Abstract: A multi-use vacuum cleaner capable of use as an upright vacuum or as a detachable vacuum module further comprising a cyclonic dirt separator has a detachable vacuum module selectively mounted to the base and support member of an upright vacuum cleaner. The vacuum module includes the vacuum motor, motor driven fan, cyclonic dirt separator and hose. The vacuum cleaner may be operated as an upright vacuum, or alternatively, the module can be separated from the base assembly and may be used independently of and at a great distance from the base assembly for a wide variety of cleaning purposes.

Abstract: An electric cleaning apparatus (10) having a suction body (11), which is provided at one end with a suction aperture (13) connected to a suction drive member arranged inside the suction body (11), and to which a terminal suction element (32) is able to be selectively associated. The electric cleaning apparatus (10) includes tubular members (16, 21) pivoted on the suction body (11) and able to be selectively rotated with respect to the latter in order to define a first operating configuration, wherein the tubular members (16, 21) are arranged on the opposite side with respect to the suction aperture (13) in order to function as a remote handgrip for the suction body (11), and a second operating configuration, wherein the tubular members (16, 21) cooperate with the suction aperture (13) in order to function as an extension for the terminal suction element (32).

Abstract: A convertible vacuum cleaner has a nozzle comprising a suction port; a cleaner body having a filter housing in which a filter is mounted, and a motor housing in which a motor is mounted, the cleaner body for being removably connected with the nozzle, the suction port being connected with the filter when the cleaner body is connected with the nozzle; a locking member slidably disposed on a side of the nozzle; a slot formed in the motor housing for receiving the locking member and thereby preventing the cleaner body from separating from the nozzle; and a unlocking means for sliding out the locking member from the slot. By sliding the locking member, which is slidably disposed in the nozzle, into or out from the slot of the cleaner body, the nozzle and the cleaner body can be connected or disconnected simply.

Abstract: A multi-operational battery powered vacuum cleaner (1) comprising a hand held vacuum cleaner (1) releasably mounted within a caddy (15) which has a detachable handle (51) and a floor engaging head (19). The hand held unit (1) may be released from the caddy to be used in a first hand held operation. It may alternatively be mounted within the caddy with the handle attached for use as an upright vacuum cleaner in a second operational mode. In a third operational mode the handle (51) may be removed from the caddy while the hand held unit remains mounted in the caddy to provide a compact vacuum cleaner system with a floor engaging head (19). The cleaner further comprises a first spring biased latch member (27) mounted within the caddy (15) to releasably restrain the hand held unit therein A second latch member (53) is mounted within the handle (57) for releasably connecting the handle to the caddy (15).

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 latching mechanism for an upright vacuum cleaner which allows an upright handle to be quickly and easily detached and reattached to an independently usable powerhead of the vacuum cleaner. The latching mechanism includes a pair of attachment portions formed at a lower end portion of the upright handle which cooperate with a pair of recesses formed in a housing of the powerhead. A foot actuated release lever allows the user to detach the upright handle only when the handle is in an upright orientation. The design of the attachment portions and the recess, in connection with the release lever, prevent the handle from inadvertently being installed backwards on the powerhead, as well as from being inadvertently detached from the powerhead without first depressing the release lever.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for an upright vacuum cleaner which allows an upright handle to be quickly and easily detached and reattached to an independently usable powerhead of the vacuum cleaner. The latching mechanism includes a pair of attachment portions formed at a lower end portion of the upright handle which cooperate with a pair of recesses formed in a housing of the powerhead. A foot actuated release lever allows the user to detach the upright handle only when the handle is in an upright orientation. The design of the attachment portions and the recess, in connection with the release lever, prevent the handle from inadvertently being installed backwards on the powerhead, as well as from being inadvertently detached from the powerhead without first depressing the release lever.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner system having an electric powerhead with a first switch actuator component which can be actuated with a user's thumb, to turn on and off the powerhead, and a second switch actuator component which can be actuated with the user's foot, to also turn on and off the powerhead. The first switch actuator component is used when the powerhead is being used in a handheld cleaning mode. The second switch actuator component is used when the powerhead is being used in a floor cleaning mode along with an upright handle attached to the powerhead. An anti-tip over lockout system is incorporated for preventing the powerhead from being accidentally turned on when it is being held in an upside down orientation, such as during cleaning of a beater brush thereof.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a suction fan and a first motor assembly located in the housing and a dirt container detachably mounted on the housing. A suction nozzle is selectively mounted on the housing and is usable both in an attached position and in a detached position for cleaning. A brushroll and a second motor are mounted within the suction nozzle. An electrified hose is connected to the housing and to the suction nozzle. The dirt container includes an inlet in fluid communication with the electrified hose, and an outlet in fluid communication with the suction fan and first motor assembly. A filter assembly is releasably positioned for form an outlet of the dirt container. The dirt container has a latching mechanism for securing the dirt container to the housing. The housing further includes a hollow section formed above the suction fan and first motor assembly for storing a cleaning attachment.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided which includes a housing and a latch assembly disposed on the housing. The latch assembly includes a latch that is movable relative to the housing between a first state and a second state. The vacuum cleaner also includes a blower that is disposable on the housing and has a first state wherein the blower is detached from the housing and a second state wherein the blower is disposed on the housing. The blower includes a latching surface disposed adjacent the latch with the blower in the second state. The blower moves the latch between the first state and the second state as the blower is moved between the first state and the second state, and the latch engages the latching surface with the blower in the second state and the latch in the first state to secure the blower to the housing.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a suction fan and a first motor assembly located in the housing and a dirt container detachably mounted on the housing. A suction nozzle is selectively mounted on the housing and is usable both in an attached position and in a detached position for cleaning. A brushroll and a second motor are mounted within the suction nozzle. An electrified hose is connected to the housing and to the suction nozzle. The dirt container includes an inlet in fluid communication with the electrified hose, and an outlet in fluid communication with the suction fan and first motor assembly. A filter assembly is releasably positioned for form an outlet of the dirt container. The dirt container has a latching mechanism for securing the dirt container to the housing. The housing further includes a hollow section formed above the suction fan and first motor assembly for storing a cleaning attachment.

Abstract: A battery-powered vacuum cleaner that may be converted from a conventional on-the-floor cleaner to a portable canister cleaner for off-the-floor or on-the-floor cleaning operations. The vacuum cleaner has a filter chamber comprising a removable dirt cup having a substantially flat filter oriented in the direction of air flow. A fan and motor assembly is angularly related to the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner to provide a lower profile of the cleaner housing while cleaning under low clearance objects. A handle is adjustable relative to the housing, or it may be removed to convert the cleaner to a portable canister.

Abstract: The present invention is a vacuuming apparatus convertible between a backpack mode, a canister mode and an upright mode. Additionally, the present invention is convertible into a handheld mode and a blower mode. Each of these modes are accomplished through attachments which are able to be easily attached and detached together. The apparatus has a power unit having an electric motor and impeller; a base unit containing a filter; a backpack unit for use in the backpack mode; a canister unit for use in the canister mode; a blower unit for use in the blower mode; a handheld unit for use as a handheld vacuum cleaner in a hand held mode; and a work bench waste collection mode.

Abstract: A suction cleaner comprises a primary cleaner (1) and an auxiliary cleaner (2). The primary cleaner 1 includes a fan (11) for sucking in air, and an air channel (6,7,9) disposed upstream of the fan for directing sucked air through the primary cleaner. The auxiliary cleaner (2) includes a dust collection chamber (20) and is attachable to the primary cleaner (1) with the dust collection chamber connected to the air channel (6,7,9) such that, in use, dust within the dust collection chamber is drawn into the air channel for collection.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly including a motor housing, a motor and fan assembly mounted in the motor housing, and a dirt containment chamber having an air intake at one end. An apertured wall is provided at one end of the motor housing so that the fan is closely adjacent the aperture. A planar filter is provided within the containment chamber and extends from a distal end to a proximal end of the chamber to separate the chamber into an air flow chamber and a dirt chamber. The aperture is separated from air flow communication with said intake opening by the filter.

Abstract: The multifunctional vacuum cleaning appliance has a lower housing part provided with an electrically driven brush. A further housing part is allocated to the lower housing part. The further housing part incorporates the operational parts for vacuum generation, dust filtering and dust collection. The lower housing part can be coupled to the suction circuit of the further housing part. In addition to vacuum sweeping work with the complete assembly, the appliance can also be used for normal vacuuming work without spatial limitations because the further housing part is a pull-along cylinder vacuum cleaner which is detachably coupled to the lower housing part.

Abstract: A vacuum appliance is disclosed, comprising a collection canister having a lid and a powerhead housing a motor and impeller assembly for establishing vacuum pressure within said canister. The powerhead is removably secured to the lid of the collection canister, such that the powerhead can be removed from the lid and separately used as a blower. Self-actuationg latching devices are provided for removably securing the powerhead to the lid. In one embodiment, the latching device is a unitary, multi-segmented structure having a spring biasing member and a retaining member formed integrally therewith. A journal formed integrally with the latching device is adapted to be received in a bearing defined in a latch socket on the lid, such that the latching device is allowed to pivot with respect to the lid. The spring biasing member functions to bias the latching device to a home pivot position, such that the latching device automatically engages the powerhead when it is lowered onto the lid.

Abstract: A vegetation debris blower and carrying cart assembly is provided with a quick mount and dismount assembly. The cart has two vertically orientated mounting tubes. The blower has a mounting bracket attached to its bottom rear end. The mounting bracket has two U-shaped rods with downward extending legs adapted to be slid into the tubes to thereby quickly mount the blower to the cart by merely vertically lowering the blower onto the cart. The blower can be quickly dismounted from the cart by merely upwardly raising the blower from the cart with the rods merely sliding out of the tubes.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a motor casing (G), optionally having a connected filter chamber, and an appliance stem (St), it being possible to plug the appliance stem (St) into a plug receptacle (21) close to the motor casing (G), and a power switch (24), which is arranged in the motor casing (G), being actuated on plugging in the appliance stem (St). In order to improve such a vacuum cleaner with regard to the switching-over of the motor-casing-side power switch effected by the appliance stem, the power switch (24), which is formed as a sliding switch, has a remote-actuation extension (48), which is acted on by plugging in the appliance stem (St) with simultaneous actuation of the power switch (24).

Abstract: The invention is a lightweight vacuum device to be used on furnishings, floors and walls. The apparatus consists of a housing having suction slots on four sides and the bottom. A motor device sits within the housing and creates a vacuum which draws dust into the slots. A filter mechanism within the housing traps the dust for subsequent removal from the housing. The housing is covered by a soft cloth cover as not to scratch the surfaces to be cleaned. The cover has a plurality of holes on the side and bottom in order to allow the dust particles to access the suction slots and an internally sewed glove to allow the unit to be hand held. An appenditure on the top of the housing has internal threads in order to accept a broom handle to allow the unit to be easily used on floors and walls.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning appliance operated by an electric motor and having a telescopic handle with a hand grip. For greater ease of use, the hand grip is detachable and capable of being attached between a telescopic middle piece and an anchoring point on the handle to the appliance.

Abstract: A detachable handle accessory is provided which permits a user to operate a portable, hand-held steam vacuum cleaner as an upright steam vacuum cleaner. The detachable handle accessory includes a support base, a handle portion extending upwardly from the support base and a wheel assembly affixed to the support base. The support base includes mounting structure which allows a nozzle of a hand-held steam vacuum cleaner to be located intermediate the support base and surface to be cleaned so as to permit an unobstructed flow of steam from the portable vacuum cleaner to the surface. The handle portion is used to control and steer the nozzle over the surface while the wheel assembly allows a user to roll the support base and steam vacuum cleaner over the surface from an upright position, and to engage a squeegee member at the distal end of the nozzle with the surface to be cleaned to facilitate gathering of liquid and enhance the suctioning process of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: The present invention involves an industrial vacuum cleaner system for the collection of large debris in industrial settings, said vacuum capable of being mounted on a wheeled frame and being carried manually. The system has a vacuum unit having an impeller housing, an impeller disposed within the impeller housing, a motor housing attached to the impeller housing, and a motor disposed within the motor housing. The system has a handle affixed to said vacuum unit, means for detachably attaching the vacuum unit to said wheeled carriage, and means for gripping and carrying the vacuum unit by hand. The system has an improved impeller having a plurality of large vanes disposed on the forward side of the impeller and a plurality of smaller vanes disposed on the reverse side of the impeller. The system has an improved impeller housing assembly having en extension spacer which increases airflow through the impeller housing.

Abstract: A remote control vacuum cleaner (10) comprising a mobile unit (12) and a vacuum unit (14). A facility (16) is for attaching the vacuum unit (14) onto the mobile unit (12) in a removable manner. A remote control unit (18) is provided, to operate the mobile unit (12) and the vacuum unit (14), so that the mobile unit (12) will move along a floor (20), while the vacuum unit (14) will clean by suction, the dirt and dust from the floor (20).

Abstract: A wet/dry utility vacuum cleaner with detachable blower is disclosed. The detachable blower, when mounted in sealed relationship to a lid positioned above a utility vacuum cleaner drum, operates as a wet/dry utility vacuum cleaner. When separated from the utility vacuum cleaner drum, the detachable blower can be used for non-vacuuming applications. The utility vacuum drum lid includes two resilient and deformable latches: a releasable blower latch and a releasable lid latch. The releasable blower latch detachably mounts the detachable blower to the lid while the releasable lid latch detachably mounts the lid relative to the utility vacuum cleaner drum. The releasable blower latch has at least one reinforcing fin for engaging a complementary slot in the lid. The releasable lid latch has at least one slot for receiving a complementary reinforcing fin on the lid.

Abstract: A multi-use vacuum cleaner capable of use as an upright vacuum or as a detachable vacuum module is disclosed. A detachable vacuum module is selectively mounted to the foot and support member of an upright vacuum cleaner. The vacuum module includes the vacuum motor, motor-driven fan, vacuum bag and hose. The vacuum cleaner may be operated as an upright vacuum, or alternatively, the module can be separated from the foot and support member and may be used independently of and at a great distance from the foot and support member for a wide variety of cleaning purposes.

Abstract: A portable stick-type vacuum cleaner includes an elongated housing and a substantially triangular nozzle which is selectively securable to the housing. The nozzle includes a nozzle body having a bottom surface and a top surface. A V-shaped suction opening is located on the bottom surface of the nozzle body. The nozzle body also has a plurality of casters located on its bottom surface. An air outlet member is in fluid connection with the suction opening. The air outlet member includes a sleeve pivotally mounted to the top surface of the nozzle body and a coupling for selective fluid connection with the housing. The coupling is rotatably mounted on the sleeve. A motor is mounted in the housing for effecting a suction of air through the nozzle.

Abstract: A multi-use vacuum capable of use as an upright vacuum or as a canister vacuum is disclosed. A detachable vacuum module is selectively mounted to the foot and support member of an upright vacuum. The vacuum module includes the vacuum motor, motor-driven fan, vacuum bag and hose. The vacuum may be operated as an upright vacuum or, alternatively, the module can be separated from the foot and support member and may be used independently of and at a great distance from the foot and support member for a wide variety of cleaning purposes.

Abstract: A self-propelled vacuum cleaner having a transmission assembly that selectively drives the vacuum cleaner in both forward and reverse directions. The transmission arrangement includes a first stage of speed reduction in the coupling of a drive motor and a transmission input shaft interconnected by sprockets and a primary drive belt. A pinion on the input shaft drives one of a pair of meshed counter-rotating gears. A clutch/sprocket is associated with each of the counter-rotating gears and a belt couples both of these clutch/sprockets to a common sprocket which through associated elements drives the wheels of the appliance. The input pinion, counter-rotating gears, respective clutch/sprockets and common output sprocket all rotate about axes parallel to the motor shaft. An actuating mechanism selectively energizes one or the other of the clutch/sprockets for forward or reverse propulsion of the appliance.

