials for the swiper tool 16 that demonstrate the hair collection and resilience disclosed herein are possible.

[0048] In contrast to the swiper tool, 16, in some embodiments, one or more of the body 12, the crevice nozzle 14, and the attachment tube 60 can be substantially rigid, i.e., not resilient or flexible.

[0049] The swiper tool 16 can include projecting features to increase pet hair removal by increasing friction with a surface to be cleaned and/or providing surfaces at a variety of different orientations to engage a surface to be cleaned at a variety of different angles. The projecting features can extend from the bottom wall 40 or another outer surface of the swiper tool 16 and can form at least a portion of the exterior rubbing surface 42 of the tool 16. Some non-limiting examples of projecting features are a plurality of nubs, a plurality of serrations, a blade, with or without serrations and/or nubs, or any combination thereof.

[0050] Various configurations for integrating the projecting features with the swiper tool 16 are possible. In one embodiment, the projecting features are integrally formed with the wall 40 or another outer surface of the swiper tool 16. In other embodiments, the projecting features are a separate part or parts attached to the wall 40 or another outer surface of the swiper tool 16.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 5-6, in one embodiment, the swiper tool 16 has a blade 62 extending from the wall 40. The blade 62 has a serrated edge, with triangular notches 64 forming a plurality of triangular teeth or serrations 66. The blade 62 is elongated in the direction of the sawing axis X, with the serrations 66 arranged in a row oriented generally along the sawing axis X. The blade 62 can extend along a lateral side of the suction inlet 30, and the serrations 66 can extend completely or partially along the length of the suction inlet 30.

[0052] The swiper tool 16 can have more than one blade 62. In the embodiment illustrated, the swiper tool 16 has a first blade 62 on one side of the suction inlet 30 and a second blade 62 on an opposite side of the suction inlet 30. The blades 62 are shown as being spaced outwardly from the inlet 30 in a direction generally along the swiping axis Y. In another embodiment, the blades 62 can extend from and define the inlet 30.

[0053] Each blade 62 can include an inner surface 68 and an outer surface 70 (FIG. 6), with the inner surface 68 facing the suction inlet 30 and/or facing the inner surface 68 of the other blade 62, and the outer surface 70 facing away from the suction inlet 30 and/or facing away from the other blade 62. Each blade 62 also includes a front surface 72 and a back surface 74 (FIG. 5), and a bottom tip surface 76, which can be defined by one or more tips of the serrations 66.

[0054] The minimum length of the blade 62 which is the minimum distance between the front and back surfaces 72, 74 exceeds the height of the blade 62, which is the distance between the wall 40 and the tip surface 76, and also exceed the thickness of the blade 62, which is the distance between the inner and outer surfaces 68, 70. The ratio of the minimum blade length to the blade height is at least 5:1 in some embodiments of the tool 10, alternatively at least 10:1. The ratio of the minimum blade length to the blade thickness is at least 10:1 in some embodiments of the tool 10, alternatively at least 20:1. The height of the blade 62 may be at least one 5 mm and/or the thickness of the blade 62 may be at least 3 mm, alternatively 5 mm or less, to facilitate effective use of the blade 62 for removing pet hair and other debris.

[0055] In addition to the serrated blades 62, the swiper tool 16 can have a plurality of nubs 78 extending from the wall 40. One or more of the nubs 78 can comprise a projecting body including a base 80 and a tip 82, with the projecting body extending along an axis 84 passing through a center of the base 80 and tip 82. Each nub 78 has a length, defined as the distance along the axis 84 between its base 80 at the surface of the wall 40 and its tip 82.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, the nubs 78 may include one or a plurality of conical or generally conical bodies, e.g., tapering from a round base 80 to a smaller rounded or pointed tip 82. It is contemplated that nubs 78 may have alternate configurations, such as, for example, cylindrical rounded, triangular, square, rectilinear, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, and/or tapered.

[0057] The nubs 78 can have generally smooth outer surfaces as shown in the figures. In other embodiments, the nubs 78 can have a textured outer surface.

