CN106998972B

CN106998972B - Surface cleaning apparatus with laterally pivoting handle

Info

Publication number: CN106998972B
Application number: CN201580049216.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 詹森·博伊德·索恩; 托马斯·戴维·雷德·福特
Original assignee: Shangconing Home Operations Co ltd
Current assignee: Shangconing Home Operations Co ltd
Priority date: 2014-07-25
Filing date: 2015-07-17
Publication date: 2020-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 2035-07-17
Also published as: GB201701217D0; GB2542999B; GB2542999A; WO2016022270A1; CN106998972A

Abstract

An upright surface cleaning apparatus, such as an upright vacuum cleaner, is provided in which the upright section is laterally movable about a pivot axis, which is angled forwardly and downwardly. In other embodiments, a surface cleaning head is provided that is movable sideways and biased to a centered position. In other embodiments, the surface cleaning head is laterally movable and is provided with a detent mechanism to resist lateral movement when in the storage position. In other embodiments, a surface cleaning apparatus is also provided that instead uses a cleaning head adapted to receive a fabric surface cleaning head or a conventional surface cleaning head.

Description

Surface cleaning apparatus with laterally pivoting handle

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application 13/713,728, filed 12/13/2012, which is still pending and claims rights and priority from U.S. provisional application No. 61/570,573, filed 12/14/2011, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present application relates to a surface cleaning apparatus, such as a vacuum cleaner having a handle or upright section that pivots sideways and rearwardly. In some embodiments, the upright sections are laterally movable about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is angled forwardly and downwardly. In other embodiments, a surface cleaning head is provided that is movable sideways and biased to a centered position. In other embodiments, the surface cleaning head is laterally movable and is provided with a detent mechanism to resist lateral movement when in the storage position. In other embodiments, a surface cleaning apparatus is also provided that instead uses a cleaning head adapted to receive a fabric surface cleaning head or a conventional surface cleaning head.

Background

Upright cleaners are known. An upright cleaner has a surface cleaning head and an upright section movably mounted to the surface cleaning head. The upright section is movable between an upright or storage position and a rearward or use position.

To assist in guiding the cleaning head, it is known to allow the upright section to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the upright section.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus, which may be an upright vacuum cleaner or extractor, wherein the upright section is movable laterally or sideways and the upright section is angled downwards (e.g. the upright section is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis which extends in the direction of travel and is angled downwards). An advantage of this design is that the handle of the upright section can be used to guide the surface cleaning head (even when the upright section is tilted to a substantially horizontal position).

According to this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

(a) a main cleaning head having a front, a rear, two opposed sides extending between the front and rear, a bottom and a dirty air inlet;

(b) an airflow path extending from the dirty air inlet to the clean air outlet;

(c) a suction motor and an air handling member disposed in the airflow path;

(d) an upright section movably mounted relative to the cleaning head between a storage position and a rearward use position, and,

(e) the upright section is also pivotally mounted for lateral movement relative to the cleaning head about a pivot axis between a neutral position and a lateral position, wherein the pivot axis extends in the forward direction of movement of the cleaning head and is angled downwardly towards the front of the cleaning head.

In certain embodiments, the pivot axis may be angled downward from a horizontal plane at about 10 ° to about 35 °, preferably at from about 15 ° to about 25 °.

In certain embodiments, the upright section may be movably mounted relative to the cleaning head about a first axis of rotation, and the pivot axis is above the first axis of rotation.

In some embodiments, the first axis of rotation may be substantially parallel to the front portion and disposed substantially horizontally when the cleaning head is positioned on a floor.

In certain embodiments, the first axis of rotation may comprise a second pivot axis.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a flexible hose defining at least a portion of an airflow path conveying dirty air through the second axis of rotation.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a biasing member biasing the riser section towards the centered position.

In certain embodiments, the biasing member may comprise at least one spring. The at least one spring may comprise a torsion spring and/or a compression spring. The at least one spring may be a single spring, two springs, or more than two springs.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a pivot limiter defining a maximum lateral pivot angle to which the riser section is laterally pivoted from the central position.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a flexible hose usable in an above-floor cleaning mode and an alternative surface cleaning head comprising a base member having a lower surface, a dirty air inlet, and at least one attachment member removably receiving a cleaning sheet, wherein the alternative surface cleaning head is selectively connectable in airflow communication with the flexible hose.

In certain embodiments, the upright section may be removably mounted to the main cleaning head and the upright section may be connected to an alternative surface cleaning head when removed from the main cleaning head.

In certain embodiments, the base member may comprise a front portion having a dirty air inlet and a rear portion having at least one attachment member.

In some embodiments, the front portion may have a forward facing end and a rearward facing end, the rear portion may have a forward facing end and a rearward facing end, and the front portion and the rear portion may be connected by a housing having an airflow conduit comprising a portion of the airflow passage, a component of the rearward facing end of the front portion being spaced from the forward facing end of the rear portion by the airflow conduit.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus which may be an upright vacuum cleaner or extractor, wherein the upright section is movable, e.g. pivotally movable in a sideways or lateral direction, and the upright section may be urged or biased to a centred or neutral position. An advantage of this design is that the handle attached to the upright section can be used to guide the surface cleaning head by pivoting the upright section to the left or right. The biasing member may move the riser section or assist the riser section to move to the centered position when the user removes the force pushing the riser section sideways.

According to this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner, the surface cleaning head comprising:

(a) a base member having a lower surface, a dirty air inlet and at least one attachment member removably receiving a cleaning sheet;

(b) a support member including an upper support member and a lower support member, the lower support member being pivotally mounted to the base member between an upright storage position and an inclined floor cleaning position, the support member having a dirty air outlet, the upper support member being pivotally mounted for lateral movement relative to the lower support member between a neutral position and a lateral position;

(c) an airflow passage extending from the dirty air inlet to the dirty air outlet; and the number of the first and second groups,

(d) a biasing member biasing the support member to a centered position.

