The present disclosure pertains to the field of vacuum cleaners and more particularly to a liquid filtration vacuum.
There are available today various types of vacuum cleaners. One type of vacuum cleaner is a canister type. Canister type vacuum cleaners typically have a relatively stationary canister which is connected to a movable wand by a flexible connecting hose. Another type of vacuum cleaner is an upright-style vacuum cleaner. Upright-style vacuum cleaners are typically integrated units having an inlet, a filter, bag, and/or canister, and a handle connected together vertically in a single, portable unit. Upright-style vacuum cleaners may provide greater versatility and convenience than canister type vacuum cleaners because the upright-style vacuum cleaner is an integrated unit that can be moved and maneuvered by a single handle.
Traditional vacuum cleaners typically utilize mechanical filters to filter dirt and debris from directed airflow before returning the filtered air into the atmosphere. Some vacuum cleaners use bags to collect the dirt and debris, while some utilize a bin collection system. Vacuum cleaners that use bags, bins, and/or other mechanical filters lose efficiency with each use because dirt and dust captured by these components can clog the ports that allow air to flow through them. As a result, mechanical filters have to be replaced regularly, and still send germs, bacteria and dust back into the atmosphere when in use. Those who suffer breathing disorders such as asthma or have allergies are especially vulnerable. Purchasing mechanical filters and vacuum bags can make any vacuum cleaner very expensive to use and operate over time.
Vacuum bags create germs and bacteria, as well as smell and lose efficiency. As such, traditional vacuum cleaners may be deficient.
According to one embodiment, an upright liquid filtration vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum nozzle head and a housing moveably coupled to the vacuum nozzle head. The movable coupling is configured to allow the housing to tilt backwards with respect to the vacuum nozzle head. The vacuum cleaner further includes a liquid tank that is removably insertable into the housing. The liquid tank includes a wall defining an interior volume and a tank intake channel positioned in the interior volume. The interior volume is configured to hold a liquid. The tank intake channel is in fluid communication with an intake passageway that extends from the tank intake channel to an opening in the vacuum nozzle head. The tank intake channel is further positioned to direct debris received from the intake passageway into the liquid tank such that the liquid in the liquid tank can filter the debris into the liquid so that clean air is exhausted. The vacuum cleaner further includes a motor coupled to the housing and a separator coupled to the housing and the motor. The separator is in fluid communication with the interior volume of the liquid tank. The separator is configured to generate an airflow and further configured to prevent the liquid from being exhausted out of the interior volume of the liquid tank through the separator. The vacuum cleaner is configured to seal the intake passageway when the vacuum cleaner is deactivated so as to prevent the liquid from leaking out of the interior volume of the liquid tank through the intake passageway. The vacuum cleaner is further configured to unseal the intake passageway when the vacuum cleaner is activated so as to allow the debris to be received in the interior volume of the liquid tank from the intake passageway. The vacuum cleaner is configured to operate as a wet vacuum in which the debris comprises a liquid to be extracted. The vacuum cleaner is further configured to operate as a dry vacuum in which the debris comprises a non-liquid matter.
In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner is devoid of a dry, mechanical filter. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner includes a dry, mechanical filter.
In some embodiments, the tank intake channel is further positioned to direct the debris received from the intake passageway to below a liquid level of the liquid.
In some embodiments, the tank intake channel is further positioned to direct the debris received from the intake passageway to above a liquid level of the liquid.
