Drum latch retaining mechanism for wet/dry vacuum

Details Drum latch retaining mechanism for wet/dry vacuum Drum latch retaining mechanism for wet/dry vacuum

1999-08-31

2001-11-27

Moore, Chris K. (Department: 1744)

Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning

Machines

With air blast or suction

C015S327600, C292S101000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06321410

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of vacuum cleaner appliances, and more particularly relates to a wet/dry type of vacuum cleaner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vacuum cleaner appliances capable of picking up both wet and dry material, commonly referred to as wet/dry vacuums or wet/dry vacs, are well-known. Wet/dry vacs are often used in workshops and other environments where both wet and dry debris can accumulate.
Wet/dry vacs conventionally consist of a collection drum or canister, often mounted on wheels or casters, and a cover or lid upon which a motor and impeller assembly is mounted. The motor and impeller assembly creates a suction within the canister, such that debris and liquid are drawn in to the canister through an air inlet to which a flexible hose can be attached. A filter within the canister prevents incoming debris from escaping from the canister while allowing filtered air to escape. One example of a such a wet/dry vac is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,072.
Prior art examples of wet/dry vacuums include: U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,868 to Berfield et al., entitled “Pilot and Detent Apparatus for a Vacuum Device;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,500 to Stephens et al., entitled “Method for Manufacturing a Bucket for a Wet/Dry Vacuum;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,605 to Tomasiak, entitled “Wet/Dry Utility Vacuum with a Wheel Mount;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,600 to Corson, entitled “NonTipping Wet/Dry Vacuum;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,769 to Tomasiak, entitled “Wet/Dry Utility Vacuum Cleaner with Detachable Blower;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,945 to Crouser, et al., entitled “Wet/Dry Utility Vacuum Cleaner;” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,107 to Tomasiak et al., entitled “Latching Mechanism for Wet/Dry Utility Vacuum Cleaner with Detachable Blower.”
In many wet/dry vac designs, the motor and impeller assembly is mounted on the cover or lid of the collection canister. That is, in many designs, the collection canister's lid carries and/or is integrally formed with the motor and impeller assembly. To facilitate the emptying of debris from the collection canister, the lid is preferably detachably affixed onto the collection canister. To this end, a latching mechanism of some sort is preferably provided for enabling a user to detach the lid from the canister.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a wet/dry vacuum appliance having a drum latching mechanism for detachably securing the lid atop the collection canister. In one embodiment, the latching mechanism comprises a pair of opposing latch members rotatably coupled to the lid generally at the perimeter thereof and adapted to engage retaining ribs formed at corresponding locations on the perimeter of the canister. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the configuration of the rotatable coupling of the latch members to the lid is such that once the latch members are mounted onto the lid, they are prevented from being inadvertently removed from the lid.


REFERENCES:
patent: 1308197 (1919-07-01), Schilinger
patent: 1702507 (1929-02-01), Hennicke
patent: 1751079 (1930-03-01), Drumm
patent: 2233167 (1941-02-01), Holm-Hansen
patent: 2295984 (1942-09-01), Wiilson
patent: 2722994 (1955-11-01), Fisker
patent: 2818596 (1958-01-01), Martinec
patent: 2889006 (1959-06-01), Ortega et al.
patent: 3364513 (1968-01-01), Brisman
patent: 4171208 (1979-10-01), Lowder

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Drum latch retaining mechanism for wet/dry vacuum does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Drum latch retaining mechanism for wet/dry vacuum, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Drum latch retaining mechanism for wet/dry vacuum will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2573135