Abstract: A suction cleaner includes a nozzle body having a suction inlet and a handle pivotally connected to the nozzle body. A suction creating device is located in one of the handle and the body. An air passageway leads from the suction inlet to the suction creating device. A valve member is located in the air passageway. The valve member includes a shaft pivotally mounted in the nozzle body and a valve element fixedly mounted on the shaft. The valve member is selectively pivoted in a first direction by a lever pivotally mounted on the nozzle body and actuated by a movement of the handle of the suction cleaner. A link member, having a first end secured to the lever and a second end secured to the shaft, connects the lever to the valve member. A biasing member, preferably mounted on the shaft, urges the valve member in a second direction.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner conversion arrangement is disclosed which, particularly, may be advantageously applied to a dirt cup cleaner. In this application, the conversion hose confluently communicates with the dirt cup when the cleaner is in converted condition so that suction air flows from the dirt cup to the motor-fan system of the vacuum cleaner in either of its floor or hose modes of operation. The conversion arrangement generally includes a conversion adapter having a closure means for sealing off its conversion hose and stanchions for conveniently mounting the ends of the same hose when it is not in use. The closure means may take the form of an outer door or an internal flapper valve plate.

Abstract: A novel upright carpet cleaning extractor is disclosed which may be conveniently converted from the floor cleaning mode to the upholstery and/or stair cleaning mode. The overall configuration and operation of the extractor is similar to that of a typical upright vacuum cleaner and may be operated in the forward or reverse direction similar to a typical upright vacuum cleaner. When in the floor cleaning mode, cleaning solution is supplied to a solution distributor by gravity flow. However, when converted to the upholstery cleaning mode an auxiliary, air turbine driven cleaning solution pump is automatically energized for supplying pressurized cleaning solution to an upholstery or stair cleaning nozzle.

Abstract: A hand held vacuum cleaner portable by a user during use is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner has a housing defining a main inlet, an accessory inlet, an exhaust outlet, and a vacuum passageway interconnecting the inlets to the outlet. An impeller is driven by a motor to create a stream of air passing downstream selectively from the main inlet or from the accessory inlet to the exhaust outlet. A cover is sealingly and selectively mountable over the main inlet and the accessory inlet for selecting a stream of air passing downstream from one of the main inlet or the accessory inlet. Also, the vacuum cleaner may have a pair of clip assemblies and a strap. The clip assemblies are ideally selectively positionable between a retracted position flush with the contours of the main housing of the vacuum cleaner and an extended position wherein the strap may be attached to the clip assemblies.

Abstract: A convertible vacuum cleaner operable in both on-the-floor and above-the-floor cleaning operations is shown. Depending upon the location of the handle which is pivotally supported by the vacuum foot, a conversion valve interconnected to the handle automatically converts the vacuum between on-the-floor and above-the-floor cleaning operations. The conversion valve includes a flapper valve member which is actuated between a first position blocking fluid communication between the vacuum motor and the brush roll chamber and a second position blocking fluid communication between the vacuum motor and the accessory hose. The valve member is actuated between these two positions by a pin and actuator arm provided on the pivotally mounted valve member. The pin is received in a contoured groove formed on the motor housing and the motor housing is securely mounted to the handle and pivotally mounted with respect to the foot and valve member.

Abstract: A suction cleaner adapted for either on the floor cleaning or above the floor cleaning includes a base having a nozzle and a handle pivotally secured to the base so as to be pivotable between a use position and a non-use position. A suction passageway is located in at least one of the base and the handle and communicates with the nozzle. A valve is rotatably mounted in the suction passageway for selectively closing the suction passageway. An elevating mechanism selectively elevates the nozzle away from, and lowers the nozzle towards, a subjacent support surface, the mechanism being secured to the base. An actuating mechanism manually actuates the elevating mechanism. The actuating mechanism is secured to at least one of the base and the handle and engages both the valve and the elevating mechanism.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a housing. A nozzle is attached to and laterally offset from the housing and a brushroll is supported for rotation in the nozzle. A power drive is connected to the bushroll. A collection container is supported by the housing. A conduit external of the housing has one end detachably connected to the nozzle and another end communicating with the collection container. A vacuum source creates an airflow through the conduit to the collection container. An on-board cleaning tool is carried by the housing. The tool is removable from the housing for connection to the conduit when the one end is detached from the nozzle. The power drive includes a disconnect which stops bushroll rotation when the conduit is detached from the nozzle.

Abstract: A novel upright carpet cleaning extractor is disclosed which may be conveniently converted from the floor cleaning mode to the upholstery and/or stair cleaning mode. The overall configuration and operation of the extractor is similar to that of a typical upright vacuum cleaner and may be operated in the forward or reverse direction similar to a typical upright vacuum cleaner. When in the floor cleaning mode, cleaning solution is supplied to a solution distributor by gravity flow. However, when converted to the upholstery cleaning mode an auxiliary, air turbine driven cleaning solution pump is automatically energized for supplying pressurized cleaning solution to an upholstery or stair cleaning nozzle.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a source of vacuum, a hose removably connected to an intake section of the housing, a rotatably driven brush located at the intake section, and a system to automatically stop the brush from being driven when the hose is disconnected from the intake section. The hose is located on an exterior of the housing and connects the intake section to the source of vacuum. The hose is flexible and expandable with a relatively compact, free-standing, curved shape when connected between the intake section and the source of vacuum, but can be expanded in general accordion-like fashion when the hose is removed from the intake section to expand to about four times its compact length. The system to automatically stop the brush can also automatically reengage driving of the brush when the hose is reconnected to the intake section.

Abstract: A vacuum diverter valve for a vacuum cleaner is located in a generally cylindrical valve housing with a vacuum outlet and first and second inlets circumferentially placed thereabout. The valve slideably engages the valve housing, and an interior wall on the valve defines a passage to allow communication between the vacuum outlet, and the first inlet or second inlet, or combination thereof. The valve is preferably formed with a clear plastic outboard endwall for viewing.

Abstract: An upright cleaner is provided with both above the floor and normal floor operation by the provision of a conversion valve that is driven to converted position by movement of the cleaner handle to storage position. Reconversion also may be obtained by placement of the cleaner handle again in its operative cleaner manipulative range.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner including a canister assembly pivotally connected to a nozzle assembly and an extensible hose which forms part of the vacuum path between the nozzle assembly and the canister assembly and which can be disconnected from the nozzle assembly for above-the-floor cleaning. Disconnecting the hose deenergizes an agitator motor in the nozzle assembly. The canister assembly includes a housing with an integral hand tool and attachment storage area which retains the tools and attachments, as well as the extensible hose, within the periphery of the housing. The upright vacuum cleaner also includes a height adjustment mechanism which deenergizes the agitator motor when the nozzle assembly is in its closest relation to the floor surface being cleaned.

Abstract: In a direct forward throw sweeper, improvements related to a door for closing the opening into the hopper permit backing away from a debris receptacle with the hopper door open after dumping a load of debris without damage to the machine. An attachment part is provided for connecting a vacuum pickup wand to the debris hopper. Associated improvements to a related air filter chamber provide improved dust control while dumping the hopper and convenient access for servicing a dust accumulation space in the bottom of the filter chamber.

Abstract: A suction cleaner includes a floor nozzle and a handle pivotally connected to the floor nozzle. A suction creating device is located in one of the handle and the floor nozzle and a filter bag is secured to the handle. A first passageway leads from the floor nozzle to the filter bag. A first valve member is located in the first air passageway. A cleaning tool hose is secured to the handle. A second air passageway leads from the cleaning tool hose to a filter bag. A second valve member is located in the second air passageway.

Abstract: A cleaner is disclosed having both above and on floor operation where conversion to off the floor operation is occasioned by a manually operated conversion valve. It is latched in its converted position by manipulation of the cleaner handle to upright stored position prior to its manual operation.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having an off-the-floor suction hose attachment port located in the passageway connected to the agitator chamber or front nozzle with a suction generating means, and having a sliding door for closing off the passageway intermediate the chamber and hose attachment port during off-the-floor operation, which door is automatically returned to its initial position opening the passageway when the operating handle position is altered to allow on-the-floor operation. The agitator or roller brush is lifted completely from contact with the floor or carpet when the vacuum cleaning apparatus is used for off-the-floor operation and is done so independently of the floor height adjustment setting for various on-the-floor cleaning operations by rotating the retainer axle member about the axis of the front casters and relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A cleaner suction nozzle is provided in which provisions are made for a nozzle height elevation arrangement and a hose conversion valve arrangement. The hose conversion valve arrangement works in conjunction with the nozzle height elevation arrangement so that the suction nozzle can be elevated from the floor to disengage the cleaner agitator and then hose conversion of the cleaner can occur almost simultaneously.

Abstract: A portable floor scrubbing machine, which preferably is battery-powered, may operate in two distinct modes: either as a walk-behind floor scrubber or as a manually-operated, scrub-and-recover system using a floor wand having a cleaning solution dispenser and convertible brush/squeegee at the working end of the wand for use in locations with difficult access.

Abstract: Disclosed is an upright-type electric vacuum cleaner which comprises a suction port body provided with a rotary brush and a main body case supported tiltably on the suction port body. Improvements are made in details such as the arrangement for supporting the main body case in the suction port body, the arrangements of mounting a handle onto the main body case, the configuration of a main body duct, the arrangement of a rotary brush, the arrangement of a cover of the main body case, and the arrangement of a T-shaped joint for connecting the main body duct and a dust filter means, thereby increasing the strength and rigidity of each of these parts and improving the performance of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner main cleaning chassis has a pair of suction air channels leading from a principal suction area thereof. Suction force is provided in common in the air channels with a single suction motor. One of the suction air channels is adapted to receive an auxiliary cleaning hose which diverts the suction force in such air channel into the auxiliary hose. During such auxiliary cleaning, increased suction force may be created in the auxiliary hose by closing off air flow in the other suction air channel, which relieves part of the load on the common suction motor. Such relief results in increased rotational speed of the motor, which in turn correspondingly increases the suction air flow in the air channel associated with the auxiliary hose.

