FIELD
The present disclosure relates to vacuum cleaners, and in particular to portable electric vacuums.
BACKGROUND
Vacuum cleaners are devices that use suction to remove dirt and other debris from carpets and other surfaces. Some vacuum cleaners have large or inconvenient shapes which can make cleaning small or compact spaces difficult. Furthermore, some vacuum cleaners require a two-handed operation irrespective of the area being cleaned, or require connection to an external power source (e.g., via a charging cord). Such vacuum cleaners may result in cumbersome or inconvenient cleaning operations for users. It may be advantageous to provide a portable vacuum with compact and versatile operations.
SUMMARY
Systems and methods are provided for a portable vacuum that comprises a vacuum body, a vacuum canister, and a vacuum hose. The vacuum body includes a motor and a fan for providing suction. The vacuum canister is attachable to the vacuum body. The vacuum hose is attachable to the vacuum canister and configured to receive a suction from the motor and fan through the vacuum canister. The vacuum body further includes one or more magnets disposed within or adjacent to a concave hose-receiving portion of the vacuum body. The vacuum hose further includes one or more metallic portions that are configured for attaching the one or more magnets to secure at least a portion of the vacuum hose within the concave hose-receiving portion of the vacuum body.
In another example, a portable vacuum includes a vacuum body, a vacuum canister, and a vacuum hose. The vacuum body includes a motor and a fan for providing suction. The vacuum canister is attachable to the vacuum body. The vacuum hose is attachable to the vacuum canister and is configured to receive suction from the motor and fan through the vacuum canister. The vacuum body has a concave hose-receiving portion configured to secure at least a portion of the vacuum hose to the vacuum body during a one-handed operation of the portable vacuum. At least a portion of the vacuum hose is movable with respect to the vacuum body in a two-handed operation of the portable vacuum.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustration, there is shown in the drawings certain embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an implementation of systems and apparatuses consistent with the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain advantages and principles consistent with the invention.
FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a portable vacuum cleaner, in accordance with some embodiments.
FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a portable vacuum cleaner with a vacuum hose removed from a vacuum canister, in accordance with some embodiments.
FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a portable vacuum cleaner with a vacuum canister removed, in accordance with some embodiments.
FIG. 4 depicts a portable vacuum cleaner with an air hose removed from a vacuum body and a vacuum canister, in accordance with some embodiments.
FIG. 5 depicts a portable vacuum cleaner with a vacuum hose extended away from a vacuum body, in accordance with some embodiments.
FIG. 6 depicts a portable vacuum cleaner being operated in a one-handed configuration, in accordance with some embodiments.
FIG. 7 depicts a portable vacuum cleaner being operated in a two-handed configuration, in accordance with some embodiments.
FIG. 8 depicts a mechanical attachment portion for securing a vacuum hose to a vacuum body, in accordance with some embodiments.
FIG. 9 depicts another view of a portable vacuum cleaner with a vacuum hose removed from a vacuum canister, in accordance with some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein. Accordingly, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the systems, apparatuses and/or methods described herein will be suggested to those of ordinary skill in the art. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.
It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, the use of a singular term, such as, “a” is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Also the use of relational terms, such as but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “down,” “up,” “side,” are used in the description for clarity and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims. Further, it should be understood that any one of the features can be used separately or in combination with other features. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
As described above, some portable vacuum cleaners are large or cumbersome, or require inconvenient cleaning operations by users. Embodiments of the present disclosure include a portable vacuum cleaner that is configured to function in different operations (e.g., one-handed configuration, two-handed configuration). A user may select one of the different operations based on, for example, an area being cleaned by the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure include a portable vacuum cleaner having a compact and functional design to facilitate easy charging and storage of the portable vacuum cleaner.
FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a portable vacuum cleaner, in accordance with some embodiments. In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the portable vacuum 100 includes a vacuum body 102, a vacuum hose 104, and a vacuum canister or “dirt bin” 106. As shown, the vacuum canister 106 attaches to the vacuum body 102. The vacuum canister accumulates dirt and debris suctioned through the vacuum hose 104 during an operation of the portable vacuum cleaner 100. The vacuum hose 104 includes a first end attached to the vacuum canister 106, e.g., with one or more fasteners. The vacuum hose 104 may wrap around a back end of the portable vacuum cleaner 100. At least a portion of the vacuum hose 104 may also be mechanically and/or magnetically attached to the vacuum body 102 for storage and/or for one-handed use of the portable vacuum 100. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the at least a portion of the vacuum hose 104 is attached to a bottom side of the portable vacuum 100. Such an arrangement may allow a user to grip a top side of the portable vacuum during one-handed operation of the portable vacuum cleaner 100. As shown, the vacuum body 102 may include an over-molded grip to help facilitate one-handed use of the portable vacuum 100.
The vacuum hose 104 may include a hose inlet 108 attached to a second end of the portable vacuum cleaner 100. The hose inlet 108 may have an opening for receiving dust and debris during operation of the portable vacuum 100. A filter may be located within the vacuum canister 106 and/or within the interior of the vacuum body 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 3) and may collect dirt and other particles. The vacuum canister 106 may be transparent, such that the filter within the vacuum canister 106 can be seen without removing the vacuum canister 106. A user can thus determine when the vacuum canister 106 is filled with debris, or when the filter requires cleaning or replacement. As shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum canister 106 may be attached to the vacuum body 102 using an attachment mechanism with a release button 112 that may be used to remove the vacuum canister 106 from the vacuum body 102 for clearing out dirt and other particles. A blown-up view of an example bin release button is shown at 114.
The portable vacuum 100 may include a vacuum motor and fan (not shown) within the interior of the vacuum body 102 that are configured to generate a suction force at the suction end 108 during operation of the portable vacuum 100. The vacuum body 102 may also include one or more vents 110 to facilitate air flow during operation of the portable vacuum 100. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the one or more vents 110 are positioned at a front end of the portable vacuum 100. However, in some examples the one or more vents 110 may be positioned at other areas of the portable vacuum 100.
The portable vacuum 100 further includes a rechargeable battery (not shown) within the vacuum body 102 that powers the portable vacuum 100. In embodiments, the rechargeable battery may be charged using a charging port 116, such as a USB charging port. The charging port 116 may, for example, include one or more types of USB connections, such as a USB-C port. The charging port 116 may be used to charge the rechargeable battery from an external power source, and in embodiments may also be used to charge external electronic devices, such as cell phones or laptops, from the rechargeable battery. In an embodiment, the portable vacuum 100 can also utilize pass-through technology to allow a depleted rechargeable battery to be connected to a charging cable (e.g., a USB standard cable such as a USB-C cable) to recharge the battery and power the portable vacuum 100 at the same time. The portable vacuum 100 may further include a display 118 to indicate a charge level of the rechargeable battery, such as the charge level indicator bars shown in FIG. 1. The portable vacuum cleaner 100 may further include a controller or processor coupled to the display 118 and the rechargeable battery that is configured to control the display 118 and the power and operation of the portable vacuum cleaner 100.
FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a portable vacuum cleaner with a vacuum hose removed from a vacuum canister, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the vacuum hose 104 is detached from the vacuum canister 106 and magnetically mounted to the vacuum body 102 for storage. The vacuum hose 104 may be detached from the vacuum canister 106, for example, when a user removes the vacuum canister 106 to empty and dispose of its contents. Moreover, the vacuum hose 104 may be detached from the vacuum canister 106 to allow a user to clean or replace the vacuum filter described above.
FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a portable vacuum cleaner with a vacuum canister removed, in accordance with some embodiments. Also shown in FIG. 3 is a vacuum filter 120 that attaches to the vacuum motor and fan within the vacuum body 102 and extends into the dirt bin 106 when attached. The vacuum filter 120 may, for example, include a pre-filter and HEPA inner filter. The vacuum filter 120 may ensure that dirt and debris captured by the portable vacuum 100 are contained within the vacuum canister 106. The vacuum filter 120 can thus prevent the dirt and debris from traveling through the one or more vents 110 and into the surrounding environment.
