Wet/dry vacuum appliance, dust filtration attachment therefore, and methods of use

Abstract

A wet / dry vacuum assembly is described which includes a powerhead assembly capable of removable attachment to the open upper end of a container, the powerhead assembly including a housing, a motor, a fan, and air inlet, and an air exhaust port; and, a container having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and at least one sidewall there between, the container including a continuous handle member for carrying the container in a suspended position. Also described are water filter attachments having particle diffusing means formed therein, for use with the wet / dry to vacuum assembly for use in dust control when the vacuum assembly is used for vacuuming up fine particulate dust, such as dust generated from sanding drywall joint compound.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 352,818, filed Jun. 8, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.REFERENCE TO APPENDIX[0003]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]The inventions disclosed and taught herein relate generally to vacuum appliances, and more specifically are related to portable wet / dry utility vacuum cleaners having improved convenience and performance, and methods of use of such vacuum cleaners for debris collection and dust control applications, such as for controlling dust generated from sanding drywall joint compound and the like.[0006]2. Description of the Related Art[0007]Utility vacuum cleaners, also referred to as wet / dry vacuum cleaners, are commonly used in basements, garages, workshops, on c...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While generally speaking these known wet / dry vacuums work for their intended purpose, such as cleaning up solid and liquid debris, there are a few drawbacks with the typical configuration.

One such drawback concerns the size and portability of many of the known wet / dry vacuum cleaners.

Some vacuums are of such a size that their use in smaller areas or elevated areas, such as in attics, closets, and crawl spaces, is not readily possible due to size or weight issues, or is limited.

Another drawback concerns the collection drum used in containing the dirt, debris, and / or liquid material which is vacuumed up by the wet / dry vacuum appliance.

In some instances, such as when cleaning up certain types of particulate or liquid debris, e.g., drywall compound dust, fine sanding dust, or other fine particulate matter, the dust can be dangerous to the user, and due to the fine nature of the particulate matter being drawn into the vacuum, can in part make its way through the filters and re-enter the environment through the vacuum exhaust, thus reducing efficiency and subjecting the user to additional airborne particles.

Further, when using a vacuum appliance to clean up select fine particulate matter, it can be difficult to fully remove all of the particulates from the collection drum after cleaning, due to static or other adherence to the inside walls of the collection drum.

While all of these approaches seek to address the problems associated with vacuuming selected fine particulate materials, they suffer from being cumbersome to handle and move from area to area, as well as expense and similar related issues.

Images