CROSS-REFERENCETORELATEDAPPLICATIONS

The present PCT patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent serial number 60/862761 filed on October 24, 2006 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates generally to surface cleaning apparatuses. More particularly, the invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus, for example, without limitation, for a floor or upholstery, incorporating an elongate rotating brush arrangement and an electric motor or mechanical system for rotating the brush.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses with rotating brushes and electric motors or mechanical systems for rotating the brush do not enable efficient usage on different surfaces. Types of applicable surfaces are hard surfaces and soft surfaces. For example, without limitation, wood floors and carpeted floors clearly illustrate the existing problem. Different textures of surfaces to be cleaned affect the performance of the cleaning apparatus as the hardness or softness of the surface affects the distance between the body of the cleaning apparatus and the surface to be cleaned. For example, without limitation, the wheels of the cleaning apparatus sink down into a carpeted floor but not into a wood floor.

[003] The distance between the bristles of the floor brush and the surface to be cleaned is critical for cleaning effectiveness and operating efficiency. A gap between the bristle ends and the surface to be cleaned enables debris such as, but not limited to, dust, dirt and crumbs, to be missed. If the bristle ends are too close to the surface to be cleaned, the bristles may harshly scratch the surface,

and the electricity consumption of the apparatus will significantly increase. Also, the distance between a blocking bar and the surface to be cleaned affects the cleaning effectiveness and the smooth operation of the apparatus. The blocking bar is attached to the underside of the cleaning apparatus to prevent missed rubbish from going underneath the cleaning apparatus and remaining on the surface after the cleaning apparatus has passed. A gap between the blocking bar and the surface to be cleaned allows rubbish to go underneath the apparatus and be left after the cleaning apparatus passes. However, if the blocking bar is too close to the surface to be cleaned, the friction between the blocking bar and the surface may make it difficult to move the cleaning apparatus across the surface. Sometimes, rubbish is left behind due to a jumping action of the cleaning apparatus caused by too much fiction. Existing surface cleaning apparatuses often sacrifice smooth operation for cleaning effectiveness or vice versa in these situations.

[004] In view of the foregoing, there, is a need for a surface cleaning apparatus that can be applied on different surfaces for effective cleaning, efficient operation., and smooth operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[005] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[006] Fig. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary surface cleaning apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[007] Fig. 2 is a side elevation view, partly in section of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in

Fig. 1 with a cross-sectional view of an exemplary back wheel adjusting system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[008] Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B illustrate an exemplary surface cleaning apparatus being used on different types of floors, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 A shows the cleaning apparatus on a hard floor such as, but not limited to, hardwood, and Fig. 2B shows the cleaning apparatus, on a softer floor such as, but not limited to carpeting;

[009] Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Fig. 1 with an extension handle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus shown by way of example in

Fig. 1 with part of the housing removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Fig. 5 is a back view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Fig. 1 with the lower body detached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Fig. 6 is an exploded view of an exemplary back wheel adjustment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Fig. 7 A and Fig. 7B illustrate an exploded view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an exemplary system for the height adjustment of the back wheel with suspension function, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Fig. 8 A and Fig. 8B illustrate an exploded view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an exemplary system for the height adjustment of the back wheel of a surface cleaning apparatus with suspension function, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0015] Fig. 9 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary system for the height adjustment of a back wheel of a surface cleaning apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[001] To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, surface cleaning apparatus with height adjustable base is presented.

