CLEANING APPARATUS WITH BACKLIT DEBRIS RECEPTACLE AND METHOD OF ILLUMINATING DIRT COLLECTION

Abstract

The principles and embodiments of the presently claimed invention relate to selectively illuminating a debris receptacle while it is collecting debris, obscuring the view of the collected debris when the cleaning activity is concluded, and supplying power and/or electrical signals to a debris receptacle, where the light sources are provided with electricity over electrical paths between the main body of the cleaning apparatus and a selectively detachable debris receptacle through electrical contacts that form a physical connection when the debris receptacle is inserted in the cleaning apparatus.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The principles and embodiments of the presently claimed invention relate to cleaning apparatuses and methods of illuminating or providing power to a debris receptacle.

Cleaning apparatuses using air suction have been known in the art, and various modifications have been made over time to the size, shape, method of suction, and attachments for such devices. However, more recent advances in debris receptacles have led to bagless cleaning apparatus that instead utilize a cyclone-type separator and cylindrical housing to retain the collected debris. Such housings are typically either a clear plastic that allows the visually unappealing dirt and filth to be clearly viewed at all times, or a tinted plastic that obscures the observation of the contents of the receptacle, but also prevents observing whether the separator is properly functioning or the extent that the collection chamber has been filled with debris. The prior lack of means to avoid the unappealing sight of hair, dirt, and other crud when a vacuum cleaner is idle, but provide a clear view and visual indication that the vacuum is functioning properly and there is remaining capacity in the dirt receptacle for additional vacuuming activities has been a problem. The embodiments of the presently claimed invention overcome these problems and limitations by eliminating incorporating lighting in and/or around the debris receptacle when the cleaning apparatus is in use, but obscures the view of the collect dirt and filth once the apparatus is tuned off.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principles and embodiments of the presently claimed invention relate to selectively illuminating a debris receptacle while it is collecting debris, obscuring the view of the collected debris when the cleaning activity is concluded, and supplying power and/or electrical signals to a debris receptacle.

The principles and embodiments also relate to providing electrical paths between the main body of the cleaning apparatus and a selectively detachable debris receptacle to provide electrical power to illumination sources attached to or positioned within the removable receptacle.

Embodiments of the invention relate to a surface cleaning apparatus comprising a handle, a power source configured to be electrically connected to one or more electrical components of the cleaning apparatus and a suction source for providing suction; a main body comprising, a carapace having an exterior surface forming a recess and an interior surface forming an enclosed volume, and an electrical contact, wherein the electrical contact is disposed at a predetermined location on the exterior surface of the carapace, a debris receptacle configured and dimensioned for insertion into the recess in the main body which comprises, an air ingress for receiving debris-laden air, an air egress for discharging cleaned air from the receptacle, a receptacle wall having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and one or more electrical contact(s) disposed at predetermined location(s) on the exterior surface of the receptacle wall that corresponds to the location of the electrical contact on the mating face of the carapace, such that the receptacle electrical contact makes an electrically-operative connection to the carapace electrical contact when the debris receptacle is operatively engaged in the recess of the main body, and one or more illumination source(s) attached to the receptacle wall and electrically connected to the receptacle electrical contact over an electrical path, wherein an electrical connection is formed from the illumination source(s) to the main body electrical contact when the debris receptacle is operatively engaged in the recess of the main body, and wherein the illumination source(s) are electrical components; a rigid support structure that interconnects the handle to the main body; and a suction base unit that is pivotally or swivelly attached to the main body and in fluid communication with the suction source, so as to receives suction from the suction source.

Embodiments of the invention can also further comprise a flapper operatively associated with the bottom peripheral edge of the debris receptacle wall, wherein the one or more source(s) are located around the receptacle wall and at least a distance from the bottom periphery of the receptacle wall to allow a flapper to fully close and seal the debris receptacle.

An embodiment of the invention may further comprise a flapper operatively associated with a bottom peripheral edge of the debris receptacle wall, and a controlled tension apparatus aligned vertically along the external surface of the debris receptacle wall and operatively associated with the flapper, wherein the one or more illumination source(s) are located adjacent to and parallel with the controlled tension apparatus.

Another embodiment of the invention may also have the carapace electrical contact located on the exterior surface of the carapace in proximity to a mating edge of a suction conduit, and the receptacle electrical contact located adjacent to the air ingress or the air egress of the debris receptacle and in a location corresponding to the position of the carapace electrical contact, so that an exposed surface of the carapace electrical contact is placed in physical contact with an exposed surface of the receptacle electrical contact, when the receptacle is physically engaged and operatively associated with the main body, on that an electrical current may flow across the abutting surfaces.

