WO2008070970A1

WO2008070970A1 - Surface cleaning apparatus with magnetic securing member

Info

Publication number: WO2008070970A1
Application number: PCT/CA2007/002212
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wayne E. Conrad
Original assignee: Gbd Corp.
Priority date: 2006-12-12
Filing date: 2007-12-11
Publication date: 2008-06-19
Also published as: US20080178418A1; CA2675715A1

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a member having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and includes a suction motor. At least one cyclone is positioned in the fluid flow path and has at least one material outlet. A material collection chamber is in flow communication with the at least one cyclone and the cyclone and/or the material collection chamber is releasably magnetically secured in position.

Description

TITLE: SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS WITH MAGNETIC SECURING MEMBER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus. More specifically, the invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus, which includes at least one component that is magnetically secured to at least one other component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Cyclonic vacuum cleaners are known in the art. In addition, cyclonic vacuum cleaners, which comprise a first stage cyclone and plurality of second stage cyclones are known. An example is shown in Conrad (United States Patent No. 6,782,585). As shown therein, a vacuum cleaner has a first cyclonic cleaning stage comprising a single first stage cyclone and a second cyclonic cleaning stage downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage and comprising a plurality of cyclones in parallel. A cyclonic cleaning stage typically includes a cyclone chamber, and an associated dirt collection chamber that may be positioned below the cyclone chamber. Dirt collection chambers are generally configured to be opened or removed, such that they may be emptied. In some cases, the dirt collection chamber is removably mounted to the cyclone chamber. In others, the dirt collection chamber and the cyclone chamber are removably mounted as a unit to the vacuum cleaner. Various different mechanical engagement and locking members have been suggested to permit such removability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention, magnetic attraction is utilized to releasably secure one component of a surface cleaning apparatus to another. For example, a cyclone chamber may be magnetically secured to a housing of the surface cleaning apparatus. Alternately, or in addition, a dirt collection chamber may be magnetically secured to a housing of the surface cleaning apparatus and/or the cyclone chamber. Any other components may alternately, or in addition, be secured in place by magnetic attraction. For example, two components that are magnetically secured together may have opposed abutting faces. One face may be provided with a magnet at one or more discrete locations or extending in a continuous band around the perimeter of the abutting surface. The magnet or magnets may be provided on the surface, provided in a groove so that the top of the magnet is flush with the surface on which it is provided or positioned below the surface (e.g., by being integrally molded with a component. The opposed abutting face may have a magnetically attractable material provided thereon in a similar manner. Alternately, or in addition, the opposed abutting face may have magnet or magnets provided thereon. In such a case, the magnets on the opposed faces are oriented such that opposite poles face each other.

An advantage of this design is that mechanical engagement members may not be provided. Such parts, which are typically plastic molded parts, have a tendency to break during repeated assembly and disassembly of parts. In contrast, a magnetic seal requires no tabs or other extending members that can snap off. A further advantage is that a continuous magnetic seal around an air flow passage or part of a cyclone chamber may be reliable formed without the need of an O-ring or gasket. For example, if a pliable magnet is encased in a plastic housing (like a magnetic seal for a household refrigerator) an airtight seal may be formed reliably and repeatedly by a consumer without having to precisely align parts.

In one broad aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided.

The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a member having a dirty fluid inlet.

A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and includes a suction motor. At least one cyclone is positioned in the fluid flow path and has at least one material outlet. A material collection chamber is in flow communication with the at least one cyclone and releasably magnetically secured to the at least one cyclone.

Embodiments in accordance with this broad aspect may be advantageous because the material collection chamber may be relatively easily removed from and secured to the cyclone. Furthermore, the material collection chamber may be sealingly secured to the cyclone.

In some embodiments, a divider plate is associated with the material outlet.

In some embodiments, the material collection chamber is positioned below the material outlet.

In some embodiments, the at least one cyclone is removeable from the surface cleaning apparatus with the material collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the at least one cyclone has a first contact surface and the material collection chamber has a second contact surface receivable on the first contact surface, one of the contact surfaces has a magnetic member associated therewith and the other of the contact surfaces has a magnetically attractable member associated therewith. In some further embodiments, the magnetic member has an outer surface having a polarity and the magnetically attractable member comprises a magnet having an outer surface of an opposite polarity.

