Patent Description:
Cleaning devices are used in the home and office to clean floors and other surfaces. Various types of cleaning devices are known, such as vacuums with disposable bags, and vacuums with dirt bins that can be emptied and re-used.

<CIT> discloses a cleaning implement having a dirt bin and a cleaning sheet.

<CIT> discloses a cleaning implement having a removable cleaning head with a dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a cleaning device as defined in claim <NUM>. The dependent claims define optional features.

According to one embodiment, a cleaning head includes a debris collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning sheet is attached to an underside of a lower wall of the debris collection chamber.

It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination, within the scope of the claims. The foregoing and other aspects, embodiments, and features of the present teachings can be more fully understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Conventional bag vacuums typically require the user to remove a bag from a housing interior, dispose of the bag, and insert a new bag. Removing the bag can put dust in the air and/or result in spilled debris. Cyclonic vacuum cleaners often have a debris collection chamber that can be removed from the body of the vacuum, emptied, and reused.

For cleanup jobs that do not require a full-size vacuum cleaner, the inventors have appreciated that a debris collection chamber that remains closed upon removal from the vacuum can be helpful. Disclosed herein are debris collection chamber arrangements which allow debris-entrained air to be suctioned into a collection chamber through an inlet opening when the vacuum cleaner is turned on. The collection chamber arrangements may be arranged to cover the inlet opening when the vacuum cleaner is turned off, which may limit undesirable release of debris from the collection chamber, such as when the collection chamber is being disposed.

In some embodiments, the chamber inlet opening may be arranged to be automatically closed when the vacuum cleaner is turned off. In such embodiments, the collection chamber may be completely enclosed to limit release of debris. Such an arrangement also may be helpful to limit spillage or egress of collected debris from the collection chamber when the user removes and/or transports the collection chamber for debris disposal.

In some embodiments, the collection chamber may be adapted for reuse and include an aperture which is selectively openable to discard debris from the chamber. In other embodiments, the collection chamber may be adapted to be disposed of once the chamber is full. For example, in some embodiments the collection chamber may have no openings other than the inlet opening. In some embodiments, the collection chamber is not openable by a user to dispose of debris from the debris collection chamber without damaging the debris collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the collection chamber is attached to a cleaning head, and the entire cleaning head is disposable. For example, the collection chamber may be permanently attached to, and form at least a portion of, a disposable cleaning head in some embodiments, such that the entire head is disposed of after use.

For purposes herein, debris being suctioned into the debris collection chamber may include dry and/or wet media. For example, in some embodiments, a liquid applied to the surface may be absorbed by a cleaning sheet and/or suctioned by the vacuum into the debris collection chamber. In some embodiments, the wet media may be absorbed by at least a portion of the material used to form the debris collection chamber. In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber may be formed of a material which allows for fluid absorption into the material but does not allow for liquid transfer through the material. In such embodiments, liquid may not travel through the debris collection chamber. For example, the material used to form the debris collection chamber may be absorptive on an inner side of the debris collection chamber, but liquid impermeable.

In some embodiments, advantages may be realized if the user does not have to handle the wet or dirty cleaning head after operation of the cleaning device. For example, the cleaning device may be arranged to release the cleaning head after using the cleaning device such that the user does not have to grasp the cleaning head to discard it. In some embodiments, with a permanently attached debris collection chamber and a release arrangement that does not require the user to touch the cleaning head, the cleaning head can be disposed of with limited or no user contact.

In some embodiments, the cleaning head includes a support structure to which the debris collection chamber is attached. In such embodiments, the user may simply attach the cleaning head to the cleaning device, operate the cleaning device to remove dirt from a surface into the debris collection chamber, remove the cleaning head, and dispose of the cleaning head in a trash receptacle.

In some embodiments, the cleaning heads are arranged for space-efficient stacking for ease of storage and transport (see, e.g., <FIG>). For example, in some embodiments, the debris collection chambers are arranged to be collapsible. In an illustrative example, the debris collection chamber may include a bag. In some embodiments, the cleaning head may be stackable in a collapsed, disassembled arrangement. In such embodiments, the cleaning head may be assembled by the user prior to use, such as by popping open or folding together the cleaning head.

<FIG> shows a cleaning device <NUM> according to some embodiments. The cleaning device <NUM> includes a body <NUM> with a handle <NUM> and a cleaning head <NUM> which may be removably attachable to the body <NUM>, such as via a first connector <NUM>. For example, the cleaning head may have a corresponding second connector <NUM> that engages with the first connector to attach the cleaning head <NUM> to the body <NUM> (see <FIG>). In some embodiments, the cleaning head <NUM> may be flexibly secured to the body <NUM> via a vertical suspension <NUM> and a horizontal suspension <NUM> (see <FIG>). In such embodiments, the cleaning head <NUM> may undergo an oscillating motion relative to the body <NUM> under the influence of a gear drive <NUM> coupled to a motor <NUM> mounted to the body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the handle may have a length that is adjustable to allow a user to adjust the height of the cleaning device.

As shown by way of example in <FIG>, the cleaning head <NUM> may include a suction nozzle <NUM> to remove debris from a surface, and a debris collection chamber <NUM>, also referred to herein as a collection chamber, to collect the debris removed from the surface. In some embodiments, as shown in these views, the suction nozzle <NUM> may extend laterally along a front portion of the cleaning head <NUM>. The suction nozzle <NUM> may have any suitable shape and size. For example, the suction nozzle <NUM> may extend along an entire width of the cleaning head <NUM> in some embodiments, although in other embodiments, the nozzle <NUM> may extend along only a portion of the width of the cleaning head.