FIG. 4 depicts a portable vacuum cleaner with an air hose removed from a vacuum body and a vacuum canister, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, the vacuum hose 104 may include a hose inlet 108, a corrugated hosing portion 122, and a bin attachment part 124 that is configured for attaching the vacuum hose 104 to the vacuum canister 106. The vacuum hose 104 may magnetically and/or mechanically attach within a concave hose-receiving portion of the vacuum body 102 for storage and/or for one-handed use of the portable vacuum 100. As shown, the vacuum body 102 may include one or more magnets 126 disposed within or adjacent to the concave hose-receiving portion that are configured to secure the vacuum hose 104 to the vacuum body 102. For example, one or more portions of the vacuum hose 104 may be metallic or include one or more metal pieces that are arranged for securing the vacuum hose 104 to the one or more magnets 126 within or adjacent to the concave hose-receiving portion of the vacuum body 102.
In addition, the vacuum body 102 may include one or more mechanical attachment portions 128 for securing the vacuum hose 104 or a portion of the vacuum hose 104. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a mechanical attachment portion 128 (e.g., a clip) is included at a front end of the concave hose-receiving portion of the vacuum body 102 for attaching to an extension 130 on the hose inlet 108. The mechanical attachment 128 may, for example, be used to further secure the vacuum hose 104 to the vacuum body 102 for one-handed use (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6).
FIG. 5 depicts a portable vacuum cleaner with a vacuum hose extended away from a vacuum body, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, the portable vacuum 100 may further include one or more vacuum attachments 132 that are configured to be attached to the hose inlet 108. For example, one or more vacuum attachments 132 may be configured to attach to the vacuum hose 104 by sliding over a portion of the hose inlet 108 as depicted in the illustrated example.
FIG. 6 depicts a portable vacuum cleaner being operated in a one-handed configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, by connecting the first end of the vacuum hose 104 to the vacuum canister 106 and mechanically attaching the hose inlet 108 to the vacuum body 102 (e.g., as described above with reference to FIG. 4), at least a portion of the vacuum hose 104 may be secured within the concave hose-receiving portion of the vacuum body 102. The vacuum hose 104 may be secured in a position with the hose inlet 108 extending beyond the front end of the vacuum body 102. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the at least a portion of the vacuum hose 104 is secured to the bottom side of the vacuum body. In this way, the portable vacuum 100 may be easily gripped by a user at the top side of the vacuum body 102, with the vacuum hose 104 optimally positioned for one-handed use. In some example embodiments, the vacuum hose 104 may be secured to a different part of the vacuum body 102 (e.g., the top side or a side portion), and the user may grip a different area of the vacuum body 102 during operation.
FIG. 7 depicts a portable vacuum cleaner being operated in a two-handed configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, by detaching the vacuum hose 104 from the vacuum body 102, the vacuum hose 104 may be used in a two-handed configuration, with the corrugated hosing 122 (FIG. 4) being easily stretched to maneuver the hose inlet 108 into a desired position. For example, a user may grip the vacuum body 102 with a first hand and grip the hose inlet 108 with a second hand during use of the portable vacuum 100. The vacuum hose 104 may be stretched or compressed to clean dirt and debris positioned far from the vacuum body 102 or near the vacuum body 102, respectively.
FIG. 8 depicts a mechanical attachment portion for securing a vacuum hose to a vacuum body, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, a mechanical attachment portion 128 (e.g., a clip) at a front end of the concave hose-receiving portion of the vacuum body 102 may be attached to an extension 130 on the hose inlet 108, for example to secure the vacuum hose 104 in position for one-handed operation. In some example embodiments, other components may be used to secure the vacuum hose 104 to the vacuum body 102. For example, a magnet at the front end of the concave hose-receiving portion of the vacuum body 102 may be attached to a corresponding metal piece on the hose inlet to secure the vacuum hose 104 to the vacuum body 102.
FIG. 9 depicts another view of a portable vacuum cleaner with a vacuum hose removed from a vacuum canister, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 9, when the first end of the vacuum hose 104 is removed from the vacuum canister 106, the vacuum hose 104 may be secured within the concave hose-receiving portion of the vacuum body 102. Such an arrangement can provide for easy access to and removal of the vacuum canister 106. Furthermore, such an arrangement can provide for compact and efficient storage of the portable vacuum 100, for example, when the portable vacuum 100 is not being operated.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the invention disclosed herein is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, and is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Patent Application
20250235063
