Vacuum Head

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority benefit to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/740,437, filed Dec. 31, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

This disclosure pertains to a vacuum head for removing unwanted particles from a target surface.

One aspect of the disclosure pertains to a vacuum head, which may be used for removing unwanted particles or water droplets from a target surface. The vacuum head includes a body that is connectable with a blade holder. The body has an inlet, an outlet, and a hollow interior. The inlet and the outlet are in communication with the hollow interior of the body. When the body is connected to a vacuum source, a suction is formed at the inlet and a discharge is formed at the outlet through the hollow interior of the body. The outlet is configured to be connected to a hose. The blade holder is removably connectable with the body adjacent to the inlet.

In one aspect, the blade holder may have a retaining member and a flexible blade member that forms a pair of blades. The blade holder has a front side and a rear side that extend longitudinally with the front side being opposite the rear side. The blade holder has a first end and a second end that extend along a width of the blade holder with the first end being opposite the second end. The blade holder is adapted and configured to receive a flexible blade member that forms the pair of blades once assembled with the blade holder and the blade holder is connected to the body. The pair of blades includes a first or forward blade and a second of rearward blade. When the flexible blade member is received within the blade holder, the pair of blades are adapted and configured to flex and engage the target surface such that unwanted particles adhere to the pair of blades and are removed from the target surface via the vacuum suction at the inlet.

Another aspect of the disclosure pertains to a vacuum head including a body and a blade holder. The body has an inlet, an outlet, and a hollow interior. The inlet and the outlet are in communication with the hollow interior of the body. When the body is connected to a vacuum source, a suction is formed at the inlet and a discharge is formed at the outlet through the hollow interior of the body. The outlet is configured to be connected to a hose. The blade holder is removably connectable with the body adjacent to the inlet. The blade holder includes a retaining member, and a flexible blade member that forms a pair of blades. The blade holder has a front side and a rear side that extend longitudinally along the blade holder with the front side being opposite the rear side. The blade holder has a first end and a second end that extend transversely to the front and rear sides, the first end being opposite the second end. The blade holder may include a cavity. The cavity may extend between the first end and the second end and between the front side and the rear side. The cavity may be adapted and configured to receive a flexible blade member. The retaining member may be adapted and configured to be inserted into the cavity and releasably secured to the blade holder using one or more fasteners. The same fasteners may be used to releasably secure the blade holder to the body adjacent to the inlet. The flexible blade member is sufficiently flexible such when it flexed and engaged against the blade holder with the retaining member, the flexible blade member forms a pair of blades. The pair of blades includes a first or forward blade and a second or rearward blade. The pair of blades may project from the cavity of the blade holder. The retaining member has a curved upper surface, a straight rearward surface extending downwardly from the curved upper surface, and a straight forward surface extending downwardly from the curved upper surface opposite the straight rearward surface. The flexible blade member curves around the curved upper surface of the retaining member and is positioned between the retaining member and the blade holder. The flexible blade member is sandwiched between the retaining member and blade holder such that the rearward blade is between the rearward surface of the retaining member and a portion of blade holder defining the rear side and the cavity. The flexible blade member is also sandwiched between the retaining member and blade holder such that the forward blade is between the forward surface of the retaining member and a portion of the blade holder defining the front side and the cavity. The pair of blades is adapted and configured to flex and engage the target surface such that unwanted particles adhere to the pair of blades and are removed from the target surface via the suction at the inlet.

