Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a housing having a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. A suction inlet is provided on the nozzle assembly. A dirt collection vessel, a suction generator and a wand receiver are carried on the housing. A first air flow pathway connects the suction inlet to the dirt collection vessel and the suction generator. An air flow control valve includes a valve body received in the first air flow pathway and an actuator having at least a portion thereof extending into the wand receiver. A cleaning wand assembly is displaceable between a first storage position wherein a first end of the cleaning wand assembly is held in the wand receiver engaging the actuator and opening the valve and a second position wherein the cleaning wand assembly is withdrawn from the wand receiver for cleaning with the cleaning wand assembly thereby disengaging the actuator and closing the valve.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having a suction path switching unit is provided that includes a cleaner body having and a body frame; a suction inlet body hinged to the body frame; a hose in fluid communication with the body frame and an extension pipe; and a suction path switching unit disposed on the body frame. The suction path has an operating duct elastically arranged on a suction path to be able to slide up and down. As the extension pipe is inserted into or withdrawn from a socket disposed on the body frame, the operating duct selectively diverts the suction path to a first suction path flowing from the suction inlet body to the dust collecting unit or a second suction path flowing from the extension pipe to the dust collecting unit.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is provided that includes a cleaner body having a suction motor, a dust-collecting unit, and a body frame where the suction motor and the dust-collecting unit are disposed, a suction inlet body which is hinged to a lower end of the body frame, a hose which has one side fluidly communicating with the body frame and the other side fluidly communicating with an extension pipe through a manipulation handle, and a suction path diverting valve which is disposed on the body frame and has a valve member elastically arranged on a suction path. As the extension pipe is inserted into or withdrawn from a socket on the body frame, the valve member selectively diverts the suction path to a first suction path flowing from the suction inlet body to the dust-collecting unit or a second suction path flowing from the extension pipe to the dust-collecting unit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a suction path switching unit is provided that includes a cleaner body having a body frame; a suction inlet body hinged to the body frame; an extension pipe assembly having a hose and an extension pipe connected in fluid communication with the hose; and a suction path switching unit disposed on the body frame. The suction path switching unit has a switching duct, at least a portion of which is elastically arranged on a suction path to be displaceable on the suction path. As the extension pipe is fixed on or separated from the body frame, the switching duct is selectively displaced to a first position of opening a first suction path flowing from the suction inlet body to the dust collecting unit or a second position of opening a second suction path flowing from the extension pipe to the dust collecting unit.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having dual cleaning motor and fan units is provided having a cleaning head engagable with a floor and a suction nozzle and a brush roller rotatably mounted therein. A first motor and fan unit is mounted in the vacuum cleaner for producing suction in the suction nozzle and is operatively connected to the brush roller for rotating it. An upright housing is connected to the cleaning head, the housing having a handle for moving the vacuum cleaner along the floor during floor cleaning use. Contained in the housing are a dirt storage container, a passageway leading from the suction nozzle in the cleaning head to the storage container and a second motor and fan unit operatively associated with the storage container for drawing dirt laden air from the cleaning head through the passageway and into the storage container simultaneously with operation of the first motor and fan unit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises adjacent housings, which contain the filtration and suction fan motor assembly of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner comprises a body including a dust separator, a floor engaging head having a first dirty air inlet on its underside, a handle detachably mounted in a socket on the body and having a second dirty air inlet at its lower end, a flexible hose extending between the center of the handle and the body, a valve, and a valve actuator disposed in the socket for configuring the valve to connect the dust separator to the first or second inlets respectively when the handle is engaged and disengaged from the body. When engaged to the body, the upper end of handle is used to propel and guide the cleaner while suction is applied to the first dirty air inlet in the floor engaging head. Once detached, the handle is immediately ready for use as a tool for above-floor cleaning without the user having to manually divert the suction or fit cleaning tools.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner including a vacuum cleaner main body, a suction tool main body connected to the vacuum cleaner main body and having an suction inlet which is open at a lower surface thereof, a dust box connected to the vacuum cleaner main body, and a grip portion for operating the vacuum cleaner main body. The suction tool main body, an interior of the vacuum cleaner main body, the grip portion and the dust box are directly connected in this order such that circulation of air is permitted. The interior of the vacuum cleaner main body and the grip portion are connected in a freely attachable and detachable manner.

Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a housing having a nozzle assembly with a suction inlet and a canister assembly. A dirt collector and suction generator are carried on the housing. The apparatus further includes a wand having an inlet opening and a sealing element for sealing that inlet opening when the wand is held in a storage position. Additionally, the apparatus includes a valve and an airflow conduit system. The airflow conduit system provides fluid communication between the suction inlet, the inlet opening, the valve, the dirt collector and the suction generator. The valve is selectively displaceable between a closed position whereby the suction inlet is sealed off from fluid communication with the suction generator and an open position whereby the suction inlet is provided in fluid communication with the suction generator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner (100) comprises a main body (3), separating apparatus, a flexible hose (20) having one end for coupling to an input of the separating apparatus and the other end terminating in a connecting part (40), a rigid pipe (9, 10) being selectively connectable to the main body (3) (see FIG. 2A) so as to provide a handle for the cleaner when connected to the main body (3), or a wand when released from the main body (3). The pipe (9) has an opening at each of first and second ends (16, 17) and a gripping portion (11) at the first end (17) for allowing a user to grasp the pipe (9). The hose connecting part (40) is connectable to the opening at either end (16, 17) of the pipe (9). Thus, the pipe (9) can be more conveniently used during a cylinder mode of cleaning.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner comprises a body 10 including a dust separator 13, a floor engaging head 11 having a first dirty air inlet on its underside, a handle 12 detachably mounted in a socket 15 on the body 10 and having a second dirty air inlet at its lower end, a flexible hose 20 extending between the centre of the handle 12 and the body 10, a valve 23, and a valve actuator 21 disposed in the socket 15 for configuring the valve 23 to connect the dust separator 13 to the first or second inlets respectively when the handle 12 is engaged and disengaged from the body 10.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner (100) comprises a main body (3), separating apparatus, a flexible hose (20) having one end for coupling to an input of the separating apparatus and the other end terminating in a connecting part (40), a rigid pipe (9, 10) being selectively connectable to the main body (3) (see FIG. 2A) so as to provide a handle for the cleaner when connected to the main body (3), or a wand when released from the main body (3). The pipe (9) has an opening at each of first and second ends (16, 17) and a gripping portion (11) at the first end (17) for allowing a user to grasp the pipe (9). The hose connecting part (40) is connectable to the opening at either end (16, 17) of the pipe (9). Thus, the pipe (9) can be more conveniently used during a cylinder mode of cleaning.

Abstract: A handle for a vacuum cleaner includes a generally rigid pipe portion connected to a generally flexible hose portion. The hose portion is fixedly connected to the main body of the vacuum cleaner. The pipe portion is selectively connectable to the main body of the vacuum cleaner in the manner of a handle or releasable from the main body in the manner of a wand. The pipe portion is formed by a straight, hollow tube having no internal bends. The handle may have an upwardly extending handle portion and a gripping portion, wherein the gripping portion extends forwardly and downwardly from the handle portion so that, when the vacuum cleaner is in use in an upright mode, the gripping portion extends generally transverse to the forearm of the user. A cap may also be provided at the distal end of the rigid pipe portion, the cap being movable between a first position in which the end of the pipe portion is closed by the cap and a second position in which the end of the pipe portion is not closed by the cap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner operable in an on-floor mode and an above-floor mode. The filtration system of the vacuum cleaner is selectively fluidly connected to a brush housing directed toward the floor for the on-floor mode and, in an alternative orientation, selectively fluidly connected to an auxiliary hose for the above-floor mode. The auxiliary hose is stored in its entirety within the hollow tube of an upright handle, the upright handle being pivotally connected to a base of the vacuum cleaner and the hollow tube being removably connected to the pivotal connection for use as a wand in the above-floor mode. The vacuum cleaner includes vacuum and brush motors that are selectively activated in accordance with the position of the upright handle, the vacuum and brush motors being activated the on-floor mode and the vacuum motor alone being activated in the above-floor mode.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning including a nozzle base comprising a primary and secondary suction opening, a suction source positioned within a first cavity in the nozzle base, and a dust cup releasably positioned within a second cavity in the base. The dust cup comprises a first inlet in communication with the primary suction opening, a second inlet in communication with the secondary suction opening, and an outlet. An above floor cleaning tool is in communication with the second inlet. A first filter assembly is positioned adjacent the outlet of the dust cup. A second filter is positioned between the suction source and the first filter. An exhaust opening and filter are positioned downstream of the suction source to prevent particles from venting to atmosphere. The vacuum cleaner further includes a handle assembly comprising an elongated connecting portion and a handle. The handle is removable for use as a handle for an above-floor cleaning tool.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for carrying a fluid flow having at least one fluid inlet, at least one fluid outlet, a plurality of alternative fluid flow paths therebetween and valve for selecting one of the said fluid flow paths to carry a fluid flow from the or a fluid inlet to the or a fluid outlet, wherein the said valve (14) and at least part of the said alternative fluid flow paths (26, 70) are housed within a removable portion (10) of the apparatus to facilitate maintenance. Preferably, seals (32) are provided between the removable portion (10) and the remainder of the apparatus, the seals (32) being either carried by the removable portion (10) or exposed for access by removal of the removable portion (10). This arrangement facilitates removal of blockages and replacement of seals.

Abstract: A dust collecting direction switching portion is provided at a wall at the back of the main body of an upright type vacuum cleaner. The dust collecting switching portion having a switch valve is branched into three directions. The branch in the first direction forms a duct for allowing a coupling hose to be fitted to a suction opening directed toward a floor surface, the branch in the second direction forms a rib communicating with a dust collecting portion inside the vacuum cleaner, and the branch in the third direction forms a rib allowing a hose to collect dust at a relatively narrow space between pieces of furniture. In operation, in response to an operation of a knob related to the switch valve, the switch valve switches one of the first and third direction ducts in association with the operation to communicate with the rib in the second direction.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner body, a hose to be connected to the vacuum cleaner body, a support pipe to be connected to the hose, and a suction device to be connected to the support pipe. The suction device is provided with running wheels, and the vacuum cleaner body is able to be detachably fastened to the support pipe so that it is supported by the wheels of the suction device when the vacuum cleaner body is attached to the support pipe. The cleaning workability is thus improved, and the external appearance of the vacuum cleaner body in a condition of being detached from the support pipe can be improved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a remote controlled vacuum cleaner comprising a motor installed in a chamber inside a main body, for creating a suction, a dust collecting bag installed at a dust collecting compartment, for collecting the dirt and dust sucked by the suction from the motor, left and right wheels for moving the main body, the wheels being driven by left/right wheel driving portions, auxiliary wheel installed at a front lower portion of the main body and rotated together with the rotating right and left wheels, a suction inlet installed at a front lower portion of the main body, which is connected to the dust collecting compartment by way of a suction duct, characterized in that an auxiliary suction inlet is arranged at a front lower portion of the main body, the auxiliary suction inlet being opened or closed in a sliding fashion. There are provided a manual operation of the cleaner by using a hose, thereby providing a convenience for a user and an improved practical use thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body section having a first recess, and a second recess. The vacuum cleaner further has a first connector section, a second connector section, a suction pipe section and a brush section. First and second arc-shaped slots are provided in order for first and second protrusions of the first connector section to be slidably inserted in the slots and to be placed on the first recess. The second connector section is fixedly inserted in the second recess. The first connector section is connected to the second connector section. When the vacuum cleaner is used in the upright mode, the brush section is detachably connected to the first connector section and the suction pipe section is detachably connected to the second connector section, to thereby provide an air passageway from the brush section, the first connector section, the second connector section, and the suction pipe section, up to the cleaner body section.

Abstract: A suction line has a stiff suction tube and a flexible suction hose having a connecting end. A connector for connecting the connecting end of the flexible suction hose to the stiff suction tube to form the suction line having free ends is provided. One of the free ends of the suction line is connected to a vacuum source. The other free end of the suction line can receive a vacuuming tool. The stiff suction tube has a longitudinal axis. The connector is rotatable about an axis extending transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a housing having a bottom portion with wheels. A handle rod with a handle for guiding and pushing the vacuum cleaner across a floor is connected to the housing. A suction blower with a drive motor is positioned in the housing. The housing comprises a brush roller chamber with a rotatably driven brush roller with brush elements positioned therein. The housing has a suction slot through which the brush elements of the brush roller extend. The housing further comprises a receiving chamber positioned between the brush roller chamber and the suction blower with a removable dirt collecting container received therein. The dirt collecting container has sidewalls wherein a first one of the sidewalls faces the brush roller chamber and has an inlet slot extending substantially over the length of the brush roller chamber for allowing passage of a suction air stream entering the suction slot into the dirt collecting container.

