GB2588436A

GB2588436A - A surface cleaning system

Info

Publication number: GB2588436A
Application number: GB1915409.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Burnham Gavin
Original assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Current assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Priority date: 2019-10-24
Filing date: 2019-10-24
Publication date: 2021-04-28
Also published as: GB201915409D0

Abstract

A chassis for a surface cleaning system including a surface cleaning apparatus, the chassis (30, fig 1) comprising a main body 32 for receiving the surface cleaning apparatus, the surface cleaning apparatus including a housing supporting a suction source, an air inlet for receiving dirt-laden air, a dirt separation device for separating dirt from dirt-laden air, a dirt collection device including a chamber for receiving separated dirt, and a user graspable handle, floor engaging members 34, 36 for supporting movement of the main body across a floor surface and a holding device 38 for holding the surface cleaning apparatus relative to the main body during use to form a first cleaning mode (fig 1) of the surface cleaning system in which the chassis supports the surface cleaning apparatus for movement across a floor surface. The system can be used in a second mode (fig 2) wherein a surface cleaning head may be attached to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and in a third cleaning mode (fig 3) wherein a wand is attached to the inlet so that the apparatus acts as a stick vacuum cleaner.

Description

Title: A surface cleaning system

Description of Invention

The present invention relates to a surface cleaning system. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a surface cleaning system including a surface cleaning apparatus that can be used in more than one cleaning 10 mode.

Surface cleaning apparatus which utilise a suction source are known. Such surface cleaning apparatus generally include an air inlet in communication with the suction source to receive dirt-laden air, a dirt separation device to separate dirt from the dirt-laden air and a dirt collection chamber to collect the separated dirt. There are different types of surface cleaning apparatus which vary in their configuration and mode of operation.

An upright cleaner has a floor head including a floor facing inlet for receiving dirt-laden air from a floor surface and an upright part incorporating a handle pivotally attached to the floor head which can be grasped by a user to move the floor head back and forth over the floor surface. The operative component parts are variously located at the floor head and upright part depending on the specific design of the upright cleaner.

A cylinder or canister cleaner has a main body including the operative components of the cleaner and a flexible elongate member e.g. a hose made of plastic or the like, connected at one end to an inlet provided on the main body, and connectable at an opposite end to a surface cleaning tool, e.g. a crevice tool, floor tool or floor head, to carry dirt-laden air from the surface cleaning tool to the dirt separation device in the main body. The main body is supported for movement along a floor surface by floor engaging members, e.g. wheels, and a user may move the main body along the floor by pulling the flexible elongate member back and forth. Such a cleaner may also include a relatively rigid elongate member, commonly known as a wand, which connects the flexible elongate member to the surface cleaning tool, and may also include a user graspable handle member which connects the elongate member to the flexible elongate member. During use, a user may grasp the user graspable handle member to move the surface cleaning tool and/or main body in the desired direction. The elongate member, user graspable handle member and surface cleaning tool may also be configured so that they can be interchangeably connected to each other and/or the flexible elongate member so that the user may use them in different configurations suitable to a particular cleaning task at hand.

A handheld cleaner has a user graspable handle connected to a main body that houses the operative components of the cleaner. The main body has an air inlet connectable to a surface cleaning tool to receive dirt-laden air therethrough. Handheld cleaners are generally of a compact size and lightweight so that the user may both carry the handheld cleaner and direct the surface cleaning tool over a surface to be cleaned by grasping the user graspable handle. Handheld cleaners may incorporate a battery to provide power to the suction source and thus not require a cord for connection to a mains power supply.

Stick-vac or pole-vac cleaners are known in the art which may differ in construction but, generally speaking, each of these types utilises a handheld cleaner that can be used on its own as a handheld cleaner, or connected to a floor head in such a way that a user may clean a floor surface or the like from a distance. In one type of general construction, a stick-vac / pole-vac cleaner has a floor head pivotally connected to an upright body including a user graspable handle. The handheld cleaner is selectively receivable in a space provided by the upright body to permit the handheld cleaner to be fluidly connected to the floor head so as to apply suction to the inlet of the floor head and receive dirt-laden air therefrom during use. When the handheld cleaner is received in the upright body, the user may grasp the user graspable handle of the upright body to move the floor head back and forth to clean a floor surface in a manner similar to an upright cleaner as described above. In another type of general construction, a stick-vac / pole-vac cleaner includes a relatively rigid elongate member, e.g. a wand, which may be connected at one end to the air inlet of the handheld cleaner and connected to a surface cleaning tool at its other end. When connected in this way, the user grasps the user graspable handle of the handheld cleaner to move the elongate member to effect movement of the surface cleaning tool attached thereto across a surface to be cleaned.

