Squeegee Attachment Assembly And Vacuum Accessory Including Same

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to India patent application Ser. No. 202411015366, filed Mar. 1, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The field of the disclosure relates generally to vacuum accessories and attachments and, more particularly, to squeegee attachments for use with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.

BACKGROUND

Vacuum cleaners, such as wet/dry vacuums, typically include a suction unit connected to a conduit (e.g., a flexible hose or tube). Various attachment tools or accessories are available that may be connected to the conduit, such as brushes, squeegees, and/or crevice tools.

Conventional squeegee tools, for use with a vacuum, include a squeegee blade fixed relative to the suction inlet such that the squeegee blade may be used to squeegee, e.g., collect material such as liquid or debris from a surface, while the suction inlet simultaneously aspirates the material. When the squeegee is fixed to one side of the suction inlet, the squeegee tool may only be used in one direction. For example, when the squeegee is positioned in front of the suction inlet the user can only draw the squeegee tool in a backwards motion to simultaneously aspirate the material collected by the squeegee. Moreover, when the squeegee is fixed relative to the suction inlet, forces exerted on the squeegee during operation (e.g., to flex the squeegee) may cause excessive wear on the squeegee and/or skipping or “chattering” of the squeegee across the surface being cleaned.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a vacuum accessory includes a nozzle body defining a cavity and a vacuum inlet port selectively connectable to a vacuum conduit. The vacuum accessory also includes a squeegee attachment assembly removably connected to the nozzle body. The squeegee attachment assembly includes a housing that is selectively connectable to the nozzle body and defines a suction inlet, and a squeegee assembly rotatably connected to the housing such that the squeegee assembly is rotatable relative to the suction inlet. The squeegee assembly is at least partially disposed within the suction inlet. The squeegee assembly is rotatable between a forward position, in which the squeegee assembly occludes a forward side of the suction inlet, and a rearward position, in which the squeegee assembly occludes a rearward side of the suction inlet.

In another aspect, a squeegee attachment assembly for use with a vacuum accessory includes a housing that defines a suction inlet and includes at least one connector to selectively connect the squeegee attachment assembly to a nozzle body. The squeegee attachment assembly further includes a squeegee assembly rotatably connected to the housing such that the squeegee assembly is rotatable relative to the suction inlet. The squeegee assembly is at least partially disposed within the suction inlet, and is rotatable between a forward position, in which the squeegee assembly occludes a forward side of the suction inlet, and a rearward position, in which the squeegee assembly occludes a rearward side of the suction inlet.

In another aspect, a method of assembling a vacuum accessory including a nozzle body and a squeegee attachment assembly is provided. The squeegee attachment assembly includes a squeegee assembly and a housing defining a suction inlet. The method includes positioning a base portion of a squeegee blade in a holder pocket defined by one of a first holder bracket and a second holder bracket of a holder assembly and connecting the first holder bracket to the second holder bracket to retain the base portion within the holder assembly. The method includes rotatably connecting the holder assembly to a clip of the housing such that the squeegee assembly is at least partially disposed within the suction inlet and rotatable relative to the suction inlet between a forward position, in which the squeegee assembly occludes a front side of the suction inlet, and a rearward position, in which the squeegee assembly occludes a rear side of the suction inlet and connecting the squeegee assembly to the nozzle body.

Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure. Further features may also be incorporated in the above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below in relation to any of the illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure may be incorporated into any of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure, alone or in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example vacuum cleaning system including an example vacuum accessory and vacuum, illustrated as a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 2 is a lower front perspective view of the example vacuum accessory shown in FIG. 1, including a nozzle body and a squeegee attachment assembly.

FIG. 3 is an upper front perspective view of the vacuum accessory shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the vacuum accessory shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the vacuum accessory shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a lower perspective view of the nozzle body of the vacuum accessory shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of the squeegee attachment assembly of the vacuum accessory shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the squeegee attachment assembly shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is another upper perspective view of the squeegee attachment assembly with a squeegee assembly thereof omitted.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the squeegee attachment assembly shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a squeegee assembly of the squeegee attachment assembly, including a holder and a squeegee blade.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the squeegee blade of the squeegee assembly of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cut-away view of a portion of the squeegee assembly of FIG. 11, illustrating attachment features and a rotational bearing element of the squeegee assembly.

FIG. 14 is another enlarged view of a portion of the squeegee assembly.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum accessory, taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 3, illustrating the squeegee assembly in a neutral position.

FIG. 16 is another cross-sectional view of the vacuum accessory taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 3, illustrating the squeegee assembly in the neutral position.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum accessory, taken along line 17-17 in FIG. 3, illustrating the squeegee assembly in a rearward position.

FIG. 18 is another cross-sectional view of the vacuum accessory, taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 3, with the squeegee assembly in a rearward position.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum accessory, taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 3, with the squeegee assembly in a forward position.

