Abstract: An apparatus (20) for cleaning a surface (22) includes a clean fluid tank (26) containing a cleaning fluid (46) and configured for delivery of the fluid (46) to the surface (22). The clean fluid tank (26) has a first outer surface (76). A waste fluid tank (30) is coupled with the clean fluid tank (26) and has a second outer surface (78). The second surface (78) abuts the first surface (76) to form a conduit (84) between the first and second surfaces (76, 78), the conduit (84) being in fluid communication with the waste fluid tank (30). Vacuum motors (94) and (108), in communication with the conduit (84), operate to vacuum waste fluid (164) and air (116) into the waste fluid tank (30). The air (116) is expelled from the waste fluid tank (30) via the conduit (84).

Abstract: A vacuum system has a cabinet that can be mounted to a wall. The cabinet includes a hose storage compartment with a hose drive assembly for automatically extending and retracting a vacuum hose. A portable vacuum unit can be removably docked to the cabinet and connected to the vacuum hose so that waste can be picked up the vacuum hose when the portable vacuum unit is docked. When undocked, the portable vacuum unit can be used alone.

Abstract: A self-propelled cleaning device having a cylindrical side cover has a suction body capable of moving transversely to the forward direction. The side cover is held by a base via a suspension. When cleaning corners of a room, the suction body moves by a wall and as the suction body moves to a corner, the movement amount of the suction body is changed. When an obstacle touches the cleaning device, the side cover moves, and the article touches a side cover switch, and the direction of the article is detected.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a handle unit for a vacuum cleaner. The handle unit for the vacuum cleaner for controlling a cleaner body of the vacuum cleaner includes a handle body of the vacuum cleaner; and a supporting unit projected from one side of the handle body, the supporting unit holding an accessory brush, wherein the supporting unit and the handle body is molded in a single piece by the injection molding process.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner that includes a suction assembly, a cleaner body, a supporting member, and mounting parts. The cleaner body has a dust collecting unit which is in communication with the suction assembly. The supporting member is formed as a single frame with a lower end hinged to the suction assembly. The cleaner body is detachable from a front surface of the supporting member. A width of the supporting member is narrower than the cleaner body. The mounting parts are formed on a rear surface of the supporting member and are provided in a longitudinal direction with respect to the supporting member. The mounting parts are also shaped to mount accessories.

Abstract: A multifunction vacuum cleaner, in which a main body is removably connected to a frame portion, comprises a nozzle assembly for suctioning in an air including dusts or dirt on a cleaning area, a main body having a cyclone dust collector for centrifugally separating the dusts or dirt from the sucked air, a dust receptacle for collecting the separated dusts or dirt, a main body frame having an upper casing and a lower casing, a button operation portion formed on an upper part of the main body frame, and a connecting projection integrally formed with the button operation portion and moving elastically, and a frame portion which is pivotably connected with the nozzle assembly, and having a connecting groove to correspond to the connecting projection. The main body of the vacuum cleaner is removably mounted in the frame portion. As a result, the main body can be conveniently connected with or separate from the frame portion.

Abstract: A vacuum including a housing, a suction device disposed within the housing, a plurality of accessories operable to engage the suction device, a plurality of wheels mounted to the housing and at least one bumper disposed on the housing. The at least one bumper includes a retaining feature operable to store at least one of the accessories, and the at least one bumper is operable to protect at least one of the wheels to minimize damage thereto. At least one pocket is defined by the bumper. The pocket is adapted to store at least one of the accessories.

Abstract: A vacuum including a housing and a suction device disposed within the housing is provided with hose and power cord storage features. A pivotal inlet coupling facilitates storage of the hose. A separately formed inlet body facilitates easier formation of the inlet. A cord wrap feature allows easier storage and removal of the power cord.

Abstract: A vacuum system has a cabinet that can be mounted to a wall. The cabinet includes a hose storage compartment with a hose drive assembly for automatically extending and retracting a vacuum hose. A portable vacuum unit can be removably docked to the cabinet and connected to the vacuum hose so that waste can be picked up the vacuum hose when the portable vacuum unit is docked. When undocked, the portable vacuum unit can be used alone.

Abstract: A floor care appliance is provided for cleaning bare surfaces such as tile, marble, linoleum and wood. The floor care appliance includes an accessory caddy for storing an accessory hose, telescoping wand, cleaning implements and cleaning supplies. The accessory caddy is placed over the suction nozzle in front of the cleaner housing for storage. A pair of arcuate cutouts on the caddy are provided for placement over the suction nozzle. A handle is provided for transporting the accessory caddy.

