SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS

Abstract

A wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus with an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path. The apparatus includes a first stage air treatment member comprising an air inlet and an air outlet, and a second stage air treatment member downstream from the first stage air treatment member. A partially treated air flow path extends between the first stage air treatment member and the second stage air treatment member. A valve is associated with the partially treated air flow path and operable to close the partially treated air flow path based on a water level in the first stage air treatment member.

Claims

1. A wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; (b) a first stage air treatment member comprising an air inlet and an air outlet; (c) a second stage air treatment member downstream from the first stage air treatment member; (d) a partially treated air flow path extending between the first stage air treatment member and the second stage air treatment member; and, (e) a valve associated with the partially treated air flow path and operable to close the partially treated air flow path based on a water level in the first stage air treatment member.

2. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned downstream of the first stage air treatment member.

3. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first stage air treatment member comprises a first cyclonic stage and the air outlet of the first stage air treatment member comprises a vortex finder which comprises a screen and the screen has an interior volume which is part of the partially treated air flow path.

4. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 3 wherein the vortex finder comprises a solid portion located at an end wall of the first stage air treatment member and the valve closes the solid portion.

5. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein the solid portion has an outlet port at a downstream end thereof and the valve closes the outlet port.

6. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 3 wherein the screen is located at an inner end of the solid portion that is spaced from the end wall.

7. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 3 wherein the valve is positioned in the interior volume.

8. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 3 wherein the vortex finder comprises a solid portion located at an end wall of the first stage air treatment member, the screen is located at an inner end of the solid portion that is spaced from the end wall and the solid portion has a length in a direction of flow therethrough that is 0.5-4, 1-2.5 or 1.1-1.5 times a diameter of the air inlet of the first stage air treatment member.

9. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the valve comprises a mechanical valve.

10. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 wherein the mechanical valve comprises a float valve.

11. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the valve comprises an electromechanical valve which closes the partially treated air flow path upon receiving a signal from a water level sensor.

12. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 11 wherein the water level sensor comprises a tilt switch.

13. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 11 wherein the electromechanical valve comprises a solenoid.

14. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first stage air treatment member and the second stage air treatment member comprise at least one cyclone.

15. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first stage air treatment member has a collection volume in which water is received when the wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus is operated to collect water, the valve comprises a mechanical drive member which is moveable between an open position, in which the valve is open and the partially treated air flow path is open, and a closed position, in which the valve is closed and the partially treated air flow path is closed, and at least a portion of the mechanical drive member travels through a drive member volume which is isolated from the collection volume.

16. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15 wherein the mechanical drive member is driven by a water level sensor.

17. A wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; (b) a first stage air treatment member having an air inlet and an air outlet; (c) a treated air flow path extending downstream from the first stage air treatment member to the clean air outlet; and, (d) a valve comprising an electromechanical member, the valve is operable to close the treated air flow path based on a water level in the first stage air treatment member.

18. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 17 wherein the valve comprises a solenoid.

19. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 17 further comprising an electronic water level sensor that is drivingly connected to the valve.

20. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a second stage air treatment member downstream from the valve.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0043] FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to an embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 2 is a bottom rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0045] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 without a hose;

[0046] FIG. 4 is a first cross sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 in a vertical plane extending in the forward/rearward direction;

[0047] FIG. 4A is a schematic view of a profile of a member air inlet of an air treatment member of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0048] FIG. 5 is a second cross sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 in a vertical plane extending in the forward/rearward direction;

[0049] FIG. 6 is a third vertical cross sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 in a vertical plane extending in the forward/rearward direction;

[0050] FIG. 7 is a fourth cross sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 in a plane that is at an angle to the forward/rearward direction;

[0051] FIG. 8 is a fifth cross sectional view from above of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 in a horizontal plane;

[0052] FIG. 9 is a sixth cross sectional view from above of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 in a horizontal plane;

[0053] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0054] FIG. 10A is a schematic cross sectional view of a portion of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 with a bag received in an air treatment chamber;

[0055] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 with an apparatus lid removed;

[0056] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a bucket (first stage air treatment chamber) of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0057] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the bucket of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0058] FIG. 14 is a seventh perspective cross sectional view from above of a portion of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 in a horizontal plane;

[0059] FIG. 14A is a profile view of ribs of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0060] FIG. 14B is a profile view of ribs according to a second embodiment;

[0061] FIG. 14C is a profile view of ribs according to a third embodiment;

[0062] FIG. 14D is a top cross sectional perspective view of a portion of the vacuum airflow path of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1, with a valve in an open position;

[0063] FIG. 15 is an eighth cross sectional view of a portion of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 in a vertical plane extending in the forward/rearward direction;

[0064] FIG. 16 is a ninth cross sectional view from above of a portion of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 in a horizontal plane;

[0065] FIG. 17 is a top front perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0066] FIG. 18 is a bottom rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 17;

[0067] FIG. 19 is a first cross sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 17 in a vertical plane extending in the forward/rearward direction;

[0068] FIG. 19A is a schematic cross sectional view of a surface cleaning apparatus with a float valve in a closed position;

[0069] FIG. 20 is a second cross sectional view of a portion of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 17 in a plane that is at an angle to the forward/rearward direction;

[0070] FIG. 21 is a third cross sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 17 in a vertical plane extending in the forward/rearward direction;

[0071] FIG. 22 is a fourth cross sectional view from above of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 17 in a horizontal plane;

[0072] FIG. 23 is a fifth cross sectional view from above of a portion of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 17 in a horizontal plane;

[0073] FIG. 23A is a profile view from above of an air treatment chamber of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 17;

[0074] FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 17, with an apparatus lid removed;

[0075] FIG. 25 is a bottom perspective view of a bucket of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 17;

[0076] FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of the bucket of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 17;

[0077] FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of an air treatment assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 17;

[0078] FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view from above of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment in a horizontal plane;

[0079] FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view from above of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment in a horizontal plane;

[0080] FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 29 in a vertical plane extending in the forward/rearward direction;

[0081] FIG. 31 is a schematic cross sectional view of an air treatment chamber of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment in a vertical plane;

[0082] FIG. 32 is a top view of a mechanical bag retainer of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 31;

[0083] FIG. 32A is a top view of a mechanical bag retainer, according to another embodiment;

[0084] FIG. 33 is a schematic side view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0085] FIG. 33A is a schematic side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 33, with the apparatus lids closed;

[0086] FIG. 34 is a top perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0087] FIG. 35 is a first cross sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 34 in a vertical plane extending in the forward/rearward direction;

[0088] FIG. 36 is a second cross sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 34 in a vertical plane extending at an angle to the forward/rearward direction;

[0089] FIG. 37 is a schematic side view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0090] FIG. 38 is a top perspective view of an apparatus lid of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0091] FIG. 39 is a side view of the apparatus lid of FIG. 38;

