CLEANING DEVICE

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device are disclosed. Each cleaning head includes a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned, a dirt collection chamber, and a pocket arranged to receive an insert of the connector to attach the cleaning head to the cleaning device. In some embodiments, the connector insert is pivotally connected to the connector. In some embodiments, the cleaning head includes a support structure and a cleaning sheet, with the pocket being formed between the support structure and the cleaning sheet.

Description

FIELD

Embodiments disclosed herein related generally to cleaning devices, and more specifically to vacuums.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Cleaning devices are used in the home and office to clean floors and other surfaces. Various types of cleaning devices are known, such as vacuum cleaners and cleaning devices which use cleaning pads that are removably attached to the cleaning head of the device.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a cleaning device having a vacuum source, a body with a handle, and a connector arranged to attach one or more cleaning heads to the cleaning device. The apparatus also includes a first cleaning head removably attachable to the cleaning device via the connector, the first cleaning head having an upper side and a lower side, the lower side of the first cleaning head arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned, a dirt collection chamber, and a pocket arranged to receive an insert of the connector.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus includes a cleaning head removably attachable to a cleaning device, the cleaning head having an upper side and a lower side, the lower side of the cleaning head arranged to contact a surface. The cleaning head includes a cleaning sheet arranged to contact the surface, a flexible support structure, a dirt collection chamber attached to the support structure, and a pocket defined between the cleaning sheet and the support structure, the pocket arranged to receive at least a portion of the cleaning device, an opening of the pocket being positioned the dirt collection chamber.

According to another embodiment, a method of using a cleaning device is disclosed. The cleaning device includes a vacuum source, a body including a handle, and a connector including an insert arranged to removably connect one or more cleaning heads to the device. Each of the one or more cleaning heads includes a pocket into which the connector insert is insertable. The method includes inserting an insert of a connector of a cleaning device into a pocket of a first cleaning head, the first cleaning head including a cleaning sheet, a first suction nozzle, and a first dirt collection chamber, connecting the first cleaning head to the connector, operating the device to move dirt through the first suction nozzle and into the first dirt collection chamber, removing the first cleaning head from the connector; and disposing of the first cleaning head.

It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

The foregoing and other aspects, embodiments, and features of the present teachings can be more fully understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a cleaning head according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the cleaning head of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the cleaning head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a cleaning head according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cleaning head according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cleaning sheet being attached to the cleaning head of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a cleaning head according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the cleaning head of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cleaning head according to some embodiments;

FIG. 11 shows a cleaning device and the cleaning head of FIG. 10 attachable to the cleaning device;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cleaning head according to some embodiments;

FIG. 13 shows a cleaning device and the cleaning head of FIG. 12 attachable to the cleaning device FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a cleaning head according to some embodiments;

FIG. 15 shows a cleaning device and the cleaning head of FIG. 14 attachable to the cleaning device;

FIG. 16 is a cleaning head according to some embodiments, with a cleaning sheet of the cleaning head rolled around a suction nozzle of the cleaning head;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a portion of a cleaning head according to some embodiments;

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a cleaning head according to another embodiment;

FIG. 19 shows a cleaning device and a cleaning head removably attachable to the cleaning device according to some embodiments;

FIG. 20 shows a cleaning device and a cleaning head removably attachable to the cleaning device, with an insert of a connector of the cleaning device shown in a first, open position;

FIG. 21 shows the cleaning device of FIG. 20, with the insert inserted into a pocket of the cleaning head of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 shows the cleaning device of FIG. 21 with the insert in a second, closed position;

FIG. 23 shows a cleaning head being placed on the floor according to one method of using a cleaning device according to embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 24 shows the cleaning head of FIG. 23 being connected to the cleaning device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 25 shows the cleaning device of FIG. 24 spraying liquid onto the floor; FIG. 26 shows the cleaning head of FIG. 25 being disposed; and

FIG. 27 shows a cleaning head being disposed according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Cleaning a surface, such as a hard floor or carpeted surface, can be challenging when there is a variety of different types of debris and spills, such as wet, dry, or mixed media spills. Cleaning devices are often suited for cleaning wet or dry debris, but not for cleaning both. As such, users typically need to use multiple cleaning devices to clean their floors. For example, the user may use a broom and/or vacuum cleaner to remove dry debris and then use a mop to clean up wet spills and/or to remove stains. In some instances, even with debris that is of the same type, a user may need to use multiple cleaning devices. For example, a vacuum may be successful at picking up large particles but may not capture smaller dust particles. Using multiple cleaning devices may be time consuming. For example, not only may the user need to use multiple cleaning devices, the user may need to use the same cleaning device more than once to fully clean the floor. For example, a user may need to sweep and/or vacuum the floor before mopping and then again after mopping, such as to pick up debris that was not removed from the surface prior to mopping or to pick up dirt or debris that was formed during mopping.