In another embodiment, an upright liquid filtration vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum nozzle head and a housing moveably coupled to the vacuum nozzle head. The movable coupling is configured to allow the housing to tilt backwards with respect to the vacuum nozzle head. The vacuum cleaner further includes a liquid tank that is removably insertable into the housing. The liquid tank includes a wall defining an interior volume and a tank intake channel positioned in the interior volume. The interior volume is configured to hold a liquid. The tank intake channel is in fluid communication with an intake passageway that extends from the tank intake channel to an opening in the vacuum nozzle head. The tank intake channel is further positioned to direct debris received from the intake passageway to below a liquid level of the liquid. The vacuum cleaner further includes a sealing flap positioned at a location in the intake passageway. The sealing flap has a first position configured to seal the intake passageway so as to prevent the liquid from leaking out of the interior volume of the liquid tank through the intake passageway. The sealing flap also has a second position configured to open the seal of the intake passageway so as to allow the debris to be received in the interior volume of the liquid tank from the intake passageway such that the liquid in the liquid tank can filter the debris into the liquid so that clean air is exhausted. The vacuum cleaner further includes a motor coupled to the housing, and a separator coupled to the housing and the motor. The separator is in fluid communication with the interior volume of the liquid tank. The separator is configured to generate an airflow and is further configured to prevent the liquid from being exhausted out of the interior volume of the liquid tank through the separator. The vacuum cleaner is configured to move the sealing flap from the first position to the second position when the vacuum cleaner is activated. The vacuum cleaner is further configured to move the sealing flap from the second position to the first position when the vacuum cleaner is deactivated. The vacuum cleaner is configured to operate as a wet vacuum in which the debris comprises a liquid to be extracted, and further configured to operate as a dry vacuum in which the debris comprises a non-liquid matter.
In some embodiments, the wall of the water tank includes antimicrobial particles. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial particles comprise micro silver particles. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial particles comprise nano silver particles.
In some embodiments, the liquid tank further includes a second tank intake channel positioned in the interior volume. The second tank intake channel is in fluid communication with a second intake passageway that extends from the second tank intake channel to the opening in the vacuum nozzle head. The second tank intake channel is further positioned to direct debris received from the second intake passageway to below the liquid level of the liquid. The vacuum cleaner further includes a second sealing flap positioned at a location in the second intake passageway. The second sealing flap has a first position configured to seal the second intake passageway so as to prevent the liquid from leaking out of the interior volume of the liquid tank through the second intake passageway. The second sealing flap also has a second position configured to open the seal of the second intake passageway so as to allow the debris to be received in the interior volume of the liquid tank from the second intake passageway. The vacuum cleaner is further configured to move the second sealing flap from the first position to the second position when the vacuum cleaner is activated, and further configured to move the second sealing flap from the second position to the first position when the vacuum cleaner is deactivated.
In some embodiments, both the intake passageway and the second intake passageway are positioned in the housing in locations behind the water tank.
In some embodiments, the intake passageway and the second intake passageway are positioned in the housing in locations opposite from each other.
In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner further includes an automated flap mover configured to move the sealing flap from the first position configured to seal the first intake passageway so as to prevent the liquid from leaking out of the interior volume of the liquid tank through the intake passageway to the second position configured to open the seal of the intake passageway so as to allow the debris to be received in the interior volume of the liquid tank from the intake passageway. In some embodiments, the automated flap mover is a solenoid. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner further includes one or more movement resistors coupled to the sealing flap and configured to resist the movement of the sealing flap from the first position to the second position. The strength of the one or more movement resistors is configured to be overcome by the automated flap mover, the airflow, or both the automated flap mover and the airflow.
In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner further includes one or more movement resistors coupled to the sealing flap and configured to resist the movement of the sealing flap from the first position to the second position. The strength of the one or more movement resistors is configured to be overcome by the airflow.
in some embodiments, the movable coupling is further configured to allow the housing to tilt backwards with respect to the vacuum nozzle head from a substantially upright position to a substantially horizontal position.
In another embodiment, a water filtration vacuum includes a micro silver (or nano silver) permeate for anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The water filtration vacuum device draws in the air, forcing it into the water and mixing it with microbial nanoparticles (e.g., micro silver), returning clean, fresh water-washed, substantially purified air into the home environment. [0021] In another embodiment, a water filtration vacuum cleaner comprises an upright-style vacuum cleaner having, among other things, a water tank and intake tubes for directing drawn air from the vacuum cleaner inlet to tank intake channels in the water tank. The tank intake channels extend below the water level such that intake air is exhausted from the tank intake channels directly into the water.