FIG. 20 is another cross-sectional view of the vacuum accessory, taken along line 20-20 in FIG. 3, with the squeegee assembly in the forward position.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the vacuum accessories and squeegee attachment assemblies described herein facilitate improved vacuuming and squeegeeing of a surface, such as a floor or a window. Embodiments of the disclosed vacuum accessories include a hollow nozzle body and a squeegee attachment assembly that is removably connectable to the nozzle body. The squeegee attachment assembly includes a housing defining a suction inlet for suctioning or aspirating material, e.g., liquids and/or debris, and a squeegee assembly that includes a squeegee blade for squeegeeing the surface to gather material to be drawn into the suction inlet.

The squeegee assembly is rotatably connected to a housing and is disposed generally in the middle of the suction inlet in some embodiments, dividing the suction inlet into a forward side and an opposing rear side. The squeegee assembly may be rotated into a forward position, where at least a forward side of the suction inlet is occluded by the squeegee assembly while a rear side of the suction inlet is unblocked. Similarly, the squeegee assembly may be rotated into a rearward position, where the rear side of the suction inlet is occluded by the squeegee assembly while the front side of the suction inlet is unblocked. As such, in the forward position or rearward position, the squeegee attachment blocks a portion of the suction inlet, narrowing the area of the suction inlet thereby increasing the suction force. In embodiments described herein, the squeegee attachment assembly may be operated in either a forward direction (e.g., where the squeegee assembly is pushed away from an operator), in which the squeegee assembly is rotated into the rearward position, or an opposing rearward direction (e.g., where the squeegee assembly is pulled towards the operator), in which the squeegee assembly is rotated into the forward position. The forward and rearward positions may be considered end positions such that the squeegee assembly is restricted from rotating beyond the forward and rearward positions.

The rotational connection of the squeegee assembly provides ease of use by reducing the amount of force a user must impart to maintain contact between the squeegee blade and a surface, e.g., a floor. The rotational connection of the squeegee assembly allows for greater material selection for the squeegee blade because the squeegee blade experiences lower frictional forces and does not need to be as flexible as compared to other squeegee blades, for example, that bend or flex to seal off portion of a suction inlet. Rather, the rotational connection is used to reposition the blade relative to a surface. As the blade does not need to be flexed or bent into position, and the amount of force a user imparts is reduced, embodiments described herein have reduction in wear fatigue of the squeegee blade, increasing the blades useable lifespan.

In embodiments described herein, contact between the squeegee blade and the surface automatically rotates the squeegee blade from the forward position to the rearward position when the squeegee attachment assembly is transitioned between a forward motion to a rearward motion relative to a surface. Similarly, contact between the squeegee blade and the surface automatically rotates the squeegee blade from the rearward position to the forward position when the squeegee attachment assembly is transitioned between a rearward motion to a forward motion relative to a surface.

In embodiments described herein, a bottom surface of the accessory includes serrations may induce turbulent flow leading towards the squeegee blade and/or the inlet, reducing whistling noise generated by the squeegee attachment assembly. Narrowing of the suction inlet, e.g., when the squeegee assembly is in the forward or rearward positions, increases inlet flow velocities which may generate harmonic whistling. The turbulent flow created by the serrations inhibits the formation of standing harmonics preventing or reducing this harmonic whistling. Furthermore, the serrations distribute inlet flow evenly along the entire length of the suction inlet preventing localized high velocity inlet flow, e.g., at the middle of the suction inlet.

Embodiments of the squeegee attachment assemblies described herein include one or more components that may be assembled by hand and without the use of additional fasteners, e.g., screws or bolts, and without the use of additional tools. For example, in some embodiments, a squeegee assembly includes a squeegee holder having attachment features for connecting the two pieces together around a portion of the base of the squeegee blade to retain the squeegee blade in the holder. In another example, the holder may be press fit into a pocket defined by a clip formed on a housing of the squeegee attachment assembly to rotationally connect the squeegee assembly to the housing of squeegee attachment assembly. In certain embodiments, the squeegee attachment assembly includes three components—the squeegee blade, the squeegee holder, and the housing, which may be assembled together without the use of tools and/or additional fasteners.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example vacuum cleaning system 100 that includes a vacuum accessory 200 suitable for use with a vacuum 114, illustrated as a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. Although the vacuum accessory 200 is shown and described with reference to a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, the vacuum accessory 200, the squeegee attachment assembly 216 (described further herein) and features thereof may be used with vacuum cleaners other than wet/dry vacuum cleaners including, for example and without limitation, canister vacuum cleaners, upright vacuum cleaners, and backpack vacuum cleaners.

In the example embodiment, the vacuum 114 generally includes a suction unit 102 and a vacuum conduit 104 connected in fluid communication with the suction unit 102. The vacuum accessory 200 may be selectively connected to an end of the vacuum conduit 104.

The suction unit 102 generally includes a motor and a fan or impeller assembly (not shown) operatively connected to the motor to drive the fan and generate suction or negative pressure differential to permit debris and other material to be collected via the conduit 104 and the vacuum accessory 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction unit includes a collection drum or canister 108 and a powerhead 110 secured to the collection canister 108. The motor and impeller assembly of the vacuum cleaning system 100 are housed within the powerhead 110 and establish a negative pressure differential or vacuum within the collection canister 108 when activated.

