Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a body having a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are carried on that body. The floor care apparatus also includes a control handle, a swivel assembly and a swivel lock.

Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a body having a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are carried on that body. The floor care apparatus also includes a control handle, a swivel assembly and a swivel lock.

Abstract: A telescoping wand assembly includes a first tube, a second tube received in the first tube so as to allow sliding movement therebetween and a flexible seal carried on the second tube in sliding engagement with an interior surface of the first tube. A method of making that telescoping wand assembly includes overmolding a flexible seal on the second tube and inserting the second tube in the first tube with the overmolded flexible seal in sliding engagement with an interior surface of the first tube. A vacuum cleaner is also provided incorporating the telescoping wand assembly of this invention.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a suction inlet. The canister assembly includes a first housing member and a removable cover that cooperate together to form a wand receiver, a hose connector and an integral air path between the wand receiver and the hose connector.

Abstract: An agitator includes a high strength, continuous metal axle, a pulley held on one end of the metal axle and a sleeve of lightweight plastic material received over the axle. The agitator is manufactured by molding a pulley body onto an underlying metal support or D-nut, fitting an axle into the pulley, molding a sleeve around the axle and securing a cleaning structure on the sleeve.

Abstract: An electrical extension hose includes a flexible hose body having first and second ends. A first electrified coupler is provided at the first end. A second electrified coupler is provided at the second end. At least two electrical conductors interconnect the first and second couplers. Further, the first and second couplers are capable of mating interconnection. Thus any number of electrical extension hoses may be connected together to construct a working hose of desired length.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly housing includes a first wall, a second wall and an access opening in those walls. A locking tab receiver is provided on the first wall adjacent the access opening. A notch is provided on the second wall adjacent the access opening. Finally, a separate, removable panel closes the access opening. That panel includes a locking tab on a first edge that engages the locking tab receiver and a hinge lug on a second edge that is pivotally received in the notch.