Abstract: A portable hand-held blower vacuum apparatus (10) having a hinged inlet cover (24) with a handle (26) disposed at one end of the cover (24). The cover (24) is moveable between a closed position where the cover spans an air inlet opening (20) and an open position to allow insertion of a vacuum tube (50) in to the inlet opening (20). The handle (26) is used to move the cover between the open and closed positions. Air flows into the inlet opening (20) through a screen (38) in the cover (24), through arcuate slots (42) in a tubular extension (44) of the inlet opening (20) and over a circumferentially extending rib (46) formed on the cover (24). In an alternative embodiment, a dedicated blower is provided in which a solid, stationary cover (54) spans the inlet opening (20).

Abstract: A device for removing liquid and small particulate matter from various surfaces is provided. The device includes a single compartmentalized enclosure supporting a rechargeable battery, a vacuum source and an airflow booster system for drying the surface. As liquid and particulate matter are vacuumed via a hose or other vacuum director, they are trapped in a removable reservoir container which may be detached from the device for emptying and cleaning. The exhaust air produced from the resident vacuum system may be accelerated by a booster system which redirects accelerated airflow through a set of louvers toward the damp spot left by the removed liquid. The booster system may be used individually, without the aide of exhaust airflow from the vacuum, to also effect such drying of the surface. The device also has attached a signal system to alert passersby of the hazard created by the damp surface supporting the device in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A self-propelled vacuum cleaner adapted to be used in an upright mode or, alternatively, in a portable mode. The vacuum cleaner includes a power transmission for self-propelling the vacuum cleaner when used in the upright mode. The vacuum includes a first handle usable during operation in the upright mode and control structure arranged to energize the transmission in response to manually applied pulling or pushing forces on the first handle. The vacuum cleaner further includes a second handle usable during operation in the portable mode and arranged to prevent the control structure from energizing the transmission during operation in the portable mode.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an improved transmission. The transmission includes speed reduction gearing and forward and reverse clutching elements which provide high power capacity, large speed reduction, durability, quiet operation and smooth power engagement. The main power train elements all rotate on parallel axes and the forward and reverse clutching elements are essentially independent of one another and resistant to wear. The transmission has an actuating mechanism which is connected to an upright handle on the vacuum cleaner and allows the appliance to respond to moderate pushing or pulling forces applied to the handle by the user. The vacuum cleaner also has improved bearings for rotatably supporting the wheel shaft of the appliance and aligning itself to the housing of the appliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrying belt arrangement for a vacuum cleaner. The carrying belt is integrated directly into a hand grip at the end of the vacuum cleaner hose. The carrying belt arrangement of the invention defines a storage compartment in which the carrying belt is wound while at the same time defining a hand grip. The carrying belt arrangement includes first and second parts of which the first part is stationary. The second part is rotatably mounted on the first part and includes the drum on which the carrying belt is wound. The first part includes a cover which extends over the drum and includes a slot through which the carrying belt passes. The drum and cover conjointly define the storage compartment for the carrying belt.

Abstract: A convertible vacuum cleaner providing a detachable upright handle permits the vacuum cleaner to be used as an upright cleaner for cleaning rugs, carpets, and the like. A detachable portable hand cleaner handle is also provided which is mounted when the cleaner is to be used as a portable hand cleaner. A resiliently biased, releasable connector is mounted on the filter bag to detachably connect the filter bag to either of the handles. The connector is connected to the upright handle. The connector is resiliently connected to the bag so that the bag remains in proper extended position in all operating positions of the upright handle. A receiver having a socket and a mating blade on the handles permits the two handles to be selectively mounted on the power unit of the cleaner. The portable handle provides a shoulder strap which is retracted into the handle by a reel when not in use and is locked at any selected extended position when the shoulder strap is in use.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner includes provision for snap-on attachment of a power brush to a rigid dust bowl thereof. Cooperating electrical contacts in the power brush and the dust bowl connect a brush motor in the power brush for concerted operation with a vacuum cleaner motor in the cordless vacuum cleaner. Cooperating latch members in the dust bowl and the power brush enable snapping the two elements together and facilitate their separation. Clam-shell construction is utilized to accept parts of the latch members and a contact retainer supporting both electrical contacts for application of power from the cordless vacuum cleaner to the power brush. An integrated base provides means for retaining both the vacuum cleaner and the power brush attachment.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner of the present invention can be selectively transformed into a portable, hand-carried position, or a floor-carried, upright position, by changing the position of its handle incorporated with an extension member. Simple connecting means are utilized for changing the position of the handle.

