Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed having an upper portion moveably mounted to a surface cleaning head between a storage position and a floor cleaning position, an above floor cleaning wand removably receivable in the upper portion, a flexible air flow conduit, a lower mounting member provided on an outer surface of the upper portion, an upper mounting member provided on at least one of the outer surface of the upper portion and the wand, and a portable surface cleaning unit comprising a suction motor and an air treatment member removably mounted to the upper portion.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning unit is disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus includes a surface cleaning head having a dirty air inlet, an upper portion moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a storage position and a floor cleaning position, a portable surface cleaning unit comprising a suction motor and an air treatment member removably mounted to the upper portion, a cleaning wand removably mounted to the upper portion, a flexible air flow conduit forming at least part of an air flow path from the wand to the surface cleaning unit, and a wand lock having a locked position in which the wand is secured to the upper portion and an unlocked position in which the wand is removable from the upper portion. The wand lock may include a wand release actuator which is provided on the wand and is removable with the wand from the upper portion.

Abstract: A method of using a hand-held power tool having a debris removal attachment is provided. The method includes providing a hand-held power tool having an output shaft and selectively coupling an extension shaft to the output shaft. The method also includes coupling a first impeller to the extension shaft and providing a housing adjacent the first impeller. The method further includes rotating the first impeller to generate a pressure differential sufficient to draw debris into the housing. The extension shaft has a first end and a second end, the first end configured to couple to the output shaft of the hand-held power tool, and the second end configured to couple to a tool bit.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a surface cleaning head having a dirty air inlet and an upper section mount and an upper portion moveably mounted to the upper section. The upper portion includes a wand. A portable surface cleaning unit is removably mounted to the upper portion. An air flow path extends from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and includes an upstream portion comprising the wand and a flexible air flow conduit downstream of the wand. Each of the wand and the portable cleaning unit can be separately removable from the upper section mount.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a flexible electrified air flow conduit having an air inlet end that is electrified.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus with a portable surface cleaning unit wherein a lock which secures the portable surface cleaning unit in position is automatically moved to the unlocked position when an upper portion is moved to the floor cleaning position.

Abstract: An upright cleaning appliance is described which includes a reclining upright body and a cleaner head, the cleaner head being connected to the upright body and maneuverable across a floor surface using a handle fixed to the upright body. The appliance also includes a substantially rigid wand which is connected to a suction inlet on the vacuum cleaner by a flexible hose and which is suitable for use in cleaning above the floor. The wand is configured for storage on-board the vacuum cleaner with a first portion of the wand constrained relative to the handle and a second portion of the wand constrained relative to a lower part of the upright body so that the wand braces the handle to said lower part.

Abstract: A hand-held and conversion vacuum cleaner includes a housing carrying a suction generator, a dirt collection vessel and a suction inlet. A first connector is carried on the housing. The first connector secures the suction inlet in fluid communication with a first cleaning attachment. The vacuum cleaner also includes an adapter having a second connector that secures the suction inlet in fluid communication with a second cleaning attachment.

Abstract: A canister style surface cleaning apparatus comprises a wheeled based having a front end and a cleaning mount, the cleaning mount adapted to receive a surface cleaning attachment that comprises a first flexible hose; a portable cleaning unit removably mounted on the wheeled base and comprising a suction motor and at least one cyclonic separation stage having an associated material collection chamber which is sealed when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the wheeled base; and, a fluid flow path extending from the cleaning mount to a clean air exit of the surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: Several embodiments of an upright surface cleaning apparatus are disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus has a first cyclonic cleaning stage and comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the upright surface cleaning apparatus. A support member is mounted to the surface cleaning head. A portable cleaning unit is removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A hand-held and stick vacuum cleaner includes a stick body having a body discharge part formed in a front part thereof and a first connecting terminal provided on a rear part thereof; and a hand-held cleaner unit detachably mounted in the rear part of the stick body and having discharge parts formed in front and rear part thereof and a second connecting terminal corresponding to the first connecting terminal provided on the rear part thereof.

Abstract: Various uses and constructions for an open sided nozzle for a surface cleaning apparatus are provided. Alternate constructions for a surface cleaning head are also provided.

