Industrial vacuum attachment device

Abstract

Disclosed is an industrial vacuum attachment device which may include a vacuum head with an enclosing wall defining an interior suction cavity and a cylindrical boss defining a pneumatic pathway to the interior suction cavity. A coupler adapter may be coupled to the cylindrical boss. A suction face plate may be disposed on the bottom of the vacuum head. Vacuum head end flanges may be disposed at longitudinal ends of the vacuum head. The end flanges may include a face plate with through-apertures. A detachable vacuum screen may be included and may also have end flanges placed over the end flanges of the vacuum head. Wheel assemblies can be coupled to the face plates. A handle assembly may include a handle pipe, handle pipe extension, adjustable sleeve, and vacuum hose holder. The adjustable sleeve may connect the handle pipe and the handle pipe extension with a lockable pin.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to industrial cleaning devices and, more particularly, to industrial vacuum attachment devices.BACKGROUND

[0002] An industrial vacuum truck is a tank truck that has a pump and a tank. The pump, via a vacuum hose, may pneumatically suck waste such as liquids, sludges, slurries, or the like from a location (e.g., underground) into the tank of the truck, and the waste is then transported to a treatment or disposal site. For an industrial vacuum truck, the diameter of the vacuum hose is large and not designed for use in small or tight areas, or may be limited in the material that it can pick up. This can be an issue when cleaning containment areas such as oil or gas pads or areas on rough terrains.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill in the art and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. It should be noted that, in accordance with standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. In the drawings:

[0004] FIG. 1 is a front-top perspective view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device having a 24″ vacuum head, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a top-rear perspective view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a front-bottom perspective view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 4 is a bottom-rear perspective view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 5 is a rear view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 6 is a right side view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 7 is a left side view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 9 is a front view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 11 is a front-top exploded view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 12 is a front-bottom exploded view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 13 is a rear-top perspective view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 14 is a front-top exploded perspective view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 15 is an exploded bottom plan view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 16 is a rear-bottom exploded view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 17 is a rear-top exploded view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 18 is a rear-top elevated exploded view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 19 is a rear-top exploded detail view of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 20 is an exploded top plan view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 21 is an exploded right side view of a wheel and an axle pin of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 22 is an exploded right side view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 23 is an exploded right side view of wheel, with a cylindrical hub inserted therethrough, and an axle pin of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 24 is a front-top perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device having a 12″ vacuum head, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 25 is a rear-top perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 26 is a front-bottom perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 27 is a rear-bottom perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 28 is an exploded rear-bottom perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 29 is an exploded bottom plan view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 30 is an exploded front-top perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 31 is an elevated, exploded front-top perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 32 is a front-top perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 33 is a rear-top perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 34 is a front-top perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 35 is a front-bottom perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 36 is a rear-bottom perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 37 is a rear-bottom perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 38 is a front-top perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 39 is an exploded rear-top perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 40 is an exploded rear-bottom perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 41 is an exploded rear-top perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 42 is an exploded rear-top perspective view of a wheel assembly of an exemplary industrial vacuum attachment device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. Reference numbers that are repeated across plural figures are intended to identify the same features in various implementations. Other features of the present embodiments will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following detailed description is exemplary and explanatory and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The description is intended to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed embodiments and is not intended to limit their scope, applicability, or configuration. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, explain their principles. Elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. Well-known methods, components, and techniques are not described in detail so as not to obscure the present disclosure. Although specific details are provided to facilitate understanding, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without all such details.

[0048] Reference will now be made in detail to the disclosed embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 42, the present disclosure is an industrial vacuum attachment device.

[0049] First, details of various embodiments of the vacuum head 102 of the industrial vacuum attachment device 100 will be described. The industrial vacuum attachment device 100 includes a vacuum head 102. According to some embodiments, the vacuum head 102 may be an elongated solid weldment constructed of 316L stainless steel, which may comprise an enclosing wall 101 that may comprise, for example, five upwardly and / or outwardly extending planar walls that enclose an interior suction cavity, and two vacuum head end flanges 120 disposed at the longitudinal ends of the body. In some embodiments, the walls may include the first wall 110a, the second wall 110b, the third wall 104, the fourth wall 112a, and the fifth wall 112b, however, it is appreciated that any number of wall(s) can form the vacuum head 102.

[0050] The first wall 110a and the second wall 110b may form the two opposing side walls of the vacuum head 102, disposed in a parallel relationship on opposing lateral sides of the body, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first wall 110a and the second wall 110b have a triangular planar profile when viewed in elevation from the side. In some implementations, the bottom edge of the first wall 110a and the second wall 110b is the shortest edge, extending horizontally along the base of the vacuum head 102 from the rearward end to the forward end. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the bottom edge of the first wall 110a and the second wall 110b have the same length as the bottom edge of the vacuum head end flanges 120. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 42, the bottom edge of the first wall 110a and the second wall 110b may be longer than the bottom edge of the vacuum head end flanges 120. In some embodiments, the two side edges of the first wall 110a and the two side edges of the second wall 110b are of equal length and rise from the bottom edge toward an apex at the top.

[0051] The third wall 104 is the rear wall, disposed at the rearward end of the vacuum head 102 between the first wall 110a and the second wall 110b and oriented to face the handler during use. The third wall 104 may have a triangular planar profile, rising from the base of the vacuum head 102 to an apex at its upper end. On the third wall 104, an upwardly protruding cylindrical boss 106 may extend therefrom along the longitudinal centerline of the vacuum head 102. The cylindrical boss 106 defines a circular suction port opening 105 therethrough and provides the pneumatic pathway 107 between the interior suction cavity 302 and the vacuum hose. The cylindrical boss 106 may have screw threads on the inner circumferential surface, defining a female screw portion 304, which may be coupled to the male screw portion 306 of the vacuum head coupler adapter 164.

[0052] The fourth wall 112a and the fifth wall 112b (collectively defining a front wall 112c) may be formed as triangular planar panels that define an outward protrusion 310 of the vacuum head 102. The fourth wall 112a and the fifth wall 112b may meet at a central shared edge 330 that protrudes laterally outward from the body of the vacuum head 102, as can be seen in FIGS. 8, 10, 11, 24, and 32. The bottom edge of the fourth wall 112a and the bottom edge of the fifth wall 112b may converge to meet at the base of the central shared edge. Correspondingly, the vacuum head 102 may have a progressively protruding profile from rear to front, so that the leading end 312 of the vacuum head 102 can slide against wall edges or into confined spaces. Additionally, the upwardly / outwardly sloping orientation of the walls 110a, 110b, 104, 112a, 112b guides debris along the interior suction cavity 302 toward the center of the vacuum head 102 where the suction port is located because the walls 110a, 110b, 104, 112a, 112b may be arranged to slope upward and / or outward.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 12, the bottom of the vacuum head 102, defined by the lower edges of the walls 110a, 110b, 104, 112a, 112b may be enclosed by a downward-facing suction face plate 114. In some aspects, the suction face plate 114 defines two outer elongated openings 116 (the first outer elongated opening 116a, the second outer elongated opening 116b) disposed toward the lateral regions of the suction face plate 114 and a plurality of smaller (circular) openings 118 disposed at the central region. The two outer elongated openings 116 provide intake of larger debris and material present at the lateral edges of the suction path; the plurality of smaller (circular) openings 118 at the central region provide intake of finer particles and smaller debris. In this manner, the suction face plate 114 can accommodate a range of debris types and surface conditions.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 11, at longitudinal ends of the vacuum head 102, an end flange 120 (the first end flange 120a, the second end flange 120b) may be integrally formed as part of the weldment, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, an end flange 120 of the vacuum head 102 has a three-surface profile. The first surface is a face plate 122 (a first face plate 122a, a second face plate 122b) projecting outwardly and perpendicularly from the respective longitudinal end of the body, the face plate 122 defining a plurality of (circular) through-apertures 124 arranged in rows and columns, with the first plurality of the through-apertures 124a spaced horizontally and vertically across the first face plate 122a and the second plurality of the through-apertures 124b spaced horizontally and vertically across the second face plate 122b. The plurality of through-apertures 124 on the face plate 122 provide the selectable mounting positions for the wheel assembly, with the chosen aperture position determining the location of the wheel relative to the vacuum head 102, for example, allowing the user to adjust the ground clearance of the vacuum head 102 to suit different surface conditions, terrain types, or debris thicknesses.

[0055] With continued reference to FIG. 11, the remaining two surfaces of the end flange 120 form an inward-turning return lip 126, formed by bending the outer edge of the face plate 122 perpendicularly back toward the interior of the device. The return lip 126 (a first return lip 126a and a second return lip 126b on the first end flange 120a and a third return lip 126c and a fourth return lip 126d on the second end flange 120b) provides a bearing surface against which a lockable clevis pin can be inserted through the return lip through-apertures 125, which may secure the vacuum screen 132 to the vacuum head 102. Thus, each of the first end flange 120a and the second end flange 120b may serve as shared mounting interfaces for the wheel assembly and the vacuum screen 132.

[0056] In at least one embodiment, the vacuum head 102 is constructed of 316L stainless steel throughout, a material selected for its resistance to corrosive industrial chemicals, including oils, greases, sludge mixtures, petrochemicals, and water-based industrial waste found in oil and gas pad containment areas, as well as dry waste products. In some implementations, the 316L stainless steel material may be capable of withstanding continuous service temperatures up to about 1697 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), intermittent service up to about 1598 °F, and continuous use in corrosive water-based environments up to about 797 °F.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the vacuum head 102 can be provided in three length configurations. As shown in FIGS. 1-19, the industrial vacuum attachment device 100 may incorporate a vacuum head 102 having a length of 24 inches. A further exemplary embodiment of a deep cleaning attachment is shown in FIGS. 24-32 as an industrial vacuum attachment device 210, wherein the vacuum head 102 has a length of 12 inches. FIG. 33-42 shows the industrial vacuum attachment device 212, wherein the vacuum head 102 has a length of 6 inches. As appreciated, the vacuum head 102 may be of any length (e.g., greater than 24 inches, less than 6 inches, etc.).

[0058] A pivot bracket 128 may be disposed at the upper apex region of the vacuum head 102, above the cylindrical boss 106. The distal end of the handle pipe extension 176 is received through the pivot bracket 128. To allow the connection between the pivot bracket 128 and the distal region of the handle pipe extension 176, a handle cylindrical boss 177 may be disposed on the handle pipe extension 176 on the proximal side of the pivot bracket 128. The handle cylindrical boss 177 can be configured to bear against the proximal side of the pivot bracket 128 to hold the assembly. On the distal side of the pivot bracket 128, a lockable clevis pin 204 can be inserted and secured through corresponding handle pipe extension through-apertures 178 defined on the handle pipe extension 176. Correspondingly, the pivot bracket 128 can be secured between the handle cylindrical boss 177 on the proximal side and the lockable clevis pin 204 on the distal side.

[0059] In some embodiments, the vacuum screen 132 is coupled to the vacuum head 102. The vacuum screen 132 can be a flat elongated panel of perforated 316L stainless steel sheet, comprising a screen body 134 and a plurality of screen end flanges 136. The plurality of screen end flanges 136 may include a first screen end flange 136a disposed at a first longitudinal end of the screen body 134 and a second screen end flange 136b disposed at a second longitudinal end of the screen body 134. The vacuum screen 132 may be configured to serve as a suction screen across the suction face plate 114 of the vacuum head 102 for smaller debris and as the outer mounting interface for the wheel assembly.

[0060] As shown, the screen body 134 defines a plurality of (circular) perforations dis-tributed across its planar surface. The perforations are sized to permit passage of smaller debris and material into the interior suction cavity 302 of the vacuum head 102 while excluding larger objects from entering the vacuum system. With this configuration, the vacuum screen 132 may be detachable and allow the industrial vacuum attachment device 100 to operate in environments containing rocks, gravel, and other industrial debris but not permit them to enter the vacuum hose or the tank of the industrial vacuum truck.

[0061] At each longitudinal end of the screen body 134, each of the plurality of screen end flanges 136 may be coupled and formed by bending the longitudinal end of the screen body 134 upward perpendicularly to the plane of the screen body 134. According to some embodiments, a respective screen end flange among the plurality of screen end flanges 136 may have a three-surface channel profile corresponding to the profile of the vacuum head end flanges 120 of the vacuum head 102. The plurality of screen end flanges 136 may have similar structures as the vacuum head end flanges 120, including a plurality of screen through-apertures 140 across the face of the face plate and corresponding in spacing and pattern to the through-apertures 124 of the vacuum head end flanges 120; and two surfaces that form an inward-turning return lip 142 (e.g., comprising a fifth return lip 142a, a sixth return lip 142b, a seventh return lip 142c, and an eighth return lip 142d).

[0062] When the vacuum screen 132 is coupled to the vacuum head 102, the plurality of screen end flanges 136 are placed over and against the vacuum head end flanges 120 of the vacuum head 102, with the screen face plates 138 of each of the plurality of the screen end flanges 136 in face-to-face contact with the face plates 122 of the vacuum head end flanges 120, and the screen through-apertures 140 of plurality of the screen end flanges 136 aligned with the through-apertures 124 of the vacuum head end flanges 120. Lockable clevis pins are inserted through the aligned apertures of both sets of flanges, the pins bearing against the return lips 142, 126 of the plurality of screen end flanges 136 and vacuum head end flanges 120 to detachably secure the vacuum screen 132 to the suction face plate 114 of the vacuum head 102. According to some embodiments, the vacuum head 102 is operable with or without the vacuum screen 132 attached, providing flexibility across different applications.

[0063] It is also intended moreover to show how the cylindrical flanged bushing 144 is arranged in the wheel assembly (a first wheel assembly 143a, a second wheel assembly 143b) at longitudinal ends of the vacuum head 102. One or more cylindrical flanged bushings 144 may be provided. The cylindrical flanged bushings 144 may include a first cylindrical flanged bushing 144a and a second cylindrical flanged bushing 144b. The first cylindrical flanged bushing 144a and the second cylindrical flanged bushing 144b may comprise a cylindrical body 146 (e.g., a first cylindrical body 146a and a second cylindrical body 146b) and a radial flange 148. The radial flange 148 is disposed at the outer end of the cylindrical body 146 and has a diameter greater than the through-apertures 140, 124. The cylindrical body 146 may extend through flange apertures and through the hub bore of the wheel 150, coaxially receiving the shaft of the axle pin 156 therethrough, retaining the wheel 150 in rotatable engagement between the radial flange 148 and the inner face of the vacuum head end flange face plate 122.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 12, 19, and 20-23, a wheel 150 (e.g., a first wheel 150a and a second wheel 150b) may be disposed at longitudinal ends of the vacuum head 102. In at least one embodiment, the wheel 150 has a disc-shaped body of circular plan profile. A cylindrical hub 152 (e.g., a first cylindrical hub 152a and a second cylindrical hub 152b) extends coaxially through the center of each wheel 150, defining a through-bore for receipt of the cylindrical flanged bushing 144 and the axle pin 156. The outer circumferential surface of a wheel 150 may define a toothed profile comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially projecting teeth 154 disposed about the full circumference of the wheel 150, giving the wheel 150 a spur-gear-like serrated perimeter 340. As a result, the teeth 154 may provide positive traction engagement with various ground surfaces.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 12, an axle pin 156 (a first axle pin 156a, a second axle pin 156b) is provided at longitudinal ends of the vacuum head 102. The axle pin 156 comprises an elongated cylindrical shaft having an outer end and an inner proximal end. At the outer end of the shaft, a T-shaped handle 158 is formed by two flat wings extending transversely from the shaft in diametrically opposing directions, such that it can provide manual gripping and rotational tightening of the axle pin 156 by hand without using tools. A knurled collar 160 may be disposed circumferentially at the outer end of the shaft, and the knurled outer surface of the collar 160 may provide a tactile gripping surface for fine adjustment of the axle pin 156 during assembly or disassembly. At the proximal end of the shaft, a plurality of small circular nubs 162 may protrude radially outward from the shaft surface. The nubs 162 may seat within corresponding recesses of the cylindrical flanged bushing 144 to positively locate the first cylindrical flanged bushing 144a and the second cylindrical flanged bushing 144b within the assembly and resist unintended rotation or axial withdrawal.

[0066] In operation, the axle pin 156 passes through the hub bore of the wheel 150 and through the cylindrical body 146 of the cylindrical flanged bushing 144. The first axle pin 156a passes through the first cylindrical flanged bushing 144a at a first longitudinal end of the vacuum head 102, and the second axle pin 156b passes through the second cylindrical flanged bushing 144b at a second longitudinal end of the vacuum head 102. The T-shaped handle 158 at the outer end of the axle pin 156 can be tightened by hand to clamp the wheel 150 and the cylindrical flanged bushing 144 in place against the aligned plurality of screen end flanges 136 and / or vacuum head end flanges 120, retaining the wheel 150 in rotatable engagement. Furthermore, the selected through-aperture 140, 124 position at which the cylindrical flanged bushing 144 and axle pin 156 are engaged can determine the height of the wheel 150 relative to the vacuum head 102, allowing the user to adjust the ground clearance of the vacuum head 102 to accommodate different surface conditions or terrain types that may be found in industrial settings, or the added thickness of the vacuum screen 132 when attached.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 11, the vacuum head coupler adapter 164 is coupled to the cylindrical boss 106 on the third wall 104 of the vacuum head 102. The vacuum head coupler adapter 164 is a cylindrical tubular fitting having a lower end received into the suction port of the cylindrical boss 106, and an upper end presenting an externally configured interface surface for receipt of the vacuum hose. When coupled, the vacuum head coupler adapter 164 extends outwardly from the cylindrical boss 106.

[0068] The vacuum head coupler 168 is disposed on the upper end of the vacuum head coupler adapter 164, configured as a releasable hose connection interface. According to some embodiments, the vacuum head coupler 168 is a cylindrical camlock fitting which may be integrated into the vacuum head coupler adapter 164. The body of the vacuum head coupler 168 may include one or more cam lever arms 170 disposed on opposing sides of its outer cylindrical surface. The cam lever arm 170 may be pivotably pinned to the body of the vacuum head coupler 168 and movable between an open position and a locked position to releasably engage a mating camlock fitting.

[0069] In some embodiments, a pull loop ring 172 may be coupled to a cam lever arm 170 of the vacuum head coupler 168. The pull loop ring 172 may provide a gripping surface to assist a user with manually pulling the cam lever arm 170 easily to pivot it between a locked position and an open position.

[0070] Next, details of various embodiments of the handle will be discussed. Referring to FIGS. 2-3, the handle pipe extension 176 forms a member of the handle assembly 175, extending upwardly and proximally from the vacuum head 102 at an oblique angle. In some embodiments, the handle pipe extension 176 may be an elongated tubular member of circular cross-section and uniform outer diameter, constructed of aluminum alloy grade 5083 or 5054. The distal end of the handle pipe extension 176 is received through the pivot bracket 128, with a clevis pin inserted through a bracket through-bore 173 of the pivot bracket. The handle pipe extension 176 is pivotably coupled to the vacuum head 102 to accommodate different working angles. Along the full length of the outer circumferential surface of the handle pipe extension 176, a longitudinal series of spaced (circular) extension through-apertures 178 may be disposed at regular intervals. The extension through-apertures 178 may provide indexed attachment positions along the length of the handle pipe extension 176 for the hose guide rings 180, as well as an extension through-aperture at the distal end of the handle pipe extension 176 for receipt of the clevis pin connecting the handle pipe extension 176 to the pivot bracket 128.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 2, one or more hose guide rings 180 can be coupled to the handle pipe extension 176 at selected through-aperture 178 positions along its length. A hose guide ring 180 may be an annular (circular) ring member, having an inner diameter sized to permit passage of a vacuum hose therethrough. The hose guide rings 180 space the vacuum hose laterally away from and in parallel alignment with the handle pipe extension 176 during operation, routing the vacuum hose alongside the handle assembly and helping to prevent the hose from obstructing the handler or becoming entangled during use.

[0072] One or more adjustable sleeves 188 (including, for example, a first adjustable sleeve 188a and a second adjustable sleeve 188b) may be disposed on the handle pipe 184 and / or the handle pipe extension 176 at a junction between the handle pipe extension 176 and the handle pipe 184. The adjustable sleeve 188 may be configured as a tubular coupling sleeve of circular cross-section, coaxially received over the handle pipe extension 176 and the handle pipe 184, with the handle pipe extension 176 and the handle pipe 184 overlapping within the first adjustable sleeve 188a to form a telescoping junction. A first sleeve through-bore 320 in the wall of the first adjustable sleeve 188a may align with a corresponding handle pipe through-aperture 186, with a lockable clevis pin insertable through the aligned through-bore and handle pipe through-apertures 186 to releasably lock the connection. A second sleeve through-bore 322 (the first sleeve through-bore 320 and the second sleeve through-bore 322, collectively, sleeve through-bores 318) in the wall of the second adjustable sleeve 188b may align with a corresponding extension through-aperture 178, with a lockable clevis pin insertable through the aligned through-bore and extension through-apertures 178 to releasably lock the connection.

[0073] With continued reference to FIG. 2, a vacuum hose holder 190 may be coupled to the adjustable sleeve 188. The vacuum hose holder 190 may comprise an O-shaped body of flat plate construction defining a closed-sided circular channel sized to receive a vacuum hose along its length, according to some embodiments. A vacuum hose holder 190 may be integrated into the corresponding adjustable sleeve 188 in some examples.

[0074] The handle pipe 184 is an elongated hollow tubular member of circular cross-section, constructed of lightweight aluminum alloy grade 5083 or 5054, according to some embodiments. The distal end of the handle pipe 184 is received into the adjustable sleeve 188, and the proximal end terminates at the handle 194. Along the full length of the outer circumferential surface of the handle pipe 184, a longitudinal series of spaced (circular) handle pipe through-apertures 186 is disposed.

[0075] A handle 194 may be coupled to the proximal end of the handle pipe 184, providing the gripping interface for the handler. In some embodiments, the handle 194 is a large-diameter circular ring of tubular cross-section. The circular ring form of the handle 194 may provide a full-hand bilateral loop grip, so that the handler can apply pushing, pulling, and steering forces to the industrial vacuum attachment device 100. In other embodiments, the handle may be T-or D-shaped. In certain embodiments, the handle 194 may be constructed of aluminum alloy grade 5083 or 5054.

[0076] The vacuum hose (not shown) may span along the vacuum head coupler 168 and the handle pipe 184. The vacuum hose may be a 50-foot length of flexible cylindrical industrial vacuum hose having a 2-inch inner diameter and a high-temperature rating suited for removal of fly ash and other high-temperature industrial waste materials.

[0077] A plurality of clevis pins or wire lock pins may be disposed throughout the assembly of the industrial vacuum attachment device 100, providing the releasable connections between components at multiple junctions. A clevis pin may be a lockable clevis pin or a straight clevis pin. Lockable clevis pins 204 (e.g., a first lockable pin 204a, a second lockable pin 204b, a third lockable pin 204c) may be disposed at connections throughout the assembly where positive retention against unintended withdrawal is provided during operation. In at least one embodiment, lockable clevis pins 204 may be used at the pivot bracket 128 connecting the handle pipe extension 176 to the vacuum head 102, at the adjustable sleeves 188 securing the vacuum hose holders 190 to the handle pipe 184 and / or the handle pipe extension 176 to the handle pipe 184. Additionally or alternatively, straight clevis pins 206 may be disposed at connections where a simpler releasable pin engagement suffices. The straight clevis pin 206 comprises an elongated cylindrical pin body having an enlarged head at one end and a transverse through-bore at the opposite end, the through-bore receiving a locking clip insertable therethrough to retain the straight clevis pin 206 in the assembled position.

[0078] Although various embodiments have been explained in relation to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications, variations, adaptations, combinations, and equivalent arrangements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Features described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with, substituted for, or implemented independently of features of other embodiments unless expressly restricted or context clearly indicates otherwise. The disclosed systems, methods, and / or processes are not limited to any particular order, configuration, or sequence unless expressly stated or context clearly indicates otherwise. Steps described in the drawings or the description may be performed sequentially, in parallel, concurrently, or in different order.

[0079] The scope of protection is to be interpreted in accordance with the ordinary meaning of the claim language as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in light of the specification and prosecution history. Terms are given their ordinary and customary meaning unless expressly defined otherwise. Dictionary definitions that conflict with context usage do not control. Nothing in the specification is intended to read limitations into the claims that are not expressly recited.

[0080] Unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values, measurements, and / or specifications are approximately and include reasonable variations consistent with their intended function and customary practice in the art. Numerical ranges include all values and subranges within the stated range, including endpoints. The term “about” or “approximately” indicates reasonable measurement variability, including variations arising from standard measurement techniques.

[0081] Disjunctive phrases such as “A or B,”“A and / or B,”“at least one of A and B,” and so forth include any one of the listed elements or any combination thereof. Commas and slashes ( / ) likewise denote “and / or.” Ordinal terms such as “first,”“second,”“third”, etc., are used for distinction only and do not imply priority or sequence, unless expressly stated or context clearly indicates otherwise. Relational terms such as “connected” or “coupled” include direct and indirect relationships unless stated as “directly.” Terms such as “between” or “on” encompass both direct and indirect arrangements unless expressly limited. References to an element being “between” or “on” another element do not exclude intervening elements unless expressly stated or context clearly indicates otherwise. Spatial and / or directional terms describe relative relationships as illustrated and encompass alternative orientations in use.

[0082] The terms “comprise,”“include,” and similar variations denote non-exclusive inclusion. The use of “a” or “an” does not preclude additional identical elements unless expressly limited.

Claims

1. An industrial vacuum attachment device comprising:a vacuum head comprising an enclosing wall enclosing an interior suction cavity;a cylindrical boss on the enclosing wall, the cylindrical boss defining an opening providing a pneumatic pathway to the interior suction cavity;a vacuum head coupler adapter removably coupled to the cylindrical boss;a vacuum head coupler on the vacuum head coupler adapter;a suction face plate on a bottom of the vacuum head;a first vacuum head end flange at a first longitudinal end of the vacuum head and a second vacuum head end flange at a second longitudinal end of the vacuum head;the first vacuum head end flange comprising a first face plate having a first plurality of through-apertures and the second vacuum head end flange comprising a second face plate having a second plurality of through-apertures;a first wheel assembly removably coupled to the first face plate at a selected through-aperture of the first plurality of through-apertures;a second wheel assembly removably coupled to the second face plate at a selected through-aperture of the second plurality of through-apertures;a handle assembly removably coupled to the vacuum head, the handle assembly comprising:a handle pipe; andan adjustable sleeve removably coupled to the handle pipe; anda vacuum hose holder coupled to the adjustable sleeve.

2. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 1, wherein the enclosing wall comprises a first side wall, a second side wall, a rear wall, and a front wall defining an outward protrusion at a leading end of the vacuum head.

3. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of through-apertures and the second plurality of through-apertures are arranged in a grid of rows and columns.

4. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 3, wherein the first vacuum head end flange comprises a first return lip and a second return lip and the second vacuum head end flange comprises a third return lip and a fourth return lip.

5. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 4, further comprising a vacuum screen removably coupled to the suction face plate.

6. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 5, wherein the vacuum screen is removably coupled to the vacuum head via a first lockable pin passing through the vacuum screen and through the first return lip and the second return lip and a second lockable pin passing through the vacuum screen and through the third return lip and the fourth return lip.

7. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 1, wherein the suction face plate defines a first outer elongated opening disposed at a first longitudinal end of the suction face plate, a second outer elongated opening disposed at a second longitudinal end of the suction face plate, and a plurality of central openings disposed in a central region between the first outer elongated opening and the second outer elongated opening.

8. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 1, wherein the vacuum head coupler comprises a cam lever arm and a pull loop ring.

9. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 1, wherein the handle assembly further comprises a handle coupled to a proximal end of the handle pipe.

10. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 9, wherein the vacuum hose holder comprises an O-shaped ring of flat plate construction.

11. An industrial vacuum attachment device comprising:a vacuum head comprising a wall enclosing an interior suction cavity;a cylindrical boss on the wall, the cylindrical boss defining an opening through the wall to the interior suction cavity;a suction face plate coupled to a bottom of the vacuum head, the suction face plate defining a plurality of openings;a first vacuum head end flange and a second vacuum head end flange disposed at longitudinal ends of the vacuum head, the first vacuum head end flange comprising a first face plate having a first plurality of through-apertures and the second vacuum head end flange comprising a second face plate having a second plurality of through-apertures;a wheel assembly removably coupled to the vacuum head, the wheel assembly comprising:a first wheel and a second wheel, the first wheel having a first cylindrical hub and the second wheel having a second cylindrical hub;a first cylindrical flanged bushing and a second cylindrical flanged bushing, the first cylindrical flanged bushing having a first cylindrical body through the first cylindrical hub and through a first selected through-aperture of the first face plate, and the second cylindrical flanged bushing having a second cylindrical body through the second cylindrical hub and through a second selected through-aperture of the second face plate; anda first axle pin through the first cylindrical flanged bushing retaining the first wheel in rotatable engagement and a second axle pin through the second cylindrical flanged bushing retaining the second wheel in rotatable engagement;a vacuum head coupler adapter removably coupled to the cylindrical boss;a handle assembly removably coupled to the vacuum head, the handle assembly comprising:a handle pipe having a distal end removably coupled to the vacuum head, a proximal end, and a plurality of handle pipe through-apertures;an adjustable sleeve on the handle pipe, the adjustable sleeve having a sleeve through-bore aligned with a selected one of the plurality of handle pipe through-apertures; anda handle on the proximal end of the handle pipe;a vacuum hose holder coupled to the adjustable sleeve; anda lockable pin through the sleeve through-bore and the selected one of the plurality of handle pipe through-apertures.

12. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 11, wherein the first axle pin and the second axle pin comprise a T-shaped handle and a knurled collar.

13. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 12, wherein the first axle pin and the second axle pin further comprise a plurality of radial nubs configured to secure the first axle pin within the first cylindrical flanged bushing and the second axle pin within the second cylindrical flanged bushing.

14. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 11, wherein the cylindrical boss comprises a female screw portion for receiving the male screw portion of the vacuum head coupler adapter.

15. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 14, wherein the first wheel and the second wheel comprise a serrated perimeter having a plurality of radially projecting teeth.

16. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 11, wherein the vacuum hose holder comprises an O-shaped ring of flat plate construction.

17. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 16, wherein the handle comprises a circular ring of tubular cross-section.

18. An industrial vacuum attachment device comprising:a vacuum head comprising an enclosing wall enclosing an interior suction cavity;the enclosing wall comprising a first side wall, a second side wall, a third wall disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall, and a fourth wall and a fifth wall meeting at a central shared edge to define an outward protrusion at a leading end of the vacuum head;a cylindrical boss on the third wall, the cylindrical boss defining an opening through the third wall to the interior suction cavity;a suction face plate coupled to a bottom of the vacuum head, the suction face plate defining a plurality of openings;a first vacuum head end flange at a first longitudinal end of the vacuum head and a second vacuum head end flange at a second longitudinal end of the vacuum head;the first vacuum head end flange comprising a first face plate having a first plurality of through-apertures and the second vacuum head end flange comprising a second face plate having a second plurality of through-apertures;a first wheel assembly and a second wheel assembly removably coupled to the vacuum head, the first wheel assembly comprising a first wheel having a first cylindrical hub, and the second wheel assembly comprising a second wheel having a second cylindrical hub;a first cylindrical flanged bushing and a second cylindrical flanged bushing, the first cylindrical flanged bushing having a first cylindrical body through the first cylindrical hub and through a first selected through-aperture of the first face plate, and the second cylindrical flanged bushing having a second cylindrical body through the second cylindrical hub and through a second selected through-aperture of the second face plate;a first axle pin through the first cylindrical flanged bushing and a second axle pin through the second cylindrical flanged bushing;a vacuum head coupler adapter removably coupled to the cylindrical boss;a handle assembly removably coupled to the vacuum head, the handle assembly comprising:a pivot bracket coupled to the vacuum head;a handle pipe extension having a distal region, a proximal region, and a plurality of extension through-apertures, the distal region being positioned through the pivot bracket;a handle cylindrical boss on the handle pipe extension abutting a proximal side of the pivot bracket;a first lockable pin through a third selected through-aperture of the plurality of extension through-apertures at the distal region of the handle pipe extension, wherein the pivot bracket is positioned between the handle cylindrical boss and the first lockable pin;a handle pipe having a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of handle pipe through-apertures, the distal end of the handle pipe being removably coupled to the handle pipe extension;a first adjustable sleeve on the handle pipe, the first adjustable sleeve having a first sleeve through-bore aligned with a fourth selected through-aperture of the plurality of handle pipe through-apertures;a second adjustable sleeve at a junction between the handle pipe and the handle pipe extension, the second adjustable sleeve having a second sleeve through-bore aligned with a fifth selected through-aperture of the plurality of handle pipe through-apertures and a sixth selected through-aperture of the plurality of extension through-apertures; anda handle on the proximal end of the handle pipe;a first vacuum hose holder coupled to the first adjustable sleeve and a second vacuum hose holder coupled to the second adjustable sleeve;a second lockable pin through the first sleeve through-bore and the fourth selected through-aperture of the handle pipe; anda third lockable pin through the second sleeve through-bore and the aligned through-apertures of the handle pipe and the handle pipe extension.

19. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 18, wherein the first wheel and the second wheel comprise a serrated perimeter having a plurality of radially projecting teeth.

20. The industrial vacuum attachment device of claim 19, wherein the first axle pin and the second axle pin comprise a T-shaped handle, a knurled collar, and a plurality of nubs configured to secure the first axle pin within the first cylindrical flanged bushing and the second axle pin within the second cylindrical flanged bushing.

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