Another aspect of the disclosure pertains to a vacuum head having an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the vacuum head is configured to be connected to a hose. The inlet of the vacuum head is configured to be placed on a target surface to be vacuumed. The vacuum head has a body with a hollow interior that communicates with the inlet of the vacuum head and the outlet of the vacuum head. When the outlet of vacuum head is connected to a vacuum source, a suction is formed at the inlet of the vacuum head and a discharge is formed at the outlet of the vacuum head through the hollow interior of the body. The body has a blade holder that extends toward the inlet of the vacuum head. The blade holder supports a flexible blade that is pliable and supported by the blade holder in a curved orientation with a first portion of the blade positioned relative to the blade holder at a first position and a second portion of the blade positioned relative to the blade holder at a second position such that the blade forms a taper from the first position to the second position. The vacuum head has a collar disposed around the blade and connected to the body. The blade projects from the collar at least at the first position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum head in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the vacuum head shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the vacuum head shown in FIG. 1 showing an outlet of the vacuum head.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the vacuum head shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the vacuum head shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the vacuum head shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the vacuum head taken along lines 7-7 shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a blade holder.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the blade holder shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a end view of the blade holder of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the blade holder shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a bottom, perspective, exploded view of the blade holder shown in FIG. 8 with additional detail of a retaining member and flexible blade member.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the flexible member flexed around the retaining member with the blade holder removed.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the retaining member.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a vacuum head in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the vacuum head shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of the vacuum head shown in FIG. 15 showing an outlet of the vacuum head.

FIG. 18 is a left side view of the vacuum head shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the vacuum head shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the vacuum head shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of the vacuum head taken along lines 21-21 shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a perspective, exploded view of the vacuum head shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 23 is another perspective, exploded view of the vacuum head shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective, exploded view of the vacuum head shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 25 is a plan view of a flexible member of the vacuum head shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a hose adapter that may be used at the outlet of the vacuum head of FIGS. 1-14 or the vacuum head of FIGS. 15-25.

FIG. 27 is a cross-section view of the hose adapted of FIG. 15.

Reference numerals in the written specification and in the drawing figures indicate corresponding items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiment One

One embodiment of a vacuum head in accordance with the present disclosure is indicated by reference numeral 80 in the figures. Referring to FIGS. 1-7, the vacuum head 80 includes a body 82 having an inlet 84, an outlet 86, and a hollow interior 88. The body may be formed of an ABS plastic. The inlet 84 and the outlet 86 are in communication with each other through the hollow interior 88 of the body 82. When the vacuum head 80 is connected to a vacuum source (not shown) at the outlet 86, a suction is formed at the inlet 84 and a discharge is formed at the outlet 86 through the hollow interior of the body 88. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the outlet is adapted and configured to be connected to a vacuum source with a hose (not shown). The body 82 may have a general dog leg shape with a bend between the inlet 84 and outlet 86. A first region 82a of the body adjacent the inlet 84 may be flared outward so as to provide a relatively wider area of contact with a target surface in comparison to the outlet 86. A second region of the body 82b adjacent the outlet 84 may be dimensioned and shaped to function as a handle for the vacuum head 80. The vacuum head 82 allows a user to drag the body 82 along a target surface in a direction generally toward and away from the outlet 86 with the inlet 84 positioned to face the target surface.

The vacuum head 80 further includes a blade holder 90. The blade holder 90 is adapted and configured to be removably connected to the body 82 adjacent to the inlet 84. In particular, the blade holder 90 may be removably connected to the body 82 so that the inlet 84 is positioned between the blade holder 90 and the outlet 86. The blade holder may be formed of an ABS plastic. The hollow interior 88 of the body 82 may have a shoulder 92 configured to support the blade holder 90 when the blade holder is removably connected to the body adjacent to the inlet 84. The blade holder 90 may have a tab 94 that abuts the shoulder 92 of the interior 88 of the body 82 when the blade holder 90 is removably connected to the body adjacent to the inlet 84. The body may have a notch 96 configured to support the blade holder 90 when the blade holder is removably connected to the body 82 adjacent to the inlet blade 84. The blade holder 90 may have a flange 98 that is receivable in the notch 96 of the body 82 when the blade holder is removably connected to the body adjacent to the inlet 84. The shoulder 92 and/or the notch 96 may be provided in the first region 82a of the body 82. A mechanical fastener 99 may be used to removably connect the blade holder 90 to the body 82 adjacent to the inlet. The shoulder and/or the notch limit motion of the blade holder relative to the body and provide a positive indication that the blade holder is assembled securely with the body.

