BACKGROUND

[0001] Cleaning tools such as vacuum cleaners have been used for decades to aid in cleaning dirt and other debris from floors. Vacuum cleaners often include a powered brush roll that rotates to help remove dirt from carpets and rugs. Many vacuum cleaners allow the user to remove the powered brush roll and attach small accessory tools for cleaning in small spaces where the powered brush roll cannot reach.

SUMMARY

[0002] In one aspect, a vacuum cleaner is described, the vacuum cleaner including an articulating foot attached to a distal end of a vacuum cleaner and a nozzle assembly attached to the distal end of the vacuum cleaner, the nozzle assembly comprising a conduit in fluid communication with a waste receptacle, the conduit passing through the articulating foot. In additional examples, the articulating foot is restricted from articulating when the nozzle assembly is attached to the vacuum cleaner and is free to articulate when the nozzle assembly is detached from the vacuum cleaner. In another example the articulating foot comprises at least one contact surface for contacting a surface to be cleaned and can comprise spherical dome segments, the spherical dome segments rotatable in relation to each other. In another example the spherical dome segments form a substantially airtight seal therebetween. In another example, the segments are arranged so that air can pass through joints between the segments. In another example the articulating foot is constructed and arranged such that the contact surface remains in contact with and parallel to the floor when the vacuum cleaner is positioned at greater than 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80° or 90° degrees above horizontal. In another example the contact surface includes a series of intermittent air passageways, the air passageways accounting for greater than 10%, greater than 25%, greater than 50% or greater than 75% of an outer edge of the lower surface. In another example the the articulating foot includes a lower portion for contacting the floor and an upper portion fixed to the vacuum cleaner and a flexible conduit connecting the upper portion and the lower portion, the flexible conduit in compression to provide a biasing force to press the articulating foot to the floor when the vacuum is at a 45 degree angle to the floor. In another example the substantially planar lower surface is constructed and arranged to rotate at least 30 degrees horizontally and at least 45 degrees vertically in relation to the axis of the vacuum cleaner. In another example the articulating foot includes a cushion layer adhered to at least a portion of the contact surface and where preferably the cushion layer is selected from at least one of non-woven fabric, bristles, felt and foam. In another example the articulating foot includes at least one wheel for contacting a substrate to be cleaned. In another example the at least one wheel remains in contact with the substrate when the vacuum cleaner is rotated up and down. In another example the flexible conduit comprises a bellows or flexible reinforced vacuum hose. In another example the contact surface includes a series of intermittent air passageways, the air passageways accounting for less than 75%, less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30% or less than 25% of an area of contact between the lower surface and a planar substrate. In another example the vacuum cleaner includes at least one flow restrictor mounted on an undersurface of the articulating foot, the at least one flow restrictor constructed and arranged to accelerate air flow through channels in the foot, the at least one flow restrictor extending downward from the undersurface and not as far as the contact surface. In another example the articulating foot includes a light. In another example the foot comprises a ball and socket joint. In another example the edge of the foot includes a resilient bumper layer. In another example the foot is attached to a door of a waste receptacle. In another example the the foot is not removable by the user or is not removable by the user with tools.

[0003] In another aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising removing a nozzle assembly from a vacuum cleaner by disconnecting the nozzle assembly from an articulating foot disposed at the distal end of a vacuum cleaner, placing the articulating foot in contact with the substrate, and articulating the articulating foot while air is passed through the foot to a waste receptacle in the vacuum cleaner. In another example the articulating foot includes a planar lower surface that is kept in contact with the substrate during movement of the vacuum by articulating the articulating foot. In another example, removing the nozzle assembly from the vacuum cleaner comprises withdrawing a rigid conduit from a passageway extending through the articulating foot. In another example replacing the nozzle assembly on the vacuum cleaner comprises passing the rigid conduit through the passageway and securing the nozzle assembly to the vacuum cleaner. In another example the nozzle assembly comprises a rigid conduit and the rigid conduit prevents the articulating foot from articulating when the nozzle assemble is attached to the vacuum cleaner. In another example the articulating foot can be articulated horizontally and/or vertically in relation to the axis of the vacuum cleaner.