In some embodiments, the first contact surface comprises a lower portion of a wall surrounding the material outlet and the second contact surface comprises an upper wall of the material collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the second contact surface is positioned below the first contact surface.

In some embodiments, the magnetic member and the magnetically attractable member are recessed into the respective contact surfaces. In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises at least one alignment member.

In some embodiments, each of the at least one cyclone and the material collection chamber are provided with mating alignment members. In another broad aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a member having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and includes a suction motor. At least one cyclone positioned in the fluid flow path and is releasably magnetically secured to the surface cleaning apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one cyclone comprises a cyclone chamber and a separated material chamber and the separated material chamber is positioned at the bottom of the cyclone chamber,

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a divider plate positioned above a bottom of the cyclone chamber.

In some embodiments, the at least one cyclone comprises at least one material outlet and a material collection chamber in flow communication with the at least one cyclone.

In some embodiments, the at least one cyclone has a first contact surface and the surface cleaning apparatus has a second contact surface receivable on the first contact surface, one of the contact surfaces has a magnetic member associated therewith and the other of the contact surfaces has a magnetically attractable member associated therewith. In some embodiments, the magnetic member has an outer surface having a polarity and the magnetically attractable member comprises a magnet having an outer surface of an opposite polarity.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a fluid flow passage from the surface cleaning apparatus to the at least one cyclone and a first portion of the passage is removable with the at least one cyclone and a second portion of the passage is retained on the surface cleaning apparatus when the at least one cyclone is removed and the first and second portions are secured together by the magnetic member and the magnetically attractable member.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one alignment member.

In some embodiments, each of the at least one cyclone and the surface cleaning apparatus are provided with mating alignment members. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the present invention will be more fully and particularly understood in connection with the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figure 4 is a cross-section taken along line 4-4 in Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a cross-section taken along line 5-5 in Figure 2; Figure 6 is a cross section taken along line 6-6 in Figure 3; Figure 7 is an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 8A is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1 , showing a material collection chamber in a removed position;

Figure 8B is a cross-section taken along line 8B-8B in Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 3, showing an embodiment of a material collection chamber in an open position;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 3, showing an alternate embodiment of a material collection chamber in an open position;

Figure 11 is a front plan view of the gaskets of Figure 10; and Figure 12 is a cross-section taken along line 12-12 in Figure 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of a surface cleaning apparatus 10 of the present invention are shown in Figures 1 , 2, and 3. As shown in Figure 1 , the surface cleaning apparatus 10 may be an upright vacuum cleaner. As shown in Figure 2, the surface cleaning apparatus 10 may be a hand or strap carryable vacuum cleaner. As shown in Figure 3, the surface cleaning apparatus 10 may be a wheel-mounted shop vac type vacuum cleaner. In other embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus 10 may be another type of surface cleaning apparatus for example a stick vacuum cleaner, a back pack vacuum cleaner, a carpet extractor or the like.

Surface cleaning apparatus 10 comprises a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet 12 to a clean air outlet 14. The dirty fluid inlet is provided in a member 13. Member 13 may be a surface cleaning head, as shown in Figure 1 , a nozzle, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, or another member such as a hose or a brush. A suction and filtration unit 16 is provided in the fluid flow path. The suction and filtration unit comprises a fluid treating member, preferably a cyclonic cleaning stage 18 including at least one cyclone 20, a motor 22, and a material collection chamber 32. Referring to Figures 4-6, in the exemplified embodiments, the cyclonic cleaning stage 18 comprises a single cyclone 20, extending along an axis 24. The cyclone comprises a cyclone inlet 26, a separated material outlet 28, and an air outlet 30. Material collection chamber 32 is mounted below the cyclone 20, and includes an inlet 34 in fluid communication with separated material outlet 28. Material collection chamber 32 may comprise a divider plate 33 mounted to a pedestal 35, and positioned adjacent inlet 34. Material collection chamber 32 may be emptied in a variety of ways, as will be discussed further hereinbelow. It will be appreciated that each of cyclone 20 and material collection chamber or dirt collection chamber 32 may be configured as any such chamber known in the art and may be positioned at any location known in the art. For example, as exemplified, material collection chamber 32 may comprise or utilize a divider plate 33 provided in the flow passage from the cyclone chamber to the material separation chamber 32. Divider plate 33 may be mounted at any location and may be of any known construction. Further, material collection chamber 32 may be positioned in the bottom of the cyclone chamber of cyclone 20 as opposed to in a separate chamber separated by a dirt outlet from the cyclone 20, with or without a divider plate 33.

