CA2072700C - Vacuum cleaner remote switch actuator - Google Patents
Vacuum cleaner remote switch actuatorInfo
- Publication number
- CA2072700C CA2072700C CA002072700A CA2072700A CA2072700C CA 2072700 C CA2072700 C CA 2072700C CA 002072700 A CA002072700 A CA 002072700A CA 2072700 A CA2072700 A CA 2072700A CA 2072700 C CA2072700 C CA 2072700C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- rod
- vacuum cleaner
- operating rod
- actuating mechanism
- remote switch
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2857—User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/54—Mechanisms for coupling or uncoupling operating parts, driving mechanisms, or contacts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
- H01H9/02—Bases, casings, or covers
- H01H9/06—Casing of switch constituted by a handle serving a purpose other than the actuation of the switch, e.g. by the handle of a vacuum cleaner
Abstract
A switch actuator for an upright vacuum cleaner consists of two elongated rod sections adapted for interconnection by means of a barbed clevis at the end of one of the sections adapted for engaging a receptacle at the end of the othersection. One of the sections is maintained within an upper handle portion and the other within a lower handle portion of the vacuum cleaner. As the two handle portions are interconnected, interconnection of the actuator rod sectionsis automatically effectuated. The actuator rod section maintained in the upper handle portion is also adapted to receive an actuator button which has a connector passing through a slot in the vacuum cleaner handle. The button remains external to the vacuum cleaner handle, while the connector portion thereof extends internally thereof and mates with one of the actuator rod sections.
Description
Hoover Can~ n Case 2382 VACUUM CLEANER REMOTE SWITCH ACTUATOR
The invention herein resides in the art of vacuum cleaning devices of the floor care type. Particularly, the invention relates to a power switch actuator for upright cleaners.
More specifically, the invention relates to such a switch actuator having an elongated linkage allowing the operator to maneuver a button at a handle of the sweeper to actuate a switch in a remote power head.
Presently, the bulk of consumer products are sold by mass merch~nl1i7ing.
Large retail stores are provided with elaborate arrays of shelves, counters, and floor displays for m~int~ining boxed products offered for sale. Such retail establishments have minimi7Pd the number of store personnel required to operate the same, thus increasing the overall 10 profitability of the store. Additionally, in order that a large variety of products may be made available for sale, the amount of shelf space allotted to each product is carefully determined.
With such shelf space restrictions, the m~nl-facturers of products are under increasing pressure to present the same in compact packages having point of sale advertising and promotional material illl~lhll~d thereon. Such compact pack~ging gives rise to the need for assembly of most products by the consumer subsequent to there purchase.
It is most desirable that consumer products requiring assembly by the purchaser be so designed and configured to minimi7e the complexity of the assembly procedure and to further minimi7e the requirement of tools and mechanical aptitude. Such products oftentimes are provided with mating snaps or latches allowing modularized portions of the product to be 20 "snap fit" together with the ultimate securement being ~tt~in~l by means of a ~l~ini"""" of screws or the like. Electrical interconnections between the various product portions are Ç~ generally facilitated by means of plugs and jacks or other similar electromechanical devices.
~' /~ Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 207270~
Typically, when modularizing products for packaging purposes, it is most desirable that the extension of elements from one module to the other be minimi7ed such that only housings need be interconnected, rather than mechanically or electrically operative parts.
It has previously been known that floor care cleaning devices such as upright cleaners may be marketed in a compact package by presenting the cleaner as three separate structural elements adapted to be quickly and easily interconn~cted with each other, employing a mil~i",ll", number of tools and mechanical dexterity. Such upright cleaners are typically packaged with a separate cleaner head or body, a lower handle portion, and an upper handle portion. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in such upright cleaners, the cleaner head 10 or body receives and houses the vacuum and agitator motor, agitator, brush assembly, and power switch. The lower handle portion is typically provided with a dirt receptacle or means for supporting a filter bag or the like, along with the requisite air passage conduit to allow the dirt receptacle or bag to intercollllllunicate with the vacuum-generating motor. The upper handle portion is typically provided with a hand grip at a remote end thereof, a bag strap for securing a top end of the filter bag, and cord hooks or the like for receiving and m~int~ining the power cord. As will be appreciated below, the prior art upright cleaners have typically been configured such that the three structural elements may be quickly and easily interconnected by snap-fit connectors, with ultimate securing engagement being provided by a screw at the point of interconnection. To minimi7e the number of mechanical and/or electrical 20 interconnections between the three portions of the upright cleaners discussed above, the actuator button for the power switch of the cleaner has typically been positioned on the lower handle portion. However, such positioning has been found to be inconvenient, principally due to its remote location from the hand of the operator. It is most desirable that the power switch and associated actuator button be positioned near the hand grip on upper handle portion to be readily ~ccessed by the user during normal operation. However, to position the actuator ~) Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 button and power switch at the handle grip nPcess~rily requires that electrical wires communicate with each of the three modularized portions of the cleaner from the switch to the motor. The interconnection of the switch and motor so positioned is simply not given to ease of the assembly by a customer, since passing of electrical wires through the three separate components greatly complicates the assembly procedure. Additionally, the cost of the cleaner would be greatly aggravated by the inclusion of interconnPcting plugs at the interfaces of various modules if that approach were taken.
It has also been known in the art that the switch and actuator of a floor care cleaning device may be remotely interconnected by a wire or cable. The use of a Bowden 10 cable or a wire form for such purposes is well known. The former consists of a fixed shield slidingly receiving a central wire or cable connected at one end to the switch and at the other to the actuator. The latter consists of a substantially rigid wire received in guides and similarly interconnected. Neither the Bowden cable nor the wire form are given to division into segments received in respective modules or product portions and which may be easily and effectively joined. Indeed, the complexity and cost of such remote actuators are aggravated by ~lle~ )ls at modularization of the same.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an extended mechanical linkage from the hand grip of the upper handle portion of the vacuum cleaner to the power switch in the cleaner head, which mechanical linkage is sectioned such that one portion thereof is retained in 20 the upper handle assembly and the second portion thereof is retained in the lower handle assembly, which portions are easily attached and detached during assembly and disassembly operations. Additionally, there is a need in the art for a simple actuator button which may be interconnected with such linkage and which may be quickly and easily attached and detached with respect thereto and which may be m~int~inPd at the hand grip of the upper handle portion.
~, Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 - ` 2072700 In light of the foregoing, it is a first aspect of the invention to provide a remote switch actuating mechanism in combination with a vacuum cleaner having first and second, upper and lower, separable handle portions comprising: a manual switch member mounted in the first, upper portion of the handle; a multipart operating rod attached to the switch member for actuating thereby; an engageable means for securing the parts of the rod together; and the operating rod having a first part received in the upper portion and a second part received in the lower handle portion.
Another aspect of the invention is the provision of the structure of the immediately prece~ling paragraph and including the fact that a fastening means is engaged by 10 interengagement of the upper and lower handle portions.
A further aspect of the invention is the provision of the structure of the immediately prece~ling paragraph and including the fact that the fastening means comprises a clevis on one of the first and second rod parts that telescopically receives the other of the first and second rod parts.
A still further aspect of the invention is the provision of the structure of the third paragraph above and including the fact that the second part of the operating rod is slidingly received within guides in the lower handle portions, and stop means on one of the first and second parts of the operating rod engage one of the guides.
Another aspect of the invention is the provision of the structure of the fourth 20 paragraph above and including the fact that a portion of the first part of the operating rod includes an elbow slidingly received upon a bearing surface.
A further aspect of the invention includes provision of the structure of the p~ imm~ tely prece~ling paragraph and including the fact that the elbow configures the first part of the operating rod to track a contour of the upper handle portion.
Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 A final aspect of the invention is a remote switch actl~ting mechanism mounted in a housing and comprising: a switch; an operating rod for switch actuation; a switch button driving said operating rod; the button including an operator contactable portion disposed outside such housing and a portion for attachment to the operating rod; the attachment portion extending through the housing; the attachment portion having a latch also extending through an aperture in the rod for attachment thereto; the rod having first and second receptacles on opposite sides of the aperture; the attachment portion including a pair of flanges one on each side of the latch; and the flanges received by respective ones of the first and second receptacles.
For a complete underst~n(ling of the objects, techniques, and structure of the invention reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings wherein:
Figs. lA, lB, and lC are elevational views, in partial section, of portions of an upright vacuum cleaner employing the invention, and wherein Fig. lA is such a view of the upper handle portion; Fig. lB is such a view of the lower handle portion, and Fig. lC is such a view of the cleaner body;
Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the lower actuator rod of the invention;
Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the upper actuator rod of the invention;
Fig. 4 is a partial sectional view of the interconnection of the upper and lower 20 actuator rods;
Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the actuator button of the invention;
Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of the actuator button of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a partial side sectional view of the upper actuator rod showing an elbow of the same slidingly received by a support structure; and ~ /~ Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 Fig. 8 is a partial side elevational view of the lower actuator rod of the invention showing a stop fin thereof.
Referring now to the drawings and more particularly Figs. lA-lC, the assembly of a floor care cleaning device such as an upright vacuum cleaner embodying the concept of the invention can be seen. As shown, an upper handle portion 10 is adapted to interconnect with the lower handle portion 12 which, in turn, is received by the motor fan housing 48 contained in the cleaner body 14. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the elements 10, 12, 14 will typically be of molded plastic construction, defining housings for receiving and m~int~ining operative structure of the vacuum cleaner as will become apparent below. Those skilled in the art will further understand that the structural portions 10, 12, 14 are received and m~inf~inPd in a single package m~int~ining the entirety of the vacuum cleaner at a point of sale display or the like. Such elements are adapted to be snap fit or otherwise be quickly, easily, and securedly interconnected with each other.
A hand grip 16 extends from an end of the upper handle portion 10 and is angled with respect to the central axis thereof. Such handle grip 16 may be provided with finger receiving depressions, grip texture, or the like to accommodate the hand of an operator.
Extending from the hand grip 16 is a stem 18 which flares ouLwardly at the shoulders 20 to a body portion 22. An aperture 24 is provided in the stem 18 and is adapted to receive a strap or other cleaner bag ret~ining means as is well known and understood in the art. In one 20 embodiment of the invention, a spring biased strap extends from the aperture 24 and is adapted to make securing and ret~ining engagement with a cloth dust bag adapted to receive Q~ and m~int~in a filter paper bag therein.
Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 As is also known in the art, a second aperture 26 is provided in one of the shoulders 20 of the upper handle portion 10, the same being adapted to receive an electrical power cord. A cord protector device would typically be received within the aperture 26 in standard fashion.
As mentioned above, the elements of the vacuum cleaner of the invention are adapted to be snap fit together. To that end, a receptacle 28 is provided in the body portion 22 and is adapted to engage a tab or protrusion 30 extending ~ulwardly from a mating portion of the lower handle assembly 12. Those skilled in the art will understand that the body portion 22 is deflected over the tab or protrusion 30 during the mating engagement of the handle portions 10, 12 until the receptacle 28 is in registration with the protrusion 30 and the bottom lip 32 of the upper handle portion 10 is in engagement with the top lip 34 of the lower handle portion 12. At this time, the body 22 returns to its undeflected state with the protrusion 30 extending outwardly from the receptacle 28 to m~int~in the handle portions 10, 12 in fixed registration with each other. Final secured engagement is achieved by means of the openings 36 passing through the body 22 and in ~lignment with the openings 38 within the lower housing portion 12. A bag support flange or the like is secured through the holes 36 and into the holes 38 for fin~li7ing and fixing the secured engagement between the handle portions 10, 12 while securing the filter bag in place, all well known to those skilled in the art.
