United States Patent
`Soler et al,
`
`[19]
`
`[54] CYCLONIC BACK-PACK VACUUM
`CLEANER
`[75] Inventors: Norman V. Soler, Port Colborne;
`Tat-Chi A. Tsui, St. Catharines;
`Donald LaBute, Welland, all of
`Canada
`Iona Appliances Inc. , Welland,
`Canada
`[21] Appl. No. : 19, 485
`Feb. 19, 1993
`[22] Filed:
`
`[73] Assignee:
`
`[58] Field of Search
`
`[56]
`
`et al. .
`
`.
`
`Related U. S. Application Data
`of Ser. No. 838, 183, Feb. 20, 1992,
`[63] Continuation-in-part
`abandoned.
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`[30]
`Feb. 19, 1992 [CA] Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`[51] Int. Cl. 5
`A47L 5/36
`[52] U. S. Cl.
`15/327. 5; 15/352;
`15/353; 55/356; 55/429
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15/327. 5, 413, 353,
`15/352; 55/356, 429
`References Cited
`U. S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`Lee .
`5/1930
`1, 759, 947
`Becker .
`4/1934
`1, 953, 944
`2/1937
`2, 071, 975
`Holm-Hansen
`8/1939
`2, 171, 248
`Berkel
`.
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`4/1943
`2, 316, 836
`Breuer
`4/1950
`.
`2, 504, 846
`Kirby
`2. 542, 634
`Davis et al. .
`2/1951
`Lee
`7/1951
`2, 560, 728
`Brace .
`7/1954
`2, 684, 125
`10/1956
`2, 768, 707
`Campbell
`.
`2/1958
`2, 824, 335
`Moffat
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`7/1960
`2, 943, 698
`Bishop
`Barba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`1/1965
`3, 165, 774
`Happe et al. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`11/1966
`3, 286, 446
`3/1967
`McCulloch et al. .
`3, 308, 609
`5/1967
`3, 320, 727
`Farley et al. .
`Reiber et al. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`3, 331, 090
`7/1967
`.
`2/1969
`Davis
`3, 425, 192
`.
`2/1983
`4, 373, 228
`Dysou
`Coon et al. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`11/1985
`4, 551, 041
`.
`2/1986
`4, 571, 772
`Dyson
`
`55/356 X
`
`99/250
`
`. 55/429 X
`15/327. 5 X
`15/327. 5 X
`
`15/327. 5 X
`
`. . . 406/85
`
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`US005267371A
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`5, 267, 371
`Dec. 7, 1993
`
`. . . . . . . . . . 1 34/1
`. . . . . . 252/626
`. . . . . . . . 134/61
`. . . 134/22. 12
`. . . . 55/429 X
`
`.
`4, 593, 429 10/1986 Dyson
`4, 645, 542 2/1987 Scharton et al. . . .
`4, 806, 277 2/1989 Sakurai et al. . . . . . .
`4, 966, 177 10/1990 John, Jr. et al. . . . .
`4, 974, 617 12/1990 Simon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`5, 078, 761 1/1992 Dyson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`.
`5, 080, 697 1/1992 Finke
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1159610
`1/1984 Canada
`2/1984 Canada
`1162362
`1182613
`2/1985 Canada
`1238869
`7/1988 Canada
`1241158
`8/1988 Canada
`.
`8/1969 Japan
`44-70008
`
`the Megavac Vacuum
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Industrial Design Registration No. 54, 488—
`Canadian
`May 21, 1985, Prototypes Ltd.
`Industrial Design Registration No. 60, 796—
`Canadian
`Inc.
`May 10, 1988, Iona Appliances
`Brochure by Rotobic Pty. Ltd. for Pocket Vac and
`Rocket Vac Vacuum Cleaners (undated).
`Brochure by Miracle Marketing Corp. for the Optimus
`Vacuum Cleaner (undated).
`for
`instructions
`Operating
`Cleaner (undated).
`One page brochure for the Megavac Vacuum Cleaner
`(undated).
`instructions
`Operating
`Cleaner (undated).
`Brochure for the Linevacer Vacuum Cleaner (undated).