The blade holder 90 is adapted and configured to hold a first pliable blade 100 and a second pliable blade 102. The first pliable blade 100 and the second pliable blade 102 may each have a respective blade edge 100a,102a. The blade edge 100a of the first pliable blade 100 and the blade edge 102a of the second pliable blade 102 may extend along a length of the blade holder and may be spaced apart from each other along a width of the blade holder. When the blade holder 90 is removably connected to the body 82, the blade edge 102a of the second pliable blade 102 may be adjacent to the inlet 84. Referring to FIG. 6, the blade edge 102a of the second pliable blade 102 may be extend along a majority of, and preferably, substantially, the entirety of length of the inlet 84. To prevent damage to the blades 100,102, such as tearing, the vacuum head uses a multi-bladed configuration to spread stress across the blades.

Referring to FIGS. 7-14, the blade holder 90 has a front side 108 spaced apart from an opposite rear side 110 across a width of the blade holder. The blade holder 90 has a first end wall 112 and a longitudinally opposite second end 114 wall. The blade holder 90 may have a cavity 116. The cavity may extend between the first end wall 112 and the second end wall 114, and may extend between the front side 108 and the rear side 110. The cavity 116 may be adapted and configured to receive the blades 100,102 within the cavity. The tab 94 and the flange 98 may extend along the entire length of the blade holder or a portion thereof. The tab 94 may project from a curved top 117 of the blade holder 90. The flange 98 may project from the front side 108 of the blade holder 90.

The vacuum head 80 may be provided with a retaining member 118. The retaining member may be insertable into the cavity 116 and releasably secured to the blade holder 90 using one or more of the fasteners 99. For example, and without limitation, the fasteners 99 may be screws, latches, snaps, magnetic fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, or any other suitable fastener. When the retaining member 118 is releasably connected with the blade holder 90 and with the body 82, the mechanical fastener 99 may extend through the body 82 and through the first end wall 112 of the blade holder 90 and is threaded into an end of the retaining member 118. Another of the mechanical fastener 99 may extend through the body 82 and through the second end wall 114 of the blade holder 90 and is threaded into an opposite end of the retaining member 118. The retaining member 118 may have a curved upper surface 120, a straight rearward facing surface 122 extending downwardly from the curved upper surface, and a straight forward facing surface 124 extending downwardly from the curved upper surface opposite the straight rearward surface 122. The retaining member 118 may further include one or more features for engaging with the fasteners 99 to secure the retaining member 118 to the blade holder 90, and to the body 82. For example, and without limitation, the retaining member 118 may have one or more threaded holes 126 corresponding to screw type fasteners 99. In such embodiments, the body 82 and the blade holder 90 include through holes 128 that permit the shaft but not the head of the fastener 99 to pass through the body and the blade holder and engage the retaining member 118.

The first pliable blade 100 and the second pliable blade 102 may be connected to each other with a central web to form a flexible blade member 130. The flexible blade member 130 may be sufficiently flexible to conform to the retaining member 118 and fit in the cavity 116 of the blade holder 90. The flexible blade member 130 may be sufficiently flexible to form the first and second blades 100,102 when flexed and wrapped around the retaining member 118 and coupled to the blade holder 90 using the retaining member. In other words, the first and second blades 100,102 may be formed from the flexible blade member 130 when the flexible blade member is positioned within the cavity 116 of the blade holder 90. The flexible blade member 130 may be curved around the curved upper surface 120 of the retaining member 118 and positioned between the retaining member 118 and the blade holder 90 with equal portions extending from the forward facing and rearward facing surfaces 122,124 of the retaining member to form the first and second blades 100,102. The flexible blade member 130 may be sandwiched between the retaining member 118 and the blade holder 90 such that the second blade 102 is between the rearward surface 122 of the retaining member 118 and a portion of blade holder 90 defining the rear side 110 and the cavity 116. The flexible blade member 130 may be also sandwiched between the retaining member 118 and blade holder 90 such that the first blade 100 is between the forward surface 124 of the retaining member 118 and a portion of the blade holder 102 defining the front side 108 and the cavity 116. The retaining member 118 positions the flexible blade member 130 in the cavity 116 and against the interior of the blade holder 90 in this configuration in order to form the blades 100,102. The retaining member 118 may be received in the cavity as shown in the drawings, or in the alternative may be disposed outside of the cavity when releasably connected to the blade holder.

