A vacuum cleaner includes an upright body mounted to a base that moves over a surface to be cleaned. A rotational coupling can be provided between the upright body and the base for coupling the upright body to the base for movement about at least one rotational axis. The rotational coupling can include at least a swivel joint. A cord rewinder can be provided above the swivel joint for storing and dispensing a power cord.

A vacuum cleaner includes an upright body mounted to a base that moves over a surface to be cleaned. A rotational coupling can be provided between the upright body and the base for coupling the upright body to the base for movement about at least one rotational axis. The rotational coupling can include at least a swivel joint. A cord rewinder can be provided above the swivel joint for storing and dispensing a power cord.

The present invention provides unique portable or stationary hose retraction systems in a single compact unit having an elongated hose, a chamber or plenum for storing the hose, a primary vacuum source for creating suction in the hose, and a secondary vacuum source for retracting the hose into the chamber. Embodiments may include one or more switches located at a distal end of the hose for controlling the primary and secondary vacuum sources. Other embodiments include a movable robotic unit with a proximity generating signal at the distal end of the hose, whereby the robotic unit may withdraw the hose as needed during use, and the secondary vacuum source may retract slack in the hose during use, or may retract the entire hose and the robotic unit after use.

The present invention provides unique portable or stationary hose retraction systems in a single compact unit having an elongated hose, a chamber or plenum for storing the hose, a primary vacuum source for creating suction in the hose, and a secondary vacuum source for retracting the hose into the chamber. Embodiments may include one or more switches located at a distal end of the hose for controlling the primary and secondary vacuum sources. Other embodiments include a movable robotic unit with a proximity generating signal at the distal end of the hose, whereby the robotic unit may withdraw the hose as needed during use, and the secondary vacuum source may retract slack in the hose during use, or may retract the entire hose and the robotic unit after use.

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.

Applicant has created systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling the power supply of a vacuum cleaner motor. The systems and apparatuses include pressure taps to detect a pressure differential within a vacuum cleaner, a float that adjusts depending on an amount of liquid stored, and a power switch that toggles based on the pressure differential created by the position of the float. Alternatively, the float can be replaced by an air chamber so that the pressure differential is created by liquid rising above the volume of air trapped in the chamber. The method can include interrupting the current supplied to an electrical circuit of a power switch based upon a pressure differential created within the vacuum. By controlling the power supply to a vacuum cleaner motor based on a pressure differential created by the amount of liquid stored within the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner can automatically disable the vacuum cleaner's motor as the vacuum approaches its maximum liquid capacity.

A vacuum cleaner (10) includes a handle assembly (22) pivotally coupled to a foot (42). The handle assembly (22) includes an air treatment member, an actuator (34) centrally arranged on a rear side of the handle assembly (22) and a cord reel assembly (14) arranged on a front side of the handle assembly (22). The cord reel assembly (14) includes a cord reel (30) and a cord (26) configured to be coupled to an AC power source and provide power to the suction source. The cord reel (30) is switchable between a first state, in which the cord reel (30) winds the cord (26), and a second state, in which the cord reel (30) does not wind. The actuator (34) is moveable between a first position and a second position. In response to the actuator (34) moving from the first position to the second position, the cord reel (30) switches from the second state to the first state.

A vacuum cleaner (10) includes a handle assembly (22) pivotally coupled to a foot (42). The handle assembly (22) includes an air treatment member, an actuator (34) centrally arranged on a rear side of the handle assembly (22) and a cord reel assembly (14) arranged on a front side of the handle assembly (22). The cord reel assembly (14) includes a cord reel (30) and a cord (26) configured to be coupled to an AC power source and provide power to the suction source. The cord reel (30) is switchable between a first state, in which the cord reel (30) winds the cord (26), and a second state, in which the cord reel (30) does not wind. The actuator (34) is moveable between a first position and a second position. In response to the actuator (34) moving from the first position to the second position, the cord reel (30) switches from the second state to the first state.

A canister vacuum cleaner has a cyclone bin assembly that has a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. The cyclone chamber has an openable upper end and an openable lower end. The dirt collection chamber is rearward of the cyclone chamber and only partially surrounds the cyclone chamber. The suction motor is rearward of the dirt collection chamber. A pre-motor filter is provided below the cyclone chamber and the cyclone air outlet has an outlet axis that intersects the pre-motor filter. Air travels upwardly from the pre-motor filter to a suction motor inlet.

A vacuum cleaner includes an upright body mounted to a base that moves over a surface to be cleaned. A rotational coupling can be provided between the upright body and the base for coupling the upright body to the base for movement about at least one rotational axis. The rotational coupling can include at least a swivel joint. A cord rewinder can be provided above the swivel joint for storing and dispensing a power cord.