[002] In one embodiment, a surface cleaning apparatus for cleaning debris from the surface is presented. The apparatus includes a housing including an upper body having a battery, a DC motor for operating a part of the apparatus, and a switch for connecting the battery to the DC motor. A forward compartment includes a floor brush, a belt attachable to the floor brush and DC motor for rotating the floor brush when the DC motor is activated and front wheels positioned forward of the floor brush for rolling on the surface. A lower body includes a dust tray for collecting the debris brushed by the floor brush and a height adjustable rear wheel positioned centrally at a rear of the lower body. The rear wheel includes a first height for operating the apparatus on a hard surface where the lower body and the floor bush are at a first distance from the surface such that the debris is brushed from the surface and friction between the floor brush and the surface is minimized thus reducing scratching of the surface and electricity consumption of the apparatus. The rear wheel includes a second height for operating the apparatus on a soft surface where the lower body and the floor bush are at a second distance from the surface such that the debris is brushed from the surface and friction between the floor brush, the housing and the surface is minimized thus reducing electricity consumption of the apparatus and avoiding the surface from blocking movement of the apparatus over the surface to provide smooth movement of the apparatus over the surface. A lower handle is included for moving the apparatus over the surface. In another embodiment, the apparatus further includes a wheel holder for holding the rear wheel. The wheel holder includes a post with a spring disposed thereon. The spring provides a suspension function for flexible movement at different positions. In a further embodiment, the apparatus further includes a wheel adjust button for alternatively selecting the first and second heights. In yet other embodiments, the rear wheel further includes a plurality of heights between the first and second height and a turn wheel selects a one of the plurality of heights for optimizing debris removal, minimizing electricity consumption and providing smooth movement of the apparatus over the surface. In still another embodiment, the apparatus further includes an extension attachable to the lower handle and an upper handle attachable to the extension for moving the apparatus over the surface by the upper handle. Other embodiments further include means for charging the battery, a light positioned forward of the forward compartment and operable by the switch to illuminate an area of the surface in front of the

apparatus and a release button for releasing the dust pan from the lower bottom for emptying debris from the dust pan.

[003] In another embodiment, a surface cleaning apparatus for cleaning debris from the surface is presented. The apparatus includes means for housing the apparatus, mean for operating a part of the apparatus for cleaning debris, means for brushing the debris from the surface, means for collecting the brushed debris, means for adjusting the height of a rear wheel, where, at a first height for operating the apparatus the housing means and the brushing means are at a first distance from the surface such that the debris is brushed from the surface and friction between the brushing means and the surface is minimized thus reducing scratching of the surface and electricity consumption of the apparatus and, where, at a second height for operating the apparatus, the housing means and the brushing means are at a second distance from the surface such that the debris is brushed from the surface and friction between the brushing means, the housing means and the surface is minimized thus reducing electricity consumption of the apparatus and avoiding the surface from blocking movement of the apparatus over the surface to provide smooth movement of the apparatus over the surface and means for moving the apparatus over the surface. In another embodiment the apparatus further includes means for a suspension function for flexible movement at different positions. In yet another embodiment the apparatus further includes means for providing a- plurality heights between the first and second height for optimizing debris removal, minimizing electricity consumption and providing smooth movement of the apparatus over the surface.

[004] In another embodiment, an apparatus for adjusting the height of a surface cleaning apparatus for cleaning debris from the surface is presented. The apparatus includes a wheel assembly including a wheel and an axle, the wheel configured for rolling on a hard surface and a soft surface. A wheel holder retains the wheel assembly such that the wheel and axle may freely rotate about an axis of the axle. An adjustment platform contains at least a portion of the wheel holder such that the wheel holder may move vertically with respect to the adjustment platform. The adjustment platform is configured to be positioned centrally at a rear portion of the surface cleaning apparatus where the wheel extends below a bottom of the surface cleaning apparatus and means for adjusting the vertical position of the wheel holder relative to the adjustment platform such that the height of the surface cleaning apparatus relative to the surface may be adjusted for the hard and soft surfaces, whereby the surface cleaning apparatus may be optimized for debris removal and smooth movement of the surface cleaning apparatus over the surface. A further embodiment includes means

for a suspension function for flexible movement at different positions. In other embodiments the adjusting means includes a first height for operating the surface cleaning apparatus on the hard surface and a second height for operating the surface cleaning apparatus on the soft surface, the adjusting means further includes teeth and grooves means for providing the first and second heights and a wheel adjust button for alternatively selecting the first and second heights. In still further embodiments the adjusting means includes a plurality heights for optimizing debris removal and providing smooth movement of the apparatus over the surface, the adjusting means further includes a screw means for providing the plurality of heights and the apparatus further includes a turn wheel for selecting a one of the plurality of heights.

[005] Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and the description set forth herein.