As shown in these views, in some embodiments, the nozzle <NUM> is attached, such as integrally formed with, the debris collection chamber <NUM>. The suction nozzle <NUM> also may be fixedly attachable to the cleaning head <NUM> (e.g., to the debris collection chamber <NUM>). In other embodiments, instead of being attached to the debris collection chamber <NUM>, the suction nozzle <NUM>, or at least a portion of the suction nozzle <NUM>, may be formed on part of the vacuum cleaner device <NUM>, such as on the first connector <NUM>. In such embodiments, once the collection chamber <NUM> is attached to the cleaning device <NUM>, the suction nozzle <NUM> forms a flow path to the collection chamber inlet opening <NUM>.

The debris collection chamber <NUM> may be any suitable type of container for collecting debris such as dirt, dust, food, or wet media. In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber <NUM> may be permanently or removably attached to a cleaning sheet <NUM>. For example, the collection chamber <NUM> may be glued, heat sealed, or otherwise permanently affixed to cleaning sheet <NUM>. As will be further described, the cleaning sheet <NUM> and the collection chamber need not be the same shape or size. For example, the cleaning sheet <NUM> may be larger than the collection chamber <NUM> in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, at least a portion of the cleaning sheet <NUM> may be wrapped round the cleaning head <NUM>. For example, the cleaning sheet <NUM> may extend along at least a bottom and a top portion of the cleaning head <NUM>. In still another embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the cleaning sheet <NUM> may be attached to a bottom and rear side of the cleaning head <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a support structure <NUM> may be provided to attach the cleaning sheet to the collection chamber. For example, a substantially planar support structure <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) may be provided between the collection chamber <NUM> and the cleaning sheet <NUM>, although the support structure <NUM> may have other suitable arrangements. In some embodiments, the support structure <NUM> is arranged to hold the cleaning sheet <NUM> to the cleaning head <NUM>. In some embodiments, the support structure <NUM> is arranged to hold the collection chamber <NUM> to the cleaning head <NUM>. In some embodiments, the support structure <NUM> may be permanently or removably attached to the cleaning head <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cleaning head <NUM> may not include a support structure <NUM>. In such embodiments, the cleaning sheet <NUM> may be arranged to secure the collection chamber <NUM> to the cleaning head <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the cleaning sheet <NUM> may be attached to an underside of a lower wall of a debris collection chamber <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the cleaning sheet <NUM> may be attached directly to an underside surface of a bottom wall <NUM> of the debris collection chamber <NUM>. The bottom wall <NUM> of the debris collection chamber <NUM> may form at least a portion of a bottommost surface of the cleaning head <NUM> to which the cleaning sheet <NUM> is attached. In some embodiments, the bottommost surface of the cleaning head may include a bottommost surface of a tray <NUM>, as will be described.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, for example, the collection chamber <NUM> may protrude upwardly from the cleaning sheet <NUM> and/or from a support structure <NUM>. For purposes herein, the term "protruding upwardly" means that the collection chamber <NUM> protrudes away from the support structure <NUM> and/or cleaning sheet <NUM>, in a direction away from the surface being cleaned.

In some embodiments, as shown by way of example in <FIG>, the debris collection chamber <NUM> may be formed as part of a tray <NUM>. In such embodiments, cleaning sheet <NUM> may be attached to a bottom, surface-facing side, of the tray <NUM>. In some embodiments, the bottom, surface-facing side of the tray <NUM> may include the bottommost surface of the cleaning head <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, an air filter <NUM> may be attached to a top surface of the tray <NUM>. In some embodiments, the air filter <NUM> may form a top wall of the collection chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the collection chamber <NUM> includes a suction inlet <NUM> having an inlet opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inlet opening <NUM> may be located at a top portion of the collection chamber <NUM>. For example, the inlet opening <NUM> may be formed by a top rim <NUM> of an upwardly extending wall <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inlet <NUM> may have a ramp <NUM> extending from a suction inlet <NUM>, such as a suction nozzle, into the collection chamber <NUM> to aid in moving debris from the suction inlet <NUM> into collection areas 126a, 126b of the collection chamber <NUM>. Though, in some embodiments, the area below the inlet opening <NUM> may have a floor that is coplanar with a bottom <NUM> of the collection areas 126a, 126b of the collection chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the inlet opening <NUM> of the collection chamber <NUM> may extend along only a portion a length of the cleaning head <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inlet opening <NUM> may be extend along less than a third of a length of the cleaning head <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inlet opening <NUM> may be positioned equidistant between first and second lateral (opposite) sides of the cleaning head <NUM>.

In other embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, for example, the inlet opening <NUM> may extend along an entire length of the cleaning head <NUM>. In some embodiments, having an inlet opening <NUM> that extends along the entire length of the cleaning head <NUM> may create increased suctioning of debris from the surface to be cleaned.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the inlet opening <NUM> may face in a generally upward direction. For purposes herein, an upward direction means a direction opposite a surface to be cleaned (e.g., away from the cleaning sheet <NUM>) when the cleaning head <NUM> is placed on a surface. As will be appreciated, in such embodiments, debris may travel up and into the debris collection chamber <NUM> from the suction inlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inlet opening <NUM> may be substantially parallel to the surface when the cleaning head <NUM> is placed on the surface. For example, as shown in <FIG> a plane P extending through the inlet opening <NUM> may extend substantially parallel to the surface to be clean. The inlet opening <NUM> also may extend substantially parallel to a plane S extending through a cleaning sheet <NUM> attached to the tray <NUM> and to a plane V extending through an internal valve <NUM> arranged to close the suction inlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the plane V extending through the internal valve <NUM> may be co-planar with the plane P extending through the inlet opening <NUM>.

In other embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the inlet opening <NUM> may be positioned in a generally upward direction, but may be angled relative to the cleaning sheet <NUM> (and/or to the surface being cleaned). For example, the inlet opening <NUM> may be angled between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees relative to the cleaning sheet <NUM> (and/or surface to be cleaned). In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the inlet opening <NUM> may be substantially parallel to an internal valve <NUM> arranged to close the inlet opening <NUM> (see the planes labelled P and V) yet be noncoplanar. In some embodiments, the inlet opening <NUM> may be formed in a forward wall <NUM> of the debris collection chamber <NUM>.

