Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a hose and wand assembly onto which a floor tool may be attached. The wand includes a plurality of telescoping tubes which can slide between retracted and extended positions. In order to be able to transmit power and signals from the vacuum cleaner to the end of the wand assembly, conductors are provided in a channel in the hose. The hose is connected to the interior of the wand, just beyond the last telescoping joint, with the conductors extending beyond the end of the hose to a connector at the far end of the wand. This arrangement automatically provides a reliable electrical connection down the wand. Previously, electrical conductors were not employed with this type of wand as it was not straightforward to provide electrical connections across the telescoping parts.

Abstract: A powered blower/vacuum unit includes a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device within the base portion. A tube is provided that is formed by a first manufacturing operation, such as a blow molding process. The tube extends a relatively large distance away from the housing and air flows through the tube along a relatively large distance. A coupler is also included for coupling the tube to the housing. The coupler is separately formed by a second, different manufacturing operation, such as an injection molding process. The coupler includes a plurality of one-way snap-in features configured to engage a plurality of receiver features located on the tube to non-removably attach the coupler to the tube. The housing can also include at least one male component and the coupler can include at least one complementary female component for securing the coupler to the housing.

Abstract: An air duct comprises a duct wall bounding an airflow channel that extends through the air duct along a flow path. The airflow channel has a plurality of cross-sections that are bounded by the duct wall and that are perpendicular to the flow path. A first one of the cross-sections has an aspect ratio that is less than two. A second one of the cross-sections has an aspect ratio that is greater than four and a minimum dimension that is less than three-quarters of an inch. A third one of the cross-sections has an aspect ratio that is less than two. The second cross-section is positioned between the first and third cross-sections along the flow path. The air duct channels air beneath a door, thereby allowing a vacuum or blower tool to operate in one room while the vacuum or blower device operating the tool operates in a different room.

Abstract: A blower/vacuum device has removable blower tube configured to connect with a connector stub of the device. The connector stub has a guide path formed in its interior wall and the blower tube has a latch runner disposed on its outer surface. A flipper is positioned in the guide path near the end of the circumferential segment of the guide path and coacts with the latch runner. The flipper is biased such that its tongue extends into the guide path. When the blower tube is rotated a sufficient distance such that the latch runner is rotated past the tongue, the flipper is repositioned by spring force and the tongue locks the blower tube in place. The flipper is repositioned to move the tongue out of contact with the latch runner to permit the blower tube to be rotated in the disconnect direction and removed from the connecting stub.

Abstract: A suction cleaner includes a suction unit for creating a flow of air and a flexible suction hose having a hose inlet at which air may be drawn into the suction hose. The suction hose leads from the suction unit and includes a first hose portion and a second hose portion having a connection to the first hose portion. The second hose portion includes the hose inlet. The suction unit includes a body that at least partially defines a storage volume in which the first hose portion can be accommodated when the first hose portion is in a contracted condition, and from which the first hose portion can be deployed when required. A first roller is positioned within the body and is supported on a first axis that is fixed with respect to the body. A second roller is positioned within the body and is supported on a second axis. The second axis is movable along an arc. A portion of the arc has a focus point positioned on the same side of the arc as the first axis.

Abstract: A hose assembly for a suction cleaner, comprising a suction hose portion which is able to be extended lengthwise when subject to lengthwise tension and to return to a lengthwise-contracted configuration when relieved of the lengthwise tension, and a support means extending lengthwise of the hose portion and co-operable therewith to constrain at least part of it in its contracted configuration. There may also be a hose portion which is substantially non-extendible in normal use.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance of the cylinder type includes a main body and a hose and wand assembly including a telescopic wand movable between retracted and extended positions and a flexible hose having a first end connected to the main body and a second end connected to the wand. The wand and the main body include a retainer for releasable attaching the wand to the main body when the wand is in the retracted state and the hose passes around the main body. Alternatively, the wand and the main body include a retainer for releasably attaching the wand to an upper surface of the main body when the wand is in the retracted state. This construction provides a compact storage solution.

Abstract: A suction hose for vacuum cleaner includes a tubular inner part, a jacket part and a locking device. The inner part is variable in length and includes a hose wall having a coil spring integrated therein, the coil spring being configured to automatically return the inner part from an extended position to a shortened position. The jacket part is configured to completely receive the inner part when the inner part is in the shortened position, the jacket part including a tubular shape. The locking device is configured to fix the inner part, in the shortened position, in the jacket part. The locking device includes a tubular member configured to surround the inner part, the tubular member including a first part of a first snap-fit device configured to cooperate with the jacket part so as to connect the tubular member and the jacket part.

