WO2012119221A1 - Surface cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a main body comprising a suction motor. The suction motor provided in the air flow path. The surface cleaning apparatus also includes an air treatment member (preferably a cyclone bin assembly) provided in the air flow path. The air treatment member may be removably mounted to the main body. The surface cleaning apparatus may contain one or more improvements.

Description

TITLE: SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001 ] This application claims the benefit of 35 USC 1 19 based on the priority of co-pending US Patent Application No. 13/041 ,004 filed on March 4, 201 1 ; US Patent Application No. 13/040,676 filed March 4, 201 1 ; US Patent Application No. 3/041 , 039 filed March 4, 201 1 ; US Patent Application No. 13/041 ,101 filed March 4, 201 1 ; US Patent Application No. 13/041 ,094 filed March 4, 20 1 ; US Patent Application No. 13/040,634 filed March 4, 201 1 ; and US Patent Application No. 13/040,588 filed March 4, 201 1 , and each of those applications being incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates to surface cleaning apparatuses, such as vacuum cleaners.

INTRODUCTION

[0003] Various constructions for surface cleaning apparatuses, such as vacuum cleaners, are known. Currently, many surface cleaning apparatuses are constructed using at least one cyclonic cleaning stage. Air is drawn into the vacuum cleaners 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 bin collection chamber, which may be at the bottom of the cyclone or in a direct collection chamber exterior to the cyclone chamber (see for example WO2009/026709 and US 5,078,761 ). One or more additional cyclonic cleaning stages and/or filters may be positioned downstream from the cyclone. SUMMARY

[0004] 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.

[0005] According to one broad aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus has a main body with a removable air treatment member, which preferably comprises a cyclone chamber. The removable air treatment member is provided with a main power switch that is operable to control the operation of the surface cleaning apparatus. Accordingly, when the air treatment member is removed from the surface cleaning apparatus, the main power switch is also removed. The air treatment member may comprise a handle. Preferably, the power switch is provided in close proximity to the handle and may be on the handle. Preferably, the surface cleaning apparatus is a portable surface cleaning apparatus and the handle of the air treatment member comprises a handle for manipulating the portable surface cleaning apparatus.

[0006] An advantage of this configuration may be that it allows the user to grip the handle and manipulate the power switch with one hand, while still allowing the air treatment member to be detached from the body.

[0007] The surface cleaning apparatus includes a circuit that connects the suction motor to an electrical source, the circuit being open and closed by operation of the power switch. The circuit is interrupted when the air treatment member is removed from the main body.

[0008] Interengagable connectors may be provided on the air treatment member (e.g., the handle) and the main body of the surface cleaning apparatus to provide a decouplable control circuit extending between the power switch and the suction motor. The connectors may comprise mating male and female power connectors. Preferably, the connectors are configured such that they are automatically reengaged when the air treatment member s mounted on the main body. [0009] The connector on the body may remain energized when the air treatment member is removed, and may comprise the female connector.

[0010] An advantage of this configuration may be that it may reduce the likelihood of a user receiving an electric shock from the energized power connector on the body.

[0011 ] In accordance with another broad aspect of the teachings described herein, , a surface cleaning apparatus has a main body with a removable air treatment member, which preferably comprises a cyclone bin assembly, comprising a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. The surface cleaning apparatus also has a suction hose connector to which a flexible suction hose may be connected, and optionally releasably connected. The downstream side of the suction hose connector is in fluid communication with the cyclone chamber.

[0012] Preferably, the suction hose connector is fixedly connected to the main body, so that the suction hose connector remains connected to the body when the cyclone bin assembly is removed. An advantage of this configuration may be that it allows the cyclone bin assembly to be separated from the suction hose connector, and the associated suction hose, when the cyclone bin assembly is detached from the body. This may allow a user to manipulate the cyclone bin assembly without also having to handle the flexible suction hose.

[0013] Preferably, at least a portion of the suction hose connector is nested within the cyclone bin assembly. For example, the downstream end of the suction hose connector may be nested within the dirt collection chamber. An advantage of this configuration may be that the overall size of the surface cleaning apparatus may be reduced. Further, the suction hose connecter may be protected or partially protected from impact.

[0014] Preferably, the downstream side of the suction hose connector is connectable to a tangential air inlet of the cyclone chamber. More preferably, the tangential air inlet is automatically connected to the suction hose connector when the cyclone bin assembly is placed on the main body.

[0015] According to yet another broad aspect of the teachings described herein, a surface cleaning apparatus has a main body with an air treatment member, which preferably comprises a cyclone bin assembly, comprising a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. The air treatment member is preferably removably mounted. Preferably, the surface cleaning apparatus also has a suction hose wrap, about which a suction hose may be wrapped for storage. The hose wrap may include a recessed portion for at least partially receiving the suction hose. Preferably, the surface cleaning apparatus is a portable surface cleaning apparatus and the recessed portion comprises a recess into the main body thereof. Preferably, the suction hose wrap also has at least one accessory cleaning tool holder. More preferably, the tool holder comprises a tool recess that is sized to hold an accessory cleaning tool. The tool recess preferably is at least partially surrounded by the suction hose, when the suction hose is stored on the hose wrap. More preferably, the tool recess is provided in the centre of the hose wrap.

[0016] An advantage of this configuration may be that the overall size of the surface cleaning apparatus may be reduced. Another advantage may be that the auxiliary tool holder, and the accessory tool mounted therein, may be protected from impact.

[0017] Another advantage of this configuration may be that the suction hose is contained while in a storage position, and may be less prone to damage or loss.

[0018] Preferably, the recessed portion extends around the perimeter of the main body at one of the ends of the surface cleaning apparatus (e.g., the upper end or the lower end). More preferably, the main body comprises a stand, extending from the bottom of the main body, and the suction hose wrap extends around the perimeter of the stand. A hose engagement member (e.g. one or more detent portions) may be used to help retain the hose in the hose wrap. [0019] The surface cleaning apparatus may have a suction hose connector to which a flexible suction hose may be connected or releasably connected. The downstream side of the suction hose connector is in fluid communication with the cyclone chamber. Preferably, the suction hose connector is fixedly connected to the main body, so that the suction hose connector remains connected to the body when the cyclone bin assembly is removed. The suction hose connector may accordingly be a relatively short passage between the outlet of the suction hose and the inlet of the cyclone chamber.

[0020] An advantage of this configuration may be that it allows the cyclone bin assembly to be separated from the suction hose connector and the associated suction hose, when the cyclone bin assembly is detached from the body for, e.g., emptying. This may allow a user to manipulate the cyclone bin assembly without also having to handle the flexible suction hose or manually disconnect the hose.

[0021 ] Preferably, at least a portion of the suction hose connector is nested within the cyclone bin assembly. For example, the downstream end of the suction hose connector may be nested within the dirt collection chamber. An advantage of this configuration may be that the overall size of the surface cleaning apparatus may be reduced. Further, the suction hose connecter may be protected or partially protected from impact.

[0022] According to yet another broad aspect of the teachings described herein, a surface cleaning apparatus has a main body with an air treatment member, which preferably comprises a cyclone bin assembly comprising a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. The air treatment member is preferably removably mounted. Preferably, the surface cleaning apparatus also has a suction hose wrap, about which the suction hose may be wrapped for storage. The hose wrap may include a recessed portion for at least partially receiving the suction hose. Preferably, the recessed portion extends around the perimeter of the main body. More preferably, hose wrap may comprise a stand, extending from the bottom of the main body, and the recessed portion extends around the perimeter of the stand. The stand is configured to rest upon a surface when the surface cleaning apparatus is not in use. A hose engagement member (e.g. one or more detent portions) may be used to help retain the hose in the hose wrap.

[0023] Preferably, the surface cleaning apparatus also has at least one accessory cleaning tool holder. More preferably, the tool holder comprises a tool recess that is sized to hold an accessory cleaning tool. The tool recess is preferably provided in the hose wrap, and preferably is at least partially surrounded by the suction hose, when the suction hose is stored on the hose wrap. More preferably, the tool recess is provided in the centre of the hose wrap.

[0024] An advantage of this configuration may be that the overall size of the surface cleaning apparatus may be reduced. Further, if the surface cleaning apparatus is portable, using the hose wrap as a stand provide a stable base for the portable surface cleaning apparatus. In addition, positioning the hose lower down of the portable surface cleaning apparatus lowers the centre of gravity and enhances the stability of the portable surface cleaning apparatus when resting with the stand on a floor. Another advantage may be that the auxiliary tool holder and the accessory tool there in, may be protected from impact.

[0025] Another advantage of this configuration may be that the suction hose is contained while in a storage position, and may be less prone to damage or loss.

[0026] The surface cleaning apparatus may have a suction hose connector to which a flexible suction hose may be connected or releasably connected. The downstream side of the suction hose connector is in fluid communication with the cyclone chamber. Preferably, the suction hose connector is fixedly connected to the main body, so that the suction hose connector remains connected to the body when the cyclone bin assembly is removed.

[0027] An advantage of this configuration may be that it allows the cyclone bin assembly to be separated from the suction hose connector, and the associated suction hose, when the cyclone bin assembly is detached from the body. This may allow a user to manipulate the cyclone bin assembly without also having to handle the flexible suction hose.

[0028] Preferably, at least a portion of the suction hose connector is nested within the cyclone bin assembly. For example, the downstream end of the suction hose connector may be nested within the dirt collection chamber. An advantage of this configuration may be that the overall size of the surface cleaning apparatus may be reduced. Further, the suction hose connecter may be protected or partially protected from impact.

[0029] Preferably, the main body comprises at least one openable wall, to allow a user to access a component of the surface cleaning apparatus (e.g. a filter, the suction motor, etc.). More preferably, the at least one openable wall comprises an openable bottom wall of the main body, and the hose wrap is preferably provided on, and is moveable with, the openable bottom wall.

[0030] The main body may comprise a filter chamber that is accessible via the openable bottom wall.

[0031 ] An advantage of this configuration may be that the hose wrap may be positioned over an openable portion of the main body, and optionally over a filter chamber, while still allowing a user to access the portion of the main body.

[0032] According to yet another broad aspect of the teachings described herein, a surface cleaning apparatus has a main body with an optional removable air treatment member, which preferably comprises a cyclone bin assembly, comprising a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. The surface cleaning apparatus has an electrical cord wrap, about which an electrical cord may be wrapped for storage. Preferably the electrical cord wrap extends from the rear of the main body for the surface cleaning apparatus. The electrical cord wrap may comprise an upper cord wrap member and a spaced apart lower cord wrap member. [0033] Preferably, at least one of the upper and lower cord wrap members comprises a movable cord retaining portion which is moveable in the direction of the sliding removal of the electrical cord. Accordingly, the cord retaining portion is moveable from a storage position, in which the retaining member is oriented to inhibit removal of the electrical cord, and a removal position, in which the retaining member is oriented to allow removal of the electrical cord. The retaining member may be moved from the storage position to the retaining position automatically when a user slides the electrical cord from the cord retaining portion.

[0034] An advantage of this configuration may be that a user may remove the power cord in a single motion, without having to first move or disengage the retaining member.

[0035] Preferably, the retaining member is biased toward the storage position.

[0036] An advantage of this configuration may be that the retaining member will automatically return to the storage position after the electrical cord is removed by a user. This may help ensure that the electrical cord wrap is configured in the storage position when a user a wishes to re-wrap the electrical cord.

[0037] The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise an accessory tool holder. Preferably, a portion of the cord wrap retaining member or an extension which holds the cord wrap retaining member may comprise an accessory tool holder between the upper and lower cord wrap members.

[0038] According to yet another broad aspect of the teachings described herein, a surface cleaning apparatus has a main body with a removable air treatment member, which preferably comprises a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. The removable air treatment member may be seated on a platform on the main body. Preferably, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises at least one elongate alignment member that is provided on the platform to help guide the air treatment member when it is being replaced on the main body. [0039] Preferably, the alignment member may include an insert that extends into the cyclone chamber, when the air treatment member is mounted on the body, and may comprise a portion of the air flow path between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet. The insert may be received within a vortex finder in the cyclone chamber. Alternatively, the insert may comprise the vortex finder of the air treatment member. In this configuration, the vortex finder is separable from the cyclone chamber when the air treatment member is removed from the main body.

[0040] An advantage of this configuration may be that the alignment member may help position in the air treatment member in a desired, operating position, and may reduce the chances of the air treatment member being incorrectly replaced on the main body.

[0041] The at least one alignment member may provide alignment in two directions (e.g. left-right and front-back), and preferably allows relative rotation of the air treatment member. Preferably, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a second alignment member that provides rotational alignment. The rotational alignment member may comprise mating inter-fitting members, such as a handle that is receivable in a groove, a portion of a suction hose connector received in a cyclone bin assembly, or other suitable feature.

[0042] An advantage of this configuration may be that the second alignment member may help ensure the air treatment member is replaced in a desired rotational alignment.

[0043] According to yet another broad aspect of the teachings described herein, a surface cleaning apparatus has a main body with an optional removable air treatment member, which preferably comprises a cyclone bin assembly having a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. The cyclone bin assembly may be removably seated on a platform on the main body.

[0044] Preferably, the cyclone chamber has a split sidewall that includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be attached to, and may be integral with, a portion of the dirt collection chamber sidewall (and/or upper end wall). The second portion is movable with one of the end walls, e.g., the floor of the dirt collection chamber. The dirt collection chamber floor is preferably openable to empty the dirt collection chamber. Optionally, the cyclone chamber floor is integral with the dirt collection chamber floor, and is openable with the dirt collection chamber floor.

[0045] Preferably, when assembled, with the floor of the dirt collection chamber in a closed position, the first and second portions provide a generally continuous and generally air impermeable inner surface of the cyclone sidewall

[0046] Preferably, one of the portions, and more preferably the second portion, includes a notch that is shaped to receive a corresponding tab on the first portion. More preferably, the notch is provided toward the free end (i.e. opposed to the pivoting end) of the second dirt collection floor.

[0047] An advantage of this configuration may be that the notch may help enable dirt and debris to be emptied from within the cyclone chamber and may help reduce the likelihood of dirt and debris being retained within the cyclone chamber when the dirt collection chamber floor is opened. For example, when floor of the cyclone chamber is pivoted open with the floor of the dirt collection chamber and faces downwardly, dirt on the cyclone chamber floor may fall through notch.

[0048] The cyclone chamber air outlet may comprise a vortex finder extending from the in cyclone chamber floor. Preferably, a screen is provided over the vortex finder. Both the vortex finder and screen are preferably movable with the cyclone chamber floor.

