Abstract:
A liquid collection vessel for an air and liquid vacuum system of the type incorporating an air vacuum unit coupled to the vessel for drawing air and liquid therein. The vessel includes a generally cylindrical housing having an upper region. An ingress nozzle is disposed in the upper region of the housing and is adapted for receiving air and liquid there through and into the housing in response to low pressure created by the vacuum unit coupled thereto. The ingress nozzle is further disposed angularly within the housing for discharging air and liquid into the housing in a descending, tangential flow pattern. An air intake manifold is likewise disposed within the housing and coupled to the air vacuum unit for drawing air out of the housing.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for air and liquid vacuuming and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an improved liquid collection vessel and fluid flow design for the suction of air and liquid from an area to be vacuumed.  
           [0003]    2. History of Related Art  
           [0004]    It is common to utilize motorized systems to create low pressure for vacuuming areas such as floors and the like. Typically, such vacuum systems incorporate a collection vessel and blower combination which maximize fluid flow therein to facilitate the vacuuming operation for purposes such as cleaning, dyeing or tinting. Conventional systems are typically capable of extracting and reclaiming excess liquid such as water, dyes or tints. It is also typical to steam clean carpeted areas by discharging steam that condenses into water, and sucking such discharged water back into the vessel. Examples of such carpet cleaning and dyeing systems are set forth and shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,151,627; 3,942,217; 3,562,844; and 1,198,373. More specifically, carpet cleaning and dyeing machines of the type used by the assignee of the present invention include the following U.S. patents: D338,292, D287,655 and D274,851. As shown within the above-referenced patents, large vessels are typically utilized for housing the blowers typically needed for creating low pressure areas during the vacuuming operation and for storing water sucked therein. Flexible hoses are typically utilized in conjunction with the vessels for extending to the area to be cleaned, dyed or tinted, such as floor areas, and sucking both air and water there through for discharge within the vessel. The particular design of the vessel itself as well as the mechanism therein generally determines the efficiency of the vacuum operation.  
           [0005]    It is well known, for example, to utilize cylindrical vessels and blowers to create low pressure therein, which low pressure (or vacuum) causes a sucking action through the above-referenced flexible hose. The hose then draws or sucks water and air there through. The water leaving the hose in the area of the vessel is sometimes deposited directly into the vessel or upon a baffle secured therein that deflects the water downwardly into the vessel while allowing the air to flow at various angles therein. The baffle design has been utilized for decades with various vessel shapes and has been effective in separating water from the flowing air to allow acceptable operation of the vacuum system for carpet cleaning and the like. One distinct efficiency consideration is, of course, the degree of suction created by the mechanism and the efficiency afforded by the sucking operation. Improvements in the equipment, including the vessel and its associated plumbing could improve air flow and thereby improve the ability to remove more water from the area being vacuumed which is a distinct advantage.  
           [0006]    It is well known that increasing the size of the motor with a commensurate increase in the volume of air flow associated therewith can increase the suction ability of the unit. This improves the ability of the system to reclaim excess liquid from the surface being vacuumed. Increases in motor size may also create increases in cost, weight and size of the associated unit. In many instances, such increases are not commercially feasible, much less desirable. It would therefore be an advantage to increase the suction power of the unit without a commensurate increase in unit cost, size or weight. Such an increase could be affected by improvements in the design of the vessel and/or the system itself. The present invention is designed to provide such an improvement by utilizing a vortex fluid flow configuration as hereinafter described.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention relates to a method of and apparatus for vacuuming air and liquid such as water. More particularly, one aspect of the present invention includes a vacuum system collection vessel incorporating a housing having a vortex fluid flow design incorporated therein. In this manner, air and liquid drawn into the vessel by a vacuum unit or the like connected thereto, is induced to swirl within the housing by virtue of tangential flow introduction therein. The tangential flow introduction which increases the fluid flow dynamics in a manner facilitating an increased suction effect therewith. The increased suction effect further facilitates the drawing of air and liquid from an area to be vacuumed without increasing the size of the blower and/or other aspects of the equipment associated therewith.  
