Gas separation – Flexible or collapsible bag type – With flow line coupling means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-06
2001-08-21
Simmons, David A. (Department: 1724)
Gas separation
Flexible or collapsible bag type
With flow line coupling means
C055S373000, C055S378000, C055SDIG003, C015S350000, C015S352000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06277164
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for transporting a flow of air and particulates through a vacuum cleaner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional upright vacuum cleaners are commonly used in both residential and commercial settings to remove dust, debris and other particulates from floor surfaces, such as carpeting, wood flooring, and linoleum. A typical conventional upright vacuum cleaner includes a wheel-mounted head which includes an intake nozzle positioned close to the floor, a handle that extends upwardly from the head so the user can move the vacuum cleaner along the floor while remaining in a standing or walking position, and a blower or fan. The blower takes in a flow of air and debris through the intake nozzle and directs the flow into a filter bag or receptacle which traps the debris while allowing the air to pass out of the vacuum cleaner.
One drawback with some conventional upright vacuum cleaners is that the flow path along which the flow of air and particulates travels may not be uniform and/or may contain flow disruptions or obstructions. Accordingly, the flow may accelerate and decelerate as it moves from the intake nozzle to the filter bag. As the flow decelerates, the particulates may precipitate from the flow and reduce the cleaning effectiveness of the vacuum cleaner and lead to blocking of the flow path. In addition, the flow disruptions and obstructions can reduce the overall energy of the flow and therefore reduce the capacity of a flow to keep the particulates entrained until the flow reaches the filter bag.
Another drawback with some conventional upright vacuum cleaners is that the blowers and flow path can be noisy. For example, one conventional type of blower includes rotating fan blades that take in axial flow arriving from the intake nozzle and direct the flow into a radially extending tube. As each fan blade passes the entrance opening of the tube, it generates noise which can be annoying to the user and to others who may be in the vicinity of the vacuum cleaner while it is in use.
Still another drawback with some conventional upright vacuum cleaners is that the filter bag may be inefficient. For example, some filter bags are constructed by folding over one end of an open tube of porous filter material to close the one end, and leaving an opening in the other end to receive the flow of air and particulates. Folding the end of the bag can pinch the end of the bag and reduce the flow area of the bag, potentially accelerating the flow through the bag. As the flow accelerates through the bag, the particulates entrained in the flow also accelerate and may strike the walls of the bag with increased velocity, potentially weakening or breaking the bag and causing the particulates to leak from the bag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for transporting a flow of air and particulates through a vacuum cleaner. The apparatus can include a manifold that collects two portions of the flow through corresponding first and second inlet ports and combines the two portions. The manifold can further include an outlet port that directs the combined flow toward a filter element for separating at least some of the particulates from the flow.
In one embodiment, the manifold can include a receptacle for storing a belt used to drive a roller brush of the vacuum cleaner. In another embodiment, the manifold can be removably attached to a support, and can clamp a flange of the filter element against the support. The manifold can have an elliptical outlet port corresponding to an elliptical opening of the filter element. The manifold can further include passages between the inlet ports and the outlet port that expand the flow passing through the outlet port.
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Embree Michael E.
McCain James F.
Roberts Terrance M.
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Oreck Holdings LLC
Pham Minh-Chau T.
Simmons David A.
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