As shown in Fig. lB, the lower handle portion 12 includes a conduit 42 to pass 20 the dirt laden air of the vacuum cleaner from the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the housing 14 to an orifice 44. An applopliate filter bag is interconnected with the orifice 44 in standard fashion, with the outer cloth bag thereof being secured by means of a strap extending from the aperture 24 as discussed above. It will, of course, be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the g~ lower handle portion 12 mates with the cleaner body 14 such that the conduit 42 communicates with the vacuum genelal~d in the envelope by the motor housed therein. To Hoover Can~ n Case 2382 that end, a sleeve coupler 46 extends from the bottom of the lower handle portion 12 and is adapted to telescopically receive the neck 50 of the motor fan housing 48 as shown in Fig. lC.
A hole 52 passing through the coupler 46 aligns with the hole 52a of the neck 50, which holes are adapted to receive a screw or the like to effect final securement of the lower handle portion 12 to the cleaner body 14 in a manner well known and understood in the art.
With further attention to Figs. lA and lB, it can be seen that interconnection of the upper and lower handle portions 10, 12 is achieved in a lllalmel similar to that of the interconnection of the lower handle portion 12 with the cleaner body 14. As illustrated, a coupler 54 extends upwardly from a top end of the lower handle portion 12, while a spade 56 10 extends dowllwaldly from a bottom end of the top handle portion 10. The coupler 54 is received within the body 22 while the spade 56 slides behind the coupler 54 to provide for stability and rigidity at the junction so defined.
As shown in Fig. lC, the motor fan housing 48 m~int~in~ a power switch 58 therein. Power lines 60 adapted to interconnect with a wall socket and a motor (not shown) are also m~int~in~l in the motor fan housing 48. The switch 58 is interposed in one of the power lines 60 to connect and disconnect the power source from the motor dependent upon the state of actuation of the rocker actuator 62 of the switch 58.
It will now be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the structure described thus far with respect to Figs. lA-lC constitute the general state of the art of vacuum cleaners 20 or floor care devices which are modularized or otherwise separated into distinct functional subassemblies. This art is improved by the invention herein through the provision of a linkage interconnecting the rocker actuator 62 of the switch 58 with an actuator button at the hand grip ~) 16 of the upper handle portion 10. As shown in Figs. lA and lB, a lower actuator rod 64 is q Hoover Can~ n Case 2382 received within the lower handle portion 12 and is interconn~cted with an upper actuator rod 66 within the upper handle portion 10. Interconn~cted to the end of the upper actuator rod 66 is an actuator button 68, slidingly m~int~inl~d at the hand grip 16.
As shown in Fig. 2, a cam 70 is formed at the end of the lower actuator rod 64 and is configured to be m~tingly received within the notch 72 of the rocker actuator 62.
Accordingly, reciprocating movement of the lower actuator rod 64 actuates and deactuates the switch 58 by the c~mmPd engagement at 70, 72.
The lower actuator rod 64 may be of any of numerous configurations. In the plefelled embodiment, it is formed by a pair of intersecting elongated planar pieces 74, 76, 10 the same orthogonally intersecting such that the cross sectional configuration of the rod 64 is cross-shaped. The rod 64 is received within guides or ways 78 of rectangular cross section dimensioned to slidingly receive the rod 64. As shown, the ways 78 are interconnected between the housing 40 and conduit 42, although they may be fixedly m~int~in.od in any appr~pliate fashion. Extending from the elongated planar piece 74 is a fin 80 having a lip 81 positioned to engage a stop 83 extending inwardly from an outer wall of the housing 40, serving as a stop to limit the movement of the rod 64 in an upward direction as shown in Fig.
lB prior to interconnection of the upper handle portion 10 and lower handle portion 12. As shown in Figs. lB and 8, the lower actuator rod 64 is provided with a second fin 85 inclined in a direction opposite that of the fin 80, and having a lip 87 positioned to engage an outer 20 surface of one of the guides 78 which serves as a stop to limit downward movement of the rod 64 as shown in Fig. lB.
As shown in Fig. 3, the upper actuator rod 66 comprises an elongated planar piece 82 having a top rib 84 orthogonally extending thelerlolll. In the pler~lled embodiment of the invention, a corresponding rib extends from the opposite side of the piece 82 along at least a portion thereof. Such ribs provide a degree of rigidity to the rod 66.
Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 As shown in Figs. lA and 7, a passage 94 is defined between a wall 92 and the housing of the upper handle portion 10. The passage 94 receives the leg 96 of the rod 66 which is offset by the elbow 88. A window 90 within the wall 92 provides a passage for the transition of the elbow 88 and further provides a bearing surface 86 for sliding receipt and support of a bottom surface 89 of the elbow 88. The leg 96 is also slidingly received in a guide 97, as shown.
It will be appreciated that the overall longitllflin~l configuration of the upper actuator rod 66 substantially tracks the outer periphery of the stem 18 and body 22 of the handle portion 10. In like lllal~ner, the lower actuator rod 64 closely tracks a side edge portion of the housing 40. Accordingly, the totality of the actuator rod 64, 66 is minim~lly obstructive to elements m~int~in~d within the handle portions 10, 12.
A clevis 98 is m~int~in~d at an end of the upper actuator rod 66 and is adapted to engage the tip 100 of the lower actuator rod 64. As shown in Fig. 4, a recess or receptacle 102 is provided in an end portion of the lower actuator rod 64 and is adapted to receive a barb 104 of the clevis 98. The barb 104 has a tapered or ramped leading surface 106 adapted to engage a tapered surface 108 at the end of the tip 100. As the rods 64, 66 are moved toward each other during assembly and interconnection of the upper and lower handle portions 10, 12, the tapered surface 106 engages the tapered surface 108 and deflects the clevis 98 such that the tip 100 may pass over the barb 104 until such barb is received within the receptacle 102. In like manner, a tapered surface 110 at the trailing edge of the barb 104 facilitates disengagement of the tip 100 from the clevis 98. For purposes of security of the engagement so defined, it is preferred that the taper 106 be more gradual than the abrupt taper 110. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that with the actuator rod portions 64, 66 being in ~lignm~nt with each other when the upper and lower handle portions 10, 12 are in similar ~lignm~nt, the sliding interconnection of the handle portions to engage the tab 30 in the Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 receptacle 28 similarly causes locking engagement between the clevis 98 and the tip 100. The interconn~cte~l rod portions 64, 66 thus form an integral actuator rod, the dowllw~ld movement of which is limited by the lip 87 with the guide 78 as discussed above.