[0092] FIG. 40 is an end view of the apparatus lid of FIG. 38;

[0093] FIG. 41 is a schematic side view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0094] FIG. 42 is a cross sectional perspective view of a portion of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment, in a first configuration, in a vertical plane extending in the forward/rearward direction;

[0095] FIG. 43 is a cross sectional perspective view of the portion of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 42, in a second configuration;

[0096] FIG. 44 is a schematic side view of a filter in a filter housing of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment, with the filter housing open;

[0097] FIG. 45 is a schematic side view of the filter in the filter housing of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 44, with the filter housing closed;

[0098] FIG. 46 is a side cross sectional view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0099] FIG. 46A is a side cross sectional view of a portion of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0100] FIG. 47 is a cross sectional perspective view of an upper end of a first stage air treatment chamber of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0101] FIG. 48 is a cross sectional side view of an upper end of a first stage air treatment chamber of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 47;

[0102] FIG. 49 is a schematic view of an actuator and operated device, according to an embodiment, in a first position;

[0103] FIG. 50 is a schematic view of the actuator and operated device of FIG. 49, in a second position;

[0104] FIG. 51 is a schematic view of the actuator and operated device of FIG. 49, in a third position;

[0105] FIG. 52 is a schematic view of the actuator and operated device of FIG. 49, in a fourth position;

[0106] FIG. 53 is a schematic view of the actuator and operated device of FIG. 49, in a fifth position;

[0107] FIG. 54 is a schematic view of an actuator and operated device, according to another embodiment, in a first position;

[0108] FIG. 55 is a schematic view of the actuator and operated device of FIG. 54, in a second position;

[0109] FIG. 56 is a schematic view of the actuator and operated device of FIG. 54, in a third position;

[0110] FIG. 57 is a schematic view of the actuator and operated device of FIG. 54, in a fourth position;

[0111] FIG. 58 is a schematic view of the actuator and operated device of FIG. 54, in a fifth position;

[0112] FIG. 59 is a schematic view of an actuator and operated device, according to another embodiment, in a first position;

[0113] FIG. 60 is a schematic view of the actuator and operated device of FIG. 59, in a second position;

[0114] FIG. 61 is a schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0115] FIG. 62 is a schematic view of a tilt sensor, according to an embodiment, in a first position;

[0116] FIG. 63 is a schematic view of the tilt sensor of FIG. 62 in a second position;

[0117] FIG. 64 is a schematic view of a break sensor, according to an embodiment;

[0118] FIG. 65 is a schematic view of the break sensor of FIG. 64, with a circuit of the sensor broken;

[0119] FIG. 66 is a schematic view of a break sensor, according to another embodiment;

[0120] FIG. 67 is a schematic view of the break sensor of FIG. 66, with a circuit of the sensor broken;

[0121] FIG. 68 is a schematic view of a flexible screen of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to an embodiment, in a deformed configuration;

[0122] FIG. 69 is a schematic view of the flexible screen of FIG. 68 in a rest configuration;

[0123] FIG. 70 is a schematic view of an actuator and operated device, according to another embodiment, in a first position;

[0124] FIG. 71 is a schematic view of the actuator and operated device of FIG. 70, in a second position;

[0125] FIG. 72 is a schematic view of an actuator and operated device, according to another embodiment, in a first position;

[0126] FIG. 73 is a schematic view of the actuator and operated device of FIG. 72, in a second position;

[0127] FIG. 74 is a schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0128] FIG. 75 is a schematic view of a bucket of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0129] FIG. 76 is a schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment

[0130] FIG. 77 is a schematic view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 76, with the handle rotated;

[0131] FIG. 78 is a schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0132] FIG. 79A is a top perspective view of an air treatment member of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0133] FIG. 79B is a schematic view of a profile of an air treatment chamber air outlet of the air treatment chamber of FIG. 79A;

[0134] FIG. 79C is a top perspective view of an air treatment member, according to another embodiment;

[0135] FIG. 79D is a top perspective view of an air treatment member, according to another embodiment;

[0136] FIG. 80A is a perspective view of an air treatment member, according to another embodiment;

[0137] FIG. 80B is a perspective cross sectional view of the air treatment member of FIG. 80A;

[0138] FIG. 81 is a top perspective view of an air treatment member and dirt collection chamber of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0139] FIG. 82 is a schematic view of a dirt outlet of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0140] FIG. 83 is a schematic view of an air treatment member of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0141] FIG. 83A is a schematic view of the air treatment member of FIG. 83 with a removeable wall removed;

[0142] FIG. 84 is a side schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0143] FIG. 85 is a side schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0144] FIG. 86 is an end schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0145] FIG. 87 is an end schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0146] FIG. 88 is a side schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0147] FIG. 89 is a schematic view of an air treatment member of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to another embodiment with a removeable wall removed;

[0148] FIG. 90 is a schematic view of the air treatment member of FIG. 89 with a removeable wall installed; and,

[0149] FIG. 91 is a schematic view of the air treatment member of FIG. 89 with a removeable wall and a bag installed.

[0150] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0151] Various apparatuses, methods and compositions are described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses, methods and compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus, method or composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses, methods or compositions described below. It is possible that an apparatus, method or composition described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, method or composition described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0152] The terms an embodiment, embodiment, embodiments, the embodiment, the embodiments, one or more embodiments, some embodiments, and one embodiment mean one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s), unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0153] The terms including, comprising and variations thereof mean including but not limited to, unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms a, an and the mean one or more, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0154] As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be coupled, connected, attached, or fastened where the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be directly coupled, directly connected, directly attached, or directly fastened where the parts are connected in physical contact with each other. None of the terms coupled, connected, attached, and fastened distinguish the manner in which two or more parts are joined together.

[0155] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

General Description of a Surface Cleaning Apparatus

[0156] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus is shown generally as 100. The surface cleaning apparatus is exemplified in FIGS. 1 and 2 as a hand carriable vacuum cleaner with an apparatus front end 112, an apparatus rear end 114, an apparatus upper end 116 and an apparatus lower end 118. An apparatus longitudinal axis 120 extends between the apparatus front end 112 and the apparatus rear end 114 in a forward/rearward direction. An apparatus vertical axis 122 extends between the apparatus upper end 106 and apparatus lower end 118. The apparatus vertical axis 122 is perpendicular to the apparatus longitudinal axis 120. An apparatus transverse axis 124 is perpendicular to each of the apparatus vertical axis 122 and the apparatus longitudinal axis 120 and extends through the right and left lateral sides of apparatus 100.

