US3869265A - Canister type vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved canister-type vacuum cleaner is disclosed which has a front cap, a rear cap an elongated tank which houses the motor and a tool holding and handle assembly that is mounted on top of the elongated tank. The front cap is provided with a vacuum control mechanism, an efficiency indicator and a hose release control. The rear cap houses a cord reel and an on/off switch which may be manipulated by the toe of the operator. The front end of the vacuum cleaner is supported by a single castor or wheel which is held in place by mounting members which also form a hinge so that the front cap can be opened when the disposable dust bag must be changed.

Description

United States Patent Wolter et a1. Mar. 4, 1975 CANISTER TYPE VACUUM CLEANER 3,636,681 1/1972 B81501] et a1. 55/372 ,745.96 7 2 Inventors: Gilbert Whiter, Elmhurst; Eugene 1 3226.82; 15/ 3 2 3 B. Szymczak, Chicago; Elmer Eugene Bruning, NOrmaL all Of "1 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS I '1 1 1 Assignee= Sunbeam Corporation, Chicago, 63133152 211323 fiii fi fi l 'lIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 12135.3 [22] Filed: July 10, 1972 Primary Examiner-Bernard Nozick [21] Appl' 270421 Attorney, Agent, or FirmGeorge R. Clark; Neil M.

Rose; Clifford A. Dean [52] U.S. Cl. 55/274, 15/323. 15/327 E,

55/357, 55/472 [57] ABSTRACT [51] Int. Cl. 301d 46/02 An improved canister type vacuum cleaner is [58] Field of Search 55/274, 357, 372, 378, Closed which has a from Cap, a rear Cap an elongated 55/379, 418, 471-473, 485; 15/327 E, tank which houses the motor and a tool holding and 417/423 A; 137/166-1681 170 handle assembly that is mounted-on top of the elongated tank. The front cap is provided with a vacuum 156] References C'ted control mechanism, an efficiency indicator and a hose UNITED STATES PATENTS release control. The rear cap houses a cord reel and 2.655.894 10/1953 Rabbitt 55/274 an On/off Switch which y be manipulated y the I08 2.997.728 8/1961 Gaudry 15/323 of the operator. The front end of the vacuum cleaner 3.021.028 2/1962 Descurries.... 15/327 E is supported by a single castor or wheel which is held 3.055.161 9/1962 hallstrom 55/356 in place by mgunting members which also form a gallsFrom 1 31 hinge so that the front cap can be opened when the UZZICI' K 3.619.850 11/1971 Rideout et a1. disposable dust bag must be changed 3.633.239 1/1972 Meyerhoefer .L 15/327R 10 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENTED 41975 3,869,265

saw u [5 23 I CANISTER TYPE VACUUM CLEANER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to canister-type or tank-type vacuum cleaners and more specifically to a canister-type vacuum cleaner which includes improved front cap and rear cap construction, improved housing construction including improved bumper design, and integrated front castor or wheel support and front cap hinge provisions.

The vacuum cleaner of the present invention is designed to incorporate a number of desirable features into a simple and efficient design. The various construction features that are provided for the front cap, the rear cap, the tool housing and handle assembly and the front castor or wheel support andfront cap hinge all contribute to an improved canister-type vacuum cleaner. In addition, the vacuum cleaner of the present invention was designed with the objective of incorporating a number of features which will be desirable to the public including: (1) easily accessible tool and accessory storage provisions, (2) convenient wand storage, (3) a wheelabout feature which allows for easy handling of the vacuum cleaner by the operator, (4) precise m ulti-position suction control provisions so that adjustment of the suction developed by the vacuum cleaner may be obtained for various types of materials, a reliable but inexpensive efficiency indicator, (6) simple dust bag loading, (7) a top-exiting cord reel in the rear cap, (8) large rear wheels for easy movability, (9) an on/off switch that is mounted for easy access and l0) convenient hose storage. In order to provide the above-noted improvements and features in a canistertypc cleaner having high performance efficiency, a number of innovative provisions are incorporated into the design of the vacuum cleaner of the present invention as will be described in connecton with the drawings.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an improved canister type vacuum cleaner having improved front and rear caps construction with improved cord reel, efficiency indicating and suction control features that are incorporated into the front and rear caps.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide improved housing construction including improved bumper design.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide relatively low cost front castor or wheel support mounting members which also form a hinge for the front cap so that the front cap may be opened when the dust bag must be replaced.

