Abstract: A stick cleaner is provided with a dirt cup that can be inserted partially into the housing of the stick cleaner and swung to a fully mounted position by an automatic camming action. The dirt cup includes a latching mechanism which also cammingly engages a latch hook on the suction tube of the stick cleaner to maintain the dirt cup in an assembled position.

Abstract: The broom comprises a handle in the form of an elongated stick, a broom body fixed below to the handle, cleaning means born by the broom body and designed to collect dirt on a floor after dragging of the broom body on said floor. It is characterized in that it comprises a vacuum cleaner unit housed in the broom body provided with a suction mouth open at the bottom in a position adjacent to the cleaning means.

Abstract: A combined self-contained implement features a broom or brush assembly for sweeping large areas of debris into small piles with a rechargeable battery operated vacuum assembly for aspirating the dirt piles into a bag. The broom and vacuum assembly are slidably mounted relative to one another so that either the bristles or the vacuum extends below the other for unimpeded sweeping or vacuuming. The large areas are swept without battery power. A small, light vacuum pick-up will serve a large area because it is only used for efficiently picking up the small area dirt piles.

Abstract: A vacuum bag for use with a vacuum device having a dirty air vacuum inlet has a conventional self-sealing collar including a pair of apertured planar panels, an apertured resilient membrane therebetween, and a finger extending at least partially across the outer panel aperture. However the collar is made self-aligning with a vacuum inlet by adding a third planar panel disposed parallel to and outwardly of the pair of panels. The third panel defines a respective third aperture therethrough configured and dimensioned for receipt of a vacuum inlet therethrough and aligned with the apertures of the pair of panels. The third aperture is of a thickness to facilitate blind placement of the collar on a vacuum inlet. In a combination of the bag and a vacuum device, the dirty air inlet extends through the three panel apertures as well as the membrane aperture of the collar.

Abstract: An air path for a vacuum cleaner, such as a stick type or broom type vacuum cleaner includes a first fan shell section having a first end at which is located a suction opening and a second end. A second fan shell section has a first end and a second end at which is located an outlet opening. An air outlet tube is located at the outlet opening of, and is of one piece with, the second fan shell section. The two fan shell sections are secured to each other in order to define a chamber between them. A suction fan is located in the chamber for drawing a suction at the suction opening and directing air through the air outlet tube.

Abstract: A manual apparatus for cleaning by spreading cleaning liquid and for sucking up the used liquid, comprises a cleaning head (2) provided with a supply orifice for cleaning liquid, structure (11) for spreading the liquid over the surface to be cleaned, and a squeegee (5) provided with at least one suction opening (8) for the used liquid. A used liquid reservoir (19-20), as well as a cleaning liquid reservoir (25); and channels (9, 12) connect the used liquid reservoir to the suction opening (8) carried by the cleaning head (2) on the one hand and the cleaning liquid reservoir to the supply opening of the cleaning head (2) on the other hand. A suction device (33) is provided, as well as controls (39) for the supply of cleaning liquid and for the suction (37) of used liquid. There is also provided a gripping handle (4).

