GB2621407A

GB2621407A - A tool

Info

Publication number: GB2621407A
Application number: GB2211842.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hennessy Jack; Hale Tobias; Hoare Sophie
Original assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Current assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Priority date: 2022-08-12
Filing date: 2022-08-12
Publication date: 2024-02-14
Also published as: GB202211842D0

Abstract

A tool for a surface cleaning apparatus, the tool comprising a main body, a primary dirty air inlet 20 provided in or on the main body, a secondary dirty air inlet (30, fig 2b) provided in or on the main body 12, wherein the primary and secondary dirty air inlets communicate with a dirty air passage (14, fig 6) in the main body which leads to a dirty air outlet (40, fig 3a), an agitator member 52 connected to or integral with the main body, wherein the agitator member extends over an area of an external surface of the main body and wherein the secondary dirty air inlet is provided within said area of the main body. The tool may include a blocking member (80, fig 10) which is movable between at least two positions including a first position in which dirt laden air is permitted to pass through the primary dirty air inlet and secondary dirty air inlet and a second position in which dirt laden air is permitted to pass through the primary or secondary dirty air inlet but is prevented or at least inhibited from passing through the other of the primary or secondary dirty air inlet. A fluid distribution nozzle (60, fig 5b) and viewing window 18 may also be provided.

Description

I

Title: A tool

INTRODUCTION

Embodiments of the present invention relates to a tool. More particularly, this invention relates to a tool for use with a surface cleaning apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Surface cleaning apparatus may be used to clean dirt, debris and other contaminants from a surface such as carpeted floors, hardwood or laminate floors, ground surfaces, furniture and other upholstered items.

Such cleaners generally include a source of suction which is connected to a tool which includes an inlet for drawing in dirt-laden air. The tool may be optimally configured for a certain cleaning scenario, and a surface cleaning apparatus may include a plurality of interchangeable tools each designed to aid the user in different cleaning scenarios.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to alleviate one or more problems associated with the

prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a tool for a surface cleaning apparatus, the tool including: a main body; a primary dirty air inlet provided in or on the main body; a secondary dirty air inlet provided in or on the main body; wherein the primary and secondary dirty air inlets communicate with a dirty air passage in the main body which leads to a dirty air outlet; an agitator member connected to or integral with the main body, wherein the agitator member extends over an area of an external surface of the main body, and wherein the secondary dirty air inlet is provided within said area of the main body.

A direction of air flow through the primary dirty air inlet may be substantially the same or may be the same as a direction of airflow through the secondary dirty air inlet.

A direction of air flow through the primary dirty air inlet may be generally parallel to or may be parallel to a direction of air flow through the secondary dirty air inlet.

A direction of air flow through the primary dirty air inlet may be inclined relative to a direction of air flow through the secondary dirty all inlet.

In use, the primary dirty air inlet may be positioned between a plane in which the secondary dirty air inlet is positioned and a floor surface to be cleaned.

The agitator member may include a plurality of agitator elements which are held fixed at one end relative to the main body and which are free at an opposite end.

The primary dirty air inlet may be positioned between a plane in which the secondary dirty air inlet is positioned and a plane in which the free ends of the plurality of agitator elements are positioned.

The dirty air passage may extend from the primary dirty air inlet, above the secondary dirty air inlet, and towards the dirty air outlet.

The dirty air passage may include a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the first portion extending from the primary air inlet to the second portion, the second portion extending over and above the secondary dirty air inlet and the third portion extending from the second portion to the dirty air outlet, preferably wherein the second portion may extend substantially parallel or parallel with the floor surface to be cleaned.

The first portion of the dirty air passage may extend below a plane in which secondary dirty inlet is positioned.

The secondary dirty air inlet may be positioned between, and preferably substantially in line with, the primary dirty air inlet and the dirty air outlet.

The primary dirty air inlet may be positioned between, and preferably substantially in line with, the secondary dirty air inlet and the dirty air outlet.

An area of the primary dirty air inlet may be greater than an area of the secondary dirty air inlet.

The secondary dirty air inlet may be positioned between at least two agitator elements of the agitator 35 member.

The plurality of agitator elements may include a first row or array of agitator elements which are arranged on one side of the secondary dirty air inlet, and a second row or array of agitator elements which are arranged on another side of the secondary dirty air inlet.

The second row or array of agitator elements may extend in a direction which is substantially parallel to the first row or array of agitator elements, or the second row or array of agitator elements may extend in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first row or array of agitator elements.

The secondary dirty air inlet may be generally surrounded by a plurality of agitator elements of the agitator member.

The tool may further include a plurality of said secondary dirty air inlets provided within the area of the main body over which the agitator member extends, and preferably wherein said secondary dirty air inlets are arranged substantially in line with the primary dirty air inlet and the dirty air outlet.

At least one element of the plurality of agitator elements of the agitator member may be positioned between two neighbouring secondary dirty air inlets.

The tool may include a fluid distribution nozzle fluidly connectable to a source of fluid, and preferably the fluid distribution nozzle may distribute fluid generally towards the agitator member.

The fluid distribution nozzle may be positioned between the agitator member and the dirty air outlet.