As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the actuator button 68 is provided with a ribbed or textured head 112 to accommodate the user's thumb or digits. End flanges 114, 116 extend downwardly at opposite ends of the head 112. In like manner, a latch 118 is m~int~in~l between the end flanges 114, 116, such latch comprising a pair of deflectable prongs 120, 122.
As shown in Fig. 3, the upper actuator rod 66 is characterized by an end portion 124 adapted to receive the actuator button 68. The end portion 124 includes a rectangular aperture 126 passing therethrough, a rectangular slot 128 at the end thereof, and another rectangular aperture 130 interposed between the aperture 126 and slot 128. It will be readily appreciated that the aperture 130 is adapted to receive the latch 118 with the prongs 120, 122 deflectably compressing as they pass ther~ ough and expanding once so passed to provide a retaining function. It will similarly be appreciated that the end flange 116 is adapted to be received within the slot 128 while the flange 114 is adapted for receipt in the aperture 126. When the actuator button 68 is engaged in the apertures and slot of the end portion 124, the prongs 120, 122 substantially prevent withdrawal. However, with the button 68 being fabricated of a sufficiently flexible plastic material, removal of the button from the end portion 124 is possible when desired.
With reference now to Fig. lA, it can be seen that a plate 132 extends as a portion of the hand grip 16 and is provided with a slot 134 therein. The slot 134 is positioned with respect to the end portion 124 of the upper actuator rod 66 such that the end flanges 114, ~) 116 and the latch 118 may pass ther~Lhlough. Accordingly, the head 112 of the button 68 is ~ ~ Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 m~int~inf~l on an outside of the plate 132, while the end portion 124 of the rod 66 is m~int~in~l on the opposite side, within the cavity defined by the upper handle portion 10. It should be appreciated that the plate 132 and the bearing surface 86 provide sliding support for the upper actuator rod 66.
For ease of assembly of the vacuum cleaner and to assure interconnection of the clevis 98 and tip 100 of the respective rod portions 66, 64, a wedge is positioned in the slot 134 between the button 68 and the lea~ d portion of the slot 134 nearest the end of the hand grip 16. This wedge, placed prior to p~clr~ging and removed after assembly, assures locked extension of the rod 66 at the time of assembly. Accordingly, when the upper and lower handle portions 10, 12 are forcefully mated, the clevis 98 mates with the tip 100 because the lower rod 64 is restricted from movement by the engagement of the lip 87 with the associated guide 78, while the upper rod 66 is similarly restricted by the wedge within the slot 134.
Thus it can be seen that the objects of the invention have been satisfied by the structure presented above. While in accordance with the patent statutes only the best mode and prerelled embodiment of the invention have been presented and described in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby. Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of the invention reference should be made to the following claims.
B
The invention herein resides in the art of vacuum cleaning devices of the floor care type. Particularly, the invention relates to a power switch actuator for upright cleaners.
More specifically, the invention relates to such a switch actuator having an elongated linkage allowing the operator to maneuver a button at a handle of the sweeper to actuate a switch in a remote power head.
Presently, the bulk of consumer products are sold by mass merch~nl1i7ing.
Large retail stores are provided with elaborate arrays of shelves, counters, and floor displays for m~int~ining boxed products offered for sale. Such retail establishments have minimi7Pd the number of store personnel required to operate the same, thus increasing the overall 10 profitability of the store. Additionally, in order that a large variety of products may be made available for sale, the amount of shelf space allotted to each product is carefully determined.
With such shelf space restrictions, the m~nl-facturers of products are under increasing pressure to present the same in compact packages having point of sale advertising and promotional material illl~lhll~d thereon. Such compact pack~ging gives rise to the need for assembly of most products by the consumer subsequent to there purchase.
It is most desirable that consumer products requiring assembly by the purchaser be so designed and configured to minimi7e the complexity of the assembly procedure and to further minimi7e the requirement of tools and mechanical aptitude. Such products oftentimes are provided with mating snaps or latches allowing modularized portions of the product to be 20 "snap fit" together with the ultimate securement being ~tt~in~l by means of a ~l~ini"""" of screws or the like. Electrical interconnections between the various product portions are Ç~ generally facilitated by means of plugs and jacks or other similar electromechanical devices.
~' /~ Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 207270~
Typically, when modularizing products for packaging purposes, it is most desirable that the extension of elements from one module to the other be minimi7ed such that only housings need be interconnected, rather than mechanically or electrically operative parts.
It has previously been known that floor care cleaning devices such as upright cleaners may be marketed in a compact package by presenting the cleaner as three separate structural elements adapted to be quickly and easily interconn~cted with each other, employing a mil~i",ll", number of tools and mechanical dexterity. Such upright cleaners are typically packaged with a separate cleaner head or body, a lower handle portion, and an upper handle portion. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in such upright cleaners, the cleaner head 10 or body receives and houses the vacuum and agitator motor, agitator, brush assembly, and power switch. The lower handle portion is typically provided with a dirt receptacle or means for supporting a filter bag or the like, along with the requisite air passage conduit to allow the dirt receptacle or bag to intercollllllunicate with the vacuum-generating motor. The upper handle portion is typically provided with a hand grip at a remote end thereof, a bag strap for securing a top end of the filter bag, and cord hooks or the like for receiving and m~int~ining the power cord. As will be appreciated below, the prior art upright cleaners have typically been configured such that the three structural elements may be quickly and easily interconnected by snap-fit connectors, with ultimate securing engagement being provided by a screw at the point of interconnection. To minimi7e the number of mechanical and/or electrical 20 interconnections between the three portions of the upright cleaners discussed above, the actuator button for the power switch of the cleaner has typically been positioned on the lower handle portion. However, such positioning has been found to be inconvenient, principally due to its remote location from the hand of the operator. It is most desirable that the power switch and associated actuator button be positioned near the hand grip on upper handle portion to be readily ~ccessed by the user during normal operation. However, to position the actuator ~) Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 button and power switch at the handle grip nPcess~rily requires that electrical wires communicate with each of the three modularized portions of the cleaner from the switch to the motor. The interconnection of the switch and motor so positioned is simply not given to ease of the assembly by a customer, since passing of electrical wires through the three separate components greatly complicates the assembly procedure. Additionally, the cost of the cleaner would be greatly aggravated by the inclusion of interconnPcting plugs at the interfaces of various modules if that approach were taken.