The suction unit 102 also includes a vacuum inlet port 112 for connection to one end of the vacuum conduit 104. When the vacuum conduit 104 is connected to the vacuum inlet port 112, the negative pressure differential or vacuum established by the motor and impeller assembly is transferred to the vacuum conduit 104 and creates suction along the vacuum conduit 104. In some embodiments, the suction unit 102 may also include one or more filter or media assemblies interfaced between the vacuum inlet port 112 and the impeller assembly to collect finer particles or media entrained within the suction flow generated by the vacuum cleaning system 100.

The suction unit 102 also includes an exhaust port (not shown) for exhausting or expelling air flow generated by the motor and impeller assembly. In some embodiments, the exhaust port may be configured for connection to the vacuum conduit 104 such that the vacuum cleaning system 100 may be used as a blower. In some embodiments, for example, the exhaust port has a configuration similar to the vacuum inlet port 112 for connection to a first end 116 of the vacuum conduit 104.

The vacuum conduit 104 includes the first end 116 that connects to the vacuum inlet port 112 of the suction unit 102, and a second end 118 distal from the first end 116 for connection to a vacuum cleaning accessory, such as the vacuum accessory 200. Connection of the first end 116 of the vacuum conduit 104 to the vacuum inlet port 112 permits fluid communication between the suction unit 102 and the vacuum conduit 104 such that the negative pressure or vacuum established by the suction unit 102 creates suction along the vacuum conduit 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second ends 116 and 118 of the vacuum conduit 104 are circular in cross-section and define circular openings for connection to the vacuum inlet port 112 and the vacuum accessory 200, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 116 of the vacuum conduit 104 is releasably connectable to the vacuum inlet port 112 (e.g., by a friction fit) such that the vacuum conduit 104 may be disconnected from the suction unit 102 and stored when not in use. In other embodiments, the first end 116 of the vacuum conduit 104 may be fixed to the vacuum inlet port 112 such that the vacuum conduit 104 is not detachable from the suction unit 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum conduit 104 includes a flexible, extendable hose. The hose may be made of a flexible material such as plastic, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), rubber, and other flexible materials. The first and second ends 116 and 118 of the vacuum conduit 104 include annular rings having a relatively rigid construction as compared to the flexible hose or conduit to facilitate connection to the vacuum inlet port 112 and the vacuum accessory 200, respectively. In some embodiments, for example, the first end 116 and the second end 118 are constructed of the same materials as the vacuum conduit 104, and have a more rigid construction (e.g., thicker sidewalls). In other embodiments, the ends of the vacuum conduit 104 may be constructed of any suitable semi-rigid or flexible materials that enable the vacuum cleaning system 100 to function as described herein.

In other embodiments, the vacuum conduit 104 may include a rigid tube in addition to or as an alternative to the flexible hose or conduit. In such embodiments, the tube may be constructed from suitably rigid materials including, for example and without limitation, rigid and/or pliable plastics, nylons, rubbers, and metals. In other embodiments, the vacuum conduit 104 may be constructed of any suitable material that enables the vacuum cleaning system 100 to function as described herein.

The vacuum accessory 200 is selectively connectable to the second end 118 of the vacuum conduit 104 such that the vacuum accessory 200 can be manipulated to engage surfaces 202 for cleaning (e.g., floors or other surfaces). The vacuum accessory 200 is releasably connected to the second end 118 of the vacuum conduit 104 such that the vacuum accessory 200 can be interchanged with other vacuum conduit attachment tools designed for different vacuum cleaning operations. As described in more detail herein, the vacuum accessory 200 includes a vacuum conduit connector to facilitate coupling different sized (e.g., diameter) vacuum conduits and hoses to the vacuum accessory 200.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum accessory 200 that is configured for simultaneously vacuuming and squeegeeing a surface 202 (e.g., a floor). The vacuum accessory 200 includes a generally hollow upper housing or nozzle body 204 that extends from a first, downstream end 206 to a second, upstream end 208. The nozzle body 204 defines a suction cavity 210 extending between an inlet 212 (FIG. 6) defined at the first end 206 and a vacuum outlet 214 defined at the second end 208. The vacuum accessory 200 defines a suction flow path (generally, a flow path) extending from the inlet 212 to the vacuum outlet 214, denoted by arrow A in FIGS. 15-20.

In reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, the vacuum accessory 200 includes a squeegee attachment assembly 216 including a lower housing 220 and a squeegee assembly 222. The squeegee assembly 222 includes a holder assembly 224 and a squeegee blade 226 positioned in proximity to the inlet 212. The squeegee assembly 222 is rotatably connected to the lower housing 220 such that the squeegee assembly 222 is capable of rotating relative to the inlet 212. In some alternative embodiments, the squeegee assembly 222 is rotatably connected to the nozzle body 204. In the illustrated embodiments, the squeegee assembly 222 is rotatably connected to the lower housing 220. In some embodiments, the nozzle body 204 is embodied as a vacuum cleaner floor tool, to which the squeegee attachment assembly 216 may be selectively connected or disconnected by a user.