The tool may include a viewing window formed of a transparent or translucent material, and preferably the main body may include a bottom wall in or on which the secondary dirty air inlet(s) is/are provided, first and second side walls each positioned on opposite sides of the dirty air passage, and a top wall in which the viewing window is provided.

The tool may include a blocking member which may be movable between at least two positions including a first position in which dirt laden air is permitted to pass through the primary dirty air inlet and secondary dirty air inlet and a second position in which dirt laden air is permitted to pass through the primary or secondary dirty air inlet but is prevented or at least inhibited from passing through the other of the primary or secondary dirty air inlet.

The blocking member may be slidable between the at least two positions.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a surface cleaning apparatus including a tool including any of the above features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of a tool in accordance with the present disclosure; FIGURE 2a is a perspective view of the tool of Figure 1; FIGURE 2b is a side view of the tool of Figure 1; FIGURE 3a is a rear view of the tool of Figure 1; FIGURE 3b is a front view of the tool of Figure 1; FIGURE 4a is a plan view of the tool of Figure 1; FIGURE 4b is a bottom view of the tool of Figure 1; FIGURE 5a is a plan view of the tool of Figure 1 with an agitator member removed; FIGURE 5b is a bottom view of the tool of Figure 1 with an agitator member removed; FIGURE 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the tool of Figure 1; FIGURE 7a is a perspective view of an agitator member of the tool of Figure 1; FIGURE 7b is a side view of an agitator member of the tool of Figure 1; FIGURE 8a is a plan of an agitator member of the tool of Figure 1; FIGURE 8b is a bottom view of an agitator member of the tool of Figure 1; FIGURE 9a is a rear view of an agitator member of the tool of Figure 1; FIGURE 9b is a front view of an agitator member of the tool of Figure 1; FIGURE 10 is a side view of a tool in accordance with the present disclosure with a blocking member in a first position; FIGURE lla is a side view of the tool of figure 10 with an agitator member removed and a blocking member in a first position; and FIGURE 11b is a side view of the tool of figure 10 with an agitator member removed and a blocking member in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring to the Figures there is provided a tool 10. The tool 10 includes a primary dirty air inlet 20, a secondary dirty air inlet 30 and an agitator member 50. The tool 10 may include other features as described below. The tool 10, in use, may be connected to or connectable to a surface cleaning apparatus 100 which includes at least one source of suction and may include a source of cleaning fluid. The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be an upright type cleaner, a carpet extractor cleaner, a handheld cleaner, a canister type cleaner or a robotic cleaner.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5a, the tool 10 may include a main body 12. In embodiments, a primary dirty air inlet 20, a secondary dirty air inlet 30 and a dirty air outlet 40 may be provided in or on the main body 12, or otherwise formed on or as part of the main body 12. The primary dirty air inlet 20 and secondary dirty air inlet 30 are in fluid communication with the dirty air outlet 40 via a dirty air passage 14 which is formed within at least a part of the main body 12 of the tool 10. As shown in Figure 6, the dirty air passage 14 may include a plurality of portions, as described in more detail below.

In embodiments, the main body 12 may include a bottom wall 13b in or on which the secondary dirty air inlet 30 may be provided and to which the primary dirty air inlet 20 may be positioned close to or adjacent. The main body 12 may also include first and second side walls 13c, 13d each positioned on opposite sides of the dirty air passage 14, and a top wall 13a which is positioned above the bottom wall 13b. The top wall 13a, bottom wall 13b, first side wall 13c and second side wall 13d may at least partially surround at least a part of the dirty air passage 14. The main body 12 of the tool 10 may be configured so that it is easily graspable by hand, to allow a user of the tool 10 to precisely manipulate the position of the tool 10 and thus the position of the primary and secondary dirty air inlets 20, 30 of the tool 10.

The dirty air outlet 40 may be formed as an entrance or opening in or on the main body 12 of the tool 10, and may be connected to or connectable to a part, such as a wand member or hose member, of a surface cleaning apparatus 100. The shape of the dirty air outlet 40 may substantially correspond to the shape of a part of a wand member or hose member to which it is connected to or connectable to. For example, if the part of a wand member or hose member to which it is connected to or connectable to is generally circular in shape, the dirty air outlet 40, or at least a part of the dirty air outlet 40, may be generally circular in shape. In use of the tool 10, the dirty air outlet is in fluid communication with a source of suction of the floor cleaning apparatus 10 to which the tool 10 is connected to or connectable to.

The primary dirty air inlet 20 may be formed as an entrance or opening in or on the main body 12 of the tool 10. It may be formed from walls 13 of the main body 12, such that the shape of the primary dirty air inlet 20 is defined, or at least partially defined, by the shape of the walls 13 adjacent the inlet 20. For instance, the primary dirty air inlet 20 and the walls 13 adjacent the primary dirty air inlet 20 may resemble a duct or nozzle. In other embodiments, the primary dirty air inlet 30 may be provided on a wall 13 of the main body 12 but not defined by the shape of the wall 13. For instance, the primary dirty air inlet 20 may be provided as an entrance or opening which extends through a single wall 13 of the main body 12. The primary dirty air inlet 20 may be substantially quadrangular in cross-sectional shape, as shown in Figure 5b, or may be circular or elliptical or any other appropriate shape.