In still other embodiments, such as those shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the inlet opening <NUM> may be reward facing. For purposes herein, facing rearwardly means that the suction inlet <NUM> faces in a direction away from a leading edge (e.g., towards a rear) of the cleaning head <NUM> when the cleaning head is on a surface to be cleaned. A shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in such embodiments, the inlet opening <NUM> may face the debris collection chamber <NUM>. As with the above, the inlet opening <NUM> may be formed in the forward wall <NUM> of the debris collection chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the inlet opening <NUM> may be angled relative to the cleaning sheet <NUM> (and/or to the surface to be cleaned). For example, the inlet opening <NUM> may be angled between about <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees relative to the cleaning sheet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inlet opening <NUM> may be substantially perpendicular to the cleaning sheet <NUM> (and/or the surface to be cleaned).

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the collection chamber <NUM> may have a single collection area. In some embodiments, the collection area may extend along the entire length of the tray <NUM>, although the collection area may extend along only a portion of the length of the length of the tray <NUM>. In other embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the collection chamber <NUM> may include two collection areas 126a and 126b. Each of the collection area 126a and 126b may have similar or dissimilar shape and size with respect to each other. In still other embodiments collection chamber <NUM> may have more than three collection areas. In such embodiments, the collection areas may be aligned in rows and/or columns, or may be offset from one another in the tray <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a divider <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be provided, such as behind the suction inlet <NUM> to stiffen the collection chamber <NUM>. In such embodiments, the divider <NUM> may separate the collection chamber <NUM> into the collection areas 126a and 126b. The collection chamber need not include such a divider <NUM>. In some embodiments, additional walls similar to the divider <NUM> may be positioned in the collection chamber <NUM>, in some cases to guide air flow within the collection chamber <NUM>.

As described above, the air filter <NUM> may be attached to the collection chamber <NUM>, such as to form a top of the collection chamber. In some embodiments, the air filter <NUM> may be attached via an elastic connection. For example, an elongated strip of elastic material may connect the air filter <NUM> to a top portion of the collection chamber <NUM> along a forward wall <NUM> of the collection chamber <NUM>. A similar elongated elastic strip may connect the air filter <NUM> to the top portion of the collection chamber <NUM> along the rear wall of the collection chamber <NUM>. In such examples, the stretchability of the elongated strips allows the air filter <NUM> to move away from the inlet opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, elastic connectors also may be used on one or both walls at the lateral sides of the collection chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, only a portion of the air filter <NUM> may rise from the collection chamber <NUM> when negative pressure is applied to the cleaning head <NUM>. For example, elastic connectors may be provided along only certain portions of the air filter <NUM>. The elastic portions also may be provided in an area of the air inlet opening <NUM> such that the air filter <NUM> lifts only in the area of the air filter <NUM> at or near the air inlet opening <NUM>, while the remaining areas of the air filter <NUM> are not substantially lifted. For purposes herein, applying a negative pressure to a collection chamber <NUM> may include applying a negative pressure to the outside of an air-permeable portion of the collection chamber <NUM> and/or applying a negative pressure to an opening in the collection chamber <NUM>.

In still further embodiments, the air filter <NUM> may be connected to the collection chamber <NUM> without any elastic connectors such that the air filter <NUM> does not move at the connection points. In such an embodiment, the air filter <NUM> may have a size and shape which allows the air filter <NUM> to sufficiently lift away from the air inlet opening <NUM> when under negative pressure such that the air filter <NUM> lifts away from the air inlet opening <NUM>. For example, adhesive strips <NUM> may be provided on the filter material <NUM>, to secure the filter material to the collection chamber <NUM>, as shown by way of example in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, materials other than an air filter <NUM> may be used to cover the inlet opening <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a section of air-impermeable material may be used in the area of the top wall of the collection chamber <NUM> as a cover <NUM> for the inlet opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cover <NUM> may have the same shape as a perimeter of the chamber inlet opening <NUM>, or it may have a different shape. In some embodiments, an underside of cover <NUM> may be provided with an additional material layer. For example, a layer of material which conforms easily to the rim <NUM> forming the suction inlet <NUM> may be adhered to an underside of the air filter <NUM>. Such a layer may act to seal the inlet opening <NUM> against passage of debris. The cover <NUM> also may be formed as an additional material layer that is adhered to the underside of an air-filter material used to form the top of the collection chamber <NUM>.

Although the portions of the top wall outside of the cover <NUM> are shown as being an air filter <NUM> in the embodiment of <FIG>, other materials may be used to form the top wall of the collection chamber <NUM>. In some embodiments, the entire top wall may be air-impermeable, with one or more air filters being provided elsewhere in the arrangement. For example, the air-filter material may be limited to specific sections of the collection chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a top chamber wall similarly arranged to the air filter <NUM> shown in <FIG> may have air permeable sections only at or near lateral ends of the top chamber wall, with an air-impermeable material in the remaining section(s). In other embodiments, air-permeable sections may be positioned close to a centered inlet opening <NUM>. Air-permeable sections also may be positioned on one or more sides, such as on both sides, of a centered inlet opening <NUM>. One or more inlet openings <NUM> may be formed in any suitable portion of the collection chamber <NUM>, with air-permeable material in corresponding locations on the top of the collection chamber. In some embodiments, a collection chamber <NUM> may include more than one inlet opening <NUM> and a cover <NUM> for each of the inlet openings <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as also shown in <FIG>, for example, the collection chamber <NUM> may include stiffening ridges <NUM> along a bottom of the collection chamber <NUM>. In some embodiments, the stiffening ridges <NUM> may allow for less material to be used in forming the collection chamber <NUM>. In some embodiments, the stiffening ridges <NUM> may extend between the front and back of the collection chamber <NUM>. Stiffening ridges <NUM> may be positioned and sized in any suitable manner. For example, stiffening ridges <NUM> may extend only part way between the front and back of the collection chamber <NUM>. Stiffening ridges <NUM> also may extend at least part way between the lateral sides of the collection chamber <NUM>, or between the sides of the collection areas 126a and 126b. The stiffening ridges may extend substantially perpendicular to a suction nozzle <NUM> of the cleaning head, although they instead may be angled relative to the suction nozzle <NUM>. The shape and size of each of the stiffening ridges <NUM> may be the same as one another, though the shape and size may vary from ridge to ridge.