[0058] The dimensions of the nubs 78, including the relative length and/or thickness thereof, can vary between the nubs 78. Having nubs 78 of varying dimensions on the swiper tool 16 can help liberate different types of pet hair on different types of upholstery, making the tool 10 effective across different combinations of fur types and upholstery materials. In one example, the relative length of the nubs 78 can increase toward the middle of the swiper tool 16, and can accordingly decrease toward the ends 18, 20 of the tool 10. The nubs 78 that are greater in length than in thickness tend to flex or deform slightly along its nub axis 84, when dragged along a surface to be cleaned. Such individual flexing of the nubs 78 allows the nubs 78 to maintain contact with the surface to be cleaned as the user drags the swiper tool 16 along the surface. It is noted that for conical nubs 78, the thickness is the diameter of the nub 78 orthogonal to the nub axis 84.

[0059] The ratio of the nub length to the nub thickness range from about 0.5:1 to about 3:1 in some embodiments of the tool 10. For an embodiment of the tool 10 with varying nub length as shown in FIGS. 5-6, the ratio of the nub length to the nub thickness is about 3:1 at the middle of the swiper tool 16 and around 0.5:1 toward the ends 18, 20 of the tool 10. The length of the nubs 78 may be at least 2 mm and/or the thickness of the nubs 78 may be at least 5 mm to facilitate effective use of the nubs 78 for removing pet hair and other debris. Generally, the nubs 78 are broader and/or wider than the serrations 66, if serrations are present.

[0060] The swiper tool 16 can have more than one set of nubs 78. In the embodiment illustrated, the swiper tool 16 has a first plurality of nubs 78 on one side of the suction inlet 30 and a second plurality of nubs 78 on an opposite side of the suction inlet 30. The plurality of nubs 78 are shown as being spaced outwardly from the inlet 30 in a direction generally along the swiping axis Y. The nubs 78 can be laterally outward of the serrations 66 if serrations are present.

[0061] The plurality of nubs 78 can be arranged in rows oriented generally along the sawing axis X. The rows of nubs 78 can extend along a lateral side of the suction inlet 30, completely or partially along the length of the suction inlet 30.

[0062] While discussed herein as being part of a blade 62, it is understood that in other embodiments, the swiper tool 16 can have a plurality of teeth or serrations 66 independent of having a blade. Embodiments of the tool 10 can also have serrations 66 and no nubs, or nubs 78 and no serrations. However, the combination of serrations 66 and nubs 78 has been found to be effective because having both serrations and nubs on the tool 10 can help liberate different types of fur on different types of upholstery, making the tool 10 effective across different combinations of fur types and upholstery materials.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 3-4, in one embodiment of the tool 10, the wall 40 is curved and forms a rounded bottom end of the tool 10. A rounded bottom end allows the swiper tool 16 to maintain contact with concave and/or compressible surfaces to be cleaned. With a rounded bottom wall 40, moving the tool 10 in a sawing movement or in a swiping movement works the exterior rubbing surface 42 against the surface to be cleaned in both directions of movement along the axis X or Y.

[0064] The wall 40 can be rounded from front to back and/or from side to side. As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, the wall 40 can be curved such that it bends upwardly and away from Z in the X-Z plane defined by the sawing axis X and vertical axis Z. As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, the wall 40 can additionally be curved such that it bends upwardly and away from Z in the Y-Z plane defined by the swiping axis Y and vertical axis Z. This dual curvature helps maintain contact between the exterior rubbing surface 42 and the surface to be cleaned as the tool 10 is swiped back and forth along the axis Y and/or sawed back and forth along the axis X.

[0065] In one embodiment, nubs 78 and/or serrations 66 are provided on both sides of the vertical axis Z, in the X-direction and in the Y-direction. With nubs 78 and/or serrations 66 on the dual curvature bottom wall 40, moving the tool 10 in a sawing movement or in a swiping movement works equally well in both directions of movement along the axes X, Y.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 5-6, the wall 40 can define, at least in part, a bottom exterior surface 86 of the swiper tool 16. In addition, the wall can define lateral side exterior surfaces 88, 90 which curve outwardly from the bottom exterior surface 86 and join the side walls 44, 46. The exterior surfaces 86, 88, 90 can from a portion of the exterior rubbing surface 42 configured to be rubbed against the surface to be cleaned as the tool 10 is swiped back and forth along the axis Y or sawed back and forth along the axis X.