An embodiment of the invention may also have the carapace electrical contact located on the exterior surface of the recess corresponding to a mating surface of the debris receptacle, and the receptacle electrical contact located on the external surface of the debris receptacle wall in a location corresponding to the position of the carapace electrical contact, so that an exposed surface of the carapace electrical contact is placed in physical contact with an exposed surface of the receptacle electrical contact, when the receptacle is physically engaged and operatively associated with the main body, so that an electrical current may flow across the abutting surfaces.

Another embodiment of the invention may also have the carapace electrical contact located on the exterior surface of the recess corresponding to a mating surface of the debris receptacle, and the receptacle electrical contact is located on the external surface of the debris receptacle wall in a location corresponding to the position of the carapace electrical contact, so that an exposed surface of the carapace electrical contact is placed in physical contact with an exposed surface of the receptacle electrical contact, when the receptacle is physically engaged and operatively associated with the main body, so that an electrical current may flow across the abutting surfaces.

An embodiment of the invention may further comprise a flapper operatively associated with a bottom peripheral edge of the debris receptacle wall, wherein the carapace electrical contact(s) are located on the exterior surface of the recess seat corresponding to a mating surface of the debris receptacle flapper; and the receptacle electrical contact is located on the external surface of the debris receptacle flapper in a location corresponding to the position of the carapace electrical contact, so that an exposed surface of the carapace electrical contact is placed in physical contact with an exposed surface of the receptacle electrical contact, when the receptacle is physically engaged and operatively associated with the main body, so that an electrical current may flow across the abutting surfaces.

Another embodiment of the invention may further comprise protruding engagement teeth disposed on the recess seat, and wherein the carapace electrical contact is located on a surface of a protruding engagement teeth corresponding to a mating surface of the debris receptacle flapper; and the receptacle electrical contact is located on the external surface of the debris receptacle flapper in a location corresponding to the position of the carapace electrical contact, so that an exposed surface of the carapace electrical contact is placed in physical contact with an exposed surface of the receptacle electrical contact, when the receptacle is physically engaged and operatively associated with the main body, so that an electrical current may flow across the abutting surfaces.

An embodiment of the invention may further comprise a control feature on the handle configured to form an electrical circuit between the power source and the one or more electrical components and suction source, so that sufficient electricity is supplied to the suction source and the illumination source(s) at the same time to power the suction source and the illumination source(s).

Another embodiment of the invention may also have the debris receptacle wall sufficiently tinted so the interior of the debris receptacle is unviewabie unless the illumination source(s) are receiving sufficient electricity from the power source to be fully lit.

An embodiment of the invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus comprising a power source, a suction source for providing suction that is configured to be electrically connected to the power source; a main body comprising, a carapace having an exterior surface forming a recess and an interior surface forming an enclosed volume, and one or more electrical contact(s), wherein the electrical contact(s) are disposed at predetermined location(s) within the recess; a debris collecting device configured and dimensioned for insertion into the recess in the main body which comprises; a debris receptacle, and one or more electrical contact(s) disposed at predetermined location(s) on the debris receptacle that corresponds to the location(s) of the electrical contact on the mating face of the carapace, and are configured to form a physical interface with the carapace electrical contact when the debris collecting device is operatively engaged in the recess of the main body, and a suction base unit that is pivotally or swivelly attached to the main body and in fluid communication with the suction source.

An embodiment of the invention may also have the carapace electrical contact and receptacle electrical contact as electro-mechanical contacts.

Another embodiment of the invention may also have the carapace electrical contact(s) located on the mating surface of the suction conduit, debris conduit, the recess seat, and/or the top surface of the teeth.

Another embodiment of the invention may also have the debris collecting device electrical contact(s) located on the exterior surface of the receptacle wall, a mating surface of an air ingress, a mating surface of an air egress, and/or the bottom surface of the flapper.

An embodiment of the invention relates to a debris collecting device comprising a debris receptacle configured and dimensioned for insertion into a vacuum cleaning apparatus, which comprises, a receptacle wall having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and one or more source(s) attached to the receptacle wall and electrically connected to the receptacle electrical contact over an electrical path, wherein an electrical connection is formed from the source(s) to the main body electrical contact when the debris receptacle is operatively engaged in the recess of the main body, and wherein the illumination source(s) are electrical components.

