Propane Vacuum

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner having a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds. A vacuum cleaner system for a portable vacuum cleaner having a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds, and having and at least one removably attachable harness, at least one removably attachable shoulder strap, at one removably attachable set of wheels and/or at least one wheeled tray.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes but is not limited to propane vacuum cleaners and systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes embodiments of a vacuum cleaner having a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds. In some embodiments, the total weight of the vacuum cleaner is within the range of between 23.5 to 26 pounds.

The invention further includes a vacuum cleaner system for a portable vacuum cleaner. The system includes a vacuum cleaner having a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds, and at least one removably attachable harness, at least one removably attachable shoulder strap, at one removably attachable set of wheels and/or at least one wheeled tray.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIGS. 1-1B are perspective views of embodiments of the vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of an impeller and adaptor.

FIGS. 3-4A are sectional views of a portion of embodiments of the vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 4B is a top plan view of a portion of an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner.

FIGS. 5-5A are exploded views of embodiments of the vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a embodiment of the vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 6A is a plan view of an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner system.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter bag.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exhaust hose.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a heat shield.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of hook member.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cradle member.

FIG. 12 is an exploded views of an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner.

FIGS. 13A-14B are perspective views of embodiments portions of the vacuum cleaner.

FIGS. 15A-F are sectional views of a portion of embodiments of the vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of the impeller housing.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of portion of an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 18 are perspective views of portions of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a portion of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a list of some components for an embodiment of the invention that is illustrated in FIGS. 20A-20E

FIGS. 21 and 21A are perspective views of an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are sectional views of a portion of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23A is a sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-23A embodiments of the vacuum cleaner 30 and vacuum cleaner system 32 of the current invention are exemplarily illustrated. Although the invention has been exemplarily illustrated by reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made which clearly fall within the scope of the invention. The invention is intended to be protected broadly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 12 and 20, the vacuum cleaner 30 has a propane fuel source. In some embodiments, the propane can be contained on the vacuum cleaner 30 in at least one small propane canister 34 typically commercially available in pressurized canisters. In some embodiments, the propane can be contained on the vacuum cleaner 30 in one small propane canister 34. Pressurized propane canisters 34 currently typically commercially available weigh about one pound. However, it is to be understood that other receptacles for pressurized propane that currently exist or become available may be used to carry the propane fuel source, provided the overall weight of the receptacle and propane does not cause the total weight of the vacuum cleaner 30 to exceed its maximum weight, as described in more detail in the next paragraph herein.

The total weight of the vacuum cleaner 30 of the current invention is in the range of between 12 and 40 pounds. In some embodiments, the total weight of the vacuum cleaner 30 is between 12 and 26 pounds. In some embodiments the total weight of the vacuum cleaner 30 is in the range of 23.5 to 26 pounds. In some embodiments the total weight of the vacuum cleaner 30 is in the range of 23.5 to 40 pounds. In some embodiments, the total weight of the vacuum cleaner 30 is about 23.5 pounds. In some embodiments, the total weight of the vacuum cleaner 30 is about 25 pounds. In some embodiments, the total weight of the vacuum cleaner 30 is about 26 pounds.

Power is delivered by a propane gas powered four stroke, internal combustion engine 36 with brake horsepower in the range of 1.5-1.6. In one embodiment, the engine 36 operates on propane fuel, with approximately 1.6 brake horsepower, and is an air cooled, splash lubricated, four stroke, single cylinder, spark ignition, internal combustion engine 36 with a swept displacement of approximately 25 to 35 cc.; the engine 36 can operate in any orientation with respect to the pull of gravity. In one embodiment, a Honda GX 35 engine can be used.

As previously known in the art, the fuel system includes a carburetor, pressure regulator, vacuum lock-off valve, and a fuel inlet 38 fitting to which the propane fuel canister is attached. The carburetor mixes the propane fuel with air in the correct proportions and introduces the mixture to the inlet manifold of the engine 36. The pressure regulator controls the pressure of the propane fuel so that it is constant at the carburetor regardless of the pressure in the propane fuel canister. The engine 36 will operate in a range of about 1,000 to 7,000 rpm. The vacuum cleaner 30 optionally can also include a manual shutoff valve.

