US20070033766A1

US20070033766A1 - Home vent cleaning system

Info

Publication number: US20070033766A1
Application number: US11/200,899
Authority: US
Inventors: Kimpathy Livingston
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-10
Filing date: 2005-08-10
Publication date: 2007-02-15

Abstract

A vent cleaning system capable to being used in the home to remove allergens, dust and other debris and pollutants from our heating and cooling vent system. The vent cleaning system is operable to attach to either a person's vacuum cleaner or a wet/dry vacuum. By attaching the hose to one of these suction devices, the user can suction out allergens, debris and pollutants. Once the suction process is completed, the user can then attach a sponge to the hose to wash the vent out. After the completion of the washing process, the sponge can be discarded and a new sponge attached to apply deodorizer.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

A vent cleaning system capable to being used in the home to remove allergens, dust and other debris and pollutants from our heating and cooling vent system.

BACKGROUND

Dust, dander and pollen are all typical allergens that pollute our home. No matter how hard we try to rid our house of these allergens it is clearly impossible. Since more and more people are not only developing these allergies there is lots of money being spent on trying to come up with different ways to reduce the number of allergens that we breathe in our own homes. It is a well known fact that the number of allergens is our homes is greater than anyone ever imagined. These allergens get absorbed into our carpets, our mattresses, our pillows, our furniture and our venting system.
The ability to remove allergens and pollutants from our homes has become big business. There are special filters that you can place in your heating and cooling system that are supposed to reduce the number of pollutants and allergens going through the system. There are even air filters that claim to attract pollutants such as dust and dander. Additionally, we have various types of vacuum cleaners that claim to reduce pollutants and allergens. For example, there are hepa filters that can be used in most vacuums. There is even a vacuum that holds water that is designed to reduce the number of air borne pollutants during the vacuum process. While all of these types of things help to reduce the number of allergens, none are capable of completely ridding the home of these various pollutants.
Even though we continue to try and reduce the number of allergens and pollutants in our home, a large majority of them will end up in our heating and air conditioning vents. Even though people are starting to get their vents cleaned or cleaned more often, this can be an expensive process. In order to have your vents professionally cleaned, someone must be home to let them in for the cleaning process and then the cost associated with the cleaning add up over time. There are also those who simply cannot afford the cost of the cleaning. Therefore, the need to be able to clean your own venting system is a need that needs to be addressed.
There are a few patents presently disclosed that describe various types of connections that allow the user to adjust the length of the vacuum cleaners hoses. These include U.S. Pat. No. 3,244,437 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,943. However, these adjustable hoses do not offer an suitable alternative for cleaning your home venting system.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment the vent cleaning system comprises a hose operable to be attached to a suction device at a first end.
In another embodiment the vent cleaning system includes a brush in substantially the shape of an arrow head operable to attach to a second end of the hose.
In still another embodiment the vent cleaning system would comprise a sponge operable to attach to said second end of said hose and operable to wash the vent.
In yet another embodiment the vent cleaning system would comprise a second sponge operable to apply deodorize to the vent.
In another embodiment the hose would be operable to attach to a household vacuum cleaner.
In still another embodiment the hose would be operable to attach to a wet/dry vacuum.
In yet another embodiment the hose would be operable to be detached from the suction device.
In another embodiment the hose would measure at least twelve feet in length.
In another embodiment the brush would be detachable from the hose.
In still another embodiment the first sponge would be detachable from the hose.
In yet another embodiment the second sponge would be detachable from the hose.
In another embodiment the first and second sponges would be disposable.
In still another embodiment the hose can operate independently from the suction device while cooperating with the first sponge and the second sponge.
In yet another embodiment the second sponge is operable to apply deodorize to the inside of the vent system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a hose attachable to a suction device and illustrating a brush attachment.
FIG. 2 depicts a sponge attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
FIG. 1 illustrates a vent cleaning system 10, which comprises a suction device 20, a hose 30, a first hose end 34, a second hose end 36, a brush 40, a first sponge 50 and a second sponge 60. The vent cleaning system 10 is used to conjunction with the suction device 20 to provide a way for individuals to clean their own vents in their homes. While it could also be used in businesses, it would be best utilized in an individual living space. The vent cleaning system 10 comprises a suction device 20 which allows a hose 30 to be attached using a first hose end 34. The second hose end 36 is then attached to a brush 40. Once these components are connected, the suction device is used to remove allergens, pollutants and debris from the vents. The suction device 10 can be any type of device that would actually serve to suck up the allergens, pollutants and debris. A vacuum cleaner or wet/dry vacuum would be good example of a suction device 10. The hose 30 would need to be at least 25 feet long to facilitate the use of the vent cleaning system 10 in vents that are located in the ceiling. By attaching the brush 40 to the second hose end 36, the brush 40 allows the vent cleaning system 10, to remove debris by using the brush 40 to actually rub against the sides of the vent and remove debris that may be stuck to the sides. After the majority of the allergens, pollutants and debris are removed, the brush 40 can be removed from the hose 30 by detaching the brush 40 from the second hose end 36. Next, the sponge 50 would be dampened and attached to the hose 30 at the second hose end 36. Without using the suction device 20, the individual cleaning the vents would use the hose 30 in conjunction with the wet sponge 50 to wipe out the inside of the vent. The sponge 50 can be removed and rinsed as necessary until the individual cleaning the vents is content with the cleanliness of the vent. Once the vent is cleaned using the first sponge 50, the first sponge 50 can be removed from the second hose end 36. At that time, the individual user can determine if they wish to dispose of the first sponge 50 or save it for an additional use.
FIG. 2 depicts a first sponge 50 which is used in the cleaning process by attaching it to the second hose end 36 and a second sponge 60 which is used to apply deodorizer to the vent once it has been cleaned using the vent cleaning system 10. By applying deodorizer to the second sponge 60 and attaching the second sponge 60 to the second hose end 36, the individual using the vent cleaning system 10 can apply deodorizer to the inside of the vent system. The deodorizer would be applied by using the second sponge 60 to wipe the deodorize on the inside. The second sponge 60 would not use the suction device 20 during this process. However, the hose 30 would be used for this application. The second sponge 60 is also disposable. However, should the individual choose to reuse the second sponge 60 they could also do that. The reuse of the first sponge 50 and the second sponge 60 would not be recommended since it could contain allergens, pollutants or debris that has been removed from the vent in a previous cleaning. Therefore, it would be recommended that the first sponge 50 and the second sponge 60 be disposed of and a new set of sponges used for the next cleaning. Additionally, the brush 40 should be suctioned using the suction device 20, once the individual is finished using the brush 40. This provides for the removal of any allergens, pollutants or debris to be removed from the brush 40 before storing the vent cleaning system 10. Also, it provides for the removal of allergens, pollutants and debris from the brush 40 for the next cleaning.
Although an embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described in detail herein, along with certain variants thereof, many other varied embodiments that incorporate the teachings of the invention may be easily constructed by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A vent cleaning system comprising:

a hose operable to attach to a suction device at a first end;

a brush operable to attach to a second end of said hose; wherein said brush is used to remove debris from the vent;

a sponge operable to attach to said second end of said hose; wherein said sponge is operable to wash the vent; and

a second sponge operable to attach to said second end of said hose; wherein said second sponge is operable to apply deodorizer to the vent.

2. A vent cleaning system of claim 1, wherein said suction device a household vacuum cleaner.

3. A vent cleaning system of claim 1, wherein said suction device is a wet/dry vacuum.

4. A vent cleaning system of claim 1, wherein said hose is detachable from said suction device.

5. A vent cleaning system of claim 1, wherein said hose measures at least twelve foot in length.

6. A vent cleaning system of claim 1, wherein said brush is detachable from said hose.

7. A vent cleaning system of claim 1, wherein said first sponge is detachable from said hose.

8. A vent cleaning system of claim 1, wherein said second sponge is detachable from said hose.

9. A vent cleaning system of claim 1, wherein said first sponge and said second sponge are disposable.

10. A vent cleaning system of claim 1, wherein said hose can operate independently from the suction device while cooperating with said first sponge and said second sponge.

11. A method for cleaning a vent having a suction device, a hose having a connection on both ends, a brush and a first and second sponges, said method comprising the steps of:

attaching the hose to the suction device on one end;

attaching a brush to the hose opposite the suction device;

using the brush in cooperation with the suction device to eliminate allergens, pollutants and debris from the vent;

wetting the first sponge;

removing the brush and attaching the first sponge to the hose;

using the first sponge to wash the inside of the vent;

applying a deodorize to the second sponge;

removing the first sponge and attaching the second sponge having the deodorizer;

using the second sponge to wipe and apply the deodorizer to the inside of the vent.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said hose can operate independently from the suction device while cooperating with said first sponge and said second sponge.

13. A system for cleaning vents in a home comprising:

a suction device;

a hose attachable to said suction device on a first end;

a brush attachable to said hose on a second end and wherein said brush operates to cause the hose to ingest debris from the vent and wherein said brush is removable from said hose;

a first sponge attachable to said hose on said second end and wherein said sponge is operable to wash the inside of the vent and wherein said first sponge is removable and disposable;

a second sponge attachable to said hose on said second end and wherein said second sponge is operable to apply deodorizer to the inside of vents; and wherein said second sponge is removable and disposable.

14. A system for cleaning vents in a home of claim 13, wherein said hose measures at least twelve feet in length.