[0157] The surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes a main body 130. The main body 130 includes a main body housing 132 and a carry handle 134. It will be appreciated that the main body housing 132 houses one or more of a pre-motor filter, and an air moving member (e.g., a suction motor) and a post motor filter. As exemplified, the main body housing 132 may be selectively openable to provide access to a housed component. A cleaning stage may be removably mounted to the main body and/or incorporated as part of the main body. For example, the apparatus 100 may have a first cleaning stage that is removably mounted to the main body and a second cleaning stage that is housed in the main body and may be non-removable therefrom.

[0158] It will be appreciated that the carry handle 134 may be any suitable handle. In some embodiments, as exemplified, the carry handle 134 may be an under-hand carry handle. As exemplified, the carry handle 134 may be mounted to the apparatus upper end 116. The carry handle 134 may overly the main body housing 132 when the apparatus upper end 116 is above the apparatus lower end 118 (i.e., an in-use position of the surface cleaning apparatus). The carry handle 134 may be above the suction motor, the pre-motor filter and/or the air treatment assembly. Arranging the carry handle 134 above a heavy and/or bulky component of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may result in a more desirable hand-feel of the surface cleaning apparatus 100.

[0159] The carry handle 134 may extend away from the main body housing 132, as exemplified, so as to provide an enclosed hand grip area between the handle 134 and an upper surface of the apparatus. It will be appreciated that a handle may alternatively be a recessed handle formed by providing a recess in a surface of the apparatus. The carry handle may have a hand grip portion 136 that extends generally horizontally when the apparatus upper end 116 is above the apparatus lower end 118. The hand grip portion 136 has a longest dimension in the direction of a grip portion axis 138. As exemplified, the grip portion axis 138 of the carry handle 134 may be generally transverse to the apparatus transverse axis 124 and/or the apparatus vertical axis 122. As exemplified, the grip portion axis 138 of the carry handle 134 may be generally parallel to the apparatus longitudinal axis 120.

[0160] The carry handle (e.g., a carry handle lower end 140 for a projecting handle) may be mounted to or formed in one or more of an openable and/or removeable apparatus lid, a suction motor housing, the pre-motor filter housing, and the air treatment assembly. As exemplified, the carry handle lower end 140 may be mounted to an upper surface of an openable top apparatus lid 150 by upwardly extending struts that extend between the upper surface of the lid (at the location of the carry handle lower end 140) and the hand grip portion 136.

[0161] It will be appreciated that the main body housing 132 and/or carry handle 134 may be in other configurations, shapes, and/or positions in other embodiments.

[0162] In some embodiments, as exemplified in FIGS. 1 and 2, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is a hand vacuum cleaner, which may also be referred to as a handvac or hand-held vacuum cleaner. As used herein, a hand vacuum cleaner is a vacuum cleaner that can be operated to clean a surface generally one-handedly. That is, the entire weight of the vacuum may be held by the same one hand used to direct a dirty air inlet of the vacuum cleaner with respect to a surface to be cleaned. For example, the carry handle and a clean air inlet may be rigidly coupled to each other (directly or indirectly) so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. This is to be contrasted with canister and upright vacuum cleaners, whose weight is typically supported by a surface (e.g., a floor) during use.

[0163] In some embodiments, as exemplified in FIGS. 33-37, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is a cannister vacuum cleaner. As used herein a cannister vacuum cleaner is a vacuum cleaner that is used with an external conduit 160 which includes a flexible section (e.g., a hose such as the one exemplified in FIG. 88) fluidically coupled and/or directly coupled to the dirty air inlet to provide a nozzle 162 upstream of the flexible conduit 160, optionally upstream of a rigid conduit (e.g., a wand portion) that is upstream of the flexible conduit 160. In some embodiments, a cannister vacuum cleaner may include a recessed apparatus dirty air inlet 172 (e.g., such as the dirty air inlet 172 of FIG. 3) that is not suitable for use as a nozzle 162 directly. A recessed dirty air inlet is described further elsewhere herein. An external conduit 160 may be secured to the dirty air inlet in any suitable way, such as via a twist to lock system as exemplified in FIG. 3.

[0164] In some embodiments, a cannister vacuum cleaner includes wheels 164 for, e.g., supporting the main body 130 and/or an air treatment assembly above a floor or other support surface. As exemplified, a wheel or wheels may be mounted to the main body and/or the air treatment assembly and/or a wheeled base to which the main body is removably mounted. Wheeled support reduces the weight that must be supported by a user, which may be particularly helpful when the vacuum is a large-capacity vacuum that can contain a substantial weight of separated material (e.g., dirt or liquid), such as more than 3 kg, more than 5 kg, more than 10 kg, or more than 15 kg of separated material. It will be appreciated that if the main body is removable mounted on a wheeled base, then the main body may optionally be operated as a hand-carriable unit that may be used with a flexible conduit 160 and/or rigid conduit.

[0165] It will be appreciated that any one or more of the features of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 set out herein may also or alternately be used in any type of surface cleaning apparatus, such as an upright surface cleaning apparatus, a stick vac, an extractor, or the like. It will also be appreciated that a surface cleaning apparatus may use any configuration of the operating components and the airflow paths exemplified herein.

[0166] As exemplified in FIGS. 4-7, an apparatus air flow path 170 extends from an apparatus dirty air inlet 172 to an apparatus clean air outlet 174.

[0167] The apparatus dirty air inlet 172 may be provided at the apparatus rear end 114. As exemplified, the apparatus dirty air inlet 172 may be provided at the apparatus upper end 116. The apparatus dirty air inlet 172 may be at the apparatus rear end 114 and/or one lateral side of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, as exemplified. Arranging the dirty air inlet at one lateral side may help with wrapping a hose around the main body housing 132, as described further elsewhere herein. The apparatus dirty air inlet 172 may have an inlet end that faces rearwardly as exemplified (i.e., opening rearwardly). It will be appreciated that the dirty air inlet 172 may be located elsewhere, such as at the apparatus lower end 118 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 and/or at the apparatus front end 112.

[0168] The apparatus dirty air inlet 172 may be provided at an inlet end of an apparatus inlet conduit 180. The apparatus inlet conduit 180 extends from an apparatus inlet conduit inlet end 182 (forwardly as exemplified) to an apparatus inlet conduit outlet end 184. Optionally, as exemplified, the apparatus inlet conduit outlet end 184 opens into an internal chamber of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. As exemplified, in some embodiments the apparatus inlet conduit 180 is provided external to the internal chamber and may have an outlet port that is also an inlet port of the chamber provided in a wall (e.g., a sidewall or an upper wall) of the internal chamber. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the apparatus inlet conduit outlet end 184 may extend into an internal chamber of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g., an air treatment chamber which may be a cyclone chamber).

