WO2016095040A1 - All in the head surface cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An all in the head surface cleaning apparatus has one or more air treatment members and a suction motor in the cleaning head.

Description

ALL IN THE HEAD SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS

FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to surface cleaning apparatus, including all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Various types of surface cleaning apparatus are known. These include upright surface cleaning apparatus, canister surface cleaning apparatus, stick surface cleaning apparatus and central vacuum systems. Typically, a surface cleaning apparatus has a surface cleaning head with an inlet. For example, an upright surface cleaning apparatus typically comprises an upright section containing at least an air treatment member that is pivotally mounted to a surface cleaning head. A canister surface cleaning apparatus typically comprises a canister body containing at least an air treatment member and a suction motor that is connected to a surface cleaning head by a flexible hose and a handle. Such designs are advantageous as they permit some of the operating components, and optionally all of the operating components (i.e., the suction motor and the air treatment members) to be placed at a location other than the surface cleaning head. This enables the surface cleaning head to be lighter and smaller. Reducing the weight of the surface cleaning head may increase its maneuverability. Also, reducing the height of the surface cleaning head enables the surface cleaning head to clean under furniture having a lower ground clearance.

[0003] Another type of surface cleaning apparatus is the all in the head surface cleaning apparatus. An all in the head surface cleaning apparatus typically has the suction motor and the air treatment members (e.g., one or more cyclones) to be positioned in the surface cleaning head. However, for various reasons, the all in the head vacuum cleaner has not been widely accepted by consumers.

[0004] US 5,699,586; US 6,012,200; US 6,442,792; US 7,013,528; US

2004/0134026; US 2006/0156509; and, US 2009/0056060 disclose an all in the head vacuum cleaner wherein the surface cleaning head is wedge shaped (i.e., the height of the surface cleaning head increases from the front end to the rear end). Accordingly, the height at the rear end limits the extent to which the surface cleaning head may travel under furniture. If the height is too tall, then only the front portion of the surface cleaning head may be able to be placed under furniture, thereby limiting the ability of the surface cleaning apparatus to clean under furniture.

[0005] US 5,909,755 discloses an all in the head vacuum cleaner. However, this design has limited filtration ability. As set out in the abstract, the design uses a suction motor to draw in air having entrained particulate matter through a filter to thereby treat the air. Accordingly, while the design is not wedge shaped, it relies upon a filter to treat the air.

SUMMARY

[0006] This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.

[0007] In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, an all in the head surface cleaning apparatus is provided which incorporates cyclonic air treatment in a compact format. The surface cleaning head may have a height which permits the entire surface cleaning head to extend under furniture. For example, the maximum height of the surface cleaning head may be less than 8 inches, less than 6 inches, less than 5 inches, or less than 4.5 inches. At the same time, the surface cleaning head may employ cyclonic air treatment technology and achieve a degree of air treatment comparable to that of leading upright cyclonic vacuum cleaners. Further, the surface cleaning head may have a dirt storage capacity that enables the surface cleaning apparatus to be used to clean an entire residence without a dirt collection chamber having to be emptied. For example, the dirt collection chamber may have a dirt storage capacity of 20, 40, 60, or 80 in³.

[0008] Optionally, the apparatus may have a dirt collection chamber (by itself or with an assembly such as a cyclone bin assembly) that is moveable to a removal position whereby the a handle may be revealed or raised to a higher elevation to assist a user to remove the dirt collection chamber

[0009] The all in the head surface cleaning apparatus may also have an above floor cleaning mode. Accordingly, the all in the head surface cleaning apparatus may be useable in the same modes as an upright vacuum cleaner and may replace an upright vacuum cleaner.

[0010] The all in the head surface cleaning apparatus may have a drive handle that comprises an above floor cleaning wand and a flexible hose. Therefore, the entire upper section may be the above floor cleaning conduit. Optionally, a suction motor and/or a filter may be provided on the drive handle.

DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an example of an all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus;

[0013] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0014] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 with an upper portion in a use position;

[0015] Figure 4 is left side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0016] Figure 5A is right side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0017] Figure 5B is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 with a drive handle in a retracted position;

[0018] Figure 6 is a rear view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figure 7 is a top view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 8 is bottom view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0021] Figure 9 is bottom view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 with a rotating brush removed;

[0022] Figure 10 is cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 1 , taken along line 10-10;

[0023] Figure 1 1 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 10; [0024] Figure 12 is cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 1 , taken along line 12-12, which is shown in Figure 4;

[0025] Figure 13 is cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 1 , taken along line 13-13, which is shown in Figure 4;

[0026] Figure 14 is cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 1 , taken along line 14-14, which is shown in Figure 4;

[0027] Figure 15 is cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 1 , taken along line 15-15, which is shown in Figure 4;

[0028] Figure 16 is cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 , taken along line 16-16, which is shown in Figure 7;

[0029] Figure 17 is cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 1 , taken along line 17-17, which is shown in Figure 7;

[0030] Figure 18 is a partially exploded view of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 19 is a perspective view of an example of a cyclone bin assembly useable with the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 20 is another perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly of

Figure 19 oriented with the filter chamber at the upper end;

[0033] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly of Figure 20 with a cyclone chamber door open;

[0034] Figure 22 is a perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly of Figure 20 oriented with the filter chamber at the upper end, with a cyclone chamber door and a filter chamber open;

[0035] Figure 23 is a partially exploded view of the cyclone bin assembly of Figure 22;

[0036] Figure 24 is another perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly of Figure 19 oriented with the cyclone chamber at the upper end, with the cyclone chamber door open;

[0037] Figure 25 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 with the cyclone bin assembly detached; [0038] Figure 26 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 1 with the cyclone bin assembly in a removal position;

[0039] Figure 27 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 1 with the cyclone bin assembly in a removal position;

[0040] Figure 28 is to top view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 with the cyclone bin assembly in a removal position and with the brush chamber open;

[0041] Figure 29 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning head of Figure

1 with the cyclone bin assembly in a removal position;

[0042] Figure 30 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning head of Figure 1 with the cyclone bin assembly in a removal position;

[0043] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 with a lock in locked configuration, taken along line 33-33, which is shown in Figure 7;

[0044] Figure 32 is the cross-sectional view of Figure 31 with the lock in an unlocked configuration;

[0045] Figure 33 is the cross-sectional view of Figure 32, with the cyclone bin assembly pivoted to a different position;

[0046] Figure 34 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 1 with the cyclone bin assembly removed;

[0047] Figure 35 is a top view of the portion of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 34;

[0048] Figure 36 is a partially exploded a front perspective view of the surface cleaning head of Figure 1 with the cyclone bin assembly removed;

[0049] Figure 37 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0050] Figure 38A is perspective view of the drive handle of Figure 1 ;

[0051] Figure 38B is an enlarged view of a portion of the drive handle shown in

Figure 38A;

[0052] Figure 39 is an enlarged rear perspective view the upper portion of the drive handle of Figure 1 ; [0053] Figure 40 is a front perspective view of another example of an all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus;

[0054] Figure 41 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 40, with the cyclone bin assembly in a removal position;

[0055] Figure 42 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 40, with the cyclone bin assembly removed;

[0056] Figure 43 is a top perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 40, with the cyclone bin assembly removed;

[0057] Figure 44 is a front perspective view of an example of a cyclone bin assembly with a filter chamber opened;

[0058] Figure 45 is a side perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly of Figure

44 showing the cyclone chamber in an open position;

[0059] Figure 46 is a perspective view of the filter chamber end of the cyclone bin assembly of Figure 44;

[0060] Figure 47 is a side perspective view of the surface cleaning head of Figure

40;

[0061] Figure 48A is a bottom perspective view of the surface cleaning head of

Figure 40 with a blocker in a deployed position;

[0062] Figure 48B the a bottom perspective view of the surface cleaning head of Figure 48A with the blocker in a retracted position;

[0063] Figure 49 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of Figure

40, taken along line 55-55, which is shown in Figure 47;

[0064] Figure 50 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of Figure

40, taken along line 56-56, which is shown in Figure 47;

[0065] Figure 51 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 40, taken along line 58-58, which is shown in Figure 40;

[0066] Figure 52 is the cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of

Figure 51 , with a wand extended and a pre-motor filter removed;

[0067] Figure 53 is a front perspective view of another example of an all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus; [0068] Figure 54 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of Figure

53, taken along line 62-62, which is shown in Figure 53, with a cyclone chamber in a first orientation relative to the surface cleaning head;

[0069] Figure 55 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of Figure 53, taken along line 63-63, which is shown in Figure 53, with the cyclone chamber in the orientation shown in Figure 54;

[0070] Figure 56 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of Figure

53, taken along line 62-62, which is shown in Figure 53, with a cyclone chamber in a second orientation relative to the surface cleaning head;

[0071] Figure 57 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of Figure

53, taken along line 62-62, which is shown in Figure 53, with a cyclone chamber in a third orientation relative to the surface cleaning head;

[0072] Figure 58 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of Figure

53, taken along line 63-63, which is shown in Figure 53, with the cyclone chamber in the orientation shown in Figure 57;

[0073] Figure 59 is a front perspective view of an example of a cyclone bin assembly usable with the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 53;

[0074] Figure 60 is a rear perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly of Figure

59;

[0075] Figure 61 is a top perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly of Figure

59, with a filter chamber opened and with the cyclone chamber in an open position;

[0076] Figure 62 is a front perspective view of the all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 53, with a cleaning wand partially extended;

[0077] Figure 63A is a front perspective view of another example of an all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus, with a cyclone bin assembly positioned for installation in a first orientation;

[0078] Figure 63B is a front perspective view of the all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 63A, with the cyclone bin assembly positioned for installation in a second orientation;

[0079] Figure 63C is a front perspective view of the all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 63A, with a cleaning wand partially extended; [0080] Figure 64A is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of

Figures 63A-C, taken along line 72-72, which is shown in Figure 63C, with the cyclone bin assembly installed in the orientation shown in Figure 63A;

[0081] Figure 64B is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of Figures 63A-C, taken along line 72-72, which is shown in Figure 63C, with the cyclone bin assembly installed in the orientation shown in Figure 63B;

[0082] Figure 65A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example surface cleaning head, with the cyclone bin assembly mounted in a first position;

[0083] Figure 65B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the example surface cleaning head of Figure 65A, with the cyclone bin assembly mounted in a second position;

[0084] Figure 66 is a front perspective view of another example of an all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus, with a cleaning wand partially extended;

[0085] Figure 67A is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of Figure 66, taken along line 75-75, which is shown in Figure 66, with a first airflow valve in an open configuration, and a second airflow valve in a closed configuration;

[0086] Figure 67B is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of Figure

66, taken along line 75-75, which is shown in Figure 66, with a first airflow valve in a closed configuration, and a second airflow valve in an open configuration;

[0087] Figure 68A is a cross-sectional view of another example surface cleaning head, with a pair of linked airflow valves in a first position;

[0088] Figure 68B is a cross-sectional view of the example surface cleaning head of Figure 68A, with the linked airflow valves in a second position;

[0089] Figure 69A is a cross-sectional view of another example surface cleaning head, with a rotary airflow valve in a first orientation;

[0090] Figure 69B is a cross-sectional view of the example surface cleaning head of Figure 69A, with the rotary airflow valve in a second orientation;

[0091] Figure 70A is a cross-sectional view of another example surface cleaning head, with a first airflow valve in an open configuration, and a second airflow valve in a closed configuration; [0092] Figure 70B is a cross-sectional view of the example surface cleaning head of Figure 70A, with a first airflow valve in a closed configuration, and a second airflow valve in an open configuration;

[0093] Figure 71 A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example surface cleaning head, with a first airflow valve in an open configuration, and with a surface cleaning wand unseated to allow airflow therethrough;

[0094] Figure 71 B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the example surface cleaning head of Figure 71 A, with a first airflow valve in a closed configuration, and with the surface cleaning wand seated to prevent airflow therethrough;

[0095] Figure 72 is a side view of another example of an all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus with a portable cleaning unit attached to the drive handle;

[0096] Figure 73 is the side view of Figure 72 with the portable cleaning unit detached from the drive handle;

[0097] Figure 74 is a front perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of Figure 72 with the portable cleaning unit detached from the drive handle;

[0098] Figure 75 is a front perspective view of another example of an all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus with a flexible hose and cleaning wand in a stored position;

[0099] Figure 76 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 75 with the flexible hose and cleaning wand in the stored position;

[00100] Figure 77 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 75 with the flexible hose and cleaning wand in a deployed position;

[00101] Figure 78 is a front perspective view of another example of an all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus with a flexible hose and cleaning wand in a stored position;

[00102] Figure 79 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 78 with the flexible hose and cleaning wand in the stored position;

[00103] Figure 80 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 78 with the flexible hose and cleaning wand in a deployed position [00104] Figure 81 is an end view of a schematic representation of another example of a cyclone bin assembly, with a rotatable portion in a first position;

[00105] Figure 82 is an end view of a schematic representation of the cyclone bin assembly of Figure 81 with a rotatable portion in a second position; and,

[00 06] Figure 83 is a cross-sectional view of the cyclone bin assembly of Figure 81 , taken along line 91 -91.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00107] Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[00108] As exemplified herein, the surface cleaning apparatus is an all in the head vacuum cleaner. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, aspects disclosed herein may be used in other surface cleaning apparatus such as extractors or in surface cleaning heads of other vacuum cleaners, such as an upright vacuum cleaner or a canister vacuum cleaner.

General Description of an All in the Head Vacuum Cleaner

[00109] Referring to Figures 1 -8, an embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus is shown. The surface cleaning apparatus includes a surface cleaning head 102 and an upper portion 104 that is movably and drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head 102. The surface cleaning head 102 may be supported by any suitable support members, such as, for example wheels and/or rollers, to allow the surface cleaning head to be moved across the floor or other surface being cleaned. The support members (e.g., wheels) may be of any suitable configuration, and may be attached to any suitable part of the surface cleaning apparatus, including, for example, the surface cleaning head and upper portion.

[001 10] The surface cleaning apparatus 100 preferably includes a dirty air inlet 110 (see Figure 8), a clean air outlet 1 12 (see Figure 7) and an air flow path or passage extending therebetween. Preferably, at least one suction motor and at least one air treatment member are provided in the air flow path. The air treatment member may be any suitable air treatment member, including, for example, one or more cyclones (arranged in series or in parallel with each other), filters, bags and other dirt separation devices. Preferably, the at least one air treatment member is provided upstream from the suction motor, but alternatively may be provided downstream from the suction motor or both upstream and downstream from the suction motor. In addition to the at least one air treatment member, the surface cleaning apparatus may also include one or more pre-motor filters (preferably positioned in the air flow path between the air treatment member and the suction motor) and/or one or more post-motor filters (positioned in the air flow path between the suction motor and the clean air outlet).

[00111] Upper portion 104 may be of any design known in the art that is drivingly connected to surface cleaning head 102 so as to permit a user to move surface cleaning head 102 across a surface to be cleaned (such as a floor). Upper portion 104 may be moveably (e.g., pivotally) connected to surface cleaning head for movement between an upright storage position as exemplified in Figure 1 and an inclined in use position as exemplified in Figure 3. If upper portion 104 is moveably connected to surface cleaning head 102 about only one axis or rotation (e.g., a horizontal axis), then upper portion 104 may be used to move surface cleaning head 102 in a generally forward/backward direction of travel, indicated by arrow 106. A direction generally orthogonal to the direction of travel, indicated by arrow 108 defines a lateral or transverse direction. In some embodiments, upper portion 104 may be rotatable connected to surface cleaning head 102, such as by a swivel connection, so as to enable a user to steer the surface cleaning head using the upper section.

[00112] Upper section may comprise a hand grip portion 444 and a drive handle or drive shaft 442. Drive shaft 442 may be useable as an above floor cleaning wand and/or it may provide electrical cord storage and/or auxiliary cleaning tool storage and/or it may be used to hang the surface cleaning apparatus on a wall when not in use [00113] In the embodiment illustrated, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is an all in the head type vacuum cleaner in which the functional or operational components for the transport and treatment of fluid (e.g., air) entering the dirty air inlet of the vacuum cleaner (e.g. the suction motor, air treatment member, filters, motors, etc.) are all contained within the surface cleaning head 102 portion of surface cleaning apparatus 100. Providing the functional air flow components within the surface cleaning head may help reduce the size and/or weight of the upper portion and/or help lower the centre of gravity of the surface cleaning apparatus. Accordingly, the hand weight experienced by a user operating surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be reduced.

[00114] In some embodiments, the surface cleaning head may also be configured to accommodate functional components that do not form part of the air flow path, such as, for example, brush motors, brushes, on board energy storage systems, controllers and other components.

[00115] Alternatively, while being free from air flow components, the upper section may include some non-airflow related components, such as, for example, electrical cord connections, electrical cord storage members, handles, actuators, steering components, and other functional, on board energy storage systems.

[00116] Referring to Figure 13, in the illustrated example, the surface cleaning head includes a front end 114 having a front face 1 16, a rear end 118 spaced rearwardly from the front end and having a rear face 120, and a pair of side faces 124 that are laterally spaced apart from each other and extend from the front face 1 16 to the rear face 120. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the surface cleaning head 102 also has a bottom face 126 that extends between the front end 1 14, rear end 118, and side faces 124. The bottom face 126 is positioned to face the surface being cleaned when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is in use.

