GB2478642A

GB2478642A - A canister vacuum cleaner

Info

Publication number: GB2478642A
Application number: GB1103901A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Victor Mcclearen; Ernest Matthew Chavana Jr
Original assignee: Oreck Holdings LLC
Current assignee: Oreck Holdings LLC
Priority date: 2010-03-08
Filing date: 2011-03-08
Publication date: 2011-09-14
Also published as: GB201103901D0

Abstract

A portable handheld canister vacuum 100 comprises an upper 103 central 102, and lower housing 101. First and second grills (211, fig 2), 160 can separate the housing sections 101, 102, 103. An air intake opening 184 can direct air and dirt in a first axial direction 240 to a dirt capturing device 370 in the lower housing 101. An air propulsion device (110, fig 2) directs air in a second axial direction 580 opposite to the first axial direction 540 into the central housing 102 and from there into the upper housing 103. An exhaust opening (222, fig 4) disposed through the upper housing 103 allows air to exit the interior region of the upper housing 103. The exhaust air may exit the upper housing 103 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first 540 and second axial directions 580. A method of cleaning air is also disclosed.

Description

PORTABLE CANISTER VACUUM

The present invention relates to cleaning devices, and more particularly, to powerful, compact, and lightweight vacuum devices including noise and vibration dampeners.

Canister vacuums are well-known in the art and typically include an air flow path in a single direction. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,148,474, incorporated fully herein in its entirety by reference, discloses a well-known canister vacuum 10 that has air intake 16 disposed at the front of the canister and an air exhaust 18 disposed at the back of the canister. The canister includes motor 20 and fan 22 disposed in a linear fashion between air intake 16 and air exhaust 18 such that air flows through the canister in a single direction inside the canister.

The present teachings are directed to a compact, high-powered, portable, and lightweight handheld canister vacuum including upper, lower, and central sections that include components configured to create air flow paths directed in opposite axial directions and directions perpendicular to such axial directions.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a canister vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum comprises: an upper housing including an interior region; a central housing including an interior region; a lower housing including an interior region adapted to receive a dirt capture device to trap particulates; an inner wall that separates the interior region of the central housing from the interior region of the lower housing; a grill that separates the interior region of the central housing from the interior region of the upper housing; an air intake conduit disposed through the inner wall that directs an intake airflow to the lower housing in a first axial direction; an airflow propulsion device mounted in the central housing to propel the airflow from the lower housing into the central housing through an opening in the inner wall in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction; and an exhaust opening disposed in the upper housing to allow the airflow to exit the interior region of the upper housing.

In some embodiments, the exhaust opening directs the exiting airflow substantially perpendicular to the first and second axial directions. In other embodiments, the vacuum includes a fascia attached to one or more of the upper, central or lower housing.

In some embodiments, the vacuum includes a handle disposed on the upper housing.

In some embodiments, the vacuum includes a grill disposed over the opening in the inner wall to prevent a passage of large debris particles.

In some embodiments, the vacuum includes noise dampeners disposed around the airflow propulsion device comprising foam encasing portions of the motor and a bell housing disposed about the foam.

In some embodiments, the vacuum includes a rubber mounting bracket disposed between the motor and the bell housing.

In some embodiments, the vacuum includes vibration dampeners disposed around the airflow propulsion device comprising a rubber bushing secured to the top of the airflow propulsion device and a rubber boot secured to the bottom of the airflow propulsion device.

In some embodiments, the vacuum includes: a door in the upper housing to access the interior of the upper housing; a first sealant disposed in the upper housing to seal the perimeter of the door; a HEPA filter comprising a sealant disposed on an outer surface perimeter of the filter.

In some embodiments, the upper, central and lower housings are sealed together such that air substantially enters the vacuum through the air intake conduit and air substantially exits the vacuum through the exhaust opening.

In some embodiments, the vacuum provides power to the air of at least 100 air watts. In some embodiments, the vacuum provides at least 90 inches (229 cm) of field suction. In some embodiments, the volume of the lower housing is less than 270 cubic inches (4420 cubic cm), the volume of the central housing is less than 225 cubic inches (3690 cubic cm), and the volume of the lower housing is 270 cubic inches (4420 cubic cm). In some embodiments, the portable handheld vacuum weighs eight pounds (3.6 kg) or less without the power cord.