[0169] The apparatus inlet conduit 180 may be a generally linear conduit having an inlet conduit longitudinal axis 186 along a longest dimension of the apparatus inlet conduit 180 and extending between the apparatus inlet conduit inlet end 182 and the apparatus inlet conduit outlet end 184. The inlet conduit longitudinal axis 186 may extend between the apparatus front end 112 and the apparatus rear end 114, and, as exemplified, may be generally horizontal when the apparatus upper end 116 is above the apparatus lower end 118. The inlet conduit longitudinal axis 186 may be generally parallel to the apparatus longitudinal axis 120 and/or the carry handle axis 138.

[0170] As exemplified in FIGS. 17-18, the apparatus inlet conduit 180 may form a nozzle 188 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. Alternatively, or additionally, as exemplified in FIGS. 4-7, the inlet conduit 180 may be connected or directly connected to an accessory, such as the external conduit 160 (e.g., a hose). The accessory may be any suitable accessory tool such as a flexible conduit (e.g., a wet/dry vacuum hose with or without a rigid conduit at an upstream end thereof), a crevice tool, a mini brush, and the like. The accessory may be coupled to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 such that the accessory is in air flow communication with the apparatus dirty air inlet 172 (e.g., in air flow communication with the apparatus inlet conduit 180). For example, the accessory may be or include a conduit (e.g., external conduit 160), and the conduit of the accessory may be received within the apparatus inlet conduit 180 or may receive the apparatus inlet conduit 180 within the accessory conduit. Optionally, one or more releasable fasteners may be used to couple the accessory to the surface cleaning apparatus 100, such as clips or magnets. Alternatively, or additionally, the accessory may be held in air flow communication with the dirty air inlet via a friction fit (e.g., between an outer diameter of an accessory conduit and an inner diameter of the apparatus inlet conduit 180, or vice versa). Alternately, it will be understood that the apparatus inlet conduit 180 may be slideably receivable in an accessory conduit.

[0171] It will also be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may not include an apparatus inlet conduit 180, and the apparatus dirty air inlet 172 may instead open directly into a downstream chamber (e.g., an air treatment chamber 210) rather than being at an upstream end of a conduit. However, an apparatus inlet conduit 180 allows, e.g., a nozzle 188 to be formed for application to a surface that is to be cleaned, provides directionality to an air flow entering the surface cleaning apparatus 100, and/or provides a convenient attachment interface for an accessory.

[0172] As exemplified in FIGS. 4-7, the apparatus clean air outlet 174 may be provided at the apparatus rear end 114. The apparatus clean air outlet 174 may be provided at the same end of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 as the apparatus dirty air inlet 172. The apparatus clean air outlet 174 may include a grill 190 located in a sidewall 192 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. As exemplified, the apparatus rear end 114 may have a main body housing sidewall 192 that extends between the apparatus upper end 116 and the apparatus lower end 118. The main body housing sidewall 192 may extend between an openable main body lid (which may be the apparatus lid 150) and an apparatus floor 194 closing the bottom of the main body housing sidewall 192.

[0173] It will also be appreciated that the apparatus dirty air inlet 172 and/or the apparatus clean air outlet 174 may each be provided at different locations (e.g., they need not be on the same side of apparatus 100) and/or be of different configurations.

[0174] As exemplified in FIGS. 1 and 2, an external conduit 160 may be mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The external conduit 160 extends between an external conduit inlet end 166 and an external conduit outlet end 168. The external conduit 166 may consist of or comprise a flexible hose 160a. It will be appreciated that the external conduit 160 may alternatively or additionally include a rigid conduit, such as a rigid wand. For example, the external conduit 160 may include a rigid wand that is removably connectable to an upstream end of a flexible hose. The external conduit 160 functions to effectively extend the nozzle of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The external conduit 160 may be used for, e.g., above-floor cleaning. It will be appreciated that the external conduit 160 may be mounted to an accessory at the external conduit inlet (upstream) end 166, such as to a floor cleaning head, a crevice tool, etc. In some embodiments, the external conduit 160 together with the accessory mounted at the external conduit inlet end 166 form a floor cleaning unit which can be releasably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 to form, e.g., a stick-type vacuum (e.g., with an external conduit that consists of a rigid wand) or canister-type vacuum (e.g., with an external conduit that includes a flexible hose). It will be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be provided on its own or with the external conduit 160 but without the rest of a floor cleaning unit.

[0175] As exemplified in FIGS. 4-7, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes an air treatment assembly 200. The apparatus air flow path 170 extends through the air treatment assembly 200. The air treatment assembly 200 is configured to remove particles of dirt and other debris and/or water from the airflow and/or otherwise treat the airflow.

[0176] The air treatment assembly includes one or more air treatment members 202 in one or more stages. Any air treatment member or members known in the art may be used. For example, an air treatment stage of the surface cleaning apparatus may use one or more cyclones, bags, screens, physical filter media (e.g., foam, felt, HEPA) or the like.

[0177] The air treatment assembly 200 or a portion thereof may be removably mounted to the main body housing 132. It will be appreciated that the air treatment assembly 200 or the portion thereof may be removeable from the main body housing 132 in any suitable way, such as translationally or rotationally (e.g., as exemplified by the apparatus lid 150 in FIGS. 1-11). It will be appreciated that the air treatment assembly 200 or the portion thereof may be removeable from the main body housing 132 in any direction, such as upwardly (e.g., as exemplified by the bucket 206 in FIGS. 12-13) and/or downwardly and/or forwardly.

[0178] The air treatment assembly 200 may include two or more separable parts 204. As exemplified, the separable parts 204 may include the apparatus lid 150 and a bucket 206. The bucket 206 comprises a first stage air treatment chamber 210 and may includes an end wall (e.g., the member first end wall 222) and the member sidewall 220. It will be appreciated that the bucket 206 may have an open end opposite the end wall 222 of the first stage air treatment chamber 210 (e.g., closable by the apparatus lid 150) or may include a wall closing the end opposite the end wall of the first stage air treatment chamber 210 (e.g., an openable bucket lid separate from the apparatus lid 150). It will be appreciated that the end wall 22 may be integrally formed or non-openable connected to the sidewall 220 so as to provide a watertight container.

[0179] Optionally, the apparatus lid 150 may include at least one air treatment member 202 and/or air treatment stage, which may comprise a second stage air treatment member 202. The second stage air treatment member 202 or a portion thereof (e.g., a second stage air treatment chamber) may be fully contained in the apparatus lid 150. The second stage air treatment member 202 or a portion thereof may be removeable as part of the apparatus lid 150 and may be removed in a closed configuration, as exemplified.

