Caster locking device and surface cleaning equipment implementing the caster locking device

Abstract

Disclosed is a nozzle for use with a surface cleaning device, the nozzle comprising: a nozzle housing that defines a dirty air inlet; at least a first caster that is coupled to the nozzle housing to allow the nozzle housing to move over a surface to be cleaned; and a caster locking device that is coupled to the nozzle housing. The caster locking device preferably includes at least a first locking member that switches the first caster between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein the locked configuration restricts movement of the nozzle housing along a single axis during a cleaning operation, and the unlocked configuration allows the nozzle housing to move along multiple axes / directions during a cleaning operation.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 009,201, filed on Apr. 13, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This specification relates to surface cleaning devices, and more particularly, to a caster locking device that allows for selectively locking and unlocking associated casters to switch between a normal mode and a lateral (or multi - directional) mode. Background Art

[0004] The following is not an admission that any of the discussion below is part of the prior art or common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

[0005] For example, an electric surface cleaning device such as a vacuum cleaner has multiple components, each receiving power from one or more power sources (e.g., one or more batteries or a main power source). For example, a vacuum cleaner may include a suction motor for generating a vacuum within a cleaning head. The generated vacuum collects debris from the surface to be cleaned and deposits the debris in, for example, a debris collector. The vacuum cleaner may also include a motor for rotating a brush roll within the cleaning head. The rotation of the brush roll agitates the debris that has adhered to the surface to be cleaned, such that the generated vacuum can remove the debris from the surface. In addition to the electrical components for cleaning, the vacuum cleaner may include one or more light sources to illuminate the area to be cleaned. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[0007] The accompanying drawings included are for the purpose of illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses taught by this specification and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way.

[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view of a nozzle incorporating a caster locking device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 Another perspective view of a nozzle in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 is shown.

[0010] Figure 3A A bottom perspective view of a nozzle in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 is shown.

[0011] Figure 3B A perspective view of a nozzle in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.Figure 3A Partial exploded view of the nozzle.

[0012] Figure 3C Shows a Figure 3A Another partial exploded view of the nozzle according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3D Shows a Figure 3A Cross-sectional view of the nozzle according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3E Shows a nozzle implementing a caster locking device in a locked configuration in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3F Shows a nozzle implementing a caster locking device in an unlocked or multi-directional configuration in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4A Shows a bottom perspective view of another exemplary caster locking device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4B Shows a Figure 4A Top perspective view of the caster locking device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 4C Shows a Figure 4A Cross-sectional view of the caster locking device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4D Shows a Figure 4A Magnified view of the caster locking device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 5 Shows another example of a locking caster receptacle according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 6 Shows an actuator suitable for use with a locking caster receptacle according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 5

[0022] Figure 7A Shows a perspective view of another caster locking device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 7B Shows a Figure 7A Bottom view of the caster locking device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 7C Shows a Figure 7A Another bottom view of the caster locking device according to aspects of the present disclosure. ​

[0025] Figure 8 shows another perspective view of a caster locking device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure Figure 7A .

[0026] Figure 9 shows another perspective view of a caster locking device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure Figure 7A . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In general, the present disclosure relates to a caster locking device for use with a surface cleaning device and preferably within a nozzle housing of the surface cleaning device. More specifically, the nozzle housing preferably defines a dirty air inlet and is coupled to the caster locking device. The locking caster device preferably includes a locking configuration for restricting the direction of movement of the nozzle housing during a cleaning operation, and an unlocking configuration for unrestricted movement of the nozzle housing during a cleaning operation. The nozzle housing further preferably includes a neck that defines a suction passage extending therethrough and a nozzle coupling section rotatably coupled to the nozzle housing to provide a locked position and an unlocked position. In response to rotation of the neck to the unlocked position, the caster locking device preferably transitions to the unlocked configuration to permit multi-directional movement, such as lateral movement, to allow the nozzle to travel in a direction generally extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle housing, which is referred to herein as "lateral" cleaning.

[0028] Although the following figures and description illustrate and refer to a so-called "upright" vacuum cleaner, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited in this regard. For example, the caster locking device in accordance with the present disclosure is equally applicable to other types of surface cleaning devices, such as stick vacuum cleaners and vacuum attachments such as a wand.

[0029] Turning now to the drawings, Figure 1-2 illustrates an example nozzle 100 for use with a surface cleaning device, such as an upright or stick vacuum cleaner. As shown, the nozzle 100 preferably includes a nozzle housing 102 and a pivot neck 104 (which may also be referred to herein simply as the neck).