Using multiple cleaning devices also may be messy and/or require long setup time or after-use maintenance. For example, in some instances, the user may prefer to use a broom instead of a vacuum because of the readiness of the broom as compared to the time to set up the vacuum cleaner. With the broom, a user will sweep up and dispose of the dirt particles. Vacuums may require the user to either remove a bag from within the vacuum or repeatedly empty a dirt cup. Some cleaning devices have attempted to handle both wet and dry media, but some of these devices can have higher-set up times than using a broom and then a mop to clean a floor. Additionally, the after-use maintenance can be high for such devices, especially when cleaning liquids are involved. For example, some combination tools can become unsanitary or develop an odor if not properly cleaned after each use.

The inventors have recognized that advantages may be realized by having a cleaning head that collects wet and/or dry debris and is removably attachable to the cleaning device. A dirt collection chamber may be attached to the removable cleaning head to collect dirt being suctioned by the vacuum cleaner. The cleaning head may be constructed such that instead of opening the dirt collection chamber to dispose of the collected dirt, the dirt collection chamber is disposed of with the cleaning head.

For purposes herein, dirt being suctioned into the dirt collection chamber may include dry and/or wet media. For example, in some embodiments, a liquid applied to the surface may be absorbed by a cleaning sheet and also suctioned by the vacuum into the dirt collection chamber. In some embodiments, the wet media may be absorbed by at least a portion of the material used to form the dirt collection chamber. In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber may be formed of a material which allows for fluid absorption into the material but does not allow for fluid transfer through the material. In such embodiments, fluid may not travel through the dirt collection chamber. For example, the material used to form the dirt collection chamber may be absorptive on the inner side of the dirt collection chamber, but impermeable.

In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber may be permanently attached to the cleaning head. Without the need for detachment members, in some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber can be arranged to provide air filtration over a substantial surface area of the dirt collection chamber walls.

Advantages also may be realized if the user does not have to handle the wet or dirty cleaning head after operation of the cleaning device. For example, the cleaning device may be arranged to release the cleaning head after using the cleaning device such that the user does not have to grasp the cleaning head to discard it. With a permanently attached dirt collection chamber, and a release arrangement that does not require the user to touch the cleaning head, the cleaning head can be disposed of with limited or no user contact.

In some embodiments, the cleaning head includes a support structure to which the dirt collection chamber is attached. In such embodiments, the user may simply attach the cleaning head to the cleaning device, operate the cleaning device to move dirt from the surface and into the dirt collection chamber, remove the cleaning head, and dispose the cleaning head into a trash receptacle. Such a process may be repeated each time the user cleans the surface.

In some embodiments, the cleaning device may include a cleaning sheet and/or a liquid spray assembly to help with cleaning. In such embodiments, because the cleaning head may be the only part of the cleaning device to contact the surface and contain the wet and/or dry debris, the remainder of the cleaning device may remain clean throughout and after operation of the cleaning device.

In some embodiments, the lower side of the cleaning head is arranged to contact the surface to be cleaned. For example, the lower side of the cleaning head may have one or more wheels to facilitate movement of the cleaning head on the surface. As another example of the lower side of the cleaning head contacting the surface, the cleaning head may include a cleaning sheet that contacts the surface to clean the surface during operation of the cleaning device. In some embodiments, the cleaning head includes a support arranged to hold the cleaning sheet on the cleaning head. In such embodiments, the cleaning sheet may be permanently or removably attached to the cleaning head.

In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber is positioned on the upper side of the cleaning head. In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber protrudes from the upper side of the cleaning head.

In some embodiments, the cleaning head includes a suction inlet to move debris from the surface into the dirt collection chamber. In some embodiments, the suction inlet includes a suction nozzle that, in some embodiments, extends laterally across a front of the cleaning head. In some embodiments, the suction nozzle is fluidically connected to a vacuum source of the cleaning device.

In some embodiments, the suction nozzle may be permanently attached to the cleaning head. For example, the suction nozzle may be integrally formed with the support structure of the cleaning head. The suction nozzle also may be fixedly attached to the support structure and/or to a cleaning sheet, such as via an adhesive or another suitable attachment mechanism. In such embodiments, the user may attach the cleaning head to the cleaning device, such as via a connector, as will be described, operate the cleaning device, and discard the soiled cleaning head.

In other embodiments, the suction nozzle may be removable attachable to the cleaning head. In such embodiments, the user may attach the suction nozzle to the cleaning head prior to attaching the cleaning head to the cleaning device for use. In still another embodiment, the suction nozzle may be removably attachable to the cleaning device, such as to the connector.

In some embodiments, the cleaning heads are stackable. In some embodiments, the dirt collection chambers are arranged to be collapsible. For example, the dirt collection chamber may include a bag. In some embodiments, the cleaning heads may be rolled up.

In some embodiments, the cleaning device includes a body having a handle, a vacuum, source, and a connector to connect the cleaning head to the cleaning body. In some embodiments, the connector includes a first engagement element and the cleaning head includes a second engagement element arranged to engage with the first engagement element to connect the cleaning head to the body of the cleaning device. In such embodiments, the cleaning head is held to the connector once the first and second engagement elements are engaged with one another.