In some embodiments, the suction and filtration unit alternately, or in addition comprises other cleaning elements. For example, as exemplified in Figure 6 a second cleaning stage 36 is provided downstream from first cleaning stage 18. Air exiting air outlet 30 of cyclone 20 is directed to second cleaning stage 36, which preferably comprises a plurality of second cyclones 38 in parallel. Additionally, a pre-motor filter member 40 may be provided downstream from second cleaning stage 36. Accordingly, in this embodiment, fluid enters dirty fluid inlet 12, is directed to cyclone 20, where material is separated from the fluid. The material enters chamber 32, and the air is directed to second cleaning stage 36, where further material is separated from the air. The air is then directed through filter member 40, past motor 22, and out of clean air outlet 14.

In another embodiment, as exemplified in Figure 5, a filter member 40 is provided downstream from a first cyclonic cleaning stage 18 and as exemplified in Figure 6, a filter member 40 is provided downstream from a second cyclonic cleaning stage 38. Accordingly, in the embodiment of

Figure 5, dirty fluid enters dirty fluid inlet 12, and is directed to cyclone 20, where material is separated from the fluid. The material enters chamber 32, and the treated air travels through filter member 40, past motor 22, and out of clean air outlet 14.

It will be appreciated that the dirty fluid to be treated may be water or other liquid with or without air (such as in the case of a carpet extractor or a wet/dry vacuum cleaner) or air with entrained dirt (such as in the case of a vacuum cleaner). The first cleaning stage may comprise one cyclone or a plurality of cyclones in parallel and the optional second cleaning stage may also comprise one cyclone or a plurality of cyclones in parallel, one or more filters, or a combination thereof. Additional cleaning stages may also be provided.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the cyclonic cleaning stage may be any cyclonic cleaning stage known and may comprise one or more cyclones in parallel. Optionally, to or more cyclonic cleaning stages may be used. A divider plate may optionally be provided and positioned in the bottom of any one or more of the cyclone chambers and spaced from the bottom thereof or associated with a dirt outlet of a cyclone chamber as exemplified. Divider plate 33 may be of any construction known in the art. For example, if may be solid or have apertures.

In alternate embodiments, if the component that is secured in place is not a cyclone chamber or part thereof, a cyclonic cleaning stage is not required. In the embodiments shown, suction and filtration unit 16 comprises a casing 44 as is exemplified. In the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3, casing 44 is a unitary, integrally molded casing comprising a cyclone casing portion 46, a motor casing portion 48, a chamber portion 50, and portions housing any additional components, such as second cleaning stage casing portion 52 and/ or filter member casing portion 54. In such embodiments, casing 44 may comprise an openable lid 45, which may be pivotally or removably mounted to the remainder of casing 44, and which can be opened by a user to view or repair portions of surface cleaning apparatus 10.

