Vacuum Brush

Abstract

A vacuum device having a fan, a motor coupled to the fan, and a filter is disclosed. A housing defines a chamber positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the filter and a plurality of hollow bristles contain passageways in communication with the housing. The plurality of hollow bristles may define an opening in communication with the passageways having an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.06 square inches. The motor rotates the fan to create a suction for sucking air from an atmosphere, through the openings, through the passageways, and into the chamber. At least some of the air is further sucked through the filter and returns to the atmosphere. A particle that is too large to pass through the filter is retained in the chamber of the housing.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum brush for general purposes in vacuuming up dirt, lint, powder, and other smaller materials. The vacuum brush can be made for use in combing hair and removing dandruff from a person and from clothing.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional brushes have bristles for combing hair and / or for brushing foreign matter from clothing. Conventional vacuum cleaners have a vacuum tube with accessories, but none are suitable for combing hair and removing dandruff from a person or for vacuuming up dirt, lint, powder, and other smaller materials in tight spaces with delicate materials not intended to be vacuumed.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] As described more fully below, embodiments may include a vacuum device having a fan, a motor coupled to the fan, and a filter. A housing defines a chamber positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the filter and a plurality of hollow bristles contain passageways in communication with the housing. The plurality of hollow bristles may define an opening in communication with the passageways having an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.06 square inches. The motor rotates the fan to create a suction for sucking air from an atmosphere, through the openings, through the passageways, and into the chamber. At least some of the air is further sucked through the filter and returns to the atmosphere. A particle that is too large to pass through the filter is retained in the chamber of the housing.

[0004] The hollow bristles may each define an opening having an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.05 square inches. The hollow bristles may each define an opening at an end of the hollow bristles opposite the housing or may each define an opening along a length of the hollow bristles. The plurality of hollow bristles may be positioned along a row such as a first row and a second row. The plurality of hollow bristles may be spaced along a row projecting from the housing and the housing may define a plurality of openings along the row between the bristles. The vacuum device may further include a handle, a battery and a switch where the motor and the battery are secured by the handle; where the battery is electrically connected to the switch and the motor for selectively energizing the motor; and where the housing is releasably attached to the handle. The plurality of hollow bristles may be made from rigid plastic, flexible plastic or rubber. The plurality of hollow bristles may have a conical cross-section that is wider where the hollow bristles extend from the housing and narrower at the opposite end of the hollow bristles.

[0005] Other features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a vacuum brush.

[0007] FIG. 2 shows vacuum bristles that include openings at the base, midpoint and tip.

[0008] FIG. 3 shows a top down view of a vacuum brush with multiple rows of bristles.

[0009] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a vacuum device 100 comprising a fan 102, a motor 104 coupled to the fan 102; and a filter 106. The filter may be supported internally by a metal or plastic frame (not shown) to prevent the filter 106 from collapsing from the suction force of the vacuum created by the fan 102. A housing 108 defines a chamber 110 positioned adjacent to (and preferable surrounding) at least a portion of the filter 106. A plurality of hollow bristles 112 contain passageways 114 in communication with the chamber 110 of the housing 108. The plurality of hollow bristles 112 define openings 112a in communication with the passageways 114. In addition, openings 112b may be positioned at the base of the hollow bristles 112 in communication with the chamber 110. Openings 112a and 112b have an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.06 square inches.

[0011] When the motor 104 rotates, it turns the fan 102 to create a suction for sucking air from an atmosphere, through the openings 112a, through the passageways 114, and into the chamber 110. The path of such air is shown, for example, by an arrow 116. Still other air may be sucked from the atmosphere, through the openings 112b, and into the chamber 110. The path of such air is shown, for example, by an arrow 118. At least some of the air is further sucked through the filter 106, is exhausted through a vent 120, and is returned to the atmosphere as shown by an arrow 122. A particle 124 that is too large to pass through the filter 106 is retained in the chamber 110 of the housing 108.

[0012] Depending on the desired air flow speed and volume, the hollow bristles may each define an opening having an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.05 square inches, or an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.04 square inches, or an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.03 square inches, or an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.02 square inches, or an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.01 square inches and less than 0.06 square inches, or an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.01 square inches and less than 0.04 square inches, or an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.01 square inches and less than 0.03 square inches.

[0013] The hollow bristles 112 may each define an opening 112a at an end of the hollow bristles 112 opposite the housing 108 and may also define a second opening 112c along a length of the hollow bristles 112. The housing 108 may also define a plurality of openings 112b at a location where the hollow bristles 112 extend from the housing 108.

[0014] For example, FIG. 2 shows a view of a plurality of hollow bristles 112 defining openings 112a at the end of the hollow bristles 112, openings 112b positioned at the base of the hollow bristles 112, and openings 112c positioned along a length of the hollow bristles 112. Again, all of these openings are preferably in direct or indirect communication with the chamber 110 of housing 108.

[0015] The plurality of hollow bristles 112 may be positioned along a row. The plurality of hollow bristles 112 may also positioned along a first row and a second row. For example, FIG. 3 shows a top down view of the vacuum device 100 in FIG. 1 where the vacuum device 100 has a first row 140, a second row 142, and a third row 144 of the hollow bristles 112.

[0016] It should be noted that openings 112a, 112b, and 112c as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 appear as circles in these Figures. In the construction of a vacuum device 100, openings 112a are preferably positioned at the end of the hollow bristles 112 and open radially outward from the center of the housing 108. In the construction of a vacuum device 100, openings 112b are preferably positioned at the base of the hollow bristles 112 and open radially outward from the center of the housing 108. In the construction of a vacuum device 100, openings 112c are preferably positioned along the length of the hollow bristles 112 and open from the side surface of the hollow bristles 112.

[0017] The vacuum device 100 may include a handle 126, a battery 128 and a switch 130 where the motor 104 and the battery 128 are secured by the handle 126. The battery 128 is electrically connected to the switch 130 and the motor 104 via wires 132 and 134 for selectively energizing the motor 104. The housing 108 is preferably releasably attached to the handle 126 via a threaded connection 136 or other suitable mechanical fixation. The handle 126 may support an electrical connector 138 such as a USB port for charging the battery 128. Alternatively, the battery 128 may be replaced by a conventional 120 volt electrical cord and related circuitry (not shown) for energizing the motor 104.

[0018] The plurality of hollow bristles may be made from rigid plastic, flexible plastic, or rubber. The plurality of hollow bristles preferably have a conical cross-section that is wider where the hollow bristles extend from the housing 108 and narrower at the opposite end of the hollow bristles.

[0019] The vacuum device 100 preferably has 5 to 20 hollow bristles, or 8 to 15 hollow bristles. The vacuum device 100 preferably includes a first row of hollow bristles containing 5 to 20 hollow bristles and a second row of hollow bristles containing 5 to 20 hollow bristles.

[0020] Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

[0021] When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0022] As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0010]FIG. 1 shows a vacuum device 100 comprising a fan 102, a motor 104 coupled to the fan 102; and a filter 106. The filter may be supported internally by a metal or plastic frame (not shown) to prevent the filter 106 from collapsing from the suction force of the vacuum created by the fan 102. A housing 108 defines a chamber 110 positioned adjacent to (and preferable surrounding) at least a portion of the filter 106. A plurality of hollow bristles 112 contain passageways 114 in communication with the chamber 110 of the housing 108. The plurality of hollow bristles 112 define openings 112a in communication with the passageways 114. In addition, openings 112b may be positioned at the base of the hollow bristles 112 in communication with the chamber 110. Openings 112a and 112b have an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.06 square inches.

[0011]When the motor 104 rotates, it turns the fan 102 to create a suction for sucking air from an ...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum brush for general purposes in vacuuming up dirt, lint, powder, and other smaller materials. The vacuum brush can be made for use in combing hair and removing dandruff from a person and from clothing.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional brushes have bristles for combing hair and / or for brushing foreign matter from clothing. Conventional vacuum cleaners have a vacuum tube with accessories, but none are suitable for combing hair and removing dandruff from a person or for vacuuming up dirt, lint, powder, and other smaller materials in tight spaces with delicate materials not intended to be vacuumed.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] As described more fully below, embodiments may include a vacuum device having a fan, a motor coupled to the fan, and a filter. A housing defines a chamber positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the filter and a plurality of hollow bristles contain passageways in communication with the housing. The plurality of hollow bristles may define an opening in communication with the passageways having an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.06 square inches. The motor rotates the fan to create a suction for sucking air from an atmosphere, through the openings, through the passageways, and into the chamber. At least some of the air is further sucked through the filter and returns to the atmosphere. A particle that is too large to pass through the filter is retained in the chamber of the housing.

[0004] The hollow bristles may each define an opening having an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.05 square inches. The hollow bristles may each define an opening at an end of the hollow bristles opposite the housing or may each define an opening along a length of the hollow bristles. The plurality of hollow bristles may be positioned along a row such as a first row and a second row. The plurality of hollow bristles may be spaced along a row projecting from the housing and the housing may define a plurality of openings along the row between the bristles. The vacuum device may further include a handle, a battery and a switch where the motor and the battery are secured by the handle; where the battery is electrically connected to the switch and the motor for selectively energizing the motor; and where the housing is releasably attached to the handle. The plurality of hollow bristles may be made from rigid plastic, flexible plastic or rubber. The plurality of hollow bristles may have a conical cross-section that is wider where the hollow bristles extend from the housing and narrower at the opposite end of the hollow bristles.

[0005] Other features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a vacuum brush.

[0007] FIG. 2 shows vacuum bristles that include openings at the base, midpoint and tip.

[0008] FIG. 3 shows a top down view of a vacuum brush with multiple rows of bristles.

[0009] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a vacuum device 100 comprising a fan 102, a motor 104 coupled to the fan 102; and a filter 106. The filter may be supported internally by a metal or plastic frame (not shown) to prevent the filter 106 from collapsing from the suction force of the vacuum created by the fan 102. A housing 108 defines a chamber 110 positioned adjacent to (and preferable surrounding) at least a portion of the filter 106. A plurality of hollow bristles 112 contain passageways 114 in communication with the chamber 110 of the housing 108. The plurality of hollow bristles 112 define openings 112a in communication with the passageways 114. In addition, openings 112b may be positioned at the base of the hollow bristles 112 in communication with the chamber 110. Openings 112a and 112b have an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.06 square inches.

[0011] When the motor 104 rotates, it turns the fan 102 to create a suction for sucking air from an atmosphere, through the openings 112a, through the passageways 114, and into the chamber 110. The path of such air is shown, for example, by an arrow 116. Still other air may be sucked from the atmosphere, through the openings 112b, and into the chamber 110. The path of such air is shown, for example, by an arrow 118. At least some of the air is further sucked through the filter 106, is exhausted through a vent 120, and is returned to the atmosphere as shown by an arrow 122. A particle 124 that is too large to pass through the filter 106 is retained in the chamber 110 of the housing 108.

[0012] Depending on the desired air flow speed and volume, the hollow bristles may each define an opening having an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.05 square inches, or an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.04 square inches, or an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.03 square inches, or an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.02 square inches, or an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.01 square inches and less than 0.06 square inches, or an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.01 square inches and less than 0.04 square inches, or an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.01 square inches and less than 0.03 square inches.

[0013] The hollow bristles 112 may each define an opening 112a at an end of the hollow bristles 112 opposite the housing 108 and may also define a second opening 112c along a length of the hollow bristles 112. The housing 108 may also define a plurality of openings 112b at a location where the hollow bristles 112 extend from the housing 108.

[0014] For example, FIG. 2 shows a view of a plurality of hollow bristles 112 defining openings 112a at the end of the hollow bristles 112, openings 112b positioned at the base of the hollow bristles 112, and openings 112c positioned along a length of the hollow bristles 112. Again, all of these openings are preferably in direct or indirect communication with the chamber 110 of housing 108.

[0015] The plurality of hollow bristles 112 may be positioned along a row. The plurality of hollow bristles 112 may also positioned along a first row and a second row. For example, FIG. 3 shows a top down view of the vacuum device 100 in FIG. 1 where the vacuum device 100 has a first row 140, a second row 142, and a third row 144 of the hollow bristles 112.

[0016] It should be noted that openings 112a, 112b, and 112c as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 appear as circles in these Figures. In the construction of a vacuum device 100, openings 112a are preferably positioned at the end of the hollow bristles 112 and open radially outward from the center of the housing 108. In the construction of a vacuum device 100, openings 112b are preferably positioned at the base of the hollow bristles 112 and open radially outward from the center of the housing 108. In the construction of a vacuum device 100, openings 112c are preferably positioned along the length of the hollow bristles 112 and open from the side surface of the hollow bristles 112.

[0017] The vacuum device 100 may include a handle 126, a battery 128 and a switch 130 where the motor 104 and the battery 128 are secured by the handle 126. The battery 128 is electrically connected to the switch 130 and the motor 104 via wires 132 and 134 for selectively energizing the motor 104. The housing 108 is preferably releasably attached to the handle 126 via a threaded connection 136 or other suitable mechanical fixation. The handle 126 may support an electrical connector 138 such as a USB port for charging the battery 128. Alternatively, the battery 128 may be replaced by a conventional 120 volt electrical cord and related circuitry (not shown) for energizing the motor 104.

[0018] The plurality of hollow bristles may be made from rigid plastic, flexible plastic, or rubber. The plurality of hollow bristles preferably have a conical cross-section that is wider where the hollow bristles extend from the housing 108 and narrower at the opposite end of the hollow bristles.

[0019] The vacuum device 100 preferably has 5 to 20 hollow bristles, or 8 to 15 hollow bristles. The vacuum device 100 preferably includes a first row of hollow bristles containing 5 to 20 hollow bristles and a second row of hollow bristles containing 5 to 20 hollow bristles.

[0020] Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

[0021] When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0022] As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0010]FIG. 1 shows a vacuum device 100 comprising a fan 102, a motor 104 coupled to the fan 102; and a filter 106. The filter may be supported internally by a metal or plastic frame (not shown) to prevent the filter 106 from collapsing from the suction force of the vacuum created by the fan 102. A housing 108 defines a chamber 110 positioned adjacent to (and preferable surrounding) at least a portion of the filter 106. A plurality of hollow bristles 112 contain passageways 114 in communication with the chamber 110 of the housing 108. The plurality of hollow bristles 112 define openings 112a in communication with the passageways 114. In addition, openings 112b may be positioned at the base of the hollow bristles 112 in communication with the chamber 110. Openings 112a and 112b have an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.06 square inches.

[0011]When the motor 104 rotates, it turns the fan 102 to create a suction for sucking air from an ...

Claims

1. A vacuum device comprising:a fan;a motor coupled to the fan;a filter;a housing defining a chamber positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the filter;a plurality of hollow bristles containing passageways in communication with the housing;wherein the plurality of hollow bristles define an opening in communication with the passageways having an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.06 square inches;wherein the motor rotates the fan to create a suction for sucking air from an atmosphere, through the openings, through the passageways, and into the chamber;wherein at least some of the air is further sucked through the filter and returns to the atmosphere; andwherein a particle that is too large to pass through the filter is retained in the chamber of the housing.

2. (canceled)3. The vacuum device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of hollow bristles each define an opening having an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.04 square inches.

4. (canceled)5. The vacuum device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of hollow bristles each define an opening having an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.001 square inches and less than 0.02 square inches.

6. The vacuum device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of hollow bristles define an opening having an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.01 square inches and less than 0.06 square inches.

7. The vacuum device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of hollow bristles define an opening having an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.01 square inches and less than 0.04 square inches.

8. The vacuum device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of hollow bristles define an opening having an average cross-sectional area that is greater than 0.01 square inches and less than 0.03 square inches.

9. The vacuum device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of hollow bristles define an opening at an end of the hollow bristles opposite the housing.10.-11. (canceled)12. The vacuum device of claim 1 wherein the housing defines a plurality of openings at a location where the plurality of hollow bristles extend respectively from the housing.

13. The vacuum device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of hollow bristles is positioned along a row.

14. The vacuum device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of hollow bristles is positioned along a first row and a second row.

15. The vacuum device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of hollow bristles is spaced along a row projecting from the housing and wherein the housing defines a plurality of openings along the row and positioned between the bristles.

16. The vacuum device of claim 1 further comprising a handle, a battery and a switch;wherein the motor and the battery are secured by the handle;wherein the battery is electrically connected to the switch and the motor for selectively energizing the motor; andwherein the housing is releasably attached to the handle.

17. The vacuum device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of hollow bristles are comprised of rigid plastic.

18. The vacuum device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of hollow bristles is comprised of flexible plastic or rubber.

19. The vacuum device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of hollow bristles have a conical cross-section that is wider where the hollow bristles extend from the housing and is narrower at the opposite end of the hollow bristles.20.-21. (canceled)22. The vacuum device of claim 1 further comprising a first row of hollow bristles containing 5 to 20 hollow bristles and a second row of hollow bristles containing 5 to 20 hollow bristles.

23. The vacuum device of claim 7 further comprising a first row of hollow bristles containing 5 to 20 hollow bristles and a second row of hollow bristles containing 5 to 20 hollow bristles.

24. The vacuum device of claim 15 further comprising a first row of hollow bristles containing 5 to 20 hollow bristles and a second row of hollow bristles containing 5 to 20 hollow bristles.

25. The vacuum device of claim 16 further comprising a first row of hollow bristles containing 5 to 20 hollow bristles and a second row of hollow bristles containing 5 to 20 hollow bristles.

26. The vacuum device of claim 7 wherein the plurality of hollow bristles have a conical cross-section that is wider where the hollow bristles extend from the housing and is narrower at the opposite end of the hollow bristles.

27. The vacuum device of claim 15 wherein the plurality of hollow bristles have a conical cross-section that is wider where the hollow bristles extend from the housing and is narrower at the opposite end of the hollow bristles.

28. The vacuum device of claim 16 wherein the plurality of hollow bristles have a conical cross-section that is wider where the hollow bristles extend from the housing and is narrower at the opposite end of the hollow bristles.

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