[0004] In another aspect, a vacuum cleaner is provided, the vacuum cleaner comprising a waste receptacle in fluid communication with a motor of the vacuum cleaner, a waste receptacle door operatively attached to the waste receptacle, and an articulating foot attached to an outer surface of the waste receptacle door. In another example the nozzle assembly comprises a conduit that passes through a passageway in the articulating foot and also through a passageway in the waste receptacle door. In another example the articulating foot includes a contact surface for contacting a substrate to be cleaned, the contact surface essentially normal to an axis of the vacuum cleaner when the nozzle assembly is installed on the vacuum cleaner. In another example the contact surface is interrupted with one or more airways allowing air to pass through the foot when the contact surface is in contact with a substrate. In another example at least a portion of the contact surface includes a cushioning layer. In another example the contact surface of the articulating foot is essentially normal to the axis of the vacuum cleaner when the waste receptacle door is closed and essentially parallel to the axis of the vacuum cleaner when the waste receptacle door is in an open state to empty the waste receptacle. In another example the waste receptacle door is attached to the waste receptacle via a hinge. In another example the articulating foot includes at least one rotating wheel. In another example the at least one wheel is a passive wheel.

[0005] In another aspect, a vacuum cleaner is provided, the vacuum cleaner comprising a nozzle assembly, a waste receptacle, and a cleaning foot, the cleaning foot including an outer ridge defining an air passageway, the outer ridge comprising an essentially planar surface for contacting a substrate to be cleaned, the vacuum constructed and arranged to be interchangeable between a first cleaning mode and a second cleaning mode, wherein in the first cleaning mode the cleaning foot is positioned around an air pathway between the nozzle assembly and the waste receptacle, and in the second cleaning mode the nozzle assembly is disconnected from the vacuum cleaner and is not in fluid communication with the waste receptacle. In another example the cleaning foot is an articulating foot.

[0006] In another aspect, a vacuum cleaner is provided, the vacuum cleaner comprising an articulating foot attached to a distal end of the vacuum cleaner, the articulating foot comprising an air passageway for conveying air and debris to a waste receptacle or filter. In another example the articulating foot is not removable without tools. In another example the articulating foot is removable without tools. In another example the foot is attached to the vacuum cleaner without a flexible hose. In another example the vacuum is a stick vacuum and the footprint of the foot is within the cross-sectional area of the vacuum, as measured perpendicular to the axis of the stick vacuum. In another example the foot is void of a brush roll. In another example the foot lacks a source of electric power. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Features and advantages of embodiments of the claimed subject matter will become apparent as the following Detailed Description proceeds, and upon reference to the Drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 provides a plan view of one embodiment of an articulating foot;

[0009] FIG. 2 provides another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0010] FIG. 3 provides another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 4 provides another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the bottom surface of another embodiment of an articulating foot;

[0013] FIG. 6 provides a plan view of a portion of a nozzle assembly that can be used in conjunction with an articulating foot;

[0014] FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a stick vacuum cleaner body with an articulating foot;

[0015] FIG. 8 provides another view of the vacuum of FIG. 7;

[0016] FIG. 9 provides another view of the vacuum of FIG. 7 in a different position;

[0017] FIG. 10 is a copy of a photograph of another embodiment of a vacuum cleaner foot;

[0018] FIG. 11 provides a view of another embodiment of a vacuum cleaner foot; and [0019] FIGs. 12a - 12c provide views of a nozzle assembly through an articulating foot.

[0020] Although the following Detailed Description will proceed with reference being made to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations thereof will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The description uses the phrases "in an embodiment" or "in embodiments," which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of the present disclosure, are synonymous. When used to describe a range of dimensions, the phrase "between X and Y" represents a range that includes X and Y.

[0022] Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

[0023] As noted above, there are some non-trivial issues with the design of vacuum cleaners. Many of the issues pertain to matters of convenience for the user. For example, vacuum cleaners are often difficult to maneuver around and under furniture or other obstacles.

