he
`
`3
`
`Europiiiisches
`Patentamt
`European
`Fate»! Office
`Office européen
`des brevets
`
`
`
`(11)
`
`EP 2 544 @172 A2
`
`euaenean PATENT APPLECATtQN
`
`Date of publication:
`02.19.2313 Butietin 2913/40:
`
`(21) Application number: 13161265?
`
`Date (if fiting: 27.93.2913
`
`Designated Contracting States:
`AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE EEK EE ES Ft FR GB
`GR HR HU 1E ES ET Lt LT LU LV MC MK MT NE. N6
`PL PT RO RS SE St SK Shit TR
`
`Deeignated Extension States:
`BA ME
`
`(30) Priority: 21832912 US 201213431302
`
`(71) Appiicant; Stack 3; Decker inc.
`Newark, Detaware 19711 (US)
`
`:- k)
`
`G\/
`
`tnventcrss:
`
`Meredith, Daryt 8
`York, PA Pennsytvania 11492 (US)
`
`(54) Wet and dry vacuum cteaner
`
`The present invention is directed to a vacuum
`(57’)
`(10) including a duet extractidn system. The system in—
`ciudes a fitter assembty (1500), an airflow generation as-
`sembly (1002), and valve aesembty (1000). The airflow
`generation assembiy (1002) is configured to draw con—
`taminated air toward the fitter assembiy (1500) and ex--
`hadst fittered air as a discharge stream. The titter assem—
`bly (1500) is configured to remove contaminants from
`the contaminated airflow by capturing particulate mate-
`rial suspended within the airflow. The vatve assembly
`(1000) is configured to setecttvety direct filtered airflow
`into the fitter assembiy (1500) such that the fittered air
`stream cleans the filter (1505A, 15058).
`
`(51)
`
`int CL:
`A471 5335mm.“
`.4er 9I1m2006.91}
`
`A421 71130 (Maia-y)
`A4 71 9mg (2005.91,:
`
`Grant, Jeffrey P,
`Forest Hitt, Mt) Marytand 21059 (US)
`Morin, Rebert R.
`Hanover, Mt) Maryiand 21(376 (US)
`flemarr, Gustin L.
`Nottingham, MD Marytand 21236 (US)
`Ftate, Earn-y
`Bet Air, MD Maryiand 21915 (U5)
`
`Representative: Beit, tan Stephen et at
`Btack 8: Becker
`
`Patent Department
`219 Bath Read
`
`Stcugh
`Berkshire SL1 3Y5} (GB)
`
`
`
`
`
`new
`
`Printed by .Jouve, 75001 PAREE': (FR)
`
`(Cent. next page)
`
`E?2644(1??A2
`
`

`

`EP 2 644 (372 A2
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`#0
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`
`
`FiGflB
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`

`

`“a.
`
`E? 2 644 (372 A2
`
`2
`
`Description
`
`riodicatty cleaned during operation of the var: um.
`
`[0001} The present invention is directed toward a con—
`struction site or tool shop vacuum and, in particular, to a
`vacuum including a litter system and an airflow arrange
`ment that periodically cleans the filter system during op—
`eration.
`
`Tooi shop vacuum cleaners (e.g., wet-dry vac—
`[0032]
`uums) are designed to collect debris from a work area or
`connected tool via suction. Such vacuums typically in~
`ciude a tank and motorthat drives an impetierto generate
`an air'str'earn within the tank. Since the airstream inciudes
`
`debris, care must be taken to prevent the debris from
`reaching the motor and causing damage. in tight ofthis,
`conventional systems further include a filter positioned
`upstream from the motor to capture debris as the con--
`taminated airtiow passes through the tank. Over time,
`however, the debris accumulates on the filter, restricting
`airflow and hampering performance. Forexampie, a filter
`initially enabling airflow ofapproximateiy 80 cfm may be—
`
`gin degrading within minutes of operation, diminishing
`airtiow capacity to approximately 10 mm. Consequently,
`.onventional vacuum systems require regular cteaning
`or replacement of the filter. 'i'his process requires a user
`to stop vacuum operation, open the tank, and remove
`the filter for cleaning or replacement. This is a time—in—
`tensive process that interrupts workflow.
`[@603] Thus, it wouid be desirable to provide an airflow
`arrangement configured to clean a filter during operation,
`thereby increasing tiiter lite and extending time between
`manual cleaning ofthetilter, aswett as tilter replacement.
