(12) United States Patent
`Shideler
`
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`US006295692B1
`(10) Patent No. :
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`(54) CONVERTIBLE VACUUM CLEANER
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Larry R. Shideler, Boise, ID (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Pro-Team, Inc. , Boise, ID (US)
`( * ) Notice:
`
`the term of this
`Subject to any disclaimer,
`is extended or adjusted under 35
`patent
`U. S. C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No. : 09/568, 637
`May 10, 2000
`
`(22) Filed:
`(51) Int. Cl.
`
`(52) U. S. Cl. .
`
`(58) Field of Search
`
`. . . A47L 5/24; A47L 5/28;
`A47L 5/36
`. . . 15/327. 5; 15/328; 15/329;
`15/330
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15/328, 329, 327. 5
`
`5, 715, 556
`5, 735, 018
`5, 794, 303
`5, 836, 046
`5, 836, 047
`5, 842, 254
`6, 058, 559
`6, 151, 749
`
`2/1998
`4/1998
`8/1998
`11/1998
`11/1998
`12/1998
`5/2000
`11/2000
`
`Weaver et al. . . . . . .
`Gallagher et al. .
`Sanfilippo et al. .
`Huftman et al. . . . .
`Lee et al. .
`Lee .
`Yoshini et al.
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`Berfield
`
`15/327. 5 X
`
`15/327. 5 X
`
`15/328
`. . . 15/327. 5
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`452211 * 8/1936 (GB)
`1151990 * 5/1969 (GB)
`* cited by examiner
`/Primary Examiner — Chris K. Moore
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm~obert L. Shaver; Frank J.
`Dykas; Stephen M. Nipper
`ABSTRACT
`
`15/329
`15/329
`
`(57)
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U. S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2, 456, 639
`3, 286, 446
`3, 310, 828
`4, 393, 536
`4, 458, 377
`4, 660, 246
`4, 670, 937
`4, 766, 638
`4, 809, 395
`4, 845, 793
`5, 054, 157
`
`12/1948
`11/1966
`3/1967
`7/1983
`7/1984
`4/1987
`6/1987
`8/1988
`3/1989
`7/1989
`10/1991
`
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`Lanter
`Happe et al.
`Clark et al. .
`Tapp .
`. . . . . . . . .
`Frohbieter
`Duncan et al.
`Sumerau et al. . .
`McDowell
`Fleischhauer
`Meyer .
`Werner et al. .
`
`.
`
`. . . . . . 15/329 X
`. . . 15/327. 5 X
`
`. . . 15/328 X
`15/329
`15/329
`. . . . . . . 15/329
`
`The present invention
`is a vacuuming
`apparatus convertible
`between a backpack mode, a canister mode and an upright
`mode. Additionally,
`is convertible
`the present invention
`into
`a handheld mode and a blower mode. Each of these modes
`through attachments which are able to be
`are accomplished
`together. The apparatus has a
`easily attached and detached
`power unit having an electric motor and impeller; a base unit
`containing a filter; a backpack unit for use in the backpack
`mode; a canister unit for use in the canister mode; a blower
`unit for use in the blower mode; a handheld unit for use as
`a handheld vacuum cleaner in a hand held mode; and a work
`bench waste collection mode.
