Apparatus and method for receiving and holding debris in a collection chamber of a vacuum cleaner. The collection chamber has an inlet opening through which debris-entrained air enters the collection chamber. When the vacuum cleaner is off, an internal valve prevents debris from leaving the collection chamber through the inlet opening. The internal valve is movable from a first sealed position, in which the internal valve covers the chamber inlet opening, to a second unsealed position in which the internal valve does not cover the chamber inlet opening.

Apparatus and method for receiving and holding debris in a collection chamber of a vacuum cleaner. The collection chamber has an inlet opening through which debris-entrained air enters the collection chamber. When the vacuum cleaner is off, an internal valve prevents debris from leaving the collection chamber through the inlet opening. The internal valve is movable from a first sealed position, in which the internal valve covers the chamber inlet opening, to a second unsealed position in which the internal valve does not cover the chamber inlet opening.

A vacuum cleaner may include a body having a handle end and an attachment end, the attachment end being opposite the handle end along a longitudinal axis of the body, a dust cup disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a suction motor disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a body latch configured to releasably engage an accessory, and a body toggle configured to cause the body latch to transition between a releasing position and a retaining position, the body toggle being positioned closer to the handle end than the attachment end.

A vacuum cleaner may include a body having a handle end and an attachment end, the attachment end being opposite the handle end along a longitudinal axis of the body, a dust cup disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a suction motor disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a body latch configured to releasably engage an accessory, and a body toggle configured to cause the body latch to transition between a releasing position and a retaining position, the body toggle being positioned closer to the handle end than the attachment end.

A vacuum nozzle with a vacuum hose receptacle and two wing members pivotably connected to each order. Each wing member has a corresponding opening that is in fluid communication with the vacuum hose receptacle. The two wing members may be positioned at different angles to effectively vacuum a flat surface or at a corner of any degree angle formed from two adjacent surfaces (e.g., wall and floor or two vertical walls).

A vacuum nozzle with a vacuum hose receptacle and two wing members pivotably connected to each order. Each wing member has a corresponding opening that is in fluid communication with the vacuum hose receptacle. The two wing members may be positioned at different angles to effectively vacuum a flat surface or at a corner of any degree angle formed from two adjacent surfaces (e.g., wall and floor or two vertical walls).

An accessory tool for a surface cleaning apparatus, the apparatus including a source of suction, the tool including a body including a dirty air inlet in a tool surface which faces a surface to be cleaned in use; and a neck connected to the body, the neck including first and second passages fluidly connected to each other; wherein the first passage has a smaller cross sectional area than the second passage; wherein the dirty air inlet is fluidly connected to the first and second passages; wherein the first passage has a cross sectional area which is formed by first and second sides connected by third and fourth sides; and wherein the third and fourth sides generally extend towards each other as they extend from the second side to the first side.

An accessory tool for a surface cleaning apparatus, the apparatus including a source of suction, the tool including a body including a dirty air inlet in a tool surface which faces a surface to be cleaned in use; and a neck connected to the body, the neck including first and second passages fluidly connected to each other; wherein the first passage has a smaller cross sectional area than the second passage; wherein the dirty air inlet is fluidly connected to the first and second passages; wherein the first passage has a cross sectional area which is formed by first and second sides connected by third and fourth sides; and wherein the third and fourth sides generally extend towards each other as they extend from the second side to the first side.

A vacuum cleaner attachment is disclosed having a concave vacuum head with a swivel joint that permits swiveling of the vacuum head only within the plane of the vacuum head. The concave vacuum head can have a curvature that is similar to the curvature of a cylindrical surface to be vacuumed. Thus, while a user manipulates the conduit providing the air suction to the vacuum head, the concave surface can be supported and swiveled around the circumference of the cylindrical surface to be vacuumed, while the vacuum head is also moved along the length of the cylindrical surface. Throughout this movement of the concave vacuum head, the concave opening of the concave vacuum head can stay in closer proximity and conformity to the cylindrical surface than is possible using a fixed vacuum head with a flat opening, thereby making cleaning of the cylindrical surface more effective and efficient.

A vacuum cleaner with a reduced frictional force between a vacuum base and a cleaning medium is described. The vacuum has a handle, yoke, body, and base. A handle and yoke distinct from, and behind, the base provides a moment arm anterior to the base when a force is applied. The handle and yoke assembly reduce the friction between the cleaning surface and the vacuum, allowing for larger motor and debris capturing capabilities, with easier handling and maneuverability resulting in advanced and superior cleaning capabilities.