Patent · US Expired

Belt-mounted vacuum apparatus and methods

US6393656B1 · kind B1 · utility

19Cited by
19References
55Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 20, 2000
Grant dateMay 28, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 20, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA47L5/36
  • WIPO fieldFurniture, games
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

Belt-mounted vacuum apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a belt-mounted vacuum apparatus includes a belt member adapted to engage about an operator's waist, a dirt receptacle attached to the belt member, and a vacuum unit attached to the belt member and spaced apart from the dirt receptacle. The vacuum unit is operatively coupled with the dirt receptacle such that an airflow created by the vacuum unit propels particulates through the intake port and into the dirt receptacle. In alternate embodiments, the vacuum unit may be spaced apart from the dirt receptacle by a small distance, or may be positioned on opposite sides of the operator. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a belt member having a stiffened portion. The stiffened portion may, for example, comprise an outer shell. Alternately, the belt member may also include a flexible, padded layer that engages with the operator's waist. In yet another embodiment, an apparatus includes a belt member, a dirt receptacle attached to the belt member and located at an accessible location on the belt member, and a vacuum unit. The dirt receptacle may be located proximate a front side of the operator's waist, or a…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.