In some embodiments, when the cleaning head is attached to the cleaning device, at least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be covered by the cleaning device. For example, in some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber may be covered by the connector used to connect the cleaning head to the cleaning device. In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber may be formed at least in part by an air filter. In such embodiments, the air filter portion is covered by the connector when the cleaning head is attached to the cleaning device, and suction is applied to the air filter.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the connector, e.g., a connector portion, also referred to herein as a connector insert or insert, may be inserted into the cleaning head to connect the cleaning head to the device. In such embodiments, a portion of the connector may be positioned below the dirt collection chamber (e.g., in a pocket formed in the cleaning head) and a portion of the connector also may cover the dirt collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the body includes a spray nozzle and a liquid reservoir to supply liquid to the spray nozzle. As will be appreciated, the liquid reservoir may be removably or permanently attached to the cleaning device.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cleaning device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in this figure, the cleaning device 100 includes a body 102 with a handle 104, a connector 106, and a cleaning head 108 which is removably attachable to the body, such as via the connector. In some embodiments, the handle length may be adjustable to allow a user to adjust the height of the cleaning device. For example, the handle may be telescoping to increase or decrease the length of the handle.

As shown by way of example in FIGS. 2-4, the cleaning head 108 may include a dirt collection chamber 112 to collect debris removed from the surface. As will be appreciated, the dirt collection chamber may be a dirt cup, a dirt bin, or any other suitable container for collecting dirt such as dust or wet and/or dry media. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning head may have a support structure 110. In such embodiments, the dirt collection chamber 112 may be permanently attached to the support structure. For example, the dirt collection chamber 112 may be glued, heat sealed, or otherwise permanently affixed to the support structure.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the support structure may include a substantially planar support frame, although the support structure may have other suitable arrangements. In some embodiments, the support structure may include a rigid structure, although the support structure also may include a flexible structure. For example, in some embodiments, the support structure may include the cleaning sheet and/or another flexible layer attachable to the cleaning sheet.

In some embodiments, the support structure may be arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned. For example, in some embodiments, the support frame may directly contact the surface to be cleaned. In other embodiments, the support frame may contact the surface to be cleaned via one or more wheels, a cleaning sheet, or a cleaning sheet with a backing pad. As will be appreciated, in embodiments in which the cleaning sheet is the support frame, the support frame may directly contact the surface when the cleaning sheet contacts the surface to be cleaned.

In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber protrudes upwardly from the support structure. For purposes herein, the term “protruding upwardly” means that the dirt collection chamber protrudes away from the support structure in a direction away from the surface being cleaned. In some embodiments, the support frame may include one or more grooves 115 to increase the rigidity of the support frame (see, e.g., FIG. 2). As will be appreciated, the support structure and the dirt collection chamber need not be the same shape or size. For example, the support structure may be larger than the dirt collection chamber in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the support structure may have a substantially rectangular shape (top view) while the dirt collection chamber has a generally oval, racetrack, or otherwise curved shape (top view).

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2-5, 7, and 9, the cleaning head may include a cleaning sheet 114, 214, 314, 414. In some embodiments, the cleaning sheet may be attached to the lower surface of the cleaning head. For example, the cleaning sheet may be attached to the lower surface of a support structure. In some embodiments, the lower surface of the support structure may be positioned opposite to the surface on which the dirt collection chamber is positioned. In some embodiments, the cleaning sheet may be larger than the support structure, although it may be the same size as, or smaller than, the support structure in other embodiments. The support structure and cleaning sheet may be the same shape or they may have different shapes.