[0067] The projecting features can extend from any one or combination of the exterior surfaces 86, 88, 90 of the wall 40. In one embodiment, the blades 62 can extend from the bottom exterior surface 86, the first plurality of nubs 78 can extend from the first lateral exterior surface 86, and the second plurality of nubs 78 can extend from the second lateral exterior surface 90.

[0068] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the accessory tool 10. In one embodiment, the tool body 12 comprises the crevice nozzle 14 and the attachment tube 60, with the crevice nozzle 14 and attachment tube 60 formed in one piece with the tool body 12.

[0069] The tool body 12 can have a frame 94 on the lower side 24 to stiffen the swiper tool 16. The frame 94 can define an elongated opening 92 to the suction chamber 28 (FIG. 3) at a lower end thereof and has at least one side wall that can support one of more walls of the swiper tool 16. In the embodiment shown, the frame 94 has side walls 96, 98 and front and back end walls 100, 102, with the side walls 96, 98 corresponding to and supporting the side walls 44, 46 of the swiper tool 16, and the end walls 100, 102 corresponding to and supporting the end walls 48, 50 of the swiper tool 16.

[0070] The frame 94 can have at least one cross-piece 104 transverse to the sawing axis X, the cross-piece 104 having an outer surface confronting an inner surface of the swiper tool 16. For example, the cross-piece 104 can confront, or alternatively contact, the cross-rib 54 (FIG. 3) of the wall, scaffolding the swiper tool 16 so that the wall 40 does not become inverted when pressing the swiper tool 16 against a surface to be cleaned. The cross-piece 104 can extend generally parallel to the swiping axis Y and transverse to the sawing axis X.

[0071] In one embodiment, the walls 40, 44, 46, 48, 50 of the swiper tool 16 can form a cup-shaped cover, which is attached to the tool body 12 to close the elongated opening 92 to the suction chamber 28. Thus, the elongated opening 92 provides the passage 34 between the interior of the swiper tool 16, e.g., defined by the walls 40, 44, 46, 48, 50 forming the cup-shaped cover, and the interior of the tool body 12. Other shapes for the swiper tool 16 are possible.

[0072] In some embodiments, the wall 40 can be formed in one piece with the side walls and end walls 44, 46, 48, 50. For example, the various walls 40, 44, 46, 48, 50 can be formed of a resilient plastic material using an injection molding process, such as, but not limited to, being formed as a one-piece cup-shaped cover of a resilient plastic material.

[0073] Various configurations for integrating the swiper tool 16 into the tool 10 are possible. In one embodiment, the swiper tool 16 can have a flange 106 that mates a flange 108 of the tool body 12. The tool body flange 108 extends outwardly above the frame 94, so that the swiper tool 16 is inserted over the frame 94 to bring the flanges 106, 108 together in mating contact. In one embodiment, the flange 108 can define the lower side 24 of the tool 10 on which the swiper tool 16 is located.

[0074] A bracket 110 can hold the mated flanges 106, 108 together, for example using fasteners (not shown) installed through the bracket and flanges 106, 108. The bracket 110 can have an opening through which the wall 40 of the swiper tool 16 is inserted to install the bracket 110 on the lower side of the swiper flange 106, with a portion of the bracket 110 extending upwardly alongside the mated flanges 106, 108. The bracket 110 is shown as a generally rectilinear part having a rectilinear opening, although other shapes for the bracket 110 are possible.

[0075] In some embodiments, the tool 10 has a grip 112 that makes holding the tool 10 more comfortable and secure. The grip 112 can be disposed on an upper side of the body 12 or elsewhere on the tool 10 where it is comfortable to hold the tool 10. With the grip on the upper side of the tool body 12, the swiper tool 16 is disposed below the grip 112.

[0076] The grip 112 can cover at least a top side of the body 12 and can further cover the lateral sides of the body 12. The grip 112 can further cover a portion of the crevice nozzle 14.

[0077] The grip 112 can be elongated along the sawing axis X, with a curved shape that allows the user to employ a hinging action when swiping the tool 10 back and forth along the swiping axis Y. By hinging the tool 10, the first lateral side is used in one swipe and the second lateral side is used in the return swipe.