[001 7] Referring to Figure 7, a top face 128 is generally spaced apart from and overlies bottom face 126 (Figure 8). Together, front face 1 16, rear face 120, side faces 124, bottom face 126, and top face 128 co-operate to bound an interior of the surface cleaning head 102, which, in the illustrated example, is configured to house the functional components of the air flow path of the surface cleaning apparatus. Preferably, in an all in the head type vacuum cleaner, the surface cleaning head includes the dirty air inlet 110 and the clean air outlet 1 12. The surface cleaning apparatus 100 has an overall depth 341 , measured in the forward/backward direction, which may be any suitable depth sufficient to accommodate the components of the surface cleaning apparatus, and may be less than about 20 inches, less than about 15 inches, less than about 10 inches, less than about 9 inches, less than about 8.5 inches, and optionally less than about 8 inches.

[00118] In the exemplified embodiment, surface cleaning head 102 has a generally rectangular footprint when viewed from above. It will be appreciated that front, rear, and sides faces need not extend linearly and that surface cleaning head may be of various shapes.

[00119] As exemplified in Figures 8 and 9, surface cleaning head 102 may include a brush chamber 130 that is configured to house a rotatable agitator brush 132. Brush 132 is shown within brush chamber 130 in Figure 8, and brush chamber 130 is illustrated with brush 132 removed in Figure 9. Rotatable brush 132 may be rotatable about a brush axis 134 that may be generally orthogonal to the direction of travel 106 of surface cleaning head 102. Alternatively, any other agitation or cleaning member known in the art may be used in place of, or in addition to, rotatable brush 132. Further, rotatable brush 132 may be any rotatable brush known in the art and may be driven by any drive means known in the art, such as a fan belt, direct drive, providing the brush motor internal of rotatable brush 132, an air driven turbine, or the like.

[00120] As exemplified in the cross-sectional view of Figure 17, brush chamber 130 may include a front wall 136, a rear wall 138, two sidewalls 140 (Figure 9) and a top wall 142. Brush chamber 130 may be located at the front 1 14 of surface cleaning head 102, and, as in the illustrated embodiment, an outer surface of front wall 136 of brush chamber 130 may form at least a portion of front face 116 of surface cleaning head 102.

[00121] As exemplified, the bottom side of brush chamber 130 is at least partially open and forms the dirty air inlet 1 0 of surface cleaning apparatus 100. The open, bottom side of brush chamber 130 is, in the illustrated example, bounded by a front edge 144, a rear edge 146 spaced behind the front edge 144, and a pair of side edges 148 extending therebetween. In the illustrated example the open bottom side of the brush chamber 130 is generally rectangular in shape, but alternatively could be configured in other shapes.

[00122] As exemplified in Figure 7, clean air outlet 1 12 may be provided on the upward facing, top face 128 of the surface cleaning head 102 and may be covered by a grill 150. Preferably, grill 150 is removable (as shown in Figure 18) to allow access to clean air outlet 112. An advantage of this design is that treated air is directed away from the surface to be cleaned and away from a user (who is standing behind upper portion 104). Alternatively, clean air outlet 1 12 may direct treated air rearwardly.

[00123] Optionally a post-motor filter 152 may be provided downstream of the suction motor, such as at clear air outlet 1 12, to filter air that has passed through the air treatment member and suction motor. As exemplified in Figure 18, filter 152 may be provided as a generally planar post-motor filter 152 made from foam and/or felt that is positioned beneath grill 150. Removing grill 150 provides access to post-motor filter 152 for inspection and/or replacement. Optionally, instead of, or in addition to filter 152, the post-motor filter may include one or more other filters or filtering media, including, for example, a HEPA filter, an electrostatic filter, or a cyclonic post-motor filter.

[00124] It will be appreciated that the forgoing is a general description of an all in the head vacuum cleaner. It will be appreciated that the actual size and shape of the surface cleaning head may depend upon which of the following aspects are included in the product design.

Removable Dirt Collection Chamber

[00125] The following is a description of a removable dirt collection chamber that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub- combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. Optionally, the dirt collection chamber is removable as a sealed unit for emptying. An advantage of this design is that collected dirt will be contained within the dirt collection chamber as the dirt collection chamber is transported to a location, such as a garbage can, for emptying. Optionally, the dirt collection chamber may be part of a cyclone bin assembly and the cyclone bin assembly may be removable, preferably as a sealed unit.

[00126] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, which are cross-sectional views of surface cleaning head 102, surface cleaning head 102 includes an air treatment member in the form of a cyclone bin assembly 160 positioned in the air flow path downstream from the dirty air inlet 1 10 and the brush chamber 130, and a suction motor 162 positioned downstream from the cyclone bin assembly 160. Preferably, the cyclone bin assembly 160 is detachable from surface cleaning head 102. Referring to Figure 19, cyclone bin assembly 160 is illustrated in isolation, removed from surface cleaning head 102. Referring to Figure 25, surface cleaning apparatus 100 is illustrated with cyclone bin assembly 160 detached from surface cleaning head 102. Providing a detachable cyclone bin assembly 160 allows a user to carry cyclone bin assembly 160 to a garbage can for emptying, without needing to carry or move the rest of surface cleaning apparatus 100.

[00127] In the illustrated example, surface cleaning head 102 includes a cavity 161 for releasably receiving cyclone bin assembly 160. Cavity 161 is sized to receive at least a portion of cyclone bin assembly 160 and, in the example illustrated, has a generally open top. This allows portions of cyclone bin assembly 160 to remain visible when cyclone bin assembly 160 is mounted in cavity 161 . This can also allow a user to access cyclone bin assembly 160 without having to open or remove a separate cover panel or lid. The absence of a cover panel may help reduce the overall weight of surface cleaning apparatus 100, and may simplify the cyclone bin assembly 160 removal process. Optional designs for cavity 161 and/or cyclone bin assembly removal processes are described in greater detail separately herein.

[00128] As exemplified in Figure 7, when cyclone bin assembly 160 is mounted to surface cleaning head 102 a portion of the cyclone sidewall may form an upper surface of the cyclone bin assembly. Accordingly, the upper surface of the cyclone bin assembly remains exposed when attached to the surface cleaning head (there is no separate cover member, etc.) and the profile and curvature of the cyclone bin assembly defines the profile of a portion of the top face of the surface cleaning head. This profile may be selected so that it generally conforms to the shape of the suction motor housing, sidewalls and/or other portions of the surface cleaning head.

[00129] The handle or handles that are used to carry the dirt collection chamber (e.g. , the cyclone bin assembly handle) preferably does not extend beyond an outer wall of the surface cleaning head. Accordingly, the top surface of the surface cleaning head defines a maximum height of the surface cleaning head. If the handle were to extend upwardly, it could limit the extent to which the surface cleaning head could extend under furniture. As exemplified in Figures 1 and 40, the handle or handles for the cyclone bin assembly are received in a recess in the upper surface of the surface cleaning head such that the handles are mounted substantially flush with the upper surface. It will be appreciated that the handles could be recessed inwardly when the cyclone bin assembly is in an in use position. Accordingly, the cyclone bin assembly handle(s) may be useable once the cyclone bin assembly has been moved to a cyclone assembly removal position as exemplified in Figures 27 and 41.

[00130] It will be appreciated that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may not use all or any of the features of the dirt collection chamber disclosed herein and that, in those embodiments, any dirt collection chamber known in the art may be used.

Cyclone Bin Assembly

[00131] The following is a description of a cyclone bin assembly having various features, any or all of which may be used (individually or in any combination or subcombination) in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub- combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.

[00132] Referring to Figure 24, in the illustrated example, cyclone bin assembly 160 includes a cyclone chamber 164 and a dirt collection chamber 166. In the illustrated example, dirt collection chamber 166 is external cyclone chamber 164. In accordance with one feature of the cyclone bin assembly, dirt collection chamber 166 may be positioned forward and/or rearward of cyclone chamber 164 and not on top of or below cyclone chamber 164. An advantage of this design is that by not positioning the dirt collection chamber above or below the cyclone chamber (or by reducing the height of the portion of the dirt collection chamber above or below the cyclone chamber) the height of the surface cleaning head 102 may be reduced without reducing the diameter of cyclone chamber 164.

[00133] Cyclone chamber 164 has a first cyclone end 168 with a first end wall 169, and a second cyclone end 170 with a second end wall 171. A generally cylindrical cyclone sidewall 173 extends between first end wall 169 and second end wall 171 , spaced apart from each other by cyclone length 172 (Figure 12) along a cyclone axis 174, about which air circulates. Referring also to Figure 14, cyclone chamber 164 also includes a cyclone air inlet 184, a cyclone air outlet 186, and a dirt outlet 188.

[00134] As exemplified in Figure 16, cyclone air inlet 184 may include an upstream or inlet end 190 that is connectable to a brush chamber air outlet 192 that may be provided in the rear wall 138 of the brush chamber 130. Cyclone air inlet 184 may also include a downstream end 194 that includes an opening formed in the cyclone sidewall 173, and a connecting portion 196 extending through dirt collection chamber 166 between upstream end 190 and downstream end 194. The air flow connection between brush chamber outlet 192 and cyclone chamber 164 may form a first air flow path, which is a portion of the overall air flow path connecting dirty air inlet 1 10 to clean air outlet 112. In the illustrated example the first flow path is generally free from bends/corners and is essentially linear along its entire length (with the exception of minor variations in the wall diameter), from opening 192 in brush chamber rear wall 138 to a tangentially oriented opening in cyclone chamber sidewall 173 proximate downstream end 194. Providing a linear first air flow path may help reduce air flow losses as air flows through the first flow path. In addition, the first flow path is relatively short and provides a generally direct air flow path from brush chamber 130 to cyclone chamber 164. Providing a relatively short, direct air flow path may help reduce the likelihood of the air flow path becoming clogged by debris or otherwise blocked.

[00135] Cyclone air inlet 184 may be provided at any desired location on cyclone chamber 164, and in the illustrated example is provided toward a bottom side of cyclone chamber 164, below a horizontal plane 200 containing cyclone axis 174. In this configuration, inlet axis 198 intersects cyclone chamber 164, brush chamber 130, and rotating brush 132.

[00136] In the illustrated example, inlet end 190 of cyclone air inlet 184 is integrally formed with cyclone bin assembly 160. In this configuration, inlet end 190 can be disconnected from air outlet 192 of brush chamber 130 and removed from the surface cleaning head with cyclone bin assembly 160.

[00137] In accordance with another feature of the cyclone bin assembly, inlet end 190 and air outlet 192 of brush chamber 130 may be configured to meet each other in sealing plane 202 that is at an angle to the vertical. It will be appreciated that surface cleaning apparatus 100 can be configured so that the sealing plane is vertical, horizontal, or is at an angle relative to a vertical plane. In the illustrated example, sealing plane 202 is inclined forwardly at an angle 204 relative to the vertical direction. This may help facilitate alignment and mating of inlet end 190 and air outlet 192 of the brush chamber 130 when cyclone bin assembly 160 is placed onto surface cleaning head 102. Optionally, one or both of inlet end 190 and air outlet 192 may be provided with a gasket, O-ring, or the like.

[00138] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, in the illustrated example, cyclone air outlet 186 includes a vortex finder portion 208 in communication with an aperture 210 (see also Figure 22) that is generally centrally located on second end wall 171 of cyclone chamber 164.

[00139] The dirt collection chamber may be of any suitable configuration. Preferably, as exemplified in Figure 12, dirt collection chamber 166 is exterior to cyclone chamber 64, and preferably includes a first end wall 240, a second end wall 242, and a sidewall 244 extending therebetween. Referring also to Figure 24, in the illustrated example, sidewall 244 partially laterally surrounds cyclone chamber 164. At least partially positioning dirt collection chamber 166 forward or rearward of cyclone chamber 164 may help reduce the overall height of the surface cleaning head. As illustrated, cyclone chamber sidewall 173 may be coincident with sidewall 244 at one or more locations around its perimeter. Optionally, portions of dirt chamber sidewall 244 can form portions of the outer or exposed surface of surface cleaning apparatus 100 when cyclone bin assembly 160 is mounted in cavity 161.

[00140] In the illustrated example, a majority of dirt collection chamber 166 is located forward of cyclone chamber 164 (in the direction of travel of the surface cleaning head 102), between cyclone chamber 164 and brush chamber 130. In some configurations, the rear portions of cyclone sidewall 173 and dirt collection chamber sidewall 244 may be coincident, and the front portion of the cyclone sidewall 173 may be spaced apart from the front portion of the dirt collection chamber sidewall 244. Locating cyclone chamber 164 toward the rear of cyclone bin assembly 160 may help align cyclone air outlet 186 with air inlet 246 (Figures 13 and 28) of suction motor 162. Locating the dirt collection chamber 166 forward of cyclone chamber 164 may help make dirt collection chamber 166 more easily viewable by a user (particularly if some or all of dirt collection chamber sidewall 244 is transparent and there is no lid or the lid is transparent), which may allow a user to inspect the condition of dirt collection chamber 166 without having to remove cyclone bin assembly 160 from cavity 161.

[00141] In the illustrated example, dirt collection chamber 166 is located solely in front of cyclone chamber 164 and does not extend above or below the cyclone chamber (as viewed when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the surface cleaning head in Figure 16). It will be appreciated that small portions of the dirt collection chamber may be positioned above or below the cyclone chamber without significantly deviating from the advantage of this feature. In this configuration, the overall height 248 of cyclone bin assembly 160 (measured in a vertical direction when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the surface cleaning head) is generally equal to the outer diameter of cyclone chamber 164 (i.e. including the wall thicknesses), while the overall width 250 (Figure 12) of cyclone bin assembly 160 (measured in the front/back direction when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the surface cleaning head) is greater than the cyclone diameter. Providing dirt collection chamber 166 only in front of cyclone chamber 164 may help reduce the overall height 248 of cyclone bin assembly 160 while still providing a dirt collection chamber 166 with a practical internal storage volume. Reducing the overall height 248 of cyclone bin assembly 160 may help reduce the overall height 339 (Figure 6) of surface cleaning head 102 when cyclone bin assembly 160 is mounted in cavity 161. Preferably, the overall height 339 of surface cleaning head 102 is less than about 10 inches, less than about 8 inches, less than about 6 inches, less than about 5 inches, less than about 4.5 inches and optionally less than 4 inches.

[00142] Alternatively, the cyclone bin assembly may be configured so that the dirt collection chamber is located entirely behind the cyclone chamber (i.e. between the cyclone chamber and the rear face of the surface cleaning head), or is located partially in front of and partially behind the cyclone chamber and so that the dirt collection chamber extends partially or entirely above and/or below the cyclone chamber.

[00143] Cyclone chamber 164 may be in communication with a dirt collection chamber 166 by any suitable cyclone dirt outlet known in the art. Preferably the cyclone chamber includes at least one dirt outlet in communication with the dirt chamber that is external the cyclone chamber.

[00144] Optionally, to help facilitate emptying the dirt collection chamber, at least one of or both of the end walls may be openable. Similarly, one or both of the cyclone chamber end walls and may be openable to allow a user to empty debris from the cyclone chamber.

[00145] Referring to Figure 21 , in the illustrated example, dirt chamber end wall 240 is openable to empty dirt collection chamber 166. The first cyclone end wall 169 is mounted to, and openable with, cyclone chamber end wall 240 and together both form part of openable door 266 of cyclone bin assembly 160. Door 266 is moveable between a closed position (Figure 20) and an open position (Figure 21 ). When door 266 is open, both cyclone chamber 164 and dirt collection chamber 166 can be emptied concurrently. Alternatively, the end walls of the dirt collection chamber and the cyclone chamber need not be connected with each other, and the dirt collection chamber may be openable independently of the cyclone chamber.

[00146] Preferably, openable door 266 can be secured in its closed position until opened by a user. Door 266 may be held closed using any suitable latch or fastening mechanism, such as latch 268. Optionally, the latch can be provided in a location that is inaccessible when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the surface cleaning head. This may help prevent the door from being opened inadvertently. In the illustrated example, when cyclone bin assembly 160 is mounted in cavity 161 , latch 268 is disposed between dirt chamber sidewall 244 and brush chamber 130 (see Figure 12) and is inaccessible to the user.

[00147] In the illustrated example, portions of cyclone chamber sidewall 173 coincide with portions of dirt chamber sidewall 244 and form portions of the outer, exposed surface of cyclone bin assembly 160. Further, when cyclone bin assembly 160 is attached to surface cleaning head 102, portions of the outer surface of cyclone bin assembly 160 provide portions of top face 128 of surface cleaning head 102.

[00148] It will be appreciated that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may not use any of the features of the cyclone bin assembly disclosed herein and that, in those embodiments, any cyclone bin assembly known in the art may be used.

Mounting Hub

[00149] Optionally, rear wheels and/or the drive handle may be connected to a mounting hub. The mounting hub is positioned at the rear end of the surface cleaning head and exterior to the interior space of the surface cleaning head. Accordingly, the pivot mount and/or the rear wheel mount need not be within the enclosed volume of the surface cleaning head and may thereby reduce the foot print and/or height of the surface cleaning head.