In some embodiments, the cleaning sheet may be permanently attached to the cleaning head, such as permanently attached to the support structure. For example, the cleaning sheet may be glued, heat sealed, or otherwise fixedly attached to the support structure. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, where the cleaning sheet 214 forms the support structure of the cleaning head 208, the dirt collection chamber 212 may be directly attached to an upper surface of the cleaning sheet 214. The suction nozzle 218 also may be attachable to the cleaning sheet 212 in such embodiments. In other embodiments, the cleaning sheet may be removably attached to the cleaning head. For example, the support structure may have one or more hook and loop fasteners that engage with hook and loop fasteners on the cleaning sheet. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6-7, the cleaning sheet 314 may include a pocket 315 into which at least a portion of the support structure 310 is slidably inserted. As will be appreciated, in such embodiments, the cleaning sheet may be attachable to the cleaning head, such as to the support structure and/or the dirt collection bin, prior to attaching the cleaning head to the cleaning device. In some embodiments, the cleaning sheet may be attachable to the cleaning head after the cleaning head is attached to the cleaning device.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cleaning head may include a pocket 435 into which at least a portion of the cleaning device (e.g., a connector insert) may be inserted to connect the cleaning head to the cleaning device.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cleaning head 408 may include a cleaning sheet 414, a suction nozzle 418, a dirt collection chamber 412, and a support structure. In some embodiments, the suction nozzle may be attached to at least a portion of the cleaning sheet. The suction nozzle also may be attached to at least a portion of the support structure. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the support structure may include a flexible backing layer 440 that is attachable to the cleaning sheet. In some embodiments, the backing layer may be positioned at least partially behind the suction nozzle (see the dashed line labeled 442). In some embodiments, the suction nozzle may be attached to at least a portion of the backing layer. In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber 412 is attachable to the backing layer 440. In some embodiments, the backing layer cooperates with the cleaning sheet to form the pocket for receiving the connector insert. For example, in some embodiments, the backing layer may be attached to the cleaning sheet at or near the first and second lateral sides 446a, 446b (see FIG. 9), but not at the rear 448 of the backing layer. In such embodiments, an opening for the pocket (e.g., for insertion of the connector insert) may be formed between opposite faces of the rear 448 of the backing layer and the rear 450 of the cleaning sheet. In some embodiments, the opening of the pocket is positioned behind the dirt collection chamber. In some embodiments, the opening of the pocket is positioned behind the suction nozzle.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the rear 448 of the backing layer may include a tab 480 that is graspable by the user, which may be used to access the pocket. For example, the user may grasp the tab and move the backing layer away from the cleaning sheet to access the pocket. In such embodiments, the connector insert may be inserted into the pocket after moving the backing layer away from the cleaning sheet. In some embodiments, the tab may include indicia arranged to indicate the location of the pocket and the direction of insertion for the connector insert. As will be appreciated, the tab may be any shape and size. In some embodiments, the rear of the backing layer may include more the one tab for grasping by the user. As will be further appreciated, one or more tabs may be located on other portions of the cleaning sheet to assist the user in accessing the pocket and/or inserting the connector insert in the pocket.

As will be appreciated, the size of the pocket may correspond to the size of the connector. For example, the pocket may have a width that is large enough to accommodate a width of the connector insert. In some embodiments, as least a portion of the connector insert may extend outwardly from the pocket when the cleaning head is attached to the connector. For example, the connector portion may be longer than a length of the pocket. In some embodiments, the shape of the pocket may be the same as the shape of connector insert, although the shapes may vary. For example, the connector insert may be substantially oval (top view) while the pocket may be substantially rectangular (top view).

Although the cleaning head is shown as having a single pocket for receiving a single connector insert, the cleaning head may have more than one pocket, such as when the connector includes more than one connector inserts for insertion into the cleaning head. For example, in some embodiments, the cleaning head may have two pockets for receiving two connector inserts. As will be appreciated, the size, shape, and location of the pockets on the cleaning head may correspond to the size, shape, and position of the connector inserts on the cleaning device.

In some embodiments, the cleaning head may include a suction inlet arranged to transfer debris from the surface into the dirt collection chamber, such as via an airflow conduit. In some embodiments, the suction inlet includes a suction nozzle 118. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the suction nozzle may extend laterally along a front portion of the cleaning head. The suction nozzle may have any suitable shape and size. The suction nozzle may extend along an entire width of the cleaning head in some embodiments. The suction nozzle also may extend along only a portion of the width of the cleaning head in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2-7, the suction nozzle 118 may be attached to the support structure 110. For example, the suction nozzle may be glued, heat sealed, or otherwise permanently attached to the support structure. In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 6-7, the suction nozzle may be attached by being integrally formed with the support structure. In other embodiments, the suction nozzle is attached to the support structure via a suitable attachment mechanism, such as via an adhesive. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the nozzle may be attachable to the cleaning sheet.

In some embodiments, as shown by way of example in FIGS. 2-4, the cleaning sheet may be positioned behind the suction nozzle such that debris may be suctioned into the nozzle before the cleaning sheet reaches the debris. In some embodiments, the suction nozzle may be sized to allow both large and small particles to be suctioned into the dirt collection chamber while still maintaining a high air velocity to facilitate pickup. Large particles may be collected through the center of the suction nozzle at a larger central opening, while small particles may be collected along the entirety of the suction nozzle.

As shown in FIG. 3-4, the cleaning head may include an airflow conduit 116 arranged to transfer debris into the dirt collection chamber 112. As will be appreciated, the airflow conduit may include a tube, pathway, passageway, or simply an opening to the dirt collection chamber. In some embodiments, such an opening in the dirt collection chamber is always open. In other embodiments, such an opening may be selectively openable and closeable. For example, as will be described, the cleaning head may include a valve which is selectively openable to allow debris into the dirt collection chamber, and selectively closeable to prevent debris from escaping the dirt collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber may be arranged to maintain the dirt within the dirt collection chamber once the dirt has been moved into the dirt collection chamber. In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber includes a lip and internal valve that keeps dust, dry media, and/or wet media within the dirt collection chamber once the dirt has been moved into the chamber, thereby preventing dust and dry media from exiting via the suction inlet, such as when the vacuum is powered off. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 18, the dirt collection chamber may include a selectively openable and closeable valve 119 at or near the air flow conduit. In some embodiments, the valve may include one or more flaps that are pivotable between an open position O (see FIG. 18) when the vacuum is turned on and a closed position C (see FIG. 18) when the cleaning device is turned off.

