Abstract: A filter cleaning lance having a fast acting valve on a handle portion and an extension portion which terminates in a distributor disposed at essentially right angles to the extension portion. The distributor is further provided with a series of nozzles directed perpendicularly from a plane in which both the distributor and the extension handle lie so as to efficiently clean a filter surface having limited access.

Abstract: A wand for a carpet soil extractor includes a tubular member telescopically received within a sleeve. The sleeve has a bent handle. The sleeve and tubular member are rotatably adjustable about a common axis such that the handle of the sleeve may be made to lie in a common plane with the sleeve and tube. A nozzle assembly at the end of the tube is pivotally and adjustably mounted so that the angle of the nozzle with respect to the tube may be adjusted and secured.

Abstract: A handle assembly for securing a vacuum hose to an intake nozzle of a vacuum cleaner system. A handle housing having first and second mating handle housing sections and a plurality of oppositely facing ridges and oppositely facing grooved portions protruding from inner surfaces of the housing sections is adapted to house a ribbed end portion of a vacuum hose and an elbow section having a shoulder portion protruding therefrom. The ridges and grooved portions are adapted to abuttingly engage the ribbed end portion of the vacuum hose and the shoulder portion of the elbow section respectively when the first and second handle housing sections are matingly engaged, to thereby prevent clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the vacuum hose as the handle assembly is articulated into various positions during use. The vacuum hose further includes a relatively smooth inner surface which is operable to slide over a portion of the elbow section housed within the handle assembly housing.

Abstract: A convertible vacuum cleaner providing a detachable upright handle permits the vacuum cleaner to be used as an upright cleaner for cleaning rugs, carpets, and the like. A detachable portable hand cleaner handle is also provided which is mounted when the cleaner is to be used as a portable hand cleaner. A resiliently biased, releasable connector is mounted on the filter bag to detachably connect the filter bag to either of the handles. The connector is connected to the upright handle. The connector is resiliently connected to the bag so that the bag remains in proper extended position in all operating positions of the upright handle. A receiver having a socket and a mating blade on the handles permits the two handles to be selectively mounted on the power unit of the cleaner. The portable handle provides a shoulder strap which is retracted into the handle by a reel when not in use and is locked at any selected extended position when the shoulder strap is in use.

Abstract: The present invention is a surface cleaning liquid extractor for vacuum cleaning a surface. The extractor has an open top recovery tank, a housing which seats upon the recovery tank and a convenient carrying handle which latches the housing and the recovery tank together. The extractor also has a floating splash damper positioned within the recovery tank for floating upon the surface of liquid collected in the tank to minimize splashing of the liquid. The top surface of the floating splash damper includes a domed portion for engaging the suction opening of the extractor and sealing off the suction from the recovery tank when the recovery tank has filled with liquid.

Abstract: A nozzle pipe supporting handle comprises flange portions disposed at both sides of a slit of a mounting portion, wherein the inner sides of the flange portions are press-fitted to the outer sides of a grip portion so that the grip portion can be held in such a manner that the mounting position thereof can be changed relative to a nozzle pipe.

Abstract: An improvement in a wand attachment for a carpet cleaning apparatus. These wand attachments generally consist of a shaft having a first end and a second end. A suction conduit is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed at the first end of the shaft such that a suction force is applied to a carpet. The second end is adapted for coupling to a suction motor of a carpet cleaning apparatus. The improvement consists of an articulated shaft having three sections pivotally connected. One of the pivotal connections is adjacent the first end of the shaft.

Abstract: A wand seal assembly for a vacuum cleaner wand provides an improved seal between the telescopic connecting elements of the wand. The seal comprises a two-piece, dual durometer seal having a rigid portion with locking tabs for securing to the wand portion, and a flexible sealing portion.

Abstract: A carpet sweeper, vacuum cleaner or other upright floor cleaning device includes a base unit (2) and a handle (6) freely pivoted on the base unit for translation over a floor (3). The handle pivots in a vertical plane (9) extending transverse to the base unit support wheel axles (5). A handle grip (10) includes a first grip portion (12) which is coaxial with the handle and forms an extension thereof. The outer end of the first grip portion connects with a second grip portion (14) which comprises an arm (15) graspable by the operator, with the arm extending forwardly (upwardly when in use) of the handle. The arm is disposed in the vertical plane (9) and is bowed or curved from its point of anchorage with the first grip portion (12) to its opposite end, which is disposed in a plane (19) transverse to the first grip portion and passing between the latter's ends. The curvature of the outer arm surface is adapted to nest in a cup formed by the operator's closed hand.

