Abstract: A cleaner includes a housing provided to receive a fan motor unit configured to generate a suction force and a dust collecting chamber provided to collect foreign substances, a suction head coupled to a lower portion of the housing to suck the foreign substances on a surface to be cleaned, a neck arranged between the suction head and the housing to connect the suction head to the housing, the neck rotatable with respect to the suction head and detachably coupled to the housing, a switch device arranged on one side of the neck to allow the neck and the housing to be coupled to each other or separated from each other, and a rotating body rotatably coupled to the neck and configured to lock or unlock the switch device according to a position of the neck with respect to the suction head.

Abstract: A hose cuff on a vacuum hose for connection with at least one inlet valve of a central vacuum system includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, a first section adjacent to the first end, and a second section adjacent to the second end. The first section is adapted to connect to a first inlet valve and the second section is adapted to connect to a different second inlet valve. The first section includes a metal portion adapted to contact pins of the first inlet valve.

Abstract: A floor cleaner including a vacuum source recovery tank or collection bin and a body pivotally coupled to a base. The body is pivotable between an upright storage position and an inclined operating position and the body includes a recovery tank recess. The floor cleaner further includes a recovery tank removably coupled to the body in the recovery tank recess, the recovery tank in fluid communication with a vacuum source and a suction inlet, the recovery tank configured to store the cleaning fluid and/or debris drawn through the suction inlet from a surface by the vacuum source. The floor cleaner further includes a projection and a recess that receives the projection when the recovery tank is coupled to the body to limit movement of the body relative to the recovery tank.

Abstract: A blower (100) includes a blower attachment housing (112), a power head housing (122) having a handle (130) operably coupled thereto, a motor (140) disposed in the power head housing (122), a fan (160) disposed in the blower attachment housing (112), a battery (150), and an intake chamber (174) disposed between the motor (140) and the fan (160) to enable the air to enter the blower (100) between the motor (140) and the fan (160).

Abstract: A replacement head for a vacuum device includes a plastic tray, a filter and a pad. The plastic tray includes a dust chamber, a first connector lip and a second connector lip. An opening is provided that allows air, dust and debris to be drawn into the dust chamber during use. The connector lips are provided for attachment to a vacuum device. The pad is attached to the lower side of the plastic tray and is in contact with the floor during cleaning. The filter is connected to the plastic tray such that the filter substantially covers a top opening in the dust chamber.

Abstract: A blower apparatus is driven by a drive motor and has an intake opening and a discharge opening. The blower apparatus has a handle for guiding the blower apparatus with the handle being mounted on the blower apparatus such that it is pivotable from a first position into at least a second position. The blower apparatus is configured such that, during operation of the blower apparatus, an air flow passes through the discharge opening in a discharge direction. The handle has a grip region, which, in the first position, is inclined differently with respect to the discharge direction compared with the second position.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning head, a cleaning unit moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a generally upright position and a rearwardly inclined in use position, a push handle and an above floor cleaning assembly. The cleaning unit comprises an air treatment member and the push handle is rotatably mounted with respect to the cleaning unit. The above floor cleaning assembly comprises a flexible conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein in a floor cleaning mode a first portion of the flexible conduit having the outlet end is located on the second lateral side of the air treatment member and a second transverse portion of the flexible conduit extends from the second lateral side of the air treatment member over the upper end of the air treatment member to the first lateral side of the air treatment member wherein the second transverse portion is vertically spaced from the rotational joint.