[0049] In accordance with one of the broad aspects described herein, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, a surface cleaning apparatus may include an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a main body comprising a suction motor. The suction motor may be provided in the air flow path. The surface cleaning apparatus may also include an air treatment member provided in the air flow path which may be removably mounted to the main body and may include a power switch. A circuit may connect the suction motor to an electrical source and the circuit may be open and closed by operation of the power switch. The circuit may be interrupted when the cyclone bin assembly is removed from the main body.

[0050] The power switch may be moveably mounted with respect to the main body.

[0051 ] The electrical source may include an electrical power cord connectable to an electrical outlet and/or may include at least one battery provided in the surface cleaning apparatus.

[0052] The air treatment member may include a handle and the power switch may be provided on the handle.

[0053] The surface cleaning apparatus may be a portable surface cleaning apparatus and the handle may be a handle for moving the portable surface cleaning apparatus.

[0054] The circuit may be mechanically decoupled when the air treatment member is removed.

[0055] The circuit may include electrical conduits extending to the power switch.

[0056] The air treatment member may include first electrical connectors that are interengagable with second electrical connectors provided in the main body.

[0057] The first electrical connectors may be male electrical connectors and the second electrical connectors may be female electrical connectors.

[0058] The circuit may include a decoupling member in the main body and the decoupling member may be opened upon removal of the air treatment member.

[0059] The air treatment member may include a proximity sensor that is operable to actuate the decoupling member. [0060] The surface cleaning apparatus may also include a lid moveable between an open and a closed position and the air treatment member may be removable when the lid is in the open position.

[0061] The lid may be operable to actuate the decoupling member when the lid is moved between the open and closed positions.

[0062] The lid may include a mechanical engagement member that interacts with the decoupling member. The decoupling member may include a switch and/or a relay.

[0063] The air treatment member may include a cyclone bin assembly.

[0064] In accordance with another broad aspect described herein, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, a surface cleaning apparatus may include an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a main body comprising a suction motor provided in the air flow path. A cyclone bin assembly may be provided in the air flow path and may be removably mounted to the main body. The cyclone bin assembly may include a cyclone chamber. A hose connector may be provided on the main body. The hose connector may include a portion of the air flow path from the dirty air inlet to the cyclone bin assembly.

[0065] The hose connector may be in line with a tangential inlet of the cyclone chamber and may be nested in the cyclone bin assembly when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the main body.

[0066] The cyclone bin assembly may include a dirt collection chamber and the hose connector may be nested in the dirt collection chamber.

[0067] The main body may include a platform on which the cyclone bin assembly is removably mounted and the hose connector may be provided adjacent the platform. [0068] The cyclone chamber may have a lower air inlet positioned adjacent the platform and may be provided on the platform.

[0069] The cyclone bin assembly may have a recess for removably receiving the hose connector and the recess may be provided in a lower surface of the cyclone bin assembly.

[0070] The hose connector may be slidably receivable in the recess.

[0071] The cyclone bin assembly may be mountable on the main body upon movement in a particular direction and the hose connector may have a flange at an air outlet end of the hose connector and the flange is sealingly mateable with a wall extending in the particular direction.

[0072] The surface cleaning apparatus may include a flexible suction hose extending between a cleaning head or cleaning tool and the hose connector.

[0073] The hose may be removably mounted to the hose connector.

[0074] The surface cleaning apparatus may be a portable surface cleaning apparatus.

[0075] The cyclone bin assembly may include a handle for the surface cleaning apparatus.

[0076] The surface cleaning apparatus may be a portable surface cleaning apparatus and may have a hose wrap portion with at least one recess and may have a mounting member to removably receive an engagement member provided on the hose.

[0077] The main body may have a body portion that extends upwardly along one side of the cyclone bin assembly.

[0078] The hose connector may have an inlet and an outlet and the inlet and outlet may lie in respective connector inlet and connector outlet planes that are generally parallel to each other and generally parallel to a cyclone inlet plane containing the air inlet of the cyclone chamber.

[0079] In accordance with another broad aspect described herein, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, a surface cleaning apparatus may include an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a main body comprising a suction motor provided in the air flow path. A cyclone bin assembly may be provided in the air flow path and may be removably mounted to the main body. The cyclone bin assembly may include a cyclone chamber. A hose connector may include a portion of the air flow path from the dirty air inlet to the cyclone bin assembly and may be at least partially nested in the cyclone bin assembly when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the main body.

[0080] The hose connector may be in line with a tangential inlet of the cyclone chamber.

[0081] The main body may include a platform on which the cyclone bin assembly is removably mounted.

[0082] The cyclone bin assembly may have a recess provided in a lower surface of the cyclone bin assembly in which the hose connector is mounted.

[0083] The surface cleaning apparatus may be a portable surface cleaning apparatus.

[0084] The cyclone bin assembly further may include a handle for the surface cleaning apparatus.

[0085] In accordance with another broad aspect described herein, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, a surface cleaning apparatus comprising may include an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and may include a flexible suction hose. A main body may include a suction motor provided in the air flow path. A cyclone bin assembly may be provided on the main body. The surface cleaning apparatus may also include a suction hose wrap having an accessory tool holder.

[0086] The surface cleaning apparatus may also include an upper end and a lower end and the suction hose wrap may be provided on one of the upper and lower ends.

[0087] The suction hose wrap may be provided on a lower portion of the surface cleaning apparatus.

[0088] The cyclone bin assembly may have a longitudinal cyclone axis and the suction hose, when secured to the suction hose wrap, may extend in a plane that is generally transverse to the cyclone axis.

[0089] The suction hose wrap may be provided on an openable end wall.

[0090] The main body may include a filter chamber and the suction hose wrap may be provided on an openable door of the filter chamber.

[0091] The accessory tool holder may be located centrally in the suction hose wrap and may be located in a recess in the suction hose wrap.

[0092] The recess may have an open bottom.

[0093] The suction hose wrap may be of unitary construction and may be integrally molded.

[0094] The suction hose wrap may include a stand for the surface cleaning apparatus.

[0095] The suction hose wrap may include at least one detent member for releasably receiving the suction hose.

[0096] The surface cleaning apparatus may be a portable surface cleaning apparatus.

[0097] The cyclone bin assembly may also include a handle for the surface cleaning apparatus. [0098] The cyclone bin assembly may be removably mounted on the main body and the suction hose wrap may be provided on the main body.

[0099] The main body may include a platform on which the cyclone bin assembly is removably mounted.

[00100] In accordance with aspect described herein, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, a portable surface cleaning apparatus may include an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a flexible suction hose. The surface cleaning apparatus may include a main body with a suction motor provided in the air flow path. A cyclone bin assembly may be provided on the main body. The surface cleaning apparatus may include a suction hose wrap and the suction hose wrap may include a stand for the surface cleaning apparatus.

[00101] The suction hose wrap may be provided on a lower portion of the portable surface cleaning apparatus.

[00102] The cyclone bin assembly may have a longitudinal cyclone axis and the suction hose, when secured to the suction hose wrap, may extend in a plane that is generally transverse to the cyclone axis.

[00103] The suction hose wrap may be provided on an openable end wall.

[00104] The main body may include a filter chamber and the suction hose wrap may be provided on an openable door of the filter chamber.

[00105] An accessory tool holder may be located centrally in the suction hose wrap and may be located in a recess in the suction hose wrap. The recess may have an open bottom.

[00106] The suction hose wrap may be of unitary construction and may be integrally molded. [00107] The suction hose wrap may include at least one detent member for releasably receiving the suction hose.

[00108] The cyclone bin assembly may include a handle for the surface cleaning apparatus and may be removably mounted on the main body. The suction hose wrap may be provided on the main body.

[00109] The main body may include a platform on which the cyclone bin assembly is removably mounted.

[00 10] The suction hose wrap may be provided on the main body below the platform.

[001 1] The suction hose wrap may include at least two recesses for receiving a portion of the flexible suction hose. The at least two recesses may be located at a front and a rear of the portable surface cleaning apparatus.

[001 12] The suction hose wrap may include a recess for receiving a portion of the flexible suction hose and the recess may include a hose securing detent.

[00113] The hose securing detent may include upper and lower detents.

[00114] The portable surface cleaning apparatus may also include a hose detent groove for receiving one of the detents.

[00115] In accordance with another broad aspect described herein, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, a portable surface cleaning apparatus may include an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and may include a flexible suction hose. The surface cleaning apparatus may also include a main body comprising a suction motor provided in the air flow path, a platform and a body portion that extends upwardly at one side of the platform. A cyclone bin assembly may include a dirt collection bin that is removable and may be provided on the main body. A suction hose wrap may be provided on a lower portion of the portable surface cleaning apparatus. [00116] The suction hose wrap may be provided on the main body below the platform.

[00117] The cyclone bin assembly may have a longitudinal cyclone axis and the suction hose, when secured to the suction hose wrap, may extend in a plane that is generally transverse to the cyclone axis.

[001 8] The suction hose wrap may be provided on an openable end wall.

[00 19] The main body may include a filter chamber and the suction hose wrap may be provided on an openable door of the filter chamber.

[00120] The accessory tool holder may be located centrally in the suction hose wrap and may be located in a recess in the suction hose wrap.

[00121] The recess may have an open bottom.

[00122] The suction hose wrap may be of unitary construction and may be integrally molded.

[00123] The suction hose wrap may include at least one detent member for releasably receiving the suction hose.

[00124] The cyclone bin assembly may include a handle for the surface cleaning apparatus.

[00125] The cyclone bin assembly may be removably mounted on the main body and the suction hose wrap may be provided on the main body.

[00126] The suction hose wrap may include a stand for the surface cleaning apparatus and may include at least two recesses for receiving a portion of the flexible suction hose.

[00127] The at least two recesses may be located at a front and a rear of the portable surface cleaning apparatus.

[00128] The suction hose wrap may include a recess for receiving a portion of the flexible suction hose, and the recess may include a hose securing detent. [00129] The hose securing detent may have upper and lower detents.

[00130] The portable surface cleaning apparatus may also include a hose detent groove for receiving one of the detents.

[00131 ] In accordance with another broad aspect described herein, in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, a surface cleaning apparatus may include an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may also include a power cord that is removably mounted to a power cord wrap and may be removable in a cord removal direction. The power cord wrap may include at least first and second spaced apart cord retaining members. At least one of the cord retaining members may be a moveable cord retaining member that is moveable between a cord storage position wherein the moveable cord retaining member is oriented to inhibit removal of the power cord and a cord removal position wherein the moveable cord retaining member extends generally in the cord removal direction.

[00132] The power cord may be slidably removable from the power cord wrap concurrently with movement of the moveable cord retaining member to the cord removal position.

[00133] The moveable cord retaining member may be biased to the storage position.

[00134] The moveable cord retaining member may be freely rotatably mounted between the cord storage position and the cord removal position.

[00135] The power cord may extend in a plane when mounted to the power cord wrap and the moveable cord retaining member may be rotatable about an axis that extends generally parallel to that plane.

[00136] The power cord wrap may be provided on a rear surface of the surface cleaning apparatus and the direction of removal may be rearward. [00137] The surface cleaning apparatus may also include a nested accessory tool holder provided between the first and second spaced apart cord retaining members.

[00138] The nested tool holder may be provided on an extension member and one of the first and second spaced apart cord retaining members is also provided on the extension member.

[00139] In accordance with another broad aspect described herein, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, a surface cleaning apparatus may include an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member and a suction motor. A flexible elongate member comprising a power cord or a suction hose may be removably mounted to an elongate member wrap and may be removable in a removal direction. The elongate member wrap may include at least first and second spaced apart retaining members. At least one of the retaining members may be a moveable retaining member that is moveable between a storage position wherein the moveable retaining member is oriented to inhibit removal of the cord and a removal position wherein the moveable retaining member extends generally in the removal direction.

[00140] The elongate member may be slidably removable from the elongate member wrap concurrently with movement of the moveable retaining member to the removal position.

[00141] The moveable retaining member may be biased to the storage position and/or may be freely rotatably mounted between the storage position and the removal position.

[00142] The moveable retaining member may be freely rotatably mounted between the storage position and the removal position. [00143] The elongate member may extend in a plane when mounted to the elongate member wrap and the moveable retaining member may be rotatable about an axis that extends generally parallel to that plane.

[00144] The elongate member wrap may be provided on a rear surface of the surface cleaning apparatus and the direction of removal may be rearward.

[00145] The surface cleaning apparatus may also include a nested accessory tool holder provided between the first and second spaced apart retaining members. The nested tool holder may be provided on an extension member and one of the first and second spaced apart retaining members may also be provided on the extension member.

[00146] In accordance with another broad aspect described herein, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, a surface cleaning apparatus may include an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a main body having a suction motor provided in the air flow path and a platform. A cyclone bin assembly may be provided in the air flow path and may be removably mounted on the platform. The cyclone bin assembly may include a cyclone chamber. An alignment member may be provided on the platform and may be located at the air exit path of the cyclone bin.

[00147] The cyclone bin may be rotatable about the alignment member.

[00148] The alignment member may be tapered and may form a portion of the air flow path.

[00149] The alignment member may be centrally positioned on the platform.

[00150] The alignment member may include a vortex finder of the cyclone chamber.

[00151] The cyclone chamber may have a vortex finder and the alignment member comprises may be insert receivable in the vortex finder. [00152] The alignment member may include a vortex finder of the cyclone chamber or an insert receivable in the vortex finder of the cyclone chamber and the alignment member may be secured to the platform.

[00153] The cyclone may be an inverted cyclone.

[00154] The surface cleaning apparatus may also include a second alignment member.

[00155] When mounted to the main body, the cyclone bin assembly may be in a particular orientation and the second alignment member may align the cyclone bin assembly in the particular orientation.

[00156] The cyclone bin assembly may include a handle and the handle may be the second alignment member.

[00157] The main body may have a recess configured to receive a portion of the handle.

[00 58] The main body further may include a hose connector that forms a portion of an air flow path from the dirt air inlet to the cyclone bin assembly. The hose connector may be the second alignment member.

[00159] The hose connector may be nested in the cyclone bin assembly when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the main body.

[00160] The hose connector may be provided on the platform and the cyclone bin assembly may have a recess for removably receiving the hose connector.

[00161] The surface cleaning may also include a body portion that extends upwardly at one side of the platform.

[00162] The body portion may extend upwardly along one side of the cyclone bin assembly.

[00163] In accordance with another broad aspect described herein, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, a surface cleaning apparatus may include an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a cyclone bin assembly comprising a cyclone chamber positioned in the air flow path. The cyclone bin assembly may have a cyclone bin air inlet and a cyclone bin air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus may also include a dirt collection chamber and a suction motor positioned in the air flow path. The cyclone chamber may have first and second opposed ends and a sidewall extending between the first and second opposed ends. The sidewall may have a first portion extending from the first opposed end towards the second opposed end and a second portion extending from the second opposed end towards the first opposed end. The first and second portions may meet at a juncture. The first opposed end and the first portion are openable.

