A cordless surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed that includes a compact storage configuration to allow the surface cleaning apparatus to have a small, compact footprint relative to an in-use configuration. The storage configuration therefore allows for storage in locations otherwise unsuitable for other surface cleaning apparatuses, e.g., upright vacuum cleaners, and so on. For instance, a surface cleaning apparatus configured in accordance with aspects disclosed herein may have a footprint with an overall width that allows the same to be hidden between an open door and an adjacent wall or other similarly narrow space such as a small closet. Moreover, the surface cleaning apparatus may include an aesthetically pleasing, minimalist design in addition to a small footprint, which allows the surface cleaning apparatus to be placed at a conspicuous location, such as against a wall, without becoming obtrusive or otherwise disruptive to the surrounding environment.

The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes a headlight or other light source that selectively illuminates upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition. The headlight turns on to emit light when the surface cleaning apparatus us turned on, and emits light in a different color when cleaning fluid is dispensed. Methods for operating a headlight or light source are also disclosed.

An example of a vacuum pod may include a handle, a vacuum pod body, a dust cup removably coupled to the vacuum pod body, and a fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the dust cup. The fluid conduit may include a flexible hose configured to transition between an expanded and a retracted position and a coupling configured to be removably coupled to the vacuum pod body. A first end of the flexible hose may be coupled to the vacuum pod body and a second end of the flexible hose may be coupled to the coupling. When the coupling is coupled to the vacuum pod body, the flexible hose may be in the retracted position.

A vacuum cleaner has a portable cleaning unit that is removably mounted to the surface cleaning head. The vacuum cleaner is operable in a floor cleaning configuration in which the portable cleaning unit is mounted to the surface cleaning head and is part of the air flow path through the vacuum cleaner. The portable cleaning unit is also useable in a portable cleaning configuration in which the portable cleaning unit is removed from the surface cleaning head.

A reconfigurable upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning head and a support structure moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head. The support structure comprises a lower portion having a lower longitudinal axis and an upper portion having an upper longitudinal axis, the lower portion having a lower end moveably coupled to the surface cleaning head and an upper end that is rotatably coupled to the upper portion about a rotational axis that is generally transverse to the forward direction, wherein, the support structure is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the lower portion and the upper portion are generally aligned with each other and an operating position in which the lower portion is rotated rearward with respect to the surface cleaning head and the upper portion is rotated in the forward direction with respect to the lower portion. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising a suction motor and an air treatment member is removably mounted to the support structure. An air flow path comprises a flexible hose.

A surface cleaning apparatus has a fluid distribution system for storing and delivering fluid to a surface to be cleaned, and includes a steam nozzle in fluid communication with a steam generator. A pad mounting plate is adapted to mount a cleaning pad to the apparatus, and has a steam orifice in fluid communication with the steam nozzle. A flexible seal is provided between the steam nozzle and the pad mounting plate to seals a space between the steam nozzle and the steam orifice to prevent steam leaks.

A vacuum cleaner includes a main body portion, a secondary battery, an electric blower, a handle and a conductive member. The secondary battery is disposed in the main body portion. The electric blower operates by electric power supply from the secondary battery. The handle is one which a user contacts when the vacuum cleaner is used. At least a part of the conductive member is disposed at the handle and conducts static electricity generated due to operation of the electric blower.

A hand vacuum cleaner having an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, with an air treatment member and a suction motor positioned in the air flow path, the dirty air inlet comprising a flow conduit having an inlet axis. A pistol grip handle is provided wherein the inlet axis intersects the pistol grip handle, and the suction motor is provided at a lower end of the pistol grip handle.

The present invention is a system, device, and method for use of a steerable tractor powered unit (STPU) comprising a vacuum cleaner mounted to a self-leveling platform coupled to a tactile joystick staff operable to control said steerable tractor powered unit, considerably reducing the effort required to operate said vacuum cleaner; a variety of vacuum cleaner types are adaptable for use with said STPU.

A system, device, and method for adapting a self-leveling tractor platform to provide powered mobility to a manual wheelchair. The system includes a universal adapter bracket which can be attached to a variety of wheelchairs and then coupled by a specialized latching mechanism to a self-leveling platform having multiple degrees of freedom controlled by the intuitive rotating and tilting of an attached control stick. The platform and control stick can be easily detached and used as a walking mobility aid.