Abstract: A pipe connector includes a clip, first pipe fitting, and second pipe fitting. The clip includes a cross member having a first end and a second end and a leg extending from each end. The first pipe fitting includes a connecting portion comprising a first end, a second end, and a sidewall having two slots. The second pipe fitting includes a connecting portion and a first end, a second end, a sidewall extending therebetween, and a circumferential groove in an outer diameter of the sidewall. The circumferential groove aligns with the slots in the sidewall of the first pipe fitting when the second pipe fitting is inserted into the first pipe fitting, and the legs of the clip engage the circumferential groove in the connecting portion of the second pipe fitting, allowing the first pipe fitting and the second pipe fitting to rotate with respect to one another.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described herein relate to vacuum cleaners. The vacuum cleaners described herein can include a motor, a lid, a collection receptacle, and at least one support member to permit access to the interior of the vacuum cleaner. Also described herein are vacuum cleaners having a motor, a lid, a collection receptacle, and an accessory holder that can be pivotally mounted to the collection receptacle to permit access to the contents thereof.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus may include a surface cleaning head, a flexible conduit section and an upper section movably mounted to the cleaning head. The upper section may include an air treatment member positioned in the air flow passage between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet, The surface cleaning apparatus may also include a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage. The upper section may also include an upflow conduit positioned in the air flow passage between the flexible conduit section and the air treatment member. When the upper section is in the upright position, the flexible conduit may include a portion that extends downwardly to a downstream end of the flexible conduit and the upflow conduit may extend upwardly from an upstream end of the upflow conduit to a downstream end of the upflow conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a continuous replenishing of the lift gas and maintaining the proper pressure and lift of a tethered medium altitude aerostat utilizing a novel feed tube running the entire length of the tether. A first end of the feed tube is connected to the aerostat while a second end is connected through a novel slip ring means to a pressure controlled helium ballast chamber and scrubber on the ground to maintain pressure and lift by a reversible compressing pump. A plurality of pressure and temperature sensors and tension gauges strategically placed inside and around the airship continuously monitor the temperature and pressure changes in the aerostat. A data retrieval and communication unit mounted on the aerostat collects measurement data from the pressure, temperature and tension sensors which is relayed to the ground station and the data is used to regulate lifting gas pressure inside the aerostat.

Abstract: A threadless pipe coupling (x00) comprises a socket (x01), a plug (x02) configured for being inserted into the socket (x01) in an insertion direction (10), a sealing member (x03) arranged between a circumferential outer surface (x04) of the plug (x02) and a cooperating inner surface (x05) of a circumferential side wall (x06) of the socket (x01), so as to provide a fluid tight seal when the plug (x02) is placed in the socket (x01), wherein the plug (x02) is retained in the socket (x01) by means of a locking member (x07) inserted in a transverse direction through a slot (x08) in the circumferential side wall (x06) of the socket (x01) to engage around the plug (x02) at a location behind the sealing member (x03) as seen in the insertion direction (10). The ends (x28, x29) of the locking member (x07) in the mounted position are located between the outer surface (x04) of the plug (x02) and the circumferential side wall (x06) of the socket (x01) as seen in a radial direction.

Abstract: A connector includes a male member mounted on a connector housing, and a lock member which can engage and disengage between the connector housing and the male member. The connector housing includes a lock-member guide wall guiding the lock member; an engagement projection engaging with one portion of the lock member, and restricting the lock member from descending; a sliding surface where a tip portion slides accompanied by a movement of the lock member; and a through-hole through which one portion of the lock member held by the lock-member guide wall passes, and which is formed to engage with an engagement portion formed on an outer periphery of the male member mounted on the connector housing. In the lock member, the movement is restricted by the engagement projection, and after an engagement with the engagement projection is released, the lock member descends to prevent an unprepared release and ensure safety.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose nozzle attachment formed from two separately molded body sections. The first body section includes spaced and parallel faces, generally triangular, front and rear walls interconnected by a top wall that curves over the apexes of the first and second walls and that connects ends of the front and rear walls. An attachment opening through the rear wall has an inlet to the second body section secured and sealed thereto. The inlet to the second body section comprises a peripheral edge forming a wide-mouthed opening fitted into and sealed to the attachment opening. A funnel wall extends rearward from the top center of the peripheral edge and normal to the rear wall and has a top center straight ridge continuing from the peripheral edge to a top center ridge of a tubular discharge end.

