Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an attachment for use with a vacuum cleaner. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an attachment for improved cleaning of irregular and/or flexible surfaces.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Vacuum cleaners find ubiquitous use as instruments in households and in industries for cleaning dust laden surfaces. Typically, vacuum cleaners include attachments that are adapted to direct a suction force towards a surface to be cleaned. The various attachments are generally designed to allow access to different kinds of surfaces, which may be regular flat surfaces, irregular surfaces, crevices, etc.
[0004] However, in some cases, dust particles may adhere to surfaces strongly, or may be lodged within irregularities on surfaces such as cracks, pits etc., which may result in the dust particles remaining on the surface even after the use of a vacuum cleaner. Further, in cases of vacuum cleaning of flexible surfaces, such as cloth, flexible plastic, etc., the vacuum pressure created in the attachment may cause a portion of the flexible surface to get partially sucked into the attachment, leading to clogging and/or a drastic reduction in the suction flow.
[0005] Additionally, the current vacuum cleaning devices use conventional attachments where the distribution of the suction pressure is not uniform across the length of the attachment, with suction pressure typically being at a maximum at the center.
[0006] There is, therefore, a requirement for advancement in the art for overcoming the aforementioned limitations. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide with such means that not only offer enhanced cleaning of flexible and/or irregular surfaces, but also delivers a uniform distribution of suction pressure.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an attachment for use with a vacuum cleaner.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an attachment for cleaning of flexible and/or irregular surfaces.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an attachment for enhanced cleaning of surfaces.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an attachment that delivers a uniform distribution of suction pressure.

SUMMARY
[0011] The present disclosure relates generally to an attachment for use with a vacuum cleaner. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an attachment for improved cleaning of flexible and/or irregular surfaces.
[0012] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner attachment including a first compartment. The first compartment includes a first surface adapted to be fluidically coupled to the vacuum cleaner, and a first intermediate surface adapted to allow passage of fluid. The attachment further includes a second compartment including a second intermediate surface adapted to be fluidically coupled to the first intermediate surface, and a second surface adapted to be directed towards and proximate to a surface to be cleaned. The second compartment further includes a plurality of holes disposed on a wall of the second compartment. Each of the plurality of holes fluidically connects an interior of the second compartment to an ambient. The attachment further includes a suction plate fluidically disposed between the second dome surface and the second intermediate surface and including a plurality of holes disposed and distributed on a surface area of the suction plate. Upon applying a vacuum pressure at the first surface of the first compartment and directing the second surface of the second compartment towards and proximate to the surface to be cleaned, a vacuum is generated within the interior of the second compartment causing air from the ambient to enter the interior of the second compartment through the plurality of holes in the form of air jets.
[0013] In some embodiments, the attachment further includes a dome fluidically disposed between the first intermediate surface and the second intermediate surface. The first intermediate surface is fluidically coupled to a first dome surface and the second intermediate surface is fluidically coupled to a second dome surface. A surface area of the second dome surface is equal to or greater than a surface area of the first dome surface.
[0014] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of holes provided on the wall of the second compartment is oriented such that, upon the second surface being directed towards and proximate to the surface to be cleaned, each of the plurality of holes is directed towards the surface to be cleaned.
[0015] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of holes is inclined with respect to a vertical axis of the attachment. Further, each of the plurality of holes (120) has a cross-section selected from any one of circular, polygonal, and a combination thereof.
[0016] In some embodiments, the first compartment further includes an inlet provided on the first surface, the inlet adapted to be fluidically coupled to the vacuum cleaner. In some embodiments, the first compartment further includes a wall extending between corresponding edges of the first surface and the first intermediate surface.
[0017] In some embodiments, a surface area of the second intermediate surface is less than or equal to a surface area of the second surface. In some embodiments, the wall extends between corresponding edges of the second intermediate surface and the second surface.
[0018] In some embodiments, the second surface is rectangular. In some embodiments, the second intermediate surface is rectangular. In some embodiments, the plurality holes are arranged along and proximate to edges of the second surface.
