WAND ASSEMBLY WITH DEBRIS HOLDER

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure pertains to a wand assembly with a debris holder for a vacuum cleaner.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Vacuum cleaners have a variety of configurations that can be particularly beneficial for different environments. The vacuum cleaners typically include a body having a debris holder and a wand coupled to the body and configured to connect to one or more attachments having a variety of suction nozzle schemes. During the course of operation, all the debris from the suction nozzle enters and is stored in the debris holder. As the debris holder becomes fuller, the demands of a suction motor are increased. Further, certain types of debris can be coarse or otherwise space consuming, requiring frequent emptying of the debris holder.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a wand assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a wand having a first end configured to be connected to the vacuum cleaner and a second end. A coarse debris holder extends between a first debris holder end connected to the second end of the wand and a second debris holder end configured to be connected to an attachment. The coarse debris holder defines a chamber having a debris chamber input opening and a fine debris chamber output opening. A debris separator is located in the chamber between the debris chamber input opening and the fine debris chamber output opening. A suction channel is defined between the debris chamber input opening and the first end of the wand.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner includes a body including a suction motor, a handle, and a clean air outlet. A surface treatment foot includes a suction nozzle and an airflow path extends from the suction nozzle to the clean air outlet, with the suction motor being positioned in the airflow path. A wand assembly includes a wand having a first end configured to be connected to the vacuum cleaner and a second end. A coarse debris holder extends between a first debris holder end connected to the second end of the wand and a second debris holder end opposite the first debris holder end and configured to be connected to an attachment. The coarse debris holder defines a chamber having a debris chamber input opening defined by the second debris holder end and a fine debris chamber output opening defined by the first debris holder end. A debris separator is located in the chamber between the debris chamber input opening and the fine debris chamber output opening. The debris separator defines a coarse debris holding section located between the debris chamber input opening and the debris separator and a fine debris routing section located between the fine debris chamber output opening and the debris separator. A suction channel is defined between the debris chamber input opening and the first end of the wand.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a wand assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a wand having a first end configured to be connected to the vacuum cleaner and a second end. A coarse debris holder extends between a first debris holder end connected to the second end of the wand and a second debris holder end that is moveable between an open position and a closed position and defines a pocket. The coarse debris holder defines a chamber having a debris chamber input opening and a fine debris chamber output opening. A debris separator is located in the chamber between the debris chamber input opening and the fine debris chamber output opening. The debris separator includes a cylindrical body defining the fine debris routing section. The cylindrical body extends from the fine debris chamber output opening into the chamber to a dimple that is engageable with the pocket. A suction channel is defined between the debris chamber input opening and the first end of the wand.

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. 1 is a side elevational view of a vacuum cleaner with a wand assembly of a first construction, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a vacuum cleaner with a wand assembly of a first construction, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a wand assembly of a first construction for a vacuum cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a wand assembly of a first construction for a vacuum cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective cross-sectional view of a wand assembly of a first construction with a debris separator being partially removed, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a removable end of a coarse debris holder in a wand assembly of a first construction, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a wand assembly of a second construction for a vacuum cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a wand assembly of a second construction for a vacuum cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective cross-sectional view of a wand assembly of a second construction with a debris separator being partially removed, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a wand assembly of a third construction for a vacuum cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a wand assembly of a third construction for a vacuum cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of a wand assembly of a third construction for a vacuum cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a wand assembly of a fourth construction for a vacuum cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a wand assembly of a third construction for a vacuum cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 15 is a side perspective cross-sectional view of a wand assembly of a fourth construction with a debris separator being partially removed, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of a second debris holder end of a wand assembly of a fourth construction in a locked position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of a second debris holder end of a wand assembly of a fourth construction in an unlocked position, 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 wand assembly with a debris holder for a vacuum cleaner. 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. 1. 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. 1-6, reference numeral 10A generally designates a wand assembly of a first construction for a vacuum cleaner 12. The wand assembly 10A includes a wand 14 having a first end 16 configured to be connected to the vacuum cleaner 12 and a second end 18. A coarse debris holder 20A extends between a first debris holder end 22 connected to the second end 18 of the wand 14 (e.g., selectively or permanently) and a second debris holder end 24 configured to be connected to an attachment 26. The coarse debris holder 20A defines a chamber 28 having a debris chamber input opening 30 and a fine debris chamber output opening 32. A debris separator 34A is located in the chamber 28 between the debris chamber input opening 30 and the fine debris chamber output opening 32. A suction channel 36 is defined between the debris chamber input opening 30 and the first end 16 of the wand 14.