[0078] Various configurations for integrating the grip 112 into the tool 10 are possible. In one embodiment, the grip 112 is a separate part that is attached to the body 12. The grip can have a flange 114 that engages the flange 108 of the tool body 12, and which may be held thereto by the bracket 110 and/or fasteners (not shown). In other embodiments, the grip 112 is integrally formed with the body 12.

[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 8-9, the operation of the accessory tool 10 is shown and described in more detail. FIG. 8 shows operation of the accessory tool 10 in a swiping movement to clean the surface of an upholstered couch cushion 116. FIG. 9 shows operation of the accessory tool 10 in a sawing movement to clean in a crevice 118 between couch cushions 116. The swiper tool 16 may be dragged across the surface to be cleaned, for example when the user is cleaning the surface of a cushion 116 as shown in FIG. 8 by swiping the swiper tool 16 back and forth in a direction generally along the lateral swiping axis Y. The swiper tool 16 may also be sawed along the surface to be cleaned, for example when the user is cleaning in a crevice 118 between two couch cushions 116 as shown in FIG. 9 by sawing the swiper tool 16 back and forth in a direction generally along the longitudinal sawing axis X. The swiper tool 16 dislodges, grips, and gathers up pet hair and other debris into a ball so that it may be removed by hand or by vacuum suction through the crevice nozzle 14 or swiper tool 16.

[0080] FIG. 1 shows a floor cleaner 120 comprising the accessory tool 10. The floor cleaner 120 can be a vacuum cleaner that can be used to clean hard surfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft surfaces such as carpet, area rugs, and upholstery. The floor cleaner 120 can include at least one cleaning system, including a vacuum cleaning system to recover debris (which may include pet fur, hair, dirt, dust, stains, soil, and other debris) from a surface to be cleaned.

[0081] The floor cleaner 120 illustrated is an upright-type vacuum cleaner with an upright assembly 122 pivotally mounted to a cleaning head or base 124. The upright assembly 122 can include a grip 126 on one end to facilitate movement by a user. The upright assembly 122 can contain a suction source 130, which may be a vacuum fan/motor assembly, and which is configured to generate a working airstream through a working air path of the vacuum cleaner 120 that extends from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The suction source 130 can form a portion of the working air path. Furthermore, the base 124 includes a suction nozzle 128 that is in fluid communication with the suction source 130.

[0082] The upright assembly 122 receives a separating and collection assembly 132 for separating hair and other debris from the working airstream. The separating and collection assembly 132 is illustrated herein as including a cyclone module having a cyclone separator for separating entrained debris from the working airstream and a collection chamber for collecting the separated debris. It is understood that other types of dirt separating and collection assemblies can be used, such as centrifugal separators or bulk separators. In yet another conventional arrangement, the filtration system can include a filter bag. Regardless of its configuration, the filtration system can form a portion of the working air path through the floor cleaner 120.

[0083] At least a portion of the working air path leading to the separating and collection assembly 132 can be formed by a vacuum hose 134. The accessory tool 10 is configured to be operably coupled with the vacuum cleaner 120 and can be coupled with the vacuum hose 134 in fluid communication with the suction source 130. For example, one end 136 of the vacuum hose 134 can be selectively disconnected from the vacuum cleaner 120 and connected to the accessory tool 10 for cleaning using the accessory tool 10, while the other end (not shown) remains in fluid communication with the separating and collection assembly 132. When the accessory tool 10 is in use and the end 136 the vacuum hose 134 is coupled with the accessory tool 10, the accessory tool 10 can form the dirty air inlet for the working air path of the vacuum cleaner 120. Thus, the floor cleaner 120 can draw in dirt-laden air through the accessory tool 10 and the hose 134 and into the filtration system, such as the separating and collection assembly 132, where the dirt is trapped for later disposal. When the accessory tool 10 is not in use, the end 136 of the vacuum hose 134 is connected to the floor cleaner 120 and the suction nozzle 128 can form the dirty air inlet. Alternatively, the accessory tool 10 can be selectively connectable to a wand (not shown) that is coupled with the vacuum hose 134 rather than directly to the vacuum hose 134.

