Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a base unit configured to be moved over a surface to be cleaned, an upper unit coupled with the base unit, and a handle coupled with the upper unit and moveable between a folded position and an upright position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base housing having a suction nozzle with a front suction nozzle opening provided on the front of the base housing, a source of suction in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating a working air stream through the upper unit, and a diverter assembly to selectively restrict a portion of the front suction nozzle opening.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a necked-down suction channel formed in a housing adapted for movement over a surface to be cleaned. The housing further includes a suction nozzle and an agitator chamber. The necked-down suction channel has a height that is less than the height of the agitator chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clearing a playing surface are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a chassis or frame, a sensor connected to the chassis to sense a location of a line on a playing surface that needs to be cleaned, a drive connected to the chassis to drive the chassis in a selected direction of travel, and a handle to facilitate handling by a user. The apparatus also preferably includes a controller connected to the chassis, in communication with the drive, and responsive to the sensor to control the drive to thereby direct the chassis to move along the line that needs to be cleaned in the selected direction of travel and a cleaning device connected to the chassis to clean the line with the chassis is being driven along the line. Associated software is provided as well.

Abstract: A steam mop with an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to a foot includes a fluid distribution system having a distributor in the foot that applies steam to a floor surface and an auxiliary hose for steam cleaning above-floor surfaces. The auxiliary hose is mounted to the steam mop by an articulating joint.

Abstract: A compact machine for cleaning floors includes a solution tank and dispensing system for dispensing solution onto the surface to be cleaned, a deck assembly for guiding dirty solution to a recovery pickup point, a mechanically operated pump for collecting the dirty solution from the recovery pickup point, and a recovery tank for receiving the collected fluid.

Abstract: A vacuum collector assembly comprises a mountable hitch having support posts connected to one another by horizontal supports and a hinge mechanism for connecting to a trailing carriage. The trailing carriage includes a lift assembly and an engine support frame for mounting thereon an engine operating conjunctively with an impeller assembly for developing negative pressure within a blower housing that is connected in between a receptacle hood and a lawn cutting deck. The engine support frame generally extends outwardly from a pair of vertical columns each having ends connected to support runners for situating atop thereof a pair of receptacles holders suited for receiving receptacle bins utilized in storing collected debris.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a first suction unit, a main body, a second suction unit, a connection flow-tube, and a flow-passage switching device. The main body communicates with the first suction unit and includes a suction motor to generate a suction force. The second suction unit is configured to be selectively attached to the main body. The connection flow-tube is configured to selectively connect the first suction unit or the second suction unit to the suction motor. The flow-passage switching device is configured to connect the connection flow-tube to the first section unit or the second suction unit according to a disposition state of the second suction unit.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance is capable of performing two or more cleaning functions. The cleaning appliance may include a vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner such that a user can vacuum a floor prior to steam cleaning the floor.

Abstract: In a platform-carried carpet-cleaning machine for facilitating transport of the machine, the platform including a machine-supporting base having upper surface extending between an open entry-end and a closed back-end, the upper surface having an entry portion sloping at no more than about 5° with respect to horizontal such that the machine can be driven on and off the platform with application of about the same amount of user force as during carpet-cleaning operations. Inner surfaces of first and second platform sidewalls both include protrusions frictionally engaging the machine side panels and configured to sandwich the machine therebetween to prevent lateral movement of the machine on the platform. A pair of wheels is mounted with respect to the base for rolling the machine on the platform across a floor, each wheel being secured to its corresponding sidewall by an axle which extends therethrough and is molded in place through the sidewalls to facilitate assembly of the platform.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an auxiliary suction nozzle in fluid communication with an auxiliary port provided on the vacuum cleaner. A vacuum hose can be coupled with the auxiliary port to establish fluid communication between the auxiliary suction nozzle and a source of suction.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes a base unit with a brush motor and a brush roller drivable by the brush motor. An air conduit leads from the base unit to a dust collection container and includes an interface and a first section downstream of the interface. The first section includes a hose or a hose-and-wand assembly and is arranged externally on an upper body of the vacuum and is also securable to the upper body. A receiving structure on the upper body is configured to receive the first section and is removable from the receiving structure in a region of the interface so as to enable a vacuuming mode of operation that is independent of the base unit. A turning-off device is operable to turn off the brush motor when the first section is removed from the receiving structure.

