Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly configured to be mounted in a vehicle. The vacuum cleaner assembly includes a vacuum module and a collector module configured to collect debris and operatively coupled to the vacuum module. The collector module includes a canister assembly with an intake port, an output port, and a flapper valve coupled to the intake port. An elbow assembly couples the vacuum module to the collector module and includes an intake end attached to the output port of the canister assembly. The intake end has a foam section disposed on a grill insert. Upon removal of the canister assembly from the collector module, the flapper valve moves to a closed position over the intake port of the canister assembly to keep debris contained in the canister assembly, and the grill insert and the foam section remain in place in the intake end of the elbow assembly.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaners to be mounted in a vehicle are disclosed. Some of the vacuum cleaners have a modular design that allow the vacuum cleaners to be arranged, assembled, and/or installed in different configurations and to fit in different spaces within the vehicle. Vacuum cleaners may include a vacuum module, a collector module, and/or a hose storage module. An interconnecting duct is configured to operatively couple the vacuum module and the collector module in any one of a plurality of different predefined assembly configurations. The collector module may have a debris canister that may be lifted straight out of a collector housing. The vacuum cleaner may be installed in a vehicle in a manner to allow easy removal of the debris canister without disconnecting and/or removing other portions of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum accessory may include a head including a head body defining an inlet and a fitting interface, the head body extending from a fitting interface to a base and enclosing a cavity. A fitting includes a fitting body symmetrically disposed about a longitudinal axis of the fitting. The fitting body defines a fitting inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the fitting inlet and the outlet. The fitting is connected to the head at the fitting interface and a fluid flow path fluidly connects the inlet and the outlet. A blade is removably coupled to the head and at least partially disposed within the cavity of the head. The blade includes a flat blade body that is coplanar with a reference plane dividing the fitting body and containing the longitudinal axis of the fitting.

Abstract: A debris canister and filter assembly, which may be used in a vehicular vacuum cleaner, includes a debris canister having an inlet, an outlet, and a peripheral side wall. The peripheral side wall at least partially defines an interior space of the debris canister. A filter is disposed in the interior space of the debris canister, and includes filter media having a non-pleated portion and a pleated portion. The peripheral side wall forms a corner of the debris canister, and the filter media has a rounded-corner shaped to fit adjacent to the corner of the peripheral side wall.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaners to be mounted in a vehicle are disclosed. Some vacuum cleaners include a collector module configured to collect debris and a motor/impeller unit connected to the collector module. The collector module includes an air inlet and an air exhaust opening, and the motor/impeller unit is configured to draw air through the collector module from the air inlet to the exhaust opening. A hose storage module is connected to the air inlet, and a vacuum hose is stored inside the hose storage module.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaners to be mounted in a vehicle are disclosed. Some of the vacuum cleaners have a modular design that allows the vacuum cleaners to be arranged, assembled, and/or installed in different configurations and to fit in different spaces within the vehicle. Vacuum cleaners may include a vacuum module, a collector module, and/or a hose storage module. An interconnecting duct is configured to operatively couple the vacuum module and the collector module in any one of a plurality of different predefined assembly configurations. The collector module may have a debris canister that may be lifted straight out of a collector housing. The vacuum cleaner may be installed in a vehicle in a manner to allow easy removal of the debris canister without disconnecting and/or removing other portions of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner configured to be mounted in a vehicle. The vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum module configured to draw a vacuum, and a collector module configured to collect debris, the collector module having an accessible portion and a liner. A duct operatively couples the vacuum module to the collector module. In addition, a release member is disposed on the top portion of the collector module and is moveable between a resting position and a release position. A locking bar is in contact with the release member and has a portion adapted to engage the liner of the collector module when the release member is in a resting position. Upon actuating the release member towards the release position, the release member moves the portion of the locking bar out of engagement with the liner and the collector module is disengaged from the vacuum module.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaners to be mounted in a vehicle are disclosed. Some of the vacuum cleaners have a modular design that allows the vacuum cleaners to be arranged, assembled, and/or installed in different configurations and to fit in different spaces within the vehicle. Vacuum cleaners may include a vacuum module, a collector module, and/or a hose storage module. An interconnecting duct is configured to operatively couple the vacuum module and the collector module in any one of a plurality of different predefined assembly configurations. The collector module may have a debris canister that may be lifted straight out of a collector housing. The vacuum cleaner may be installed in a vehicle in a manner to allow easy removal of the debris canister without disconnecting and/or removing other portions of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaners to be mounted in a vehicle are disclosed. Some vacuum cleaners include a collector module configured to collect debris and a motor/impeller unit connected to the collector module. The collector module includes an air inlet and an air exhaust opening, and the motor/impeller unit is configured to draw air through the collector module from the air inlet to the exhaust opening. A hose storage module is connected to the air inlet, and a vacuum hose is stored inside the hose storage module.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaners to be mounted in a vehicle are disclosed. Some of the vacuum cleaners have a modular design that allow the vacuum cleaners to be arranged, assembled, and/or installed in different configurations and to fit in different spaces within the vehicle. Vacuum cleaners may include a vacuum module, a collector module, and/or a hose storage module. An interconnecting duct is configured to operatively couple the vacuum module and the collector module in any one of a plurality of different predefined assembly configurations. The collector module may have a debris canister that may be lifted straight out of a collector housing. The vacuum cleaner may be installed in a vehicle in a manner to allow easy removal of the debris canister without disconnecting and/or removing other portions of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: The disclosed vacuum cleaner system for an automobile fits in a cavity in the vehicle and has a tank that can be removed in a lateral direction without tools and without detaching the vacuum hose. A circuit board that carries an electronic controller is positioned alongside the motor and extends generally parallel to both the axis of the motor and the lateral direction in which the tank is removed. Cooling air is drawn though a cooling air inlet on the cabin wall to the circuit board, and then one side of the motor, through the center of the motor, to the cooling fan. From there, it is blown into a cavity where it joins exhausted working air from the vacuum and is exhausted from the vehicle through an air release opening that leads to the exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly configured to be mounted in a vehicle. The vacuum cleaner assembly includes a vacuum module and a collector module configured to collect debris and operatively coupled to the vacuum module. The collector module includes a canister assembly with an intake port, an output port, and a flapper valve coupled to the intake port. An elbow assembly couples the vacuum module to the collector module and includes an intake end attached to the output port of the canister assembly. The intake end has a foam section disposed on a grill insert. Upon removal of the canister assembly from the collector module, the flapper valve moves to a closed position over the intake port of the canister assembly to keep debris contained in the canister assembly, and the grill insert and the foam section remain in place in the intake end of the elbow assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum accessory may include a head including a head body defining an inlet and a fitting interface, the head body extending from a fitting interface to a base and enclosing a cavity. A fitting includes a fitting body symmetrically disposed about a longitudinal axis of the fitting. The fitting body defines a fitting inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the fitting inlet and the outlet. The fitting is connected to the head at the fitting interface and a fluid flow path fluidly connects the inlet and the outlet. A blade is removably coupled to the head and at least partially disposed within the cavity of the head. The blade includes a flat blade body that is coplanar with a reference plane dividing the fitting body and containing the longitudinal axis of the fitting.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly configured to be mounted in sleeper cab truck. The vacuum cleaner assembly includes a mounting bucket having a vacuum cleaner area having an angled surface and a hose storage area. A vacuum cleaner is disposed in the vacuum cleaner area and includes a collector module having a canister assembly and a vacuum module coupled to the collector module. The vacuum module includes a hose having an end, the hose extending from the vacuum module into the hose storage area of the mounting bucket. The mounting bucket is configured to expose the end of the hose through the hose storage area in any one of a plurality of arrangements to accommodate various mounting positions within the sleeper cab truck.

