Abstract: A surface sucking apparatus having a body and a plurality of legs. The body removably attachable to a vacuum hose. The body having a first portion, a second portion and a passageway extending therebetween for removing material. The plurality of legs positioned about the body so that the body is movable between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A pole attachment mechanism for removably attaching swimming pool maintenance accessories to an end of a pole. The pole attachment mechanism includes a thumb-press which, when pressed, the pegs projecting from the shaft of the pole attachment are retracted thereby permitting the pole to be received over the retracted pegs or to be released from pegs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner. The cleaner head has a housing and a soleplate assembly hingedly connected to the housing. The soleplate assembly and the housing are held closed by a releasable catch, which is pivotally mounted to one of the housing or the soleplate for rotation between a locking position and a release position. In accordance with the invention, the catch incorporates a first cam, which cam engages the other of the soleplate or the housing as the catch is rotated from the locking position towards the release position, in order to force apart the housing and the soleplate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collector of liquid that includes a first layer (1) and a third layer (3), each of which includes a respective set of openings (6?) and (6?); a second layer (2), located on top of the first layer (1) and under the third layer (3), wherein collection of liquid to be generated and maintained at all times. A fourth layer (4), located immediately above the third layer (3), includes a material that absorbs by capillarity. The vacuum tube (7) included in the second layer (2) evacuates the liquid coming from the first layer (1) and the third layer (3), wherein said third layer (3) receives the liquid after it is absorbed by the fourth layer (4) and distributed uniformly on said fourth layer (4) by means of the material that absorbs by capillarity.

Abstract: A vacuum accessory tool comprises a nozzle body that forms a suction nozzle and at least one light emitting element that emits light in an ultraviolet (UV) spectrum that will illuminate stains on the surface to be cleaned. The light is projected forwardly of the suction nozzle body so that stains on the surface will be visible to a user as the vacuum accessory tool is moved over the surface.

Abstract: Various forms of anti-clog suction tips apparatus are disclosed. An exemplary anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip assembly having a suction tip with a suction opening at a first end thereof for removing debris through suction, a hose attachment portion for attaching the suction tip assembly to a suction source, and an ejection wire channel. The apparatus further includes an ejection wire assembly having an ejection wire extending within the channel and an ejection button integral with or connected to the ejection wire. Applying a force to the ejection button advances the ejection wire through the channel such that an end portion of the ejection wire enters the suction tip and dislodges debris clogging the suction tip. The ejection wire may include an enlarged end portion such as, for example a ball tip. One or more of the components of the apparatus may be single-use and disposable.

Abstract: A cleaning head for a surface cleaning apparatus has a plurality of struts extending from a front chamber having a dirty air inlet to a rear chamber having a transition duct that is in communication with a filtration apparatus of a surface cleaning apparatus by a dirty fluid outlet. One or more of the struts comprises an airflow passage. In one embodiment, no outer casing is provided surrounding the struts.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner generally includes an upright assembly including a suction generator and a floor nozzle coupled to the upright assembly. The floor nozzle is configured for movement over a floor surface and includes a nozzle inlet in fluid communication with the suction generator. An aperture is formed through the floor nozzle and configured to allow the insertion of a hand of an operator to provide a gripping area on the floor nozzle adjacent the aperture to facilitate lifting and lowering the upright vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: The principles and embodiments of the presently claimed invention relate to steerable, light-weight, low-profile suction bases for upright cleaning apparatuses that utilize a smaller suction base body to reduce weight and bulk, while still providing sufficient room for an internally mounted brush roll motor and controller PCB, plus additional mechanical and electrical components in the suction base.

Abstract: A gutter cleaning attachment for a leaf blower comprises an elongated angled pipe assembly adaptably attached to an existing leaf blower. An upper portion of the attachment is inserted into the gutter portion of a structure allowing propelled air from the leaf blower to remove debris such as leaves, twigs, silt, insect nests, seed pods, and other similar items. The safety of the user is improved by avoiding the use of ladders or climbing on roofs to perform gutter cleaning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) bounding an inlet (2) for guiding aspirated air through the nozzle (1). The nozzle (1) comprises a rim (3, 4) along an outer end contour of the inlet (2) for contacting a floor surface area (6) when in an operating position on the floor surface (6), wherein at least a rim portion (3, 4) is movable between a 5 lowered position for contacting a floor surface (6) and a lifted position for leaving a spacing between the rim portion (3, 4) and the floor surface (6). A rim operating structure (21) is adapted for leaving the rim portion (3, 4) in the lowered position during an initial portion of a movement stroke of the nozzle over the floor surface (6) in a direction and for subsequently, during a later portion of the stroke, starting the lifting to the lifted position. This improves the aspiration of larger particles.