In one embodiment, as known in the art, propane is delivered to the engine 36 initially through a fuel inlet 38 fitting that is an industry standard. The fuel flows through a first fuel line to a pressure regulator, through a second fuel line to a lock-off valve, and then through a third fuel line to the carburetor. In addition, as known in the art, there is a vacuum line between the lock-off valve and the intake manifold. The vacuum lock-off valve shuts off flow of the propane to the engine 36 when it is not running to prevent an unintended discharge of propane into the atmosphere. A vacuum sensor and solenoid valve can be used as an electronically controlled alternative to the mechanical lock-off valve. In that case, a solenoid valve would replace the lock off in the fuel line, a vacuum sensor would be installed in the intake manifold, and an electrical cable would run between the sensor and the solenoid along the path taken by the vacuum line. A manual shut off can be included in the fuel line between the propane canister 34 and the pressure regulator so that the operator can stop the flow of propane when the vacuum is not in use.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 11 and 11A in which a propane canister 34 tank cradle system 40 is illustrated. In the embodiment, cradle member 42 includes a flange portion, a cradle portion, a tank strap member 48 and at least one tank strap hook member 50. The flange portion includes at least two holes 52 for attachment to the chassis 54. The holes provide openings for attachers such as, but not limited to, screws or bolts to pass. A third opening 56 in the flange portion provides a space for attachment of a tank strap hook member 50 and for passage of a tank strap member 48. The cradle portion 42 is curved in a dimension that is complimentary to the outer curvature of a standard small propane canister 34, such that the canister can rest in the cradle with almost no room for sideways movement. In addition, at least one strap is included that can be made from a memory material, such as, but not limited to natural rubber. The strap can include at least two holes 62, with each end of the strap having at least one hole. The side of the cradle member 42 that is opposite from the side where the flange is located, has a strap attacher 64. The strap attacher 64 can be a protrusion or hook that can fit into one of the strap holes or can be a second tank strap hook 50. While utilizing the tank cradle system, a propane tank can be placed in the cradle and removably secured on the vacuum cleaner 30. Once the propane tank is placed in the cradle, the tank strap will be removably secured to the attachers on either side of the tank cradle. The tank strap will be sufficiently tight against the tank that it will not be able to move from side to side or front to back when the vacuum is turned in any direction with no more than a moderate amount of force. In addition, the texture of the natural rubber will add friction to the propane canister 34 and further reduce slippage of the tank.

It is to be understood that other ways that are known or to be discovered of securing at least one propane tank to the vacuum cleaner 30 are intended to be included in the invention. Other ways of securing the propane tank to the vacuum cleaner 30 include, but are not limited to screwing it into a fitting and using metal straps.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2-4B The fan that creates the vacuum includes a single impeller 66 rotating inside a formed housing 100. The formed housing 100 is known in the art as a fan housing, an impeller housing or a vacuum chamber. The impeller 66 is a centrifugal flow design. The fan impeller 66 is attached with the engine 36 so that it is turning at the same speed as the engine 36. In some embodiments, the attachment of the impeller 66 with the engine 36 may incorporate an adapter to facilitate various engine 36 and impeller 66 configurations. The engine 36 and the impeller 66 would operate at about 1,000 to 7,000 rpm. The impeller can be made of polycarbonate. In addition, the impeller can be made of other materials including, but not limited to, aluminum and ABS.

In some embodiments, the vacuum impeller 66 can be attached with an engine flywheel 72 such that the impeller 66 rotates at the same speed as the flywheel 72.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the impeller 66 can be molded so that it has attachment positions that directly align with corresponding attachment positions 74 in the flywheel 72. In this embodiment, the attachment points are bolt holes on the impeller 66 and internal bolt threads on the flywheel 72. In this embodiment, a bolt 76 and optionally a washer 90, can be threaded through the impeller 66 bolt hole and threaded directly into the bolt threads bored into the flywheel 72.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, an adaptor having an adaptor shaft 80 can be attached with the flywheel 72. The adaptor shaft can be cut with at least one keyed way 82, and the impeller 66 can be made to have a complimentarily internally keyed shaft 84 or wheel, such that it can be slid onto the adaptor shaft.