With continued references to FIGS. 1-6, the chamber 28 includes a coarse debris holding section 38 located between the debris chamber input opening 30 and the debris separator 34A and a fine debris routing section 40 located between the fine debris chamber output opening 32 and the debris separator 34A. In use, the vacuum cleaner 12 may be integral and provided to consumers with the wand assembly 10A or the wand assembly 10A may be a separate component that can be utilized with the vacuum cleaner 12 and provided to a consumer with or separate from the vacuum cleaner 12. The vacuum cleaner 12 is depicted in FIG. 1 as a stick vacuum. However, it should be appreciated that other types of vacuum cleaners, such as upright vacuum cleaners, corded vacuum cleaners, canister vacuum cleaners, or the like may be integral or otherwise connectable and usable with the wand assembly 10A under the same principles that will be described below.

With reference now specifically to FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 may include a body 42 extending between an upper surface 44 and a lower surface 46. The body 42 may include a fine debris holder 48, a battery 50 and/or a power receiving cord or module for plugging in the power receiving cord, and a driving assembly 52 that includes a suction motor 54 that pulls air through a clean air outlet in the body 42. The airflow path extends between the clean air outlet and the suction nozzle 56 and the suction motor 54 is positioned in the airflow path. The second end 18 of the wand assembly 10A may be connected to body 42 (e.g., the lower surface 46). The second debris holder end 24 is configured to be connected to the attachment 26 with a suction nozzle 56. The attachment 26 is depicted as a suction foot (e.g., with one or more rollers) defining the suction nozzle 56. However, the attachment 26 could include other types of vacuum cleaner attachments with differently shaped suction nozzles. The second debris holder end 24 may be configured to be connected to the attachment 26 permanently (e.g., integral with the wand assembly 10A) or selectively (e.g., via one or more tabs, buttons, detents, or other mechanical connectors). Further, in some embodiments, it should be appreciated that the debris chamber input opening 30 may be coextensive (e.g., defined by the same structure) as the suction nozzle 56 or otherwise defined by the second debris holder end 24.

With reference now to FIG. 2, in operation, debris 58 travels through an airflow path. More particularly, the debris 58 enters the airflow path from a surface enters through the suction nozzle 56 and the debris chamber input opening 30 into the chamber 28 where the debris 58 is separated between finer debris 58A and coarser debris 58B by the debris separator 34A. More particularly, finer debris 58A travels through the debris separator 34A and into the fine debris routing section 40 while the coarser debris 58B is contained in the coarse debris holding section 38 and prevented from entering the fine debris routing section 40 by the debris separator 34A. The finer debris 58A, on the other hand, continues to travel through the fine debris chamber output opening 32, the wand 14, and into the fine debris holder 48. In this manner, the fine debris holder 48 primarily only receives finer debris 58A and use of the vacuum cleaner 12 can be extended between needing to empty the finer debris 58A from the fine debris holder 48. Further, the separation of finer debris 58A from coarser debris 58B can be beneficial for dividing the debris 58 by size, for example, in an event where an unintended object is inadvertently vacuumed through the suction nozzle 56, it is easier to retrieve based on its size.

In some embodiments, the wand assembly 10A may include one or more conductive members 60 (e.g., a wire) extending, for example, between the first end 16 of the wand 14 and the second debris holder end 24. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first end 16 of the wand 14 may include one or more conductive contacts that interface with contacts on the body 42 of the vacuum cleaner 12 and the second debris holder end 24 may also include one or more conductive contacts that interface with contacts on the attachment 26. In this manner, when the attachment 26 requires power from the battery 50, the power receiving cord, and/or the power receiving module, current, instructions (e.g., via a user interface), and/or the like can be communicated through the wand assembly 10A. In some embodiments, the wand assembly 10A may include a plunger 62 that includes a body portion 64 and a plunger portion 66. The plunger portion 66 may define an aperture 68 aligned with the debris chamber input opening 30. The body portion 64 may be slidable in a track or otherwise removable from the chamber 28. In some embodiments, the chamber input opening 30 may include a door 67 that opens and closes based on suction force. For example, the door 67 may include a flexible membrane that deforms and lifts towards into the chamber 28 when exposed to suction force. While the wand assembly 10A is depicted schematically in FIG. 2, it should be appreciated that, unless otherwise explicitly stated, similar operational principles, functions, elements, sizes, incorporations with vacuum cleaners and attachments, can also be applied to the other constructions, the descriptions of which may refer back to FIG. 2 for brevity.

