Abstract: An upright bypass type vacuum base section pulls from a suction chamber surrounding the bag.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is provided. Thanks to a mini nozzle seat formed by subsiding in a front side on an upper portion of the vacuum cleaner, a mini nozzle can be received in a stable and solid manner when the mini nozzle is not in use, whereby convenience in use can be enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an upright vacuum cleaner including a housing and a nozzle base having a main suction opening. The housing is pivotally mounted on the nozzle base. The housing comprises a cyclonic separator including a dirty air inlet and a sidewall. A lower end of the separator being secured to a lower skirt. A dust collector section is located beneath the separator and includes a sidewall. A perforated tube is disposed within the separator. The perforated tube includes a shroud extending away from a closed lower end of the perforated tube. A diameter of the shroud is larger than a diameter of the separator lower end. The lower skirt and the shroud define a first air channel for directing air from the separator into the dust collector section. The first air channel has a substantially constant volume for maintaining airflow velocity.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cyclonic airflow chamber that facilitates the separation of contaminants from a suction airstream. The airflow chamber includes a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, with the chamber inlet being fluidically connected with at least one of a suction nozzle and an above-the-floor cleaning tool. An exhaust filter housing includes a suction duct and an exhaust plenum, with the suction duct communicating with the chamber outlet. A suction source housing includes an open end communicating with the exhaust plenum and a closed end. A suction source is positioned within the suction source housing to define an annular exhaust flow passageway surrounding the suction source from the housing closed end to the housing open end. The suction source includes a suction inlet communicating with the suction duct and an exhaust outlet communicating with the housing closed end.

Abstract: A surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a main body, a surface treating head and a support assembly. The support assembly is rollably mounted to the main body for allowing the main body to be rolled along a surface. The support assembly also houses a component of the appliance, such as a motor for driving a surface-agitating device. Alternatively, or additionally, the support assembly may accommodate a fluid inlet for receiving fluid flow, a fluid outlet for exhausting fluid and a device for acting on the fluid flow received by the inlet such as a filter or suction apparatus.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a head for contacting the ground and a body which is pivotable relative to the head about a first axis of rotation and about a second axis of rotation. The body has a locking mechanism and the head has a reciprocal locking mechanism which are arranged such that the locking mechanism is engageable with the reciprocal locking mechanism so as to resist pivotal movement of the body relative to the head about the first axis of rotation. The locking mechanism is disengageable from the reciprocal locking mechanism to allow pivotal movement of the body relative to the head about the first axis of rotation. The vacuum cleaner also includes a stabilizer coupled to the head such that in use the stabilizer maintains contact with the ground when the body is rotated relative to the head about the first or second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a handle, a surface treating head and a support assembly. The support assembly is rollably mounted to the main body for allowing the main body to be rolled along a surface. A linkage is provided between the main body and the surface treating head and arranged such that rotating the main body about its longitudinal axis causes the surface treating head to turn in a new direction. The support assembly may house a component of the appliance, such as a motor, and may accommodate a fluid inlet for receiving fluid flow and a fluid outlet for exhausting fluid. The handle may carry the main body of the appliance.

Abstract: Provided is an upright vacuum cleaner including a carrying handle formed at an upper surface of the vacuum cleaner and conveniently gripped by a user while being transferred, the carrying handle having a hose seat surface on which a hose is seated such that a user conveniently uses the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a main body, a surface treating head and a support assembly. The support assembly is rollably mounted to the main body for allowing the main body to be rolled along a surface. The support assembly includes a substantially continuous rolling support surface that extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body and is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. The arrangement of the support surface and support assembly assists maneuverability of the appliance. The support assembly may house a component of the appliance, such as a motor, and may accommodate a fluid inlet for receiving fluid flow and a fluid outlet for exhausting fluid.

Abstract: A surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a main body, a surface treating head and a support assembly. The support assembly is rollably mounted to the main body for allowing the main body to be rolled along a surface. The support assembly also houses a component of the appliance, such as a motor for driving a surface-agitating device. Alternatively, or additionally, the support assembly may accommodate a fluid inlet for receiving fluid flow, a fluid outlet for exhausting fluid and a device for acting on the fluid flow received by the inlet such as a filter or suction apparatus.

Abstract: A disinfecting device is presented having a UV light source for radiation of a cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viuses, bacteria and dust mites. The device enhances the disinfection of the medium by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into the cleaning medium. The device also offers enhanced heat dissipation to promote effective use of the device. Also provided are safety mechanisms to promote the safe and advantageous use of the UV device.

Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner is provided that includes a cleaner body having a body duct; a suction nozzle rotatably disposed at a lower portion of the cleaner body and having a brush duct; and a connecting duct having a smooth inner surface to connect the body duct with the brush duct so that when the cleaner body rotates with respect to the suction nozzle, the connecting duct allows the body duct to rotate with respect to the brush duct.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a filter bag cavity. A suction generator and a bag mount are both carried on the housing. Additionally, the vacuum cleaner includes a bag caddy that is displaceable between an operating position connected to the bag mount and a bag disposal position disconnected from the bag mount.

Abstract: A disinfecting device is presented having a UV light source for radiation of a cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viuses, bacteria and dust mites. The device enhances the disinfection of the medium by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into the cleaning medium. The device also offers enhanced heat dissipation to promote effective use of the device. Also provided are safety mechanisms to promote the safe and advantageous use of the UV device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable vacuum system that is secured to the underside of a child safety seat. The invention consists of a child safety seat with a vacuuming system neatly fastened to the seat base. The vacuuming system would be powered by either batteries or a cord connection to the cigarette lighter of a vehicle. The vacuuming system would include a retractable hose with a nozzle and various attachments. The lower seat base would also have simple control switches as well as a disposal tray for removing dirt and debris collected during vacuuming. A second embodiment of the present invention would include a child safety seat with the vacuuming system integrated into the base of the child safety seat.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a floor cleaner apparatus, such as a vacuum cleaner, including a housing have a particle retaining element and a head operably connected to the housing. The head features an intake port through which dirt and other particles enter the head and a motor and fan assembly that creates suction during operation. A passageway or duct extends between the intake port through the motor and fan assembly. Within the duct, an internal divider forms a plurality of discrete intake chambers wherein each chamber is in fluid communication with the intake port. A beater element, such as a rotatable cylinder with a brush, is positioned above the intake port and proximate the intake chambers. A chamber control mechanism is provided to sequentially apply suction through the various intake chambers to both focus and increase the suction applied to the floor and thereby increase the amount of dirt and particles removed by the cleaner.

Abstract: A pool cleaning vacuum employing multiple power supply sources and associated method includes a body including first, second and third vertically juxtaposed chambers formed therein. The chambers share a wall with the second chamber wherein the third chamber is isolated therefrom. A motor assembly and a filter section are housed within the first chamber. The filter section is located downstream of the motor assembly, and has an open lateral face exposed to the aqueous environment. An anchor shaft is seated within the second chamber and extends through an entire longitudinal length of the body. A vacuum head is pivotally attached to the anchor shaft. The vacuum head includes a conduit in communication with the filter section, and a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to opposed corners thereof. A mechanism transmits a predetermined quantity of power to the motor assembly.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having dual cleaning motor and fan units is provided having a cleaning head engagable with a floor and a suction nozzle and a brush roller rotatably mounted therein. A first motor and fan unit is mounted in the vacuum cleaner for producing suction in the suction nozzle and is operatively connected to the brush roller for rotating it. An upright housing is connected to the cleaning head, the housing having a handle for moving the vacuum cleaner along the floor during floor cleaning use. Contained in the housing are a dirt storage container, a passageway leading from the suction nozzle in the cleaning head to the storage container and a second motor and fan unit operatively associated with the storage container for drawing dirt laden air from the cleaning head through the passageway and into the storage container simultaneously with operation of the first motor and fan unit.

Abstract: A flexible hose includes a bellows pipe wall and an air barrier. The bellows pipe wall includes peaks defined on an outer surface of the bellows pipe wall, valleys is adjacent a respective peak, and grooves defined on an inner surface of the bellows pipe wall. Each groove is under a respective peak. The air barrier is near each of the grooves to prevent air from entering the grooves.

Abstract: In accordance with one broad aspect of the present invention, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus. An upright section is mounted to the surface cleaning head and is positioned in the fluid flow path. At least one cleaning stage is provided on the upright section. An air flow motor is provided on the upright section at least partially beside the at least one cleaning stage and in the fluid flow path.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner including a suction tool main body, a vacuum cleaner main body which communicates to the suction tool main body, and a dust colleector provided at the vacuum cleaner main body. The dust collector includes a dust collection container, a tubular body disposed at substantially a central portion of the dust collection container in a vertical direction, a collar portion which is formed to project towards an inner wall on the dust collection container, vent holes which are piercingly provided at the tubular body, and an intake which opens at the dust collection container. The flow passage of air which extends from the central portion of the tubular body on a bottom portion of the dust collection container to the vent holes can be made long so that it is possible to exhibit the effect that the amount of stirred up dust reaching the vent holes can be reduced.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly, a canister assembly pivotally mounted to said nozzle assembly, a suction fan and drive motor and a biaser. The biaser has a first end that engages the nozzle assembly and a second end that engages the canister assembly. The biaser provides a positive downforce urging the forward end of the nozzle assembly toward the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a floor cleaner apparatus, such as a vacuum cleaner, including a housing have a particle retaining element and a head operably connected to the housing. The head features an intake port through which dirt and other particles enter the head and a motor and fan assembly that creates suction during operation. A passageway or duct extends between the intake port through the motor and fan assembly. Within the duct, an internal divider forms a plurality of discrete intake chambers wherein each chamber is in fluid communication with the intake port. A beater element, such as a rotatable cylinder with a brush, is positioned above the intake port and proximate the intake chambers. A chamber control mechanism is provided to sequentially apply suction through the various intake chambers to both focus and increase the suction applied to the floor and thereby increase the amount of dirt and particles removed by the cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum bag mounting assembly for housing a vacuum bag within a vacuum cleaner, where the vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum intake nozzle having an outlet end portion through which sucked in dirt is delivered to the vacuum bag housing assembly, including a vacuum bag storage compartment 1, a vacuum bag collar receiver disposed within the vacuum bag storage compartment that engages a collar of the vacuum bag, and a telescopic nozzle end attached to the outlet end portion of the vacuum intake nozzle, the telescopic nozzle end being moveable along the outlet end portion towards and away from the collar of the vacuum bag. The vacuum bag mounting assembly also includes a housing cover that covers the vacuum bag storage compartment, the housing cover including a nozzle engagement member that engages the telescopic nozzle.

Abstract: An upright type cleaner comprises: a body provided with a handgrip at an upper side thereof; a suction head positioned at a lower side of the body and hinge-connected to the body, for sucking dust and foreign materials of a floor; and a power ON/OFF unit disposed between the body and the suction head for turning off a power when the body is uprighted and turning on the power when the body is inclined. According to this, the power is automatically turned on without a user's additional handle at the time of performing a cleaning and the power is automatically turned off at the time of completing the cleaning, thereby increasing the user's convenience.

Abstract: A hose connection assembly for a vacuum cleaner comprises a flexible hose having one end connected to the dust-collecting chamber, a hose holder connected to the other end of the flexible hose and removably connected to a connection part of the suction brush, and a handle mounted on the hose holder to assist in connecting and disconnecting the hose holder with respect to the connection part. A mounting portion having a circumferential bead is preferably formed on an outer circumference of the hose holder to mount the handle therein, and the handle is rotatably mounted on the mounting portion. The handle comprises a fixing portion shaped as a cylinder and is mounted on the mounting portion, and a holding portion protruding from one side of the fixing portion in a perpendicular direction, and the fixing portion has a larger diameter than the mounting portion, thereby providing rotatability about the mounting portion through 360°.

Abstract: A motor assembly for a vacuum cleaner for providing a user with a quieter environment during a cleaning work, and a vacuum cleaner having the same, is disclosed. The motor assembly includes a motor generating a suction force, an auxiliary filter member disposed on an airflow path connecting the motor to a dust-collecting apparatus for filtering a second time the air discharged from the dust-collecting apparatus, and a motor casing. The motor casing includes a first chamber connected to the dust-collecting apparatus with the auxiliary filter member mounted therein. A second chamber is connected to a discharge opening of the cleaner body and includes the motor mounted therein. A connection path is in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A suction apparatus of a cleaner includes: a suction motor inserted in a cleaner body and generating a suction force; a filter for collecting dust or filth sucked by a suction force generated for the suction motor; a suction head connected to the filter by a suction pipe and sucking dust and filth on the floor by the suction force generated from the suction motor; and an auxiliary suction unit installed at the opposite side of a side where the suction pipe of the suction head is connected. A cleaning performance is enhanced by compensating a suction force at a portion where the suction force is relatively weak.

Abstract: An improved bag docking assembly for aligning a vacuum bag for engagement with a dirty air outlet nozzle on a vacuum cleaner, and for retaining the vacuum bag in the position of engagement. The assembly incorporates an anchor member and a mounting member. The anchor member serves to attach the bag docking assembly to the vacuum cleaner. The anchor member can be a substantially flat piece of plastic having a central opening for closely receiving the dirty air outlet nozzle on the vacuum cleaner. The central opening can have a shoulder for engaging a rim or similar protrusion formed about the perimeter of the dirty air outlet nozzle. Additionally, protrusions are located on the anchor member that align with voids in the vacuum bag collar to ensure that correct alignment of the vacuum bag has been achieved.

Abstract: A vacuum bag mounting assembly for housing a vacuum bag within a vacuum cleaner, where the vacuum cleaner comprises a vacuum intake nozzle having an outlet end portion through which sucked in dirt is delivered to the vacuum bag mounting assembly, including a vacuum bag collar receiver that engages a collar of the vacuum bag, a telescopic nozzle end attached to the outlet end portion, the telescopic nozzle end being moveable along the outlet end portion towards and away from the collar of the vacuum bag, and a nozzle engagement member pivotally attached to the vacuum bag collar receiver. The nozzle engagement member is attached to the telescopic nozzle end such that pivoting of the nozzle engagement member in a first direction results in movement of the telescopic nozzle end away from the collar of the vacuum bag and pivoting of the nozzle engagement member in a second direction results in movement of the telescopic nozzle end towards the collar of the vacuum bag.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a suction generator and a dirt collection assembly. The dirt collection assembly includes an inlet, an outlet and a concave air deflector. Air is delivered into a dirt collection chamber formed in the dirt collection assembly along a substantially parabolic trajectory.

Abstract: The invention is a floor care appliance such as vacuum cleaner having several embodiments of a dirt particle separating and collecting system removably inserted and sidewardly disposed into a recess in the floor care appliance's housing. One embodiment of the dirt particle separating and collecting system includes a translucent dirt cup having an apertured wall between a dirt particle collecting chamber and a second chamber housing a primary filter. One other embodiment is a translucent bag container for housing a filtration bag. The filtration bag may or may not be disposable and may or may not have a HEPA rating. Other embodiments include utilizing a single dirt container for housing the apertured wall and primary filter combination, a filtration bag only, or a combination of a filtration bag and the apertured wall and primary filter combination. Portions of the various embodiments of the dirt collecting systems may be seen through cutaway portions of the cleaner housing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided including a housing, a nozzle inlet, a suction generator carried on the housing and a dirt vessel carried on the housing. The dirt vessel includes a sidewall, a bottom wall and an air inlet and an air outlet. A filter shield is aligned with the air inlet to deflect an airstream entering the dirt vessel through the air inlet. A filter element is also provided to clean fine dirt and debris from the airstream.

Abstract: A dirt cup for a vacuum cleaner includes a housing defining a dirt collection chamber, an inlet and an outlet in the housing in fluid communication with the dirt collection chamber and a selectively attachable and detachable filter holder on the housing external to the dirt collection chamber and downstream from the outlet. A vacuum cleaner incorporating the dirt cup is also provided.

Abstract: A dirt cup for a vacuum cleaner includes a housing defining a dirt collection chamber, an inlet and an outlet in the housing in fluid communication with the dirt collection chamber and a filter holder on the housing external to the dirt collection chamber and downstream from the outlet. A vacuum cleaner incorporating the dirt cup is also provided.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having a muffler system is disclosed. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a carpet engaging nozzle base and an upper housing pivotally connected to the nozzle base. The upright vacuum cleaner further includes a dirt cup removably secured to the upper housing and having an inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle base and an exit. The upright vacuum cleaner yet further includes a motor/fan unit fluidly connected to the dirt cup exit and positioned proximate to a pivot axis between the base and the upper housing. The upright vacuum cleaner still further includes an expansion chamber defined at least partially by the upper housing and a vertical wall of the dirt cup when the dirt cup is in an operational position relative to the housing. The motor/fan units draws air from the dirt cup exit and directs air toward the expansion chamber. A method of operating an upright vacuum cleaner is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner attachment is provided. The vacuum cleaner attachment includes a chassis and a plurality of wheels. The chassis is adapted to roll on an underlying surface using the plurality of wheels. The vacuum cleaner attachment further includes a vacuum cleaner receptacle formed in the chassis and adapted to receive a vacuum cleaner and corresponding power brushroll. The vacuum cleaner attachment further includes a vacuum airflow conduit formed in the chassis and adapted to communicate a vacuum airflow of the vacuum cleaner through the chassis. The vacuum cleaner attachment further includes one or more rollers rotatably held in the chassis and positioned to receive rotational power from the power brushroll of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is positioned in the vacuum cleaner receptacle. The one or more rollers are positioned in the chassis to make contact with the underlying surface.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing as well as a suction generator and bagless dirt system carried on the housing. The bagless dirt system includes a dirt cup, a prefilter, a filter chamber remote from the dirt cup, a filter in the filter chamber and a first conduit providing fluid communication between the dirt cup and the filter chamber. A second conduit provides fluid communication between the filter chamber and the suction generator.

Abstract: A filter stop for a vacuum cleaner contains a dust chamber that is closable with a lid and receives a dust bag with a reinforcement plate in a specific fitting position. The filter stop has a base plate that is movable between two stopping positions parallel to the direction in which the reinforcement plate of the dust bag is inserted into the dust chamber. The filter stop is also provided with a swiveling lever that can be brought into a position activating the vacuuming function of the vacuum cleaner by the reinforcement plate when the dust bag is correctly positioned. The swiveling lever is in a position preventing the vacuuming function from being activated when the dust bag is not correctly positioned. The filter stop can be brought into a stop position activating the vacuuming function exclusively when the swiveling lever is actuated by a shoulder of the reinforcement plate.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the chamber (54). A main filter element (K) filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.

Abstract: An improved bag docking assembly for aligning a vacuum bag for engagement with a dirty air outlet nozzle on a vacuum cleaner, and for retaining the vacuum bag in the position of engagement. The assembly incorporates an anchor member and a mounting member. The anchor member serves to attach the bag docking assembly to the vacuum cleaner. The anchor member can be a substantially flat piece of plastic having a central opening for closely receiving the dirty air outlet nozzle on the vacuum cleaner. The central opening can have a shoulder for engaging a rim or similar protrusion formed about the perimeter of the dirty air outlet nozzle. Additionally, protrusions are located on the anchor member that align with voids in the vacuum bag collar to ensure that correct alignment of the vacuum bag has been achieved.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly, a canister assembly pivotally mounted to said nozzle assembly, a suction fan and motor and a biaser. The biaser has a first end that engages the nozzle assembly and a second end that engages the canister assembly. The biaser provides a positive downforce urging the forward end of the nozzle assembly toward the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly connected to the nozzle assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are carried by the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly. In addition, the vacuum cleaner includes a control handle displaceable between operating and storage positions. A stabilizer on the handle is provided adjacent the floor in the storage position. Engagement of the stabilizer with the floor prevents the vacuum cleaner from inadvertently tipping over rearwardly.

Abstract: The invention is a floor care appliance such as vacuum cleaner having a pivoting valve arrangement for maintaining suction from the appliance housing to the suction nozzle. A valve is provided for sealing off suction to the suction nozzle when the housing is in the upright or off the floor mode position. When the housing is in the upright position maximum suction is directed to the accessory hose. When the housing is moved to the floor mode maximum the valve is moved to the open position and suction is directed to the suction nozzle for floor cleaning. The valve is located in a valve body assembly pivotally connected over the rear duct of the suction nozzle. The valve body is partially located in the housing and pivots with the housing. A roller and cam arrangement cause the valve located in the valve body to move back and forth between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a vacuum cleaner filter bag comprises a vacuum cleaner fill tube. The fill tube is configured for the bag to be mounted on the fill tube. The fill tube has an outlet through which a working flow of vacuum cleaner air can exit the fill tube to enter the bag when the bag is mounted on the fill tube. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a valve shiftable into and out of a closed condition in which the valve blocks the air from exiting the fill tube through the outlet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a main body and a handle, the main body being formed with a nozzle which delivers a stream of dirt-laden air through a dirt duct through a motor-fan inlet, the handle being supported on the motor-fan assembly and housing a filter bag which communicates with the motor-fan assembly for receiving the dirt-laden air, the motor-fan assembly having a motor housing, a motor with commutated brushes which give off carbon dust particles, a motor cooling fan for drawing a cooling airstream and a working fan for drawing the dirt-laden air, the vacuum comprising: an opening formed in the motor housing for receiving the cooling airstream; a cooling outlet formed in the motor housing through which the cooling airstream exists; means for directing the existing cooling airstream into the dirt-laden air; a collar extending axially outwardly from the motor housing, the collar allowing pivotal rotation of the motor housing relative to the main body.

Abstract: A particle separation member (40) is provided for use with a cyclone separator (30). The particle separation member (40) divides the separator (30) into a cyclone chamber (46) and a particle receiving chamber (50). The cyclone chamber (46) and the particle receiving chamber (50) communicating via a plurality of apertures (52) in the particle separation member (40).

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner with a small cyclone separator is mounted on and in fluid communication with an elongated rigid tube that forms part of a working air conduit and also forms part of an upright handle that is pivotally mounted to a base module with a suction nozzle upstream from a conventional bag filter in a dirty air or clean air dust collection vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: For use with vacuum cleaner bags of the type having a substantially rigid collar surrounding the bag opening, and with vacuum cleaners of the type having a dirty air outlet nozzle, a vacuum bag docking assembly is shown and described. The assembly incorporates an anchor member having a central opening for closely receiving the dirty air outlet nozzle. The assembly also incorporates a mounting member which engages the collar on the vacuum bag to secure the bag to the bag mounting member. The bag mounting member is pivotally connected to the anchor member, and moves between a loading position in which the bag can be inserted or removed from the mounting member, and a working position in which the bag opening engages the dirty air outlet nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a flow of air and particulates through a vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an intake body having an intake opening configured to receive the flow of air into particulates. An airflow propulsion device is coupled to the intake opening to draw the flow through the intake opening and through a flow passage having an approximately constant flow area. The flow continues through one or more conduits from the propulsion device to a filter element housed in a filter housing where the particulates are separated from the flow of air.