Abstract: A canister attachment for leaf blowers/vacuums is an apparatus that attaches to existing yard waste leaf blower/vacuum's to provide a user with a facilitated means to collect solid animal waste or other debris deposited on the ground. The apparatus comprises a suction nozzle assembly, a canister, a suction duct, a support assembly, and a leaf blower/vacuum. The suction nozzle assembly comprises a canister mount and a nozzle. The canister comprises a nozzle mount, a lateral surface, a filter plate, a duct opening, and a first and second chamber. The suction duct comprises a duct canister mount, a channel, and a leaf blower/vacuum mount. The configuration of these components provides the user with a mobile accessory that utilizes the suction from existing conventional leaf blowers/vacuums to siphon animal waste through the nozzle and into the canister. Furthermore, the apparatus provides an exhaust catch to prevent accidental discharge through the leaf blower/vacuum.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner apparatus for securing a hand held vacuum cleaner having a housing, the housing comprising a motor-fan unit, a dust container, and an air passage. The vacuum cleaner apparatus has a shaft part to which the housing can be secured, the shaft part comprising a handle and one or more batteries. The vacuum cleaner apparatus also has a floor nozzle and a tube passage configured to connect the floor nozzle to the air passage when the housing is secured to the shaft part.

Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaning system includes a portable vacuum unit for cleaning debris. The vacuum unit is powered by a self-contained first electric power storage device and may be carried with a strap in backpack-fashion. The system also includes a cart defining a receptacle for receiving the vacuum unit. The vacuum unit may be used when supported by the cart or when carried by an operator. A second electric power storage device is supported by the cart and electrically connectable to the vacuum unit for charging the first electric power storage device when the vacuum unit is supported by the cart. Further, when disposed in the cart, the vacuum unit is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees allowing for ease of movement of the cart.

Abstract: A system includes a floor vacuum cleaner and a hand-held vacuum cleaner. The floor vacuum cleaner has an interface configured to be coupled with the hand-held vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a base comprising an AC suction motor and a portable cleaning unit removably mounted on the wheeled base and comprising an energy storage member and a portable cleaning unit suction motor that is operable on DC power. The AC suction motor provides motive power when the surface cleaning unit is switched on and when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the base. The portable cleaning unit suction motor provides motive power when the portable cleaning unit is switched on and when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the base. Alternately, the portable cleaning unit suction motor may be operable on DC power when removed from the wheeled base and may be operable on power provided by the wheeled base when mounted on the wheeled base.

Abstract: A dual-purpose vacuum cleaner includes a self-walking carriage including three or more wheels, an accommodation chamber providing at least one bearing face, a roller brush, a dust guide, a passageway connected to the accommodation chamber and a plurality of first contacts disposed in the accommodation chamber, a hand-held vacuum cleaner detachably accommodated in the accommodation chamber and including at least one abutment face, a handle, a dust suction entrance attached to the passageway and a plurality of second contacts respectively physically kept in contact with the first contacts, and a cover covered on the self-walking carriage to conceal the hand-held vacuum cleaner in the self-walking carriage.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a wheeled base and a portable cleaning unit removably mounted on the wheeled base and comprising at least one cyclonic separation stage comprising a cyclone chamber and a material collection chamber. The material collection chamber is removable from the portable cleaning unit while the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the wheeled base.

Abstract: A dust-sucking and air-cleaning composite structure is provided with a dust-sucking body and an air-cleaning body. The top surface of the air-cleaning body is provided with a vertically opening cavity. The cavity is recessed downward toward the interior of the air-cleaning body and has an opening facing upwardly. The inner profile of the cavity corresponds to the outer profile of the dust-sucking body, thereby allowing the dust-sucking body to be movably inserted into the cavity to be electrically coupled to the air-cleaning body.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a cleaning unit that is mounted on a wheeled base.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base with an inlet facing a surface, a handle connected to the base, an air passage connecting the base inlet to the handle, and a removable handheld unit. The handheld has an inlet nozzle, a dirt separator, a vacuum fan to generate a working airflow into the inlet nozzle and through the dirt separator, and a housing joining the handheld, the dirt separator and the vacuum fan. The vacuum has a docking latch with a first latch position in which the latch holds the handheld in an operating position on the handle, and a second position in which the latch permits removal of the handheld from the operating position. The vacuum also has a safety catch with a catch member on the handle and a second member on the handheld. The catch members resiliently hold the handheld unit on the handle in a partially-removed position.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a support structure moveably connected to a surface cleaning head and having an air treatment member mounted to the upright section. The support structure is bendable and is operated by a remote actuator.