Other objects and advantages of the vacuum cleaner of the present invention will be apparent from this specification.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the canister-type vacuum cleaner of the present invention which shows a number of vacuum cleaner tools and accessories in their storage positions on the cleaner;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of the present invention that is taken along the cutting line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view looking into the interior of the vacuum cleaner tank that is taken along thelines 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of the front end cap which shows the suction control mechanism and efficiency indicator;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the front end cap and a portion of the housing of the cleaner in the vicinity of the efficiency indicator which is taken along the line 55 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the front cap which shows the suction control mechanism and a portion of the adjacent housing which is taken along theline 66 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross sectional view of the suction control mechanism which is taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is another partial cross sectional view of the suction control mechanism which is taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 1 through the plastic bumper which runs in a longitudinal direction along the canister tank;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the front castor or wheel support and front cap construction which is taken along the line I0-10 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross sectional view of the front castor or wheel support and front end cap hinge members which is taken along the line 1I-Il of FIG. 10.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The vacuum cleaner of the present invention which is shown in FIG. 1 is designated by the general reference number 20. The vacuum cleaner 20 has afront cap 22 and arear cap 24 which enclose the ends of theelongated canister tank 26. Thetank 26 is constructed of two steel shells andsoft plastic bumpers 28, which are preferably extruded of polyvinyl chloride, are mounted on the sides of thetank 26 where the two shells meet to protect furniture. Mounted on thetop surface 30 of thetank 26 is a tool holding and handleassembly 32 and a hoseholding wall section 33. Thefront cap 22, therear cap 24 and the tool holding and handleassembly 32 and the hose: holdingwall section 33 are all formed of plastic, preferably of a high impact polystyrene.

The tool holding andhandle assembly 32 consists of a number of upwardly projectingtool holding posts 34, 36, 38 and 40 (shown in FIG. 2) which support the various tools and accessories which may be used with the vacuum cleaner such as the wall andfloor brush assembly 42, theupholstery tool 44, the crevice the tool 46 and thedusting brush 48, respectively. In addition, twometallic wands 50 and 52 may be stored inelongated storage channels 54 and 56 in therear cap 24, respectively. The operator may then control the movement of the vacuum cleaner 20 without stooping by grasping one or both thewands 50 and 52 so as to direct the vacuum cleaner 20 in the desired direction. If desired, thewands 50 and 52 may be connected to each other, and in this manner a convenient handle which projects upwardly from the floor an even greater distance may be provided. A slight pressure downward on thewands 50 and 52 when they are in thechannels 54 and 56 will cause the rear end of theelongated tank 26 to rotate about therear axle 218 down toward the floor thereby lifting the front end and the castor from the floor so as to make it easier to wheel the vacuum cleaner of the present invention around a home, as is apparent by reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The tool holding andhandle assembly 32 also comprises ahandle 58 so that the entire vacuum cleaner may be lifted by the handle if desired. The hoseholding wall section 33 is constructed with a pair ofelongated side walls 60 and 62 which slant slightly outwardly and a pair ofsemi-cylindrical walls 64 and 66 on the opposite ends of thesection 33.

Theflexible hose assembly 72, which is coupled to the intake of the vacuum cleaner in FIG. 1, is formed of three parts and may be stored in thehose holding section 33 by wrapping it around thewalls 64 and 66 and inside of theside walls 60 and 62. The parts of thehose assembly 72 consist of theflexible hose 74, the plastic coupling member 76 which is inserted into the intake opening 78 on thefront cap 22 and thetube 84. Thehose 74 is held in place by thelocking control member 80 which is formed with a semicircularlower surface 82, shown in FIG. 2, which engages a corresponding groove (not shown) on the coupling member 76. When it is desired to remove thehose assembly 72 from theintake aperture aperture 78, thelocking control member 80 is raised thereby raising thesurface 82 out of the groove on the coupling member 76. The chromium platedcurved tube 84 is coupled to theflexible hose 74 by means of aplastic coupling member 86. Thecurved tube 84 is provided with a stainless steel detent button 87 which resiliently projects into a corresponding aperture on either of the extension wands 50 and 52 when it is mounted on thecurved tube 84. Accessory tools also may be affixed to the curved tube using this detent for retention.

Thefront cap 22 includes a five position suction control mechanism which includes a sliding bleedvalve 88 which may be adjusted so that the suction of the vac uum cleaner may be varied over a large range and the vacuum cleaner may be used under widely different conditions. An air bypass path is provided though the suction control mechanism so that when adjustments of thebleed valve 88 are made they will not be altered substantially by the contents of the bag or by the air resistance of the bag itself.

Thefront cap 22 also contains anefficiency indicator 90 which is a rubber dome or diaphragm the inside of which is presented to the suction side of the vacuum cleaner. Theindicator 90 is constructed of natural rubber, and it will collapse sharply so that it turns itself inside out when the vacuum inside the tank is raised to a high enough level by either a full bag or by a clogging of the tools or wands that are used. Natural rubber or silicone rubber are preferred for theindicator 90 to provide the necessary durability. Theindicator 90 will subsequently be described in more detail.

