SELF-STANDING VACUUM CLEANER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/730,576, filed on December 11, 2024, entitled “SELF-STANDING VACUUM CLEANER,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure pertains to a compact, lightweight vacuum cleaner (e.g., a stick vacuum cleaner) with one or more mechanisms to facilitate vertical self-balancing of the vacuum cleaner when unattended.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Vacuum cleaners have a variety of configurations that can be particularly beneficial for different environments. Stick vacuums, as they are sometimes called, are a category of lightweight, compact vacuum cleaners designed for easy maneuverability and convenience, particularly in smaller living spaces. Typically cordless, stick vacuums are equipped with rechargeable batteries, though some models can be corded. Their defining feature is a wand-like design, with a long, slender tube that serves as the conduit for suction. At one end of the wand, a handheld portion houses the suction motor and the debris separation, filtration, and containment system. This handheld unit makes them versatile for quick clean-ups, especially when detached for use in cars or hard-to-reach areas. On the other end of the wand is a foot or suction nozzle, which engages directly with the surface being cleaned — most commonly floors, carpets, or upholstery. Stick vacuums are favored for their convenience, easy storage, and lightweight design, making them ideal for quick clean-ups and daily maintenance.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a self-standing vacuum cleaner includes a body having a debris holder and a suction motor. A handle is coupled to the body. A wand includes a first end coupled to the body and a second end. A suction channel is defined by an interior of the wand and is in fluid communication with the suction motor. A surface treatment foot is coupled to the second end, the wand is moveable relative to the surface treatment foot between an upright position and a plurality of tilted positions angled from the upright position. The surface treatment foot includes a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction channel. A bracket is connected to the surface treatment foot by an actuator that is configured to move the bracket to an extended position when the wand is proximate the upright position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a self-standing vacuum cleaner includes a body having a debris holder and a suction motor. A handle is coupled to the body. A wand includes a first end coupled to the body and a second end. A suction channel is defined by an interior of the wand and is in fluid communication with the suction motor. The wand includes a first wand portion and a second wand portion telescopically slidable within the first wand portion between a collapsed state and an elongated state, and a wand collar fixed to the first wand portion. A surface treatment foot includes a receiving sleeve that is coupled to the second end, the wand is moveable relative to the surface treatment foot between an upright position and a plurality of tilted positions angled from the upright position. The surface treatment foot includes a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction channel. A sleeve collar is slidably coupled to the receiving sleeve and includes a latch. A detent is engageable with the latch when the wand is in the upright position that retains the wand in the upright position. A bracket includes at least one wheel and is connected to the surface treatment foot by an actuator that is configured to move the bracket to an extended position when the detent is engaged with the latch in the upright position.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a self-standing vacuum cleaner includes a body having a debris holder and a suction motor. A handle is coupled to the body. A wand includes a first end coupled to the body and a second end. A suction channel is defined by an interior of the wand and is in fluid communication with the suction motor. The wand includes a first wand portion and a second wand portion telescopically slidable within the first wand portion between a collapsed state and an elongated state. A surface treatment foot is coupled to the second end, the wand moveable relative to the surface treatment foot between an upright position and a plurality of tilted positions angled from the upright position. The surface treatment foot includes a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction channel. A bracket includes at least one wheel and is connected to the surface treatment foot by an actuator that is configured to move the bracket to an extended position when the wand is proximate the upright position and in the collapsed state.