In some embodiments, the vacuum includes an airflow diffuser area disposed about the exhaust opening. In some embodiments, the vacuum includes a battery disposed in the upper housing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method of cleaning air using a canister vacuum cleaner is provided. The method comprises directing intake air along a first axial direction through into a vacuum bag disposed in a first housing; trapping dirt particles inside the vacuum bag; drawing air from the first housing into a second housing in a second axial direction opposite from the first axial direction; directing the air through the second housing and into a third housing; and expelling the cleaned air from the third housing in a direction perpendicular to the first and second axial directions.

In some embodiments, prior to being expelled, the air passes through a filter disposed in the third housing. In some embodiments, the air that entering the third housing is redirected into the first axial direction prior to being expelled from the third housing. In some embodiments, the method includes sound proofing by provides sound insulation in the second housing so that a motor operating at a 800 mean Watts power produces less than about 85 decibels of noise.

The invention also extends to an apparatus for carrying out this method.

Therefore, according to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a canister vacuum cleaner comprising: a first housing; a second housing; a third housing; a vacuum bag disposed in the first housing for trapping dirt particles inside; means for directing intake air along a first axial direction into the vacuum bag; means for drawing air from the first housing into the second housing in a second axial direction opposite from the first axial direction; means for directing the air through the second housing and into the third housing; and means for expelling the cleaned air from the third housing in a direction perpendicular to the first and second axial directions.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a canister vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum includes a first housing including an interior region; a second housing including an interior region; a third housing including an interior region adapted to receive a dirt capture device to trap particulates; an inner wall that separates the interior region of the second housing from the interior region of the third housing; a grill that separates the interior region of the second housing from the interior region of the first housing; an air intake conduit disposed through the inner wall that directs an intake airflow to the third housing in a first axial direction; an airflow propulsion device mounted in the central housing to propel the airflow from the third housing into the second housing through an opening in the inner wall in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction; and an exhaust opening disposed in the first housing to allow the airflow to exit the interior region of the upper housing.

The same reference number represents the same element on all drawings.

It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a partially exploded front profile view of a canister vacuum in accordance with an embodiment; FIG. 2 is an exploded front profile view of the top half of a canister vacuum in accordance with an embodiment; FIG. 3 is an exploded front profile view of the bottom half of a canister vacuum in accordance with an embodiment; FIG. 4 illustrates an upper housing and an exhaust opening in accordance with an embodiment; FIG. 5 illustrates a central housing will a grill disposed between the central housing and an upper housing; FIG. 6 illustrates an inner wall disposed between the central housing and a lower housing; FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate a method of removing and sealing a vacuum bag; FIG. 8 illustrates a method of inserting a vacuum bag; FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a powered hose; FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of a powered hose end; and FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a portable vacuum kit.

The present teachings are generally directed to a compact, high-powered, portable, lightweight handheld vacuum. The components within the vacuum can be configured to maximize efficient use of the limited internal space. To minimize the size of the vacuum, the vacuum is configured to generate air flow that can be directed and redirected in opposite axial directions. For example, an air flow path that intakes air in a first axial direction and exhausts clean air in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction is described herein.

FIG. 1 shows a front profile view of a canister vacuum 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Vacuum 100 can include sealed upper 103, central 102, and lower 101 sections.

Upper section 103 includes upper housing 220. Upper housing 220 includes interior region 220A. A compartment/filter frame 240 including filter media 242 can be disposed in interior region 220A. In some embodiments, interior region 220A of upper housing 220 can store a battery. The battery can be used for a direct current (DC) version of vacuum 100 that would not require a power cord 366.

Upper housing 220 also includes exhaust openings 222 (see FIG. 4) that can be disposed through a wall of upper housing 220 to exhaust a clean air flow 610, 630.

In various embodiments, exhaust openings 222 can be disposed on a sidewall of upper housing 220 and/or on a sidewall of vacuum 100. Upper housing can include a door 361 that can be secured by latch 272. Door 361 can be opened to access interior region 220A which can contain include compartment/filter frame 240, filter media 242, and/or a battery.

Central section 102 includes central housing 210 providing an interior region 210A. An air propulsion device 110 (see FIG. 2) can be disposed in interior region 210A. A circuit board 214 comprising a heat sink 200 can be disposed in interior region 21 OA. Airflow 590, 600 generated by air propulsion device 110 can cool circuit board 214 by absorbing heat from heat sink 200. Air propulsion device 110 can be encased in foam (not shown) to dampen sound. The air propulsion device and/or foam can be enclosed by a bell housing 150 to dampen sound. Air propulsion device 110 can be secured in central housing 210 using a boot 120, one or more shock mounts 130, and a bushing 140, all of which can be made of rubber or other suitable material that can act to secure the air propulsion device in central housing 210 and/or dampen vibration and noise. Boot 120 can provide an opening 122 for air to be drawn in by air propulsion device 110. The bushing 140 can be received by a bushing ring 140A. As depicted in Fig. 5, bushing ring 140A can be disposed in grill 211, which separates upper housing 220 from central housing 210.