Thefront cap 22 may be opened to allow for replacement of dust bags when the efficiency indicator shows that the dust bag is full. Alatch 92 on theupper surface 30 of thetank 26 has a downwardly protrudingfinger 94 that engages theledge 96 on the top of thefront cap 22. When thelatch 92 is pulled up the engagement of thefinger 94 on theledge 96 is released and the front cap may be swung downwardly thereby allowing the dust bag to be removed.

Therear end cap 24 houses acord reel 102 with aplug 104 and a power cord which extends upwardly throughagrommet member 106 in theupper surface 108 of therear end cap 24. The upwardly extendingplug 104 eliminates a particularly annoying feature of many cord reel vacuum cleaners which is caused by a tendency of the operator to pull the vacuum cleaner around when the cord is being extended. Since the pulling force on theplug 104 is in a vertical direction, the weight of the vacuum cleaner 20 tends to oppose the pulling force and the vacuum cleaner will not be pulled from its position by the operator.

A large frontswivel castor 110 is employed to allow for effortless movability of the cleaner. A pair of large wide trackrear wheels 112 which are preferably made of high impact polystyrene and which havepolyvinyl chloride tires 114 are used to provide for easy rolling over either high or low pile carpets. Thewheels 112 are, therefore, quiet and non-marring when they roll over bare floors.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the vacuum cleaner 20 which is taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 which shows the construction details of the major components of the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner 20 has afront chamber 118 and arear chamber 188 which is separated from thefront chamber 118 by the metal partition 190. Thedust bag basket 116 is located in thefront chamber 118 and it preferably is constructed of high impact styrene. Thebasket 116 has a number of longitudinal bars 120 andtransverse bars 122 of somewhat wider dimensions than the longitudinal bars 120. This construction provides a number of rectangular shapedopenings 124 which permit the flow of air therethrough. Thefront end 126 of thebasket 116 is of slightly larger dimensions than is the rear end 128. At the rear end 128 of the taperingbasket 116 is a cylindrically shaped open-endedshell 130 which extends rearwardly and receives theimpeller housing 132ofthe motor 134. Therear face 136 of thecylindrical shell 130 is formed with a number ofapertures 138 of a general trapezoidal shape which permit the flow of air therethrough. Theapertures 138 surround the circularcentral aperture 140 and they are formed by theradially extending ribs 142 which extend from thecentral ring 144, as best shown in FIG. 3. Apolyurethane foam filter 146 is secured in place over theface 136 by the inwardly extendingtabs 148.

Theforward end 126 of thebasket 116 is formed with the rearwardly directed bifurcated lockingmembers 150 and 152 on the top and the bottom of thebasket 116, respectively. Anindentation 154 is formed in the upper wall 56 of thetank 26 which receives a pair of lockingedges 158 on the ends of the lockingmember 152. Similarly, anindentation 160 is formed in thebottom wall 162 of thetank 26 which receives a pair of downwardly extending locking edges 164 on the end of the lockingmember 150. The lockingmembers 150 and 152 are resilient and when the basket is pulled forward they flex sufficiently to remove theedges 158 and 164 from the indentations I54 and 160, respectively so that thebasket 116 can be removed from thetank 26. Viewing the basket in FIG. 3, it is seen that the basket also has a pair of laterally extendingwings 166 and 168 which extend into corresponding notch-like openings 170 and 172 that are provided in the forward edges of theside walls 174 and 176, respectively, of thetank 26 which also assist in holding thebasket 116 in place in thetank 26.

One type ofdust bag 178 which may be used in the vacuum cleaner of the described embodiment has a relativelystiff support card 180 which has acentral aperture 181. Theaperture 181 is surrounded by aresilient sealing member 182 which thereby forms a tight seal with thehose inlet tube 184. Thehose inlet tube 184 is in communication with a somewhatlarger aperture 186 into which the coupling member 76 of thehose assembly 72 is inserted and is locked into place by the lockingcontrol member 80 in a manner previously described.