With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the coarse debris holder 20A of the first construction includes a sidewall 70A, (e.g., a cylindrical sidewall 70A) extending between the first debris holder end 22 and the second debris holder end 24. The debris separator 34A of the first construction, likewise, includes a cylindrical body 72A defining the fine debris routing section 40 (e.g., on the inside of the cylindrical body 72A). The cylindrical body 72A may be at least partially (e.g., a minority, a majority, or substantially all) formed of a filter 74, such as a mesh filter. More particularly, the fine debris chamber output opening 32 may be defined by the first debris holder end 22 and the cylindrical body 72A. The debris separator 34A may include a rigid frame 76A extending from the fine debris chamber output opening 32 to the second debris holder end 24. The rigid frame 76A may include a plurality of openings 78 and the filters 74 may be located in the openings 78. The openings 78 may comprise a majority of the surface area of the debris separator 34A (e.g., circumferentially around the cylindrical body 72A). Generally speaking, the surface area of the filters 74 between the debris chamber input opening 30 and the fine debris chamber output opening 32 and the type of filter can impact suction force loss between the suction motor 54 and the suction nozzle 56. As such, in the first construction, the large surface area of the filters 74 can provide minimal impact to the suction force. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 72A is located centrally within the chamber 28 (e.g., along a common axis defining a center of the cylindrical body 72A and the cylindrical sidewall 70A).

The filter 74 may include mesh with openings sized for preventing the passage of the coarser debris 58B while permitting the passage of the finer debris 58A. For example, the filter 74 may include diamond-shaped, square-shaped, circular-shaped, or other shaped openings. The openings may be for example, about 2 mm or less in size, for example, between about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm, between about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm, or about 1 mm. As will be described below, other filters utilized in the other constructions may have similar sizes and dimensions as those described in reference to the first construction.

As depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second debris holder end 24 defines a pocket 80 that seats the rigid frame 76A. More particularly, the rigid frame 76A may extend from the first debris holder end 22 to a terminal end 82 that defines a dimple 84 that fits into the pocket 80. The connection between the rigid frame 76A and the pocket 80 can protect against forces that may lead to buckling between the wand 14 and the coarse debris holder 20A. In some embodiments, the one or more conductive members 60 (e.g., the wire) may extend through or otherwise on the rigid frame 76A and the conductive contact for the attachment 26 may be located on the terminal end 82 (e.g., the dimple 84). In this manner, certain attachments may not be energized unless the dimple 84 is in the pocket 80. The debris chamber input opening 30 is defined by the second debris holder end 24 and may be radially located between the cylindrical sidewall 70A of the debris holder 20A and the cylindrical body 72A of the debris separator 34A. The second debris holder end 24 may include an attachment connector 85 that extends from an exterior of the second debris holder end 24. In this manner, the attachment connector 85 may be utilized as the suction nozzle 56 as beneficial. The attachment connector 85 may include one or more tabs, buttons, detents, or other mechanical connectors for connection to the attachment.

With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the second debris holder end 24 may be moveable relative to the sidewall 70A of the coarse debris holder 20A between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the chamber 28 is enclosed between the chamber input opening 30 and the fine debris chamber output opening 32. In the open position, the chamber 28 is open for removal of debris 58 contained within the chamber 28. For example, the second debris holder end 24 may be pivotal relative to the sidewall 70A via a pivot linkage 86. The second debris holder end 24 may further include a releasable clasp 88 for securing the second debris holder end 24 to the sidewall 70A.

The cylindrical body 72A of the debris separator 34A may include a locked position and an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the cylindrical body 72A is at least partially removable from the chamber 28 to effectuate the removal of coarser debris 58B. More particularly, the first debris holder end 22 may define the fine debris chamber output opening 32 and the debris separator 34A may be slidable within the fine debris chamber output opening 32. The first debris holder end 22 may include an outer lip 90 that wraps around an outer surface of the sidewall 70A and a cup-shaped portion 92 that extends into an area internal of the sidewall 70A. The first debris holder end 22 may define a guide sidewall 94 that extends around the fine debris chamber output opening 32. The guide sidewall 94 may extend from the cup-shaped portion 92 towards the wand 14 and be substantially flush with an end of the sidewall 70A. In some embodiments, the guide sidewall 94 may be cylindrical to accommodate the cylindrical body 72A. In some embodiments, the guide sidewall 94 or another region of the coarse debris holder 20A proximate the fine debris chamber output opening 32 including agitators, such as a plurality of bristles 95 (FIG. 4). The plurality of bristles 95 surround the fine debris chamber output opening 32 to remove debris 58 from the debris separator 34A as it is at least partially removed. As best depicted in FIG. 6, the debris separator 34A may be coupled to the wand 14 and turntable relative to the first debris holder end 22 to obtain the unlocked position. More particularly, the guide sidewall 94 may include projections 96 and the rigid frame 76A may include tracks 98 that mate with the projections 96 into the locked position upon relative rotation between the rigid frame 76A and the guide sidewall 94. In the depicted implementation, the second end 18 of the wand 14 is connected to the debris separator 34A. As such, in the unlocked position, the wand 14 and the debris separator 34A can be pulled relative to the sidewall 70A.