There is a need for improved surface cleaning apparatus and modes of operation thereof According to a first aspect of the present invention we provide a chassis for a surface cleaning system including a surface cleaning apparatus, the chassis including: a main body for receiving the surface cleaning apparatus, the surface cleaning apparatus including a housing supporting a suction source, an air inlet for receiving dirt-laden air, a dirt separation device for separating dirt from dirt-laden air, a dirt collection device including a chamber for receiving separated dirt, and a user graspable handle; floor engaging members for supporting movement of the main body across a floor surface; and a holding device for holding the surface cleaning apparatus relative to the main body during use to form a first cleaning mode of the surface cleaning system in which the chassis supports the surface cleaning apparatus for 30 movement across a floor surface.

The main body may be supported to lie generally parallel with the floor surface during use.

The holding device may include a formation for co-operating with the surface cleaning apparatus.

The formation may include a recess in which the surface cleaning apparatus is received.

The formation may include one or more walls extending upwardly from the main body to at least partially surround the housing to hold the surface cleaning apparatus relative to the main body during use.

The main body may include an upwardly facing surface which engages with a 15 downwardly facing surface of the housing when the surface apparatus cleaning apparatus is received by the main body.

The main body may include: an air inlet for connection to a first end of a flexible elongate member of the surface cleaning system, wherein the flexible elongate member includes a passage for carrying dirt-laden air; and an air outlet in communication with the air inlet of the main body for connection to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus.

A coupling device may provide a releasable connection between the air outlet and the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus.

The coupling device may include a first co-operation member provided on the main body and a second co-operation member provided on the surface cleaning apparatus.

The floor engaging members may include a pair of laterally spaced floor engaging members provided at or near a rear end of the main body and / or a steerable wheel provided at or near a front end of the main body.

According to a further aspect of the present invention we provide a surface cleaning system including: a surface cleaning apparatus including a housing supporting a suction source, an air inlet for receiving dirt-laden air, a dirt separation device for separating dirt from dirt-laden air, a dirt collection device including a chamber for receiving separated dirt, and a user graspable handle; and a chassis according to any one of the preceding aspects of the invention, wherein the surface cleaning system is operable to form: a second cleaning mode in which the surface cleaning apparatus is removed from the chassis and operated by a user grasping the user graspable handle to carry the surface cleaning surface apparatus.

The surface cleaning system may include a flexible elongate member including: a first end; a second end; and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air, wherein the first end is for direct or indirect connection to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus for use in the first cleaning mode.

The first end may be connected, preferably releasably connected, to the air inlet of the chassis.

The surface cleaning system may include a user graspable handle member connected, preferably releasably connected, to the flexible elongate member.

The user graspable handle member may include a first end, a second end, and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air to the flexible elongate member, and wherein the first end of the user graspable member is connected, preferably releasably connected, to the second end of the flexible elongate member.

The surface cleaning system may include an elongate member including a first end, a second end and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air from a surface cleaning tool connectable to the second end thereof to the flexible elongate member, wherein the first end of the elongate member is releasably connectable, directly or indirectly, to a second end of the flexible elongate member for use in the first cleaning mode.

The first end of the elongate member may be releasably connectable to the second end of the user graspable handle member.

The surface cleaning system may include a surface cleaning tool for receiving dirt-laden air from a surface being cleaned during use, wherein the surface cleaning tool is releasably connectable to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus for use in the second cleaning mode.

The surface cleaning tool may be releasably connectable to the second end of the user graspable handle member for use in the first cleaning mode.

The surface cleaning tool may be releasably connectable to the second end of 25 the elongate member for use in the first cleaning mode.