Stiffening ribs or grooves also may be used instead of, or in addition to, stiffening ridges <NUM>. In some embodiments, the same material used in forming the collection chamber <NUM> may be used to form the stiffening ribs or grooves. In such embodiments, a different material may be used to form the stiffening ridges <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the collection chamber <NUM> may be formed via a plastic thermoforming process, although collection chamber <NUM> may be manufactured using any suitable process. For example, the collection chamber <NUM> may be injection molded or compression molded. In some embodiments, the collection chamber <NUM>, the suction nozzle <NUM>, and the suction inlet <NUM> may be formed as a unitary piece (e.g., tray <NUM>). In some embodiments, the collection chamber <NUM>, the suction nozzle <NUM>, and the suction inlet <NUM> may be integrally formed, such as by thermoforming. In other embodiments, one or more of the collection chamber <NUM>, the suction nozzle <NUM>, and the suction inlet <NUM> may be separately formed and later attached to one another. For example, the suction nozzle <NUM> and suction inlet <NUM> may be integrally formed, with the collection chamber <NUM> being separately formed and later attached.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the suction nozzle <NUM> may have any suitable arrangement and/or cross-sectional shape. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the suction nozzle <NUM> may be curved (see e.g., <FIG>). In some embodiments, the suction nozzle <NUM> may have a straight top (see, e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>). The suction nozzle <NUM> also may include one or more undercuts (see, e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>).

In some embodiments, a cleaning sheet <NUM> may be attached to the collection chamber <NUM> (e.g., the bottom, surface-facing side of the collection chamber <NUM>) to clean a surface. The cleaning sheet <NUM> may be formed of any suitable material, and may be made of a single layer or multiple layers. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the cleaning sheet <NUM> may include multiple layers such as a multifunctional strip <NUM>, a face layer <NUM>, and first and second absorbent layers <NUM> and <NUM>. The face layer <NUM> and absorbent layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be made from various non-woven materials, woven materials, and/or plastics, or any other suitable materials. The absorbent layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to wick moisture away from the face layer <NUM>. The multifunctional strip <NUM> may be used for scrubbing in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the multifunctional strip <NUM> may provide friction to help prevent the cleaning device <NUM> from slipping when propped against a wall.

As described above, and as shown in <FIG>, a cover <NUM> may be used to cover the inlet opening <NUM> of the collection chamber <NUM>. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> may include one or more portions which extend downwardly into the inlet opening <NUM> and/or around the outside of the inlet opening <NUM>. For example, a collar <NUM> may be attached to an underside of the air filter <NUM> such that when the vacuum is turned off (e.g., the negative pressure applied the air filter is released) and the air filter <NUM> returns to a home position, (see <FIG>), the collar <NUM> covers some or all of the perimeter of the inlet opening <NUM>.

In the home position, the air filter <NUM> is no longer subject to negative pressure, and thus moves in a direction toward the collection chamber <NUM>. In some embodiments, the home position is the same as the first position described above, with the air filter <NUM> and/or cover <NUM> being placed and/or held against the inlet opening <NUM> to block debris from exiting the collection chamber <NUM>. In other embodiments, in the home position, the air filter <NUM> and/or cover <NUM> may be at least partially spaced from a top surface of the inlet opening <NUM>, although the air filter <NUM> may contact or be attached to other portions of the collection chambers <NUM>. Even though the air filter <NUM> and/or cover <NUM> may be at least partially spaced from a top surface of the inlet opening <NUM>, the inlet opening <NUM> may still be closed such that debris may not escape from the collection chamber <NUM> when the cleaning device <NUM> is powered down. For example, as will be described, the air filter <NUM> and/or cover <NUM>, along with the portions that extend into and/or around the outside of the inlet opening <NUM>, may cooperate to close the inlet opening <NUM> when the cleaning device <NUM> is powered down.

In some embodiments, a collar <NUM> may be connected to an underside of the air filter <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. When the air filter <NUM> is moved to the home position, the collar <NUM> may be positioned next to, and/or in contact with, an outside portion of the upwardly extending wall <NUM>. As shown in this view, air filter <NUM> is shown slightly higher than the inlet opening <NUM> when the air filter <NUM> is in the home position of <FIG>. In some embodiments, the collar <NUM> may be made of a rigid material, although the collar <NUM> may be made of a flexible material.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, a downwardly extending member may be positioned inside the inlet opening <NUM> when the air filter <NUM> is in the home position. In such embodiments, a collar <NUM> is adapted to be positioned next to or in contact with an inside portion of the upwardly extending wall <NUM>. As with the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the collar <NUM> may be made of a rigid material or a flexible material.

The downwardly extending cover structures shown in <FIG> may be used in addition to or instead of a substantially horizontal cover portion of the air filter <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a cover stabilizer <NUM> may be implemented to help maintain contact between the cover <NUM> and a rim <NUM> of the inlet opening <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a cover stabilizer <NUM> may be used with a similar shape to the rim <NUM> of the outlet opening <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some embodiments, the stabilizer <NUM> is pivotally attached to the air filter <NUM> at a pivot joint <NUM>, and is biased downwardly by a torsion spring <NUM>. In other embodiments, the cover stabilizer <NUM> may be formed with or otherwise attached to the first connector <NUM>. The force applied by the cover stabilizer <NUM> may press the underside of air filter <NUM> to secure contact with the rim <NUM> of the air inlet opening <NUM>. The weight of the stabilizer <NUM> and the strength of the torsion spring <NUM> may be configured such that when the air filter <NUM> is lifted from the collection chamber <NUM>, the stabilizer <NUM> does not overly deform the shape of the air filter <NUM>. In some embodiments, a mechanical limit to the rotation of the cover stabilizer <NUM> may be implemented, for example at the pivot joint <NUM>.

A conduit end does not have to be fully exposed to be considered to be an inlet opening <NUM> that is not covered by a cover <NUM>. For example, if the air inlet opening <NUM> for a debris collection chamber <NUM> is formed by an upright cylindrical column with a top circular rim, and the air filter <NUM> is removed from a sufficient portion of the circular rim during vacuuming to permit flow of air and debris into the collection chamber <NUM>, the air inlet opening <NUM> may be considered to be not covered by the cover <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the air filter <NUM> (or other collection chamber wall) may be connected to the collection chamber <NUM> without any elastic connectors. <FIG> shows one embodiment where the air filter <NUM> is attached to the collection chamber <NUM> with a pleated material <NUM>. The air filter <NUM> is shown slightly lifted from the collection chamber <NUM> in <FIG>. In some embodiments, when negative pressure is applied to the air filter <NUM>, the air filter <NUM> pulls on and unfolds the pleats of the pleated material <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pleats may be biased toward the folded position, such that when the negative pressure is released, the pleats may return toward the folded position such that the air filter <NUM> covers the inlet opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, a cover stabilizer <NUM>, such as is shown in <FIG>, may be used in conjunction with a pleated arrangement or other non-elastic arrangement.

Instead of, or in addition to, using air filter <NUM> as the top wall of the collection chamber <NUM>, the pleated material <NUM> may be formed of an air-filtering material. For example, the top wall of the collection chamber <NUM> may be formed of an air-impermeable material, and the cleaning device <NUM> may be configured to encompass at least the top wall and the pleated sides of the pleated material <NUM>. When negative pressure is applied to the collection chamber <NUM>, the top wall of the collection chamber <NUM> may be lifted upwardly and away from the inlet opening <NUM>, exposing the air-filtering material of the pleated sides of the pleated material <NUM>. Air may then be withdrawn from the collection chamber <NUM> via the pleated sides of the pleated material <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the air filter <NUM> itself may have one or more pleats <NUM> formed thereon or therein. <FIG> show an embodiment of the air filter <NUM> having two pleats <NUM>, although it may have a fewer or greater number of pleats <NUM>. The air filter <NUM> may be attached to a top surface of a tray <NUM>, or the air filter <NUM> may form a top wall of the collection chamber <NUM>. When negative pressure is applied to the collection chamber <NUM>, the air filter <NUM> may be lifted upward and away from the collection chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, the pleats <NUM> of the air filter <NUM> may unfold and/or expand. This increases the surface area of the air filter <NUM> that is exposed to the flow of air, which increases the amount of airborne debris that may be captured. Additionally, the unfolding and/or expanding of the pleats <NUM> as the air filter <NUM> lifts upwards and away from the collection chamber <NUM> effectively increases the volume of the air chamber <NUM>. This may permit more debris to be captured within the debris collection chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of an air filter <NUM> having pleats 130a and 130b. The length (i.e., longitudinal dimension) of each pleat 130a and 130b may extend from a first lateral end of the air filter <NUM> to a second, opposite lateral end of the air filter <NUM>. In some embodiments, each pleat 130a and/or 130b may terminate a predetermined distance from one or both opposite lateral ends of the air filter <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the air filter show in <FIG>, and <FIG> shows a close-up thereof. In this exemplary embodiment, the interior fold of pleat 130a faces the interior fold of pleat 130b, and the fold of pleat 130a extends further than the fold of pleat 130b. In some embodiments, the interior folds may be facing the same or opposite directions, and they may be of equal or unequal sizes. In some embodiments, each pleat 130a and/or pleat 130b may have multiple interior folds.

While the embodiments illustrated herein show the inlet opening <NUM> facing upward and the air filter <NUM> positioned such that the air filter <NUM> acts as a top wall of the collection chamber <NUM>, the air filter <NUM> may be positioned elsewhere on the collection chamber <NUM> and still function as a removable cover for the inlet opening <NUM>. For example, instead of facing upwardly as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the inlet opening <NUM> may face rearwardly, and the air filter <NUM> may be positioned at the back of the collection chamber <NUM>. In the home position, the air filter <NUM> may be held against the inlet opening <NUM>, for example with elastic connectors, to cover the inlet opening <NUM>. When negative pressure is applied, the air filter <NUM> be moved away from the inlet opening <NUM>.

Although embodiments have been shown and described with only the top wall of the collection chamber <NUM> moving in response to negative pressure, in some embodiments, more than one wall of the collection chamber <NUM> may move in response to negative pressure. For example, in some embodiments, a top wall and one or more side walls of the collection chamber <NUM> may move in response to an applied pressure. In some embodiments, a movable wall may include a flexible bag structure. In some embodiments, the entire debris collection chamber <NUM> may be formed as a flexible bag attached to the chamber inlet opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, a portion of the bag may be positioned against the inlet opening <NUM> when no negative pressure is applied to the collection chamber <NUM>. In such embodiments, the bag may expand from the application of negative pressure such that the portion of the bag covering the inlet opening <NUM> moves away to allow debris-entrained air to enter the bag. As described herein, walls of the collection chamber <NUM> may be planar and/or rigid in some embodiments, although the walls, or at least a portion of the walls, may be flexible in other embodiments such that the collection chambers <NUM> may have a combination of rigid and flexible walls.

In some embodiments, such as those shown in <FIG>, the collection chamber <NUM> may include a lip and internal valve <NUM> that keeps dust, dry media, and/or wet media within the collection chamber <NUM> once the dirt has been moved into the collection chamber <NUM>, thereby preventing dust and dry media from exiting via the inlet opening <NUM> of the inlet <NUM>, such as when the cleaning device <NUM> is powered off. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the internal valve <NUM> of the collection chamber <NUM> may be selectively openable and closeable at or near the inlet opening <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the internal valve <NUM> may be pivotable between an open position O when the cleaning device <NUM> is powered on and a closed position C when the cleaning device <NUM> is powered off.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the internal valve <NUM> may be integrally or attachably formed with at least a portion of the cleaning head <NUM>. For example, the internal valve <NUM> may be integrally formed with or protrude from a top rim <NUM> of an upwardly extending wall <NUM> that forms a perimeter of the collection chamber <NUM>. The internal valve <NUM> also may protrude downwardly from the top rim <NUM> of the upwardly extending wall <NUM> to block or otherwise obscure the inlet opening <NUM> when, for example, the cleaning device <NUM> is powered off. In other embodiments, the internal valve <NUM> may be attachably received at an elongated strip or other portion of the air filter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the elongated strip may be at least partially formed by the air filter <NUM> or may be attachably received at the air filter <NUM> and, in some embodiments, protrude downwardly from the air filter <NUM>. For purposes herein, the term "protrudes downwardly" means that the internal valve <NUM> and/or elongated strip protrudes away from the air filter <NUM> in a direction toward a surface being cleaned.

In some embodiments, the internal valve <NUM> may be permanently or removably attached to the top rim <NUM> of the upwardly extending wall <NUM>, the elongated strip, and/or at least a portion of the air filter <NUM>. For example, the internal valve <NUM> may be glued, heat sealed, or otherwise permanently affixed to the top rim <NUM>, the elongated strip, and/or the air filter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the internal valve <NUM> may include or be formed of one or more flaps. In some embodiments, the one or more flaps may include the elongated strip or at least a portion of the air filter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the flaps together aid in moving debris from the suction inlet <NUM> of the cleaning head <NUM> into the collection areas 126a and 126b of the collection chamber <NUM> and inhibit debris that has already been collected in collection areas 126a and 126b from moving over the upwardly extending wall <NUM> (see <FIG>) and through the inlet opening <NUM> of the suction inlet <NUM>.

The internal valve <NUM> and/or the one or more flaps may be formed of any suitable material, and may be made of a single layer or multiple layers of, for example, non-woven materials, woven materials, and/or plastics, or any other suitable materials. The one or more flaps may be glued, heat sealed, or otherwise permanently affixed to each other, the top rim <NUM>, the elongated strip, and/or the air filter <NUM> to form the internal valve <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the internal valve <NUM> may be formed of multiple layers including a first layer made of a lightweight, non-woven material and at least a second layer made of a stiff, nonporous material. An adhesive strip <NUM> may be provided on the filter material of the air filter <NUM> or on the elongated strip protruding downwardly from the air filter <NUM> to secure the internal valve <NUM> to the air filter <NUM>. In some embodiments, during a manufacturing process, the first layer of the internal valve <NUM> may be heat sealed or otherwise adhered to the adhesive strip <NUM> provided on the filter material or to an elongated strip of the air filter <NUM>. A single fold or pleat may be made in a first layer of the internal valve <NUM>, causing a first side of the first layer to move in a first direction toward the air filter <NUM> during the manufacturing process. The second layer of the internal valve <NUM> may be heat sealed or otherwise adhered to a second side opposite the first side of the first layer.

In some embodiments, when a negative pressure is applied to or released from the air filter <NUM>, the negative pressure may pull on or release the internal valve <NUM>, causing the internal valve <NUM> to pivot at the single fold or pleat between an open position when the cleaning device <NUM> is powered on and a closed position when the cleaning device <NUM> is powered off.

As shown in <FIG>, in the closed position C, the internal valve <NUM> may be fully sealed against the inlet opening <NUM> of the suction inlet <NUM> of the collection chamber <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a frame portion may extend along a perimeter edge of the inlet opening <NUM> of the suction inlet <NUM> and be positioned <NUM> ± <NUM> from the perimeter edge of the inlet opening <NUM>. In the closed position C, when the cleaning device <NUM> is powered off, the internal valve <NUM> may rest on the frame portion such that the internal valve <NUM> is fully sealed against the inlet opening <NUM> of the suction inlet <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the cleaning sheet <NUM> may be attached to the collection chamber <NUM> and be positioned behind the suction nozzle <NUM> such that debris may be suctioned into the nozzle <NUM> and collection chamber <NUM> before reaching the cleaning sheet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cleaning sheet <NUM> includes multiple layers including a multifunctional strip <NUM>, a face layer <NUM>, and first and second absorbent layers <NUM> and <NUM>. The face layer <NUM> and absorbent layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be made from various non-woven materials, woven materials, and/or plastics, or any other suitable materials. The absorbent layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to wick moisture away from the face layer <NUM>. The multifunctional strip <NUM> may be used for scrubbing a surface in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the multifunctional strip <NUM> may provide friction to help prevent the cleaning device <NUM> from slipping when propped against a wall. In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber <NUM> may be permanently or removably attached to the cleaning sheet <NUM>.

In some embodiments, when the cleaning head <NUM> is attached to the cleaning device <NUM>, at least a portion of the debris collection chamber <NUM> may be concealed. For example, in some embodiments, the debris collection chamber <NUM> may be covered by the first connector <NUM> used to connect the cleaning head <NUM> to the cleaning device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, once the cleaning sheet <NUM> has been attached to the cleaning device <NUM>, such as via the first connector <NUM>, the user may operate a vacuum or suction source of the cleaning device <NUM> to clean a surface. In some embodiments, the cleaning device <NUM> may include one or more actuators for actuating the suction source. As described above, upon actuation of the suction source, at least a portion of the air filter <NUM> may move away from the inlet opening <NUM> to allow debris-entrained air to enter into the collection chamber <NUM>. The suction source may be an electric motor in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the cleaning device <NUM> also may include one or more actuators for applying a liquid to a surface or to a component of the cleaning device <NUM>, for example the cleaning sheet <NUM>. A user may actuate the liquid actuators at the same time that the vacuum source is being applied to the surface, although the user may actuate the suction source before and/or after actuating the liquid applicators.

In some embodiments, the cleaning head <NUM> may be flexibly secured to the body <NUM> via vertical suspension elements <NUM> and horizontal suspension elements <NUM>. In such embodiments, the cleaning head <NUM> may undergo an oscillating motion relative to the body <NUM> under the influence of a gear drive <NUM> coupled to a motor <NUM> mounted to the body <NUM>. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, a shaft of the motor <NUM> is disposed horizontally and is coupled to a vertical gear drive <NUM>. The gear drive <NUM> is in turn coupled to the cleaning head <NUM> via an offset bearing <NUM> disposed on a shaft <NUM> of the gear drive <NUM>. The offset bearing imparts a horizontal oscillating motion to the cleaning head <NUM> when the motor <NUM> is powered on.

<FIG> shows two vertical suspension elements <NUM> near opposite lateral portions of the body <NUM> and cleaning head <NUM>. There may be a greater or fewer number of vertical suspension elements <NUM>, and the vertical suspension elements <NUM> may be positioned at various locations instead of or in addition to the illustrated lateral positions.

<FIG> further shows two horizontal suspension elements <NUM> near front portions of the body <NUM> and cleaning head <NUM>. There may be a greater or fewer number of horizontal suspension elements <NUM>, and the horizontal suspension elements <NUM> may be positioned at various locations other than or in addition to the illustrated frontal positions.

<FIG> shows a closeup view of an exemplary vertical suspension element <NUM>. This vertical suspension element <NUM> comprises an upper base <NUM> mounted to or integrated with the body <NUM> and a lower base <NUM> mounted to or integrated with the cleaning head <NUM>. A pair of vertical columns <NUM> couple the upper base <NUM> to the lower base <NUM>. There may be a greater or fewer number of vertical columns <NUM> per vertical suspension element <NUM>. The vertical columns <NUM> enable the cleaning head <NUM> to undergo horizontal oscillatory motion relative to the body <NUM> while maintaining a substantially constant vertical separation between the cleaning head <NUM> and the body <NUM>. The vertical columns <NUM> may be formed of or comprise a substantially non-compressible compliant material.

<FIG> show closeup views of exemplary horizontal suspension elements <NUM>. Each horizontal suspension element <NUM> comprises a plurality of arcuate members <NUM> that extend radially from a substantially central inner hub <NUM> to a substantially circumferential outer frame <NUM>. <FIG> shows three arcuate members <NUM> and <FIG> shows two arcuate members <NUM>. There may be a greater or fewer number of arcuate members <NUM> per horizontal suspension element <NUM>. The arcuate members <NUM> enable the cleaning head <NUM> to undergo horizontal oscillatory motion while providing a bias to return the cleaning head <NUM> to a home position relative to the body <NUM>. The arcuate members <NUM> may be formed of or comprise a compliant material.

The cleaning head <NUM> described herein may be constructed and arranged to permit efficient packing or stacking of multiple cleaning heads <NUM> in some embodiments (see, e.g., <FIG>). In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber <NUM> and suction nozzle <NUM> may be sized and positioned on a cleaning sheet <NUM> and/or support structure <NUM> such that an inverted cleaning head <NUM> is stackable on an upright cleaning head <NUM> in such a manner that the most upwardly-facing surface is substantially level. An alternative embodiment of a cleaning head <NUM> with an attached cleaning sheet <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. As shown in this view, the cleaning head may include a debris collection chamber <NUM> and a non-return valve <NUM>. As with the above, the non-return valve may be arranged to keep dust, dry media, and/or wet media within the debris collection chamber <NUM> once the dirt has been moved into the chamber, such that dust and dry media may be prevented from exiting via a chamber inlet opening of a suction inlet, such as when the cleaning device <NUM> is powered off. In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber <NUM> may be formed as part of a tray <NUM>, which may be constructed of a thermoformed plastic in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the non-return valve <NUM> opens when a suction is turned on, and returns to a closed position when the suction is turned off. In some embodiments, the non-return valve <NUM> may be formed of a polypropylene.

In some embodiments, an air filter <NUM> covers a top portion of the debris collection chamber <NUM>. The air filter <NUM> may be made with a hydrophobic material to impede liquid penetration. In some embodiments, the air filter <NUM> may be made of a polypropylene.

A cleaning sheet may be attached to the underside of the tray <NUM> in some embodiments. The cleaning sheet may include one or more layers. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, a multifunctional strip <NUM> is attached to a face layer <NUM>, which is backed by an acquisition layer <NUM> and a retention layer <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, for example, the multifunctional strip <NUM> may include a long, narrow piece of material that is attachable to a surface-facing side of the face layer <NUM>. The multifunctional strip <NUM> may be placed on any suitable portion of the face layer <NUM>, although it is shown in <FIG> as being located in a central portion of the face layer <NUM>. For example, the multifunctional strip <NUM> may be located in between a forward edge and a rear edge of the face layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the multifunctional strip <NUM> may extend along an entire width of the cleaning sheet, although the strip may extend along only a portion of the width of the cleaning sheet in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, each of the face layer <NUM>, the acquisition layer <NUM>, and the retention layer <NUM> are the same shape and same size, although their relative shapes and sizes may vary. As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, each of the face layer <NUM>, the acquisition layer <NUM>, and the retention layer <NUM> may be substantially rectangular in shape.