With reference now to FIGS. 7-9, a wand assembly 10B of a second construction is depicted. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the wand assembly 10B of the second construction may include all the same operational principles, functions, elements, sizes, incorporations with vacuum cleaners and attachments of the other constructions, including the first construction previously described. Based on similarities between the first and second constructions, like elements are to be designated with the same reference numbers. Similar to the first construction, the second construction may include a wand 14 having a first end 16 configured to be connected to the vacuum cleaner 12 and a second end 18. A coarse debris holder 20B may extend between a first debris holder end 22 connected to the second end 18 of the wand 14 (e.g., selectively or permanently) and a second debris holder end 24 is configured to be connected to one of the previously described attachments 26. The coarse debris holder 20B defines a chamber 28 having a debris chamber input opening 30 and a fine debris chamber output opening 32. A debris separator 34B is located in the chamber 28 between the debris chamber input opening 30 and the fine debris chamber output opening 32. A suction channel 36 is defined between the debris chamber input opening 30 and the first end 16 of the wand 14.

The coarse debris holder 20B of the second construction includes a sidewall 70B (e.g., an asymmetric sidewall) extending between the first debris holder end 22 and the second debris holder end 24. The debris separator 34B of the second construction includes a body 72B that defines a boundary between the coarse debris holding section 38 and the fine debris routing section 40. The body 72B may be at least partially (e.g., a minority, a majority, or substantially all) formed of a filter 74, such as the mesh filter as described previously. More particularly, the fine debris chamber output opening 32 may be defined by the first debris holder end 22, the body 72B, and the sidewall 70B. The debris separator 34B may include a rigid frame 76B extending from the second debris holder end 24 towards the first debris holder end 22. The rigid frame 76B may include a coarse debris emptying side 100 defining a debris emptying window 102 and a filtering side 104 defining a plurality of openings 78 and the filters 74 may be located in the openings 78. The openings 78 may comprise a majority of the surface area of filtering side 104 of the debris separator 34B. Generally speaking, the surface area of the filters 74 between the debris chamber input opening 30 and the fine debris chamber output opening 32 may be less than the first construction. However, as a result, the general size is reduced and a form factor of the coarse debris holder 20B is improved.

With reference now specifically to FIGS. 8 and 9, similar to the first construction, the body 72B of the debris separator 34B includes an unlocked position where the body 72B is at least partially removable from the chamber 28 to effectuate the removal of debris 58. More particularly, the debris separator 34B is coupled to the second debris holder end 24 and the second debris holder end 24 has a cap shape that is removable with the debris separator 34B from the coarse debris holder 20B to effectuate removal of the debris 58. In some embodiments, the debris separator 34B includes a cupped end 106 proximate the first debris holder end 22 to pull coarser debris 58B from the coarse debris holder 20B. The second debris holder end 24 may include one or more tabs, buttons, detents, track and projections, or other mechanical connectors that couple the second debris holder end 24 to the sidewall 70B in the locked position and can be released in the unlocked position. The second debris holder end 24 may further include an attachment connector 85 that extends from an exterior of the second debris holder end 24. In this manner, the attachment connector 85 may be utilized as the suction nozzle 56 as beneficial. The attachment connector 85 may include one or more tabs, buttons, detents, or other mechanical connectors for connection to the attachment.

Similar to the first embodiment, the second debris holder end 24 may define a pocket 80 that seats the rigid frame 76B (e.g., the cupped end 106) to protect against forces that may lead to buckling between the wand 14 and the coarse debris holder 20A. In some embodiments, the one or more conductive members 60 (e.g., the wire) may extend through or otherwise on the rigid frame 76B and the conductive contact for the attachment 26 may be located on the cupped end 106. In this manner, certain attachments may not be energized unless the cupped end 106 is in the pocket 80.