The above summary is not intended to represent every possible construction or aspect of the subject disclosure. Rather, the foregoing summary is intended to exemplify some of the novel aspects and features disclosed herein. The above-summarized features and other features and advantages of the subject disclosure will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes for carrying out the subject disclosure when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is an elevational side view of a self-standing vacuum cleaner in an angled position and an elongated state, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is an elevational side view of a self-standing vacuum cleaner in an upright position with a wand in a collapsed state and a bracket in an extended position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is an elevational side view of a body and handle of a self-standing vacuum cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is an elevational side view of a surface treatment foot of a self-standing vacuum cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a partially schematic side view of a surface treatment foot with an unengaged detent of a self-standing vacuum cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a partially schematic side view of a surface treatment foot with an engaged detent of a self-standing vacuum cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of a rectangular surface treatment foot with a bracket in a stowed position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a top plan view of a rectangular surface treatment foot with a bracket in an extended position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of a trapezoidal surface treatment foot with a bracket in a stowed position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a top plan view of a trapezoidal surface treatment foot with a bracket in an extended position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a partially schematic side view of a surface treatment foot with a bracket and an actuator with a motor and a gear drive, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a partially schematic side view of a surface treatment foot with a bracket and an actuator with a motor and a belt driven gear mechanism, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a partially schematic side view of a surface treatment foot with a bracket and an actuator with a manually operated mechanism, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of a surface treatment foot with a bracket in an extended position and an actuator with a slidable track system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9B is a top perspective view of a surface treatment foot with a bracket in a stowed position and an actuator with a slidable track system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9C is a top perspective view of a surface treatment foot with an actuator with a slidable member, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9D is a top perspective view of a surface treatment foot with an actuator with a track member, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view of a wand coupled to a receiving sleeve of a self-standing vacuum cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a surface treatment foot with a support brace, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional partial side perspective view of a surface treatment foot with a support brace, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional partial side perspective view of a surface treatment foot with a bearing member, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a compact, lightweight vacuum cleaner (e.g., a stick vacuum cleaner) with one or more mechanisms to facilitate vertical self-balancing of the vacuum cleaner when unattended. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1A. Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a . . . " does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-2B, reference numeral 10 generally designates a self-standing vacuum cleaner. The self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 includes a body 12 that may extend between an upper surface 14 and a lower surface 16. The body 12 includes a debris holder 18, and a suction motor 24 (e.g., part of a suction assembly 22 including an impeller and suction motor 24). In some implementations, the body 12 further includes a battery 20 and/or a power receiving cord or module for plugging in the power receiving cord. A handle 26 is coupled to the body 12. A wand 28 includes a first end 30 coupled to the body 12 (e.g., the lower surface 16) and a second end 32. A suction channel 34 is defined by an interior of the wand 28 and in fluid communication with the suction motor 24. A surface treatment foot 36 is coupled to the second end 32 (e.g., via a linkage 38), and the wand 28 is moveable relative to the surface treatment foot 36 between an upright position and a plurality of tilted positions angled from the upright position. The surface treatment foot 36 includes a suction nozzle 40 in fluid communication with the suction channel 34. A bracket 42 is connected to the surface treatment foot 36 by an actuator 46 that is configured to move the bracket 42 to an extended position when the wand 28 is proximate the upright position.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-2B, in some implementations, the bracket 42 may include at least one wheel 44. In use, the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 can be balanced vertically in the upright position. The self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 may have a stick vacuum configuration as depicted. By balancing the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 vertically, the user can freely move around the environment to, for example, move furniture, remove items on the floor, and other cleaning activities without setting the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 horizontally on the floor. Further, by balancing the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 vertically, the user does not have to bend down to pick it up or put it down between use. In addition, the upright orientation generally takes up less storage space without the need for an additional stand or mount. As will be described in further detail below, the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 includes a variety of different mechanisms (e.g., the bracket 42 and the actuator 46) that facilitate vertical balancing in the upright position. According to one aspect, these mechanisms may also ensure the operation of the bracket 42 (e.g., moving to the extended position) via the actuator 46 only occurs in appropriate situations. The self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 includes a center of gravity 48 with a vertical axis A extending from the center of gravity 48 to the surface treatment foot 36 when the wand 28 is located in the upright position. The surface treatment foot 36 in combination with the at least one bracket 42 and/or wheel 44 in the extended position defines a surface supported boundary. The surface supported boundary may be defined as a boundary line running through the outermost points of contact between the surface treatment foot 36 and the cleaning surface or floor. The vertical axis A from the center of gravity 48 may be aligned with a region of the surface supported boundary to permit the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 to freely balance vertically in the upright position.

