Abstract: A release mechanism for use with vacuum cleaning appliances having a pipe and hose arrangement, where the pipe is slidably mounted inside the hose. The release mechanism comprises an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve and actuating buttons. The inner sleeve couples the pipe to the hose. By using the actuating buttons, the inner sleeve is operational in a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the pipe can slide inside the hose, but it cannot be removed or detached from the hose. In the open position, the pipe can be removed or detached from the hose. The outer sleeve secures the release mechanism to the hose and houses the inner sleeve and actuating buttons.

Abstract: A back-pack vacuum cleaner comprises a back-pack harness, an upper casing attached to the harness and a lower casing rotatably mounted on the upper casing. A cyclonic cleaning assembly is mounted within the upper casing such that at least part of the assembly extends into the lower casing. The motor is positioned within the upper casing above the cyclonic cleaning assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a base which has a surface cleaning nozzle and a wheel housing which is moveable between a raised position and a lowered position. Wheels are rotatably mounted on the wheel housing. An abutment arm is attached to said wheel housing at a fixed position relative to said wheels. A handle structure is pivotally mounted on the base and moveable between an upper storage position and a lower operating position. A protrusion, which is attached to the handle, structure, is positioned and ad to engage the abutment arm. A spring is provided which bias the wheel housing to its raised position. As the handle structure is pivoted from the lower operating position to the upper storage position, the abutment arm engages the protrusion moving said wheel housing to its lower position and consequently raising said nozzle.

Abstract: A portable vacuum surface cleaning apparatus for taking up and recovering fluids such as liquids and debris from floors or carpets that includes an elongated circuitous or convoluted passageway having an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end adapted for communication with a vacuum source and communicating with the recovery chamber through a top access opening in a region thereof intermediately between the inlet and outlet, the elongated passageway including a first section extending from the inlet to an elevated region thereof remote from the inlet and above the recovery chamber portion, an intermediate section in communication with the first section in the elevated region thereof and extending therefrom to overlie and communicate with the top opening of the recovery chamber portion, and a third section in communication with the intermediate section in the region thereof above the top opening and extending therefrom toward the outlet.

Abstract: A portable vacuum surface cleaning apparatus for taking up and recovering fluids such as liquids, and debris from floors or carpets that includes an elongated circuitous or convoluted passageway having an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end adapted for communication with a vacuum source and communicating with the recovery chamber through a top access opening in a region thereof intermediately between the inlet and outlet, driven rotary brush associated with the apparatus and supported rearwardly thereof and projecting therebelow for contacting the surfaces to be cleaned; and a diluent or cleaning solution source associated with the apparatus including a discharge flow passage directed rearmost thereof to an outlet from an integral well or repository for the reception of a removable container or capsule having an integral displaceable dispensing valve for diluent or cleaning solutions.

Abstract: In apparatus wherein a fluid flow path is defined within a housing and leads from an inlet in the housing to an outlet therefrom, a shell-like member having a first opening therein for establishing communication with a length of hose and a second opening remote from the first opening bounded by an edge formation, configured so as to surround the housing inlet when the second opening is brought into overlying registration with the inlet, and means carried by the housing and hose assembly respectively for releasably securing the shell-like member to the housing with the second shell opening presented in overlying registration to the housing inlet.

Abstract: The combination with apparatus, wherein an endless tensioned belt is twisted to form a first loop engaging the unsupported end of a motor shaft and a second loop engaging a rotary element so as to drive same, of a removable barrier to the advancement or creep of the endless tensioned belt towards the unsupported end of the motor shaft when the rotary element has reverse rotation imparted to it, the removable barrier including an anchoring portion securable to the housing and having a portion projecting therefrom into the housing to present a bearing surface to at least one reach of the tensioned belt in the path of advancement or creep of same.