In some embodiments, the base member may be provided with a first detent member and the support member is provided with a second detent member, the first and second detent members engaging and preventing sideways movement of the support member when the support member is in the upright storage position.

In certain embodiments, the first pawl member may include a recess and the second pawl member may include a flange that is removably receivable in the recess.

In some embodiments, the lower support member may have a first engagement member, the upper support member may have a second engagement member, the torsion spring may have a first arm and a second arm, the first and second engagement members may be interposed between the first and second arms, the second support member may be arranged to drive one of the arms in a sideways direction when the upper support member is pivoted relative to the lower support member, and the first support member may be arranged to prevent the other of the arms from moving in the sideways direction when the upper support member is pivoted relative to the lower support member.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus which may be an upright vacuum cleaner or extractor, wherein the upright section is movable, e.g. pivotally movable in a sideways or lateral direction, and a restraint is provided to inhibit or prevent sideways movement of the upright section past a particular position. An advantage of this design is that the restriction prevents excessive lateral movement of the surface cleaning head which could cause some or all of the dirt inlet to be lifted off the floor and thereby reduce the cleaning efficiency of the surface cleaning apparatus.

(a) a base member having a lower surface, a dirty air inlet, at least one attachment member removably receiving a cleaning sheet, and a first pawl member;

(b) a support member pivotally mounted to the base member between an upright storage position and an inclined floor cleaning position, the support member having a dirty air outlet and a second pawl member, the support member being pivotally mounted for lateral movement relative to the cleaning head between a central position and a lateral position, wherein the first and second pawl members engage and prevent lateral movement of the support member when the support member is in the upright storage position; and the number of the first and second groups,

(c) an airflow passage extending from the dirty air inlet to the dirty air outlet.

In some embodiments, the first pawl member may include a recess and the second pawl member includes a flange that is removably receivable in the recess.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus which may be an upright vacuum cleaner or extractor, wherein an alternative cleaning head is provided. The surface cleaning apparatus may removably receive a primary cleaning head which may be adapted to clean a carpet and/or a bare floor. The primary cleaning head may be removed and replaced with a replacement cleaning head that removably receives the cleaning sheet. Accordingly, rather than providing a single cleaning head suitable for all uses, alternative cleaning heads designed for a particular use may be provided.

(a) a main cleaning head having a dirty air inlet;

(b) an alternative surface cleaning head comprising a base member having a lower surface, a dirty air inlet and at least one attachment member removably receiving a cleaning sheet;

(c) an upright section movably selectively connectable to each of the main cleaning head and the alternate surface cleaning head, the upright section being movable between a storage position and a rearward use position when mounted to each of the main cleaning head and the alternate surface cleaning head;

(d) a flexible hose usable in an above-floor cleaning mode, the alternative surface cleaning head being selectively connectable in airflow communication with the flexible hose; and the number of the first and second groups,

(e) a suction motor and an air treatment member disposed in an airflow path extending through the surface cleaning apparatus.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a surface cleaning head for a surface cleaning apparatus, which may be an upright vacuum cleaner or extractor, wherein the cleaning head is moveable or pivoted sideways and uses a torsion spring to provide a force urging or driving the upright section to a centred position. An advantage of this design is that the weight felt by the user's hand moving the upright section to the centered position can be reduced or eliminated, thereby improving the guidance capabilities of the surface cleaning head.

(d) a torsion spring biasing the support member to a centered position, wherein the lower support member includes a first engagement member, the upper support member has a second engagement member, the torsion spring has a first arm and a second arm, the first and second engagement members are interposed between the first and second arms, the second support member is arranged to drive one of the arms in a sideways direction when the upper support member is pivoted relative to the lower support member, and the first support member is arranged to prevent the other of the arms from moving in a sideways direction when the upper support member is pivoted relative to the lower support member.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the surface cleaning apparatus may embody any one or more of the aspects or features contained herein, and that the features may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination.

Drawings

The drawings included herein are examples of articles, methods, and apparatus useful for illustrating the teachings of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner in a storage position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 in a centered position and a rearward use position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 in a pivoted-to-the-side position and a rearward use position;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 in a centered position, wherein the biasing member is a compression spring;

FIG. 4a is a schematic view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 4 in a centered position, wherein the biasing member is a torsion spring;

FIG. 5a is a schematic view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 4a in a laterally pivoted position;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 in a centered position showing the flexible hose;

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded view of region A of FIG. 1;

8A-8D are each a cross-section of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 in a centered position and select components in different positions taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

figure 9 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the vacuum cleaner in a storage position;

figure 10 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the vacuum cleaner in a use position with the upright section extending horizontally;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an alternative floor cleaning tool including a suction inlet and a hard floor cleaning fabric (cloth);

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the alternative floor cleaning tool of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the alternative floor cleaning tool with the hard floor cleaning fabric removed therefrom;

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the alternative floor cleaning tool of FIG. 11 with the hard floor cleaning fabric removed;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cleaning surface of a hard floor cleaning fabric;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the alternative floor cleaning tool of FIG. 11 with the support member pivoted to the side;

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the alternative floor cleaning tool of FIG. 11 with the support member pivoted to the side;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the top of a further alternative surface cleaning head having a detent mechanism that resists sideways movement, with the alternative surface cleaning head in an upright storage position and the detent mechanism engaged; and the number of the first and second groups,

fig. 19 is a front perspective view of the alternative surface cleaning head of fig. 18 in a use position with the pawl mechanism exploded.

