US2619315A - Vacuum cleaner attachment having a variable size inlet - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 25, 1952 w. OTT 2,619,315

VACUUM CLEANER ATTACHMENT HAVING A VARIABLE SIZE INLET Filed May 22, 1947 IN VEN TOR.

(Thomas 5151712212012 492? Patented Nov. 25, 1952 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE VACUUM CLEANER ATTACHMENT HAVING A VARIABLE SIZE INLET 4 Claims.

My invention relates to an improvement in vacuum cleaner attachment wherein it is desired to provide a head particularly useful in the cleaning of upholstery, furniture and the like.

The object of the present invention resides in the provision of a simple apparatus for use in combination with a source of supply of partial vacuum for cleaning dust and dirt from furniture, upholstered objects, mattresses and the like. The attachment is relatively light in weight and simple in construction and may be easily moved over the surface to be cleaned. My head includes an elongated suction nozzle having a partition therein to divide the nozzle space into large and small passages. Valve means is provided in the nozzle so that the air entering the nozzle may move through a nozzle opening of relatively large area or may move through a nozzle opening of relatively small area.

A feature of the present invention lies in the provision of an elongated nozzle equipped with an elongated partition wall therein. The partition wall forms nozzle openings of different area. If the amount of air being drawn into the nozzle tends to remain constant, the entrance of this air through a relatively small aperture increases the velocity of the entering air. Similarly when the air enters through a larger nozzle opening, the velocity of the entering air is decreased.

The provision of a vacuum cleaner head with nozzle apertures of two sizes is of decided advantage. The larger nozzle area is particularly useful when cleaning large areas of fabric material as the nozzle head is not drawn against the surface being cleaned with as much pressure as when a smaller nozzle area is used. Thus for general purpose cleaning the larger nozzle area is advantageous. However, where air pervious material is being cleaned, the smaller nozzle aperture is beneficial in removing deeply embedded dirt. Furthermore, in general purpose use the smaller nozzle area is preferable for picking up surface particles as the air moves with high velocity between the nozzle head and the surface being cleaned in entering the nozzle.

A feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a vacuum cleaner head having a divided nozzle and including a simple flat valve which is movable into two extreme positions. When in one extreme position this flap valve directs air from one area of the nozzle extrance. When in the other extreme position the air is drawn through the other nozzle aperture.

A feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a valve in my vacuum cleaner head and in the provision of a spring capable of holding the valve in either extreme position. This spring is normally concealed from view but acts to hold the valve in adjusted position.

A feature of the present invention lies in the provision of an external means for operating the valve. The valve is pivotally supported upon an operating shank and a knob is provided on this shank externally of the head. By operation of the knob the valve may be turned to either extreme position.

A novel feature of my invention lies in the provision of a simple and effective means of assembling the valve operating members and the casing. The casing is provided with a knob enclosure which encloses one-half of the operating knob. The operating knob is cut off on one side so that it may be easily inserted into the enclosure. A plug is provided for holding the knob properly enclosed in its enclosure once the valve shaft has been inserted through the knob.

An important object of the present invention lies in the provision of a vacuum control device by means of which the amount of vacuum at the inlet end of the nozzle may be controlled. In cleaning drapes and the like, the attachment has a tendency to cling to the material because of the high vacuum created. I provide a means whereby apertures may be opened near the nozzle so as to cut down the vacuum at the normal nozzle inlet. As a result the attachment may be moved over the surface of the drapes more readily.

These and other objects and novel features of my invention will be more clearly and fully set forth in the fOllOWiIlg specification and claims.

In the drawings forming a part of my specification:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of my vacuum cleaner head showing the construction thereof.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the cleaner illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the opposite side of the cleaner head showing the construction thereof.

Figure 4 is a sectional view through the cleaner head, the position of the section being indicated by the line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing the valve in a different position.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the operating knob removed from the head.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a detail portion of the structure.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the valve.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the valve arm to which the spring is attached.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of an end plug employed to seal the working parts of the mechanism.

The attachment A comprises an elongated nozzle housing ll) having a Wide substantially fiat base portion H and inwardly tapering end walls 2. The inwardly tapering walls l2 blend into a generally vertical tubular portion l5 which is preferably bent at M to form an inclined tubular outlet l5. The outlet I5 may be frictionally engaged with a tubular conduit leading to a source of supply of partial vacuum or this tubular portion may be connected to a hollow conduit or handle of any desired type in any desired manner.

A generally cylindrical boss I5 projects lateral- 1y from the tubular member l5 near its union with the tubular member I3. This boss projects outwardly from a flat wall portion H which forms a part of the housing at the inner extremity of the boss 16. A circular aperture I9 is provided in the flat wall I! for accommodation of the valve stem as will be later described.

A polygonal shaft 29 extends laterally through the aperture l9 and acts to support the flap valve 2| illustrated in detail in Figure -8 of the drawings. A combined bearing and spring arm unit 22 is supported upon the shaft 29 which in the drawings is illustrated as being square in cross section. The member 22 includes a cylindrical body portion 23 having a square aperture extending axially therethrough for accommodation of the shaft 28. An arm 25 extends radially from one end of the cylindrical body 23, this arm 25 being provided with an outwardly turned extremity 23. The cylindrical body portion 23 is of proper size to snugly fit within the aperture [9 and forms a cylindrical body which may freely rotate within the circular aperture l9 and which will support the shaft 2|) extending axially of the aperture IS.

The valve 2| comprises a fiat panel 21 having a curved outer edge 29 designed to fit against the walls of the tubular conduit E5. The valve 2| is supported to rotate on an axis extending through the center of the tubular portion I5 so that the edge 29 of the valve will fit snugly against one wall thereof, in one extreme position of the valve and fit against the opposite wall thereof in the other extreme position of the valve. The valve is illustrated in its two extreme positions in Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings.

The valve 2| is provided with a tubular barrel extending along its axis, this barrel having a generally cylindrical outer surface with the panel 27 extending radially therefrom. A square aperture 3| extends through the barrel 3B for accommodation of the saft 26. The outer edge 29 of the panel 21 is oppositely beveled so as to rest against the walls of the tubular member 5 in either extreme position. v

A collar 32 having a cylindrical outer surface and a square aperture 33 extending axially therethrough is supported on the valve shaft 20 at the opposite end of the valve 2| from the member 22. This collar 32 is supported in a circular aperture in a flat wall 36 on the side of the housing opposite the flat wall IT. A generally cylindrical sleeve 31 projects outwardly from the housing A on the side thereof opposite the boss IE and coaxial therewith. An inturned marginal flange 39 is provided on the outer extremity of the sleeve 37. One side of the sleeve 3! and flange 39 is cut away as indicated at 40 in Figure 3 of the drawings, the sleeve and flange extending through an angular distance of somewhat greater than one hundred eighty degrees.

A knob 4| best illustrated in Figure 6 of the drawings is supported on the shaft 23 inwardly of the flange 39 and coaxial with the sleeve 31. The knob 4| has one side thereof cut away as indicated at 42 along a line parallel to a diameter of the knob. The outer surfaces 43 of the knob is knurled or roughened as indicated in Figures 1 and 6 of the drawings and a groove 54 concen- "ic with the axis of the knob is provided in the outer surface thereof. A square aperture 45 extends through the knob for accommodation of the shaft 20.

By forming the knob ll in the manner illustrated, this knob may be inserted within the sleeve 31 even though the knob is of greater outer diameter than the inner diameter of the flange 39, the knob diameter being smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve 37. The knob :li is assembled in place by inserting this knob through the cut away portion of the sleeve 3'! and rotating the knob until the cut-off side 42 thereof is angularly spaced from the cut away side 4| of 1e sleeve 31 and flange 39. When the shaft 23 is inserted through the aperture 35 the exposed portion of the knurled periphery 433 of the knob will be visible through the cut away side of the sleeve 31. The knob may be rotated by apply- .ing rotative pressure against the knurled surface 43.

A plug 46, best illustrated in Figure 10 of the drawings, frictionally engaged in the flange 39 and extends into the slot 44 of the knob .3 and conceals the outer wall of this knob. The plug 46 comprises a flat disc 41' having a hollow cylindrical flange 49 projecting from one side thereof. The flange 49 is concentric with the outer periphcry of the plug 46 and this flange frictionally engages in the groove 44. The plug 46 thus conceals the adjacent end of the shaft 253 and the major portion of the outer wall of the knob 4|.

A similar plug 4'5 is frictionally engaged in the hollow cylindrical boss l5 projecting from the other side of the housing It. The flange 4E] frictionally engages within the hollow boss I3 and conceals the arm and collar 22. A spring 53 is connected at one end to the extremity 26 of the arm 25 and is connected at its other end to a fixed pin 5| on the flat wall H. The spring 5!! is so located that when the valve panel 21 is against one wall of the tubular housing portion ii the spring urges the valve against this wall as indicated in Figure While the valve panel 2'; is in contact with the underside of the tubular housing portion l5, as indicated in Figure 5 of the drawings, the spring 50 holds the valve in this extreme position. In other words, the pin 5| is located so that the spring 58 passes dead center and holds the valve panel 21 in either of its extreme positions.

