US20110219567A1

US20110219567A1 - Reconfigurable upright surface cleaning apparatus with a powered brush motor

Info

Publication number: US20110219567A1
Application number: US12/722,735
Authority: US
Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad
Original assignee: GBD Corp
Current assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc
Priority date: 2010-03-12
Filing date: 2010-03-12
Publication date: 2011-09-15
Also published as: CN102188186A; CN102188186B; CA2730985A1

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a floor cleaning head having a dirty air inlet, a cleaning brush and a brush motor. An air flow passage extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. An upper section is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between an storage position and an in use position. The upper section comprises a cleaning unit including a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage. At least one of the upper section and the cleaning unit is removably mounted to the floor cleaning head in a preset orientation. When the surface cleaning apparatus is assembled, the cleaning unit is spaced from the floor cleaning head. An alignment member is provided on the surface cleaning apparatus. The alignment member requires the one of the upper section and the cleaning unit to be in the preset orientation when mounted on the floor cleaning head. An electrical conductive member is electrically connected to the brush motor and releaseably electrically connected to the cleaning unit. The electrically conductive member is automatically connected to the cleaning unit when the one of the upper section and the cleaning unit is mounted to the floor cleaning head.

Description

FIELD

The disclosure relates to surface cleaning apparatuses, such as vacuum cleaners. Particularly, the disclosure relates to a convertible upright surface cleaning apparatus.

INTRODUCTION

The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art.
Various constructions for surface cleaning apparatus such as vacuum cleaners are known. Currently, many surface cleaning apparatus are constructed using at least one cyclonic cleaning stage. The air is drawn into the vacuum cleaner through a dirty air inlet and conveyed to a cyclone inlet. The rotation of the air in the cyclone results in some of the particulate matter in the airflow stream being disentrained from the airflow stream. This material is then collected in a dirt collection chamber, which may be at the bottom of the cyclone or in a dirt collection chamber exterior to the cyclone chamber (see for example WO2009/026709 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,761). One or more additional cyclonic cleaning stages and/or filters may be positioned downstream from the cyclone.

SUMMARY

The following summary is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The summary is not intended to limit or define the claims.
According to one aspect, a convertible upright surface cleaning apparatus that has a cleaning unit that is removable for above floor cleaning or cleaning while hand held is provided. The cleaning unit comprises a suction motor and one or more air treatment members. The cleaning unit is electrically operable, e.g., operable when plugged into the AC outlet of a house. The floor cleaning head of the upright surface cleaning apparatus is electrically powered (e.g., an electrically powered rotatable brush associated with the dirty air inlet of the floor cleaning head). An electrically conductive member extends from the cleaning unit to the floor cleaning head so that the floor cleaning head is powered by the electrical source of the cleaning unit. Accordingly, when the cleaning unit is removed, the source of electricity is disconnected from the floor cleaning head. This source must be reconnected when the cleaning unit is mounted on the surface cleaning apparatus. This connection is preferably made automatically when the cleaning unit is mounted on the surface cleaning apparatus. Accordingly the surface cleaning apparatus may include an alignment mechanism to align the cleaning unit on an upper section (e.g., the handle) of the surface cleaning unit when the cleaning unit is mounted on the surface cleaning unit.
In a preferred embodiment, the suction motor is mounted on the upright section of the vacuum cleaner (e.g., the portion that comprises the push handle) and is spaced from the floor cleaning head. Such a construction is advantageous as it permits the floor cleaning head to extend further under furniture (e.g., floor cleaning head may be passed under furniture until the bottom of the upright section contact the furniture). However, in the absence of an alignment member a user may have difficulty positioning the cleaning unit such that an electrical connection is automatically completed as the cleaning unit is mounted to the upper section.
According to this aspect, a convertible upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a floor cleaning head having a dirty air inlet, a cleaning brush and a brush motor. An air flow passage extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. An upper section is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between an storage position and an in use position. The upper section comprises a cleaning unit including a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage. At least one of the upper section and the cleaning unit is removably mounted to the floor cleaning head in a preset orientation. When the surface cleaning apparatus is assembled, the cleaning unit is spaced from the floor cleaning head. An alignment member is provided on the surface cleaning apparatus. The alignment member requires the one of the upper section and the cleaning unit to be in the preset orientation when mounted on the floor cleaning head. An electrical conductive member is electrically connected to the brush motor and releaseably electrically connected to the cleaning unit. The electrically conductive member is automatically connected to the cleaning unit when the one of the upper section and the cleaning unit is mounted to the floor cleaning head.
The floor cleaning head may include a tubular support member on which the one of the upper section and the cleaning unit is mounted. The cleaning unit may be supported by a thin backbone of the upper section.
The air flow passage may include an up flow duct and the cleaning unit may be mounted to and supported by the up flow duct.
The electrical conductive member may comprise a wire extending the tubular section to the brush motor. At least a portion of the wire may be positioned external to the upper section and the floor cleaning head. The upper section may be rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis extending through a lower portion of the upper section. In such a case, the wire preferably has sufficient slack to permit the upper section to be rotatable without such movement being restricted by the wire.
The upper section may be rotatable with respect to the floor cleaning head about a longitudinal axis extending through a lower portion of the upper section.