`the Pro-Team Quatervac Vacuum
`Brochure
`for
`Cleaner (undated).
`Brochure entitled "The Pro-Team Option" (undated).
`Primary Examiner — Chris K. Moore
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Bereskin & Parr
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`A back-pack vacuum cleaner comprises a back-pack
`to the harness and a
`harness, an upper casing attached
`lower casing rotatably mounted on the upper casing. A
`cyclonic cleaning assembly
`is mounted within the upper
`casing such that at least part of the assembly extends
`into the lower casing. The motor
`is positioned within
`the upper casing above the cyclonic cleaning assembly.
`
`for the Quarter-Vac Vacuum
`
`20 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`Dyson Ex1008
`Page 1
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Dec 7 1993
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
`
`S, 267, 371
`
`14
`
`30
`20
`
`Dyson Ex1008
`Page 2
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 1993
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
`
`5, 267, 371
`
`20
`
`22
`
`24
`
`26
`
`44
`
`102
`
`42
`
`46
`
`16
`
`36
`
`Dyson Ex1008
`Page 3
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 1993
`
`Sheet 3 of 7
`
`5, 267, 371
`
`110
`100
`40
`
`l
`
`30
`
`22
`
`0
`0
`
`20
`
`!
`
`28
`
`FIG. 3
`
`52
`
`Dyson Ex1008
`Page 4
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 1993
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
`
`5, 267, 371
`
`20
`
`SOB
`
`80
`
`76
`
`74
`
`A
`I,
`li
`li
`
`56
`
`40
`
`70m
`64
`
`FIG I
`
`Dyson Ex1008
`Page 5
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 1993
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
`
`5, 267, 371
`
`Dyson Ex1008
`Page 6
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 1993
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`5 267 371
`
`72
`
`72
`
`65
`
`68
`
`69
`
`FIG. 6
`
`56
`
`Dyson Ex1008
`Page 7
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Deq. 7, 1993
`
`Sheet 7 of 7
`
`5, 267, 371
`
`54
`
`14
`
`72
`
`Dyson Ex1008
`Page 8
`
`

`

`CYCLONIC BACK-PACK VACUUM CLEANER
`
`5
`
`15
`
`of U. S. ap-
`This application
`is a continuation-in-part
`plication Ser. No. 07/838, 183 filed on Feb. 20, 1992, and
`now abandoned.
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The present
`to vacuum
`relates
`cleaners
`invention
`which have a harness so that they may be worn as a 10
`it relates to
`backpack by the operator.
`In particular,
`vacuum cleaners of the cyclonic type.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`There are various types of vacuum cleaners including
`upright vacuum cleaners and canister vacuum cleaners.
`two main sec-
`An upright vacuum cleaner comprises
`tions namely a ground engaging portion mounted on
`wheels and a dirt collection portion which is pivotably
`portion. The 20
`above
`mounted
`the ground
`engaging
`ground engaging portion includes a cleaning head and a
`motor. The dirt collection portion
`includes a filtration
`means for separating entrained dirt from the intake air
`and means for storing the separated dirt.
`Canister vacuum cleaners are substantially
`cylindri- 25
`cal in shape and comprise a rigid outer container and a
`hose assembly. The rigid outer container
`is mounted on
`wheels for ease of movement. The outer container
`is
`in shape and has a side which is
`substantially cylindrical
`circular in cross-section. The wheels may 30
`substantially
`be mounted either on the side of the container so that
`axis of the canister extends horizontally
`the longitudinal
`or on one end of the canister so that the longitudinal
`axis
`of the canister extends vertically. If the unit is horizon-
`is mounted on one end 35
`tally disposed, the hose assemby
`of the outer container. A dirt filter and collector, such
`as a bag, is positioned adjacent that end of the container
`the dirt filter and col-
`and a motor is positioned behind
`lector. In operation,
`the
`the dirty air passes
`through
`hose into the dirt filter and collector and the filtered air 40
`passes by the motor before exiting the vacuum cleaner.
`Alternately, when the vacuum cleaner is vertically dis-
`posed, the motor is mounted on top of the outer con-
`tainer and the motor and/or
`the filter means may extend
`into the outer container. The outer container has an air 45
`entry port to which
`In
`is mounted.