Abstract: An accessory support for an upright type vacuum cleaner, the upright type vacuum cleaner comprising a cleaner body, a suction brush formed adjacent a lower part of the cleaner body, and a handle engaged with the cleaner body, the accessory support comprising: a hanger attached to a connecting part between the handle and the cleaner body; and a support bracket detachably attached to the hanger, and having a mounting part on which the accessory is removably mounted.

Abstract: A floor care appliance such as a vacuum cleaner is provided having an filtration bag changing assembly located in the filtration compartment. A supply of filtration material is packaged in a container in the form of a continuous tube to be fed into the filtration compartment. A sealing and cutting assembly seals the tube at the lower end after a bag is fed into the filtration compartment. Once a filtration bag is full, a new filtration bag is pulled into place with the lower end of the tube being sealed and the old filtration bag being cut from the tube by a cutter. A pair of opposing heating elements are used to seal the opposing sidewalls of the tube together to form the filtration bag. The free end of the tube is fluidly connected to the suction nozzle by a connector and a dirt duct.

Abstract: A vacuum system has a cabinet that can be mounted to a wall. The cabinet includes a hose connectable to a vacuum source. The hose is extendible from the cabinet between extended and retracted positions. A rotatable shaft drives the hose and a power source causes the rotatable shaft to rotate. A sensor measures the speed of rotation of the shaft and signals a controller to stop the power source when the speed falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A tool holder is provided for a floor cleaning apparatus. The tool holder includes a body having both a wand receiver and a cleaning tool receiver.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly in a vehicle has a suction nozzle and controls for the vacuum all located within a reach zone of the driver sitting the driver's seat. The suction nozzle is mounted to the vehicle, either as part of the central vacuum system or on a portable vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: The following invention refers to a mobile unit comprising a hollow container (5) fit for housing in a sliding manner at least one drawer (7), and a case (16), which can be detached in virtue of suitable hooking/unhooking means (15), containing a dust suction device. Said mobile unit also comprises additional containers (19) that can be moved and piled on top of each other and on top of said hollow container (5).

Abstract: A hose holder includes a frame comprising first and second opposed cradles for supporting a vacuum hose wrapped thereabout. The frame is suitably sized for supporting long hoses, for example in the order of 35 feet or more, of the type typically associated with a central vacuuming system. The frame includes first and second clamp members for securement at spaced positions along the rigid pipe typically attached to the vacuum head in the central vacuuming system.

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 subject invention provides a vacuum unit, a waste container, and a transport mechanism. The vacuum unit applies a vacuum to clean an area to collect debris and the waste container collects waste by a user separate from debris collected by the vacuum unit. The transport mechanism supports the vacuum unit and the waste container thereof for moving the vacuum unit and the waste container across the area while applying the vacuum to collect the debris and while allowing independent filling of the waste container with waste.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a suction air inlet disposed in front of an electric blower and a dust chamber detachably installed to the rear of the electric blower. The vacuum cleaner further embodies a swivel caster and wheels for facilitating transportability thereof, wherein the swivel caster is provided in front of the electric blower. By not having the dust chamber above the swivel caster, regardless of the amount of dust accumulated in the dust chamber, the load that is distributed on the swivel caster stays substantially unchanged, thereby enhancing durability of the swivel caster. Furthermore, in such configuration loading and unloading of the dust chamber can be carried out without being interfered with a hose due to the placement of the suction air outlet connected with the hose and the dust chamber on opposite ends of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a housing and a housing cover with a cable-pull opening in the housing cover. An electric cable has a plug on one end which can be pulled through a cut-out which is larger than the plug. During assembly the plug is pulled through the cut-out and then into a cable run area formed on one side of the cut-out and connected by a slit large enough for the cable but too small to accommodate the plug.

Abstract: A holder for storing ribbed vacuum cleaner hoses that includes a pair of support members mounted on a support, each support member having one or more ribs to engage the ribbed surface of the hose. The ribs include a lip that prevents displacement of the hose away from the support.