Abstract: A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner, including a brush that is disposed in the suction nozzle and is driven by a battery-powered electric motor. The suction nozzle is in flow communication with the vacuum cleaner via a suction hose. The suction nozzle is provided with a shaft for guiding and handling same. At least one bracket is disposed in the vicinity of the guide shaft for accommodating at least one battery for the electric motor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a telescopic guide wand for floor-cleaning apparatus such as household vacuum cleaners. The guide wand includes two concentrically arranged tubes which telescopically engage each other and conjointly define an inner space to accommodate the electrical supply cable for the motor blower head of the vacuum cleaner. The tubes are latched with respect to each other in several steps and the supply cable extends as helically configured cable within the upper portion of the wand. The supply cord extends concentrically out of the end of the upper tube which is configured as a handle and can be connected to the house electrical supply system. The end of the guide wand facing toward the apparatus has a connecting device disposed thereon.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a disconnectable handle and dirt tube assembly mounted to a floor nozzle. The assembly includes a wire harness connector which mates to a corresponding connector in the floor nozzle to provide power to the floor nozzle components. The connectors are each securely mounted in their respective components, so that when the handle assembly is connected to the floor nozzle, the electrical connection is automatically made. Access to the floor nozzle components is had by removal of the floor nozzle cover. The handle assembly, when installed, is located in spaced relationship from the floor nozzle, overlying an arcuate portion of the floor nozzle top in all but a horizontal position of the handle assembly. When the handle assembly is in a horizontal position, a body edge of the handle assembly overlies projections on the nozzle cover.

Abstract: A cordless vacuum brush includes a forward vacuum assembly containing a motor, fan, a dust trap and a rearward elongated hollow handle assembly containing a plurality of battery cells connected in series for operating the motor and a built-in battery charger. The rear or free end of the handle assembly is equipped with an endcap having a fold-out connector or plug for plugging into an 120 volt AC outlet. The handle assembly is detachably secured to the vacuum assembly so that it can be removed for charging the batteries and when attached to an electrical wall outlet will hang straight down therefrom.

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

Abstract: A convertible vacuum cleaner providing a detachable upright handle permits the vacuum cleaner to be used as an upright cleaner for cleaning rugs, carpets, and the like. A detachable portable hand cleaner handle is also provided which is mounted when the cleaner is to be used as a portable hand cleaner. A resiliently biased, releasable connector is mounted on the filter bag to detachably connect the filter bag to either of the handles. The connector is connected to the upright handle. The connector is resiliently connected to the bag so that the bag remains in proper extended position in all operating positions of the upright handle. A receiver having a socket and a mating blade on the handles permits the two handles to be selectively mounted on the power unit of the cleaner. The portable handle provides a shoulder strap which is retracted into the handle by a reel when not in use and is locked at any selected extended position when the shoulder strap is in use.

Abstract: A portable rechargeable battery-operated slender tubular blower for removing relatively light debris from hard surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, decks or workbench surfaces. The blower uses an axial flow blower fan arranged for noise minimization and energy efficient operation. Blower tube inlet and outlet portions are arranged debris removal effectiveness by optimizing airflow volume and velocity parameters.

Abstract: A handle for a vacuum hose of a central vacuum system. There is a body having a first and second end. A nozzle projects outwardly at the first end and there is a recess at the second end to receive the vacuum hose. A pathway through the body joins the recess and the nozzle. There is a handgrip formed on the handle and a first connector means on the body, generally adjacent the first end. There is a switch adjacent the handgrip. Conductors join the first connector to the switch. A second connector on the body is generally adjacent the second end, and conductors join the switch to the second connection means.

Abstract: A power tool comprises a throttle lever pivotally provided at a rear end portion of a handle and extending inside the handle toward a front end portion of the handle; a finger engaging portion formed at the front end portion of the throttle lever in such a manner as to project from the handle to the outside; wherein a rear-end portion of the throttle lever is connected with a throttle valve of the internal combustion engine by means of a connecting member, and, when the throttle valve is at an idling position, the finger engaging portion of the throttle lever is held at a position where the finger engaging portion projects from the handle to the outside.

Abstract: A wheeled hand cart for use with a wet/dry utility vacuum cleaner drum is disclosed. A pair of wheel frames are mounted to the drum in spaced relationship to each other along a lower outer periphery of the drum. Each wheel frame has a horizontally extending passageway and a vertically extending channel that intersects and extends across each horizontally extending passageway. An upright handle section is positioned within the vertically extending channel of each wheel frame and has a transverse opening which is in alignment with the horizontally extending passageway of each wheel frame. Horizontally extending passageways of the spaced wheel frames are in alignment with one another to receive a wheel axle extending therethrough and also through the transverse openings of the upright handle sections. The wheels are mounted on the wheel axle for wheeled movement of the hand cart. A handle interconnects the upright handle sections to facilitate movement of the drum by the wheeled hand cart.

Abstract: A portable rechargeable battery-operated slender tubular blower for removing relatively light debris from hard surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, decks or workbench surfaces. The blower uses an axial flow blower fan arranged for noise minimization and energy efficient operation. Blower tube inlet and outlet portions are arranged for debris removal effectiveness by optimizing airflow volume and velocity parameters.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner of the present invention can be selectively transformed into a portable, hand-carried position, or a floor-carried, upright position, by changing the position of its handle incorporated with an extension member. Simple connecting means are utilized for changing the position of the handle.

Abstract: A cord retention system for a portable electric power tool such as a string trimmer, hedge trimmer, or drill, that is adapted to releasably secure a loop of extension cord in a cavity formed in the handle of the tool. A retaining member pivotably mounted within the cavity in the handle is adapted to capture the loop of extension cord and secure it against withdrawal in its normally biased lock position. To release the extension cord, the user actuates the retaining member causing it to pivot upwardly and free the loop of extension cord, thereby permitting withdrawal of the cord from the handle. The retaining member has a cam surface on its leading edge that is engaged by the loop of cord as it is inserted into the cavity in the handle so that the retaining member will automatically pivot upwardly into the release position to permit the loop of cord to be inserted beyond the retaining member, and thereafter pivot downwardly into the lock positon under the bias of a spring.

Abstract: A liquid extraction surface cleaning apparatus has an upwardly opening recovery tank and a top for the tank which contains a suction fan having a suction inlet opening into the tank. A wand connects to a source of cleaning liquid and has a dispensing and pickup head that deposits liquid on the surface to be cleaned in response to actuation of a control valve and picks up dirty fluid. A water and air separator has an arcuate surface transverse of the flow path of the air and spent liquid which gently separates them into separate streams by diverting the cleaning liquid laterally away from the air stream. A shutoff valve for preventing recovered liquid in the tank from entering the suction fan is mounted in the recovery tank rather than to the suction inlet to avoid dripping dirty liquid onto the floor when the cover is removed. A handle is mounted internal the tank and additionally serves to strengthen the tank sidewalls.

Abstract: A wheeled vacuum cleaner is provided with an extension projecting upward from a base on which an electric motor powered suction producing device and a floor engaging nozzle are mounted. A handle unit mounted on the upper end of the extension is provided with an anchor that constitutes a strain relief about which a line cord for energizing the motor is looped. A hand operated safety trigger device controls energization of the motor. Pivotally connected to the base is a stand that is movable between a storage position and an active floor engaging position wherein the vacuum cleaner is supported by the stand. The stand is mounted and proportioned so as to be gravity operated automatically to the storage position where it is held by a releasable spring catch while the vacuum cleaner is being used.

Abstract: A liquid extraction surface cleaning apparatus has an upwardly opening recovery tank and a top for the tank which contains a suction fan having a suction inlet opening into the tank. A wand connects to a source of cleaning liquid and has a dispensing and pickup head that deposits liquid on the surface to be cleaned in response to actuation of a control valve and picks up dirty fluid. A water and air separator has an arcuate surface transverse of the flow path of the air and spent liquid which gently separates them into separate streams by diverting the cleaning liquid laterally away from the air stream. A shutoff valve for preventing recovered liquid in the tank from entering the suction fan is mounted in the recovery tank rather than to the suction inlet to avoid dripping dirty liquid onto the floor when the cover is removed. A handle is mounted internal the tank and additionally serves to strengthen the tank sidewalls.

Abstract: A cleaner having a rectilinearly movable hand grip, movable along the axis of the cleaner handle, is provided with a switch actuator that can initiate action of a switch fixed relative to the handle and, therefore, not movable with the hand grip. The switch actuator includes a lost motion arrangement engageable over a switch button of the switch so that the switch actuator and switch remain in an engaged position independent of the axial location of the hand grip. The cleaner may be a power drive cleaner in which movement of the hand grip controls power driven movement of the cleaner. In this case, the hand grip and handle may have provision for placing the cleaner in a non-drive, neutral position.