Abstract: To obtain a hand-held powered suction device, which secures a high suction performance by a lightweight fan while preventing a blade of the fan from being damaged or being broken due to a sucked object. Forming an air intake opening along a driving axis of a fan in a portable-type fan case and providing a fan protection member to be rotated at an upstream side in an air intake direction of the fan within the intake opening being attached so as to be integrally rotated with the driving axis, a shock absorbing surface that is perpendicular in an air intake direction of the intake opening is formed on the fan protection member.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. The cleaning apparatus further includes a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface. The solution tank removably mounted to one of the handle and the base portion. The cleaning apparatus still further includes a recovery tank removably mounted to one of the handle and the base portion and a floor suction nozzle secured to the base portion and in fluid communication with the recovery tank. The cleaning apparatus yet further includes a suction source in fluid communication with the floor suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the floor suction nozzle and into the recovery tank.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base having first and second inlet ports and a fan configured to draw air through the inlet ports into the base. A vacuuming head is removably attachable to the base to channel air from a surface into the first inlet port to clean the surface while covering and blocking the second inlet port. An attachment, different than the head, is removably attachable to the base to channel air into the second inlet port.

Abstract: A changeover valve, for an upright vacuum cleaner, comprises a movable valve member (31) connected via a flexible duct to a dirt separator of the cleaner, and a valve body (30) having inlet ports (32, 33) connected, respectively, to an air inlet in the underside of a floor-engaging unit of the cleaner and, via a flexible hose, a suction nozzle of the cleaner. The valve member (31) is movable relative to the valve body (30) for selective alignment with either of the inlet ports (32, 33).

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 convertible blower port for a vacuum cleaner includes a cylindrical port wall carried by a portion of a vacuum cleaner. The port wall has a first end facing inwardly toward the vacuum cleaner and a second end opposite the first end. The port wall defines a blower passage in communication with the plenum of the vacuum cleaner. A blower port outlet is provided on the second end of the port wall. A removable cap closes off the blower port outlet and has an exterior surface for gripping the cap and has a hub configured to fill the blower passage. The hub has a substantially smooth inner end face that is positioned generally across the first end of the port wall and faces the plenum of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: The vacuum includes a body having a main air passageway, and first and second air passageways diverging from the main passageway. The first air passageway defines a blower port. A closable door having an open and a closed position directs air flow from the main air passageway to either the first or second diverging air passageways to switch between vacuum and blowing modes. In one embodiment the wet/dry vacuum assembly is arranged such that each of the component parts may be placed in an assembly fixture and attached to a unit without reorienting the assembly.

Abstract: A dual-duty blowing and exhausting apparatus is provided. The apparatus may be quickly and conveniently converted between blowing and exhausting configurations without exposing its parts to undue wear or damage, and without causing the escape of the collected dust or other scrap material. The apparatus comprises a body member formed with an intermediate cylinder section having a conically contoured internal surface portion coaxially disposed about an axial bore. The apparatus also includes an exhaust valve coupled to a first end section of the body member in substantially sealed manner. This exhaust valve serves to guide compressed air introduced into the body member to the conically contoured internal surface portion for expulsion through the tapered throat portion during the exhausting operation. The apparatus further includes a blow valve detachably coupled to the exhaust valve for effecting the blowing operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum cleaner (2) having a cleaner head (8) comprising a dirty air inlet (12) and a passage 20) forming an airflow path for dirty air entering the dirty air inlet (12). Access means (24, 26) are provided for allowing access to the airflow path (20) to facilitate cleaning thereof and or removal of blockages therefrom. A transparent portion is provided in an outer casing (22) of the cleaner head (8) to allow the interior of the airflow path (20) to be visually inspected. The improved vacuum cleaner facilitates use and maintenance of the vacuum cleaner (2) by enabling a user to easily and quickly detect and remove blockages in the airflow path (20) between the dirty air inlet (12) and dust separating apparatus (6).

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus has a base for movement along a surface to be cleaned and an upright handle pivotally attached to a rearward portion of the base. A fluid dispensing nozzle for applying fluid to the surface and a suction nozzle for picking up fluid and debris from the surface are associated with the base. A clean water holding tank and a detergent holding tank are removably mounted to the handle while a recovery tank is removably mounted to the base. A mixing valve is fluidly connected between the holding tanks and the spray nozzle for changing the mixing ratio of the detergent with respect to the water. The fluid recovery tank includes an integrally molded conduit that extends from the suction nozzle and a mounting for an accessory hose that interrupts the fluid path from the suction nozzle in the conduit and redirects fluid flow through the hose.