Abstract: A device for simple setting up of stationary central vacuum cleaning installations in dwellings or the like. The device is in the form of a housing (6) with the purpose of accommodating a conventional vacuum cleaner (7) of the type that comprises an intake air inlet (22) to which a long suction hose (8) is connectable. Parts of the housing are detachable from the rest of the housing in order to enable adjustment of the vacuum cleaner in the interior of the housing. In the housing, an aperture (25) is formed for leading through the hose (8) to the vacuum cleaner, as well as an outlet.

Abstract: A cord attachment mechanism is associated with a main body and adapted to attach the accessory caddy to the power cord. An accessory retention mechanism is associated with the main body and adapted to releasably retain a vacuum accessory on the accessory caddy. The main body is adapted to enable the accessory caddy to be manually repositioned along the cord; for example, by sliding or by removal and reattachment. A single, integral part having two sides separated by a living hinge is used to form the main body. Each side has a cooperating snap-fit member which is adapted to retain the two sides together. A hand-held steam vacuum cleaner is also provided which includes the accessory caddy on its power supply cord.

Abstract: The present invention provides a holder for storing accessories on a wet/dry vacuum. The holder securely attaches to the vacuum and readily detaches therefrom. The detachable holder may be detached with the accessories. While an operator dumps debris out of the drum of the vacuum, detaching the holder prevents the accessories from being inadvertently spilled out of or discarded from the holder. The detachable accessory holder fully secures to a bracket attached to the vacuum. The secure attachment prevents the holder from falling off or tipping on the vacuum. To attach the holder to the bracket and vacuum, grooves on the holder are set on to an axle of the vacuum. As the holder is pivoted about the axle, tabs and a latch on the holder engage slots and a step on the bracket. To remove the holder, the operator presses on the latch and lifts the holder from the bracket and the appliance.

Abstract: A clip- or sheath-type holder includes a partial plug-in part and a snap-on part for housing a combination of small parts or individual accessories for the vacuum cleaner. The holder is permanently fixed to the bow of a tubular handle such that the user has all the accessories at hand and can easily interchange the accessories. The combination of accessories is inserted into the housing body on one side and is snapped into place by a pivoting motion such that it is fixed on all sides.

Abstract: A portable extraction cleaning machine has a housing assembly including a housing enclosure centrally mounted on a housing base and a handle adapted for user carrying of the extraction cleaner, a suction motor and impeller assembly sealed within the housing enclosure and a solution tank for cleaning solution and a recovery tank removably mounted to the housing base in a fore and aft position. The recovery tank has an integrally molded spout and an air/liquid separator comprising a riser tube having an internal divider separating the riser tube into fluidly isolated first and second conduits. A plurality of different decorative face plates are adapted to be removably mounted to the housing enclosure and each of which is adapted to cover at least a substantial visible portion of the visible surface of the housing enclosure when mounted on the housing enclosure.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for use with a double basin kitchen sink includes first and second shells pivotally attached to one another to form a portable housing. Each shell defines a plurality of recesses configured to hold cleaning attachments. A vacuum motor is operably mounted in one shell, and the other shell defines an internal soap mixing basin. The shells are configured to be placed over the sink when in an open position. This allows access to drain pipes and water faucets for either dry or wet cleaning. Transportation of the housing during cleaning is also eliminated.

Abstract: A floor cleaning unit having a housing and a removable caddy which may be mounted on and removed from the housing for storing accessories. The caddy includes a body which removably mounts to the housing. A connector assembly is included on the body for removably mounting the body on the housing. The connector assembly includes a slot for receiving a hook member attached to the housing. An accessory retainer is formed on the body for storing the floor cleaning unit accessories, whereby the caddy and the floor cleaning unit accessories stored thereon may be slidably removed from the floor cleaning unit by merely applying a force to the body.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine has one or more barriers immediately behind one or more scrubbing brushes, wherein the barriers capture and control flow of a cleaning solution (and/or other substances) that exits from beneath the scrubbing brush(es) so that such a solution is retained adjacent the scrub brush(es) and recycled underneath the scrub brush(es) for enhancing the floor cleaning effectiveness of the floor cleaning machine. The captured solution is urged back into contact with the scrubbing brush(es) by the same rotating action that urged the solution to be ejected from the scrubbing brush(es). The machine also includes at least one splash guard and a squeegee mounted at the rear of the machine, with each of these latter components serving distinctly different functions from that of the barriers. The machine may also include an exterior top storage area for retaining various items that are useful in cleaning the floor.