The alignment member may be provided on at least one of the cleaning unit, the upper section, and the floor cleaning head. The alignment member may directs the one of the cleaning unit and the upper section into the preset orientation as the one of the cleaning unit and the upper section is mounted on the floor cleaning head. The alignment member may comprise guide members provided on the floor cleaning head, e.g., a tubular support member or upflow duct that is pivotally mounted, and preferably pivotally and rotatably mounted to the surface cleaning head. The guide members may interact with the upper section as the cleaning unit is mounted to the upper section. The alignment member may comprise at least one of a male engagement member and a female engagement member provided on the floor cleaning head and the other of the male engagement member and the female engagement member provided on the one of cleaning unit and the upper section. The male engagement member may be slideably engageable with the female member.
In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning unit is removable with the above floor cleaning member. Accordingly, essentially the upper section is removed when the cleaning unit is removed. In such a case, it is preferred that the alignment member is provided on one or both of the upper section and a tubular support member or upflow duct that is pivotally mounted, and preferably pivotally and optionally also rotatably mounted to the surface cleaning head. In alternate embodiment, part of the upper section may be left when the cleaning unit is removed and, accordingly, the alignment member may be provided on one or both of the cleaning unit and the upper section.
The electrically conductive member may comprise one of a plug and a socket and the cleaning unit may comprise the other of the plug and the socket. The plug may be inserted into the socket as the one of the cleaning unit and the upper section is mounted to the tubular member of the floor cleaning head.
The electrically conductive member may comprise a first electrical end and the cleaning unit may comprise a second electrical end. The first and second electrical ends may be releasably engageable and the first electrical end may be mounted to the tubular member of the floor cleaning head. One of the first and second electrical ends may be receivable in the other of the first and second ends.
The surface cleaning apparatus of may further comprise an electrical cord mounted to the cleaning unit and releasably engageable with a household electrical outlet.
The surface cleaning apparatus of may further comprise a wand and hose wherein the cleaning unit is removable from the upper section with the wand and hose.
The cleaning unit may comprise a cyclone and a dirt collection chamber and the dirt collection chamber may be removable from the cleaning unit when closed.
According to another aspect, another convertible upright surface cleaning apparatus is provided. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a floor cleaning head having a dirty air inlet and a moveably mounted tubular support member. An air flow passage extends from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. An upper section is provided on the tubular member and moveable between an storage position and an in use position and comprises a cleaning unit and a handle. The cleaning unit comprises a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage. The cleaning unit, by itself or with components of the upper section, is removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus in a preset orientation. An alignment member is provided on the surface cleaning apparatus. The alignment member requires the cleaning unit to be in the preset orientation when mounted on the surface cleaning apparatus.
The cleaning unit may be spaced from the floor cleaning head when mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus.
The cleaning unit may be directly or indirectly mounted to the tubular support member. The tubular support member may comprise an upflow duct and may comprise part of the air flow passage, and the cleaning unit may be mounted to and supported by the up flow duct.
The air flow passage may include an up flow duct and the cleaning unit may be mounted to and supported by the up flow duct. The cleaning unit may be spaced from the floor cleaning head when mounted to the upper section.
The alignment member may direct the cleaning unit into the preset orientation as the cleaning unit is mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus.
The cleaning unit may be provided with an electrical cord and plug. The floor cleaning head may include an electrically operated brush that is electrically connected to the cleaning unit by an electrically conductive member when the cleaning unit is installed on the surface cleaning apparatus. The electrical conductive member may comprise a wire extending from the tubular support member to the brush motor. At least a portion of the wire may be positioned external to the upper section and the floor cleaning head.
The upper section may be rotatable with respect to the floor cleaning head about a longitudinal axis extending through a lower portion of the upper section.