Abstract: A device is provided for deflating or inflating an item using a vacuum source including a receiving member including an outer open-ended cup with a partial bottom, the bottom including a central aperture, and an outer frustoconical portion extending from the central aperture; an air-flow adjusting member including an inner open-ended substantially cylindrical portion, an inner frustoconical portion extending from the inner open-ended substantially cylindrical portion; a tip member; and means for removably coupling the tip member to the air-flow adjusting member.

Abstract: A cleaner head comprising a main body rotatably coupled to a neck, and a locking arrangement operable to permit rotation of the main body relative to the neck when the cleaner head is positioned on a surface and to prevent rotation of the body relative to the next when the cleaner head is lifted off a surface. The locking arrangement therefore stops the cleaner head from rotating undesirably when the cleaner head is lifted away from a cleaning surface.

Abstract: A floor tool for a cleaning appliance includes a head for engaging with a floor surface, a connecting arm pivotally connected to the head about a first axis and a supporting body pivotally connected to the head about a second axis. The head includes a suction opening which lies in a suction plane. The connecting arm includes an outlet in communication with the suction opening and adapted to connect to the cleaning appliance. The connecting arm is adapted and arranged to engage with the supporting body so that when, in use, the floor tool is pushed forwardly across the floor surface, the connecting arm applies a force to the head in a direction away from the floor surface. This allows the floor tool to be of reduced depth than was achievable hitherto while still being able to achieve the desired “rocking” motion to improve cleaning performance.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus has an upper section that is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between an in use position and a storage position. The upper section is rotationally mounted to the surface cleaning head. The upright surface cleaning apparatus has an alignment mechanism comprising a first cooperating alignment member associated with the surface cleaning head and a second cooperating alignment member associated with the upper section, the first and second members guiding the upper section to a particular orientation or range of orientations when the upper section is moved into the storage position.

Abstract: Collector for attachment to a vacuum cleaner and for preventing particulates from spilling out of a drum during mixing. The collector has a body with opposing curved end, an outer and inner surface, a first and second vacuum port extending from the outer to the inner surface, first and second angled hollow pipes, each having a tubular body with an outer end for attachment to a vacuum cleaner and an inner end mounted to the outside surface of the body and received by the first or second vacuum port, the tubular body having a first portion and a second portion which meet at an angle at a point along the body. When the collector is placed in the drum, the first and second pipes rest on the drum's rim, such that when a vacuum cleaner is connected to the pipes, particulates present in the drum are sucked into vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance includes a housing, a suction opening through which dirt-bearing air enters the cleaner head, and a plurality of floor engaging support members connected to the housing. Each support member includes a curved lower surface and a rolling element located within a recessed portion of the lower surface of the support member. The outer surface of the rolling element is substantially coincident with a locus, or virtual surface, described by the lower surface of the support member.

Abstract: [Object] An object is to easily suction dust/dirt on a cleaning portion of a mop as need arises without scattering the dust/dirt adhering to the mop when cleaning a floor with a vacuum cleaner while cleaning with the mop. [Solution] A mopstick (4) is inserted through an opening (13) on a cylindrical cleaning unit (6) of a mop dust suction device (3), which includes a hose coupling unit (7) detachably attached to a connection portion of a hose of a vacuum cleaner; a cleaning portion (5) of the mop is drawn into the cylindrical cleaning unit (6); the cleaning portion (5) of the mop is rotated in an arrow (B12) direction while the cleaning portion (5) of the mop is moved repeatedly in an arrow (A11) direction; and the dust/dirt adhering to the mop is easily suctioned and removed by suction force of a vacuum cleaner main body (1).

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner attachment is provided for vacuuming without the vacuum cleaner attachment becoming stuck to a surface being cleaned during use. The vacuum cleaner attachment includes a body portion having a top and a perimeter wall extending from the top to define an interior space. A vacuum connection portion extends from the top of the body portion. The vacuum connection portion is in environmental communication with the interior space of the body portion. The vacuum connection portion is designed for coupling to a vacuum cleaner tube to provide suction to the interior space. A first wheel is coupled to the body portion. The first wheel extends downwardly from the body portion such that the first wheel is designed for supporting the body portion in spaced relationship to a supporting surface.