Abstract: A quick connector includes a female member and a male member. The male member includes a retaining member to connect the male member and the female member. The retaining member includes an operated portion provided at an extending end of the extending portion and a claw portion. The female member includes a window portion with which the claw portion of the retaining member comes into engagement. The engagement is releasable by elastically deforming the operated portion of the retaining member toward the axis line of the male member. A release tool includes at least one operating portion which is configured to come into contact with the at least one operated portion of the retaining member to press the at least one operated portion toward the axis line of the male member so as to release connection between the male member and the female member.

Abstract: A surface treating appliance includes a surface treating head rotatably connected to a yoke, and a main body pivotably moveable relative to the yoke about a pivot axis between an upright position and a reclined position. A retaining mechanism is provided for inhibiting rotation of the head relative to the yoke when the main body is in the upright position. The retaining mechanism includes a locking member which is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position for inhibiting rotation of the head relative to the yoke, and an actuator for urging the locking member towards its deployed position. To provide a compact appliance, the actuator moves with the main body about the pivot axis to urge the locking member towards its deployed position as the main body is moved to the upright position.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection of garden waste wherein the apparatus has a vacuuming mode of operation and a dirty fan operation in the vacuuming mode of operation thereof, the apparatus comprising: a hand-holdable unit comprising a motor with an output shaft coupled to an impeller for generation of air flow; a volute enclosing the impeller for direction of air flow from an axial air inlet of the volute past the impeller to a tangential air outlet of the volute; a vacuum tube for conducting dirty air flow to the air inlet of the volute in the vacuuming mode of operation; and a cyclonic separation arrangement for receiving dirty air flow from the air outlet of the volute and separating garden waste from said dirty air flow in the vacuuming mode of operation. A blowervac comprising the apparatus for collection of garden waste.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a handle assembly drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head and a main power control and a brush control controllingly coupled to the brush motor is provided on the handle assembly. An surface cleaning apparatus is also provided that includes an air flow path extending from the cleaning head air outlet to the air treatment member air inlet and comprising a flexible electrified air flow conduit and a handle assembly drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head with a light source disposed on the handle assembly.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty air inlet. A support structure is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head and a portable cleaning unit is removably mounted to the support structure. An above floor cleaning wand is provided. Each of the wand and the portable cleaning unit is separately removable from the support structure.

Abstract: An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body, a surface treating head connected to a yoke, and a stand. To provide a compact appliance the yoke and the stand are pivotable independently relative to the main body about a common pivot axis. This can also enable the yoke and the stand to be rotatably connected to the main body using one or more common connectors or bearings.

Abstract: An upright-type vacuum cleaner includes an upper body pivotally connected to a base unit so as to be pivoted during vacuuming or substantially upright in a parked position. The base unit includes a front portion with a suction opening and is equipped with a carriage that allows the vacuum cleaner to be moved across surfaces being cleaned during a vacuuming operation. The carriage includes at least one main wheel disposed in a rear portion of the base unit. An adjusting mechanism is configured to move the main wheel from a first position during vacuuming to a second position in the parked position with the distance from the main wheel to the suction opening being greater in the second position. An actuating element formed on the upper body is configured to engage with a lever linkage assembly of the adjusting mechanism as the upper body is moved to the parked position.

Abstract: A surface-treating appliance includes a main body, a surface-treating head and a support assembly. The support assembly is moveable out of a supporting position in which it supports the main body by a user performing a plurality of steps—for example, by depressing a pedal, then tilting the main body by pulling the handle. This arrangement reduces the likelihood of accidental release of the support assembly from its supporting position. For example, if the user depresses the pedal alone, or only pulls on the handle, the support assembly remains in its supporting position.

Abstract: A handle for a wand of a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a handgrip portion and a conduit for receiving an air flow. The handle includes an aperture for admitting ambient air into the conduit. A first valve occludes a first portion of the aperture, and a second valve occludes a second portion of the aperture. A control mechanism moves the first and second valves away from the aperture to admit ambient air into the conduit. The second valve is supported at least partially by the first valve to occlude the second portion of the aperture.

Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a body having a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are carried on that body. The floor care apparatus also includes a control handle, a swivel assembly and a swivel lock.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises an anti-rotation locking mechanism that is automatically operably engaged when the upper section is moved into the storage position and is automatically operably disengaged when the upper section is moved into the floor cleaning position. In another embodiment, an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises an anti-rotation locking mechanism that is engaged when the upper section is moved into the storage position and an alignment mechanism.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a reduced frictional force between a vacuum base and a cleaning medium is described. The vacuum has a handle, yoke, body, and base. A handle and yoke distinct from, and behind, the base provides a moment arm anterior to the base when a force is applied. The handle and yoke assembly reduce the friction between the cleaning surface and the vacuum, allowing for larger motor and debris capturing capabilities, with easier handling and maneuverability resulting in advanced and superior cleaning capabilities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaning appliance having a moveable stand. A suction device mounted on the stand has a device upper part mounted on the stand and a dirt collection container situated beneath the device upper part. The stand has a lifting device and an actuating element pivotable about a horizontal axis for raising and lowering the dirt collection container, which in its raised position abuts against the device upper part in a flow-tight manner, and in its lowered position rests on a floor surface. The actuating element is configured as a push bar having a handle part which, in the raised position of the dirt collection container, may be gripped by the user in a standing posture in order to move the vacuum cleaning appliance, and is upwardly pivotable about the pivot axis by at most 135° in order to lower the dirt collection container.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an elongate body portion 11 which is mounted at its lower end via a neck 15 to the rear of a wheeled floor-engaging head portion 10, the body 11 being pivotable in use relative to the head about a first axis A1 for movement upwardly and downwardly and about a second orthogonal axis A2 for movement from side-to-side. A catch 17 is disposed on the neck 15 for preventing pivotal movement of the body 11 about the second axis A2 when the body 11 is disposed in its most upright position. The provision of the catch 17 improves the stability of the cleaner when the cleaner is not in use or when it is being used for above floor cleaning.

Abstract: A floor cleaning device includes a floor cleaning head and a pole directly or indirectly connectable to the floor cleaning head. The pole includes two sections, and a joint for lockably positioning the two pole sections in at least two different angular orientations.

Abstract: A hand carried power tool (100) is presented which includes a vibration-producing power unit (15) interconnected with an elongate handle (20). The handle (20) has a base end (24) coupled to the power unit (15) and an opposite free end (28) configured for manual gripping. Additionally a vibration damping member (50), which permits vibration-induced movement between the base end (24) of the handle (20) and the power unit (15), interstitially located between the base end (24) of the handle (20) and the power unit (15). Furthermore, a resilient biasing member (40) is coupled between the elongate handle (20) and the power unit (15). The biasing member (40) connects to the handle (20) at a location distant from the base end (24) of the handle (20) and the biasing member (40) is configured to dampen vibration-induced relative movement between the base end (24) of the handle (20) and the power unit (15).

Abstract: A suction nozzle has a housing, a tilting bearing, a connection nozzle, a lock for the tilting bearing, a connection nozzle, a lock for the tilting bearing, actuators and a housing duct. The tilting joint has a bearing connected rigidly to the housing and a connector piece which is pivotally mounted about an axis S. The lock has a first locking element, which is mounted rotatably on the housing, and a second locking element, which is rigidly connected to the connecting piece of the tilting joint. A restoring force for the first locking element is generated by magnets.

Abstract: A canister style surface cleaning apparatus comprises a wheeled based having a front end and a cleaning mount, the cleaning mount adapted to receive a surface cleaning attachment that comprises a first flexible hose; a portable cleaning unit removably mounted on the wheeled base and comprising a suction motor and at least one cyclonic separation stage having an associated material collection chamber which is sealed when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the wheeled base; and, a fluid flow path extending from the cleaning mount to a clean air exit of the surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a base; an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to the base and including an upright housing at a lower portion thereof, a handle tube extending upwardly from an upper end of the upright housing and a push rod that is axially slidable within the handle tube; wherein the handle tube is mounted for telescoping movement within upright housing between an extended position and a stowed position within the upright housing; a fluid delivery system including a fluid supply tank for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid; a fluid distributor for distributing the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank onto the surface to be cleaned; and a fluid conduit, including a fluid flow controller, between the fluid supply tank and the fluid distributor. A locking collar on the upright housing locks the handle tube in the extended and stowed positions.

Abstract: A handheld blower has a body including a combustion engine and a blower section driven by the combustion engine, and a handle coupled to the body. The blower section has an air outlet directed forward with respect to an operator. The handle has a grip portion extending in a front-back direction with respect to the operator, a front arm extending from a front portion of the grip portion to the body, and a rear arm extending from a rear portion of the grip portion to the body. The front arm and the rear arm are more flexible in the front-back direction than in directions perpendicular to the front-back direction.

Abstract: A steam appliance having a split handle with the upper part biased away from the handle base and an actuator for a water pump. When the appliance is pushed, the handle upper part is depressed and displaces a pump actuator to activate the pump. Use of a steam frame and steam towel allows an iron to be used as a steam cleaner. When a pole is mounted on the upper handle part, the appliance may be used as a steam mop that is activated by pushing the pole which depresses the handle to actuate the pump.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a cleaning appliance such as a vacuum cleaner includes a flexible hose having a first end that is connectable to a main body of the cleaning appliance and a second end, a handle portion for maneuvering the handle assembly during use and a tubular wand. The second end of the flexible hose is connected to the handle portion, and the tubular wand is slidably mounted in the handle portion so as to be movable between a first position in which the tubular wand extends beyond the handle portion inside the flexible hose and a second position in which the tubular wand extends beyond the handle portion away from the flexible hose.

Abstract: A floor cleaner including a nozzle and a handle assembly pivotably mounted to the nozzle. The handle assembly including a handle, a motor housing supporting a suction source in fluid communication with the nozzle, and a bag housing defining a filter cavity. A door is removably coupled to the handle assembly and includes a retainer configured to secure a filter bag including a bag aperture to the door such that the door and the retainer are removable from the handle assembly as an assembly. The retainer includes a retainer handle positioned above the bag aperture.

Abstract: An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body and a cleaner head connected to a yoke. The main body is rotatable relative to the yoke about a first axis for movement between an upright position and a reclined position. A stand is moveable relative to both the main body and the yoke, between a supporting position for supporting the main body in its upright position, and a retracted position. The stand is biased towards its retracted position by a spring. An actuator is rotatable about a second axis spaced from the first axis and has a set of teeth which meshes with a profiled surface to drive movement of the stand towards its supporting position against the biasing force of the torsion spring. A drive member drives rotation of the actuator about the second axis as the main body is moved from a reclined position to an upright position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rechargeable battery pack. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a rechargeable battery pack for a battery powered appliance such as a hand held vacuum cleaner. The rechargeable battery pack includes at least one power interface for transferring power from the battery pack to an appliance during use and a single charger input terminal to which an output terminal of a battery charger is connectable during use for charging the battery pack, wherein the single charger input terminal is connectable to the output terminal of a battery charger when the battery pack is connected to an appliance and when the battery pack is not connected to an appliance.

Abstract: A handle for a wand of a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a handgrip portion and a conduit for receiving an air flow. The handle includes an aperture for admitting ambient air into the conduit. A first valve occludes a first portion of the aperture, and a second valve occludes a second portion of the aperture. A control mechanism moves the first and second valves away from the aperture to admit ambient air into the conduit. To reduce the force required to move the valves away from the aperture, the control mechanism is configured to move the second valve away from the second portion of the aperture before moving the first valve away from the first portion of the aperture.

Abstract: The gas-powered dual-hosed blower features two discharge tubes that are each outfitted with a valve that provides for independent adjustment of air speed therefrom. The two discharge tubes have full flexibility, which is associated with backpack blowers so that an end user may direct the air flow in a multitude of directions while simultaneously enabling the end user to adjust the air speed of each discharge tube independently. The valves for each discharge tube are positioned adjacent the blower, and are manipulated by a control stick located on the respective discharge tube. One of the control sticks includes a throttle, which enables adjustment of the engine speed therefrom.