[00150] As exemplified in Figure 2, surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a mounting hub 316 positioned at rear end 1 18 of surface cleaning head 102, rearward of rear face 120 (rear face 120 defining the rear end of the interior volume provided by the surface cleaning head). Mounting hub 316 may be provided as part of the surface cleaning head and may be a one piece assembly and may be integrally molded with one of the components of the surface cleaning head. [00151] As exemplified in Figures 8 and 15, surface cleaning head 102 is supported by a pair of rear wheels 318, which are rotatable about a rear wheel axis 320, and a pair of smaller front wheels 322 rotatable about a front wheel axis 324. Rear wheels 318 are rotatably mounted to mounting hub 316 using axles 326 (See Figure 15). In this example, rear wheels 318 are positioned rearward of suction motor 162 and cyclone bin assembly 160.

[00152] In the illustrated example, mounting hub 316 includes a top wall 328 (Figure 3), a bottom wall 330 (Figure 8), a rear wall 332 and two sidewalls 334 (Figure 8). Sidewalls 334 are spaced apart by a mounting hub width 336 in the transverse direction. In the illustrated example, mounting hub width 336 is less than the width 338 of surface cleaning head 102, and is selected so that rear wheels 318 are recessed laterally inwardly from side walls 124 of surface cleaning head 102 by respective recessed distances 340.

[00153] Providing a mounting hub to support the rear wheels, and optionally other components (such as the upper portion and release actuators described herein) may help preserve the space within the interior of the surface cleaning head to accommodate air flow components. This configuration may also help facilitate a desired arrangement for the rear wheels as the axles and other connectors within the mounting hub do not interact with or interfere with the air flow components provided within the interior of the surface cleaning head.

[00154] Referring to Figure 8, in the illustrated example the front wheels 322 are positioned along the rear edge 146 of the dirty air inlet 1 10 and extend at least partially into the brush chamber 130.

[00155] Providing front wheels 322 adjacent rear edge 146 of dirty air inlet 110 may help keep rear edge 146 spaced apart from a surface being cleaned. It may also help lift rear edge 146 of dirty air inlet 110 over obstacles and/or transitions between flooring types and reduce the likelihood of dirty air inlet 1 10 becoming hung-up or otherwise inhibiting forward movement of surface cleaning head 102.

[00156] It will be appreciated that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may not use any of the features of the mounting hub disclosed herein and that, in those embodiments, the mounting hub may be of various constructions or a mounting hub may not be used. For example, the mounting hub may be configured so that the rear wheels are positioned laterally outboard of the surface cleaning head, or the rear wheels may be mounted to the sidewalls of the surface cleaning head and the surface cleaning apparatus need not include a mounting hub.

Cyclone Bin Assembly Removal and Latching/ Release Mechanism

[00157] The following is a description of a cyclone bin assembly latching and release mechanism having various features, any or all of which may be used (individually or in any combination or sub-combination), by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.

[00158] As mentioned herein, preferably cyclone bin assembly 160 is removable from cavity 161 on the surface cleaning head. Preferably, to help facilitate its removal, cyclone bin assembly 160 can be movable from a use or cleaning position (for example Figures 1-10 and 40) to a removal position (for example Figures 26-30 and 41 ). In the cleaning position, cyclone bin assembly 160 may provide the air flow connection between dirty air inlet 110 and suction motor 162 (and ultimately clean air outlet 1 12). In the removal position, cyclone bin assembly 160 is positioned so that air flow communication between dirty air inlet 110 and suction motor 162 is interrupted and the cyclone bin assembly is positioned to enable a user to remove the cyclone bin assembly from the surface cleaning head.

[00159] For example, when in the cleaning position, the upstream end 190 of cyclone air inlet 184 may be in air flow communication with air outlet 192 of brush chamber 130, and the air outlet of cyclone bin assembly 160 (i.e. pre-motor filter chamber air outlet 308 in the example illustrated) may be in air flow communication with the air flow path leading to the suction motor (e.g. suction motor air inlet 246). In this configuration, surface cleaning apparatus 100 is useable to clean the floor.

[00160] In contrast, when cyclone bin assembly 160 is moved to the removal position, air flow communication between cyclone bin assembly 160 and the rest of the air flow path is interrupted. However, when in the removal position, the cyclone bin assembly may continue to be at least partially, and preferably entirely, supported by the surface cleaning apparatus (e.g., the surface cleaning head). This may allow a user to move the cyclone bin assembly into the removal position without having to lift or remove the cyclone bin assembly or support its weight. [00161] In accordance with one feature, cyclone bin assembly 160 may be moved relative to the surface cleaning apparatus when transitioning from the cleaning position to the removal position. For example, cyclone bin assembly 160 may translate, pivot, rotate, or otherwise move relative to other portions of the surface cleaning apparatus (such as surface cleaning head 102) when transitioning from the cleaning position to the removal position. Moving cyclone bin assembly 160 and/or changing its orientation when transitioning from the cleaning position to the removal position may help position the cyclone bin assembly in a position that is relatively easier to access for a user than when cyclone bin assembly 160 is in the cleaning position.

[00162] In accordance with another feature, surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be configured so that when cyclone bin assembly 160 is transitioned to the removal position it is arranged in a position that is more convenient for a user to reach it, including, for example, by moving portions of cyclone bin assembly 160 to higher elevations and/or by exposing features (such as handles) that are exposed for access by a user in the removal position and are less exposed, or inaccessible, when in the cleaning position.

[00163] In accordance with another feature, cyclone bin assembly 160 may be securable in one or both of the cleaning and removal positions using a lock. The lock may be any suitable apparatus, and optionally can be configured to lock the cyclone bin assembly in the cleaning position until the lock is released. Preferably, the lock may be automatically re-engaged when the cyclone bin assembly is moved into the cleaning position so that the cyclone bin assembly will be held in place without requiring a user to manually re-latch or reengage the lock. The lock may be configured to engage one or both of the cradle and the cyclone bin assembly, or any other suitable component of the surface cleaning apparatus.

[00164] In accordance with another feature, cyclone bin assembly 160 may be biased toward or into one or both of the cleaning position and the removal position. Preferably, the cyclone bin is at least biased toward the removal position. Accordingly, when a lock that secures cyclone bin assembly 160 in the use position (i.e. the cleaning position) is released, cyclone bin assembly 160 may be moved sufficiently out of cavity 161 (e.g., by moving a handle away from the surface cleaning head) to assist a user to pick up and remove cyclone bin assembly 160 from the surface cleaning head. Alternatively, or in addition, the lock release actuator (e.g., foot pedal 388) may drive a mechanical member that moves the cyclone bin assembly to the removal position.

[00165] As exemplified, cyclone bin assembly 160 is positionable between a cleaning position (Figure 1 ) and a removal position (Figure 26). To help facilitate its access and removal, cyclone bin assembly 160 is pivotal, relative to surface cleaning head 102, into in a removal position (Figure 26) in which cyclone bin assembly 160 is supported on surface cleaning head 102, but the air flow communication between cyclone air inlet 184 and brush chamber air outlet 192, and between pre-motor filter chamber air outlet 308 and suction motor air inlet 246 is interrupted. As exemplified, the laterally inward end of the cyclone bin assembly, comprising pre-motor filter chamber 280, moves upwardly and pivots toward lateral side wall 124 of surface cleaning head 102.

[00166] In accordance with another feature, the surface cleaning apparatus may include a moveable support or platform member that at least partially supports, and may fully support, the cyclone bin assembly in the removal position. Preferably, the cyclone bin assembly may be mounted to and supported by (e.g., locked to) the movable platform member, such that movement of the moveable platform results in a corresponding movement of the cyclone bin assembly.

[00167] Referring to Figures 25 and 26, in the illustrated example the surface cleaning head includes a movable platform in the form of a cradle 360 that is configured to receive and support the laterally outer end of cyclone bin assembly 160, and is rotatable relative to the surface cleaning head about a cradle axis 362 (Figures 35 and 36). In the illustrated example, cradle axis 362 is parallel to the forward direction of travel of surface cleaning apparatus 100, and is generally orthogonal to cyclone axis 174, suction motor axis 182, and brush motor axis 224.

[00168] Referring to Figures 30 and 34, in the illustrated example, cradle 360 is generally L-shaped and includes an end wall 364 and a sidewall 366 extending from end wall 364. End wall 364 is configured to receive the laterally outer end of cyclone bin assembly 160 in a relatively snug engagement. In the example illustrated, the end of cyclone bin assembly 160 engaged by cradle 360 includes openable door 266. End wall 364 includes an upstanding rim 368 that surrounds openable door 266 of cyclone bin assembly 160 and helps retain cyclone bin assembly 60 on the cradle when in the removal position. [00169] Cradle end wall 364 is configured to abut a portion of the sidewall of cyclone bin assembly 160 (and may form a portion of the sidewall of the surface cleaning head), and has a length 370 (Figure 36) that is optionally less than or equal to (and preferably less than) the length 372 (Figure 20) between openable door 266 and end wall 290 of the pre-motor filter chamber 280. When cyclone bin assembly 160 is in the cleaning position, cradle 360 is rotated so that end wall 364 is generally horizontal and is disposed vertically between cyclone bin assembly 160 and bottom surface 374 of cavity 161. In the illustrated example, bottom surface 374 of cavity 161 includes a recessed region 376 sized to receive end wall 364. In this configuration end wall 364 of cradle 360 is generally vertical, such that cyclone bin assembly 160 is positioned laterally between cradle end wall 364 and suction motor 162. When cyclone bin assembly 160 is in the cleaning position, an upper portion 378 (Figure 36) of rim 368 helps inhibit vertical movement of cyclone bin assembly 160 relative to cradle 360 and the rest of surface cleaning head 102.

[00170] In the illustrated example, rotation of cradle 360 about its axis causes a corresponding rotation of cyclone bin assembly 160 from the generally horizontal cleaning position to a generally vertical removal position. When the cyclone bin assembly arrives in the removal position, cyclone axis 174 may be generally perpendicular to the orientation of cyclone axis 174 when cyclone bin assembly 160 is in the cleaning position. Referring to Figure 25, from the removal position, cyclone bin assembly 160 can be lifted vertically out of cradle 360 (i.e. openable door 266 end can be lifted vertically out of rim 368) and carried to e.g. the garbage for emptying.

[00171] Optionally, the cradle may be freely moveable between the cleaning and removal positions, or alternatively it may be biased. Referring to Figure 36, in the illustrated example, a torsion spring 380 and an optional dampener assembly 382 is connected to cradle 360 to bias cradle 360 toward the removal position. The torsion spring resistance is selected so that it is sufficient to pivot cradle 360 and cyclone bin assembly 160 to the vertical removal position, preferably including an allowance for the expected weight of debris within dirt collection chamber 166. Damper assembly 382 can be provided to help slow the rotation of cradle 360 as the cyclone bin assembly approaches the removal position.

[00172] In the illustrated example, cradle 360 is only biased toward the removal position. To return cyclone bin assembly 160 to the cleaning position a user may reseat the laterally outer end of cyclone bin assembly 160 onto the end wall of the cradle, and then pivot cyclone bin assembly 160 into cavity 161.

[00173] As exemplified in Figures 31-34, the surface cleaning apparatus may include a lock that is configured to secure cyclone bin assembly 160 in the cleaning position. The lock includes a latch member 384 that is configured to releasably engage a corresponding locking portion, in the form of a shoulder 386 (see also Figures 27 and 28) that is provided on an outer surface of cyclone bin assembly 160. In the illustrated example, latch member 384 protrudes through an opening in bottom surface 374 of cavity 161 , and shoulder 386 is provided on the sidewall of cyclone bin assembly 160 that is downward facing and opposes bottom 374 of cavity 161 when cyclone bin assembly 160 is positioned within the cavity. Specifically, in the example illustrated shoulder 386 is provided on an outer surface of pre-motor filter chamber sidewall 292 and, when the cyclone bin assembly 160 is in the cleaning position, latch member 384 is located beneath pre-motor filter chamber 280, and pre-motor filter 282 therein.

[00174] Alternatively, the latch member and shoulder may be provided at a different location. For example, the latch member may be provided adjacent the suction motor and the shoulder may be provided on an end wall of the cyclone bin assembly.

[00175] In the illustrated example, the lock also includes an actuator, in the form of a foot pedal 388 that is provided on upper portion 104, and a linkage that connects foot pedal 388 to latch member 384. In the illustrated example, foot pedal 388 translates vertically when stepped on by a user. It will be appreciated that other actuators may be used, such as a button. Further, the actuator may engage a drive motor that moves the cyclone bin assembly to the removal and/or use position.

[00176] Referring to Figure 31 , movement of foot pedal 388 causes a corresponding vertical translation of a first linkage member 390 extending within upper portion 104. First linkage 390 abuts an upper end 392 of a vertically translatable second linkage 394 disposed within mounting hub 316. A lower end 396 of second linkage 394 is configured to engage a camming surface 398 of a movable locking arm in the form of a third linkage member 400. The lock is configured so that downward vertical movement of first linkage member 390 causes downward movement of second linkage 394 and a generally horizontal, rearward translation of third linkage member 400 (from right to left as illustrated in Figures 31-33). The rearward, horizontal movement of third linkage member 400 is sufficient to move latch member 384 from a position in which it engages shoulder 386 (Figure 31 ) to a position where latch member 384 is disengaged from shoulder 386 (Figure 32), thereby unlocking cyclone bin assembly 160 and allowing it to be pivoted out of cavity 161 (shown partially pivoted in Figure 33).

[00177] In the illustrated example, first linkage member 390 is movable with upper portion 104 relative to second linkage 394, and pivots away from second linkage 394 when the upper portion of the surface cleaning apparatus is pivoted into the floor cleaning position (Figure 3). In this configuration, the presence of the lock does not interfere with the pivoting and/or rotating of upper portion 104 when the surface cleaning apparatus is in use. This configuration also effectively deactivates the actuator so that cyclone bin assembly 160 is locked while surface cleaning apparatus 100 is in use. Specifically, when upper portion 104 is pivoted into the cleaning position (Figure 3), first linkage 390 is spaced apart from upper end 392 of second linkage 394, such that movement of foot pedal 388 is not translated to second linkage 394. When upper portion 104 is returned to the storage position (Figures 1 and 31 ), first linkage 390 is automatically repositioned adjacent upper end 392 of second linkage 394, thereby reconnecting the lock and allowing vertical movement of first linkage 390 to cause vertical movement of second linkage 394 (and the resulting movement of third linkage 400).

[00178] Both foot pedal 388 and third linkage 400 are biased, using springs 402 and 404 respectively, such that latch member 384 is biased toward its engaged position, in the absence of a user stepping on foot pedal 388. In the illustrated example, third linkage 400 is biased forwardly.

[00179] In accordance with another feature, a supplemental biasing member may be provided to help initially move the cyclone bin assembly out of the cleaning position when the lock is released. A supplemental biasing member may be used to help reduce the load on the torsion spring, or alternatively may be used to replace the torsion spring entirely. Using the supplemental biasing member to help lift the cyclone bin assembly out of its horizontal position may help reduce the magnitude of the moment force that needs to be overcome by the biasing spring (i.e. by pivoting the cyclone bin assembly slightly such that the centre of gravity of the cyclone bin assembly is moved somewhat closed to the cradle axis about which the moment forces act).

[00180] Referring to Figures 29 and 35, in the illustrated example, surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes a supplemental biasing member in the form of a leaf spring 406. Leaf spring 406 is disposed within cavity 161 (mounted to bottom surface 374 in the illustrated example) at a location where it engages, and is compressed by the outer surface of cyclone bin assembly 160 when cyclone bin assembly 160 is in the cleaning position. While latch member 384 is engaged with shoulder 386, cyclone bin assembly 160 is retained in the cleaning position, overcoming the combined biasing forces of leaf spring 406 and torsion spring 380.

[00181] When latch member 384 is disengaged from shoulder 386 (Figure 32), leaf spring 406 urges cyclone bin assembly 160 upwards, away from bottom surface 374 of cavity 161. Because movement of cyclone bin assembly 160 is restrained by its engagement with cradle 360, this upward motion imparted by leaf spring 406 is converted into rotation of cyclone bin assembly 160, and cradle 360 coupled thereto, about cradle axis 362. The movement imparted by leaf spring 406 may be a relatively small amount, and may result in rotation of cyclone bin assembly 160 about cradle axis 362 of between about 0.5 degrees and about 20 degrees, and preferably between about 2 degrees and 10 degrees, and more preferably about 5 degrees.

[00182] Alternatively, instead of latch member 384 engaging cyclone bin assembly 160 directly, the lock may be configured such that latch member 384 engages a portion of cradle 360, such as, for example, sidewall 366.

[00183] It will be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus may utilize only the supplemental biasing member so that a cyclone bin assembly handle or the like is revealed to enable a user to grasp and remove the cyclone bin assembly from the surface cleaning head or to move the cyclone bin assembly to a removal position. For example, the supplemental biasing member may lift the cyclone bin assembly sufficiently to enable a user to then manually rotate the support platform to the removal position of Figure 27.

[00184] In the alternate embodiment of Figures 40-43, instead of pivoting with a cradle, when cyclone bin assembly 1160 is unlocked it translates laterally upwardly out of cavity 1 161 under the upward biasing force of leaf spring 1406 (Figure 43) to a removal position in which cyclone bin assembly 1 160 is slightly higher in the vertical direction, but remains partially nested within cavity 161.