[00164] The first opposed end may include an openable floor of the cyclone chamber and the cyclone bin air inlet may be positioned adjacent the floor.

[00165] The cyclone chamber may be inverted.

[00166] The cyclone bin assembly air inlet may form at least a portion of the first portion of the sidewall.

[00167] The first portion comprises at least a portion of the cyclone bin assembly air inlet.

[00168] The cyclone bin assembly air inlet may be positioned exterior to the cyclone chamber.

[00169] The cyclone bin assembly air inlet may be positioned in the dirt collection chamber.

[00170] The cyclone bin assembly air inlet may have an upper surface that is positioned in the dirt collection chamber.

[00171] The dirt collection chamber may surround at least a portion of the cyclone chamber. [00172] The dirt collection chamber may surround at least a portion of the cyclone chamber and the first opposed end may include an openable floor of the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber.

[00173] The first portion may have a variable height.

[00174] The first portion may extend part way around the cyclone chamber.

[00175] The first opposed end may be pivotally openable and may have a pivot end and an opposed emptying end and the first portion may have an open area facing the emptying end.

[00176] The second portion may have a depending portion that seats in the open area when the first opposed end is closed.

[00177] The open area may be positioned between spaced apart longitudinally extending ends of the first portion and the ends are angled towards the pivot end.

[00178] The cyclone bin assembly may be removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus.

[00179] The surface cleaning apparatus may include a main body having a platform on which the cyclone bin assembly may be removably mounted.

[00180] The surface cleaning apparatus may be a portable surface cleaning apparatus.

DRAWINGS

[00181] Reference is made in the detailed description to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[00182] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a surface cleaning apparatus;

[00183] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in Figure , with a suction hose removed; [00184] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a base portion of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 2;

[00185] Figure 4 is a side view of the side of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in Figure 2, with a cord retainer in a cord removal position;

[00186] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 2,with a cord retainer in a cord retaining position;

[00187] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 2;

[00188] Figure 7 is a top perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 2, with a cyclone bin assembly separated from the body;

[00189] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 7;

[00190] Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 , with the cyclone bin assembly removed;

[00191] Figure 0 is a rear perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly;

[00192] Figure 11 is top perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly of Figure 10, with the lid in an open position;

[00193] Figure 2 is a lower perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly of Figure 10, with the dirt collection chamber end wall in an open position; and,

[00194] Figure 3 is a section view of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 2, taken along line 13-13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

General Overview [00195] Referring to Figure 1 , an embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus 100 is shown. In the embodiment illustrated, the surface cleaning apparatus 00 is a hand operable surface cleaning apparatus. With respect to some of the aspects disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus may be another suitable type of surface cleaning apparatus, including, for example, an upright vacuum cleaner, a canister vacuum cleaner, a stick vac, a wet-dry vacuum cleaner and a carpet extractor. Power may be supplied to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 by an electrical cord (not shown) that may be connected to a standard wall electrical outlet. Alternatively, or in addition, the power source for the surface cleaning apparatus may be an onboard power source, including, for example, one or more batteries, which may optionally be rechargeable.

[00196] As exemplified in Figures 1 and 2, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 has a dirty air inlet 102, a clean air outlet 104 (see for example Figures 4 and 13) and an airflow passage extending therebetween. In the embodiment shown, the dirty air inlet 102 is the air inlet 106 of a suction hose connector 108 that may be connected to the downstream end 109a of a flexible suction hose 109 or other type of cleaning accessory tool, including, for example, a wand and a nozzle. Optionally, the downstream end 109a of the suction hose 109 may be removably mounted to the suction hose connector 108. This configuration may allow the hose 109 to be selectably detached from the suction hose connector 108 for a plurality of reasons, including, for example storage, maintenance and to connect an accessory cleaning tool to the connector 108. The suction hose 109 may be formed from any suitable type of flexible conduit material and may have any desired length.

[00197] From the dirty air inlet 102, the air flow passage extends through an air treatment member that may treat the air in a desired manner, including for example removing dirt particles and debris from the air. The air treatment member may be any suitable apparatus, or combination of separate apparatuses, that may help separate dirt and other debris from the air flow. In the illustrated example, the air treatment member comprises a cyclone bin assembly 1 10. The cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is mounted on a main body 1 12 and may be removably mounted thereto. Alternatively, the air treatment member may comprise a bag, a filter or other air treating means. A suction motor 1 14 (Figure 13) is mounted within the body 1 12 and is in fluid communication the cyclone bin assembly 1 10, and is preferably downstream thereof.

[00198] Referring to Figure 13, the clean air outlet 104, which is in fluid communication with and downstream from an outlet 1 16 of the suction motor 1 14, is provided in the body 12. In the illustrated example, the dirty air inlet 102 is located toward the front of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, and the clear air outlet 104 is located toward the rear. Alternatively, the dirty air inlet 102 and clear air outlet 104 may be provided in any other suitable location on the surface cleaning apparatus, including, for example the sides, top and bottom of the surface cleaning apparatus.

[00199] In the illustrated example, the dirty air inlet 106 is provided on the main body 1 12 and is aligned with the air inlet of the cyclone chamber (as explained subsequently). Alternatively, the dirty air inlet 106 may be provided on the cyclone bin assembly 1 10.

[00200] The cyclone bin assembly 0 may include a cyclone chamber and a corresponding dirt collection chamber. The cyclone chamber may be of any suitable configuration, including, for example an upright cyclone, an inverted cyclone and a horizontal or transverse cyclone. As air circulates within the cyclone chamber dirt particles and other debris may be separated from the air flow. Preferably, clean air may exit the cyclone chamber via an air outlet and the separate dirt may exit the cyclone chamber via a dirt outlet. The dirt outlet may be in communication with the dirt collection chamber so that dirt exiting the cyclone chamber will be collected in the dirt collection chamber. The connection between the cyclone chamber dirt outlet and dirt collection chamber may be any suitable apparatus having any suitable configuration. For example, the dirt outlet in the cyclone chamber may be an aperture or gap in the cyclone chamber side wall or an open bottom or end, and dirt may exit through the aperture and fall into the dirt collection chamber due to gravity.

[00201] The dirt collection chamber is preferably exterior to the cyclone chamber and may be positioned below the cyclone chamber and/or may partially or entirely surround the cyclone chamber. The dirt collection chamber may also be shaped to surround or partially surround other portions of the surface cleaning apparatus. This may help reduce the overall size of the surface cleaning apparatus.

[00202] The cyclone bin assembly may be formed from any suitable materials, including, for example plastic and metal. Optionally, some or all of the cyclone bin assembly may be transparent to allow a user to see the interior of the cyclone bin assembly while the surface cleaning apparatus is in use. The cyclone bin assembly may be integrally formed as a unitary member, or alternatively may be formed from a plurality of discrete members or portions.

[00203] Referring to Figures 10-13, in the illustrated example, cyclone bin assembly 0 includes a cyclone chamber 1 18 and a dirt collection chamber 20. The cyclone chamber 1 8 is bounded by a sidewall 122, a first end wall 124 and a second end wall 126 that are configured to preferably provide an inverted cyclone configuration. A tangential air inlet 128 is provided in the sidewall of the cyclone chamber 1 18 and is in fluid communication with the air outlet 130 (Figure 9) of the hose connector 108. Air flowing into the cyclone chamber 1 18 via the air inlet 128 may circulate around the interior of the cyclone chamber 1 18 and dirt particles and other debris may become disentrained from the circulating air. It will be appreciated that the cyclone chamber may be of any configuration and that one or more cyclone chambers may be utilized. In the example illustrated the cyclone bin assembly 1 10, and the cyclone chamber 1 18 are arranged in a generally vertical, inverted cyclone configuration. In this configuration, the air inlet 128 is provided on a lower portion of the cyclone chamber 1 18 (as illustrated) and is adjacent the platform 148 supporting the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. In the illustrated example the air inlet 128 is aligned with the forward direction of the body 1 12. Alternatively, the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 and cyclone chamber 18 may be provided in another orientation, including, for example, as a horizontal cyclone.

[00204] Cyclone chamber 118 may be in communication with a dirt collection chamber 120 by any means known in the art. Preferably, as exemplified, the dirt collection chamber 120 is exterior to cyclone chamber 8, and preferably at least partially surrounds and, more preferably completely surrounds, cyclone chamber 1 18. Accordingly, cyclone chamber 1 18 is in communication with dirt collection chamber 1 8 via a dirt outlet 132.

[00205] The dirt outlet 32 may be of any suitable configuration. In the illustrated example, the dirt outlet 132 comprises a slot 132 formed between the sidewall 122 and the first end wall 124. Slot 124 comprises a gap between an upper portion of cyclone chamber sidewall 122 and the lower surface of first end wall 124. Preferably, the gap extends only part way around sidewall 122. Debris separated from the air flow in the cyclone chamber 118 may travel from the cyclone chamber 8, through the dirt outlet 32 to the dirt collection chamber 120.

[00206] Air may exit the cyclone chamber 1 8 via an air outlet 134. In the illustrated example, the cyclone air outlet includes a vortex finder 134. The vortex finder 134 may be of any suitable size and configuration. Alternatively, the cyclone chamber 8 may not include a vortex finder.

[00207] Optionally, a removable screen, shroud or the like 36 may be positioned over the vortex finder 134. The cyclone chamber 1 18 extends along a longitudinal cyclone axis 138 (Figure 13). In the example illustrated, the longitudinal cyclone axis 138 is aligned with the orientation of the vortex finder 134.

[00208] Optionally, portions of the cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber may be integrally formed with each other. This may help reduce the overall size of the surface cleaning apparatus. For example, the chambers may share one or more sidewalls in common or the floor, or end wall, of the cyclone chamber may be a portion of an integrally formed panel or plate that also provides the floor, or end wall, of the dirt collection chamber.

[00209] In the illustrated example, the dirt collection chamber 120 comprises a sidewall 140, a first end wall 142 and an opposing second end wall 144. In this configuration at least a portion of the dirt collection chamber sidewall 140 is integral with a portion of the cyclone chamber sidewall 122, at least a portion of the first cyclone endwall 124 is integral with a portion of the first dirt collection chamber end wall 142 and/or and at least a portion of the second cyclone end wall 126 is integral with a portion of the second dirt collection chamber end wall 144. The dirt collection chamber 120 extends along a dirt collection axis 146 (Figure 146). Optionally, the dirt collection axis 146 may be parallel to and offset from the cyclone axis 138. Alternatively, the dirt collection axis 146 may be coincident with the cyclone axis 138 or may be non-parallel with the cyclone axis 138.

[00210] The dirt collection chamber, and optionally the cyclone chamber, may be openable to help facilitate emptying dirt and debris from within the chamber(s). The dirt collection chamber 120 may be emptyable by any means known in the art and is preferably openable concurrently with the cyclone chamber 118. Preferably, the second dirt collection chamber end wall 142 is pivotally connected to, e.g., the dirt collection chamber sidewall 140, such as by hinges 212. The second dirt collection chamber end wall 144 may be opened (Figure 12) to empty dirt and debris from the interior of the dirt collection chamber 120. In the illustrated example, the second cyclone end wall 126 is integral with, and is openable with, the second dirt collection chamber end wall 144. Accordingly, opening the second cyclone end wall 126 may allow dirt and debris to be emptied from the cyclone chamber 1 18 and the dirt collection chamber 120. The second dirt collection chamber end wall 144 may be retained in the closed position by any means known in the art, such as by a releasable latch 143. [0021 1] Alternately, or in addition, as shown in the illustrated example, the first cyclone end wall 124 may be integral with, and is openable with, the first dirt collection chamber end wall 42. Accordingly, opening the first cyclone end wall 124 may allow dirt and debris to be emptied from the cyclone chamber 1 18 and the dirt collection chamber 120. The first dirt collection chamber end wall 142 may be retained in the closed position by any means known in the art, such as by a releasable latch. Optionally, the first end wall 124 may be openable while the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is mounted on the body 1 12. Alternatively, the surface cleaning apparatus may be configured so that the first end wall 124 is only openable when the cyclone bin assembly has been separated from the body 1 12.

[00212] A handle 152 is preferably provided on the top of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. The handle may be of any suitable shape and size that may be grasped by a user. When the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is mounted on the body 1 12, the handle 152 may be used to manipulate the surface cleaning apparatus 100. When the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is removed from the body 1 12, the handle 152 may be used to carry the cyclone bin assembly 1 10, for example to position the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 above a waste receptacle for emptying. In the illustrated example, the handle 152 is integral with a lid 154 of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10.

[00213] Preferably, as exemplified in Figures 7 and 8, , the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is detachably connected to the body 1 12. Preferably, as exemplified, the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is detachably mounted on a platform 148. In this example the platform 148 is a generally planar member that is oriented in a generally horizontal position (when the surface cleaning apparatus is in use). The bottom surface of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the platform 148, and is therefore also generally planar. . Any suitable surface design that facilitates mounting of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 on the platform 148 may be used.

[00214] The platform 148 is also illustrated as being a generally solid, continuous member that is integrally formed with other portions of the body 1 12. Alternatively, the platform 148 may be formed from more than one separate member (for example multiple plates) that may be attached to the body 1 12, or integrally formed therewith. Provided the platform does not form a wall of an air of an air flow passage or air treatment member, platform 148 may also include one or more apertures or openings, in addition to the air flow passage opening, and need not been entirely solid. The apertures may be sized to ensure that the platform 148 may provide sufficient support of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 despite the presence of the one or more apertures.

[00215] Any suitable fastening mechanism may be used to secure the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 to the platform 148, or other portion of the body 1 12. For example, one or more releasable latches may be used to secure cyclone bin assembly 1 10 to main body 1 12. As exemplified, the rear surface of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 abuts against the front wall of the suction motor housing 216 of the main body 112. Accordingly, a single releasable latch 150 (see for example Figures 2) may be used to secure a front edge of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 to the body 1 2 and thereby secure the cyclone bin assembly 110 to the main body 1 2. Alternately, two or more securing members may be provided and/or the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 may be spaced apart from the suction motor housing 216 and other portions of the body 1 12.

[00216] In addition to the platform 148 for receiving the cyclone bin assembly 10, the body 1 12 may include a body housing portion that may be configured to contain the suction motor, electrical components and other components or modules of the surface cleaning apparatus. The housing portion may be provided in any suitable position on the body 1 2, including, for example toward the rear of the body 1 12 so that the body housing portion is located behind the cyclone bin assembly. Optionally, the body housing portion may be integrally formed with the platform 148 and other portions of the body 12, or alternatively may be provided as a separate module that is connected to the body 12.

