Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system to supply pumping capabilities to a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. A single motor can operate a vacuum unit and the pump distinct from the vacuum unit. A port in the vacuum flow path can act as a vacuum tap to prime the pump when necessary. The pump can directly pump the fluids without having to flow first into the drum container of the vacuum cleaner. The system can allow independent operation of the vacuum unit and the pump and at different, more optimal speeds for each, allowing a higher performance on each of the vacuum unit and the pump, since maximum power for the system can be provided to either the operating device while the other one is not operating. Accordingly, the disclosure further provides a system and method for separately engaging and disengaging the vacuum unit and the pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-stepped accessory holder for an appliance having accessories that have dissimilar inner diameter connections, such as accessories with a male and/or a female ends. The female end of an accessory has a first inner diameter, and the male end of an accessory has a second inner diameter. The accessory holder includes a base having a first perimeter, and an upper portion mounted atop the base that has a second perimeter. The second perimeter of the upper portion is smaller than the first perimeter of the base. When the female end of an accessory is placed upon the accessory holder, the female end engages the first perimeter of the base. If it is desired that an accessory's male end be placed upon the holder, the male end engages the second perimeter of the accessory holder's upper portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-stepped accessory holder for an appliance having accessories that have dissimilar inner diameter connections, such as accessories with a male and/or a female ends. The female end of an accessory has a first inner diameter, and the male end of an accessory has a second inner diameter. The accessory holder includes a base having a first perimeter, and an upper portion mounted atop the base that has a second perimeter. The second perimeter of the upper portion is smaller than the first perimeter of the base. When the female end of an accessory is placed upon the accessory holder, the female end engages the first perimeter of the base. If it is desired that an accessory's male end be placed upon the holder, the male end engages the second perimeter of the accessory holder's upper portion.

Abstract: A method of assembling a wet/dry vacuum and a wet/dry vacuum assembly in which each of the component parts of the assembly are placed in a fixture and attached to a unit without requiring reorienting the assembly. More specifically, the method includes attaching the various components of the wet/dry vacuum to a lid component, without requiring reorienting the assembly, simplifying the assembly process.

Abstract: A method of assembling a wet/dry vacuum and a wet/dry vacuum assembly in which each of the component parts of the assembly are placed in a fixture and attached to a unit without requiring reorienting the assembly. More specifically, the method includes attaching the various components of the wet/dry vacuum to a lid component, without requiring reorienting the assembly, simplifying the assembly process.

Abstract: The vacuum includes a body having a main air passageway, and first and second air passageways diverging from the main passageway. The first air passageway defines a blower port. A closable door having an open and a closed position directs air flow from the main air passageway to either the first or second diverging air passageways to switch between vacuum and blowing modes. In one embodiment the wet/dry vacuum assembly is arranged such that each of the component parts may be placed in an assembly fixture and attached to a unit without reorienting the assembly.

Abstract: A device for connecting a hose to an article, such as a wet/dry vacuum, includes a first member having first and second ends, with the first end adapted to be coupled to the hose. A receptacle has first and second ends. The first end of the receptacle is adapted to be mounted to the article, and the second end is adapted to be connected to the second end of the first member. A locking member is mounted on one of the first member or the receptacle for securing the first member to the receptacle, and at least one sealing member is situated about one of the second end of the first member or the second end of the receptacle. This sealing member can be integrally mounted to one of the ends. In one embodiment, the sealing member seals against an external surface of the receptacle, and in an alternative embodiment, the sealing member seals against an internal surface of the receptacle.

Abstract: A multi-use floor tool, with which the same nozzle can be used in both dry and wet vacuum operation, and which allows for both wet and dry cleaning attachments to be easily attached and removed is disclosed. One such cleaning attachment for dry operation is a bristle brush which, when attached to the nozzle, is able to rotate, such that debris is collected with both the push and pull cleaning motions and such that for each motion, air flows primarily through the side of the nozzle at which debris is being gathered. The attachment for wet operation is a squeegee, which is rigidly attached to the nozzle having an insert which reduces the area of air flow into the nozzle and thereby increases the effectiveness of wet cleaning. This design increases the effectiveness of both wet and dry operation, and allows the operator to effectively clean in both wet and dry conditions while using the same nozzle.

Abstract: A multi-use floor tool, with which the same nozzle can be used in both dry and wet vacuum operation, and which allows for both wet and dry cleaning attachments to be easily attached and removed is disclosed. One such cleaning attachment for dry operation is a bristle brush which, when attached to the nozzle, is able to rotate, such that debris is collected with both the push and pull cleaning motions and such that for each motion, air flows primarily through the side of the nozzle at which debris is being gathered. The attachment for wet operation is a squeegee, which is rigidly attached to the nozzle having an insert which reduces the area of air flow into the nozzle and thereby increases the effectiveness of wet cleaning. This design increases the effectiveness of both wet and dry operation, and allows the operator to effectively clean in both wet and dry conditions while using the same nozzle.