In some embodiments, the water tank includes reversible seals for sealing against the intake tubes while the vacuum cleaner is not operating, to prevent water from leaking out through the intake tubes. The reversible seals open when the vacuum cleaner is operating and there is airflow through the intake tubes.
In some embodiments, micro silver or nano silver particles are molded into the inner wall of the water tank for contacting the air in the water tank.
In another embodiment, an upright water filtration vacuum contains an antimicrobial particulate for anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The water filtration vacuum device draws in the air, forcing it into the water and mixing it with, e.g., micro silver or nano silver particles, returning clean, fresh air into the home environment.
In another embodiment, a water-filter vacuum cleaner is provided having micro silver or nano silver impregnated qualities.
In another embodiment, a water-filter vacuum cleaner is provided m which thexhausted air is free of bacteria.
In another embodiment, a water-filter vacuum cleaner is provided where all the dirt is sucked into the water and captured and mixed with the micro silver or nano silver particles for antibacterial and antifungal properties.
In another embodiment, an upright-style vacuum cleaner is provided having a liquid-tight liquid filter incorporated into the vertical assembly.
The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.
Examples of the present disclosure are best understood by referring to
Referring now to the figures and particularly to
The water tank 14 may include liquid (such as water) that contacts the air flow into the vacuum cleaner 10 and removes debris. The vacuum cleaner 10 directs incoming air and debris into contact with the liquid, which is typically water that absorbs the debris. Air flow through the water tank 14 also causes the liquid to circulate or agitate, which increases the efficiency of the absorption. The use of liquid as a filter (as opposed to a dry, mechanical filter) has a significant advantage in that the vacuum cleaner 10 uses readily available water, thereby eliminating the need for replaceable filters. In addition, the liquid in the water tank 10 may provide a room humidifying effect since some of the water may become vaporized in the air discharged from the vacuum cleaner 10 during use.
Air is discharged out exhaust port 18.
Further shown is vacuum cleaner handle 32 that may telescope up and down, and compartment 30 for storing attachments typically used with vacuum cleaners. Vacuum nozzle head 22 contains a brushing unit (not shown in
In operation, switch 34 initializes motor 20 of vacuum cleaner 10 creating an airflow and suction force, or vacuum, to draw air (shown by arrows) entrained with debris. The debris can be any non-liquid matter, such as dust, dirt, particulates, microbes, and/or contaminants, or as is seen in
The housing 12 may be moveably coupled to the vacuum nozzle head 22. For example, the housing 12 may be tilted (or otherwise moved) with respect to the vacuum nozzle head 22. As is illustrated in
Tilting of the housing 12 may be accomplished by pressing a button or lever positioned on the housing 12 or the vacuum nozzle head 22, or the housing 12 may tilt freely with respect to the vacuum nozzle head 22. This button or lever may release the housing 12, allowing housing 12 to be tilted. When the housing 12 is tilted, all of the components of the housing 12 (including the water tank 14) may be titled at the same (or substantially the same) angle as the housing 12.
Water tank 14 can be a liquid reservoir or basin made of plastic or other materials and molded using known techniques. Liquid or dry micro silver, or nano silver, may be used as an antimicrobial component in the exemplary embodiment, although any suitable microbial agent may be used. The micro or nano silver can be included into the plastic mold during processing. Any amount of micro or nano silver may be poured into the plastic mold. For example, the micro silver (or any other antimicrobial particle) may make up 1%-6% of the plastic mold. In some examples, the micro silver may make up 5% of the plastic mold. In some examples, this percentage of micro silver may allow the water tank 14 to achieve approximately 100% efficiency for killing contaminants in the water tank 14. Antimicrobial particles 407, such as nano-silver, are shown in
Antimicrobial particles may be nano particles, e.g., nano metal ions, oxides, and salts placed in the liquid bath, air flow stream, and/or embedded in the airflow pathway/componentry. Antimicrobial particles may also be micro particles, e.g., micro metal ions, oxides, and salts. Micro particles may be particles with a size within 0.1-100 μm, 0.3-300 μm, 0.7-700 μm, or any combination of the preceding. In particular examples, the micro particles may have a size of 200 μm (or approximately 200 μm, such as 200 μm+/−100 μm).