`Emmet} The present invention is directed toward a con-
`struction site shop vacuum including a tank and a lid cou-
`pled to the tank. A separator plate is disposed within the
`vacuum such that the lid generaliy defines a motor cham—
`ber and the tank generally defines a collection chamber.
`The motor chamber houses a motor assembly, which is
`supported by the separator plate. 't'he collection cham-
`ber, oriented u stream front the motor assembly, houses
`a filter system suspended from the separator plate. The
`separator plate includes conduits that permit airflow be-
`tween the collection and motor chambers. Airflow be-
`
`
`
`ing a valve assem—
`tween the chambers is controlled utii
`bly that seiectively opens and closes the conduits.
`{99%}
`Specifically, the valve assembly operates in a
`first mode, in which contaminated airflow is drawn into
`the coilection chamber, passing through the tiiter system
`in a first direction. The filter medium of the filter system
`captures debris present in the airtlct I, cleaning the air
`passing therethrough. Thefiitered airflow is then directed
`into the motor chamber, exiting the vacuum as exhaust.
`[9996} The valve assembly further operates in a sec—
`ond mode, in which at teast a portion ot‘the tiitered airttow
`is redirected from the motor chamber back into the col-
`
`the airflow is directed
`lection chamber. Specifically,
`through the filter system in a second direction to expei
`debris that has accumulated on the fitter medium. With
`
`this configuration, the media of the fitter system are pe—
`
`(51
`
`70
`
`15
`
`20
`
`30
`
`FlG. 1A ittustrates a front perspective view (at a vac~
`uum in accordance with an embodiment of the in—
`vention.
`
`FlG. 18 illustrates a rear perspective view of the vac—
`uum device shown in FEG. 1A.
`
`FiG. 2A illustrates a front perspective view of the
`tank of the vacuum device, shown in isolation.
`
`HS. 28 illustrates a bottom plan view of the tank
`shown in FlC. 2A.
`
`Fl G. 3A illustrates a front perspective view of a wheel
`assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the
`invention, shown in isolation.
`
`FlG. SB illustrates a rear perspective view of the
`wheel assembty shot In in FlG. 3A.
`
`FiG. 4A illustrates a front perspective view of a han--:
`die assembly in accordance with an embodiment oi
`the invention, shown in isolation.
`
`PEG. 4% illustrates a rear perspective view ofthe han—
`die assembly shown in FlG. 4A.
`
`FlG. 4C iiiustrat s a handle tcck mechanism of the
`
`handle assembly, showing selected components
`disposed within a housing. A portion of which is re--
`move for clarity.
`
`FlG. 4D ittustrates an isolated view ot the actuator
`
`of the handle assembly iock mechanism in accord—
`ance with an embodiment of the invention.
`
`FlC. 4E illustrates a rear, cross-sectional view of the
`handle assembly, with the wheels removed for clar-
`ity.
`
`FlGS. 4F and 4G illustrate cross sectional views of
`
`the handte assembiy lock mechanism, showing op—
`eration of the lock mechanism.
`
`FiG. 5 illustrates a bottom p
`device of PEG. 1A.
`
`an view of the vacuum
`
`terior view of the tank, show—
`FlG. 6A illustrates an i
`ing an inlet device in accordance with an embodi—
`ment of the present invention.
`
`(51C}
`
`FlG. SB illustrates an isolated view ofthe inlet device
`shown in FlC. 6A.
`
`FlC. 7A illustrates a front perspective view ot the
`vacuum head in accordance With an embodiment of
`
`

`

`1;.)
`
`E? 2 644 (372 A2
`
`4
`
`the invention.
`
`9A.
`
`FlG. 78 illustrates a rear perspective view ofthe vac—
`uum head shown in HS. 7A.
`
`FiGS. 7C and 7B illustrate bottom perspective views
`oi the vacuum head shown in F-lG. 7A.
`
`FlGS. 7E and 7F illustrate the vacuum head shown
`
`in FlG. 7A, further attached to the separator plate.
`
`FlG. 8A illustrates a front perspective view ole latch
`device in accordance with an embodiment of the in-
`vention.