The surface cleaning system may include: a surface cleaning tool for receiving dirt-laden air from a surface; an elongate member including a first end, a second end and a passage for carrying did-laden air from the surface cleaning tool to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus, wherein the surface cleaning system is operable to form a third cleaning mode in which: the surface cleaning apparatus is removed from the chassis; the first end of the elongate member is connected to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and the second end of the elongate member is connected to the surface cleaning tool; and the surface cleaning apparatus is operated to move the surface cleaning tool along a surface to remove dirt therefrom by a user grasping the user graspable handle and moving the surface cleaning apparatus to effect movement of the elongate member and surface cleaning tool connected thereto.

The first end and second end of the elongate member may be releasably connected to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and the surface cleaning tool respectively.

The surface cleaning tool may be releasably connectable to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus for use in the second cleaning mode.

The first end of the elongate member may be releasably connectable, directly or indirectly, to the second end of the flexible elongate member for use in the first cleaning mode.

The first end of the elongate member may be releasably connectable to the 25 second end of the user graspable handle member for use in the first cleaning mode.

The surface cleaning tool may include a floor head including: a housing including: a floor facing surface including an inlet for receiving dirty air; floor engaging members for supporting movement of the housing along a floor surface; and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air from the inlet, wherein the housing is pivotally connectable.

The suction source of the surface cleaning apparatus may provide suction for at least two, preferably all, of the first, second and third cleaning modes of the surface cleaning system.

The dirt collection device may be configured to permit emptying of the chamber and / or permit removal of the dirt collection device whilst the surface cleaning apparatus is received by the main body of the chassis.

The dirt separation device and/or dirt collection device may extend generally horizontally or horizontally with respect to the housing which supports them.

The housing may have an elongate shape, the dirt separation device and/or dirt collection device each have an elongate shape which extends generally transversely with respect to the housing.

According to a further aspect of the present invention we provide a kit of parts for a surface cleaning system including a surface cleaning apparatus, wherein the surface cleaning apparatus includes: a housing supporting a suction source, an air inlet for receiving dirt-laden air, a dirt separation device for separating dirt from dirt-laden air, a dirt collection device including a chamber for receiving separated dirt, and a user graspable handle, and wherein the kit of parts includes: a flexible elongate member including a first end, a second end and a passage for carrying dirt laden-air, wherein the first end is for direct or indirect connection to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus; and a chassis according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

The surface cleaning apparatus may include: an elongate member having a first end releasably connectable to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus, a second end releasably connectable to a surface cleaning tool, and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air, and wherein the second end of the flexible elongate member is releasably connectable, directly or indirectly, to the first end of the elongate member to permit the second end of the flexible elongate member to be connected to the first end of the elongate member in the first cleaning mode.

The kit of parts may include a user graspable handle member including a first end, a second end and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air, wherein the first end is connected, preferably releasably connected, to the second end of the flexible elongate member, and the second end is connected, preferably releasably connected, to the first end of the elongate member.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning system in an operational mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus of a surface 25 cleaning system in another operational mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning system in another operational mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, 30 and Figure 4 is a perspective view of components for use with a surface cleaning system in an operational mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the figure 1, this shows a surface cleaning system 10 including a surface cleaning apparatus 20 and a chassis 30 in which the surface cleaning apparatus 20 is received. Figure 1 shows the surface cleaning system 10 in a first cleaning mode as will be later described. The term "cleaning mode" is used to denote use of the surface cleaning system for cleaning in an operationally distinct way.

The surface cleaning system 10 includes a flexible elongate member 12, e.g. a hose made from plastic or any other suitable material, connected at one end to the chassis 30. The surface cleaning system 10 includes a user graspable handle member 14 connected at one of its ends to the other end of the flexible elongate member 12, and connected at its other end to a relatively rigid elongate member 16. The elongate member 16 is connected at its free end to a surface cleaning tool 18, for example, a floor head, as shown in figure 1.