[0180] Each separable part 204 may include at least one air treatment member 202 and/or at least one dirt collection region 230. In some embodiments, each separable part 204 contains a separation stage, such as a first separable part 204 containing the first stage air treatment member(s) 202 and a second separable part 204 containing the second stage air treatment member(s) 202. Each of the air treatment member(s) may be an air treatment chamber(s). As exemplified, a first separable part 204 may include a first stage air treatment member and a second separable part 204 may include a second stage air treatment member 202. The separable parts 204 may be separated from one another and may be removed separately from the main body or concurrently. At least one of the separable parts 204 is removeable from the main body housing 132, and optionally each of the separable parts 204 is removeable from the main body housing 132. The bucket 206 is a container for holding dirt and water. The bucket 206 may be removed from the main body housing 132 separate from another part of the assembly (e.g., the apparatus lid 150) to allow for easier emptying and/or cleaning of the bucket 206. For example, water may accumulate in the bucket 206 and a user may pour out the bucket.

[0181] In any embodiment, as exemplified in FIGS. 1-10, the main body housing 132 may encircle the air treatment assembly 200 or a part thereof. The main body housing 132 may abut the air treatment assembly 200 or apart thereof on at least two opposite surfaces of the air treatment assembly 200 or part thereof. The two opposite surfaces may be opposite one another across an air treatment member 202, such as across an air treatment chamber as exemplified. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that, as exemplified in FIGS. 17-27, in some embodiments the main body housing 132 may abut the air treatment assembly 200 or a part thereof on only one side or may abut adjacent sides of the assembly.

[0182] It will be appreciated that if the air treatment assembly 200 or portion thereof is removable, then the removeable air treatment assembly 200 or portion thereof may be secured to the main body 130 in any suitable way. The removeable air treatment assembly 200 or portion thereof may be seated on or against one or more main body seating surfaces 240, as exemplified in FIG. 10. Optionally, the removeable air treatment assembly 200 or portion thereof is seated on or against a plurality of main body seating surfaces 240. The removeable air treatment assembly 200 or portion thereof may be held against the seating surfaces 240 by a removeable member. As exemplified in FIGS. 1-10, a bucket 206 of the air treatment assembly 200 is held against the seating surfaces 240 by the apparatus lid 150 when the apparatus lid 150 is in the closed position. The apparatus lid 150 may be moveable between an open position (FIG. 11) and a closed position (FIG. 1). When the apparatus lid 150 is in the closed position the apparatus lid 150 holds the bucket 206 against movement off of one or more main body seating surface 240. When the apparatus lid 150 is in the open position the bucket 206 is free to be moved off of one or more main body seating surfaces 240.

[0183] The apparatus lid 150 may be rotationally (e.g., pivotally) secured to the apparatus main body 130. The apparatus lid 150 may be secured to the apparatus main body by a rotational joint 250 on one end of the apparatus lid 150. As exemplified, the rotational joint 250 has a joint rotational axis 252 about which the rotational joint rotates. The joint rotational axis 252 may be generally parallel to the handle axis 138 and/or the apparatus longitudinal axis 120. Another portion (e.g., an opposite end) of the apparatus lid 150 may be releasably secured to the apparatus main body 130, such as by a releasable clasp 254 or other fastener, such that when the fastener is secured the apparatus lid is held closed and when the fastener is released the apparatus lid is free to rotate about the rotational joint 250 to the open position. It will be appreciated that the apparatus lid 150 may also or alternatively be secured to the main body in other ways and may be fully removeable from the apparatus main body 130.

[0184] It will be appreciated that any suitable rotational joint 250 may be used. As exemplified in FIG. 10, the rotational joint 250 may be a releasable joint to allow the apparatus lid 150 to be removed from the main body 130 by releasing the joint.

[0185] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments a removable air treatment assembly or part thereof may also or alternatively be secured to the main body 130 via one or more fasteners, such as screws, clips (e.g., releasable clasp 254), or magnets, which may be releasable or overcome by a predetermined force to be applied by a user. In some embodiments, the air treatment assembly 200 or portion thereof may be removeable without opening a lid, such as if an air treatment stage has its own lid which is removable with the air treatment stage and the apparatus does not have an apparatus lid 150 overlying a closed chamber, or if the assembly is removable without opening the lid 150, e.g., it is removed laterally. In some embodiments, the air treatment assembly 200 or a part thereof is released by a user action, such as by a user interaction with a button or other toggle of a user interface 260.

[0186] The air treatment member 202 may be openable to, e.g., allow for dirt removal. One or both of the member end walls (e.g., upper and/or lower walls), or a portion of one or each of the member end walls, may be openable. Opening an end of the chamber may facilitate access to the member air inlet and/or air outlet. Alternatively, or additionally, the member sidewall or a portion thereof may be openable. As exemplified by the air treatment member 202 of the first stage 280 in FIGS. 4-11, the member end wall (e.g., the second end wall 224) may be removeable from the member sidewall 220 to open the chamber. The member end wall may seat on the member sidewall 220. It will be appreciated that the member end wall may be secured to the member sidewall in any suitable way, such as via a friction fit or a releasable fastener (e.g., a clasp or threaded fastener). The member end wall may be part of an apparatus lid 150, as exemplified.

[0187] The air treatment assembly 200 includes a dirt collection region 230. As exemplified by the air treatment member of the first stage 280 of FIGS. 4-7, a dirt collection region 230 may be an internal region of an air treatment chamber 210. The dirt collection region 230 may be at the bottom end of the air treatment chamber 210. As exemplified by the air treatment member 202 of the second stage 282 of FIGS. 4-7, a dirt collection region 230 may be in a dirt collection chamber 382 that is external to an air treatment chamber. The dirt collection chamber 382 communicates with the air treatment chamber 210 via a dirt outlet 370 (e.g., an opening in a wall of the air treatment chamber or a gap between walls of the air treatment chamber). The dirt outlet 370 may be at an upper end of the dirt collection chamber 382. The dirt collection chamber 382 and air treatment chamber 210 are discrete chambers.

[0188] It will be appreciated that the air treatment assembly 200 may include any suitable number of discrete dirt collection regions 230. As exemplified in FIGS. 4-7, each air treatment chamber 202 may include its own dirt collection region 230. Although it will be appreciated that in some examples multiple air treatment chambers may share a dirt collection region (e.g., two cyclones each with a dirt outlet opening into a common dirt collection chamber), and/or an air treatment member may include two or more discrete dirt collection regions. In some embodiments, the air treatment assembly 200 and/or an air treatment chamber thereof may include separate collection regions for fine dirt and for coarse dirt, and/or separate dirt outlets to a common dirt collection chamber for fine dirt and for coarse dirt.

[0189] It will be understood that the air treatment member 202 and dirt collection region 230 may be of any configuration suitable for separating dirt from an air stream and collecting the separated dirt, respectively.

[0190] As exemplified in FIG. 4-7, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 also includes an air moving member 400. The air moving member 400 is positioned in the apparatus air flow path 170. The air moving member 400 is provided to generate air flow (e.g., vacuum suction) through the air flow path 170. The air moving member 400 may include a suction motor and fan assembly 402. The suction motor and fan assembly 402 includes a motor 532 and at least one fan 534. At least one of the fan(s) 534 is positioned in the apparatus air flow path 170.

[0191] The air moving member 400 may be contained within a moving member housing 410. The moving member housing 410 may form part of the outer surface of the main body housing 132, or may be internal thereto. The moving member housing 410 may be of any suitable construction, including any of those exemplified herein.

[0192] The air moving member 400 in the illustrated example is positioned downstream from the air treatment assembly 200, although it will be appreciated that the air moving member 400 may be positioned upstream of the air treatment assembly 200 or an air treatment member thereof (e.g., a dirty air motor) in alternative embodiments.

[0193] As exemplified, in some embodiments the air moving member 400 rotates about a moving member axis of rotation 412 (e.g., a suction motor axis of rotation). Preferably, when the apparatus upper end 116 is positioned above the apparatus lower end 118, the moving member axis of rotation 412 is oriented generally vertically and extends between the apparatus upper end 116 and the apparatus lower end 118. In other examples, however, the moving member axis of rotation 412 may extend at any angle to the vertical, or it may extend horizontally. Accordingly, the air moving member 400 may be oriented in any direction within the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The moving member axis of rotation 412 may be spaced (e.g., horizontally spaced) from the member longitudinal axis 350 of one or more air treatment member and/or coaxial with one or more member longitudinal axis 350. As exemplified, the moving member axis of rotation 412 may intersect the carry handle axis 138. As exemplified, the moving member axis of rotation 412 may be generally parallel to the member longitudinal axis 350 of one or all of the air treatment member(s) 202.

[0194] The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include one or more filters 420 in an air flow path of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. A filter 420 may be one or more of a foam filter, felt filter, HEPA filter, other physical filter media, electrostatic filter, and the like. Optionally, a filter 420 includes a series of screens, and, optionally, each downstream screen of the filter has finer pores than the preceding upstream screen. The filter 420 may be formed from any suitable physical, porous filter media and may have any suitable shape, including the examples disclosed herein.

[0195] The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a pre-moving member filter 420 upstream of the moving member 400 and/or a post-moving member filter 420 downstream of the moving member. A pre-moving member filter 420 removes dirt (e.g., fine dust) that could otherwise damage the moving member 400, such as by accumulating on fan blades or interfering with motor movement. A post-moving member filter 420 removes dirt (e.g., carbon dust from the motor) that would other wise be released by the surface cleaning apparatus 100. For example, the pre-moving member filter 420 may be a pre-motor filter provided in the air flow path 170 upstream of the motor and fan assembly. If a bypass or cooling motor is provided as discussed elsewhere herein, then the pre-moving member filter 420 may be upstream of a fan blade provided in the cooling air flow path. The post-moving member filter 420 may be a post-motor filter provided in the air flow path 170 downstream of the motor and fan assembly. If a bypass or cooling motor is provided as discussed elsewhere herein, then the post-moving member filter 420 may be downstream of a fan blade or motor provided in the cooling air flow path. It will be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may have any suitable number of filters 420.

[0196] A filter 420 may be provided in a filter housing 442. The filter housing 442 may be of any suitable construction, including any of those exemplified herein. The filter housing 442 may be openable or accessible to allow the filter 420 to be cleaned and/or replaced. As exemplified, the moving member axis of rotation 412 may intersect one or more filter housing 442. In some embodiments, the moving member axis of rotation 412 intersects at least one filter housing 442 of a pre-moving member filter 420 received in the main air flow path 170.

[0197] As exemplified in FIG. 10, in some embodiments at least one wall 444 of a filter housing 442 is part of the apparatus lid 150. Opening the apparatus lid 150 may open a filter chamber 446 of a filter 420 in the air flow path 170. As exemplified, in some embodiments opening the apparatus lid 150 opens the filter housing 442 of a pre-moving member filter 420.

[0198] As exemplified by the filter housing 442 of the post-moving member filter 420 in FIGS. 15 and 16, a filter housing 442 may form part of the outer surface of the main body housing 132. Optionally, a filter housing 442 forms part of the main body housing sidewall 192. A post-moving member filter 420 may be located radially outwards of the moving member 400, as exemplified by the post-moving member filter 420 illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0199] A pre-moving member filter 420 may come in any suitable shape and be at any particular location. Optionally, as exemplified, the pre-moving member filter 420 may have a longest dimension in a vertical direction along a pre-moving member filter longitudinal axis 422. The pre-moving member filter may be a donut filter, such as with a body of filtration material surrounding a central cavity, as exemplified by the pre-moving member filter 420 in the main air flow path 170 of FIGS. 4-7 and 10. The filtration material of the donut filter may be cylindrical or frusto-conical in shape. The air may flow from a radial outer surface of the donut filter into the central cavity and then, e.g., downwards, to the motor and fan assembly. The donut filter may be arranged with the central cavity extending generally vertically, with an upstream end of the filter housing closed by a filter end cap 424 and the downstream end of the filter housing open (e.g., open to the moving member housing 410, as exemplified). The pre-moving member filter longitudinal axis 422 may be generally parallel to the apparatus vertical axis 122, one or more of the member longitudinal axis 350, and/or the moving member axis of rotation 412. The pre-moving member filter longitudinal axis 422 may be generally perpendicular to the apparatus longitudinal axis 120 and/or the inlet conduit longitudinal axis 186.

[0200] As exemplified in FIGS. 1 and 2, power may be supplied to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g., to components or elements such as the air moving member 400) from an external source. As exemplified, surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a power cord 432 that is connectable to household mains. Optionally, as exemplified, the power cord 432 may enter the main body housing 132 at a bottom end of the housing. However, it will be appreciated that the power cord may be provided at any configuration and/or location in the surface cleaning apparatus 100. It will be appreciated that the power source may alternatively, or additionally, include one or more on-board energy storage member(s) (e.g., a battery, a capacitor, optionally a plurality which may be provided in a pack such as a removable pack).

[0201] As exemplified in FIGS. 1 and 2, it will also be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a user interface 260. The user interface 260 may be part of a control system 438 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. As exemplified, the user interface 260 may be single power on/off button. The control system 438 may include a circuit joining the power on/off button to the air moving member 400 to control operation of the air moving member 400. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable control system 438 may be used. For example, a control system may include a more complex user interface with multiple buttons, switches, and/or screens (e.g., multiple soft buttons provided on a touchscreen). As another example, the control system may include one or more onboard processors communicatively coupled to one or more on board data storage systems storing instructions, such as to respond to a user selection from between two or more operational modes or to respond to sensor input from an onboard sensor (e.g., responding by changing the speed of rotation of the air moving member 400).