DRAWINGS

Reference is made in the detailed description to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a is a perspective illustration of an embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus, in a storage configuration;

FIG. 1 b is a perspective illustration of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 a, in an in-use configuration;

FIG. 2 is a cross section taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective illustration of a suction motor housing of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective illustration of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1, with a filtration member housing removed, and a pre-motor filter exploded from the suction motor housing;

FIG. 5 is perspective illustration of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 a, with the upper section removed from a tubular support member of the floor cleaning head;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross section taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the region shown in box 7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cutaway view of the tubular support member of FIG. 5 being inserted into the backbone of FIG. 5, wherein the upper section is not at a preset orientation;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cutaway view of the tubular support member of FIG. 5 being inserted into the backbone of FIG. 5, wherein the upper section is still not at a preset orientation;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cutaway view of the tubular support member of FIG. 5 being inserted into the backbone of FIG. 5, wherein the upper section is at a preset orientation; and,

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cutaway view of the tubular support member of FIG. 5 inserted into the backbone of FIG. 5, wherein the upper section is at a preset orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 a, a first embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus 100 is shown. In the embodiment shown, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is a convertible upright surface cleaning apparatus (otherwise referred to as a convertible upright vacuum cleaner). In alternate embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may be another suitable type of surface cleaning apparatus, such as a canister type vacuum cleaner, and hand vacuum cleaner, a stick vac, a wet-dry type vacuum cleaner or a carpet extractor.
Referring still to FIG. 1 a, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 has a floor cleaning head 106, and an upper section 105. The upper section is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a storage position (shown in FIG. 1 a) and an in use position, shown in FIG. 1 b. The surface cleaning head includes a tubular support member 112 (shown in FIG. 5), on which the upper section is mounted. The tubular support member 112 is rotatably mounted to a pivot joint 151 of the floor cleaning head 106 about a both a horizontal axis 153 and an axis 155 (shown in FIG. 1 b) extending through a lower portion of the upper section 105. Accordingly, the upper section is rotatable with respect to the floor cleaning head about both axis 153 and 155. The tubular support member 112 is moveably mounted with respect to the remainder of the floor cleaning head 106, so that the upper section may move with respect to the remainder of the floor cleaning head 106.
Referring still to FIG. 1, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 has a dirty air inlet 102, a clean air outlet 104, and an air flow passage extending therebetween. The dirty air inlet 102 is provided in the floor cleaning head 106. The floor cleaning head 106 further includes an electrically operated brush (not shown) for aiding in drawing material into the dirty air inlet 102, and a brush motor (not shown) driving the brush.
From the dirty air inlet 102, the airflow passage extends into the floor cleaning head 106, through an external hose of the floor cleaning head 107, and into the tubular support member 112 of the floor cleaning head, which serves as an upflow duct between the floor cleaning head 106 and the upper section 105. From the tubular support member 112, the airflow passage extends through an air conduit 108, to a cleaning unit 110 of the upper section. The clean air outlet 104 is provided in the cleaning unit 110. In the embodiment shown, the air conduit 108 includes a backbone 114 of the upper section. The backbone mounts the upper section 105 to the tubular support member 112, supports the cleaning unit 110, and is part of the airflow passage. As can be seen in FIG. 1 a, the cleaning unit 110 is spaced from the floor cleaning head 106 when mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 by the backbone 114. The backbone 114 is preferably thin. The air conduit further includes a wand 116 downstream of the backbone 114, a hose 117 downstream of the wand, and an elbow joint 118 downstream of the hose 117. The elbow joint 118 is in airflow communication with the cleaning unit 110. In alternate embodiments, the air conduit 108 may be of another configuration.
A handle 119 is mounted to the wand 116, for manipulating the surface cleaning apparatus 100.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the cleaning unit 110 includes a filtration member housing 120, and a suction motor housing 122. The filtration member housing 122 houses filtration member 124, which is positioned in the airflow passage downstream of the dirty air inlet 102 for removing particulate matter from air flowing through the airflow passage. The suction motor housing 122 houses a suction motor 126, which is provided in the airflow passage downstream of the filtration member 124 for drawing air through the airflow passage.