           [0008]    In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a vacuum system collection vessel and method and collecting air and liquid such as water, and includes a cylindrical housing body having a top section constructed of a transparent material allowing visibility of the vessel contents. An inner chamber is formed by the cylindrical body and communicates with an ingress nozzle. The ingress nozzle is connected to the upper region of the cylindrical body and is adapted to receive the air and water there through. The ingress nozzle may have threads thereon for connection to a hose. The ingress nozzle is also oriented at an acute angle, relative to the horizontal, extending into the inner chamber to discharge liquid therein in a descending tangential pattern. A liquid discharge fitting is also mounted in the lower region of the cylindrical body for the selective elimination of liquid therefrom. A transparent top section is also provided and forms a dome which is sealed along a rectangular opening formed in the top of the housing. A standpipe is incorporated and upstands through the rectangular opening in the housing body beneath the dome. The standpipe has a top portion, a lower portion, and a filter secured to the top portion. The filter is disposed vertically above the intake fitting for preventing liquid from entering the standpipe during operation.  
           [0009]    During operation, an air vacuum unit coupled to the collection vessel sucks air and liquid through the intake tube and into the intake fitting through the angulated flow conduit. A vortex is formed by the tangential entry of the air and liquid in the inner chamber of the vessel. This vortex increases the efficiency of the suction of the air and liquid being drawn into the inner chamber. As a result, the efficiency of the system is improved by the assistance of the vortex created by the method and apparatus of the present invention.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vacuum system collection vessel constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the vacuum system collection vessel of FIG. 1;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the vacuum system collection vessel of FIG. 1;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the vacuum system collection vessel of FIG. 1;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the vacuum system collection vessel of FIG. 1;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is a side elevational, cross-sectional view of the vacuum system collection vessel of FIG. 1 taken along line  6 - 6  thereof;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 6A is a fragmentary, size elevational view of the angulated conduit section illustrating its angle to the horizontal;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 7 is a side elevational, cross-sectional view of the vacuum system collection vessel of FIG. 1 taken along line  7 - 7  thereof;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 8 is a top plan, cross-sectional view of the vacuum system collection vessel of FIG. 1 taken along line  8 - 8  thereof; and  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hot water extractor system incorporating the vacuum system collection vessel of FIG. 1. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0021]    The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention and the figures.  
         [0022]    Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a vacuum system collection vessel  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The system collection vessel  10  includes a generally cylindrical housing  12  having a top  14  opposite a bottom  16 . The housing  12  further includes a generally cylindrical outer wall  18 . The housing  12  may be roto-molded of polyethylene plastic or the like. A thickness in the range of ½″ has been utilized, although a wide variety of thicknesses and sizes is possible. The particular housing  12  illustrated herein has such a ½″ wall thickness and a height of 15″ and a diameter of 14″. These dimensions are by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting to the scope of the present invention, because a variety of sizes are contemplated.  
         [0023]    Still referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an ingress nozzle or intake fitting  20  having a plurality of threads  21 , ridges or the like formed generally circumferentially therearound to provide securement of a hose (shown attached thereto in FIG. 9). Intake fitting  20  permits the ingress of air and liquid, such as water, vacuumed by the vacuum system collection vessel  10  in a manner described in more detail below. Liquid which enters through intake fitting  20  into the housing  12  is stored therein for selective discharge through discharge fitting  22 . Discharge fitting  22  is shown with a discharge valve  23  and is mounted to a generally planar bulkhead  25  formed within the surface  18  of housing  12 . Once the housing  12  is filled, the liquid may be drained through the fitting  22 . A circumferential indentation  24  is also provided around the housing  12  providing structural integrity thereto. Because a vacuum is being pulled in housing  12 , the indentation  24  helps prevent the housing from collapsing.  
         [0024]    Referring still to FIG. 1, the top  14  of the vacuum system collection vessel  10  is constructed with a transparent dome  26  which may be formed of glass, plastic (such as Lexan®) or the like for sealing against a generally rectangular opening  27  formed therebeneath. Upstanding through the rectangular opening  27  is a stand pipe  28  having a screen, or filter  30  secured to the top portion thereof. Stand pipe  28  further includes a lower stand pipe region  32  extending downwardly into an inner chamber  34  of housing  12  for collection of liquid therein and the flow of air therearound as described in more detail below.  
         [0025]    Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side elevational view of the vacuum system collection vessel  10  of FIG. 1, wherein the dome  26  is shown disposed around the filter  30 . The filter  30  of standpipe  28  is disposed vertically above the intake  20  for purpose of preventing the ingress of liquid into the standpipe  28  as described in more detail below. Also shown this figure is the discharge valve  22  with control valve  23  mounted thereto.  
         [0026]    Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a front elevational view of the vacuum system collection vessel  10  of FIG. 1, wherein the shape of the circumferential indentation  24  around the housing  12  is clearly illustrated. Likewise, the intake fitting  20  is disposed generally vertically above the discharge orifice  22 , although other arrangements may be preferable in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0027]    Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a top plan view of the vacuum system collection vessel  10  which more clearly illustrates the placement of the transparent dome  26  over standpipe  28  and filter  30 . The rectangular opening  27  that provides access to the internal chamber  34  of housing  12  includes a sealing surface  36  formed therearound. The sealing between the dome  26  and the surface  36  is preferably facilitated by the utilization of gasket material or the like to promote sealing therebetween. Such sealing is necessary to facilitate the vacuum action wherein suction is provided through the vacuum associated with the vacuum system collection vessel  10  as will be described in more detail below.  
         [0028]    Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a bottom plan view of the vacuum system collection vessel  10  of FIG. 1 illustrating the terminal end  38  of standpipe  28  extending through the bottom  16  of housing  12 . It is the terminal end  38  of standpipe  28  that is connected to an underlying air vacuum unit (shown in FIG. 9) to afford the vacuum operation disclosed herewith.  
         [0029]    Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a side elevational, cross-sectional view of the vacuum system collection vessel  10  of FIG. 1 taken along line  6 - 6  thereof. The standpipe  28  is shown to extend from the top to the bottom of the housing  12  and to afford a means for communicating with a vacuum system underlying said housing  12  for creating the suction utilized therewith, as will be shown in FIG. 9. Likewise, the intake fitting  20  and discharge manifold  22  are shown to be constructed with regions extending inwardly into the internal chamber  34  of housing  12 . This discharge fitting  22  includes a conduit section  40  extending inwardly into the chamber  34  of housing  12  for purposes of channeling the liquid there through and outwardly thereof. Likewise, the intake fitting  20  includes a angulated conduit section  42  which causes the entering air and liquid to enter the housing  12  tangentially in a downward direction and circulate therearound. A downward angle on the order of 30° from the horizontal has been shown to be most effective in maximizing the fluid flow dynamics and suction efficiency in the particular embodiment shown herein. This angle is shown most clearly in FIG. 6A. Other angles may also have good effectiveness, depending on the overall size and shape of, and operational parameters associated with, the housing  12  of the present invention. What has been discussed is that the circular flow pattern into the housing  12  through the downwardly angulated section  42  of intake fitting  20  produces a descending tangential flow of air and liquid that facilitates greater efficiency in operation.  
         [0030]    Referring now to FIG. 7, there is a shown a side elevational cross-sectional view of the vacuum system collection vessel  10  of FIG. 1 taken along line  7 - 7  thereof, wherein the flow of air and liquid is illustrated by arrow  39  therewith. The descending, tangential flow depicted by arrow  39  of the air and liquid around the standpipe  28  is facilitated by of the drawing of air through the standpipe  28  and through the filter  30 . It may be seen that on the liquid level reaches the top of the housing  12 , it will cover the discharge conduit  42  (FIG. 6A) to thereby inhibit further sucking of air and liquid through the intake fitting  20  (FIG. 6) and terminate the operation thereof, until the liquid can be dumped through the discharge fitting  22  described above.  
