Emerson Electric Company

Olin Corporation

Home Depot Usa, Inc.

John L Theising

Shane Glasgow

Douglas K Ritterling

Thomas E Fogarty

Alex J Wall

Matthew A Williams

Kiyoshi Hoshino

Randall W Robison

Jason J Hill

Frank J Tomiser, Jr

David E Beth

Douglas H Miner

Roy J Benoist

Larry D Hale

Pandiaraj Subramani

John K Garner

A vacuum cleaner includes a suction inlet, a motor, and an impeller connected to the motor and operable to generate suction through the suction inlet upon operation of the motor. The vacuum cleaner further includes a power connector mounted to the vacuum cleaner and selectively connectable to a direct current (DC) power source and an alternating current (AC) power source. The power connector includes external terminals accessible from an exterior of the vacuum cleaner. The external terminals are configured for removable mechanical connection to each of the DC power source and an AC power supply cord such that the DC power source and the AC power supply cord are selectively and mechanically connectable to the same external power connector terminals.

Vacuum cleaner and system operable with AC and DC power sources

An upright vacuum cleaner includes a cleaning head for removing debris from a floor, a debris tube connected to the cleaning head for receiving the debris, and a steering handle connected to the debris tube. The upright vacuum cleaner also includes a hinge connecting the debris tube to the cleaning head such that the debris tube rotates relative to the cleaning head. The upright vacuum cleaner further includes braces to support the debris tube as the debris tube rotates relative to the cleaning head. The braces are disposed on opposite sides of the debris tube. Each brace includes a bearing connected to the cleaning head to allow the brace to rotate relative to the cleaning head.

Vacuum cleaner including debris tube and handle

Upright vacuum cleaners that include a switch that detects whether a removable filter assembly has been connected to the vacuum cleaner are disclosed. In some embodiments, the upright vacuum cleaner includes a capacitor for protecting the switch from voltage transients.

Upright vacuum cleaner having microswitch and filter assembly

Battery-powered upright vacuum cleaners are disclosed. The vacuum cleaner includes a battery support plate from which the battery is suspended. The battery support plate is connected to a debris tube of the vacuum cleaner. In some embodiments, the debris tube includes mounting members that are received in recesses formed within the battery support plate.

Upright vacuum cleaner with battery support plate

Upright vacuum cleaner including debris tube braces

Upright vacuum cleaner having switch to detect a filter assembly

An upright vacuum cleaner includes a cleaning head for removing debris from a floor, a rotary brush for agitating the debris, and a debris tube connected to the cleaning head for receiving the debris from the cleaning head. The upright vacuum cleaner also includes a motor to drive the rotary brush. The motor includes a rotatable drive shaft. The upright vacuum cleaner further includes a pulley assembly adapted to operatively connect the motor to the rotary brush. The pulley assembly includes a clutch and a belt. The belt is adapted to extend between the drive shaft and the clutch. The clutch is connected to the rotary brush to rotate the rotary brush. The upright vacuum cleaner also includes a clamp connecting the clutch to the cleaning head. The tightness of the belt is adjusted when the clamp moves between an unfastened position and a fastened position.

Upright vacuum cleaner including rotary brush

An upright vacuum cleaner includes a cleaning head having a suction opening defined along a bottom thereof, a handle assembly connected to the cleaning head, a motor, and a blower connected to the motor and operable to generate suction through the suction opening upon operation of the motor. The vacuum cleaner further includes an electrical connection interface selectively connectable to a direct current (DC) power source and an alternating current (AC) power source. The electrical connection interface is electrically connectable to the motor via an electrical path such that an AC current is supplied to the motor when the AC power source is connected to the electrical connection interface, and a DC current is supplied to the motor when the DC power source is connected to the electrical connection interface.

Upright vacuum cleaner and system operable with AC and DC power sources

Upright vacuum cleaner

An upright vacuum cleaner with one or more features, such as a top opening rigid container, a headlight, a replaceable power cord a motor housing suspended within the vacuum to reduce noise and/or vibration a clutch assembly with a RPM sensor, and/or one or more filter plates to improve airflow.

The present invention is an improved vacuum filter or collection bag assembly for vacuum cleaners and other appliances, particularly upright vacuum cleaners. The filter bag assembly includes a filter bag with a sealing and locking rim assembly which mates with a section of the vacuum filter housing, so as to ensure proper seating and minimization of dust and dirt escaping from the filter bag during vacuum operation. The assembly may also include a gasket ring for additional sealing.

Vacuum filter bag mounting apparatus and methods of operation

A tool assembly for a vacuum appliance, such as a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, is described, wherein the tool assembly may include a frame, a mount configured to couple the frame to the appliance, a pivot, an actuator configured to support the frame in one or more positions, and a tool coupled to the frame. The assembly may also include a biasing device between the pivot and an end of the frame, and may be disposed in one or more positions relative to a vacuum surface. Also described is a vacuum appliance system that can include a debris collector, a power head assembly, a base, and a tool assembly. Such a vacuum appliance system can also include a main wheel assembly and a plurality of optional main wheel assembly mounting locations. The system may further include a quick-release filter cage coupled to the power head assembly.

Growing community of inventors

St. Peters, MO, United States of America

John L Theising