Grill 211 can form a top wall of upper housing 220. Grill 211, bushing 140, rubber boot 120 and inner wall 180 can be configured to fit together to firmly secure air propulsion device 110 in central housing 210.

Referring to Fig. 1, lower section 101 includes lower housing 340 that provides an interior region 340A. As shown in Fig. 3, lower housing 340 can be adapted to receive fascia panels 350, 351 to allow a user to quickly change the outward appearance of vacuum 100. For example, fascia panels, 350, 351 can include tab 354 that can be received in slot 352 of lower housing 340 to secure a desired fascia 350, 351 to lower housing 340. Lower housing 240 can include non-skid pads 376 for vacuum 100 to be placed on in a normal upright operating position. A vacuum cleaner dirt capturing device 370, such as a vacuum cleaner bag, can be disposed in the lower housing 340 along with vacuum cleaner bag mounting brackets 360, 361.

Lower housing 340 and central housing 210 are separated by inner wall 180. Optionally, grill 160 can be disposed against inner wall 180. An opening 182 in inner wall 180 complements opening 184 in grill 160. In some embodiments, rubbers gaskets 170, 190 can be used to seal lower section 101 with central section 102. Two or more latches 604 can be used to secure lower section 101 with central section 102. Rubber gaskets 170, 190 seal the lower and central housings and also dampen noise and vibration. Latches 604 can mate with fastening means 602 disposed in the lower section 101. Inner wall 180 includes an opening 186 (see FIG. 6) from which air is drawn by air propulsion device 110 into central housing 210. Opening 186 receives opening 122 of rubber boot 120.

An air intake duct comprising duct portions 310, 300, 290 and 280 (see FIG. 2) can couple to opening 182 (see FIG. 6) and opening 184 of grill 160 (see FIG. 1).

A hose 311 can be coupled to duct portion 310.

Vacuum 100 can further include air intake port 310, air exhaust 235 that can contain a number of openings through which exhaust air can exit the vacuum 100, air propulsion device 110, dirt capturing device 370 (e.g., a vacuum bag), and optional filter 242 disposed in upper 103, central 102, and lower 101 sections.

Vacuum 100 depicts an air flow pathway wherein intake air enters hose 311 following airflow path 510 and 520. The intake air travels through conduit portions 310, 300, 290, 280 (FIG. 2) and enters the central section 102 along flow path 530.

The intake air then travels through an opening in grill 180 and into dirt capturing device 370 (e.g., a vacuum bag) located in lower housing 101 in a first axial direction along flow paths 540, 550. First axial direction corresponds to the direction of airflow 550.

Dirt particles can be retained in a dirt capturing device 370, such as a vacuum bag. The vacuum bag can trap at least 70%, 80%, 90% or more of particulates that pass through it as they are carried by airflow 550, 560, 570. The airflow is redirected from the lower housing 101 back up through grill 180 in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction along air flow paths 570, 580, 590. The airflow is moved from the lower housing to the central housing by air propulsion device 110 in the second axial direction along air flow path 570, 580, 590. Airflow path 570, 580, 590 can flow through a motor. This can advantageously cool the motor. Airflow 590 can swirl around various portions of central housing 210. Various components disposed in housing 210, such as circuit board 214 and heat sink 200, can thus be cooled. Airflow 590 can then be directed towards upper housing 103 along air flow path 600 in the second axial direction.

Upper housing 103 can contain compartment/filter frame 240, which can optionally include filter media 242, such as a HEPA filter. In some embodiments, a battery pack can be disposed in upper housing. A battery can be used make a cordless vacuum 100.

After the cleaned air exits compartment 240, optionally by traveling through filter 242, the air is directed sideways along airflow path 610 in a direction perpendicular to the first and second axial directions. The cleaned air can then exit upper housing 220 through exhaust openings 222 before entering diffuser 235A and traveling downward along airflow path 620, a portion of which is directed in the first axial direction. The cleaned air can then exit the diffuser 235A through exhaust 235, which may include a number of openings, along air flow path 630, which is perpendicular to the first and second axial directions.