The exemplary embodiment shown in
Motor 20 is located in the housing 12 above the water tank 14, and a separator 24 is attached to the bottom of motor 20. Separator 24 may be any device that, when operating, may generate an airflow, and that may further prevent liquid in the water tank 14 from being exhausted out of the water tank 14 through the separator 24. In some examples, separator 24 may separate air from the liquid. For example, separator 24 may draw and separate the clean exhaust air from the heavier water and particulates. This may allow the separator to prevent liquid in the water tank 14 from being exhausted out of the water tank 14 through the separator 24. Separator 24 may also force dirt and debris to mix with liquid in water tank 14.
When the water tank 14 is in place within the housing 12, separator 24 protrudes through an opening 502 (
Intake 400 forms an airflow path from the vacuum nozzle head 22 to inlet port 401 on water tank 14. Inlet port 401 forms an airflow path to the interior of water tank 14. Inlet 401 and intake 400 may collectively form an intake passageway that extends from the tank intake channel 402 to an opening in the vacuum nozzle head 22, such as the opening created by inlet ports 16 in the vacuum nozzle head 22.
Inlet port 401 is above the water level 403 inside water tank 14 to prevent water from entering inlet port 401 and intake tube 400 during operation. Air exhausted from intake 400 passes through inlet port 401 and into tank intake channel 402, which directs the air into the water beneath the water level 403. The tank intake channel 402 may extend under the water level 403 by any distance. This may increase the saturation of the air directed into the water.
In the front view of
The flow path of the air is further detailed in
Another benefit of the current exemplary embodiment of the vacuum cleaner 10 is that it will resist (or prevent) spills and leaks. For example, the vacuum cleaner 10 optionally seals the intakes 400, inlet ports 401, and/or tank intake channels 402 when the vacuum cleaner is deactivated (such as when the separator 24 is not generating airflow). This prevents liquid in the water tank 14 from leaking out of the water tank 14 through the intakes 400, inlet ports 401, and/or tank intake channels 402. Additionally, the vacuum cleaner 10 unseals the intakes 400, inlet ports 401, and/or tank intake channels 402 when the vacuum cleaner is activated (such as when the separator 24 is generating airflow).
In one example, vacuum cleaner 10 may seal and unseal the intakes 400, inlet ports 401, and/or tank intake channels 402 using sealing flaps 404 shown in
By closing, and remaining closed, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is not operating, the sealing flap 404 prevents liquid from leaking out of intake 400, thereby resisting spills and leaks of the liquid. The closed sealing flap 404 prevents such leaks even when the vacuum cleaner 10 is tipped or tilted.
In the exemplary embodiment shown by
A flap movement resistor 405 may be any device and/or structure that may resist movement of the sealing flap 404 from a closed position (404b) to an open position (404a). By doing so, the flap movement resistor 405 may urge the sealing flap 404 towards the inlet port 401 (e.g., it may urge the sealing flap 405 to a closed position).
In the absence of an opposing force, the flap movement resistor(s) 405 causes the sealing flap 404 to seal against inlet port 401 and/or intake tube 400 as shown in the closed configuration 404b of
Automated flap mover 500 may be any device and/or structure that moves sealing flap 404. For example, automated flap mover 500 may be a solenoid, a solenoid valve, a motorized lever, any other mechanical device for causing movement, any other electro/mechanical device for causing movement, any other device and/or structure for causing automated movement, or any combination of the preceding.
As previously indicated,
Lip 503 around opening 502 (as illustrated in
Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.
It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description.
It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.
This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/133,146, filed Apr. 19, 2016, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of issued U.S. Pat. No. 9,782,049, issued Oct. 10, 2017, which in turn claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62,122,300, filed Oct. 16, 2014.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62122300 | Oct 2014 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 15133146 | Apr 2016 | US |
Child | 15888361 | US | |
Parent | 14885975 | Oct 2015 | US |
Child | 15133146 | US |