Abstract:
A vacuum appliance having a housing with an attached intake port. A plurality of attachment nodes are axially located about the intake port. An accessory with a plurality of axially located grooves selectively engage the plurality of attachment nodes to establish a locking relationship with the intake port.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/899,017, filed on Feb. 2, 2007. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to vacuum accessory locks. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an attachment and locking mechanism for interchangeable vacuum accessories. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
         [0004]    Vacuum appliances originated in the late 1800s and are now the most commonly used tool for picking up both wet and dry debris. Vacuum appliances may be found in various configurations, including household or industrial vacuum cleaners (bag, cyclonic or robotic), central vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners or wet/dry vacuum cleaners. Although design and complexity may vary, vacuum appliances are typically comprised of five components: a motor, a fan, a housing, an exhaust port and an intake port. 
         [0005]    In use, an electric current is applied to the motor for rotationally driving the fan. The shape and design of the fan blades forces air in a single direction, typically away from the intake port and towards the exhaust port. The moving air causes a pressure drop behind the fan, generating suction. Suction directed at the intake port pulls debris into the vacuum housing where it is contained for later disposal. 
         [0006]    Since the motor typically runs at a constant speed, the air flow into the vacuum appliance is also constant. However, various media may require more suction than provided with the typical air flow. Suction varies with the size and shape of the intake port; therefore, different accessories can be attached to the intake port for various debris media. Also, it is occasionally necessary to have an alternate vacuum appliance configuration to reach difficult locations (i.e. narrow locations, high locations, etc). The accessories may vary the length of the intake hose for extended reach ability or shape configuration. Occasionally, it is also necessary to combine accessories to provide for even further extended reach and increased air flow. 
         [0007]    In current industry standard applications, accessory attachment is achieved via a friction fit or a clip-type locking mechanism. In the friction fit, a connection end of the accessory may be tapered, and the tapered end may be inserted into the intake port until the two parts mate. The friction fit between the accessory and the intake port may be relied upon to hold the accessory in place. While friction fit attachment is generally acceptable for light duty applications, it can be problematic in industrial or heavy usage situations where the attachments are prone to damage. In such applications, minor accessory damage may reduce vacuum seal, in turn causing reduced suction pressure. 
         [0008]    While the clip-type locking mechanisms may overcome some of the friction fit problems, they usually require additional pieces. This can lead to additional cost and additional failure modes. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a vacuum appliance having a housing with an intake port. A plurality of attachment nodes are axially located about the intake port. An accessory with a plurality of axially located grooves selectively engages the plurality of attachment nodes to establish a locking relationship with the intake port. 
         [0010]    An alternate embodiment of the present disclosure includes a vacuum appliance attachment mechanism for a vacuum appliance having an attached intake port with a proximal end attached to the vacuum appliance, an intermediary portion with a plurality of axially located attachment nodes and an elongated distal end. A vacuum accessory having a plurality of axially located spiral grooves is receivably attached to the plurality of axially located attachment nodes of the intermediary portion of the intake port. 
         [0011]    Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a vacuum appliance utilizing an accessory attachment mechanism in accordance with the principles of the present teachings; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the accessory attachment mechanism of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a hose accessory and a nozzle accessory before attachment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the hose accessory and the nozzle accessory after attachment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the hose accessory and a friction-fit tool accessory after attachment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an attachment between a hose accessory and an intake port in accordance with a second embodiment of the present teachings; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an attachment between a hose accessory and an intake port in accordance with a third embodiment of the present teachings; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of an attachment between a hose accessory and an intake port in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present teachings; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an adaptor with an intake port for attachment with a vacuum accessory in accordance with an fifth embodiment of the present teachings. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. 
         [0023]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , a vacuum appliance is depicted generally by reference number  10 . The vacuum appliance  10  includes a housing  12  containing a motor (not shown), a fan (not shown), an intake port  14 , an exhaust port  16 , a filter (not shown) and a vacuum accessory  18 . While  FIG. 1  depicts a typical wet/dry vacuum cleaner with a hose accessory  18  as the vacuum accessory, the present teachings may also be applied to other vacuum accessories and vacuum appliance configurations that utilize alternate vacuum accessories, such as, household or industrial vacuum cleaners (bag, cyclonic or robotic), central vacuum cleaners or steam cleaners. 
         [0024]    The motor of the vacuum appliance  10  may be provided with an electrical current by means known in the art, for example, an electrical outlet cord  20 . Electric current traveling through the electrical outlet cord  20  may be applied to the motor causing it to cycle at a constant speed. The fan may be in electrical communication with the motor and is thereby rotationally driven by the cycling of the motor. 
         [0025]    The fan may have a suitable blade design which utilizes the rotational motion of the fan to create a pressure drop behind the blades forcing air in a single direction, also at a generally constant speed. The fan may be so situated as to cause air to flow from the intake port  14  towards the exhaust port  16 . Friction between moving air particles and debris (including solids, liquids, and gases) causes the debris to enter the intake port  14 . After entering the intake port  14 , the debris flows into the housing  12 , the filter then prevents the debris from continuing out of the exhaust port  16  with the air particles. 