[00217] Optionally, the body housing portion may be configured to at least partially nest with other aspects of the surface cleaning apparatus, including, for example the cyclone bin assembly. Nesting a portion of the body housing portion within the cyclone bin assembly, or vice versa, may help reduce the overall size of the surface cleaning apparatus. This may also offer some degree of impact protection for the nested portions.

[00218] The body housing portion may also optionally function as a spine or support portion of the body 112 that may support other portions and features of the surface cleaning apparatus 110, such as, for example, the optional accessory tool holder 332 (see below).

[00219] Optionally, the height of the body housing portion (e.g. the distance it extends away from the platform 148) may be selected so that is generally equal to the height of the cyclone bin assembly 10, or alternatively may be greater than or less than the height of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. Referring to Figures 2 and 7, in the illustrated example, the body 1 12 includes a body housing portion 1 13 extending upward from the platform 148. The body housing portion 1 13 is located toward the rear of the body 1 12 and extends upwardly along the rear side of the cyclone bin assembly 10. In this configuration the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 abuts the body housing portion 1 13 along substantially the entire height of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. The front face 1 15 of the body housing portion 1 13, including a portion of the suction motor housing 216 is shaped to match and partially nest within a corresponding rear facing portion of the sidewall 140 of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10.

[00220] It will be appreciated that, depending upon the aspects that are incorporated into a surface cleaning apparatus, some of the exemplified features may not be used or may be varied so as to be of any design known in the art.

Removable Main Power Switch

[00221] In accordance with one aspect, which may be used by itself or with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a power switch for activating and/or deactivating the surface cleaning apparatus and a circuit connecting the suction motor to an electrical source, the circuit being open and closed by operation of the power switch, wherein the circuit is interrupted when the cyclone bin assembly is removed from the main body. The power switch is preferably provided on a component that is removable from the surface cleaning apparatus such as a cyclone bin assembly.

[00222] The switch may be any suitable switch mechanism and may be configured to be manually operated by a user. Optionally, the switch may be configured so that it may be operated using a single finger or thumb. Preferably, the switch may be located on the surface cleaning apparatus in a position that is easily accessible to a user. More preferably, the switch may be position in close proximity to the carrying handle of the surface cleaning apparatus. This may allow a user to easily manipulate the switch with one finger or thumb while simultaneously carrying the surface cleaning apparatus with the remaining fingers and/or thumb of a single hand. This may facilitate one handed operation of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. In some instances it may be preferable to locate the power switch toward the front of the surface cleaning apparatus to help facilitate one handed operation. This may position the power switch above the cyclone bin assembly.

[00223] If the cyclone bin assembly and handle of the surface cleaning apparatus are detachable from the body 1 12, it may be desirable that the power switch is also detachable from the body 12. In this configuration, a control circuit extending between the power switch, the power source and the suction motor (and optionally other components) may include a decoupling mechanism that may be configured to be severed or interrupted by the removal of the cyclone bin assembly 0, and restored by the replacement of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 on the body 1 12. Preferably, the circuit may be automatically interrupted when the cyclone bin assembly is lifted off the body 1 12 and automatically restored when it is replace so that the user need not manually reconnect or re-establish the desired control circuit. [00224] Referring to Figures 7, 8 and 13, in the illustrated example a main power switch 156 for the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g. for controlling the operation of the suction motor 1 14) is removable with cyclone bin assembly 1 10 and is preferably provided on the lid 154 of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. The power switch 156 is connected to the suction motor 1 4 by a control circuit 58, and is operable to control the supply of power from a power source to the suction motor 1 14. Preferably, the power switch 156 is positioned in close proximity to the handle 152. Providing the power switch 156 close to, or optionally on, the handle 154 may help allow a user to operate the power switch 156 with the same hand that is used to grasp the handle 154.

[00225] Control circuit 158 may be of any suitable design which includes main power switch 156 and enables main power switch 156 to be used to selectively actuate the suction motor 1 14. As exemplified in Figure 13, the control circuit 158 comprises electrical conduits, for example wires 160, which may be provided internally in cyclone bin assembly 1 10 (e.g., in an internal handle conduit 162). A plurality of wires 160 may electrically connect the switch 156 to a power source in the body 1 12 and/or the suction motor 4. Alternatively, the control circuit 158 may be a nonelectrical circuit or may be a combination electrical/ non-electrical circuit.

[00226] Referring to Figures 7 and 10, optionally, the control circuit 158 between the power switch 154 and the suction motor 1 14 comprises a suitable decoupling member and is selectably interruptible, and the power switch 158 may be detached from the body 1 12 with the cyclone bin assembly 10. In the illustrated example, the decoupling member comprises first and second power connectors 164, 166. In this configuration the lid 154 of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 comprises a first power connector 164 and the body 1 2 comprises a second, mating power connector 166. When the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is mounted on the body 1 12, the first power connector 164 is electrically coupled to the second power connector 166. Connecting the first and second power connectors 164, 166 may complete an electrical control circuit 158 between the power switch 156 and the suction motor 1 14 such that main power switch 156 may control the actuation of the suction motor. The first and second power connectors 164, 166 are releasably coupled and may be separated or isolated from each other to interrupt the electrical connection between the power switch 156 and the suction motor 1 14. In the illustrated example, separating the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 from the body 12 automatically physically separates the first and second power connectors 164, 166. Alternatively, the decoupling member may be configured so that a user may manually couple and/or decouple the connectors 164 and 166 independent of the movement of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10.

[00227] In the illustrated example the first power connector 164 is a male power connector, comprising two prongs 168, and the second power connector 166 is a female power connector comprising a two corresponding receptacles 170 to receive the prongs 168. Optionally, the second power connector 166 may remain connected to a power supply when the cyclone bin assembly 0 is removed. Providing a female power connector 166 on the body 1 12, instead of a pair of exposed prongs 168, may help reduce the risk of electric shock to a user from contacting the exposed connector 166 when the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is removed, and the second power connector 166 is exposed. Alternatively, the connector on the body 1 12 may be any suitable type of connector. Optionally, a cover or other protective member may be configured to cover at least some of the connector 166 on the body 1 12 when the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is removed.

[00228] Alternatively, instead of providing a continuous electrical connection between the power switch 156 and the suction motor 1 14, the connection between cyclone bin assembly 1 10 and the body 1 12 may be another type of control system or circuit. For example, instead of providing electrical wires 160 in the handle conduit 162, the control circuit 158 may comprise an electrical circuit housed in the main body that is interruptible by movement of main power switch, e.g., with the cyclone bin assembly 1 10, away from an in use position on main body 1 12. For example, a mechanical linkage system may be used. The mechanical linkage system (e.g., an abutment member such as a post or connecting rod) may be configured to translate movements of the power switch 156 to open and close a circuit in the main body. For example, the post may be driving connected to a relay positioned on the body 1 12 and that forms part of the circuit. The relay may then convert the movements of the mechanical linkage into electrical signals, optionally via onboard electronics, to control the suction motor 1 14. For example, removing the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 from the body 1 12 would move the post out of engagement with the relay thereby permitting the relay to open the circuit.

[00229] In another example, the power switch 156 may be connected to an RF (or other type of wireless transmitter) in the cyclone bin assembly 1 10, and the body 1 12 may include an RF receiver that may control the operation of the suction motor 1 14 (or vice versa). The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may also include a proximity sensor configured to sense whether the cyclone bin assembly 1 8 is mounted on the body 1 12. In this example, moving the power switch 156 may generate a wireless control signal that is received by the RF receiver. The proximity sensor may be communicably linked to at least one of the RF transmitter or RF receiver and may be configured to deactivate at least one of the RF transmitter or RF receiver when the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is removed from the base. Alternately, the proximity sensor could be drivingly connected to a relay or the like to close the relay when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to main body 1 12. For example, the proximity sensor could be provided in main body 12 and could be actuated by a magnet provided at a suitable location in cyclone bin assembly 1 10.

[00230] Optionally, the lid 154 need not be attached to cyclone bin assembly 1 10. Instead, lid 154 may be moveably mounted on main body 1 12, or removable therefrom, to permit cyclone bin assembly 1 10 to be removed. For example, the lid 154 may be pivotally mounted to main body 12 by a hinge 172 and may be moveable between an open position wherein the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 may be removed and a closed position wherein the cyclone bin assembly is secured in position.

[00231] Alternatively, as exemplified in Figures 10 and 1 1 , the lid 154 may be coupled to the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. The lid 154 may be movably or pivotally coupled to the cyclone bin assembly using any suitable mechanism, including, for example a hinge 172. In the illustrated example the hinge 172 is provided toward the rear of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. The lid 154 may be releasably retained in the closed position by any means, such as a latch 174 provided toward the front of the cyclone bin assembly 110. Opening the lid 54 may allow a user to access the interior of the dirt collection chamber 120 and cyclone chamber 1 18. Optionally, the screen 136 and/or the vortex finder 134 may be removable from the cyclone chamber 1 18 and may be removed via the top of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 when the lid 154 is opened.

Alignment Members for Locating and Orienting the Cyclone Bin Assembly

[00232] In accordance with another aspect, which may be used by itself or with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, a cyclone bin assembly is removably mounted on a platform and an alignment member is provided on the platform and located at the air exit path of the cyclone bin. The body 1 12 and platform 148 may be of any suitable shape that accommodates the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. The alignment member or members on the body 1 12 help guide the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 into its desired mounting position when it is placed on the platform 148. For example, it may be desirable to provide alignment members that engage the cyclone bin assembly 0 as it is being lowered onto the platform 148 and rotationally orient the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 in the appropriate orientation, such as with the front of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 aligned with the front of the body 1 12. It may also be beneficial to provide one or more alignment members that may help locate the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 relative to the body 12 and/or platform 148 in the lateral (left-right) or front-back directions as the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is placed on the platform 148. Optionally, the rotational alignment function and location alignment function may be provided by a single alignment member. Alternatively, different alignment members may be used for rotational and location alignment.

[00233] Optionally, one or more of the alignment members may be a functional component of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, or portions thereof. Accordingly features on the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may serve multiple functions. For example, the suction hose connector may provide airflow communication between the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 and the suction hose, and may also function as an alignment member. Alternatively, or in addition, a portion of the suction motor housing may function to house the suction motor and as an alignment member. Alignment members may be provided by any suitable portion of the surface cleaning apparatus 100.

[00234] Referring again to Figures 7-9 and 13, in the illustrated example the platform 148 may comprise a generally planar bearing surface 176 for supporting the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. Optionally, the main body may comprise at least one alignment member configured to engage the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 and thereby align and/or orient the cyclone bin assembly for mounting on main body 2. Preferably at least one of the alignment members is provided on the platform 148. Providing at least one alignment member 178 may help a user to replace the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 on the platform 148 in a desired, operating position.

[00235] In the illustrated, the at least one alignment member 178 comprises a vortex finder insert 180 extending from the platform 148. The vortex finder insert 180 is a hollow conduit and is configured to fit within the vortex finder 134 in the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. In this configuration, the vortex finder insert 180 may comprise a portion of the air outlet of the cyclone chamber 1 18, and may comprise a portion of the air flow path between the dirty air inlet 102 and the clean air outlet 104. [00236] Optionally, the vortex finder 134 may include an annular mounting shoulder 182 that is configured to rest on the upper face 184 of the vortex finder insert 180 (see also Figure 12). With the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 seated on the platform 148, and the insert 180 received in the vortex finder 134, air exiting the cyclone chamber 1 18 may flow through both the vortex finder 134 and vortex finder insert 180 and into a filter chamber 186 in the body 1 12.

[00237] In the illustrated example, both the vortex finder 134 and vortex finder insert 180 have a circular cross sectional shape. Locating the vortex finder insert 180 within the vortex finder 134 may provide lateral alignment and front/back alignment (i.e. positional alignment) of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 on the platform 148, but may still allow relative rotation between the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 and the body 12. Alternatively, the vortex finder insert 180 may have a non-circular, and optionally, non-symmetrical cross-sectional shape. In this configuration, the inner surfaces of the vortex finder 134 may be shaped to match the configuration of the vortex finder insert 180. This configuration may inhibit rotation of the vortex finder (and cyclone bin assembly) relative to the body 1 12 when the vortex finder insert 180 is positioned within the vortex finder. Optionally, the vortex finder insert 180 and vortex finder 134 may be configured such that the vortex finder insert 180 may only be inserted into the vortex finder 134 in a single rotational orientation.

[00238] Optionally, an engagement member may be provided to help retain the vortex finder insert 180 within the vortex finder 134. For example, a detent connection may be provided between the vortex finder insert 180 and the vortex finder 134 to help retain the vortex finder 134 on the insert 180. This may help hold the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 in place on the platform 148 while the surface cleaning apparatus is in use. Alternatively, any other type of engagement member may be used to connect the vortex finder insert 180 to the vortex finder 134, including, for example, magnets, clips, latches, friction fits and pins. Preferably, the engagement member connecting the vortex finder insert 180 and the vortex finder 134 is releasable (to allow removal of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10) and may be automatically released by removing the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 from the body 1 12, without requiring separate actuation by the user.

[00239] Optionally, the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 may be configured so that vortex finder insert 180 serves as the vortex finder 134 in the cyclone chamber 1 18. In this configuration, vortex finder insert 180 may be removably received in the cyclone chamber 1 18. For example, the second cyclone endwall 126 may comprise an aperture that is sized to receive the vortex finder insert 180 and to create a generally air tight seal. With the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 seated on the platform 148, the vortex finder insert 180 is inserted into cyclone chamber 1 18 and may then serve as the vortex finder within the cyclone chamber 1 18. When the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is removed, the vortex finder insert 180 is removed from cyclone chamber 1 18 and no vortex finder remains in cyclone chamber 1 18. Optionally, a relatively short annular lip may be provided around the perimeter of the aperture. The inner surface of the lip may rest against the outer surfaces of the vortex finder insert 180 and may help seal the cyclone chamber 1 18. The lip and/or vortex finder insert 180 may each be tapered, and optionally may be configured as a morse taper to help seal the cyclone chamber 1 18. Alternatively, the body 12 may not include a vortex finder insert 180, and the outlet of the vortex finder 134 may be sealed against an air inlet aperture in the platform 148.

[00240] The vortex finder insert 180 may be integrally formed with the body 1 12, or may be provided as a separate member.