With reference now to FIGS. 1A-3B, the wand 28 may include a first wand portion 50 and a second wand portion 52 telescopically slidable within the first wand portion 50 between a collapsed state and an elongated state. For example, the second wand portion 52 may be telescopically slidable within a first wand portion between about 10 cm and about 20 cm (e.g., 15 cm), about 10 cm or greater, about 15 cm or greater, or about 20 cm or greater. According to one aspect, the actuator 46 may be configured to move the bracket 42 to an extended position when the wand 28 is in the collapsed state. More particularly, the surface treatment foot 36 may include a detent 54 and the wand 28 may include a latch 56 located proximate the second end 32 that is engageable with the detent 54 when the wand 28 is moved to the upright position in order to retain the wand 28 in the upright position. In some implementations, the actuator 46 may be configured to move the bracket 42 to the extended position when the detent 54 is engaged by the latch 56. For example, the first wand portion 50 may extend from the first end 30 to a wand collar 58 and the second wand portion 52 may extend from the second end 32 to the wand collar 58. The wand collar 58 may include a catch 59 that can be articulated by the user between a released position, where the first wand portion 50 is movable (e.g., telescopically) relative to the second wand portion 52 and an unreleased position, where the first wand portion 50 is locked in place relative to the second wand portion 52. More particularly, the wand collar 58 may be statically coupled relative to the first wand portion 50 such that when the second wand portion 52 is received by the first wand portion 50, the wand collar 58 moves towards the surface treatment foot 36 and detent 54. In some implementations, the wand collar 58 may include the latch 56 and the latch 56 is engageable with the detent 54 only in the collapsed state. However, in the depicted implementation, the receiving sleeve 60 includes a sleeve collar 63 that includes the latch 56. The sleeve collar 63 may be upwardly biased (e.g., via a spring or biasing member) towards the wand collar 58. As such, the wand collar 58 is moved downwardly and overcomes the bias of the sleeve collar 63 to push the sleeve collar 63 and latch 56 into contact with the detent 54. The wand collar 58 may include a projection 65 that extends from a bottom surface of the wand collar 58 towards the sleeve collar 63 and pushes the sleeve collar 63 downwardly when the wand 28 is moved into the collapsed state. The sleeve collar 63 may include a projection 67 similar to and aligned with the projection 65 on the wand collar 58, such that the projections 65, 67 interface and cause downward movement of the sleeve collar 63. Therefore, in some implementations, the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 may need to be in the upright position and the wand 28 may need to be in a collapsed state prior to the actuator 46 moving the bracket 42 to the extended position. In this manner, the center of gravity 48 is located closer to the surface treatment foot 36 when the wand 28 is in the collapsed state. Therefore, when the actuator 46 is utilized, improvements in balancing (e.g., via a lower center of gravity 48) and a reduction of potential damage (e.g., to the body 12) are exhibited in scenarios where the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 may be inadvertently knocked over.

The surface treatment foot 36 may include a receiving sleeve 60 coupled to the linkage 38 that may selectively receive the wand 28. For example, the sleeve 60 may include a release clasp 61 for selective attachment to the wand 28 (FIGS. 4A-5B). The surface treatment foot 36 may include a housing 62 defining an outer perimeter 64. The housing 62 may include a main compartment 66 that houses one or more rollers 68 with bristles or other agitating members 70 (FIG. 12) for agitating the surface to be cleaned before debris is routed through the suction channel 34. A roller motor 72 may be located in the main compartment 66 and drives the one or more rollers 68 to rotate. The outer perimeter 64 of the housing 62 may include a front edge 74 spaced from a rear edge 76 and a pair of side edges 78. The one or more rollers 68 may be located in the suction nozzle 40 and may be proximate the front edge 74 and a bottom housing surface 80. The rear edge 76 may define a sleeve connection opening 82 and the receiving sleeve 60 may be located within the sleeve connection opening 82 and coupled to opposite surfaces of the sleeve connection opening 82 via the linkage 38 that permits the receiving sleeve 60 to articulate with respect to the surface treatment foot 36.