Abstract: A method of cleaning dirt and debris from surfaces using a cleaning device, such as a vacuum cleaner. The cleaning device has a handle unit which is attached to the body of the cleaning device adjacent a filter compartment. The handle unit has a handle portion that is spaced from the filter compartment to allow a user to place his or her hand through the space and grasp the handle portion and thereby carry the cleaning device using only the handle unit. The handle unit can also be detached from the body of the cleaning device, and then later re-attached, via lockable mating connecting elements.

Abstract: Several embodiments of an upright surface cleaning apparatus are disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus has a first cyclonic cleaning stage and comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the upright surface cleaning apparatus. A support member is mounted to the surface cleaning head. A mounting member mounted to the support member. At least one of a first cleaning stage of the upright surface cleaning apparatus and a suction motor is mounted directly or indirectly to the mounting member. A suction motor is provided in the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A mop assembly includes a handle having a control member connected to a lower end thereof and the control member is located within a connection unit which is connected to the handle. A locking unit is connected to outside of the connection unit and is hooked to a main body. The main body includes a case in which a tank, a steam generation device and a pivotal member are located therein. An operation bar is pivotably connected to the case. The pivotal member is able to activate the steam generation device by pushing the handle downward. The main body can be disengaged from the locking unit and used individually. The steam generation device can be activated by operation of an operation bar on the main body.

Abstract: A hand held vacuum cleaner having a housing, a motor-fan unit, a dust container, an air passage opening into the dust container and through which dust laden air is directed into the dust container, and at least one filter arranged after the dust container, as seen in the flow direction. The dust container has a first emptying opening, which is normally being covered by a lid and is sized such that it allows the dust collected in the dust container to fall out through the opening when the lid is opened. The dust container also has a second emptying opening. In one aspect, the second emptying opening is adapted to be fluidly connected to an external vacuum source via a connection. In another aspect, a similar device is provided, and adapted so the dust container can be emptied through the first emptying opening without removing the dust container from the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A shop vacuum cleaner has a series of dust separation stages, with the large majority of the dust being preseparated in a cyclonic separator and deposited into a first drum or barrel. The remaining dust is carried in the air stream is filtered out in a pre-filter in a second vacuum cleaner drum. A final filter cartridge is fitted onto the intake of the vacuum head. The vacuum cleaner machine exhausts clean, filtered air into the ambient.

Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner housing with a frame element forming at least a portion of a handle and extending in a main handle direction. A through hole passes through and is encircled by the frame element, and is configured to receive one or more fingers of an operator. A top casing element is connected to the frame element and covers at least some of a top side of the frame element. A bottom casing element is connected to the frame element and covers at least some of the bottom side of the frame element. The frame element, top casing element and bottom casing element are arranged to form at least part of a vacuum source housing for accommodating at least a part of a vacuum source. A vacuum cleaner having a similar housing, as well as a detachable second housing having a debris compartment and nozzle, is also provided.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a floor cleaning unit having a surface cleaning head, an upright section having a handle, a cleaning unit removably mounted to the handle and an air flow conduit forming part of an air flow path from the surface cleaning head to the cleaning unit, wherein the flexible air flow conduit comprises a portable portion removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus and a rigid extension wand. Reconfiguring the surface cleaning apparatus components permits the use of the surface cleaning apparatus in various operating modes such as a first upright operating mode wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is operable with the cleaning unit mounted to the handle, and a second operating mode wherein the cleaning unit is carried by a user and is operable when removed from the handle.

Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaning system includes a portable vacuum unit for cleaning debris. The vacuum unit is powered by a self-contained first battery and may be carried with a strap in backpack-fashion. The system also includes a cart defining a receptacle for receiving the vacuum unit. The vacuum unit may be used when supported by the cart or when carried by an operator. A second battery is supported by the cart and electrically connectable to the vacuum unit for charging the first battery when the vacuum unit is supported by the cart. Further, when disposed in the cart, the vacuum unit is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees allowing for ease of movement of the cart.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for use in both an upright form and a canister form, which can mount and dismount a cleaner body to and from a suction nozzle assembly is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle assembly to draw in dust or dirt along with air while moving along a surface to be cleaned; a cleaner body having a dust separating unit to separate and collect the dust or dirt from the air drawn in from the surface to be cleaned; a supporting unit hingedly joined to the suction nozzle assembly to support a lower part of the cleaner body to communicate with the suction nozzle assembly; and a locking unit to detachably lock the lower part of the cleaner body to the supporting unit.