Abstract: A vacuum appliance is disclosed, comprising a collection canister and a powerhead housing a motor and impeller assembly for establishing vacuum pressure within said canister. In one embodiment, the appliance is of the wet/dry variety. A filter assembly comprising a rigid filter cage around which a filter is disposed. The filter cage is supported on an underside of the powerhead and extends into the collection canister such that the bottom of the filter assembly is at or substantially near the bottom of the collection canister. As a result, deflection of the collection canister as a result of vacuum pressure built up in the canister is resisted by the rigidity of the filter cage. In one embodiment, a frame within the powerhead serves the dual functions of supporting the motor and defining one wall or surface of an impeller chamber in which an impeller rotates to create the vacuum pressure.

Abstract: A vacuum appliance is disclosed, comprising a collection canister having a lid and a powerhead housing a motor and impeller assembly for establishing vacuum pressure within said canister. The powerhead is removably secured to the lid of the collection canister, such that the powerhead can be removed from the lid and separately used as a blower. Self-actuationg latching devices are provided for removably securing the powerhead to the lid. In one embodiment, the latching device is a unitary, multi-segmented structure having a spring biasing member and a retaining member formed integrally therewith. A journal formed integrally with the latching device is adapted to be received in a bearing defined in a latch socket on the lid, such that the latching device is allowed to pivot with respect to the lid. The spring biasing member functions to bias the latching device to a home pivot position, such that the latching device automatically engages the powerhead when it is lowered onto the lid.

Abstract: A canister-type vacuum cleaner is provided in which various electrical functions of the vacuum cleaner may be controlled by the user with controls on the hose handle, whether the hose is attached to the suction port or the blowport. The primary exhaust port is located substantially toward the front of the vacuum cleaner body. During normal operation, air is directed from the hose through the suction port and the motor, toward the back of the vacuum cleaner, and then redirected to the front of the vacuum cleaner, where it exits from the primary exhaust port. The vacuum cleaner is also provided with a reduced wheelbase, for greater maneuverability. Two wheels are mounted on the underside of the vacuum cleaner body, near the vacuum cleaner's center of gravity, and a caster is mounted near the front of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A canister-type vacuum cleaner is provided in which various electrical functions of the vacuum cleaner may be controlled by the user with controls on the hose handle, whether the hose is attached to the suction port or the blowport. The primary exhaust port is located substantially toward the front of the vacuum cleaner body. During normal operation, air is directed from the hose through the suction port and the motor, toward the back of the vacuum cleaner, and then redirected to the front of the vacuum cleaner, where it exits from the primary exhaust port. The vacuum cleaner is also provided with a reduced wheelbase, for greater maneuverability. Two wheels are mounted on the underside of the vacuum cleaner body, near the vacuum cleaner's center of gravity, and a caster is mounted near the front of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a handle and wand system for a vacuum cleaner is provided which includes an enclosed electrical system which may be used to provide electrical power to a powered floor nozzle or other powered nozzles. The handle and wand system of the present invention may be employed in either a canister vacuum or a central vacuum unit. In one embodiment, the system includes a handle and suction hose assembly which permits the hose, which includes conducting wires, to be freely rotated while attached to the handle. In another embodiment, means are provided for easily attaching, locking and detaching the components of the handle and wand system of the present invention while providing both a vacuum seal and a plurality of low resistance electrical contacts between the elements of the system of the present invention. In a further embodiment, a swivel elbow is provided to attach the handle and wand system of the present invention to a powered floor nozzle.

Abstract: A canister-type vacuum cleaner is provided in which various electrical functions of the vacuum cleaner may be controlled by the user with controls on the hose handle, whether the hose is attached to the suction port or the blowport. The primary exhaust port is located substantially toward the front of the vacuum cleaner body. During normal operation, air is directed from the hose through the suction port and the motor, toward the back of the vacuum cleaner, and then redirected to the front of the vacuum cleaner, where it exits from the primary exhaust port. The vacuum cleaner is also provided with a reduced wheelbase, for greater maneuverability. Two wheels are mounted on the underside of the vacuum cleaner body, near the vacuum cleaner's center of gravity, and a caster is mounted near the front of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a handle and wand system for a vacuum cleaner is provided which includes an enclosed electrical system which may be used to provide electrical power to a powered floor nozzle or other powered nozzles. The handle and wand system of the present invention may be employed in either a canister vacuum or a central vacuum unit. A swivel elbow is provided to attach the handle and wand system of the present invention to a powered floor nozzle. In another embodiment, an interface is provided easily for attaching, locking and detaching the handle and wand system of the present invention to and from non-powered cleaning tools.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a handle and wand system for a vacuum cleaner is provided which includes an enclosed electrical system which may be used to provide electrical power to a powered floor nozzle or other powered nozzles. The handle and wand system of the present invention may be employed in either a canister vacuum or a central vacuum unit. In one embodiment, the system includes a handle and suction hose assembly which permits the hose, which includes conducting wires, to be freely rotated while attached to the handle. In another embodiment, means are provided for easily attaching, locking and detaching the components of the handle and wand system of the present invention while providing both a vacuum seal and a plurality of low resistance electrical contacts between the elements of the system of the present invention. In a further embodiment, a swivel elbow is provided to attach the handle and wand system of the present invention to a powered floor nozzle.