Vacuum cleaner accessory

Abstract

An ancillary tool for use with a vacuum cleaner. The ancillary tool has a hair removal system configured to collect hair from a variety of surfaces to be cleaned, including soft surfaces such as upholstery, dog beds, pillows, and car interiors. The collected hair is aggregated by the hair removal system and drawn in via the vacuum cleaner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an auxiliary tool for vacuum cleaners. Background Technology

[0002] Vacuum cleaners are known to remove dry or wet debris from surfaces, including fabric-covered surfaces such as carpets and upholstery, as well as bare surfaces such as hardwood, linoleum, vinyl, and tile. These vacuum cleaners contain a suction source for creating a vacuum on the surface to remove debris. Pet hair from shedding animals such as dogs and cats can easily get trapped in fabrics such as carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and other similar items. While vacuum cleaners can pick up some hair, a large portion of it becomes trapped within the fabric fibers, preventing the vacuum cleaner from effectively removing it. Vacuum cleaners also have similar problems when it comes to picking up other small debris. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an auxiliary tool comprising: a main housing assembly defining a lower side having an outer periphery; a nozzle disposed on an inner portion of the lower side; a conduit disposed of the main housing assembly and adapted to be connected to a suction source remote from the main housing assembly, the suction source being adapted to generate a working airflow from the nozzle through the main housing assembly to the conduit; and a set of hair collecting elements disposed on the lower side between the nozzle and the outer periphery, the set of hair collecting elements being configured to generate a balling or agglomeration effect of hair removed from the surface to be cleaned during use, to agglomerate the removed hair into ball-shaped clusters and to move the removed hair toward the nozzle.

[0004] Another aspect of this disclosure includes an auxiliary tool comprising: a main housing assembly defining a lower side having an outer periphery; a nozzle disposed on a central portion of the lower side; a set of channels formed in the lower side and extending from the outer periphery to the nozzle; a conduit disposed on the main housing assembly and adapted to connect to a suction source remote from the main housing assembly, the suction source being adapted to generate a working airflow from the nozzle through the main housing assembly to the conduit; a set of hair collecting elements disposed on the lower side between the nozzle and the outer periphery, the hair collecting elements being configured to release hair from the surface to be cleaned during movement of the lower side against the surface to be cleaned, collect the hair, cause the hair to clump or aggregate, and then release the hair into at least one of the channels of the nozzle to form aggregated released hair; and an airflow passage extending from the channels through the nozzle and the main housing assembly to the conduit, wherein the aggregated released hair is automatically drawn in under the suction provided by the suction source. Attached Figure Description

[0005] In the attached diagram:

[0006] Figure 1This is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner operatively coupled to vacuum cleaner aids according to the various aspects described herein.

[0007] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool.

[0008] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 Bottom view of a vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool.

[0009] Figure 3A It is compatible with the various aspects described in this article. Figure 1 Side perspective view of a vacuum cleaner accessory used with a vacuum cleaner.

[0010] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Bottom perspective view of a vacuum cleaner accessory.

[0011] Figure 4A It is compatible with the various aspects described in this article. Figure 1 A perspective view of vacuum cleaner auxiliary tools used with a vacuum cleaner.

[0012] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Bottom view of a vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool.

[0013] Figure 5A It is compatible with the various aspects described in this article. Figure 1 A perspective view of vacuum cleaner auxiliary tools used with a vacuum cleaner.

[0014] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Bottom view of a vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool.

[0015] Figure 6A It is compatible with the various aspects described in this article. Figure 1 Bottom view of a vacuum cleaner accessory used with a vacuum cleaner.

[0016] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A partial exploded perspective view of a vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool.

[0017] Figure 7A It is compatible with the various aspects described in this article. Figure 1 A perspective view of vacuum cleaner auxiliary tools used with a vacuum cleaner.

[0018] Figure 7B yes Figure 5A The bottom view of the head of the vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool in the first position.

[0019] Figure 7C yes Figure 5A The head of the vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool is in the second position of the bottom view.

[0020] Figure 8A It is compatible with the various aspects described in this article. Figure 1 Top perspective view of a vacuum cleaner accessory used with a vacuum cleaner.

[0021] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A Bottom perspective view of a vacuum cleaner accessory.

[0022] Figure 9A It is compatible with the various aspects described in this article. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool used with a vacuum cleaner.

[0023] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A Bottom view of a vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool.

[0024] Figure 10 yes Figure 9A An exploded view of a vacuum cleaner accessory showing interchangeable hair collection plates.

[0025] Figure 11A It is compatible with the various aspects described in this article. Figure 1 Side perspective view of a vacuum cleaner accessory used with a vacuum cleaner.

[0026] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A Bottom view of a vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool.

[0027] Figure 12A yes Figure 11A A cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool.

[0028] Figure 12B yes Figure 11A A top view of the gear assembly of a vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool.

[0029] Figure 13 yes Figure 11A A perspective view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool, showing the gear assembly in a separated, rotating position.

[0030] Figure 14A It is compatible with the various aspects described in this article. Figure 1 A perspective view of vacuum cleaner auxiliary tools used with a vacuum cleaner.

[0031] Figure 14B yes Figure 14A A cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The aspects of this disclosure generally relate to features and improvements for vacuum cleaner assistive tools. Pet hair poses a challenge to both dry and wet vacuum cleaners because it embeds and adheres to carpets and upholstery in ways that make it difficult to remove. While conventional vacuum cleaners can remove some hair, most of it is often embedded and trapped within the fibers of the fabric, hindering effective and complete removal by vacuuming alone. The aspects of this disclosure generally relate to features and improvements for vacuum cleaner assistive tools for removing and collecting pet hair. Further features and improvements involve an improved vacuum cleaner assistive tool suitable for cleaning pet beds and other soft surfaces where pet hair can be collected, including upholstery, pillows, car interiors, etc.

[0033] Figure 1 An auxiliary tool 40 according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown, operatively coupled to an exemplary vacuum cleaner 10, which is shown as a “dry” vacuum cleaner 10 for illustrative purposes. Details of suitable vacuum cleaners 10 for use with the auxiliary tool 40 are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 6,810,557 to Hansen et al. and U.S. Patent No. 7,188,388 to Best et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As used herein, the term “dry” vacuum cleaner is used to refer to a vacuum cleaner that cannot perform fluid dispensing or fluid recovery without an auxiliary tool, and may include, but is not limited to, upright, canister, stick, or handheld vacuum cleaners, vacuum cleaners convertible between one or more of these types, or vacuum cleaners with a built-in central vacuum cleaning system. As used herein, the term "wet" vacuum cleaner refers to a vacuum cleaner capable of at least one of fluid dispensing (liquid or steam) or fluid recovery with or without auxiliary tools, and may include, but is not limited to, vacuum mops, extractors, and carpet cleaners, including upright, canister, stick, or handheld vacuum cleaners, vacuum cleaners convertible between one or more of these types, or those with a built-in central vacuum cleaning system. Furthermore, vacuum cleaners used with the auxiliary tools described herein are suitable for cleaning fabric-covered surfaces, such as carpets and upholstery, or bare surfaces, such as hardwood, linoleum, and tile.