As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, the valve may be integrally formed with at least a portion of the cleaning head. For example, the valve may be integrally formed with the support structure. The valve also may be separately formed and attached to the cleaning head. For example, the valves may be fixedly attached to the dirt collection chamber.

As shown in FIG. 19, in some embodiments, the connector 106 is pivotally connected to the body 102 of the cleaning device to allow the cleaning head 108 to be pivotable relative to the body (see arrow P). As will be appreciated, the connector may pivot about one or more axes of rotation when moving relative to the body of the cleaning device.

In some embodiments, when the cleaning head is connected to the connector, at least a portion of the dirt collection chamber of the cleaning head is covered by the connector. In some embodiments, the entire dirt collection chamber is covered by the connector. The connector also may cover part of the support structure. In some embodiments, the connector does not cover the suction nozzle, though in other embodiments, the connector may be arranged to cover at least a portion of the suction nozzle or the entire nozzle.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be formed of a filter material. As will be appreciated, such filter material may filter the debris and moisture such that the debris and moisture stays in the dirt collection chamber as the air flows toward the suction source. For example, dirty air, debris, and/or moisture may remain in the dirt collection chamber 112 as clean air flows towards the suction source (see arrow A in FIGS. 4 and 18). In such an example, air flows through a portion of the dirt collection chamber formed of a filter material. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the dirt collection chamber may include a top 113a and one or more sides 113b. In some embodiments, at least one of the sides 113b is made of a filter material. In some embodiments, the entire dirt collection chamber is made of a filter material.

In some embodiments, the cleaning device may have an additional filter to remove particles that escape through the filter of the dirt-collection chamber. In some embodiments, the filter may be located on the connector 106.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the cleaning head is removably attachable to the cleaning device. For example, the cleaning head may be attachable to a connector of the cleaning device. In some embodiments, the connector includes an engagement element that engages with a corresponding engagement element on the cleaning head to hold the cleaning head to the cleaning device during operation.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, the engagement elements include jaws 150a 150b that are selectively pivotable between an engaged position (e.g., toward one another) and a released position (e.g., away from one another). In some embodiments, each jaw may be separately moveable between the released and engaged positions. In other embodiments, the first and second jaws move simultaneously between the engaged and released positions. As will be appreciated, the jaws may be biased toward the engaged position such that when the user releases the actuator, the jaws engage with corresponding recesses 152 (see FIG. 2) on an engagement element 151 the cleaning head 108.

In some embodiments, the jaws may be moveable between the closed and engaged position via the engagement element on the cleaning head. For example, the engagement element 151 may have a tapered contact surface 153 that contacts the jaws and moves the jaws away from one another until the jaws move into the corresponding recesses 152, at which point the jaws may move toward one another into the engaged position.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, the connector 106 may include an insert 160 for attaching the cleaning head to the cleaning device. For example, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the insert may be insertable into a pocket of the cleaning head. In some embodiments, the insert 160 moves relative to the connector. For example, in some embodiments, the insert may be hingedly connected to the connector. In some embodiment, the insert 160 may pivot between an open position (see FIG. 20) and a closed position (see FIG. 22). In some embodiments, the insert 160 pivots about an axis B. In some embodiments, the pivot axis is substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the connector.

In some embodiments, the insert 160 may be lockable in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 22, in the closed position, the cleaning head may be held to the connector, with the suction nozzle extending outwardly from a front portion of the connector 106. In some embodiments, in the closed position, at least a portion of the connector covers the dirt collection chamber of the cleaning head. As will be appreciated, the insert may be lockable in the closed position without having an attached cleaning head. For example, the user may lock the insert in the closed position to store the cleaning device.

In some embodiments, the connector may have one or more engagement elements that engage with corresponding engagement elements on the insert to lock the insert in the closed position. In some embodiments, the engagement elements on the connector may be biased in the engaged position such that movement of the insert from the open position to the closed position may engage the engagement elements to lock the insert in the closed position.

In other embodiments, the insert is moveable between the open and closed positions, but is not lockable in either position. Instead, in such embodiments, the connector may have first and second engagement elements, such as the first and second jaws described above, for engaging with engagement elements on the cleaning head (e.g., on the suction nozzle). In such embodiments, engagement between the first and second engagement elements on the connector and the engagement element on the cleaning head may hold the cleaning head on the cleaning device and may hold the insert in the closed position.

As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, the connector includes only engagement elements to lock the insert in the locked position, may include only engagement elements that engage with the cleaning head, or may include both. For example, in some embodiments, the connector may include engagement elements arranged to lock the insert in the locked position and engagement elements to hold the cleaning head to the cleaning device.

Although the connector portion is shown as being pivotable between the open and closed positions, in some embodiments, the insert may be stationary, with the cleaning head being slidable onto the connector portion.