In some embodiments, each of the face layer <NUM>, the acquisition layer <NUM>, and the retention layer <NUM> includes a cutout in a central portion of the front edge of the respective layer. In some embodiments, the cutout is adjacent to a central portion of the suction nozzle <NUM> when the cleaning sheet is attached to the tray <NUM>. The face layer <NUM> may be made with a hydrophobic material. The hydrophobic material may be arranged such that the weight of the unit puts a pressure on the face layer <NUM> such that liquid is allowed to penetrate the face layer <NUM> from surface, but the material is able to help hold acquired liquid within the cleaning sheet. The face layer <NUM> may be treated with paraffin. In some embodiments, the paraffin improves the retention of solid particles on the cleaning sheet when the cleaning sheet is wetted, thereby reducing the potential for redeposit.

The face layer <NUM> may include a texture to aid with capturing debris from a surface. For example, the face layer <NUM> may include an embossed three-dimensional pattern with crevices in which debris can be held. The use of the cleaning device <NUM> in combination with the cleaning sheet sheet reduces the amount of solid debris reaching the embossment of the face layer <NUM>, thereby allowing the face layer <NUM> to be used on a wet surface. The face layer <NUM> may include a PET spunlace that is hydroentangled.

The acquisition layer <NUM> may be formed of thermal bonded airlaid. A density may be used which permits liquid to be absorbed from a surface and desorbed into the retention layer <NUM>. The acquisition layer <NUM> may be formed with a suitable percentage of bi-component to increase mechanical stability and reduce wet collapse. For example, in some embodiments, the thermal bonded airlaid may be formed with <NUM>% pulp and <NUM>% bi-component. In some embodiments, the material may be formed with at least <NUM>% of bi-component.

The retention layer <NUM> may have a higher density airlaid than the acquisition layer <NUM> to promote liquid migration from the acquisition layer <NUM> into the retention layer <NUM>. The higher density airlaid provides mechanical structure to reduce compression and retain liquid. In some embodiments, the retention layer <NUM> material may be formed with <NUM>% pulp and <NUM>% bi-component. The retention layer <NUM> material may be formed with <NUM>% or less bi-component in some embodiments.

The multifunctional strip <NUM> may be formed with hydrophilic meltblown polypropylene in some embodiments. By using a hydrophilic material, the cleaning sheet may provide a more even wipe to reduce streakiness. The multifunctional strip <NUM> may help to break up stains in some embodiments. Additionally, in some embodiments, by providing a source of friction that is higher than tht of the face layer <NUM>, the multifunctional strip <NUM> can provide feedback to the user indicating when more liquid as needed.

According to some embodiments, a debris collection chamber <NUM> may be constructed and arranged such that bins can be temporarily held together for storage and shipping. For example, as shown in <FIG>, debris collection chambers 212a and 212b are constructed such that the underside of a first debris collection chamber 212a can be inserted into the top of a second debris collection chamber 212b, and the outsides of the front and rear walls of the first debris collection chamber 212a form an interference fit with the insides of the front and rear walls of the second debris collection chamber 212b. The top of a debris collection chamber <NUM> (e.g., an air filter <NUM>) may be sized to allow a first debris collection chamber 212a to push the top of a second debris collection chamber 212b downward when the debris collection chambers 212a and 212b are stacked together. In some embodiments, the top of a debris collection chamber <NUM> may be made of a resilient stretchable material.

<FIG> illustrate a method of assembling a cleaning head <NUM> that is stacked in a collapsed, unassembled position. In some embodiments, a user may fold a first panel of the cleaning head <NUM> toward a second panel of the cleaning head <NUM>, and attach the first and second panels. See, e.g., <FIG> showing the debris collection chamber <NUM> and cleaning head <NUM> in an assembled configuration. The first and second panels may have one or more tabs that engage with corresponding openings. In some embodiments, once the debris collection chamber <NUM> is in the assembled configuration, a cleaning sheet <NUM> may be attached thereto (e.g., via an adhesive and/or hook and loop fasteners).

Although a cleaning sheet <NUM> is described as having some layers joined via adhesive and others via welding and/or sealing, it will be appreciated that all of the layers may be joined to one another via an adhesive. In such examples, an adhesive may be applied between each adjacent layer (e.g., between an acquisition layer <NUM> and a face layer222, and between a face layer <NUM> and a multifunctional strip <NUM>). The layers also may be joined together via other suitable arrangements.

While the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Various aspects of the present invention may be used alone, in combination, or in a variety of arrangements not specifically discussed in the embodiments described in the foregoing and is therefore not limited in its application to the details and arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments.

Also, embodiments of the invention may be embodied as a method, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

Claim 1:
A cleaning device, comprising:
a vacuum body (<NUM>) that includes a handle (<NUM>) that is coupled to a head (<NUM>), the head (<NUM>) including a lower base (<NUM>);
a replaceable cleaning head (<NUM>) that includes a cleaning sheet (<NUM>) and a dust chamber (<NUM>), wherein the replaceable cleaning head (<NUM>) is configured to be removably attached to the lower base (<NUM>), and the cleaning sheet (<NUM>) has a cleaning surface; and
a source of suction located on at least one of the body (<NUM>) or replaceable cleaning head (<NUM>);
characterised in that
the lower base (<NUM>) is moveably mounted to the head (<NUM>);
a motor (<NUM>) being connected to the lower base (<NUM>) such that the motor (<NUM>) is operable to impart motion to the lower base (<NUM>) relative to the head (<NUM>);
wherein the replaceable cleaning head (<NUM>), when attached to the lower base (<NUM>), is movable with the lower base (<NUM>) relative to the head (<NUM>).