The lower housing 220 is selectively connectable to the nozzle body 204. When the lower housing 220 is connected to the nozzle body 204, the lower housing 220 covers at least a portion of the inlet 212 defined by the nozzle body 204, having a length L₂₀₄ and a width W₂₀₄ (shown in FIG. 6). In other embodiments, the lower housing 220 may be formed integrally with the nozzle body 204.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7-10, the lower housing 220 includes an outer wall 227 that extends generally vertically from a base 228. The base 228 defines an elongate, narrow suction inlet 230 having a width w₂₃₀ defined between a front side 232 and a rear side 234. The narrow suction inlet 230 is reduced or smaller in width than a width w₂₁₂ of the inlet 212 defined by the nozzle body 204. When the lower housing 220 is connected to the nozzle body 204, the narrow suction inlet 230 may be generally centrally located between a front side 236 of the nozzle body 204 and a rear side 238 of the nozzle body 204. The narrow suction inlet 230 extends along a length L₂₃₀ between a first end 240 and a second end 242, that is approximately an entire length L₂₂₀ of the lower housing 220 and/or an entire length L₂₀₄ of the nozzle body 204. The squeegee assembly 222 includes a width W₂₂₂. The width W₂₂₂ is less than a width W₂₃₂ of the narrow suction inlet 230, allowing inlet flow to pass between the squeegee assembly 222 and front and rear sides 232, 234 of the suction inlet 230, depending on the rotational position of the squeegee assembly 222. See FIGS. 15-20.

The squeegee assembly 222 may be positioned generally in the middle of the narrow suction inlet 230, between the front side 232 and the rear side 234, separating the narrow suction inlet 230 into two sides or inlets—a forward side or inlet 246 positioned on a front side 247 of the squeegee assembly 222 and a rearward side or inlet 248 positioned on a rear side 249 of the squeegee assembly 222. A width W₂₄₆ of the forward inlet 246 may be the same, or generally the same, as a width W₂₄₈ of the rearward inlet 248.

In further reference to FIG. 5, the base 228 of the lower housing 220 includes a lower or floor-engaging surface 268 which may engage with a surface 202 when the vacuum accessory 200 is in use. In the illustrated embodiments, the lower surface 268 is serrated, having a plurality of boundary walls 267 defining a plurality of channels 269. Each of the channels 269 are arranged or oriented perpendicular to a front side 260 and a rear side 262 of the lower housing 220, and to the narrow suction inlet 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of channels 269 are arranged on both sides of the narrow suction inlet 230. A portion of the boundary wall 267 may be in contact with a surface 202, during use of the vacuum accessory 200, and at least a portion of the channel 269 is spaced from the surface 202, providing an air channel leading toward the narrow suction inlet 230.

In some embodiments, the lower housing 220 includes one or more retainers 250 for engaging a retainer wall 252 of the nozzle body 204. See FIG. 3. The lower housing 220 may further include a connector 253 including one or more clips 254 for engaging one or more engagement features 256 on the nozzle body 204, as shown in FIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainers 250 include a flange 258 that extends inwardly from the outer wall 227 to define a retention channel 259, as shown in FIGS. 15-20. During assembly, the retainer wall 252 may be inserted into the retention channel 259 to secure the lower housing 220 and squeegee attachment assembly 216 to the nozzle body 204.

In some embodiments, the retainer 250 may be positioned on, or formed integrally with, the front side 260 of the lower housing 220. The connector 253 may be positioned on the opposing rear side 262 of the lower housing 220. Similarly, the retainer wall 252 may be positioned on at least the front side 236 of the nozzle body 204 and the engagement feature 256 may be positioned on the opposing rear side 238 of the nozzle body 204. Engagement of the retainers with the retainer wall 252 and engagement of the connector 253 with the engagement feature 256 may be used to connect the lower housing 220 to the nozzle body 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer wall 252 is formed around the perimeter of the inlet 212 of the nozzle body 204, and the retainer wall 252 and the engagement feature 256 may be formed integrally together.

In some embodiments, the clip 254 may define a recess 264, and the engagement feature 256 may include a protrusion 266 that is sized and shaped to be received or extend into the recess 264. When the lower housing 220 is connected to the nozzle body 204, the clip 254 retains the protrusion 266 within the recess 264 to secure the lower housing 220 to the nozzle body 204, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 15-20.

In some embodiments, the connector 253 further includes a biasing element 270 such that the clip 254 may be moved between an initial, at rest position 272 (shown in FIG. 4) and an extended position (not shown) in which the clip 254 is moved outwardly away from the nozzle body 204 and/or relative to the initial, inward, position 272. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element 270 is embodied as a portion of the lower housing 220 that has a thickness and/or is composed of a suitable material allowing the clip 254 to flex and extend between the initial position 272 and the extended position. In other embodiments, the biasing element 270 may be embodied as a torsional spring. In the inward, or initial, position 272, the clip 254 is connected to the one or more engagement features 256 of the nozzle body 204. The biasing element 270 enables the squeegee attachment assembly 216 to be selectively connected or disconnected to the nozzle body 204 without the use of tools or additional fasteners.