In some embodiments, the handle of the cleaning device may include an actuator to selectively engage and disengage the engagement elements on the cleaning device to engage the cleaning head. For example the actuator may be actuated to engage the engagement elements on the cleaning head to attach the cleaning head to the connector for use, and thereafter disengage the engagement elements to dispose of the cleaning head. The handle also may have an actuator to unlock the insert such that the insert may move from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, the cleaning head is formed of rigid materials such that the cleaning head may maintain its shape and allow the nozzle to maintain its shape once the cleaning head is held to the connector. For example, at least part of the cleaning head may be made of a cardboard or thermoformed plastic material. In some embodiments, the suction nozzle, the support structure, and/or the dirt collection chamber are formed of rigid materials. In some embodiments, the support structure includes grooves to increase the rigidity of the support structure. As will be appreciated, the cleaning head also may be formed of flexible materials, such as a cleaning sheet. In some embodiments, the flexible materials may be attached to rigid materials.

In some embodiments, the only rigid element on the cleaning head may be the suction nozzle, with the rest of the cleaning head being formed of flexible materials. For example, in such embodiments, the dirt collection chamber may be formed of a collapsible bag. In some embodiments, the insert, or another portion of the connector, may be arranged to provide structure and stability to the cleaning head for cleaning, such as when the insert is inserted cleaning head. As will be appreciated, stability also may be provided by attaching the cleaning head to the connector in another suitable manner, such as by attaching the cleaning head to the bottom of the connector via corresponding hook and loop fasteners.

FIGS. 10-15 illustrate embodiments in which the cleaning head includes a rigid suction nozzle but is otherwise formed of flexible materials. In such embodiments, similar to FIG. 5 and as shown in these views, the cleaning sheet 514 may form the support structure to which the suction nozzle is attached. In some embodiments, the cleaning head may not include a dirt collection chamber, although, in other embodiments, the cleaning head may include a dirt collection chamber. In some embodiments, as shown in 16, the flexible cleaning sheet may be rolled around the rigid suction nozzle, such as for storage.

As shown in FIGS. 10, 12, and 14, the suction nozzle may extend laterally across a front of the cleaning head, though other arrangements may be used. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, the suction nozzle may have a forward-facing concave shape, similar to that of a blade of a snow plow. In some embodiments, the suction nozzle may include various non-woven materials, woven materials, and/or plastics, or another suitable materials in front of the suction nozzle to collect dirt and/or debris before the dirt entrained air enters the suction nozzle. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, a cleaning sheet may be wrapped around at least a portion of the suction nozzle to absorb wet and/or dry media during cleaning.

Although the suction nozzle has been shown and described as extending laterally across a front edge of the cleaning sheet, it will be appreciated that the suction nozzle may be positioned in other suitable locations. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the cleaning head may include longitudinally extending channels. In some embodiments, a central channel may function as the suction nozzle 618 and may be arranged to transfer dirt-entrained air into the dirt chamber. In some embodiments, a second channel may act as an air filter 660 to filter debris from the dirt entrained air. For example, the second channel may be placed on a first lateral side of the central suction nozzle channel. In some embodiments, one or more channels may be formed of a cleaning sheet and may be arranged to trap dirt and debris as the cleaning sheet is moved across a surface. As will be appreciated, although only one channel 614 is shown as being formed of a cleaning sheet, all of the channels may be formed at least in part by a cleaning sheet in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, similar to the above embodiments, a portion of the cleaning device (e.g., the connector) may be insertable into the cleaning head to provide structure to an otherwise flexible arrangement. In some embodiments, the cleaning head may be formed of only flexible materials. As shown in FIG. 17, in some embodiments, an insert 662 may be inserted into each of the channels to connect the cleaning head 608 to the cleaning device. In some embodiments, the insert 662 may include inflatable members that expand, such as when the cleaning device is turned on, to provide structure to the cleaning head, and collapse when the cleaning device is turned off.

In some embodiments, the cleaning device includes a vacuum source arranged to apply a vacuum to move dirt from the floor to be cleaned and into the dirt collection chamber. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 18, the vacuum source provides a suction effect, pulling air and any loose debris through the suction nozzle, airflow conduit, and into the dirt collection chamber. In such arrangements, the suction nozzle is fluidically connected to the airflow conduit and to the dirt collection chamber. In some embodiments, the vacuum source may be controlled via an actuator 149 located on the handle (see FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, the vacuum source may be located inside of the body of the cleaning device. For example, the vacuum source may be located near or in a liquid reservoir 159. In some embodiments, the vacuum may remain attached to the handle when the liquid reservoir is removed. In some embodiments, the vacuum source may be removed with the liquid reservoir. The vacuum source also may be located and may be located proximate to the connector and removable cleaning head. In some embodiments, the vacuum may comprise a motor. The vacuum source may include a secondary filter.

In some embodiments, the vacuum source applies the vacuum over the entirety of an exposed portion of a dirt collection chamber, such as over the walls of a dirt collection chamber formed of an air filter material. Such an arrangement can provide a sufficient volume air flow without undue pressure drop across the air filter. In some embodiments, the dirt collection chamber protrudes upwardly from the cleaning head to allow the connector to apply vacuum to the dirt collection chamber material. In such embodiments, this arrangement may allow the bag to fill toward the periphery of the bag and then to fill the bag toward the middle of the bag.