Abstract: A liquid extraction surface cleaning apparatus has an upwardly opening recovery tank and a top for the tank which contains a suction fan having a suction inlet opening into the tank. A wand connects to a source of cleaning liquid and has a dispensing and pickup head that deposits liquid on the surface to be cleaned in response to actuation of a control valve and picks up dirty fluid. A water and air separator has an arcuate surface transverse of the flow path of the air and spent liquid which gently separates them into separate streams by diverting the cleaning liquid laterally away from the air stream. A shutoff valve for preventing recovered liquid in the tank from entering the suction fan is mounted in the recovery tank rather than to the suction inlet to avoid dripping dirty liquid onto the floor when the cover is removed. A handle is mounted internal the tank and additionally serves to strengthen the tank sidewalls.

Abstract: An appliance provided with a base which has a working end and a handle structure provided with a lower barrel portion which is pivotally attached to the base. The barrel portion is provided with a pair of peripheral slots that cooperate with the pivotally mounted arms of a lift-off mechanism so that the working end of the appliance is selectively raised and lowered by the user pivoting the handle structure. An end of the barrel is provided with a pair of spaced-apart recesses which cooperate with the detent on a locking plate so that the handle structure may be locked into its storage position and provided with a maximum pivot limit in its operative range.

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

Abstract: A liquid extraction surface cleaning apparatus has an upwardly opening recovery tank and a top for the tank which contains a suction fan having a suction inlet opening into the tank. A wand connects to a source of cleaning liquid and has a dispensing and pickup head that deposits liquid on the surface to be cleaned in response to actuation of a control valve and picks up dirty fluid. A water and air separator has an arcuate surface transverse of the flow path of the air and spent liquid which gently separates them into separate streams by diverting the cleaning liquid laterally away from the air stream. A shutoff valve for preventing recovered liquid in the tank from entering the suction fan is mounted in the recovery tank rather than to the suction inlet to avoid dripping dirty liquid onto the floor when the cover is removed. A handle is mounted internal the tank and additionally serves to strengthen the tank sidewalls.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an upright vacuum cleaner comprising a main body having a suction opening, and a handle body pivotally attached to the main body. A relatively simple cam, which may be made from sheet metal in the form of a box, is disposed in the main body and pivoted with respect thereto. The cam is engaged by a cam actuator of the handle body when the handle body is moved to its upright vertical position to cause the cam to pivot in a manner to raise the suction opening of the main body from the rug or carpet.

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: A grip unit for a suction hose of a vacuum cleaner system defines both air and electrical connections to further components of the system such as a suction pipe, nozzle and the like. The grip unit includes a one-piece insert member which is preassembled and then inserted into a tubular member. The one-piece insert member accommodates all electrical components or accessories and, in the inserted position, this insert member defines a sealed air guide and a channel for the electrical parts. The simplified configuration substantially simplifies assembly and reduces the cost to manufacture the unit.

Abstract: A lightweight, upright, top-loading vacuum cleaner wherein a seal between the disk of a filter bag and a duct for conveying dirt-laden air to the bag is provided adjacent the outer peripheral edges of the disk resulting in the disk becoming an integral part of the seal while eliminating pressure differential across opposite sides of the disk. A portion of the duct extending into the filter bag is capable of being displaced to an open position for filter bag loading and unloading and is normally closed to maintain the seal by a latch which cooperates with the handle vacuum cleaner handle. The vacuum cleaner handle includes electrical components having projections which are releasably received and supported within an electrical receptacle supported by the vacuum cleaner housing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner handle comprising a connection member connected to a handle tube and a handle member by which the vacuum cleaner handle is held during use and may be moved along with only little effort. In the working position of the vacuum cleaner, this handle member includes a handle portion positioned at least partly disposed over the axis of a central handle tube and at an acute angle thereto. A cord drum is attached to the vacuum cleaner handle. A cord of the vacuum cleaner may be wound up in the cord drum simply and neatly without the cord drum placed under the vacuum cleaner handle interfering with the use of the vacuum cleaner.

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: The invention provides a resiliently mounted top cap for a cleaner bag that tends to urge a bag upwardly to tighten it. At the same time, the cap may be removed downwardly against its spring bias for shaking as a dirt loosening mechanism. The cap also includes an integral cord hook so that downward movement of it against its spring bias also provides a cord dump function.