In addition, in some embodiments of this embodiment, at least one attacher, such as, but not limited to a retaining bolt 86 can also be used. When a retaining bolt 86 is used, the top of the adaptor shaft has internal bolt threads bored into it and the adaptor shaft is constructed to be slightly shorter than the height of the impeller 66 where it surrounds the adaptor shaft. A washer 90 is placed over the end of the adaptor shaft, and a bolt is screwed into the top of the adaptor shaft, such that when the bolt is fully screw into threads, the washer 90 rests on the impeller 66 and compresses the impeller 66 toward the flywheel 72. Referring now to FIG. 4A and 4B, the adaptor shaft, which can be made of aluminum, and the impeller 66 shaft that surrounds the adaptor shaft can be constructed such that they are wider on the end that is toward the flywheel 72 and gradually taper inward toward the end that is away from the flywheel 72. In this embodiment, the top of the adaptor shaft has internal bolt threads bored into it and the adaptor shaft is constructed to be slightly shorter than the height of the impeller 66 where it surrounds the adaptor shaft. When a washer 90 is placed over the shafts and the bolt is fully screwed into the adaptor shaft, the washer 90 rests on the impeller 66 and compresses the impeller 66 toward the flywheel 72, and the adaptor shaft and the impeller 66 shaft migrate toward each other and impact each other; thereby creating a more secure attachment.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A an adaptor 70 could be used that has a first set of attachment positions 92 that directly align with corresponding attachment positions in the flywheel 72 and separate second set of attachment positions 94 that directly align with corresponding attachment positions on the impeller 66. In this embodiment the impeller 66 is attachable to the adaptor and the flywheel 72 is also attachable to the adaptor, such that when both the impeller 66 and the flywheel 72 are attached to the adaptor, both the impeller 66 and the flywheel 72 are attached with each other. In embodiments of this embodiment, the attachers could be, but are not limited to, bolt holes and corresponding internal bolt threads, whereby the impeller 66 contains bolt holes that are lined-up with internal threads in the adaptor, and the adapter also contains bolt hoes that are lined-up with internal threads in the flywheel 72.

It is to be understood the above-described ways that the impeller 66 can be attached with the engine 36 are exemplary and that there are other ways in which the impeller 66 could be attached with the engine 36 such that the engine 36 would cause the impeller 66 to rotate at the same speed as the engine 36, and that additional attachments of the impeller 66 with the engine 36 are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 5A, 12, 15A-16, 19 the impeller 66 operates inside a housing 100 shaped to maximize vacuum creation. The housing 100 can be formed or molded from plastic or metal. It has an inlet 104 that is generally concentric with the axis of the adapter shaft. In some embodiments the inlet 104 and is from 2 to 7 inches in diameter. The centrifugal impeller discharges into a volute 106 around the periphery of the impeller 66 formed into the fan housing 100. In some second embodiments, the discharge 108 from the volute 106 is from 2 to 5 inches in diameter.

In some embodiments, the impeller housing 100 is made in two members, a first housing member 110 and a second housing member 112, that fit together with a seal between the members. In some embodiments, the seal is an elastomeric seal. This arrangement allows easy access to the impeller 66 for assembly or servicing. The first 110 and second housing member 112 can be attached with one another by ways currently known in the art and to be discovered, including, but not limited to by: screws, draw latch 212es, metal clips, pawl or cam action latch 212es, and quarter turn fasteners. FIG. 19 illustrates a an embodiment where the first and second housing members are attached with one another by a plurality of screws 116, and screw holes on screw attachment protrusions 116.

