Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum cleaner (10) comprising a main body (12) and a cleaner head (22) movably mounted theon, the cleaner head (22) having a downwardly directed suction opening (24), characterised in that the cleaner head (22) is mounted on the main body (12) by means of at least one articulating member (120), the or each articulating member (120) having a first end which is pivotably connected to the cleaner head (22) and a second end which is pivotably connected to the main body (12).

Abstract: A cuff (10) for joining together an inner and outer pipe (16, 14), the cuff being slideable along at least part of the inner pipe to allow nesting of the pipes. The cuff (10) comprises a housing (12) and an interlocking member (28). The interlocking member (28) lies, in use, in a plane extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the pipes. The interlocking member has an actuator and an interengaging portion for interengaging with the inner pipe (16). In use, the interengaging portion lies on the side of inner pipe (16) remote from the actuator portion (30) so that, when the interlocking member (28) is translated within the plane on actuation, the interengaging portion is released from the inner pipe. A pair of diametrically opposed lugs (not shown) are located on the interlocking member (28) and a compression spring (not shown) acts between each lug and the housing (12) so as to bias the interengaging portion into engagement with the inner pipe.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for carrying a fluid flow having at least one fluid inlet, at least one fluid outlet, a plurality of alternative fluid flow paths therebetween and valve for selecting one of the said fluid flow paths to carry a fluid flow from the or a fluid inlet to the or a fluid outlet, wherein the said valve (14) and at least part of the said alternative fluid flow paths (26, 70) are housed within a removable portion (10) of the apparatus to facilitate maintenance. Preferably, seals (32) are provided between the removable portion (10) and the remainder of the apparatus, the seals (32) being either carried by the removable portion (10) or exposed for access by removal of the removable portion (10). This arrangement facilitates removal of blockages and replacement of seals.