Abstract: A portable equipment for electric tool for the working of surfaces includes a case-shaped container (1) including a plurality of compartments. A first compartment (40, 60) houses air suction device (16, 66), a second compartment (14, 70) is provided with an openable cover (26, 72) and houses filtering device (30, 81) and replaceable device (15, 71) for the collection of working dust contained in the sucked air and a third compartment (5, 90) is provided with an openable cover (6, 91) and is suitable for housing an electric tool and its accessories. The case-shaped container (1) is also provided with first connecting device (4, 3; 55, 56) for electrical and suction connection of the container (1) to the tool and with second connecting device (28, 12; 78, 62) for electrical connection of the container (1) to a power supply.

Abstract: A wet-dry vacuum cleaner with both a tool caddy and a waste receptacle basket is disclosed which has a mechanism by which the basket can be securely and positively connected to the tool caddy. One of the tool caddy and basket may include a deflectable tab while the other of the tool caddy and basket may include a slot adapted to receive the tab. Upon connecting the basket onto the tool caddy the tab may be inserted into the slot to thus positively connect the basket to the tool caddy and thereby provide a secure attachment.

Abstract: A cleaning and tool storage assembly includes a housing having a base and a lid which is hingedly connected with the base. A vacuum cleaner assembly is disposed within the housing. A handle on the lid may be utilized to retain an electrical power cord. Articles, such as a hose, which are utilized in association with the vacuum cleaner, may be retained on the lid. A tray for holding items may be provided in the base of the housing. The tray may be removable from the housing to provide access to storage space. A cover for a dust bin of the vacuum cleaner may be opened with the tray in the housing.

Abstract: A steam cleaning device with a built-in storage for a power cord, brushes and conversion connectors can change steam output devices by switching a first conversion connector with a second conversion connector to achieve multiple function with the same device. The device further has a winding box and a brush compartment to store the power cord and various types of brushes in one body to save storage space.

Abstract: A handle for a vacuum cleaner is attached to a suction tube and/or a suction hose and is configured as a tube, which is open at one end, for storing an accessory that is fastened therein in captive manner and that can be removed.

Abstract: A dust collection conversion device for facilitating removal of dust from the area of work piece when a user is working on the work piece. The dust collection conversion device includes a frame assembly being designed for being coupled to a top of the shop vacuum. The frame assembly has a base member and a stanchion member. The base member is designed for coupling to the shop vacuum. The stanchion member is coupled to the base member. An arm member is coupled to the stanchion member of the frame assembly. The arm member is designed for coupling to a hose of the shop vacuum for directing the hose towards a work piece for vacuuming dust when the shop vacuum is turned on.

Abstract: An accessory tool mounting device is provided for a vacuum cleaner by means of which accessory tools can be detachably mounted on the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction device, a plurality of wheels, and exhaust portions for filtering out foreign substances contained in air drawn in by the suction device and exhausted as filtered air. The accessory tool mounting device includes wheel fender portions that extend outwardly from a main body of the vacuum cleaner, exhaust-portion forming extensions that extend outwardly from the main body and are formed adjacent to the wheel fender portions, a fastening box member an upper end of which is open and which is formed between the wheel fender portion and the exhaust-portion forming extension, and an accessory mounting member comprising a U-shaped elastic fastening end which is insertable downwardly into the fastening box member.

Abstract: A two-piece caddy and vacuum cleaner accessory assembly is provided. The caddy includes first and second body sections that are connected together without the use of a separate independent fastener. The first body section includes first, second and third accessory receptacles. The second body section includes first, second and third accessory engaging clips. The receptacles and clips function to hold various vacuum cleaner tools and accessories such as an extension hose, a wand, a crevice cleaning tool and a nozzle brush.

Abstract: A vaccum cleaner has a hose (10, 30, 30′) that is retractable in length by the application of reduced pressure from the vacuum cleaner. After use, the free end (14, 21, 33) of the hose is occluded so that pressure falls within the hose and it is retracted in length. The hose is restrained in its shortened length before suction is turned off. The hose in its retracted state may be stored on or off the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A device for attaching a hose to a housing. The device comprises first and second arms that are attached to the hose. The first arm extends outward from the hose toward the second arm and the second arm extends outward from the hose toward the first arm.