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 surface treating appliance includes a surface treating head, a hose, and a main body including a fan unit for generating a flow of fluid, and a rotary changeover valve including a valve member which is selectively rotatable between a first position allowing fluid flow between the hose and the fan unit, and a second position allowing fluid flow between the surface treating head and the fan unit, the valve member comprising a hub having an internal surface shaped to receive a boss about which the valve member is selectively rotatable. To facilitate the breaking of seals by valve member and other parts of the appliance as the valve member moves away from one of its first and second positions, the external surface of the boss and the internal surface of the hub each has a profile generally in the form of a triangular prism, the profile of the external surface of the boss tapering towards the valve member.

Abstract: A portable dust collector for woodshop or other use with portable tools has a conic body that is supported on a tripod carriage formed of three legs attaching to gussets at the sides of the conic body. A divider plate within the conic body divides it into a cyclonic chamber between the divider plate and the lower nose, and a fan chamber between the divider plate and a motor plate that closes the upper mouth of the conic body. A final filter cartridge is fitted onto the outlet pipe, so that the dust collector exhausts clean, filtered air into the ambient. The final filter may be supported from a 90-degree elbow, with a removable tray for catching process dust that is knocked off the interior of the filter. The process dust in the cyclone settles into a dust collection barrel supported on a barrel cradle.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base with an inlet facing a surface, a handle connected to the base, an air passage connecting the base inlet to the handle, and a removable handheld unit. The handheld has an inlet nozzle, a dirt separator, a vacuum fan to generate a working airflow into the inlet nozzle and through the dirt separator, and a housing joining the handheld, the dirt separator and the vacuum fan. The vacuum has a docking latch with a first latch position in which the latch holds the handheld in an operating position on the handle, and a second position in which the latch permits removal of the handheld from the operating position. The vacuum also has a safety catch with a catch member on the handle and a second member on the handheld. The catch members resiliently hold the handheld unit on the handle in a partially-removed position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus includes a vacuum cleaner base and a handle configured to be attached to the base. A nozzle is configured for the base to draw air through the nozzle to clean the floor as the nozzle is moved along the floor by a user pushing the base by the handle. A power head assembly includes a power head having a brushroll and an electric motor that drives the brushroll. The assembly further includes a tube structure configured to connect the power head to the base for the base to draw air through the power head and the tube structure to clean the floor as the power head is moved along the floor by a user pushing the tube structure.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus includes a vacuum cleaner base and a handle configured to be attached to the base. A nozzle is configured for the base to draw air through the nozzle to clean the floor as the nozzle is moved along the floor by a user pushing the base by the handle. A power head assembly includes a power head having a brushroll and an electric motor that drives the brushroll. The assembly further includes a tube structure configured to connect the power head to the base for the base to draw air through the power head and the tube structure to clean the floor as the power head is moved along the floor by a user pushing the tube structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a main body mounting structure of an upright type vacuum cleaner capable of being converted to a canister type. The mounting structure comprises a main body having a suction port and a discharge port formed thereon and including a suction device inside the suction port, a connection panel on which the main body is detachably installed, a suction unit having a dust collecting port and a discharge opening and on which the connection panel is rotatably installed, an attaching mechanism disposed between the main body and the connection panel, an extension pipe and a handle detachably installed to the main body and having a hollow inner space to define a flow passage along which foreign substances are induced, and a suction hose connected at one end with the suction port and selectively connected at the other end with the discharge opening or the handle.