[0202] As exemplified, the user interface 260 may be provided at the apparatus upper end 116. Optionally, the user interface 260 is provided on a top surface 440 of the main body housing 132 (e.g., on lid 150). The user interface may face upwardly as exemplified (i.e., visible when looking down at the surface cleaning apparatus 100 along the apparatus vertical axis 122). A user interface at the apparatus upper end 116 is more readily accessible to a user than a user interface at the apparatus lower end 118. As exemplified, the user interface may be provided adjacent the carry handle 134. A user interface adjacent the carry handle may be readily accessible to a user that is already interacting with the carry handle. However, it will be appreciated that the user interface 260 may be provide at any position on the surface cleaning apparatus 100.

[0203] The following is a discussion of a number of aspects, namely an actuator, bucket removable in a closed configuration, angled mating surfaces, dual actuators, air treatment assembly, deflector, window, bypass motor, water-responsive valve in the air flow path, lid openable to a drip position, water pour spout, pour handle, screen in pour-out path, first stage axis intersects second stage, inverted multi-inlet cyclone, lateral air outlet, air outlet between air inlets, partially annular dirt collection region, angled dirt outlet, inter-emptying dirt collection regions, laterally spaced arrangement, vertical stacking with the air moving member, plurality of apparatus lids, rib arrester, removeable ribbed wall, non-porous bag in air treatment member, bag retainer, mechanical bag retainer, pneumatic bag retainer, automatic control of the vacuum airflow path, filter nested in air treatment chamber, screen cleaning, locating a user-accessed feature adjacent the air moving member, non-circular air treatment chamber, hose wraps around, nested storage or shipping configuration, reconfigurable between suction mode and blowing mode, dual suction and blowing external conduit, and filter door held closed by removeable air treatment assembly or part thereof, which are set out herein. It will be appreciated that any one or more of these aspects may be used with any one or more of the actuator, bucket removable in a closed configuration, angled mating surfaces, dual actuators, air treatment assembly, deflector, window, bypass motor, water-responsive valve in the air flow path, lid openable to a drip position, water pour spout, pour handle, screen in pour-out path, first stage axis intersects second stage, inverted multi-inlet cyclone, lateral air outlet, air outlet between air inlets, partially annular dirt collection region, angled dirt outlet, inter-emptying dirt collection regions, laterally spaced arrangement, vertical stacking with the air moving member, plurality of apparatus lids, rib arrester, removeable ribbed wall, non-porous bag in air treatment member, bag retainer, mechanical bag retainer, pneumatic bag retainer, automatic control of the vacuum airflow path, filter nested in air treatment chamber, screen cleaning, locating a user-accessed feature adjacent the air moving member, non-circular air treatment chamber, hose wraps around, nested storage or shipping configuration, reconfigurable between suction mode and blowing mode, dual suction and blowing external conduit, and filter door held closed by removeable air treatment assembly or part thereof, which are disclosed herein.

Actuator

[0204] The following is a description of an actuator. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein. As exemplified in FIGS. 49 to 58, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include one or more actuators 450. The actuator 450 operates an operated device 452 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The actuator 450 may be pneumatically drivingly connected or mechanically drivingly connected or electromechanically drivingly connected to an operated device 452 to operate the operated device. Actuator 450 may be part of the user interface 260.

[0205] The operated device 452 may be a moveable device, such as a valve, a door, a flap, a biasing member, or a wiper, and the actuator may apply a force to move the moveable device between a first position (e.g., an open position or an extended position) and a second position (e.g., a closed position or a compressed position). For example, the actuator may be, e.g., a linear actuator driving a door between open and closed positions. Several operated devices 452 are discussed in detail elsewhere herein and any one or more of these may be included in a surface cleaning apparatus 100 and may be actuated by any actuator 450 discussed herein.

[0206] It will be appreciated that the actuator may operate one operated device which in turn operates another, also or alternatively an actuator may operate more than one operated device in parallel either simultaneously or independently.

[0207] As exemplified by FIGS. 54 to 58, the actuator 450 may be pneumatically drivingly connected to the operated device 452, such as via an actuator airflow path 454. As exemplified in FIGS. 54 to 58, an actuator airflow path 454 may extend between the actuator 450 and the operated device 452. The actuator 450 (e.g., a piston moving within a piston chamber, as exemplified) may pressurize or depressurize the actuator airflow path 454 (e.g., by moving into or out of the piston chamber) to actuate the operated device 452.

[0208] Additionally, or alternatively, the actuator 450 may be mechanically drivingly connected to the operated device 452, such as via a mechanical linkage 456. As exemplified by FIGS. 49 to 53, the mechanical linkage 456 may be or include a shaft or rod 458 extending between the actuator 450 and the operated device 452 to drive against the operated device 452. It will be appreciated that other mechanical linkages may also or alternatively be used, such as gears, pivoting levers, or rotating shafts. Optionally, for example, a rod 458 may be driven pneumatically, e.g., the air flow path 454 or by an electromechanical member such as a solenoid.

[0209] As exemplified in FIGS. 59 and 60, the mechanical linkage 456 may be travel in an enclosed volume. An enclosed linkage 456 is separated from the air flow volume of, e.g., an air treatment chamber or air flow path by an enclosure 468. For example, the mechanical linkage 456 illustrated is enclosed in a bellows 468. Enclosing the mechanical linkage 468 may prevent mud from accumulating on the mechanical linkage. It will be appreciated that any mechanical linkage of any suitable actuation system may be enclosed to protect the linkage. The linkage may extend through or into an air flow path, such as the main air flow path 170, and enclosing the linkage or at least the portion of the linkage in the air flow path may prevent or reduce dirt build up on the linkage.

[0210] The actuator 450 may be a manual actuator 450, such as a button or lever, which operates the operated device 452 by being manually moved (e.g., pressed or slid) by a user. As exemplified in FIGS. 59 and 60, the manual actuator 450 may include a button 460 to be depressed by a user. The button 460 may be mechanically coupled to an operated device 452 (directly, e.g., by itself engaging the operated device 452 or indirectly by moving a mechanical linkage that itself engages the operated device 452). For example, as discussed elsewhere herein, actuator 450 may be mechanically coupled to a dumping door between a second stage dirt collection region and a first stage chamber to move the dumping door between an open position and a closed position. It will be appreciated that a manually moved actuator may actuate an electromechanical member (e.g., close a circuit that causes a solenoid to operate).

[0211] Optionally, the actuator 450 is also coupled to the control system 438, such as to provide a signal to operate a powered component of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. For example, a button may be both a manual actuator and a power button for the surface cleaning apparatus. Operating the actuator (e.g., depressing a button) may send a signal to the control system 438 to turn on the air moving member 400 and also operate a mechanical linkage 456 to actuate an operated device 452 (e.g., move a screen or door).