`
`21 Claims, 16 Drawing Sheets
`
`')
`
`Q
`
`43
`
`63
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 1
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 1 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`75
`
`43
`
`8
`
`HAND HOLD
`MEANS
`
`C
`PACK
`MEANS
`
`POWER
`SOURCE
`
`10
`
`HOSE
`
`33
`FIG. 2A
`
`) 28
`
`ON-OFF
`MEANS
`
`POWER
`UNITASSEMB L
`(FIG. 2B)
`
`67
`
`BLOWER
`MEANS
`
`FIG. 1
`
`UPRIGHT
`HANDLE
`
`42
`
`79
`
`32
`
`BASE
`UNIT
`(FIG. 2A)
`
`55
`
`12
`
`SURFACE
`CONTACT
`MEANS
`
`37
`
`p 33 ss
`HOSE
`
`FLOOR
`TOOL
`
`55 ~52
`
`HEAD OR
`NOZZ'
`
`71
`
`CARRYibiG
`MEANS
`
`BASE UNIT
`
`32
`
`HOSE
`A%I ACHMENT
`MEANS
`
`INTAKE
`PORT
`
`FIL. IhHI Irxnauai
`MEANS+
`PORT
`
`POWER UNIT
`ASSEMBLY
`
`12
`
`SUCTION
`CREATING
`MEANS
`
`15 22
`
`INTAKE
`PORT
`
`EXHAUST
`PORT
`
`FIG. 28
`
`24
`
`26
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 2
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 2 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`POWER
`SOURCE
`
`ON /OFF
`PJIEANS
`
`POWER
`UNIT
`
`CARRYING
`MEANS
`
`20
`
`12
`
`30
`
`BLOWER
`MEANS
`
`'t0
`
`FIG. 3
`
`67
`
`UPRIGHT
`HANDLE
`
`42
`
`40
`
`55
`
`BASE UNIT
`
`HOSE
`
`POWER
`HEAu
`
`52
`
`32
`
`b8
`
`12
`
`55
`
`POWER
`SOVRCF
`
`ON / OFF
`MEANS
`
`POWER
`UNIT
`
`FIG. 4
`
`S
`
`". o
`
`SURFA
`CONTACT
`MEANS
`
`BASE UNIT
`
`HOSE
`
`79
`
`8
`
`32
`
`53
`
`POWER
`SOURCE
`
`Og I @pe
`MEANS
`
`rv'iVcn
`UNIT
`
`FIG 5
`
`12
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 3
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 3 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`7~g
`
`48
`
`20
`
`12
`
`71~I
`
`(
`
`ss
`
`20
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 4
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 4 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`70
`
`70
`
`10
`
`FIG. 8B
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 5
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 5 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`55
`
`4p
`
`35
`
`32
`
`31
`88
`+1
`
`79
`
`R
`
`20
`
`30
`54
`
`55
`
`FtG 9
`
`18
`
`52
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 6
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 6 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`~42
`
`33
`
`'to
`
`I
`
`,
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`,
`
`I
`
`I
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`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
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`I
`
`81
`
`76
`
`32 ~
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`I
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`I
`
`I
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
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`77
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`76
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`I
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`I
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`II
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`I
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`I
`I
`
`I
`L I
`I
`
`52
`
`FIG 10
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 7
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 7 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`42
`
`so gg
`
`35
`
`tn
`
`28 ~12
`
`18
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 8
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 8 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`76
`73
`
`77
`
`75
`
`35
`
`77
`
`76
`
`75
`
`52
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 9
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 9 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`Q4
`
`87
`
`75~
`
`22
`
`75
`
`26
`16
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 10
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 10 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`18
`)
`
`32
`
`35
`
`so ~79
`
`41
`
`65
`
`My~
`
`58
`
`43
`
`FIG 14
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 11
`
`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 11 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`6f
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 12
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`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 12 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`35
`
`50
`
`32
`
`35
`
`41
`
`65
`
`66
`
`60
`
`12
`
`FIG. 17
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 13
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`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 13 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`64
`
`g4
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`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 14
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`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 14 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`64
`
`FIG. l9
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 15
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`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 15 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`12
`
`C
`
`)
`
`EG 20
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 16
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`

`

`U. S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 16 of 16
`
`US 6, 295, 692 E1
`
`Dyson Ex1023
`Page 17
`
`

`

`US 6, 295, 692 B1
`
`CONVERTIBLE VACUUM CLEANER
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`relates
`The present
`to vacuum
`invention
`generally
`cleaners, and more particularly
`to vacuum cleaners able to
`into various usability modes. Examples of
`be converted
`types or modes
`include upright models,
`these dilferent
`canister models, backpack models, hand-held models, and
`blowers.
`2. Background
`Information
`cleaners often comprise
`Canister vacuum
`a vacuum
`means enclosed
`in a canister which
`rests upon
`the floor
`in a horizontal or vertical fashion,
`surface either
`typically
`to be pushed
`the canister means
`having wheels allowing
`and/or pulled around.