[00241] Referring to Figures 7-10, optionally, the at least one alignment member 178 may also include at least one rotational alignment member 188. The rotational alignment member may be utilized to orient the cyclone bin assembly on main body 12. In the illustrated example, a tongue 190 extending from the rear of the cyclone bin assembly lid 154 may cooperate with a corresponding slot 192 in the body 1 12 to serve as a rotational alignment member 188. The slot 192 is sized and shaped to receive the tongue 190 in one desired alignment. When the tongue 190 is positioned within the slot 192 the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is provided in the desired, operating and mounting orientation. The interaction between the tongue 190 and the slot 192 may also help provide lateral and front/back alignment of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. Preferably, as exemplified, the first power connector 164 is provided on the underside of the tongue 190, and the second power connector 166 is provided within the slot 192. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the rotational alignment member may be a separate alignment member such that a rotational alignment member and a positional alignment member are utilized or it may be incorporated as part of the rotational alignment member.

[00242] The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may optionally include additional rotational alignment members.

Suction Hose Connector

[00243] In accordance with another aspect, which may be used by itself or with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, a suction hose connector may be provided on the main body of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 to allow a suction hose, cleaning wand or other suitable cleaning tool to be attached to the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The suction hose connector may be any suitable type of connector and may be any shape and/or size that is compatible with the corresponding suction hose or other tools. Preferably, the suction hose connector may be a detachable type connector so that the suction hose may be detached from the surface cleaning apparatus 100 when desired, for example to facilitate cleaning and/or storage. Preferably, the surface cleaning apparatus is a portable or hand held surface cleaning apparatus.

[00244] The suction hose connector may be provided at any suitable location on the surface cleaning apparatus, including, towards the front of the surface cleaning apparatus, on an upper portion, on a lower portion and towards the back of the surface cleaning apparatus.

[00245] The suction hose connector may have at least one end or opening that is in fluid communication with the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. This allows air passing through the suction hose connector to flow into the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 for treatment. Optionally, the suction hose connector may be coupled directly to the air inlet on the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. Alternatively, one or more intervening conduits or hoses may provide an air flow path between the suction hose connector and the cyclone bin assembly 1 10.

[00246] In accordance with this aspect, the suction hose connector remains fixed to the main body 1 12 when the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is removed. This may allow the suction hose (or other cleaning tool) to remain fixed to the body 1 12 when the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is removed. An advantage of this configuration may be that the user does not have to handle or carry the suction hose (or other cleaning tool) when transporting the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 away from the body 1 12, for example when emptying the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. This may reduce the weight that a user has to carry when separating the cyclone bin assembly 10 from the body 1 12.

[00247] Optionally, the hose connector 108 may be provided adjacent to or in close proximity to the platform 148 upon which the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 sits. At least a portion of the suction hose connector may be surrounded by, or nested within, other components of the surface cleaning apparatus. For example, portions of the suction hose connector may be at least partially surrounded by portions of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. Nesting at least a portion of the suction hose connector within the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 may help reduce the overall size of the surface cleaning apparatus. Optionally, the cyclone bin assembly 1 0 may be configured so that it only fits over the suction hose connector in one predetermined orientation. In this configuration, the suction hose connector may also function as an alignment or guidance member to help align the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 relative to the body 1 12 when the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is placed on the body 1 12. Portions of the suction hose connector may function as guide or camming surfaces, and may engage corresponding surfaces on the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 when the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is being mounted.

[00248] In the illustrated example, the suction hose connector 108 is coupled to the main body 1 12 (e.g., securing it to body 1 12 or forming is as part of body 1 12) so as to remain in position when the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is removed. Optionally, the hose connector 108 may be nested or recessed into the cyclone bin assembly 1 0.

[00249] As exemplified, preferably the suction hose connector 108 is connected to the platform 148, and remains connected to the platform 148 when the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is removed. The suction hose connecter 108 comprises an air inlet 106 that may be connectable to a suction hose and is in communication with the opposing air outlet 130. A throat portion 196 of the suction hose connector 108 optionally extends between the air inlet 106 and air outlet 130. Coupling the suction hose connector 108 to the body 1 12 may help facilitate the removal of the cyclone bin assembly 10 (for example to empty the dirt collection chamber 120) while leaving the suction hose connected to the body 1 12, via the suction hose connector 08.

[00250] As exemplified, the air outlet 130 is configured to connect to the tangential air inlet 128 of the cyclone chamber 1 18. Referring to Figures 8 and 12, in the illustrated example, a sealing face 198 on the tangential air inlet 128 is shaped to match the shape and orientation of the air outlet 130 of the suction hose connector 108. Optionally, a gasket 200, or other type of sealing member, may be provided at the interface between the sealing face 198 and the air outlet 130.

[00251 ] The air outlet 130 of the suction hose connector 108 and the sealing face 198 of the tangential air inlet 128 may preferably be configured so that the sealing face 198 may slide relative to the air outlet 130 (vertically in the illustrated example) as the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is being placed on, or lifted off of, the platform 148. As the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is lowered onto the platform 148, the sealing face 198 may slide into a sealing position relative to the air outlet 130. In the sealing position, the gasket 200 is preferably aligned with the walls of the air outlet 130. Optionally, the air outlet 130 and the sealing face 198 are configured so that they may be engaged with each other, and disengaged from each other without the use of separate fastener members. This may facilitate one-handed placement and removal of the cyclone bin assembly 10, as described previously. Alternatively, the connection between the suction hose connector 108 and the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 may include any suitable fasteners or connection members.

[00252] In the illustrated example, the air inlet 106, air outlet 130 and inlet 128 are generally planer openings that lie in the generally parallel planes, e.g. substantially vertical plane when positioned on the surface cleaning apparatus 100. Preferably, air outlet 130 and inlet 128 are at a slight angle to the vertical so as to permit sliding engagement of air outlet 130 and inlet 128 when the cyclone bin assembly is positioned on the platform. Optionally, the air outlet 130 and the sealing face 198 of the inlet 128 may be co-planar.

[00253] Optionally, part or all of hose connector 108 is recessed or nested within cyclone bin assembly 1 10. An advantage of this design is that the length of the surface cleaning apparatus may be reduced. A further advantage is that the hose connector 108 may be protected from impact during use.

[00254] Accordingly, the sealing face 198 may be recessed within the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. In the illustrated example, the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 includes a notch 202 in a lower surface that is configured to receive the throat portion 196 of the suction hose connector 108 when the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 is placed on the platform 148. With the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 on the platform 148, at least a portion of the throat 196 and the air outlet 130 are nested within cyclone bin assembly 1 10, which may help seal the air outlet 130 with the sealing face 198.

[00255] It will be appreciated that by nesting the hose connector in cyclone bin assembly 1 10, the suction hose connector 108 may also serve as a rotational alignment member 188 to help guide the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 into a desired orientation.

[00256] Alternatively, in other embodiments the suction hose connector 108 may be fixedly connected to the cyclone bin assembly 1 10, and may be removable with the cyclone bin assembly 1 10.

Cyclone Chamber Wherein Part of the Sidewall Moves with a Openable End Wall

[00257] In accordance with another aspect, which may be used by itself or with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, some dirt and debris may be trapped within the cyclone chamber when the surface cleaning apparatus is in use. Preferably, at least a portion of the cyclone chamber sidewall may be formed from two, separable sidewall portions that may be separated when the cyclone chamber is accessed.

[00258] Preferably, the first portion may be attached to, and may be integral with, a portion of the dirt collection chamber sidewall (and optionally the upper end wall). The second portion may be movable with one of the end walls, for example, the floor of the dirt collection chamber and accordingly may be attached thereto, or may be integral therewith. The dirt collection chamber floor may be openable to empty the dirt collection chamber. Optionally, the cyclone chamber floor is integral with the dirt collection chamber floor, and is openable with the dirt collection chamber floor.

[00259] Preferably, when assembled, with the floor of the dirt collection chamber in a closed position, the first and second portions of the cyclone chamber sidewall cooperate to provide a generally continuous, and preferably generally air impermeable, inner surface of the cyclone sidewall. This may help facilitate a desired level of performance from the cyclone.

[00260] One of the portions, and more preferably the second portion that is movable, may include a notch that is shaped to receive a corresponding tab on the first portion. More preferably, the notch may be provided toward the free end (i.e. spaced apart from the pivoting end) of the second dirt collection floor.

[00261] An advantage of this configuration may be that the notch may help enable dirt and debris to be emptied from within cyclone chamber and may help reduce the likelihood of dirt and debris being retained by within the cyclone chamber when the dirt collection chamber floor is opened. For example, when floor of the cyclone chamber is pivoted open with the floor of the dirt collection chamber and faces downwardly, dirt on the cyclone chamber floor may fall through the notch.

[00262] As exemplified in Figure 12, the cyclone chamber sidewall 122 comprises a split sidewall that includes a first portion 204 and a second portion 206. The first portion 204 remains in position when the when the second dirt collection chamber end wall 144 is opened. For example, first portion 204 may be attached to, and may be integral with, the first dirt collection chamber end wall 142. The second portion 206 is movable with the second dirt collection chamber end wall 144. When assembled, with the second dirt collection chamber end wall 144 in the closed position, the first and second portions 204, 206 provide a generally continuous and generally air impermeable cyclone sidewall 122.

[00263] The second portion 206 may include a notch 208 that is shaped to receive a corresponding tab 210 on the first portion 204. Preferably, the notch 208 in the second portion 206 is provided toward the free end (i.e. opposed to the pivoting end) of the second dirt collection chamber end wall 126, and spaced away from the hinge 212. Providing the notch 208 in this location may help enable dirt and debris to be emptied from cyclone chamber 1 18 and may help reduce the likelihood of dirt and debris being retained by within the cyclone chamber 1 18 when the second dirt collection chamber endwall 144 is opened. For example, when second end wall 126 is pivoted open and faces downwardly, dirt on the surface of end wall 126 may fall through notch 208. It will be appreciated that notch preferably extends all the way to the surface of end wall 126 and may extend varying amounts around the sidewall 122. [00264] Optionally, the dirty air inlet 128 providing air to the cyclone chamber may be provided in the movable portion of the cyclone chamber sidewall. Alternatively, the air inlet 128 may be provided in a fixed portion of the cyclone chamber.

[00265] In the illustrated example, tangential air inlet 128 has an upper surface 128a (see Figure 12). In the preferred embodiment, inlet 128 extends through the dirt collection chamber 120 and is mounted or moveable with end wall 126. In this configuration, when the second end wall 126 is closed, dirt and debris within the dirt collection chamber 120 may settle on the upper surface 128a of the sidewall of the air inlet 128. That is, the upper surface 128a may provide a dirt settling surface of the dirt collection chamber 120. Preferably, when the dirt collection chamber 120 is opened the surface 128a may be repositioned to help unsettle and remove any dirt that has accumulated on the surface 128a. In the illustrated example, when the dirt collection chamber is opened, inlet 128 moves with end wall 126. Accordingly, upper surface 128a is exposed and adjusted and may face or be slanted generally downwardly, thereby helping any dirt that has accumulated on upper surface 128a slide off the surface 128a as the dirt collection chamber 120 is emptied.

[00266] Optionally, the vortex finder 134 and screen 136 are movable with the second cyclone endwall 126. In the illustrated example, the vortex finder 134 is integrally molded with the first cyclone endwall 124. Alternatively, portions of the vortex finder 134 and/or screen 136 may be configured to remain fixed non-openable portions of the cyclone chamber.

[00267] In the illustrated example the dirt collection chamber sidewall 140 is a continuous, integral wall and does not split into upper and lower portions, or move with the second dirt collection chamber end wall 144. Alternatively, portions of the dirt collection chamber sidewall 140 may be movable with the second dirt collection chamber end wall 144.

Enhanced Dirt Collection Chamber Capacity [00268] In accordance with another aspect, which may be used by itself or with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, portions of the cyclone bin assembly 1 10 may be configured to completely or partially surround other portions of the surface cleaning apparatus 00. Nesting the components of the surface cleaning apparatus 00 in this manner may help reduce the overall size of the surface cleaning apparatus. For example, the dirt collection chamber may be configured to receive other components or features of the surface cleaning apparatus.

[00269] In the illustrated example, the dirt collection chamber 120 surrounds a portion of the main body and, preferably a portion of the suction motor housing 216. Referring to Figures 7, 8, 10 and 13, the dirt collection chamber sidewall 140 comprises a recess 214 that is shaped to receive a corresponding portion of the body 1 12. In the illustrated example, the recess 214 is shaped to receive a portion of the motor housing 216 surrounding the suction motor 1 14. In this example, at least a portion of the dirt collection chamber 120 is positioned between the cyclone chamber 1 18 and the suction motor 1 14.

[00270] Preferably, at least a portion of the dirt collection chamber 120 surrounds at least a portion of the suction motor 114 and the suction motor housing 216. In the illustrated example, the dirt collection chamber 120 surrounds only a portion of the motor housing 216. The shape of the recess 214 is preferably selected to correspond to the shape of the suction motor housing 216. Configuring the dirt collection chamber 120 to at least partially surround the suction motor housing 216 may help reduce the overall length of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, and/or may help increase the capacity of the dirt collection chamber 120.

[00271] The dirt collection chamber 20 may also surround at least a portion of the cyclone chamber 1 18. Optionally, the dirt collection chamber 120 may be configured to completely surround the cyclone chamber 1 18.

Enhanced Filter Capacity [00272] In accordance with another aspect, which may be used by itself or with any other aspect disclosed herein, one or more filters that have a cross sectional area transverse to the direction of flow therethrough that is larger than the cross sectional area of the cyclone chamber is provided in the air flow passage, preferably downstream from the cyclone bin assembly. Placing filters in the air flow passage may impede the flow of air through the passage, especially as the filters become dirty from use. The impedance or resistance imparted by the filters may be related to the amount of dirt they collect. It may be desirable to help reduce the impedance of the air flow by providing a larger surface area. This may help improve filter performance and may help reduce the frequency of filter cleaning or replacement.

[00273] Optionally, the filters may be multi-layer or multi-part filters comprises of two or more separate members. These separate filter members may have similar or different properties. For example, a two-piece filter may include one relatively fine filtration layer (e.g., felt) that is downstream from a coarser filtration layer (e.g., foam).

[00274] Preferably, each filter may be provided within a filter chamber. The filter chamber may be in air flow communication with the air flow passage and may contain any suitable mounting or positioning members that may help hold the filter in place.

[00275] Optionally, the filter chamber and/or the filter positioned therein may be configured to overlap other components of the surface cleaning apparatus. For example, the filter(s) in the air flow path may be configured to overlie some or all of the facing surfaces of dirt collection chamber, the cyclone chamber and/or the suction motor.