The two members include a first housing member 110 and a second housing 112 member. In the embodiments illustrated, the first housing member 110 contains the volute 106 shape and has more depth than the second housing 112 member, which is almost flat. However, it is to be understood that in some embodiments, both the first housing member 110 and the second housing 112 members could have depths of equal or varying sizes provided that when the housing members are attached with one another, providing there is sufficient room within the housing 100 for the impeller 66 to rotate.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, 15A-C the sealer between the first and second housing members is an elastomeric gasket 118 that fits within the inside of the outer rim 120 of the first housing member 110 when the first and second housing members are attached with each other. When the first and the second housing members are attached with one another, the gasket is compressed and causes a seal. As illustrated in FIG. 5A and 15D-F an elastomeric sealer 122 is attached to the inside of the outer rim of the second housing \ member 112. When the first and the second housing 100 members are attached with one another, the sealer is compressed and causes a seal. It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary only, and that other ways of sealing the first and second housing 100 members that currently exist or are to be discovered are intended to be included in the invention.

Some embodiments have at least one of the following size ranges: the impeller 66 diameter is in the range of 9 inches to 12 inches; the impeller 66 blade height is in the range of 1 inch to 2 inches; the volute 106 swept angle is in the range of 300 degrees to 330 degrees; the volute 106 starting tip gap is in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.200 inches; the volute 106 exiting tip gap is in the range of 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches; the volute 106 starting height is in the range of 1.25 inches to 2.50 inches, and; the volute 106 exiting height is in the range of 2 inches to 4 inches.

Some embodiments have the following size ranges: the impeller 66 diameter is in the range of 9 inches to 12 inches; the impeller 66 blade height is in the range of 1 inch to 2 inches; the volute 106 swept angle is in the range of 300 degrees to 330 degrees; the volute 106 starting tip gap is in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.200 inches; the volute 106 exiting tip gap is in the range of 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches; the volute 106 starting height is in the range of 1.25 inches to 2.50 inches, and; the volute 106 exiting height is in the range of 2 inches to 4 inches.

Some embodiments have at least one of the following sizes: the impeller 66 diameter is 9,47 inches; the impeller 66 blade height is 1.25 inches; the volute 106 swept angle is 315 degrees; the volute 106 starting tip gap is 0.13 inches; the volute 106 exiting tip gap is 3.03; the volute 106 starting height is 1.65 inches, and the volute 106 exiting height is 2.85 inches.

Some embodiments have the following sizes: the impeller 66 diameter is 9,47 inches; the impeller 66 blade height is 1.25 inches; the volute 106 swept angle is 315 degrees; the volute 106 starting tip gap is 0.13 inches; the volute 106 exiting tip gap is 3.03; the volute 106 starting height is 1.65 inches, and the volute 106 exiting height is 2.85 inches.

In some embodiments where the first housing member 110 has depth and the second housing member 112 is almost flat, at least one of the following sizes occurs: the impeller 66 diameter is 9,47 inches; the impeller 66 blade height is 1.25 inches; the volute 106 swept angle is 315 degrees; the volute 106 starting tip gap is 0.13 inches; the volute 106 exiting tip gap is 3.03; the volute 106 starting height is 1.65 inches, and the volute 106 exiting height is 2.85 inches.

In some embodiments where the first housing member 110 has depth and the second housing member 112 is almost flat, the following sizes occur: the impeller 66 diameter is 9,47 inches; the impeller 66 blade height is 1.25 inches; the volute 106 swept angle is 315 degrees; the volute 106 starting tip gap is 0.13 inches; the volute 106 exiting tip gap is 3.03; the volute 106 starting height is 1.65 inches, and the volute 106 exiting height is 2.85 inches.

In some embodiments where the first housing member 110 has depth and the second housing member 112 is almost flat, at least one of the following size ranges occurs: the impeller 66 diameter is in the range of 9 inches to 12 inches; the impeller 66 blade height is in the range of 1 inch to 2 inches; the volute 106 swept angle is in the range of 300 degrees to 330 degrees; the volute 106 starting tip gap is in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.200 inches; the volute 106 exiting tip gap is in the range of 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches; the volute 106 starting height is in the range of 1.25 inches to 2.50 inches, and; the volute 106 exiting height is in the range of 2 inches to 4 inches.