Abstract: A socket is provided on the upright portion of a vacuum cleaner for the insertion of the wand on the distal end of the accessory hose. The wand, which is normally inserted into the socket when the accessories are not being used, engages a linkage mechanism within the socket. The linkage mechanism closes a valve door within the suction stream when the wand is removed to close the suction passageway from the vacuum source to the base and open the suction passageway to the hose. The linkage mechanism opens the valve door when the wand is replaced to close the suction passageway to the hose and open the suction passageway to the base. The present invention automatically closes the suction passage from the floor engaging portion whenever the accessories are being used and assures that the suction connections are always in the proper position for floor cleaning or above-floor cleaning.

Abstract: A convertible vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle base and a motor and filter housing rotatably mounted on the nozzle base. The nozzle base is movable along a floor surface and includes a brush cleaner for mounting a rotatable brush and a first suction passage communicating with the brush chamber at one end and with an exterior periphery of the nozzle base at the other end. The motor and filter housing includes a second suction passage communicating at a first end with the first suction passage second end and at a second end with an exterior periphery of the motor and filter housing. The motor chamber is formed in the motor and filter housing in spaced relation to the second suction passage. A suction chamber is disposed in the motor and filter housing in a spaced manner from the second suction passage and the motor chamber. The suction chamber has an inlet port communicating with the exterior periphery of the motor and filter housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to upright vacuum cleaners which have a detachable hand-held vacuum hose as an ascending line. The hand-held vacuum hose is coupled to a hand-held vacuum tube which serves as an extension. The hand-held vacuum tube is thereby designed as a storage housing for the telescoping hand-held vacuum hose.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning appliance comprises a lower efficiency cyclone unit and a high efficiency cyclone unit connected in series. This enables both large and fine dirt particles to be dealt with.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning appliance having dual spaced apart air conveying pipes (13, 14) supporting a cap (15) for a dirt container is described. The pipes are supported on a casing (11) mounting a movable cleaning head (10). The appliance is also convertible to a tank type cleaner using a handle (30) for the appliance.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having a tubular push-pull handle of one or more separable sections, this push-pull handle is detachable at its base end from the upright vacuum cleaner and the opposite end of the push-pull handle is connected to the vacuum cleaner's suction power system by means of a flexible hose. When the vacuum cleaner's suction power is supplied to the hose and the push-pull handle is detached at its base end, the push-pull handle now becomes an immediate suction cleaning wand. This invention eliminates the need for a separate flexible hose kit. The housing on this vacuum cleaner is slightly larger than on previous machines. The housing opens up to receive the dust filter which formerly was external.

Abstract: A canister-type vacuum cleaner is provided wherein the vacuum cleaner may be operated with the canister in either a horizontal or substantially upright position. When in the upright position, both vacuum and pressure effects are transmitted to a floor-cleaning device, whereby the cleaning efficiency of the floor-cleaning device is improved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum cleaning appliance which is convertible to act both as an upright type cleaner or a cylinder type cleaner.The main air passageway through the appliance includes a motor driven suction fan unit and a valve device which is operable to connect the passageway either with an air inlet in a carpet engaging section or with an air inlet in a socket for receiving a cleaner head in the form of a hollow pipe which is connected with the socket by a flexible hose. The pipe slides telescopically within the flexible hose so as to engage within the socket and to act as a handle. When located in the socket the pipe operates the valve device to connect the air passageway with the carpet engaging section.

Abstract: A stalk vacuum cleaner having a casing and an air-suction socket at the lower end portion of the casing, wherein the dirt is fed from the top to a dust bag arranged in the upper end portion of the casing of the stalk vacuum cleaner under the action of a suction system arranged at the lower end portion of the casing of the stalk vacuum cleaner by means of a riser tube. The riser tube is in the form of a movable hose constituting a fixed component of the casing of the vacuum cleaner. The lower end of the hose is detachably connected to the air-suction socket.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum cleaning appliance which is convertible to act both as an upright type cleaner or a cylinder type cleaner.The main air passageway through the appliance includes a motor driven suction fan unit and a valve device which is operable to connect the passageway either with an air inlet in a carpet engaging section or with an air inlet in a socket for receiving a cleaner head in the form of a hollow pipe which is connected with the socket by a flexible hose. The pipe slides telescopically within the flexible hose so as to engage within the socket and to act as a handle. When located in the socket the pipe operates the valve device to connect the air passageway with the carpet engaging section.