The blades 100,102 are adapted and configured to flex and engage a target surface such that unwanted particles adhere to the blades and are removed from the target surface. For example, the material of the blades 100,102 may be polyurethane, which facilitates the adherence of unwanted particles. In some embodiments, the flexible blade member 130 which forms the blades 100,102 is constructed from polyurethane preferably having a Shore hardness of between 46 and 54 on the Shore A durometer scale (conducted in accordance with ASTM D2240) and more particularly has a Shore hardness of 52 on the Shore A durometer scale (conducted in accordance with ASTM D2240). Such a hardness provides sufficient adherence to attach unwanted particles and maintain the integrity of the blade 18 (e.g., prevent tearing during use). In that regard, the flexible blade member may have a thickness of between about two millimeters and about four millimeters. In some embodiments, the polyurethane is between 80 and 90 percent polyester resin, between 0.5 and 2 percent trimethylolpropane, between 0.5 and 2.5 percent butanediol, between 1.5 and 3.5 percent 4,4′-Methylenebis(2-chloroaniline), and between 8 and 10 percent dioctyl phthalate. More preferably, the polyurethane is approximately 85 percent polyester resin, approximately 1.25 percent trimethylolpropane, approximately 1.5 percent butanediol, approximately 2.5 percent 4,4′-Methylenebis(2-chloroaniline), and approximately 9 percent dioctyl phthalate. In alternative embodiments, the blades 100,102 has a different composition, polyurethane or otherwise. In other embodiments, the blades are separate members and held in a spaced apart relationship with the retaining member. In other embodiments, the blades are separate members and held in a spaced apart relationship in the blade holder without the retaining member. In such embodiments, the blade holder may or may have a cavity.

In some embodiments, the blade holder 90 includes a plurality of guide posts 136 to facilitate receiving the retaining member 104 in the cavity 116. For instance, as shown in FIG. 11, the guide post 136 may extend downwardly from the blade holder 90 and within the cavity 116. The plurality of guide posts 136 are adapted and configured to align the retaining member 118 with the blade holder 90. For example, the guide posts 136 are aligned on a longitudinal axis parallel with the blade holder 90. In one example, the retaining member 118 also includes a plurality of aligning holes 138 that extend along a longitudinal axis in the center of the retaining member. The plurality of aligning holes 138 of the retaining member are adapted and configured to receive the plurality of guide posts 136 such that the retaining member 118 aligns with the blade holder 90. When the retaining member 118 is inserted into the cavity 116 of the blade holder 90, the guide posts 136 enter the aligning holes 138 to position the retaining member 118 relative to the blade holder 90.

The flexible blade member 130 may also include a plurality of aligning through holes 140 in the central web that are adapted and configured to allow the plurality of guide posts 136 to extend through the plurality of through holes 140 such that the flexible blade member 130 is aligned with the blade holder 90. The plurality of through holes 140 along with the plurality of guide posts 136 combine to stabilize the blades 100,102 when the vacuum head 80 is in use. For example, these features may limit or prevent shifting of the flexible blade member 130 relative to the blade holder 90 and ensure the first and second blades 100,102 are of equal length when assembled with retaining member 118 and inserted in the cavity 116. As shown in FIGS. 11-13, the plurality of aligning holes 140 of the flexible blade member 130 extend along a longitudinal axis in the center of the flexible blade member.