Abstract: A squeegee-type mopping device including an elongated tubular rigid container having an open upper end and an open lower end; a head having a hollow interior, an upper open extent coupled to the lower end of the container to allow communication therebetween, a lower extent having a peripheral lower edge bounding an opening that allows access to the interior, and a flexible blade removably coupled to the lower edge and extended downwards therefrom; and an elongated plunger having an upper end and a lower end and with the lower end slidably disposed within the container to form a moveable seal, the opening of the head positionable upon a surface covered with liquid and with extension of the plunger creating a suctioning force for pulling the liquid through the head and into the container and with retraction of the plunger ejecting water from the container and through the opening.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner filter bag mounting assembly comprises a bag mounting member having a fixed plate which is secured to a housing of a vacuum cleaner and a hinge plate which is pivotally mounted to the fixed plate through a living hinge. A channel is formed on the outside surface of the hinge plate for a receipt of the vacuum bag collar and an air deflector extends outwardly from the fixed plate for insertion into the filter bag. The bag mounting member is preferably integrally molded from a single injection-molding operation. An outlet tube is integrally molded to the fixed plate and has bag-retaining projections on an outer surface and a deflector at the end to deflect particles downwardly into the filter bag. The filter bag is retained in the operating condition by the bag-retaining projections on the outlet tube.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner apparatus is disclosed, including a housing and a blower disposed in the housing. There is a power source for driving the blower and a substance collection container is detachably engaged with the housing and includes an inlet portion formed therein. A suction section extends generally between the blower and the substance collection container and includes a first port disposed in the container. An intake section is engaged with the inlet portion of the container and includes a second port disposed in the container. An actuator selectively connects the blower with the power source to operate the blower and opens the first and second ports to create a vacuum in the container such that the air and accompanying substances are drawn through the intake section into the container. The actuator also selectively disconnects the blower from the power source and closes the first and second ports to terminate air flow and restrict substance movement into and out of the container.

Abstract: An air path for a vacuum cleaner, such as a stick type or broom type vacuum cleaner includes a first fan shell section having a first end at which is located a suction opening and a second end. A second fan shell section has a first end and a second end at which is located an outlet opening. An air outlet tube is located at the outlet opening of, and is of one piece with, the second fan shell section. The two fan shell sections are secured to each other in order to define a chamber between them. A suction fan is located in the chamber for drawing a suction at the suction opening and directing air through the air outlet tube.

Abstract: Device for collecting refuse and dust comprising a body (2) of elongate shape carrying a set of bristles (3). The body (2) is hollow so as to contain, in its interior, a chamber (4) for receiving refuse and dust.

Abstract: Culling device for vacuum cleaners and other equipment which is made either as uni-functional (1) or two-functional (16), a part of which enclosure (6) is most frequently made of transparent materials, the device itself being made as tube, handle, part of handle or a specially constructed device which is inserted into the conveying tunnel of a vacuum cleaner (suction pipes), or similar devices. Inside the culling device there are waveformed paralell teeth (4) on a moveable axle (9), so-called culling comb (2), which by an external actuating mechanism (13, 24, 14, 5) is either adjusted so that:a) it rises diagonally into the air path and arrests articles which are carried into the culling device, while they are inspected and, as the case may be, removed (uni-functional culling device), or sucked or otherwise collected into a special collecting compartment (two-functional culling device), orb) it lies down and allows passage for the articles into the vacuum cleaner's accumulation case (its dustbag).

