Abstract: A self-adjusting wiper strip assembly for use with a vacuum cleaner includes a surface engaging wiper strip made of a relatively soft, compliant plastic material. The wiper strip includes a colored tip portion; when the colored tip portion wears off, an operator is alerted to the need to replace the wiper strip assembly. The wiper strip is connected to a relatively hard, plastic rigid component that provides rigidity to the wiper strip. The rigid component is connected by a relatively soft, flexible, web-like plastic hinge component to a relatively hard, plastic attachment component that removably, securely attaches the wiper strip assembly to the vacuum cleaner. The hinge component automatically enables the wiper strip to move vertically with respect to the attachment component so that the wiper strip automatically adjusts its vertical position depending on the type of surface being cleaned by the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A floor cleaner that includes a rotatable brush having an elongate dowel is provided with an anti-cord swallowing system formed by a plurality of grooves formed about the periphery of the dowel and equally spaced along the length of the dowel. The anti-cord swallowing system also includes a plurality of equally spaced ribs extending from an under surface of a power head housing of the cleaner, each rib being aligned with and extending partially into one of the grooves. The clearance between each rib and its respective groove is such that free rotation of the brush is permitted while the possibility of even small diameter power cords being wrapped around the brush is minimized.