Abstract: A tool holder is provided for a floor cleaning apparatus. The tool holder includes a body having both a wand receiver and a cleaning tool receiver.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a housing and a housing cover with a cable-pull opening in the housing cover. An electric cable has a plug on one end which can be pulled through a cut-out which is larger than the plug. During assembly the plug is pulled through the cut-out and then into a cable run area formed on one side of the cut-out and connected by a slit large enough for the cable but too small to accommodate the plug.

Abstract: A vacuum extension kit elements includes extensions, a flexible hose and an adapter or two, each having plural diameter male and female connectors for connection to different size vacuum cleaner elements and attachments and/or an elastic adapter. The conduit through the elements is essentially a uniform diameter, for uninterrupted flow, and is small enough to double the flow velocity through standard vacuum cleaner elements. A clog preventer, for filtering out large particles, and inserts, for optional further reduction of female connector inside diameters, are also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum unit used to vacuum lawn debris includes a vacuum unit body having at least first and second inlet openings and at least one flap that can be adjusted to selectively cover and open the second opening. The vacuum unit body includes a flap adjustment member that is located within the second opening and that includes a contact surface that contacts the flap. Preferably, the flap adjustment member has one end that is adapted to receive a vacuum hose. The flap adjustment member can be placed into a first position where it causes the flap to open the second opening and a second position where it permits the flap to cover the second opening. The vacuum hose has a handle that can be attached to the vacuum unit handle permitting the vacuum hose to remain permanently attached to the vacuum unit even when the vacuum hose is not being used.

Abstract: A car vacuum cleaner includes a handle, which is pivoted to a first end of a housing thereof at one end, and releasably engaged with a second end of the housing at an engaging protrusion at other end; the handle is formed such as to be capable of being hooked onto an upper edge of a window of a car with an air outlet of the housing facing outwardly of the car after the engaging protrusion is disengaged from the housing, and after the handle is pivoted away from the second end of the housing. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner can be hung outside a car, and in turns, hot exhaust, and small dust and particulates in the air that are so small as to pass through a filtering net of the cleaner are prevented from passing into the car again when the cleaner is used to vacuum inside of the car.

Abstract: An versatile vacuum cleaner is disclosed which comprises a main body, a socket, a first cleaner, a second cleaner, a motor assembly, a cord reel, a handle, and an exhaust duct, and can be converted easily into different configurations each suitable for a specifically different type of vacuum cleaning operation. Improvements are made in details such as the arrangement or the configuration of the main body, the socket, the first cleaner, the second cleaner, the cord reel, the handle, and exhaust duct, thereby improving the operability of the vacuum cleaner and improving the performance thereof.

Abstract: A clip- or sheath-type holder includes a partial plug-in part and a snap-on part for housing a combination of small parts or individual accessories for the vacuum cleaner. The holder is permanently fixed to the bow of a tubular handle such that the user has all the accessories at hand and can easily interchange the accessories. The combination of accessories is inserted into the housing body on one side and is snapped into place by a pivoting motion such that it is fixed on all sides.

Abstract: A wet-dry vacuum cleaner with both a tool caddy and a waste receptacle basket is disclosed which has a mechanism by which the basket can be securely and positively connected to the tool caddy. One of the tool caddy and basket may include a deflectable tab while the other of the tool caddy and basket may include a slot adapted to receive the tab. Upon connecting the basket onto the tool caddy the tab may be inserted into the slot to thus positively connect the basket to the tool caddy and thereby provide a secure attachment.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a portable cleaning assembly. The assembly includes a vacuum body and a vacuum unit. The vacuum body has a receiving channel extending from the top of the vacuum body. The assembly further includes a waste container supported on top of the vacuum body, wherein the bottom of the waste container is supported. The bottom of the waste container also separates the vacuum body from the waste container, such that waste container is separate and distinct from the vacuum body and removable from the vacuum body. A transport mechanism supports the vacuum body and the waste container thereof for moving the vacuum body and the waste container across the area while applying the vacuum and for independently filling the waste container with waste.

Abstract: A cord attachment mechanism is associated with a main body and adapted to attach the accessory caddy to the power cord. An accessory retention mechanism is associated with the main body and adapted to releasably retain a vacuum accessory on the accessory caddy. The main body is adapted to enable the accessory caddy to be manually repositioned along the cord; for example, by sliding or by removal and reattachment. A single, integral part having two sides separated by a living hinge is used to form the main body. Each side has a cooperating snap-fit member which is adapted to retain the two sides together. A hand-held steam vacuum cleaner is also provided which includes the accessory caddy on its power supply cord.