Abstract: The present invention comprises: a collecting section mounted at one side of the pathway, in which the suction force of a vacuum cleaner for sucking dust is transmitted, and moves at least some of the sucked dust towards one direction; a dust collecting section made of transparent material coupled with the collecting section, in which the receiving status of the inflow of dust through the collecting section is exposed to the outside; a discharge section which guides air and dust, which has passed through the dust collecting section, to be discharged into the pathway that transmits the suction force of a vacuum cleaner; and a foreign material discharge means which guides the flow of air into the inner corner of the dust collecting section by the operation of the user and forcibly discharges the remaining dust in the dust collection section to the outside.

Abstract: A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance comprising a support member adapted to support a cleaning element and at least one suction nozzle in communication with a conduit, wherein the support member comprises a removable pad which is detachable from the support member. The support member includes a rolling arrangement that is engageable with a floor surface when the removable pad is disengaged from the support plate, thereby allowing the floor tool to be used in a ‘suction-only’ mode of operation or a “suction-and-wipe” mode of operation.

Abstract: A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance comprising a support member for supporting a cleaning element and at least one suction nozzle in communication with a conduit, wherein the conduit includes one or more plug elements that are engageable with respective sockets provided in the conduits, the plugs being removable from the sockets to provide access to the interior of the conduit. The invention therefore provides a floor tool combining suction and wipe cleaning facilities with improved maintainability for the user.

Abstract: A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance comprising a body including a suction nozzle, a neck coupled to the body so as to pivot relative to it about an axis ‘A’, wherein the neck includes a base portion that defines a rail formation located at least partially about its circumference and the body includes a runner formation that is engaged with a discrete part of the rail formation, the rail formation being slidable relative to the runner formation thereby coupling the base portion to the body but permitting the base portion to pivot relative to the body.

Abstract: A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance comprising a support member adapted to support a cleaning element and at least one suction nozzle in communication with a conduit that is attachable to a vacuum cleaning appliance, wherein a neck for controlling the floor tool is coupled to the support member and wherein the at least one suction nozzle is configured to float relative to the neck.

Abstract: A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance, the floor tool comprising a main body including a suction nozzle comprising a surface engaging skirt that depends downwardly to define an outer periphery of a suction chamber having a suction chamber outlet, the surface engaging skirt including a leading edge, a trailing edge, and side edges extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge, and wherein the trailing edge depends downwardly from the suction nozzle by a first distance and the leading edge depends downwardly from the suction nozzle by a second distance that is less than the first distance so as to define a predetermined gap with a floor surface, in use.

Abstract: A floor tool, suitable for a vacuum cleaning appliance, comprises a support member adapted to support a cleaning element and at least one suction nozzle adjacent the support member, wherein the support member includes a carrier pate and a floor engaging pad that are releasably held together by a clamping arrangement so that edges of a cleaning element can be clamped between the carrier plate and the floor pad.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a suction nozzle for attachment to a vacuum source, such as a suction line, to collect debris such as airborne particles. The suction nozzle includes a tubular-shaped funnel with a large mouth at one end, to receive and channel airborne debris to the vacuum source. The suction nozzle also includes a connector at an opposite end of the funnel, for connecting the suction nozzle to a vacuum source. The mouth of the funnel may further include an inwardly-extending rim portion, which is shaped to accommodate objects that may be adjacent to the funnel and its mouth. The mouth includes a lip extending inwardly from the rim of the mouth for helping deflect debris inwardly into the funnel. In one embodiment, the rim portion of the funnel mouth may further include a scraper portion which extends inwardly from the rim, toward the interior of the funnel mouth. This scraper portion is useful for helping to remove debris from instruments or other.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system may have a drying station that may have a frame and a blower mounted on the frame. The blower may be used blowing liquid from the surface of a vehicle and may have a plenum with a cavity opening, an exit port, and an interior cavity. An impeller may be positioned inside the cavity, and when driven by a motor, may be operable to draw air into the cavity compress the air, and then emit an airflow from the plenum through the exit port. The blower may have an inlet region formed proximate the cavity opening and be in communication with the cavity. The inlet region may have a generally tubular inlet opening. A movement apparatus may be provided that is movable axially relative to the inlet opening to vary the size of the tubular inlet opening. The system may also include a sensor system operable to detect the presence and/or absence of a vehicle at drying station.

Abstract: A cleaning head for a surface cleaning apparatus has a plurality of struts extending from a front chamber having a dirty air inlet to a rear chamber having a transition duct that is in communication with a filtration apparatus of a surface cleaning apparatus by a dirty fluid outlet. One or more of the struts comprises an airflow passage. In one embodiment, no outer casing is provided surrounding the struts.