         [0026]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , the hose accessory  18  is shown prior to attachment to the intake port  14 . The intake port  14  may be fixedly attached to the housing  12  of the vacuum appliance  10  by any means known in the art. The intake port  14  may be generally tubular in shape and may define an axis, A. A plurality of attachment nodes  22  may be located about the exterior circumference of the intake port  14  defined by axis, A. Although the number of attachment nodes  22  may vary from that shown in the present embodiment, it is advantageous to standardize the number of attachment nodes  22  for maximum interchangeability. The intake port  14  may further comprise an elongated distal portion  24  adjacent to the proximal portion including the attachment nodes  22 . The elongated distal portion  24  may be smaller in diameter than said proximal portion and may provide a typical friction fit arrangement as is known in the art. A step portion providing a reduced diameter can be provided between the proximal and distal portions. For reference, the elongated portion  24  may be generally smooth and tubular and it may be tapered, for attachment to industry standard accessories. 
         [0027]    The hose accessory  18  may have proximal and distal ends  26 ,  28 . The proximal end  26  may be generally tubular in shape and may define an axis, B. The proximal end  26  may comprise a plurality of spiral grooves  30  located about the interior circumference of the hose accessory  18  defined by axis, B. The number of spiral grooves  30  may vary from that shown in the present embodiment; however it is advantageous to standardize the number of spiral grooves  30  for maximum interchangeability. Further, the number of spiral grooves  30  should be chosen to match the number of attachment nodes  22 . The spiral grooves  30  may open at a top surface  32  of the proximal end  26  of the hose accessory  18  and rotate around axis, B, towards the distal end  28  at an angle, α 1 . The angle, α 1 , may be between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, and as shown can be approximately 45 degrees. The spiral grooves  30  may end in a generally straight portion (i.e. not spiral)  34 , which is parallel to the top surface  32 . 
         [0028]    Attachment of the hose accessory  18  to the intake port  14  of the vacuum appliance  10  is accomplished by aligning the attachment nodes  22  with the spiral grooves  30  at the open top surface  32  of the proximal end  26  of the hose accessory  18 . The hose accessory  18  is then rotated in a counter-clockwise motion (shown by rotational arrow) with respect to the attachment nodes  22  of the intake port  14  until the attachment nodes  22  reach the generally straight portion  34  of the spiral grooves  30 . When the attachment nodes  22  reach the generally straight portion  34 , the hose accessory  18  is cammed into engagement with the intake port  14  and a vacuum tight seal is created between the hose accessory  18  and the intake port  14 . Rotation of the hose accessory  18  in a clockwise motion assists in releasing this vacuum tight seal. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the distal end  28  of the hose accessory  18  may be generally tubular in shape and may define an axis, C. The distal end of the hose can define an intake port to the vacuum appliance. The distal end  28  of the hose accessory  18  may comprise a plurality of attachment nodes  22 ′, which may be located about the exterior circumference of the distal end  28  defined by axis, C. The number of attachment nodes  22 ′ may vary from that shown in the present embodiment; however it is advantageous to standardize the number of attachment nodes  22 ′ for maximum interchangeability. 
         [0030]    The distal end  28  of the hose accessory  18  may further comprise an elongated portion  24 ′ adjacent to the attachment nodes  22 ′. The elongated portion  24 ′ may be a typical friction fit arrangement as is known in the art. For reference, the elongated portion  24 ′ may be generally smooth and tubular or it may be tapered, for attachment to current industry standard accessories. 
         [0031]    As should be understood, the distal end  28  of the hose accessory  18  may accept a proximal end  36  of another vacuum accessory, as shown in  FIG. 4  as a nozzle accessory  38 . The configuration of the proximal end  36  in the nozzle accessory  38  may be similar to that described for the hose accessory  18  (including interior spiral grooves  30 ′), but may incorporate an alternately configured proximal end  40  for performing alternate tasks. It should be understood that the alternate vacuum accessory  38  may be configured with any proximal end  40  configuration known in the art, such as an upholstery brush, a dusting brush, a crevice tool, or an extension wand. Attachment between the vacuum accessories  18 ,  38  is identical to the attachment between the intake port  14  and the hose accessory  18 . 
         [0032]    As  FIG. 5  depicts, the vacuum accessories  18 ,  38  may be connected as described herein or may also be typical industry standard, friction fit accessories attached to the elongated portion  24 ′ of the hose accessory  18  as described herein. 