`Upright vacuum cleaners are employed when a canister
`is mounted on a rigid, upwardly
`directed post,
`vacuum
`type of suction
`pivotally associated with a carpet-sweeper
`tool, usually having a beater bar or brush, adapted
`cleaning
`for rolling motion upon
`a floor surface.
`In such an
`a user grasps a handle and pushes and pulls the
`embodiment,
`vacuum cleaner across the floor surface.
`Backpack vacuum
`cleaners
`a canister
`involve
`taking
`the canister vacuum cleaner, through
`vacuum and attaching
`use of a backpack attachment,
`to a users back. In such an
`is often worn as a scuba diver
`the vacuum
`arrangement
`wears a scuba tank. An example of such a backpack vacuum
`can be seen in U. S. Pat. No. DES. 312, 517 (Hohrein, II et
`al. ).
`The use of small, hand-held vacuum cleaners is also well
`known. For instance, U. S. Pat. No. 5, 794, 303 to Sarfilippo
`et al. The use of portable blowers is also known, for instance,
`U. S. Pat. No. 5, 735, 018 to Gallagher, et al.
`Various combinations of these dilferent modes have also
`been disclosed in the prior art. For instance, Lee (U. S. Pat.
`No. 5, 842, 254) discloses
`cleaner
`a dual-mode
`vacuum
`which can be used in both canister mode and upright mode.
`U. S. Pat. No. 5, 836, 047 (Lee, et al. ) discloses another
`vacuum cleaner able to be used in both upright and canister
`modes. A combination canister and upright vacuum is shown
`in Werner, et al. (U. S. Pat. No. 5, 054, 157). A combination
`is shown
`canister (tank) and handheld vacuum
`in Meyer
`(U. S. Pat. No. 4, 845, 793). Another combination canister and
`upright vacuum cleaner is shown in U. S. Pat. No. 3, 310, 828
`(Clark, et al. ) Tapp (U. S. Pat. No. 4, 393, 536) discloses a
`dual-mode vacuum cleaner of canister and upright conjunc-
`(U. S. Pat. No. 4, 809, 395) dis-
`tion. Finally, Fleischhauer
`closes a canister type vacuum cleaner able to be used in an
`upright and prone position.
`in the prior art, is a
`is needed, and not shown
`What
`canister,
`convertible between upright,
`cleaning
`apparatus
`and backpack modes, and additionally, handheld and blower
`modes. The present
`invention solves these needs.
`Additional advantages and novel features of the invention
`will be set forth in part in the description as follows, and in
`part will become apparent
`to those skilled
`in the art upon
`examination of the following, or may be learned by practice
`of the invention. The advantages of the invention may be
`realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities
`and
`combinations
`pointed out
`the appended
`in
`particularly
`claims.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`is
`is a cleaning apparatus which
`The present
`invention
`convertible between upright, canister, backpack, handheld
`
`65
`
`and blower modes. The cleaning apparatus has power unit
`assembly which has an electric motor powering an impeller.
`the power unit establishes a suction which
`In this manner,
`creates an airflow in an in-port and out an exhaust port. The
`electric motors is connected to a power source, whether
`that
`be a standard wall outlet, a rechargeable battery or other
`means. An on-olf means is used to turn the power unit on or
`olf. It is preferred
`that this assembly be encased within a
`is capable of attachment
`housing. This housing
`to various
`including a base unit through a base unit
`other components
`attachment means or a power head through a head attach-
`ment means.
`Another component of the cleaning apparatus
`is a base
`for the
`unit. This base unit contains
`the filtering means
`vacuuming modes. This filter means is located between an
`intake port, which can be connected to a hose or other device
`and, an exhaust port. The exhaust port is able to fluidly
`connect with the intake port of the power unit assembly. This
`allows a suction
`to draw air in the intake port through
`the
`filter means and out the exhaust port when the base unit is
`connected to the power unit assembly. The base unit is also
`capable of attachment
`to a backplate with a backplate
`attachment means. The base unit may have various wheels,
`caster, or other devices allowing
`the base unit to either be set
`in a vertical, horizontal, or other mode.