[0030] The pivot neck 104 preferably includes a nozzle coupling section 103 at a first end for pivotally coupling with the nozzle housing 102; and a second end 107 for fluidly coupling with a suction motor, for example, by means of a wand or other structure. The first end may be referred to herein as the nozzle coupling end, and the second end may be referred to as the mounting section.

[0031] The pivot neck 104 is preferably pivotally coupled to the nozzle housing 102 and rotates about a first axis of rotation 108, where the first axis of rotation extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle housing 102. In other words, the pivot neck 104 allows a user to adjust the angle of the pivot neck relative to the surface of the support nozzle 100 (and / or the nozzle housing 102) using, for example, a handle (not shown) or other grippable portion that is coupled to the mounting section 107.

[0032] The pivot neck 104 may include an integral pivot connector adjacent to the nozzle coupling section 103, referred to herein as the pivot neck or simply the pivot, which allows rotational movement of the pivot neck 104 about the first axis of rotation 108 to selectively lock and unlock an associated caster assembly, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0033] The pivot neck 104 preferably defines a chamber extending from the nozzle coupling section 103 to the mounting section 107. As Figure 1 shown, the hose 106 preferably extends at least partially through the chamber of the pivot neck 104 and fluidly couples the dirty air inlet of the nozzle, e.g., Figure 3A the dirty air opening / inlet 121-1, to a suction motor and a dust collection cup (not shown).

[0034] Figure 3A-3E Additional aspects of the nozzle 100 according to the present disclosure are shown. As Figure 3A shown, the nozzle housing 102 preferably includes a first housing portion 102-1 coupled to a second housing portion 102-2. The first housing portion 102-1 and the second housing portion 102-2 may include, for example, plastic or any other suitable rigid material.

[0035] The second housing portion 102-2 preferably defines a first caster opening (or receiving seat) 114-1 and a second caster opening (or receiving seat) 114-2 and a dirty air inlet opening 121-1, respectively. The first caster opening 114-1 and the second caster opening 114-2 are aligned with the caster locking device 118 and the inlet port 121-2. Thus, when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are coupled together, the caster locking device 118, and more specifically the casters 112-1 and 112-2, preferably extend through the first caster opening 114-1 and the second caster opening 114-2. Also, the dirty air inlet opening 121-1 is converted to the inlet port 121-2. For simplicity, the dirty air inlet opening 121-1 and the inlet port 121-2 are collectively referred to herein as the dirty air inlet 121.

[0036] The second housing portion 120-2 further preferably defines a plurality of guides 124 in the form of triangular protrusions, the plurality of guides being angled to direct dirt / debris towards the dirty air inlet 121 during a cleaning operation. The curved guides 128 preferably extend along the length of the second housing portion 120-2 and are configured to generally direct dirt and debris towards the dirty air inlet 121. The edge guides 126 are preferably disposed at opposite ends of the second housing portion 120-2. The edge guides 126 and the curved guides 128 together form a side opening / channel that allows dirt and debris to pass therethrough and be generally directed towards the dirty air inlet 121 during a multi-directional / lateral cleaning operation.

[0037] The pivot neck 104 further includes a pivot joint 105 (see Figure 1 ), wherein the pivot joint 105 allows the mounting section to rotate about a second axis of rotation 110 (see Figure 2 ), wherein the second axis of rotation 110 extends generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle housing 102 and / or the first axis of rotation 108. Thus, the pivot neck 104 can accurately be referred to as a multi-segment neck, thereby defining rotation of an upper segment / section of the mounting section 107 relative to a fixed lower section of the pivot neck 104 coupled to the nozzle housing 102. The pivot joint 105 provides an additional degree of freedom during a cleaning operation. As discussed in further detail below, the pivot joint 105 also further allows the user to angle the associated handle in a manner that allows for convenient so-called "lateral" cleaning, which, when the nozzle 100 is switched to an unlocked / multi-directional configuration, allows the nozzle to be driven in a direction D generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle housing 102, as Figure 2 shown.

[0038] Continuing with reference, the first housing portion 120-1 and the second housing portion 120-2 further preferably include a caster locking device 118 disposed therebetween. As more clearly shown in the partial exploded view of the nozzle 100 as Figure 3C shown, the caster locking device 118 includes a first caster 112-1 and a second caster 112-2 and a first locking member 130-1 and a second locking member 130-2.

[0039] As Figure 3C further shown, the first locking member 130-1 and the second locking member 130-2 preferably extend coaxially with each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle housing 102. Each of the first locking member 130-1 and the second locking member 130-2 preferably includes a body having a first end adjacent to the nozzle coupling section 103 of the pivot neck 104 and a second end aligned with the locking grooves of the first caster 112-1 and the second caster 112-2, as discussed further below.