FIGS. 2-3 together show an exploded front profile view of an embodiment of 1 5 the canister vacuum 100 of the invention. The canister 100 can include handle 250, hose mount 265, and power switch 270. Power switch 270 can be disposed below handle 250 so as to avoid an accidental turning off or on of vacuum 100. An outer shell 230 can include a latch 272 that allows hinged upper housing door 361 to open. Open door 361 allows access to upper section 103 and compartment 240.

In one embodiment, the canister vacuum cleaner 100 includes an upper housing 220 including an interior region 220A, a central housing 210 including an interior region 210A, and a lower housing 340 including an interior region 340A.

Various embodiments include an inner wall 180 that separates the interior region 210A of the central housing 210 from the interior region 340A of the lower housing 340, a grill 160 that separates the inner wall 180 from the lower housing 340 and prevents the passage of large debris particles, and a grill 211 disposed in a top region of the central housing 210 that separates the interior region 210A of the central housing 210 from the interior region 220A of the upper housing 220.

The embodiments can include an air intake conduit 280 including an air intake opening disposed through a first side of the central section 102 to receive intake air, and an outflow opening that directs intake air through opening 182 of inner wall 180 and opening 184 of grill 160 and into lower housing 340 in a first axial direction. The embodiments can include a dirt capturing device 370, such as a vacuum cleaner bag, disposed within the lower housing 340 that removes dirt particles from the air to produce cleaned air.

In various embodiments an air propulsion device 110 including an airflow propulsion device, such as a fan, can be mounted in the central housing 220. The air propulsion device 110 can draw cleaned air from the lower housing 340 and direct it through opening 184 of grill 160, into the central housing 210, through the grill 211, and into upper housing 220 in a second axial direction (e.g. 570, 580) opposite to the first axial direction (e.g., 540, 550). Exhaust openings 222 can be disposed in upper housing 220 that directs air along airflow path 620 to diffuser 235A before exiting the vacuum 100 through exhaust 235, which can include a number of openings, such that cleaned air can exits the interior region 220A of upper housing 220 and diffuser 235A in a direction perpendicular (e.g., 630) to the first and second axial directions (e.g., 540, 550, 570, 580).

Further embodiments can include a top fascia 230 mounted to the upper and central housings 220, 210. Bottom fascia portions 350, 351 can be mounted to lower housing 340 and a handle 250, 265 can be mounted to the top fascia 230. A dirt capturing device 370, such as a vacuum bag, can be disposed within the lower housing 340 that removes dirt particles from the air to produce cleaned air.

An airflow propulsion device 110, such as a motor and a fan, can be mounted in the central housing 210. Airflow propulsion device 110 can draw cleaned air from the lower housing 340 through grill 160 and opening 196 of interior wall 180 before entering central housing 210 along airflow paths 580, 590 in a second axial direction that is opposite to the first axial direction. Airflow propulsion device 110 can direct the cleaned air through grill 211 disposed in the top of central housing 210 and into the upper housing 220 in the second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction. Cleaned air can travel through filter media 242 disposed in filter frame 240 before exiting upper housing 220 through exhaust openings 222.

The cleaned air can then enter diffuser 235A traveling along air flow path 620 in the first axial direction before exiting the vacuum through exhaust 235 in a direction perpendicular 630 to the first and second axial directions.

In various embodiments, foam (not shown) can encase portions of the air propulsion device 110 and a bell housing 150 can be mounted over the air propulsion device 110 to dampen noise. Vibration and noise dampeners can be used, including a rubber bushing 140 secured to the top of the air propulsion device 110, a rubber boot 120 secured to the bottom of the air propulsion device 110, rubber mounting brackets 130 disposed between the air propulsion device 110 and the bell housing 150, a sealant 362 disposed around the perimeter of the opening for the door 361 that permits access to the interior region 220A of the upper housing 220, a sealant 241 disposed around the bottom surface perimeter of the compartment/filter frame 240, and a rubber gasket 170, 190 disposed on either side of inner wall 180. The sealants and gaskets can form a sealed vacuum such that air only enters the vacuum through air intake conduit 280 and air only exits the vacuum through exhaust 235.

In various embodiments the vacuum 100 is a compact, high powered, quiet vacuum that can provide power to the air up to 160, 180, 200, 220, or 240 air watts, and up to 80, 90, 100, 110, or 120 inches (203, 229, 254, 279, 305 cm) of field suction, which is double the lift of a conventional handheld canister vacuum. Due to the advanced noise and vibration dampening features, the vacuum 100 can also be quiet such that it produces less than 85 decibels (dB) when operating.