In some embodiments, the cleaning device, may include a spray nozzle 155 arranged to apply a liquid to a surface be cleaned. In some embodiments, the spray nozzle may be located on the body of the cleaning device. The spray nozzle also may be located on the connector. As will be appreciated, the spray nozzle may be located in any suitable location for applying the liquid to the surface to be cleaned.

In some embodiments, the device may include a liquid reservoir 159 that is arranged to supply a liquid to the spray nozzle. In some embodiments, the reservoir may be permanently attached to the cleaning devices, such as permanently attached to the body. The reservoir also may be removably attachable to the cleaning device. In some embodiments, the user may add a cleaning liquid and/or water to the liquid reservoir, such as through a filling port on reservoir. In some embodiments, the liquid reservoir may be sized to include a volume of liquid for several cleaning events. In such embodiments, the user need only attach a cleaning head prior to operating the cleaning device. In some embodiments, the liquid reservoir may be pre-filled, such that the user may purchase one or more liquid reservoirs that the user may attach to the cleaning device when the liquid reservoir is empty.

In some embodiments, the handle includes an actuator 157 to allow the user to activate the spray nozzle to apply a liquid to a surface to be cleaned.

In some embodiments, the cleaning device may be battery operated. In such embodiments, the battery may be rechargeable. In some embodiments, the battery is arranged to maintain power for one, two, three or more cleaning events. In some embodiments, the batteries are replaceable. In some embodiments, the cleaning device may be powered by an electrical cord plugged into an electrical outlet.

According to another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 23-26, a method of using a cleaning device is disclosed. As shown in FIG. 23, the user may select a first cleaning head from a box of disposable cleaning heads.

Next, the user may attach the first cleaning head to the cleaning device. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 24, attaching the first cleaning head may include attaching the cleaning head to a bottom of the connector of the cleaning device (see also FIG. 19). In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, attaching the first cleaning head may include inserting an insert 160 of the connector into a pocket 435 of the first cleaning head (see the arrow labeled W). FIG. 21 illustrates the cleaning device with the insert of the connector inserted in pocket of the first cleaning head and the insert in an open position. Next, the insert may be moved, e.g., pivoted (see the arrow labeled X), toward the connector and to the closed position (see FIG. 22).

The method also includes operating the cleaning device to move dirt through the suction nozzle and into the dirt collection chamber. In some embodiments, the user may apply a liquid to the surface to be cleaned (see FIG. 25). The method also includes removing the cleaning head from the connector and disposing the cleaning head in a trash receptacle (FIG. 26).

As shown in FIG. 27, in some embodiments, removing the cleaning head from the connector may include pivoting the insert away from the connector (see the arrow labeled Y) to the open position. In some embodiments, the cleaning head is arranged to fall off of the insert when the insert is in the open position. As will be appreciated, the user also may remove the cleaning head from the insert once the insert is in the open position.

In embodiments in which a cleaning sheet is attached to the cleaning head, wet and dry debris may be cleaned separately or simultaneously. For example, in some embodiments, the vacuum source may be turned on such that debris may be moved from the surface into the dirt collection chamber. Dry debris already on the floor also may be picked up by the cleaning sheet while the vacuum source is turned on. In some embodiments, the surface also may include a wet spill, which may be absorbed by the cleaning sheet while the vacuum source is turned on. As will be appreciated, the cleaning device may be used only as a vacuum cleaner in some embodiments. In some embodiments, while the vacuum source is on, the user may operate the spray nozzle (e.g., by pressing an actuator) to apply a liquid to the surface to be cleaned. In such embodiments, the cleaning device may be operated as a vacuum and as a mop at the same time. In some embodiments, the user may spray liquid onto the surface in the path of the cleaning head such that the wet debris is absorbed into the cleaning sheet at the same time that the vacuum moves debris from the surface into the dirt collection chamber. In some embodiments, the liquid may be sprayed onto the floor in a fan pattern, although the liquid may be sprayed on to the floor in other suitable patterns.

As will be appreciated, the cleaning device also may be operated as only a mop. In such instances, the user may simply operate the spray nozzle (e.g., by pressing the actuator) to apply the liquid to the surface to be cleaned. In such embodiments, the user may move the cleaning device back and forth to clean the floor. In embodiments in which the cleaning sheet is removably attached to the cleaning head, the user may remove and discard the cleaning sheet. In embodiments in which the cleaning sheet is permanently attached to the cleaning head, the user may discard the cleaning head after using the cleaning device as a mop.

In some embodiments, disposing the cleaning head includes discarding the cleaning head with the dirt and debris contained in the dirt collection receptacle and/or absorbed in the cleaning sheet. In some embodiments, disposing the cleaning head includes activating a release mechanism. For example, the release mechanism may move first and second jaw members away from one another to release the fastener from between the jaws and allow the cleaning head to fall away from the connector. As will be appreciated, in such embodiments, because the user is only activating a release mechanism, the user may not handle the wet or dirty cleaning head. As will be further appreciated, because the cleaning head is the only part of the cleaning head to contact the surface and all of the wet and/or dry debris is contained within the cleaning head, the remainder of the cleaning device (e.g., the connector and body) may be dean throughout and after operation of the cleaning device.