Alternatively, in the embodiment of Figure 1 , and as further exemplified in Figure 7, casing 44 may comprise various components, which are mounted together (e.g., one or more of portions 46, 48, 50, 52 and 54 may be provided and secured together to define suction and filtration unit 16). In some embodiments the various components may be mounted together by means of an adhesive, welding, a mechanical fastener or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the components may be magnetically mounted together. For example, as shown in Figure 7, cyclone casing portion 46 comprises a magnetic member 74 provided at an upper surface thereof. Filter housing portion 54 comprises a magnetically attractive member 76 provided on a lower surface thereof. Accordingly, cyclone casing portion 46 and filter housing portion 54 may be magnetically mounted together. Alternately, it will be appreciated that any configuration and construction that is known may be used. In the embodiment of Figure 2, surface cleaning apparatus 10 is a hand carryable vacuum cleaner, and accordingly comprises a handle 56, which, in the exemplified embodiment, is integrally molded with casing 44. In the embodiment of Figure 3, surface cleaning apparatus 10 is a wheel mounted shop vac or wet/dry type vacuum cleaner. Accordingly, surface cleaning apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of wheels 58. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , surface cleaning apparatus 10 is an upright vacuum cleaner, and accordingly includes a handle 62, mounted to a backbone 64, to which suction and filtration unit 16 and conduit 42 are mounted. Conduit 42 is pivotally mounted to a surface cleaning head 66. As shown in Figure 7, the various components of suction and filtration unit 16 are removably mounted directly or indirectly to conduit 42 via a mount 78. A fluid flow passage is provided between mount 78 and cyclonic cleaning stage 18.

In accordance with one preferred embodiment, a cyclonic cleaning stage is secured in position magnetically. For example, one or more magnets may be placed on the cyclonic cleaning stage and opposed magnetically attractive members may be positioned at mounting locations on the surface cleaning apparatus. Thus, when the one or more magnets contact the one or more magnetically attractive members, the cyclone cleaning stage is secured in position. Preferably, magnets are provided at more than one location, e.g., two spaced apart positions, (preferably one proximate the upper end of the cyclonic cleaning stage and one proximate the lower end of the cyclonic cleaning stage) so as to increase the stability of the mount. Alternately, or in addition, the magnets and the magnetically attractive members may be provided at discrete locations so that when they contact each other, the cyclonic cleaning stage is correctly aligned.

Alternately or in addition, the magnets may comprise part or all of the air flow seal of the air flow passage leading to the cyclonic cleaning stage and/or the air flow passage exiting the cyclonic cleaning stage. For example, the cyclonic cleaning stage may have an air inlet that has a abutment surface. The air supply conduit from the dirt air inlet may also have an abutment surface. Magnets and or magnets and magnetically attractive members may be used to secured these abutment surfaces together. Such an arrangement is exemplified in Figure 7.

As exemplified in Figure 7, mount 78 preferably comprises a first portion 81 which is part of the fluid flow passage through the vacuum cleaner and has an opening 81a and a perimeter 80, and cyclonic cleaning stage 18 comprises a second portion 83 of the fluid flow passage (e.g., the cyclone inlet) having an opposed opening and an opposed perimeter 82. A magnetic member 74 may be provided along perimeter 80 of first portion 81 , and magnetically attractive member 76 may be provided along perimeter 82 of second portion 83, such that portions 81 and 83 may be secured together magnetically. Essentially, the perimeters define contact surfaces that abut to link cyclone 20 in air flow communication with conduit 42. Members 74 and 76 may comprise a plurality of discrete members positioned around the air flow passage (i.e. the perimeter of the openings of portions 81 and 83) and, preferably, a continuous member that extends around the perimeter of the openings of each of portions 81 and 83. A similar design may be used to connect cyclone 20 with a component or conduit downstream of cyclone 20.

Further, in this embodiment, an alignment member 85 is preferably provided at a lower portion 84 of mount 78, which abuts a lower portion 86 of cyclone 20 to ensure that cyclone 20 and mount 78 are aligned. Preferably, alignment member 85 is magnetic. For example, a lower portion 84 of mount 78 may be provided with a magnetic member 74, and a lower portion 86 of cyclone housing 46 may be provided with a magnetically attractive member, such that the lower portions may be magnetically secured together.

As previously mentioned, material chamber 32 may be openable or removable, such that it may be emptied. For example, as shown in Figure 5, a bottom 87 of material chamber 32 is pivotably openable about a pivot pin 88. Alternately, as shown in Figure 8A-8B, material chamber 32 comprises an upper rim 90, which is slidably removable from slots 92 provided in a lower portion 86 of cyclone housing 46. Alternately, as shown in Figure 9, a lid 94 of material chamber 32, on which suction and filtration unit 16 is seated, is pivotally openable or removably mounted.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment, material collection chamber 32 may be releasably magnetically secured to cyclone 20 and/or another portion of the vacuum cleaner or releasably magnetically openable. For example, the cyclone 20 may have a first contact surface 75, and the material collection chamber 32 may have a second contact surface 77, and one of the contact surfaces may have a magnetic member associated therewith, and the other of the contact surfaces has a magnetically attractive material associated therewith. This design may be used with a magnetically secured cyclone chamber or by itself.