Abstract: Disclosed are new features relating to a brush-supported carpet cleaning machine of the type having counter-revolving brushes. Such features include a new handle mounting and latching arrangement which simplifies handle mounting and de-mounting, which helps support the weight of a handle-mounted vacuum pod and which promotes a high degree of machine self-propulsion. The pod is attached to the machine handle by a novel gudgeon-and-pintle mechanism. Such features also include a new support device, preferably brush-mounted, which helps prevent the machine shroud from snagging carpet if the machine should "wallow" or "yaw" in operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a vacuum cleaner bag cover which provides an enlarged access opening into the interior thereof. The vacuum cleaner bag, which is designed to enclose a removable dirt filtering and collecting bag, includes a main section and a front panel section. In a first embodiment, the front panel section is connected to the main section by a pair of parallel, vertically oriented zippers and a top member which snap-fits over the top of the main section. In a second embodiment, the front panel section is permanently attached to the main section along one edge, and releasably attached at an opposite edge by a vertically-oriented zipper. An interior frame is provided to vertically support the vacuum cleaner bag cover. In the first embodiment, access to the interior of the vacuum cleaner bag cover is gained by sliding the zippers downwardly, pulling the bag cover top member off the vacuum cleaner bag cover and folding the front panel section downwardly.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner convertible between a hand-held vacuum and a stick-type vacuum including a housing having a rondure first end and narrowing to a generally oblate, low profile nozzle at a second end, defining an opening in fluid communication with an interior of the housing. A releasably extensible dirt cup is slidably disposed within the opening in the second end and adapted to move between a retracted position within the housing and an extended position from the housing. The free end of the dirt cup is adapted to detachably retain a floor cleaning tool having a pivoting cleaning head for use on floors or other surfaces to be cleaned. The housing contains a vacuum source for drawing high velocity air into the elongate dirt cup through the floor cleaning tool and/or free end of the elongate dirt cup so as to entrain dirt and debris and capture it within the dirt cup.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner convertible between a hand-held vacuum and a stick-type vacuum including a housing having a rondure first end and narrowing to a generally oblate, low profile nozzle at a second end, defining an opening in fluid communication with an interior of the housing. A releasably extensible dirt cup is slidably disposed within the opening in the second end and adapted to move between a retracted position within the housing and an extended position from said housing. The free end of the dirt cup is adapted to detachably retain a floor cleaning tool having a pivoting cleaning head for use on floors or other surfaces to be cleaned. The housing contains means for drawing high velocity air into the elongate dirt cup through the floor cleaning tool and/or free end of the elongate dirt cup so as to entrain dirt and debris and capture it within the dirt cup.

Abstract: A new and improved swimming pool vacuum apparatus includes an extensible handle assembly which serves as a handle grasped by an operator and which supports a vacuum motor assembly. The vacuum motor assembly is used for providing vacuum power to a vacuum head assembly which contacts the bottom and the walls of a swimming pool. The vacuum head assembly is also supported by the extensible handle assembly. An electrical conductor assembly, connected between the vacuum motor assembly and a source of AC power, is used for conducting electrical power from the source of AC power to the vacuum motor assembly. The electrical conductor assembly includes a ground fault circuit interrupter assembly for interrupting electrical power flow from the source of AC power to the vacuum motor assembly in the event of a short circuit. The extensible handle assembly may include a plurality of handle units connected together in telescopic fashion and also includes an electrically insulating hand grip member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an upright vacuum cleaner having an improved assembly to optimize the assembly and operational characteristics of the vacuum cleaner. The floor engaging unit of the vacuum cleaner has a two-piece body including a base and a hood which are snap-fit together. A motor is rotatably mounted within the body at the end of a handle assembly. The handle assembly, which also functions as a conduit for dirty air to travel to a disposable filter bag, carries an electrical connector which connects the motor to power. The handle further provides a stop which engages a hose hook that slidably fits over the top of the handle, the stop being located such that the hose hook is properly positioned to support a hose during storage thereof. A filter bag, which is mounted to the handle at a location downwardly spaced from the top of the filter bag, is provided with a wire frame to help support the weight of the disposable filter bag.

Abstract: Filter unit assembly located at an operator-designated position is provided for enabling fluid flow through a removable mesh filter and ready disconnectibility from a vacuum line with the avoidance of liquid spillage from the filter unit assembly. The filter unit has a chamber which is open at one end and closed at its other end except for an outlet conduit displaced from the longitudinal axis of the chamber, first and second outwardly extending grip means which are displaced from each other about the longitudinal axis of the chamber, first and second supports for permitting the unit to rest in different stable positions, and a cap member for which engages and closes the front end of the chamber and has an axial inlet.

Abstract: A lightweight upright vacuum cleaner having a porous filter bag and a re-usable dirt cup in which the handle has two positions for either upright usage, or substantially horizontal usage on stairs, or the like. The cleaner is further provided with a rigid support bar connecting the handle to the base of the vacuum cleaner and which is located outside the porous bag and the dirt cup in order to provide a large volume porous bag and dirt cup.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a housing having first and second half housing elements. The housing has a handle and a nozzle. A motor is mounted within the housing for driving a shaft. A fan is mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith. A selectively separable bag assembly is mounted on the housing. A working air channel is formed within the housing for communicating the nozzle with the bag assembly. The air channel terminates in a working air outlet chute positioned within the bag assembly at its open upper end. The shaft is positioned within the housing generally normal to the direction of air flow within the working air channel.