[00185] Referring to Figure 43, in this example cyclone bin assembly 1 160 is inserted into the cavity by inserting rear tabs 1600 (Figure 46) into corresponding rear slots 1602 that are provided in rear wall 1 120 of cavity 1 161. With rear tabs 1600 inserted, cyclone bin assembly 1 160 can be pivoted forwardly until the pair of front tabs 1606 are received in corresponding recesses 1608. When front tabs 1606 are inserted into recesses 1608, latch member 1384 may engage corresponding shoulder 1386 (Figure 44) on the sidewall of cyclone bin assembly 1 160.

[00186] To unlock cyclone bin assembly 1 160, a user may depress latch 1384, thereby disengaging it from shoulder 1386 and allowing the leaf spring to urge cyclone bin assembly 1 160 upward into the removal position (Figured 41 ). In the removal position, front tabs 1606 can function as a cyclone bin assembly handle 1408, as tabs 1606 are positioned proud of recesses 1608 and serve as finger grips allowing a user to grasp cyclone bin assembly 1160.

[00187] In the illustrated example, when moving from the cleaning position to the removal position, cyclone bin assembly 1 160 rotates about a generally transverse axis that is parallel to cyclone axis 1 174, suction motor axis 1 182, brush motor axis 1224, and brush axis 1 134.

[00188] Optionally, the cyclone bin assembly can moved from the cleaning position to the removal position by pivoting laterally (as shown herein), by pivoting forwardly, or by pivoting rearwardly. Alternatively, or in addition to pivoting, the cyclone bin assembly may be moved in the removal position by sliding or translating laterally, sliding forwardly, and/or by sliding upwardly. In some embodiments, the cyclone bin assembly may be moved to the removal position using a combination of different movements. For example, the cyclone bin assembly may translate laterally and then pivot upwardly, or the cyclone bin assembly may pivot to a vertical orientation, and then slide upwardly, laterally, forwardly and/or rearwardly.

[00189] It will be appreciated that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may not use any of the features of the cyclone bin assembly removal and latch mechanism disclosed herein and that, in those embodiments, the removal and latch mechanism may be of various constructions or a removal and latch mechanism may not be used.

Cyclone Bin Assembly Handle

[00190] The following is a description of a cyclone bin assembly handle having various features, any or all of which may be used (individually or in any combination or sub-combination), by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.

[00191] Optionally, the cyclone bin assembly may include a carry handle portion that is exposed and/or made more readily available when the cyclone bin assembly is in the removal position. The handle portion may help increase the overall height of the cyclone bin assembly in the removal position, and preferably may form an uppermost portion of the cyclone bin assembly while it is in the removal position. Providing a handle at a relatively high, and optionally uppermost position on the cyclone bin assembly may help position the handle at an elevation that is relatively comfortable, or is more comfortable, for a user to reach (e.g. to help minimize the amount of bending required by the user).

[00192] In the illustrated example, handle 408 extends beyond the end wall 290 of pre-motor filter chamber 280 by a handle length 410, measured in the direction of the cyclone axis 174.

[00193] Optionally, the cyclone bin assembly 160 can be configured so that the cyclone bin assembly 160, including the handle 408, extends across almost the most or all of the entire width 338 of the surface cleaning apparatus. In the illustrated example, the combined width of the dirt collection chamber, pre-motor filter chamber and handle length (the sum of lengths 372 and 410) is generally equal to the width 338 of the surface cleaning head 102.

[00194] In accordance with another feature, the handle may be configured to be positioned at an upper portion of the cyclone bin assembly when the cyclone bin assembly is in the removal position and (as exemplified in Figure 26) may extend upwardly when the cyclone bin assembly is in the removal position.

[00195] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, in the illustrated example the handle 408 includes an open frame include a pair of generally longitudinally extending struts 412 extending parallel to the cyclone axis 174, and a generally perpendicular cross-member 414 which, in the example illustrated forms a hand grip portion of the handle 408. In the illustrated example, the handle includes two struts 412 that are joined by the cross- member 414 such that the handle 408 defines an internal opening 416.

[00196] In accordance with another feature, the handle opening 416 may be configured to at least partially receive another portion of the surface cleaning apparatus when the cyclone bin assembly is in the cleaning position. For example, the opening 416 may be configured to seat around a portion of the surface cleaning head 102 when the cyclone bin assembly 160 is in the cleaning position. This may help facilitate the positioning of the handle so that it is flush with, or recessed into, the top surface of the surface cleaning head when the cyclone bin assembly is in the cleaning position.

[00197] In accordance with another feature, the handle 408 may be moveable relative to the cyclone chamber 164, dirt collection chamber 166 and/or pre-motor filter chamber 280. For example, the handle 408 may be provided on a movable and/or openable portion of the cyclone bin assembly, such as an openable door or chamber wall. This may help facilitate positioning the handle in a desired location on the cyclone bin assembly while still providing the desired access to the openable portions of the cyclone bin assembly.

[00198] It will be appreciated that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may not use any of the features of the cyclone bin assembly handle disclosed herein and that, in those embodiments, the cyclone bin assembly handle may be of various constructions or a cyclone bin assembly handle may not be used.

Handle Swivel Steer Connection

[00199] Optionally, upper portion 104 may be steeringly connected to the surface cleaning head 102. For example, upper portion 104 may be movably connected to the surface cleaning head in a manner so as allow surface cleaning head 102 to be steered by rotating or twisting upper portion 104.

[00200] In one embodiment, the pivot may be provided on mounting hub 316. For example, upper portion 104 may include a drive handle 442, having a hand grip portion 444, which extends upwardly from the cleaning head. Drive handle 442 is pivotaily connected to surface cleaning head 102 using a yolk member 448 (Figures 11 and 15) and may be pivoted between a storage position (Figure 1 ) and an inclined floor cleaning position (Figure 3). Yolk 448 may be pivotaily coupled to mounting hub 316 and is pivotal about a pivot axis 446 (Figure 15) that is generally orthogonal to the direction of travel of surface cleaning apparatus 100. Preferably, driving handle 442, yolk 448, mounting hub 316 and other related components are configured so that driving handle 442 is generally stable in the storage position, and will remain self-standing when in the storage position. For example, upper portion 104 may be configured so that when in the storage position, the centre of gravity of upper portion 104 is disposed generally above, or forward of, rear wheel pivot axis 320 and/or yolk pivot axis 446. Alternatively, an external stand or storage device may be used in combination with the surface cleaning apparatus. Alternatively, or in addition, a lock may be provided to secure the handle in the storage position. The lock may be a friction lock, a moveable locking member or the like.

[00201] In the illustrated example, pivot axis 446 is parallel to cyclone axis 174, suction motor axis 182, brush motor axis 224, and brush axis 134, and is offset rearwardly from each of these axes. Pivot axis 446 is at a higher elevation than rear wheel axis 320, and in the example lies in the same vertical plane as rear wheel axis 320.

[00202] Optionally, drive handle 442 can also be rotatably coupled to yolk 448. This may help facilitate steering of the surface cleaning head. In the illustrated example, yolk 448 includes a generally cylindrical journal member 450 (Figure 37) that is rotatably received within a corresponding housing 452 in drive handle 442 (see Figures 38A, 38B and Figure 1 1 ). In this configuration, drive handle 442 is rotatable relative to yolk 448 about a rotation axis 454. In the illustrated example, rotation axis 454 is not parallel to the longitudinal axis 456 of drive handle 442. Instead, rotation axis 454 is at an angle 458 (Figure 17) to longitudinal axis 456. Angle 458 may be any suitable angle, and may be between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees, and preferably between about 10 degrees and about 60 degrees, and more preferably between about 20 degrees about 50 degrees, and in the illustrated example is between about 40 degrees and about 45 degrees. Arranging rotation axis 454 at an angle 458 relative to handle axis 456 may help facilitate steering of surface cleaning head 102 when drive handle 442 is pivoted rearwardly.

[00203] It will be appreciated that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may not use any of the features of the swivel steering mechanism disclosed herein and that, in those embodiments, the swivel steering mechanism may be of various constructions or a swivel steering mechanism may not be used. Height Adjustable Drive Handle

[00204] The following is a description of an adjustable drive handle that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or subcombination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.

The upper portion may be adjustable so that its height (i.e. the distance between the surface cleaning head and the hand grip) may be modified by a user. The upper portion may be configured to be adjustable using any suitable adjustment mechanism. As exemplified in Figures 5A and 5B, drive handle 442 includes a lower section 474 and an upper section 476. The lower section 474 has a first end 478 movably coupled to the surface cleaning head (e.g., mounting hub 316), and an upper end 480 spaced apart from the lower end 478. The upper section includes a lower end 488 that is coupled to the lower section 474, and an upper end 490 that includes the hand grip 444 and an optional attachment point 492 for the electrical cord. In the illustrated example, the upper section 476 is sized to fit within the lower section 474, and is slidable relative to the lower section between an extended position (Figure 5A) and one or more retracted positions (Figure 5B). In the extended position, the upper portion has an extended height 472 that can be any suitable height, and in the example illustrated is between about 50cm and about 150cm or more.

Detachable Electrical Cord

[00205] The following is a description of an electrical cord that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.

[00206] In accordance with one aspect, power may be supplied to the surface cleaning apparatus using the electrical cord. In the illustrated examples, AC power is supplied to the surface cleaning apparatus using an electrical cord that may be connected to a wall socket. The cord may be connected to the apparatus at any suitable location, including, for example on the surface cleaning head itself, or on the upper section. If connected to the upper section, the cord attachment point may be toward an upper end of the upper section (e.g., generally adjacent the hand grip portion), and one or more electrical conductors may extend from the cord attachment point to the surface cleaning head. The electrical conductors may be internal and/or internal the upper section. Optionally, the electrical conductors may be adjustable, and preferably may be extensible and/or resilient (e.g. a coiled electrical cord) so that the electrical conductors can accommodate changes in length of the upper portion without requiring decoupling or reconfiguration, and without interrupting electrical supply to the surface cleaning head.

[00207] In accordance with one feature, the electrical cord may be connected to an upper portion of the drive handle, such as the upper end of the upper section, adjacent and slightly beneath the hand grip. Connecting the electrical cord on an upper portion of the drive handle, such as adjacent the hand grip may help reduce the likelihood that the cord will interfere with the movement of the surface cleaning head. This positioning may also help make it convenient for a user to hold a portion of the cord with his/her free hand (i.e. the hand that is not holding the hand grip) and to manipulate the cord to help prevent entanglement or other impediments to the vacuuming process. Spacing the electrical cord attachment point away from the surface cleaning head may also help reduce the need to move the electrical cord in close proximity and/or beneath furniture or other objects when the surface cleaning head is moved proximate or under such objects. This may help reduce the chances of the electrical cord becoming tangled or snagged while the surface cleaning apparatus is in use.

[00208] In accordance with another feature, the electrical cord may be detachably connected to the surface cleaning apparatus. This may allow the cord to be detached for storage, or for an alternative or replacement cord to be connected to the apparatus. This may also allow the cord to be detached when not needed, such as if the surface cleaning apparatus is being powered by an alternative power source.

[00209] In the example illustrated in Figure 39, electrical cord 502 is connected to the upper portion of drive handle 442 using a detachable connector that provides mechanical and electrical connection between the electrical cord and the surface cleaning apparatus. The connector may be any suitable type of electrical connector, and in the illustrated example includes a first connector portion in the form of a socket 498 on drive handle 442 that includes pins, and a second connector portion, in the form of a connector 500 that is configured to fit within socket 498 and receive the pins.

[00210] It will be appreciated that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may not use any of the features of the electrical cord disclosed herein and that, in those embodiments, the electrical cord may be of various constructions or a detachable electrical cord may not be used. Cordless Mode

[0021 1] The following is a description of a cordless operating mode that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or subcombination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.

[00212] Optionally, the surface cleaning apparatus may include one or more portable energy storage devices, such as one or more batteries. The onboard battery may be a DC power source. Providing an onboard portable energy storage device may allow the surface cleaning apparatus to be operated in a cordless mode, in which the surface cleaning apparatus can be powered by the onboard energy storage device and need not be plugged into a wall socket.

[00213] Optionally, when operated on DC battery power, as opposed to external AC power, the rotating brush motor and/or the suction motor may operate at a reduced rate or may be otherwise configured to reduce power consumption (e.g., the motor may have dual windings to be operable on both AC and DC power). If required, a converter module can be provided to convert the external power supply (e.g. AC) into a format (e.g., DC) that is compatible with the motor, configured to re-charge the batteries, or is otherwise preferred over the native incoming format.

[00214] The battery may be any suitable type of battery, including a rechargeable battery. Optionally, when the surface cleaning apparatus is electrically connected to an AC power source (e.g., a wall socket), power from the AC source may be used to recharge the battery, to directly power/drive the suction motor and/or rotating brush motor, or to simultaneously run the suction motor and/or brush motor and re-charge the battery. In this configuration, when the vacuum is operated while coupled to an AC power source, the battery in the cleaning head may be charged and the suction motor and brush motor may be driven by AC power and/or a combination of AC and battery power. Then, when the surface cleaning apparatus is electrically decoupled from the AC power source, the surface cleaning apparatus can be operated on battery power alone.

[00215] Alternatively, or in addition to positioning a battery in the surface cleaning head, one or more batteries may be provided within the upper portion and electrically connected to the suction motor and/or other components in the surface cleaning head. Providing at least some batteries in the upper portion may provide extra space to accommodate the batteries, as compared to the space limitations within the surface cleaning head. Positioning batteries in the upper portion may also alter the weight distribution of the surface cleaning apparatus, which may alter the "feel" of the apparatus in a user's hand. In embodiments where the electrical cord is connected to the upper portion, providing batteries within the upper portion may help facilitate the use of a convenient electrical connection between the incoming power from the electrical cord and the batteries and/or charging equipment. This may help reduce the need to run multiple electrical conductors between the upper portion and the surface cleaning head.

[00216] It will be appreciated that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may not use any of the features of the cordless mode disclosed herein and that, in those embodiments, the cordless mode may be of other designs or a cordless mode may not be used.

Alternate Embodiments with Above Floor Cleaning

[00217] The following is a description of all in the head type surface cleaning apparatuses that are operable in at least one above floor cleaning mode, that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or subcombination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.

[00218] Optionally, an all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus may be configured to operate in at least one above floor cleaning mode. For example, the surface cleaning apparatus may include an auxiliary dirty air inlet that is provided at the end of a hose, wand, auxiliary cleaning tool or other type of conduit that may be connected in air flow communication with the air treatment member and suction motor for above floor cleaning. The auxiliary dirty air inlet may be used to clean furniture, drapes, walls and other surfaces that are above the floor upon which the surface cleaning head rests.

[00219] The auxiliary dirty air inlet may be automatically in air flow communication with the air treatment member and suction motor when the auxiliary dirty air inlet is positioned for use (e.g., a wand having a dirty air inlet is removed from a storage position). A valve or other air flow control member may be provided in the air flow path to interrupt the air flow communication between the auxiliary dirty air inlet and the suction motor. The valve may be manually operable or may operate automatically by insertion and/or removal of an above floor cleaning wand or by placing the apparatus in the upright storage position or releasing the apparatus from the upright storage position or by sensors and electrical-driven movement.

[00220] Alternatively, or in addition, the cyclone bin assembly may be configured so that it can be connected to the rest of the surface cleaning apparatus in at least two different positions and/or orientations. Preferably, the surface cleaning apparatus may be configured so that arranging the cyclone bin assembly in a first configuration establishes air flow communication between cyclone bin assembly and the primary dirty air inlet (the dirty air inlet of the surface cleaning head), and arranging the cyclone bin assembly in a second configuration interrupts the air flow communication with the primary dirty air inlet and establishes air flow communication with the auxiliary dirty air inlet. In accordance with this aspect, repositioning the cyclone bin assembly reconfigures the air flow path(s) through the surface cleaning apparatus.

[00221 ] In one example, the cyclone bin assembly, and the cyclone chamber therein, may have a single air inlet that can be selectively connected to two or more different airflow paths. In such a case, the cyclone bin assembly may be moveable or repositionable (e.g., rotatable, pivotal, translatable, insertable into the surface cleaning head in at least two different orientations, etc.) to selectively connect the cyclone bin assembly air inlet in air flow communication with different air flow paths, including, for example the above floor cleaning wand, the brush chamber, and/or other auxiliary air flow paths. Moving the cyclone bin assembly to modify the air flow path through the surface cleaning apparatus may help simplify the configuration of the surface cleaning apparatus and may, for example, eliminate the need to provide additional valves or other such flow control devices. Providing a translatable cyclone bin assembly may allow the relative position the cyclone chamber and its inlet(s) and outlet(s) to be changed without requiring the cyclone bin assembly to be lifted off of the surface cleaning head, and optionally to be repositioned while the surface cleaning apparatus is in use (i.e. without turning off the suction motor). This may help simplify the steps required to change cleaning modes of the surface cleaning apparatus, and may help eliminate the need for a user to lift the cyclone bin assembly to change operating modes.

[00222] Figures 40-52 illustrate an example of an all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus 1100 having an above floor cleaning mode. Surface cleaning apparatus 1 100 is generally similar to the surface cleaning apparatus 100, and analogous features are identified using like reference characters indexed by 1000.