In the embodiment shown, the cleaning unit 110 is supported by and mounted to the backbone 114. Particularly, a mount 128 is provided which mounts the cleaning unit 110 to the backbone 114. The mount 128 may be of any suitable configuration. In the embodiment shown, the mount 128 is integrally formed with the suction motor housing 122, and is mountable to the backbone 114. The mount 128 may be mountable to the backbone 114 in any suitable manner, and is preferably removably mountable to the backbone 114.
In the embodiment shown, the filtration member housing 120 includes a sidewall 130, a top wall 132, and a bottom wall 134. The suction motor housing 122 includes a sidewall 136 and a bottom wall 138, and an open top 140. The sidewall 136 of the suction motor housing 122 is removably mounted to the bottom wall 134 of the filtration member housing 120, so that the bottom wall 134 of the filtration member housing 120 seals the open top 140 of the suction motor housing 122. The sidewall 136 of the suction motor housing 122 may be removably mounted to the bottom wall 134 of the filtration member housing 120 in any suitable manner, such as by one or more latch members 142.
In the embodiment shown, as the suction motor housing 122 is mounted to the backbone 114, and the filtration member housing 120 is removably mounted to the suction motor housing 122 above the suction motor housing 122, the filtration member housing 120 may be removed from the suction motor housing by unlatching the one or more latch members 142, and lifting the filtration member housing 120 off of the suction motor housing 122. When this is done, the filtration member housing 120 will be generally sealed, except for any airflow passages leading to or from the filtration member housing 120, and the top 140 of the suction motor housing 122 will be open.
Referring still to FIG. 2, in the embodiment shown, the filtration member 124 is a cyclone 144. In alternate embodiments, the filtration member 124 may be, for example, a filter, such as a filter bag or a foam filter. In further alternate embodiments, the filtration member 124 may include a plurality of cyclones, or a plurality of cyclonic stages.
The cyclone 144 may be of any suitable configuration. In the embodiment shown, the cyclone 144 extends along a longitudinal axis 146, which is generally vertically extending, and includes a generally cylindrical cyclone wall 148, which defines a cyclone chamber 150. The upper end 152 of the cyclone wall 148 is open, and the lower end 154 of the cyclone wall includes lower wall 156. The cyclone wall 148 is positioned in the filtration member housing 120 such that it is spaced from the sidewall 130, top wall 132, and bottom wall 134 of the filtration member housing 120. A plurality of struts 158 support the cyclone wall 148 within the filtration member housing 120. The space between the lower wall 156 of the cyclone 144 and the bottom wall 134 of the filtration member housing 122 forms a dirt collection chamber 160.
The cyclone 144 further includes a cyclone air inlet 162, and a cyclone air outlet 164. The cyclone air inlet 162 extends from a first end (not shown) that is in communication with the hose 117, through the sidewall 130 of the filtration member housing 120, to a second end (not shown) that is in communication with the cyclone chamber 150. The cyclone air outlet 164 extends along the axis 146, from a first end 170 that is positioned within the cyclone chamber 150, through the lower wall 156, and to a second end 172 that is in communication with the interior of the suction motor housing 122. A screen is preferably mounted over the first end 170 of the cyclone air outlet.
In use, air flows from the hose 117 into the cyclone chamber 150 through the cyclone air inlet 162. In the cyclone chamber 150, the air flows within the cyclone wall 148 in a cyclonic pattern, and particulate matter is separated from the air. The particulate matter exits the cyclone chamber 150 through the first end 152, and settles in the dirt collection chamber 160. The air exits the cyclone chamber 150 through the cyclone air outlet 164, and enters the suction motor housing 122.
The dirt collection chamber 160 may be emptied in any suitable manner. In the embodiment shown, the bottom wall 134 is pivotally mounted to the sidewall 130, and serves as an openable door. The dirt collection chamber 160 may be emptied by removing the filtration member housing 120 from the suction motor housing 124, with the dirt collection chamber 160 closed, as described hereinabove, and pivoting the bottom wall 134 away from the sidewall 130.
Referring still to FIG. 2, the suction motor housing 122 houses the suction motor 126, a pre-motor filter 176 upstream of the suction motor 126 and downstream of the cyclone 144, and a post-motor filter (not shown) downstream of the suction motor 126 and upstream of the clean air outlet 104, in a post motor filter chamber 178 of the suction motor housing 122.
The pre-motor filter 176 extends across the open top 140 of the suction motor housing 122, and has an upstream side 180 that faces the cyclone air outlet 164, and an opposed downstream side 182 that faces the bottom wall 138 of the suction motor housing 122. The pre-motor filter 176 is supported within the suction motor housing 122 by an apertured support wall 184 (seen most clearly in FIG. 3), which extends across the suction motor housing 122. The pre-motor filter 176 is sized to be generally snugly received within the suction motor housing 122, such that air entering the suction motor housing 122 from the cyclone air outlet 164 passes through the pre-motor filter 176, in a direction indicated by arrow A. The pre-motor filter 176 may be any suitable type of filter. Preferably, the pre-motor filter includes a foam layer 186 and a felt layer 188.
Referring to FIG. 4, when the filtration member housing 120 is lifted off of the suction motor housing 122, the pre-motor filter 176 is exposed, and may be removed, replaced, or cleaned.
Referring back to FIG. 2, the suction motor 126 is housed within the suction motor housing 122 beneath the apertured support wall 184. The suction motor 126 may be any suitable type of suction motor. In the embodiment shown, the suction motor 126 extends along a longitudinal axis 190 that is generally vertically extending.
The post motor filter is housed in the post motor filter chamber 178 within the suction motor housing 122 adjacent the suction motor 126, and between the suction motor 126 and the clean air outlet 104. Preferably, a second apertured wall 192 is provided between the suction motor 126 and the post-motor filter. The post-motor filter may be any suitable type of filter, such as a HEPA filter.
It is possible that in some instances, the airflow passage may become fully or partially clogged. For example, a large object, such as a ball of hair, may become lodged anywhere in the airflow passage, such as in the floor cleaning head 106. For further example, the pre-motor filter 176 may become clogged with particulate matter. If this occurs, the suction motor 126 may burn out. A bleed-valve 101 (shown in FIG. 2) may be provided in the suction motor housing 122. If a clog occurs in the airflow passage, the pressure in the suction motor housing 122 will decrease. The bleed valve 101 is preferably configured to open when the pressure decreases, and allow air to flow through the suction motor housing 122 to the clean air outlet 104 so that the suction motor 126 does not burn out.
Referring back to FIG. 1 a, as mentioned hereinabove, the floor cleaning head 106 includes a brush and a brush motor. Further, the cleaning unit 110 includes the suction motor 126. Power is provided to the brush motor and the suction motor 126 by an electrical cord 121. The electrical cord 121 has a first end 123 that includes a plug that is releasably engageable with a household electrical outlet, and a second end 125 that is mounted to the cleaning unit 110 to provide power to the suction motor 126. The cleaning unit 110 is electrically connected to the floor cleaning head 106, to provide power to the brush motor. Specifically, an electrically conductive member 129, described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, is electrically connected to the brush motor and electrically connected to the cleaning unit 110.
Referring now to FIG. 5, as mentioned hereinabove, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is convertible. Specifically, the upper section 105 is removably mounted to the floor cleaning head 106, together with the wand 116 and hose 117. When the upper section 105 is removed from the floor cleaning head, the wand 116 may be disconnected from the backbone 114, and used as a nozzle.
Referring still to FIG. 5, in the embodiment shown, the backbone 114 is mounted to the tubular support member 112 to mount the upper section 105 to the surface cleaning head 106. Specifically, the tubular support member 106 is received in the backbone 114, and a latch member 127 is provided to secure the tubular support 106 member therein. The upper section 105 is removable from the surface cleaning head 106 by unlatching the latch member 127, and lifting the cleaning unit 110 upwardly, so that the backbone 114 lifts off of the tubular support member 112.
It will be appreciated that the various elements discussed herein are for reference for the discussion of the specific exemplified embodiments and that the elements such as the cleaning head, the cyclone, the upper section, the conversion mechanism and the like may be of various constructions known in the art. It will also be appreciated that some elements that are discussed, such as a bleed valve, are optional and need not be in any particular embodiment.
Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, as mentioned hereinabove, the cleaning unit 110 is electrically connected to the surface cleaning head by an electrically conductive member 129 that is electrically connected to the brush motor and electrically connected to the cleaning unit 110. The electrically conductive 129 member is releasably electrically connected to the cleaning unit 110, so that when the cleaning unit 110 is lifted upwardly, the brush motor is electrically disconnected from the power source.
In the embodiment shown, the electrically conductive member 129 comprises a first electrical end 131 mounted to the tubular support member 112 of the floor cleaning head 106. The electrical conductive member further comprises a wire 149 (shown in FIG. 1) extending from the tubular support member 112 to the brush. Preferably, as shown, at least a portion of the wire 149 is positioned external to the upper section 105 and the floor cleaning head 106. The cleaning unit 110 comprises a second electrical end 133 mounted to the suction motor housing 126. The first 131 and second 133 electrical ends are releasably engageable, and preferably one of the first 131 and second ends 133 is receivable in the other. Specifically, the electrically conductive member 129 comprises a plug 135 and the cleaning unit comprises a socket 137. The plug 135 is inserted into the socket 137 as the upper section 105 is mounted to the tubular support member 112 of the floor cleaning head 106, and is removed from the socket as the upper section 105 is lifted off of the tubular support member 112 of the floor cleaning head 106.