Abstract: A permanent mounting assembly for a vacuum cleaner filter bag includes a plastic collar stitched to the porous body of the vacuum cleaner bag around the inlet opening thereof. The bag is mounted on the exterior surface of a projection on the vacuum cleaner housing. The exterior surface of the projection is provided with an annular groove. An interior rib on the collar is positioned within the groove to mechanically lock the bag on the projection of the housing. A nonelastic tie strap is positioned around the rib to permanently secure the rib in place and to provide a permanent fluidtight connection between the collar and the projection on the housing. The collar is provided with a band which is folded back to conceal the stitching, providing an attractive, neat appearance.

Abstract: Apparatus including an elongate housing containing an intake vacuum nozzle in pneumatic communication with a filtration bag. The filtration bag spaced forwardly of a filtration housing containing a screen grid therewithin. The grid includes a removable plug for directing of fragrance interiorly of the grid. Further, fluid antiseptic and sterilization tubes are receivable within the housing positioned between the filtration housing and the bag and include flexible porous wick bags for directing of the fluid into the exhaust of the vacuum apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner having a removable or pivoting cover on the housing of the vacuum cleaner to hold a filter bag. In the cover, there is a sliding, adjustable guide element which holds a filter bag reinforcement plate having a filler opening. When the guide element is adjusted by an activating element, the reinforcement plate is locked with the cover by appropriate elements, and is engaged with its filler opening over a corresponding filler tube on the housing, so that the cover can be locked in the housing by the reinforcement plate.

Abstract: A portable hand held vacuum cleaner is disclosed as having a housing with a handle to lift and operate the vacuum cleaner, and a nozzle/debris container releasably locked to the housing. The housing contains a motor driven blower that draws air and debris (wet or dry) into the nozzle/debris container for depositing the debris therein, while allowing air to be exhausted through the blower and then through the housing to atmosphere. The blower is constructed with first and second jointly rotatable elements having a series of circumferentially spaced blower exhause passageways and a transversely extending blower passageway adjacent the nozzle/debris container, for increased efficiency. A combined filter and seal is positioned in sealing engagement between the housing and the nozzle/debris container while affording filtering of debris from air between the nozzle/debris container and the blower in the housing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a motor, a housing enclosing the motor, and a fan driven by the motor for producing a vacuum. A canister is removably attached to the front end of the housing and has an intake nozzle for the reception of foreign matter, liquid and air drawn into the canister is response to the vacuum developed by the fan. A filter assembly includes a filter for filtering foreign matter from the air entering the canister. The assembly also includes a filter housing for housing the filter. The assembly further includes means for removably and positively securing the filter to the filter housing to allow the filter and the filter housing to form an integral unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-contained cordless electric pool and spa vacuum cleaner which is easily maneuverable over both flat and highly contoured underwater surfaces. A pump impeller, powered by an electric motor, is used to draw water through a compact filter cartridge. The efficiency of the filter cartridge allows for the use of a small motor and small battery which, in turn, result in the small size of the vacuum cleaner. All electrical components are enclosed in a watertight chamber so as to allow the entire cleaner to be submerged under water.

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: A portable vacuum cleaner for use in both dry and wet operations includes a main body case housing a fan motor and having intake and discharge openings, a dust case having a suction part and removably attached to the main body case around the intake opening, a filter housing removably installed in the dust case and having a filter accommodated therein to cover the intake opening with the filter, and a seal member peripherally interposed between the dust case and the main body case and/or filter housing. The filter housing has on the suction side of the constitutional wall thereof an annular wall which projects in an annular form toward the suction part and forms a well for water drawn in from the suction part, and also has a through hole positioned above the annular wall which permits the passage of air drawn in from the suction part.