Abstract: A debris canister and filter assembly, which may be used in a vehicular vacuum cleaner, includes a debris canister having an inlet, an outlet, and a peripheral side wall. The peripheral side wall at least partially defines an interior space of the debris canister. A filter is disposed in the interior space of the debris canister, and includes filter media having a non-pleated portion and a pleated portion. The peripheral side wall forms a corner of the debris canister, and the filter media has a rounded-corner shaped to fit adjacent to the corner of the peripheral side wall.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner configured to be mounted in a vehicle. The vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum module configured to draw a vacuum, and a collector module configured to collect debris, the collector module having an accessible portion and a liner. A duct operatively couples the vacuum module to the collector module. In addition, a release member is disposed on the top portion of the collector module and is moveable between a resting position and a release position. A locking bar is in contact with the release member and has a portion adapted to engage the liner of the collector module when the release member is in a resting position. Upon actuating the release member towards the release position, the release member moves the portion of the locking bar out of engagement with the liner and the collector module is disengaged from the vacuum module.

Abstract: The disclosed vacuum cleaner system for an automobile fits in a cavity in the vehicle and has a tank that can be removed in a lateral direction without tools and without detaching the vacuum hose. The motor/fan assembly is positioned above a chassis wall. Lateral flanges on opposed sides of the tank support the tank in generally horizontal sliding motion from a forward position to an elevated rearward position. A rear flange supports the tank as it pivots to a mounted position in which an inlet on a removable lid on the tank communicates with a hose, and an outlet on the lid communicates with the motor/fan assembly. In a removed position, the inlet and outlet are disconnected.

Abstract: The disclosed vacuum assembly can be mounted in a vehicle. The motor/fan assembly is positioned above a chassis wall. Lateral flanges on opposed sides of the tank support the tank in generally horizontal sliding motion from a forward position to an elevated rearward position. A rear flange supports the tank as it pivots to a mounted position in which an inlet on a removable lid on the tank communicates with a hose, and an outlet on the lid communicates with the motor/fan assembly. In a removed position, the inlet and outlet are disconnected. Alignment bosses fit in aligned openings when the tank is in the mounted position.

Abstract: A new vacuum cleaner that is adapted for use in a vehicle has a user-removable debris collection tank that has spaced recesses on the bottom that inhibit both fore-and-back movement of debris within the collection tank and side-to-side movement of debris within the collection tank. The recesses are located in opposed outer corners of the tank, and have lower surfaces that support the tank in a standing position. Raised sections divide each of the recesses into two corner recess sections and an offset recess section, and inhibit both fore-and-aft movement of debris within the recesses and side-to-side movement of debris within the recess sections. The offset recess section has tracks that curve in different directions from an intermediate position adjacent or near a side of the tank. The bottom of the tank is generally curved downwardly towards the sides of the tank.