초록 ▼

A vacuum appliance is disclosed, comprising a collection canister having a lid and a powerhead housing a motor and impeller assembly for establishing vacuum pressure within said canister. The powerhead is removably secured to the lid of the collection canister, such that the powerhead can be removed

A vacuum appliance is disclosed, comprising a collection canister having a lid and a powerhead housing a motor and impeller assembly for establishing vacuum pressure within said canister. The powerhead is removably secured to the lid of the collection canister, such that the powerhead can be removed from the lid and separately used as a blower. Self-actuationg latching devices are provided for removably securing the powerhead to the lid. In one embodiment, the latching device is a unitary, multi-segmented structure having a spring biasing member and a retaining member formed integrally therewith. A journal formed integrally with the latching device is adapted to be received in a bearing defined in a latch socket on the lid, such that the latching device is allowed to pivot with respect to the lid. The spring biasing member functions to bias the latching device to a home pivot position, such that the latching device automatically engages the powerhead when it is lowered onto the lid. In another embodiment, the latching device is cantilevered structure having a spring biasing member formed integrally therewith.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A vacuum appliance, comprising:a collection canister having a lida powerhead, adapted to be removably secured to said collection canister lid;a latch for removably securing said powerhead to said lid, said latch being disposed in a latch socket formed in said lid, and sai

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A vacuum appliance, comprising:a collection canister having a lida powerhead, adapted to be removably secured to said collection canister lid;a latch for removably securing said powerhead to said lid, said latch being disposed in a latch socket formed in said lid, and said latch having a journal adapted to be received within a bearing defined in said latch socket for permitting pivotal motion of said latch with respect to said lid;said latch further comprising a front member and a rear member, a transverse rib member extending from said journal and extending between said front and rear members, a contacting member extending between said front and rear members and generally defining a top of said latch, a bottom member extending between said journal and said rear member, and a retaining member extending generally rearwardly from said rear member;wherein said latch socket is configured such that said latch is secured within said socket by said retaining member contacting a bearing surface, concentric to said first bearing defined in said socket. [15.] A latch for removably securing a powerhead to a lid of a vacuum appliance, said latch comprising:a journal adapted to be received within a bearing defined in a latch socket defined in said lid, said journal permitting pivotal motion of said latch with respect to said lid;a front member and a rear member;a transverse rib member extending from said journal and extending between said front and rear members;a contacting member extending between said front and rear members and generally defining a top of said latch;a bottom member coupled between said journal and said rear member; anda retaining member extending generally rearwardly from said rear member;wherein said latch socket is configured such that said latch is secured within said socket by said retaining member engaging an auxiliary bearing defined in said socket;wherein said front member, rear member, transverse rib member, contacting member, bottom member, and retaining member are all substantially planar, said front and rear members being spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another;and wherein said latch is a unitary structure. A latch in accordance with claim 15, wherein said latch is made of molded polypropylene. A latch in accordance with claim 15, wherein said latch further comprises a spring biasing member, extending generally rearwardly from said rear member, for biasing said latch to pivot to a home position in said socket;and wherein said front member, rear member, transverse rib member, contacting member, bottom member, retaining member, and spring biasing member are all substantially planar, said front and rear members being spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another;and wherein said spring biasing member biases said latch to said home position by contacting and deflecting against a spring wall defined in said latch socket. A latch in accordance with claim 17, wherein:said front member, rear member, transverse rib member, contacting member, bottom member, retaining member, and spring biasing member are all substantially planar, said front and rear members being spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another;and wherein said spring biasing member biases said latch to said home position by contacting and deflecting against a spring wall defined in said latch socket. A latch in accordance with claim 15, wherein said powerhead has a latching rib defined thereon, such that when said powerhead is lowered into said recess, said latch automatically engages said latching rib.