In some embodiments where the first housing member 110 has depth and the second housing member 112 is almost flat, the following size ranges occurs: the impeller 66 diameter is in the range of 9 inches to 12 inches; the impeller 66 blade height is in the range of 1 inch to 2 inches; the volute 106 swept angle is in the range of 300 degrees to 330 degrees; the volute 106 starting tip gap is in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.200 inches; the volute 106 exiting tip gap is in the range of 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches; the volute 106 starting height is in the range of 1.25 inches to 2.50 inches, and; the volute 106 exiting height is in the range of 2 inches to 4 inches.

Canister, hip, and upright vacuums can also be made using this engine 36 system 222. FIGS. 21 and 21A are an illustration of one example of the way the exterior of a vacuum cleaner 30 of the current invention could look if the components were arranged in a vertical manner. It is to be understood that there a many examples of ways that the elements of the current invention could be arranged and that the various arrangements are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

The debris will be picked up at the distal end 124 of the inlet hose 126. This end of the hose will be sized so that commercially available vacuum hose extensions, wands, floor tools, crevice tools, brushes, and the like can be attached. The debris will then flow through the length of the hose to the inlet 104 opening of the impeller 66 housing 100. The hose and the inlet 104 opening of the impeller 66 housing 100 are connected with each other by an elbow cuff 128, which is known in the art. The debris will then pass alongside the impeller 66 and out the discharge 108 opening of the impeller 66 housing 100, to which the impeller end 132 of the exhaust tube 130 is attached. The housing 100 will have a discharge 108, with which the impeller end 132 of the exhaust tube 130 attaches.

Upon exiting the impeller 66 housing 100 the debris will be directed through an exhaust tube 130 that connects the impeller 66 housing 100 to a disposable filter bag 134. In some embodiments, the disposable filter bag 134 will be a commercially available disposable paper bag, and in some embodiments, the disposable paper filter bag will be an Electrolux brand style U bag. The disposable filter bag 134 will be contained in a canvas or similar fabric material, such as but not limited to, nylon or cotton fabric, outer bag 136 that permits the flow of air created by the vacuum to exit. The outer bag 136 will have an opening that has a sealer 140 that is easily sealed and reopened for the purpose of removing and replacing the disposable filter bag 134. In some embodiments the sealer is a zipper 142. Other sealers that can be used include, but are not limited to, hook and loop material 60, overlapping material and buttons, snaps 218, hooks and the like. The fabric outer bag 136 may contribute to the filtering affect of the disposable filter bag 134. In some embodiments a vinyl type of material may be used in place of the fabric bag and fitted with a replaceable HEPA filter to further increase the cleanliness of the air exhausted from the vacuum.

The outer bag 136 has a hose entry side 144, a top side 146 and a front side 148. In some embodiments the sealer is placed on the front side 148 for easy access. The hose side includes a hose opening 150. In addition, the inside of the hose side 152 can include a bag support 154 which gives the hose side additional supportive structure. In some embodiments the bag support 154 is made of ABS. In other embodiments, the bag support 154 can be made of materials including but not limited to, cardboard, wood and aluminum. In some embodiments, the inside of the hose side 152 of the outer bag 136 has at least one elastic strap 156156 member. The elastic strap 156156 member is attached at its ends to the inside of the hose side 152 of the outer bag 136, extends beyond both sides of the bag support 154, and traps the bag support 154 between it and the hose side of the outer bag 136. In some embodiments, the inside of the hose side 152 of the outer bag 136 has two elastic straps 156, with one being located above the hose opening 150 and one being located below the hose opening 150. The elastic straps 156 give additional support to the bag support 154 and help to keep it in place. The bag support 154 can be made of ABS.

The outer filter bag can have at least one attacher with the framework 168 other than via the exhaust hose. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the tope side of the outer filter bag can have loops that can attach to hooks in the framework 168. It is to be understood that other types of attachers of the outer filter bag with the framework 168 could be used that are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Other attachers could include, but are not limited to hook and loop material 60, clips and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 17, the exhaust tube 130 has an impeller end 132 and a filter bag end 158. The bag end is inserted into the hose opening 150 of the outer bag 136. The inner disposable bag has a hose opening 160 into which the bag end of the exhaust tube 130 is insertable. When the inner disposable bag and outer filter bag are assembled on the filter bag end 158 of the exhaust tube 130, debris that is pulled through the impeller 66 housing 100 is deposited in the disposable filter bag 134. In some embodiments, the exhaust tube 130 is made of polyethylene. In other embodiments, the exhaust tube 130 could be made from materials including, but not limited to polypropylene, nylon and ABS.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the engine 36, fan housing 100, and fuel system 222 components can be mounted to a chassis 54 plate. The chassis 54 plate can have cut-out portions 164 to reduce the weight of the plate. The chassis 54 plate can be made of aluminum.

A shroud 166 can also be mounted to the chassis 54 plate. In one embodiment, the shroud 166 is made of Kydex (PVC). It is to be understood that the shroud 166 could also be made of other materials, including, but not limited to, fiberglass composite, ABS, Polycarbonate, carbon fiber composites, or Kevlar composites, and aluminum. The shroud 166 can have at least one vent slot in the top end through which exhaust can escape.

The chassis 54 can be mounted to a framework 168. In some embodiments, the chassis 54 is mounted to a framework 168 in a manner which reduces the amount of the vibration from the engine 36 that is transferred to the frame. In some embodiments, the chassis 54 is mounted to the frame via vibration isolators 170.

Referring now to FIG. 7, and exemplary frame assembly is illustrated. This embodiment includes a first tube frame 172 and a second tube frame 174, a first cross bar and a second cross bar, a lower cross bar, at least a first tube connector and a second tube connector, and a bottom tray 186. In addition, in some embodiments, the frame also includes a first back cover mount 190 and a second back cover mount 190. In some embodiments, the first tube frame 172 and second tube frame 174, first cross bar and second cross bar, lower cross bar, first tube connector and second tube connector are all made of aluminum tube, the first back cover mount 190 and second back cover mount 190 are made of aluminum, and the bottom tray 186 is made of Kydex (PVC). It is to be understood that the bottom tray 186 could also be made of other materials, including, but not limited to, fiberglass composite, ABS, Polycarbonate, and aluminum. The back cover mounts 190 can be generally rectangular pieces that have gentle lengthwise jog and a hole in each corner for attachers, such as but not limited to bolts or screws, to pass. The bottom tray 186 can include at least one cut-out to reduce its weight. In addition, the bottom tray 186 can include a ridge 192 to increase its strength.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A a cross bar can include at least one hook member onto which the outer filter bag can attach to provide additional attachment of the filter bag to the vacuum cleaner 30.

In some embodiments a back cover 194 is mounted to the framework 168. In some embodiments, the back cover 194 is made of Kydex (PVC). It is to be understood that the back cover 194 could also be made of other materials, including, but not limited to, fiberglass composite, ABS, polycarbonate, carbon fiber composites, or Kevlar composites, and aluminum. The back cover 194 includes an exhaust tube cut-out 196, and at least one inlet hose opening 150. As illustrated in FIGS. 13A, 13B, 14A and 14B, the back cover 194 can have two inlet hose openings 150 with one located on the right side of the vacuum cleaner 30 and one located on the left side of the vacuum cleaner 30. With an inlet hose openings 150 on two sides of the vacuum cleaner 30, the user can select on which side the hose will exit the back cover 194. Among other benefits, when worn by a user the user then can have the hose readily accessible either to his or her left or right hand. While the illustration shows round inlet hose openings 150, it is to be understood that the shape is exemplary and the openings could be made in other shapes and sizes. The bottom of the back cover 194 can also include two bottom openings 200, which can be used to give access to bottom foot pads 202 and/or wheels 204 to mount to the frame. The back of the back cover 194 can also include two harness slots 206, which can be used to give the shoulder straps 208 access the frame for attachment.