For example, referring to Figure 5, contact surface 75 comprises a lip 98 provided on bottom 87 of dirt collection chamber. Lip 98 is provided with a magnetic member 74. Contact surface 77 comprises a lower portion 100 of a sidewall 102 of material chamber 32. Lower portion 100 is provided with a magnetically attractive member 76. Accordingly, when the material chamber 32 is closed, lip 98 is magnetically secured to lower portion 100. If a user wishes to open material chamber 32, the user may grasp lip 98, and apply downward force to release lip 98 from lower portion 100. Referring to Figure 8A-8B, in this embodiment, contact surface

75 comprises upper rim 90, which is provided with a magnetic member 74. Contact surface 77 comprises the upper surface of slots 92, which are provided with a magnetically attractive member 76. Accordingly, in this embodiment, rim 90 and slots 92 serve as mating alignment members, which ensure that members 74 and 76 are properly aligned. In this embodiment, the magnetic member 74 and the magnetically attractive member 76 are recessed into contact surfaces 75 and 77, such that the surfaces 75 and 77 will come into contact, but the magnetic member 75 and magnetically attractive member 76 will not come into contact. Accordingly, when rim 90 is received by slots 92, material chamber 32 will be magnetically secured to cyclone 20. If a user wishes to empty material chamber 32, the user may grasp handle 104, and apply force to release rim 90 from slots 92. In an alternate embodiment, chamber 32 may be positioned by moving it upwardly until it contacts the bottom of cyclone 20. Referring to Figure 9, in this embodiment, contact surface 75 comprises an inner portion 106 of upper edge 108 of material chamber 32. Contact surface 75 is provided with a magnetic member 74. Contact surface 77 comrphses a plurality of elongate regions adjacent the perimeter 110 of lid 94. A magnetically attractive member 76 is provided on contact surface 77. Accordingly, when lid 94 is closed, magnetically attractive member 76 will slide along magnetic member 74, and be secured thereto.

In any of the above embodiments, the magnetic member 74 and/or the magnetically attractive member may be provided in a sealing member, such as a gasket. For example, in the embodiment of Figures 10- 12, a first gasket 112 is provided along an upper edge 108 of material chamber 32, and a second gasket 114 is provided along a perimeter 110 of lid 94. Gasket 112 houses a magnetic member 74, and gasket 114 houses a magnetically attractive member 76. Accordingly, when lid 94 is closed, gaskets 112 and 114 will contact each other, and the attraction between magnetic member 74 and magnetically attractive member 76 will provide an airtight seal between gaskets 112 and 114. It will be appreciated that if the portion of lid 94 opposite to gasket 112 is magnetic, a gasket need not be provided on lid 94. Similarly, it will be appreciated that if the portion of chamber portion 50 opposite to gasket 114 is magnetic, a gasket need not be provided on chamber portion 50. It will be appreciated that, in any embodiments described herein wherein a magnetic member and a magnetically attractive member are used, positioning of the magnetic member and the magnetically attractive member may be reversed. For example, in the embodiment of Figure 7, the magnetic member 74 may be provided on lower portion 86 of cyclone housing 46, and the magnetically attractive member may be provided on lower portion 84 of mount 78.

In the above described embodiments, the magnetic member and the magnetically attractive member may be fabricated from any materials known in the art. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the magnetically attractive member may be a magnet, which in use, has the opposite polarity of the magnetic member. In other words, instead of a magnet and a magnetically attractive member, a pair of opposed magnets, have facing surfaces of opposed polarity, may be used.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any of the aspects of this invention may be combined in any combination or sub combinations and that not all aspects need not be incorporated into a single embodiment.