[0019] In some embodiments, the attachment further includes a vertical flange extending from the edges of the second surface, away from the second intermediate surface. The vertical flange is adapted to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned to restrict flow of air from the ambient to the interior of the second compartment through the second surface.
[0020] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner configured to receive the attachment of the first aspect. The vacuum cleaner is configured to apply a vacuum pressure at the first surface of the first compartment of the attachment of the first aspect.
[0021] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic sectional view of an attachment for use with a vacuum cleaner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary schematic perspective view of an attachment for use with a vacuum cleaner;
[0025] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the attachment for use with the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 2A;
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary simulated air flow pattern in the attachment during operation of the attachment;
[0027] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary schematic sectional view of an attachment for use with a vacuum cleaner, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary schematic sectional view a hole of the attachment of FIG. 4A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary schematic sectional view of another attachment for use with a vacuum cleaner, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary schematic sectional view of another attachment for use with a vacuum cleaner, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0032] Vacuum cleaners find ubiquitous use as instruments in households and in industries for cleaning dust laden surfaces. Typically, vacuum cleaners include attachments that are adapted to direct a suction force towards a surface to be cleaned. The various attachments are generally designed to allow access to different kinds of surfaces, which may be regular flat surfaces, irregular surfaces, crevices, etc. Vacuum cleaners perform optimally when a suitable seal is created between a surface to be cleaned and an attachment, which allows the suction force created in the attachment to extract the dust from the surface. The dust is then transported via air flow to a storage, or a compartment adapted for capture and storage of the dust.
[0033] However, in some cases, the dust particles may adhere to surfaces strongly, or may be lodged within irregularities on surfaces such as cracks, pits etc., which may result in the dust particles remaining on the surface even after use of the vacuum cleaner. Further, in cases of cleaning of flexible surfaces, such as cloth, flexible plastic, etc., the vacuum pressure created in the attachment may cause a portion of the flexible surface to get partially sucked into the attachment, leading to clogging and/or reduction in the suction force available at the attachment. Being partially sucked into the attachment may additionally result in damage to the flexible surface as well.
[0034] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner attachment including a first compartment. The first compartment includes a first surface adapted to be fluidically coupled to the vacuum cleaner, and a first intermediate surface adapted to allow passage of fluid. The attachment further includes a second compartment including a second intermediate surface adapted to be fluidically coupled to the first intermediate surface, and a second surface adapted to be directed towards and proximate to a surface to be cleaned. The second compartment further includes a plurality of holes disposed on a wall of the second compartment. Each of the plurality of holes fluidically connects an interior of the second compartment to an ambient. The attachment further includes a suction plate fluidically disposed between the second dome surface and the second intermediate surface and including a plurality of holes disposed and distributed on a surface area of the suction plate. Upon applying a vacuum pressure at the first surface of the first compartment and directing the second surface of the second compartment towards and proximate to the surface to be cleaned, a vacuum is generated within the interior of the second compartment causing air from the ambient to enter the interior of the second compartment through the plurality of holes in the form of air jets.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic sectional view of a vacuum cleaner attachment 100 for use with a vacuum cleaner (not shown), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The attachment 100 includes a first compartment 102 including a first surface 104 and a first intermediate surface 106. The first surface 104 is adapted to be fluidically coupled to the vacuum cleaner. In some embodiments, the first compartment 102 further includes an inlet 108 and a wall 110. In some embodiments, the inlet 108 includes the first intermediate surface 106, and the wall 110 includes the first surface 104. In some embodiments, the inlet 108 is provided on the first surface 104 and is adapted to be fluidically coupled to the vacuum cleaner. The first compartment 102 further includes a wall 110 extending between corresponding edges of the first surface 104 and the first intermediate surface 106. In some embodiments, a surface area of the first surface 104 may be substantially comparable to a surface area of the first intermediate surface 106wall 110. Thus, in such embodiments, the wall 110 may extend parallel to a vertical axis 190 of the attachment 100. However, in some cases, the surface area of the first surface 104 may be different to the surface area of the first intermediate surface 106. In such cases, the wall 110 may be accordingly inclined with respect to the vertical axis 190. The first surface 104is adapted to be fluidically coupled to the vacuum cleaner. In other words, a suction or vacuum pressure created by the vacuum cleaner may be applied to the attachment 100 via the first surface 104.