[0018] Embodiments of the invention are discussed belowwith reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, without limitation, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending on the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

[0019] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary surface cleaning apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment comprises three major compartments; an upper body 1, a forward compartment 2, and a lower body 3, shown by way of example in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5. Lower body 3 includes, without limitation, a dust tray. Upper body 1 carries a battery 5 that is linked to a DC motor 4 through a main switch 8. The rotation of DC motor 4 puts a floor brush 6 in motion via a belt 7. Floor brush 6 and belt 7 are located in forward compartment 2. The present surface cleaning apparatus performs cleaning functions by the rotation of floor brush 6, which picks up debris and throws the debris into the dust tray located in lower body 3. To remove the dust tray, the user pushes a dust tray release button 17 located on upper body 1. [0021 ] The present embodiment comprises two headlights 16, which may be switched on by main switch 8 to provide the user better visibility while cleaning. Battery 5 may also be linked to a charger for power recharging through a DC jack 20 whenever needed. The present embodiment also comprises an indicator light 9. Indicator light 9 alerts the user when the battery is fully charged.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a side elevation view, partly in section of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in Fig. 1 with a cross-sectional view of an exemplary back wheel adjusting system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, floor brush 6 rotates when DC motor 4 turns belt 7. This causes bristles 19 of floor brush 6 to brush the floor and gather debris. Fig. 2 also shows battery 5 and a lower handle 10. Underneath dust tray release button 17, shown by way of example in Fig. 1, is the back wheel adjusting system, which enables the adjustment of the height of a back wheel 12 by pushing a back wheel adjust button 18. In the present embodiment, font wheels 11 are stationary. However in alternate embodiments, front wheels 11 may also have means for height adjustment.

[0023] In the present embodiment, by adjusting the height of back wheel 12, the distance between floor brush 6 and the floor and the distance between the base of the surface cleaning apparatus and the floor is adjusted. This height is adjustable to optimize the cleaning effectiveness and efficiency of the surface cleaning apparatus against different surfaces such as, but not limited to, hard floor and carpeted floor.

[0024] Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B illustrate an exemplary surface cleaning apparatus being used on different types of floors, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 A shows the cleaning apparatus on a hard floor such as, but not limited to, hardwood or tile, and Fig. 2B shows the cleaning apparatus on a softer floor such as, but not limited to carpeting or a rug. The wheels of the cleaning apparatus sink deeper into the floor when the cleaning apparatus is being used on a soft floor or other types of soft surfaces, such as, but not limited to, upholstered furniture. [0025] Back wheel 12 is preferably adjusted to the high position, making the body of the surface cleaning apparatus further from the ground, when the surface cleaning apparatus is used, on carpeted floor to ensure that there is enough distance between the base of the cleaning apparatus and the floor to avoid the carpet from blocking the movement of the cleaning apparatus to provide smooth movement of the apparatus over the surface. Being in the high position also optimizes the running time, as power is not wasted on excessive rubbing of bristles 19 against the carpet. Back wheel 12 is preferably adjusted to the low position, making the body of the surface cleaning apparatus closer to the ground, when the cleaning apparatus is used on a hard floor, to ensure that the distance between the base of the cleaning apparatus and the floor is not too large to cause floor brush 6 to miss the debris. The debris is brushed from the surface and friction between the floor brush and the surface is minimized thus reducing scratching of the surface and electricity consumption of the apparatus.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Fig. 1 with an extension handle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, lower handle 10 is coupled to an extension pole 15, and extension pole 15 is coupled to an upper handle 14. The movement of the cleaning apparatus by the user is handled by holding upper handle 14 for comparatively distanced applications such as, but not limited to, cleaning a floor, or by holding lower handle 10 for comparatively close applications such as, but not limited to, cleaning stairs, furniture, or a vehicle interior. The height of upper handle 14 can be adjusted by extending or retracting extension pole 15. Upper handle 14 and extension pole 15 may be removed from lower handle 10 when the user desires to control the surface cleaning apparatus by lower handle 10. Also shown in Fig. 3 are upper body 1, forward compartment 2, lower compartment 3, front wheels 11, back wheel 12, and back wheel adjustment button 18. In an alternate embodiment upper handle 14 and extension pole 15 may not be removable, and in another alternate embodiment, a pole of fixed length may be provided instead of extendable pole 15.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus shown by way of example in Fig. 1 with part of the housing removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The present figure illustrates an exemplary placement of the following elements ^" : DC motor 4, battery 5, floor brush 6, belt 7, main switch 8, and DC jack 20. In the present embodiment the surface cleaning apparatus may be plugged into a DC outlefthrough DC jack 20 to charge battery 5. When main switch 8 is pressed, battery 5 provides power to DC motor 4 to rotate belt 7 and floor brush 6. When floor brush 6 is rotating, bristles 19 collect debris and push the debris into the dust tray. In the present embodiment, an inner dust cover 13 separates the dust tray from the internal mechanisms of the surface cleaning apparatus to protect these mechanisms from dirt and debris that may interfere with their function. Dust tray release button 17 detaches the dust tray from the surface cleaning apparatus when depressed so that the user may dispose of the debris in the dust tray when the dust tray is full or whenever the user desires to empty the dust tray.