It has also been known in the art that the switch and actuator of a floor care cleaning device may be remotely interconnected by a wire or cable. The use of a Bowden 10 cable or a wire form for such purposes is well known. The former consists of a fixed shield slidingly receiving a central wire or cable connected at one end to the switch and at the other to the actuator. The latter consists of a substantially rigid wire received in guides and similarly interconnected. Neither the Bowden cable nor the wire form are given to division into segments received in respective modules or product portions and which may be easily and effectively joined. Indeed, the complexity and cost of such remote actuators are aggravated by ~lle~ )ls at modularization of the same.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an extended mechanical linkage from the hand grip of the upper handle portion of the vacuum cleaner to the power switch in the cleaner head, which mechanical linkage is sectioned such that one portion thereof is retained in 20 the upper handle assembly and the second portion thereof is retained in the lower handle assembly, which portions are easily attached and detached during assembly and disassembly operations. Additionally, there is a need in the art for a simple actuator button which may be interconnected with such linkage and which may be quickly and easily attached and detached with respect thereto and which may be m~int~inPd at the hand grip of the upper handle portion.
~, Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 - ` 2072700 In light of the foregoing, it is a first aspect of the invention to provide a remote switch actuating mechanism in combination with a vacuum cleaner having first and second, upper and lower, separable handle portions comprising: a manual switch member mounted in the first, upper portion of the handle; a multipart operating rod attached to the switch member for actuating thereby; an engageable means for securing the parts of the rod together; and the operating rod having a first part received in the upper portion and a second part received in the lower handle portion.
Another aspect of the invention is the provision of the structure of the immediately prece~ling paragraph and including the fact that a fastening means is engaged by 10 interengagement of the upper and lower handle portions.
A further aspect of the invention is the provision of the structure of the immediately prece~ling paragraph and including the fact that the fastening means comprises a clevis on one of the first and second rod parts that telescopically receives the other of the first and second rod parts.
A still further aspect of the invention is the provision of the structure of the third paragraph above and including the fact that the second part of the operating rod is slidingly received within guides in the lower handle portions, and stop means on one of the first and second parts of the operating rod engage one of the guides.
Another aspect of the invention is the provision of the structure of the fourth 20 paragraph above and including the fact that a portion of the first part of the operating rod includes an elbow slidingly received upon a bearing surface.
A further aspect of the invention includes provision of the structure of the p~ imm~ tely prece~ling paragraph and including the fact that the elbow configures the first part of the operating rod to track a contour of the upper handle portion.
Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 A final aspect of the invention is a remote switch actl~ting mechanism mounted in a housing and comprising: a switch; an operating rod for switch actuation; a switch button driving said operating rod; the button including an operator contactable portion disposed outside such housing and a portion for attachment to the operating rod; the attachment portion extending through the housing; the attachment portion having a latch also extending through an aperture in the rod for attachment thereto; the rod having first and second receptacles on opposite sides of the aperture; the attachment portion including a pair of flanges one on each side of the latch; and the flanges received by respective ones of the first and second receptacles.
For a complete underst~n(ling of the objects, techniques, and structure of the invention reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings wherein:
Figs. lA, lB, and lC are elevational views, in partial section, of portions of an upright vacuum cleaner employing the invention, and wherein Fig. lA is such a view of the upper handle portion; Fig. lB is such a view of the lower handle portion, and Fig. lC is such a view of the cleaner body;
Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the lower actuator rod of the invention;
Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the upper actuator rod of the invention;
Fig. 4 is a partial sectional view of the interconnection of the upper and lower 20 actuator rods;
Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the actuator button of the invention;
Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of the actuator button of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a partial side sectional view of the upper actuator rod showing an elbow of the same slidingly received by a support structure; and ~ /~ Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 Fig. 8 is a partial side elevational view of the lower actuator rod of the invention showing a stop fin thereof.
Referring now to the drawings and more particularly Figs. lA-lC, the assembly of a floor care cleaning device such as an upright vacuum cleaner embodying the concept of the invention can be seen. As shown, an upper handle portion 10 is adapted to interconnect with the lower handle portion 12 which, in turn, is received by the motor fan housing 48 contained in the cleaner body 14. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the elements 10, 12, 14 will typically be of molded plastic construction, defining housings for receiving and m~int~ining operative structure of the vacuum cleaner as will become apparent below. Those skilled in the art will further understand that the structural portions 10, 12, 14 are received and m~inf~inPd in a single package m~int~ining the entirety of the vacuum cleaner at a point of sale display or the like. Such elements are adapted to be snap fit or otherwise be quickly, easily, and securedly interconnected with each other.
A hand grip 16 extends from an end of the upper handle portion 10 and is angled with respect to the central axis thereof. Such handle grip 16 may be provided with finger receiving depressions, grip texture, or the like to accommodate the hand of an operator.
Extending from the hand grip 16 is a stem 18 which flares ouLwardly at the shoulders 20 to a body portion 22. An aperture 24 is provided in the stem 18 and is adapted to receive a strap or other cleaner bag ret~ining means as is well known and understood in the art. In one 20 embodiment of the invention, a spring biased strap extends from the aperture 24 and is adapted to make securing and ret~ining engagement with a cloth dust bag adapted to receive Q~ and m~int~in a filter paper bag therein.
Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 As is also known in the art, a second aperture 26 is provided in one of the shoulders 20 of the upper handle portion 10, the same being adapted to receive an electrical power cord. A cord protector device would typically be received within the aperture 26 in standard fashion.
As mentioned above, the elements of the vacuum cleaner of the invention are adapted to be snap fit together. To that end, a receptacle 28 is provided in the body portion 22 and is adapted to engage a tab or protrusion 30 extending ~ulwardly from a mating portion of the lower handle assembly 12. Those skilled in the art will understand that the body portion 22 is deflected over the tab or protrusion 30 during the mating engagement of the handle portions 10, 12 until the receptacle 28 is in registration with the protrusion 30 and the bottom lip 32 of the upper handle portion 10 is in engagement with the top lip 34 of the lower handle portion 12. At this time, the body 22 returns to its undeflected state with the protrusion 30 extending outwardly from the receptacle 28 to m~int~in the handle portions 10, 12 in fixed registration with each other. Final secured engagement is achieved by means of the openings 36 passing through the body 22 and in ~lignment with the openings 38 within the lower housing portion 12. A bag support flange or the like is secured through the holes 36 and into the holes 38 for fin~li7ing and fixing the secured engagement between the handle portions 10, 12 while securing the filter bag in place, all well known to those skilled in the art.
As shown in Fig. lB, the lower handle portion 12 includes a conduit 42 to pass 20 the dirt laden air of the vacuum cleaner from the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the housing 14 to an orifice 44. An applopliate filter bag is interconnected with the orifice 44 in standard fashion, with the outer cloth bag thereof being secured by means of a strap extending from the aperture 24 as discussed above. It will, of course, be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the g~ lower handle portion 12 mates with the cleaner body 14 such that the conduit 42 communicates with the vacuum genelal~d in the envelope by the motor housed therein. To Hoover Can~ n Case 2382 that end, a sleeve coupler 46 extends from the bottom of the lower handle portion 12 and is adapted to telescopically receive the neck 50 of the motor fan housing 48 as shown in Fig. lC.
A hole 52 passing through the coupler 46 aligns with the hole 52a of the neck 50, which holes are adapted to receive a screw or the like to effect final securement of the lower handle portion 12 to the cleaner body 14 in a manner well known and understood in the art.
With further attention to Figs. lA and lB, it can be seen that interconnection of the upper and lower handle portions 10, 12 is achieved in a lllalmel similar to that of the interconnection of the lower handle portion 12 with the cleaner body 14. As illustrated, a coupler 54 extends upwardly from a top end of the lower handle portion 12, while a spade 56 10 extends dowllwaldly from a bottom end of the top handle portion 10. The coupler 54 is received within the body 22 while the spade 56 slides behind the coupler 54 to provide for stability and rigidity at the junction so defined.
As shown in Fig. lC, the motor fan housing 48 m~int~in~ a power switch 58 therein. Power lines 60 adapted to interconnect with a wall socket and a motor (not shown) are also m~int~in~l in the motor fan housing 48. The switch 58 is interposed in one of the power lines 60 to connect and disconnect the power source from the motor dependent upon the state of actuation of the rocker actuator 62 of the switch 58.
It will now be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the structure described thus far with respect to Figs. lA-lC constitute the general state of the art of vacuum cleaners 20 or floor care devices which are modularized or otherwise separated into distinct functional subassemblies. This art is improved by the invention herein through the provision of a linkage interconnecting the rocker actuator 62 of the switch 58 with an actuator button at the hand grip ~) 16 of the upper handle portion 10. As shown in Figs. lA and lB, a lower actuator rod 64 is q Hoover Can~ n Case 2382 received within the lower handle portion 12 and is interconn~cted with an upper actuator rod 66 within the upper handle portion 10. Interconn~cted to the end of the upper actuator rod 66 is an actuator button 68, slidingly m~int~inl~d at the hand grip 16.
As shown in Fig. 2, a cam 70 is formed at the end of the lower actuator rod 64 and is configured to be m~tingly received within the notch 72 of the rocker actuator 62.
Accordingly, reciprocating movement of the lower actuator rod 64 actuates and deactuates the switch 58 by the c~mmPd engagement at 70, 72.
The lower actuator rod 64 may be of any of numerous configurations. In the plefelled embodiment, it is formed by a pair of intersecting elongated planar pieces 74, 76, 10 the same orthogonally intersecting such that the cross sectional configuration of the rod 64 is cross-shaped. The rod 64 is received within guides or ways 78 of rectangular cross section dimensioned to slidingly receive the rod 64. As shown, the ways 78 are interconnected between the housing 40 and conduit 42, although they may be fixedly m~int~in.od in any appr~pliate fashion. Extending from the elongated planar piece 74 is a fin 80 having a lip 81 positioned to engage a stop 83 extending inwardly from an outer wall of the housing 40, serving as a stop to limit the movement of the rod 64 in an upward direction as shown in Fig.
lB prior to interconnection of the upper handle portion 10 and lower handle portion 12. As shown in Figs. lB and 8, the lower actuator rod 64 is provided with a second fin 85 inclined in a direction opposite that of the fin 80, and having a lip 87 positioned to engage an outer 20 surface of one of the guides 78 which serves as a stop to limit downward movement of the rod 64 as shown in Fig. lB.
As shown in Fig. 3, the upper actuator rod 66 comprises an elongated planar piece 82 having a top rib 84 orthogonally extending thelerlolll. In the pler~lled embodiment of the invention, a corresponding rib extends from the opposite side of the piece 82 along at least a portion thereof. Such ribs provide a degree of rigidity to the rod 66.
Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 As shown in Figs. lA and 7, a passage 94 is defined between a wall 92 and the housing of the upper handle portion 10. The passage 94 receives the leg 96 of the rod 66 which is offset by the elbow 88. A window 90 within the wall 92 provides a passage for the transition of the elbow 88 and further provides a bearing surface 86 for sliding receipt and support of a bottom surface 89 of the elbow 88. The leg 96 is also slidingly received in a guide 97, as shown.