Abstract: A high speed floor buffing machine equipped with a pad holder for an X-shaped buffing pad is disclosed. The arms of the pad holder have a wedge-shaped cross section that acts as an air foil to create air currents that flow up between the arms of the buffing pad. The casing surrounding the pad has a specially designed tunnel-like spiral diffuser that guides the air currents into a collection box. The casing also has a flexible skirt mounted to the lower edge thereof, extending around three-quarters of the casing periphery, and closing the gap between the casing and the floor. The chassis has two pair of wheels and is designed so that when the buffing machine is off, the machine rests entirely on the wheels with the buffing pad raised off the floor, and when the machine is on, the air currents urge the pad against the floor with a predetermined pressure. Alternate embodiments of the pad holder are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle that is provided with a latching device between the attachment stub and the nozzle housing. These elements are latched together in a defined swivelling range in such a way that they perform a common synchronized swivelling movement. The elements can be unlatched again by overcoming the action of a spring-loaded latching bolt.

Abstract: A bracket for carrying an accessory appliance on an elongate handle of a primary appliance comprises a bracket body which is contoured to fit on the handle in a sleeve-like manner. The bracket body is pivoted to the primary appliance by a pivot pin which also pivotally connects the handle to the primary appliance. The bracket has a pocket which slidably receives and supports one end of the accessory appliance. Means are provided on the bracket for releasably attaching the accessory appliance to the bracket. This attachment means is in the form of resilient snap action detents which engage recessed body portions of the accessory appliance. The bracket holds the accessory appliance in a close parallel relationship to the handle and provides for the convenient removal of the accessory appliance from such held condition and replacement of the accessory appliance in such held condition.

Abstract: A vacuum exhaust dust collector for a standard upright vacuum cleaner is provided and consists of a cylindrical elongated tank holding water therein that has a plurality of air exhaust holes at an upper portion near its neck, at least one elastic band for attaching the tank to an elongated handle of the vacuum cleaner and a flexible elongated hose that has a screw cap near one end that engages with the neck and a retainer clamp at the other end which fits over an exhaust pipe of the vacuum cleaner allowing dust particles to be caught in the water within the tank whereby air exhausted will be dust free.

Abstract: An arrangement in a vacuum cleaner preventing dirt collecting bag spill during a vacuuming operation by the combination of a bag retaining interlock with a cleaner handle shiftable between extreme positions each suitable for a different cleaner operating mode, with interlock release provided only in an intermediate, unuseable handle position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner handle shiftably supported on a vacuum cleaner body for selective positioning thereon suiting floor supported or hand carried vacuum cleaner operation and including handle segments telescopically adjustable and secured by a common latch element into different handle lengths each suitable for a different vacuum cleaner operating mode.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having pivotally interconnected body and nozzle head portions and a handle which is extendable for upright floor cleaning operation or retractable for hand carried or cannister type vacuuming operation, in which the handle in retracted position fixes the cleaner body and nozzle head portions against pivotal movement.

Abstract: A portable engine-blower supporting device in which a handle suspending a fan case provided with an engine is always maintained in a horizontal state through adjusting holes.

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 control system for a vacuum cleaner comprising three separate sub-control systems located in a canister portion, a power nozzle floor cleaner portion and a suction hose handle portion respectively. The handle portion sub-control includes user input switches and indicator lights and it controls the other two sub-controls. The canister sub-control controls the energization and speed of a suction fan motor as well as sensing pressure levels in the canister and suction hose. The floor cleaner sub-control controls the energization of a beater brush motor as well as sensing the rotational speed of the beater brush and depth of carpeting pile. Microcomputers are used in each circuit and communication between the circuits is done in packet form on a third connector and one side of an AC power line. Diagnostic testing is also built into the control system.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner has a floor engaging unit, a generally vertically extending handle assembly pivotally affixed to the rear of the floor engaging unit, and a porous bag assembly mounted to the front of the handle assembly. The handle assembly is hollow to direct dust-laden air from the floor engaging unit to the bag assembly. A bottom plate, under the brush roll, has notches at its edges to enhance edge cleaning, and front wheels for the cleaner. Ridges are provided in the floor engaging unit to prevent improper assembly of the drive belt. The handle assembly is resiliently biased upwardly, and a release is provided thereon to enable relaxation of forces on the porous bag of the porous bag assembly, to facilitate changing of the bag.

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: 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.