Detailed Description

In this application, a number of embodiments have been illustrated and described for illustrative purposes only. The illustrated embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any way. The embodiments described below do not limit any claimed apparatus or method, and any claimed apparatus or method may encompass methods or apparatus different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any of the embodiments may be practiced with modification and alteration without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. While a particular feature of the invention may have been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments or figures, it should be understood that such feature is not limited to use in describing one or more particular embodiments or figures to which it refers. Any embodiments described hereinafter that are not claimed in this document may be the subject of another protected apparatus, for example, a continuing patent application, and it is not the intention of the applicant, inventor, or owner to disclaim, or contribute to the public of any such invention by disclosing such invention in this document.

The terms "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "embodiments," "this embodiment," "these embodiments," "one or more embodiments," "certain embodiments," and "this embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention" unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms "comprise," "include," and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to," unless expressly specified otherwise. The list of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly stated otherwise. The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

Figures 1-3 illustrate an upright surface cleaning apparatus. In this example, the upright surface cleaning apparatus is an upright vacuum cleaner 100 which comprises an upright section 110 mounted to be movable relative to a main cleaning head 120 between a storage position and a rearward use position.

The upright section 110 may be connected to the cleaning head 120 by a coupling portion 130. In alternative embodiments, the upright surface cleaning apparatus may be a shower carpet (shower carpet) cleaner, a steam cleaner or other apparatus which typically includes an upright section movably connected to a cleaning head by a coupling portion.

The term coupling portion is used generally to describe the elements of the vacuum cleaner 100 that are associated with the area where the upright section 110 is joined to the cleaner head 120 and is not limited to any particular embodiment or assembly of components. The coupling portion 130 may include a plurality of structural components or portions of one or both of the upright section 110 and the cleaning head 120, as well as additional elements described in more detail below.

As illustrated, the main cleaning head 120 includes a dirty air inlet 140 to draw air and entrained dirt from the surface being cleaned. The cleaning head 120 has a front 160, a rear 170, two

opposed sides

180, 190 extending between the front 16 and rear 170, and a bottom 195. In the illustrated example, the cleaning head 120 has a generally cuboid shape with parallel opposing

side portions

180, 190 and parallel opposing front and

rear end portions

160, 170. It will be appreciated that the cleaning head may take any suitable regular or irregular form, such as a wedge shape or an extruded (extruded) triangular shape, which may allow the cleaning head 120 to clean places that are difficult to reach. The dirty air inlet 140 may be provided in the bottom 195 adjacent the front 160.

In the example shown, the vacuum cleaner 100 includes a pair of rear wheels 150 to rollably engage a surface being cleaned (e.g., the floor 102). In some examples, the vacuum cleaner 100 may include additional support wheels (e.g., a pair of front wheels). In other examples, the vacuum cleaner 100 may include sliding pads instead of or in addition to the wheels. In certain embodiments, the wheel may be removably attached, which may allow for cleaning of the wound fibers and hair from the shaft of the wheel.

The airflow path extends from the dirty air inlet 140 to the clean air outlet 145. The clean air outlet may be located in the upright section 110, in the cleaning head 120 or elsewhere on the vacuum cleaner 100 as is known in the art. Preferably, the clean air outlet is provided in the vertical section 110.

Fig. 11-15 illustrate an alternative surface cleaning head 1600 and a cleaning fabric that can be removably attached to alternative surface cleaning head 1600. The alternative cleaning head may be used to clean hard or bare floors (i.e. floors or surfaces not covered with a carpet or rug). An alternative surface cleaning head 1600 may be used in place of the main cleaning head 120. For example, the upright section 1209 may be removably mounted to the main cleaning head 120. Accordingly, the upright section 119 is removable from the main cleaning head 120 and is connected to a replacement cleaning head 1600. In this way, the upright section 110 can be selectively connected to the main cleaning head 120 and the alternate cleaning head 1600. Alternatively or additionally, the vacuum cleaner 100 may have an above-floor cleaning mode (e.g., as illustrated in fig. 9, the vacuum cleaner may be provided with a flexible hose 112 and a wand 114). The hard tube 114 may have a lower end or inlet end that is, for example, fixed to and removable from a support member. When removed, the inlet end may have a cleaning implement disposed thereon. Accordingly, an alternative cleaning head 1600 can be selectively connected to a wand and/or hose (e.g., the inlet end of wand 114) for use in an above-floor cleaning mode.

In the example shown, surface cleaning head 1600 includes a base member 1602 and a support member 1606, which is pivotally mounted to base member 1602. Base component 1602 has a lower surface 1605 and a dirty air inlet 116 in airflow communication with an upper flow conduit 1608. As shown, base component 1602 may include a front portion 1608 and a rear portion 1612. The front portion 1608 may be provided with a dirty air inlet 116. The cleaning member, which may be a separate cleaning sheet 1614, is preferably mountable (preferably removably mountable) behind the dirty air inlet 116, such as on the rear portion 1612. The support member 1606 may be any support member known in the art, such as the lower support member 270.

As illustrated in fig. 13, the front portion 1604 may have a forward facing end 1604a and a rearward facing end 1604 b. Similarly, the rear portion 1612 may have a forward facing end 1612a and a rearward facing end 1612 b. The front and

rear portions

1604, 1612 are connected by a housing 1610 having an airflow conduit that includes a portion of an airflow path from a dirty air inlet of the alternative cleaning head 1600 to a dirty air outlet 1626 of the alternative cleaning head 1600. Accordingly, the components of the rearward facing end of the front portion are spaced from the forward facing end of the rear portion.

The cleaning sheet 1614 can be any cleaning sheet known in the art, such as an electrostatic cleaning sheet, and can be disposable or reusable (e.g., washable). The cleaning sheet itself may be usable or may be used with a liquid that is applied to the floor.