Abstract: This invention relates to a telescopic vacuum cleaner tube comprising a first inner tube, a second inner tube, and an outer tube, wherein the first and second inner tubes are arranged to form first and second telescopic links relative to first and second end portions of the outer tube, respectively. The outer tube forms the intermediate tube of the three-part tube while at the same time being fully accessible in any position, whereby one common grip for operating both of the two respective telescopic links, formed by the first and second inner tubes and the intermediate outer tube, of the three part telescopic tube is obtained.

Abstract: A telescoping tube system for a vacuum cleaner, with an inner jacket tube, an outer jacket tube, an inner suction tube and a cable, the inner jacket tube having a smaller cross section than the outer jacket tube so that the inner jacket tube and the outer jacket tube form a telescoping jacket channel, the inner suction tube being located inside of the jacket channel, and the cable being guided within the jacket channel and outside of the inner suction tube. In the telescoping tube system, losses of suction force by the intake of secondary air are reduced to a minimum and reliable cable routing is ensured by there being an outer suction tube, the outer suction tube and the inner suction tube forming an essentially closed suction channel within the jacket channel.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is generally composed of a suction unit provided with a suction source, a suction nozzle equipped with a suction port adapted to suck dust or like from a surface to be cleaned, a suction hose connected at one end to the suction nozzle and connected at another end to the suction unit, a low-center-of-gravity support member provided for the suction hose so as to serve as a fulcrum when the suction hose is bent and deformed, a wire member supported at a distal end by the suction nozzle and arranged along the suction hose, and a control unit used to bend and deform the suction hose by manipulating the wire member with the low-center-of-gravity support member serving as a fulcrum. This cleaning apparatus is specifically usable for a bottom surface of a reactor pressure vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing grounds maintenance functions and dispensing a fluid includes a grounds maintenance device and a fluid spraying device. The spraying device includes a container mounted on the grounds maintenance device for holding the fluid, and a spraying member in communication with the container for spraying the fluid. The spraying member is moveable from a carrying position in which the spraying member is carried on the grounds maintenance device to a spraying position in which the spraying member is moveable independent of the grounds maintenance device.

Abstract: A suction nozzle (otherwise called “brush”) for sucking up dust and/or fluids and/or waste from a surface is described. The suction nozzle comprises a base plate with at least one channel open towards said surface, a suction duct in fluid communication with the at least one channel of the base plate and a body associated with said base plate. According to the invention, the suction duct is produced as a component separate from the plate and the body. Connection means are also provided for connecting the suction duct to the body and/or to the base plate. Owing to the present invention, more efficient suction ducts which produce less noise than the known ducts may be produced.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to the handle. A recovery tank is removably mounted to the handle. A suction nozzle is secured to the base portion and in fluid communication with the recovery tank. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A cost effective, easy to operate, and convenient mounting arrangement is provided for mounting the recovery tank to the handle.

Abstract: A filter housing includes an inlet for receiving an airflow, a cavity for receiving a filter and an airflow passage between the inlet and the cavity. At least one vane, positioned in the airflow passage, partitions the airflow passage into a plurality of ducts. The vanes lie adjacent to, or contact, the upstream surface of the filter such that each duct communicates with a separate portion of the upstream surface of the filter. The airflow passage extends in a direction which is inclined to the upstream surface of the filter. The vanes help to distribute the flow of air more evenly across the surface of the filter and also help to reduce acoustic emissions from the machine of which the filter housing forms a part.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a hose and wand assembly onto which a floor tool may be attached. The wand includes a plurality of telescoping tubes which can slide between retracted and extended positions. In order to be able to transmit power and signals from the vacuum cleaner to the end of the wand assembly, conductors are provided in a channel in the hose. The hose is connected to the interior of the wand, just beyond the last telescoping joint, with the conductors extending beyond the end of the hose to a connector at the far end of the wand. This arrangement automatically provides a reliable electrical connection down the wand. Previously, electrical conductors were not employed with this type of wand as it was not straightforward to provide electrical connections across the telescoping parts.