`
`FlG. 88 illustrates an expioded view of the latch de--
`vice shown in FlG. 8A
`
`FlG. SC illustrates a partial cross—sectional view of
`the vacuum system, showing the operation or’ the
`latch device shown in FlG. 8A.
`
`FlG. 9A illustrates an isolated view of a separator
`plate in accordance with an embodiment of the in-
`vention.
`
`FlG. 98 illustrates a top perspective view ofthe sep-
`arator' plate shown in FlG. 9A.
`
`FlG. 9C3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the
`separator plate shown in FlG. 9A.
`
`FlG. 10A illustrates a top perspective view of a valve
`assembly in accordance to an embodiment of the
`invention. the valve assembly being mounted on the
`separator plate of PEG. 9A.
`
`FlG. 103 illustrates an isolated, tront perspective
`view olthe valve assembly shown in FIG. 10A.
`
`tOC illustrates an isolated, rear perspective
`FlG.
`view of the valve assembly shown in FlG.1OA.
`
`FlG. 10:) illustrates a cross se ,tional view of a con—
`
`dull and a valve ofthe valve assembly, showing the
`forces acting upon a disc.
`
`FlG. tilt illustrates an isolated view of an airflow
`
`assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the
`invention.
`
`FiGS. MB and HG illustrate perspective views of
`the airflow assembly of FiG. 11A mounted on the
`separator plate shown in FlG. 9A.
`
`FlGS. 12A and 128 illustrate the vacuum system with
`the vacuum head and manitoid removed, showing. a
`motor shroud mounted on the separator plate of FlG.
`
`(51
`
`70
`
`15
`
`20
`
`30
`
`FlG. 13A illustrates atront perspective view ofa men~
`itold in accordance with an embodiment ofthe inven—
`
`tion, shown in isoiation.
`
`FlG. 138 iilustr'ates a cross sectional view oi the
`manifold shown in FiG. 13A.
`
`FiG. 13C illustrat .s a bottom perspective view ofthe
`manifold shown in HS. i3A.
`
`FlG. 14A illustrates an exploded view ofthe tank and
`the manifold of the vacuum system, showing the po--
`sitionai relationship between the manifold and the
`separator piate of HG. 9A.
`
`FiGS. 148 and 14C illustrate perspective views of
`vacuum system with the vacuum head removed for
`clarity, showing the manifold of FlG. 13A mounted
`on the separator plate of FlG. 9A.
`
`FiG. iSA illustrates a perspective view of a filter as--
`sembly in accordance with an embodiment
`t thei
`invention, shown mounted on the separator piate oi
`FlG. 9A.
`
`FiG. 15B illustrates a cross sectional view ofthe fitter
`
`assembly shown in HS. tcA.
`
`FlG. 16A illustrates an exploded view ofatilter device
`in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
`
`HS. 168 illustrates a perspective view of the filter
`device shown in FiG. 16A.
`
`FiGS. 17A- 176 illustrate schematic views showing
`the oper tion of the airflow assembly.
`
`FlGS.
`
`‘luA and 188 illustrate a schematic views
`
`showing airflow through the filter device.
`
`FiGS. 13A and 198 illustrate a schematic views
`
`showing airflow through the airflow assembly.
`
`FiG. 20 illustrates an electrical diagram in accord—
`ance with an embodiment of the invention.
`
`Like reference numerals have been used to
`[@3007]
`identity iilte elements throughout this disclosure.
`roses} Referring to FlGS. tAand i B, a vacuum system
`1t} in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
`
`(51C}
`
`{eg., a wetldry vacuum cleaner) includes a body 100
`having a tank portion 195 coupled to a head or lid portion
`110 via one or more latch devices 112, as well as an
`optional handle assembly 115. The tank 195 may pos—
`sess any dimensions and shapes suitable for its de-
`scribed purpose. ln an embodiment, the tank 165 is gen-
`
`

`

`5
`
`EP 2 644 (372 A2
`
`0?
`
`erallycylindrical. ln anotherembodiment, it may possess-
`es a generally frustoconical shape. in the embodiment
`illustrated in FlGS. 2A and 28, the tank 165 includes a
`curved side wall 295, a closed lower end or bottom 28'?