Abstract: A closed circuit vacuum apparatus having a nozzle housing which includes a cover and an exterior wall structure to form a housing interior. The housing interior is bisected by a baffle that is spaced apart from the wall structure of the nozzle housing to define an air-recirculation duct therebetween. The inner surface of the baffle defines the dimensions of an evacuation chamber. Preferably, the baffle follows the circumferential contour adjacent to the nozzle wall structure so that the air-recirculation duct completely surrounds the evacuation chamber. An evacuation port in the nozzle housing is in fluid communication with the evacuation chamber, and an exhaust port in the nozzle housing is in fluid communication with the air-recirculation duct. Particle laden air is extracted from the evacuation chamber for passage through the evacuation port to an inlet conduit.

Abstract: An upper hose assembly for an upright vacuum cleaner is arranged with external threads at one end for connection into the dirt collecting portion intake duct while the other end of the hose has mounted thereon a connector which allows for a snap-fit connection/disconnection from the fan discharge port of the vacuum cleaner. The connector is designed to provide a retrofit adaptation to an existing vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner having a chamber arranged above the motor housing to receive a filter bag the side of which facing the motor housing is in valve-closed socket-connection communication with the fan-air channel and which can be removed from the chamber after opening and separating the socket connection. The filter bag is in socket-connection communication with a filter-bag intermediate support which is carried along upon the swinging open of the chamber and which has the valve-closure member and from which the filter bag can be separated somewhat on the other side of the vertical position of the cross-sectional plane of the socket connection.

Abstract: A cordless 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 suppporting 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 cordless vacuum cleaner and the power brush attachment.

Abstract: A device for allowing inspection of foreign matter in a stream of fluid flow in a conduit includes a filter disposed transversely in the fluid flow for filtering and collecting foreign matter from the fluid flow passing therethrough. A support frame supports the filter and allows connection to the conduit. A filter retainer is connected to the support frame for retaining the filter therebetween and has a first position disposed transversely in the fluid flow. A first pivotal member interconnects the filter retainer and the support frame for allowing pivotal movement of the filter retainer in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow from the first position to a second position outside the fluid flow to allow the filter to be removed and inspected.

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: A relatively rigid, air permeable panel suitable, for example, as a diffuser on a hard box vacuum cleaner housing. The panel is a composite of fabric and a polymeric frame molded in situ on the fabric. The disclosed molded frame technique avoids the necessity of separate fastening means between the fabric and frame and obviates the need for edge finishing of the fabric.

Abstract: A housing for a hand vacuum cleaner having a front dust chamber and a rear motor chamber separated from each other by a baffle, a dust chamber cover linked at the baffle, and a tightly connected motor chamber cover. In the area adjacent to the motor chamber cover there is designed a handle hollow in the dust chamber cover. This handle hollow is partially covered by a handhold which may be arranged at the motor chamber cover as an integral part thereof. In another embodiment of the housing, the handhold is incorporated in the dust chamber cover. At the motor chamber cover there may be arranged a cross-piece projecting toward the dust chamber cover, covering the rear area of the handle hollow and supporting a cross-piece of the dust chamber cover, thus providing a particularly robust handhold.

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 rechargeable vacuum cleaner has a housing having a front portion with an intake nozzle therein, a body portion and a handle portion, with the body portion mounting a motor fan suction unit and a filter and having outlet apertures therein for air from the motor fan suction unit. The handle portion provides means for holding the rechargeable vacuum cleaner, houses the rechargeable battery and incorporates a socket whereby the battery can be connected to charging means. The filter arrangement comprises a disc of flexible filter material sandwiched between two annular members, one of which defines a grid framework over which the disc of flexible filter material is stretched when said one of the members is telescopically received within the other of the members with the filter material located therebetween.