The pair of blades 100,102 advantageously reduce the stress on flexible blade member 130 in comparison to a single blade configuration. This results in a decreased risk of the flexible blade member 130 tearing or breaking when the vacuum head 80 is in use. The pair of blades 100,102 are adapted and configured to contact the target surface when the vacuum head 80 is in use such that the force applied transmitted to the target surface from the vacuum head 80 is carried by both blades. For example, when the vacuum head 80 is used, both blades 100,102 contact the target surface and are flexed when dragged along the target surface. The force is transmitted through each blade to the blade holder 90 as the flexible blade member 130 is sandwiched between the blade holder 90 and the retaining member 118 such that the flexible blade member 130 is in contact with the blade holder 90. In some embodiments, the blades 100,102 have a thickness of between two millimeters and four millimeters, inclusive. This thickness may allow the blades to flex while maintaining the integrity of the blades. In alternative embodiments, the thickness may vary.

The releasable configuration of the flexible blade member 130 and the retaining member 118 advantageously allow for replacement of damaged blades by removing the flexible blade member 106 and replacing it with an undamaged replacement flexible blade member. The ability to remove the flexible blade member 130 may also facilitate cleaning of a used but undamaged flexible blade member 130, e.g., by rinsing or washing the flexible blade member 130 while removed from the vacuum head.

In alternative embodiments, the flexible blade member 130 may be releasably coupled to the blade holder 90 using other suitable configurations. For example, and without limitation, the flexible blade member and the retaining member may be integrated into a cartridge or other configuration. A replacement cartridge may include a flexible blade member and a retaining member allowing both to be replaced. The cartridge may include other components such as a housing, shroud, cowl, or the like which receive the flexible blade member to form a pair of blades along with the retaining member of the cartridge. In such embodiments, the cavity of the blade holder is sized to receive the cartridge. Alternatively, the blade holder as a releasable fastener that engages with a corresponding feature on the housing or cartridge. The cartridge is typically disposable.

In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum head 80 includes two blades. However, the same principles described herein permit the use of more than two blades. Additional blades may advantageously further spread the load amongst the blades to reduce damage to individual blades.

Making reference to FIG. 7, the outlet 86 may be configured to be removably connectable with hose or coupling of varying diameters. The outlet may have a plurality of concentric cylindrical locators, for instance, two concentric cylindrical locators 150,152. The outer diameter surface of the radial outward cylindrical locator 152 may provide a surface that cooperates with an inside surface of a hose or coupling. The inner diameter surface of the radial outward cylindrical locator 152 may provide a surface that cooperates with an outside surface of a hose or coupling. Likewise, the outer diameter surface of the radial inward cylindrical locator 150 may provide a surface that cooperates with an inside surface of a hose or coupling. The inner diameter surface of the radial inward cylindrical locator 150 may provide a surface that cooperates with an outside surface of a hose or coupling. For instance, the concentric cylindrical locators 150,152 may be configured for attachment to a 1-¼ inch, 1-½ inch, 1-⅞ inch and/or 2-½ inch hose or coupling by varying the wall thickness of the respective locator and the inner and outer diameters of the respective locators.

The following involves one aspect of the disclosure of vacuum head 80 shown in FIGS. 1-14:

• • 1. The vacuum head comprises: (i) a body, the body having an inlet, an outlet, and a hollow interior, the inlet and the outlet being in communication with the hollow interior of the body, wherein when the body is connected to a vacuum source, a suction is formed at the inlet and a discharge is formed at the outlet through the hollow interior of the body, the outlet being configured to be connected to a hose; and (ii) a blade holder, the blade holder being configured to be removably connected to the body adjacent to the inlet, the blade holder being configured to hold a first pliable blade and a second pliable blade, the first pliable blade and the second pliable blade each having a blade edge, the blade edge of the first pliable blade and the blade edge of the second pliable blade being spaced apart, the second pliable blade being adjacent to the inlet.
  • 2. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 1 wherein the hollow interior of the body has a shoulder configured to support the blade holder when the blade holder is removably connected to the body adjacent to the inlet.
  • 3. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 2 wherein the blade holder has a tab that abuts the shoulder of the interior of the body when the blade holder is removably connected to the body adjacent to the inlet.
  • 4. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 1 wherein the body has a notch configured to support the blade holder when the blade holder is removably connected to the body adjacent to the inlet.
  • 5. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 4 wherein the blade holder has a flange that is receivable in the notch of the body when the blade holder is removably connected to the body adjacent to the inlet.
  • 6. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 1 wherein the blade holder has a front side and a rear side spaced apart from the front side across a width of the vacuum head, the blade holder has a first end wall and a second end wall spaced apart from the first end wall across a length of the blade holder, the first and second end walls being orthogonal to the front side and the rear side, the front side, rear side, first end wall, and second end wall defining a cavity in the blade holder.
  • 7. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 6 wherein the blade holder is adapted and configured to releasably connect with the body at the first end wall of the blade holder and at the second end wall of the blade holder when the blade holder is removably connected to the body adjacent to the inlet.
  • 8. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 6 further comprising a retaining member removably connectable with the blade holder, the first pliable blade being spaced apart from the second pliable blade by the retaining member.
  • 9. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 8 wherein the retaining member has a straight forward facing surface and a straight rearward facing surface spaced from the straight forward facing surface across a width of the retaining member, the straight forward facing surface matching and conforming to the front side of the blade holder, the straight rearward facing surface matching and conforming to the rear side of the blade holder.
  • 10 The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 7 wherein the retaining member is adapted and configured to releasably connect with the blade holder at the first end wall of the blade holder and at the second end wall of the blade holder when the blade holder is removably connected to the body adjacent to the inlet.
  • 11. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 10 wherein when the retaining member is releasably connected with the blade holder and with the body, a first mechanical fastener extends through the body and through the first end wall of the blade holder and is threaded into an end of the retaining member, and a second mechanical fastener extends through the body and through the second end wall of the blade holder and is threaded into an opposite end of the retaining member.
  • 12. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 8 wherein the first pliable blade and the second pliable blade are connected to each other with a central web to form a flexible blade member.
  • 13. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 12 wherein the flexible blade member is sufficiently flexible to be flexed around the retaining member to form the first pliable blade and the second pliable blade.
  • 14. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 12 wherein when the flexible blade member is flexed around the retaining member, inserted in the cavity of the blade holder, and releasably secured to the blade holder with the retaining member releasably connected to the first and second end walls of the blade holder and the blade holder removably connected to the body adjacent to the inlet: (i) the flexible blade member forms the first and second blades projecting from the blade holder, (ii) the first and second blades of the flexible blade member extend along a direction corresponding to the length of the blade holder in the cavity of the blade holder; (iii) the first blade is spaced apart from the second blade along a direction corresponding to the width of the blade holder; (iv) the retaining member is disposed between the first and second blades; (v) the retaining member spaces apart the first and second blades in the direction corresponding to the width of the blade holder; (vi) the straight forward facing surface of the retaining member abuts the first blade against the front side of the blade holder along the length of the blade holder in the cavity of the blade holder; (vii) and the straight rearward facing surface of the retaining member abuts the second blade against the rear side of the blade holder along the length of the blade holder in the cavity of the blade holder.
  • 15. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 1 wherein the first and second pliable blades comprises polyurethane having a Shore hardness of between 46 and 54 on the Shore A durometer scale.
  • 16. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 1 wherein the first and second pliable blades have a thickness of between about two millimeters and about four millimeters.
  • 17. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 6 further comprising a plurality of guide posts extending downwardly from the blade holder within the cavity.
  • 18. The vacuum head as set forth above in paragraph 17, wherein the retaining member comprises a plurality of aligning holes adapted and configured to receive the plurality of guide posts.