The linkage 38 may include any type of connection that allows the receiving sleeve 60 to articulate relative to the surface treatment foot 36, such that the bottom housing surface 80 remains flat on the surface to be cleaned as the wand 28 is tilted between different positions. For example, in some implementations, the linkage 38 may include a pivot connection that includes one or more pins 84 statically coupled to one of the receiving sleeve 60 or the opposite surfaces of sleeve connection opening 82 and rotationally coupled to the other one of the receiving sleeve 60 or the opposite surfaces of the sleeve connection opening 82. However, in some implementations, the pins 84 may be rotationally coupled (e.g., rotatable relative) to both of the receiving sleeve 60 and the opposite surfaces of sleeve connection opening 82. The one or more pins 84 may include a single pin extending through the opposite surfaces of sleeve connection opening 82 or a pair of pins 84, with each pin 84 extending from one of the opposite surfaces of sleeve connection opening 82 along a common pivot axis. In this manner, the wand 28 is moveable (e.g., pivotal about the one or more pins 84) relative to the surface treatment foot 36 between the upright position and the plurality of tilted positions during usage. However, it should be appreciated that the linkage 38 may have other configurations that permit relative movement between the surface treatment foot 36 and the wand 28. For example, the linkage 38 may be a gear-based mechanism, such as opposing pinion gears or rack and pinion type arrangements.

With reference now to FIGS. 4A-5B, the sleeve connection opening 82 may be defined proximate the rear edge 76 (e.g., centrally between the side edges 78). The at least one wheel 44 may include two wheels 44 that are coupled to the bracket 42 which extends on opposite sides of the sleeve connection opening 82. The wheels 44 may be spaced from one another to define a track width “W.” As best depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the track width W may be substantially equal to a width between the side edges 78. In this manner, the surface supported boundary is generally rectangular-shaped. As best depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the sleeve connection opening 82 may be located on an extension portion 86 extending from the rear edge 76 and inset from the side edges 78 such that the track width W is smaller than the width between the side edges 78. In this manner, the surface supported boundary is generally trapezoid-shaped with the widest region defined by the front edge 74. Further, it should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the track width W may be larger than the width between the side edges 78, such that the surface supported boundary is generally trapezoid shaped with the widest region near the rear edge 76. The wand 28 may include a wire or other conductive member that electrically couples the battery 20 to the surface treatment foot 36 (e.g., for providing power to one or more rotor motors 72, for driving one or more rollers 68, lights, and/or general operable communication between the surface treatment foot 36 and the body 12).

With reference now to FIGS. 6-9B, the actuator 46 may have a variety of constructions to facilitate movement of the bracket 42 between a stowed position and the extended position. In the stowed position, the bracket 42 is substantially within the housing 62. In the extended position, the bracket 42 is moved in a direction (e.g., outwardly from the rear edge 76) such that the wheels 44 are moved away from the housing 62 to enlarge the surface supported boundary. As will be explained in further detail below, the actuator 46 may be manually operated (e.g., performed directly by the user), assisted operated (e.g., motorized or electrically driven), or automatically operated (e.g., motorized or electrically driven in response to one or more conditions or positions of the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10).