In some embodiments, the biasing element 270 enables the clip 254 to be moved to the extended position, such that the clip 254 may be moved past the protrusion 266 such that the protrusion 266 may be positioned within the recess 264. The connector 253 may further include a gripping portion 274 that may be pressed on by a user, to connect or disconnect the clip 254 and the engagement feature 256. For example, the gripping portion 274 may be pressed causing the biasing element 270 to move the clip 254 from the inward position 272 to the extended position. In other embodiments, the lower housing 220 may be selectively connected to the nozzle body 204 using any suitable attachment mechanisms or retaining features without the use of separate fasteners, e.g., bolts or screws and without the use of additional tools.

The lower housing 220 may include an attachment channel 279 defined between the outer wall 227 and at least one inner wall 278 sized to receive a portion of the nozzle body 204 therein, to selectively align and/or connect the nozzle body 204 to the lower housing 220. For example, at least a portion of the nozzle body 204, e.g., the retainer wall 252, may be pressed into the attachment channel 279, between the outer wall 227 and the at least one inner wall 278, such that the lower housing 220 may also be frictionally connected to the nozzle body 204.

In reference to FIGS. 7-10, the lower housing 220 further includes one or more clips 280 that rotationally support the squeegee assembly 222 within the lower housing 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower housing 220 includes three of the clips 280 positioned along the length of the narrow suction inlet 230. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a first clip 282 is disposed at the first end 240 of the narrow suction inlet 230, a second clip 286 is disposed at the second end 242 of the narrow suction inlet 230, and a third clip 288 is positioned between the first end 240 and the second end 242.

Each clip 280 includes an arched wall 300 that extends over the narrow suction inlet 230 and defines a clip pocket 302. As described below, at least a portion of the squeegee assembly 222 is positioned within the clip pocket 302 and is rotatable relative to the arched wall 300.

In reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 11, and 14, the squeegee assembly 222 further includes one or more rotational bearing elements 310 extending from or formed integrally with, the holder assembly 224. The rotational bearing element 310 is sized and shaped to be received within the clip pocket 302 with sufficient clearance between the clip 280 and the rotational bearing element 310 such that the rotational bearing element 310 may rotate within the clip pocket 302 and relative to the clip 280. For example, the arched wall 300 may define a circular shaped clip pocket 302, and the rotational bearing element 310 may be circular shaped and sized to fit within the circular shaped clip pocket 302, enabling rotation of the squeegee assembly 222 relative to the arched wall 300.

In reference to FIG. 10, each clip 280 includes a neck 312 that defines an inlet 314 to the clip pocket 302. The inlet 314 has a width d₃₁₂ that is narrower than a diameter d₃₁₀, or a width, of the rotational bearing elements 310. Moreover, the neck 312 can be formed of suitably resilient or compliant materials such that the neck 312 can flex and the width d₃₁₂ of the inlet 314 can be increased. The rotational bearing elements 310 can thereby be pressed through the neck 312, widening the inlet 314, such that the rotational bearing element 310 may be positioned within the clip pocket 302. When the rotational bearing element 310 is disposed within the clip 280, the neck 312 restricts disengagement between the clip 280 and the rotational bearing element 310. Accordingly, the squeegee attachment assembly 216 including the lower housing 220, the holder assembly 224, including a first holder bracket 340 and a second holder bracket 342, and the squeegee blade 226 may be assembled together without the use of tools and/or separate fasteners or tools.

In reference to FIGS. 7-8, the clip 280 includes a slot 320 and the rotational bearing element 310 includes a hinge 322 extending through the slot 320. In the illustrated embodiment, two of the clips 280 (i.e., the first and second clips 280 located at the first and second ends 240, 242 of the narrow suction inlet 230) include a slot 320, and two of the corresponding rotational bearing elements 310 include a hinge 322. The hinges 322 rotationally connect the first holder bracket 340 relative to the second holder bracket 342. For example, each hinge 322 includes a thickness and/or is composed of a suitable material allowing the first holder bracket 340 and second holder bracket 342 to rotate about the hinges 322. In some alternative embodiments, the hinges 322 include a biasing element, such as a torsional spring. The hinges 322 connect the first holder bracket 340 and the second holder bracket 342. For example, the first holder bracket 340, the second holder bracket 342, and the hinges 322 are formed integrally together, improving manufacturing efficiency by reducing the number of individual components. In some alternative embodiments, the first holder bracket 340 and the second holder bracket 342 are formed separately and are connected together by one or more hinges 322.

The slot 320 is at least partially defined by a first end 324 and a second end 326. Rotation of the rotational bearing element 310 relative to the clip 280 moves the hinge 322 within the slot 320. The slot 320 may provide clearance for the hinge 322 to extend through the arched wall 300 of the clip 280.