[0040] The first pivot neck 129-1 and the second pivot neck 129-2 preferably extend coaxially from the pivot neck 104 with respect to each other and define a first groove / track 127-1 and a second groove / track 127-2, respectively. The first pivot neck 129-1 and the second pivot neck 129-2 are preferably formed integrally with the pivot neck 104 as a single unitary piece. More preferably, the first pivot neck 129-1 and the second pivot neck 129-2 are fixedly attached / coupled to the pivot neck 104 such that rotation of the pivot neck 104 causes proportional rotation of the first pivot neck 129-1 and the second pivot neck 129-2.

[0041] A first end of each of the first locking member 130-1 and the second locking member 130-2 is preferably aligned with the first pivot neck 129-1 and the second pivot neck 129-2. For example, as Figure 3C shown, this preferably includes a first locking member 130-1 having teeth / projections at the first end that extend into a first groove 127-1 provided by the first neck pivot 129-1, and a second locking member 130-2 having teeth / projections at the first end that extend into a second groove 127-2 provided by the second neck pivot 129-2, as discussed in more detail below.

[0042] Each of the first groove 127-1 and the second groove 127-2 preferably extends around at least a portion of the outer surface defining the first pivot neck 129-1 and the second pivot neck 129-2. The first groove 127-1 and the second groove 127-2 are preferably defined by an annular ring that extends radially from the first pivot neck 129-1 and the second pivot neck 129-2, respectively. For example, the first groove 127-1 is preferably at least partially defined by a first annular ring / circle 119-1 disposed near the distal end of the first pivot neck 129-1 and a second annular ring / circle 119-2 disposed between the distal end and the pivot neck 104.

[0043] The first annular ring 119-1 further preferably includes an angled section 113 that extends towards the second annular ring 119-2 such that the distance between the first annular ring 119-1 and the second annular ring 119-2 is converted from a first offset distance OD1 to a second offset distance OD2, where the first offset distance OD1 is greater than the second offset distance OD2. Thus, the first groove 127-1 and the second groove 127-2 preferably define a first region 123 that extends / transitions towards the second region 125, where the first region 123 having a total width equal to OD1 gradually decreases / transitions to a second region 125 having a total width equal to OD2. The relative widths of the first region 123 and the second region 125 preferably allow the teeth / projections of the first locking member 130-1 to be slidably displaced towards and engage with the first caster 112-1 based on the rotational movement of the pivot neck 104, and to be slidably displaced away from the first caster to disengage therefrom. The second pivot neck 129-2 is preferably a mirror image of the first pivot neck 129-1, and the description of the first pivot neck applies equally to the second pivot neck 129-2 and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0044] Turning to Figure 3D a cross-sectional view of, and further referring to Figure 3C , a first end of each of the first locking member 130-1 and the second locking member 130-2 includes a projection / tooth, such as projection 190, which at least partially extends into the first groove 127-1 and the second groove 127-2 of the first pivot neck 129-1 and the second pivot neck 129-2, respectively. As shown, the first locking member 130-1 defines a chamber that includes a spring 139 (or spring member) disposed therein. The spring 139 is preferably configured to provide a spring biasing force that generally extends towards the first caster 112-1 (and away from the pivot neck 104), and more preferably in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle housing 102. The spring 139 preferably provides a biasing force against the second end of the first locking member 130-1, and importantly, biases the locking tab / projection 164 towards the first caster 112-1.

[0045] Thus, when the pivot neck 104 rotates such that the tooth 190 is within the bounds of the second zone 125, the first locking member 130-1 moves away from the first caster 112-1 (e.g., based on the first annular ring 119-1 engaging the tooth 190) and towards the pivot neck 104. The second locking member 130-2 preferably includes a generally similar configuration and allows the second locking member 130-1 to move away from the second caster 112-2 in a manner synchronous with the first locking member 130-1 based on the second pivot neck 129-2. In this example, rotation of the pivot neck 104 can include a user rotating the handle member such that the pivot neck 104 extends from the surface to be cleaned at a first angle. In one example, the first angle is 90 degrees, and more preferably, an angle of 90 ± 10 degrees. This orientation of the pivot neck 104 can also be referred to as the unlocked position / configuration.