         [0033]    In another embodiment, an inlet port  114  of the vacuum appliance  110  may be connected to a hose accessory  118  via a soft interface as shown in  FIG. 6 . Here, the soft interface may be an o-ring  142 . The o-ring  142  may be seated in a groove  144  provided in the outward facing surface of the inlet port  114 . The o-ring  142  may be fabricated from a material (i.e. an elastomeric material) that resumes its original shape when a deforming force is removed. By way of example only, the hardness rating on a Shore A scale for the o-ring  142  may be greater than  40  durometer. In the example embodiment, the hardness rating on a Shore A scale for the o-ring  142  may be in the range of 65-75 durometer. 
         [0034]    As shown, the o-ring  142  may extend outward beyond the outer surface of the inlet port  114 , and have an outer diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the hose accessory  118 . Also, the inner diameter of the hose accessory  118  may be greater than the outer diameter of the inlet port  114 . Accordingly, the o-ring  142  may be compressed when the hose accessory  118  is mounted, creating a seal at the interface. At the same time, the o-ring  142  may maintain a clearance between the hose accessory  118  and the inlet port  114 . In this way, the o-ring  142  may absorb impacts at the joint between the hose accessory  118  and the inlet port  114 . The soft interface provided by the o-ring  142  may be implemented without any additional connecting structures (e.g., a locking member or other non-pliant structures). 
         [0035]    By way of example only, the o-ring  142  may have a round cross-sectional shape. In alternative embodiments, the o-ring  142  may have numerous and varied cross-sectional shapes. The inlet port  114  and the hose accessory  118  may be cylindrically shaped. In alternative embodiments, the inlet port  114  and the hose accessory  118  may have corresponding tapered shapes. 
         [0036]    Another example embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 7 . Here, the o-ring  242  may be seated in a groove  244  provided in the inward facing surface of the inlet port  214 . As shown, the o-ring  242  may extend inward beyond the inner surface of the inlet port  214 , and have an inner diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the hose accessory  218 . Also, the inner diameter of the inlet port  214  may be greater than the outer diameter of the hose accessory  218 . Accordingly, the o-ring  242  may be compressed when the hose accessory  218  is mounted, creating a seal at the interface. At the same time, the o-ring  242  may maintain a clearance between the hose accessory  218  and the inlet port  214 . 
         [0037]    Another example embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 8 . Here, the o-ring  342  may be seated in a groove  344  provided in the outward facing surface of the inlet port  314 . As shown, the o-ring  342  may extend outward beyond the outer surface of the inlet port  314 , and have an outer diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the hose accessory  318 . Also, the inner diameter of the hose accessory  318  may be greater than the outer diameter of the inlet port  314 . Accordingly, the o-ring  342  may be compressed when the hose accessory  318  is mounted, creating a seal at the interface. At the same time, the o-ring  342  may maintain a clearance between the hose accessory  318  and the inlet port  314 . The inner surface of the hose accessory  318  may include a taper  346  to facilitate mounting of the hose accessory  318 . 
         [0038]    In the example embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 6-8 , the o-ring  142 ,  242 ,  342  may be seated in the groove  144 ,  244 ,  344  provided on an inner diameter of the inlet port  114 ,  214 ,  314 . In alternative embodiments, the o-ring may be seated in a groove provided in a surface of the hose. It will be readily apparent that the example embodiments may implement one or more o-rings. It will also be readily apparent that the inlet port may be provided in the housing  12  of the vacuum appliance  10 . 
         [0039]    Another example embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 9 . The housing  12  of the vacuum appliance  10  may support an adaptor  400 , which may include an inlet port  414  for connection to a hose accessory  418 . The housing  12  may include a notch  420  defined between opposed guide grooves  422 . The adaptor  400  may be inserted into the notch  420  so that opposed edge portions of the adaptor  400  enter into (and are guided by) the opposed guide grooves  422 . The adaptor  400  may be situated at a location on the housing  12  that may facilitate insertion/removal. In this example embodiment, the insertion direction of the adaptor  400  may be perpendicular to a central axis of the inlet port  414 . 
         [0040]    As the inlet port  414  and/or a connection end of the hose accessory  418  may be tapered, the hose accessory  418  may he inserted into the inlet port  414  until the two parts mate. The friction-fit between the inlet port  414  and the hose accessory  418  may hold the hose accessory  418  in place. 
         [0041]    The adaptor  400  may be fabricated from a material (i.e. an elastomeric material) that resumes its original shape when a deforming force is removed. Thus, the adaptor  400  may offer a soft interface feature by which impacts at the joint between the hose accessory  418  and the inlet port  414  may be absorbed. The adaptor  400  may be fabricated from a material that provides sufficient hose support and shock absorbing characteristics. By way of example only, the hardness rating on a Shore A scale for the adaptor  400  may be greater than 40 durometer. In the example embodiment, the hardness rating on a Shore A scale for the adaptor  400  may be in the range of 65-75 durometer. The hardness of the adaptor  400  may be less than the hardness of the housing  12  and the hardness of the hose accessory  418 . However, the hardness of the adaptor  400  may depend on the structural details of the adaptor  400  and/or the detail of the surrounding structure. 
         [0042]    The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do no depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.