With reference now specifically to FIG. 6, the actuator 46 is depicted as including a motor 88 (e.g., a bi-directional motor) coupled to a gear drive 90. More particularly, the motor 88 may be utilized to assist or automatically move the bracket 42 from the stowed position to the extended position. The gear drive 90 may include, for example, at least one gear, such as a pinion gear 92 connected to a shaft 94 of the motor 88 and a rack gear 96 intermeshed with the pinion gear 92. In the depicted implementation, the motor 88 may be located in the surface treatment foot 36 and the rack gear 96 may be connected to the bracket 42. During actuation, the motor 88 may rotate the shaft 94 and pinion gear 92, the pinion gear 92 is intermeshed with the rack gear 96, causing the teeth of the pinion gear 92 to push the teeth of the rack gear 96. This interaction, in turn, causes the rack gear 96 and bracket 42 to move between the stowed and extended positions. The motor 88 may be powered by the battery 20 via the wire in the wand 28. However, in some implementations, the surface treatment foot 36 may include an independent or partially independent power source, such as a secondary battery. In some embodiments, the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 includes a user interface 98 (FIGS. 1A-2A) with user inputs (e.g., buttons, toggles, etc.) for facilitating operations of the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 (e.g., usage of the motor 88). The user interface 98 may include user inputs located on the body 12, the handle 26, the surface treatment foot 36, or combinations thereof. Therefore, operation of the motor 88 may be via the user input to trigger movement of the bracket 42. In addition, or alternative to utilizing the user input to effectuate operation of the motor 88, the detent 54 may be configured itself as an input that is compressed or otherwise detected when engaged with the latch 56 to effectuate operation of the motor 88 and automatically move the bracket 42. In this manner, the bracket 42 may be moved to the extended position only when the detent 54 is engaged with the latch 56. More particularly, the bracket 42 may be moved to the extended position only when the wand 28 is in the upright position and/or the collapsed state. In some implementations, the bracket 42 is biased (e.g., with a spring or other biasing member) towards the stowed position that the motor 88 overcomes. In other implementations, the bracket 42 is biased towards the extended position that the motor 88 overcomes. In some implementations, the motor 88 is actuated to move the bracket 42 only if the suction motor 24 is disengaged. However, in some implementations, the suction motor 24 may be usable once the bracket 42 is fully in the extended position or the stowed position. In some implementations, if the bracket 42 is in the process of being moved between the extended position and the stowed position and the suction motor 24 is turned on, the motor 88 may be disengaged. In some implementations, the motor 88 may be actuated automatically (e.g., based on the state of the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10), via the user interface 98, or via a combination of the user interface 98 and the state of the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10. For example, the motor 88 may be actuated automatically upon the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 being in an upright position and/or the collapsed state. In other examples, the motor 88 may be actuated manually only upon the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 being in an upright position and/or the collapsed state. In still other examples, the motor 88 may be actuated manually without condition requirements.

With reference now to FIG. 7, the actuator 46 is depicted as including the motor 88 (e.g., a bi-directional motor) coupled to a belt driven gear mechanism 100. More particularly, the motor 88 may be utilized to assist or automatically move the bracket 42 from the stowed position to the extended position. The belt driven gear mechanism 100 may include, for example, one or more driving spools 102 and one or more driven spools 104. For example, the one or more driving spools 102 may be coupled to and rotational with the shaft 94 of the motor 88 and the one or more driven spools 104 may be coupled to and rotational relative to the bracket 42 and/or the surface treatment foot 36. A belt 106 may extend between the driving spools 102 and the driven spools 104 such that rotation of the shaft 94 is imparted in the driving spools 102, which in turn, is imparted on the belt 106 to cause the driving spools 102 to co-rotate with the driven spools 104. As depicted, more than one driving spool 102 (e.g., two) are coupled to the shaft 94 that are each linked to a different driven spool 104 by a respective belt 106. During operation, rotation of the driven spools 104 may cause the bracket 42 to move between positions. For example, the driven spools 104 may be rotationally coupled with the pinion gear 92 that pushes the rack gear 96, which is coupled to the bracket 42. In some implementations, the driven spools 104 may include outer edges defining teeth and function as both the spool and pinion gear. Operation of the motor 88 may be via the user input to assist movement of the bracket 42. In addition, or alternative to utilizing the user input to effectuate operation of the motor 88, the detent 54 may be configured itself as an input that is compressed or otherwise detected when engaged with the latch 56 to effectuate operation of the motor 88 and automatically move the bracket 42. In this manner, the bracket 42 may be moved to the extended position only when the detent 54 is engaged with the latch 56. More particularly, the bracket 42 may be moved to the extended position only when the wand is in the upright position and/or the collapsed state. In some implementations, the bracket 42 is biased (e.g., with a spring) towards the stowed position that the motor 88 overcomes. In other implementations, the bracket 42 is biased towards the extended position that the motor 88 overcomes. In some implementations, the motor 88 is actuated to move the bracket 42 only if the suction motor 24 is disengaged. However, in some implementations, the suction motor 24 may be usable once the bracket 42 is fully in the extended position or the stowed position. In some implementations, if the bracket 42 is in the process of being moved between the extended position and the stowed position and the suction motor 24 is turned on, the motor 88 may be disengaged. In some implementations, the motor 88 may be actuated automatically (e.g., based on the state of the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10), via the user interface 98, or via a combination of the user interface 98 and the state of the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10. For example, the motor 88 may be actuated automatically upon the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 being in an upright position and/or the collapsed state. In other examples, the motor 88 may be actuated manually only upon the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 being in an upright position and/or the collapsed state. In still other examples, the motor 88 may be actuated manually without condition requirements.