Referring to figure 2, surface cleaning apparatus 20 includes a housing 22 supporting a suction source 24, an air inlet 25 for receiving dirt-laden air, a dirt separation device 26 for separating dirt from dirt-laden air, a dirt collection device 27 including a chamber for receiving separated dirt, and a user graspable handle 28. The suction source 24 is an electric motor for driving a rotatable fan but any appropriate suction source may be used in other embodiments provided it is able to draw dirt-laden air through the air inlet 25 towards the dirt separation device 26. In embodiments, the dirt separation device 26 may include a cyclonic separator for separating dirt received by the air inlet 25. In embodiments, the dirt separation device 26 and dirt collection device 27 may be incorporated as a bag having a filter for separating dirt received by the air inlet 25 and which bag defines a space forming the dirt collection chamber in which the separated dirt is collected. In embodiments, the dirt collection device 27 may be releasably connected to dirt separation device 26 to permit emptying of the device 27 after disconnection therefrom. In embodiments, the dirt separation device 26 and did collection device 27 may be connected together and form an elongate shape, e.g. a generally cylindrical shape which is elongate about an axis. In embodiments, the housing 22 may have a generally elongate shape which is elongate about an axis. In embodiments, the dirt separation device 26 and dirt collection device 27 may extend generally transversely with respect to the housing 22. In embodiments, the dirt collection device 27 is configured to permit emptying of the chamber and / or permit removal of the dirt collection device 27 whilst the surface cleaning apparatus 20 is received by the main body 32 of the chassis 30 In embodiments, the housing 22 may support or contain a battery 23 to provide electrical power to the suction source and other components of the apparatus 20. The battery 23 may have a generally elongate shape but may have a different shape in other embodiments. In embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus 20 may include an electrical lead for connection with a mains supply to provide electrical power to the suction source.

In embodiments, the housing 22 may include a passage member 29 in fluid communication with the dirt separation device 26. The passage member 29 may be generally elongate and include a free end including the air inlet 25.

The passage member 29 includes a part of a coupling device 31 for releasably coupling the air inlet 25 / passage member 29 to the chassis 30 as will be described.

The chassis 30 may selectively receive the surface cleaning apparatus 20. 30 The term "chassis" denotes a structure which wholly supports the surface cleaning apparatus 20 such that, during use, the surface cleaning apparatus 20 is independently supported of the user.

As shown in figure 2 (shown without surface cleaning tool 18 connected to apparatus 20), in embodiments, surface cleaning apparatus 20 may be operable in a second cleaning mode of the surface cleaning system 10 in which surface cleaning apparatus 20 is removed from the chassis 30 and operated by a user grasping the user graspable handle 28 to carry the surface cleaning surface apparatus 20. This forms a handheld cleaner mode of the surface cleaning system 10.

Referring to figure 4, chassis 30 includes a main body 32 for receiving the surface cleaning apparatus 20. The main body 32 may include a generally rectangular section 30a when viewed in plan view and an elongate section 30b extending centrally from a front end thereof.

The main body 32 may be open at an upper end thereof and have a closed lower end with an upwardly facing surface which engages with a downwardly facing surface of the housing 22 when the surface cleaning apparatus 20 is received by the main body 32. The passage member 29 is received in section 30b whilst the rest of the housing is received in section 30a.

Chassis 30 includes floor engaging members 33 for supporting movement of the main body 32 across a floor surface. The main body 32 may be supported to lie generally parallel with the floor surface during use, e.g. lie horizontally on a flat floor surface. In embodiments, the floor engaging members 33 may be provided on the main body 32. In embodiments, the floor engaging members 33 may include a pair of laterally spaced floor engaging members 34, e.g. wheels, provided at or near a rear end of the main body 32 and a steerable wheel 36, e.g. a castor wheel, provided at or near a front end of the main body The chassis 30 includes a holding device 38 for holding the surface cleaning apparatus 20 relative to the main body 32 during use to form the first cleaning mode of the surface cleaning system 10 in which the chassis 30 supports the surface cleaning apparatus 20 for movement across a floor surface. The holding device 38 is for inhibiting movement of the surface cleaning apparatus 20 relative to the main body 32 when the chassis 30 is moved during use.

With reference to figure 4, in embodiments, the holding device 38 may include a formation 40 for co-operating with the surface cleaning apparatus 20. The formation 40 may include a recess 41 in which the surface cleaning apparatus 20 is received. The formation 40 may include laterally spaced side walls 40a, 40b and rear wall 40c which extend upwardly from the main body 32 to partially surround the housing 22 so as to hold the surface cleaning apparatus 20 relative to the main body 32 during use. The formation 40 encloses the bottom of the housing 22 when received therein thus preventing movement of the housing 22 relative to the main body 32.

In embodiments, the holding device 38 may take other forms. For example, the holding device 38 may include mechanical couplings that are releasably connectable to the surface cleaning apparatus 20 to hold the apparatus 20 relative to the main body 32. In embodiments, the holding device 38 may include one or more formations in the form of projections which extend upwardly and are receivable in corresponding downwardly facing receiving formations in the base of the housing 22 to inhibit relative movement between the apparatus 20 and the main body 32. In embodiments, the holding device 38 may include a magnet incorporated within one or both of the apparatus 20 and main body 32. The skilled person will understand that various configurations and devices could be utilised as a suitable holding device.

The main body 32 may have other shapes or configurations. All that is required is that the main body 32 may receive the surface cleaning apparatus 20 therein in a manner that permits a holding device to hold the apparatus 20.

The main body 32 may include an air inlet 42 for connection to the flexible elongate member 12 and an air outlet 44, in communication with the air inlet 42, for connection to the air inlet 25 as will be described. The air inlet 42 and/or air outlet 44 may be provided at or near a front end of the main body 32, e.g. at or near the front of section 30b.

In more detail, the flexible elongate member 12 includes a first end 12a, a second end 12b; and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air. The first end 12a is indirectly connected to the air inlet 25 of the surface cleaning apparatus 20 through its connection to the air inlet 42 of the chassis. In embodiments, the main body 32 may not include air inlet 42 and, instead, the first end 12a of the flexible elongate member 12 may be directly connected to the air inlet 25 of the surface cleaning apparatus 20.

The user graspable handle member 14 is made from a relatively rigid material and includes a first end 14a, a second end 14b, and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air to the flexible elongate member 12. The user graspable handle member 14 may include a first elongate part 15a including the first end 14a, and a second elongate part 15b connected thereto including the second end 14b. The first elongate part 15a may extend in a first direction and the second elongate part 15b may extend downwardly in a second direction at an obtuse angle. The first end 14a of the user graspable handle member 14 is connected to the second end 12b of the flexible elongate member 12.

The elongate member 16 includes a first end 16a, a second end 16b and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air from the surface cleaning tool 18 to the flexible elongate member 12. The first end 16a of the elongate member 16 is connected to the second end 14b of the user graspable handle member 14 and the second end 16b of the elongate member 16 is connected to the surface cleaning tool 18.

In embodiments, the user graspable handle member 14 may take a different form and/or may not include a passage. In such embodiments, the user graspable handle member 14 may, instead, be connected to the flexible elongate member 12 and the second end 12b of the flexible elongate member 12 may be directly connected to the elongate member 16. In such embodiments, the user graspable handle member 14 is used purely as a means for the user to handle the flexible elongate member 12 / elongate member 16 during use.

In embodiments, the surface cleaning system 10 is configured such that a number of the component parts, e.g. the flexible elongate member 12, elongate member 16, user graspable handle member 14, and surface cleaning tool 18, share common features to permit interchangeable use of the components in other cleaning modes.

For example, referring to figure 1, coupling device 31 may include a first co- operation member 31a provided on the main body 32 and a second cooperation member 31b provided on the surface cleaning apparatus 20. The first co-operation member 31a may be in the form of a pin (not shown) provided within a recessed space at the top of section 30b. The second co-operation member 31b may be in the form of moveable clip including a formation (not shown) for engaging with, and locking against the pin. When the surface cleaning apparatus 20 is received in the main body 32, the first and second co-operation members 31a, 31b come into engagement so as to couple the apparatus 20 and main body 32 together. The apparatus 20 may be released from the main body 32 by pressing the second co-operation member 31b to disengage it from the first co-operation member 31a and then lifting the apparatus 20 out of the main body 32. In embodiments, coupling device 31 may also serve as a holding device 38 and the main body 32 may not include formation 40 or the like provided that the coupling device 31 provides a sufficiently strong holding connection to the main body 32.

Other forms of coupling device 31 may be utilised in a manner known in the art for providing a releasable connection. The surface cleaning system 10 may include one or more further respective identically configured co-operation members / coupling devices to provide releasable connections between other component parts of the system 10 and permit their use interchangeably.