In use of the tool 10 with a surface cleaning apparatus 100, the source of suction draws dirt-laden air through the primary dirty air inlet 20 and into the dirty air passage 14 of the main body 12. As the primary dirty air inlet 20 and air passage 14 are in fluid communication with the dirty air outlet 40, the dirt-laden air drawn through the primary dirty air inlet 20 is subsequently drawn through the dirty air outlet 40 and transported to the surface cleaning apparatus 100.

The secondary dirty air inlet 30 may be at least partially formed as a main body inlet portion 32 on the main body 12 of the tool 10. In embodiments, the secondary dirty air inlet 30 may be positioned substantially in line with the primary dirty air inlet 20 and the dirty air outlet 40. The shape or profile of the main body inlet portion 32 may be substantially quadrangular, or alternatively the shape or profile of the main body inlet portion 32 may be substantially circular or elliptical in shape, or any other appropriate shape. In embodiments, the profile of main body inlet portion 32 may be consistent as the main body inlet portion 32 extends through the bottom wall 13b of the main body 12, or it may change in shape and/or dimensions as it extends through the bottom wall 13b of the main body 12.

In embodiments, the secondary dirty air inlet 30 may also be at least partially defined by an agitator member inlet portion 31 provided in or on the agitator member 50, as described in more detail below.

In embodiments, the dirty air passage 14 may include a first portion 14a, a second portion 14b and a third portion 14c. As shown in Figure 6, the first portion 14a may extend from the primary dirty air inlet 20 to the second portion 14b. The second portion 14b may extend over and above the secondary dirty air inlet 30. The third portion 14c may extend from the second portion 14b to the dirty air outlet 40. In embodiments, and as shown in Figure 6, the second portion 14b of the dirty air passage 14 may extend substantially parallel with the floor surface F to be cleaned. In other embodiments, the dirty air passage 14 may include a different number of portions to those described above.

As shown in Figure 5b, the primary dirty air inlet 20 may have an area Al and the secondary dirty air inlet 20 may have an area A2. In embodiments, the area Al of the primary dirty air inlet 20 may be greater than the area A2 of the secondary dirty air inlet 30. In use of the tool 10 with a floor cleaning apparatus 100, the primary dirty air inlet 20 may be used to draw in dirt and loose debris which may be removed from a floor surface F using suction alone and does not need to be agitated. The comparatively smaller secondary dirty air inlet 30 may be used to draw in stubborn dirt and debris which is stuck to or otherwise captured by the floor surface F to be cleaned and may be agitated by the agitator member 50. In addition, providing inlets with differing areas enables the fluid dynamic properties of each inlet to be optimised for different types of dirt or debris. Therefore, by providing a secondary dirty air inlet 30 which is of a comparatively smaller area provides an inlet with comparatively higher velocity and lower pressure relative to the primary dirty air inlet 20, which provides a more versatile tool 10 which is able to draw in different types of dirt and debris without the user needing to alter the tool 10, replace it with another tool 10, or alter the suction properties of the surface cleaner 100.

As shown in figures 10, 11a and 11 b, the tool may include a blocking member 80 that is movable between at least two positions that change distribution of air pressure between the primary and secondary dirty air inlets 20, 30. The area A2 of the secondary dirty air inlet 30 may be decreased relative to the area Al of the primary dirty air inlet 20 in order to increase the air pressure in the primary dirty air inlet 20. Similarly, the area Al of the primary dirty air inlet 20 may be decreased relative to the area A2 of the secondary dirty air inlet 30 in order to increase the air pressure in the secondary dirty air inlet 30.

In embodiments the blocking member 80 may be movable between a first positron in which dirt laden air is permitted to pass through the primary and secondary dirty air inlets 20, 30, and a second position in which the secondary dirty air inlet 30 is blocked, such that dirt laden air is permitted to pass through the primary dirty air inlet 20 but is prevented or at least inhibited from passing through the secondary dirty air inlet 30. In further embodiments, the blocking member 80 may be movable to a third position in which the primary dirty air inlet 20 is blocked, such that dirt laden air is permitted to pass through the secondary dirty air inlet 30 but is prevented or at least inhibited from passing through the primary dirty air inlet 20.

The blocking member 80 may be slidable between first, second and third positions. The blocking member 80 may include a user graspable tab for a user to move the blocking member 80 between first second and third positions. Alternatively, the blocking member 80 may pivot between first, second and third positions.

Advantageously the movement of the blocking member 80 between first, second and third positions allows the user to distribute air pressure between the primary and secondary dirty air inlets 20, 30 as they require. For example, if the user requires an increased air pressure in the primary dirty air inlet 20, they can move the blocking member 80 from a first position, in which dirt laden air can pass through both primary and secondary dirty air inlets 20, 30, to a second position in which dirt laden air can pass through the primary dirty air inlet 20 and not the secondary dirty air inlet 30.

This is advantageous for a user who requires increased air pressure, and suction, in a more concentrated area to remove dirt laden air and fluid. Similarly, the user can move the blocking member 80 from a first or second position to a third position, in which dirt laden air can pass through the secondary dirty air inlet 30 and not the primary dirty air inlet 20. This is advantageous to a user who requires increased air pressure, and suction, in an area close to the agitator member 50.

The tool 10 may include an agitator member 50 which may be connected to, or may be formed integrally with, the main body 12. In embodiments, the agitator member 50 extends over an area A of an external surface 12a of the main body 12, as shown in Figure 4b.

In embodiments, the agitator member 50 may include an agitator member body 52 and a plurality of agitator elements 54 which are connected to the agitator member body 52 and extend generally away from a surface of the agitator member body 52. The agitator member body 52 may be formed integrally with or as part of the main body 12, or it may be connected to the main body 12, and in embodiments this connection to the main body 12 may be a releasable connection as explained in more detail below. Each of the plurality of the agitator elements 54 may be held fixed at one end relative to the main body 12 and the agitator member body 52 and may be free at an opposite end, such that the free end may be used to agitate dirt and debris.

In other embodiments, the agitator member 50 may include a plurality of agitator elements 54 which are connected directly to, or formed integrally with, the main body 12 without the presence of an agitator member body 52 as described above. For example, the plurality of agitator elements 54 may be connected directly to, or formed integrally with, the external surface 12a of the bottom wall 13b of the main body 12 and extend generally away from the external surface 12a. Each of the plurality of the of agitator elements 54 may be held fixed at one end relative to the main body 12 and may be free at an opposite end.

In embodiments, the plurality agitator elements 54 may comprise a plurality of bristles. The bristles may be formed of a natural material, such as animal hair/fur or plant material, or may be formed of a synthetic material such as nylon or other suitable synthetic materials. Alternatively, the plurality of agitator elements 54 may comprise a plurality of protrusions formed from a rubber, plastic or metal material. In embodiments, the agitator member 50 may substantially comprise an abrasive material such as an abrasive paper, sandpaper, emery paper, wire wool or other known abrasive material or product. In embodiments, the agitator member 50 may comprise any combination of the aforementioned types of agitator elements 54.

In embodiments in which the agitator member 50 includes an agitator member body 52, and with reference to Figures 7a to 9b, the agitator member body 52 may be substantially cuboidal or otherwise hexahedral in shape. In embodiments, the agitator member body 52 may include a top surface 52a, a bottom surface 52b, a front surface 52c, a rear surface 52d, a left surface 52e and a right surface 52f. In embodiments, at least one of the surfaces 52a-f may be substantially planar. In other embodiments, at least one of the surfaces 52a-f may be substantially curved. The agitator member body 52 may alternatively be formed in other shapes and with a differing number of surfaces.

As shown in Figures 7a to 9b, the plurality of agitator elements 54 may be connected to a bottom surface 52b of the agitator member body 52. In embodiments, the plurality of agitator elements 54 may be formed separately to the agitator member body 52 and connected to the agitator member body 52 using known manufacturing processes. In other embodiments, the plurality of agitator elements 54 may be formed integrally with the agitator member body 52, or alternatively a subset of the plurality of agitator elements 54 may be formed separately to the agitator member body 52 and another subset of the plurality of agitator elements 54 may be formed integrally with the agitator member body 52. In some embodiments, the plurality of agitator elements 54 may extend from the agitator member body 52 in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 52b of the agitator member body 52, or they may extend in a direction which is inclined relative to the bottom surface 52. In other embodiments, a subset of the plurality of agitator elements 54 may extend from the agitator member body 52 in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 52b of the agitator member body 52, and another subset of agitator elements may extend in a direction which is inclined relative to the bottom surface 52.

As shown in the Figures, the agitator member 50 may be formed as a separate component to the main body 12 of the tool 10. In embodiments, the agitator member 50 may include a connection formation 56 provided on the agitator member body 52 which, in use, enables the user of the tool to connect and remove the agitator member 50 from the main body 12 as necessary. The main body 12 may include a receiving formation 16 which is shaped such that it is able to receive the connection formation 56. The shape of the receiving formation 16 may substantially correspond to the shape of the connection formation 56 or may be shaped differently but such that it may securely receive the connection formation 56. In embodiments, the connection formation 56 may be a groove which extends at least partially through the agitator member body 52, with the groove extending through at least one surface of the agitator member body 52. As shown in Figures 7a, 8a and 9b, the connection formation 56 extends through, or is otherwise formed in or on, a top surface 52a and a front surface 52c of the agitator member body 52. The connection formation 56 may be formed as a substantially T-shaped groove, or any other appropriate shape. The receiving formation 16 may be a protrusion which extends along a wall 13, for example the bottom wall 13b, of the main body 12 and may be formed as a substantially T-shaped protrusion, or any other appropriate shape which may receive the connection formation 56. In use, the user of the tool 10 may slide the connection formation 56 along the receiving formation 16 until the agitator member 50 is held in an appropriate position relative the main body 12. The appropriate positioning of the agitator member 50 may be assisted by providing an end stop, such as a wall 13 of the main body 12, which limits movement of the agitator member 50 when it is being slid over and along the receiving formation 16. In other embodiments, the agitator member 50 may be connected and removed from the main body 12 by alternative arrangements of connection formations 56 and receiving formations 16 which may allow the agitator member 50 to be held relative to the main body 12 by a push fit connection, a snap-fit connection, a magnetic connection, a hook-and-loop fastener connection, a screw or bolt connection or any other appropriate connection means.