Theelectric motor 134 is housed in therear chamber 188 which is separated from thefront chamber 118 by the metal partition Wall 190. Themotor 134 and theimpeller section 132, which is driven by themotor 134, are secured to the partition Wall 190 by means ofscrews 192 and 194 which are provided withlock washers 196 and 198, respectively. The bulk of the weight of themotor 134 and theimpeller 132 is located forward of theaxle 218, as shown in FIG. 2. The interconnection leads 200 for themotor 134 are connected together by conventional crimp-type insulatedterminals 202. The panel 190 is secured to thebottom wall 162 of thetank 26 by means of a pair of screws 204, and it is secured to the top wall 156 by means of thescrew 206. Thescrew 206 also serve to hold the tool holding and handleassembly 32 and the hose holdingwall section 33 in place on top of the tank 46 along with thescrews 207 and 208. The tool holding and handle as sembly 32 and thewall section 33 may thus be separately removed, as shown in FIG. 2. Thewall section 33 thus need not be installed on lower priced models, if desired.

Therear cap 24, which houses thecord reel 102, is secured to the rear end of thetank 26 by means of a pair ofscrews 210 which extend through the bottom wall 162d and a pair ofscrews 212 which extend through the top wall 156. As is best shown in FIG. 3, a pair of plastic axle support members 214 and 216 are integrally formed with therear cap 24 for supporting therear axle 218 of thewheels 112. Therear cap 24 may he removed by unscrewing thescrews 210 and 212 and by disconnection of theleads 200.

Apolyurethane foam filter 220 is positioned against theforward face 222 of thecord reel 102 which has an axis of rotation that passes substantially through the center of theaperture 140 of thebasket 116 and extends in the elongated direction of thetank 26, as can be seen by reference to FIG. 2. Thecord reel 102 is formed with a number of apertures (not shown) which provide for passage of the air that flows through thefilter 220 through thecord reel 102 also so that it can be discharged from the rear end of the vacuum cleaner. Afibre barrier plate 224 having a number of relatively small apertures therein is positioned forwardly of thefoam filter 220. Thebarrier plate 224 assists in securing thefoam filter 220 in place and it also has at least one relativelylarge aperture 226 which allows for passage of theelectric leads 200 therethrough. The dimensions of thebarrier plate 224 are such that is is wedged into place against the mountingbrackets 228 and 230 which are formed on thecord reel 102 and which are secured into place by means of thescrews 210 and 212, respectively. The polyurethane foam filter thereby prevents the discharge of any fine particles of dust or dirt into the room being cleaned.

For quick and easy bag changing, thefront cap 22 can be opened by releasing thelatch 92 and by pulling the top of thefront cap 22 downwardly. Theflat dust bag 178 which fits into thebasket 116 is a self-opening bag. It is placed in the retainingrim 231 when thefront cap 22 is closed. The shape of the dust bagcardboard front plate 180 provides a means for determining the correct dust bag position when replacement is necessary. The air pressure which results when the machine is turned on fluffs the bag to a generally rectangular shape thereby allowing for utilization of substantially all of the capacity of thebasket 116.

Thesoft polyvinylchloride bumpers 28 are secured to thetank 26 in the manner shown in FIG. 9. Thefront end cap 22 also has a pair ofremovable bumper sections 98 which generally define forward extensions of thebumpers 28, which extensions are preferably formed of polyvinylchloride. Therear cap 24 also has a pair ofbumper extensions 100 but these are integrally molded with thecap 24.

Thesteel tank 26 is formed ofatop housing shell 232 and abottom housing shell 234. Thetop housing shell 232 is formed with an outwardly extendingflange 236 which runs lengthwise along thetank 26 and which has anupturned edge 238 at its end, as shown in FIG. 9. Similarly, thebottom housing shell 234 has an outwardly extending flange 240 which runs lengthwise along thetank 26 and which has downwardly extendingend 242. Theflanges 236 and 240 and theends 238 and 242 thus form a T-shaped member which holds thebumper 28 in place along the side of thetank 26, as shown in FIG. 9. Theflanges 236 and 240 are in abutting relationship, and they are secured together by means of ashear tab 244, or other suitable securing means which engage rectangular openings in shell and are clinched.

Thepolyvinylchloride bumper 28 which extends along the entire portion of thetank 26 and fits over theflanges 236 and 240 is formed with a pair ofarms 246 and 248 which slant at an acute angle with respect to thehorizontal flanges 236 and 240 which abut against thewalls 174 of thetank 26. The bumper also has a pair of diagonally positionedarms 250 and 252 which contact thewalls 174 at the bend points 254 of theflanges 236 and 240. In addition to this, thebumper 28 has a downwardly extendingarm 253 which engages the upper surface of the flange 2.36 at a point between the top of theshear tab 244 and the upwardly extending edge 238 of theflange 236. Thebumper 28 also has an upwardly extendingarm 255 which engages the lower surface of the flange 240 at a point between the bottom of theshear tab 244 and the downwardly extendingedge 242. In this manner thebumper 28 is secured to thetank 26 in a manner which provides for resilient action of the bumper and which also provides for easy assembly of thetank 26. Plastic end caps 249 and 251 FIGS. 1 and 3) are secured over theforward flange 236 and 240 edges of thewalls 176 and 174, respectively, to cover the forward ends ofbumpers 28 to improve the appearance of the cleaner.