It will be appreciated that the overall longitllflin~l configuration of the upper actuator rod 66 substantially tracks the outer periphery of the stem 18 and body 22 of the handle portion 10. In like lllal~ner, the lower actuator rod 64 closely tracks a side edge portion of the housing 40. Accordingly, the totality of the actuator rod 64, 66 is minim~lly obstructive to elements m~int~in~d within the handle portions 10, 12.
A clevis 98 is m~int~in~d at an end of the upper actuator rod 66 and is adapted to engage the tip 100 of the lower actuator rod 64. As shown in Fig. 4, a recess or receptacle 102 is provided in an end portion of the lower actuator rod 64 and is adapted to receive a barb 104 of the clevis 98. The barb 104 has a tapered or ramped leading surface 106 adapted to engage a tapered surface 108 at the end of the tip 100. As the rods 64, 66 are moved toward each other during assembly and interconnection of the upper and lower handle portions 10, 12, the tapered surface 106 engages the tapered surface 108 and deflects the clevis 98 such that the tip 100 may pass over the barb 104 until such barb is received within the receptacle 102. In like manner, a tapered surface 110 at the trailing edge of the barb 104 facilitates disengagement of the tip 100 from the clevis 98. For purposes of security of the engagement so defined, it is preferred that the taper 106 be more gradual than the abrupt taper 110. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that with the actuator rod portions 64, 66 being in ~lignm~nt with each other when the upper and lower handle portions 10, 12 are in similar ~lignm~nt, the sliding interconnection of the handle portions to engage the tab 30 in the Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 receptacle 28 similarly causes locking engagement between the clevis 98 and the tip 100. The interconn~cte~l rod portions 64, 66 thus form an integral actuator rod, the dowllw~ld movement of which is limited by the lip 87 with the guide 78 as discussed above.
As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the actuator button 68 is provided with a ribbed or textured head 112 to accommodate the user's thumb or digits. End flanges 114, 116 extend downwardly at opposite ends of the head 112. In like manner, a latch 118 is m~int~in~l between the end flanges 114, 116, such latch comprising a pair of deflectable prongs 120, 122.
As shown in Fig. 3, the upper actuator rod 66 is characterized by an end portion 124 adapted to receive the actuator button 68. The end portion 124 includes a rectangular aperture 126 passing therethrough, a rectangular slot 128 at the end thereof, and another rectangular aperture 130 interposed between the aperture 126 and slot 128. It will be readily appreciated that the aperture 130 is adapted to receive the latch 118 with the prongs 120, 122 deflectably compressing as they pass ther~ ough and expanding once so passed to provide a retaining function. It will similarly be appreciated that the end flange 116 is adapted to be received within the slot 128 while the flange 114 is adapted for receipt in the aperture 126. When the actuator button 68 is engaged in the apertures and slot of the end portion 124, the prongs 120, 122 substantially prevent withdrawal. However, with the button 68 being fabricated of a sufficiently flexible plastic material, removal of the button from the end portion 124 is possible when desired.
With reference now to Fig. lA, it can be seen that a plate 132 extends as a portion of the hand grip 16 and is provided with a slot 134 therein. The slot 134 is positioned with respect to the end portion 124 of the upper actuator rod 66 such that the end flanges 114, ~) 116 and the latch 118 may pass ther~Lhlough. Accordingly, the head 112 of the button 68 is ~ ~ Hoover C~n~ n Case 2382 m~int~inf~l on an outside of the plate 132, while the end portion 124 of the rod 66 is m~int~in~l on the opposite side, within the cavity defined by the upper handle portion 10. It should be appreciated that the plate 132 and the bearing surface 86 provide sliding support for the upper actuator rod 66.
For ease of assembly of the vacuum cleaner and to assure interconnection of the clevis 98 and tip 100 of the respective rod portions 66, 64, a wedge is positioned in the slot 134 between the button 68 and the lea~ d portion of the slot 134 nearest the end of the hand grip 16. This wedge, placed prior to p~clr~ging and removed after assembly, assures locked extension of the rod 66 at the time of assembly. Accordingly, when the upper and lower handle portions 10, 12 are forcefully mated, the clevis 98 mates with the tip 100 because the lower rod 64 is restricted from movement by the engagement of the lip 87 with the associated guide 78, while the upper rod 66 is similarly restricted by the wedge within the slot 134.
Thus it can be seen that the objects of the invention have been satisfied by the structure presented above. While in accordance with the patent statutes only the best mode and prerelled embodiment of the invention have been presented and described in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby. Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of the invention reference should be made to the following claims.
B
Claims (7)
1. A remote switch actuating mechanism in combination with a vacuum cleaner having first and second, upper and lower, separable handle portions comprising:
a) a manual switch member mounted in said first, upper portion of said handle;
b) a multipart operating rod attached to said switch member for actuating thereby;
c) an engageable means for securing said parts of said rod together; and d) said operating rod having a first part received in said upper portion and a second part received in said lower handle portion.
a) a manual switch member mounted in said first, upper portion of said handle;
b) a multipart operating rod attached to said switch member for actuating thereby;
c) an engageable means for securing said parts of said rod together; and d) said operating rod having a first part received in said upper portion and a second part received in said lower handle portion.
2. The remote switch actuating mechanism, and vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein:
a) a fastening means is engaged by interengagement of said upper and lower handle portions.
a) a fastening means is engaged by interengagement of said upper and lower handle portions.
3. The remote switch actuating mechanism and vacuum cleaner of claim 2 wherein:
a) said fastening means comprises a clevis on one of said first and second rod parts that telescopically receives the other of said first and second rod parts.
a) said fastening means comprises a clevis on one of said first and second rod parts that telescopically receives the other of said first and second rod parts.
