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.

Abstract: A removable brush spacer assembly for attachment to the lateral edge of a vacuum cleaner nozzle in order to support an edge brush and to space the brush with respect to a surface is shown and described. The brush spacer assembly incorporates an elongated main body having a base, a plurality of bristles collectively forming an edge brush, and a spacer. The brush is attached at one end to the main body, with the bristles projecting toward the surface being vacuumed. The spacer is attached to the main body and projects below the base to control the relationship of the brush with respect to the surface.

Abstract: An upright steerable vacuum cleaner comprised of a handle, body, nozzle base and air duct therein further having a swivel joint at the junction of the nozzle base and body. The swivel joint or steering mechanism comprises a trunnion pivotably connected to the main air duct of the vacuum. The pivotable connection causes the nozzle base of the vacuum to turn right with a clockwise twist of the vacuum handle and turn left with a counter-clockwise twist of the vacuum handle. A locking mechanism is provided for preventing rotation of the trunnion with respect to the air duct.

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.