In the illustrated embodiment, when the rotational bearing element 310 is disposed within the clip pocket 302, the hinge 322 is disposed between the first end 324 and the second end 326. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, more than one of the clips 280 and corresponding rotational bearing elements 310 includes the slot 320 and hinge 322.

In some alternative embodiments, the hinges 322 act as stoppers, such that contact between the hinge 322 and the first end 324 or the second end 326 stops or arrests continued rotation of the rotational bearing element 310, stopping continued rotation of the squeegee assembly 222 in a given direction. The hinge 322 and slot 320 may be sized and shaped to allow for a desired amount of rotation of the squeegee assembly 222 relative to the nozzle body 204, the lower housing 220, the inlet 212, and/or the narrow suction inlet 230, as described further herein with reference to FIGS. 15-20.

In reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the squeegee blade 226 includes a base portion 330 and a blade portion 332. The base portion 330 is connected to or received within the holder assembly 224, such that the squeegee assembly 222 and the holder assembly 224 rotate together relative to the lower housing 220, the inlet 212, and/or the narrow suction inlet 230.

In reference to FIG. 14, the first holder bracket 340 and the second holder bracket 342 are rotatable about hinges 322 between a closed position 378, see FIGS. 11, 13 and 14, and an open position (not shown). In the closed position, the first holder bracket 340 and the second holder bracket 342 are selectively connectable together, for example, by one or more connector assemblies 370. The first holder bracket 340 defines a first holder pocket 344 and the second holder bracket 342 defines a second holder pocket 346, as shown in FIGS. 15-20. The first and second holder brackets 340, 342 may be selectively connected together (e.g., connector assemblies 370) to form a single holder pocket 348 formed of the first and second holder pockets 344, 346. The holder pocket 348 is sized and shaped to receive and retain the base portion 330 therein when the first holder bracket 340 and the second holder bracket 342 are in the closed position.

The holder assembly 224 includes an outlet 350, defined by the first holder bracket 340 and the second holder bracket 342. The blade portion 332 of the squeegee blade 226 extends outside of the holder pocket 348 through the outlet 350, and beyond the base 228 of the lower housing 220.

In some embodiments, the rotational bearing element 310 may also be formed of two separate components, for example, a first side 352 connected to, or formed integrally with, the first holder bracket 340 and a second side 354 connected to, or formed integrally with, the second holder bracket 342. When the first holder bracket 340 is connected to the second holder bracket 342, e.g., in the closed position 378, the first and second sides 352, 354, are connected together to form the entire rotational bearing element 310. Additionally, in some embodiments, each hinge 322 is also formed of a first hinge side 356 connected to, or formed integrally with, the first holder bracket 340 and a second hinge side 358 that is connected to, or formed integrally with, the second holder bracket 342. The first hinge side 356 and the second hinge side 358 are hinged together at a distal end 359 of the hinge 322. In some embodiments, like the illustrated embodiment, the first holder bracket 340 and the second holder bracket 342 include a lower ridge 360, as shown in FIGS. 13. The base portion 330 of the squeegee blade 226 includes a lip 362, such that when the base portion 330 of the squeegee blade 226 is disposed within the holder pocket 348, the lip 362 is in contact with the ridge 360 to retain the base portion 330 within the holder pocket 348, e.g., the connection between the lip 362 and the ridge 360 may prevent the base portion 330 from moving through the outlet 350.

In reference to FIG. 13, the first holder bracket 340 and second holder bracket 342 may be selectively connected or disconnected together using one or more connector assemblies 370. For example, in the closed position 378, the first and second holder brackets 340, 342 may be connected together, using one or more connector assemblies 370, to prevent rotation about of the first and second holder brackets 340, 342 about the hinges 322. Each connector assembly 370 of the illustrated embodiment includes a keyed opening 372 connected to one of the first holder bracket 340 or second holder bracket 342, and at least one keyed clip 374 connected to the other of the first holder bracket 340 and second holder bracket 342. When the first and second holder brackets 340, 342 are pressed together, the keyed clip 374 may be disposed within the keyed opening 372.