A partition wall 52 is provided with a curved upper extremity 53 to fit closely about the barrel of the valve 2|. This partition 52 acts to divide the inlet end of the nozzle housing If! into two separate chambers 54 and 55. One of these chambers 54 is of substantially greater cross sectional area than the other chamber 55. As a result when the valve 2| is in the position illustrated in Figure 5 of the drawings, the air will enter the nozzle at one velocity. When the valve aenaers will be facilitated. When the valve is turned into the position shown in Figure 4 so that the enter through the chamber at a relatively higher velocity, the suction head will be more effective at picking up particles of material from the surface being cleaned and will also be more effective for use in picking up certain types of dirt or dust. The partition 52 is provided at its opposite ends with laterally extending ears 5% through which bolts or cap screws 51 may extend holding the partition wall in place. ihe ears extend in notches 59 formed in the undersurface of the nozzle head at either end of the p tltion. 1' i i In that the attachment A sometimes clings o object being cleaned even when making use of the larger chamber E l, particularly drapes and other lightweight articles, provision is made for reduc g the vacuum within the chamber Acgly, I employ a disc valve rotatably d on the nozzle housing is by means of a screw t l. A plurality of apertures 92 contained in th valve 98 are registraole with a similar nr "iber of apertures 93 in the housing l9. With twisted or rotated so that the apertures 92 and are in full alignment, partial alignment or closed completely by being moved completely out of alignment.

Th operation of my attachment has been described in conjunction with the construction thereof. The knob All may be rotated with the thumb or finger to change the position of the valve the spring 59 holding the valve in set position.

In accordance with the patent statutes, I have described the principles of construction and operation of my vacuum cleaner attachment, and while I have endeavored to set forth the best embodiment thereof, I desire to have it understood that this is only illustrative thereof, and that obvious changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A valve device including a housing having an inlet end and a tubular outlet end, a shaft extending transversely through said housing, a valve on said shaft engageable with either side of said tubular outlet, means biasing said valve toward each engaging position, a sleeve-like boss extending from one side of said housing concentric with said shaft, a flange on said boss extending inwardly from the outer extremity of the boss, a knob within said boss inwardly of said flange and operatively secured to said shaft, and a cut away portion in said boss and flange to expose a portion of the periphery of said knob, said knob being of proper size to project beyond the cut away portion of the boss for manual operation.

2. A valve device including a housing having an inlet end and a tubular outlet end, a shaft extending transversely through said housing, a

is structural arrangement the valve 69 may be Valve on said shaft engageable with either side of said tubular outlet, means biasing said valve toward each engaging position, a sleeve-like boss extending from one side of said housing concentrio with said shaft, a flange on said boss extending inwardly from the outer ext: nity of the boss, a knob within said boss inwardly of said flange and operatively secured to said shaft, and a cut away portion in said boss and flange to expose a portion of the periphery of said knob, said knob being of proper dimensions to project beyond the cut away portion of said boss, said cut away portion being narrower than the diameter of said knob, said knob having a flat side thereon so that the width of the knob from the flat side to the diametrically opposite side of the knob is narrower than the cut away portion of said sleeve.

3. A valve device including a housing having an inlet end and a tubular outlet end, a shaft extending transversely through said housing, a valve on said shaft engageable with either side of said tubular outlet, means biasing said valve toward each engaging position, a sleeve-like boss extending from one side of said housing concentric with said shaft, a flange on said boss extending inwardly from the outer extremity of the boss, a knob within said boss inwardly of said flange, and operatively secured to said shaft, and a cut away portion in said boss and flange to expose a portion of the periphery of said knob, a circular groove in said knob, said knob being of proper dimensions to project beyond the cut away portion of said boss, and a plug having a flange engageable in said circular groove.

4. A valve device including a casing having an inlet and a tubular outlet, a pair of axially aligned sleeves projecting from the housing wall on diametrically opposite sides of said tubular outlet, a shaft extending through said housing wall coaxial with said sleeves, a valve on said shaft within said housing and pivotally swingable into engagement with one wall of the tubular outlet on the opposite Wall thereof, an arm and one end of said shaft within one of said sleeves, spring means connecting the extremity of said arm to said housing to resiliently hold said valve in either extreme position, a knob supported upon the other end of said shaft and operatively connected thereto within the other of said sleeves, an inwardly projecting flange on the outer extremity of said other sleeve, and an open side on said other boss to expose a portion of the periphery of said knob, said knob being of proper dimensions relative to said other sleeve to project through said open sleeve side.

THOMAS WELLINGTON OTT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 918,930 Thurman Apr. 20, 1909 1,106,231 Marshall Aug. 4, 1914 1,304,519 Walker May 10, 1919 1,550,419 Beaurline Aug. 18, 1925 2,142,978 Ericksson-Jones Jan. 3, 1939 2,244,464 Link June 3, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 280,428 Great Britain Nov. 1'7, 1927

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