The cleaning sheet 1614 may be secured to the cleaning head 1600 by any means known in the art, such as mechanical engagement members (e.g., hook and loop fasteners), adhesives, and the like. As illustrated, the tab 1614 and cleaning head 1600 can be provided with engagement members such as hook and loop fasteners (e.g., the tab 1614 can be provided with hook fasteners 1620 and the upper surface of the tab mounting portion 1624 of the cleaning head 1600 can be provided with loop fasteners 1622 that can engage the hook fasteners 1624. alternatively or additionally, the tab 1614 can be provided with

tabs

1616 and 1618 that can be secured to one another, for example, by mechanical engagement members (e.g., such as by hook and loop fasteners). The tab 1616 can be provided with hook fasteners and the tab 1618 can be provided with loop fasteners that can engage the hook fasteners of the tab 1616. the

tabs

1616 and 1618 can be wrapped around the tab mounting portion 1624 and secured together to secure the cleaning sheet 1614 to the cleaning head 1600 or to assist in securing the cleaning sheet 1614 to the cleaning head 1600.

The vacuum cleaner 100 of fig. 1-3 includes a suction motor (not shown) and an air handling member (not shown) disposed in an airflow path between the dirty air inlet 140 and the clean air outlet 145. The suction motor and air treatment member may be located in one or both of the upright section 110, the cleaning head 120, or at other locations on the vacuum cleaner 100. For example, the suction motor may be located in the cleaning head 120, which may reduce the weight of the upright section 110, or the suction motor may be located in the upright section 110, which may reduce the volume of the cleaning head 120.

In alternative embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 100 may use an external suction source. In this alternative, the vacuum cleaner 100 may not include one or more of a suction motor and an air handling member. This may advantageously reduce the weight and bulk of the vacuum cleaner 100. For example, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be configured to connect to a central vacuum system that provides a source of suction and air handling. In this example, the upright section 110 may generally include a handle 198 and a shaft 199 connected to the cleaning head 120 by the coupling portion 130.

The air treatment member may be any suitable air treatment member. For example, the air treatment component may be a HEPA filter, a carbon filter, one or more cyclone stages (each of which may include one or more cyclones), a foam filter, a bag filter, or a combination thereof. The air treatment member may comprise a single unit at one location along the airflow path, or the air treatment member may comprise different components at different locations along the airflow path. For example, the air treatment means may comprise a cyclonic separator in the upright section 110 and a filter at the clean air outlet 145.

The upright section 110 may be of any design known in the art and preferably houses the air treatment member and suction motor. As illustrated, the riser section extends linearly and has a longitudinal axis 155 (see fig. 2).

The upright section 110 is movably connected to the cleaning head 120 such that the upright section 110 is movable between an upright storage position (as illustrated in fig. 1) and a rearward use or inclined or floor cleaning position (as illustrated in fig. 2). The upright section 110 may be rotatably mounted to the cleaning head 120 about a first axis of rotation 200 by any means known in the art. Preferably, the upright section 110 is pivotally mounted to the cleaning head 120, in which case the first axis of rotation 200 is a pivot axis, for example defined by one or more pivot axes.

In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 100 can include a lock that prevents the upright section 110 from tilting backwards when the upright section 110 is in the storage position. In the example shown, the cleaning head 120 includes a lock-release control 204 that can be pressed to disengage the lock and allow the upright section 110 to be tilted backwards to the use position. Alternatively or additionally, the locking member may automatically disengage when the riser section 110 is pulled with a sufficient amount of force toward the use position. For example, the coupling portion 130 may include a detent plate that the support member engages when moved to the storage position. A threshold amount of force may be required to unlatch the detent plate to obtain free rearward tilting of the riser section 110.

The upright section 110 is also pivotally mounted to move sideways relative to the cleaning head 120 between a central position (as illustrated in figures 1 and 2) and a sideways position (as illustrated in figure 3). Preferably, the upright section 110 pivots sideways relative to the cleaning head 120 about a second axis of rotation 210, also referred to as the pivot axis. Preferably, the second axis of rotation 210 is generally perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 200. In some embodiments as illustrated in fig. 9, the pivot axis 210 extends in the forward direction of movement of the cleaning head (see arrow a in fig. 9) and angles downward toward the front of the cleaning head. The pivot axis 210 may be angled downward from the horizontal plane at an angle 212, the angle 212 being from about 10 ° to about 35 °, preferably from about 15 ° to about 25 °, more preferably from about 18 ° to about 22 ° and most preferably about 20 °. An advantage of this design is that when the upright section 110 is in a use position, such as tilted to extend approximately horizontally behind the cleaning head 120 (see e.g., fig. 10), the user can still pivot the upright section sideways about the pivot axis 210 to guide the cleaning head 120. As illustrated, the pivot axis 210 is located above the first axis of rotation 200.

As illustrated, the centered position is where the upright section 110 extends linearly upward from the cleaning head 120. For example, if the upright section 110 is mounted to the cleaning head 120 along a centerline of the cleaning head (i.e., a line extending between the front portion 160 and the rear portion 170 at a midpoint between the side portions 180, 190), the upright section 110 preferably extends upwardly such that the upright section 110 is centered above the line. For example, the axis 155 of the riser section 110 preferably lies in a plane defined by the horizontal and vertical axes in a sideways position, the riser section being moved laterally so that the axis 155 no longer lies in the plane defined by the horizontal and vertical axes, e.g., the axis is at an angle other than 90 degrees to the axis 210.

In the example shown, the first axis of rotation 200 is spaced apart from the second axis of rotation 210. Preferably, the second axis of rotation 210 is above the first axis of rotation 200. In an alternative embodiment, the first axis of rotation 200 may generally intersect the second axis of rotation 210. For example, the coupling portion 130 may include a universal joint or a ball joint configured to allow the riser section 110 to pivot about a center point along only two axes. In another alternative embodiment, the first axis of rotation 200 may be above the second axis of rotation 210.

Preferably, the riser sections 110 are rearwardly tiltable and independently pivotable sideways. As illustrated in fig. 2 and 3, the upright section 110 can be pivoted sideways without changing the rearward inclination angle 220, without twisting the upright section 110 and without rotating or otherwise moving the cleaning head 120.