`A handle means may attach to the device, thereby allow-
`to be used in an upright
`ing the device
`form as standard
`household vacuum cleaners are used.
`to the base unit or power unit can be a power
`Attaching
`head. This head is for contacting a surface, and can be used
`in all forms, particularly when the device is use in its upright
`form. It is preferred
`to be easily
`this head be able
`that
`to the power unit or base assembly,
`releasably attachable
`through use of an alignment pin or other device.
`preferably
`is
`The device may also comprise
`a backplate which
`capable of being releasably attached
`to either the base unit
`or the power unit of the device. This backplate contains a
`backplate pad, shoulder straps or belts, if necessary, and the
`to
`engagement means that allows the releasable attachment
`to be worn
`a base unit. This backplate allows the apparatus
`on a users back in a backpack mode much as a scuba tank
`is worn by a scuba diver.
`The device is further able to be used in a canister mode by
`placing the base unit as attached to the power unit assembly
`on a floor surface, either
`in a vertical, horizontal or other
`fashion.
`The device is also capable of being used in a handheld
`the user hold the device in his/her hands
`mode by having
`through use of the handle means.
`It is also envisioned
`the device can be used
`in a
`that
`blower means by attaching
`a blower attachment
`to the
`exhaust port of the power unit assembly.
`In such a
`that the base unit be removed
`it is preferred
`configuration,
`for easier maneuvering of the device, however, it is possible
`that the base unit can be left on the device. In the blower
`mode, it is also envisioned
`that either a carrying cover or
`other means will be attached
`to the power unit for assisting
`in the carrying of the device by an individual, or a shoulder
`the user to more
`strap could be attached
`thereby allowing
`easily carry the blower means. It is also possible
`that the
`apparatus could be worn as a backpack blower.
`to convert to a power tool
`Also envisioned
`is the ability
`dust collection system. In such a configuration,
`the power
`unit assembly would be able to attach to a bench canister
`conversion cap. The bench canister conversion cap attaches
`through a connection or hose to a work bench waste con-
`
`Dyson Ex1023
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`

`US 6, 295, 692 B1
`
`tainer or canister. This canister further connects
`through a
`connection or hose to a particulate substance collector. This
`collector can be located adjacent
`to a power tool, such as
`next to a power saw blade, thereby allowing
`the embodiment
`to vacuum and collect saw dust.
`Still other objects and advantages of the present invention
`will become readily apparent
`to those skilled in this art from
`the following detailed description wherein I have shown and
`described only the preferred embodiment of the invention,
`simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated
`invention. As will be realized,
`by carrying out my
`the
`is capable of modification
`in various obvious
`invention
`respects
`invention.
`from
`all without
`departing
`the
`the drawings and description of the preferred
`Accordingly,
`are to be regarded as illustrative
`embodiment
`in nature, and
`not as restrictive.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a flowchart depicting one embodiment of the
`invention.
`present
`FIG. 2A is a flowchart depicting one embodiment of the
`base unit of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 2B is a flowchart depicting one embodiment of the
`power unit assembly of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting one embodiment of the
`blower mode of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting one embodiment of the
`upright mode of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting one embodiment of the
`canister mode of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 6 is a partial, side view of one embodiment of the
`invention.
`present
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
`blower mode of the present
`invention.
`FIG. IIA is a side view of one embodiment of a carrying
`means used with the blower mode of the present
`invention.
`FIG. IIB is an end view of one embodiment of a carrying
`means used with the blower mode of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 9 is an exploded, side view of one embodiment of the
`invention.
`present
`FIG. 10 is a back side view of one embodiment of the
`invention.
`present
`FIG. 11 is a side view of one embodiment of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 12 is a front side view of one embodiment of the
`invention.
`present
`FIG. 13 is a partial, cross-sectional view of one embodi-
`ment of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 14 is an exploded, side view of another embodiment
`of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 15 is an environmental view of another embodiment
`of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 16 is a side view of another embodiment of the
`invention.
`present
`FIG. 17 is a side view of another embodiment of the
`invention.
`present
`FIG. 18 is a partial, front side view of another embodi-
`ment of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 19 is a partial, back side view of the embodiment of
`in FIG. 18.
`shown
`invention
`the present
`FIG. 20 is a top view of another embodiment of the
`invention.
`present
`FIG. 21 is an environmental view of another embodiment
`of the present
`invention.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`is susceptible
`to various modifica-
`While
`the invention
`constructions,
`certain
`tions and alternative
`illustrated
`thereof have been shown
`embodiments
`in the drawings and
`will be described below in detail. It should be understood,
`that there is no intention
`to limit the invention
`however,
`to
`the inven-
`the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary,
`tion is to cover all modifications,
`alternative constructions,
`the spirit and scope of the
`and equivalents
`falling within
`in the claims.
`invention as defined
`One embodiment of the present
`is a cleaning
`invention
`apparatus convertible between upright, canister, and back-
`pack modes. It is preferred
`that the cleaning apparatus also
`be convertible
`into a handheld mode and a blower mode. In
`the apparatus comprises a plu-
`the preferred embodiment,
`rality of dilferent components which can be attached
`to
`into and from various modes.
`convert
`the apparatus
`in FIG. 1, of the
`Referring
`flowchart
`to
`shown
`the
`the invented embodiment 10 has a
`preferred embodiment,
`power unit assembly 12. This power unit assembly 12
`in FIG. 2B) includes
`the suction
`in more detail
`(shown
`creating means 15 of the device, and
`thus serves as the
`for the suction needed to operate
`component
`responsible
`in
`the vacuuming mode and the blowing mode. The power unit
`assembly 12 is enclosed within a housing 26, this housing 26
`of the
`allowing for easier attachment and interchangeability
`power unit assembly 12 to other components. The suction
`in FIG. 13) further comprises
`creating means 15 (as shown
`a motor 14 powering
`an impeller 16 thereby creating a
`suction, an intake port 22 for receiving air drawn
`into the
`assembly 12 by the created suction, and an exhaust port 24
`for exhausting
`such air.
`Referring again to FIG. 1, the power unit assembly 12 and
`the suction creating means 15 is powered
`through use of
`power source 8. This power source 8 can be any known
`power source, including, but not limited
`to, a rechargeable
`battery means, or standard 110 AC. Connection
`to the power
`source 8 may further be done through use of a power cord
`18, as shown in FIG. 9. Referring back to FIG. 1, intercon-
`the power source 8 and
`nected between
`the power unit
`assembly 12 is an on-olf means 20, such as a switch,
`the power unit assembly 12 to be turned on and olf.
`allowing
`The assembly 12 further has a base unit attachment means
`the power unit assembly 12 to be attached to a
`28 allowing
`base unit 32.
`The exhaust port 24 of the power unit assembly 12 is
`further able to cooperate with a blower means 67, preferably
`through use of a blower attachment means 30. As shown
`in
`FIG. 7, the preferred blower attachment means 30 is an
`from the exhaust port 24 of the assem-
`orifice 85 extending
`bly. This orifice 85 is able to frictionally
`fit with the flange
`83 of the blower nozzle 74, thereby converting
`the power
`unit assembly 12 into a portable blower. Other connection
`strategies could also be employed.
`The apparatus 10 could then be used to do things such as
`blow leaves and dirt, or to blow an area free of dust. In use
`the base unit 32 is not a necessary component
`as a blower,
`from the power unit assembly 12. If
`and may be removed
`is done, the use of a carrying means 71 is
`such detachment
`the carrying of the power unit
`necessary
`to assist
`in
`assembly/blower means combination. Another embodiment
`in FIG. 3.