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 portable surface cleaning apparatus has a base for movement along a surface to be cleaned and an upright handle pivotally attached to a rearward portion of the base. A fluid dispensing nozzle for applying fluid to the surface and a suction nozzle for picking up fluid and debris from the surface are associated with the base. A clean water holding tank and a detergent holding tank are removably mounted to the handle while a recovery tank is removably mounted to the base. A mixing valve is fluidly connected between the holding tanks and the spray nozzle for changing the mixing ratio of the detergent with respect to the water. The fluid recovery tank includes an integrally molded conduit that extends from the suction nozzle and a mounting for an accessory hose that interrupts the fluid path from the suction nozzle in the conduit and redirects fluid flow through the hose.

Abstract: A dirt conveying duct arrangement is formed between a nozzle and motor-fan of a vacuum cleaner and includes front and rear duct sections. The front duct section is open at the bottom thereof and covered by a removable bottom plate. The rear duct section is open at the top thereof and is covered by a removable top duct cover. The two-section dirt conveying duct arrangement allows clogs to be removed along the entire length thereof. The corner formed between the rear duct section and the motor-fan inlet may be molded with a radius to improve airflow into the motor-fan and limit losses in suction pressure.

Abstract: This invention concerns a Metal Collection Device for Vacuum Cleaners. It consist of a cover structure (that could be opened) that is attached to the soft tube of the vacuum cleaner. The interior of this cover structure has a strong magnet which attracts the metal items sucked in by the vacuum cleaner. This prevents the metal items from entering the main body of the vacuum cleaner and thereby prevents damage to the internal components or to the collection bag. When the need arises to clean or remove the metal items collected by the magnet, the cover structure could be opened and the magnet, along with the metal items collected by it, removed. Thus providing extreme ease of usage.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine having an additional nozzle which is slidably insertable with respect to the machine's dirty liquid suction duct to thereby by-pass the dirty liquid suction duct to provide suction to a suction conduit associated with the additional nozzle and to simultaneously provide a source of cleansing liquid through a valve to the additional 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: 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 blower attachment for a vacuum cleaner including an attached member disposed over the exhaust air discharge openings that extend around the vacuum cleaner casing. The attached member includes a strap section that extends over and blocks air flow from some of the discharge openings, and a plenum section that extends over and receives the flow of air from the remaining unblocked discharge openings. The plenum section tapers from the inlet port to an air output orifice that may be connected by conventional methods to inflate any of a number of devices that require a high volume of low pressure air. Tabs extending inward from the attached member are received in corresponding discharge openings to secure the attached member to the casing in an aligned position over the discharge openings.

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 vacuum cleaner is provided for use with an improved adaptor for associating auxiliary cleaning attachments with the cleaner. Insertion of the improved adaptor into an auxiliary suction port of the vacuum cleaner may be used to actuate various mechanisms internal to the vacuum cleaner. Such mechanisms include a pivoting lift bar situated on a lower side of the vacuum cleaner chassis, for lifting a main vacuum nozzle and rotating beater bar brush from a floor on which the vacuum cleaner is supported. Such lifting disengages the rotating beater bar brush from the floor while the vacuum cleaner performs auxiliary attachment cleaning. A pivoting diverter door may also, or in the alternative, be actuated upon insertion of the improved adaptor into the vacuum cleaner auxiliary suction port, for diverting suction power from a main suction nozzle through the adaptor and into an auxiliary cleaning attachment such as a hose associated with the adaptor.

Abstract: An improved leaf and debris collection apparatus is described which features a centrifugal fan mounted on a wagon and driven by an engine, the inlet side of the fan being connected to an inlet head just above ground level and its outlet side connected to an outlet plenum, comprising an outlet port for attachment of a disposable bag. A punch is provided for punching a large number of holes in the disposable bag so that air pressure is not collected within, so that the disposable bag can be used to collect the leaves and debris. In a preferred embodiment, the plenum has holes formed therein for release of air pressure, and the bag is disposed vertically beneath the plenum.

Abstract: According to the invention, a hose attachment port is provided in the hood of an upright suction cleaner. A hinged door is spring biased sealingly against the underside of the hood to seal the port for on-the-floor operation. The door is pivotable upon the insertion of a converter to a second position, which blocks air communication between a chamber housing a rotary agitator and an air passageway penetrated by the converter. With the door in the second position, suction generated by the cleaner is entirely realized in a hose attached to the converter. Latch means are also provided to releasably secure the converter with the hood.

Abstract: An upright-type vacuum cleaner wherein the air pump, traditionally fixed to the bottom motor shaft, is repositioned at the top of the motor shaft and the dirt-laden air duct is directed up over the motor to this top mounted air pump, and a radical change of direction is introduced in the air duct to cause heavy debris fragments, that would normally enter and damage the air pump, to drop out of the incoming air stream into an emptyable receptacle.

Abstract: An upright cleaner or the like is provided with a pivoting duct that pivots outwardly of the hood of the cleaner for attachment of a conversion tool. This permits conversion of the upright cleaner to, for example, hose operation.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for selective conversion between on-the-floor and above-the-floor cleaning. The basic upright vacuum cleaner includes a joint with a through passageway connecting the handle to the floor nozzle and through which the suction air passes. The joint includes a wall with a selectively openable passageway into which an adaptor, coupled to a hose, may be selectively inserted. Insertion of the adaptor cuts off the suction path to the floor nozzle and creates a suction path through the adaptor and associated hose to a wand and cleaning tool.

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 portable blower-vacuum unit has an impeller for drawing air axially through a housing air inlet, and for discharging the air centrifugally through a tangential housing air outlet. In a blower mode, a perforate cover plate prevents ingestion of solid material by the impeller. In a vacuum mode, a vacuum conduit connects to the housing in lieu of the cover plate, and a vacuum bag attaches to the air outlet. A mulching blade rotates with the impeller to chop any solid material passing through the housing when the unit is operated in the vacuum mode.

Abstract: A multi-motor suction cleaner of the upright type having a power-driven rotary brush operated in the usual manner with a low-suction, high-volume airflow produced by a typical first motor-fan unit in the cleaner suction nozzle housing to carry out a usual floor, rug or carpet cleaning operation. The cleaner is converted to efficient off-the-floor cleaning merely by selectively uncovering an opening in a closed suction chamber carried by the cleaner containing a second motor-fan unit producing high-suction, low-volume airflow. A converter member mounted on one end of a typical flexible attachment hose is inserted in the uncovered opening. This automatically energizes the second motor-fan unit. The selective and alternate operation of the two motor-fan units provides a single cleaner that can carry out most efficiently every cleaning operation heretofore requiring both a canister and an upright cleaner to perform.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an arrangement for attaching a suction hose to an enclosed bag type of upright vacuum cleaner for the purpose of above-the-floor cleaning.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for carpets, upholstery and the like in which a housing is displaceable along the surface to be cleaned and is provided with a motor-driven suction device, a foam-applying device and a pulsating scrubbing (massaging) device, the latter two devices being selectively operational apart from or together with a rotatable brush by control elements. The foam-applying (shampooing) device and the scrubbing device can be selectively coupled to the same motor as is used to drive the brush and the suction device.

Abstract: A system is provided for handling debris, such as twigs, leaves, grass cuttings, refuse and the like comprising a fan-shredding device including a vacuum nozzle, the nozzle being shut off from the fan suction when various units are mounted thereon, such as a hopper and a flexible extension hose. Also, a blower is provided by similarly mounting a cowl on the nozzle and a blower tube on the discharge chute of the fan-shredding device. Shredded debris is bagged in a bag mounted on the discharge chute. On bagging, the shredded debris is compacted by the fan blowing action on the small shredded particles.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base with a first air inlet, a rear housing, a removable handle and a socket on the housing to receive the handle. The handle has a grip, a second air inlet, and a hose connected to the second air inlet. The vacuum has a valve with a first inlet connected to the first air inlet, a second inlet connected to the flexible hose, a valve outlet connected to a vacuum fan, and a valve member that moves to connect the valve outlet to either inlet. The vacuum has a handle latch having one position in which it engages the removable handle to hold it in the socket and places the valve in one position, and a second position in which it releases the handle and places the valve member the other position.