At the same time, the vacuum can be lightweight such that in certain embodiments the vacuum can weigh eight pounds (3.6 kg) or less without the power cord. To reduce the weight of the vacuum 100, boot 120 and bell housing can include holes to reduce weight.

The vacuum can also be compact such that the total interior volume of the canister vacuum cleaner is less than 675 cubic inches (11060 cubic cm), the volume of the lower housing is less than 270 cubic inches (4420 cubic cm), the volume of the central housing is less than 225 cubic inches (3690 cubic cm), and the volume of the lower housing is 270 cubic inches (4420 cubic cm).

In another embodiment, air is cleaned using a canister vacuum cleaner 100 by directing intake air through an intake opening and conduit 280 in a central section 102 of a canister vacuum cleaner 100 in a first axial direction 540 and into a dirt capturing device 370 disposed in a lower housing 340 of the canister vacuum cleaner 100, cleaning the intake air by directing the intake air through a dirt capturing device 370 and trapping dirt particles inside the dirt capturing device 370, expelling clean air outside the dirt capturing device and into the lower housing 340 operating an air propulsion device 110 that draws cleaned air from the lower housing 340 in a second axial direction 570, 580 opposite from the first axial direction, directing the cleaned air through the central housing 210 and into the upper housing 220, and expelling the cleaned air from the upper housing 210 in a direction perpendicular 630 to the first and second axial directions 540, 580.

In various other embodiments, cleaned air passes through a filter 242 in the upper housing 220 and cleaned air that enters the upper housing 220 in a second axial direction 600 opposite from the first axial direction 540 is redirected into the first axial direction 620 prior to being expelled from the upper housing 220.

As shown in FIG. 4, a latch 620 can be disposed in the upper housing.

Latch 620 can removably hold compartment 240 that can contain filter media 242 or a battery. Operation of latch 620 can turn a cam 622, so that cam 622 pushes down on a top surface of compartment/filter frame 240. This forms a better seal between filter frame 240 and grill 211. This ensures that more of the airflow is filtered by filter media 242 prior to the airflow being exhausted. The upper housing can include exhaust openings 222. Exhaust openings 222 can allow an airflow 610, 620 to exit to a diffuser region 235A as seen in FIG. 5. Diffuser region 235A can provide a large area for the exhaust airflow to exit. The large area and a plurality of openings in diffuser region 235A can allow the airflow to exit the vacuum at a lower speed. This can reduce airflow noise. A filter (not shown) can be disposed in diffuser region 235A, for example, when a battery is disposed in the DC version of a portable vacuum cleaner 100.

As depicted in FIGS. 7A-D, a vacuum bag 370 can be removed from an inner region 340A of lower housing 340. Figure 7A shows vacuum bag with bag stiffener 374 inserted in bag dock 372 such that bag stiffener hole 374A is aligned with dust seal hole 378A of dust seal 378 to form an aligned hole 380 that allow air to enter vacuum bag 370. Vacuum bag 370 can be removed from lower housing 340 by removing bag stiffener 374 from bag dock 372 such that the aligned hole 380 of the bag stiffener hole 374A and dust seal hole 378A are no longer aligned with each other to formed a sealed vacuum bag. Lower housing 340 can include latches 600 that can be used to attach lower section 101 to central section 102.

As depicted in FIG. 8, vacuum bag 370 can be secured in lower housing 340 by inserting bag stiffener 374 into bag dock 372. Bag stiffener hole 374A can be aligned with dust seal hole 378A of dust seal 378 to allow air to enter vacuum cleaner bag 370.

As depicted in FIG. 10, various embodiments of vacuum 100 can include attachment loops 320 to which a user can attach a shoulder strap 702 and tool caddy attachment 704. The tool caddy can include various cleaning attachments, such as an extension wand 706, dusting brush 710, crevice tool 714, and upholstery brush 712, that can attach to powered hose 311 or non-powered hose 708. Power cord 366 can be stored using cord strap 718 and cord strap release -11 -button 716. The vacuum can also include a variable speed switch 271 that a user can slide to adjust the suction power of the vacuum.

As depicted in FIG. 9, the powered hose 311 can include an electrical receptacle 313 at one end and electrical receptacle 314 (see FIG. 9A) at one end opposite the electrical receptacle 313. The two electrical receptacles 313, 314 can be complementary in shape, e.g., one can receive the other.