An embodiment of the invention may further comprise an air ingress for receiving debris-laden air, an air egress for discharging cleaned air from the receptacle; and a cyclonic separator.

Another embodiment of the invention may further comprise one or more electrical contact(s) disposed at predetermined location(s) on the exterior surface of the receptacle wall, such that the receptacle electrical contact(s) are configured to form electrically-operative connection(s) to electrical contact(s) on a vacuum cleaning apparatus when the debris receptacle is operatively engaged with the vacuum cleaning apparatus, wherein the electrical contact(s) on a vacuum cleaning apparatus are configured to provide electric power to the one or more source(s).

In some embodiments of the invention, a dirt cup may be implemented with an light integrated with the dirt cup to light the interior of the dirt cup such as when it is in operation. In some embodiments, electricity can be supplied to the dirt cup and components within the dirt up such as an externally facing display or gage. Electricity can be provided by way of mating electromechanical connectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are also illustrative of the best mode contemplated by the applicants, and in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, where:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a vacuum cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a vacuum cleaning apparatus lacking a debris collection device;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a vacuum cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a debris collection device;

FIG. 5 illustrates a partially transparent side view of an embodiment of a debris collection device;

FIG. 6 illustrates a back view of an embodiment of a debris collection device;

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a debris collection device;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a debris collection device;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The principles of the present invention relate to using LEDs, electroluminescent (EL) wires and panels, and/or incandescent light bulbs to illuminate the interior of a transparent or translucent debris receptacle, and providing power to a removable debris collection device as well as these electrical components from the power source of a cleaning apparatus.

In embodiments of the present invention, a light source is located within the debris receptacle, or is incorporated into the main body of the cleaning apparatus to introduce light into the interior of the debris receptacle. The debris collection device may be a separator within a body, where the body can be a debris receptacle, also referred to as dust-collecting chambers or a “dirt cup,” where the debris receptacle may be tinted by having a partially reflective coating, and/or transparent or translucent colored wall(s) and top cover through which light can pass. The body may also comprise a bottom cover or flapper, that may be opaque. The wall(s) of the receptacle may be tinted due to a suitably thin layer of reflective coating on the interior and/or exterior surface(s), through the use of dyes or colorants within the wall material or applied to the surface as a coating, and/or reflective or colored materials interspersed with the receptacle material(s). The receptacle walls are preferably a plastic, such as poly carbonate (PC), polyethylene terephtalate (PET) or glycol-modified polyethylene terephtalate (PETG), polymethlamethacrytate (PMMA), or cellulose acetate butyrate, although other materials know to those of ordinary skill are also contemplated within the scope of the invention.

The principles of the present invention also relate to providing an electrical path to the removable debris collection device in which an electrical connection is provided from the main body to the collection device when the collection device is physically attached to and operatively associated with the main body. The contacts can be used to transmit electrical power from the power source in the surface cleaning apparatus to the removable debris collection device. The contacts could also be used to transmit and/or receive data and/or commands to and from the removable debris collection device. The data and commands could be used to present information on an externally facing display or gage. Such collection devices having debris receptacles or dust-collecting chambers (also referred to as “dirt cups”) are removable from a vacuum cleaner body for disposal of collected particulates, where particulates and debris may include, but are not limited to, dust, dirt, fibers, food particles, buttons, small lids and caps (such as bottle caps), fur, hair, epidermis particles and the like.

In embodiments of the presently claimed invention, one or more electrical contacts and/or electrical connectors are provided on mating surfaces of the cleaning apparatus and receptacle, such that the connectors and/or contacts become operatively associated when the receptacle is property joined to the cleaning apparatus. An electrical contact may be any exposed surface of a conducting material that may be placed in physical contact with another exposed surface of a conducting material for joining electrical circuits, so that an electrical current may flow across the abutting surfaces. An electrical connector may be a device designed to make a breakable connection between one or more electrical conductors, such as two flat contacting surfaces, a plug and socket style connector, or a docking connector.

Embodiments of the presently claimed invention relate to the illumination of the interior of a debris collection device that is configured and dimensioned for receipt by a bagless surface cleaning apparatus having a main body positioned intermediate a base suction unit and an apparatus handle. The main body includes a recess or chamber within which the debris collection device is operatively connected and supported. The main body can comprise a carapace that forms the recess or chamber into which the debris collection device can be inserted, and a seat upon which the debris collection device rests when it is inserted into the recess or chamber. The chamber may include a wall that delineates a receiving area having a contour complementary to that of debris collection device. An optional anchor may provide additional support for the debris collection device. A debris collection device can be removably secured to the main body during use or storage of cleaning apparatus, where the debris receptacle may be configured and dimensioned for insertion into the recess or chamber in the main body of the surface cleaning apparatus.

