Abstract: A vacuum cleaner structure having a canister provided with a suction inlet and a flexible hose having an end provided with a hose connector adapted to be received in the suction inlet. Male and female electrical connectors are associated with the suction inlet and hose end, and lock and key elements are provided in association with the suction inlet and hose end for permitting connection of the hose end to the suction inlet only in the event that the electrical terminal portion provided on the suction hose end is complementary to the electrical connector provided on the canister. The lock and key elements may be integrally formed with the canister and hose structures, or may be selectively fixedly secured thereto as desired.

Abstract: A plug retainer for use in a vacuum cleaner having a handle removably connected to a wand. The plug retainer is arranged to effectively preclude discharge of static electricity from the dirty suction air to the electrical conductors and interconnected plugs so as to avoid spurious operation of electrostatic discharge sensitive control structure of the vacuum cleaner, which may include microprocessor control elements. The plug retainer structure includes a locking tongue and an integral static shield extending over a substantial area between the connected male and female plugs of the control wiring.

Abstract: A canister vacuum cleaner includes a dust bag mount for mounting a dust bag with a collar onto the vacuum cleaner. The bag mount includes a mounting plate with a circular aperture. The dust bag collar includes an aperture that, upon installation of the collar, is aligned with the aperture in the mounting plate. Raised structure surrounds the aperture in the mounting plate and extends into the aperture in the collar upon installation providing a seal between the mounting plate and collar. The raised structure includes ramps and inclined surfaces to bend and lift the dust bag collar over the raised structure during its installation and removal. This structure also serves to index and retain the collar once it is installed and to seal the space between the installed dust bag collar and the mounting plate. A pair of channels are provided at the sides of the mounting plate for holding and guiding the edges of the dust bag collar during its installation and removal.

Abstract: A canister type vacuum cleaner includes a floor cleaning unit and a canister unit interconnected by a wand and hose assembly. The canister unit has a dust collection bag mounted in a dust collecting compartment by a pivotally movable dust bag mount that pivots to an operative position. A suction fan evacuates the air within the dust collecting compartment causing dirt laden air to flow from the floor cleaning unit through the wand and hose assembly and into the dust bag through an intake port formed in the dust bag mount. The air is exhausted from the canister unit through a discharge port. An operating condition monitoring and indicating system provides information as to the status of the dust bag and the wand and hose assembly by means of a check bag light and a check hose light.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner handle lock for releasably retaining the handle in a storage or transport position. The handle is connected to the vacuum cleaner nozzle by a connector defining a latch shoulder. The handle lock includes a mounting portion pivotally mounted to the nozzle, a shoulder portion defining a stop shoulder releasably engaging the latch shoulder of the handle connector, a spring portion biasing the handle lock into engagement with the latch shoulder, and a pedal portion for manipulation by the user to disengage the stop shoulder from the latch shoulder to release the handle when desired. The handle lock is formed as a onepiece element.