`the hose assembly
`the hose into the
`the dirty-air passes through
`operation,
`outer container and is then filtered prior to exiting the
`machine.
`is at- 50
`In canister vacuum cleaners a cleaning head
`to the end of the hose assembly distal to the
`tached
`entry port on the outer container. This design results in
`a cleaning head which is small and manouverable. How-
`ever, canister vacuum cleaners have several disadvan-
`tages, If the unit
`the dirt will 55
`is vertically disposed,
`collect in the bottom of the outer container and the air
`entry port must be located near the upper portion of the
`the entry port would be-
`outer container. Otherwise,
`this would decrease
`the
`come clogged with dirt and
`efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. The motor and filter 60
`mechanism are mounted near the upper portion of the
`the centre of
`canister vacuum cleaner and accordingly
`gravity of the machine
`is relatively high. In operation,
`the operator typically moves these machines by pulling
`to the outer container. 65
`is attached
`on the hose, which
`The raised centre of gravity of the machine
`results
`in
`the machine being top heavy and prone to tipping. Fur-
`to removably
`ther, since a friction
`fit may be used
`
`in the entry port, it is occa-
`the hose assembly
`mount
`for the operator
`to cease operation
`sionally necessary
`and re-insert the hose to maintain a hermetic seal which
`is loosened by pulling on the hose assembly.
`canister machines
`in particular
`and
`Accordingly,
`vertically disposed canister vacuum cleaners, can most
`conveniently be used within a circle having a radius
`somewhat smaller than the length of the hose assembly.
`Outside such a circle, the machine must be carefully
`to avoid tipping
`to position
`the
`moved from position
`to
`machine. These machines
`are typically
`awkward
`to avoid hitting and
`move and care is also required
`damaging walls and furniture.
`Upright vacuum cleaners have the advantage
`that the
`in the ground engaging portion. Ac-
`motor is mounted
`the centre of the gravity of the machine
`is
`cordingly,
`adjacent to the ground and the machines are not prone
`to tipping.
`In the past, these machines have typically
`comprised a filter mechanism which may be a cloth or
`paper bag. More recently, dual cyclonic upright vac-
`uum cleaners have been developed. These upright ma-
`force to
`chines utilize cyclonic action or centrifugal
`the entrained dirt from the intake air. As is
`separate
`shown in Canadian Patent Nos. 1, 182, 613; 1, 238, 869 and
`1, 241, 158, and corresponding U. S. Pat. Nos. : 4, 593, 492;
`4, 826, 515; 4, 853, 011; 5, 160, 356; 4, 643, 748 and 4, 571, 772,
`which are incorporated herein by reference, a cyclonic
`vacuum cleaner may utilize first and second cyclones
`in series. The first or outer cy-
`which are connected
`to remove the larger and heavier dirt
`clone is designed
`in the intake air and the
`particles which are entrained
`second or inner cyclone is used to remove the finer and
`in the exhaust air
`lighter particles which are entrained
`from the first cyclone.
`One of the disadvantages with upright vacuum clean-
`is contin-
`the entire machine
`ers is that during operation,
`in the
`ually being moved by the operator. This results
`tired. Further,
`the ground engaging
`operator becoming
`large and must be moved with care
`portion is relatively
`around furniture and other obstacles. Due to its size, the
`to clean
`ground engaging portion may be too large
`these machines are often de-
`spaces. Thus,
`confined
`so that the upright
`to accept a hose assembly
`signed
`vacuum cleaner may be used in a canister mode. This
`in additional design complexities. Further,
`the
`results
`the hose assembly.
`operator must also carry around
`in a commercial envi-
`These problems are accentuated
`for
`ronment where an operator may use a machine
`several hours at one time to clean large areas.