Abstract: A suction cleaner includes a suction unit for creating a flow of air and a flexible suction hose having a hose inlet at which air may be drawn into the suction hose. The suction hose leads from the suction unit and includes a first hose portion and a second hose portion having a connection to the first hose portion. The second hose portion includes the hose inlet. The suction unit includes a body that at least partially defines a storage volume in which the first hose portion can be accommodated when the first hose portion is in a contracted condition, and from which the first hose portion can be deployed when required. A first roller is positioned within the body and is supported on a first axis that is fixed with respect to the body. A second roller is positioned within the body and is supported on a second axis. The second axis is movable along an arc. A portion of the arc has a focus point positioned on the same side of the arc as the first axis.

Abstract: An attachment for a cleaning appliance includes a main body having a head and a passageway through which a fluid is able to flow. The head includes first and second suction openings, each of the first and second suction openings being arranged to engage with a surface to be cleaned. The first and second suction openings are in simultaneous communication with the passageway. By providing such an arrangement, both of the first and second suction openings are independently able to engage with a surface to be cleaned and a rotatable connection between the head and a neck is not required.

Abstract: A suction hose for vacuum cleaner includes a tubular inner part, a jacket part and a locking device. The inner part is variable in length and includes a hose wall having a coil spring integrated therein, the coil spring being configured to automatically return the inner part from an extended position to a shortened position. The jacket part is configured to completely receive the inner part when the inner part is in the shortened position, the jacket part including a tubular shape. The locking device is configured to fix the inner part, in the shortened position, in the jacket part. The locking device includes a tubular member configured to surround the inner part, the tubular member including a first part of a first snap-fit device configured to cooperate with the jacket part so as to connect the tubular member and the jacket part.

Abstract: A suction cleaner comprising a suction unit having a source of suction and a separator/collector arrangement for separating entrained dirt from a flow of air created by the source of suction and for collecting and retaining such separated dirt for disposal; and a flexible suction hose for conveying suction airflow to the suction unit from a hose inlet at which a cleaning tool may be connected; wherein the suction hose comprises a first portion which can be accommodated in the suction unit and deployed therefrom when required and which is extendible in length when subject to lengthways tension, and a second portion having the inlet and connected to the first hose portion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structure for connecting a dust collecting hose of a central vacuum cleaning system, which is capable of connecting a dust collecting hose and a collecting pipe, without opening a closed plate by hand. The structure for connecting a dust collecting hose of a central vacuum cleaning system has a base plate. The base plate comprises a dust collecting pipe and a closed pipe. The dust collecting pipe is connected to a vacuum cleaning system. The closed plate is connected to one end of the dust collecting pipe at its rear end. An installation groove pivotally is formed at the front surface of the closed plate. The closed plate is rotationally installation at the installed in the base plate disposed groove in order to open the dust collecting pipe. A connecting plate is connected to a dust collecting hose at its rear end.

Abstract: When the electrically driven fan (14) of a vacuum cleaner is driven, air containing dust is drawn into the cleaner main body (1) through a hose (7) connected to a hose socket (8) and is exhausted into the outside of the cleaner main body (1) through an exhaust port (1b) via first and second suction passageways (10, 13). Disposed outside the first suction passageway (10) is an ion generator (23), it being arranged that plus and minus ions generated in the ion generator (23) are fed to the air stream flowing in the first suction passageway (10). Since the plus and minus ions kill floating germs in the air stream, the exhaust can be purified.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fixing structure of a subsidiary suction device of an upright type cleaner. The upright type cleaner includes a base provided with a suction port; a main body connected to the base; and a wand assembly detachably attached to the main body, and the wand assembly is rotated in one direction under the condition that the wand assembly is supported by the main body, and thus is mounted on the main body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suction tube for a vacuum cleaner, which comprises an outer pipe (8), an inner pipe (1) received in the outer pipe, and a locking device (20) disposed between the inner pipe (1) and the outer pipe (8). A guiding bush (2) is provided at the inner wall of the outer pipe (8). The inner pipe (1) is provided with a row of detent holes (9) which are arranged in the axial direction of the inner pipe (1). An inner liner tube (12) is fixed onto the inner wall of the inner pipe (1). Thus, the manufacturing of the detent recesses becomes easier since the detent holes are made through the inner wall of the inner pipe, and the air leakage of the inner pipe due to the detent holes can be prevented by the inner liner tube (12) provided at the inner pipe (1).

Abstract: A water jet-assisted blowing and vacuum apparatus for cleaning gutters having a curved end attachment member for connection to an elongated air conduit to reach into gutter areas, and a pressurized water nozzle mounted to the air conduit curved end member and oriented to loosen gutter debris adjacent the operating free end of the curved end attachment member. The water nozzle can be mounted internally or externally of the curved end attachment member, as well as positioned so as to be removed from or closely adjacent to the operating end of the curved end attachment member.

Abstract: A linearly self-actuated hose for use in transporting fluids (liquids, gases, solid particles, and combinations of these three). Hose (30) has a biasing spring (36) that extends along its full length, and can comprise single or multiple springs and/or multiple diameter spring coils. Spring (36) is covered with hose cover material (32) on the outside and hose cover material (34) on the inside to form a sealed hose and are bowed inward or outward radially between the individual spring coils depending on the intended use of hose (30) to give the cover materials room to move out of the way when the hose retracts and the coils of spring (36) are forced close together. The Linearly Retractable Hose is operated by changing internal pressure within the hose relative to the ambient pressure on the exterior of the hose. Control of fluid pressure within hose (30) is what allows the hose to operate as an automatically extendable and retractable hose. The biasing of spring (36) depends on the type of use for the hose.

Abstract: A telescopic coupling tube for a vacuum cleaner including a mounting tube, a telescopic tube, a locking assembly, a positioning socket, and a sealing socket. The mounting tube serves for insertion of the telescopic tube. A simple adjustment of the assembly length is ensured by means of the locking assembly and the sealing socket in match of the corresponding locking grooves in the wall of the telescopic tube.

Abstract: A connection arrangement between a vacuum cleaner and a suction tool includes a pivot element pivotably connected to the suction tool and a rotation element rotatably coupled to the pivot element. A suction wand, hose, handle or other vacuum port of the vacuum cleaner is removably connected to a connection end of the rotation element. Coupling ends of the pivot and rotation elements are inserted one in the other, and respectively have circumferential grooves that form a circumferential channel therebetween. Plural partial ring segment elements are received in the circumferential channel to form a connection ring that rotatably secures the pivot and rotation elements. The ring segment elements are inserted into or removed from the channel through a selectively coverable opening in the rotation element or the pivot element. A catch cooperates with a detent to hold a vertically pivoted, rotationally centered rest position of the components.

Abstract: A mounting device 202 for mounting accessories 258, 260 of a vacuum cleaner to an elongate tube 94 of the vacuum cleaner for storage is disclosed. The device 202 comprises a collar 244 for mounting to the elongate tube 94 and a body portion 256 has open ends for accommodating accessories 258, 260 for storage. The device 202 also includes a latching portion 204 for releasably mounting the device to a housing of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A portable hair stylists' station includes a case and a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner including a canister associated with the case and a hose connected to a suction opening of the canister. A method for conducting a hairstyling business is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held portable vacuum having a filter indicator that is coupled to an outlet housing and in fluid communication with a portion of the outlet housing between a fan inlet and an intake. The filter indicator includes a pressure differential indicator that is configured to indicate a pressure differential between air in the portion of the outlet housing and atmospheric air pressure. The filter indicator is employed to indicate to the user of the hand-held vacuum that replacement and/or cleaning of the filter is required. The vacuum may also be used in a blower mode with a set of inflator nozzles to permit a user to inflate an article.

Abstract: A nozzle for use with a walk-behind blower includes a nozzle restriction due to a sloped upper wall of the nozzle body. The nozzle restriction increases the air velocity in the upper region of the nozzle and forces leaves and debris downward so that airflow through the lower region of the nozzle more effectively laterally displaces them. The configuration of the nozzle body may be adapted to accommodate a variety of engine outputs while utilizing a common design for a blower frame, impeller and shroud.

Abstract: A hand-held portable vacuum having a filter indicator that is coupled to an outlet housing and in fluid communication with a portion of the outlet housing between a fan inlet and an intake. The filter indicator includes a pressure differential indicator that is configured to indicate a pressure differential between air in the portion of the outlet housing and atmospheric air pressure. The filter indicator is employed to indicate to the user of the hand-held vacuum that replacement and/or cleaning of the filter is required. The vacuum may also be used in a blower mode with a set of inflator nozzles to permit a user to inflate an article.