4. The remote switch actuating mechanism and vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein:
a) said second part of said operating rod is slidingly received within guides in said lower handle portions, and b) stop means on one of said first and second parts of said operating rod engage one of said guides.
a) said second part of said operating rod is slidingly received within guides in said lower handle portions, and b) stop means on one of said first and second parts of said operating rod engage one of said guides.
5. The remote switch actuating mechanism and vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein:
2) a portion of said first part of said operating rod includes an elbow slidingly received upon a bearing surface.
2) a portion of said first part of said operating rod includes an elbow slidingly received upon a bearing surface.
6. The remote switch actuating mechanism and vacuum cleaner of claim 5 wherein:
a) said elbow configures said first part of said operating rod to track a contour of said upper handle portion.
a) said elbow configures said first part of said operating rod to track a contour of said upper handle portion.
7. A remote switch actuating mechanism mounted in a housing and comprising:
a) a switch;
b) an operating rod for switch actuation;
c) a switch button driving said operating rod;
d) said button including an operator contractable portion disposed outside such housing and a portion for attachment to said operating rod;
e) said attachment portion extending through said housing;
f) said attachment portion having a latch also extending through an aperture in said rod for attachment thereto;
g) said rod having first and second receptacles on opposite sides of said aperture;
h) said attachment portion including a pair of flanges one on each side of said latch;
and i) said flanges received by respective ones on said first and second receptacles.
a) a switch;
b) an operating rod for switch actuation;
c) a switch button driving said operating rod;
d) said button including an operator contractable portion disposed outside such housing and a portion for attachment to said operating rod;
e) said attachment portion extending through said housing;
f) said attachment portion having a latch also extending through an aperture in said rod for attachment thereto;
g) said rod having first and second receptacles on opposite sides of said aperture;
h) said attachment portion including a pair of flanges one on each side of said latch;
and i) said flanges received by respective ones on said first and second receptacles.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US881,199 | 1992-05-11 | ||
| US07/881,199 US5226527A (en) | 1992-05-11 | 1992-05-11 | Vacuum cleaner remote switch actuator |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2072700A1 CA2072700A1 (en) | 1993-11-12 |
| CA2072700C true CA2072700C (en) | 1996-12-03 |
Family
ID=25377982
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002072700A Expired - Fee Related CA2072700C (en) | 1992-05-11 | 1992-06-29 | Vacuum cleaner remote switch actuator |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5226527A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU660719B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2072700C (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9205886A (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5451734A (en) * | 1994-06-21 | 1995-09-19 | Price; Cecil C. | Extension kit for light switches |
| US5784755A (en) * | 1996-01-18 | 1998-07-28 | White Consolidated Industries, Inc. | Wet extractor system |
| DE19608247A1 (en) * | 1996-03-04 | 1997-09-11 | Vorwerk Co Interholding | Vacuum cleaner with a motor housing |
| US6108862A (en) * | 1998-05-08 | 2000-08-29 | The Hoover Company | Hand grip and upper handle assembly for a self-propelled upright vacuum cleaner |
| US6768073B1 (en) * | 2003-07-03 | 2004-07-27 | The Hoover Company | Pivoting handle and control arrangement for a floor care appliance |
| DE102005030160A1 (en) * | 2005-06-29 | 2007-01-04 | Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh | vacuum cleaner |
| US20070094839A1 (en) * | 2005-11-03 | 2007-05-03 | The Scott Fetzer Company | Cleaning apparatus with removable handle |
| US7922207B2 (en) * | 2006-09-18 | 2011-04-12 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Activation and deactivation mechanisms for media binders |
| US20080115310A1 (en) * | 2006-11-21 | 2008-05-22 | Linear Llc | Nested Packaging For Central Vacuum Cleaner |
| US7757358B2 (en) * | 2007-03-02 | 2010-07-20 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Sheet retention mechanisms for spring clamp binders |
Family Cites Families (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US481826A (en) * | 1892-08-30 | Carpet-sweeper | ||
| CA563025A (en) * | 1958-09-09 | Conord Andre | Suction device | |
| AT133852B (en) * | 1930-01-31 | 1933-06-26 | Siemens Ag | Electrically powered household machine. |
| US2218161A (en) * | 1938-12-14 | 1940-10-15 | Hoover Co | Suction cleaner |
| US2243067A (en) * | 1939-02-15 | 1941-05-27 | Hoover Co | Suction cleaner |
| US2314334A (en) * | 1940-11-06 | 1943-03-23 | Apex Electrical Mfg Co | Suction cleaner |
| US2842788A (en) * | 1956-01-27 | 1958-07-15 | Racine Ind Plant Inc | Carpet scrubbing machine |
| US3242298A (en) * | 1962-09-17 | 1966-03-22 | Cutler Hammer Inc | Mounting means for operator of electric switch |
| US4051340A (en) * | 1976-08-26 | 1977-09-27 | Westinghouse Electric Corporation | Overload relay reset assembly |
| DE2850120A1 (en) * | 1977-11-21 | 1979-05-23 | Black & Decker Mfg Co | SWITCH OPERATING DEVICE |
| DE3023691A1 (en) * | 1980-06-25 | 1982-01-21 | Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart | SWITCH WITH A CONTROL DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR ON A HAND MACHINE TOOL |
| US4421964A (en) * | 1982-04-02 | 1983-12-20 | The Hoover Company | Remote switch actuation |
| US4870232A (en) * | 1988-08-08 | 1989-09-26 | Hoogland John A | Extension control for a switch |
-
1992
- 1992-05-11 US US07/881,199 patent/US5226527A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-06-29 CA CA002072700A patent/CA2072700C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-10-02 AU AU26175/92A patent/AU660719B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1992-10-14 MX MX9205886A patent/MX9205886A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| MX9205886A (en) | 1993-11-01 |
| AU660719B2 (en) | 1995-07-06 |
| AU2617592A (en) | 1993-11-18 |
| US5226527A (en) | 1993-07-13 |
| CA2072700A1 (en) | 1993-11-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |