The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 21, 1991
Filed:
Nov. 24, 1987
Susan G Bledsoe, New Lenox, IL (US);
Gordon W Goodrich, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Bissell Inc., Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Abstract
A carpet sweeper, vacuum cleaner or other upright floor cleaning device includes a base unit (2) and a handle (6) freely pivoted on the base unit for translation over a floor (3). The handle pivots in a vertical plane (9) extending transverse to the base unit support wheel axles (5). A handle grip (10) includes a first grip portion (12) which is coaxial with the handle and forms an extension thereof. The outer end of the first grip portion connects with a second grip portion (14) which comprises an arm (15) graspable by the operator, with the arm extending forwardly (upwardly when in use) of the handle. The arm is disposed in the vertical plane (9) and is bowed or curved from its point of anchorage with the first grip portion (12) to its opposite end, which is disposed in a plane (19) transverse to the first grip portion and passing between the latter's ends. The curvature of the outer arm surface is adapted to nest in a cup formed by the operator's closed hand. The said opposite end of the arm merges into a third grip portion which forms a brace (20) extending diagonally rearwardly (downwardly when in use) back to and connecting with the first grip portion. Instead of the operator's fingers being arrayed along the handle at an acute angle to a horizontal plane containing the wheel axles (5), as in prior upright cleaning devices, the fingers are arrayed normal to the pivotable handle and at an obtuse angle to the axles, thus creating a stronger wrist position. Also, since the handle is effectively below the grip during use, the handle itself is pivotally positioned at a smaller angle to the floor than previously.