[0046] On the other hand, when the pivot neck 104 rotates such that the tooth 190 is within the bounds of the first zone 123, the first locking member 130-1 is forced by the spring bias provided by the spring 139 and the width of the first zone 123 (see Figure 3C ) to move towards the first caster 112-1 and away from the pivot neck 104, thereby allowing the locking tab 164 to travel towards the first caster 112-1 and ultimately into the locking slot provided by the first caster. In other words, the total width between the first annular ring 119-1 and the second annular ring 119-2 of the first zone 123 (e.g., OD2 as discussed above) allows the tooth 190 to be displaced by the biasing force provided by the spring 139 and travel towards the first caster 112-1. The second locking member 130-2 preferably includes a generally similar configuration and allows the second locking member 130-1 to move towards the second caster 112-2 in a manner synchronous with the first locking member 130-1 based on the second pivot neck 129-2. In this example, rotation of the pivot neck 104 can include a user rotating the handle member such that the pivot neck 104 extends from the surface to be cleaned at a second angle. In one example, the second angle is 45 degrees, and more preferably, an angle of 45 ± 10 degrees. This orientation of the pivot neck 104 can also be referred to as the locked position / configuration. Note that the foregoing locked and unlocked positions are not necessarily limited to the specific first example angle and second example angle discussed above, and other angles are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] Note that although the present disclosure describes and shows the displacement of a locking member, such as the first locking member 130-1, via mechanical actuation provided by the pivot neck 104, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, in some cases, a solenoid (not shown) or other component may be implemented within the nozzle to selectively lock and unlock the movement of the associated caster. To this end, user input may be received via a feature disposed on the handle, such as a button, switch, or other suitable device, which causes a signal to be sent to the solenoid and thus, in turn, causes the caster to transition between a locked and an unlocked orientation / configuration.

[0048] Similarly, embodiments of the present disclosure may further include mechanical and / or electromechanical actuation of the locking member via components other than those provided by the neck 104 with minor modifications. For example, the nozzle may include a pedal, button, switch, or other suitable feature disposed on the nozzle to allow a user to selectively lock and unlock the caster, such as via a solenoid, mechanical actuator, linkage, etc., during a cleaning operation.

[0049] Continuing the reference, each of the first caster 112-1 and the second caster 112-2 preferably includes a caster body and a first wheel 140-1 and a second wheel 140-2 respectively coupled / mounted thereto. The body of each of the first caster 112-1 and the second caster 112-2 further preferably defines a first locking slot 142-1 and a second locking slot 142-2 respectively. The body of each of the first caster 112-1 and the second caster 112-2 preferably includes a shaft / axle, such as shaft 180-1 (see Figure 3D ), which defines a first caster rotation axis 182-1 and a second caster rotation axis 182-2 (see Figure 3A ). Each of the first caster rotation axis 182-1 and the second caster rotation axis 182-2 preferably extends generally transverse to the surface to be cleaned during a cleaning operation. Each of the first locking slot 142-1 and the second locking slot 142-2 is preferably configured to receive at least a portion of a locking member 130-1, 130-2 (e.g., locking tab 164) to lock the first wheel 140-1 and the second wheel 140-2 and prevent rotation about the corresponding caster rotation axis in a locked configuration.

[0050] In operation, the locked configuration preferably holds the first caster 112-1 and the second caster 112-2 in a fixed orientation / configuration, the fixed orientation / configuration including the first wheel 140-1 and the second wheel 140-2 having an associated rotation axis 184 that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle housing 102 (and relative to the first caster rotation axis 182-1 and the second caster rotation axis 182-2) (see Figure 3F)。The fixed orientation further preferably restricts the nozzle 100 from traveling in the cleaning direction rather than backward / forward, as indicated by the direction arrows labeled D1 and D2, respectively. For example, the fixed orientation preferably prevents or otherwise inhibits the user from pushing / pulling the nozzle 100 in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle housing 102. In other words, the fixed orientation in the locked configuration preferably restricts the movement of the nozzle 100 along a single axis during the cleaning operation.

[0051] On the other hand, the locking members 130-1, 130-2 can be shifted, as discussed above, such that the locking members do not extend into the first locking grooves 141-1 and the second locking grooves 142-2 of the first caster 112-1 and the second caster 112-2, respectively, thereby unlocking the rotation of the locking members. This unlocked orientation / configuration can be referred to as a multi-directional or side cleaning configuration. In this side cleaning configuration, the user can push / pull the nozzle 100 in a lateral direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle housing 102 via a handle coupled to the pivot neck 104. An example of the side cleaning orientation is shown in Figure 3F . As shown, the user can push / pull the nozzle 100 in directions D3 and D4 (which can also be referred to as lateral directions) parallel to the wall 389. Thus, the user can, for example, convert the nozzle 100 to the side cleaning orientation via the rotational movement of the pivot neck 104 as discussed above, and then direct the dust / debris along the surface adjacent to the wall 389. Therefore, the unlocked configuration preferably allows the nozzle 100 to move along multiple (different) axes during the cleaning operation. More preferably, the unlocked configuration allows the user to push / pull the nozzle 100 in any direction (e.g., 360 degrees) around the nozzle 100, for example, via the handle.

[0052] Therefore, the caster locking device 118 allows the rotational movement of the pivot neck 104 to be converted into the linear movement and actuation of the caster locking features discussed above. Thus, the caster locking device 118 uses component means to provide a rack and pinion configuration that intuitively allows selective locking and unlocking of the casters, and thus, by extension, allows the user to lock the surface cleaning device in the forward / backward cleaning direction (e.g., cleaning movement along a single axis) or unlock the surface cleaning device to the target area via multi-directional movement (e.g., cleaning movement along multiple axes). The multi-directional movement preferably extends 360 degrees in any direction around the surface cleaning device having a nozzle in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 4A-4C A caster locking assembly 400 according to an embodiment is shown. The caster locking assembly 400 can be implemented within the nozzle housing with minor modifications, such as the nozzle housing 102 (see Figure 1-2 ).

[0054] As shown, the caster locking assembly 400 includes a base 402. The base 402 preferably includes a rectangular shape / profile, but other shapes and configurations are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The base 402 further preferably includes a generally flat mounting surface 404. The caster locking device 406 is preferably mounted to and supported by the mounting surface 404. The caster locking device 406 further preferably includes a first locking track 408-1 and a second locking track 408-2, which are disposed generally parallel to each other along the base 402, and more preferably, parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base 402. Each of the first locking track 408-1 and the second locking track 408-2 preferably includes an end coupled to a locking actuator 410. Each of the first locking track 408-1 and the second locking track 408-2 preferably includes a caster locking receptacle that firmly supports the caster / wheel and allows selective engagement of the rotational locking of the caster / wheel, as discussed below.

[0055] The locking actuator 410 preferably includes a housing coupled at an end of the mounting surface 404. The housing of the locking actuator 410 preferably includes a through-hole / chamber and a sliding portion 411 extending through the chamber. The sliding portion 411 preferably extends generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base 402.

[0056] The locking actuator 410 further preferably includes an engagement rod 418 extending through a selection slot 419 of the base 402 (see Figure 4B ). The selection slot 419 of the base 402 preferably includes at least two selectable positions for the engagement rod 418, whereby the two selectable positions are preferably disposed at opposite ends of the selection slot 419. Thus, the engagement rod 418 can be shifted between at least two selectable positions to slidably select a locked or unlocked configuration / orientation for the locking actuator 410. A vacuum cleaner / surface cleaning device implementing the caster locking assembly 400 can thus include a linkage or other suitable mechanical component (not shown) for shifting the engagement rod 418 into the slot 419 to cause the locking actuator 410 to be converted to a desired locked or unlocked configuration.

[0057] Figure 4C A cross-sectional view of the caster locking assembly 400 according to an embodiment is shown. As shown, the first locking track 408-1 preferably provides a channel in which a first link arm 420-1 and a second link arm 420-2 are disposed. The channel preferably extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base 402. The first link arm 420-1 and the second link arm 420-2 preferably include generally flat sections that slidably engage the surface of the first locking track 408-1 that defines the channel.

[0058] The first link arm 420-1 is preferably coupled to the arm 424-1, and the second link arm 420-2 is preferably coupled to the arm 424-2. The arms 424-1, 424-2 may be integrally formed with the associated first and second link arms as a single unitary piece. The first link arm 420-1 and the second link arm 420-2 preferably extend along the length of the base 402 and synchronize the actuation of the arms 424-1 and 424-2, as will be discussed below.

[0059] Continuing to refer Figure 4C to, and additionally referring Figure 4D to, the locking actuator 410 further preferably includes a sliding portion 411 that is actuated based on, for example, the engagement lever 418 discussed above. A pin, such as pin 428, preferably extends from the end of the sliding portion 411 in a generally transverse orientation.

[0060] As further shown, the ends of each of the first link arm 420-1 and the second link arm 420-2 preferably include angled slots 422-1, 422-2, respectively. Figure 4D The angled slots 422-1, 422-2 are shown more clearly based on the first link arm 420-1 and the second link arm 420-2 being shown transparent. As shown, the angled slots 422-1, 422-2 include a cross orientation such that the angled slots are aligned and angled such that a through hole is formed therebetween and allows the pin 428 of the sliding portion 411 to extend therethrough. The first angled slot 422-1 and the second angled slot 422-2 preferably extend at different angles relative to the sliding portion 411 such that the first angled slot 422-1 and the second angled slot 422-2 intersect each other and form a through hole, where the two angled slots are aligned / intersect with each other.

[0061] Thus, the angle of each of the first angled slot 422-1 and the second angled slot 422-2 permits its corresponding link arm to convert the linear movement of the sliding portion 411 in the directions D1 / D2 forward / backward into a proportional movement of the first link arm 420-1 and the second link arm 420-2 in the directions D3 / D4, where the first link arm 420-1 and the second link arm 420-2 are configured to travel in opposite directions along the same axis.

[0062] Thus, the linear movement of the sliding portion 411 in the first direction (directions D1 / D2) causes the first link arm 420-1 and the second link arm 420-2, and more importantly the arms 424-1 and 424-2, to move in opposite directions (e.g., along directions D3 / D4).

[0063] As Figure 4CAs shown in the example, the sliding part 411 is in a locked orientation / configuration, whereby the pin 428 (see Figure 4D ) is shifted to a position near the housing of the sliding part 411. In this scenario, the first angled slot 422-1 and the second angled slot 422-2 are configured to actuate the corresponding link arms to actuate the first link arm 420-1 and the second link arm 420-2, and in response to the actuation, the arms 424-1, 424-2 provide forces in opposite directions (e.g., preferably towards each other) and against the casters 414-1, 414-2. In this example, the first link arm 420-1 and the second link arm 420-2 and the corresponding rotational locking assembly thus together form a caster locking receptacle.

[0064] As further shown, each of the arms 412-1, 412-2 is coupled to a rotational locking assembly 429. The rotational locking assembly 429 includes an arm coupling section at one end and a caster baffle or pad at the other end. Each rotational locking assembly 429 can then provide a compressive force against the casters 414-1, 414-2 based on the actuation of the first link arm 420-1 and the second link arm 420-2 as discussed above.

[0065] Each rotational locking assembly 429 preferably includes an axle, such as axle 413, which allows each of the casters 414-1, 414-2 to rotate in a restricted / locked manner, whereby the locked rotation allows rotational movement about the axle 413. This locked rotation allows the associated nozzle housing (not shown) to be pushed forward / backward during a cleaning operation generally along a forward / backward axis following direction D1 / D2 (e.g., to restrict movement of the associated nozzle along a single axis), where the forward / backward axis generally extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the base 402.

[0066] Conversely, a linear movement of the sliding portion 411 in the second direction that displaces the pin 428 to a position near the housing of the locking actuator 410 may cause the first link arm 420-1 and the second link arm 420-2, and more importantly, the arms 424-1 and 424-2 to move away from each other (e.g., to transition to an unlocked configuration). This causes each associated rotational locking assembly, such as the rotational locking assembly 429, to pull / shif in a direction away from the casters 414-1, 414-2. In response, the casters 414-1, 412-2 can rotate about multiple axes of rotation to achieve, for example, lateral cleaning as discussed above (e.g., movement of the associated nozzles along multiple different axes during cleaning). Note that the second locking track 408-2 preferably includes a mirror image configuration of the first locking track 408-1, and the description of the second locking track will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. However, as shown, the second locking track 408-2 preferably includes link arms with corresponding angled slots (not shown) for attachment to the sliding portion 411 and to ensure that the casters 414-3, 414-4 (and corresponding casters 412-3, 412-4) lock and unlock in a manner synchronous with the casters 414-1, 414-2.

[0067] Figure 5 An example of a rotational locking assembly for use with the casters of a surface cleaning device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0068] Figure 6 An example of another actuating assembly suitable for use with Figure 5 the rotational locking assembly is shown. As shown, the actuating arm 602 is preferably attached to the rotating portion 604. The rotating portion 604 is preferably attached to the link arms 606-1, 606-2, which can then convert the rotation of the rotating portion 604 into a linear movement of the pistons / shafts 608-1, 608-2 to lock / unlock the associated casters.

[0069] Figure 7A-7C An example vacuum device 700 having a caster locking device in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the vacuum device includes mechanical actuators 702, 704 that, when compressed, for example, based on contact with a wall surface, cause the casters 706, 708 to transition to an unlocked orientation, as Figure 7BGenerally shown. The mechanical actuators 702, 704 may be implemented as spring-loaded sensors as shown. However, other types of pressure sensors and / or proximity sensors may be utilized with minor modifications. In any such case, the mechanical actuators 702, 704 may be coupled to, for example, any caster locking device disclosed herein in various ways such that the caster locking device locks / unlocks the casters 706, 708. Unlocking the orientation then allows the casters 706, 708 to rotate about multiple axes of rotation to permit the vacuum cleaner / surface cleaning device to perform sidewall cleaning as discussed above. Conversely, in the absence of a wall or other similar vertical surface, the mechanical actuators 702, 704 transition the casters to the "locked" position as Figure 7C shown, which restricts or otherwise prevents the vacuum cleaner / surface cleaning device from traveling in directions other than a simple forward / backward direction.

[0070] Figure 8 and 9 illustrates the articulated neck feature of the surface cleaning device when used during lateral / multi-directional cleaning Figure 7A-7C of the surface cleaning device.

[0071] One aspect of the present disclosure includes a caster locking assembly. The caster locking assembly includes: a base that defines a mounting surface; at least a first caster locking receptacle coupled to the mounting surface, the first caster locking receptacle having a wheel and a rotational locking assembly that selectively engages the wheel and restricts its directional movement; a first locking rail coupled to the mounting surface and having a first link arm and a second link arm, the first link arm defining a locking arm coupled to a first side of the rotational locking assembly, and the second link arm defining a locking arm coupled to a second side of the rotational locking assembly; and a locking actuator coupled to the first link arm and the second link arm and configured to slidably displace the first link arm and the second link arm to engage the rotational locking assembly with the wheel and restrict its directional movement.

[0072] In the caster locking assembly, each of the first link arm and the second link arm may include an angled slot that aligns with and receives a pin of the locking actuator, wherein the angled slot is configured to displace the first link arm and the second link arm in opposite directions based on the linear movement of the pin of the locking actuator.

[0073] The caster locking assembly may further include a second caster locking receiving seat, the second caster locking receiving seat being coupled to the mounting surface, the second caster locking receiving seat having a wheel and a rotational locking assembly that selectively engages the wheel and restricts its directional movement. In the caster locking assembly, the first link arm may further provide a locking arm coupled to the first side of the second caster locking receiving seat, and the second link arm may provide a locking arm coupled to the second side of the second caster locking receiving seat.

[0074] The caster locking assembly may further include a second locking rail coupled to the mounting surface of the base. In the caster locking assembly, the second locking rail may include at least a first caster locking receiving seat and a second caster locking receiving seat.

[0075] In the caster locking assembly, the locking actuator may be coupled to the second locking rail and may be configured to synchronize the locking and unlocking of the first caster locking receiving seat and the second caster locking receiving seat of the first locking rail with the locking and unlocking of the first caster locking receiving seat and the second caster locking receiving seat of the second locking rail.

[0076] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a nozzle for use with a surface cleaning device is disclosed. The nozzle includes: a nozzle housing that defines a dirty air inlet; at least a first caster coupled to the nozzle housing to allow the nozzle housing to move over a surface to be cleaned; and a caster locking device coupled to the nozzle housing, the caster locking device having at least a first locking member that transitions the first caster between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locked configuration restricting movement of the nozzle housing along a single axis during a cleaning operation, and the unlocked configuration allowing movement of the nozzle housing along multiple axes during a cleaning operation.

[0077] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a surface cleaning device having a suction motor is disclosed. The surface cleaning device includes: a nozzle housing having a dirty air inlet fluidly coupled to the suction motor; at least a first caster coupled to the nozzle housing to allow the nozzle housing to move over a surface to be cleaned; and a caster locking device coupled to the nozzle housing, the caster locking device having at least a first locking member that transitions the first caster between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locked configuration restricting movement of the surface cleaning device along a single axis during a cleaning operation performed by a user, and the unlocked configuration allowing movement of the nozzle housing along multiple axes during a cleaning operation performed by a user.

[0078] Although the principles of the present disclosure have been described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that this description is made by way of example only and is not a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Other embodiments are also covered by the present disclosure in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Those skilled in the art should understand that the surface cleaning device / equipment may embody any one or more of the features contained herein, and the features may be used in any specific combination or sub-combination. Modifications and substitutions made by those of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A nozzle for use with a surface cleaning device, the nozzle comprising: A nozzle housing that defines a dirty air inlet; At least a first caster, the at least first caster being coupled to the nozzle housing to allow the nozzle housing to move over a surface to be cleaned, the first caster comprising: A first caster body rotatably coupled to the nozzle housing and configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation; and A first wheel rotatably coupled to the first caster body and configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation extending transversely to the first axis of rotation; A caster locking device coupled to the nozzle housing, the caster locking device being configured to transition between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein: In the locked configuration, rotation of the first caster body about the first axis of rotation is prevented; and In the unlocked configuration, rotation of the first caster body about the first axis of rotation is allowed; and A neck pivotally coupled to the nozzle housing, wherein the neck is configured to transition the caster locking device between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, and the neck defines a suction channel extending therethrough.

2. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the neck has a nozzle coupling section rotatably coupled to the nozzle housing to provide a locked position and an unlocked position, and in response to rotation of the neck to the unlocked position, the caster locking device transitions the first caster to the unlocked configuration.

3. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein a first locking member is configured to slidably engage the first caster body of the first caster to prevent rotation about the first axis of rotation in the locked configuration, and is configured to slidably disengage from the first caster body to allow rotation about the first axis of rotation in the unlocked configuration.

4. The nozzle according to claim 2, wherein the nozzle coupling section defines a first pivot neck that displaces the first locking member towards the first caster in response to rotation of the neck to the locked position, and displaces the first locking member away from the first caster in response to rotation of the neck to the unlocked position.

5. The nozzle according to claim 4, wherein the first pivot neck defines a groove that receives teeth of the first locking member.

6. The nozzle according to claim 5, wherein the groove of the pivot neck includes a first zone that transitions to a second zone, the total width of the first zone being greater than the total width of the second zone.

7. The nozzle according to claim 6, wherein the first locking member includes the teeth at a first end and a locking tab at a second end, and in response to rotation of the neck to the locked position, the groove of the first pivot neck displaces the teeth to cause the locking tab to engage the first caster based on the total width of the second zone.

8. The nozzle according to claim 7, wherein the first locking member defines a chamber, and a spring is disposed in the chamber, the spring biasing the first locking member toward the first caster.

9. The nozzle according to claim 7, wherein the locking tab is configured to at least partially extend into a locking groove defined by the first caster in response to rotation of the neck to the locking position.

10. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the caster locking device is disposed in the nozzle housing.

11. The nozzle according to claim 1, the nozzle further comprising: a second caster, the second caster being coupled to the nozzle housing, the second caster having a second caster body rotatable about a third axis of rotation and a second wheel rotatable about a fourth axis of rotation and coupled to the second caster body; and wherein the caster locking device further comprises a first locking member and a second locking member, the first locking member and the second locking member being slidably engaged with the first caster body of the first caster and the second caster body of the second caster respectively to prevent rotation about the first axis of rotation and the third axis of rotation in the locked configuration, and being slidably disengaged from the first caster body of the first caster and the second caster body of the second caster respectively to allow rotation about the first axis of rotation and the third axis of rotation in the unlocked configuration.

12. The nozzle according to claim 11, wherein the first locking member and the second locking member are coaxially disposed within the nozzle housing.

13. The nozzle according to claim 11, wherein the neck defines a first pivot neck and a second pivot neck respectively coupled to the first locking member and the second locking member, the neck having a nozzle coupling section rotatably coupled to the nozzle housing to provide a locking position and an unlocking position, and in response to rotation of the neck to the unlocking position, the first pivot neck and the second pivot neck cause the first locking member and the second locking member to be slidably disengaged from the first caster body of the first caster and the second caster body of the second caster respectively.

14. A surface cleaning device having a suction motor, comprising: a nozzle housing having a dirty air inlet fluidly coupled to the suction motor; at least a first caster coupled to the nozzle housing to allow the nozzle housing to move over a surface to be cleaned, the first caster comprising: a first caster body rotatably coupled to the nozzle housing and configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation; and a first wheel rotatably coupled to the first caster body and configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation extending transversely to the first axis of rotation; a caster locking device coupled to the nozzle housing, the caster locking device being configured to switch between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein: In the locked configuration, rotation of the first caster body about the first axis of rotation is prevented; and in the unlocked configuration, rotation of the first caster body about the first axis of rotation is permitted; and a neck that is directly pivotally coupled to the nozzle housing, wherein the neck is configured to transition the caster locking device between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.

15. The surface cleaning device according to claim 14, wherein the caster locking device further comprises: a second caster coupled to the nozzle housing, the second caster having a second caster body that rotates about a third axis of rotation and a second wheel that is coupled to the second caster body and rotates about a fourth axis of rotation; and wherein the caster locking device further comprises a first locking member and a second locking member that are respectively slidably engaged with the first caster body of the first caster and the second caster body of the second caster to prevent rotation about the first axis of rotation and the third axis of rotation in the locked configuration and are respectively slidably disengaged from the first caster body of the first caster and the second caster body of the second caster to permit rotation about the first axis of rotation and the third axis of rotation in the unlocked configuration.

16. The surface cleaning device according to claim 15, wherein the first locking member and the second locking member are coaxially disposed within the nozzle housing.

17. The surface cleaning device according to claim 15, wherein the neck defines a suction passage extending therethrough and a first pivot neck and a second pivot neck that are respectively coupled to the first locking member and the second locking member, the neck having a nozzle coupling section that is rotatably coupled to the nozzle housing to provide a locked position and an unlocked position, and in response to the neck rotating to the unlocked position, the first pivot neck and the second pivot neck cause the first locking member and the second locking member to be respectively slidably disengaged from the first caster body of the first caster and the second caster body of the second caster.

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