         [0031]    Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a top plan, cross-sectional view of the vacuum system collection vessel  10  of FIG. 1, taken along line  8 - 8  thereof, illustrating the flow of air and liquid therearound as produced by the angulated flow conduit  42  of intake fitting  20 . The air and liquid flow in the above-described descending, tangential pattern, illustrated by arrow  39 , causes the formation of a vortex therein. The vortex assists the vacuum operation by facilitating entry of the air and liquid into the internal chamber  34 . The vortex is perpetuated by constant reintroduction of the air and liquid tangentially into the internal chamber  34  as herein described.  
         [0032]    Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a perspective view of a complete vacuum system constructed in according to the principles of the present invention. The vacuum system  200  is shown to be constructed with the liquid collection vessel  10  for the air and liquid vacuum system mounted to a frame  210 . A strap  212  is shown extending therearound and positioned within the circumferential indentation groove region  24  of the housing  12  discussed above. The frame  210  includes a wheel base  215  which facilitates portability of the overall unit. It is typical for such systems to incorporate an air vacuum system  44  which extends outwardly from the wheel base  215 . An intake tube  46  is shown extending between the air vacuum unit  44  and the underneath side of the housing  12  and connected thereto. The air vacuum unit  44  is also a part of the assembly&#39;s operational base  100 . Within the operational base  100 , there typically exists a reservoir for water and a means for generating steam therefrom in association with power and motorized systems that are conventional in the art. It should be noted that the present invention relates directly to the method of and apparatus for air and liquid vacuuming as facilitated by the vessel  12  herein defined. The utilization of vacuum hoses and steam lines associated therewith are for exemplary purposes only and may be selected from those typically used in the art. However, for purposes of specificity, there is shown a vacuuming wand  120  connected to a steam line  122  which extends from the operational base  100 . The steam line  122  is connected to the wand  120  in a matter conventional in the art. Likewise, a flexible hose  110  is shown coupled to the intake fitting  20  (FIG. 8), shown on the rear side of the housing  12  and to the wand  20  for purposes of facilitating the flow of air and liquid from the wand  20  through the hose  110  and into the housing  12  in the manner described above.  
         [0033]    Operationally, the present invention has enabled a functioning with 260″ of water lift where Applicant&#39;s older, square tank designs could only show 220″ of water lift. Moreover, the present invention can be built with a variety of sizes of housing  12 . A 16″ housing  12  may be constructed with but a single indentation  24 , while a taller, 24″ housing  12  may require two indentations for structural integrity. Likewise the angle to the horizontal on the order of 30° for conduit section  42  (as shown in FIG. 6) may vary as set forth above. The optimum angle would be that which produces the greatest water lift for the given housing size. In other words, the size and shape of the housing  12  and the operational parameters may necessitate different angles in certain cases.  
         [0034]    In operation, this particular type of unit may be used to discharge hot steam into a carpet where the steam condenses into hot water. The air and liquid vacuuming aspect thus permits the wand to wand  120  to reclaim the discharged water from the surface being cleaned. Such surfaces are typically carpets and such units are typically used by professional carpet cleaners. It is desirable for such professional carpet cleaners to have units that are lightweight and extremely durable for movement on and around stairways and other regions of both commercial and residential areas. It is also typical to have several pump and vacuuming options available. A series of switches  125  are shown diagrammatically atop base unit  100  for illustrating that various modes of operation may be afforded by the system  200  as necessary for particular operations. Notwithstanding the above, the present invention is not to be considered to be limited by the utilization with such hoses and the related structure because variations in the creation of the vacuum within the housing  12  may also provide effective operation in accordance with principles of the present invention.  
         [0035]    It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description of the preferred exemplary embodiments. It will be obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.