Abstract: A convertible vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a support base extending in a vertical direction, a main body selectively installed on the support base, a power generating unit disposed in the main body to generate a suction force, a suction nozzle unit that uses the suction force to draw in external air, a dust collection unit disposed in the main body to filter and collect dust and dirt contained in the external air, a flexible connection hose transmitting the suction force to the suction nozzle unit, a hose coupling portion formed on the main body to receive a first end of the connection hose, and a hook unit for supporting the main body on the support base.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an angle control apparatus for an upright type vacuum cleaner. The angle control apparatus comprises a main body having a suction port and a discharge port formed thereon and including a suctioning device inside the suction port, a suction unit having a dust collecting port and a discharge opening and on which the main body is rotatably installed, a suction hose made of an elastic material and positioned between the suction port and the discharge opening, and a locking assembly installed to the suction unit to restrict rotation of the main body. With the angle control apparatus, the main body of the vacuum cleaner is rotatably coupled to the suction unit such that the main body is rotated at a suitable angle with respect to the suction unit sliding on a floor according to a location of a user during the cleaning operation, thereby enabling a convenient cleaning operation.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning attachment. A base has an outlet port configured to be attached to the cleaning attachment and draw air from a household surface through the attachment and exhaust the air through the outlet port. A handle is configured to have an installed position removably attached to the base for manually moving the base by the handle. The handle has an inlet port configured to be connected to a dirt receptacle and to move toward and into connection with the outlet port by movement of the handle toward and into the installed position, for the air exhausted through the outlet port to flow through the inlet port into the receptacle.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus for cleaning debris is presented. The apparatus includes a housing having a battery, a DC motor and a switch. A belt attaches to the floor brush and DC motor for rotating the floor brush. Front wheels are positioned forward of the floor brush. A height adjustable rear wheel is positioned centrally at a rear of the apparatus. The rear wheel has a first height for operating the apparatus on a hard surface such that the debris is brushed from the surface and friction between the floor brush and the surface is minimized and a second height for operating the apparatus on a soft surface such that the debris is brushed from the surface and friction between the floor brush, the housing and the surface is minimized thus reducing electricity consumption and providing a smooth movement of the apparatus over the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning ducts of a heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. In one embodiment, a pod has a vacuum chamber therein, a drive motor located within the pod and configured to receive a removable drive shaft therein, and a conduit member located within the pod adjacent the drive motor. The conduit member has a vacuum inlet opening at an exterior wall of the pod and a drive shaft exit opening formed in the conduit member through which the removable drive shaft can extend. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a man-portable pod and a cart removably-coupleable to the man-portable pod. A method of manufacturing the apparatus and a method of cleaning an HVAC duct is also provided.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise a surface cleaning head having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet, and includes a suction motor and at least one cleaning stage. An upright section is mounted to the surface cleaning head and comprises at least one cleaning stage having an inlet. An above floor cleaning wand is connectable to the fluid flow path and has an inlet end. A valve is operable between a first position in which the surface cleaning head is in fluid flow communication with the at least one cleaning stage and a second position in which the above floor cleaning wand is in fluid flow communication with the at least one cleaning stage. In some embodiments, the valve is positioned adjacent the inlet of the at least one cleaning stage.

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 multi-use, dual power mode vacuum cleaner (10) that can be used as an upright vacuum cleaner or as a portable, hand-carried vacuum cleaner comprises a detachable vacuum module (16) selectively mounted to an upright handle assembly (12). The detachable vacuum module (16) includes a motor and fan assembly (64) for creating a working air flow, a particle separator (48) for separating dirt form the working air flow and a portable power source (104) for providing power to the motor and fan assembly (64). The particle separator can be a cyclone separator (48) or a bag separator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an integral frame assembly and a detachable main body connected to the frame assembly comprises a nozzle assembly for drawing in an air from a surface to be cleaned, the air containing dust and dirt, a main body, and a frame assembly including a frame body and a connecting portion integrally formed with a lower part of the frame body. The main body includes a body frame, a dust collector connected to the body frame for separating the dust and dirt from the air drawn into the dust collector, and a drive motor for generating a suction force. According to the present invention, the main body of the vacuum cleaner is easily attached to and detached from the frame assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hand-held power tool with a housing (12) and a tool (70)—a cutting tool, in particular—located thereon in a manner which allows it to be driven in a rotating and/or oscillating manner, it being possible to operate the tool (70) using a suction air flow, via a vacuum cleaner, in particular; the hand-held power tool is made particularly robust and safe against becoming clogged with chips by the fact that it is driven by a turbine (36) with a rotatable turbine wheel (38) and a stationary turbine housing (60); means ( ) are located between the turbine wheel (38) and the turbine housing (60) for carrying away dust and chips which accidentally enter this space.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dust container detachably mounted in a body of the vacuum cleaner and configured to perform vacuum cleaning via air suction even in a detached state. The vacuum cleaner includes the body having a hose attaching part and an accommodation recess, the dust container separably inserted into the accommodation recess, and including a hose mounting port, a filter, a knob, and a coupling part formed near the filter on an outer surface of the dust container, a main motor received near the filter of the dust container in the body and driven to suck air, a power supply device to supply power to drive the main motor, and an assistant driving unit separably inserted into the accommodation recess, and including a fastening part releasably coupled to the coupling part and an assistant motor received in the assistant driving unit to suck air.