The secondary dirty air inlet 30 will now be described with reference to embodiments in which the agitator member 50 includes an agitator member body 52 to which a plurality of agitator elements 54 are connected or formed integrally with. However, it should be understood that in embodiments in which the agitator member 50 does not include an agitator member body 52, the secondary dirty air inlet 30 may be provided entirely in or on the main body 12 as the main body inlet portion 32.

As shown in Figures 6, 8a and 8b, at least a portion of the secondary dirty air inlet 30 may be provided on or otherwise formed on the agitator member 50, in addition to being provided in or on the main body 12 as a main body inlet portion 32. The secondary dirty air inlet 30 may include an agitator member inlet portion 31 which extends entirely through the agitator member body 52, such that, in use, air may flow through the agitator member body 52. As shown in Figures 6, 8a and 8b, the agitator member inlet portion 31 may extend from the top surface 52a of the agitator member body 52 to the bottom surface 52b of the agitator member body 52. The agitator member inlet portion 31 may extend substantially linearly in a direction which is parallel to the rear wall 52d of the agitator member body 52, or it may extend substantially non-linearly through the agitator member body 52. The profile of the agitator member inlet portion 31 may be substantially quadrangular, or alternatively the profile of the agitator member inlet portion 31 may be substantially circular or elliptical in shape, or any other appropriate shape. In embodiments, the profile of the agitator member inlet portion 31 may be consistent as the agitator member inlet portion 31 extends through the agitator member body 52, or it may change in shape and/or dimensions as it extends through the agitator member body 52. The shape, profile and/or area of the agitator member inlet portion 31 may be identical to, or substantially similar to the shape, profile and/or area of the main body inlet portion 32.

The agitator member inlet portion 31 is in fluid communication with the main body inlet portion 32 such that dirt-laden air may flow through the opening 31 on the agitator member body 52 and through the main body inlet portion 32 into the dirty air passage 14. Therefore, it should be understood herein that in embodiments of the tool 10 which include an agitator member body 52, the secondary dirty air inlet 30 includes the agitator member inlet portion 31 and the main body inlet portion 32. In embodiments of the tool 10 which do not include an agitator member body 52, the secondary dirty air inlet 30 may include the main body inlet portion 32 only.

As shown in the Figures, the secondary dirty air inlet 30 may be positioned between at least two of the plurality of agitator elements 54 of the agitator member 50. In embodiments, the plurality of agitator elements 54 may comprise a first row or array 54a of agitator elements 54 which are arranged on one side of the secondary dirty air inlet 30, and a second row or array 54b of agitator elements 54 which are arranged on another side of the secondary dirty air inlet 30. The second row or array 54b of agitator elements 54 may extend in a direction which is parallel to the first row or array 54a of agitator elements 54, such that the rows or arrays are positioned on generally opposite sides of the secondary dirty air inlet 30. Alternatively, the second row or array 54b of agitator elements 54 may extend in a direction which is perpendicular to the first row or array 54a of agitator elements 54, such that the rows or arrays are positioned on generally orthogonal sides of the secondary dirty air inlet 30. Figure 8b shows an example of a first and second row or array 54a, 54b. However, it should be understood that Figure 8b is merely exemplary, and any row or array of agitator members 54 may be considered to be a first row or array 54a and any other row or array of agitator members 54 may be considered to be a second row or array 54h. In embodiments, the plurality of agitator elements 54 may include many rows or arrays of agitator elements 54 which are arranged in relative parallel and perpendicular directions. As shown in Figures 6 and 8b, the secondary dirty air inlet 30 may be surrounded by at least a subset of the plurality of agitator elements 54 which may be positioned close to or adjacent the agitator member inlet portion 31. For example, when the secondary dirty air inlet 30 is substantially quadrangular, rows of agitator elements 54 may surround the inlet 30 along two, three or four of the sides of the secondary dirty air inlet 30. As shown in Figure 8b, the agitator member inlet portion 31 may be substantially square or rectangular and may be surrounded by at least one agitator member 54 positioned close to or adjacent each of the four sides of the agitator member inlet portion 31, and may be surrounded by at least one agitator member 54 positioned close to or adjacent each of the four corners of the agitator member inlet portion 31.

In embodiments, the tool 10 may include a plurality of secondary dirty air inlets 30 provided in or on the main body 12. It should be understood that the singular secondary dirty air inlet 30 described above may be one of the plurality of secondary dirty air inlets 30. The plurality of secondary dirty air inlets 30 may be provided within the area A of the main body 12 over which the agitator member 30 extends, as shown in Figure 4b. As shown in Figure 4b, the plurality of secondary dirty air inlets 30 may be arranged substantially in line and may be substantially in line with the primary dirty air inlet 20 and the dirty air inlet 40. However, it should be understood that other arrangements of the plurality of secondary dirty air inlets 30 is possible.

As shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the plurality of secondary dirty inlets 30 provided in or on the main body 12 may each be formed of a main body inlet portion 32 which extends through a bottom wall 13b of the main body 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 5a and 5b, there may be a first secondary dirty air inlet 30a, a second secondary dirty air inlet 30b and a third secondary dirty air inlet 30c provided in or on the main body 12. The first secondary dirty air inlet 30a may be at least partially defined by the first main body inlet portion 32a, the second secondary dirty air inlet 30b may be at least partially defined by the second main body inlet portion 32b, and the third secondary dirty air inlet 30c may be at least partially defined by the third main body inlet portion 32c. It should be understood that the singular secondary dirty air inlet 30 described above may be any of the first, second or third secondary dirty air inlets 30. In embodiments, the number of secondary dirty air inlets 30 may be different to those shown in the Figures.

As shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the plurality of main body inlet portions 32 of the secondary dirty air inlets 30 may be identical or substantially similar in size and shape. As shown in Figure 4b, the plurality of main body inlet portions 32 may be arranged substantially in line and may be substantially in line with the primary dirty air inlet 20 and the dirty air inlet 40. However, it should be understood that other arrangements of the plurality of main body inlet portions 32 is possible.

The aforementioned plurality of main body inlet portions 32 may be provided in or on the main body 12, whether the agitator member 50 includes an agitator member body 52 or does not include said agitator member body 52.

In embodiments wherein the agitator member 50 includes an agitator member body 52, the plurality of secondary dirty air inlets 30 may each also be partially formed of an agitator member inlet portions 31 which extends through the agitator member body 50. As shown in Figure 8b, the first secondary dirty air inlet 30a may be at least partially defined by the first agitator member inlet portion 31a, the second secondary dirty air inlet 30b may be at least partially defined by the second agitator member inlet portion 31b, and the third secondary dirty air inlet 30c may be at least partially defined by the third agitator member inlet portion 31c.

As shown in Figure 8b, the plurality of agitator member inlet portions 31 of the secondary air inlets 30 may be identical or substantially similar in size and shape. As shown in Figure 4b, the plurality of agitator member inlet portions 31 may be arranged substantially in line and may be substantially in line with the primary dirty air inlet 20 and the dirty air outlet 40. However, it should be understood that other arrangements of the plurality of agitator member inlet portions 31 are possible. Each of the plurality of agitator member inlet portions 31 may extend from the top surface 52a of the agitator member body 52 to the bottom surface 52b of the agitator member body 52, as described above.

In embodiments, and as shown in Figures 4b and 6, the second secondary dirty air inlet 30b and third secondary dirty air inlet 30c may also be positioned in between at least two of the plurality of agitator elements 54, and each secondary dirty air inlet 31b, 31c may be surrounded by at least a subset of the plurality of agitator elements 54 which may be positioned close to or adjacent the inlet portions 31b, 31c. For example, when each of the plurality of secondary dirty air inlets 30 is substantially quadrangular, rows or arrays of agitator elements 54 may surround each of the plurality of secondary dirty air inlets 30 along two, three or four of the sides of the inlets 30. In embodiments, the plurality of agitator elements 54 may comprise a first row or array 54a of agitator elements 54 which are arranged on one side of each of the plurality of secondary dirty air inlets 30, and a second row or array 54b of agitator elements 54 which are arranged on another side of each of the plurality of secondary dirty air inlets 30. The second row or array 54b of agitator elements 54 may extend in a direction which is parallel to the first row or array 54a of agitator elements 54, such that the rows or arrays are positioned on generally opposite sides of the plurality of secondary dirty air inlets 30. Alternatively, the second row or array 54b of agitator elements 54 may extend in a direction which is perpendicular to the first row 54a of agitator elements 54, such that the rows or arrays are positioned on generally orthogonal sides of each of the plurality of secondary dirty air inlets 30. Figure 8b shows an example of a first and second row or array 54a, 54b. However, it should be understood that Figure 8b is merely exemplary, and any row or array of agitator members 54 may be considered to be a first row or array 54a and any other row or array of agitator members 54 may be considered to be a second row or array 54b. In embodiments, the plurality of agitator elements 54 may include many rows or arrays of agitator elements which are arranged in relative parallel and perpendicular directions.

In embodiments, at least one element of the plurality of agitator elements 54 may be positioned between two neighbouring secondary dirty air inlets 30. For example, as shown in Figures 4b and 8b, at least one agitator element 54 may be positioned in between the first and second dirty air inlets 30a, 30b, and at least one agitator element 54 may be positioned in between the second and third dirty air inlets 30b, 30c. It should be understood that the relative positioning of the plurality of secondary dirty air outlets 30 relative to the agitator elements 54 may apply to embodiments in which the agitator member 50 includes an agitator member body 52 with a plurality of agitator member inlet portions 31 and to embodiments in which the agitator member 50 does not include an agitator member body 52.

In use of the tool 10 with a surface cleaning apparatus 100, the source of suction dirt-laden air through the inlet portions 31, 32 and into the dirty air passage 14 of the main body 12. As the secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30 and air passage 14 are in fluid communication with the dirty air outlet 40 positioned on the main body 12, the dirt-laden air drawn through the secondary dirty air inlet(s) is drawn through the dirty air outlet 40 and transported to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 to which the tool 10 is connected.

The user of the tool 10 may use the agitator member 50 to agitate a surface to be cleaned, which may result in the agitator elements 54 of the agitator member 50 capturing dirt and debris from the surface. Dirt and debris, depending on its composition, may clog the agitator elements 54 which may decrease their performance and the overall performance of the tool 10. As the secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30 is positioned between the agitator elements 54 of the agitator member 50, it may assist the user in removing captured dirt and debris from the agitator elements 54, and thus may maintain the performance of the agitator member 50 and extend its lifespan.