[00276] When a filter is positioned within its filter chamber, it may define a sub- chamber or plenum on the upstream side of the filter, downstream side of the filter, or both, or neither. Providing an airflow plenum adjacent the sides of the filter may help facilitate distribution of air flow across substantially the entire cross-sectional area of the filter. Such plenums may be of any suitable size and configuration, and need not be of equal size or of equal height or volume across the surface area of the filter. To help provide the air flow plenums, the filter may be supported away from the solid walls of its respective filter chamber by any suitable filter spacing and supporting apparatus. For example, a plurality of separate ribs may be provided to support a filter in an intermediate position within its respective filter chamber (that is spaced apart from both of the filter chamber end walls), and to resist movement of the filter when subjected to air flow. Optionally, the supporting apparatus may be configured to allow airflow there through to maintain airflow circulation within the air plenum that contains the supporting apparatus.

[00277] Preferably, the filter chambers are openable or otherwise accessible to allow a user to inspect, clean and/or replace a used filter.

[00278] Preferably, as exemplified, a filter (e.g., the pre-motor filter) overlies part or all of the cyclone bin assembly and the suction motor. This may increase the size of the pre-motor filter while maintaining a smaller overall footprint for the surface cleaning apparatus.

[00279] As exemplified in Figure 13, air exiting the cyclone chamber 1 18 preferably flows to a suction motor 1 14 inlet via a filter chamber 186. The filter chamber 186 is provided downstream from the cyclone air outlet. Preferably, as exemplified, the filter chamber 186 extends over substantially the entire lower portion of the body 112 and overlies substantially all of the cross-sectional areas of the cyclone chamber 1 18, dirt collection chamber 120 and suction motor 1 4.

[00280] A pre-motor filter 2 8 is preferably provided in the filter chamber 186 to filter the air before it enters the suction motor inlet 220. The pre-motor filter 218 is preferably sized to cover the entire transverse area of the filter chamber 186, and thereby overlies substantially all of the cross-sectional areas cyclone chamber 1 18, dirt collection chamber 120 and suction motor 1 14. Alternatively, the pre-motor filter 218 may be smaller than the chamber 186 and may cover only a portion of one or more of the cyclone chamber 18, dirt collection chamber 120 and/or suction motor 4. [00281] It will be appreciated that filter chamber 86 and pre-motor filter 218 may be smaller. Preferably, the cross sectional area (in the direction of air flow) of the pre- motor filter 218 is greater than the cross sectional area of the cyclone chamber 1 18 and/or the suction motor 1 14. In the illustrated example, the pre-motor filter 218 preferably comprises first and second pre-motor filters 218a, 218b. The filter chamber 86 comprises an air inlet chamber 222 on the upstream side 224 of the pre-motor filter 218, and an air outlet chamber 226 on the downstream side 228 of the pre-motor filter 218. Air may travel from the air inlet chamber 222 to the air outlet chamber 226 by flowing through the air-permeable pre-motor filter 218.

[00282] Preferably, the outer face (the side facing away from the cyclone air outlet) is the upstream side of the filter. To help facilitate air flow in this configuration, an air flow conduit may extend through the pre-motor filter 218. The pre-motor filter 218 may be configured to partially, or completely surround such a conduit. In this configuration, the air inlet chamber 222 is spaced from the cyclone chamber and may be fluidly connected to the cyclone chamber air outlet by an inlet conduit 230 that extends through the pre-motor filter 218. In the illustrated example, the inlet conduit 230 is an extension of the vortex finder insert 180. Alternatively, any type of suitable conduit may be used. The conduit extending through the pre-motor filter 218 may be rigid or flexible or a combination thereof. The air outlet chamber 226 is in fluid communication with the inlet 220 of the suction motor 1 14.

[00283] The pre-motor filter 218 may be supported by a plurality of support ribs 232 extending through the air outlet chamber 226. Gaps or cutouts 234 may be provided in the ribs 232 to allow air to circulate within the air outlet chamber 226 and flow toward the suction motor inlet 220. The ribs, and any gaps or apertures therein, may be of any suitable configuration and may be formed from any suitable material, such a plastic and metal.

[00284] From the suction motor inlet 220, the air is drawn through the suction motor 1 14 and ejected via a suction motor outlet 1 16. [00285] Optionally, a post-motor filter 236 (for example a HEPA filter) may be provided downstream from the suction motor outlet 1 16, between the suction motor outlet 116 and the clean air outlet 104. A detachable grill 238 may be used to retain the post-motor filter 236 in position, and allow a user to access the post-motor filter 236 for inspection or replacement.

[00286] In accordance with another aspect, which may be used by itself or with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, a bleed valve 240 may be provided to supply bleed air to the suction motor inlet 220 in case of a clog. The bleed valve 240 may be a pressure sensitive valve that is opened when there is a blockage in the air flow path upstream from the suction motor 1 14. Preferably, as exemplified, the bleed valve 240 may be co-axial with the suction motor 1 14 and may extend through the pre-motor filter 218. A bleed valve inlet 242 (see also Figure 5) may be provided toward the rear of the body 1 12.

[00287] The bleed valve may be of any suitable configuration, and may be provided at any suitable position on the surface cleaning apparatus, upstream from the suction motor 1 14. Optionally, the bleed valve may be in communication with the air flow path upstream from the suction motor 1 14 and downstream from the pre-motor filter 218. In this position, air supplied to the suction motor 1 14 from the bleed valve need not pass through the pre-motor filter 218. This may help provide an uninterrupted air flow path from the bleed valve to the suction motor 1 14. Alternatively, the bleed valve may be connected to the air flow path upstream from the pre-motor filter 218.

[00288] Preferably, at least one wall of the filter chamber 186, or a portion thereof, is openable, and optionally removable, so as to allow access to the interior of the filter chamber 186. The openable portion of the filter chamber may be any suitable portion.

[00289] Optionally, a first end wall 244 of the filter chamber 186 may be openable, and/or detachable, to allow a user to access the pre-motor filter 218. In the illustrated example, the filter chamber end wall 244 is pivotally connected to the body 1 12 by a hinge 246 and may pivot to an open position. Releasable latch 150 may be used to secure the first end wall 244 in a closed position. The latch 150 may connect the filter chamber endwall to the cyclone bin assembly 1 10. Alternatively, the first end wall 244 may be coupled to the body 1 12 using any suitable fasteners or connecting members.

Hose Wrap

[00290] In accordance with another aspect, which may be used by itself or with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, a suction hose wrap, about which a suction hose may be wrapped for storage is provided. The hose wrap may include a recessed portion for at least partially receiving the suction hose and/or may comprise a stand for the surface cleaning apparatus.

[00291 ] The recessed portion may extend around a portion of, or all of, the perimeter of the main body at one of the ends of the surface cleaning apparatus (e.g., the upper end or the lower end). An advantage of this configuration may be that the suction hose is contained while in a storage position, and may be less prone to damage or loss.

[00292] Alternately, or in addition, the main body may comprise a stand, extending from the bottom of the main body or provided as the lower end of the main body, and the suction hose wrap extends around the perimeter of the stand. A hose engagement member (e.g. one or more detent portions) may be used to help retain the hose in the recessed portion. Optionally, the recessed portion may be a single continuous recessed channel, or may two or more separate, spaced apart recessed portions (for example at the front and back of the body 1 12).This design is particularly preferred when used with a portable surface cleaning apparatus such as a pod or a hand held vacuum cleaner. [00293] Alternately, or in addition, the suction hose wrap also has at least one accessory cleaning tool holder. More preferably, the tool holder comprises a tool recess or cavity that is sized to hold an accessory cleaning tool. The tool recess preferably is at least partially surrounded by the suction hose, when the suction hose is stored on the hose wrap. More preferably, the tool recess is provided in the centre of the hose wrap.

[00294] An advantage of this configuration may be that the overall size of the surface cleaning apparatus may be reduced. Another advantage may be that the auxiliary tool holder, and the accessory tool mounted therein, may be protected from impact.

[00295] Preferably, referring to Figures 1 -9, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a hose wrap portion 248, which may be of any design. The hose wrap portion 248 may be provided at either opposed end (e.g. top or bottom if oriented upright as illustrated) of the surface cleaning apparatus. Preferably, as exemplified, the hose wrap portion 248 extends from the bottom surface of the openable filtration chamber end wall 244 or, if an openable filter chamber is not provided, from the bottom of the platform.

[00296] Preferably, the hose wrap portion 148 may also function as a stand for the surface cleaning apparatus. Accordingly, referring to Figure 7, the hose wrap portion 248 may include a generally flat lower surface 250 and therefore function as a stand to support the surface cleaning apparatus 100 when it is not in use. Optionally, the lower surface 250 may function as a stand and may include a plurality of support feet 252 configured to rest upon a surface (for example a floor or a counter top). In the illustrated example, the surface 250 includes three integral support feet 252 formed from bosses extending from the lower surface 250. The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include any suitable number of supporting feet, spaced in any appropriate pattern on the bottom of the surface 250. The feet may be integral with the surface 250, or provided as separate members. [00297] Alternately, or in addition,, as exemplified in Figures 1 -6, a suction hose recess 254 preferably extends around a portion or all of the perimeter of the hose wrap portion 248. The suction hose recess 254 preferably may have a radius of curvature 256 (Figure 6) that is selected to generally match the radius of curvature of a suction hose 109 that may be used in combination with the surface cleaning apparatus 100. When the suction hose 109 is not in use, it may be wrapped around the hose wrap portion 248 for storage and may be at least partially received in the suction hose recess 254.

[00298] Referring to Figures 1-3, optionally, the suction hose recess 254 may include one or more hose securing members to help hold the suction hose within the recess 254. The hose securing members may be any suitable members, fasteners and/or connectors that may be configured to selectably or detachably retain the suction hose in the recess(es), including, for example, clips, clamps, notches, detents, magnets, and interference fit components.

[00299] In the illustrated example, the hose securing members include a hose securing detent 258, comprising upper and lower detent members 260, 262 that is provided toward the front of the surface cleaning apparatus. The upper and lower detent 260, 262 members may frictionally engage a corresponding coupling segment 264 of the suction hose 109. Engaging the suction hose 109 with the hose securing detent 258 may help retain the hose 109 in its storage position, within the hose recess 254.

[00300] The suction hose segment 264 may include one or more complimentary features configured to engage with the securing detent 258. In the illustrated example the hose segment 264 includes a hose detent groove 266 for receiving the upper and lower detent members 260, 262. In this example, the hose detent groove 266 is a continuous groove extending around the perimeter of the hose segment 264. This configuration may allow the hose to engage the detent 258 in a variety of rotational orientations, as the detent members 260 and 262 may be received in a plurality of positions along the circumference of the detent groove 266. This may also allow the hose segment 264 to be rotated relative to the detent 258 without requiring the hose segment 264 to be decoupled from the detent 258. Alternatively, the hose detent groove 266 may not be a single continuous groove, but may include two or more discrete groove segments positioned around the perimeter of the hose segment 264. This may allow the hose segment 264 to be placed in the detent 258 in two or more different rotational orientations, but may inhibit rotation of the hose segment 264 while it is secured in the detent 258.

[00301] The detent groove 266 may be provided at the tip of the suction hose segment 264 or, as illustrated, may be provided in an intermediate or generally longitudinally central portion of the hose segment 264.

[00302] Retaining the upper and lower detent members 260, 262 in the hose detent groove 266 may help prevent the suction hose 109 from sliding axially relative to the body 1 12 within the recess 254 while the suction hose 109 is wrapped in the recess 254.

[00303] Optionally, the segment 264 of the suction hose retained by the upper and lower detent members 260, 262, and comprising the hose detent groove 266 may be separate hose retaining member 268 coupled to the suction hose 109. Optionally, the hose retaining member 268 may be stiffer than the suction hose 109, and may be a substantially rigid conduit member. Alternatively, the flexible portions of the hose 109 may be provided with suitable retaining members.

[00304] Optionally, it may be desirable to secure the hose to the body 1 12 at more than one location. For example, it may be desirable to include the hose segment 264 toward the upstream end of the hose in addition to another hose attachment or securement member provided at some intermediate location between the upstream and downstream ends of the suction hose. This may help keep the intermediate portions of the hose in close proximity to the body, and optionally within the recesses, when the hose is stored. The additional securement members may be the same as the securing members provided on the hose segment 264, or may be different. The additional connection point may include mating or complimentary mounting or engagement members provided on the suction hose and the body 1 12.

[00305] Alternately, or in addition to the hose securing detent 258, the hose wrap portion 248 may include another hose mounting or securing member. As exemplified, an alternate hose securing member comprises a mounting flange 270 that is shaped to engage a corresponding engagement member provided on the suction hose 109. In the illustrated example, the engagement member includes a mounting notch 272 provided on a generally rigid collar provided on the suction hose 109.

[00306] The mounting notch 272 may be of any suitable configuration, and preferably is configured to engage the mounting flange 270 on the hose. Alternatively, the relative positions of the notch and flange may be reversed, so that the flange is provided on the hose 109 and the notch is provided on the body 1 12.

[00307] Sliding the mounting notch 272 over the flange 270 may help secure the corresponding portion, for example an intermediate portion and/or an upstream end of the suction hose, in the storage position, in close proximity to the hose wrap portion 248. Optionally, the mounting notch 272 may be formed on a separate collar 274 that is coupled to the suction hose 109. Alternatively, the mounting notch 272 may be integrally formed with the suction hose 109.

[00308] Referring to Figure 13, in the illustrated example, the hose wrap portion 248 may be arranged so that when the suction hose 109 is wrapped within the hose wrap recess 254, the plane 276 containing, e.g., a majority of the suction hose is generally orthogonal to a cyclone axis 138 and a suction motor axis 278, as explained in greater detail subsequently. Alternatively, the hose wrap portion 248 may be configured so that the plane 276 containing the suction hose is not orthogonal to one or both of the cyclone and suction motor axes 138, 278. [00309] In the illustrated example, the hose wrap portion 248 is integrally formed from molded plastic. Optionally, the hose wrap portion 248 may be releasably connected to the body 1 12, and may be removable.

[00310] Accordingly, the upstream end of the hose may be secured to the surface cleaning apparatus such as by a suction hose connector and the upstream end of the hose may be secured to the surface cleaning apparatus, preferably the main body thereof. The hose may be wrapped around the main body and a portion or all may be secured in a recess and the main body may have at least one hose securing detent for releasably receiving the suction hose as has been exemplified.

[003 ] Referring to Figures 6, 8 and 13, optionally, the hose wrap portion 248 may include a recess or tool cavity 280 positioned in any suitable location. Preferably, as exemplified, the tool cavity 280 is provided in the lower surface of the hose wrap 248 and, more preferably generally centrally located within the perimeter of the hose wrap recess 254. One or more accessory cleaning tools 282 may be stored within the tool cavity 280 when the accessory tools 282 are not in use.