Dual Air Inlets

[00223] In accordance with this embodiment, a cyclone may be provided with dual air inlets, one connectable in air flow communication with the primary dirty air inlet and one connectable in air flow communication with the auxiliary dirty air inlet. One or more valves may be used to selectively connect the cyclone with the primary and auxiliary dirty air inlets.

[00224] As exemplified in Figures 49 and 50, cyclone chamber 1 164 may include an air inlet 1 184 with an upstream or inlet end 1 190 that is connectable to an air outlet 1 192 (Figure 43) in rear wall 1 138 of brush chamber 1 130. Cyclone air inlet 1 184 also includes a downstream end 1 194 that includes an opening formed in cyclone sidewall 1 173, and a connecting portion 1 196 extending through dirt collection chamber 1 166 between the upstream end 1 190 and downstream end 1 194. The air flow connection between brush chamber outlet 1 192 and cyclone chamber 1 164 can form a first air flow path, which is a portion of the overall air flow path connecting dirty air inlet 1 1 10 to clean air outlet 1 1 12. In addition to air inlet 1 184, cyclone chamber 1 164 may also include an auxiliary air inlet 1 184b with an upstream or inlet end 1 190b that is connectable to a downstream end 1628 of a duct 1626 that is provided in mounting hub 1316. Cyclone air inlet 1 184b also includes a downstream end 1 194b that includes an opening formed in cyclone sidewall 1 173b, and a connecting portion 1 196b extending through mounting hub 1316, between the upstream and downstream ends 1 190b and 1 194b.

[00225] Referring to Figures 40 and 51 , in the illustrated embodiment upper portion 1104 includes a rigid wand 1620 that is slidably received within a flexible hose 1622. Wand 1620 has a lower, downstream end 1624 that can be coupled to duct 1626 that extends through mounting hub 1316, whereby upper portion 1 104 and the connection of the upper portion to the surface cleaning head is sufficiently rigid to function as driving handle 1442, including hand grip 1444, to maneuver the surface cleaning apparatus (Figure 51 ).

[00226] Referring also to Figure 49, wand 1620 has an upstream end 1630 that is spaced apart from downstream end 1624. A drive handle valve, such as cap 1632 is provided on upper portion 1 104, e.g., positioned on hand grip 1444, so that cap 1632 may be adjacent upstream end 1630 when wand 1620 is coupled to duct 1626. When cap 1632 is closed (as shown e.g. in Figures 43 and 51 ) it seals the upper end of wand 1620. When cap 1632 is open, air flow through wand 1620 is permitted. Accordingly, wand 1620 may always be in air flow communication with the suction motor and a valve is not required. Instead, cap may seal the upstream end of wand 1620.

[00227] As shown in Figure 52, when cap 1632 is opened wand 1620 can be pulled out of surrounding hose 1622. In this configuration, lower end 1624 of wand 1620 is decoupled from duct 1626, but surrounding hose 1622 remains connected and provides the air flow connection between lower end 1624 of wand 1620 and duct 1626 (and ultimately to air inlet 1184b). With wand 1620 detached, upper portion 1 104 can become flexible, and wand 1620 may be moved away from surface cleaning head 1102 while air flow communication is preserved by hose 1622. Optionally, hose 1622 may be extensible. This may help facilitate moving hose 1622 and wand 1620 to a variety of above floor cleaning locations.

[00228] To operate surface cleaning apparatus 1100 in a floor cleaning mode, wand 1620 may be inserted within hose 1622 so that lower end 1624 of wand 1620 engages duct 1626. Cap 1632 may then be closed to seal the upper end of wand 1620, thereby eliminating or substantially eliminating air flow through the upper portion and fluidly isolating auxiliary air inlet 1184b from the surrounding environment. Restricting air flow through wand 1620 in the floor cleaning mode may help direct all or a majority of the air flow/suction generated by suction motor 1162 through primary dirty air inlet 11 10.

[00229] To operate surface cleaning apparatus 100 in an above floor cleaning mode, cap 1632 may be opened and wand 1620 may be at least partially extracted from hose 1622. In this configuration, upstream end 1630 of wand 1620 functions as an auxiliary dirty air inlet 1 0b that is in air flow communication with auxiliary cyclone air inlet 1 184b.

[00230] Optionally, when in the above floor cleaning mode, both dirty air inlets 11 10 and 1 1 10b may remain in air flow communication with suction motor 1 162. In such an arrangement, the suction generated by suction motor 1 162 may be divided between dirty air inlets 1 110 and 1 1 10b. Alternatively, a valve or other blocking member may be used to interrupt the air flow communication between dirty air inlet 11 10 and suction motor 1 162 when operating in the above floor cleaning mode. [00231] As exemplified in Figures 48A and 48B, a surface cleaning head valve to close the air flow path from the brush chamber may include a flow restricting member that includes a blocker 1634 connected to a slider 1636. The flow restricting member may be configured so that a user may translate slider 1636, e.g. in the transverse direction, to move blocker 1634 between a deployed position (Figure 48A) and a retracted position (Figure 48B). In the deployed position, blocker 1634 seals opening 1192 in the back wall 1138 of brush chamber 1130, thereby interrupting the air flow communication between the upstream end 1190 of cyclone air inlet 1 84 and dirty air inlet 1 110. In the retracted position, blocker 1634 is retracted within back wall 1 138 of brush chamber 1 130 and the upstream end 1 190 of cyclone air inlet 1 184 is in air flow communication with dirty air inlet 11 0.

[00232] Referring to Figures 75-77, another example of an all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus 5100, having an above floor cleaning mode, is illustrated. The surface cleaning apparatus 5100 is generally similar to the surface cleaning apparatus 100, and analogous features are identified using like reference characters indexed by 5000.

[00233] Like surface cleaning apparatus 1 100, upper portion 5104 includes a rigid wand 5620 (Figure 77) that is slidably received within a flexible hose 5622. Wand 5620 has a lower, downstream end 5624, but unlike surface cleaning apparatus 1 100, wand 5620 is provided in addition to rigid driving handle 5442. In this configuration, when wand 5620 is deployed for above floor cleaning, handle 5442 remains structurally intact and connected to surface cleaning head 5102, such that handle 5442 and hand grip 5444 can be used to drive and maneuver surface cleaning head 5 02 while wand 5620 is deployed. This may allow a user to hold wand 5620 with one hand and maneuver surface cleaning head 5102, via handle 5442, with the other. Wand 5620 and flexible hose 5622 are moveable between a retracted position (Figures 75 and 76) and a fully extended position (Figure 77).

[00234] Referring also to Figures 75 and 76, when apparatus 5100 is used in a floor cleaning mode, wand 5620 may be retracted within hose 5622 and stored on apparatus 5100. Wand 5620 may be stored in any suitable location, including surface cleaning head 5102, upper portion 5104, and hand grip 5444. In the illustrated embodiment, both wand 5620 and hose 5622 are stored within a corresponding recess 5850 formed in the rear surface of handle 5442. In this configuration, recess 5850 is sized to receive most of hose 5622 and wand 5620 but remains open toward the rear of apparatus 5100 to help facilitate access to hose 5622 and wand 5620 (e.g., it may be generally U-shaped). In this embodiment, hose 5622 forms part of the exposed, outer surface of upper portion 5104 when apparatus 5100 is operated in the floor cleaning mode, while wand 5620 is nested within hose 5622.

[00235] In the illustrated embodiment, a collar 5852 is provided at the upstream end of hose 5622 and may be configured to slidingly receive wand 5620. Collar 5852 may function as a hand grip member to maneuver wand 5620 in the above floor cleaning mode, and may include one or more locking member to engage wand 5620 and hold wand 5620 in the retracted position (Figures 75 and 76).

[00236] Collar 5852 may also be configured to engage with handle 5442 to help secure hose 5622 and wand 5620 in the storage or retracted position (Figures 75 and 76). For example, as illustrated, collar 5852 is detachably secured to handle 5442, toward upper end 5854 of recess 5850. In this configuration, collar 5852 functions as both a handle for wand 5620 when it is deployed, but also as the securing mechanism used to retain wand 5620 in its storage position. Any securing mechanism known in the art may be used.

[00237] Collar 5852 may also include additional features, such as an electrical cord wrap 5856 that is used in combination with cord wrap 5858 adjacent grip 5444 to hold the electrical cord when it is not in use.

[00238] Preferably, upstream end 5630 of wand 5620 may be provided with any suitable type of drive handle valve to selectively open and close upstream end 5630. For example, a drive handle valve in the form of a cap (such as cap 1632 described herein) may be used to cover upstream end 5630 of wand 5620 such that when the cap is closed it seals upstream end 5630 of wand 5620, and that when the cap is open, air flow through wand 5620 is permitted. In accordance with such an embodiment, wand 5620 may always be in air flow communication with the suction motor and a valve may not be required in the surface cleaning head to isolate the cyclone from the wand. Instead, the cap may seal the upstream end of wand 5620. This may allow upstream end 5630 of wand 5620 to remain sealed when the wand is moved from the storage position to the above floor cleaning position. Alternative options include a ball valve and the like. [00239] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 76 and 77, upstream end 5630 of wand 5620 may not include a cap or other blocking member and instead upstream end 5630 may be sealed by a sealing surface 5860 at the upper end of recess 5850. As illustrated, the sealing surface 5860 is configured to cover and seal the upper end of wand 5620 when wand 5620 is positioned within recess 5850. Optionally, wand 5620 may be biased upwardly within recess 5850, for example using a spring, so that upstream end 5630 is pressed against sealing surface 5860 when in the storage position. In this configuration, upstream end 5630 of the wand is automatically sealed when wand 5620 is inserted into recess 5850, and is automatically unsealed when wand 5620 is removed from recess 5850. This may help establish air flow through wand 5620 for above floor cleaning without requiring the user to manually open a separate valve on wand 5620.

[00240] As shown in Figure 77, wand 5620 may be pulled out of surrounding hose 5622. In this configuration, hose 5622 is connected and provides the air flow connection between lower end 5624 of wand 5620 and cyclone bin assembly 5160. With wand 5620 detached, it may be moved away from surface cleaning head 5102 while air flow communication is preserved by hose 5622.

[00241 ] To operate surface cleaning apparatus 5100 in a floor cleaning mode, wand 5620 may be inserted within hose 5622, and both wand 5620 and hose 5622 may be inserted within recess 5850. Upstream end 5630 of wand 5620 may then be sealed against sealing surface 5854 thereby eliminating or substantially eliminating air flow through the upper portion. Restricting air flow through wand 5620 in the floor cleaning mode may help direct all or a majority of the air flow/ suction generated by suction motor through primary dirty air inlet 5110.

[00242] For any of the described embodiments any valve member know in the art may be used to close the air flow path instead of or in addition to cap 1632 and/or blocker 1634 and/or sealing surface 5854. The valve may be operated manually or automatically upon reconfiguration of the surface cleaning apparatus to an above floor cleaning mode.

[00243] Figures 78-80 illustrate another example of an all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus 7100 having an above floor cleaning mode. Surface cleaning apparatus 7100 is generally similar to surface cleaning apparatus 5100, and analogous features are identified using like reference characters indexed by 2000. [00244] In the illustrated embodiment, wand 7620 and hose 7622 are not in air flow communication with surface cleaning head 7102, or cyclone bin assembly 7160 provided thereon, when wand 7620 and hose 7622 are disposed within recess 7850. Instead of remaining constantly connected to the air flow path when not in use, wand 7620 and hose 7622 are stored isolated from the air flow path, and are only connected into air flow communication with cyclone bin assembly 7160 and suction motor when required for above floor cleaning. This configuration may help maintain a desired suction level in primary dirty air inlet 71 10 when apparatus 7100 is operated in a floor cleaning mode. It may also help reduce the amount of dead-ended or stagnant sections in the air flow path when operating in the floor cleaning mode.

[00245] When required for above floor cleaning, wand 7620 and hose 7622 may be connected to the air flow path using any suitable valve at any suitable location. For example, wand 7620 and hose 7622 may be connected in air flow communication to primary dirty air inlet 7110 (for example by connecting to the opening on the bottom side of the surface cleaning head 7102) or may be connected to another, auxiliary air inlet that is provided on surface cleaning head 7102, upper portion 7104, or any other suitable location on apparatus 7100.

[00246] Referring to Figures 78 and 80, surface cleaning head 7102 includes an auxiliary air inlet in the form of an auxiliary suction port 7862. Auxiliary suction port 7862 may removably receive the wand and/or hose for use in an above floor cleaning mode. The wand may be automatically connected in air flow communication with the suction motor when inserted into auxiliary suction port 7862 (e.g., insertion of the wand may open a valve (a flap valve, ball valve, etc.) upon insertion. Alternatively, a valve may be manually operable.

[00247] As exemplified, auxiliary suction port 7862 is opened and closed by an associated cap 7864. When cap 7864 is closed (Figures 78 and 79) the auxiliary suction port may sealed, or at least substantially sealed, to inhibit air from flowing into cyclone bin assembly 7160 via auxiliary suction port 7862. When cap 7864 is open (Figure 80), auxiliary suction port 7862 is unsealed and can be connected to downstream end 7623 of hose 7622. With downstream end 7623 coupled to auxiliary suction port 7862, wand 7620 and hose 7622 form part of the air flow path between upstream end 7630 of wand 7620 (which may receive an auxiliary cleaning tool) and cyclone bin assembly 7160. Cap 7864 may be configured to be grasped by a user and moved (e.g., pivoted) into the open position (Figure 80) or removed, and may be biased toward its closed position (Figures 78 and 79) using a biasing member, such as a spring (not illustrated) and may also be urged into the closed position by the suction generated by surface cleaning head 7102.

[00248] Optionally, one or more additional valve members, such as a wand cap, may be provide in wand 7620 to allow a user to control the air flow through wand 7620 without having to block or constrict auxiliary suction port 7862. This may allow upstream end 7630 of wand 7620 to remain sealed when the wand is moved from the storage position to the above floor cleaning position. Alternative options include a ball valve and the like.

[00249] In the illustrated embodiment, auxiliary suction port 7862 is provided on the upper surface of surface cleaning head 7102. This may be a convenient location for a user to access, and may allow for connecting and disconnecting hose 7622 from auxiliary suction port 7862 in a generally vertical direction. Connecting hose 7622 to the upper surface, and optionally toward the centre of surface cleaning head 7102 may help keep apparatus 7100 stable when wand 7620 and hose 7622 are in use. Alternatively, auxiliary suction port 7862 may be provided on other portions of surface cleaning head 7102 or on upright portion 7104.

[00250] As shown in Figure 80, wand 7620 may be pulled out of surrounding hose 7622. In this configuration, the lower, upstream end of hose 7622 is connected to surface cleaning head 7102 via auxiliary suction port 7862 and provides the air flow connection between lower end 7624 of wand 7620 and cyclone bin assembly 7160. With hose 7622 connected to auxiliary suction port 7862, wand 7620 may be moved away from surface cleaning head 7102 while air flow communication is preserved by hose 7622.

[00251 ] To operate surface cleaning apparatus 7100 in a floor cleaning mode, hose 7622 may be detached from auxiliary suction port 7862, cap 7864 may be closed to seal auxiliary suction port 7862, wand 7620 may be inserted within hose 7622, and both wand 7620 and hose 7622 may be inserted within recess 7850. When detached from auxiliary suction port 7862, wand 7620 and hose 7622 are isolated from the air flow path thereby eliminating, or at least substantially eliminating, air flow through the upper portion. Removing wand 7620 and hose 7622 from the air flow path in the floor cleaning mode may help direct all or a majority of the air flow/ suction generated by suction motor through primary dirty air inlet 7110. The wand and hose may be stored at any location on the apparatus or may be stored separately.

[00252] Optionally, apparatus 7100 may include a removable, portable cleaning unit, such as a hand held vacuum cleaner, that can be detached from the apparatus and can be used to clean furniture and other above floor surfaces. One example of a portable cleaning unit is a hand vacuum 6970 described herein (Figures 72-74). In such configurations, the portable cleaning unit may provide the auxiliary air inlet, and surface cleaning head 7102 need not be provided with a separate air inlet port. Hose 7622 and wand 7620 may be used in combination with the portable cleaning unit when apparatus 7100 operates in the above floor cleaning mode (for example to help extend the cleaning reach of a user) and may be stored within recess 7850 when operating in the floor cleaning mode. In such an embodiment, wand 7620, hose 7622, and the portable cleaning unit may all be isolated from the air flow path and mounted to/ stored on surface cleaning head 7102 and/or upper portion 7104 when not in use, and can then be detached and assembled together to provide an above floor cleaning mode that has its own air flow path, and that is not connected in airflow communication with cyclone bin assembly 7160.

[00253] Figures 66-68B illustrate another example of an all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus 4100 having an above floor cleaning mode. Surface cleaning apparatus 4100 is generally similar to surface cleaning apparatus 100, and analogous features are identified using like reference characters indexed by 4000.