Claims

Claims:

1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

(a) a member having a dirty fluid inlet;

(b) a fluid flow path extending from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and including a suction motor;

(c) at least one cyclone positioned in the fluid flow path and having at least one material outlet; and,

(d) a material collection chamber in flow communication with the at least one cyclone and releasably magnetically secured to the at least one cyclone.

2. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a divider plate associated with the material outlet.

3. The surface cleaning apparatus of any of claims 1 - 2 wherein the material collection chamber is positioned below the material outlet.

4. The surface cleaning apparatus of any of claims 1 - 3 wherein the at least one cyclone is removeable from the surface cleaning apparatus with the material collection chamber.

5. The surface cleaning apparatus of any of claims 1 - 4 wherein the at least one cyclone has a first contact surface and the material collection chamber has a second contact surface receivable on the first contact surface, one of the contact surfaces has a magnetic member associated therewith and the other of the contact surfaces has a magnetically attractable member associated therewith.

6. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein the magnetic member has an outer surface having a polarity and the magnetically attractable member comprises a magnet having an outer surface of an opposite polarity.

7. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein the first contact surface comprises a lower portion of a wall surrounding the material outlet and the second contact surface comprises an upper wall of the material collection chamber.

8. The surface cleaning apparatus of any of claims 5 - 7 wherein the second contact surface is positioned below the first contact surface.

9. The surface cleaning apparatus of any of claims 5 - 8 wherein the magnetic member and the magnetically attractable member are recessed into the respective contact surfaces.

10. The surface cleaning apparatus of any of claims 1 - 9 further comprising at least one alignment member.

11. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10 wherein each of the at least one cyclone and the material collection chamber are provided with mating alignment members.

12. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: (a) a member having a dirty fluid inlet; (b) a fluid flow path extending from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and including a suction motor;

(c) at least one cyclone positioned in the fluid flow path and releasably magnetically secured to the surface cleaning apparatus.

13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 12 wherein the at least one cyclone comprises a cyclone chamber and a separated material chamber and the separated material chamber is positioned at the bottom of the cyclone chamber,

14. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a divider plate positioned above a bottom of the cyclone chamber.

15. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 12 wherein the at least one cyclone comprises at least one material outlet and a material collection chamber in flow communication with the at least one cyclone.

16. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15 wherein the material collection chamber is positioned below the material outlet.

17. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15 wherein the at least one cyclone is removeable from the surface cleaning apparatus with the material collection chamber.

18. The surface cleaning apparatus of any of claims 12 - 17 herein the at least one cyclone has a first contact surface and the surface cleaning apparatus has a second contact surface receivable on the first contact surface, one of the contact surfaces has a magnetic member associated therewith and the other of the contact surfaces has a magnetically attractable member associated therewith.

19. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18 wherein the magnetic member has an outer surface having a polarity and the magnetically attractable member comprises a magnet having an outer surface of an opposite polarity.

20. The surface cleaning apparatus of any of claims 12 - 19 further comprising a fluid flow passage from the surface cleaning apparatus to the at least one cyclone and a first portion of the passage is removable with the at least one cyclone and a second portion of the passage is retained on the surface cleaning apparatus when the at least one cyclone is removed and the first and second portions are secured together by the magnetic member and the magnetically attractable member.

21. The surface cleaning apparatus of any of claims 12 - 20 further comprising at least one alignment member.

22. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 21 wherein each of the at least one cyclone and the surface cleaning apparatus are provided with mating alignment members.

23.A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

(a) a member having a dirty fluid inlet;

(b) a fluid flow path extending from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and including a suction motor and a fluid treatment member; and, (c) at least one component magnetically mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus.

24. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 23 wherein the component is positioned inside the air flow path.

25. The surface cleaning apparatus of any of claims 23 - 24 wherein the component comprises a divider plate positioned between a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection area.

26. The surface cleaning apparatus of any of claims 23 - 25 wherein the component is an air flow conduit.

27. The surface cleaning apparatus of any of claims 23 - 26 wherein a magnetic securing member is provided and the magnetic securing member forms an air tight seal in a wall of the fluid flow path.

28. The surface cleaning apparatus of any of claims 23 - 27 wherein the component is an openable door of a dirt collection area associated with a cyclone chamber.