In order that the vacuum cleaner 20 may be wheeled about easily by the user, a pair of upwardly extendingstorage channels 54 and 56 are provided in the rear end of therear cap 24. Thechannels 54 and 56 are positioned rearward of theaxle 218. Therear face 254 of therear cap 24 has a number of rectangular shapedapertures 256 therein to allow for the diffusion of the exhausted air from the vacuum cleaner which passes through thehose assembly 72, thehose inlet 184, thedust bag 178, theimpeller 132, themotor 134, thefront filter 146, therear filter 220, the cord reel I02 and thestorage channels 54 and 56. Theapertures 256 in therear face 255 and thestorage channels 54 and 56 act to disperse or diffuse the exhaust air that is passed through thefilter 220 and theapertured cord reel 102 so that there is no single exhaust stream of heated air, thereby eliminating a direct blast of hot air from the cleaner which could be very annoying to the operator and could result in blowing debris from the floor into the air.

Thesuction control mechanism 88 from the cleaner is located in the upper portion of thefront cap 22 as shown in FIG. 4. A box-like console enclosure 257 is secured to theslanted wall 258 of thefront cap 22 by means of thescrews 260 and 262. Thesuction control mechanism 88 is adjustable to five different suction positions for operation under varying conditions. The five positions are marked on alabel 264 which is secured to the front face of theconsole enclosure 257. Thebleed valve 88 is slideable back and forth in the direction parallel to thefront surface 266 of the console panel 267. Thebleed valve 88 has outwardly extendinglever 268 which may be by the operator and moved into alignment with thenumerals 270 which are printed on thelabel 264. The descriptive information corresponding to the settings one through five is found just to the left of theopening 274 which receives thebleed valve 88.

When thelever 268 is in alignment with numeral 1, the minimum amount of suction is achieved, and this position is suitable for the cleaning of materials such as lace and the like. The reduction in suction is achieved by bypassing some of the air that is drawn through theopenings 274 and 282 to the channel 276 (FIG. 7) which is provided between thewall 278 and-theclosure plate 280 ofbleed valve 88 in accordance with position of thebleed valve 88. The air flows through theopening 282 and bypasses thedust bag 178 by flowing between thedust bag basket 116 and the interior of the cleaner housing. When thebleed valve 88 is moved to the right so that thelever 268 is in alignment with successively higher numbers an increased amount of suction is produced at the end ofhose 72. The sizes of the vents toopenings 274 and 282 become successively smaller as thelever 268 is aligned with successively higher numbers. When the lever is aligned with the number five theopenings 274 and 282 will be closed off and the amount of vacuum that is produced, therefore, will be at a maximum.

Each of the five positions of thebleed valve 88 are located by detent provisions which consist of theprojection 284 on thewall 285 ofbleed valve 88 and fiveindentations 286 that are formed in thewall 278. Each of theindentations 286 serves to locate the slidingcontrol member 264 at one of the five numbered locations in accordance with the desired amount of suction. Thewall 285 forms one wall of the box-like enclosure 288 which s opened at theend 289. An integrally molded, or a separate resilient pad, 290 bears against thesurface 258 to provide some resiliency, which allows for smooth positioning of thebleed valve 88. Theconsole enclosure 257 is formed with aguide wall 292 which confines thebleed valve 88 so that it slides back and forth between theguide wall 292 and thelower wall 294 of theenclosure 257.

Theefficiency indicator 90, shown in FIG. 5, is a natural rubber piece which is formed with asealing ring 296, the upper surface of which abuts the lower surface of therim 298 and the lower surface of which abuts against thewall 258 thereby forming a tight seal. The

body of the indicator then extends upwardly with a slightly reduceddiameter portion 300 and with a stillsmaller dome portion 302. A singlesmall aperture 304 located in thewall 258 provides for communication of the interior of theindicator 90 with the interior of thetank 26. When the bag is full, or the hose, wands, or tools are clogged, theindicator 90 is constructed so that thedome portion 302 of the indicator will invert itself and be drawn inward, thereby indicating that the bag should be replaced, or that hose or tools should be cleaned. Inversion of thedome 302 is a result ofa pressure differential, (between ambient and the cleaner interior), generated by a clogged condition.