The outside of the back cover 194 can have at least one back pad 210 attached to it. The back pad 210 can be made of or include a material that provides some cushion for the back of the user when the user is wearing the vacuum cleaner 30. Examples of materials of which the back pad 210 could be made include, but are not limited to, foams, such as, but not limited to, polyurethane foam. In one embodiment, two rectangular back pads 210 are included that are attached to the back cover 194, with one back pad 210 being located below each of the harness slots 206 and extending down most of the rest of the back cover 194.

The back cover 194 and the shroud 166 can be attached with each other by attachers currently known in the art or to be discovered. In some embodiments, the back cover 194 and the shroud 166 are attached with each other with a latch 212 and latch support 214 assembly.

In some embodiments, a backpack harness is also mounted to the framework 168. The backpack harness is mounted at the shoulder straps 208, and it can be fixedly attached or removably attached. If it is removably attached, at least one attacher can be included for each shoulder strap, which could include, but are not limited to, snaps 218, buckles, hook and loop material 60, and buttons. The harness can also include a hip belt 220.

In some embodiments, at least three foot pads 202, currently known in the art, can be included on the bottom of the vacuum cleaner 30. The foot pads 202 can be attached with the frame and they would impact the surface, such as the floor, on which the vacuum cleaner 30 could be placed. In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 30 will have four foot pads 202, one being place in each corner of the bottom of the vacuum cleaner 30. Also as currently known in the art, the bottom of each of the foot pads 202 can have an opening into which the stem 222 of a wheel can be removably inserted. As further known in the art, the wheels 204 can be caster wheels 204 that would have 360 degree rotational capabilities.

In some embodiments, at least one top carry handle 224 can also be included. The top carry handle 224 can be attached with the top portion of the first and second tube frames 174 via openings in the top of the shroud 166. In one embodiment the handle is made of plastic, however the handle can be made of many materials known in the art or to be discovered, including, but not limited to, cloth, aluminum, and wood. In addition or alternately, a shoulder strap could be attached with the top portion of the first and second tube frames 174 via openings in the top of the shroud 166.

Referring now to FIG. 13A the inside side 230 of the shroud 166 and/or of the back cover 194 can be covered with a sound insulating material 232, such as but not limited to, foam. As illustrated in FIG. 13B, in some embodiments, the inside side 230 of the shroud 166 and/or of the back cover 194 will not be covered with a sound insulating material 232.

The bottom end 234 of the shroud 166 is open to the top side 146 of the outer filter bag. In some embodiments the bottom end 234 of the shroud 166 touches the top of the filter bag and thereby at least partially enshrouds it. It is to be noted that at least some of the exiting air flow from the filter bag will flows upward on the inside side 230 of the shroud 166 toward the engine 36, displacing hot stagnant air out vent slot in the top of the shroud 166 and having the effect of providing some cooling to the engine 36. In some embodiments the flow of the exiting air flow to the engine 36 creates a cooled area, which could be described as a kind of bubble of cooler air, next to the engine 36.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 a heat shield 238 is illustrated. In some embodiments the heat shield 238 can be made of aluminum. The heat shield 238 has a shield portion 240 and two flange portions 44 that are perpendicular to each and to the shield portion 240. The shield portion 240 further includes at least one hole through which an attacher such as, but not limited to a screw or a bolt can pass. The heat shield 238 can be attached to the chassis 54 and is located generally directly opposite the exhaust port of the engine 36 to reduce the transfer of heat from the engine 36 and to divert the flow of warmed exhaust air from directly blowing on the surrounding components, particularly the inside of the shroud 166 and the sound absorbing material. As a result, more of the exhaust air flows out of the vacuum cleaner 30 through the top vents. In addition, the heat shield 238 provides some noise reduction to the user when wearing the vacuum cleaner 30.