The principles of the present invention also relate to providing a user with an indication of the amount of capacity remaining in a debris collection canister. The extent that a debris collection canister has been filled with debris may be determined by revealing the amount or level of debris within the canister using a light, where the amount of light emitted from the interior of the canister or receptacle is the indicia of how full the canister is. A user can view the amount of material filling the receptacle from the light passing through the wall(s) of the receptacle. When multiple illumination sources are used and arranged at different heights, the amount of material contained in the canister can be determined by which illumination sources are blocked by the collected debris. A display showing a graphical representation of how full the canister is could be attached to the internal or external surface of the receptacle wall. Illumination sources having different colors also could be provided to present feedback to a user, where illumination sources of a first color could be lighted to indicate normal operation or available capacity and illumination sources of a second different color could be lighted to indicate suboptimal operation or minimal remaining capacity. For example, a green light could illuminate the interior of the receptacle as debris fills its internal volume. The green lights could be turned off and a red light illuminated once the receptacle is full. The illumination sources can be incandescent bulbs or LEDs, including bi-colored LEDs that change from green to red due to a voltage change. An illuminating source could also begin blinking when the container is full or the suction source is no longer operating properly.

Embodiments of the invention can also comprise a microprocessor or microcontroller could be included in a debris collection device to control the selective lighting of one or more illumination sources or the display of data and information on a EL display panel.

Embodiments of the invention can also comprise one or more power sources, which may be for example, a switching mode power supply, a linear power supply, a rectified AC-to-DC power supply, and/or batteries. The power supplies are electrically connected by electrical paths to one or more electrical components in the cleaning apparatus, including but not limited to electric motors, tights, LEDs, sensors, gages, and indicators, positioned at various locations on a cleaning apparatus. A signal could be used to trigger the illumination of a tight, LED, or electroluminescent display illuminating the debris receptacle, or a display for presenting data or information to a user.

Principles and embodiments of the present invention relate to preferentially illuminating the debris receptacle when the suction source is running and the cleaning device is actively suctioning debris into the debris receptacle.

In an embodiment of the claimed invention, one or more illuminating sources may be attached to either the interior and/or exterior surface(s) of a debris collection canister and electrically connected by an electrical path to a power source, such that electrical power may be transmitted to the illumination source when power is supplied to the suction source of the surface cleaning apparatus. The electrical path from the power source to the illuminating sources may include a switch that forms an electrical circuit from the power source to the suction source at the same time it forms an electrical circuit from the power source to the one or more illuminating sources. The switch may be a double pole switch that forms mechanical contacts between two conductors forming two electrical circuits at the same time. The switch may also be a transistor or solid state switch that detects the flow of electricity in an electrical path from the power source to the suction source and thereby allows or causes electricity to flow along an electrical path from a power source to the illuminating sources.

The principles and embodiments of the presently claimed invention also relate to a method of providing electrical power to a debris collection device by providing mating contacts on an exterior surface of the debris collection device and the exterior surface of a vacuum cleaning apparatus, such that the corresponding electrical contacts form a physical interface across which electricity can flow, and supplying the electricity from a power source in the cleaning apparatus to the contacts on an exterior surface of the vacuum cleaning apparatus, where the transmission of electricity from the power source to the cleaning apparatus contacts may be controlled by a user-operable switch. The electricity may be provided to the suction device and the electrical contacts at the same time along serial or parallel electrical paths controlled by the same switch.

The principles and embodiments of the presently claimed invention also relate to a method of illuminating the interior of a debris collection device during operation of a vacuum cleaning apparatus by transmitting electrical power along an electrical path that is supplied from a power source in the vacuum apparatus to one or more illumination sources associated with the debris collection device, so that electrical power may be transmitted to the illumination sources when the power is also transmitted to the suction source, and providing tinting to the debris receptacle, so the interior is faintly lit and the contents are not clearly seen or easily distinguished by an outside viewer.

Examples of different embodiments of each of the various components as well as different embodiments of the overall apparatus will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures. It should be understood that these drawings only illustrate some of the preferred embodiments, and do not represent the full scope of the present invention for which reference should be made to the accompanying claims.