Alternatively, the rearward tilting and sideways pivoting of the upright section 110 may be interrelated. For example, when the riser section 110 is in the storage position (as illustrated in fig. 1), the riser section 110 may be prevented from pivoting sideways, and when the riser section 110 is in the use position, it is not prevented from pivoting sideways. In the illustrated example, the lock-release control 204 may be configured to unlock rearward tilting and sideways pivoting of the riser section 110. Alternatively or additionally, rearward tilting of the riser section 110 may be prevented when the riser section 110 is in the side position and not prevented when the riser section 110 is in the center position.

The axis of rotation 200 may be movable relative to the cleaning head 120. In the example shown, the first axis of rotation 200 is fixed relative to the cleaning head 120 and is preferably generally parallel to the front portion 160. Conversely, as the upright section 110 reclines, the illustrated second axis of rotation 210 moves rearward relative to the cleaning head 120 and the rearward angle of inclination 220 (which is the angle between the horizontal and the axis 155) changes.

The axis of rotation 210 may be movable relative to the cleaning head 120. For example, in fig. 1, the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the storage position and the second axis of rotation 210 is generally horizontal or parallel to the forward direction of movement 230. In contrast, in fig. 3, the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the use position and the second axis of rotation 210 is tilted upwards.

Fig. 4 shows an example of the coupling portion 130. In the example shown, the coupling portion 130 includes a first pivot 240, a second pivot 250, an upper support member 260, and a lower support member 270. Portions of the coupling portion 130 may or may not form part of the upright section 110, the cleaning head 120. For example, the lower support member 270 may form part of the cleaning head 120 and the upper support member 260 may form part of the upright section 110. Preferably, the upper support member 260 is connected to at least the upright section 110 for movement therewith, and the lower support member 270 is connected to at least the cleaning head 120 for movement therewith.

In the example shown, the first pivot 240 of the coupling portion 130 allows the riser section 110 to rotate about the second axis of rotation 210 (to pivot the riser section 110 sideways), and the second pivot 250 allows the riser section 110 to rotate about the first axis of rotation 200 (to tilt the riser section 110 backwards).

The lower support member 270 may be pivotally connected with the cleaning head 120 by any suitable means. In the example shown, the lower support member 270 includes a second pivot 250 that includes a recess 280 (e.g., having a circular cross-section) configured to receive a mating protrusion (not shown) from the cleaning head 120. In an alternative example, the lower support member 270 may instead include a protrusion that mates with a recess in the cleaning head 120. In some embodiments, the second pivot 250 may include an axle (not shown) that extends through the recess 280 and the rear wheel 150. The shaft may facilitate rotation of the vertical section 110 and the wheel 150.

In the example shown, the upper support member 260 is pivotally connected to the lower support member 270 at a first pivot 240. It should be appreciated that the first pivot 240 may be configured in any suitable manner. For example, the first pivot 240 may include one or more protrusions from the upper support member 260 that mate with corresponding recesses in the lower support member 270. Alternatively, the first pivot 240 may comprise a protrusion from the lower support member 270 that mates with a corresponding recess in the upper support member 260 or a rod that connects the

support members

260, 270 together.

The vacuum cleaner 100 may include a biasing member for biasing the sideways inclination of the upright section 110 towards the central position. As illustrated in fig. 4, the vertical section 110 of the coupling portion 130 includes a sleeve 290 having a compression spring 300. When the riser section 110 is pivoted sideways in one direction, the sleeve 290 rotates about the upper end 310 of the support member 270. This rotation drives sleeve 290 into support member 260, thereby compressing spring 300. The compression spring 300 generates an axial force that urges the sleeve 290 against the upper edge 310 of the support member 270. This urges the riser section towards the centered position. It should be appreciated that by adjusting the strength of the spring 300, more or less axial force may be generated. This axial force also counteracts some or all of the hand weight resolved in the lateral direction.

Alternatively or additionally, the biasing member may comprise a torsion spring at the first pivot 240. The torsion spring will provide a torsional reaction force that resists lateral pivoting of the upper support member 260 (along with the riser section 110). In effect, the torsion spring will bias the riser section 110 to a centered position where the torque generated by the torsion spring is zero.

For example, as schematically shown in fig. 4a and 5a, a torsion spring 300a is provided. The torsion spring is provided with a pair of

arms

302, 304. The upper support member 260 is provided with one or more members, such as one or more ribs 306, that engage the

arms

302, 304 and are disposed between the

arms

302, 304. Similarly, the lower support member 270 is provided with one or more members that engage the

arms

302, 304 and are disposed between the

arms

302, 304, such as one or more ribs 308. As illustrated in fig. 4a, one of the

ribs

306 and 308 may be placed over the other in an aligned manner. Further, the torsion springs may be designed to exert an inward force on each of the

arms

302, 304 when the

arms

302, 304 extend generally upward as illustrated in fig. 4 a. In such embodiments, the

arms

302, 304 may be urged against the

ribs

306, 308 when the riser section 110 is in the centered position such that the riser section 110 is maintained in the centered position when no external force is applied to the riser section 110. It should be appreciated that when the riser section 110 is in the centered position, if the

arms

302, 304 are spaced slightly from the

ribs

306, 308, the

arms

302, 304 may still provide a force to drive or push the riser section 110 to the centered position. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the

arms

302, 304 need not engage the

ribs

306, 308 when the riser section 110 is in the centered position.

As illustrated in fig. 5a, when the riser section 110 is pivoted or moved sideways, the ribs 304 on the upper section 260 engage the arms 302 and drive the arms downward. At the same time, the ribs 308 on the lower section 270 remain in place. Thus, the rib 308 prevents the arm 304 from moving with the arm 302. Accordingly, the torsional force in spring 300a increases as riser section 110 pivots sideways. When the lateral force is removed, the torsional force in spring 300a may be sufficient to move riser section 110 to the centered position illustrated in fig. 4 a. It should be appreciated that the torsional force in spring 300a may not be sufficient to move vertical section 110 to the centered position. In this case, the torsion in spring 300a will assist the user in moving the riser to the centered position.