Abstract: A suction hose for a vacuum cleaner includes a first hose part, a second hose part, and a jacket part. The first hose part is variable in length and includes a hose wall having a coil spring integrated therein, the coil spring being configured to automatically return the first hose part from an extended position to a shortened position. The second hose part is operably connected to the first hose part. The jacket part is configured to receive the first hose part. The jacket part has a length at least equal to a maximum extended length of the first hose part.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing carrying a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel. In addition the vacuum cleaner includes a cleaning nozzle including a wand receiver, a tubular wand, a latch releasably securing an end of the wand to the wand receiver and a latch release carried on the wand or the cleaning nozzle. The latch release is characterized by a lever, a cam carried on the lever and a cam guide track. The lever is displaceable between a first or home position and a second or wand release position.

Abstract: In one aspect, a swivel assembly connects a wand to a nozzle assembly of a vacuum cleaner. The assembly includes a connector for pivotally connecting to the nozzle assembly and having an oversized opening formed in an outer sidewall thereof. A receiver is provided for receiving the wand at a first end and for connecting with the connector at the second end. A locking clip includes a lug movably received in the opening formed in the sidewall of the connector. Consequently, movement of the lug within the opening permits limited rotation of the receiver relative to the connector while restraining separation of the receiver from the connector. A related method of connecting a wand to a nozzle assembly is also described.

Abstract: An attachment for portable power and suction units, including a long control tube having a length to extend from a floor to adjacent shoulder height of a standing user and a vacuum head formed from a length of tube having a slot in one side and with the ends of the slot closed; and a flexible connection between the interior of the vacuum head and the interior of a control tube to be connected to a portable power and suction unit while allowing limited pivoting of the long control tube in the plane of the slot and normal to a bottom of the vacuum head.

Abstract: A wand for a domestic appliance (e.g., vacuum cleaner) includes a plurality of tubes which are dimensioned to telescope inside one another. Each tube is associated with a securing mechanism for securing the tube in an extended position with respect to another of the tubes. Adjacent securing mechanisms are positioned on their respective tubes such that, when the tubes are retracted, one securing mechanism presses against another to release the other securing mechanism. Thus, a user does not need to separately operate each securing mechanism when extending the wand. Also, the tubes automatically secure themselves in an extended position with respect to one another. A hook on the widest tube cooperates with a collar on the narrowest tube to retain the tubes in a stored position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing carrying a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel. In addition the vacuum cleaner includes a cleaning nozzle including a wand receiver, a tubular wand, a latch releasably securing an end of the wand to the wand receiver and a latch release carried on the wand or the cleaning nozzle. The latch release is characterized by a lever, a cam carried on the lever and a cam guide track. The lever is displaceable between a first or home position and a second or wand release position.

Abstract: In one aspect, a swivel assembly connects a wand to a nozzle assembly of a vacuum cleaner. The assembly includes a connector for pivotally connecting to the nozzle assembly and having an oversized opening formed in an outer sidewall thereof. A receiver is provided for receiving the wand at a first end and for connecting with the connector at the second end. A locking clip includes a lug movably received in the opening formed in the sidewall of the connector. Consequently, movement of the lug within the opening permits limited rotation of the receiver relative to the connector while restraining separation of the receiver from the connector. A related method of connecting a wand to a nozzle assembly is also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and method of use thereof for cleaning a gutter, drain, or roof using a vacuum system, and more particularly, to a system with a semicircular bend hydraulically designed to prevent clogs by having a substantially constant section and lower friction coefficients and able to be disassembled during operation to manually remove clogs in the bend. The apparatus is also further designed to be of simple commercial constituents able to be used with an existing shop vacuum. The cleaning apparatus has a single, semicircular bend of constant radius and size to limit clogging.