A non-limiting example of a preferred embodiment will now be described in reference to the apparatus depicted in FIG. 1, which illustrates a surface cleaning apparatus 1 having a main body 50 positioned intermediate a base suction unit 100, and an apparatus handle 10, which is affixed to the main body 50. A removable debris collection device 150 can be physically and operatively associated with the main body.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus 1, in which the removable debris collection device 150 has been disengaged. The surface cleaning apparatus 1 is shown having a main body 50 positioned intermediate a base suction unit 100 and an apparatus handle 10, which is affixed to the main body. A power source (not shown) may be located in the main body 50 or the base suction unit 100 and is configured to be electrically connected to one or more electrical components located about the cleaning apparatus 1. A suction source (not shown) also may be located in the main body 50 or the base suction unit 100 and is configured to provide suction to the base suction unit 100. A suction base unit 100 may be pivotally or swivelly attached to the main body 50 by a joint, and in fluid communication with the suction source, so as to receives suction from the suction source.

The main body can comprise a carapace 51 having an exterior surface forming a recess or chamber 55 and an interior surface forming an enclosed volume, and may have a seat 80 to support the bottom of a debris collection device 150. One or more electrical contacts may be disposed at a predetermined location(s) on the exterior surface of the carapace, which may include the suction conduit 60, debris conduit 70, and/or seat 80, including the top surface of the teeth 88.

“Recess” and “chamber” are intended to be used interchangeably and to mean a section of the main body that at least partially encompasses a removable debris collection device when it is operatively engaged with the main body and provides one or more surfaces that support and/or engage mating surfaces of the debris collection device. For example, such a recess or chamber may be only a frame having one or more columnar structures having one or more projections from which the debris receptacle may lockingly engage and hang therefrom without resting upon a horizontal surface; or the recess or chamber may comprise a complete semi-cylindrical wall that encompasses half the debris collection device and has a seat and bottom rim configured and dimensioned to receive a base or lower portion of the collection device and retain it in a secure position, as well as a full range of structures providing enclosures and supports in between the two embodiments described.

The recess or chamber may have a seat 80 that supports the debris collection device 150 thereupon, and provides a resisting surface that prevents a bottom cover or flapper 195 of a collection device from opening (see FIG. 5). The seat 80 may include optional engagement features for removable retention of the debris collection device. Such engagement features may be one or more protruding engagement teeth 88 that releasably retain a corresponding structure in the base of the debris collection device. The debris collection device 150 may be inserted into the recess 55 to form a snap-tight engagement. In this manner, the recess or chamber 55 envelops the debris collection device 150, so as to provide a cooperating profile between the debris collection device and main body 50. Other retractable locking features may be located on the collection device.

The electrical contacts 65, 75, 85, on the main body of the cleaning apparatus can have an electrical path to a power source in the cleaning apparatus, where an electrical path may be formed using wires, conducting tape, metallic paint, and/or other conductive pathways formed on circuit boards and/or non-conductive surfaces of the cleaning device. The electrical path may be along an interior surface of the main body or within the enclosed volume formed by the carapace.

FIG. 3 illustrates a surface cleaning apparatus 1 having a main body 50 positioned intermediate abase suction unit 100, and an apparatus handle 10, which is affixed to the main body 50. A debris collection device 150 is physically and operatively associated with the main body.

FIG. 4 illustrates a debris collection device 150 configured and dimensioned for insertion into the recess 55 in the main body 50 which comprises, a receptacle wall 185 having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and an air ingress 160 for receiving debris-laden air and air egress 170 for discharging cleaned air from the receptacle disposed on the receptacle wall 185. One or more electrical contact(s) 165, 175, 186 may be disposed at a predetermined location on the debris collection device including the exterior surface of the receptacle wall 185, air ingress 160, and air egress 170 that corresponds to the location of the electrical contact on the mating face of the carapace, such that the receptacle electrical contact(s) makes an electrically-operative connection to the carapace electrical contact when the debris receptacle is operatively engaged in the recess of the main body.

The debris receptacle 180 can have a receptacle wall 185 which forms a peripheral boundary of the receptacle, and an internal volume to retain vacuum debris. The wall 185 may be cylindrical, frustoconical, square, rectangular, triangular, or have smooth or undulating surface and varying dimensions that are not completely described by one of the geometric terms without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. The receptacle wall 185 has an external surface and an external surface.