With reference now to FIG. 8, the actuator 46 is depicted as including a manually operated mechanism 108 without the motor 88. The manually operated mechanism 108 may include at least one pinion gear (e.g., a first pinion gear 92, a second pinion gear 93, and a third pinion gear 95) and the rack gear 96. More particularly, the second end 32 of the wand 28, the receiving sleeve 60, or the linkage 38 may include one of the pinion gears 93 while the actuator 46 may include the first and second pinion gears 92, 95 and the rack gear 96. Therefore, movement of the wand 28 between the upright position and the plurality of tilted positions may cause rotation of the one or more pins 84. In the depicted implementation, the second pinion gear 93 may be coupled to the pin 84 and intermeshed with the first pinion gear 92, which may both be rotationally coupled to the receiving sleeve 60 and statically coupled to the third pinion gear 95. Meanwhile, the rack gear 96 may be coupled to the bracket 42 and intermeshed with the third pinion gear 95. As such, in operation, the bracket 42 may be manually moved to an extended position when the wand 28 is moved proximate the upright position causing interaction between the rotating pinion gear 95 and the rack gear 96. In some implementations, the rack gear 96 is spaced from the pinion gear 95 such that their respective teeth do not intermesh until the wand 28 is proximate (e.g., within 10-30° of) the upright position. In this manner, the bracket 42 may not move between positions as the wand 28 is generally maneuvered during typical floor cleaning usage. For example, the pinion gear 95 may be disposed closer to the rack gear 96 than the pins 84. As such, the pinion gear 95 may swing relative to the pins 84 in an arch-shaped manner coming into contact with the rack gear 96 teeth as the wand 28 is moved proximate the upright position. Generally, the first pinion gear 92 may be rotationally smaller and include less teeth than the third pinion gear 95, such that rotation of the first pinion gear 92 is amplified by the third pinion gear 95 and causes a similar amplification in the displacement of bracket 42 beyond what might be available with a single gear being rotated through the angle that the wand 28 is typically rotated. The third pinion gear 95 may be statically positioned towards an innermost side of the first pinon gear 93 relative to the housing 62 or may, otherwise be statically positioned towards an outermost side of the first pinon gear 93 relative to the housing 62.

With reference now to FIGS. 9A-9D, additional mechanisms and structures may be utilized to facilitate the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 to balance vertically on the surface treatment foot 36. For example, with initial reference to FIGS. 9C and 9D, the surface treatment foot 36 is depicted in a partially disassembled state. The surface treatment foot 36 may be coupled to the bracket 42 via a slidable track system 110 that includes track members 112 and slidable members 114 received within an interior pocket 116 of the track members 112 (e.g., telescopically). More particularly, the interior pocket 116 may include a cross-section that includes a first guide portion 118 and one or more orthogonal guide portions 120. In the depicted implementation, the first guide portion 118 and the one or more orthogonal guide portions 120 for a capital “I” shape and the slidable members 114 have a corresponding shape (e.g., the slidable members 114 have an I-beam shape). In this manner, the slidable track system 110 guides and secures the position between the bracket 42 and the housing 62 of the surface treatment foot 36 from torque and other external forces while the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 is in use. In some implementations, the bracket 42 includes fastener apertures 122 aligned with one of the track members 112 and the slidable members 114. The fastener apertures 122 receive fasteners 124 in threaded engagement to selectively tighten the fasteners 124 and secure the wand 28 in the upright or plurality of tilted positions. In this manner, the wand 28 angle can be selectively locked to a desired angle relative to the surface treatment foot 36. While the term bracket 42 has been used throughout singularly, it should be appreciated that in some implementations, such as the depicted implementation, the bracket 42 may include two separate components, each coupled to a different wheel 44 and that are both extendable via the actuator 46 as previously described. It should be appreciated that the profiles of the interior pocket 116 and the slidable members 114 may have other profiles, surfaces, and shapes, than those depicted. More particularly, the profiles of the interior pocket 116 and the slidable members 114 may be selected from any number of shapes that may constrain movement between the two components along two axes while permitting movement along the axis between the stowed position and the extended position.