[0084] It is noted that while the floor cleaner 120 is illustrated as an upright device, it is understood that the functional systems of the floor cleaner 120 can be arranged into any desired configuration, such as a portable device adapted to be hand carried by a user, a canister device having a cleaning implement connected to a wheeled base by a vacuum hose, or a commercial device. Any of the aforementioned cleaners can be adapted to include a flexible vacuum hose and/or a rigid wand, which can form a portion of a conduit between a nozzle and a suction source.

[0085] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an accessory tool 10A according to another aspect of the disclosure, where like elements are referred to with the same reference numeral bearing a letter A. The accessory tool 10A is substantially similar to the accessory tool 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1-8, save for having a closed bottom wall 40A. The swiper tool 16A does not have a suction inlet and is closed to incoming airflow. The suction inlet 26A of the crevice nozzle 14A can be the sole air inlet of the tool 10A.

[0086] In operation, the tool 10A can be used in a swiping motion or a sawing motion to release pet hair or other material from a surface to be cleaned using the swiper tool 16A, optionally gathering the pet hair or other collected material into a ball, which can then be removed by vacuum suction via the suction inlet 26A of the crevice nozzle 14A.

[0087] FIGS. 11-12 show an accessory tool 10B according to another aspect of the disclosure, where like elements are referred to with the same reference numeral bearing a letter B. The accessory tool 10B is substantially similar to the accessory tool 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1-8, save for the swiper tool 16B being unadorned, e.g., lacking nubs and serrations. The swiper tool 16B can have a plain outer surface, for example with the wall 40B having a substantially smooth exterior rubbing surface 42B.

[0088] The swiper tool 16B is overmolded on a portion of the tool body 12B to integrate the swiper tool 16B with the tool body 12B. For example, one or more of the walls 40B, 44B, 46B, 48B, 50B of the swiper tool 16B can be overmolded on the frame 94B. In the embodiment shown, and as can be seen in FIG. 12, at least the side walls 44B, 46B of the swiper tool 16B are overmolded on the side walls 96B, 98B of the frame 94B, with the material of the swiper tool 16B extending upwardly on the inwardly-facing surfaces of the side walls 96B, 98B.

[0089] In yet another aspect of the disclosure, and with reference to FIGS. 1-3, the accessory tool 10 according to any embodiment disclosed herein comprise a diverter (not shown) between the first and second internal flow paths. The diverter can, for example, comprise a valve body received in the tool body 12, and can be is selectively displaceable between a first position wherein a diverter air outlet is provided in fluid communication with the first suction inlet 26 of the crevice nozzle 14 and the second flow path F2 is closed or blocked, and a second position wherein the diverter air outlet is provided in fluid communication with the second suction inlet 30 of the swiper tool 16 and the first flow path F1 is closed or blocked.

[0090] In yet another aspect of the disclosure, and with reference to FIGS. 1-3, the accessory tool 10 according to any embodiment disclosed herein can comprise a light (not shown) to illuminate the surface to be cleaned. The light can be positioned, for example, at the crevice nozzle 14 or elsewhere at the first end 18 of the tool 10 so the user can see easier to hard-to-reach areas. The light can comprise any suitable light emitting element, such as a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0091] The accessory tool 10 described herein can be utilized with a suction source, including of a cleaning apparatus such as the floor cleaner as described, to form a system for cleaning and removing pet fur. Further, the swiper tool 16 can be used on a cleaning head other than an accessory tool 10, such as on the base 124 of vacuum cleaner 120. Further still, it will be understood that the accessory tool 10 described herein can be utilized in a method for removing pet hair.

[0092] The terms comprising or comprise are used herein in their broadest sense to mean and encompass the notions of including, include, consist(ing) essentially of, and consist(ing) of. The use of for example, e.g., such as, and including to list illustrative examples does not limit to only the listed examples. Thus, for example or such as means for example, but not limited to or such as, but not limited to and encompasses other similar or equivalent examples.

[0093] The above description relates to general and specific embodiments of the disclosure. However, various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. As such, this disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the disclosure or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. Any reference to elements in the singular, for example, using the articles a, an, the, or said, is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

[0094] Likewise, it is also to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to express and particular compounds, compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between particular embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describing particular features or aspects of various embodiments, different, special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members. Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or in combination and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.