Abstract: A battery-operated dust cup type, hand-held vacuum cleaner is provided with wall-mounted store-and-charge means that supports the cleaner in upwardly pointed position. The cleaner is also rechargeable independently of the storage bracket, using the same charging means. The flap valve associated with the vacuum nozzle of the cleaner is backwardly slanted from the intake mouth in closed position. The flap valve seals on a lip extending around the inner periphery of the nose end of the dust cup. The intake mouth is provided with a serration or comb forming a re-entrant lip at the bottom side of the mouth. The dust bag is mounted independently of the dust cup but also without use of special brackets forward of the vacuum intake. Latch means for the dust cup is mounted immediately adjacent the power switch, and is mechanically arranged to be "forgiving" of variations in manufacturing tolerance.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag support in which a compression spring is itself supported in the interior of the upper terminus of an outer bag and carries a bag top support which resiliently maintains the bag elevated against lateral expansion thereof. An ornamental bag top member may be carried on the upper terminus of the outer bag and attached to the bag top support for movement therewith.

Abstract: A floor care appliance having a main housing with a handle extending from an upper portion thereof, and having a motor blower assembly affixed thereto with an inlet tube extending from a lower portion thereof. The main housing is fashioned with a rearwardly open cavity portion for receiving a filter arrangement including a paper filter bag having connection to an outlet tube of the motor blower assembly, and a second stage of filtration implemented by an air permeable closure covering the rearwardly open cavity portion. A floor unit carries a brush actuated by a reversible motor, a dry chemical carpet cleaning powder receptacle and dispensing arrangement for selectively dispensing the powder adjacent the brush, and a plenum chamber extending from adjacent the brush to a swivel having an outlet tube connected and affixed to the inlet tube of the motor blower assembly. A switch assembly is carried by a cover for the main housing and provides for operator selection of one of several modes of operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to vacuum cleaning appliances.The appliance of the invention includes a cyclone unit which is operable to extract dust and other dirt from the air flow therethrough and to deposit the extracted dust and other dirt in a chamber outside the cyclone and separate from the air flow through the casing of the appliance. The extracted dirt is removed from the appliance by separation of the cyclone unit from the casing.The appliance is convertible to act both as an upright type cleaner or a cylinder type cleaner.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having a motor housing, a handle pivotally attached to the housing, and a flexible dirt-receiving bag extending between the housing and the handle is disclosed. A top cover assembly is provided for supporting the top of the bag, and includes a rectangular cup-shaped cover having top, side, and end faces enveloping a portion of the top of the bag. An attaching assembly is provided for attaching the cover to the handle and to the top of the bag within the cover. The attaching assembly includes a wire hanger extending through the top face of the cover and then extending from a location adjacent one end of the cover toward the other end of the cover. The attaching assembly further includes a clamping web fixed to the underside of the top face. Downwardly and inwardly extending ends of the web enter pleats at the sides of the bag to removably hold the bag in place within the cover.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a vacuum cleaner hose includes a tubular member having opposite open ends and a filter plate between said ends. In one version, the assembly is telescoped into the vacuum cleaner hose and has a reduced opening at one end with the filter plate having a solid central core that is larger than the reduced opening and passages surrounding the central core. In a second version, an enlarged intermediate portion has tubes extending therefrom that respectively telescope over and into adjacent conduit sections of the vacuum cleaner hose and the filter plate is located in the enlarged portion.

Abstract: The combination of a vacuum cleaner and a dust filter container. The dust filter container does not have a conventional attachment plate. A support structure is located in the vacuum cleaner housing having a projecting member provided with a hole, the latter is inserted through a slot in the dust container whereby the hole aligns with an opening in the dust container. The hole in the projecting member and the opening form a through passage into the dust container from the inlet suction conduit of the vacuum cleaner. A seal is arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing between a flange on the suction conduit and a portion of the dust filter container surrounding the hole therein.

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: 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.