Embodiments of the present invention described herein relate to vacuum cleaners. The vacuum cleaners described herein can include a motor, a lid, a collection receptacle, and at least one support member to permit access to the interior of the vacuum cleaner. Also described herein are vacuum cleaners having a motor, a lid, a collection receptacle, and an accessory holder that can be pivotally mounted to the collection receptacle to permit access to the contents thereof.

A portable surface cleaning apparatus for a floor surface includes a recovery tank and a supply tank separated by a partition, and further includes a carry handle defining a handle grip spaced above the supply and recovery tanks, wherein the handle grip does not intersect the supply tank or the recovery tank.

An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning and an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a generally upright position and a rearwardly inclined in use position. The upright section comprising a cleaning unit comprising a carry handle wherein the carry handle extends in a direction transverse to the central longitudinal axis of the surface cleaning head and wherein the carry handle has a hand grip portion that has a length in the transverse direction that is greater than a depth of the cleaning unit in a direction of the central longitudinal axis.

A universal hose assembly for wet/dry vacuums is an apparatus having a belt that fastens around a shop vacuum and has a pivotal tube attached to the belt that an expandable vacuum hose is able to be retracted and stored within or expanded outward for use. The pivotal tube and expandable vacuum hose is pressed against the vacuum inlet via the belt and sealed with a gasket. The exterior side of the belt has accessory loops for holding various vacuum accessory attachments.

A vacuum system comprising a storage tray, a vacuum assembly, and a hose. The storage tray defines a storage chamber comprising an inlet portion defining a storage chamber inlet, an outlet portion defining a storage chamber outlet, a first portion in communication with the inlet portion, a second portion in communication with the outlet portion, and an intermediate portion in communication with the first and second portions. The intermediate portion is configured such that the first and second portions are adjacent to each other. The vacuum assembly is operatively connected to the storage chamber outlet. When the hose is in a stored position, at least a portion of the hose is arranged within the first portion, the intermediate portion, and the second portion of the storage chamber. When the vacuum system is in use, at least a portion of the hose is arranged outside of the storage chamber.

A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base mounted to the handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. A fluid delivery system can be provided on the housing and can include a fluid supply chamber and a fluid dispenser. A fluid recovery system can be provided on the housing and include a suction nozzle assembly, a recovery chamber, and a vacuum source to draw fluid from the surface to be cleaned.

The present invention provides unique portable or stationary hose retraction systems in a single compact unit having a hose, a chamber or plenum for storing the hose, a vacuum source, and a unique valve mechanism attached to the chamber or plenum for holding the hose in place while it is being used, and releasing the hose to allow it to be extended by the user or retracted by the system using the vacuum source. An optional debris collection chamber with filter may be provided adjacent to the vacuum hose chamber, such that the vacuum source draws air through both the debris collection chamber and through the vacuum hose chamber.

A low profile upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow duct which has a length in a lateral direction that is transverse to the central longitudinal axis (front to back) of the surface cleaning head that is greater than a depth of the air flow duct in a direction of the central longitudinal axis.

A non-marring nozzle attachment that may be used with a vacuum device to clean delicate surfaces such as lint screens. The non-marring nozzle attachment may use a non-marring material with a beveled surface to allow for a vacuum to safely and effectively clean delicate surfaces. The non-marring nozzle attachment may further include spaced slits to allow for more intimate contact between the nozzle tip and a surface to be cleaned. The vacuum device may be mounted near the desired area of use to a variety of rigid surfaces without having to penetrate the rigid surface with nails or screws.

A surface cleaning apparatus has a base configured to be moved across a surface to be cleaned, a fluid delivery system, and a fluid recovery system with a suction nozzle assembly defining a fluid flow path. A squeegee is provided in the suction nozzle assembly and is mounted within the fluid flow path to slide forwardly and rearwardly within the suction nozzle assembly as the base is moved rearwardly and forwardly, respectively.