For purposes herein, permanently containing the debris in the dirt collection chamber means that the dirt collection chamber is not openable by the user to dispose dirt collected in the dirt collection chamber. Instead, as described above, the cleaning head, with the entrained debris, is discarded in the trash receptacle. As will be appreciated, a user may rip or cut open the dirt collection chamber to allow debris to be emptied into a trash receptacle, however, such an action may damage the dirt collection chamber and may prevent the user from continuing to use the cleaning head. In a similar manner, the user also may break or pry open the dirt trap. As with the previous example, this action also may damage the cleaning head such that the cleaning head may no longer be usable with the cleaning device.

While the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Various aspects of the present invention may be used alone, in combination, or in a variety of arrangements not specifically discussed in the embodiments described in the foregoing and is therefore not limited in its application to the details and arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments.

Also, the invention may be embodied as a method, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments. Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.

Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a cleaning device having a vacuum source, a body with a handle, and a connector arranged to attach one or more cleaning heads to the cleaning device; anda first cleaning head removably attachable to the cleaning device via the connector, the first cleaning head having: an upper side and a lower side, the lower side of the first cleaning head arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned,a dirt collection chamber, anda pocket arranged to receive an insert of the connector.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first cleaning head includes a support structure.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first cleaning head includes a cleaning sheet.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pocket is formed between the support structure and the cleaning sheet.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the support structure includes a flexible backing layer.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the flexible backing layer is attachable to the cleaning sheet at or near first and second lateral sides of the backing layer.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the dirt collection chamber is attached to the support structure.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector insert is pivotally attached to the connector.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the connector insert is pivotable between a first position and a second position.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein when the connector insert is in the second position, the cleaning head is held to the connector.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the connector includes one or more engagement elements arranged to lock the connector insert in the second position.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first cleaning head is arranged to hold a cleaning sheet on the lower side of the first cleaning head.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the cleaning sheet is permanently held to the lower side of the first cleaning head.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a first engagement element and the first cleaning head includes a second engagement element arranged to engage with the first engagement element to connect the first cleaning head to the body of the cleaning device.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first cleaning head includes a suction nozzle.

16. An apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a spray nozzle and a liquid reservoir arranged to supply liquid to the spray nozzle.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first cleaning head is disposable.

18. An apparatus comprising: a cleaning head configured to be removably attachable to a cleaning device, the cleaning head having an upper side and a lower side, the lower side of the cleaning head arranged to contact a surface, the cleaning head comprising:a cleaning sheet arranged to contact the surface;a flexible support structure;a dirt collection chamber attached to the support structure; anda pocket defined between the cleaning sheet and the support structure, the pocket arranged to receive at least a portion of the cleaning device, an opening of the pocket being positioned in the dirt collection chamber.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the support structure includes a flexible backing layer.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the backing layer is attachable to the cleaning sheet at or near first and second lateral sides of the backing layer.

21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the cleaning head includes a suction nozzle.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the suction nozzle is attached to at least one of the support structure and the cleaning sheet.

23. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a cleaning device, the cleaning device comprising: a vacuum source; a body with a handle; and a connector arranged to attach the cleaning head to the body.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the connector includes an insert arranged to be inserted into the pocket.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the connector insert is pivotable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the connector insert is in the second position the cleaning head is held to the connector.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the connector include one or more engagement elements arranged to lock the connector insert in the second position.

27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the connector includes a first engagement element and the cleaning head includes a second engagement element arranged to engage with the first engagement element to connect the cleaning head to the body of the cleaning device.

28. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the cleaning head is disposable.

29. A method of using a cleaning device, the method comprising: providing a cleaning head, the cleaning head having a pocket into which the connector insert is insertableproviding a cleaning device comprising a vacuum source, a body that includes a handle, and a connector that includes an insert arranged to removably connect to the cleaning head;inserting the insert of the connector of the cleaning device into the pocket of the cleaning head, the cleaning head including a cleaning sheet, a first suction nozzle, and a first dirt collection chamber;connecting the cleaning head to the connector;operating the device to move dirt through the first suction nozzle and into the dirt collection chamber;removing the cleaning head from the connector; anddisposing of the cleaning head.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein inserting includes inserting the connector insert into the pocket defined between the cleaning sheet and a support structure.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the connector insert is pivotally connected to the connector.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising pivoting the connector insert between a first position and a second position, wherein the first cleaning head is held to the connector when the connecter insert is in the second position.

33. The method of claim 29, wherein connecting include engaging a first engagement element on the connector with a second engagement element on the first cleaning head.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein connecting includes locking the connector insert in the second position.

35. The method of claim 29, further comprising: providing a second cleaning head having a second pocket and a second dirt collection chamber; andinserting the connector insert into the second pocket of the second cleaning head.