Thefront cap 22 of the vacuum cleaner 20 swings down when thelatch 92 is released so that thedust bag 178 may be removed when it is filled and replaced with another bag. The entirefront cap 22 pivots around theaxle 310 which is shown in FIGS. 2, l0 and 11. The construction of the pivot assembly of the present vacuum cleaner provides for a relatively low cost combined hinge and castor wheel mounting assembly. The outer ends of the 310 metallic axle are received in a pair of forwardly-facing open plasticaxle support members 312 and 314 which are integrally formed with thefront cap 22. Intermediate the twoaxle support members 312 and 314 is box-like structure 316 which is also integrally formed with thefront cap 24 and is opened at the bottom and has a number ofsupport ribs 318. The box-like structure 316 is provided to hold the generally rectangularcastor support plate 320. Thecastor support plate 320 supports thecastor shaft 322. A plastic sleeve 324 (shown in FIG. 3) is inserted over theshaft 322 to provide a low friction surface between theshaft 322 and theboss 326 on the castor which snugly fits over theplastic sleeve 324 so that thecastor 110 may revolve about theshaft 322.

Themetallic bracket 328 is riveted to thelower wall 172 of thetank 26 by means of therivets 330 and 332. Thebracket 328 has a pair of substantially closed metallic bearing andaxle support sleeves 331 and 333 which substantially encircle thehinge axle 310 to provide increased support for thecastor 110 and thefront cap 22 when it is pivoted about theaxle 310. Thecastor support plate 320 is inserted from the rear into theslots 342 and 344 which extend along the side edges of the box-like structure 316 until it abuts against thefront wall 346 of the box-like structure 316. Thecastor support plate 320 is bent downwardly along thelines 338 and 340 to allow the front cap to swing freely about thehinge axle 310 and the edge of thesupport plate 320 abuts against the outer surfaces of thesleeves 331, and 333, thereby securing thecastor support plate 320 in place.

When thefront cap 22 is positioned in its closed position, with thefinger 94 of thelatch 92 in engagement with theledge 96 of thefront cap 22, the resilient sealingmember 306, which extends around the inside periphery of therim 352 of thefront cap 22 provides a seal which prevents leakage between thefront cap 22 and thetank 26.

Although a particular embodiment of the present invention has been described, it is not intended that the present invention be limited to the particular embodiment illustrated herein since variations and modifications thereof will be apparent within the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A canister-type vacuum cleaner comprising an elongated tank open at both ends, a pivotally operable front cap closing off the front end of said tank and having an inlet aperture for receiving an inlet hose and hose release means for releasably securing said hose in said inlet aperture, hinge means mounted on said tank and said front cap and supporting a hinge axle which allows said front cap to be pivotally swung open about said hinge axle when a new dust bag is to be inserted into the vacuum cleaner, latch means for securing said front cap over the front end of said tank during operation of the vacuum cleaner, a rear cap having air outlet means mounted on the open rear end of said tank, a dust bag holder supported in the forward end of said tank, an electric motor mounted in said tank to the rear of said dust bag holder, a power cord operably connected for supplying electrical power to said motor, suction-producing means operably connected to be driven by said motor whereby to produce a suction at said hose inlet, said front cap having a sloped surface on the upper portion of said front cap, efficiencyindicating means mounted on said slope surface, said efficiency-indicating means comprising a resilient dome which extends outwardly from said sloped surface, the interior of said dome being in communication with the interior of said tank, said dome being constructed such that is assumes an inverted position when the pressure differential between the interior of said tank and the ambient pressure on the outer surface of said dome exceeds a predetermined amount whereby to indicate a full dust bag or a clogged inlet hose, and adjustable suction-controlling means associated with a vent aperture located in said sloped surface adjacent to said efficiency indicator, said suction-controlling means comprising adjustable vent aperture closure means for achieving said suction control by closing off predetermined portions of said vent aperture in accordance with the adjusted position of said vent aperture closure means.

2. A vacuum cleaner as set forth in claim 1 wherein said suction-controlling means further comprises detent means for precisely locating said adjustable vent aperture closure means at each of a plurality of positions in accordance with the amount of closure of said vent aperture that is desired.

