Susan Marie Bledsoe

US Patent:

50163159, May 21, 1991

Filed:

Nov 24, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/124918

Inventors:

Susan G. Bledsoe - New Lenox IL
Gordon W. Goodrich - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Bissell Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

A47L 932

US Classification:

15410

Abstract:

A carpet sweeper, vacuum cleaner or other upright floor cleaning device includes a base unit (2) and a handle (6) freely pivoted on the base unit for translation over a floor (3). The handle pivots in a vertical plane (9) extending transverse to the base unit support wheel axles (5). A handle grip (10) includes a first grip portion (12) which is coaxial with the handle and forms an extension thereof. The outer end of the first grip portion connects with a second grip portion (14) which comprises an arm (15) graspable by the operator, with the arm extending forwardly (upwardly when in use) of the handle. The arm is disposed in the vertical plane (9) and is bowed or curved from its point of anchorage with the first grip portion (12) to its opposite end, which is disposed in a plane (19) transverse to the first grip portion and passing between the latter's ends. The curvature of the outer arm surface is adapted to nest in a cup formed by the operator's closed hand. The said opposite end of the arm merges into a third grip portion which forms a brace (20) extending diagonally rearwardly (downwardly when in use) back to and connecting with the first grip portion.