Abstract: An arrangement for reducing the noise generated by the exhaust air flow of a vacuum cleaner includes a two part cartridge internally formed with interleaved sets of baffle plates. This cartridge may be selectively installed within the vacuum cleaner housing in the exhaust air flow path, the housing being formed with an internal compartment adapted for receipt of the cartridge.

Abstract: The handle section of a canister vacuum cleaner hose is formed with a noise reducing bleed hole shaped with an inwardly converging wall on the side directed toward the nozzle end of the wand.

Abstract: A front caster assembly for a canister-type vacuum cleaner includes a swivel body member mounted for pivotal movement to the underside of the vacuum cleaner casing. A caster wheel is mounted on the underside of the swivel body member for rolling contact with the floor. A pair of small idler wheels are snap-fit onto the upper surface of the swivel body member, each having its rotational axis offset approximately 45 degrees from the line of rotation of the caster wheel, with the rotational axes intersecting at the pivot axis of the swivel body member. The idler wheels contact the underside of the vacuum cleaner casing to act as low friction bearings for pivoting movement of the swivel body member. The swivel body member is formed with an elongated flat portion removed from its pivot axis which serves as part of the cord wrap structure for the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a motor blower assembly in a canister vacuum cleaner uses a pair of resilient rubber rings, one each on the front and rear of the assembly, to isolate the motor from the vacuum cleaner housing. The front ring goes over the front of the fan casing and is trapped within the housing, while the rear of the motor has attached thereto an adaptor which fits within the complementarily shaped rear rubber ring. This rear rubber ring in turn fits within a complementarily shaped motor support, which is attached to a support abutment within the housing. In order to accommodate different size motors within the same housing and utilize the same mounting components, the support abutment is pre-drilled at various locations to accommodate the different size motors. Thus, the only fixed attachment to the housing is the rear support, which is isolated from the motor blower assembly by the rear rubber ring.