In more detail, for example, in embodiments, coupling devices 37, 39 / cooperation members 37a, 37b, 39a, 39b, identical to coupling device 31, may be provided at the user graspable handle member 14, elongate member 16, and surface cleaning tool 18 respectively to permit interchangeable connections between the surface cleaning tool 18, elongate member 16, user graspable member 14 and/or the apparatus 20 as will be described. This permits these component parts of the system 10 to be used in different cleaning modes of the system 10.

As shown in figure 3, when apparatus 20 is removed from the chassis 30, the same elongate member 16 may be connected at one end to the air inlet 25 of the apparatus 20 with the same surface cleaning tool 18 connected to the other end of the elongate member 16 to form a third cleaning mode (figure 3) of the surface cleaning system 10 in which the surface cleaning apparatus 20 is operated to move the surface cleaning tool 18 along a surface to remove dirt therefrom by a user grasping the user graspable handle 28 and moving the surface cleaning apparatus 20 to effect movement of the elongate member 16 and surface cleaning tool 18 connected thereto.

In embodiments for which the surface cleaning tool 18 includes a floor head 50, the floor head 50 includes a housing 52 having a floor facing surface including an inlet for receiving dirty air, floor engaging members 54 for supporting movement of the housing 52 along a floor surface, and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air from the inlet. The housing 52 may be pivotally connectable to each of the elongate member 16, user graspable handle member 14 and the surface cleaning apparatus 20 to provide dirt-laden air thereto.

Operation of the surface cleaning system 10 for each of its cleaning modes will now be described.

To place the surface cleaning system 10 into its first cleaning mode, the user disconnects any component parts connected to the air inlet 25 and slides the apparatus 20 into chassis 30 so that the second co-operation member 31b slides into locking engagement with the first co-operation member 31. The base of the apparatus 20 is then fully received with the recess 41 defined by formation 40 of the holding device 38. A user then connects the first end 16a of the elongate member 16 to the second end 14b of the user graspable handle member 14 by sliding co-operation member 37b into co-operation member 37a, and connects the second end 16b of the elongate member 16 to the surface cleaning tool 18 by sliding co-operation member 39b into cooperation member 39a. The user may then operate the apparatus 20 so that suction is applied to the surface cleaning tool 18 and grasp the user graspable handle member 14 to move the surface cleaning tool 18 along the floor surface to commence cleaning of a surface. The user can similarly manoeuvre and move the chassis 30 along the floor surface by pulling the user graspable handle member 14 in the desired direction. The surface cleaning system 10 is thus operable as a cylinder cleaner when the apparatus 20 is connected to the chassis 30. Chassis 30 forms a cylinder cleaner conversion device for the apparatus 20.

To place the surface cleaning system 10 into its second cleaning mode from the first cleaning mode, the user simply presses on the second co-operation member 31b, grasps the user graspable handle 28 to slide and lift the apparatus 20 out of the holding device 38 thereby removing the apparatus 20 from the chassis 30. The user may then disconnect the surface cleaning tool 18 from the elongate member 16 before connecting the surface cleaning tool 18 to the air inlet 25 by sliding the co-operation member 39b into the cooperation member 31b. The user may then operate the surface cleaning system 10 in this mode by carrying apparatus 20 using user graspable handle 28 and directing the surface cleaning tool 18 over a surface for cleaning as desired. The surface cleaning system 10 is thus operable as a handheld cleaner in the second cleaning mode.

To place the surface cleaning system 10 into its third cleaning mode (shown in figure 3) from the first cleaning mode, the user presses on the second cooperation member 31 b to release and remove the apparatus 20 from the chassis 32. The user similarly presses on the co-operation member 37a to release the elongate member 16 from the user graspable handle member 14.

The user then connects the elongate member 16 to the air inlet 25 by sliding the co-operation member 37b into co-operation member 31b. The user may then operate the surface cleaning system 10 in its third cleaning mode by grasping the user graspable handle 28 so as to carry the weight of the apparatus 20 whilst moving the apparatus 20 back and forth to move the surface cleaning tool 18 over a surface as desired to effect cleaning thereof.

The surface cleaning system 10 is thus operable as a stick-vac / pole-vac cleaner.