`of a blower mode of the apparatus 10 is shown
`to FIGS. IIA and IIB, it is envisioned
`Referring
`that such
`carrying means 71 may comprise a carrying cover, handle or
`straps 70. Additionally,
`the base unit 32 could be left upon
`
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`

`US 6, 295, 692 B1
`
`the power unit 12 when used in a blower mode. In such an
`the apparatus 10 could be set upon
`the floor
`arrangement,
`surface 2, thereby creating a canister blower.
`in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the
`As shown
`invented cleaning apparatus 10 further comprises a base unit
`32. The base unit 32, as further shown
`in FIG. 2A, includes
`an intake port 34 that receives air containing
`a suspended
`particulate substance. This intake port 34 attaches to a hose
`attachment means or port 35 for cooperating with a vacuum
`hose 33. In such an arrangement,
`a user will be able to plug
`a hose 33 into the hose attachment means 35 and extend this
`hose 33 to a nozzle, brush or other means 37 (as shown
`in
`FIG. 15) for vacuuming
`substances
`such as dust,
`thereby
`creating a suspended particulate substance within an airflow.
`in FIG.
`that hose connections 55 (as shown
`It is envisioned
`9) may be used to connect the hose 33 to the hose attachment
`means 35, or other components.
`The base unit 32 further has an exhaust port 36. Located
`the intake port 34 and the exhaust port 36 is a filter
`between
`means 38. This filter means 38 is for separating,
`filtering,
`collecting and storing dust and other particulate matters
`into the intake port 34.
`suspended within air received
`In use, the base unit 32 connects to the power unit 12 (as
`in FIG. 5) so that the suction created by the suction
`shown
`creating means 15 is interconnected with the base unit 32 so
`the intake port 34, through
`that air is drawn
`in through
`the
`in FIG. 13.
`filter 38 and out the exhaust port 36, as shown
`From the exhaust port 36 of the base unit 32, the airflow is
`the intake port 22 of the power unit 12 and
`sucked through
`out the exhaust port 24 of the power unit 12. Shown in FIG.
`13 is a filter 38 in the form of a vacuum bag 87 which
`interconnects with the intake port 34.
`Referring back to FIG. 1, the base unit 32 further com-
`prises an upright handle mode attachment means 40 for
`allowing an upright handle means 42 to be attached
`to the
`base unit 32. This handle means 42 allows a user to grasp the
`the apparatus 10 in its upright
`and use
`form by
`handle
`the apparatus 10 as any common upright
`pushing and pulling
`vacuum cleaner. This allows the base unit 32 to be used in
`of the upright
`an upright vacuum mode. Embodiments
`in FIGS. 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
`vacuum mode are shown
`in FIGS. 9, 10, 11
`The upright vacuum mode, as shown
`and 12, preferably also uses an optional head or nozzle 52
`to the power unit 12 of the apparatus 10
`which is attached
`through use of a head attachment means 59. It is also
`that the head 52 could attach to the base unit 32
`envisioned
`to the power unit 12) instead of
`(which would be attached
`the power unit 12 through
`the same or similar means. The
`head 52 is used for applying
`force to the floor
`the vacuuming
`in FIG. 11.
`surface 2, as shown
`The head 52 can be either powered
`(rotating bristles) or
`(non-rotating bristles or non-bristled). The pre-
`unpowered
`ferred head or nozzle 52 includes an alignment pin 54 for
`the nozzle 52 to the nozzle attachment
`releasably connecting
`means 30. The head attachment means 59 is preferably
`the power unit assembly 12 itself, but may
`located upon
`optionally be found upon the base unit 32. When used with
`the attached nozzle 52 and handle 42, the cleaning apparatus
`10 is converted
`into an upright push mode, common
`to
`vacuum cleaners used in households.
`The base unit 32 may
`at least one
`further comprise
`the apparatus 10 to be held
`hand-held means 75 for allowing
`easily within an operator's hands and used in a hand-held
`in FIG. 13. Optionally,
`the hand-held 75
`mode, as shown
`means may be located on the power unit assembly 12. In the
`the hand-held means 75 comprises a
`preferred embodiment,
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`to the side 77 of the base unit 32,
`slot 76 extending parallel
`thereby defining a hand hold or hand grip 73, These hand
`holds 76 are preferably
`to receive a
`hollow,
`and able
`in FIG. 10.