[0034] The vacuum cleaner 10 shown is an upright vacuum cleaner 10 with an upright assembly 12, which includes a housing 14 pivotally mounted to a bottom assembly or base 16. The upright assembly 12 also includes a main support section 26 with a handle 32 at one end for user-assisted movement. A suction source housing 19 is formed at the opposite end of the upright assembly 12 to house a suction source 20, which may be a vacuum fan / motor assembly and is configured to generate a working airflow through a working air path of the vacuum cleaner 10, extending from a “dirty” air inlet to a “clean” air outlet. The suction source 20 may form part of the working air path. Furthermore, the base 16 includes a nozzle 18 in fluid communication with the suction source 20.

[0035] The main support section 26 receives a separation and collection assembly 24 for separating debris and other contaminants from the working airflow. The separation and collection assembly 24 is shown here as including a cyclone module having a cyclone separator 28 for separating entrained debris from the working airflow and a collection chamber 22 for collecting the separated debris. The cyclone separator 28 may have a single cyclone separation stage or multiple stages. It should be understood that other types of debris separation and collection assemblies, such as centrifugal separators or bulk separators, may be used. In yet another conventional arrangement, the filtration system may include filter bags. Regardless of its specific construction, the filtration system may form part of the working air path through the vacuum cleaner 10. Additional filters may be provided in the filtration system, including a pre-motor filter and a post-motor filter.

[0036] At least a portion of the working air path to the separation and collection assembly 24 may be formed by a vacuum hose 34. The auxiliary tool 40 is configured to be operatively coupled to the vacuum cleaner 10, particularly to the vacuum hose 34, which is in fluid communication with the suction source 20 carried by the housing 14 of the vacuum cleaner 10. For example, one end 34a of the vacuum hose 34 may be selectively disconnected from the vacuum cleaner 10 and connected to the auxiliary tool 40 for use in cleaning, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the other end 34b remains in fluid communication with the separation and collection assembly 24. When the auxiliary tool 40 is used and end 34a of the vacuum hose 34 is coupled to the auxiliary tool 40, the auxiliary tool 40 can form a "dirty" air inlet. Thus, the vacuum cleaner 10 can draw in dirt-laden air through the auxiliary tool 40 and hose 34 and draw it into a filtration system, such as the separation and collection assembly 24, where the dirt is collected for subsequent processing. When the auxiliary tool 40 is not used and both ends 34a, 34b of the vacuum hose 34 (which may include ends 34a, 34b coupled to the base 16) are connected to the vacuum cleaner 10, the nozzle 18 can form a "dirty" air inlet. Alternatively, the auxiliary tool 40 can be selectively connected to a rod coupled to the vacuum hose 34 (e.g., Figure 4A(as shown), instead of being directly connected to the vacuum hose 34.

[0037] For the purposes of description relating to the accompanying drawings, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," and their derivatives should be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This disclosure is directed in accordance with the intended orientation. However, it should be understood that various alternative orientations may be adopted in this disclosure unless expressly specified to the contrary.

[0038] Figure 2A The auxiliary tool 40 is shown in more detail. The main housing assembly 42 of the auxiliary tool 40 is formed by an upper housing 44 and a lower housing 46, with a suction nozzle 48 formed on the underside of the main housing assembly 42. It should be understood that although the auxiliary tool 40 is shown as having a two-piece main housing assembly 42, the auxiliary tool 40 can be formed in any suitable manner, including having a single main housing fixed together or multiple main housings.

[0039] Hose attachment 50 may be integrally formed with the main housing assembly 42. Hose attachment 50 may include a body, such as a conduit 51 with an outlet 52. In the illustrated example, the conduit 51 is integrally formed with the upper housing 44. However, it should be understood that the conduit 51 may alternatively be formed, mounted, or operatively coupled to the upper housing 44 in any suitable manner. The conduit 51 defined by the hose attachment 50 forms a slight angle with the body forming the upper housing 44, although it should be understood that this is not necessary. Hose attachment 50 may be configured to work with the vacuum cleaner 10 ( Figure 1 The vacuum hose 34 on the upper housing 44 is operatively coupled to allow fluid coupling via outlet 52. The conduit 51 can also be used by the user to hold or grip the auxiliary tool 40 and guide its movement across the surface to be cleaned. Alternatively or additionally, the upper portion of the upper housing 44 or other portions of the main housing assembly 42 can be held by the user.

[0040] The nozzle 48 may be defined by a nozzle inlet 54 located in the lower housing 46, which, when the auxiliary tool 40 is coupled to the vacuum cleaner 10, forms a "dirty" air inlet. Working airflow can be drawn from the nozzle inlet 54 through an airflow passage 56 of the auxiliary tool 40 defined in the main housing assembly 42 to an outlet 52, partially indicated by arrows.

[0041] The lower housing 46 is shown having a dome-shaped lower side 58. The dome-shaped lower side 58 has a profile with a distal extension 60 at the nozzle inlet 54. The distal extension 60 is the furthest or most extended point of the dome-shaped lower side 58 and effectively forms a shoulder around the nozzle inlet 54. When the dome-shaped lower side 58 is oriented downward, it extends from the distal extension 60 to the outer periphery 62 of the dome-shaped lower side 58 in an oblique or skewed manner. When the dome-shaped lower side 58 is adjacent to the surface to be cleaned, the outer periphery 62 will be further away from the surface to be cleaned than the distal extension 60. Although the term "dome-shaped lower side" is used, it is understood that the profile, geometry, or shape of the lower side can be arcuate, flat, or any suitable profile that creates a shoulder effect around the nozzle inlet 54.

[0042] A set of channels 64 is formed in the lower side 58 of the dome. As used herein, "a set" can include any number of individually described elements, including only one element. In the example shown, this set of channels 64 includes multiple channels.

[0043] The first conduit portion 66 forms part of the lower housing 46 and extends from the body forming the dome-shaped lower side 58, terminating at a first end 68. A pawl or flange 70 surrounds the outer surface 72 of the first conduit portion 66 near the first end 68. In the illustrated example, flexible fingers 74 form the first end 68 of the first conduit portion 66, and the flange 70 is formed thereon. The flexible fingers 74 may be spaced apart (as shown) or directly adjacent to each other. The interior 76 of the first conduit portion 66 forms part of a flow path generally indicated by arrow 56.

[0044] The second conduit portion 78 extends from the upper housing 44 and is sized to receive the first conduit portion 66. More specifically, the interior 80 of the second conduit portion 78 is larger than the outer surface 72 of the first conduit portion 66. Furthermore, a channel, snap-fit, or recess 82 may be formed in the interior 80. The recess 82 may have a profile shape, contour, or geometry complementary to the flange 70, as shown, or be constructed in any suitable manner to movably retain the flange 70. More specifically, the recess 82 may be adapted to axially retain the flange 70 and allow rotational movement of the first conduit portion 66 within the second conduit portion 78. In this way, a sliding bearing can be formed within the second conduit portion 78 via the first conduit portion 66.

[0045] Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least one of the first conduit portion 66 or the second conduit portion 78 may be adapted such that the rotation of the first conduit portion 66 within the second conduit portion 78 is indexed, rather than allowing the first conduit portion 66 to rotate freely within the second conduit portion 78. In this case, the groove 82 may be formed as a series of discrete grooves 82 surrounding the interior 80 of the second conduit portion 78, and the flange 70 located on the finger 74 may rotate in one or more directions to each indexable position formed by the interaction of the finger 74 and the groove 82. Moreover, although the first conduit portion 66 has been described as including the flange 70 and being held within the second conduit portion 78 having the groove 82, it should be understood that it may be formed and arranged such that the second conduit portion includes the flange portion and is received within the first conduit portion having the groove therein.

[0046] The first debris or lint and hair collecting element, referred to herein as the first hair collecting element 84, is located on the lower side of the main housing assembly 42. For example... Figure 2B As shown more clearly, the first hair collecting element 84 comprises a generally semi-circular sheet of conventionally oriented fabric, fastened to a dome-shaped lower side 58, oriented around the suction inlet 54. Although four individual first hair collecting elements 84 are shown, it should be understood that any suitable number and orientation can be used. Two first hair collecting elements 84 are shown side by side and spaced apart by the suction inlet 54 between them. The remaining two of the first hair collecting elements 84 are shown as top and bottom, and spaced apart by the suction inlet 54 between them. All the first hair collecting elements 84 are radially spaced apart from each other via a set of channels 64 extending from the suction inlet 54 to the outer periphery 62.

[0047] The first hair collecting element 84 can be secured or mounted to the dome-shaped lower side 58 of the lower housing 46 in any suitable manner. By way of non-limiting example, the first hair collecting element 84 can be sewn to the dome-shaped lower side 58 or otherwise fastened by a suitable method (e.g., fabric adhesive or melt bonding). Each first hair collecting element 84 comprises an oriented fabric having unidirectionally oriented fibers 86. For purposes of discussion, the unidirectionally oriented fibers 86 have been shown as small arrows indicating the orientation of the unidirectionally oriented fibers 86. It should be understood that the term unidirectionally oriented fiber refers to a group of fibers in which most of the fibers have the same overall arrangement and the same overall orientation, and further, the arrangement and orientation of the fibers may vary naturally and / or due to the manufacturing process.

[0048] The orientation fabric of the first hair collecting element 84 may comprise a 450 denier-based polyester material having unidirectional polyester fibers with a pile height of 1.3-1.7 mm. Denier is a term used in the textile industry and refers to a unit of linear mass density of a fiber, defined as the mass per 9000 meters in grams. The fabric weight is preferably 450-500 g / m², although additional weight is suitable depending on the desired flexibility. An example of a suitable orientation fabric is commercially available as a “C-type” cotton fleece fabric from Jurong New Material Craft Manufacturing Plant. Alternatively, the orientation fabric may comprise other fabric types, such as velvet or other fabrics comprising cut or uncut fiber loops, such as natural fibers, synthetic fibers, glass fibers, silk threads, or wool, provided that most of the fibers are oriented or inclined in one direction. Each first hair collecting element 84 is oriented inwards such that, as the auxiliary tool 40 moves against the surface to be cleaned, the unidirectional fibers 86 effectively guide debris toward the set of channels 64 and the suction inlet 54. Therefore, the unidirectional fibers 86 of the first hair collecting element 84 are opposite to each other and are all oriented inward toward the set of channels 64 and the suction inlet 54.

[0049] When installed on a suction source that includes cleaning equipment, such as Figure 1 The auxiliary tool 40 shown can be used to effectively remove debris, including hair, from a surface to be cleaned according to the following method. The order discussed is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the method in any way, as it should be understood that these steps may be performed in a different logical order without departing from this disclosure, and may include additional or inserted steps, or the described steps may be divided into multiple steps.

[0050] refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B During operation, the suction source can be provided via a cleaning device (e.g., a vacuum cleaner 10), and the airflow passage 56 can be configured such that air can flow in a rearward direction from the nozzle inlet 54 to the outlet 52 and then to the connected vacuum cleaner 10. Figure 1 The airflow passage 56 may be at least partially defined by the interior 76 of the first conduit portion 66 and the conduit 51 leading to the outlet 52. The user may grasp the auxiliary tool 40 at any suitable location, including the conduit 51 or a portion of the main housing assembly 42, and press the dome-shaped lower side 58 and the associated first hair-collecting element 84 against the surface to be cleaned. The user then wipes the auxiliary tool 40 across the surface.

[0051] It should be understood that the assistive tool 40 can be used in various ways, including along left-right and up-down strokes. The left-right stroke is similar to the up-down stroke, therefore only the left-right stroke will be described here; it should be understood that the up-down stroke works in a similar manner. In left-right stroke use, the user can first move the assistive tool 40 to the user's left side along the surface to be cleaned in the left cleaning stroke, and then move it to the user's right side in the opposite direction with the right cleaning stroke. It is conceivable that the user can continue to wipe the surface with the assistive tool 40 using any combination of alternating and / or repetitive cleaning strokes, to the left or right.

[0052] The left-side stroke places the unidirectional fibers 86 on one of the side-by-side first hair collection units 84, meaning the left-side stroke tends to push the unidirectional fibers 86 downward and inward toward the center of the dome-shaped lower side 58 or the nozzle inlet 54. Conversely, the left-side stroke is opposite to the other of the side-by-side first hair collection units 84, where the unidirectional fibers 86 are placed. Therefore, on the left-side stroke, the unidirectional fibers 86 of the other side-by-side first hair collection unit 84 may tend to lift any fibers that may be oriented in the opposite direction of the unidirectional fibers 86 on the surface being cleaned, and remove and collect lint, hair, and other debris from them.

[0053] The right-side cleaning stroke places the unidirectional fiber 86 on one of the adjacent first hair collecting elements 84, opposite to the placement of the unidirectional fiber 86 on one of the adjacent first hair collecting elements 84. Therefore, as the assistant tool 40 wipes along the right-side cleaning stroke, it pushes the unidirectional fiber 86 of the other adjacent first hair collecting element 84 downwards and inwards toward the center of the dome-shaped lower side 58 or the nozzle inlet 54. Furthermore, as the assistant tool 40 moves along the right-side cleaning stroke, the unidirectional fiber 86 of the other adjacent first hair collecting element 84 tends to release any previously collected lint, hair, and debris. Conversely, the opposing unidirectional fiber 86 of one of the adjacent first hair collecting elements 84 tends to lift any fibers that may be oriented in the opposite direction of the unidirectional fiber 86, and removes and collects lint, hair, and other debris from them.

[0054] Although the method of using the auxiliary tool 40 is described in relation to alternating left and right strokes, it should be understood that multiple strokes in a single direction can be completed before alternating with one or more strokes in the opposite direction. Additionally, it should be understood that the auxiliary tool 40 can be used in a similar manner on surfaces with unidirectional or non-unidirectional fibers. Furthermore, the user can perform wiping by moving up and down, which will work similarly to the left and right movements just described. Moreover, the auxiliary tool 40 can be moved in a rotating or circular motion.

[0055] It should be understood that the lower housing 46 can rotate freely, as indicated by arrow 87, regardless of the user's hand travel or movement while holding the tool. More specifically, when the user drags, pushes, or otherwise moves the dome-shaped lower side 58 against the surface to be cleaned, friction can cause the lower housing 46, which is rotatably coupled to the upper housing 44, to rotate. In this way, the movement of the lower housing 46 against the surface to be cleaned can cause the first conduit portion 66 to rotate within the second conduit portion 78, so that the lower housing 46 rotates, partially rotates, or pivots with the user's use. It should be understood that the lower housing 46 rotates freely in all or part of its rotational travel in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0056] Unlike conventional tools that gather and retain debris, the auxiliary tool 40 agglomerates debris during operation for easy suction through the nozzle inlet 54. Specifically, the first hair collecting element 84 of the auxiliary tool 40 tends to self-clean during operation. Thus, the auxiliary tool 40 provides improved hair removal from ornaments and other soft surfaces to be cleaned. During operation, the movement and free rotation of the lower housing 46 allows lint, hair, and other debris released from the surface to be cleaned to be released by the unidirectional fibers 86 of the first hair collecting element 84 and collected, agglomerated, rolled up, or otherwise aggregated. When the cleaning stroke switches again from the right-hand stroke to the left-hand stroke, the aggregated hair tends to move toward the set of channels 64 and the nozzle inlet 54 and is removed by suction from the auxiliary tool 40. Therefore, when the user cleans the auxiliary tool 40 with alternating left and right cleaning strokes or by additional or alternating motions, lint, hair and other debris are removed from the surface, automatically collected from the auxiliary tool, and removed by suction within the set of channels 64 and the nozzle inlet 54.

[0057] The placement and orientation of the first hair collecting element 84 around the nozzle inlet 54 allows the fabric segment and its unidirectionally oriented fibers 86 to be oriented such that the fibers point inward toward the nozzle inlet and are spaced apart via this set of channels 64. The free rotation of the lower housing 46 relative to the hose attachment 50, combined with the number and orientation of the first hair collecting elements 84, causes hair on the soft surface to be cleaned to ball up and move toward the center of the auxiliary tool 40 so that it can be easily sucked in through the nozzle inlet 54, which is concentrated on the dome-shaped lower side 58. More specifically, the first hair collecting element 84 releases, collects, balls, or aggregates hair, and then releases the hair so that it can ultimately be sucked in by the auxiliary tool 40 and the vacuum cleaner 10.

[0058] Figure 3A and Figure 3BAn auxiliary tool 140 according to another aspect of this disclosure is shown, and includes components similar to those described in auxiliary tool 40. Therefore, similar components will be identified by similar numbers plus 100, and it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the description of similar components applies to auxiliary tool 140.

[0059] One difference is that the auxiliary tool 140 includes a generally flat rather than dome-shaped lower side 159. The lower side 159 still includes the contour variation of the nozzle inlet 154 at its center and the set of channels 164, but is otherwise generally flat.

[0060] Furthermore, such as Figure 3B As can be better seen in the bottom view, although the auxiliary tool 140 is shown as including a first hair collecting element 184, it can be seen that only two first hair collecting elements 184 are shown instead of four. The two first hair collecting elements 184 may be positioned side-by-side or vertically. A second hair collecting element 188 alternates with the first hair collecting elements 184 around the suction inlet 154 and is spaced apart by this set of channels 164. By way of non-limiting example, the second hair collecting element 188 may include an alternative hair collecting material, such as an elastomeric material for removing hair from the surface to be cleaned. Some examples of suitable elastomeric materials include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and silicone. It should be understood that the second hair collecting element 188 may be formed in any suitable manner, including that it may include a soft elastomeric material with nodules or other features (not shown) that will not damage furniture or other obstacles it contacts. The second hair collecting element 188 may be mounted or otherwise coated onto the underside 159 in any suitable manner. For example, the second hair collecting element 188 can be attached to the underside by various conventional attachment methods (such as adhesives, overmolding or mechanical bonding).

[0061] The auxiliary tool 140 operates in the same manner as the auxiliary tool 40 described above, including a rotating lower housing as indicated by arrow 187, adapted to generate twisting and balling or aggregation of the hair to be removed, such that the aggregated hair moves toward the suction inlet 154 and is removed during use. The auxiliary tool 140 combines a second hair collecting element 188, which grasps stubborn hair but may not self-clean well, with the self-cleaning directional fibers 186 of the first hair collecting element 184, which may be less effective for deeply embedded hair.

[0062] Figures 4A to 4B This illustrates another aspect of what can be done with [the present disclosure]. Figure 1Another auxiliary tool 240 is used in conjunction with the vacuum cleaner, and this auxiliary tool includes parts similar to those described for auxiliary tools 40 and 140. Therefore, the same parts will be identified with the same numbers plus the 200 series, and it should be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, the description of the same parts applies to auxiliary tool 240.

[0063] Similar to aid 140, aid 240 includes a generally flat rather than dome-shaped lower side 259. The lower side 259 includes a variation in the profile of the suction inlet 254 at its center and the set of channels 264, but is otherwise generally flat.

[0064] One difference is that the handle 245 is formed on the upper part of the main housing assembly 242 and can rotate freely relative to the rest of the main housing assembly, which improves feel and usability. The rotational movement is schematically shown by arrow 247.

[0065] Another difference is that the upper housing 244 includes a lower portion 249 about which the lower housing 246 rotates. More specifically, by a non-limiting example, a rotatable bearing 266 may be formed from a portion of the lower housing 246. The rotatable bearing 266 may be mounted on the lower portion 249 such that the lower housing 246 can rotate freely relative to the upper housing 244, as indicated by arrow 287.

[0066] Another difference is that the end of the vacuum hose 34a ( Figure 1 It can be operatively coupled to a rod or sliding tool 241. The sliding tool 241 is adapted to be slidably received within a conduit 251, which forms a sliding tool mounting portion for retaining the sliding tool 241 and may also serve as a handle. A latch 241a is adapted to releasably secure the sliding tool 241 within the conduit 251 via a snap-fit ​​253.

[0067] As in Figure 4B As best seen in the image, similar to aid 40, aid 240 is shown as comprising four first hair collecting elements 284, each including unidirectionally oriented fibers (not shown). Aid 240 operates in the same manner as aids 40 and 140 described above, including a rotating lower housing schematically shown as arrow 287, adapted to generate twisting and balling or agglomeration of the hair to be removed, such that the agglomerated hair moves toward the suction inlet 254 and is removed during use. Aid 240 removes pet hair through left-right, back-and-forth, or up-and-down movements, as well as circular or semi-circular movements.

[0068] Figure 5AThis is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool 340, which includes components similar to those described for auxiliary tool 240; therefore, the same components will be identified by the same reference numerals plus 100, and it should be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, the description of the same components applies to auxiliary tool 340. Like auxiliary tool 240, auxiliary tool 340 may also receive a crevice tool 341 or a stick.

[0069] One distinction is that the main housing assembly 342 is a single, non-rotatable, integral component. Instead, the main housing assembly includes a plurality of tips or fingers 343 forming the lower portion 344 of the main housing assembly 342. It should be understood that any number of fingers may be included in the main housing assembly 342, and these fingers may be oriented in any suitable manner. In the illustrated example, by a non-limiting example, the fingers are X-shaped and have a central hub 355 from which a hose attachment 350 defined by a conduit 351 extends.

[0070] As in the previous example, a set of channels 364 is formed in the lower side 359, which is shown as a relatively flat lower side 359. (See example...) Figure 5B As shown, each of these channels 364 extends from the distal end 360 of the finger 343 to the nozzle inlet 354. The nozzle 348 defines the elongated nozzle inlet 354 located at the center. It should be understood that this need not be the case, and the nozzle inlet can be shaped in any suitable manner and located in any suitable position. Furthermore, multiple nozzle inlets may be located therein.

[0071] Also need to refer to Figure 5B Multiple first hair collecting elements 384 can be seen located on the underside of the main housing assembly 342. More specifically, the first hair collecting elements 384 are included on each finger 343, wherein one first hair collecting element 384 is located on each side of the channel 364. As shown, each first hair collecting element 384 is an elongated component, wherein unidirectional fibers 386 are generally oriented towards each of the channels 364.

[0072] When the auxiliary tool 340 has no freely rotating portion, it operates in the same manner as described above, including adapting itself to generate twisting and balling or agglomeration of the hair to be removed, causing the agglomerated hair to move toward the channel 364 and the suction inlet 354, and to be removed during use by suction from the suction nozzle 248. The auxiliary tool 340 removes pet hair through left-right, back-and-forth, or up-and-down movements, as well as circular or semi-circular movements.

[0073] Figures 6A to 6BA vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool 440 is shown, which includes similar parts to those described in the auxiliary tool 340; therefore, the same parts will be identified by the same number plus 100, and it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the description of the same parts applies to the auxiliary tool 440.

[0074] Similar to auxiliary tool 340, auxiliary tool 440 does not have a rotating portion of the main housing assembly 442. Instead, the outer periphery 444a of the main housing assembly 442 forms a paddle shape. In the illustrated example, the outer periphery 444a is generally straight, including a length 445 and a width 447 smaller than the length 445. The outer periphery 444a includes rounded corners 449.

[0075] The set of channels 464 forms an X shape and extends from each rounded corner 449 to the central nozzle inlet 454. Although the nozzle inlet 454 is an elongated inlet located in the center and extending along a portion of the length of the outer perimeter 444a, this need not be the case.

[0076] exist Figure 6A In the figure, multiple first hair collection elements 484 can be seen located on the underside of the main housing assembly 442. A set of channels 464 separates the underside of the main housing assembly 424, and the dimensions of each first hair collection element 484 are correspondingly adapted to be installed between the respective channels 464. As shown, unidirectional fibers 486 are generally oriented towards the nozzle inlet 454.

[0077] refer to Figure 6B As can be seen, similar to auxiliary tool 340, auxiliary tool 440 may also receive slit tool 441 or a bar. Slit tool 441 may include a rotatable diverter that, when rotated, allows suction airflow to be directed to slit tool 441. Slit tool 441 may also include an indicator, such as a light, which illuminates when suction is provided or when auxiliary tool 440 is operatively coupled and latch 441a is pressed.

[0078] The auxiliary tool 440 operates in the same manner as the auxiliary tool 340 described above, including that the auxiliary tool 440 is adapted to release hair from the surface to be cleaned, gather the removed hair, and suck the gathered hair through the channel 364 and the inlet 354. In this way, the auxiliary tool 440 removes pet hair through left-right movement, back-and-forth movement, or up-and-down movement, as well as circular or semi-circular movement and self-cleaning.

[0079] Figure 7A A vacuum cleaner auxiliary tool 540 is shown, which includes similar parts to those described in the auxiliary tool 240; therefore, the same parts will be identified by the same number plus 300, and it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the description of the same parts applies to the auxiliary tool 540.

[0080] One similarity is that the upper housing 544 includes a lower portion 549 about which the lower housing 546 rotates. More specifically, by a non-limiting example, a rotatable bearing 566 may be formed from a portion of the lower housing 546. The rotatable bearing 566 may be mounted on the lower portion 549, such that the lower housing 246 is rotatable.

[0081] Although the auxiliary tool 540 includes a rotatable lower housing 546, one difference is that the rotatable lower housing 546 cannot rotate freely; instead, the rotatable lower housing 546 can be rotated between two positions, the first position being... Figure 7B As shown in the diagram, and the second position is in Figure 7C As shown in the image.

[0082] As in Figure 7B and Figure 7C As better shown in the bottom view, the outer periphery 544a of the main housing assembly 542 forms a paddle shape. In the illustrated example, the outer periphery 544a includes a length 545 greater than the width 547 and includes an elongated corner 549. It should be understood that the outer periphery 544a may include any suitable shape, profile, or profile.

[0083] It includes only a single channel 564, which extends along the center length of the lower housing 546. The nozzle 548 is centrally located on the lower side of the main housing assembly 542. In the illustrated example, the lower housing 546 is in two indexable positions ( Figure 7B and Figure 7C As the nozzle inlet rotates between the portions of the lower housing 546 and the nozzle 548 (as shown), its shape, orientation, or opening changes as a portion of the lower housing 546 covers different parts of the nozzle 548. Figure 7B The middle is shown as Figure 7C The nozzle inlets 554a and 554b are shown in the diagram. It should be understood that the elongated nozzle in either position is generally aligned with the channel 564 in the corresponding position. Figure 7B and Figure 7C The indicated indexable positions are generally perpendicular to each other, allowing the user to change the orientation of the lower housing 546 relative to the rod 541. It should also be understood that additional indexable positions may be included between or beyond the two indicated positions.

[0084] Figure 7B The first hair collecting element 584 is also shown located on the underside of the main housing assembly 542, on either side of the single channel 564. As shown, the unidirectional fibers 586 are oriented towards the single channel 564 and the other orientation of the first hair collecting element 584.

[0085] The auxiliary tool 540 operates in the same manner as the auxiliary tool 240 described above, including that the auxiliary tool 540 is adapted to release hair from the surface to be cleaned, gather the removed hair, and suck the gathered hair via the channel 564 and the suction inlet 554. However, the auxiliary tool 540 removes pet hair by moving left and right, forward and backward, or up and down based on the orientation or rotation position of the lower housing 546.

[0086] Figure 8A and Figure 8B Another vacuum cleaner aid 640 is shown, which can be used with... Figure 1 It is used in conjunction with a vacuum cleaner to remove pet hair from surfaces to be cleaned. The auxiliary tool 640 includes components similar to those described in the auxiliary tool 340; therefore, the same components will be identified by the same reference numerals plus 300, and it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the description of the same components applies to the auxiliary tool 640.

[0087] One difference is that instead of having a receiver for a creasing tool or bar, the distal portion of the auxiliary tool 640 opposite the hose attachment 650 forms the creasing tool portion 641. The creasing tool portion 641 at the end of the auxiliary tool 640 is fluidly connected to the pipe 651 via a fluid channel 641b, which in turn forms a connection to... Figure 1 It is part of the working airflow of a vacuum cleaner.

[0088] The lower side of the main housing assembly 642 also forms a hair removal paddle with a first side 690a and a second side 690b. The first side 690a and the second side 690b forming the lower side 659 are oriented at an angle toward the outer width of the main housing assembly 642. In the illustrated example, the outer perimeter 644a includes a length 645 greater than the width 647 and includes rounded corners 649. It should be understood that the outer perimeter 644a may include any suitable shape, profile, or profile.

[0089] An elongated nozzle 648 at the junction of the first side 690a and the second side 690b forms a nozzle inlet 654, which extends along the center length of the lower side 659 of the main housing assembly 642. The inclined first side 690a and the second side 690b form a V-shape toward the nozzle inlet 654.

[0090] Each of the first side 690a and the second side 690b also has hair collecting elements 692a and 692b, respectively. The hair collecting elements 692a and 692b may (by way of a non-limiting example) include alternative hair collecting materials, such as elastomeric bumps for removing hair from the surface to be cleaned. The hair collecting elements 692a and 692b may also be oriented or angled to improve the manner in which hair is released from the surface to be cleaned.

[0091] Another difference is that the tube 651 has a ridge 653 adapted to form a built-in handle to help the user grip the auxiliary tool 640. The auxiliary tool 640 operates in the same manner as the auxiliary tool 340 described above, including that the auxiliary tool 640 is adapted to release hair from the surface to be cleaned, gather the removed hair, and suck the gathered hair through the suction inlet 654. However, the auxiliary tool 640 removes pet hair by moving left and right, and includes the function of a crevice tool portion 641 at its distal end.

[0092] Figures 9A to 9B This illustrates another aspect of compatibility according to this disclosure. Figure 1 Another auxiliary tool 740 used with the vacuum cleaner includes parts similar to those described for auxiliary tools 40 and 140. Therefore, the same parts will be identified with the same numbers plus the 700 series, and it should be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, the description of the same parts applies to auxiliary tool 740.

[0093] Similar to auxiliary tool 140, auxiliary tool 740 includes a main housing assembly 742 having an upper housing 744 and a lower housing 746, both having a generally flat rather than dome-shaped lower side 759. The lower side 759 includes a variation in the profile of the suction inlet 754 at its center and this set of channels 764, but is otherwise generally flat. However, one difference is that a replaceable base plate forms the lower side 759 and can be removably mounted to the distal portion 746a of the lower housing 746. The replaceable base plate is mounted to the distal portion 746a such that it is mounted to the lower housing 746 and rotates freely with the lower housing. This set of channels 764 and hair removal material are located on the lower side 759 formed by the replaceable base plate.

[0094] Another difference is that the upper housing 744 includes an air leakage feature 792 adapted to adjust the suction force through the nozzle inlet 754. More specifically, an opening or port 790 is included in the upper housing 744 together with an adjustable control knob 791. The adjustable control knob 791 is operatively coupled to a movable body 794 located within the port 790, which can be selectively moved to control the opening, closing, and size of the port 790, thereby controlling the suction force through the nozzle inlet 754. Twisting the knob 791 in a first direction enlarges the port 790, creating or increasing the air leakage schematically shown at 797, and reducing the suction force through the nozzle inlet 754. Conversely, twisting the knob 791 in a second direction opposite to the first direction reduces the size of the port 790 or closes it completely, and increases the suction force at the nozzle inlet 754. Adjusting the amount of air leakage alters the suction pressure at the bottom surface or underside 759 of the tool, which in turn changes the push / pull force felt by the user and the amount of airflow used to pull pet hair away from the ornament. A tighter ornament material allows for higher suction pressure before the push / pull becomes uncomfortable. It should be understood that the cleaning airflow 796 can still optionally travel through the airflow path 756 via the channel 764, the nozzle inlet 754, and the internal portions of the main housing assembly 742.

[0095] Figure 10 A first replaceable plate 797a having only a first hair collecting element 784 including unidirectional fibers (not shown) and a second replaceable plate 797b having only a second hair collecting element 788 are shown, which can be selectively mounted to the lower housing 746 of the auxiliary tool 740. It should be understood that alternative replaceable plates having the first hair collecting element and the second hair collecting element, or alternative hair collecting elements, are conceivable.

[0096] An exemplary method of selectively coupling a first replaceable plate 797a and a second replaceable plate 797b to the distal end 746a of the lower housing 746 is also shown. More specifically, a magnet 743 having a first polarity is shown as being included on the distal end 746a of the lower housing 746. A magnet 753 having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity is shown as being located on the inner surfaces of the first replaceable plate 797a and the second replaceable plate 797b. Having replaceable base plates and thus allowing for variations in the hair collection elements allows for both higher and lower frictional characteristics, which also balances hair removal performance with push / pull comfort and self-cleaning capabilities.

[0097] Furthermore, the distal end 746a of the lower housing 746 and the inner surfaces of the first replaceable plate 797a and the second replaceable plate 797b are to be understood to have complementary geometries. By way of a non-limiting example, the distal end 746a of the lower housing 746 includes a protrusion 745 nested within a recess or cavity 749 of the first replaceable plate 797a and the second replaceable plate 797b. While these have been shown to coincide with the corresponding position of the hair removal collecting element, this need not be the case. Furthermore, while the magnet has been shown to be located at this nested contour feature, the magnet can also be located at any suitable position.

[0098] The auxiliary tool 740 operates in the same manner as the auxiliary tools 40 and 140 described above, including a rotating lower housing 746 having a twisting and balling or aggregating mechanism suitable for generating the hair to be removed, such that the aggregating hair moves toward the suction inlet 754 and is removed during use. The auxiliary tool 740 removes pet hair through left-right, back-and-forth, or up-and-down movements, as well as circular or semi-circular movements.

[0099] Figure 11A Another auxiliary tool 840 is shown, and includes similar components to those described for auxiliary tools 40 and 140. Therefore, the same components will be identified with the same numbers followed by the 800 series, and it should be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, the description of the same components applies to auxiliary tool 840. Similar to auxiliary tool 140, auxiliary tool 840 includes a main housing assembly 842 having an upper housing 844 and a lower housing 846, both having a generally flattened lower side 859 different from the channel 864. One difference is that an air turbine assembly 841 is included in auxiliary tool 840 and is operatively coupled to rotatably drive the lower housing 846, rather than allowing the lower housing 846 to rotate freely.

[0100] like Figure 11B Another difference, better illustrated in the diagram, is that two first hair collecting elements are located between each set of channels 864. Each pair of first hair collecting elements 884 has alternative unidirectionally oriented fibers 886, as indicated by the arrows. Therefore, instead of a single piece of material between each set of channels 864, there are two pieces of material, each with unidirectionally oriented fibers extending in opposite directions and generally oriented toward the adjacent channel 864. Furthermore, suction release holes 854a can be seen along these sets of channels 864 in the lower side 859 of the lower housing 846.

[0101] Figure 12AA cross-section of the auxiliary tool 840 is shown, and more specifically, a gear train and linkage assembly 839 operatively coupled to an air turbine 841 and a lower housing 846 is illustrated. More specifically, the air turbine 841 provides input to a turbine ring gear 845 of a planetary gear system comprising a planetary gear 847 and a sun gear 849. The sun gear 849, providing output to the gear train, includes a pin 849a located therein, which is received within a slot of a pivoting link 857 operatively coupled to a first duct portion 866 of the lower housing 846. More specifically, an extension 866a of the duct is operatively coupled to the pivoting link 857. Figure 12B The gear train and linkage assembly are shown with rotating arrows to illustrate the movement of the gears during operation.

[0102] The auxiliary tool 840 operates in the same manner as the auxiliary tools 40 and 140 described above, including a lower housing adapted to remove or release hair from a surface, generate an aggregate of the removed hair, and suction the removed hair, making the auxiliary tool 840 suitable for self-cleaning. More specifically, during operation, the air turbine 841 uses air from an attached vacuum source ( Figure 1 ) The suction airflow 843 ( Figure 11A A portion of the rotational motion is generated. A planetary gear train and linkage assembly 839 is used to reduce speed and amplify torque from the air turbine 841. The output of the planetary gear reducer drives a pivoting linkage 857, which in turn drives the lower housing 846 of the auxiliary tool 840. The lower housing 846 of the auxiliary tool 840 oscillates to remove embedded pet hair from the ornament in one direction and releases the released hair into the main suction airflow path in another direction. The placement orientation of the hair removal material is oriented to facilitate hair removal and release when the rotational direction is reversed or when oscillating. A slot or channel 864 in the lower housing 846 provides a path for the suction airflow 896, and a suction release port 854a is used to adjust the suction force. The auxiliary tool 840 is used by the user to remove pet hair through left-right, forward-backward, or up-down movements, as well as circular or semi-circular movements. It should be understood that regardless of the user's movement, the air turbine 841 drives the lower housing 846 and its underside to oscillate.

[0103] If available Figure 13 As seen in the image, the complete rotation of the air turbine 841, and consequently the complete rotation of the ring gear 845, produces an oscillating motion of the lower side 859 of the lower housing 846. More specifically, this oscillating motion is a movement of the lower side of the lower housing first counterclockwise by 45 degrees and then clockwise by 45 degrees. Figure 13The diagram initially shows the gear train and linkage assembly 839a and the lower housing 846a at their original positions or with zero-degree rotation. When the gear train and linkage assembly 839 rotates 90 degrees as shown in 839b, the lower housing moves to a positive 45-degree position as shown in 846b. When the gear train and linkage assembly 839 continues to rotate another 90 degrees and thus rotates 180 degrees from its original position, as shown in 839c, the lower housing moves to its original position or zero-degree position, as shown in 846c. When the gear train and linkage assembly 839 continues to rotate another 90 degrees and thus rotates 270 degrees from its original position, as shown in 839d, the lower housing moves to a negative 45-degree position, as shown in 846d.

[0104] Figure 14A and Figure 14B Another auxiliary tool 1040 is shown, which includes components similar to those described for auxiliary tools 40 and 140. Therefore, the same components will be identified with the same numbers followed by the 1000 series, and it should be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, the description of the same components applies to auxiliary tool 1040. Like auxiliary tool 140, auxiliary tool 1040 includes a main housing assembly 1042 having an upper housing 1044 and a lower housing 1046, both having a lower side 1059.

[0105] One difference is that the lower housing 1046 includes a molded lower body similar to a molded plate. The lower side 1059 includes a set of channels 1064 leading from the outer periphery 1062 to the nozzle inlet 1054 and a plurality of hair collector supports extending away from the upper housing 1044, with the channels 1064 located between two adjacent supports. This creates a profile of a first hair collection element 1084 extending toward the surface to be cleaned and separated by notches created by the channels 1064. The upper side of the lower housing 1046 also includes a molded body that is a protrusion on the profile of the lower side 1059. More specifically, ridges 1046a or a set of ridges 1046a are located on the upper side of the lower housing 1046, corresponding to the location of the channels 1064. Furthermore, recesses 1046b are formed on the upper side of the lower housing 1046, corresponding to the locations where the hair collector supports protrude from the lower side 1059. It has been found that the profile of the lower housing 1046, or the lower housing 1046 being formed as a molded plate, can provide increased rigidity, and when formed in this way, the lower housing 1046 will not excessively flex or bend during use. For example, adding ribs, profiles, or curved surfaces to a flat plate can increase bending moment and structural rigidity compared to a completely flat plate.

[0106] Another difference is that the upper housing 1044 is shown as a two-piece housing comprising a first portion 1044a and a second portion 1044b. The first portion 1044a and the second portion 1044b can be mounted or operatively coupled in any suitable manner. Figure 14B As best seen in the diagram, by a non-limiting example, the coupling assembly may include a snap 1098 extending from the first portion 1044a and receiving a protrusion 1089 extending from the second portion 1044B. It should be understood that the upper housing 1042 may be formed in any suitable manner, including having a single main housing assembly or a multi-piece main housing assembly secured together in any suitable manner.

[0107] The upper housing is also shown to include a set of notches 1045 located at the front or edge, which is generally opposite the hose attachment 1050. These notches 1045 extend over a first portion 1044a and a second portion 1044b of the upper housing 1044; however, it should be understood that this is not necessary, and the notches can have any suitable length, shape, and profile. The notches 1045 are configured to provide gripping details on the upper housing 1044, allowing the user's fingers to have a firm, non-slip grip.

[0108] The auxiliary tool 1040 operates in the same manner as the auxiliary tools 40 and 140 described above, including a rotating lower housing 1046 with a twisting and balling or aggregating motion suitable for generating the hair to be removed, such that the aggregating hair moves toward the suction nozzle inlet 1054 and is automatically removed by suction during use. The auxiliary tool 1040 removes pet hair by moving left and right, forward and backward, or up and down on the user, as well as by circular or semi-circular movements.

[0109] Any of the aforementioned auxiliary tools can be used in conjunction with a suction source, including cleaning equipment such as the described vacuum cleaner 10, to form a system for cleaning and removing pet hair. Furthermore, it should be understood that any of the aforementioned auxiliary tools or systems can be used in methods for removal.

[0110] Several advantages of this disclosure arise from various features of the device described herein. For example, the foregoing aspects provide a vacuum cleaner aid that offers improved hair removal from surfaces to be cleaned, including ornaments and other soft surfaces. In use, the vacuum cleaner aid tends to ball up debris for easier suction, making it prone to "self-cleaning" during operation. The channels also allow for the release of suction airflow to prevent the aid 40 from pressing too hard against the surface to be cleaned. This is particularly important for cleaning soft surfaces where pet hair is embedded, such as ornaments. In this way, the aid has a hair removal system configured to collect hair from various surfaces to be cleaned, including soft surfaces such as ornaments, dog beds, pillows, and car interiors. The collected hair is gathered by the hair removal system and sucked in by a vacuum cleaner.

[0111] While “dry” vacuum cleaners have been shown herein, it should be understood that any known vacuum cleaner or surface cleaning tool, including a suction source, is acceptable for use with the assistive tools described herein, including autonomous robotic floor cleaners. For example, details of suitable “wet” vacuum cleaners for use with assistive tools are disclosed in co-assigned U.S. Patent No. 9,186,028 to White et al. and U.S. Patent No. 6,279,196 to Kasen et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, details of suitable “autonomous robotic floor cleaners” for use with assistive tools are disclosed in co-assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 705,781 to Scholten et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0112] Within the scope not yet described, various features and structures of the various exemplary descriptions and explanations of the assistive tool may be combined with each other as needed. A feature may not be described in all the exemplary descriptions, and an explanation is not intended to imply its inability, but rather is provided for the sake of brevity. Therefore, various features of the different exemplary descriptions and explanations of the assistive tool may be mixed and matched as needed to form new assistive tools, regardless of whether the new assistive tool is explicitly described. For example, although an interchangeable board is described with respect to only one instance, it should be understood that it can be used with any of the described instances.

[0113] Further aspects of this disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following provisions:

[0114] An auxiliary tool includes: a main housing assembly defining a lower side having an outer periphery; a nozzle disposed on the interior of the lower side; a conduit disposed on the main housing assembly and adapted to connect to a suction source remote from the main housing assembly, the suction source being adapted to generate a working airflow from the nozzle through the main housing assembly to the conduit; and a set of hair collecting elements disposed on the lower side between the nozzle and the outer periphery, the set of hair collecting elements being configured to generate a balling or agglomeration effect of hair removed from the surface to be cleaned during use, to gather the removed hair into a ball-shaped cluster and to move the removed hair toward the nozzle.

[0115] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the main housing assembly further includes an upper housing and a lower housing, the lower housing being rotatably coupled to the upper housing or being rotatably coupled to the upper housing in at least one of the following:

[0116] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the lower housing further includes a first conduit, the upper housing further includes a second conduit, and wherein the first conduit is rotatably received within the second conduit, or the second conduit is rotatably received within the first conduit.

[0117] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein one of the first pipe or the second pipe includes a flange, and the other of the first pipe or the second pipe includes at least one internal recess for receiving the flange.

[0118] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein one of the first or second conduits includes a set of flexible fingers.

[0119] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the set of flexible fingers is spaced apart around one of the first or second conduits.

[0120] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the flange is located on the set of flexible fingers.

[0121] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the at least one internal recess is a series of discrete recesses.

[0122] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the upper housing includes a recess at a front end opposite the conduit, the recess being adapted to form a gripping portion for the user's fingers.

[0123] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the upper housing is a two-piece body comprising a first part and a second part and a latch, the first part and the second part being mounted together via a snap fastener located on the first part of the two-piece body, the latch being adapted to be received by the snap fastener located on the second part of the two-piece body.

[0124] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the lower housing further includes a shaped lower body having a plurality of hair collector supports and a channel on its lower side, the hair collector supports extending away from the upper housing, and the channel being located between two adjacent hair collector supports among the plurality of hair collector supports.

[0125] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the upper side of the forming lower body is a protrusion of the contour on the lower side.

[0126] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the lower side includes a set of channels formed in the lower side and extending from the outer periphery to the mouthpiece.

[0127] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the set of hair collecting elements includes a plurality of directional fabric hair collectors having unidirectional fibers, and wherein the unidirectional fibers of each of the plurality of directional fabric hair collectors are oriented toward at least one of the channels or nozzles in the set of channels.

[0128] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses also includes an airflow passage from this set of channels through the nozzle and main housing assembly to the duct, wherein hair is automatically drawn in by suction provided by the suction source.

[0129] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the lower side includes a set of channels formed in the lower side and extending from the outer periphery to the mouthpiece.

[0130] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the set of hair collecting elements includes a plurality of directional fabric hair collectors having unidirectional fibers, and wherein the unidirectional fibers of each of the plurality of directional fabric hair collectors are oriented toward at least one of the channels or nozzles in the set of channels.

[0131] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the lower side has a dome-shaped profile that slopes from the suction nozzle, which is centrally positioned to the outer periphery.

[0132] The auxiliary tool according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the hair collecting elements comprise at least one of directional fabric or elastomer material.

[0133] An auxiliary tool includes: a main housing assembly defining a lower side having an outer periphery; a nozzle disposed on a central portion of the lower side; a set of channels formed in the lower side and extending from the outer periphery to the nozzle; a conduit disposed on the main housing assembly and adapted to connect to a suction source remote from the main housing assembly, the suction source being adapted to generate a working airflow from the nozzle through the main housing assembly to the conduit; a set of hair collecting elements disposed on the lower side between the nozzle and the outer periphery, the hair collecting elements being configured to release hair from the surface to be cleaned during movement of the lower side against the surface to be cleaned, collect the hair, cause the hair to clump or aggregate, and then release the hair into at least one of the channels of the nozzle to form an aggregate of released hair; and an airflow passage extending from the channels through the nozzle and the main housing assembly to the conduit, wherein the aggregated released hair is automatically drawn in under suction provided by the suction source.

[0134] While this disclosure has been specifically described in conjunction with certain particular exemplary descriptions and their explanations, it should be understood that this is by way of illustration and not limitation. Reasonable variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the exemplary descriptions and explanations disclosed herein should not be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

Claims

1. An auxiliary tool, comprising: Housing assembly, defining the lower side; The suction nozzle is located inside the lower side. The housing assembly further includes an outlet adapted to be connected to a suction source remote from the housing assembly, the suction source being adapted to generate a working airflow from the nozzle through the housing assembly to the outlet; and a set of channels formed in the lower side, wherein the contour of the lower side defines the channels, and each of the set of channels extends from the nozzle toward the outer periphery; and A set of hair collecting elements is disposed on the lower side, adjacent to the set of channels. The set of hair collecting elements is configured to create a balling or agglomerating effect on hair removed from the surface to be cleaned during use, thereby gathering the removed hair into ball-shaped clusters and causing the removed hair to move towards the set of channels and the suction nozzle. The lower side has an outer periphery, and the suction nozzle is centrally positioned. The lower side has a dome-shaped profile that slopes from the nozzle toward the outer periphery; or has a first and a second inclined side that form a V-shape toward the nozzle.

2. The auxiliary tool according to claim 1, wherein, The set of hair collecting elements includes multiple directional fabric hair collectors with unidirectional fibers.

3. The auxiliary tool according to claim 2, wherein, The unidirectional fibers of each of the plurality of oriented fabric hair collectors are oriented toward at least one of the set of channels or the suction nozzle.

4. The auxiliary tool according to claim 1, wherein, Some of the hair collecting elements in the set of hair collecting elements include an elastomer material.

5. The auxiliary tool according to claim 1, wherein, The housing assembly includes an upper housing and a lower housing, wherein the lower housing is configured to rotate freely relative to the upper housing during operation.

6. The auxiliary tool according to claim 5, wherein, The lower housing also includes a molded lower body, the lower side of which has a plurality of hair collector supports extending away from the upper housing, and a channel in the set of channels is located between two adjacent hair collector supports.

7. The auxiliary tool according to claim 6, wherein, The upper side of the molded lower body is a protrusion of the contour on the lower side.

8. An auxiliary tool, comprising: A housing assembly defining a lower side having an outer periphery, wherein the housing assembly includes an upper housing and a lower housing, the upper housing having at least a portion adapted to be held by a user, the lower housing being rotatably coupled to the upper housing and configured to move against a surface to be cleaned when the at least a portion of the upper housing is held by the user, the lower housing defining the lower side having the outer periphery; The suction nozzle is located inside the lower side. An outlet, disposed together with the housing assembly and adapted to be connected to a suction source remote from the housing assembly, the suction source being adapted to generate a working airflow from the nozzle through the housing assembly to the outlet; A set of channels is formed in the lower side, wherein each channel in the set of channels extends away from the farthest portion of the lower side to form a groove in the lower side, the farthest or most extended point of the lower side, and wherein each channel in the set of channels extends from the nozzle toward the outer periphery; and A set of hair collecting elements is disposed on the lower side, adjacent to the set of channels, the set of hair collecting elements being configured to generate a balling or agglomeration effect of hair removed from the surface to be cleaned during use, so as to gather the removed hair into a ball-shaped cluster and move the removed hair toward the suction nozzle via the set of channels.

9. The auxiliary tool according to claim 8, wherein, The lower housing is configured to rotate freely against the surface to be cleaned when at least a portion of the upper housing is held by the user and moves along the surface to be cleaned.

10. The auxiliary tool according to claim 8, wherein, The lower housing further includes a first conduit, and the upper housing further includes a second conduit, wherein the first conduit is rotatably received within the second conduit, or the second conduit is rotatably received within the first conduit, and the working airflow passes through both the first conduit and the second conduit.

11. The auxiliary tool according to claim 10, wherein, One of the first and second pipes includes a flange, and the other of the first and second pipes includes at least one internal recess for receiving the flange.

12. The auxiliary tool according to claim 11, wherein, One of the first and second conduits includes a set of flexible fingers, and the other of the first and second conduits includes at least one internal recess for receiving the set of flexible fingers.

13. The auxiliary tool according to claim 12, wherein, The set of flexible fingers are spaced apart around one of the first and second pipes.

14. The auxiliary tool according to claim 12, wherein, The flange is located on the set of flexible fingers.

15. The auxiliary tool according to claim 10, wherein, The upper housing includes a recess located at the front end opposite to the second conduit, the recess being adapted to form a gripping portion for a user's fingers.

16. The auxiliary tool according to claim 8, wherein, The upper housing is a two-piece body comprising a first part and a second part, and a latch. The first part and the second part are mounted together via a snap fastener located on the first part of the two-piece body, and the latch is adapted to be received by the snap fastener on the second part of the two-piece body.

17. The auxiliary tool according to claim 8, wherein, The set of hair collecting elements includes a plurality of directional fabric hair collectors having unidirectional fibers, wherein the unidirectional fibers of each of the plurality of directional fabric hair collectors are oriented toward at least one of the set of channels or the suction nozzle.

Images