`type of vacuum cleaner
`is the back-pack
`Another
`vacuum cleaner. Examples of such machines are the
`the POCKET
`the MEGAVAC,
`QUARTER-VAC,
`VAC, the OPTIMUS I and the LINEVACER. These
`machines have a upper portion which contains a filter
`bag or other filter medium. The motor is located adja-
`cent the bottom of the vacuum cleaner below the filter
`is connected to the top of the
`means. The hose assembly
`machine so that the intake air passes from the top of the
`the filter means, past the motor and is
`through
`machine
`from the machine.
`then exhausted
`in the
`Back-pack vacuum cleaners have been used
`and accordingly
`they must be
`commercial environment,
`worn by the operator for several hours at a time and,
`possibly, for an entire shift. Due to the nature of existing
`feel heavy and uncomfortable
`these machines
`designs,
`for extended
`they are not desirable
`and accordingly
`hours of use.
`
`Dyson Ex1008
`Page 9
`
`

`

`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`It has been found
`these disadvantages
`that
`can be
`overcome by using a cyclonic vacuum cleaner which
`comprises a back-pack harness,
`an upper casing at- 5
`to
`tached
`lower
`the harness,
`a
`casing
`releasably
`mounted on the upper casing, at least one cyclone
`mounted with at least the lower part thereof positioned
`the lower casing, an air entry means providing
`within
`an air flow path from outside the vacuum cleaner to the 10
`at least one cyclone, an air exit means providing an air
`flow path from the at least one cyclone to outside
`the
`vacuum cleaner and fan means driven by a motor posi-
`tioned within
`the upper casing above the at least one
`a flow of air which passes
`for generating
`cyclone
`the air entry means,
`through
`the at least one
`through
`the air exit means.
`cyclone, and through
`the vacuum cleaner comprises a first cy-
`Preferably,
`clone and a second cyclone in series. The incoming air
`enters the first cyclone and passes from the exit of the 20
`first cyclone to the entrance of the second cyclone. The
`air exits from the second cyclone and preferably
`is used
`to cool the motor which
`is located above the exit from
`the second cyclone. The air entry means may comprise
`a port for supplying dirt laden air tangentially
`to the 25
`first cyclone to produce cyclonic rotation of the dirt
`the first cyclone. The air entry port
`laden air within
`may be located near the top of the first cyclone.
`The lower casing may comprise the outer wall of the
`first cyclone and the air entry port may be positioned at 30
`thereof. The lower casing may be
`the upper portion
`circular
`in cross-section
`such
`substantially
`the
`that
`lower casing may be rotated relative to the upper casing
`the air entry port to be positioned either
`thus permitting
`on the right hand side or the left hand side of the vac- 35
`to permit ease of use by a right handed
`uum cleaner
`operator or a left handed operator.
`The air exit means may comprise one port on the
`upper part of the casing. The exit port may be posi-
`to direct air flow away from the 40
`tioned and configured
`to re-
`operator. Further,
`the exit port may be adapted
`ceive a hose so that the vacuum cleaner may also be
`used as a blower. Alternately, or in addition,
`the exit
`to receive a filter such that, after
`port may be adapted
`passing through said filter, over 99% of 0. 3 micrometer 45
`size particles have been removed from the incoming dirt
`laden air.
`In contrast to prior vacuum cleaners, this design pro-
`is ergonomic. The vac-
`vides a vacuum cleaner which
`uum cleaner is easy to operate and light weight so that 50
`it may be worn for an extended period of time by the
`operator. Further,
`the vacuum cleaner has an improved
`a light weight
`filtering mechanism while maintaining
`design.
`The substance and advantages of the present
`inven- 55
`tion will be more fully and completely described
`in
`accordance with following description, and the accom-
`panying drawings, of a preferred embodiment of the
`invention.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner
`according to the invention, when worn by an operator;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front of the vac-
`uum cleaner of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view from
`the rear of the
`vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 with
`the lower casing re-
`moved;
`
`5, 267, 371
`FIG. 4 is a cross-section along line 4 — 4 of the vac-
`uum cleaner of FIG. 3;
`FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the after filter shown in
`FIGS. 1-4;
`FIG. 6 is an exploded view of part of the cyclonic
`filter means of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1; and,
`FIG. 7 is a cross-section on the line 7 — 7 in FIG. 4.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`in FIG. 1, vacuum cleaner 10 comprises a
`As shown
`harness 12, an upper casing 14 and a lower casing 16.