In further reference to FIG. 14, the first holder bracket 340 and the second holder bracket 342 of the illustrated embodiment include a first alignment feature 380 formed on one of the first and second holder brackets 340, 342, and a second alignment feature 382 formed on the other of the first and second holder brackets 340, 342. The first and second alignment features 380, 382 are sized and shaped to align the first holder bracket 340 relative to the second holder bracket 342 when the alignment features 380, 382 are in contact. Mating engagement of the first and second alignment features 380, 382 aligns the keyed opening 372 with the keyed clip 374 to facilitate the connection of the first holder bracket 340 with the second holder bracket 342. In the illustrated embodiment, the first alignment feature 380 and the second alignment feature 382 are defined on the first side 352 and second side 354 of the rotational bearing element 310. In other embodiments, the first alignment feature 380 and second alignment feature 382 may be formed or attached to any suitable location on the first holder bracket 340 and the second holder bracket 342. In embodiments described herein, the first holder bracket 340 and the second holder bracket 342 may be selectively connected together, in the closed position 378, or disconnected, in the open position, without the use of additional fasteners, e.g., screws or bolts, and without the use of additional tools.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-6, the vacuum accessory 200 includes a vacuum connector 390, positioned near the second end 208 around the vacuum outlet 214, for connection to the vacuum, e.g., for connection to the second end 118 of the vacuum conduit 104 (or hose). The vacuum connector 390 is configured (sized, shaped, and made of suitable material) for connection to the vacuum conduit 104 and can be designed for connecting to various sizes (e.g., diameters) of vacuum hoses or conduits. When the vacuum accessory 200 is connected to the vacuum conduit 104 via the vacuum connector 390, suction generated by the suction unit 102 is transferred to the vacuum accessory 200, generating airflow through the inlet 212 and/or narrow suction inlet 230 at the first end 206 of the vacuum accessory 200 towards the second end 208 of the vacuum accessory 200.

In reference to FIGS. 15-20, the squeegee assembly 222 is rotatable between a neutral position 400 (shown in FIGS. 15 and 16), a rearward position 402 (shown in FIGS. 17 and 18), and a forward position 404 (shown in FIGS. 19 and 20). In the neutral position 400, shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the squeegee assembly 222, e.g., the blade portion 332, is oriented generally perpendicular to the lower housing 220 and/or the narrow suction inlet 230 and is positioned approximately midway between the front side 232 and rear side 234 of the narrow suction inlet 230. In addition, in the neutral position 400, the hinge 322 is positioned halfway, or midway, between the first end 324 and the second end 326 of the slot 320. In the neutral position 400, the flow path A includes a front flow path A_f through the forward inlet 246 and a rear flow path A_r through the rearward inlet 248. See FIG. 16. In some embodiments, the squeegee assembly 222 may be positioned in the neutral position 400 as the squeegee assembly 222 is rotated between the forward position 404 and rearward position 402 and vice versa. In some embodiments, the rearward position 402 and the forward position 404 are at least 10 degrees of rotation from the neutral position. In some embodiments, for example, the rearward position 402 and the forward position 404 are approximately 15degrees of rotation from the neutral position 400. In yet other embodiments, the rearward position 402 and the forward position 404 is between 10 degrees and 20 degrees of rotation from the neutral position 400. In some embodiments, the forward position 404 and the rearward position 402 are approximately equal degrees of rotation from the neutral position 400.

In reference to FIG. 18, when the squeegee assembly 222 is positioned in the rearward position 402, at least a portion of the squeegee assembly 222 is in contact with the rear side 234 of the narrow suction inlet 230, substantially blocking or occluding the rearward inlet 248, and leaving the forward inlet 246 unblocked to allow air flow along flow path A_f, while preventing or limiting air flow along flow path A_r.

Contact between the squeegee assembly 222 (e.g., the holder assembly 224) and the rear side 234 of the narrow suction inlet 230 resists further rotations of the squeegee assembly 222. In some embodiments, the squeegee blade 226 does not restrict rotations and/or does not contact the lower housing 220, reducing wear on the squeegee blade 226.

In some alternative embodiments, when the squeegee assembly 222 is positioned in the rearward position 402, the hinge 322 may act as a stopper and may be in contact with the first end 324 of the slot 320, restricting further rotation of the squeegee assembly 222 in the rearward direction.

In reference to FIG. 20, when the squeegee assembly 222 is positioned in the forward position 404, at least a portion of the squeegee assembly 222 is in contact with the front side 232 of the narrow suction inlet 230, substantially blocking or occluding the forward inlet 246, and leaving the rearward inlet 248 unblocked to allow air flow along flow path A_r, while preventing or limiting air flow along flow path A_f.

Contact between the squeegee assembly 222 (e.g., the holder assembly 224) and the front side 247 of the narrow suction inlet 230 resists further rotations of the squeegee assembly 222. In some embodiments, the squeegee blade 226 does not restrict rotations and/or does not contact the lower housing 220, reducing wear on the squeegee blade 226.

In some embodiments, in the forward position 404, the hinge 322 may act as a stopper and may be in contact with the second end 326 of the slot 320, restricting further rotation of the squeegee assembly 222 in the forward direction.