`and an open upper end or mouth 21 G. The interior suriace
`of the tank bottom 29'? may be generally concave, pos—
`sessing a slightly upward curve t,o e.g., prevent the tank
`from sagging when filled with a predetermined amount
`of debris. The tank mouth 21% detines a rim 212 contig-
`ured to engage a corresponding shoulder forming the
`separator plate 995 (HG. 9A) inserted into the tank. The
`tank rim 212 is may protrude radially outward from the
`side wall 2953, thereby forming a lip 213 about the mouth
`21 l) of the tank 165. With this configuration, the tank 105
`defines an open cavity or collection chamber 214 oper-
`able to collect and store debris drawn therein.
`
`[013139] The tank 105 further includes a forward handle
`215 extending radially irom the exterior surface of the
`side wail 2135 (e.g., from the tank lip 213), and a rearward
`bracket 21'? extending radially from the exterior surface
`ofthe side wall 2% at a location that is generally diamet—
`rically opposed from the forward handle position 215
`(e.g., the bracket is oriented approximately 180° from the
`handle). The bracket 21?, which couples the handle as-
`sembly 115 to the tank portion 1135, includes an elongat—
`ed housing section 220, a first sleeve 222A disposed
`along one side of the housing section, and a second
`sleeve 2223 disposed along the opposite side oi the
`housing section. Each sleeve 222A, 2223 is configured
`to receive an arm MESA, 4053 (F16. 4A)- of the handle
`assembly 115. 'l'he racket housing section 220 cooper—
`ates with the housing section 42f) ofthe handle assembly
`115 to define a housing for a handle lock mechanism,
`with the bracket housing section 22% forming the upper
`portion of the lock mechanism housing, and the handle
`assembly housing section 429 forming the lower portion
`oi the lock mechanism housing. The bracket housing sec-
`
`tion 220‘: includes an opening 225 through which the ac-
`tuator 43G (FlG. 49) of the lock mechanism protrudes
`(discussed in greater detail below).
`[(391 B} The tank portion 195 further may further include
`one or more latch receptacles formed into the side wall
`2135. in an embodiment, the side wall 255 includes a first
`latch receptacle 222% spaced leg, diametrically op—
`posed) from a second latch receptacle 2273, each being
`disposed proximate tank rim 212. Each latch receptacle
`222A, 2275 is defined by a pair of opposed, spaced pro-
`iections 230A, 230% located along the circumference of
`the tank 105, Each projection 230A, 2308 extends down—
`ward (axially)- from the tank mouth 211), along the exterior
`surface of the side wall 295. Each latch receptacle 227A,
`222’8 receives a corresponding latch device ”l’l2 opera—
`ble to couple the tank 105 to the separator plate Silt}
`(discussed in greater detail below).
`{($611} The vacuum 19 further includes a transport as-
`sembly that enables movement of the vacuum over a
`surface. By way oi example, the vacuum ’ll’) may include
`on or more wheel assemblies that couple to the tank 105.
`
`(51
`
`70
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`(51C}
`
`Referring to the embodiment shown in Pitt. 28, the tank
`195 includes a plurality of notches or slots 235A, 2355!,
`2353, 235i) angularly spaced about the tank bottom 2G2.
`Each notch 235A - 235D is recessed into the side wall
`
`205, being contoured to receive a corresponding con—
`nector on a wheel assembly. Specifically, the notch 235A
`— 2351} defines a dove tail, having a narrow neck portion
`241) and a widened base portion 245 contoured to mate
`with a similarly shaped pin on the wheel assembly (dis—
`cussed in greater detail below). Each notch 235A - 2351}
`further includes a female coupling member or socket 251}
`{e.g., a generally cylindrical socket)- adapted to receive
`a corresponding male coupling member disposed on the
`wheel assembly connector.
`{0912] Referring to FlGS. 3A — SC, the wheel assembly
`may be in the form of a caster 365 including a top plate
`or support 310 and a wheel 315 disposed along distal
`section of the support. The wheel 315 is rotatably mount--
`ed to a fork 329 that, in turn, is pivotally coupled to the
`support 311) via a central pin 322. The proximal section
`oi the support: 310 includes a connector 325 adapted to
`mate with one of the notches 235A — 235D formed into
`
`the tank 105. in the illustrated embodiment, the connector
`325 is a pin extending axially from the proximal end of
`the support 311}. The pin is contoured, including a narrow
`neck portion 330 (corresponding with the neck portion
`241} of the notch 235A ~ 2359) and a widened base or
`end portion 335 (corresponding with the base portion 245
`of the notch). A male coupling member or post 349 (e.g.,
`a cylindrical post), extending from the end portion 335 oi
`the connector 325. is received by the tank socket 250.
`The tank socket 259 may further include threaded chan--
`nel operable to engage a threaded fastener that passes
`through the post 348, securing the caster 395 within the
`notch 235A _ 235E). Connection oi the caster 305 to the
`tank 195 is best seen in FlG. 5.
`
`{OMS} Referring back to FlG. 2A, the tank 105 further
`includes an intake port 255 formed into the side wall 295
`{along the forward portion oi the side wall). A vacuum
`connector 259. secured to the exterior side of the intake
`port 255, couples to a hose connector 265, which, in turn,
`couples to a flexible tube (e.g., a hose) utilized to capture
`debris. An exterior cap 22's, tethered to the vacuum con-
`nector 2%, may be utilized to seal the port. The intake
`port, vacuum connector, hose connector, flexible tube,
`and cap may possess any shape and dimensions suita--
`ble for its intended purpose. By way of example, any of
`the intake ort, vacuum connector, hose connector, ilexx-
`ible tube, and cap may be generally circular and/or cy~
`lindrical. An inlet device 559 (FlG. 5A) may be secured
`to the interior side oi the intake port 255 {discussed in
`greater detail below).
`[@0143 Referring to F (98.41% — 4G, the handle assem~
`bly 115 includes a base member 4131}, a first upright arm
`465A extending upward from the base, a second upright
`arm 4053 laterally spaced from the first upright arm
`4053, and a gripping member 410 connecting the first
`arm to the second arm. The first 4135A and second 4135B
`
`

`

`7
`
`EP 2 644 (372 A2
`
`8
`
`arms, as well as the handle 410, may possess any shape
`and dimensions, and may be formed of any materials
`suitable for their described purpose. By way of example,
`the handle arms 485A, 4853 and the gripping member
`410 may be generally tubular and/or cylindrical. By way
`of further example, the handle arms 495A, 4953 and
`gripping member 419 may be formed of steel tubing. in
`other embodiments, plastic may completely form, or may
`form portions of, the handle assembly.
`[E3515] Each handle arm 465A, 6,053 includes a lower
`or proximal portion 412A secured to the base member
`40d and an upper or distal portion 4128 telescopically
`coupled to the proximal arm portion such that the distal
`arm portion nests within the proximal arm portion. With
`this configuration, the height olthe gripping member 41 {3
`may be adjusted with respect to the base member 40f).
`Specifically, the handle assembly 115 may reconfigured
`from a first, collapsed position (as shown in the figures)-
`to a second, extended position (not illustrated). T'he grip-
`ping member 415 is secured at a desired vertical or tel—
`escopic position via an arm lock mechanism 415 that
`cooperates with a plurality of apertures longitudinally
`(vertically) spaced along the arms 465A, 4653. By way
`of example, the distal portions 4123 of the arms 435A,
`4958 may include a first set of arm apertures 4‘1 TA dis—
`posed proximate the longitudinal center of the arm prox—
`imai portion MZI, as well as a second set or' arm aper-
`tures 417B disposed proximate the lower end of the arm
`proximal portion 4128 (seen best in HQ. 48).
`[cm 6} As explained above, the handle assembly hous—
`ing section 425 cooperates with the bracket housing sec—
`tion 229 to form a lock mechanism housing that houses
`the lock mechanism 415. Referring to FlG. 463, the handle
`assembly housing section 429 includes a first sleeve
`422A and a second sleeve 4228 laterally spaced from
`the first sleeve. The first sleeve 422A of the handle as-
`
`sembly housing section 426 is configured to align with
`the first sleeve 222A of the bracket housing section 220.
`Similarly, the second sleeve 4228 of the handle assem--
`bly housing section 423 aligns with the second sleeve
`2223 of the bracket housing section 220.
`[9517] The handle assembly housing section 429 fur-
`ther includes a guide block 425 centrally disposed within
`the housing section. The guide block 425 is a generally
`planar element extending distally from the lower surface
`ofthe ho 'sing section interior. A post 427 extends distally
`(upward) from the distal end of the guide block 425. The
`post 427 couples; to a biasing member 475 such as a
`spring that biases the actuator 430 in its normal position
`(discussed in greater detail below). The outer surface of
`the handle assembly housing section 42ft may be con~
`toured with features such as finger indentations to aid in
`the gripping ot‘ the housing during operation of the lock
`mechanism.