It will be appreciated that, advantageously, a user may place the surface cleaning system 10 into any of its three cleaning modes from any starting point of the system 10 by variously connecting and disconnecting the component parts of the surface cleaning system 10. This provides a user with the benefits of being able to use the system 10 in a cylinder cleaner mode, a handheld cleaner mode and a stick-vac / pole-vac cleaner mode.

In embodiments, the system 10 may be configured such that it is only operable in the first cleaning mode, i.e. cylinder cleaner mode, and the second cleaning mode, i.e. handheld cleaner mode, with no third cleaning mode.

In embodiments, a kit of parts may be provided as retrospective kit for existing surface cleaning systems including a handheld surface cleaning apparatus, such as apparatus 20, to provide additional cleaning modes therefor. Such a kit may include the chassis 30 and one or more of: the flexible elongate member 12, elongate member 16, user graspable handle member 14 and surface cleaning tool 18.

In embodiments, the surface cleaning system 10 may include a different surface cleaning tool such as a crevice tool and floor tool, and/or include a more than one type of surface cleaning tool 10 for interchangeable use with the system 10.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to 5 encompass equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A chassis for a surface cleaning system including a surface cleaning apparatus, the chassis including: a main body for receiving the surface cleaning apparatus, the surface cleaning apparatus including a housing supporting a suction source, an air inlet for receiving dirt-laden air, a dirt separation device for separating dirt from dirt-laden air, a dirt collection device including a chamber for receiving separated dirt, and a user graspable handle; floor engaging members for supporting movement of the main body across a floor surface; and a holding device for holding the surface cleaning apparatus relative to the main body during use to form a first cleaning mode of the surface cleaning system in which the chassis supports the surface cleaning apparatus for 15 movement across a floor surface.
2. A chassis according to claim 1 wherein the main body is supported to lie generally parallel with the floor surface during use.
3. A chassis according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the holding device includes a formation for co-operating with the surface cleaning apparatus.
4. A chassis according to claim 3 wherein the formation includes a recess in which the surface cleaning apparatus is received.
A chassis according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the formation includes one or more walls extending upwardly from the main body to at least partially surround the housing to hold the surface cleaning apparatus relative to the main body during use.
6 A chassis according to any preceding claim wherein the main body includes an upwardly facing surface which engages with a downwardly facing surface of the housing when the surface apparatus cleaning apparatus is received by the main body.
7 A chassis according to any preceding claim wherein the main body includes: an air inlet for connection to a first end of a flexible elongate member of the surface cleaning system, wherein the flexible elongate member includes a passage for carrying dirt-laden air; and an air outlet in communication with the air inlet of the main body for connection to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus.
8 A chassis according to claim 7 wherein a coupling device provides a releasable connection between the air outlet and the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and/or the coupling device includes a first co-operation member provided on the main body and a second co-operation member provided on the surface cleaning apparatus.
9. A chassis according to any preceding claim wherein the floor engaging members include a pair of laterally spaced floor engaging members provided at or near a rear end of the main body and / or a steerable wheel provided at or near a front end of the main body.
10. A surface cleaning system including: a surface cleaning apparatus including a housing supporting a suction source, an air inlet for receiving dirt-laden air, a dirt separation device for separating dirt from dirt-laden air, a dirt collection device including a chamber for receiving separated dirt, and a user graspable handle; and a chassis according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the surface cleaning system is operable to form: a second cleaning mode in which the surface cleaning apparatus is removed from the chassis and operated by a user grasping the user graspable handle to carry the surface cleaning surface apparatus.
11 A surface cleaning system according to claim 10 including a flexible elongate member including: a first end; a second end; and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air, wherein the first end is for direct or indirect connection to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus for use in the first cleaning mode.
12 A surface cleaning system according to claim 11, when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 7, wherein the first end is connected, preferably releasably connected, to the air inlet of the chassis, and/or including a user graspable handle member connected, preferably releasably connected, to the flexible elongate member.
13 A surface cleaning system according to claim 12 wherein the user graspable handle member includes a first end, a second end, and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air to the flexible elongate member, and wherein the first end of the user graspable member is connected, preferably releasably connected, to the second end of the flexible elongate member.
14 A surface cleaning system according to any one of claims 11 to 13 including an elongate member including a first end, a second end and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air from a surface cleaning tool connectable to the second end thereof to the flexible elongate member, wherein the first end of the elongate member is releasably connectable, directly or indirectly, to a second end of the flexible elongate member for use in the first cleaning mode.