With reference now to FIGS. 10-12, a wand assembly 10C of a third construction is depicted. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the wand assembly 10C of the third construction may include all the same operational principles, functions, elements, sizes, incorporations with vacuum cleaners and attachments of the other constructions, including the first and second constructions previously described. Based on similarities between the first, second, and third constructions, like elements are designated with the same reference numbers. More particularly, the wand assembly 10C may include a wand 14 having a first end 16 configured to be connected to the vacuum cleaner 12 and a second end 18. A coarse debris holder 20C extends between a first debris holder end 22 connected to the second end 18 of the wand 14 (e.g., selectively or permanently) and a second debris holder end 24 opposite the first debris holder end 22 and configured to be connected to one of the previously described attachments 26. The coarse debris holder 20C may define a chamber 28 having a debris chamber input opening 30 and a fine debris chamber output opening 32. A debris separator 34C is configured for cyclonic filtering within in the chamber 28 between the debris chamber input opening 30 and the fine debris chamber output opening 32. A suction channel 36 is defined between the debris chamber input opening 30 and the first end 16 of the wand 14.

The coarse debris holder 20C of the third construction includes a sidewall 70C (e.g., a cylindric sidewall) extending between the first debris holder end 22 and the second debris holder end 24. The debris separator 34C of the third construction includes a body 72C (e.g., a cup-shaped body) that defines a boundary between a coarse debris holding section 38 and a fine debris routing section 40. More particularly, the body 72C may extend over the debris chamber input opening 30 and define the fine debris routing section 40. The debris chamber input opening 30 and fine debris chamber output opening 32 may be located proximate the first debris holder end 22 and a flexible suction tube 108 extends from the debris chamber input opening 30 outside of the chamber 28 to an attachment connector 85, which may extend from the second debris holder end 24. In some embodiments, the flexible suction tube 108 is selectively releasable from the attachment connector 85. In this manner, the attachment connector 85 or the flexible suction tube 108 may be utilized as the suction nozzle 56 as beneficial. In some embodiments, the one or more conductive members 60 (e.g., the wire) may extend through or otherwise on the flexible suction tube 108 and the conductive contact for the attachment 26 may be located on attachment connector 85. In this manner, certain attachments may not be energized unless the flexible suction tube 108 is in the attachment connector 85.

The body 72C may be at least partially (e.g., a minority, a majority, or substantially all) formed of a filter 74, such as the mesh filter as described previously. More particularly, the fine debris chamber output opening 32 may be defined by the first debris holder end 22 and the sidewall 70C. The debris separator 34C may include a rigid frame 76C extending from the first debris holder end 22. The rigid frame 76C may define a plurality of openings 78 and filters 74 may be located in the openings 78. The openings 78 may comprise a majority of the surface area of the debris separator 34C. Generally speaking, the surface area of the filter 74 between the debris chamber input opening 30 and the fine debris chamber output opening 32 may be less than the first construction but more than the second construction. However, as a result, a balance between suction loss and form factor improvement is achieved.

With reference now to FIGS. 11 and 12, the debris chamber input opening 30 may include an input guide tube 110 that connects to the flexible suction tube 108 opposite the attachment connector 85. The input guide tube 110 may terminate at the debris chamber input opening 30. A cyclonic wall 112 may be defined by an interior surface 114 of the sidewall 70C, an interior surface 116 of the input guide tube 110, or a combination of the interior surface 114 of the sidewall 70C and the interior surface 116 of the input guide tube 110. More particularly, as best illustrated in FIG. 12, the interior surface 116 of input guide tube 110 may be oriented towards and merge into the interior surface 114 of the sidewall 70C. Because the sidewall 70C is cylindric, the interior surface 114 is generally circular in cross-section. The interior surface 116 of input guide tube 110 may be angled to meet and merge into a direction of the circumference of the interior surface 114 of the sidewall 70C. In this manner, debris 58 entering the input guide tube 110 is guided in a direction of the circumference of the interior surface 114 of the sidewall 70C before exiting the debris chamber input opening 30. As such, the cyclonic filter causes the coarser debris 58B to travel circumferentially within the chamber 28 before settling towards the second debris holder end 24 while the finer debris 58A enters through the filters 74 and travels into the fine debris chamber output opening 32. In some embodiments, the rigid frame 76C includes a solid base 115 opposite the rigid frame 76C and aligned with the fine debris chamber output opening 32. In this manner, suction force is generally directed to the sides of the debris separator 34C (e.g., in direct alignment with the debris chamber input opening 30).

In some embodiments, one or both of the first debris holder end 22 and the second debris holder end 24 may be moveable relative to the sidewall 70C of the coarse debris holder 20C between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the chamber 28 is enclosed between the chamber input opening 30 and the fine debris chamber output opening 32. In the open position, the chamber 28 is open for removal of debris 58 contained within the chamber 28. For example, the first debris holder end 22 and/or the second debris holder end 24 may be pivotal relative to the sidewall 70C via a pivot linkage 86 (e.g., the second debris holder end 24) or otherwise removeable via one or more tabs, buttons, detents, or other mechanical connectors (e.g., first debris holder end 22). For example, the first debris holder end 22 may further include a releasable clasp 88 for securing the first debris holder end 22 to the sidewall 70C.