[00254] Referring to Figure 67A, cyclone bin assembly 4160 includes a first air inlet 4184 that has an upstream or inlet end 4190 and downstream end 4194 which, in the illustrated example, is provided in the form of an aperture 4700 in cyclone chamber sidewall 4173. Air inlet 4184 is aligned with and can be connected in air flow communication with air outlet 4192 of brush chamber 4130, thereby establishing a first air flow path between cyclone chamber 4164 and brush chamber 4130. A first valve, represented schematically as 4801 , is positioned in the first airflow path, and can be used to selectively restrict or permit airflow through the first airflow path, thereby selectively interrupting or allowing air flow between cyclone chamber 4164 and brush chamber 4130. The valve may be of any suitable configuration, and in the illustrated example is a manually actuated slider-type valve. [00255] Cyclone bin assembly 4160 also includes a second air inlet 4184b with an upstream or inlet end 4190b and a downstream end 4194b that is provided in the form of an aperture in cyclone chamber sidewail 4 73. Air inlet 4184b is aligned with and can be connected in air flow communication with downstream end 4628 of a duct 4626 that is provided in mounting hub 4316, thereby establishing a second air flow path between cyclone chamber 4164 and mounting hub 4316. A second valve, represented schematically as 4802, is positioned in the second airflow path, and can be used to selectively restrict or permit airflow through the second airflow path (e.g. by sliding valve member 4804 from the position shown in Figure 67A to the position shown in Figure 67B), thereby selectively interrupting or allowing air flow between cyclone chamber 4164 and mounting hub 4316.

[00256] Valves 4801 and 4802 may be any suitable type of valve, for example, gate valves, rotary valves or other suitable mechanism for selectively obstructing the airflow path. Valves 4801 and 4802 may be the same type or different type of valve. The valves can be actuated mechanically (e.g. automatically based on movement of the upper portion, or manually actuated by a user), electrically (e.g. solenoid valves), or by any other suitable actuation means. For example, one or more of the valves may be configured to selectively restrict or permit airflow based on a position of the drive handle and/or based on user input via, e.g. a pedal, a lever, or the like.

[00257] As illustrated, valves 4801 and 4802 are manually actuated by a user and can be actuated independently of each other. This may allow a user to have both valves 4801 and 4802 open or closed at the same time, as well as having one valve closed while the other is open. Alternatively, valves 4801 and 4802 may be linked such that using one valve to open (i.e. allow airflow through) one airflow path causes the other valve to close (i.e. restrict or prevent airflow through) the other airflow path.

[00258] For example, as illustrated in Figures 68A-68B, surface cleaning apparatus 4100 may be provided with an optional mechanical linkage arm 4806 that is connected to valves 4802 and 4801 , and pivots about a rotational member 4807 (such as a pin joint or other pivotal connection). In this arrangement, closing valve 4802 by sliding valve member 4804 from the position shown in Figure 68A to the position shown in Figure 68B causes linkage arm 4806 to rotate about the rotational member 4807 which causes the valve 4801 to open, and vice versa. Linking the operation of valves 4801 and 4802 may help simplify operation of the surface cleaning apparatus and may help prevent a user from unintentionally having both valves 4801 and 4802 open at the same time (which may reduce the suction available at either dirty air inlet) or closed at the same time (which may render the surface cleaning apparatus effectively inoperable).

[00259] While a single mechanical linkage arm and pivot point are illustrated, it will be appreciated that other types of mechanical and/or electro-mechanical linkages could be provided between valves 4801 and 4802. Alternatively, the valves may be electrically linked or coupled so that opening one valve closed the other. For example, one valve may be a normally open solenoid valve, and the other may be normally closed solenoid valve.

[00260] Optionally, a portion of the surface cleaning apparatus, such as the above floor cleaning wand itself, may act as a valve to allow or restrict airflow communication between the upstream end of the cleaning wand and the cyclone chamber. This may allow air flow between the cyclone bin assembly and the above floor cleaning wand to be automatically established when the wand is deployed, and preferably automatically interrupted when the wand is re-seated. For example, as shown schematically in Figures 71 A and 71 B, a surface cleaning apparatus can be include a cyclone bin assembly 4160 that includes two air inlets 4184 and 4184b. The cyclone bin assembly may include any of the features and aspects of the cyclone bin assemblies described herein.

[00261 ] As illustrated, a first valve 4801 is positioned in the airflow path between brush chamber 4130 and cyclone bin air inlet 4184, and can be used to selectively restrict or permit airflow into the cyclone chamber via air inlet 4184. Opening valve 4801 can allow the surface cleaning apparatus to be operated in a floor cleaning mode.

[00262] To selectively permit or restrict airflow via the airflow path between mounting hub 4316 and cyclone bin air inlet 4184b, the lower, downstream end 4624 of wand 4620 may be configured such that it acts as a valving member that can selectively block the above floor cleaning mode airflow path. In the illustrated example, the surface cleaning apparatus includes a seat 4640 that is configured to receive the open, downstream end 4624 of wand 4620 in a generally air-tight manner. That is, downstream end 4624 is configured so that it can be releasably coupled (e.g. inserted) into seat 4640 and seat 4640 is configured to provide an airtight (or substantially airtight) seal about downstream end 4624 of wand 4620, thereby preventing airflow through wand 4620 and into cyclone bin air inlet 4184b (and ultimately to cyclone chamber 4164) when downstream end 4624 is inserted into seat 4640. When the wand is seated, the air flow connection between wand 4620 and cyclone bin assembly 4160 is interrupted.

[00263] Referring to Figure 71A, when the valve is opened to allow airflow through cyclone bin air inlet 4184, and the downstream end 4624 of wand 4620 is coupled to seat 4640, preventing airflow through wand 4620 and into cyclone bin air inlet 4184b, the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning mode. To convert the surface cleaning apparatus to an above floor cleaning mode, a user may manually close valve 4801 and deploy wand 4620, thereby unseating downstream end 4624. As illustrated in Figure 71 B, when valve 4801 is actuated to prevent airflow through cyclone bin air inlet 4184 and downstream end 4624 of wand 4620 is decoupled from seat 4640, an airflow path through wand 4620 and into cyclone bin air inlet 4184b is established.

[00264] In the illustrated configuration, the annular region between the outer surface of wand 4620 and the inner surface of hose 4622 remains in airflow communication with cyclone bin air inlet 4184b (and thus with the cyclone chamber 4164) whether the downstream end 4624 of wand 4620 is inserted into seat 4640 or removed from seat 4640. Preferably, the upper end of hose 4622 is sealed against the outer surface of wand 4620, or the annular region is otherwise sealed in a generally airtight manner. This can help minimize suction losses while operating in a floor cleaning mode, despite the fact that annular region remains in air flow communication with cyclone bin assembly 4160. There may be one or more advantages of using the end of the wand itself as a valve member (e.g. user convenience, reduced complexity and/or fewer moving parts, etc.) that may outweigh one or more possible disadvantages (e.g. reduced suction performance) of the annular region remaining in airflow communication with cyclone bin air inlet 4184b when wand 4620 is seated in seat 4640.

Rotatable Cyclone and/or Cyclone Bin Assembly

[00265] In accordance with this embodiment, the cyclone bin assembly, and the cyclone chamber therein, may be provided with two air inlets, one connectable in air flow communication with the brush chamber and one connectable in air flow communication with an auxiliary dirty air inlet (e.g. the removable above floor cleaning wand). The cyclone bin assembly and/or at least a portion of the cyclone, cyclone bin assembly or associated structure may be rotated between two different positions so as to selectively connect the cyclone with the dirty air inlet of the surface cleaning head and the auxiliary dirty air inlet.

[00266] For example, the cyclone may rotate relative to other portions of the cyclone bin assembly, such as the dirt collection chamber and pre-motor filter chamber. Accordingly, the cyclone may be movable mounted within the cyclone bin assembly (e.g., the cyclone bin assembly may be non-movably mounted on the surface cleaning head) and/or the cyclone bin assembly may be moveably mounted with respect to the surface cleaning head (e.g., the cyclone is fixed in position in the cyclone bin assembly). Providing a movable cyclone chamber or cyclone bin assembly may allow the orientation of the cyclone chamber, and its inlet(s) and outlet(s) to be changed while the surface cleaning apparatus is in use. Alternatively, instead of rotating the entire cyclone chamber, at least a portion of the cyclone chamber may be fixed and only a portion of the chamber may be rotatable. This may allow portions of the cyclone chamber, such as the dirt outlet and/or air outlet, to remain fixed in position (which may help simplify construction by reducing the number of rotatable seals that may be required) while other portions, such as a portion containing the air inlet, may be rotated to alternatively connect the cyclone chamber with the brush chamber and the auxiliary dirty air inlet. Optionally, the rotating portion of the cyclone chamber may be provided in the form of a collar or manifold-type member having one end that is in communication with the air inlet of the cyclone chamber and an upstream end that is movable to change the cleaning mode.

[00267] Accordingly, at least a portion of the cyclone chamber may function as a valve that is selectively connectable to a plurality of different air inlets. This may eliminate the need to provide additional valves or other mechanisms to modify the air flow connections. This may help reduce the complexity of the apparatus. Reducing the need for additional valves, external the cyclone bin assembly, may also help reduce the number of components that need to be positioned within the surface cleaning head. This may help reduce the overall size of the apparatus, and/or may allow other components (such as the dirt chamber, filters, etc.) to be relatively larger. Configuring the cyclone bin assembly to function as a flow control valve may also help simplify changing cleaning modes. For example, rotating the cyclone bin assembly in order to change cleaning modes may reduce the number of steps required to change cleaning modes, and may help prevent instances where a user wishes to transition to above floor cleaning but inadvertently moves a valve (or valves) into an incorrect position, or for example, opens an above floor cleaning valve but forgets to close the floor cleaning valve (thereby reducing the suction available in both modes).

[00268] Figures 53-62 exemplify a rotatable cyclone. Surface cleaning apparatus 2100 is generally similar to the surface cleaning apparatus 100, and analogous features are identified using like reference characters indexed by 2000.

[00269] Referring to Figures 59 to 61 , in the illustrated example, cyclone bin assembly 2160 includes a cyclone chamber 2164 and a dirt collection chamber 2166. Preferably, as exemplified in Figure 61 , dirt collection chamber 2166 is exterior to cyclone chamber 2164, and preferably includes a first end wall 2240, a second end wall 2242 and the sidewall 2244 extending therebetween. First end wall 2240 may be openable to provide access to dirt collection chamber 2166. In the illustrated example, sidewall 2244 laterally surrounds cyclone chamber 2164 and includes an internal portion 2245 that surrounds cyclone chamber sidewall 2173 and helps define a cavity 2175 that is sized to receive cyclone chamber 2164. Internal portion 2245 is fixedly connected to, and is preferably integrally formed with, the rest of sidewall 2244.

[00270] Cyclone chamber 2164 is illustrated as being rotatably received within cavity 2175 defined by dirt collection chamber sidewall 2244 and internal portion 2245. Specifically, second end wall 2171 and sidewall 2173 are sized to fit within the cavity and can rotate relative to dirt collection chamber 2166. Thus, cyclone chamber 2164 can rotate about its longitudinal axis 2174 (Figure 55) relative to the rest of cyclone bin assembly 2160.

[00271] Referring also to Figures 55 and 56, cyclone chamber 2164 includes a cyclone air outlet 2186, a dirt outlet 2188, and a first air inlet 2184 that is connectable to air outlet 2192 of brush chamber 2130 (see also Figure 54). Air inlet 2184 has an upstream or inlet end 2 90 that is formed in the side wall of cyclone bin assembly 2160 and is connectable to air outlet 2192. Cyclone air inlet 2184 also includes a downstream end 2194 which, in the example illustrated, includes an aperture 2700 in cyclone chamber sidewall 2173. When cyclone chamber 2164 is rotated relative to the rest of cyclone bin assembly 2160, aperture 2700 can be moved into and out of alignment with air outlet 2192, which can establish and interrupt, respectively, air flow between cyclone chamber 2164 and brush chamber 2130. [00272] Referring also to Figures 58 and 60, in the illustrated example, cyclone bin assembly 2160 includes a second air inlet 2184b with an upstream or inlet end 2190b that is connectable to a downstream end 2628 of a duct 2626 that is provided in mounting hub 2316. Upstream or inlet end 2190b of air inlet 2184b is formed in the side wall of cyclone bin assembly 2160. Cyclone air inlet 2184b also includes a downstream end 2194b which, in the example illustrated, is provided in the form of an aperture 2700b in cyclone chamber sidewall 2173. When cyclone chamber 2164 is rotated relative to the rest of cyclone bin assembly 2160, aperture 2700b can be moved into and out of alignment with the downstream end 2628 of duct 2626, which can establish and interrupt, respectively, air flow between cyclone chamber 2164 and mounting hub 2316 (and ultimately to upstream end 2630 of wand 2620 - see e.g. Figure 62).

[00273] In the illustrated example, first end wall 2169 of cyclone chamber 2164 is not directly connected to sidewall 2173 and is non-rotatably connected to the inner surface of openable dirt collection chamber end wall 2240. Alternatively, end wall 2169 may be rotatable with sidewall 2173.

[00274] Cyclone chamber 2164 can be rotated using any suitable mechanism or actuator, including electric motors and actuators, mechanical linkages, manual operation by a user and other suitable means. Optionally, rotation of cyclone chamber 2164 can be associated with the movement of other portions of surface cleaning apparatus 2100, such as the movement of upper portion 2104 between upright and inclined positions. Alternatively, the orientation of cyclone chamber 2164 may be selected independently of the configuration or operation of the rest of the surface cleaning apparatus.

[00275] Referring to Figures 54, 56, and 57, a cyclone chamber rotation mechanism is illustrated that includes a sprocket 2704 in surface cleaning head 2102 that engages a plurality of teeth 2706 that are provided on an outer surface of cyclone chamber sidewall 2173. Figure 54 shows cyclone chamber 2164 in an above floor cleaning position in which aperture 2700b is in air flow communication with wand 2620 (see also Figure 58). Figure 60 shows cyclone chamber 2164 in a floor cleaning position in which aperture 2700 is in air flow communication with brush chamber 2130 (see also Figure 55). In this configuration, rotation of sprocket 2704 causes a corresponding rotation of cyclone chamber 2164 relative to the rest of cyclone bin assembly 2160. In the illustrated example, teeth 2706 extend around approximately one quarter of the perimeter of cyclone chamber 2164, but in other examples more or fewer teeth may be provided.

[00276] Sprocket 2704 can be rotated using any suitable mechanism, including manual engagement by a user and automatic rotation based on the position of upper portion 2104. In the illustrated example, sprocket 2704 is driven by the pivoting of upper portion 2104, via a linkage (not shown), so that cyclone chamber 2164 automatically rotates into the above floor cleaning position (Figure 57) when upper portion 2104 is in the upright, storage position, and automatically rotates to the floor cleaning position (Figure 60) when upper portion 2104 is in the inclined, use position.

[00277] Referring also to Figure 60, to help facilitate engagement between sprocket 2704 and teeth 2706, the sidewall of the cyclone bin assembly is provided with an opening, in the form of a slot 2708. When cyclone bin assembly 2160 is mounted in surface cleaning head 2102, sprocket 2704 extends through slot 2708 and meshes with teeth 2706 on the outer surface of cyclone chamber 2164. In this configuration, removing cyclone bin assembly 2160 from surface cleaning head 2102 decouples sprocket 2704 from teeth 2706, and mounting cyclone bin assembly 2160 on surface cleaning head 2102 automatically re-engages sprocket 2704 with teeth 2706. Alternatively, engaging and disengaging the cyclone chamber rotation mechanism may require a separate action, in addition to mounting and/or removing the cyclone bin assembly.

[00278] In the illustrated example, sprocket 2704 remains in place within surface cleaning head 2102 when cyclone bin assembly 2160 is removed. That is, part of the cyclone chamber rotation mechanism is removable with cyclone bin assembly 2160 and part of the cyclone bin rotation mechanism remains behind in surface cleaning head 2102. Alternatively, all of the mechanism used to rotate the cyclone chamber may be provided within cyclone bin assembly 2160. In such a configuration, the entire cyclone chamber rotation mechanism may be removable from surface cleaning head 2102 with cyclone bin assembly 2160.

[00279] In the illustrated example, cyclone chamber 2164 includes two openings 2700 and 2700b that can be selectively connected in air flow communication with inlets 2184 and 2184b. Alternatively, instead of having two openings, cyclone chamber 2164 (i.e. sidewall 2173) may include only a single opening that can be positioned so that it is in communication with either one of air inlets 2184 and 2184b (for example by rotating the cyclone chamber through a greater range of motion than illustrated in the current example). In such a configuration, the number of openings/inlets in cyclone chamber sidewall 2173 may be different than the number of air inlets in the cyclone bin assembly. Providing more than one opening may help limit the amount of rotation of cyclone chamber 2164 that is required to change the modes. For example, when using the two openings 2700 and 2700b in the illustrated example, cyclone chamber 2164 only needs to rotate about 45 degrees to change between the floor cleaning mode (Figure 55) and the above floor cleaning mode (Figure 58). Alternatively, if the cyclone chamber included only a single aperture 2700, the cyclone chamber may need to rotate about 90 degrees in order to change between the floor cleaning mode and the above floor cleaning mode.

[00280] In the illustrated example, a portion of cyclone chamber air outlet 2192 rotates with the rest of cyclone chamber 2164, as does screen 2710 (Figure 55) that covers air outlet 2192. Alternatively, the air outlet portion of cyclone chamber 2164 may be non-rotatable.