[0036] The attachment 100 further includes a second compartment 112. In some embodiments, the first compartment 102 is disposed on top of the second compartment 112. The second compartment 112 includes a second intermediate surface 114 and a second surface 116. The second compartment 112 further includes a wall 118 extending between corresponding edges of the second intermediate surface 114 and the second surface 116. In some embodiments, a surface area of the second intermediate surface 114 is less than a surface area of the second surface 116. Thus, in such embodiments, the wall 118 may be inclined with respect to the vertical axis 190 of the attachment 100. Specifically, as seen in FIG. 1, the second compartment 112 may have a trapezoid cross-section. The second intermediate surface 114 is adapted to be fluidically coupled to the first intermediate surface 106. In other words, the suction or vacuum pressure created by the vacuum cleaner may be applied at the second compartment 112 via the fluidic coupling of the second intermediate surface 114 of the second compartment 112 and the first surface 106 of the first compartment 102. In some embodiments, the surface area of the second intermediate surface 114 of the second compartment 112 and the surface area of the first surface 104 of the first compartment 102 may be substantially comparable in order that the suction or vacuum pressure be effectively applied at the second compartment 112. The second surface 116 is adapted to be directed towards and proximate to a surface 192 to be cleaned.
[0037] The second compartment 112 further includes a plurality of holes 120 disposed on the wall 118 of the second compartment 112. Each of the plurality of holes 120 fluidically connects an interior 122 of the second compartment 112 to an ambient 170. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of holes 120 provided on the wall 118 of the second compartment 112 is oriented such that, upon the second surface 116 being directed towards and proximate to the surface 192 to be cleaned, each of the plurality of holes 120 is directed towards the surface 192 to be cleaned. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of holes 120 is inclined with respect to the vertical axis 190 of the attachment 100. In some embodiments, the plurality of holes 120 may have a tapering cross-section, such that an opening of the holes 120 towards the interior 122 of the second compartment 112 is narrower than an opening of the holes 120 towards the ambient 170.
[0038] The attachment 100 further includes a dome 130 fluidically disposed between the first intermediate surface 106 and the second intermediate surface 114. The first intermediate surface 106 is fluidically coupled to a first dome surface 132 and the second intermediate surface 114 is fluidically coupled to a second dome surface 134. A surface area of the second dome surface 134 is equal to or greater than a surface area of the first dome surface 132. The dome 130 allow air carrying dust particles from the second compartment 112 to flow to the first compartment 102 smoothly.
[0039] The attachment 100 further includes a suction plate 140 fluidically disposed between the second dome surface 134 and the second intermediate surface 114. The suction plate 140 includes a plurality of holes 242 (show in FIG. 2B) disposed and distributed on a surface area of the suction plate 140. The suction plate compartment 140 allows vacuum pressure applied at the first compartment 102 to be uniformly spread out and distributed, such that the vacuum pressure applied to the surface 192 to be cleaned, at the second surface 116 is uniformly distributed.
[0040] Upon applying the vacuum pressure at the first surface 104of the first compartment 102 and directing the second surface 116 of the second compartment 112 towards and proximate to the surface 192 to be cleaned, a vacuum is generated within the interior 122 of the second compartment 112. Further, a seal may be formed between the second surface 116 and the surface 192. The vacuum generated within the interior 122 of the second compartment 112 causes air from the ambient 170 to enter the interior 122 of the second compartment 112 through each of the plurality of holes 120 in the form of air jets. Due to narrow cross-section of the plurality of holes 120, the air entering through the plurality of holes 120 may flow with high velocity, forming air jets. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the air jets are indicated by arrows 182. Further, due to the orientation of the plurality of holes 120, the air jets may be directed towards the surface 192 to be cleaned. As the air jets impinge on the surface 192 to be cleaned, a momentum carried by the air jets may dislodge dust particles 194 from the surface 192. The dislodged dust particles 194 may then be carried away from the second compartment 112 to the first compartment 102 by flowing air, along a path indicated by arrows 184, and then out of the first compartment 102 along a path indicated by the arrow 186.
[0041] The tapering cross-section of the second compartment 112 may further assist in effectively carrying dust laden air from the second compartment 112 to the first compartment 102.
[0042] Thus, the attachment 100 of the present disclosure provides a means to effectively clean a surface even when dust particles may be strongly adhered to the surface. Further, the attachment 100 may be used even on flexible surfaces such as cloth, flexible plastic, etc. since the jets of air impinging on the surface may prevent parts of the flexible surface from being sucked into the attachment.
[0043] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrates an exemplary schematic perspective view and exploded view, respectively, of an attachment 200 for use with a vacuum cleaner (not shown). The attachment 200 is designed based on design considerations described for the attachment 100 of FIG. 1. The attachment 200 includes a first compartment 202 disposed on a second compartment 212. The first compartment 202 is circular and is adapted to be fluidically coupled to the vacuum cleaner. The second compartment 212 is polygonal. Specifically, the second compartment 212 is rectangular. In other words, a second intermediate surface 214 and a second surface 216 of the second compartment 212 are rectangular. The second compartment 212 further includes a plurality of holes 220 disposed on a wall 218 of the second compartment 212. Specifically, the holes 220 are arranged along and proximate to edges of the second surface 216 of the second compartment 212.
[0044] In some embodiments, the second compartment 212 further includes a vertical flange 268 extending from edges of the second surface 216, away from the second intermediate surface 214. The vertical flange 268 is adapted to be in contact with any surface to be cleaned to restrict flow of air from the ambient 170 to an interior 222 of the second compartment 212 through the second surface 216. The vertical flange 268 may facilitate a seal being formed between the surface to be cleaned and the second compartment 212. In some embodiments, the vertical flange 268 may have different lengths based on application requirements.
[0045] The attachment 200 further includes an inverted funnel type dome 230 fluidically disposed between the first intermediate surface 206 and the second intermediate surface 214. The first intermediate surface 206 is fluidically coupled to a first dome surface 232 and the second intermediate surface 214 is fluidically coupled to a second dome surface 234. A surface area of the second dome surface 234 is equal to or greater than a surface area of the first dome surface 232. The dome 230 allows air carrying dust particles from the second compartment 212 to flow to the first compartment 202 smoothly.
[0046] The attachment 100 further includes a suction plate 240 fluidically disposed between the second dome surface 234 and the second intermediate surface 214. The suction plate 240 includes a plurality of holes 242 disposed and distributed on a surface area of the suction plate 240. The suction plate compartment 240 allows vacuum pressure applied at the first compartment 202 to be uniformly spread out and distributed, such that the vacuum pressure applied to the surface 192 to be cleaned, at the second surface 216 is uniformly distributed.
[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary simulated air flow pattern in the attachment 200 during operation of the attachment 200. The simulation air flow pattern was determined by performing a computational analysis of three-dimensional airflow domain within the attachment 200. The computational analysis was performed using ANSYS-Fluent solver. A steady-state solution was post processed using ParaView software. The streamline pattern shown in the FIG. 3 indicates that once the jets of air impinge on the surface to be cleaned, they are directed upwards towards the dome 230. Further, whirl currents are observed in interspace regions between holes 220. In some cases, the whirl currents may serve to clean an interspace region between the holes 220, such that there is not accumulation of deposition of dust particles there. Further, it may be observed that the streamlines follow a substantially straight-line path from the surface to be cleaned towards the dome 230. The substantially straight-line path indicates that the air flow from the second compartment 212 to the first compartment 202 via the dome 230 may be streamlined without any circulation zones causing localized eddy currents. Absence of circulation zones within the attachment 200 may indicate that there is efficient flow management of the dust laden air.
[0048] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary schematic sectional view of an attachment 400 for use with a vacuum cleaner, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the attachment 400 is functionally similar to the attachment 100 of the present disclosure. The attachment 400 includes a first compartment 402, and a second compartment 404. The first compartment 402 may be fluidically coupled to the vacuum cleaner, and the vacuum pressure may be applied through an inlet 408. The second compartment 404 includes a plurality of holes. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, one hole 410 is shown. Upon application of the vacuum pressure, air from the ambient enters an interior 406 of the attachment 400 through the hole 410 in the form of an air jet and facilitates cleaning of the surface 192 by dislodging any particulate matter present on the surface 192. In some embodiments, a flexible surface 420, such as a rubber bellow, may be provided proximal to the hole 410. The flexible surface 420 may allow swiveling of the hole 410 to allow the hole 410 to redirect the air jet to different parts of the surface 192. In some embodiments, the inlet 408 and/or the hole 410 may be telescopic.
[0049] FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary schematic sectional view the hole 410 of the attachment 400, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the attachment 400 may include bristles 450 disposed on interior 460 of the attachment 400 and around the hole 410. The bristles 450 may be of a length, such that they extend from the hole 410 up to the surface 192 to be cleaned. The bristles may facilitate better cleaning of the surface 192 by physically dislodging particulate matter present on the surface 192.
[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary schematic sectional view of an attachment 500 for use with a vacuum cleaner, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the attachment 500 is functionally similar to the attachment 400 of the present disclosure. The attachment 500 includes a first compartment 502, and a second compartment 504. The first compartment 502 may be fluidically coupled to the vacuum cleaner, and the vacuum pressure may be applied through an inlet 508. The second compartment 504 includes a plurality of holes. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG, 5, one hole 510 is shown. Upon application of the vacuum pressure, air from the ambient enters the interior 506 of the attachment 500 through the hole 510 in the form of an air jet. The second compartment 504 may envelop an item 550 to be cleaned. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the item 550 is a computer. The air jet entering the interior 506 may impinge on surfaces of the item 550 to be cleaned, and dislodge any particulate matter present on the surfaces of the item 550. In some embodiments, a flexible surface 520, such as a rubber bellow, may be provided proximal to the hole 510. The flexible surface 520 may allow swiveling of the hole 510 to allow the hole 510 to redirect the air jet to different parts of the surface of the item 550. In some embodiments, the inlet 508 and/or the hole 510 may be telescopic.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary schematic sectional view of an attachment 600 for use with a vacuum cleaner, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the attachment 600 is functionally similar to the attachment 400 of the present disclosure. The attachment 600 includes a first compartment 602, and a second compartment 604. The first compartment 602 may be fluidically coupled to the vacuum cleaner, and the vacuum pressure may be applied through an inlet 608. The second compartment 604 includes a plurality of holes. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG, 6, one hole 610 is shown. Upon application of the vacuum pressure, air from the ambient enters an interior 606 of the attachment 600 through the hole 610 in the form of an air jet and facilitates cleaning of the surface 692 by dislodging any particulate matter present on the surface 692, which may represent various surfaces of a cupboard, such as walls, shelves, etc.. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the surface 692 may be vertical. However, it may be noted that, the surface 692 may be at any other inclination. In some embodiments, a flexible surface 620, such as a rubber bellow, may be provided proximal to the hole 610. The flexible surface 620 may allow swiveling of the hole 610 to allow the hole 610 to redirect the air jet to different parts of the surface 692. In some embodiments, the inlet 608 and/or the hole 610 may be telescopic.
[0052] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprise” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0053] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0054] The present invention provides an attachment for use with a vacuum cleaner.
[0055] The present invention provides an attachment for cleaning of flexible and/or irregular surfaces.
[0056] The present invention provides an attachment for enhanced cleaning of surfaces.