In some embodiments, vacuum power can be user adjustable via control of the engine 36 revolutions per minute (RPM). Some embodiments can have an automatic gas shutoff system 222 that can shut off the flow of propane gas to the engine 36. Referring now to FIGS. 22-23A, in some embodiments, as previously known in the art, the engine 36 speed is controlled by a thumb operated knob, or speed control slider 246, connected to the throttle of the engine 36 via a flexible throttle cable 248. The thumb knob can be housed in a control box located on the inlet hose 126 of the vacuum at a convenient location so as to facilitate ease of use. In some embodiments, the thumb knob will at minimum have three positions for operation. The first position will be slow or idle, the second will be medium and will be the approximate middle of the engine 36's RPM range. The third position will be full or fast and will be the maximum attainable RPM that the engine 36 is designed for. The operating positions can be designated by markings on the control box. In some embodiments, the operating positions will have a feature integral to the assembly of the control box and the thumb knob so that the thumb knob cannot freely move along its direction of travel without moving the thumb knob perpendicular to its said direction of travel. In some embodiments, the control box will contain an electrical switch 102 to turn off or kill the engine 36. This electrical switch will be of momentary contact, single or multiple poles and can be of either rocker or push button in design. The control box also includes a flat spring 250.

The throttle cable 248 is extended from the control box to the throttle. The throttle cable 248 can be fixedly or removably attached with other elements of the vacuum cleaner 30 between the control box and the throttle for convenience and so that is will not get caught on unintended things. The control box can have a Velcro strip 60 running through the bottom of the control box and around the hose.

It is to be noted that when the control box is attached with the inlet hose 126, and the user wants to pass the control box and inlet hose 126, along with the throttle cable 248, through an inlet hose 126 opening 150 in the back cover 194, the opening has to be large enough for them to pass. If the opening is not large enough for them to pass while assembled, the control box will have to be disconnected from the inlet hose 126, and the inlet hose 126 and control box will have to be passed through the vacuum hole separately. The control box can be removably attachable to the inlet hose 126 by attachers such as, but not limited to, Velcro straps, elastomeric straps, and metal straps. The throttle cable 248 can be removably attached with the inlet hose 126 by attachers known in the art or to be discovered, such as, but not limited to, hook and loop material 60, tie backs and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 6A, a portable vacuum cleaner system 32 is illustrated. The vacuum cleaner 30 can have the removable wheels 204 and a removable shoulder harness and hip belt 220 as previously described. With these removable elements, the user can decide how to use the vacuum cleaner 30 of the current invention. It could be worn with the attachment of the harness and hip belt 220 and the removal of the wheels 204, which would reduce the weight of the device. Alternatively the vacuum cleaner 30 could be pulled or pushed by attachment of the wheels 204 and removal of the shoulder harness and hip belt 220, which would reduce the weight of the device and to prevent the harness and hip belt 220 from dragging or getting caught on unintended things. Still alternatively, the wheels 204 and the shoulder harness and hip belt 220 could be removed, and the vacuum cleaner 30 could be placed in a rolling tray 58, which is known in the art, and the vacuum cleaner 30 and tray could be pushed or pulled by the user. In another alternative, the shoulder harness, shoulder strap and hip belt 220 could be removed, the wheels 204 could be removed and the tray could not be utilized, and the user could carry the vacuum cleaner 30 by a handle, such as by the handle illustrated in FIG. 1A. In another alternative, the shoulder harness and hip belt 220 could be removed, the wheels 204 could be removed and the tray could not be utilized, and the user could carry the vacuum cleaner 30 by a shoulder strap.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 20-20E, which are illustrations of a specific embodiment of the vacuum cleaner 30 of the current invention, wherein FIG. 24 lists many of the parts used.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner, said vacuum cleaner comprising a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds.

2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein said total weight is within the range of between 23.5 to 26 pounds.

3. A vacuum cleaner system, said vacuum cleaner system comprising a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds, said system further comprising at least one removably attachable harness, at least one removably attachable shoulder strap, at one removably attachable set of wheels and/or at least one wheeled tray.