Debris access door

Details Debris access door Debris access door

1999-03-15

2001-10-30

Moore, Chris K. (Department: 1744)

Cleaning and liquid contact with solids

Processes

Including use of vacuum, suction, or inert atmosphere

C015S310000, C015S327200, C015S331000, C015S339000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06309469

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to vacuum cleaners, and more particularly to devices that allow large debris to enter a vacuum cleaner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vacuum cleaners generally include a motor assembly, a tank or other receptacle, a hose inlet on the receptacle, and a hose that attaches to the hose inlet at one end and has a nozzle at the other end. The motor of the motor assembly drives an impeller that creates a low pressure area inside the receptacle. The pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the receptacle creates a suction effect at the hose inlet, which causes dust, debris, and liquids to enter the receptacle through the hose.
The capability of vacuum cleaners to pick up large debris has been limited to debris that is smaller than the diameter of the hose. Further, even debris that is smaller than the hose diameter may clog the hose when passing through a bend in the hose. A large diameter hose for accepting large debris may not be acceptable because it will reduce the air velocity in the hose inlet, thus reducing the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. Hoses are often used with nozzles which may have an even smaller cross section, and further increase the likelihood of clogging. Additionally, a hose with limited bending capability to allow passage of large debris reduces the versatility of the vacuum cleaner by making it ineffective for accessing hard to reach areas. Therefore, in most instances, a vacuum cleaner operator must manually pick up large debris and dispose of it by other means.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The debris access door eliminates the drawbacks noted above in a simple and effective manner.
Particularly, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a vacuum cleaner may include a receptacle and a debris opening in air communication with the receptacle. The vacuum cleaner further includes a lid that is removably attached to the receptacle. Additionally, the vacuum cleaner includes a motor assembly in air communication with the receptacle, a door opening and closing the debris opening, and a hose inlet on the receptacle.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the debris opening may be on the receptacle.
In accordance with another aspect the present invention, the debris opening may be in the lid.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the vacuum cleaner may include an adaptor that is removably connected to the hose inlet at one end and attached to the hose at the other end, where the debris opening is on the adaptor.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the vacuum cleaner may include an adaptor that is removably connected to the hose inlet at one end and removably connected to the hose at the other end, where the debris opening is on the adaptor.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like structures.


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International Search Report, International Application No. PCT/US99/16071, International Filing Date Jul. 16, 1999.

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