3. A canister-type vacuum cleaner comprising an elongated tank, a front cap closing off the front end of said tank and having an inlet aperture for receiving an inlet hose and hose release means for releasably securing said hose in said inlet aperture, means hingedly mounting said front cap on said tank whereby said front cap may be pivotally swung open when a new dust bag is to be inserted into the vacuum cleaner, latch means for securing said front cap over the front end of said tank during operation of the vacuum cleaner, a rear cap closing off the rear end of said tank, and having air outlet means, a dust bag holder mounted in the forward end of said tank, an electric motor mounted in said tank to the rear of said dust bag holder, a power cord for supplying electrical power to said motor, suctionproducing means in said tank and adapted to be driven by said motor, means secured to said vacuum cleaner for providing for movability of said vacuum cleaner while it is in contact with the floor, said tank being formed of an upper shell and a lower shell, said upper and lower shells having respectively a pair of integrally formed lower flanges and a pair of integrally formed upper flanges which run for substantially the length of said tank in the direction of the elongated dimension of said tank, each of said upper flanges extending substantially horizontally outwardly on opposite sides of said tank in abutting relationship with one of said lower flanges, which also extend substantially horizontally outwardly on opposite sides of :said tank, the outer edges of said upper and lower flanges being bent downwardly and upwardly, respectively, and a pair of elongated removable resilient bumpers, each of said bumpers being recessed in a manner to receive one set of abutting upper and lower flanges including the bent edges thereof whereby said bumpers are mounted on and substantiallycover said flanges along substantially the length thereof.

4. A vacuum cleaner as set forth inclaim 3 wherein said front and rear caps are provided with bumper extensions to lengthen the effective lengths of said bumpers.

5. A vacuum cleaner as set forth in claim 4 wherein said front cap is provided with a pair of resilient removable bumper extensions.

6. A vacuum cleaner as set forth in claim 4 wherein said rear cap is provided with a pair of integrally molded bumper extensions.

7. A canistertype vacuum cleaner comprising an elongated tank, a front cap for closing off the front end of said tank having an inlet aperture for receiving an inlet hose and hose release means for releasably securing said hose in said inlet aperture, hinge means comprising a hinge axle which allows said front cap to be pivotally swung open about said hinge axle when a new dust bag is to be inserted into the vacuum cleaner, latch means for securing said front cap over the front end of said tank during operation of the vacuum cleaner, a rear cap for closing off the rear end of said tank, a dust bag holder located in the forward end of said tank, an electric motor located to the rear of said dust bag holder, a power cord for supplying electrical power to said motor, and suction-producing means driven by said motor, first hinge axle support means secured to said tank at the bottom of said tank for supporting said hinge axle, means secured to said vacuum cleaner for provding for movability of said vacuum cleaner while it is in contact with the floor, said means for providing movability consisting of a pair of rear wheels and a sin gle front means, said front means comprising a motiontransmitting means in contact with the floor, an upwardly extending shaft from said front means and a substantially horizontal plate secured to the upper end of said shaft, said front cap having integrally formed pair of second axle support means each constructed to support one end of said hinge axle, said first axle support means being positioned intermediate said ends of said hinge axle and intermediate said pair of second axle support means, said front cap also having an integrally formed box-like structure positioned intermediate the ends of said hinge axle and having a front wall and a pair of grooved side walls and an open rear end, said plate being positioned into said grooves in said side walls of said box-like structure from the rear with the forward edge of said plate being in abutment with the front wall of said boxlike structure, and the rear edge of said plate being in abutment with said first hinge axle support means and being shaped so that said front cap may be freely pivotally swung downwardly about said hinge axle when said latch means is released in order that the dust bag in said vacuum cleaner may be replaced when necessary and so that said plate is securely locked into place in said box-like structure.

8. A vacuum cleaner as set forth in claim 7 wherein said front means comprises a castor means which is revolveable about said shaft.

9. A vacuum cleaner as set forth in claim 7 wherein volveable about said shaft.

Claims (10)

1. A canister-type vacuum cleaner comprising an elongated tank open at both ends, a pivotally operable front cap closing off the front end of said tank and having an inlet aperture for receiving an inlet hose and hose release means for releasably securing said hose in said inlet aperture, hinge means mounted on said tank and said front cap and supporting a hinge axle which allows said front cap to be pivotally swung open about said hinge axle when a new dust bag is to be inserted into the vacuum cleaner, latch means for securing said front cap over the front end of said tank during operation of the vacuum cleaner, a rear cap having air outlet means mounted on the open rear end of said tank, a dust bag holder supported in the forward end of said tank, an electric motor mounted in said tank to the rear of said dust bag holder, a power cord operably connected for supplying electrical power to said motor, suction-producing means operably connected to be driven by said motor whereby to produce a suction at said hose inlet, said front cap having a sloped surface on the upper portion of said front cap, efficiency-indicating means mounted on said slope surface, said efficiency-indicating means comprising a resilient dome which extends outwardly from said sloped surface, the interior of said dome being in communication with the interior of said tank, said dome being constructed such that is assumes an inverted position when the pressure differential between the interior of said tank and the ambient pressure on the outer surface of said dome exceeds a predetermined amount whereby to indicate a full dust bag or a clogged inlet hose, and adjustable suction-controlling means associated with a vent aperture located in said sloped surface adjacent to said efficiency indicator, said suction-controlling means comprising adjustable vent aperture closure means for achieving said suction control by closing off predetermined portions of said vent aperture in accordance with the adjusted position of said vent aperture closure means.