Abstract: A hose connection assembly for a vacuum cleaner comprises a flexible hose having one end connected to the dust-collecting chamber, a hose holder connected to the other end of the flexible hose and removably connected to a connection part of the suction brush, and a handle mounted on the hose holder to assist in connecting and disconnecting the hose holder with respect to the connection part. A mounting portion having a circumferential bead is preferably formed on an outer circumference of the hose holder to mount the handle therein, and the handle is rotatably mounted on the mounting portion. The handle comprises a fixing portion shaped as a cylinder and is mounted on the mounting portion, and a holding portion protruding from one side of the fixing portion in a perpendicular direction, and the fixing portion has a larger diameter than the mounting portion, thereby providing rotatability about the mounting portion through 360°.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner wand adapter for coupling a vacuum cleaner handle to a wand implement of the vacuum cleaner including a housing defining an inner passage for receiving part of the handle and part of the wand implement, a first locking mechanism arranged on the housing for releasably locking the handle to the housing, and second locking mechanism arranged on the housing for releasably locking the housing to the wand implement. An electrical contact structure is also preferably provided to enable the wand adapter to be electrically connected to existing wand implements and handles.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a telescopic vacuum cleaner suction tube (1) with an outer tube (2), an inner tube (3) with snap-in depressions (7) that is telescopically arranged in the outer tube, an antitwisting mechanism (4d; 16) and an interlocking device with a snap-in element (15) that is disengaged from a snap-in depression (7) by an actuating element (5) situated about diametrically opposite thereof, wherein the interlocking device consists of a bow spring (6) that positively encompasses at least the inner tube (3) and once again engages the snap-in element (15) into the nearest snap-in depression (7) of the inner tube (3) in the telescoping direction under the prestress of a spring.

Abstract: A floor cleaning device having a base assembly for movement along a cleaning surface is provided. The base assembly comprises a brush assembly for engaging the surface of the floor being cleaned removably mounted to a base part. A nozzle assembly is removably mounted to the base part such that the nozzle assembly is positioned adjacent to the brush assembly to prevent the brush assembly from disengaging from the base part.

Abstract: A vehicle cleaning apparatus adapted to be connected to a flexible hose of a wet vac, and having a separate connection for attaching a hose to a supply of water in which the working end of the attachment can be operated with one hand with great maneuverability inside a vehicle and, when needed, can supply a spray of water for individual spots requiring wetting as needed by the activation of a spring valve that is located a substantial distance away from the cleaning end of the attachment.

Abstract: An electric cleaning apparatus (10) having a suction body (11), which is provided at one end with a suction aperture (13) connected to a suction drive member arranged inside the suction body (11), and to which a terminal suction element (32) is able to be selectively associated. The electric cleaning apparatus (10) includes tubular members (16, 21) pivoted on the suction body (11) and able to be selectively rotated with respect to the latter in order to define a first operating configuration, wherein the tubular members (16, 21) are arranged on the opposite side with respect to the suction aperture (13) in order to function as a remote handgrip for the suction body (11), and a second operating configuration, wherein the tubular members (16, 21) cooperate with the suction aperture (13) in order to function as an extension for the terminal suction element (32).

Abstract: A wand for a domestic appliance (e.g., a vacuum cleaner) includes a plurality of tubes which are dimensioned to telescope inside one another. Each tube is associated with a securing mechanism for securing the tube in an extended position with respect to another of the tubes. Adjacent securing mechanisms are positioned on their respective tubes such that, when the tubes are retracted, one securing mechanism presses against another to release the other securing mechanism. Thus, a user does not need to separately operate each securing mechanism when extending the wand. Also, the tubes automatically secure themselves in an extended position with respect to one another. A hook on the widest tube cooperates with a collar on the narrowest tube to retain the tubes in a stored position.

Abstract: Handle assembly for a vacuum cleaner including a handle portion having a tubular hand-gripping portion, a tubular wand-engaging portion and a metal tube extending from the wand-engaging portion. The handle portion defines a cavity at a rear for receiving an adapter terminating a hose and a slot leading to the cavity. An interconnection housing is attached to the handle portion to cover the slot and includes a pair of contacts extending through the slot into the cavity such that when an adapter with contact rings is positioned in the cavity, the contacts engage with the contact rings. A handle for connecting a vacuum cleaner hose to a wand assembly includes the handle assembly and an adapter arranged in the cavity in the handle portion and a hose having a pair of wires which is terminated by the adapter.

Abstract: Adapter for connecting a vacuum cleaner hose to a canister housing or a handle assembly and hose assemblies including the same. One adapter includes an outer sleeve matable with the canister housing and having electrodes, a hose engagement sleeve arranged at least partially in the outer sleeve and positioning wires of the hose in alignment with the electrodes, and an annealing ring arranged at least partially in the hose engagement sleeve such that a space is provided between the hose engagement sleeve and the annealing ring in which the hose is situated. When the annealing ring is annealed, the wires will be held in contact with the electrodes. Another adapter includes an outer sleeve matable with the canister housing, a hose engagement sleeve arranged at least partially in the outer sleeve and having electrodes, and an annealing ring arranged at least partially in the hose engagement sleeve.