[00312] The tool cavity may be of any suitable shape, size and/or volume to accommodate a selected cleaning tool, or tools. Optionally, the tool cavity may be configured to accept a variety of different cleaning tools, either one at a time or in combination with each other.

[00313] Preferably, as exemplified, the tool cavity 280 may include a plurality of side walls 284, an upper wall 286 and has an open bottom for allowing access to the tool stored 282 in the cavity 280. Optionally, the bottom of the tool cavity may be equipped with an openable and/or removable cover for enclosing the tool cavity 280 when it is not being access by a user. Alternatively, the tool cavity 280 may have an fixedly enclosed bottom and at least one open side 284 to allow access to the accessory tool 282, and/or the tool cavity 280 may include more than one open surface (for example the cavity may have an open bottom and at least one open side) or may have an openable door to provide access to the cavity. [00314] In the illustrated example, the tool cavity 280 has a cavity depth 288, a cavity width 290 and a cavity length 292. Preferably, the tool cavity 280 is configured so that the accessory tools 282 stored within the cavity 280 are accessible when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is in use. More preferably, the tool cavity 280 may be configured so that any accessory tools 282 in the cavity 280 are accessible while the suction hose is wrapped around the hose recess 254.

[00315] Optionally, the tool cavity 280 may include one or more tool holders 294 for releasably securing one or more accessory tools 282 within the tool cavity 280. Preferably, as exemplified, a tool holder 294 comprises a tool mounting bracket extending from the upper wall 286 of the tool cavity 280. Preferably, as exemplified, the cavity depth 288 is selected to be greater than the thickness of the accessory tool 282 that is contained within the cavity 280, and the cavity width 290 and length are selected to be greater than the accessory tool width and length, respectively. Selecting a cavity 280 that is generally larger than the accessory tool 282 allows the accessory tool to be contained within the tool cavity 280, without extending beyond the lower surface 250 of the hose wrap portion 248. Recessing the accessory tool 282 within the cavity 280 may help enable the surface cleaning apparatus 100 to rest in a level orientation when the surface 250 is placed on a flat surface.

Cord Wrap

[00316] In accordance with another aspect, which may be used by itself or with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein, the surface cleaning apparatus may have an electrical or power cord wrap, about which an electrical cord may be wrapped for storage. In accordance with this aspect, the power cord wrap comprises at least first and second spaced apart cord retaining members, at least one of the cord retaining members being a moveable cord retaining member that is moveable between a cord storage position wherein the moveable cord retaining member is oriented to inhibit removal of the power cord and a cord removal position wherein the moveable cord retaining member extends generally in the cord removal direction. The cord retaining portion may be moveable from a storage position, in which the retaining member is oriented to inhibit removal of the electrical cord, and a removal position, in which the retaining member is oriented to allow removal of the electrical cord. Preferably, the retaining member may be moved from the storage position to the retaining position automatically when a user slides the electrical cord from the cord retaining portion. Preferably the electrical cord wrap extends from the rear of the main body for the surface cleaning apparatus. Alternatively, the cord wrap may be provided in any other location on the surface cleaning apparatus.

[00317] An advantage of this configuration may be that a user may remove the power cord in a single motion, without having to first move or disengage the retaining member, and without having to unwind the cord from around the retaining members.

[00318] Preferably, the retaining member is biased toward the storage position.

[00319] An advantage of this configuration may be that the retaining member will automatically return to the storage position after the electrical cord is removed by a user. This may help ensure that the electrical cord wrap is configured in the storage position when a user a wishes to re-wrap the electrical cord. Alternatively, the cord wrap members may be static, non-moveable members.

[00320] The cord wrap member(s) may be integrally formed with each other, and/or other components of the surface cleaning apparatus. Alternatively, they may be provided as separate members.

[00321] Optionally, the surface cleaning apparatus may comprise an accessory tool holder. Preferably, a portion of the cord wrap retaining member or an extension which holds the cord wrap retaining member may comprise an accessory tool holder between the upper and lower cord wrap members.

[00322] Preferably, a cord wrap is provided that permits the sliding removal of the cord without manually manipulating a cord retaining member (e.g., rotating a cord retaining member in a plane in which the cord is positioned when wrapped about the cord wrap).

[00323] Referring to Figures 4-6, in the illustrated example the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may optionally include an electrical cord wrap 296 extending, preferably, from the rear of the body 1 12. The electrical cord wrap 296 comprises and at least two spaced apart cord retainers, e.g., upper cord retainer 298 and an opposing lower cord retainer 300 about which an electrical cord may be wound for storage. In the illustrated example, the upper cord retainer 298 is connected to the body 1 12 by an upper extension member 302, and the lower cord retainer 300 is connected to the body 1 12 by a lower extension member 304. Extension members are optionally provided if the location of the cord wrap is to be spaced from main body 12.

[00324] Preferably, at least one of the upper and lower cord retainers 298, 300 is moveable in a sliding cord removing direction, between a cord storage position, for retaining the electrical cord on the cord wrap, and a cord removal position, to help facilitate the removal of the electrical cord from the cord wrap. Optionally, the moveable cord retainer includes a biasing member that is configured to bias the cord retainer toward the cord storage position. Preferably, a locking member is not provided to lock the cord wrap member in a cord retaining position. Accordingly, a user may remove the cord by sliding the cord off of the cord wrap member. The cord wrap member will then automatically return to the cord retaining position. When desired, the cord may then be re-wrapped about the cord retaining members. Alternately, the cord wrap member may be manually positionable, and optionally lockable or securable, in both the cord retaining position and the cord removal position.

[00325] In the illustrated example, the lower cord retainer 300 is movably coupled to the lower extension member 304 by pivot joints 306. The lower cord retainer 300 is pivotable about rotational axis 308 (Figure 6) and is moveable between a cord storage position (Figure 5) and a cord removal position (Figures 4). Any other suitable moveable connection mechanism may be used in place of the pivot joints 306. [00326] Referring to Figure 5, in the illustrated example, in the cord storage position, a retaining flange 310 extends generally transverse (e.g. downwardly), away from the lower extension member 304 and cooperates with a cord supporting surface 312 of the lower extension member 304 to form a retaining shoulder 314. The height 316 of the retaining shoulder 314 may be selected so that it is sufficient to retain the electrical cord on the lower cord retainer 300, and optionally, may be generally equal to or greater than the diameter of the electrical cord.

[00327] Referring to Figure 4, in the cord removal position, the lower cord retainer 300 is pivoted or moved in the cord removal direction (e.g. rearwardly) so that a distal end 318 of the retaining flange 310 is raised above a plane 320 containing the cord supporting surface 312. Pivoting the retaining flange 310 above the plane 320 may help facilitate removal of the electrical cord coiled around the cord wrap 296. When the lower cord retainer 300 is in the cord removal position, the lower end of the coiled electrical cord may be slid off the lower extension member 304, in the direction indicated using arrow 322, without needing to pass over the retaining shoulder 314.

[00328] Preferably, the lower cord retainer 300 is biased toward the cord storage position. Referring to Figure 6, in the illustrated example, each pivot joint 306 includes a spring member 324 biasing the lower cord retainer 300 toward the cord storage position. The stiffness of the springs 324 may be selected so that the lower cord retainer 300 may remain in the cord storage position and retain the electrical cord on the cord wrap 296 under normal handling, for example when the orientation of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is changed while the electrical cord is wrapped. Optionally, the stiffness of the springs 324 may also be selected so that the force of a user pulling the coiled electrical cord off the cord wrap 269 is sufficient to overcome the spring force. Configuring the springs 324 to yield when a user attempts to remove the electrical cord from the cord wrap 296 may help facilitate an automatic rotation of the lower cord retainer 300, allowing the cord to be removed without requiring the user to first manually adjust the position of the lower cord retainer 300. When the electrical cord is clear of the lower cord retainer 300, the biasing force of the springs 324 may return the lower cord retainer 300 to the cord storage position. Automatically returning the lower cord retainer 300 to the cord storage position may help ensure that the cord wrap 296 is configured to retain the electrical cord when the user chooses to replace the electrical cord on the cord wrap 296.

[00329] Optionally, instead of, or in addition, to one or more springs 324, the biasing member for returning the lower cord retainer to the cord storage position may be another type of biasing device, including, for example an elastic member and a living hinge.

[00330] Referring to Figure 5, in the illustrated example, the upper cord retainer 298 is a static cord retainer. The upper cord retainer 298 includes a static flange 326 (i.e., non-moveable) that cooperates with the cord supporting surface 328 of the upper extension member 302 to provide a cord retaining shoulder 330. In the illustrated example, the upper cord retainer 298 is integrally formed with the upper extension member 302. Optionally, in other embodiments the lower cord retainer 300 may be static and the upper cord retainer 300 may be the moveable cord retainer, both the upper and lower cord retainers 298, 300 may be movable or both the upper and lower cord retainers 298 and 300 may be static or fixed.

[00331] In the illustrated example, the upper and lower cord retainers 298, 300 are located on opposite ends of the clear air outlet 104. Alternatively, the cord retainers 298 and 300 may be spaced apart from the clear air outlet 04.

[00332] Optionally, an accessory tool holder 332 may be provided on the electrical cord wrap 296. The tool holder may be any suitable apparatus that is suitable for holding and storing one or more accessory cleaning tools. The tool holder may include any suitable mounting or holding members, including, for example, posts, pegs, pins, clips, clamps, magnets, adhesives and other suitable fasteners.

[00333] As exemplified in to Figures 5 and 6, the accessory tool holder may comprise a tool mounting post 334 extending upward from the lower extension member 304. The tool mounting post 334 may be sized to be received within the air outlet 338 of an accessory cleaning tool, including, for example a turbo brush 336 (Figure 4). Preferably, the tool mounting post 334 has a slight friction or interference fit with the inner surface of the air outlet 338. Providing an interference fit between the tool mounting post 334 and the accessory tool may help to retain the accessory tool on the tool mounting post when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is in use. Optionally, the interference fit between the tool mounting post 334 and the accessory tool may be the only retaining mechanism used to hold the turbo brush on the surface cleaning apparatus 100. Alternatively, or in addition to the interference fit, additional retaining mechanisms, including for example, clips, latches and magnets, may be used to help hold the turbo brush on the tool mounting post.

[00334] Preferably, the upper and lower cord retainers 298, 300 are spaced apart from each other by a distance that allows for at least a portion of the accessory tool to be disposed between the upper and lower cord retainers 298, 300. In this configuration, the accessory tool may be positioned relatively close to the rear of the body 1 12. Positioning the turbo brush 336 in close proximity to the body 1 12 may help reduce the overall length of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. This may also help shelter the turbo brush 336 from impacts.

[00335] It will be appreciated that the following claims are not limited to any specific embodiment disclosed herein. Further, it will be appreciated that any one or more of the features disclosed herein may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination, including, without limitation, a moveable or removable power switch (preferably on or proximate the handle), a hose connector that is recessed into the cyclone bin assembly and preferably having the hose connector mounted to the main body and not a removable air treatment member, a suction hose wrap with a tool storage compartment, a suction hose wrap provided at one end, and preferably a lower end, of a surface cleaning apparatus whereby it may form a stand or base, a cord wrap with an automatic cord release which permits the sliding removal of the cord without having to manually move a cord retaining member, a cyclone chamber having a removable vortex finder or vortex finder insert, A dirt bin that partially surrounds the suction motor or suction motor housing, a filter that overlies at least part of a cyclone bin assembly and a suction motor and a cyclone chamber having a wall that splits when the cyclone chamber is opened.

[00336] What has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a) an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet; b) a main body comprising a suction motor, the suction motor provided in the air flow path;

c) an air treatment member provided in the air flow path and removably mounted to the main body, the air treatment member including a power switch; and,

d) a circuit connecting the suction motor to an electrical source, the circuit being open and closed by operation of the power switch, the circuit is interrupted when the cyclone bin assembly is removed from the main body.

2. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the power switch is moveably mounted with respect to the main body.

3. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electrical source comprises an electrical power cord connectable to an electrical outlet.

4. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electrical source comprises at least one battery provided in the surface cleaning apparatus.

5. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the air treatment member further comprises a handle.

6. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein the power switch is provided on the handle.

7. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is a portable surface cleaning apparatus and the handle is a handle for moving the portable surface cleaning apparatus.

8. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the circuit is mechanically decoupled when the air treatment member is removed.

9. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the circuit includes electrical conduits extending to the power switch.

10. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 wherein the air treatment member further comprises first electrical connectors that are interengagable with second electrical connectors provided in the main body.

1 1 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10 wherein the first electrical connectors are male electrical connectors and the second electrical connectors are female electrical connectors.

12. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the circuit comprises a decoupling member in the main body and the decoupling member is opened upon removal of the air treatment member.

13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 12 wherein the air treatment member comprises a proximity sensor that is operable to actuate the decoupling member.

14. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a lid moveable between an open and a closed position and the air treatment member is removable when the lid is in the open position.

15. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 14 wherein the lid is operable to actuate the decoupling member when the lid is moved between the open and closed positions.

16. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15 wherein the lid comprises a mechanical engagement member that interacts with the decoupling member.

17. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 12 wherein the decoupling member comprises a switch.

18. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 17 wherein the decoupling member comprises a relay.

19. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a lid moveable between an open and a closed position and the cyclone bin assembly is removable when the lid is in an open position.

20. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the air treatment member comprises a cyclone bin assembly.

21. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a) an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet; b) a main body comprising a suction motor provided in the air flow path;

c) a cyclone bin assembly provided in the air flow path and removably mounted to the main body, the cyclone bin assembly comprising a cyclone chamber; and,

d) a hose connector provided on the main body, the hose connector comprising a portion of the air flow path from the dirty air inlet to the cyclone bin assembly.

22. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 21 wherein the hose connector is in line with a tangential inlet of the cyclone chamber.

23. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 21 wherein the hose connector is nested in the cyclone bin assembly when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the main body.

24. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 23 wherein the cyclone bin assembly further comprises a dirt collection chamber and the hose connector is nested in the dirt collection chamber.

25. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 21 wherein the main body comprises a platform on which the cyclone bin assembly is removably mounted and the hose connector is provided adjacent the platform.

26. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 25 wherein the cyclone chamber has a lower air inlet positioned adjacent the platform.

27. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 25 wherein the hose connector is provided on the platform.

28. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 21 wherein the cyclone bin assembly has a recess for removably receiving the hose connector.

29. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 28 wherein the recess is provided in a lower surface of the cyclone bin assembly.

30. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 28 wherein the hose connector is slidably receivable in the recess.

31. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 28 wherein the cyclone bin assembly is mountable on the main body upon movement in a particular direction and the hose connector has a flange at an air outlet end of the hose connector and the flange is sealingly mateable with a wall extending in the particular direction.

32. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 21 further comprising a flexible suction hose extending between a cleaning head or cleaning tool and the hose connector.

33. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 21 wherein the hose is removably mounted to the hose connector.

34. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 21 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is a portable surface cleaning apparatus.

35. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 34 wherein the cyclone bin assembly further comprises a handle for the surface cleaning apparatus.

36. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 21 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is a portable surface cleaning apparatus and has a hose wrap portion having at least one recess.

37. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 21 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is a portable surface cleaning apparatus and has a mounting member to removably receive an engagement member provided on the hose.

38. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 21 wherein the main body has a body portion that extends upwardly along one side of the cyclone bin assembly.

39. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 21 wherein the hose connector has an inlet and an outlet and the inlet and outlet lie in respective connector inlet and connector outlet planes that are generally parallel to each other and generally parallel to a cyclone inlet plane containing the air inlet of the cyclone chamber.

40. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a) an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet; b) a main body comprising a suction motor provided in the air flow path;

c) a cyclone bin assembly provided in the air flow path and removably mounted to the main body, the cyclone bin assembly comprising a cyclone chamber; and,

d) a hose connector comprising a portion of the air flow path from the dirty air inlet to the cyclone bin assembly, wherein the hose connector is nested in the cyclone bin assembly when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the main body.

41 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 40 wherein the hose connector is in line with a tangential inlet of the cyclone chamber.

42. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 40 wherein the main body comprises a platform on which the cyclone bin assembly is removably mounted.

43. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 40 wherein the cyclone bin assembly has a recess provided in a lower surface of the cyclone bin assembly in which the hose connector is mounted.

44. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 40 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is a portable surface cleaning apparatus.

45. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 46 wherein the cyclone bin assembly further comprises a handle for the surface cleaning apparatus.

46. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a) an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and including a flexible suction hose;

b) a main body comprising a suction motor provided in the air flow path;

c) a cyclone bin assembly provided on the main body; and, d) a suction hose wrap, the suction hose wrap having an accessory tool holder.

47. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 46 further comprising an upper end and a lower end and the suction hose wrap is provided on one of the upper and lower ends.

48. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 46 wherein the suction hose wrap is provided on a lower portion of the surface cleaning apparatus.

49. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 46 wherein cyclone bin assembly has a longitudinal cyclone axis and the suction hose, when secured to the suction hose wrap, extends in a plane that is generally transverse to the cyclone axis.

50. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 46 wherein the suction hose wrap is provided on an openable end wall.

51. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 46 wherein the main body comprises a filter chamber and the suction hose wrap is provided on an openable door of the filter chamber.

52. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 46 wherein the accessory tool holder is located centrally in the suction hose wrap.

53. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 46 wherein the accessory tool holder is located in a recess in the suction hose wrap.

54. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 52 wherein the recess has an open bottom.

55. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 46 wherein the suction hose wrap is a unitary construction.

56. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 46 wherein the suction hose wrap is integrally molded.

57. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 46 wherein the suction hose wrap comprises a stand for the surface cleaning apparatus.

58. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 44 wherein the suction hose wrap comprises at least one detent member for releasably receiving the suction hose.

59. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 44 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is a portable surface cleaning apparatus.

60. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 58 wherein the cyclone bin assembly further comprises a handle for the surface cleaning apparatus.

61. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 46 wherein the cyclone bin assembly is removably mounted on the main body and the suction hose wrap is provided on the main body.

62. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 60 wherein the main body comprises a platform on which the cyclone bin assembly is removably mounted.

63. A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a) an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and including a flexible suction hose;

b) a main body comprising a suction motor provided in the air flow path;

c) a cyclone bin assembly provided on the main body; and, d) a suction hose wrap wherein the suction hose wrap comprises a stand for the surface cleaning apparatus.

64. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 63 wherein the suction hose wrap is provided on a lower portion of the portable surface cleaning apparatus.

65. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 63 wherein the cyclone bin assembly has a longitudinal cyclone axis and the suction hose, when secured to the suction hose wrap, extends in a plane that is generally transverse to the cyclone axis.

66. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 63 wherein the suction hose wrap is provided on an openable end wall.

67. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 63 wherein the main body comprises a filter chamber and the suction hose wrap is provided on an openable door of the filter chamber.

68. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 63 wherein an accessory tool holder is located centrally in the suction hose wrap.

69. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 63 wherein an accessory tool holder is located in a recess in the suction hose wrap.

70. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 69 wherein the recess has an open bottom.

71 .The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 63 wherein the suction hose wrap is a unitary construction.

72. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 63 wherein the suction hose wrap is integrally molded.

73. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 63 wherein the suction hose wrap comprises at least one detent member for releasably receiving the suction hose.

74. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 63 wherein the cyclone bin assembly further comprises a handle for the surface cleaning apparatus.

75. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 63 wherein the cyclone bin assembly is removably mounted on the main body and the suction hose wrap is provided on the main body.

76. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 75 wherein the main body comprises a platform on which the cyclone bin assembly is removably mounted.

77. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 76 wherein the suction hose wrap is provided on the main body below the platform.

78. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 63 wherein the suction hose wrap comprises at least two recesses for receiving a portion of the flexible suction hose.

79. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 78 wherein the at least two recesses are located at a front and a rear of the portable surface cleaning apparatus.

80. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 63 wherein the suction hose wrap comprises a recess for receiving a portion of the flexible suction hose, the recess including a hose securing detent.

81. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 80 wherein the hose securing detent comprises upper and lower detents.

82. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 81 further comprising a hose detent groove for receiving one of the detents.

83. A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a) an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and including a flexible suction hose;

b) a main body comprising a suction motor provided in the air flow path, a platform and a body portion that extends upwardly at one side of the platform;

c) a cyclone bin assembly including a dirt collection bin that is removable, the cyclone bin assembly is provided on the main body; and,

d) a suction hose wrap provided on a lower portion of the portable surface cleaning apparatus.

84. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 83 wherein the suction hose wrap is provided on the main body below the platform.

85. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 83 wherein the cyclone bin assembly has a longitudinal cyclone axis and the suction hose, when secured to the suction hose wrap, extends in a plane that is generally transverse to the cyclone axis.

86. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 83 wherein the suction hose wrap is provided on an openable end wall.

87. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 83 wherein the main body comprises a filter chamber and the suction hose wrap is provided on an openable door of the filter chamber.

88. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 83 wherein an accessory tool holder is located centrally in the suction hose wrap.

89. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 83 wherein an accessory tool holder is located in a recess in the suction hose wrap.

90. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 89 wherein the recess has an open bottom.

91 .The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 83 wherein the suction hose wrap is a unitary construction.

92. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 83 wherein the suction hose wrap is integrally molded.

93. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 83 wherein the suction hose wrap comprises at least one detent member for releasably receiving the suction hose.

94. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 83 wherein the cyclone bin assembly further comprises a handle for the surface cleaning apparatus.

95. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 83 wherein the cyclone bin assembly is removably mounted on the main body and the suction hose wrap is provided on the main body.

96. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 83 wherein the suction hose wrap comprises a stand for the surface cleaning apparatus.

97. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 83 wherein the suction hose wrap comprises at least two recesses for receiving a portion of the flexible suction hose.

98. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 97 wherein the at least two recesses are located at a front and a rear of the portable surface cleaning apparatus.

99. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 83 wherein the suction hose wrap comprises a recess for receiving a portion of the flexible suction hose, the recess including a hose securing detent.

100. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 99 wherein the hose securing detent comprises upper and lower detents.

101 . The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 100 further comprising a hose detent groove for receiving one of the detents.

102. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a) an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and including an air treatment member and a suction motor;

b) a power cord removably mounted to a power cord wrap and removable in a cord removal direction; and,

c) the power cord wrap comprising at least first and second spaced apart cord retaining members, at least one of the cord retaining members being a moveable cord retaining member that is moveable between a cord storage position wherein the moveable cord retaining member is oriented to inhibit removal of the power cord and a cord removal position wherein the moveable cord retaining member extends generally in the cord removal direction.

103. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 102 wherein the power cord is slidably removable from the power cord wrap concurrently with movement of the moveable cord retaining member to the cord removal position.

104. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 102 wherein the moveable cord retaining member is biased to the storage position.

105. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 104 wherein the moveable cord retaining member is freely rotatably mounted between the cord storage position and the cord removal position.

106. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 102 wherein the moveable cord retaining member is freely rotatably mounted between the cord storage position and the cord removal position.

107. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 102 wherein the power cord extends in a plane when mounted to the power cord wrap and the moveable cord retaining member is rotatable about an axis that extends generally parallel to that plane.

108. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 102 wherein the power cord wrap is provided on a rear surface of the surface cleaning apparatus and the direction of removal is rearward.

109. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 102 further comprising a nested accessory tool holder provided between the first and second spaced apart cord retaining members.

1 10. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 109 wherein the nested tool holder is provided on an extension member and one of the first and second spaced apart cord retaining members is also provided on the extension member.

1 1 1 . A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a) an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and including an air treatment member and a suction motor; b) a flexible elongate member comprising a power cord or a suction hose removably mounted to a elongate member wrap and removable in a removal direction; and,

c) the elongate member wrap comprising at least first and second spaced apart retaining members, at least one of the retaining members being a moveable retaining member that is moveable between a storage position wherein the moveable retaining member is oriented to inhibit removal of the cord and a removal position wherein the moveable retaining member extends generally in the removal direction.

1 12. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 11 wherein the elongate member is slidably removable from the elongate member wrap concurrently with movement of the moveable retaining member to the removal position. 13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 1 1 wherein the moveable retaining member is biased to the storage position.

1 14. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 13 wherein the moveable retaining member is freely rotatably mounted between the storage position and the removal position.

1 15. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 1 1 wherein the moveable retaining member is freely rotatably mounted between the storage position and the removal position.

1 16. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 1 1 wherein the elongate member extends in a plane when mounted to the elongate member wrap and the moveable retaining member is rotatable about an axis that extends generally parallel to that plane.

1 17. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 1 1 wherein the elongate member wrap is provided on a rear surface of the surface cleaning apparatus and the direction of removal is rearward.

1 18. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 1 1 further comprising a nested accessory tool holder provided between the first and second spaced apart retaining members.

1 19. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 18 wherein the nested tool holder is provided on an extension member and one of the first and second spaced apart retaining members is also provided on the extension member.

120. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a) an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet; b) a main body comprising a suction motor provided in the air flow path and a platform;

c) a cyclone bin assembly provided in the air flow path and removably mounted on the platform, the cyclone bin assembly comprising a cyclone chamber; and,

d) an alignment member provided on the platform and located at the air exit path of the cyclone bin.

121 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 120 wherein the cyclone bin is rotatable about the alignment member.

122. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 120 wherein the alignment member is tapered.

123. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 120 wherein the alignment member comprises a portion of the air flow path.

124. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 123 wherein the alignment member is centrally positioned on the platform.

125. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 123 wherein the alignment member comprises a vortex finder of the cyclone chamber.

126. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 123 wherein the cyclone chamber has a vortex finder and the alignment member comprises an insert receivable in the vortex finder.

127. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 120 wherein the alignment member comprises a vortex finder of the cyclone chamber or an insert receivable in the vortex finder of the cyclone chamber and the alignment member is secured to the platform.

128. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 127 wherein the cyclone is an inverted cyclone.

129. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 120 further comprising a second alignment member

130. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 129 wherein, when mounted to the main body, the cyclone bin assembly is in a particular orientation and the second alignment member aligns the cyclone bin assembly in the particular orientation.

131 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 129 wherein the cyclone bin assembly further comprises a handle and the handle comprises the second alignment member.

132. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 130 wherein the main body has a recess configured to receive a portion of the handle.

133. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 129 wherein the main body further comprises a hose connector, the hose connector comprising a portion of an air flow path from the dirt air inlet to the cyclone bin assembly and the hose connector comprises the second alignment member.

134. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 133 wherein the hose connector is nested in the cyclone bin assembly when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the main body.

135. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 133 wherein the hose connector is provided on the platform and the cyclone bin assembly has a recess for removably receiving the hose connector.

136. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 120 further comprising a body portion that extends upwardly at one side of the platform.

137. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 136 wherein the body portion extends upwardly along one side of the cyclone bin assembly.

138. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a) an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet; b) a cyclone bin assembly comprising a cyclone chamber positioned in the air flow path, the cyclone bin assembly having a cyclone bin assembly air inlet and a cyclone bin assembly air outlet;

c) a dirt collection chamber;

d) a suction motor positioned in the air flow path; and, e) the cyclone chamber having first and second opposed ends and a sidewall extending between the first and second opposed ends, the sidewall having a first portion extending from the first opposed end towards the second opposed end and a second portion extending from the second opposed end towards the first opposed end, and the first and second portions meet at a juncture,

wherein the first opposed end and the first portion are openable.

139. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 138 wherein the first opposed end comprises an openable floor of the cyclone chamber and the cyclone bin air inlet is positioned adjacent the floor.

140. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 39 wherein the cyclone chamber is inverted. 41 . The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 38 wherein the cyclone bin assembly air inlet forms at least a portion of the first portion of the sidewall.

142. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 138 wherein the first portion comprises at least a portion of the cyclone bin assembly air inlet.

143. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 138 wherein the cyclone bin assembly air inlet is positioned exterior to the cyclone chamber.

144. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 138 wherein the cyclone bin assembly air inlet is positioned in the dirt collection chamber.

145. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 138 wherein the cyclone bin assembly air inlet has an upper surface that is positioned in the dirt collection chamber.

146. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 144 wherein the dirt collection chamber surrounds at least a portion of the cyclone chamber.

147. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 138 wherein the dirt collection chamber surrounds at least a portion of the cyclone chamber, the first opposed end comprises an openable floor of the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber.

148. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 138 wherein the first portion has a variable height.

149. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 138 wherein the first portion extends part way around the cyclone chamber.

150. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 149 wherein the first opposed end is pivotally openable and has a pivot end and an opposed emptying end and the first portion has an open area facing the emptying end.

151. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 150 wherein the second portion has a depending portion that seats in the open area when the first opposed end is closed.

152. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 150 wherein the open area is positioned between spaced apart longitudinally extending ends of the first portion and the ends are angled towards the pivot end.

153. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 138 wherein the cyclone bin assembly is removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus.

154. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 138 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body having a platform on which the cyclone bin assembly is removably mounted.

155. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 138 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is a portable surface cleaning apparatus.