[0057] The present invention provides an attachment that delivers a uniform distribution of suction pressure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 Vacuum Cleaner Attachment
102 First Compartment
104 First Surface
106 First Intermediate Surface
108 Inlet
110 Wall
112 Second Compartment
114 Second Intermediate Surface
116 Second Surface
118 Wall
120 Plurality of Holes
122 Interior
170 Ambient
190 Vertical Axis
192 Surface
194 Dust Particle
130 Dome
132 First Dome Surface
134 Second Dome Surface
140 Suction Plate
142 Plurality of Holes
182 Arrow
184 Arrow
186 Arrow
200 Vacuum Cleaner Attachment
202 First Compartment
212 Second Compartment
214 Second Intermediate Surface
216 Second Surface
218 Wall
220 Plurality of Holes
222 Interior
268 Vertical Flange
230 Dome
232 First Dome Surface
234 Second Dome Surface
240 Suction Plate
242 Plurality of Holes
400 Attachment
402 First Compartment
404 Second Compartment
406 Interior
408 Inlet
410 Hole
420 Flexible Surface
450 Bristles
500 Attachment
502 First Compartment
504 Second Compartment
506 Interior
508 Inlet
510 Hole
520 Flexible Surface
550 Item
600 Attachment
602 First Compartment
604 Second Compartment
606 Interior
608 Inlet
610 Hole
620 Flexible Surface
692 Surface
, Claims:1. A vacuum cleaner attachment (100) comprising:
a first compartment (102) comprising a first surface (104) adapted to be fluidically coupled to the vacuum cleaner, and a first intermediate surface (106) adapted to allow passage of fluid;
a second compartment (112) comprising a second intermediate surface (114) adapted to be fluidically coupled to the first intermediate surface (106), and a second surface (116) adapted to be directed towards and proximate to a surface (192) to be cleaned, the second compartment (112) further comprising:
a plurality of holes (120) disposed on a wall (118) of the second compartment (112), each of the plurality of holes (120) fluidically connecting an interior (122) of the second compartment (112) to an ambient (170); and
a suction plate (140) fluidically disposed between the second dome surface (134) and the second intermediate surface (114), and comprising a plurality of holes (242) disposed and distributed on a surface area of the suction plate (140),
wherein, upon applying a vacuum pressure at the first surface (104) of the first compartment (102) and directing the second surface (116) of the second compartment (112) towards and proximate to the surface (192) to be cleaned, a vacuum is generated within the interior (122) of the second compartment (112) causing air from the ambient (170) to enter the interior (122) of the second compartment (112) through the plurality of holes (120) in the form of air jets.
2. The attachment (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment (100) further comprises a dome (130) fluidically disposed between the first intermediate surface (106) and the second intermediate surface (114), wherein the first intermediate surface (106) is fluidically coupled to a first dome surface (132) and the second intermediate surface (114) is fluidically coupled to a second dome surface (134), and wherein a surface area of the second dome surface (134) is equal to or greater than a surface area of the first dome surface (132).
3. The attachment (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of holes (120) provided on the wall (118) of the second compartment (112) is oriented such that, upon the second surface (116) being directed towards and proximate to the surface (192) to be cleaned, each of the plurality of holes (120) is directed towards the surface (192) to be cleaned.
4. The attachment (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of holes (120) is inclined with respect to a vertical axis (190) of the attachment (100), and wherein each of the plurality of holes (120) has a cross-section selected from any one of circular, polygonal and a combination thereof.
5. The attachment (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first compartment (102) further comprises:
an inlet (108) provided on the first surface (104), the inlet (108) adapted to be fluidically coupled to the vacuum cleaner; and
a wall (110) extending between corresponding edges of the first surface (104) and the first intermediate surface (106).
6. The attachment (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a surface area of the second intermediate surface (114) is less than or equal to a surface area of the second surface (116), and wherein the wall (118) extends between corresponding edges of the second intermediate surface (114) and the second surface (116).
7. The attachment (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein,
the second surface (116) is rectangular,
the second intermediate surface (114) is rectangular, and
the plurality holes (120) are arranged along and proximate to edges of the second surface (116).
8. The attachment (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment (100) further comprises a vertical flange (268) extending from the edges of the second surface (116), away from the second intermediate surface (114), and wherein the vertical flange (268) is adapted to be in contact with the surface (192) to be cleaned to restrict flow of air from the ambient (170) to the interior (122) of the second compartment (112) through the second surface (116).
9. A vacuum cleaner configured to receive the attachment (100) of claim 1, the vacuum cleaner configured to apply a vacuum pressure at the first surface (104) of the first compartment (102) of the attachment (100) of claim 1.