Embodiment Two

Another embodiment of a vacuum head in accordance with the present disclosure is indicated by reference numeral 180 in the figures. Referring to FIGS. 15-25, the vacuum head 180 has body 182, an inlet 184, an outlet 186, and a hollow interior 188. The body 182 may have a blade holder 190 around which a blade 200 is disposed and secured with a collar 202. The body 182 may be formed of an ABS plastic. The inlet 184 and the outlet 186 are in communication with each other through the hollow interior 188 of the body 182. When the vacuum head 180 is connected to a vacuum source (not shown) at the outlet 186, a suction is formed at the inlet 184 and a discharge is formed at the outlet 186 through the hollow interior 188 of the body 182. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the outlet is adapted and configured to be connected to a vacuum source with a hose (not shown). The body 182, and the vacuum head as a whole, may have a general dog leg shape with a bend between the inlet 184 and outlet 186. The bend may be such that a plane defining the outlet 186 is obtusely angled relative to a plane defining the inlet 184. A first region of the vacuum head 180a adjacent the outlet 186 may be dimensioned and shaped to function as a handle for the vacuum head 180. A second region 180b of the vacuum head adjacent the inlet 184 may be of a relatively larger dimension in comparison to the first region 180a so as to provide a relatively wider area of contact with a target surface. The vacuum head 180 allows a user to drag the body 182 along a target surface in a direction (D; see FIG. 18) generally toward and away from the outlet 186 with the inlet 184 positioned to face the target surface, although the vacuum head may be moved in other directions relative to the target surface as may be desired by the user.

The blade holder 190 of the body may be integral with the body and extend from the first region 180a of the vacuum head toward the inlet 184. The blade holder 190 is adapted and configured to hold the blade 200 to the body 182 and allow a portion of the blade to depend or project away from the body. The blade holder 190 includes a locator shoulder 192 and a plurality of tabs 194 projecting outward that may be brought into register with like arranged slots 196 on the blade 200 to secure the blade to the blade holder 190 against the locator shoulder. The tabs and slots may be reversed such that the blade holder has holes or slot and the blade has tabs that cooperate with the slots in mounting the blade to the blade holder. The blade holder 190 may be formed as a recess defined by the locator shoulder 192 such that the recess is dimensioned and shaped to receive the blade 200 in a curved orientation as shown in the drawings. Thus, the recess may be shaped and dimensioned in a manner that conforms to a least a portion of the blade 200, and vice versa, the blade may be shaped and dimensioned in a manner that conforms to the recess. Making reference to FIG. 25, the blade 200 may have opposite width edges spaced apart by a straight length edge and a curved length edge. Accordingly the blade holder 190 may have a recess defined by the should 192 that conforms to the shape of the blade.

In one aspect, the blade 200 may be wrapped around the blade holder 190 so that the blade forms a general ellipse shape with a taper. Accordingly, the blade 200 may be positioned around the blade holder so the blade 200 has a first portion relative to the blade holder 190 at a first position and a second portion positioned relative to the blade holder at a second position such that the blade forms a taper from the first position to the second position in the curved pattern of the blade. In one aspect, the blade 200 may be positioned on the blade holder such that the blade has a first region 200a that projects a first distance 204 from the blade holder, and a second region 200b that projects a second distance 206 from the blade holder where the first distance is greater than the second distance. In certain embodiments, in the second region 200b, the blade may not project from the blade holder and may be contained within the bounds or recess (if provided) of the blade holder. For instance, edges of the blade at the second position 200b may be coterminous with the blade holder or inward of the edges of the blade holder.

As best shown in FIG. 17, the blade holder 190 may be formed with a suction port 208. The suction port 208 ensures that the vacuum head 180 may be removed from the target surface with a vacuum applied regardless of the angle at which the blade 200 makes contact with the target surface. The blade 200 may be wrapped around the blade holder 190 and such that marginal sides 210 of the blade terminate adjacent the suction port 208. In such an arrangement, the marginal sides 210 of the blade may be contained within the bounds or recess (if provided) of the blade holder so that there is no projection of the blade at the second region 200b.

The collar 202 member may be disposed around the blade 200 when the blade is wrapped around the blade holder 190 of the body 182. The collar may be extend in a continuous manner or may be discontinuous, for instance, discontinuous in the region adjacent the suction port 208. The collar 202 may be removably attached to the body 182, for instance, with a threaded or clip attachment to the blade holder and/or a flange 214 of the body, or may be permanently attached to the body, for instance, by adhering or welding to the blade holder and/or a flange 214 of the body. In one aspect, the collar 202 may have a sliding or slip fit around the blade 200 when the blade is mounted to the blade holder 190, and an upper edge of the collar 212 may be secured to an underside of the flange 214 of the body. The collar may be shaped such that the collar covers the blade at the second position of the blade relative to the blade holder and allows the blade to project from the collar at the second position an amount that allows the blade to flex an amount that is sufficient to remove unwanted particles from the target surface while preventing degradation of the blade from excessive flexing. The thickness of the blade, the rounded shape of the blade as it conforms to the blade holder, and the amount of extension of the blade from the collar all combine to provide the blade with an amount of flexing that is sufficient to remove unwanted particles from the target surface while preventing degradation of the blade from excessive flexing.