In alternate embodiments, other types of electrical connectors may be used. Further, the electrically conductive member 129 may comprise a socket, and the cleaning unit may comprise a plug.
Referring back to FIG. 5, in order to re-mount the upper section 110 to the floor cleaning head 106, the backbone 114 may be lowered onto the tubular support member 112, such that the tubular support member 112 is received in the backbone 114, and the latch member 127 may be latched. Preferably, the electrically conductive member 129 is automatically connected to the cleaning unit 110 when the upper section 105 is mounted to the floor cleaning head 106. That is, when the upper section 105 is lowered onto the tubular support 112, the plug 135 is preferably automatically inserted into the socket 138. In order to reconnect the plug 135 and socket 137 when lowering the upper section 105, the plug 135 and socket 137 must be aligned. That is, the upper section 105 must at a preset orientation with respect to the floor cleaning head 106, so that the plug 135 can be inserted into the socket 137 when the upper section 105 is lowered on to the tubular support member 112. Referring to FIG. 8, in order to achieve the preset orientation, an alignment member 139 is provided on the floor cleaning head 106. The alignment member 139 requires the upper section 105 to be in the preset orientation when mounted on the floor cleaning head 106.
Referring still to FIG. 8, the alignment member 139 comprises guide members 141 provided on the floor cleaning head 106, and the guide members 141 interact with the upper section 105 as the cleaning unit 110 is mounted to the upper section 105. Specifically, the guide members 141 comprise male engagement members 143 in the form of longitudinally extending splines on the exterior tubular support member 112. Further, female engagement members 145 are provided on the backbone 114 of the upper section 105. The female engagement members 145 are in the form of longitudinally extending slots on the interior of the backbone 114. The female engagement members 145 are separated by abutment members 147. The male engagement members 143 are slideably engageable with the female engagement members 145. The male 143 and female 145 engagement members are positioned so that the tubular support member 112 may generally only be inserted into the backbone 114 when the upper section 105 is at the preset orientation. Particularly, referring to FIG. 8, in the orientation shown, the upper section 105 is not at the preset orientation, and the male engagement members 143 are not aligned with the female engagement members 145. Accordingly, the tubular support member 112 may not be inserted into the backbone 114, because the male engagement members 143 abut the abutment members 147. Similarly, referring to FIG. 9, the upper section 105 has been rotated slightly, however the upper section 105 is still not at the preset orientation, and the male engagement members 143 are not aligned with the female engagement members 145. Accordingly, the tubular support 112 may still not be inserted into the backbone 114. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the upper section 105 has been further rotated, so that the upper section 105 is at the present orientation, and the male engagement members 143 are aligned with the female engagement members 145. Accordingly, the tubular support member 112 may be inserted into the backbone 114 while the male engagement members 143 are inserted into the female engagement members 145, and the upper section 105 may be mounted to the floor cleaning head 106.
Preferably, the alignment member 139 directs the upper section 105 into the preset orientation as the upper section 105 is mounted on the floor cleaning head 106. For example, referring back to FIG. 8, the abutment members 147 may be angled towards the female engagement members 145, so that when male engagement members 143 contact the abutment members 147, the abutment members act as a camming surface, and guide the engagement members 143 towards the female engagement members 145.
In alternate embodiments, the alignment member may be of another suitable configuration. For example, the male engagement members 143 may be provided on the backbone 114, and female engagement members 145 may be provided on the tubular support member 112. Further the alignment member may be provided on the upper section 105, for example on the cleaning unit 110.
In alternate embodiments, rather that the entire upper section 105 being removably mountable to the floor cleaning head 106, only the cleaning unit 110 by itself, or the cleaning unit 110 with some components of the upper section 105 may be removably mountable to the floor cleaning head 105. In such embodiments, the cleaning unit may still be removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 in a preset orientation.
In the embodiment shown, the cleaning unit 110 is indirectly mounted to the tubular support member 112, by the backbone 114. In alternate embodiments, the cleaning unit 110 may be directly mounted to the tubular support member 112. In an alternate embodiment, the alignment member may comprise one or more guide members, e.g., extension arms, provided on the cleaning unit that interact with the upper section when the cleaning unit is mounted on the upper section.
Various apparatuses or methods are described above to provide an example of each claimed invention. No example described above limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not described above. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described above or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described above.