`Y-shaped upright handle 42, as shown
`The base unit 32 is also able to attach to a surface contact
`means 79. The surface contact means 79 can be any type of
`caster, glide, wheel, foot, or other device. The base unit 32
`is able to be rested upon these surface contact means 79 in
`a variety of positions,
`including vertical and horizontal/
`prostrate. Examples of such surface contact means 79 can be
`found in FIGS. 6, 9, 10, 11, and 12, wherein
`is shown rear
`wheels 48 and casters 50. These wheels 48 and casters 50
`further serve to allow the apparatus 10 to be pushed or pulled
`along a floor surface 2. If the base unit 32 with attached
`power unit 12 is placed upon a floor or other surface 2
`(preferably on surface contact means 79), then the apparatus
`10 is being used in a canister mode. One embodiment of the
`canister mode can be found in FIG. 6.
`Another component of the preferred embodiment
`is the
`in FIG. 14. In such
`use of a backpack means 43, as shown
`means, a back plate 58 for contacting a wearer's back is able
`to releasably attach to the base unit 32 at a back plate mode
`attachment means 44. The back plate 58 includes a back
`interfitting with a wearer's
`plate pad 60 for comfortably
`back, an engagement means 46 allowing
`for releasable
`to the base unit 32, and recesses 65 for receiving
`attachment
`any casters 50 or wheels 48 that may be present on the under
`side of the base unit 32 itself. This backpack means 43
`allows the apparatus 10 to be worn on the user's back in a
`backpack mode, either as a backpack vacuum (as shown
`in
`FIG. 15) or a backpack blower (not shown). Use in such
`the use of shoulder
`backpack modes may be assisted through
`straps 61 and/or a waist belt 63.
`If the handle means 42 is attached as well as a power head
`52, then the apparatus 10 is being used in its upright mode.
`If a blower nozzle 74 is attached
`to the power unit exhaust
`invention 10 is being used in its
`port 24, then the present
`blower mode.
`in FIG. 20, also envisioned
`is the ability
`As shown
`to
`convert to a power tool dust collection system 94. In such a
`the power unit assembly 12 would be able to
`configuration,
`attach to a bench canister conversion cap 92 at the power
`unit assembly 12 intake port 22. The bench canister con-
`version cap 92 attaches through a connection or hose 89 to
`a work bench waste container or canister 90. This canister 90
`a connection or hose 89 to a
`further connects
`through
`substance collector 94. This collector 94 is pref-
`particulate
`erably located adjacent to a power tool 4. For instance,
`the
`collector 94 can be located next to a power saw blade,
`to vacuum and collect saw
`the embodiment
`thereby allowing
`dust.
`While there is shown and described
`the present preferred
`embodiment of the invention,
`it is to be distinctly understood
`is not limited thereto but may be variously
`that this invention
`the scope of the following
`to practice within
`embodied
`claims. From the foregoing description,
`it will be apparent
`that various changes may be made without departing
`from
`the spirit and scope of the
`as defined by the
`invention
`following claims.