[0028] Fig. 5 is a back view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Fig. 1 with lower body 3 detached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, hi the present embodiment, lower body 3 may be removed by pushing dust tray release button 17 and pulling lower body 3 out for debris disposal when the dust tray is full. Indicator light 9 lights up when the dust tray is full. When the dust tray is removed, inner dust cover 13 generally prevents the debris from falling out of the dust tray. The present embodiment comprises a lower handle joint 21 where lower handle 10, shown by way of example in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 attaches to the surface cleaning apparatus. In the present

embodiment, lower handle joint 21 is round so that lower handle 10 may swivel with respect to the body of the surface cleaning apparatus to make maneuvering easier for the user. In alternate embodiments lower handle 21 may be stationary on the body of the surface cleaning apparatus. The present figure also shows main switch 8, indictor light 9, height adjustor switch 18, and DC jack 20. [0029] In typical use, the surface cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment shown by way of example in Figs. 1-5 runs on battery power from battery 5. The user first adjusts the height of back wheel 12 according to the type of surface being cleaned. If the user is cleaning a hard surface, back wheel 12 is put in the low position, and if the user is cleaning a soft surface, back wheel 12 is put in the high position. The user may then turn on the surface cleaning apparatus with main switch 8 and guide the surface cleaning apparatus over the surface using. upper handle 14 or, lower handle 10. While in use, floor brush 6 rotates pushing debris into the dust tray. When the user is finished cleaning the surface, the user turns the surface cleaning apparatus off using main switch 8. The user may then want to empty the dust tray by pushing dust tray release button 17 and removing the dust tray to dispose of the dust. The dust tray then snaps back into place on the surface cleaning apparatus.

[0030] Alternate embodiments may include mechanical means other than a DC motor to accomplish the rotation of the floor brush such as, but not limited to, a turbo brush. A turbo brush is a floor brush that is attached to a vacuum machine and the rotation of the floor brush is powered by the suction of the vacuum machine. Other alternate embodiments may include means for suction for debris collection along with the rotating floor brush. In another alternate embodiment, the wheels of the surface cleaning apparatus may be" able to swivel similar to a wheel on a castor for added maneuverability. The means for swiveling may be incorporated into all of the wheels, only the rear wheels, or only the front wheels.

[0031] Fig. 6 is an exploded view of an exemplary back wheel adjustment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Back wheel 12 comprises an axle 31 and an axle cover 30. In the present embodiment, axle 31 is .coupled to a back wheel holder 24 so that axle 31 is able to spin therefore enabling axle cover 30 and back wheel 12 to spin. A back wheel button holder 28 and a link plate 22 connect back wheel adjust button 18 to the back wheel adjustment system. Link plate 22 is connected to an up and down button holder 23, which holds an upper piece 25 of an up and down button and a lower piece 26 of the up and down button. The up and down button connects back wheel holder 24 to an adjustment platform 27.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the height of back wheel 12 can change from a high position to a low position and back each time the user pushes back wheel adjust button 18. Upper piece 25 will generally be pushed downward whenever button 18 is being pushed- down, upper piece 25 will turn clockwise or anticlockwise for every pushing down due to the gears on it. The turning of upper piece 25 will change the distance between the wheel holder 24 and the body and thus the height of back wheel 12, much like the mechanism of a ball point pen. This function is actualized by the turning of upper piece 25 against lower piece 26 of the up and down button due to teeth and grooves in the mechanism of the up and down button. For example, without limitation, if back wheel 12 is in the lower position, the teeth of the mechanism are lined up so that upper piece 25 and lower piece 26 are extended. If the user pushes back wheel adjust button 18 at this point, the back wheel adjust system turns upper piece 25 of the up arid down button so that the teeth of upper piece 25 mate with the grooves of lower piece 26 so that the up and down button is contracted. The extension and contraction of the up and down button moves back wheel holder 24 and back wheel 12 down and up, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, Upper piece 25 rotates against, lower piece 26 by 90°, whereby this 90° exactly causes the alignment of the teeth and groove to change. [0033] Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B illustrate an exploded view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an exemplary system for the height adjustment of the back wheels with suspension function, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment comprises the same elements as the embodiment shown by way of example in Fig. 6; back wheel button holder 28, link plate 22, up and down button holder 23, back wheel holder.24, upper piece 25 of the up and down button, lower piece 26 of the up and down button, and adjustment platform 27. Also, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, back wheel 12 comprises an axle 31 and an axle cover 30, and axle 31 is movably coupled to back wheel holder 24. The present embodiment is an alternate system for the back wheel adjustment with a spring 33 on a post 36 on the upper portion of back wheel holder 24 for flexible movement at different positions. The distance between the base of back wheel 12 will reduce when there is a sudden rise in the floor height and vice versa. Spring 33 is a conventional coil spring preferably made of a flexible metal. A spring cover 32 covers spring 33. In the present embodiment, the height of the back wheel can change from a high position to a low position and back each time the user pushes back wheel adjust button 18. This function is actualized by the turning of an upper piece 25 of an up and down button against a lower piece 26 due to the mechanism of the up and down button, similar to the function of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6.

[0034] Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B illustrate an exploded view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an exemplary system for the height adjustment of the back wheels of a surface cleaning apparatus with suspension function, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is another alternative system for the back wheel adjustment with a spring 35 and a spring cover 34 for flexible movement at different positions. Spring 35 in the present embodiment is a simpler spring with a lower cost than spring 33 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 A and Fig. 7B. The present embodiment comprises back wheel adjustment button 18, back wheel button holder 28, link plate 22, up and down button holder 23, back wheel holder 24, upper piece 25 and lower piece 26 of the up and down button, and adjustment platform 27. As in the previous embodiment, back wheel 12 is movably coupled to back wheel holder 24 by axle 31 and axle cover 30. The present embodiment functions in the same manner as the embodiment shown by way of example in Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B.

[0035] Fig. 9 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary system for the height adjustment of a back wheel 44 of a surface cleaning apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is another alternative system for the back wheel adjustment that comprises a turn wheel 41, which is linked with back wheel 44 by a joint 43. An axle 45 of back wheel 44 attaches to joint 43 so that axle 45 is able to spin, and therefore back wheel 44 is able to spin. In the present embodiment, a turn wheel cover 40 covers the entire turn wheel mechanism. The turning of turn wheel 41 adjusts the height of back wheel 44 through a screw 42. When the user turns turn wheel 41 in one direction, back wheel 44 lowers, and when the .user turns turn wheel 41 in the other direction, back wheel 44 raises. The direction of turning that determines whether back wheel 44 raises or lowers depends on the placement and the handedness of screw 42. Turn wheel 41 is positioned in the surface cleaning apparatus so that a portion of turn wheel 41 protrudes from the body of the surface cleaning apparatus, giving the user access to turn wheel 41 so that the user can adjust the height of back wheel 44 according to the desired use for optimizing debris removal, minimizing electricity consumption and providing smooth movement of the apparatus over the surface.

[0036] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative means for implementing a surface cleaning device with adjustable height according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, without limitation, the embodiments

above are directed toward a battery powered cleaning apparatus, however, in alternate embodiments, the cleaning apparatus may be powered through power cord and a DC outlet. Some embodiments may incorporate a dust collection bag instead of a dust tray, and other embodiments may have multiple adjustable wheels. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.