The blade 200 is adapted and configured to flex and engage a target surface such that unwanted particles adhere to the blades and are removed from the target surface. For example, the material of the blade may be polyurethane, which facilitates the adherence of unwanted particles. In some embodiments, the blade 200 is constructed from polyurethane preferably having a Shore hardness of between 46 and 54 on the Shore A durometer scale (conducted in accordance with ASTM D2240) and more particularly has a Shore hardness of 52 on the Shore A durometer scale (conducted in accordance with ASTM D2240). Such a hardness provides sufficient adherence to attach unwanted particles and maintain the integrity of the blade 200 (e.g., prevent tearing during use). In that regard, the blade 200 may have a thickness of between about four millimeters and about six millimeters. In some embodiments, the polyurethane is between 80 and 90 percent polyester resin, between 0.5 and 2 percent trimethylolpropane, between 0.5 and 2.5 percent butanediol, between 1.5 and 3.5 percent 4,4′-Methylenebis(2-chloroaniline), and between 8 and 10 percent dioctyl phthalate. More preferably, the polyurethane is approximately 85 percent polyester resin, approximately 1.25 percent trimethylolpropane, approximately 1.5 percent butanediol, approximately 2.5 percent 4,4′-Methylenebis(2-chloroaniline), and approximately 9 percent dioctyl phthalate. In alternative embodiments, the blade 200 has a different composition, polyurethane or otherwise.

The outlet 186 may be configured to be removably connectable with hose or coupling of varying diameters. The outlet may have a plurality of concentric cylindrical locators, for instance, two concentric cylindrical locators 220,222. The outer diameter surface of the radial outward cylindrical locator 220 may provide a surface that cooperates with an inside surface of a hose or coupling. The inner diameter surface of the radial outward cylindrical locator 220 may provide a surface that cooperates with an outside surface of a hose or coupling. Likewise, the outer diameter surface of the radial inward cylindrical locator 222 may provide a surface that cooperates with an inside surface of a hose or coupling. The inner diameter surface of the radial inward cylindrical locator 222 may provide a surface that cooperates with an outside surface of a hose or coupling. For instance, the concentric cylindrical locators 220,222 may be configured for attachment to a 1-¼ inch, 1-½ inch, 1-⅞ inch and/or 2-½ inch hose or coupling by varying the wall thickness of the respective locator and the inner and outer diameters of the respective locators.

To assist in the connection, an adapter 300 such as that shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 may be used at the outlet 86 of the vacuum head of FIGS. 1-14 or outlet 186 of the vacuum head of FIGS. 15-25. The adapter 300 shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 has a first portion 162 with an inner surface that is configured to cooperate with the outer diameter surface of the radial inward cylindrical locators 150,222. A second portion 364 of the adapter has a reduced diameter to allow a smaller diameter hose (smaller than the inner diameter surface of the radial inward cylindrical locator) to be attached to an inside diameter surface or an outside diameter surface of the second portion. In the alternative, the second portion 364 may be formed with an enlarged diameter to allow a larger diameter hose (larger than the outer diameter surface of the radial outward cylindrical locator) be attached to an inside diameter surface or an outside diameter surface of the second portion.

As various modifications could be made in the constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

It should also be understood that when introducing elements in the present disclosure in the claims or in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be open-ended and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, the term “portion” should be construed as meaning some or all of the item or element that it qualifies. Moreover, use of identifiers such as first, second, and third should not be construed in a manner imposing any relative position or time sequence between limitations.