The debris receptacle 180 may have at least one air ingress 160 that extends generally normally relative to receptacle wall and defines a lumen therethrough. The lumen provides communication of dirty air from a conduit on the cleaning apparatus body to the debris collection device 150. The air ingress 160 may communicate with a hose that is in fluid communication with a suction port (not shown) as generally known for delivering suction to a cleaning surface. Particulate-laden air is delivered through the air ingress, such that the particulates tangentially impinge a side wall of the cyclonic separator. The particulate-laden air is thereby cleaned by subjecting it to centrifugal separation, such that the debris particles separate from the air for collection in the debris receptacle.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a debris collection device 150 with one or more source(s) 200 attached to the receptacle watt 185 and electrically connected to a receptacle electrical contact 210 over an electrical path 205, wherein an electrical connection is formed from the illumination source(s) 200 to the main body electrical contact when the debris receptacle is operatively engaged in the recess 55 of the main body.

The one or more electrical contacts 165, 175, 186, on the debris receptacle 180 of the cleaning apparatus can have an electrical path to the electrical components, where an electrical path may be formed using wires, conducting tape, metallic paint, and/or other conductive pathways formed on circuit boards and/or non-conductive surfaces of the debris receptacle. Two contacts may be required to form an electrical circuit. The contacts on the debris receptacle form a physical interface with the contacts on the main body.

The illumination source(s) 200 may be attached to the internal or external surface of the receptacle wall 185 and electrically connected to the power source, or the receptacle wall 185 may have an opening configured and dimensioned to retain the illumination source. A plurality of illumination sources may be attached to a number of different positions of the debris receptacle to provide lighting into the interior of the receptacle at different heights and at different angles to provide better viewing as the receptacle fills up. In other embodiments, illumination of the interior of a debris receptacle can be accomplished by shining light into the receptacle from illumination sources located on the exterior surface of the receptacle side wall and/or on the main body. For example, electroluminescent display may be attached inwardly facing to the exterior surface of the receptacle side wall on a section that is positioned opposite a viewing user when the receptacle is engaged with the main body. The electroluminescent display may comprise a set of glowing lines or bars positioned at varying distances from the base of the receptacle, so a user can tell how full the receptacle is by the number of illuminating lines obscured by the collected debris. Such an arrangement can provide back-lighting of the debris receptacle, preferably only when the suction source is in operation, so that the interior of the receptacle remains dark and essentially unobservable when the cleaning apparatus is off.

The interior of the debris receptacle 180 may also be illuminated by a combination of light sources located internally and externally of the side wall 185. The illumination from internal light sources can provide overall lighting to the interior of the receptacle, while the external light sources can be positioned along a vertical line to provide indicia of the extent to which the receptacle is filled.

The light sources 200 should be sufficiently bright to make both the amount of debris and any swirling motion of the debris plainly visible from the exterior of the debris receptacle 180 through the tinted and/or colored side watts 185 of the receptacle. In this manner, the brightness of the light sources would be inversely proportional to the amount of light absorbed or reflected by the tinted sidewalk 185.

It is preferable that the tinting of the debris receptacle 180 should be sufficient to obscure the interior of the debris receptacle when the illumination sources 200 are off, so that the unsightly contents of the receptacle are not readily observable by a user when the cleaning device is not in operation. A separate switch could also be provided to control the illumination sources, so a user could choose when to check how full the receptacle is without having to turn on the suction source.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a debris collection device 150 with a controlled tension apparatus 190 aligned vertically along the external surface of the debris receptacle wall 185, and one or more illumination source(s) 200 attached to the receptacle wall 185 and electrically connected to a receptacle electrical contact 210 over an electrical path 205. The electrical connection is formed from the illumination source(s) 200 to the main body electrical contact when the debris receptacle is operatively engaged in the recess 55 of the main body.

The debris collection device 150 may comprise a debris collection canister or debris receptacle 180 that accommodates a centrifugal separation system (not shown) and has a debris collection cover 155. The debris collection device may further comprise an actuatable flapper 195 connected to a receptacle watt 185 of the collection device and operatively associated with the collection device to retain debris within the collection device until the flapper 195 is released.

A controlled tension apparatus 190 contemplated for use with debris collection device may include a rack and pinion assembly that operably joins the flapper 195 to a manually liftable pull lever such that manipulation of the pull lever effects corresponding actuation of flapper relative to canister 180. A rack and pinion assembly includes putt lever housed by a pull lever body having a gripping extent that can be readily grasped by a user and an opposed mounting extent.