Claims

1. A convertible upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

(a) a floor cleaning head having a dirty air inlet, a cleaning brush and a brush motor;

(b) air flow passage extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;

(c) an upper section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between an storage position and an in use position, the upper section comprising a cleaning unit including a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage;

(d) at least one of the upper section and the cleaning unit removably mounted to the floor cleaning head in a preset orientation and, when the surface cleaning apparatus is assembled, the cleaning unit is spaced from the floor cleaning head;

(e) an alignment member provided on the surface cleaning apparatus requiring the one of the upper section and the cleaning unit to be in the preset orientation when mounted on the floor cleaning head; and,

(f) an electrical conductive member electrically connected to the brush motor and releaseably electrically connected to the cleaning unit, the electrically conductive member being automatically connected to the cleaning unit when the one of the upper section and the cleaning unit is mounted to the floor cleaning head.

2. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the floor cleaning head includes a tubular support member on which the one of the upper section and the cleaning unit is mounted.

3. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cleaning unit is supported by a thin backbone of the upper section.

4. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 2 wherein the air flow passage includes an up flow duct and the cleaning unit is mounted to and supported by the up flow duct.

5. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the air flow passage includes an up flow duct and the cleaning unit is mounted to and supported by the up flow duct.

6. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electrical conductive member comprises a wire extending from upper section to the floor cleaning head wherein at least a portion of the wire is positioned external to the upper section and the floor cleaning head.

7. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 6 wherein the upper section is rotatably mounted to the floor cleaning head about a longitudinal axis extending through a lower portion of the upper section.

8. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the alignment member is provided on at least one of the cleaning unit, the upper section, and the floor cleaning head.

9. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the alignment member directs the one of the cleaning unit and the upper section into the preset orientation as the one of the cleaning unit and the upper section is mounted on the floor cleaning head.

10. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the alignment member comprises guide members provided on the floor cleaning head, the guide members interacting with the upper section as the cleaning unit is mounted to the upper section.

11. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the alignment member comprises at least one of a male engagement member and a female engagement member provided on the floor cleaning head and the other of the male engagement member and the female engagement member provided on the one of cleaning unit and the upper section, and the male engagement member is slideably engageable with the female member.

12. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 2 wherein the electrically conductive member comprises one of a plug and a socket and the cleaning unit comprises the other of the plug and the socket, and the plug is inserted into the socket as the one of the cleaning unit and the upper section is mounted to the tubular member of the floor cleaning head.

13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 2 wherein the electrically conductive member comprises a first electrical end and the cleaning unit comprises a second electrical end, the first and second electrical ends are releasably engageable and the first electrical end is mounted to the tubular member of the floor cleaning head.

14. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13 wherein one of the first and second electrical ends is receivable in the other of the first and second ends.

15. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an electrical cord mounted to the cleaning unit and releasably engageable with a household electrical outlet.

16. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an wand and hose wherein the cleaning unit is removable from the upper section with the wand and hose.

17. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cleaning unit comprises a cyclone and a dirt collection chamber and the dirt collection chamber is removable from the cleaning unit when closed.

18. A convertible upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

(a) a floor cleaning head having a dirty air inlet and a moveably mounted tubular support member;

(b) air flow passage extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;

(c) an upper section provided on the tubular member and moveable between an storage position and an in use position and comprising a cleaning unit and a handle;

(d) the cleaning unit comprising a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage wherein the cleaning unit, by itself or with components of the upper section is removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus in a preset orientation; and,

(e) an alignment member provided on the surface cleaning apparatus requiring the cleaning unit to be in the preset orientation when mounted on the surface cleaning apparatus.

19. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18 wherein the cleaning unit is spaced from the floor cleaning head when mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus.

20. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18 wherein the cleaning unit is directly or indirectly mounted to the tubular support member.

21. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18 wherein the tubular support member comprises an upflow duct and comprises part of the air flow passage and the cleaning unit is mounted to and supported by the up flow duct.

22. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18 wherein the air flow passage includes an up flow duct and the cleaning unit is mounted to and supported by the up flow duct, the cleaning unit is spaced from the floor cleaning head when mounted to the upper section.

23. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18 wherein the alignment member directs the cleaning unit into the preset orientation as the cleaning unit is mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus.

24. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18 wherein the cleaning unit is provided with an electrical cord and plug, the floor cleaning head includes an electrically operated brush that is electrically connected to the cleaning unit by an electrically conductive member when the cleaning unit is installed on the surface cleaning apparatus and the electrical conductive member comprises a wire extending from upper section to the floor cleaning head wherein at least a portion of the wire is positioned external to the upper section and the floor cleaning head.

25. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 24 wherein the upper section is rotatably mounted to the floor cleaning head about a longitudinal axis extending through a lower portion of the upper section.