In use of the tool 10 both the primary dirty air inlet 20 and the secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30 generally face the same direction relative to the main body 12, i.e. the surface to be cleaned, such that dirt-laden air and debris from a floor surface may be drawn through inlets 20, 30 simultaneously. In other words, the direction of air flow through the primary dirty air inlet 30 may be substantially the same, or the same, as the direction of air flow through the secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30. Based on the arrangement of the primary dirty air inlet 20 and the secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30, the direction of air flow through the primary dirty air inlet 20 may be generally parallel to, or parallel to the direction of air flow through the secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30, as shown in Figure 6. In other embodiments, the direction of air flow through the primary dirty air inlet 20 may be inclined relative to the direction of air flow through the secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30.

In embodiments, the primary dirty air inlet 20 may be positioned close to or adjacent the agitator member 50 and may be provided in or on a part of the main body 12 which overhangs the agitator member 50 and the secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30. The primary dirty air inlet 20, and at least a part of the first portion 14a of the dirty air passage 14, may thus, in use, be positioned below the secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30 such that at least a part of the first portion 14a of the dirty air passage 14 extends below the secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30. As shown in Figure 2b, the primary dirty air inlet 20 may be positioned between a plane X in which the secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30 is/are positioned and a plane Y in which the free ends of the plurality of agitator elements 54 are positioned. Thus, in use of the tool, the primary dirty air inlet 20 may be positioned between a plane X in which the secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30 is/are positioned and a floor surface F to be cleaned. In embodiments, the plane X in which the secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30 is/are positioned may be generally parallel with, or parallel with, a floor surface F. In embodiments, the plane Yin which the free ends of the plurality of agitator elements 54 are positioned may be generally parallel with, or parallel with, a floor surface F. As shown in Figure 2b, the agitator member 50 and secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30 may be positioned between, and may be substantially in line with, the primary dirty air inlet 20 and the dirty air outlet 40. In other words, in use, the primary dirty air inlet 20 may be positioned in front of the secondary dirty air inlet 30 and the dirty air outlet 40 may be positioned to the rear of the agitator member 50, secondary dirty air inlet 30 and primary dirty air inlet 20. In other embodiments, the primary dirty air inlet 20 may be positioned between the agitator member 50 and the dirty air outlet 40, such that the primary dirty air inlet 20 is positioned to the rear of the agitator member 50 and secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30.

Positioning of the agitator member 50 and secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30 between the primary dirty air inlet 20 and the dirty air outlet 40 and/or such that both inlets generally face the surface to be cleaned means that, in use, the primary dirty air inlet 20 may be used to draw in loose debris which may be removed from a surface using suction alone and does not need to be agitated. The agitator member 50 may be used to agitate stubborn dirt and debris which is stuck to or otherwise captured by the surface to be cleaned, so that said dirt and debris may subsequently be drawn in using suction which is drawn through the secondary dirty air inlet 30. The user is therefore able to utilise both primary and secondary dirty air inlets 20, 30 and the agitator member 50 without having to reorient the direction or change the manner in which they handle the tool, with the benefit that the secondary dirty air inlet(s) 30 may act to unclog the agitator elements 54 of the agitator member 50 during use.

As shown in Figure 5b, the tool 10 may include at least one fluid distribution nozzle 60 which is positioned on the main body 12. In use, the fluid distribution nozzle 60 may be in fluid communication with a source of cleaning fluid and may be connected to a device which the user may operate to control the distribution of cleaning fluid from the nozzle 60. In embodiments, the fluid distribution nozzle 60 may be positioned between the dirty air outlet 40 and the agitator member 50, and it may be oriented such that it distributes fluid in a direction generally towards the agitator member 50. The fluid distribution nozzle 60 may distribute fluid onto the agitator elements 54 of the agitator member 50, or it may distribute fluid onto an area of the floor surface F to be Gleaned which is close to or adjacent the agitator elements 54. The cleaning fluid distributed by the nozzle 60 may aid in the agitation of dirt or debris on a surface to be cleaned and may include a detergent which assists in removing stains and to hygienically cleanse the surface. The used cleaning fluid may subsequently be drawn to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 by use of the primary and secondary dirty air inlets 20, 30.

The main body 12 of the tool 10 may include a viewing window 18 which is formed from a translucent or transparent material. As shown in Figures 1, 2a and 2b, the viewing window 18 may be provided in or on, or may otherwise form, a portion of the top wall 13a of the main body 12 which may be positioned opposite the primary and secondary dirty air inlets 20, 30 and the bottom wall 13b.

In embodiments, the viewing window 18 may be releasably connectable to the main body 12 of the tool 10 and may be secured to the main body 12 by the use of a snap-fit or push fit connection or by any other means which enable it to be released from the main body 12. The viewing window 18 enables a user of the tool 10 to view at least a part of the dirty air passage 14 of the main body 12 and to view the primary and secondary dirty air inlets 20, 30 from the interior of the tool 10. When the viewing window 18 is removed from the main body 12, the user can access the interior of the main body 12 which may assist the user in removing dirt, debris or other objects that may be trapped within the tool 10.