The flapper 195 may comprise a support surface having one or more annular ribs 198 that support a combined weight of the debris collection device and any debris collected in the debris collection area(s). The flapper may also include a pedestal 196 having a generally cylindrical side wall depending upwardly from a generally planar floor.

A debris collection cover 155 may be coupled with the debris collection canister 180, and a handle is formed on at least one of the debris collection canister and the debris collection cover. The handle or the debris receptacle is configured to be grasped by a user for removal of the debris collection device from, and replacement of the debris collection device in, the main body. As used herein, the term “canister” is intended to be a general term without specifying a particular shape. A canister may be cylindrical, frustoconical, square, rectangular, triangular, or have smooth or undulating surface and varying dimensions that are not completely described by one of the geometric terms.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of a debris collection device 150, including the bottom of the flapper 195. An electrical contact 210 may be located on a bottom surface of the flapper 195, and positioned to correspond with a mating electrical contact 85 positioned on the seat 80 of recess 55, or on the teeth 80, so that the two contacts come together when the debris collection device is operatively engaged in the recess 55 of the main body 50 of the surface cleaning apparatus 1.

An electrical path may run from the contact 210 to the electrical components along the controlled tension apparatus 190, which may shield the wires or conductive tape from the external environment.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a debris collection device 150 with one or more source(s) 200 attached to the receptacle wall 185 and electrically connected to a receptacle electrical contact 210 over an electrical path 205, wherein an electrical connection is formed from the illumination source(s) 200 to the main body electrical contact 75 when the debris collection device is operatively engaged in the recess 55 of the main body 50. The electrical connection between the dirt cup and housing may be standard electromechanical connectors or spring-loaded contacts.

The one or more illumination source(s) are located around the receptacle wall 185 and at least a sufficient distance from the top periphery of the receptacle wall 185 to allow a cover 155 to fully close and seal the debris receptacle.

Examples of different particular embodiments of each of the various components and arrangements, as well as different embodiments of the overall cleaning apparatus have been illustrated and described above. The examples illustrate particular combinations of controls and electrical component design features, however other combinations and arrangements of the various inventive features can be implemented, and are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, variations and modifications other than those illustrated and described will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art. It is intended that all such embodiments, examples, variations, combinations, and modifications thereon are meant to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a handle;

a power source electrically connected to at least one electrical component of the cleaning apparatus and a suction source for providing suction;

a main body including a main body electrical contact;

a debris receptacle removably secured to the main body, the debris receptacle comprising an air ingress for receiving debris-laden air; an air egress for discharging cleaned air from the receptacle; a receptacle wall that forms a peripheral boundary of the receptacle; at least one receptacle electrical contact disposed on the receptacle wall, corresponding to the main body electrical contact and forming an electrical connection when the debris receptacle is operatively engaged with the main body;

at least one illumination source electrically connected to the receptacle electrical contact; and

a suction base unit in fluid communication with the suction source.

19. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18, which further comprises a flapper operatively associated with a bottom peripheral edge of the receptacle wall, wherein the at least one illumination source is located around the receptacle wall and at least a distance from the bottom peripheral edge of the receptacle wall to allow the flapper to fully close and seal the debris receptacle.

20. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18, which further comprises

a flapper operatively associated with a bottom peripheral edge of the debris receptacle wall; and

a controlled tension apparatus aligned vertically along an exterior surface of the debris receptacle wall and operatively associated with the flapper, wherein the at least one illumination source is located substantially adjacent to and parallel with the controlled tension apparatus.

21. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18, wherein the main body electrical contact is located on the exterior surface of the main body in proximity to a mating edge of a suction conduit, and the receptacle electrical contact is located adjacent to the air ingress or the air egress of the debris receptacle and in a location corresponding to the position of the main body electrical contact, so that an exposed surface of the main body electrical contact is placed in physical contact with an exposed surface of the receptacle electrical contact when the receptacle is physically engaged and operatively associated with the main body, so that an electrical current may flow across the abutting surfaces.

22. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18, wherein the main body electrical contact is located on the exterior surface of the main body corresponding to a mating surface of the debris receptacle, and the receptacle electrical contact is located on the exterior surface of the debris receptacle wall in a location corresponding to the position of the main body electrical contact, so that an exposed surface of the main body electrical contact is placed in physical contact with an exposed surface of the receptacle electrical contact when the receptacle is physically engaged and operatively associated with the main body, so that an electrical current may flow across the abutting surfaces.

23. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18, wherein the main body electrical contact is located on an exterior surface of the main body corresponding to a mating surface of the debris receptacle, and the receptacle electrical contact is located on the exterior surface of the debris receptacle wall in a location corresponding to the position of the main body electrical contact, so that an exposed surface of the main body electrical contact is placed in physical contact with an exposed surface of the receptacle electrical contact when the receptacle is physically engaged and operatively associated with the main body, so that an electrical current may flow across the abutting surfaces.

24. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18, which further comprises a flapper operatively associated with a bottom peripheral edge of the receptacle wall, wherein the main body electrical contact is located on the exterior surface of the main body corresponding to a mating surface of the debris receptacle flapper, and the receptacle electrical contact is located on the exterior surface of the debris receptacle flapper in a location corresponding to the position of the main body electrical contact, so that an exposed surface of the main body electrical contact is placed in physical contact with an exposed surface of the receptacle electrical contact when the receptacle is physically engaged and operatively associated with the main body, so that an electrical current may flow across the abutting surfaces.

25. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18, which further comprises

a flapper operatively associated with a bottom peripheral edge of the receptacle wall, and

protruding engagement teeth disposed on the main body, wherein the main body electrical contact is located on a surface of the protruding engagement teeth corresponding to a mating surface of the flapper, and the receptacle electrical contact is located on the exterior surface of the flapper in a location corresponding to the position of the main body electrical contact, so that an exposed surface of the main body electrical contact is placed in physical contact with an exposed surface of the receptacle electrical contact when the receptacle is physically engaged and operatively associated with the main body, so that an electrical current may flow across the abutting surfaces.

26. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18, which further comprises a control feature on the handle configured to form an electrical circuit between the power source and the at least one electrical component and suction source, so that sufficient electricity is supplied to the suction source and the at least one illumination source to power the suction source and the at least one illumination source at the same time.

27. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 26, wherein the receptacle wall is sufficiently tinted so the interior volume of the debris receptacle is substantially unviewable unless the at least one illumination source is receiving electricity from the power source.

28. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one illumination source is configured to illuminate an interior of the debris receptacle to permit a user to view the interior of the debris receptacle when the surface cleaning apparatus is in operation and wherein the debris receptacle is tinted to inhibit a user from viewing the interior of the debris receptacle when the surface cleaning apparatus is not in operation.

29. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a power source;

a suction source for providing suction electrically connected to the power source;

a main body comprising a recess; and at least one main body electrical contact disposed within the recess;

a debris collecting device removably secured to the main body, the debris collecting device comprising a debris receptacle; and at least one receptacle electrical contact disposed on the debris receptacle and corresponding to the at least one body electrical contact when the debris collecting device is operatively engaged in the recess of the main body; and

a suction base unit in fluid communication with the suction source.

30. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 29, wherein the main body electrical contact and receptacle electrical contact are electro-mechanical contacts.

31. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least one main body electrical contact is located on a mating surface of suction conduit, debris conduit, a recess seat, or a tooth top surface.

32. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least one receptacle electrical contact is located on an exterior surface of the receptacle wall, a mating surface of air ingress, a mating surface of air egress, or a bottom surface of a flapper.

33. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least one main body electrical contact is configured to provide electric power to at least one illumination source.

34. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 33, wherein the at least one illumination source is configured to illuminate an interior of the debris receptacle to permit a user to view the interior of the debris receptacle when the surface cleaning apparatus is in operation and wherein the debris receptacle is tinted to inhibit a user from viewing the interior of the debris receptacle when the surface cleaning apparatus is not in operation.

35. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a handle;

at least one electrical component;

a suction source;

a power source electrically connected to the at least one electrical component of the cleaning apparatus and the suction source for providing suction;

a main body;

a debris receptacle removably secured to the main body, the debris receptacle comprising an air ingress for receiving debris-laden air; an air egress for discharging cleaned air from the receptacle; and a receptacle wall that forms a peripheral boundary of the receptacle;

at least one illumination source introducing light into the interior of the debris receptacle; and

a suction base unit in fluid communication with the suction source.

36. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 35, further comprising at least one main body electrical contact and at least one receptacle electrical contact configured to engage the at least one main body electrical contact to thereby provide electric power to at least one illumination source when the debris receptacle is secured to the main body.

37. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 35, wherein the at least one illumination source is configured to illuminate an interior of the debris receptacle to permit a user to view the interior of the debris receptacle when the surface cleaning apparatus is in operation and wherein the debris receptacle is tinted to inhibit a user from viewing the interior of the debris receptacle when the surface cleaning apparatus is not in operation.