`The vacuum cleaner is adapted to receive a hose assem-
`bly 18. Hose assembly 18 may be of any desired length
`is designed to receive a variety of inter-
`and, preferably,
`changeable cleaning heads as may be required.
`The back-pack harness may be of any design known
`in the art. Harness 12 has a back plate 20, two shoulder
`straps 22 and a waist strap 24. Male and female buckle
`members 26 and 28 are fixed at the two ends of waist
`strap 24. Back plate 20 extends from a point near the top
`of upper casing 14 to a position adjacent
`the central
`portion of lower casing 16, The back plate is dimen-
`sioned and configured so as to be comfortably mounted
`on the back of the operator. Shoulder
`straps 22 are
`in the art to
`adjusted by means known
`individually
`mount the vacuum cleaner at the proper height for each
`operator, Similarly, waist strap 24 is adjustable so as to
`the waist of any operator.
`fit around
`In use, the operator may easily put on the vacuum
`it to fit their body. The operator
`cleaner and adjust
`places his arms through shoulder straps 22 and secures
`waist strap 24 by inserting male buckle member 26 into
`female buckle member 28. The shoulder
`straps and
`to fit the operator.
`waist straps may then be adjusted
`Upper casing 14 has a side wall which is substantially
`to the
`cylindrical. The upper casing may be attached
`harness by numerous means. As shown
`in the Figures,
`two protrusions 30 extend outwardly
`from a position
`near the front of cylindrical housing 14. Back plate 20
`to these protrusions
`may be secured
`by any means
`in FIG. 2, back plate 20 is
`in the art. As shown
`known
`to protrusions 30 by means of a plurality of
`secured
`screws 32.
`The electric cord 34 may be attached to upper casing
`14 at any desired point. It has been found advantageous
`to attach electric cord 34 to one of the protrusions 30.
`in the electrical cord being positioned at a
`This results
`point where it does not interfere with the movement of
`the hose assembly but where it may be easily grasped by
`the operator. On/off switch 36 is attached
`to upper
`housing 14 by means of control cord 38. By using a
`control cord, the vacuum cleaner may easily be turned
`on and off by the operator while wearing
`the vacuum
`cleaner. Similarly, as with the electric cord, the control
`cord may be attached
`to the vacuum cleaner at any
`desired location. Once again, it has been found advanta-
`geous to locate control cord 38 on one of protrusions
`30. If desired, an electrical outlet (not shown) may also
`be provided on protrusion 30. This would be advanta-
`geous if a vacuuming head having an electrically driven
`motor were to be attached
`to the vacuum cleaner.
`Air exit port 40 is located near the top of upper casing
`14. As shown in FIG. 1, air exit port 40 is positioned and
`to direct air flow away from the operator.
`configured
`The upper portion of upper casing 14 comprises a bev-
`elled surface 42 and a top 44. While air exit port 40 is
`positioned on bevelled surface 42 in the Figures, by
`
`l5
`
`65
`
`Dyson Ex1008
`Page 10
`
`

`

`the configuration of the air exit port,
`suitably adapting
`loca-
`the air exit port may be positioned at an alternate
`tion on bevelled surface 42 or on top surface 44.
`to receive a
`Preferably, air exit port 40 is adapted
`the vacuum cleaner may be 5
`hose. By this modification,
`into a blower. This expands
`the potential
`transformed
`use of the vacuum cleaner.
`The use of dual cyclones in a vacuum cleaner results
`in a high level of particulate removal from the entrained
`relatively small particles. However, when 10
`air, including
`or in a clean room, the
`in a toxic environment
`used
`from vacuum cleaners must be
`particulate
`emissions
`in the order of 99. 99%
`low, for example
`exceptionally
`of 0. 3 micron particles. To meet this requirement,
`an
`after-filter may be installed on vacuum cleaner 10. This 15
`may be accomplished by adapting air exit port 40 to
`the filter is positioned exter-
`receive a filter. Preferably,
`nal to the upper casing. As shown in FIGS, 3 and 4, the
`after filter comprises a conical bottom portion 100, a top
`portion 102 and a filter 104. Bottom portion 100 has a 20
`is securely attached to air exit port 40.