[00281] Referring to Figure 58, in the illustrated example cyclone axis 2174, about which cyclone chamber 2164 rotates, is parallel to suction motor axis 2182, and extends in a generally lateral, side-to-side direction that is orthogonal to the direction of travel of surface cleaning head 2102. Alternatively, cyclone chamber 2164 may be oriented in a different orientation, such that cyclone axis 2174 is not parallel to suction motor axis 2182, and/or does not extend in the lateral direction. For example, cyclone chamber 2164 may be arranged so that cyclone axis 2174 is generally vertical, inclined at an angle relative to the vertical or horizontal directions and/or extends in a generally front- to-back direction relative to surface cleaning head 2102.

[00282] Referring to Figures 81 -83, another example of a cyclone bin assembly that may be used in combination with the surface cleaning apparatus 2100 is schematically illustrated. Cyclone bin assembly 8160 is generally analogous to cyclone bin assembly 2160 and like features are identified using like reference characters indexed by 6000.

[00283] Figure 81 illustrates a schematic representation of an end view of the cyclone bin assembly 8160, with the near end wall omitted to reveal the internal components of cyclone bin assembly 8160. [00284] In the illustrated example, the cyclone bin assembly has a floor cleaning air inlet 8184 that is in (or is connectable in) fluid communication with the air outlet of a brush chamber, such as brush chamber 2130 (see also Figure 54) and an above floor cleaning air inlet 8184b that is in (or is connectable in) fluid communication with the downstream end of an above floor cleaning tool, such as downstream end 2628 of duct 2626 (Figure 54).

[00285] Referring to Figures 81 and 83, cyclone chamber 8164 includes a cyclone air outlet 8186, a dirt outlet 8188, and cyclone chamber air inlet 8700, which may be a tangential air inlet, that is selectively connectable in air flow communication with each of cyclone bin assembly air inlets 8184 and 8184b.

[00286] Cyclone chamber air inlet 8700 may be fluidly connectable to inlets 8184 and 8184b using any suitable mechanisms (including the valves and other mechanisms described herein). In addition, a rotatable cyclone inlet manifold as exemplified in Figures 81-83 may be used. The rotatable manifold may have the cyclone inlet (e.g., a tangential inlet) that is rotatable relative to the rest of the cyclone body so as to alternatively connect inlet 8700 with the primary and auxiliary dirty air inlets.

[00287] As illustrated in Figures 81-83, sidewall 8173 includes a fixed portion 8177 and a rotatable portion 8179 that can rotate about the longitudinal axis 8174 relative to dirt collection chamber sidewall 8244 and fixed portion 8177 of cyclone chamber sidewall 8173. In the illustrated embodiment, fixed portion 8177 includes dirt outlet 8188, and rotatable portion 8179 includes air inlet 8700 and air outlet 8 86. A manifold conduit 8171 extends from air inlet 8700 to an upstream end 8181. Manifold conduit 8171 may be integrally formed with rotatable portion 8179, and may rotate with rotatable portion 8179.

[00288] Referring to Figure 81 , to configure cyclone bin assembly 8160 in a floor cleaning mode, rotatable portion 8179 may be rotated to a floor cleaning position in which upstream end 8181 of manifold conduit 8171 is in air flow communication with floor cleaning air inlet 8186.

[00289] To help seal the air flow path between inlet 8184 and air inlet 8700, conduit 8171 may extend to, and preferably seal against, sidewall 8244 of dirt collection chamber 8166 (or any other suitable portion of cyclone bin assembly 8160). A gasket or the like may be provided between sidewall 8244 and the outer wall of inlet 8700 that abuts against sidewall 8244. In addition to the seal between conduit 8171 and sidewall 8244, and additional sealing rib 8183 may be positioned between rotatable potion 8179 and sidewall 8244 (or other structure). Sealing rib 8183 may extend radially outwardly from the outer surface of rotational portion 8179 and may be configured to engage and seal against the inner surface of dirt collection chamber sidewall 8244. The region bounded by the outer surface of rotatable portion 8179, manifold conduit 8171 , rib 8183, and sidewall 8244 may define a manifold chamber 8185 or plenum, that forms part of the air flow path between floor cleaning inlet 8184 and cyclone chamber inlet 8700.

[00290] To convert cyclone bin assembly 8160 to an above floor cleaning mode, rotatable portion 8179 may be rotated about longitudinal axis 8174 to a different position, in which air flow communication between inlet 8184 and cyclone air inlet 8700 is interrupted and air flow communication between inlet 8 84b and cyclone air inlet 8700 is established.

[00291] For example, referring to Figure 82, rotatable portion 8179 can be rotated about 90 degrees (counter-clockwise as illustrated) so that manifold 8171 and rib 8183 are moved to different sealing positions. When arranged as illustrated in Figure 82, manifold 8171 seals against sidewall 8244 so that air flow communication between upstream end 8181 and inlet 8184 is interrupted. In this configuration, sealing rib 8183 is positioned so that it seals against sidewall 8244 at a location that provides air flow communication between above floor air inlet 8184b and manifold chamber 8185. When rotatable portion 8179 is rotated in this manner, above floor air inlet 8184b is in air flow communication with cyclone air inlet 8700, and cyclone bin assembly 8160 is in an above floor cleaning mode.

[00292] Preferably, the distal ends of manifold 8171 and sealing rib 8183 are provided with a sealing member to help create a generally air tight seal between rotatable potion 8179 and the rest of cyclone bin assembly 8160. To help facilitate rotation of rotatable portion 8179, the sealing members may be selected so that they can slide along the inner surface of sidewall 8244 when rotatable portion 8179 is rotated.

[00293] Preferably, rotatable portion 8 79 is also connected to fixed portion 8177 in a generally air tight manner to help maintain the integrity of the air flow path within cyclone bin assembly 8160. The connection may include any suitable connector or seal, and in the illustrated example is provided with a sliding seal 8187 to help seal the interface while still allowing the desired rotation of rotatable portion 8179.

[00294] Rotatable portion 8179 can be rotated using any suitable mechanism or actuator, including the mechanism used to rotate cyclone chamber 2164, electric motors and actuators, mechanical linkages, manual operation by a user and other suitable means. Optionally, rotation of rotatable portion 8179 can be associated with the movement of other portions of the surface cleaning apparatus, such as the movement of the upper portion between upright and inclined positions and/or release of an above floor cleaning wand.

[00295] In the illustrated embodiment, cyclone air outlet 8186 includes an air conduit that is mounted to and rotates with rotatable portion 8179. Alternatively, at least a portion of the conduit may be non-movably connected to fixed portion 8177. If only a portion of the conduit is mounted to fixed portion 8177, the air conduit may also include respective fixed and rotatable portions, and may include any type of suitable sealing mechanism.

Inflow Manifold

[00296] Other motions besides rotation may be used to selectively connect alternate cyclone or cyclone bin assembly inlets with the primary and auxiliary dirty air inlets. For example, the cyclone and/or the cyclone bin assembly may be translatable, e.g., laterally.

[00297] For example, as shown schematically in Figures 65A and 65B, another example of a cyclone bin assembly 3160 includes a cyclone chamber 3164 having an opening 3700 that is in air flow communication with an outlet 3920 of an inflow duct or manifold 3900.

[00298] Inflow duct 3900 extends between cyclone bin assembly air inlets 3184 and 3184b, and provides airflow communication between cyclone bin assembly air inlets 3184 and 3184b and a manifold outlet 3920 (and ultimately to cyclone chamber 3164 via opening 3700). In this example, cyclone chamber 3164 can be selectively connected in air flow communication with either brush chamber 3130 or duct 3626 by laterally sliding cyclone bin assembly 3160 in a direction that is parallel to cyclone chamber axis 3174 and, in the illustrated example, is also parallel to suction motor axis 3182. Alternatively, cyclone bin assembly 3160 can be movable in other directions, including generally forward/backward and/or up and down.

[00299] Referring to Figure 65A, when cyclone bin assembly 3160 is mounted to surface cleaning head 3102 in the position shown in this figure, air inlet 3184b is aligned with and is in air flow communication with downstream end 3628 of duct 3626, thereby establishing an air flow path between cyclone chamber 3164 and mounting hub 3316 (and ultimately to upstream end 3630 of wand 3620). When air inlet 3184b is in air flow communication with duct 3626, opposing air inlet 3184 is not aligned with air outlet 3192 of brush chamber 3130, thereby at least restricting, and optionally preventing, air flow communication between cyclone chamber 3164 and brush chamber 3130. With cyclone bin assembly 3160 in this position, surface cleaning apparatus 3100 can be in an above floor cleaning mode.

[00300] Alternatively, when cyclone bin assembly 3160 is in the position shown in Figure 65B, air inlet 3184 is aligned with air outlet 3192, establishing an air flow path between cyclone chamber 3164 and brush chamber 3130, and opposing air inlet 3184b is not aligned with downstream end 3628 of duct 3626, thereby at least restricting, and optionally preventing, air flow between cyclone chamber 3164 and mounting hub 3316 (and ultimately to upstream end 3630 of wand 3620). When cyclone bin assembly 3 60 is in this configuration, surface cleaning apparatus 3100 can be in a floor cleaning mode.

[00301] To help maintain air flow communication between cyclone chamber air outlet 3194 and pre-motor filter chamber 3280, any suitable adjustable coupling mechanism may be used. For example, cyclone chamber air outlet 3194 may be connected to a reconfigurable air flow duct, such as a flexible hose, telescoping conduit, etc. that can maintain air flow communication between cyclone chamber air outlet 3194 and a downstream component (such as the pre-motor filter chamber and/or suction motor) while cyclone chamber 3164 is moved relative to the downstream component. Alternatively, cyclone chamber air outlet 3194 may be in air flow communication with an outlet plenum that helps establish and maintain air flow communication between cyclone chamber air outlet 3194 and the downstream component. The plenum may be fixed or alternatively may be adjustable to help accommodate the different positions of cyclone bin assembly 3160 and cyclone chamber 3 64. [00302] Referring to Figure 65A, cyclone chamber air outlet 3194 is in air flow communication with an outlet plenum 3950, which is in air flow communication with pre- motor filter chamber 3280, and ultimately, suction motor 3162. In this example, outlet plenum 3950 is adjustable includes a compressible bellows 3952 that bounds plenum 3950. Bellows 3952 is preferably generally air impermeable and seals against surface cleaning head 3102 and cyclone bin assembly 3160. When cyclone bin assembly 3160 is in the above floor cleaning position (Figure 65A) as illustrated bellows 3952 is compressed. When cyclone bin assembly 3160 is in the floor cleaning position (i.e. Figure 65B), bellows 3952 is expanded to help accommodate for the movement between cyclone chamber air outlet 3194 and pre-motor filter chamber 3280. Alternatively, other suitable configurations could be used.

[00303] Optionally, surface cleaning apparatus 3100 may include one or more biasing members to bias cyclone bin assembly 3160 toward the above floor cleaning position (Figure 65A), the floor cleaning position (Figure 65B), or both. Biasing cyclone bin assembly 3160 toward at least one of the operating positions may help ensure that surface cleaning apparatus 3100 will generally be in an operable state, and may help prevent cyclone bin assembly 3160 from being positioned in an intermediate location in which the apparatus is in neither the floor cleaning or above floor cleaning mode. The biasing mechanism may include any suitable biasing members, including, for example, springs, elastics, and other such mechanisms. For example, bellows 3952 may be formed from a resilient material such that bellows 3952 biases cyclone bin assembly 3160 toward the floor cleaning position (Figure 65B).

[00304] Optionally, the internal inflow duct or manifold may be used with one or more valves to selectively establish a first airflow path between the cyclone chamber and one of the two cyclone bin air inlets, and a second airflow path between the cyclone chamber and the other of the two cyclone bin air inlets. In such a configuration, the number of openings/ inlets in cyclone chamber sidewall 4173 may be different than the number of air inlets in the cyclone bin assembly. In such a configuration, a single valve may be sufficient to select between the first and second air flow paths. This may help simplify operation of the surface cleaning apparatus, and may eliminate the need to provide two or more valves. This may help reduce the cost of the surface cleaning apparatus and may help reduce the weight and/or overall size of the surface cleaning apparatus. [00305] For example, as shown in Figures 69A and 69B, a cyclone bin assembly 4160 can be configured to include a cyclone chamber 4164 having an opening 4700 that is in air flow communication with an outlet 4920 of an inflow duct or manifold 4900. As illustrated, inflow duct 4900 extends generally linearly between cyclone bin assembly air inlets 4184 and 4184b, but alternatively may be curved, non-linear, or be of any other suitable configuration. A valve, represented schematically as 4810, is operable to selectively allow or prevent airflow between air inlets 4184 and 4184b and outlet 4920 (and ultimately to cyclone chamber 4164 via opening 4700).

[00306] In the illustrated example, valve 4810 is a rotary selector valve having an inlet 4812 positioned in inflow duct 4900, and an outlet 4814 in communication with outlet 4920. Valve 4810 is rotatable about axis 4813 to selectively position valve inlet 4812 in airflow communication with either cyclone bin assembly air inlet 4184 or 4184b. In the position shown in Figure 69A, valve inlet 4812 is aligned with air inlet 4184 (which is itself aligned with or otherwise connected to air outlet 4192 of brush chamber 4130), thereby establishing an air flow path between cyclone chamber 4164 and brush chamber 4130. With valve 4810 in this position, the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning mode. When valve 4810 is in the position shown in Figure 69B, valve inlet 4812 has been rotated (or otherwise adjusted) into alignment with air inlet 4184b (which is itself aligned with or otherwise connected to a downstream end 4628 of a duct 4626 that is provided in mounting hub 4316), thereby establishing an air flow path between cyclone chamber 4164 and brush chamber 4130. When valve 4810 is in this position, the surface cleaning apparatus is in an above floor cleaning mode.

[00307] Aside from valve inlet 4812, valve 4810 preferably obstructs inflow duct 4900, thereby preventing airflow between cyclone bin assembly air inlets 4184 and 4184b. Accordingly, valve 4810 is operable to provide an airflow path into cyclone chamber 4164 from one of cyclone bin assembly air inlet 4184 and 4184b, while concurrently preventing airflow between cyclone chamber 4164 and the other cyclone bin assembly air inlet. That is, when valve inlet 4812 is aligned with air inlet 4184 (as shown in Figure 69A), the body of valve 4810 prevents airflow between cyclone chamber 4164 and air inlet 4184b. Similarly, when valve inlet 4812 is aligned with air inlet 4184b (as shown in Figure 69B), the body of valve 4810 prevents airflow between cyclone chamber 4164 and air inlet 4184. [00308] Instead of the rotary valve illustrated, the valve may be any other suitable mechanism, including for example, a three way ball valve, or other suitable mechanism for selectively directing the airflow path. The valve can be actuated mechanically (e.g. manually actuated by a user), electrically (e.g. solenoid valves), or by any other suitable actuation means. In some embodiments, the valve may be configured to selectively restrict or permit airflow based on a position of the upright section and/or based on user input via, e.g. a pedal, a lever, or the like.

[00309] Alternatively, instead of providing a single valve in the manifold 4900, two or more valves may be used. For example, as shown in Figures 70A and 70B, inflow duct 4900 provides airflow communication between cyclone bin assembly air inlets 4184 and 4184b and outlet 4920 and includes two valves, 4801 and 4802, which can selectively permit access to inflow duct 4900.

[00310] In the illustrated example, a first valve, represented schematically as 4801 , is positioned in the airflow path between brush chamber 4130 and cyclone bin air inlet 4184, and can be used to selectively allow or interrupt airflow into manifold 4900 (and ultimately to cyclone chamber 4164 via openings 4920 and 4700) via air inlet 4184. A second valve, represented schematically as 4802, is positioned in the airflow path between mounting hub 4316 and cyclone bin air inlet 4184b, and can be used to selectively permit or restrict airflow (e.g. by sliding valve member 4804 from the position shown in Figure 70A to the position shown in Figure 70B), thereby selectively allowing or interrupting air flow into manifold 4900 (and ultimately to cyclone chamber 4164 via openings 4920 and 4700) via air inlet 4184b.

Single Air Inlet

[0031 1] In accordance with this aspect, the cyclone bin assembly, and the cyclone chamber therein, may be provided with a single air inlet that can be selectively connectable in air flow communication with either the primary dirty air inlet (e.g. the brush chamber) or an auxiliary dirty air inlet (e.g. the removable above floor cleaning wand). Accordingly, the cyclone bin assembly may be positioned on the surface cleaning head in a first orientation when the surface cleaning apparatus is operated in a floor cleaning mode, and may be positioned on the surface cleaning head in a second orientation to enable the surface cleaning apparatus to be used in one or more above floor cleaning modes. For example, mounting the cyclone bin assembly in one orientation may bring the cyclone chamber into air flow communication with the primary dirty air inlet, while mounting the cyclone bin assembly in another orientation may bring the cyclone chamber into air flow communication with the auxiliary dirty air inlet. An advantage of this design is that no valves may be used since aligning the cyclone air inlet with one of the dirty air inlets automatically connects the suction motor to the selected dirty air inlet. It will be appreciated that this means to change the air flow source may be used with a cyclone having dual air inlets.