In the embodiments described herein, the squeegee assembly 222, including the squeegee blade 226, is automatically rotated into a useable position—i.e., a position in which the squeegee assembly 222 occludes or blocks a portion of the narrow suction inlet 230 (e.g., the forward or rearward positions)—relative to the inlet 212 and/or the narrow suction inlet 230, by moving the vacuum accessory 200 and squeegee assembly 222 in either a forward F or rearward R direction against the surface 202. For example, when the vacuum accessory 200 is engaged with a surface, such as floor surface 202, and moved in the forward direction F, the friction between the surface and the squeegee blade 226 creates a torsional force on the squeegee assembly 222, rotating the squeegee assembly 222 rearwardly, blocking or occluding the rearward inlet 248 such that the majority or all airflow through the vacuum accessory 200 flows through the forward inlet 246. Similarly, when the vacuum accessory 200 is engaged with a surface and moved in the rearward direction R, the friction between the surface and the squeegee blade 226 creates a torsional force on the squeegee assembly 222, rotating the squeegee assembly 222 forwardly, blocking or occluding the forward inlet 246 such that the majority or all airflow through the vacuum accessory 200 flows through the rearward inlet 248. Rotational positioning of the squeegee assembly 222, caused by the torsional forces, reduces, or eliminates squeaking or chattering between the squeegee blade 226 and the floor surface 202, such that the squeegee blade 226 moves smoothly across the surface 202 improving water and debris removal while increasing the lifespan of the squeegee blade 226.

The vacuum accessory 200 may be constructed from a variety of suitable materials depending on the intended use or application of the vacuum accessory 200. In some embodiments, for example, the vacuum accessory 200 is constructed of a hard, rigid plastic including, for example and without limitation, polypropylene. In other embodiments, the vacuum accessory 200 may be constructed of any suitably rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible material that enables the vacuum accessory 200 to function as described herein including, for example and without limitation, PE, EVA, and rubber. In the illustrated embodiments, the vacuum accessory 200 has a two-piece construction. That is, the hollow nozzle body 204 is formed as one piece, and other portions of the vacuum accessory 200 are formed as a separate piece (e.g., an outer collar). When the two pieces are coupled together, the vacuum accessory 200 is formed, as described further herein. Suitable methods for forming individual pieces of the vacuum accessory 200 include, for example and without limitation, injection molding, precision machining, and casting.

The squeegee assembly 222, including the base portion 330 and the blade portion 332, may be constructed of a different material than the nozzle body 204 and/or the lower housing 220. For example, the squeegee assembly 222 may be constructed of rubber, urethane, neoprene, and/or polyurethane. In some embodiments, the base portion 330 and the blade portion 332 are composed of different materials.

An example method of assembling the vacuum accessory 200 including the nozzle body 204 and the squeegee attachment assembly 216 includes positioning the base portion 330 of the squeegee blade 226 in the holder pocket 348 defined by one of the first holder bracket 340 and/or the second holder bracket 342 of the holder assembly 224. The method further includes rotating the first holder bracket 340 and the second holder bracket 342 about the hinge 322 into the closed position 378 capturing the base portion 330 within the holder pocket 348.

The method further includes connecting the first holder bracket 340 and the second holder bracket 342 together, in the closed position 378, retaining the base portion 330 within the holder pocket 348. The first holder bracket 340 and the second holder bracket 342 may be connected together, when rotated into the closed position 378, by matingly engaging the first alignment feature 380 with the second alignment feature 382, aligning the relative position of the first holder pocket 344 and second holder pocket 346 and aligning the keyed opening 372 and the keyed clip 374. Connecting the first holder bracket 340 and the second holder bracket 342 together may also include inserting the keyed clip 374 into the keyed opening 372.

The method also includes rotatably connecting the holder assembly 224 to the clip 280 of the lower housing 220 such that the squeegee assembly 222 is at least partially disposed within the narrow suction inlet 230 and rotatable relative to the narrow suction inlet 230 between the forward position 404, in which the squeegee assembly 222 occludes the forward inlet 246 of the narrow suction inlet 230, and the rearward position 402, in which the squeegee assembly 222 occludes the rearward inlet 248 of the narrow suction inlet 230.

The method also includes connecting the squeegee attachment assembly 216 to the nozzle body 204. Connecting the squeegee attachment assembly 216 to the nozzle body 204 can include inserting at least a portion of the nozzle body 204 in the attachment channel 279 defined between the outer wall 227 and the one or more inner walls 278. Connecting the squeegee attachment assembly 216 to the nozzle body 204 can also include inserting the retainer wall 252 into the retention channel 259 to connect the front side 236 of the lower housing 220 to the front side 236 of the nozzle body 204. Connecting the squeegee attachment assembly 216 to the nozzle body 204 can also include engaging the clip 254 of the lower housing 220 with the engagement feature 256 on the nozzle body 204.

Example embodiments of squeegee attachment assemblies are described above in detail. Aspects of the squeegee attachment assemblies are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the squeegee attachment assemblies may be used independently and separately from other components described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the lower housing may be formed separately from the nozzle body and may be selectively connected or disconnected from the nozzle body. In alternative embodiments, the lower housing may be formed integrally with the nozzle body.

As used herein, the terms “about,” “substantially,” “essentially” and “approximately” when used in conjunction with ranges of dimensions, concentrations, temperatures or other physical or chemical properties or characteristics is meant to cover variations that may exist in the upper and/or lower limits of the ranges of the properties or characteristics, including, for example, variations resulting from rounding, measurement methodology or other statistical variation.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The use of terms indicating a particular orientation (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “side”, etc.) is for convenience of description and does not require any particular orientation of the item described.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawing[s] shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.