`base 106 which
`Due to the pressure which builds up in the filter, the
`filter must be securely fixed to port 40. A suitable means
`of releasably securing
`the filter to air exit port 40 is by
`use of a boyonet mount 108. The exact size and shape of 25
`filter 104 will vary depending upon the particular emis-
`sion standards which are set for use in various instances.
`However, by the use of an after-filter,
`it is possible to
`remove over 99. 99% of 0. 3 micron size particles form
`the dirt laden intake air. As shown
`in the Figures, filter 30
`104 is in the shape of an annulus. Top portion 102 has a
`spaced vents 110. In oper-
`plurality of circumferentially
`ation, the air enters through base 106 and passes into the
`centre of filter 104. The air passes through filter 104 and
`exits through vents 110.
`an after-filter may easily be
`By this modification,
`is a high effi-
`required. The after-filter
`added when
`ciency and, preferably, high air flow filter, An example
`is HEPA or ULPA brand
`of a suitable
`filter material
`synthetic 40
`filter media. This material
`is an expensive
`the dual cy-
`the filter after
`material. By positioning
`cleaned by
`clones, the exhaust air has been substantially
`increases the
`the time it reaches the filter. This greatly
`the filter will act to an extent as a
`filter life. Further,
`to decrease the noise from the motor.
`muffler
`Lower casing 16 is releasably mounted
`on upper
`in the art which pro-
`casing 14 by any means known
`embodiment,
`seal. In the preferred
`vides a hermetic
`the lower portion of
`latches 46 are provided adjacent
`upper casing 14. One latch may be positioned on either 50
`side of upper casing 14. Each latch 46 has an arm 48
`to the upper casing 14. The
`which is pivotably mounted
`distal end of each arm 48 has a hook 50. This hook is
`to engage with rim 52 of lower housing 16.
`designed
`When lower casing 16 is mounted on upper casing 14, 55
`in an air
`latches 46, in conjunction with rim 52, result
`tight seal which avoids any pressure drop in the cyclone
`chambers.
`Lower casing 16 has a receiving chamber 54 posi-
`tioned adjacent its lower portion 66. Further, air entry 60
`the upper portion of
`adjacent
`port 56 is positioned
`to sup-
`lower casing 16. Air entry port 56 is configured
`to the interior surface of
`p]y dirt laden air tangentially'
`to re-
`lower casing 16. Air entry port 56 is configured
`ceive hose assembly 18.
`Since air entry port 56 is positioned on lower casing
`16, the air entry port may be positioned either on the left
`hand side or the right hand side of the unit simply by
`
`35
`
`45
`
`65
`
`to upper casing 14
`lower casing 16 relative
`rotating
`latches 46. By this adjustment,
`prior to engaging
`the
`vacuum cleaner may be used either by a right handed
`operator or a left handed operator.
`The vacuum cleaner has a cyclonic cleaning assem-
`bly. Cyclone assembly 60 is mounted on upper casing 16
`such that at least the lower part of the assembly
`is posi-
`the lower casing 16. Preferably, as shown
`tioned:vithin
`in FIG. 3 substantially
`all of cyclone assembly 60 is
`positioned within lower casing 16. Cyclone assembly 60
`may be of any cyclone design which is known
`in the art
`of vacuum cleaners and comprises at least one cyclone.
`the cyclone assembly comprises a first cy-
`Preferably,
`in series
`clone chamber and a second cyclone chamber
`to have the two
`it is preferred
`and, for compactness,
`in FIG. 4. Refer-
`cyclones mounted coaxially as shown
`ring to FIG. 4, the first cyclone chamber
`is denoted by
`reference numeral 62 and the second cyclone chamber
`is denoted by reference numeral 64 and has an outer
`wall 65, The air enters the vacuum cleaner via air entry
`force is applied to the dirt laden
`port 56. A centrifugal
`first cy-
`the dirt laden air to rotate within
`air causing
`clone chamber 62. The larger and heavier dirt is depos-
`ited in the lower portion of lower casing 16 (denoted by
`reference numeral 66). The air exits from the first cy-
`clone chamber via first cyclone air exit 68 to passage 70.