With reference now to FIGS. 13-17, a wand assembly 10D of a fourth construction is depicted. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the wand assembly 10D of the fourth construction may include all the same operational principles, functions, elements, sizes, incorporations with vacuum cleaners and attachments of the other constructions, including the first construction previously described. Based on similarities between the constructions, like elements are to be designated with the same reference numbers. Similar to the other constructions, the fourth construction may include a wand 14 having a first end 16 configured to be connected to the vacuum cleaner 12 and a second end 18. A coarse debris holder 20D may extend between a first debris holder end 22 connected to the second end 18 of the wand 14 (e.g., selectively or permanently) and a second debris holder end 24 is configured to be connected to one of the previously described attachments 26. The coarse debris holder 20D defines a chamber 28 having a debris chamber input opening 30 and a fine debris chamber output opening 32. A debris separator 34D is located in the chamber 28 between the debris chamber input opening 30 and the fine debris chamber output opening 32. A suction channel 36 is defined between the debris chamber input opening 30 and the first end 16 of the wand 14.

As best depicted in FIG. 14, the coarse debris holder 20D of the fourth construction includes, similar to the first construction, a sidewall 70D, (e.g., a cylindrical sidewall 70D) extending between the first debris holder end 22 and the second debris holder end 24. The debris separator 34D of the fourth construction, likewise, includes a cylindrical body 72D defining the fine debris routing section 40 (e.g., on the inside of the cylindrical body 72D). The cylindrical body 72D may be at least partially (e.g., a minority, a majority, or substantially all) formed of a filter 74, such as the previously described mesh filter. More particularly, the fine debris chamber output opening 32 may be defined by the first debris holder end 22 and the cylindrical body 72D. The debris separator 34D may include a rigid frame 76D extending from the fine debris chamber output opening 32 to the second debris holder end 24. The rigid frame 76D may include a plurality of openings 78 and the filters 74 may be located in the openings 78. The openings 78 may comprise a majority of the surface area of the debris separator 34D (e.g., circumferentially around the cylindrical body 72D). Generally speaking, the surface area of the filters 74 between the debris chamber input opening 30 and the fine debris chamber output opening 32 and the type of filter can impact suction force loss between the suction motor 54 and the suction nozzle 56. As such, in the fourth construction, the large surface area of the filters 74 can provide minimal impact to the suction force. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 72D is located centrally within the chamber 28 (e.g., along a common axis defining a center of the cylindrical body 72D and the cylindrical sidewall 70D).

The second debris holder end 24 defines a pocket 80 that seats the rigid frame 76D. More particularly, the rigid frame 76D may extend from the first debris holder end 22 to a terminal end 82 that defines a dimple 84 that fits into the pocket 80. The connection between the rigid frame 76D and the pocket 80 can protect against forces that may lead to buckling between the wand 14 and the coarse debris holder 20D. In some embodiments, the one or more conductive members 60 (e.g., the wire) may extend through or otherwise on the rigid frame 76D and the conductive contact for the attachment 26 may be located on the terminal end 82 (e.g., the dimple 84). In this manner, certain attachments may not be energized unless the dimple 84 is in the pocket 80. The fine debris chamber output opening 32 may be located proximate the first debris holder end 22 and the and debris chamber output opening 30 may be at least partially defined by the sidewall 70D between the first debris holder end 22 and the second debris holder end 24. The debris chamber input opening 30 may include a rubber door 67 that prevents backflow and flexes away from the debris chamber input opening 30 when pressurized. In some embodiments, the input opening 30 is defined by a region of the sidewall 70D proximate the second debris holder end 24. A suction tube 109 extends from the debris chamber input opening 30 outside of the chamber 28 to an attachment connector 85, which may extend from the second debris holder end 24. The suction tube 109 may be located in a support bracket 111 that extends at least partially along the sidewall 70D (e.g., along a majority of the sidewall 70D). The support bracket 111 be formed of a rigid material that is integral with or otherwise connected to the sidewall 70D. The support bracket 111 can protect against forces that may lead to buckling.

With reference now to FIGS. 14 and 15, the second debris holder end 24 may be moveable relative to the sidewall 70D of the coarse debris holder 20D between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the chamber 28 is enclosed between the chamber input opening 30 and the fine debris chamber output opening 32. In the open position, the chamber 28 is open for removal of debris 58 contained within the chamber 28. For example, the second debris holder end 24 may be pivotal relative to the sidewall 70D via a pivot linkage 86.