Abstract: A pick-up head system for use with a surface cleaning vehicle comprises a housing extending between a first end and a second end, and having a front and a back, and a suctioning bottom opening. A debris outlet is disposed in the housing for permitting dust and debris to egress from the housing into a hopper. A debris passage is disposed within the housing in dust and debris delivery relation with respect to the debris outlet. There is at least one non-rotating main broom operatively mounted in the housing adjacent the debris passage for cleaning contact with a surface to be cleaned, thereby loosening debris for subsequent suctioning into the debris outlet.

Abstract: A device for extracting fluid from a surface comprises a head assembly, a base and a plurality of nozzles arranged in a plurality of rows. The base is adapted to slide across a surface and an accelerator is in fluid communication with the base, the accelerator having a plurality of trumpets extending through the accelerator from a bottom surface of the accelerator to a top surface of the accelerator.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a crevice tool for vacuum cleaners as a singular component, comprising a socket transitioning into a long, flat air chamber, at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, wherein the air chamber (wand) incorporates both air suction slots and protruding nubs on both the top and bottom of the tool, and lateral slits in the end opposite the socket end. The various components of the crevice tool may be fabricated into kit form, and may include an adaptor, an extension, and a paw like terminal end, that can be used for removing any debris from tight areas.

Abstract: A vacuum nozzle is angled to be able to vacuum both a floor portion and a floor molding at the same time. Unlike conventional vacuum nozzles that are flat, the nozzle as herein described is angled, typically at 90 degrees, to fit into the corner along where the wall meets the floor. The nozzle can also be used, for example, where the ceiling meets the wall, or any other such corner to provide a vacuum cleaning thereto.

Abstract: An attachment for an upright vacuum cleaner which can be pivoted from a first position for cleaning a wide area to a position providing a nozzle which is capable of reaching narrow areas to permit cleaning in corners and around obstacles.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus has an upper section that is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between an in use position and a storage position. The upper section is rotationally mounted to the surface cleaning head. The upright surface cleaning apparatus has an alignment mechanism comprising a first cooperating alignment member associated with the surface cleaning head and a second cooperating alignment member associated with the upper section, the first and second members guiding the upper section to a particular orientation or range of orientations when the upper section is moved into the storage position.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance includes a housing, a moveable agitator located within the housing, and a detachable unit extending about the agitator. The detachable unit includes a sole plate having a suction opening through which dirt-bearing air enters the cleaner head, a chassis detachably connected to the housing, and a flexible annular seal for allowing relative movement between the housing and the sole plate. One end of the flexible annular seal is connected to the chassis and the other end of the flexible annular seal is connected to the sole plate.

Abstract: The present invention may be used to groom animals, humans and textile objects, and to collect hair, debris and other matter. There may be a head with a top and bottom wall attached to two side walls to define a front side opening. The top and the bottom walls may have a generally trapezoidal shape and the front side opening may be larger than a back wall. The handle may have a conduit with a first end in communication with an interior of the head adjacent the back wall and a second end open at an exit end. The conduit may have a nondecreasing cross-sectional interior dimension from the first end to the second end. The first end diameter may be smaller than the back wall width. The head may have on the top wall a cavity adjacent the front side and an aperture for attachment of a grooming device.

Abstract: A surface treating head in the form of a floor tool for a vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a suction cavity and an outlet. The suction cavity includes first and second suction channels, bounded on both sides by respective working edges. A fluid flow path extends from the first suction channel to the second suction channel and from there to the outlet. The plurality of suction channels permits effective pick-up of dirt. To enable the surface treating head to be used to treat both carpeted floor surfaces and hard floor surfaces, the surface treating head may be provided with a brush unit and a drive mechanism for moving the brush unit between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A flexible accessory tool for a vacuum appliance is described, comprising an elongated body with a body portion having an attachment end, a nozzle end spaced apart from the attachment end and having an opening formed therein, and a flexible intermediate region for imparting flexibility to the accessory tool during use. The flexible intermediate region is made up of a rigid skeleton portion having a one or more ribs and support struts, over which a layer of non air-permeable flexible material is applied. During use, the flexible accessory tool may be bent to extreme angles in order to reach and clean debris from hard to reach areas, while not suffering from a decrease in vacuum air flow through the tool as it flexes.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for vacuuming floors and other surfaces can include a vacuum cleaner head having a first chamber in communication with a first inlet positioned on a bottom surface of the vacuum cleaner head and a first outlet connected to a vacuum line, a second chamber in communication with a second inlet positioned on at least one side of the vacuum cleaner head and a second outlet connected to the vacuum line, and a divider separating the first chamber from the second chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaning head having a suction nozzle adapted to be moved along a surface to be cleaned, and a hair collection assembly provided on the cleaning head and having a hair collection element adapted to collect hair from the surface to be cleaned as the cleaning head moves along the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for capturing dust created from a work surface by a rotary tool attachment. A shield is comprised of a ridged shroud and a flexible skirt. The shroud is configured to be coupled to a rotary tool, and to either fully enclose or partially expose the rotary tool attachment. The shroud has a plurality of air inlets, a first opening, and a second opening through the top surface of the shroud. The first opening receives a mechanical driveshaft of the rotary tool and the second opening is coupled to an external vacuum source. The flexible skirt is coupled to a perimeter of the shroud and extends downward from above the top surface of the shroud and is configured to contact the work surface.