[00312] Figures 63A-64B exemplify another all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus 3100 having an above floor cleaning mode. Surface cleaning apparatus 3100 is generally similar to the surface cleaning apparatus 100, and analogous features are identified using like reference characters indexed by 3000.

[00313] As shown in Figures 63A and 63B, cyclone bin assembly 3160 may be mounted to surface cleaning head 3102 by inserting cyclone bin assembly 3160 generally vertically downwardly into cavity 3161 in one of at least two possible orientations. In this configuration, the operating mode of surface cleaning apparatus 3100 is determined by the orientation in which cyclone bin assembly 3160 is mounted on surface cleaning head 3102.

[00314] To operate surface cleaning apparatus 3100 in the floor cleaning mode, cyclone bin assembly 3160 is mounted to surface cleaning had 3102 in a first orientation. Referring to Figures 63B and 64B, surface cleaning apparatus 3100 is in the floor cleaning mode when cyclone bin assembly 3160 is mounted to surface cleaning head 3102 in the illustrated orientation so that air inlet 3184 is aligned with or otherwise fluidly connected to air outlet 3192 of brush chamber 3130 (either directly or by an intervening conduit), thereby establishing an air flow path between cyclone chamber 3164 and brush chamber 3130. As exemplified, cyclone air inlet 3184 faces forwards and is referred to as a floor cleaning orientation.

[00315] Alternatively, when cyclone bin assembly 3160 is mounted to surface cleaning head 3102 in the orientation shown in Figures 63A and 64A, air inlet 3184 is fluidly connected to downstream end 3628 of duct 3626, establishing an air flow path between cyclone chamber 3164 and mounting hub 3316 (and ultimately to upstream end 3630 of wand 3620). When cyclone bin assembly 3160 is in this orientation (and optionally if cleaning wand 3620 is deployed), surface cleaning apparatus 3100 is in an above floor cleaning mode. As exemplified, cyclone air inlet 3184 faces rearwards and is referred to as an above floor cleaning orientation. [00316] It will be appreciated that the cyclone air inlet may be at an alternate location on the cyclone bin assembly and may not face forwards in the floor cleaning orientation and may not face rearwards in the above floor cleaning orientation.

[00317] It will also be appreciated that this mechanism may be used with a cyclone bin assembly that has two or more air inlets. In such a case, one inlet may be used for the floor cleaning orientation and another inlet may be used for the above floor cleaning orientation. The abutment of the cyclone bin assembly and the surface cleaning head may result in the inlet that is not in use being sealed (e.g., each cyclone inlet may be provided with a gasket that seats against a wall of the cavity into which the cyclone bin assembly is inserted).

[00318] In any such design, the cyclone bin assembly may include a single air outlet that remains in air flow communication with the suction motor in each of the possible positions/orientations of the cyclone bin assembly, or optionally, may include two or more air outlets that are interchangeably connectable in air flow communication with the suction motor.

Detachable Portable Cleaning Unit

[003 9] Optionally, instead of, or in addition to, an above floor cleaning wand and flexible hose, an all in the head surface cleaning apparatus may include a removable cleaning unit, such as a hand held vacuum cleaner, that can be detached from the apparatus and can be used to clean furniture and other above floor surfaces. The removable portable cleaning unit is a self-contained unit and may comprise a suction motor, cyclone bin assembly, pre and post-motor filters, hand grip and possibly an onboard power source (such one or more batteries). In this configuration, the portable cleaning unit may be operable simultaneously with the primary floor cleaning apparatus. Preferably, the cleaning unit can be detachably mounted to the main surface cleaning apparatus in a convenient location, such as, for example, on the surface cleaning head and/ or the upper portion. Providing a detachable portable cleaning unit with its own suction motor and cyclone bin assembly may eliminate the need for the surface cleaning head to be convertible or to have a reconfigurable air flow path way in order to provide above floor cleaning. Instead, the primary surface cleaning head may have a fixed configuration that is directed to cleaning the floor, and the portable cleaning unit may have a single, fixed air flow path that is separate from the air flow path in the surface cleaning head. [00320] This configuration may also allow the suction motor in the primary surface cleaning head to be different than the suction motor in the removable cleaning unit. For example, the suction motor in the surface cleaning head may be relatively large and high-powered, and may operate on AC power provided by an electrical cord that is plugged into a wall outlet, while the suction motor in the cleaning unit may be relatively smaller and less powerful and may be configured to operate on AC power and/or DC power (for example as provided by onboard batteries). For example, the portable cleaning unit may have its own electrical cord and be AC powered, it may have on board batteries and be DC powered or it may employ both. If the portable cleaning unit includes an on board power source, then the on board power source may be electrically connected to the surface cleaning head's power source when mounted on the all in the head cleaning apparatus. For example, when the surface cleaning head is powered by an AC cord and the portable cleaning unit is in the mounted position (e.g., Figure 72), an on board power supply provided in the portable cleaning unit may be recharged.

[00321] Figures 72-74 exemplify another all in the head type surface cleaning apparatus 6100 having an above floor cleaning mode. Surface cleaning apparatus 6100 is generally similar to the surface cleaning apparatus 100, and analogous features are identified using like reference characters indexed by 6000.

[00322] In the illustrated embodiment, surface cleaning apparatus 6100 includes a surface cleaning head 6102 and an upper portion 6104 connected to surface cleaning head 6102 and including a handle 6442 and hand grip portion 6444. Referring to Figure 74, surface cleaning head 6102 has a front end 6114 having a front face 6116, a rear end 6118 spaced rearwardly from the front end, and a pair of side faces 6124 that are laterally spaced apart from each other and extend from front end 61 14 to rear end 61 18. Surface cleaning head 6102 also includes a dirty air inlet 61 10 and may include the cyclone bin assembly, suction motor, brush, brush motor and other suitable features, including, for example, those described previously. Drive handle 6442 is connected to surface cleaning head 6102 to maneuver surface cleaning head 6102 across the floor.

[00323] In addition to the components in surface cleaning head 6102, surface cleaning apparatus 6100 also includes a removable cleaning unit in the form of a hand vacuum 6970 that is detachably connected to the apparatus at any desired location. In the illustrated embodiment, hand vacuum 6970 is mounted to the elongate, shaft portion of drive handle 6442 and is spaced between hand grip 6444 and surface cleaning head 6102.

[00324] The portable cleaning unit (e.g., hand vacuum cleaner) 6970 may be of any suitable configuration, and in the illustrated embodiment includes a dirty air inlet 6972 (see Figure 74), a clean air outlet 6974, and an air flow path or passage extending therebetween. As exemplified, a suction motor (not shown) is provided within a suction motor housing 6976 and a cyclone bin assembly 6978 (including a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber surrounding at least a portion of the dirt collection chamber) is provided on a lower portion of the body. Cyclone bin assembly 6978 includes an openable bottom door 6980 that can be opened to empty the cyclone chamber and/or the dirt collection chamber. Optionally, cyclone bin assembly 6978 can be removable from suction motor housing 6976 and preferably door 6980 can be opened both when cyclone bin assembly 6978 is detached from suction motor housing 6976 and when it is mounted to suction motor housing 6976. Hand vacuum 6970 may also include any suitable pre and/or post motor filters and optionally may include one or more onboard power sources. Hand vacuum 6970 also includes a hand grip 6912 to maneuver the hand vacuum.

[00325] Hand vacuum 6970 may be mounted to upper portion 6104 using any suitable latch or mounting members. Optionally, hand vacuum 6970 may be locked to upper portion 6104 when not in use, which may help prevent accidental or unintentional detachment of hand vacuum 6970. Alternatively, hand vacuum 6970 need not be locked in place, and instead may remain in place due to the force of gravity or other non-locking type engagement members. Not locking hand vacuum 6970 in place may allow hand vacuum 6970 to be removed without having to first unlock a locking mechanism.

[00326] As exemplified in Figures 73 and 74, surface cleaning apparatus 6100 includes a hand vacuum mount provided in the form of an upward facing hook 6914 on the front surface of drive handle 6442. Hook 6914 can be inserted into a corresponding slot (not shown) provided on hand vacuum cleaner 6970, such that hand vacuum cleaner 6970 can hang on the front surface of handle 6442. While a lock or friction fit may be used, in the illustrated embodiment no lock is present, and hand vacuum cleaner 6970 remains on hook 6914 under the force of gravity. [00327] The slot may be provided on any portion of hand vacuum cleaner 6970, and in the illustrated embodiment is provided on the bottom or outer surface of openable wall 6980 on cyclone bin assembly 6978.

[00328] While illustrated as being mounted to handle 6442, in other embodiments hand vacuum cleaner 6970 may be mounted to surface cleaning head 6102, integrated within surface cleaning head 6102, or adjacent hand grip 6444 on upper portion 6104. Optionally, hand vacuum cleaner 6970 may be mounted toward the upper end of handle 6442 and hand grip 6444 may be omitted such that hand grip 6912 on hand vacuum 6970 is used to manipulate surface cleaning head 6102 when hand vacuum 6970 is attached.

[00329] Surface cleaning apparatus 6100 is useable in a floor cleaning mode in which drive handle 6442 is drivingly connected to surface cleaning head 6102 and air enters surface cleaning apparatus 6100 via dirty air inlet 61 10 of surface cleaning head 6102, and in at least one above floor cleaning mode wherein hand held vacuum cleaner 6970 is removed from drive handle 6442.

[00330] Optionally, the hand vacuum mount, e.g. hook 6914, may include electrical connectors so that hand vacuum cleaner 6970 can be electrically connected to surface cleaning head 6102 (or other portions of apparatus 6100) when attached. If hand vacuum cleaner 6970 includes an onboard power source (e.g. a battery), providing an electrical connection with the power source used to power the suction motor in surface cleaning head 6102 when hand held vacuum cleaner 6970 is mounted to drive handle 6442 may facilitate charging of the onboard power source. This may help facilitate charging of hand vacuum cleaner 6970 while it is not in use so that it is ready for use when detached from handle 6442.

[00331 ] Providing a hand vacuum cleaner 6970 with a separate cyclone bin assembly 6978 may also help increase the dirt storage capacity of surface cleaning apparatus 6100, in addition to the storage capacity of cyclone bin assembly 6160. This may allow surface cleaning apparatus 6100 to be operated for longer periods of time between emptying the dirt collection chambers.

[00332] What has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An all in the head surface cleaning apparatus comprising a surface cleaning head, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a surface cleaning head comprising: (i) a front end, a rear end, first and second laterally opposed sidewalls;

(ii) a cyclone assembly comprising a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber, the cyclone chamber having a longitudinal cyclone axis, a cyclone assembly air inlet port and a cyclone assembly air outlet port, wherein the cyclone assembly is moveable from a cleaning position to a cyclone assembly removal position; and,

(iii) a suction motor having a suction motor air inlet and a suction motor axis; and

(b) an upper portion moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a storage position and a floor cleaning position, the upper portion comprising a drive handle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cyclone assembly is rotatably moveable from the cleaning position to the removal position.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the cyclone assembly is pivotally moveable from the cleaning position to the removal position.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the cyclone assembly has a lateral outward end and a lateral inward end and the lateral inward end moves upwardly as the cyclone assembly is moved to the removal position.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the lateral inward end of the cyclone assembly comprises a carry handle.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the carry handle extends laterally away from the lateral inward end of the cyclone assembly.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cyclone assembly is moveable vertically from the cleaning position to the removal position.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cyclone assembly comprises at least one carry handle.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the at least one carry handle is recessed into the surface cleaning head when the cyclone assembly is in the in use position.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the cyclone assembly is moveable vertically from the cleaning position to the removal position.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the at least one carry handle is located at a lateral inward end of the cyclone assembly.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 - 1 1 wherein the surface cleaning head further comprises a moveably mounted platform and the cyclone assembly is removably mounted to the platform.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the cyclone assembly is vertically removable from the platform when the cyclone assembly is in the cyclone assembly removal position.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 - 13 further comprising a cyclone assembly lock actuatable by a foot operable lock release actuator, the cyclone assembly lock being moveable between a locked position in which the cyclone assembly is secured in the surface cleaning head and an unlocked position in which the cyclone assembly is moveable.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cyclone assembly further comprises a carry handle and the carry handle comprises an open frame and the open frame seats around a clean air outlet when the cyclone assembly is in the cleaning position.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 - 15 further comprising a cyclone assembly lock moveable between a locked position in which the cyclone assembly is secured in the surface cleaning head and an unlocked position in which the cyclone assembly is moveable, the lock comprising a moveable locking arm and a locking portion provided on the cyclone assembly.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 - 16 further comprising a biasing member biasing the cyclone assembly away from the cleaning position.

18. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

(a) a surface cleaning head comprising:

(i) a front end, a rear end, first and second laterally opposed sidewalls, and a lower surface having a primary dirty air inlet;

(ii) a brush drive member drivingly connected to a moveable brushing member; and,

(iii) a cyclone assembly comprising a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber, the cyclone chamber having a longitudinal cyclone axis;

(b) a suction motor;

(c) a drive handle drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head; and,

(d) an above floor cleaning wand, a flexible hose and an auxiliary dirty air inlet, wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is useable in a floor cleaning mode in which the drive handle is drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head and air enters the surface cleaning apparatus via the primary dirty air inlet of the surface cleaning head and an above floor cleaning mode wherein the above floor cleaning wand is connected in air flow communication with the suction motor and air enters the surface cleaning apparatus via the auxiliary dirty air inlet.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the above floor cleaning wand has an upper end and a lower end and in the stored position, the lower end is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head whereby the drive handle is moveable between a storage position and an inclined floor cleaning position.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the upper end of the drive handle has a hand grip.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the upper end of the drive handle has the auxiliary dirty air inlet.

22. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the above floor cleaning wand is slidably receivable in the flexible hose and, in the above floor cleaning mode, the lower end of the above floor cleaning wand is disengaged from the surface cleaning head and at least a portion of the above floor cleaning wand is slid outwardly of the flexible hose.

23. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the drive handle has a recess for removably receiving the above floor cleaning wand and the flexible hose.

24. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the above floor cleaning wand is slidably receivable in the flexible hose.

25. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the suction motor is provided in the surface cleaning head.

26. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the brush drive member comprises a brush motor.

27. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the suction motor is located downstream of the cyclone chamber and the apparatus further comprises at least one valve operable to alternately connect the dirty air inlet of the surface cleaning head and the auxiliary dirty air inlet in air flow communication with the suction motor.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the drive handle has a recess for removably receiving the above floor cleaning wand, the above floor cleaning wand has an upper end and a lower end and, in response to at least one of the upper end and the lower end of the above floor cleaning wand being disengaged from the recess, the at least one valve is operable to automatically connect the auxiliary dirty air inlet in air flow communication with the suction motor.

29. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the cyclone chamber has a first air inlet connectable in air flow communication with the dirty air inlet of the surface cleaning head and a second air inlet connectable in air flow communication with the auxiliary dirty air inlet.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the suction motor is located downstream of the cyclone chamber and the apparatus further comprises at least one valve operable to alternately connect the primary dirty air inlet and the auxiliary dirty air inlet in air flow communication with the cyclone chamber.

31. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the at least one valve comprises a drive handle valve provided on the drive handle and a surface cleaning head valve provided between the primary dirty air inlet and a cyclone inlet.

32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the drive handle valve is positioned proximate the auxiliary dirty air inlet.

33. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the cyclone chamber is positionable in a first position in which the cyclone chamber is in flow communication with the dirty air inlet of the surface cleaning head and a second position in which the cyclone chamber is in flow communication with the auxiliary dirty air inlet.

34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the cyclone chamber is rotatable between the first and second positions.

35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the cyclone assembly is rotatable between the first and second positions.

36. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the cyclone assembly comprises a cyclone inlet manifold and the cyclone inlet manifold is rotatable between the first and second positions.

37. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the cyclone chamber is translatable between the first and second positions.

38. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the cyclone assembly is translatable between the first and second positions.

39. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the cyclone assembly further comprises a manifold having a first manifold inlet connectable in flow communication with the primary dirty air inlet and a second manifold inlet connectable in flow communication with the auxiliary dirt inlet.

40. The apparatus of claim 39 further comprising a single valve positioned

manifold.

41. An all in the head surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

(a) a surface cleaning head comprising:

(i) a front end, a rear end, a lower end having a dirty air inlet and first and second laterally opposed sidewalls; (ii) a brush motor drivingly connected to a moveable brushing member, the brush motor having a brush motor axis;

(iii) a cyclone assembly comprising a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber exterior to the cyclone chamber and positioned forward or rearward of the cyclone chamber, the cyclone having a longitudinal cyclone axis; and,

(iv) a suction motor having a first end, a second end and a suction motor axis extending between the first and second ends; and

(b) an upper portion moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a storage position and a floor cleaning position, the upper portion comprising a drive handle.

42. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 , 18, or 41 wherein the drive handle is at least one of pivotally and rotatably coupled to the mounting hub.

43. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 , 18, or 41 wherein the surface cleaning head further comprises a battery operatively coupled to the suction motor.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising an electrical cord connected to the surface cleaning apparatus, wherein the battery is a rechargeable battery, and wherein the surface cleaning head further comprises a converter module operatively coupled to the electrical cord and configured to recharge the battery using power from an external AC power source.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the electrical cord is detachably connected to the surface cleaning apparatus.