With reference now to FIG. 10, the receiving sleeve 60 and the second end 32 of the wand 28 may include cooperating features that prevent and/or reduce general sag along the vertical axis A. Sag occurs when under the weight of the body 12 and wand 28, the wand 28 tends to sag or tilt when in the upright position. The receiving sleeve 60 may include an interior wall 126 with one or more inwardly biasing tabs 128. More particularly, the inwardly biasing tabs 128 may extend inwardly from the interior wall 126 (e.g., towards the axis A) and downwardly towards the linkage 38 and/or the surface treatment foot 36. In this manner, when the second end 32 of the wand 28 is inserted into the receiving sleeve 60 the wand 28 pushes the inwardly biasing tabs 128 (e.g., towards the axis A), which constantly squeezes the wand 28 until it is removed. Further, the second end 32 may include an angled mouth 130 extending, for example, at a non-perpendicular angle from the axis A. The receiving sleeve 60 may define a stepped seat 132 that is angled in the same direction as the angled mouth 130. In this manner, the interface between the stepped seat 132 and angled mouth 130 is not perpendicular to the vertical axis A and is more robust. In some implementations, the angled mouth 130 extends to an apex 131 that is generally directed towards the front edge 74 of housing 62. In the depicted implementation, the stepped seat 132 may include a gasket 134 (e.g., a ring) that is deformed upon complete insertion of the second end 32.

With reference now to FIGS. 11-13, in some implementations, the surface treatment foot 36 (e.g., the housing 62) may include a support brace 136 that includes a base 138 that couples to the housing 62 centrally (e.g., between the track width W and/or receiving sleeve 60) and a pair of tines 140 that each extend towards a different side edge 78 and are coupled to the housing 62. The housing 62 may include one or more joined components, including a lens cover 142 and an upper cover 144 joined with and extending at least partially over the lens cover 142. The lens cover 142 may define the main compartment 66. The lens cover 142 may include a pair of bosses 146 in alignment with apertures on the upper cover 144 for receiving fasteners through the tines 140, the upper cover 144, and into the bosses 146. Further, as best depicted in FIG. 13, a bearing member 148 may be connected to the support brace 136. The support brace 136 and the bearing member 148 may include interweaved ribs 150 for added rigidity for further reduction in sag.

With reference now to FIGS. 1A-13, one or more, or each of the previously described features or embodiments may facilitate balancing the self-standing vacuum cleaner 10 in the upright position. While not exhaustive, these features may include a balanced construction (e.g., the track width W, the center of gravity 48, features that provide triggers (e.g., wand 28 state, wand 28 position, and detent 54 activation) on when to move the bracket 42 to the extended position, and one or more features that prevent sag and tilt (e.g., the biasing tabs 128, the stepped seat 132, the angled mouth 130, the support brace 136, and bearing member 148).

The disclosure herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a self-standing vacuum cleaner includes a body having a debris holder and a suction motor. A handle is coupled to the body. A wand includes a first end coupled to the body and a second end. A suction channel is defined by an interior of the wand and is in fluid communication with the suction motor. A surface treatment foot is coupled to the second end, the wand is moveable relative to the surface treatment foot between an upright position and a plurality of tilted positions angled from the upright position. The surface treatment foot includes a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction channel. A bracket is connected to the surface treatment foot by an actuator that is configured to move the bracket to an extended position when the wand is proximate the upright position.

According to another aspect, an actuator includes a motor coupled to a gear drive.

According to still another aspect, the gear drive includes a rack gear and a pinion gear that is connected to a shaft of the motor and intermeshed with the rack gear.

According to yet another aspect, the motor is located in the surface treatment foot and the rack gear is affixed to the bracket.