It should be appreciated that the biasing member, such as compression spring 300 or torsion spring 300a, may be a single spring, two springs, or any number of springs.

If the air handling component is in the upright section 110, dirty air must be delivered up to the air handling component. The airflow path may be internal or external to the coupling portion 130. For example, a conduit, such as a flexible hose, may extend from the cleaning head 120 to a treatment member external to the

support members

260, 270. Alternatively, the airflow path may extend through one or both of the

support members

260, 270. In one embodiment, the

support members

260, 270 may define a portion of the airflow path. Accordingly, the pivot 240 should provide an airtight seal. In another embodiment, the partition member may extend through the

support members

260, 270 and define a portion of the airflow path. For example, as illustrated in fig. 6, the flexible hose 320 defines at least a portion of an airflow path that conveys dirty air from the dirty air inlet, through the second rotational axis 210, towards the air handling member.

Accordingly, one or both of the upper and

lower support members

260, 270 may be substantially hollow. The support member may be of any hollow design provided that it has sufficient load strength to support the riser section 110. Preferably, the support member comprises a tubular conduit through which the flexible hose 320 may pass. In the illustrated example, the upper and

lower support members

260 and 270 are both hollow, and the flexible hose 320 passes through the interior of the two

support members

260, 270 via the second axis of rotation 210.

In an alternative embodiment, the flexible hose 320 may extend around the exterior of one or more of the upper and

lower support members

260, 270. In another alternative, the upper and

lower support members

260, 270 may be hollow but only partially enclosed. That is, at least a portion of the interior of the support member may be exposed to the exterior through the opening in the sidewall of the support member. In this alternative, the flexible hose 320 may pass through the inside of the

support members

260, 270 with a portion of the flexible hose 320 exposed to the outside.

Alternatively, the portion of the airflow path extending through the second axis of rotation 210 may not include a flexible hose. For example, the upper and

lower support members

260, 270 themselves may form a substantially airtight conduit for conveying dirty air from the dirty air inlet towards the air treatment member.

In a further alternative, the portion of the airflow path from the dirty air inlet towards the air treatment member may not be via the second axis of rotation 210. For example, where the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to a central vacuum system, a hose may extend from the cleaning head 120 along the floor towards a connection to the central vacuum system.

The vacuum cleaner 100 may include a pivot limiter 330 that defines a maximum lateral pivot angle to which the upright section pivots laterally from a centered position. Accordingly, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is in use, a user may pivot the upright section 110 sideways. However, the angle to which the upright section can be moved is preferably limited. Alternatively, the pivot restrictor may be configured to provide a plurality of different maximum side pivot angles.

It should be appreciated that the pivot limiter 330 may take any suitable form. In general, any portion configured to abut against the maximum pivot angle, preventing further lateral pivoting, may function as a pivot limiter. For example, as the upright section 110 pivots sideways, the side walls 350 of the upper support member 260 approach the side walls 360 (the pivot limiters in this example) of the lower support member 270 until the side walls of the upper and lower support members abut against the maximum pivot angle 340, preventing further sideways pivoting in this direction. Accordingly, any traction (tow) interaction member may be utilized.

In certain embodiments, the pivot limiter 330 may be adjustable and include a selection member 370 for setting a maximum pivot angle. For example, pivot limiter 330 may include a plurality of first interaction members, and one of

support members

260, 270 may include a second interaction member, with one of the first interaction members abutting the second interaction member when upright section 110 is disposed at a variable set of maximum lateral pivot angles. In such embodiments, a selection member 370 may be provided that is adjustable to select one of a plurality of maximum side pivot angles. The selection member 370 may be part of a pivot limiter. For example, the pivot restrictor itself may be movable, e.g., rotatable, to enable a user to selectively align different first interaction members with second interaction members. Alternatively, the selection means may comprise a second interaction member and the selection means may be movable to selectively align the second interaction member with a different first interaction member.

Fig. 7 and 8A-8D illustrate partial exploded and cross-sectional views of a portion of an exemplary coupling portion 130 including a selection member 370 and a pivot limiter 330 for selecting a maximum pivot angle 340. Pivot limiter 330 includes a plurality of distinct recesses, slots, or first interaction members 390. The selection means 370 comprises a stop, an inward projection or a second interaction member 380.

Referring to fig. 4 and 6, when the riser section 110 is in the centered position, the sliding sleeve 290 rests on top of the support member 270 and the stop 380 is spaced from the aligned recess 390. When the riser section 110 is pivoted sideways, because the sleeve 290 bulges (cam) on top of the support member 270, the sleeve 290 rises inside the upper support member 260 to a position where the sleeve 190 abuts the stop 380 at the maximum pivot angle 340, thereby preventing further sideways pivoting in that direction.

In this configuration, when the riser section 110 is pivoted sideways, the sliding sleeve 290 is free to slide upwards until the coacting member 380 abuts the coacting member 390 in alignment therewith. It will be appreciated that when the stop 380 engages the recess 390, the sideways movement of the riser section 110 will terminate, thereby defining a maximum side pivot angle.

One or both of the selection member 370 and the pivot limiter 330 (preferably the selection member) are movable to selectively align the interaction member 380 with one of the plurality of interaction members 390. It should be understood that one of the selection member 370 and the pivot limiter 330 may be disposed on one of the

support members

260 and 270 and the other of the selection member 370 and the pivot limiter 330 may be disposed on the

other support member

260, 270. As illustrated, it is preferable that the selection part 370 is rotatably mounted to the upper support member 260 and the pivot restricting member is provided on the lower support member 270.

It should be appreciated that the selection member 370 and the

interaction members

380, 390 may be disposed at any suitable location in the vacuum cleaner 100. In the example shown, the interaction member 390 is disposed in the sliding sleeve 290 below the selection component 370. However, in alternative examples, the selection component 370 may be integral with the sliding sleeve 290, and the upper support member 260 above the sliding sleeve 290 may instead include the interaction member 390.

In certain circumstances, it is preferred that a portion of the selection member 370 should be directly or indirectly accessible from the exterior of the vacuum cleaner 100 so that the user can move the selection member to select the maximum pivot angle 340.

Fig. 8A to 8D illustrate the use of the selection member 330 to set different maximum side pivot angles. In fig. 8A, the maximum of the selectable maximum pivot angles 340 is selected. That is, the interaction member 380 is aligned with the farthest interaction member 390 such that the sliding sleeve 290 has the greatest range of movement before the interaction member 380 abuts the interaction member 390.

Fig. 8D shows the selection member 370 configured as a pivoting lock. The selection means 370 is arranged such that the interaction member 380 abuts against the interaction member 390 when the riser section 110 is in the centred position. Accordingly, the riser section 110 is prevented from pivoting sideways because any sideways pivoting would require the sliding sleeve 290 to be raised and the sliding sleeve 290 to be blocked from moving by the abutment of the

coacting members

380, 390.

It should be appreciated that the pivot limiter 330 and the selection member 370 may take any suitable form. For example, the selection member 370 may be configured with a plurality of recesses that can be moved to align with a single protrusion disposed on the sliding sleeve 290. Alternatively, the selection member 370 may be configured with a plurality of protrusions that can be moved to align with a single recess in the sliding sleeve 290. In another alternative, the selection member 370 may be configured with a plurality of tabs that can be moved to align with tabs on the sliding sleeve 290. In yet another alternative, the selection member 370 may be configured with a single tab configured to align over a wide continuously sloped recess (instead of a stepped configuration of the interaction member 390 as shown), which may provide an almost infinite selection of maximum pivot angles 340 over a range.

It should be understood that alternative cleaning heads 1600 may also be pivoted sideways, as illustrated in fig. 16 and 17. The alternate cleaning head may utilize any of the features described with respect to the main cleaning head 120. Alternatively or additionally, an alternative cleaning head 1600 may be provided with first and second pawl members that engage and prevent the support member from moving sideways. It should be understood that this feature may be used with the main cleaning head 120.

As illustrated in fig. 18 and 19, base member 1602 has a support member 1606 movably mounted to the base member (such as by pivot 240). The support member 1606 may be any support member known in the art, such as the lower support member 270. The support member 1606 is provided with a first pawl member 1630 and the base member 1602 is provided with a second pawl member 1632.

Detent members

1630, 1632 can be any shape that will abut or engage when riser section 110 is in the upright, storage position and a sideways force is applied to the riser section. This abutment or engagement will prevent, and preferably prevent, lateral movement of the riser section 110 relative to the base member 1602.

When the upright section 110 is in the storage position as illustrated in fig. 18, the first and

second pawl members

1630, 1632 engage and prevent the support member from moving sideways. For example, the first pawl member 1630 may be a flange, protrusion, or the like having first and second laterally spaced

side portions

1634, 1636. The second pawl member 1632 can be a recess having first and second laterally spaced apart sides 1638, 1640. When side portion 1636 is engaged with side portion 1640, lateral movement of the upright section is prevented. Similarly, when side portion 1634 is engaged with side portion 1638, lateral movement of the riser section in the opposite lateral direction is also prevented.

When the upright section 110 is moved rearward, the first pawl member 1630 is disengaged from the second pawl member 1632 (see fig. 19). Once this occurs, the upright section can be moved sideways and used to guide the surface cleaning head.

It should be appreciated that the upright section may be configured to guide the surface cleaning head 1600 in a manner other than pivoting. For example, the surface cleaning head may be rotatably mounted about an axis extending along the length of the upright section or by any other means known in the art. In any such embodiment, the detent mechanisms disclosed herein may be used.

While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that certain features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the matter set forth above is intended to be illustrative, not limiting, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other variations 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

1. A surface cleaning apparatus, the surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a) a main cleaning head having a front, a rear, two opposed sides extending between the front and rear, a bottom and a dirty air inlet;

b) an airflow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;

c) a suction motor and an air handling member disposed in the airflow path;

d) a stand section movably mounted relative to the main cleaning head between a storage position and a rearward use position,

e) the upright section is also pivotally mounted to move sideways relative to the main cleaning head between a neutral position and a sideways position about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis extends in a forward direction of movement of the main cleaning head and is angled downwardly towards a front of the main cleaning head; and

f) a first flexible hose usable in an above-floor cleaning mode and an alternative surface cleaning head comprising a base member having a lower surface, a dirty air inlet, and at least one attachment member removably receiving a cleaning sheet, wherein the alternative surface cleaning head is selectively connectable in airflow communication with the first flexible hose,

wherein the upright section is removably mounted to the main cleaning head and is connectable to the alternative surface cleaning head when removed from the main cleaning head.

2. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pivot axis is angled downward from a horizontal plane by 10 ° to 35 °.

3. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pivot axis is angled downward from a horizontal plane at an angle of 15 ° to 25 °.

4. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the upright section is movably mounted relative to the main cleaning head about a first axis of rotation and the pivot axis is above the first axis of rotation.

5. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first axis of rotation is parallel to the front portion and is disposed horizontally when the main cleaning head is placed on a floor.

6. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first axis of rotation comprises a second pivot axis.

7. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second flexible hose defining at least a portion of an airflow path that conveys dirty air through a second axis of rotation.

8. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a biasing member that biases the upright section toward the centered position.

9. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 8 wherein the biasing member comprises at least one spring.

10. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 wherein the at least one spring comprises a torsion spring.

11. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 wherein the at least one spring is a single spring.

12. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pivot limit that defines a maximum lateral pivot angle to which the riser section pivots laterally from the central position.

13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base member comprises a front portion having the dirty air inlet and a rear portion having the at least one attachment member.

14. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13 wherein the front section has a forward facing end and a rearward facing end, the rear section has a forward facing end and a rearward facing end, and the front and rear sections are connected by a housing having an airflow conduit comprising a portion of the airflow passage, components of the rearward facing end of the front section being spaced from the forward facing end of the rear section by the airflow conduit.

15. A surface cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner, the surface cleaning head comprising:

a) a base member having a lower surface, a dirty air inlet, at least one attachment member removably receiving a cleaning sheet, a front portion having the dirty air inlet and a rear portion having the at least one attachment member, wherein the front portion has a forward facing end and a rearward facing end, and the rear portion has a forward facing end and a rearward facing end;

b) a support member including an upper support member and a lower support member, the lower support member being pivotally mounted to the base member between an upright storage position and an inclined floor cleaning position, the support member having a dirty air outlet, the upper support member being pivotally mounted for lateral movement relative to the lower support member between a neutral position and a lateral position;

c) an airflow passage extending from the dirty air inlet to the dirty air outlet; and the number of the first and second groups,

d) a biasing member biasing the support member to the centered position;

wherein the front and rear portions are connected by a housing having an airflow duct comprising a portion of the airflow passage, a component of the rearward facing end of the front portion being spaced from the forward facing end of the rear portion by the airflow duct.

16. A surface cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner, the surface cleaning head comprising:

a) a base member having a lower surface, a dirty air inlet and at least one attachment member removably receiving a cleaning sheet;

d) a biasing member biasing the support member to the centered position;

wherein the base member is provided with a first detent member and the support member is provided with a second detent member, the first and second detent members engaging and preventing sideways movement of the support member when the support member is in the upright storage position.

17. The surface cleaning head of claim 16 wherein the first pawl member includes a recess and the second pawl member includes a flange removably receivable in the recess.

18. The surface cleaning head of claim 16 wherein the biasing member comprises at least one spring.

19. The surface cleaning head of claim 18, wherein the at least one spring comprises a compression spring.

20. The surface cleaning head of claim 18, wherein the at least one spring comprises a torsion spring.

21. The surface cleaning head of claim 18, wherein the at least one spring is a single spring.

22. The surface cleaning head of claim 20 wherein the lower support member has a first engagement member, the upper support member has a second engagement member, the torsion spring has a first arm and a second arm, the first and second engagement members being interposed between the first and second arms, the upper support member is arranged to drive one of the first and second arms in a sideways direction when the upper support member is pivoted relative to the lower support member, and the lower support member is arranged to resist movement of the other of the first and second arms in a sideways direction when the upper support member is pivoted relative to the lower support member.

23. A surface cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner, the surface cleaning head comprising:

a) a base member having a lower surface, a dirty air inlet, at least one attachment member removably receiving a cleaning sheet, and a first pawl member;

b) a support member pivotally mounted to the base member between an upright storage position and an inclined floor cleaning position, the support member having a dirty air outlet and a second pawl member, the support member being pivotally mounted for lateral movement relative to the surface cleaning head between a neutral position and a lateral position, wherein the first and second pawl members engage and prevent lateral movement of the support member when the support member is in the upright storage position; and the number of the first and second groups,

c) an airflow passage extending from the dirty air inlet to the dirty air outlet.

24. The surface cleaning head of claim 23 wherein the first pawl member includes a recess and the second pawl member includes a flange removably receivable in the recess.

25. The surface cleaning head of claim 23 wherein the base member comprises a front portion having the dirty air inlet and a rear portion having the at least one attachment member.

26. The surface cleaning head of claim 25 wherein the front portion has a forward facing end and a rearward facing end, the rear portion has a forward facing end and a rearward facing end, and the front and rear portions are connected by a housing having an airflow conduit comprising a portion of the airflow passage, components of the rearward facing end of the front portion being spaced from the forward facing end of the rear portion by the airflow conduit.

27. A surface cleaning apparatus, the surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a) a main cleaning head having a dirty air inlet;

b) an alternative surface cleaning head comprising a base member having a lower surface, a dirty air inlet and at least one attachment member removably receiving a cleaning sheet;

c) an upright section movably selectively connectable to each of the main cleaning head and the alternate surface cleaning head, the upright section being movable between a storage position and a rearward use position when mounted to each of the main cleaning head and the alternate surface cleaning head;

d) a first flexible hose usable in an above-floor cleaning mode, the alternative surface cleaning head being selectively connectable in airflow communication with the first flexible hose; and the number of the first and second groups,

e) a suction motor and an air treatment member disposed in an airflow path extending through the surface cleaning apparatus.

28. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 27 wherein the base member comprises a front portion having the dirty air inlet and a rear portion having the at least one attachment member.

29. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 28 wherein the front section has a forward facing end and a rearward facing end, the rear section has a forward facing end and a rearward facing end, and the front and rear sections are connected by a housing having an airflow conduit comprising a portion of the airflow passage, components of the rearward facing end of the front section being spaced from the forward facing end of the rear section by the airflow conduit.

30. A surface cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner, the surface cleaning head comprising:

d) a torsion spring biasing the support member to the centered position, wherein the lower support member has a first engagement member, the upper support member has a second engagement member, the torsion spring has a first arm and a second arm, the first and second engagement members being interposed between the first and second arms, the upper support member is arranged to drive one of the first and second arms in a lateral direction when the upper support member is pivoted relative to the lower support member, and the lower support member is arranged to prevent the other of the first and second arms from moving in the lateral direction when the upper support member is pivoted relative to the lower support member.