Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface is convertible between an upright mode and a canister mode. The vacuum cleaner includes a diverter assembly to selectively divert a working air flow through different working air flow paths which correspond to the upright mode and the canister mode.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle and a dirt separating and collecting system. The dirt separating and collecting system can include a bagless filter module and a bagged filter module that can be interchanged to convert the dirt separating and collecting system between a bagless configuration and a bagged configuration.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a foot assembly having a suction inlet thereon, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction inlet to produce a working airflow therethrough, and a dirt container in fluid communication with the suction inlet and suction source. The foot assembly further comprises a body defined by a central portion and a pair of extension arms, a rotatable agitator on each extension arm, and a drive assembly configured to counter-rotate the agitators. The counter-rotating agitators are operable to cooperate with the suction source to direct dust and debris towards the suction inlet.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, such as a steam mop, includes a steam delivery system having a steam delivery pathway. A fragrance dispenser for receiving a fragrant material is provided on the apparatus, and a portion of the steam delivery pathway is in in heat exchange relationship with the fragrance dispenser to heat the fragrant material in the fragrance dispenser by heat transfer from the steam in the pathway. Fragrance is dispensed from apparatus via heat transfer utilizing the steam pathway as a thermal radiation source.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dirt separating and collecting system. The dirt separating and collecting system can include an air-permeable filter material, and a helical inlet guide. Dirt entering the helical inlet guide within a working airstream is visible to the user through an at least partially transparent housing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a housing and a suction inlet thereon, the cleaner comprising a suction source in fluid communication with the suction inlet to produce a working airflow therethrough and a dirt container in fluid communication with the suction inlet and suction source. The housing further comprises a body defined by a central portion and a pair of extension arms that extend laterally outwardly from the central portion, wherein each extension comprises a mount, which receives a rotatable agitator thereon. A drive assembly is configured to counter-rotate each agitator with respect to the other agitator, and wherein the suction inlet is positioned on the housing rearward of, and between, each of the axes of rotation of each agitator. The counter-rotating agitators are operable to cooperate with the suction source to direct dust and debris outside the periphery of the housing along a converging debris path, towards the suction inlet.

Abstract: A cyclone module for a vacuum cleaner includes a primary separator, a bulk collection chamber, at least one secondary separator and a fines collection chamber. First and second doors are provided for closing debris outlets at the bottom ends of the bulk and fines collection chambers, respectively. The fines collection chamber is elevated within the bulk collection chamber, with the second door spaced above the first door.

Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner is provided with a hand-carriable body housing the components of a vacuum collection system. The vacuum collection system can include a working air path through the body, and includes a portion which passes through a handle of the hand-carriable body that is adapted to be gripped by a user during operation of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A steam mop with an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to a foot includes a fluid distribution system. The fluid distribution system includes a steam generator, a fluid distributor in the foot that applies steam to a floor surface and an auxiliary hose that applies steam to above-floor surfaces.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a base configured to be moved across a surface to be cleaned, a fluid delivery system, and a fluid recovery system with a suction nozzle assembly defining a fluid flow path. A squeegee is provided in the suction nozzle assembly and is mounted within the fluid flow path to slide forwardly and rearwardly within the suction nozzle assembly as the base is moved rearwardly and forwardly, respectively.

Abstract: A steam mop with an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to a foot includes a fluid distribution system having a distributor in the foot that applies steam to a floor surface and an auxiliary hose for steam cleaning above-floor surfaces. The auxiliary hose is mounted to the steam mop by an articulating joint.

Abstract: An agitator provided for a surface cleaning apparatus includes a dowel defining an axis of rotation and multiple disks extending radially from the dowel to a peripheral edge.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dirt separating and collecting system. The dirt separating and collecting system can include an air-permeable filter material, and a helical inlet guide. Dirt entering the helical inlet guide within a working airstream is visible to the user through an at least partially transparent housing.

Abstract: A multi-function cleaning tool for use with a suction cleaner having a suction source includes a nozzle body rotatably coupled to a housing assembly, where the nozzle body includes multiple suction nozzles and/or agitators that are configured to clean different portions of a surface to be cleaned, such as a stairway.

Abstract: An accessory tool can include a recovery tank assembly for removing fluid and dirt from a surface to be cleaned and store the recovered fluid and dirt. The accessory tool can be used in connection with a vacuum cleaner including an extraction cleaner. The accessory tool can include a housing assembly having a suction outlet opening adapted to be connected to a vacuum hose in fluid communication with the suction source of the vacuum cleaner and a recovery tank can be in fluid communication with the suction nozzle to store liquid drawn in through the suction nozzle.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner system comprises a dirt separating and collecting system. The dirt separating and collecting system can include a filter module having a filter bag, wherein the inlet to the filter bag is helical and dirt entering the filter bag is visible to the user. Optionally, the filter bag filter module can be interchanged with a bagless filter module, which may include a conventional cyclone separator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a housing and a suction inlet thereon, the cleaner comprising a suction source in fluid communication with the suction inlet to produce a working airflow therethrough and a dirt container in fluid communication with the suction inlet and suction source. The housing further comprises a body defined by a central portion and a pair of extension arms that extend laterally outwardly from the central portion, wherein each extension comprises a mount, which receives a rotatable agitator thereon. A drive assembly is configured to counter-rotate each agitator with respect to the other agitator, and wherein the suction inlet is positioned on the housing rearward of, and between, each of the axes of rotation of each agitator. The counter-rotating agitators are operable to cooperate with the suction source to direct dust and debris outside the periphery of the housing along a converging debris path, towards the suction inlet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a separation/collection module for separating dirt and other contaminants from a dirt-containing working airstream and collecting the separated dirt. The module can include at least one cyclonic separation stage and an exhaust grill fluidly positioned between the separation stage and an air outlet from the collection module.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface is convertible between an upright mode and a canister mode. The vacuum cleaner includes a diverter assembly to selectively divert a working air flow through different working air flow paths which correspond to the upright mode and the canister mode.

Abstract: A housing has a suction inlet thereon and a suction source associated with the housing, in fluid communication with the suction inlet to produce a working airflow therethrough and a dirt container in fluid communication with the suction inlet and suction source. The housing further comprises a body defined by a central portion and a pair of extension arms that extend laterally outwardly from the central portion, wherein each extension comprises a mount, which receives a rotatable agitator thereon. A drive assembly is configured to counter-rotate each agitator with respect to the other agitator, and wherein the suction inlet is positioned on the housing rearward of, and between, each of the axes of rotation of each agitator. The counter-rotating agitators are operable to cooperate with the suction source to direct dust and debris outside the periphery of the housing along a converging debris path, towards the suction inlet.