15. A surface cleaning system according to claim 14, when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 12, wherein the first end of the elongate member is releasably connectable to the second end of the user graspable handle member.
16. A surface cleaning system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 12, including a surface cleaning tool for receiving dirt-laden air from a surface being cleaned during use, wherein the surface cleaning tool is releasably connectable to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus for use in the second cleaning mode and/or the surface cleaning tool is releasably connectable to the second end of the user graspable handle member for use in the first cleaning mode.
17. A surface cleaning system according to claim 16, when directly or indirectly connected to claim 14, wherein the surface cleaning tool is releasably connectable to the second end of the elongate member for use in the first cleaning mode.
18 A surface cleaning system according to any one of claims 10 to 13 including: a surface cleaning tool for receiving dirt-laden air from a surface; an elongate member including a first end, a second end and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air from the surface cleaning tool to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus, wherein the surface cleaning system is operable to form a third cleaning mode in which: the surface cleaning apparatus is removed from the chassis; 19. 20. 22.the first end of the elongate member is connected to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and the second end of the elongate member is connected to the surface cleaning tool; and the surface cleaning apparatus is operated to move the surface cleaning tool along a surface to remove dirt therefrom by a user grasping the user graspable handle and moving the surface cleaning apparatus to effect movement of the elongate member and surface cleaning tool connected thereto.
A surface cleaning system according to claim 18 wherein the first end and second end of the elongate member are releasably connected to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and the surface cleaning tool respectively and/or the surface cleaning tool is releasably connectable to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus for use in the second cleaning mode.
A surface cleaning system according to claim 18, or 19, when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 11, wherein the first end of the elongate member is releasably connectable, directly or indirectly, to the second end of the flexible elongate member for use in the first cleaning mode.
A surface cleaning system according to claim 20, when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 12, wherein the first end of the elongate member is releasably connectable to the second end of the user graspable handle member for use in the first cleaning mode.
A surface cleaning system according to any one of claims 16 to 21 wherein the surface cleaning tool includes a floor head including: a housing including: a floor facing surface including an inlet for receiving dirty air; floor engaging members for supporting movement of the housing along a floor surface; and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air from the inlet, wherein the housing is pivotally connectable.
23. A surface cleaning system according to claim 22 including one or more or all of the following: a) the suction source of the surface cleaning apparatus providing suction for at least two, preferably all, of the first, second and third cleaning modes of the surface cleaning system; b) the dirt collection device being configured to permit emptying of the chamber and / or permit removal of the dirt collection device whilst the surface cleaning apparatus is received by the main body of the chassis; c) the dirt separation device and/or dirt collection device extending generally horizontally or horizontally with respect to the housing which supports them; and d) the housing having an elongate shape, the dirt separation device and/or dirt collection device each having an elongate shape which extends generally transversely with respect to the housing.
24. A kit of parts for a surface cleaning system including a surface cleaning apparatus, wherein the surface cleaning apparatus includes: a housing supporting a suction source, an air inlet for receiving dirt-laden air, a dirt separation device for separating dirt from dirt-laden air, a did collection device including a chamber for receiving separated dirt, and a user graspable handle, and wherein the kit of parts includes: a flexible elongate member including a first end, a second end and a passage for carrying did laden-air, wherein the first end is for direct or indirect connection to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus; and a chassis according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
25. A kit of parts according to claim 24 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus includes: an elongate member having a first end releasably connectable to the air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus, a second end releasably connectable to a surface cleaning tool, and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air, and wherein the second end of the flexible elongate member is releasably connectable, directly or indirectly, to the first end of the elongate member to permit the second end of the flexible elongate member to be connected to the first end of the elongate member in the first cleaning mode, and may include a user graspable handle member including a first end, a second end and a passage for carrying dirt-laden air, wherein the first end is connected, preferably releasably connected, to the second end of the flexible elongate member, and the second end is connected, preferably releasably connected, to the first end of the elongate member.