Abstract: A cleaning device agitator system having an agitator and one or more cleaning members. The agitator has first and second ends, a longitudinal axis and one or more agitating devices. One or more friction surfaces may project from the spindle. The cleaning members are adjacent the agitator and adapted to move between a first position and a second position. In at least the second position, the cleaning members engage the agitator, such as by engaging the friction surfaces, to remove debris. Agitator and cleaning members may be incorporated into a cleaning head having an inlet nozzle and a chamber in which the agitator rotates, and there may be an activation mechanism using, for example, a resilient member to move the cleaning members. An overload protection device may be provided, and may adjust its sensitivity depending on whether the cleaning devices are in the first or second position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base to move on a surface, an intermediate member having a first and second passages, and a first joint connecting the base to the intermediate member to permit relative rotation between the base and the intermediate member about a first axis that is generally parallel to the surface and perpendicular to a direction of movement. An air passage connects a base inlet to the first intermediate member passage. A second joint connects a handle to the intermediate member and permits rotation between the intermediate member and the handle about a second axis that is parallel to a nominal direction of movement of the vacuum. The handle has a grip a dirt collector to receive and separate dirt from air. First and second passages connect the intermediate member passages to the dirt collector inlet and outlet. A vacuum fan draws air into the base air inlet, through the intermediate member, through the dirt collector, through the second handle air passage, and back into the intermediate member.

Abstract: A wet extraction floor cleaning device having a base assembly adapted for movement on a surface being cleaned, an operating handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, a supply tank having a supply tank outlet, and a recovery tank having a recovery tank inlet and a recovery tank outlet. The base assembly has an inlet nozzle that extends from an inlet slit proximal the surface being cleaned to a nozzle outlet. The device further includes a fluid deposition assembly that can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the supply tank outlet, a vacuum source, and first and second external pockets. The supply and recovery tanks are adapted to be selectively placed in the first and second external pockets, thereby placing the supply tank outlet in fluid communication with the fluid deposition system, the recovery tank inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet, and the recovery tank outlet in fluid communication with the vacuum source inlet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner clutch assembly having an input driven by a motor, an output to drive an agitator, a starter clutch and a drive clutch. The starter clutch moves between an engaged position in which it receives a first drive torque from the input, and a disengaged position in which it receives substantially no torque directly from the input. The drive clutch is moveable between an engaged position in which it receives a second drive torque from the input, and a disengaged position in which it receives substantially no torque directly from the input. When engaged, the starter clutch is coupled to the drive clutch to transmit the first drive torque to the drive clutch to move the drive clutch into the engaged drive clutch position. When engaged, the drive clutch is coupled to the clutch assembly output to transmit the second drive torque to the output.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed having a motor inlet conduit and sound deadening material disposed within the motor inlet conduit for reducing the overall noise level of the vacuum cleaner. The motor inlet conduit fluidly connects a dirt receptacle chamber and a motor inlet, and may have a generally continuous cross-sectional profile and one or more expanded regions for housing the sound deadening material. With the sound deadening material installed in the one or more expanded regions, the motor inlet conduit may form a smoothly changing profile along its entire length and reduce the overall noise level of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner lint brush accessory system having a lint brush and cradle. The lint brush has longitudinally opposed handle and brush portions. The brush portion has a brush material adapted to remove fibrous substances from a surface to be cleaned. The cradle has a chamber opening leading to a chamber. The chamber extends in the longitudinal direction and is adapted to longitudinally receive at least the brush portion of the lint brush, the chamber has at least one brush cleaning pad adapted to engage the brush material and remove the fibrous substances from the brush material. The chamber further includes an air outlet spaced from the chamber opening. The air outlet is selectively connectable to a vacuum passage of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a housing, a suction fan, a dustcup, a cover and an inlet into the dustcup. The dustcup is removably secured to the housing, and includes a cup end wall, a sidewall extending from the cup end wall, and an open end opposite the cup end wall. The cover can be connected to the open end of the dustcup, and includes an air outlet in fluid communication with the suction fan, and a filter covering the air outlet and extending from the cover towards the cup end wall. The cup end wall includes a barrier positioned to be contacted by air flowing through the dustcup to thereby separate dirt particles from the air.

Abstract: An agitator having a hollow spindle housing with first and second ends, and one or more agitating devices projecting from the spindle housing. A first bearing retainer holds the first end of the spindle housing and a first race of a first bearing, and a second bearing retainer holds the second end of the spindle housing and a first race of a second bearing. A first agitator mount holds a second race of the first bearing, and a second agitator mount holds a second race of the second bearing. A rigid inner support may be located inside the spindle housing and connect the first and second bearing retainers together to hold the first races of the first and second bearings in axial alignment. The spindle housing may have sound reducing members to reduce the amplitude of human-audible sounds generated by the agitator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base with a: nozzle opening, rear housing attached to the base, dirt separator with inlet and outlet passages, vacuum fan, accessory hose, and valve system to connect the separator alternately to the nozzle opening and hose. The valve system has a valve body having a first inlet connected to the nozzle opening and a second inlet connected to the hose, a hose connector that pivots with respect to the valve body, a connector passage through the hose connector, and a flexible outlet hose having a first end connected to the connector passage and a second end connected to the separator inlet passage. The valve inlets are generally equidistant from the connector pivot and the hose connector is pivotable to rotate the first hose end relative to the second hose end to selectively place the connector passage in communication with the first and second valve inlets.

Abstract: A nozzle height indicator for a vacuum cleaner. The nozzle height indicator has a height display adapted to be viewed by a user, a light source adapted to emit light, and a blocking member. The blocking member is adapted to be positioned in a first position in which it allows the light to illuminate the height display and a second position in which it substantially prevents the light from illuminating at least a portion of the height display. The blocking member may indicate the height of an associated vacuum cleaner inlet nozzle relative to a surface being cleaned. A vacuum cleaner inlet nozzle is also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner lint brush accessory system having a lint brush and cradle. The lint brush has longitudinally opposed handle and brush portions. The brush portion has a brush material adapted to remove fibrous substances from a surface to be cleaned. The cradle has a chamber opening leading to a chamber. The chamber extends in the longitudinal direction and is adapted to longitudinally receive at least the brush portion of the lint brush, the chamber has at least one brush cleaning pad adapted to engage the brush material and remove the fibrous substances from the brush material. The chamber further includes an air outlet spaced from the chamber opening. The air outlet is selectively connectable to a vacuum passage of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner housing member having a rigid frame, a grate and a flexible cover. The rigid frame has an outer perimeter and an opening therethrough. The grate is mounted in the opening and has an inner surface, an outer surface, one or more air passages extending from the inner surface to the outer surface, and an outer perimeter wall defining the peripheral edge of the grate. The flexible cover extends over at least one of the one or more air passages and is positioned over at least a portion of the outer surface, extends around at least a portion of the outer perimeter wall, and is positioned over at least a portion of the inner surface. A vacuum cleaner including the housing members similar to the foregoing member is also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a housing, a suction fan, a dustcup, a cover and an inlet into the dustcup. The dustcup is removably secured to the housing, and includes a cup end wall, a sidewall extending from the cup end wall, and an open end opposite the cup end wall. The cover can be connected to the open end of the dustcup, and includes an air outlet in fluid communication with the suction fan, and a filter covering the air outlet and extending from the cover towards the cup end wall. The cup end wall includes a barrier positioned to be contacted by air flowing through the dustcup to thereby separate dirt particles from the air.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base with a first air inlet, a rear housing, a removable handle and a socket on the housing to receive the handle. The handle has a grip, a second air inlet, and a hose connected to the second air inlet. The vacuum has a valve with a first inlet connected to the first air inlet, a second inlet connected to the flexible hose, a valve outlet connected to a vacuum fan, and a valve member that moves to connect the valve outlet to either inlet. The vacuum has a handle latch having one position in which it engages the removable handle to hold it in the socket and places the valve in one position, and a second position in which it releases the handle and places the valve member the other position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner and accessory tool. The vacuum cleaner has a first magnet feature and a first mounting feature. The accessory tool has a second magnet feature and a second mounting feature. One of the first and second mounting features is shaped to wrap partially around the other of the first and second mounting features to mount the accessory tool to the vacuum cleaner. When the accessory tool is mounted, the first magnet feature is adjacent the second magnet feature. The accessory tool and vacuum cleaner may be devoid of snap fitment features that frictionally engage to mount the accessory tool to the vacuum cleaner.