2. A vacuum cleaner as set forth in claim 1 wherein said suction-controlling means further comprises detent means for precisely locating said adjustable vent aperture closure means at each of a plurality of positions in accordance with the amount of closure of said vent aperture that is desired.

3. A canister-type vacuum cleaner comprising an elongated tank, a front cap closing off the front end of said tank and having an inlet aperture for receiving an inlet hose and hose release means for releasably securing said hose in said inlet aperture, means hingedly mounting said front cap on said tank whereby said front cap may be pivotally swung open when a new dust bag is to be inserted into the vacuum cleaner, latch means for securing said front cap ovEr the front end of said tank during operation of the vacuum cleaner, a rear cap closing off the rear end of said tank, and having air outlet means, a dust bag holder mounted in the forward end of said tank, an electric motor mounted in said tank to the rear of said dust bag holder, a power cord for supplying electrical power to said motor, suction-producing means in said tank and adapted to be driven by said motor, means secured to said vacuum cleaner for providing for movability of said vacuum cleaner while it is in contact with the floor, said tank being formed of an upper shell and a lower shell, said upper and lower shells having respectively a pair of integrally formed lower flanges and a pair of integrally formed upper flanges which run for substantially the length of said tank in the direction of the elongated dimension of said tank, each of said upper flanges extending substantially horizontally outwardly on opposite sides of said tank in abutting relationship with one of said lower flanges, which also extend substantially horizontally outwardly on opposite sides of said tank, the outer edges of said upper and lower flanges being bent downwardly and upwardly, respectively, and a pair of elongated removable resilient bumpers, each of said bumpers being recessed in a manner to receive one set of abutting upper and lower flanges including the bent edges thereof whereby said bumpers are mounted on and substantially cover said flanges along substantially the length thereof.

4. A vacuum cleaner as set forth in claim 3 wherein said front and rear caps are provided with bumper extensions to lengthen the effective lengths of said bumpers.

5. A vacuum cleaner as set forth in claim 4 wherein said front cap is provided with a pair of resilient removable bumper extensions.

6. A vacuum cleaner as set forth in claim 4 wherein said rear cap is provided with a pair of integrally molded bumper extensions.

7. A canister-type vacuum cleaner comprising an elongated tank, a front cap for closing off the front end of said tank having an inlet aperture for receiving an inlet hose and hose release means for releasably securing said hose in said inlet aperture, hinge means comprising a hinge axle which allows said front cap to be pivotally swung open about said hinge axle when a new dust bag is to be inserted into the vacuum cleaner, latch means for securing said front cap over the front end of said tank during operation of the vacuum cleaner, a rear cap for closing off the rear end of said tank, a dust bag holder located in the forward end of said tank, an electric motor located to the rear of said dust bag holder, a power cord for supplying electrical power to said motor, and suction-producing means driven by said motor, first hinge axle support means secured to said tank at the bottom of said tank for supporting said hinge axle, means secured to said vacuum cleaner for provding for movability of said vacuum cleaner while it is in contact with the floor, said means for providing movability consisting of a pair of rear wheels and a single front means, said front means comprising a motiontransmitting means in contact with the floor, an upwardly extending shaft from said front means and a substantially horizontal plate secured to the upper end of said shaft, said front cap having integrally formed pair of second axle support means each constructed to support one end of said hinge axle, said first axle support means being positioned intermediate said ends of said hinge axle and intermediate said pair of second axle support means, said front cap also having an integrally formed box-like structure positioned intermediate the ends of said hinge axle and having a front wall and a pair of grooved side walls and an open rear end, said plate being positioned into said grooves in said side walls of said box-like structure from the rear with the forward edge of said plate being in abutment with the front wall of said boxlike structure, and the rear edge of said plate being in abutmenT with said first hinge axle support means and being shaped so that said front cap may be freely pivotally swung downwardly about said hinge axle when said latch means is released in order that the dust bag in said vacuum cleaner may be replaced when necessary and so that said plate is securely locked into place in said box-like structure.

8. A vacuum cleaner as set forth in claim 7 wherein said front means comprises a castor means which is revolveable about said shaft.

9. A vacuum cleaner as set forth in claim 7 wherein said first axle support means comprises a metallic bracket having a pair of spacedapart substantially closed sleeve members and said second axle support means are sleeve members which have forwardly-facing open portions.

10. A vacuum cleaner as set forth in claim 9 wherein said front means comprises a castor means which is revolveable about said shaft.

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