`in FIG. 3, first cyclone air exit 68 has a plu-
`As shown
`rality of perforations 69 through which
`the partially
`cleaned air passes. Passage 70 is an annular passage
`defined by first cyclone air exit 68 and outer wall 65.
`The air travels through passage 70 to second air entry
`port 72. Second air entry port 72 imparts a tangential
`flow to the air causing the air to circulate in a cyclonic
`pattern within second cyclone chamber 74. The finer
`in receiving chamber 54 and
`dirt particles are deposited
`from the second cyclone
`the cleaned air is evacuated
`through second cyclone air exit 76.
`chamber
`Motor 80 having a fan means comprising an impeller
`or the like for generating an air flow is positioned within
`upper casing 14 above the cyclone chambers. Motor 80
`to upper casing 14 by any means
`may be mounted
`from the
`in the art which dampens vibrations
`known
`in FIG, 4, a plate 82, which is part of
`motor. As shown
`is positioned on top of the cyclone
`the upper casing,
`to pre-
`chambers. The plate seals the cyclone chambers
`vent any pressure drop. Second cyclone air exit 76 is
`positioned at the centre of plate 82. Rubber gasket 84 is
`positioned above plate 82. Motor 80 is then positioned
`on top of rubber gasket 84. The gasket prevents air
`the motor and cyclone air exit 76 and
`leakage between
`so as to dampen vibration
`shock absorbing
`provides
`from the motor. Cap 86 is placed on top of the motor
`is secured into place by means
`and the entire assembly
`of z-shaped clamp 88. Clamp 88 is secured
`to upper
`casing 14 by means of lower screw posts 90 and upper
`screw posts 92.
`in FIG. 4, motor 80 has two impellers
`As shown
`generally designated by reference numerals 80A and
`80B. The impellers are driven by motor 80 and generate
`an air flow. The air exits the second cyclone at second
`cyclone air exit 76 and enters the motor. The air passes
`to second
`is then directed
`by first impeller 80A and
`impeller 80B prior to exiting the motor and, from there,
`the vacuum cleaner through air exit port 40.
`In operation, motor 80 drives a fan which generates
`an air flow which causes air to pass from a cleaning
`to air entry port 56
`is attached
`head or hose which
`the first cyclone
`air entry port 56, through
`through
`
`Dyson Ex1008
`Page 11
`
`

`

`5
`
`l0
`
`chamber 62, via perforations 69 through
`first cyclone
`air exit 68, through passage 70 to second air entry port
`72, through
`second cyclone chamber 74, out second
`cyclone air exit 76, past motor 80 and out port 40 as
`represented by the arrows in FIG. 4.
`generally
`This configuration
`several
`advantages.
`provides
`the motor at the top of the vacuum
`First, by locating
`improved. It
`cleaner, the ergonomics are substantially
`has surprisingly been found that the use of this configu-
`ration provides a vacuum cleaner which feels very light
`to
`the operator. This
`and comfortable
`weight
`is
`the motor at the top con-
`achieved
`in part by mounting
`trary to what has been utilized
`in previous designs. With
`the bulk of the mass of the vacuum cleaner (the motor)
`at the top, the unit is more securely held to the opera-
`tor's back and tends to swing
`less and have less free
`than if the motor were at the bottom. This de-
`motion
`sign results in the motor being substantially closer to the
`operator's ears than those utilized
`in previous designs.
`Despite
`this closeness,
`it has also surprisingly
`been
`found that the design is relatively quiet and may be used
`for extended periods of time without
`the need to apply
`to the upper cas-
`expensive sound absorbing
`insulation
`ing. The sound
`reduced, as men-
`level can be further
`tioned, by using a filter at air exit 40. Further, by posi-
`tioning motor 80 directly above second cyclone air exit
`76, the clean air may be used to cool the motor.