The cylindrical body 72D of the debris separator 34A may include a locked position and an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the cylindrical body 72D is at least partially removable from the chamber 28 to effectuate the removal of coarser debris 58B. More particularly, the first debris holder end 22 may define the fine debris chamber output opening 32 and the debris separator 34A may be slidable within the fine debris chamber output opening 32. The rigid frame 76D may include a collar 91 that wraps around an outer surface of the sidewall 70D. The first debris holder end 22 may define a guide sidewall 94 that extends around the fine debris chamber output opening 32. The guide sidewall 94 may extend from the sidewall 70D towards the wand 14. In some embodiments, the guide sidewall 94 may be cylindrical to accommodate the cylindrical body 72D. In some embodiments, the guide sidewall 94 or another region of the coarse debris holder 20D proximate the fine debris chamber output opening 32 including agitators, such as a plurality of bristles 95 (FIG. 14). The plurality of bristles 95 surround the fine debris chamber output opening 32 to remove debris 58 from the debris separator 34A as it is at least partially or fully removed. As best depicted in FIG. 15, the debris separator 34A may be coupled to the wand 14 releasable relative to the first debris holder end 22 to obtain the unlocked position. More particularly, the sidewall 70D may include at least one button 97 (e.g., a linearly moveable, pivotally moveable, or slidable member biased outwardly towards the collar 91) and the rigid frame 76D (e.g., the collar 91) may include a button opening 99 that mates with the button 97 in the locked position the user moving the button 97 into alignment with the button opening 99. In the depicted implementation, the second end 18 of the wand 14 is connected to the debris separator 34A. As such, in the unlocked position, the wand 14 and the debris separator 34A can be pulled relative to the sidewall 70D. The sidewall 70D may include a stepped surface 101 that interfaces with a bottom edge of the collar 91.

With reference now specifically to FIGS. 16 and 17, the pocket 80 is depicted as a through hole extending through the second debris holder end 24. The engagement between the pocket 80 and the terminal end 82 (e.g., the dimple 84) may prevent the second debris holder end 24 from pivotal movement relative to the sidewall 70D via the pivot linkage 86. More particularly, the second debris holder end 24 may include a gasket 118 defining the pocket 80 and a support ring 120 that sandwiches the gasket 118 between the second debris holder end 24 and the support ring 120. In some implementations, the gasket 118 is formed of a flexible or elastic material and the support ring 120 is formed of a rigid material. The gasket 118 may be located in a recess 122 defined by the second debris holder end 24. The dimple 84, on the other hand, may include a wedged top surface 124 and a circular groove 126 located under the wedged top surface 124. The dimple 84 may be formed of a flexible or elastic material. In operation, the wedged top surface 124 includes an outer circular perimeter that is larger than the gasket 118 (e.g., the pocket 80), such that when the wedged top surface 124 is pressed into the pocket 80, the gasket 118 elastically flexes to accommodate the wedged top surface 124. Once the wedged top surface 124 passes through the gasket 118, the gasket 118 shrinks to its original shape and squeezes into the circular groove 126 in the dimple 84 in an airtight or substantially airtight fit.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-17, the one or more conductive members 60 (e.g., the wire) extending through the different wand assemblies 10A-10D may, for example, be in communication the suction motor 54 via control circuitry. In some embodiments, the control circuitry may permit or prevent certain functionalities of the wand assemblies 10A-10D based on a status of the suction motor 54. For example, in some embodiments, the control circuitry may prevent removal of the wand assemblies 10A-10D from the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 or the attachment 26 via, for example, one or more electro-mechanical or electro-magnetic locks if the suction motor 54 is energized. Likewise, in some embodiments, the control circuitry may prevent removal and/or otherwise opening of the first debris holder end 22 and/or the second debris holder end 24 if the suction motor 54 is energized.

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 wand assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a wand having a first end configured to be connected to the vacuum cleaner and a second end. A coarse debris holder extends between a first debris holder end connected to the second end of the wand and a second debris holder end configured to be connected to an attachment. The coarse debris holder defines a chamber having a debris chamber input opening and a fine debris chamber output opening. A debris separator is located in the chamber between the debris chamber input opening and the fine debris chamber output opening. A suction channel is defined between the debris chamber input opening and the first end of the wand.

According to another aspect, the chamber includes a coarse debris holding section located between the debris chamber input opening and the debris separator and a fine debris routing section located between the fine debris chamber output opening and the debris separator.

According to still another aspect, the debris separator includes a cylindrical body defining the fine debris routing section, the cylindrical body extending from the fine debris chamber output opening into the chamber.