The detailed descriptions of the above embodiments are not exhaustive descriptions of all embodiments contemplated by the inventors to be within the scope of the invention. Indeed, persons skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above-described embodiments can variously be combined or eliminated to create further embodiments, and such further embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of the invention. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above-described embodiments can be combined in whole or in part to create additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of the invention.

Thus, although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other vacuum devices and not just to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying figures. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined from the following claims. -12-

Claims

Claims: 1. A canister vacuum cleaner comprising: an upper housing including an interior region; a central housing including an interior region; a lower housing including an interior region adapted to receive a dirt capture device to trap particulates; an inner wall that separates the interior region of the central housing from the interior region of the lower housing; a grill that separates the interior region of the central housing from the interior region of the upper housing; an air intake conduit disposed through the inner wall that directs an intake airflow to the lower housing in a first axial direction; an airflow propulsion device mounted in the central housing to propel the airflow from the lower housing into the central housing through an opening in the inner wall in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction; and an exhaust opening disposed in the upper housing to allow the airflow to exit the interior region of the upper housing.
2. The vacuum of claim 1 wherein the exhaust opening directs the exiting airflow substantially perpendicular to the first and second axial directions.
3. The vacuum of claim 1 or 2 further comprising a fascia attached to one or more of the upper, central or lower housing.
4. The vacuum of claim 1, 2 or 3 further comprising a handle disposed on the upper housing.
5. The vacuum of any preceding claim further comprising a grill disposed over the opening in the inner wall to prevent a passage of large debris particles.
6. The vacuum of any preceding claim further comprising noise dampeners disposed around the airflow propulsion device comprising foam encasing portions of the motor and a bell housing disposed about the foam.
7. The vacuum of any preceding claim further comprising a rubber mounting bracket disposed between the motor and the bell housing.
8. The vacuum of any preceding claim further comprising vibration dampeners disposed around the airflow propulsion device comprising a rubber bushing secured to the top of the airflow propulsion device and a rubber boot secured to the bottom of the airflow propulsion device.
9. The vacuum of any preceding claim further comprising: a door in the upper housing to access the interior of the upper housing; a first sealant disposed in the upper housing to seal the perimeter of the door; a HEPA filter comprising a sealant disposed on an outersurface perimeter of the filter.
10. The vacuum of any preceding claim wherein the upper, central and lower housings are sealed together such that air substantially enters the vacuum through the air intake conduit and air substantially exits the vacuum through the exhaust opening.
11. The vacuum of any preceding claim wherein the vacuum provides power to the air of at least 100 air watts.
12. The vacuum of any preceding claim wherein the vacuum provides at least90 inches (229 cm) of field suction.
13. The vacuum of any preceding claim wherein the volume of the lower housing is less than 270 cubic inches (4420 cubic cm), the volume of the central housing is less than 225 cubic inches (3690 cubic cm), and the volume of the lower housing is 270 cubic inches (4420 cubic cm).
14. The vacuum of any preceding claim, further comprising an airflow diffuser area disposed about the exhaust opening.
15. The vacuum of any preceding claim, further comprising a battery disposed in the upper housing.
16. A method of cleaning air using a canister vacuum cleaner comprising: directing intake air along a first axial direction through into a vacuum bag disposed in a first housing; trapping dirt particles inside the vacuum bag; drawing air from the first housing into a second housing in a second axial direction opposite from the first axial direction; directing the air through the second housing and into a third housing; and expelling the cleaned air from the third housing in a direction perpendicular to the first and second axial directions.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein prior to being expelled, the air passes through a filter disposed in the third housing.
18. The method of claim 16 or 17 wherein the air that enters the third housing is redirected into the first axial direction prior to being expelled from the third housing.
19. The method of claim 16, 17 or 18 further comprising providing sound insulation in the second housing so that a motor operating at a 800 mean Watts power produces less than about 85 decibels of noise.
20. A canister vacuum cleaner comprising: a first housing including an interior region; a second housing including an interior region; a third housing including an interior region adapted to receive a dirt capture device to trap particulates; an inner wall that separates the interior region of the second housing from the interior region of the third housing; a grill that separates the interior region of the second housing from the interior region of the first housing; an air intake conduit disposed through the inner wall that directs an intake airflow to the third housing in a first axial direction; an airflow propulsion device mounted in the central housing to propel the airflow from the third housing into the second housing through an opening in the inner wall in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction; and an exhaust opening disposed in the first housing to allow the airflow to exit the interior region of the upper housing.
21. A canister vacuum cleaner substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings.