Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has an adjustable-height suction nozzle. A diaphragm switch is mounted in the housing inside the nozzle and determines a differential air pressure of the operating vacuum cleaner. Voltage source terminals are self-energizing with the rotation of a rotatable brush inside the nozzle and an indicator lamp is illuminated, or extinguished, upon developing a proper suction as establised by the proper adjusted height of the nozzle relative to the floor surface. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner has a removable powered brush vacuum nozzle which can be removed and replaced without operation of a belt lifter. The power linkage from the cleaner's fan motor to the nozzle brush includes a positive-drive clutch, and control means active at the inception of each operation of the cleaner in the brush-and-vacuum mode to engage the clutch prior to starting the fan motor and active at the conclusion of operation of the cleaner in the brush-and-vacuum mode to disengage the clutch only after stopping the fan motor.

Abstract: A female electrical connector which has a cross section distinguished by a deep keyway allowing it to be accepted by a complementarily shaped appliance receptacle having a discriminator blade which interfits with the keyway but which rejects other connector arrangements. The disclosed connector discourages possibly unsafe consumer practices in cord set use while affording a degree of manufacturing standardization with other connector and receptacle arrangements.

Abstract: An electrical switch mechanism for energizing and varying the speed of a vacuum cleaner motor is responsive to the particular interchangeable cleaning attachment mounted on the housing of the vacuum cleaner. Fixed and movable electrical contacts of the switch mechanism are enclosed within and protected by the housing. A spring-biased linkage element connected to the movable contact passes through a wall of the housing and engages with one end of a multiposition cranklike linkage element pivotably fixed on that face of the housing supporting a cleaning attachment. Each attachment includes a switch-activating lug engageable with the other end of the cranklike element to move the movable contacts, via the linkage elements, from a normal open circuit position to one or the other of two closed circuit motor energizing positions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a quick-connect-disconnect coupling for attaching a flexible dirt-receiving bag to the handle of an upright vacuum cleaner. The coupling includes first and second coupling members, respectively, which are rigidly attached to the handle and to the bag, with the second member rigidly supporting at least a major portion of a bag-supporting casing as a cantilever. The first coupling member defines a pocket in which there is provided a fixed member and a movable member. The movable member is biased toward the fixed member, and the second coupling member is adapted to be releasably inserted between the fixed and movable members. The movable and fixed members cooperate with the second coupling member to define a one-way ratchet which is releasable upon movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having a motor housing, a handle pivotally attached to the housing, and a flexible dirt-receiving bag extending between the housing and the handle is disclosed. A top cover assembly is provided for supporting the top of the bag, and includes a rectangular cup-shaped cover having top, side, and end faces enveloping a portion of the top of the bag. An attaching assembly is provided for attaching the cover to the handle and to the top of the bag within the cover. The attaching assembly includes a wire hanger extending through the top face of the cover and then extending from a location adjacent one end of the cover toward the other end of the cover. The attaching assembly further includes a clamping web fixed to the underside of the top face. Downwardly and inwardly extending ends of the web enter pleats at the sides of the bag to removably hold the bag in place within the cover.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is disclosed providing a belt lifter operable to connect and disconnect the floor brush belt from the motor drive shaft. The belt lifter combines a viewing window allowing the user to easily observe the position of the belt and/or its operation. The belt lifter is provided with a tubular shaft portion pivotally mounted in the forward wall of the floor nozzle housing and a transparent plastic cup shaped member positioned within the tubular shaft section in which the end wall provides the viewing window. A face plate is keyed to the tubular shaft section to rotate the belt lifter for connecting and disconnecting the belt. A pair of triangular shaped snap rings secure the belt lifter assembly in its assembled position.