According to yet another aspect, the cylindrical body is at least partially formed of a mesh filter.

According to still yet another aspect, the fine debris chamber output opening is defined by the first debris holder end and the cylindrical body includes a rigid frame extending from the fine debris chamber output opening to the second debris holder end.

According to another aspect, the second debris holder end defines a pocket that seats the rigid frame.

According to still another aspect, the coarse debris holder is cylindrical and the cylindrical body of the debris separator extends centrally within the coarse debris holder.

According to yet another aspect, the cylindrical body of the debris separator includes an unlocked position where the cylindrical body is at least partially removable from the chamber to effectuate the removal of coarse debris.

According to still yet another aspect, the debris separator includes a body including a filter side that is at least partially formed of a mesh filter located between the coarse debris holding section and the fine debris routing section.

According to another aspect, the debris separator includes a coarse debris emptying side defining a debris emptying window.

According to still another aspect, the body of the debris separator includes an unlocked position where the body is at least partially removable from the chamber to effectuate the removal of coarse debris.

According to yet another aspect, the debris chamber input opening and fine debris chamber output opening are located proximate the first debris holder end and a flexible suction tube extends from the debris chamber input opening outside of the chamber to an attachment connector.

According to still yet another aspect, the debris separator has a cup shape extending over the fine debris chamber output opening and the debris separator is configured to separate the debris by cyclonic force.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner includes a body including a suction motor, a handle, and a clean air outlet. A surface treatment foot includes a suction nozzle and an airflow path extends from the suction nozzle to the clean air outlet, with the suction motor being positioned in the airflow path. A wand assembly includes a wand having a first end configured to be connected to the vacuum cleaner and a second end. A coarse debris holder extends between a first debris holder end connected to the second end of the wand and a second debris holder end opposite the first debris holder end and configured to be connected to an attachment. The coarse debris holder defines a chamber having a debris chamber input opening defined by the second debris holder end and a fine debris chamber output opening defined by the first debris holder end. A debris separator is located in the chamber between the debris chamber input opening and the fine debris chamber output opening. The debris separator defines a coarse debris holding section located between the debris chamber input opening and the debris separator and a fine debris routing section located between the fine debris chamber output opening and the debris separator. A suction channel is defined between the debris chamber input opening and the first end of the wand.

According to another aspect, the debris separator is coupled to the wand and turntable relative to the first debris holder end to an unlocked position where the debris separator is at least partially removable from the fine debris chamber output opening to effectuate the removal of coarse debris.

According to still another aspect, a plurality of bristles surround the fine debris chamber output opening to remove coarse debris from the debris separator as it is at least partially removed.

According to yet another aspect, the debris separator is coupled to the second debris holder end and the second debris holder end is a cap that is removable with the debris separator from the coarse debris holder to effectuate removal of coarse debris.

According to still yet another aspect, the debris separator includes cupped end proximate the first debris holder end to pull coarse debris from the coarse debris holder.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a wand assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a wand having a first end configured to be connected to the vacuum cleaner and a second end. A coarse debris holder extends between a first debris holder end connected to the second end of the wand and a second debris holder end that is moveable between an open position and a closed position and defines a pocket. The coarse debris holder defines a chamber having a debris chamber input opening and a fine debris chamber output opening. A debris separator is located in the chamber between the debris chamber input opening and the fine debris chamber output opening. The debris separator includes a cylindrical body defining the fine debris routing section. The cylindrical body extends from the fine debris chamber output opening into the chamber to a dimple that is engageable with the pocket. A suction channel is defined between the debris chamber input opening and the first end of the wand.

According to another aspect, the second debris holder end includes a gasket defining the pocket and the dimple on the debris separator includes a wedged top surface engageable with the gasket.

According to yet another aspect, the debris chamber input opening is located on a sidewall of the coarse debris holder and a suction tube extends from the debris chamber input opening towards the second debris holder end.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a wand assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a wand having a first end configured to be connected to the vacuum cleaner and a second end. A coarse debris holder extends between a first debris holder end connected to the second end of the wand and a second debris holder end opposite the first debris holder end and configured to be connected to an attachment. The coarse debris holder defines a chamber having a debris chamber input opening and a fine debris chamber output opening. A debris separator includes a cyclonic wall located in the chamber between the debris chamber input opening and the fine debris chamber output opening. A suction channel is defined between the debris chamber input opening and the first end of the wand.

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.

As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term “about” is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites “about,” the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by “about,” and one not modified by “about.” It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other end-point, and independently of the other end-point.

The terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, “substantially” is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

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.