According to still yet another aspect, an actuator includes a motor coupled to a belt driven gear mechanism, the belt extending around a shaft of the motor and a secondary shaft coupled to a pinion gear, the pinion gear intermeshed with a rack gear.

According to another aspect, a surface treatment foot includes a receiving sleeve pivotally coupled to the surface treatment foot via a linkage and a second end of a wand or a linkage includes one of a rack gear and a pinion gear and an actuator includes the other of the rack gear and the pinion gear for manually moving a bracket to an extended position when the wand is moved proximate an upright position by a user.

According to still another aspect, a self-standing vacuum cleaner includes a center of gravity with a vertical axis extending from the center of gravity that is aligned with a region of the surface treatment foot when a wand is located in the upright position.

According to yet another aspect, a surface treatment foot includes a detent and a latch proximate a second end of the wand, the latch engageable with the detent when the wand is in the upright position that retains the wand in the upright position.

According to still yet another aspect, an actuator is configured to move the bracket to the extended position when the detent is engaged by the latch.

According to another aspect, a wand includes a first wand portion and a second wand portion telescopically slidable within the first wand portion between a collapsed state and an elongated state.

According to still another aspect, the first wand portion extends from the first end to a wand collar and the second wand portion e is telescopically received within the first wand portion, and wherein the surface treatment foot includes a receiving sleeve with a sleeve collar that includes the latch that is engageable with the detent only in the collapsed state based on interfacing between the wand collar and the sleeve collar.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a self-standing vacuum cleaner includes a body having a debris holder and a suction motor. A handle is coupled to the body. A wand includes a first end coupled to the body and a second end. A suction channel is defined by an interior of the wand and is in fluid communication with the suction motor. The wand includes a first wand portion and a second wand portion telescopically slidable within the first wand portion between a collapsed state and an elongated state, and a wand collar fixed to the first wand portion. A surface treatment foot includes a receiving sleeve that is coupled to the second end, the wand is moveable relative to the surface treatment foot between an upright position and a plurality of tilted positions angled from the upright position. The surface treatment foot includes a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction channel. A sleeve collar is slidably coupled to the receiving sleeve and includes a latch. A detent is engageable with the latch when the wand is in the upright position that retains the wand in the upright position. A bracket includes at least one wheel and is connected to the surface treatment foot by an actuator that is configured to move the bracket to an extended position when the detent is engaged with the latch in the upright position.

According to another aspect, a wand collar is configured to contact and push a sleeve collar and latch into engagement with a detent in a collapsed state.

According to still another aspect, a self-standing vacuum cleaner includes a center of gravity with a vertical axis extending from the center of gravity that is aligned with a region of the surface treatment foot when a wand is located in the upright position.

According to yet another aspect, an actuator is motor-driven.

According to still yet another aspect, a second wand portion is telescopically slidable within a first wand portion between about 10 cm and 20 cm.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a self-standing vacuum cleaner includes a body having a debris holder and a suction motor. A handle is coupled to the body. A wand includes a first end coupled to the body and a second end. A suction channel is defined by an interior of the wand and is in fluid communication with the suction motor. The wand includes a first wand portion and a second wand portion telescopically slidable within the first wand portion between a collapsed state and an elongated state. A surface treatment foot is coupled to the second end, the wand moveable relative to the surface treatment foot between an upright position and a plurality of tilted positions angled from the upright position. The surface treatment foot includes a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction channel. A bracket includes at least one wheel and is connected to the surface treatment foot by an actuator that is configured to move the bracket to an extended position when the wand is proximate the upright position and in the collapsed state.

According to another aspect, a self-standing vacuum cleaner includes a center of gravity with a vertical axis extending from the center of gravity that is aligned with a region of the surface treatment foot when a wand is located in the upright position.

According to still another aspect, a surface treatment foot includes a detent and a latch and a wand includes a wand collar that moves the latch into engagement with the detent when the wand is in the collapsed state and the upright position.

According to yet another aspect, an actuator includes a gear drive that is actuated by one of a motor or movement of a wand between the upright position and a plurality of tilted positions.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.