Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has an agitator assembly that is coupled to a motor via a belt, and a belt shifting assembly which has a belt shifter which moves the belt between engagement with a drive pulley or an idler pulley on the agitator assembly. A biasing member biases the belt shifter between engagement with the drive pulley and the idler pulley.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has an agitator assembly that is coupled to a motor via a belt, and a belt shifting assembly which has a belt shifter which moves the belt between engagement with a drive pulley or an idler pulley on the agitator assembly. A biasing member biases the belt shifter between engagement with the drive pulley and the idler pulley.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has an agitator assembly, a belt drive system coupling the agitator assembly to a motor via a belt, and a belt shifting assembly which selectively shifts the belt between a drive pulley and an idler pulley on the agitator assembly. Trace rotational force transmitted to the agitator assembly when the belt is on the idler pulley is prevented from causing the agitator assembly to rotate by an anti-rotation member of the belt shifting assembly.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a base assembly (12), an upright handle assembly (14) pivotally mounted to the base assembly (12), a fluid distribution system including a supply of cleaning fluid, and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned. The base assembly (12) comprises a fluid supply tank (22) mounted on a base platform (20), and a recovery tank (24) and lid (70) mounted on the supply tank (22). The nozzle (146) assembly is split into three separable sections, and the upper handle (300) is foldable to a storage position. The base assembly (12) further comprises a pivotal brush carriage (210) assembly. A method for renting extraction cleaning machines (10) utilizes a vending machine (600) that dispenses cleaning formulations packaged in single use packages (602).

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a base assembly (12), an upright handle assembly (14) pivotally mounted to the base assembly (12), a fluid distribution system including a supply of cleaning fluid, and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned. The base assembly (12) comprises a fluid supply tank (22) mounted on a base platform (20), and a recovery tank (24) and lid (70) mounted on the supply tank (22). The nozzle (146) assembly is split into three separable sections, and the upper handle (300) is foldable to a storage position. The base assembly (12) further comprises a pivotal brush carriage (210) assembly. A method for renting extraction cleaning machines (10) utilizes a vending machine (600) that dispenses cleaning formulations packaged in single use packages (602).