The main body 12 may include a latching device 70 which allows the tool 10 to be connected to, and disconnected from, a surface cleaning apparatus 100. As shown in Figure 1, the latching device 70 is positioned on the main body 12 close to or adjacent the dirty air outlet 40. The latching device 70 may include a user-actuated member 72 connected to the main body 12 and may be moveable relative to the main body 12. The latching device 70 may also include a latching portion 74 which extends away from a part of the latching device 70 and, in use, may be engaged with, and disengaged from, a part of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. In embodiments, the user-actuated member 72 may be rotatably or pivotably moveable relative to the main body 12 by pivot points 76 which engage with corresponding openings provided on the main body 12. In alternative embodiments, the user-actuated member 72 may be moveable in other ways, such as slidably moveable.

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 invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

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 encompass equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A tool for a surface cleaning apparatus, the tool including: a main body; a primary dirty air inlet provided in or on the main body; a secondary dirty air inlet provided in or on the main body; wherein the primary and secondary dirty air inlets communicate with a dirty air passage in the main body which leads to a dirty air outlet; an agitator member connected to or integral with the main body, wherein the agitator member extends over an area of an external surface of the main body, and wherein the secondary dirty air inlet is provided within said area of the main body.
2. A tool according to claim 1 wherein a direction of air flow through the primary dirty air inlet is substantially the same or is the same as a direction of air flow through the secondary dirty air inlet.
3. A tool according to claim 1 or 2 wherein a direction of air flow through the primary dirty air inlet is generally parallel to or is parallel to a direction of air flow through the secondary dirty air inlet.
4. A tool according to claim 1 or 2 wherein a direction of air flow through the primary dirty air inlet is inclined relative to a direction of air flow through the secondary dirty air inlet.
5. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein, in use, the primary dirty air inlet is positioned between a plane in which the secondary dirty air inlet is positioned and a floor surface to be cleaned.
6. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the agitator member includes a plurality of agitator elements which are held fixed at one end relative to the main body and which are free at an opposite end.
7. A tool according to claim 6 wherein the primary dirty air inlet is positioned between a plane in which the secondary dirty air inlet is positioned and a plane in which the free ends of the plurality of agitator elements are positioned.
8. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the dirty air passage extends from the primary dirty air inlet, above the secondary dirty air inlet, and towards the dirty air outlet.
9. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the dirty air passage includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the first portion extending from the primary dirty air inlet to the second portion, the second portion extending over and above the secondary dirty air inlet and the third portion extending from the second portion to the dirty air outlet, preferably wherein the second portion extends substantially parallel or parallel with the floor surface to be cleaned.
10. A tool according to claim 9 wherein the first portion of the dirty air passage extends below a plane in which secondary dirty inlet is positioned.
11. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the secondary dirty air inlet is positioned between, and preferably substantially in line with, the primary dirty air inlet and the dirty air outlet.
12. A tool according to any of claims 1 to 10 wherein the primary dirty air inlet is positioned between, and preferably substantially in line with, the secondary dirty air inlet and the dirty air outlet.
13. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein an area of the primary dirty air inlet is greater than an area of the secondary dirty air inlet.
14. A tool according to any preceding claim, when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 6, wherein the secondary dirty air inlet is positioned between at least two agitator elements of the agitator member.
15. A tool according to claim 14 wherein the plurality of agitator elements includes a first row or array of agitator elements which are arranged on one side of the secondary dirty air inlet, and a second row or array of agitator elements which are arranged on another side of the secondary dirty air inlet.
16. A tool according to claim 15 wherein the second row or array of agitator elements extends in a direction which is substantially parallel to the first row or array of agitator elements, or wherein the second row or array of agitator elements extends in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first row or array of agitator elements.
17. A tool according to any of claims 14 to 16 wherein the secondary dirty air inlet is generally surrounded by a plurality of agitator elements of the agitator member.
18. A tool according to any preceding claim including a plurality of said secondary dirty air inlets provided within the area of the main body over which the agitator member extends, and preferably wherein said secondary dirty air inlets are arranged substantially in line with the primary dirty air inlet and the dirty air outlet.
19. A tool according to any of claims 13 to 18, when dependent directly or indirectly on any of claim 6, wherein at least one element of the plurality of agitator elements of the agitator member is positioned between two neighbouring secondary dirty air inlets.
20. A tool according to any preceding claim further including a fluid distribution nozzle fluidly connectable to a source of fluid, and preferably wherein the fluid distribution nozzle distributes fluid generally towards the agitator member.
21. A tool according to claim 20 wherein the fluid distribution nozzle is positioned between the agitator member and the dirty air outlet.
22. A tool according to any preceding claim including a viewing window formed of a transparent or translucent material, and preferably wherein the main body includes a bottom wall in or on which the secondary dirty air inlet(s) is/are provided, first and second side walls each positioned on opposite sides of the dirty air passage, and a top wall in which the viewing window is provided.
23. A tool according to any preceding claim further including a blocking member which is movable between at least two positions including a first position in which dirt laden air is permitted to pass through the primary dirty air inlet and secondary dirty air inlet and a second position in which dirt laden air is permitted to pass through the primary or secondary dirty air inlet but is prevented or at least inhibited from passing through the other of the primary or secondary dirty air inlet.
24. A tool according to claim 23 wherein the blocking member is slidable between the at least two positions.
25. A surface cleaning apparatus including a tool according to any preceding claim.