`
`[£36183 Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FlG.
`43, the actuator $30 possesses a generally U—shaped
`configuration defined by an engagement portion 432 and
`a carriage portion 435. The transverse dimension of the
`
`(51
`
`70
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`(51CI
`
`engagement portion 432 may be less than the transverse
`dimension of the carriage portion 435. That is, the car-
`riage portion 435 may be wider than the engagement
`portion 432 to form a shoulder or stop 437. With this con—
`figuration, the actuator 43ft is trapped within the bracket
`housing section 229, and the extension of the actuator
`through the opening 225 is limited by contact between
`the shoulder 437 and the housing section 425. That is,
`only the engagement portion 432 extends through the
`opening 225 since the shoulder 437 serves as a stop,
`preventing the extension ofthe actuatorfrom the opening
`225 beyond the shoulder.
`{9519} The carriage portion 435 includes a first or for—
`ward wall more and a second or rearward wall 44653 that
`
`cooperate to define a cavity 442 therebetween. T'he cav—
`ity 442 receives the guide block 425 to permit the axial
`repositioning of the actuator 43!.) along the guide block
`425. The walls 440A, 4498 of the carriage portion 435
`each includes aligned, tapered (e.g., V—shaped) slots
`445A, 4453 disposed along each lateral side 447A, 4473
`of the carriage portion 435. The slots 445 are defined by
`an upper projection 45ft protruding slightly from the lat-
`eral side 447A, 4478 of the engagement portion 432,
`and a lower linger 452 extending angularly from the lat—
`eral side at a distance greater than that ofthe projection
`455.
`
`{9529} Referring to FlG. 40, the lock mechanism M5
`further includes a first lever 455A and a second lever
`
`4558 operable to rotate within the lock mechanism hous-
`ing. The levers 455A, 4558 are generally L—shaped, in~
`cluding a hub 45?, a first or horizontal arm 450, and a
`second or vertical arm 452 oriented generally orthogonal
`to the first arm. T'he hub 457 defines a central pivot point
`P about which each lever 455A, 4553 pivots. The first
`arm 450 of each lever 455A, 4558 is contoured to mate
`with the slots 445 of the actuator 43%. Byway of example,
`the distal end of the first arm 45E) maybe enlarged such
`that spans the opening between forward 445A and rear—
`ward walls 4498, extending from the slot 445A formed
`into the forward wall 445A to the slot 4455 formed into
`
`the
`the rearward wall 4408. With this configuration,
`movement of the actuator 43ft tie, the axial/vertical
`movement of the carriage portion 435 along the guide
`block 425) causes a corresponding rotation of each lever
`455A, 4553 about its pivot point P.
`{0&21} The second arm 452 of the first 455A and sec--
`ond 455B levers are configured to drive locking pins that
`engage the arms of the handle assembly ’t’lS. Specifi-
`cally, the first lever 455A is in communication with a first
`locking pin 455A and the second lever 4553 is in com—
`munication with a second locking pin 4653. The first lock—
`ing pin 455A extends from the first lateral side 447A of
`the actuator carriage portion 435 to the first arm 405A.
`Similarly, the second locking pin 455I extends from the
`second lateral side 4473 of the actuator carriage portion
`4-35 to the second arm 4053. The distal (arm facing) por—
`tion of each pin 455A, 455% engages the arm apertures
`417A, 4175 formed into the arm 495A, 40:55 as dis-
`
`

`

`9
`
`EP 2 644 (372 A2
`
`10
`
`cussed above.
`
`[9922} Each iocking pin 465A, 4553 is retractabte, be—
`ing configured to transiate (move without rotation) along
`its tongitudinai axis. Specifically, each iocking pin 465A,
`4658 moves from a first, retracted position, in which it is
`drawn toward the actuator 43%, to a second, extended
`position, in which the tocking pin is driven outward from
`the actuator and the distai portion of the pin engages the
`aperture of MIA, 41'13 its associated arm 495A, 495K
`As noted above, the second arm 46% of each lever 455A,
`4558 is in communication with the locking pins 465A,
`4558. Specificalty, each tacking pin 465A, 4658 inciudes
`a socket cram, 4793 disposed at an intermediate pin
`location. The distal portion of each second lever arm 462
`is received Within a socket 4733A, 4708, linking the iever
`
`455A, 4553 to the iocking pin 455A, 4658. Consensusntu
`iy, rotation of the lever 455A, 4553 drives the movement
`of its associated locking 465A, 4558 from the first pin
`position to the second pin position, and vice versa.
`[9923} The operation of the lock mechanism 415 is ex—
`plained with reference to FEGS. 4F and 4G The actuator
`43!.) is spring biased in its normai (e.g. upward) position
`by a biasing member 475 (e.g., a spring). in this normat
`position, the locking pins 455A, 4ESB are oriented in their
`extended position,
`in which the distai end of each pin
`extends through the aperture 41?A, #178 formed into
`the arm distai portion 4128. in this configuration, move-
`ment of the distai arm portion 412% with respect to the
`proximai arm portion 412A is prevented, iocking the han—
`dle 41G at a first verticat height. The actuator 430 is en—
`gaged by pressing the engagement portion 432 down—
`ward ( indicated by arrow F) to overcome the biasing force
`of the biasing member $75. As a result, the carriage por-
`tion 435 is driven axiaiiy downward, siiding along the
`guide member 425. in turn, the first arms 46G, captured
`within the carriage siots 445A, 4453, are driven down-
`ward, rotating the levers 455A, 4553 about their pivot
`points F. From the Viewpoint of FiGS. 4F and 4G when
`the actuator 43E) is urged downward, the first lever 455A
`rotates ciockwise, white the second iever $555 rotates
`counterclockwise.
`
`'i'his rotation further causes second arms 462
`[33624]
`to rotate inward (toward the actuator 43%), therebydriving
`the locking pins 465A, 4658 inward, from the extended
`pin position to the retracted pin position (indicated by
`arrow T). That is, the distai portion of each iocking pin
`dfifiA, 4558 disengages the aperture 4117A, 4178 of its
`corresponding arm 495A, 4058. in the disengaged po--
`sition, the distai arm portion 4123 is free to telescope
`into and out of the proximai arm portion 412A, and the
`height of the handle 4m with respect to the base 4%
`(indicated by arrow Wt) may be adjusted. By way of ex—
`ampte. the distal arm portion 4128 may telescope out—
`ward from a first arm position, in which the locking pins
`465A, 4653 are aligned with thetirst arm apertures 417A,
`to a second arm position, in which the iocking pins are
`aligned with the second arm apertures 4173. Releasing
`the engagement portion 432 permits the biasing member
`
`(51
`
`70
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`(51CI
`
`475 to return the actuator $333 to its normal position, driv—
`ing the carriage portion 435 upward and rotating the ie-
`vers 455A, 4558 in an opposite direction. This rotation
`of the ievers 455A, 455I moves the locking pins 4535A,
`ease from the retracted pin position to the extended pin
`position, driving the iocking pins outward locking the han-
`die 410 at a second verticai height.
`[9025] Referring back to FiG. 4A, the base member
`499 may further inciude wheets 489A, 4898 (e.g., dolly
`wheels mounted on a common axie) and connectors
`485A, 4858 adapted to mate with notches 235C, 235!)
`formed into the tank 105, as shown in FiG. 5.
`{9926} As mentioned above, the tank 195 further in—
`ciudes an iniet device adapted to direct: the flow of air
`and debris entering the collection chamber. Referring to
`FtGS. 6A __ 6f), the iniet device 606 includes a stem por-
`tion 535 coupled to the intake port 255 and a baffie portion
`6w including a closed distai end 615 with a curved tin
`629 and a window 525 formed into the side wall of the
`
`baffle. The stem portion £595 may be generaiiy cylindrical,
`extending radiaiiy inward from the side wail 265 inner
`surface. T'he baftte portion 610 is configured to deflect
`incoming air and debris as it travels through the conduit.
`By way of exampie, the baffle 519, via the tin 620, alters
`the travel path of contaminated fluid (airiwater with de-
`bris) approximately 90° such that the fiuid is directed ra—
`dially outward, toward the side wait 295 of the tank 195..