`I claim:
`1. A cleaning
`between upright,
`convertible
`apparatus
`canister, and backpack modes, comprising:
`a power unit
`including: an electric motor, an impeller powered
`assembly
`by said electric motor to establish a suction, thereby creating
`an airflow in an intake port and out an exhaust port, a power
`to a power source, an on/olf
`cord connecting
`said motor
`
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`Page 20
`
`

`

`US 6, 295, 692 B1
`
`means for turning said motor on and oK, an intake port for
`receiving air from a base unit, an exhaust port for exhausting
`for containing
`said power unit
`air, a power unit housing
`assembly, a base unit attachment means for attachment with
`a base unit, and a head attachment means for attachment
`intake port for
`with a head; a base unit
`including:
`an
`receiving air containing a suspended particulate
`substance,
`said intake port further comprising a hose attachment means
`for cooperation with a hose; a filter means for separating,
`substance,
`filtering, collecting, and storing said particulate
`thereby creating filtered air, an exhaust port for venting said
`filtered air to said power unit intake port, an upright handle
`attachment means for attachment with a handle means, a
`for attachment with
`backplate
`attachment means
`a
`backplate, a pair of rear wheels and a front surface contact
`means; a handle means for attachment
`to said base unit,
`is able
`a user
`to grasp said handle means and
`whereby
`for
`thereby use said apparatus
`form; a head
`in upright
`contacting a floor surface, said head including an alignment
`pin for releasably
`connecting
`said head with said head
`attachment means of said power unit assembly;
`and a
`backplate for releasable attachment with said base unit, said
`including: a backplate pad, engagement means for
`backplate
`to the base unit, and shoulder straps
`releasable attachment
`to be worn on the
`and a belt for allowing
`said backplate
`user's back; wherein said backplate allows said apparatus
`to
`be worn on a user's back in a backpack mode; wherein said
`base unit can be placed upon said floor surface, said appa-
`in a canister mode; and wherein handle means
`ratus thereby
`allows a user to push and pull said apparatus across said
`in a upright mode.
`floor surface, said apparatus
`thereby
`2. The cleaning apparatus convertible between upright,
`canister, and backpack modes of claim 1 further comprising
`for cooperation with the exhaust port of
`a blower attachment
`said blower
`a blower,
`the power unit
`creating
`thereby
`including: means for attaching a carrying cover
`attachment
`to the power unit; and a blower nozzle cooperating with said
`can be
`said apparatus
`power unit exhaust port; whereby
`worn as a backpack blower; and whereby said apparatus can
`be set upon said floor surface and used as a canister blower.
`3. The cleaning apparatus convertible between upright,
`canister, and backpack modes of claim 1 further comprising
`a hand held means, said hand held means comprising at least
`one handle for allowing a user to use the apparatus
`in a hand
`held mode.
`4. A vacuum cleaner convertible between upright, canister
`and backpack modes, comprising:
`an electric motor, an
`a power unit assembly
`having
`impeller powered by said electric motor to establish a
`suction,
`in an intake port
`thereby creating an airflow
`and out an exhaust port, said intake port for connecting
`with a base unit exhaust port, a power cord connecting
`said motor to a power source, and an on/oK means for
`said electric motor on and oK; a base unit
`turning
`having a base unit intake at a hose attachment port, and
`having a base unit exhaust, said base unit containing a
`filter section for filtering airflow
`into said base unit
`intake and out said base unit exhaust, said base unit
`to be rested on a floor surface
`a base able
`having
`thereby allowing said vacuum cleaner to be used in a
`canister mode; an upright mode attachment comprising
`for connecting with said base unit, a power
`a handle
`head for contacting a floor surface, a power head hose
`for connecting said power head to said hose attachment
`port, said upright mode attachment
`thereby allowing
`said vacuum cleaner to be used in an upright mode; and
`a backplate mode attachment
`a backplate
`comprising
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`having a backplate pad, shoulder
`straps and a waist
`strap, said backplate having an attachment means for
`releasable attachment with said base unit, said back-
`plate mode attachment
`a vacuum
`further comprising
`hose connecting
`to said hose attachment
`port, said
`backpack mode attachment
`said vacuum
`enabling
`cleaner to be worn as a backpack on a user's back, and
`used in a backpack mode.
`5. The vacuum of claim 4 which further converts
`to a
`handheld mode by said base unit further comprising at least
`one hand grip.
`6. The vacuum of claim 4 which further converts
`to a
`blower mode by detachment of said motor unit from said
`base unit, and use of a blower mode attachment comprising
`a carrying cover to said motor unit,
`means for attaching
`means for carrying said carrying cover, and a blower nozzle
`cooperating with said motor unit exhaust port.
`7. A convertible cleaning apparatus comprising: an elon-
`sus-
`gated vacuuming means for receiving air containing
`pended particulate
`substance and removing said suspended
`substance
`particulate
`from said air, said vacuuming means
`an intake and an exhaust, said vacuuming means
`having
`having a backpack means, a prostrate