Abstract: A mobile rug or carpet cleaner is provided with a support housing having front and rear wheels mounted so that the unit is tilted about the housing axis of the front wheels to engage and disengage a cleaning head with the carpet to be cleaned. The cleaner includes a fluid delivery system which provides fluid flow to the cleaning head, an auxiliary cleaning head and a spotter. The fluid delivery system utilizes a pump having an open conduit which continuously recycles cleaning fluid to a reservoir. The continuous recycle allows a solenoid valve in a line transporting fluid to the cleaning head spray nozzles to be abruptly closed without subjecting the entire fluid delivery system to a sudden, potentially damaging increase in fluid pressure. An automatic drain system utilizes a vacuum line to direct spent cleaning fluid to a removable waste tank for disposal. Suction can be selectively directed to the cleaning head or to the auxiliary head.

Abstract: A vacuum-cleaning apparatus for cleaning furniture or the like, especially upholstered furniture, upholstered vehicle seats, etc. The apparatus is connected via a vacuum conduit to a vacuum-cleaning unit. A first vacuum nozzle is provided with a brush and includes a housing having an intake opening that leads to the vacuum conduit. A second vacuum nozzle is embodied as a gap-cleaning nozzle and is pivotable, relative to the first vacuum nozzle, out of an inoperative position into an operative position, and vice versa. An air duct is pivotably mounted in the housing. In the operative position of the gap-cleaning nozzle, the latter communicates via the air duct with the intake opening of the housing to provide flow communication from the gap-cleaning nozzle to the vacuum conduit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having the combined features of a canister and upright type vacuum cleaner with the canister mounted for tilting movement on a housing of a floor or nozzle unit which contains a rotatably mounted brush. A single motor is used to power a fan which creates the vacuum in the canister and to apply power to the brush through a belt and pulley assembly mounted in the floor unit housing. A hose extending from the canister is connectable and disconnectable from the floor unit housing so as to provide for above the floor cleaning when the hose is disconnected and the appropriate tools are attached thereto. When the hose is connected into the housing, the vacuum is applied to the vicinity of the brush. A mechanism for disengaging the motor from the belt and pulley assembly when above the floor cleaning is selected is provided by a cam member rotatable with the canister and a pulley asembly which is part of the belt/pulley brush drive assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus with an improved air control valve (22) for directing air flow to a passageway (11) in a casing either from a cleaning head (2) or a hose section (6) is described. In the preferred form the valve rotates to provide internal passages to the air passageway in the casing. The apparatus is particularly adapted as a vacuum cleaning appliance.

Abstract: A suction cleaner capable of rapid conversion for either on-the-floor or above-the-floor cleaning, is disclosed. The cleaner includes an elongated housing arranged in a generally upright manner and having an elongated, upwardly extending handle at the rear side thereof. A floor nozzle is connected to the lower end of the housing so that the latter "floats" on the surface of a rug or carpet being cleaned. A suction control valve assembly is mounted in a cavity in the rear of the housing so as to be easily removable therefrom. The valve assembly is connected to conduit means extending between a subatmospheric pressure filtering chamber in the housing and the floor nozzle. An auxiliary suction inlet communicates with the filtering chamber, upstream from the suction valve assembly, and one end of an auxiliary suction hose is permanently connected to the auxiliary inlet.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a compact wet-dry vacuum cleaner adapted for collecting both wet and dry materials. The vacuum cleaner is powered by a by-pass type blow motor which is supported in a housing. The housing includes a baffle for separating the inflowing cooling air to the motor from the outflowing air which has cooled the motor. The placement of inlets and outlets to the motor housing prevents debris and liquid from splashing on the motor. A materials collection tank is separably attached to the motor housing to enable the tank to be removed for cleaning. The tank includes a nozzle at its front wall, which nozzle has an exit near the top of the tank. A curved air flow redirector at the top of the tank separates collected material from the air. The outlet from the tank is laterally spaced from the flow redirector. The motor housing is attached to a swivelable cover that extends over the motor. The cover extends over a duct that communicates between the materials collection tank and the blow motor.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for carpets, carpet bases, upholstery and the like has a blower for producing compressed air and suction air, a compressed air main pipe, a foam producing device connected to the main pipe and a nozzle for depositing the foam on the surface to be cleaned, a suction nozzle for drawing up the foam and dirt, a separator including a filter unit and a dirt chamber, a closable opening in the compressed air main pipe and an additional cleaning device having a supply hose and a connection piece for insertion into the closable opening.