`{0&27} The iniet device 690 further includes an etec—
`trostatic charge system operable to connect the iniet de-
`vice to the ground of the main power supply. Contami~
`nated fiuid (e.g., debris—laden air) movrng through the
`hose, the hose connector, the vacuum connector, and/or
`the inlet device often produces a build—up oteiectrostatic
`discharge in the vacuum system 18. This poses of risk
`of electricat shock to the user. Consequentiy, the vacuum
`system ’tt) may further inciude an electrostatic discharge
`device that connects the etectricat ground of the vacuum
`to the hose system. The electrostatic discharge device
`inciudes a support or extension 636 coupled to a con-
`ductive member 535 (e.g., a flat copper spring) having a
`proximai portion 545 and a distai portion 65ft. Afirst metai
`fastener 540‘: connects the conductive member $35 to the
`
`support 638,
`[@3028] A second metat fastener 655, moreover, con~
`nects the distai portion 659 of the conductive member
`635 to the separator pi‘ate 906, with the conductive mem--
`her being disposed wrthin a protrusion 99!) extending
`downward from the separator plate (PEG. QC). The inlet
`device Gui), moreover. may be formed of an electrically
`conductive material (e.g., eiectric 'iy conductive plastic).
`With this configuration, the static discharge system cre—
`ates an electricaiiy conductive path that allows static
`charge from the hose, the hose connector. etc., to travet
`through the intake device, along the extension, up
`through the conductive member and to the main eiectricai
`ground.
`{$029} The interior of the tank 1 d5 may further be keyed
`such that the separator plate 900 (discussed beiow) cou-
`
`

`

`11
`
`EP2 644 (372 A2
`
`12
`
`ptes to the tank in a singie rotational orientation. Referring
`specificaiiy to FtG. 6A, the interiorsurtace are ofthe tank
`side watt 2G5 inciudes a first guide rib or etemeht 675A
`and a second guide rib or etement WEB. The guide el-
`ements 6?5A, 6758, which extend radiatty inward from
`the side wall interior surface 679, are disposed at prede—
`termined anguiar positions aiong the side wait 295 such
`that the guide elements atign with stots formed into the
`forward tegs SBTA, 53798 of the separator piate 999 (FtG.
`9C). As such, the separator ptate 9d!) may be inserted
`into the tank cavity in a predetermined orientation, with
`ptattorm of the being disposed in a particuiar rotationat
`position with respect to the cotlection chamber (i.e., one
`in which the siot formed into each of the two forward iegs
`ot the separator piate aiign with a corresponding guide
`eternent 675A, 6758, wscussed in greaterdetait beiow}.
`[0039] Referring to F183. 7A and '78, the vacuum head
`110 includes a sheii 795 including axiat connection posts
`T13? disposed at predetermined tocations along head in-
`terior surface. Each head post 797 aligns with a corre—
`sponding post 91? disposed on the separator plate 9%
`(FiG. 9A). The distal end of plate post 917 may include
`a receptacle that: receives the distai end of the head post
`TN. A fastener may pass through the posts 737, 91'? to
`secure the vacuum head 11% to the separator plate 9th).
`The vacuum head 11!) iurther inciudes a pair of opposed
`handie openings or cut-outs 71 13A,
`'?1 {13 formed into the
`shett 765, Each handte cut~out TWA, 7103, defined by
`a downward-extending wall T12, defines a cavity within
`the vacuum head 116 that receives the hook portion of
`the tatch device 112, as wait as exposes a portion of the
`separator ptate such that it may be engaged by the hook
`portion (expiained in greater detait petow). When coupied
`to the tank, each cut-out 719A, 718! generaiiy atigns
`with an associated tatch receptacle 227A, 2278.
`[139311 The vacuum head 1103 may further include one
`or more vents disposed at predetermined locations along
`the shett. tn the iitustrated embodiment, the vacuum head
`1’”) inciudes a first or vacuum discharge vent 715A
`(aligned with the vacuum exhaust), a second or motor
`intake vent 7153 (aiigned with the motor air intake}, and
`a third or motor discharge vent 71513 (aligned with the
`motor exhaust). Each vent T15A, T153, T156 is in fiuid
`communication with a corresponding system to permit
`the flow of air into and/or out of the vacuum head 119.
`
`Each vent "Him. _ 719C; inctudes an open chute 716
`formed into the sheli 705 that receives a corresponding
`touver assembly 71?. By way of example, each iouver
`assembly 71'! may siide axiaiiy into and out ot‘ the open
`chute "116,