Abstract: A multi-use vacuum cleaner has a central body which houses a motor, air impeller, battery and a dirt collection chamber. One end of the central body has a face inclined to the longitudinal axis of the central body with a rectangular inlet orifice into which the coupling nozzle of a floor and carpet pickup head can be frictionally inserted. The other end of the body has an integral, axially protruding extension providing a primary handle for manipulating the body as a hand held cushion and upholstery cleaner. The primary handle has means for detachably mounting an extension handle permitting the unit to be used as a standard upright vacuum cleaner or for vacuuming overhead and other areas which would be otherwise inaccessible.

Abstract: The hand vacuum cleaner comprises a fan arranged in a vacuum cleaner housing, and a dust collector. The handle of the vacuum cleaner is connectable with the housing. At the suction stub of the vacuum cleaner there may be attached an intermediate pipe which is to be connected with a suction tool. An intermediate pipe is provided which is detachably positioned between the vacuum cleaner housing and the handle. Locks are provided to attach this intermediate pipe to the vacuum cleaning housing and the handle, such having a clamp handle for releasing and tightening of the clamps.

Abstract: An arrangement in a vacuum cleaner preventing dirt collecting bag spill during a vacuuming operation by the combination of a bag retaining interlock with a cleaner handle shiftable between extreme positions each suitable for a different cleaner operating mode, with interlock release provided only in an intermediate, unuseable handle position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner handle shiftably supported on a vacuum cleaner body for selective positioning thereon suiting floor supported or hand carried vacuum cleaner operation and including handle segments telescopically adjustable and secured by a common latch element into different handle lengths each suitable for a different vacuum cleaner operating mode.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having pivotally interconnected body and nozzle head portions and a handle which is extendable for upright floor cleaning operation or retractable for hand carried or cannister type vacuuming operation, in which the handle in retracted position fixes the cleaner body and nozzle head portions against pivotal movement.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner convertible between an upright vacuum cleaner and a portable hand carried vacuum cleaner. The conversion is accomplished by means of a handle pivotally mounted for selective movement between an open position extending from the body of the unit for manipulation thereof in an upright floor carried vacuum operation, and a closed position overlying the body of the unit wherein the handle and housing cooperate to form a handgrip of discrete length for manipulation thereof in a portable hand carried vacuum cleaning operation. The handle automatically latches upon opening and closing. The vacuum cleaner also includes a dirt reservoir and filter bag assembly carried by the body of the unit and removable from the body of the unit and separable from each other for ease of cleaning.

Abstract: An upright converter for a portable hand-held vacuum having nozzle and handle portions. The upright converter includes an adapter cooperating with the nozzle portion of the vacuum in a position for operation thereof and an adapter cooperating with the handle portion of the vacuum at a location remote from the nozzle adapter where the nozzle adapter and the handle adapter are interconnected such that the vacuum is retained therebetween. In addition, the upright converter includes a handle extending to a position to be gripped by a user in upright vacuum fashion.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner convertible between an upright vacuum cleaner and a portable hand carried vacuum cleaner. The conversion is accomplished by means of a handle pivotally mounted for selective movement between an open position extending from the body of the unit for manipulation thereof in an upright floor carried vacuum operation, and a closed position overlying the body of the unit wherein the handle and housing cooperate to form a handgrip of discrete length for manipulation thereof in a portable hand carried vacuum cleaning operation. The handle automatically latches upon opening and closing. The vacuum cleaner also includes a dirt reservoir and filter bag assembly carried by the body of the unit and removable from the body of the unit and separable from each other for ease of cleaning.