Abstract: A floor cleaner including a nozzle and a handle assembly pivotably mounted to the nozzle. The handle assembly including a handle, a motor housing supporting a suction source in fluid communication with the nozzle, and a bag housing. A door is removably coupled to the bag housing and includes a door handle and a filter bag retaining structure.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base with an air inlet, a handle, a base pivot connecting the base to the handle to permit the handle to pivot between an upright parked position and a reclined operating position, a movable wheel system and a wheel system drive member. The wheel system has a wheel carriage pivotally connected at one end to the base, and at least one wheel connected to the other end. The wheel carriage pivots between a first position in which the wheel is further from the air inlet, and a second position in which the wheel is closer to the air inlet. The drive member is on the handle and positioned to contact the wheel carriage as the handle moves from the upright parked position to the reclined operating position to thereby move the wheel carriage from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A handle for a wand of a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a handgrip portion and a conduit for receiving an air flow. The handle includes an aperture for admitting ambient air into the conduit. A first valve occludes a first portion of the aperture, and a second valve occludes a second portion of the aperture. A control mechanism moves the first and second valves away from the aperture to admit ambient air into the conduit. To vary the air flow into the conduit, the control mechanism includes a first manually operable actuator located on the handle for moving both of the first and second valves away from the aperture, and a second manually operable actuator is located on the handle for moving only one of the first and second valves away from its respective portion of the aperture.

Abstract: A surface cleaning device generally includes a nozzle, a cleaner housing connected to the nozzle, and a handle coupled to the cleaner housing at a pivot joint. The cleaner housing defines a longitudinal axis. The pivot joint is configured to rotatably store the handle at a position offset from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: There is provided a portable cleaning appliance (100) comprising a main body (102), a nozzle (104) and a graspable handle (106), the nozzle (104) and handle (106) each being movable relative to the main body (102) between a first, storage, position adjacent the main body (102) and a second, in-use, position in which the nozzle (104) and handle (106) extend from the main body (102), wherein the nozzle (104) and handle (106) are connected by a linkage member (128) arranged such that, in use, movement of one of the nozzle (104) and the handle (106) between the first and second positions causes a corresponding coupled movement of the other of the nozzle (104) and handle (106) between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner apparatus for securing a hand held vacuum cleaner having a housing, the housing comprising a motor-fan unit, a dust container, and an air passage. The vacuum cleaner apparatus has a shaft part to which the housing can be secured, the shaft part comprising a handle and one or more batteries. The vacuum cleaner apparatus also has a floor nozzle and a tube passage configured to connect the floor nozzle to the air passage when the housing is secured to the shaft part.

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 handle lock assembly having a base with an air inlet, a handle, a dirt container, an air passage joining the inlet and the dirt container, an intermediate member connected to the base and handle providing relative movement between the intermediate member and the base and handle, and a handle lock. The handle lock includes a key, a protrusion extending from the base, and a detent in the handle. The key slides against the protrusion to generate a force that biases the key towards the handle as the base is moved towards a parked base position, and the detent is positioned such that the force moves the key into the detent when the handle is positioned in a parked handle position. The intermediate member may have a pair of arms straddling a central portion of the base, in which case the protrusion may be between the arms.

Abstract: A hand-holdable vacuum cleaner comprising: a motor coupled to a fan for generating air flow; a battery pack housing at least one rechargeable cell for powering the motor; a body with a handle; a dirty air duct with a dirty air inlet; and a dirt separating means located in a path of the air flow generated by the fan, wherein the dirt separating means comprises: a hollow substantially cylindrical dirt container with a longitudinal central axis arranged transverse the body; and an air inlet port to the dirt container, wherein the air inlet port is in communication with the dirty air duct, wherein the dirt container is rotatingly connected to the body to pivot, with the battery pack, about the central axis between a folded position and an extended position diametrically opposed to the folded position.