`We claim:
`1. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner comprising:
`(a) a back pack harness;
`to said harness;
`(b) an upper casing attached
`r casing releasably mounted on said upper
`(c) a lov
`casing;
`(d) at least one cyclone having a lower part and an air 35
`exit port, said cyclone being mounted with at least
`said lower part positioned within said lower casing;
`(e) an air entry means providing an air flow path from
`to said at least one
`outside said vacuum cleaner
`cyclone;
`(f) air exit means providing an air flow path from said
`at least one cyclone to outside said vacuum cleaner;
`and,
`(g) fan means driven by a motor positioned within
`said upper casing above said at least one cyclone 45
`for generating
`an air flow which passes through
`said at least one cy-
`said air entry means, through
`clone and through said air exit means.
`2. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner as claimed
`in claim 1
`wherein said air entry means comprises an entry port 50
`to said at least
`for supplying dirt laden air tangentially
`one cyclone to produce cyclonic rotation of said air
`within said at least one cyclone, said port being located
`near the top of said at least one cyclone and adapted to
`receive a hose assembly.
`3. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner as claimed
`in claim 2
`the top of said lower casing is located near the
`wherein
`top of said at least one cyclone and said port is provided
`in said lower casing.
`4. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner as claimed
`in claim 3 60
`circular
`said lower casing
`wherein
`is substantially
`in
`cross section and comprises the outer wall of the first of
`said at least one cyclone such that the lower casing may
`be mounted onto said upper casing with said port posi-
`tioned to the right or the left of said harness for use by 65
`a right or a left handed user.
`5. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner as claimed
`in claim 1,
`said motor
`in the air flow path
`is positioned
`wherein
`
`40
`
`55
`
`from said at least one cyclone to outside said vacuum
`cleaner.
`6. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner as claimed
`in claim 5,
`wherein said motor is positioned above the air exit port
`from said at least one cyclone, and said air exit means
`comprises an exit port on the upper portion of said
`upper casing.
`7. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner as claimed
`in claim 6,
`the air from the air exit port from said at least
`wherein
`one cyclone cools said motor prior to passing through
`said exit port.
`8. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner as claimed
`in claim 7,
`wherein said exit port of said upper casing is positioned
`to direct air flow away from the opera-
`and configured
`toi'.
`9. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner as claimed
`in claim 6,
`wherein said exit port of said upper casing is adapted to
`receive a hose so that said vacuum cleaner may also be
`used as a blower.
`10. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 6,
`wherein said exit port of said upper casing is adapted to
`receive a filter.
`11. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 6,
`to said upper
`and including a filter positioned external
`casing over said exit port of said upper casing.
`in claim 1
`12. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner as claimed
`wherein said at least one cyclone comprises a first cy-
`clone and a second cyclone in series.
`13. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 12
`wherein said first cyclone and said second cyclone are
`in said vacuum cleaner.
`mounted coaxially
`14. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 13,
`said air exit port is the exit from said second
`wherein
`cyclone and said motor is positioned
`in the air flow path
`the exit of said second cyclone to outside said
`from
`vacuum cleaner.
`15. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1
`wherein said back pack harness comprises a back plate
`straps each of
`two shoulder
`having a lower portion,
`which has first and second ends and a waist strap at-
`tached to said lower portion of said back plate, said first
`end of each of said shoulder
`to
`straps being attached
`said back plate and said second end of each of said
`to said waist strap.
`shoulder straps each being attached
`16. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner comprises:
`(a) a back pack harness;
`to said harness;
`(b) an upper casing attached
`(c) a lower casing releasably mounted on said upper
`casing;
`cyclones
`(d) first and second coaxially positioned
`having a lower part, said second cyclone being
`mounted within said first cyclone, said second cy-
`clone having a cyclone exit port, said cyclones
`being mounted with at least said lower part posi-
`tioned within said lower casing, said coaxial cy-
`clones mounted so that dirt laden air will enter the
`first outer cyclone and then the second inner cy-
`clone before exiting through said cyclone exit port;
`(e) an air entry port positioned on said lower casing
`to said
`for supplying
`laden air tangentially
`dirt
`outer cyclone to produce cyclonic rotation of said
`said outer cyclone, said port being lo-
`air wi