Abstract: A deposit removing device capable of efficiently removing deposit on a plate-like member such as a metal plate or resin plate by reducing a spacing distance between the plate-like member and an injection nozzle, and also capable of coping with the removal of deposit on the plate-like member rolled or conveyed at a high speed. This deposit removing device removes the deposit adhered to the plate-like member (T) by jetting compressed air from at least one jetting hole (101) of a nozzle body (100) in which the at least one jetting hole (101) is formed. This device is configured so that the nozzle body (100) is supported so as to be movable in a direction (W1) substantially perpendicular to the surfaces (T1 and T2) of the plate-like member (T).

Abstract: The present invention includes a vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly that has protective rollers that glide along the surface to be cleaned without interfering with the function of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The nozzle comprises a tubular nozzle conduit in fluid communication with a vacuum conduit on a first end of the tubular nozzle and a nozzle mouth at the second end of the tubular nozzle opposite the first end. The nozzle conduit has a circumferential roller assembly collar attached to the outside of the tubular nozzle, the collar is formed with a plurality of radially spaced apart seats that are sized and configured to securely receive a plurality of respective balls that are rotatable inside the respective seats.

Abstract: A pick-up head system for use with a surface cleaning vehicle comprises a housing with a debris receiving main inlet and a debris outlet. A rotatable door assembly is mounted on the housing at the debris receiving main inlet for rotation about a substantially horizontally oriented door pivot axis, for controlling the passage of debris through the debris receiving main inlet. In use, as the rotatable door assembly rotates about the horizontally oriented door pivot axis to thereby permit debris to enter the housing through the debris receiving main inlet. An air flow barrier disposed between the rotatable door assembly and the housing substantially precludes the passage of air and small debris between the rotatable door assembly and the housing.

Abstract: A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance, comprising a main body connected to a conduit, the main body comprising, a supporting member adapted to support a cleaning element and a suction nozzle adjacent an edge of the supporting member, wherein the suction nozzle defines a suction chamber, and wherein the suction chamber includes a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet in communication with the conduit.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner houses a hollow brush bar mounted for rotation about an axis. This brush bar is driven by a motor housed inside the hollow brush bar, the motor forming part of a drive assembly supported at one end of the cleaner head. The brush bar is arranged for removal from the cleaner head by sliding the brush bar along the axis and out through an opening at the opposite end of the cleaner head and the brush bar is rotatably supported in clearance around the drive assembly by a first bearing, which bearing engages the brush bar in a corresponding axial-sliding fit to allow said sliding removal of the brush bar.

Abstract: A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance, comprising a main body connected to a conduit, the main body comprising, a supporting member adapted to support a cleaning element and a suction nozzle adjacent an edge of the supporting member, wherein the suction nozzle defines a suction chamber, and wherein the suction chamber includes a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet in communication with the conduit.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus has an upper section that is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between an in use position and a storage position. The upper section is rotationally mounted to the surface cleaning head. The upright surface cleaning apparatus has an alignment mechanism comprising a first cooperating alignment member associated with the surface cleaning head and a second cooperating alignment member associated with the upper section, the first and second members guiding the upper section to a particular orientation or range of orientations when the upper section is moved into the storage position.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance includes a housing, a sole plate for engaging with the floor surface, the sole plate comprising a suction opening through which dirt-bearing air enters the cleaner head, and a flexible annular seal located between the sole plate and the housing to allow the housing to move relative to the sole plate to reduce the force exerted on the sole plate by the housing, thereby allowing the sole plate to ride over the floor surface during a cleaning operation. The cleaner head includes at least one floor engaging support member connected to the housing for restricting the movement of the housing towards the sole plate to prevent the housing from pushing the sole plate against the floor surface.