Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly having an intake opening. A handle assembly is pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel. In addition, the vacuum cleaner includes a flexible, electrified hose such as a stretch hose.

Abstract: A bare floor switch assembly for a power head or an upright vacuum cleaner includes a mounting bracket, an idler and idler arm pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket, a biaser for biasing the idler and idler arm to an agitator drive interrupting position and a switch body for engaging and locking the idler arm into an agitator driving position.

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: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are carried on either the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly. In addition, the apparatus includes first and second agitators. The first agitator has a diameter D1 and the second agitator has a diameter D2. Diameter D1 is greater than diameter D2. Accordingly, the two agitators have different footprints and different cleaning characteristics.

Abstract: A motor enclosure for a vacuum cleaner includes a body having both a motor receiver for receiving a motor and a filter receiver for receiving a filter.