[0024] Described herein is a foot for attachment to a vacuum cleaner that allows for convenient cleaning in corners and other hard to reach places. As used herein, a “foot” is a vacuum cleaner component designed to pick up debris from flat surfaces such as floors. A foot typically does not include a powered brush roller and is smaller than the powered nozzle that is supplied with many vacuums. The relatively small surface area of the foot leads to high velocity suction through the foot. A foot can be permanently attached (in use) to the vacuum cleaner and in many embodiments is not removed when the powered nozzle is removed. The foot can include a light and can be in electrical communication with the vacuum battery or other power source. The components of the foot can be molded from one or more plastics, such as ABS. The foot is typically disposed at the distal end of a vacuum cleaner between the intake of the vacuum and a waste receptacle or filter. The distal end of the vacuum cleaner is the intake end, the location where dirt and debris are first sucked into the vacuum. The foot can be mounted on the body of the vacuum or on the end of a conduit that then leads to the waste receptacle and motor. The foot can be used with different types of vacuum cleaners but herein is described in the context of a stick vacuum or upright vacuum.

[0025] The foot can be an articulating foot designed to articulate horizontally and vertically in relation to the axis of the vacuum cleaner. As used herein, “articulating” means that the foot provides enough flexibility that the handle of the vacuum can move in two distinct planes without forcing the foot to lose contact with the floor. The foot can consist of one, two, three, four or more separate pieces that are hingedly joined together to allow for articulation. While articulating, the foot can maintain optimum suction without significant air leakage through joints between different pieces in the foot. The foot includes a lower surface configured to slide across the floor when the vacuum is moved back and forth by the user. The lower surface can be essentially planar and can be co-planar with the surface to be cleaned. The lower surface can include a low friction or low abrasion layer, such as felt or bristles, for easing movement across a surface, for reducing noise, and/or for preventing marring of the surface to be cleaned. Air passages through the lower surface provide a pathway for air suction and for debris. The small size of the foot and the relatively small cross-section of the air pathways result in very high air velocity through the foot, allowing the vacuum to pull in debris from areas not covered by the footprint of the foot. The foot is designed to pick up debris that is in front of it, not under it. In some cases, the cross-sectional area of air pathways in the foot can be less than the area of the passageway leading to the waste receptacle. For example, when the foot is flat on the floor, the total cross-sectional area (in vertical plane) in the foot for air flow can be less than 20 cm ² , less than 15 cm ² , less than 10 cm ² or less than 5 cm ² .

[0026] Unlike typical vacuuming tools, the foot never needs to be disconnected from the vacuum. It can remain attached to the vacuum body, and the nozzle assembly can be mounted upstream of the foot. In some cases, the nozzle assembly includes a conduit that passes through an orifice in the foot. When the nozzle assembly is installed and activated, the air pathway is isolated from the foot. A complete air pathway from the nozzle assembly to the waste receptacle does not rely on any portion of the foot for providing airflow. The foot can provide for physical attachment of the nozzle assembly or the nozzle assembly can be physically attached to the vacuum directly, without using the foot for attachment.

[0027] These and other such embodiments will be described in more detail herein.

[0028] FIGS. 1-4 provide different views of one embodiment of an articulating foot 100. Foot 100 includes circular conduit 120 that serves as an air flow path as well as a guide for the nozzle assembly. Circular conduit 120 forms a substantially airtight junction with a conduit on the vacuum body that leads to at least one waste receptacle or filter as well as a motor. As used herein a substantially airtight seal or junction is one in which any leakage of air through the seal or junction is so minimal that it does not meaningfully impact cleaning performance. In various embodiments, leakage through these seals or junctions, individually, can be limited to less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 20%, less than 10%, less than 5% or less than 1% of total airflow. In other embodiments, the segments making up the articulating foot may include gaps therebetween that allow air to pass through the gaps. The flow of air through these gaps can keep the joints clear of debris that might otherwise collect and interfere with airflow or with the articulation of the foot. Circular conduit 120 is adjoined to spherical dome segment 130. As used herein, a spherical dome segment is a portion of a hollow sphere. Spherical dome segments can have a wall thickness that provides rigidity without adding excess weight or taking up excessive space. For example, the wall thickness of these components can be from 1 to 5 mm. Circular conduit 120 can be permanently attached to spherical dome segment 130 and the combination can be molded from a singled piece. Spherical dome segment 130 is pivotally attached to second spherical dome segment 140 at pivot points 160 (second pivot point opposite the one shown) that allow for vertical motion of spherical dome segment 130 in relation to second spherical dome segment 140. Pivot points can be, for example, a pin and complementary recess, each molded into the two parts; a rivet passing through holes in each part; or a bushing that provides for smooth rotation about the pivot points. The inner diameter of second spherical dome segment 140 is essentially the same as the outer diameter of spherical dome segment 130, allowing movement between the two while providing a seal that leaks a minimal amount of air when the vacuum is in operation.

[0029] Second spherical dome segment 140 is attached to spherical seat 150 by pivot points 170, two of which are positioned opposite each other and 90 degrees opposed to pivot points 160. The articulating connecting between second spherical dome segment 140 and spherical seat 150 provides for vertical articulation between circular conduit 120 (as well as the vacuum to which it is attached) and spherical seat 150.

[0030] A base 190 may be molded from a single piece and can include spherical seat 150, cowling 180, outer edge 200 and lower surface 210. Outer edge 200 may be coated or covered with a resilient, non-abrasive material, to prevent marring of walls and woodwork. Outer edge 200 and/or lower surface 210 can define air pathway(s) 220 that provide for a suction path when lower surface 210 is in contact with the floor. Base 190 can also include a light for illuminating the area to be cleaned. For instance, an LED can be mounted on the front of spherical seat 150.

[0031] As shown best in FIG. 2, lower surface 210 can be divided into 2, 3, 4 or more portions. One or more portions may be substantially planar and may be coplanar with the floor, and in contact with the floor, while the foot is being used to vacuum. While lower surface 210 maintains contact with the substrate being cleaned, the articulation capability of the foot allows the user to move the handle up, down, left or right without losing parallel contact with the substrate. For instance, the foot can remain in contact with, and parallel to, the floor when the vacuum cleaner is positioned at greater than 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80° or 90° degrees above horizontal. Similarly, the vacuum cleaner can be moved left or right by greater than 10°, 20°, 30° or 40° without lifting lower surface 210 off of the substrate.

[0032] Edge 200 and lower surface 210 can form extensions that are designed to contact the floor. In between these extensions are one or more air passageways that can be defined by the horizontal distance between lower surface portions 210 and the vertical distance between the substrate and ceiling 230 (FIG. 4). This vertical distance is represented by the double headed arrow shown in FIG. 4. When the foot is in contact with the substrate being cleaned all air must pass through air passageways 220. The relatively small cross-sectional area of the passageways means that the air is accelerated through them at a faster velocity than would be realized with a larger opening. The total cross-sectional area of passageways 220 can be less than .75, less than 0.5 or less than .25 the cross-sectional area of circular conduit 120. This reduction in area can provide a high velocity flow in a small location, such as the comer of a room, under cabinets, or behind the legs of tables and chairs.

[0033] FIG. 5 provides a view of the underside (floor side) of another embodiment of an articulating foot. The foot includes lower surface 210 that is coated with felt to provide noise reduction as well as improved ease of movement on flat surfaces. The felt can also help form a seal between the lower surface 210 and the floor being cleaned, allowing air to pass only through the designed air passageways. Other cushioning materials that can be used include woven and non-woven fabrics as well as vertically aligned fibers, as in a brush. A portion of edge 200 is coated with a soft material 280 similar to, or the same as, the felt that covers surface 210. Other appropriate materials for covering the edge include rubber, fibers, woven fabric, non-woven fabric and soft, resilient polymers.

[0034] The embodiment of FIG. 5 includes flow restrictors 250 that channel the air to smaller pathways. Flow restrictors 250, as shown, extend from ceiling 230 about halfway to lower surface 210. In other embodiments, the flow restrictors may extend to a greater or lesser degree and may extend to the plane of lower surface 210. After passing by these flow restrictors, air then passes through orifice 270 where it is directed through circular conduit 120 and eventually to a waste receptacle or filter. Also shown is wheel 260 which can allow for easier and smoother maneuvering of the articulating foot. The wheel can be made from, or coated with, a nonmarring material such as rubber that can also provide grip for the wheel on surfaces such as wood, tile and laminate. The wheel can be mounted so that its circumference is below the hard portion of surface 210 but not as far as the outer surface of the cushioning layer. The wheel can facilitate forward/b ackward movement of the foot and can serve to reduce friction when rolling the foot along a surface.

[0035] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a nozzle assembly 300 that can be mounted through an articulating foot. Not shown is the head that would attach to the lower end of nozzle assembly 300. Suction conduit 310 is of rigid material and is configured to be received through orifice 270, spherical dome portions 140 and 130, as well as circular conduit 120. The upper portion of suction conduit 310 can form a seal with the flow path of the vacuum at a junction that is downstream of the foot. When suction conduit 310 is inserted, spherical dome portions 140 and 130, as well as circular conduit 120, are aligned in an essentially vertical axis, in line with the body of the vacuum and with suction conduit 310. When suction conduit 310 is inserted, the foot components can be fixed in place and articulation may be prevented until the suction conduit is removed. Latch 350 can mechanically secure the nozzle assembly 300 to the vacuum body. When the nozzle assembly is secured to the vacuum, the articulating foot can be isolated from the suction flow path, although it remains attached in the same location as when it is used.

[0036] FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 provide different views of a foot 100 attached to a cover 320 of a waste receptacle 315. As shown in FIG. 7, vacuum cleaner 400 can include a waste receptacle 315 that can be accessed by opening door 320. Door 320 can be securely closed by engaging latch portions 330a and 330b to provide closed latch 330. Hidden hinge 340 allows for opening of door 320 without removing the door completely. The hinge mechanism can also make it easier to close the door after the waste receptacle is emptied. Foot 100 is attached to door 320 and includes an air passageway that passes through foot 100 and through door 320 into waste receptacle 315. When waste receptacle door 320 swings open, foot 100 moves with it. When waste receptacle door 320 is closed, the foot is in cleaning position and, as shown, can articulate in order to maintain contact with the floor. When a nozzle assembly (not shown) is attached to the vacuum 400, a suction conduit from the nozzle assembly can pass through foot 100, through door 320 and into waste receptacle 315.

[0037] FIGS. 10 and 11 provide views of different embodiments of a vacuum cleaner foot. The example of FIG. 10 uses flexible hose 410 instead of the nested spherical dome segments of other embodiments. When the foot is closed, flexible hose 410 is compressed and allows latch portion 530b to be secured to latch portion 530a. In latched mode, the conduit of a nozzle assembly can be inserted through the hose and function as in other embodiments. When the foot is open and being used, flexible hose 410 is in compression and as a result pushes the foot downward toward the floor. This helps to keep the foot in contact with the floor when the vacuum is moved back and forth.

[0038] FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of an articulating foot that uses a ball and socket joint 510 instead of the nested spherical domes that are described in other embodiments. The ball and socket connection allows for vertical and horizontal movement of the foot in relation to the vacuum handle. Air passes through the ball and socket joint 510 as well as through conduit 520 when the foot is in use.

[0039] FIGS. 12a through 12c illustrate the attachment (or detachment) of a nozzle assembly 300 through an articulating foot 100 onto a vacuum cleaner. Articulating foot 100 can be the

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RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP same or similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-4. In FIG. 12a, the foot 100 and nozzle assembly 300 are unattached and are not in contact with each other. In this position, the foot can articulate and can be used to clean a surface. In FIG. 12b, the foot 100 and nozzle assembly 300 are closer to each other and are aligned for attachment. In FIG. 12c the nozzle assembly has been fully seated on the vacuum and latch 350 is engaged, securing the nozzle assembly to the vacuum cleaner. Suction conduit 310 passes through articulating foot 100 and provides fluid communication from the nozzle assembly to a waste bin and a motor. In FIG. 12c, articulating foot 100 is retained in a non-articulating position and the segments of the foot do not move in relation to each other.

[0040] Numerous specific details have been set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will be understood in light of this disclosure, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known operations and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments. It can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments. In addition, although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described herein. Rather, the specific features and acts described herein are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

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RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP