| Agitator construction -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Agitator constructionRelated Patent Categories: Metal Working, Method Of Mechanical Manufacture, Combined Manufacture Including Applying Or Shaping Of Fluent MaterialAgitator construction description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060191123, Agitator construction. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/282,865 filed Apr. 10, 2001. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates to vacuum cleaners, extractors and the like and, more particularly, to an agitator for use in such cleaning equipment. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Upright vacuum cleaners, extractors and canister vacuum cleaners with power nozzles incorporating rotary agitators are presently manufactured and marketed by a number of different companies. The agitators carry cleaning structures such as rubber wipers, beater bars, brushes and tufted bristles to brush or beat dirt and debris from an underlying surface such as a carpet being cleaned. [0004] The rotary agitators are rotated quickly at speeds up to 2,500-6,500 rpm and through engagement with the underlying carpet, are subjected to significant sheer forces. As such, the agitators must have relatively high inherent strength to withstand operation over an extended service life. [0005] The present invention relates to a relatively low profile agitator constructed to have the necessary strength to reliably and dependably function over a long service life. Such a low profile agitator may, advantageously, be incorporated into a low profile nozzle assembly of an upright vacuum cleaner, power head or extractor which is capable of cleaning under overlying obstacles such as the projecting margin of built-in bathroom and kitchen cabinets or furniture such as beds, dressers and the like. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] In accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, an improved agitator is provided for use in upright vacuum cleaners, extractors and power nozzles of canister vacuum cleaners or the like. The agitator includes a high strength, continuous metal axle, a pulley held on one end of the metal axle and a sleeve of lightweight plastic material received over the axle. The sleeve carries a cleaning structure which may, for example, be selected from a group consisting of a beater bar, a brush, tufted bristles, a wiper and combinations thereof. [0007] The sleeve may be cylindrical in shape and have a diameter no greater than about 22.00 mm. The axle may have a diameter of between about 4.00 mm to about 8.00 mm. In this way the axle acts as a high strength backbone for the sleeve while the sleeve has the necessary thickness to receive and securely hold the cleaning structures. Advantageously, the total construction has a low profile thereby allowing installation in even the most low profile nozzle assemblies, power heads or extractors. [0008] The pulley includes a hub for securing to the axle. The pulley also includes a metal D-nut for engaging a stub shaft of a drive gear typically carried on the nozzle assembly, power head or housing of the vacuum cleaner or extractor to which the agitator is mounted. Still further the pulley includes a pair of projecting box ribs and the sleeve includes a pair of projecting flanges for receiving and engaging the box ribs. The sleeve also includes a collar and a pair of projecting lugs for engaging in the pair of box ribs. Together, the hub, projecting box ribs, collar, flanges and lugs provide an interlocking structure for securely fixing the pulley on the axle. [0009] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing an agitator is provided. The method includes the molding of a pulley onto a D-nut. This is followed by the step of fitting an axle into the pulley. Next is the step of molding a sleeve around the axle. Then comes the step of securing a cleaning structure on the sleeve. [0010] In the following description there is shown and described one embodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING [0011] The accompanying drawing incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrates several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serves to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawing: [0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the agitator of the present invention; [0013] FIG. 2a is a detailed cross-sectional view of the agitator shown in FIG. 1; [0014] FIG. 2b is a full cross-sectional view of that agitator; [0015] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the end of the pulley secured to the axle of the agitator; [0016] FIG. 3b is an end elevational view of the pulley shown in FIG. 3a; [0017] FIG. 3c is a perspective view of the axle and sleeve; [0018] FIG. 3d is an end elevational view of the end of the axle and sleeve shown in FIG. 3b; and [0019] FIG. 4 is a detailed elevational view showing the connection of the pulley on the axle and sleeve. [0020] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Continue reading about Agitator construction... Full patent description for Agitator construction Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Agitator construction patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Agitator construction or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Miter joint assembly system and method Next Patent Application: Wire and wire harness order reception and production method, order reception and production system thereof, and wire crosslinking device Industry Class: Metal working ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Agitator construction patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.11731 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Canon USA , Celera Genomics , Cephalon, Inc. , Cingular Wireless , Clorox , Colgate-Palmolive , Corning , Cymer , 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