[0212] The actuator 450 may be an automatic actuator 450, such as a powered actuator, a pressure-responsive actuator, a float actuator, or a movement-responsive actuator, which operates the operated device 452 automatically in response to a changing condition.

[0213] As exemplified in FIG. 61, a powered or electromechanical actuator 450, such as a solenoid or motor, may actuate in response to a signal such as a signal received from the control system 438 and/or a communicatively coupled sensor 462. A sensor 462 may be, e.g., a tilt sensor, a break sensor (e.g., an electrical or optical break sensor), a hall effect sensor, an optical sensor, and/or a pressure sensor. It will be appreciated that any sensor may be used. For example, the sensor (e.g., a break sensor, a hall effect sensor, an optical sensor, and/or a pressure sensor) may detect if a bag is not present in the bucket and may send a signal to close a vacuum line (e.g., close a valve) or deenergize a vacuum line motor that holds the bag in place as discussed elsewhere herein. Alternately, the sensor (e.g., a tilt sensor and/or an optical sensor) may detect the water fill level in a bucket and send a signal to deenergize the motor and fan assembly if an over fill water condition is detected.

[0214] As exemplified in FIGS. 62 and 63, a tilt sensor 462 may include a pair of electrical contacts 464 that are electrically coupled by a conductive member 466 that is free to move between a bridging position (FIG. 63) and a spaced position (FIG. 62). The conductive member 466 may move between positions in response to changing conditions. For example, the tilt sensor 462 may be received in a chamber, such as the air treatment chamber 210 of the first stage 280, and the tilt sensor 462 may be moved by rising water levels in the chamber from a first position (FIG. 62) in which the conductive member is in the spaced position to a tilted position (FIG. 63) in which the conductive member is in the bridging position. It will be appreciated that if a user is carrying the surface cleaning apparatus while water is in chamber 210, that the tilt sensor may shut off the motor if the user tilts the bucket to a position at which water may enter the air outlet of chamber 210. It will be appreciated that any title sensor may be used, including any water-level responsive tilt sensor.

[0215] As exemplified in FIGS. 64 and 67, a break sensor 462 includes a circuit 470 (e.g., an electrical or optical circuit) that can be interrupted (e.g., interrupted by an object, such as a bag, being inserted between parts of the circuit). For example, an optical sensor 472 may include a beam source 474 and a beam receiver 476. The beam source 474 and beam receiver 476 are arranged to detect an interruption in a beam path 480 between the beam source 474 and the beam receiver 476, such as an interruption caused by the intervening presence of a detectable body (e.g., a bag). In some embodiments, the beam path extends beyond a direct path between the beam source and beam sensor. A detectable body 482 may then be detected without coming between the beam source and beam receiver. For example, as exemplified in FIGS. 66 and 67 a reflective surface 478 may be positioned across from the beam source 474 to redirect the beam path 480 from an incident direction towards the beam detector 476, e.g., so that a detectable body may be detected (i.e., interrupt the beam path 480) if the detectable body comes between the beam source or the beam receiver and the reflective surface. Alternately, an electrical break sensor may include spaced electrical contacts 462 on one body (e.g., the apparatus lid) which are electrically coupled to one another by a conductive member 466 on another body (e.g., the bucket) and can sense a foreign body (e.g., a bag) when the foreign body breaks the electrical circuit (e.g., is positioned between the conductive body and the electrical contacts).

[0216] A pressure-responsive actuator 450, such as a flexible member (e.g., a diaphragm) or a piston moving within a piston housing, is in fluid communication with the air flow path 170 and actuates in response to a change in pressure such as in response to an air inlet or air outlet of an air flow path being opened or blocked and/or in response to the air moving member 400 being turned on, turned off, or changed from one operational mode to another (e.g., changed between a high-suction or power mode and a low-suction or power mode).

[0217] As exemplified in FIGS. 49 to 53, a pressure-responsive actuator 450 may include a piston 490 within a piston housing 492. The piston 490 is moveable between a first or extended position (FIG. 49) and a second or retracted position (FIG. 51). The piston 490 may be mechanically coupled to the operated device 452 via a mechanical linkage 456. Alternatively, or additionally, the piston 490 may be pneumatically drivingly coupled to the operated device 452 via an actuator airflow path 454 as exemplified. For example, the operated device 452 may be a flap 494 or door of a second stage dirt collection chamber that moves in response to changes in pressure in the actuator airflow path 454 between first and second positions. Accordingly, when the motor and fan assembly is turned on, a pressure-responsive actuator 450 could move a door of the second stage dirt collection chamber to a closed position and/or, when the motor and fan assembly is deenergized, the pressure-responsive actuator 450 could cause the door to open to thereby emptying dirt from the second stage dirt collection chamber to the first stage dirt collection region.

[0218] As exemplified in FIGS. 70 and 71, a float actuator 450 may include a buoyant member 500 (e.g., a float valve). The buoyant member 500 is received in a chamber. The buoyant member 500 is responsive to changes in the level of liquid 502 in the chamber in which it is received. As a liquid level rises, the buoyant member 500 rises with the liquid level. The buoyant member 500 is drivingly connected to the operated device 452, such that movement of the buoyant member 500 between a first position and a second position actuates the operated device 452. The first position and the second position may be, e.g., separated by a predetermined distance (e.g., such that a predetermined level of liquid accumulation in the chamber actuates the operated device 452). The buoyant member may be directly or indirectly mechanically or electromechanically connected to a valve or door to close a passage (e.g., the vacuum line and/or the flow path downstream of the first stage air treatment chamber 210) if a liquid level rises above a predetermined level.

[0219] A mechanical movement-responsive actuator 450 is responsive to a movement (e.g., removal or reattachment) of a component of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g., the bucket 206) relative to another component (e.g., the main body housing 130) of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the movement-responsive actuator 450 is responsive to a removal of a component of the surface cleaning apparatus from another, such the removal of the air treatment assembly 200 or a part thereof from the main body housing 132. As exemplified in FIGS. 72-73, the movement-responsive actuator 450 may a mechanical member moveably mounted to a first component and moveable between a first position (FIG. 72) and a second position (FIG. 73). Movement of the mechanical member 510 between the first and second positions may be driven by movement of the first component to and/or away from the second component. For example, the mechanical member 510 may be a lever biased (e.g., by biasing member 512) to the second position and driven to the first position by movement of the first component towards the second component.

[0220] The actuator 450 may be communicatively coupled to the control system 438 to send and/or receive signals from the control system. The actuator 450 may respond to signals from the control system (e.g., actuating as directed by the control system 438 to in turn cause an operated device to activate). The actuator 450 may provide signals to the control system 438 (e.g., providing status updates to the control system 438 to be used by the control system to determine a subsequent action of the control system which may then be used to cause an operated device to actuate).

[0221] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments an actuator, even a powered actuator may be independent from the control system 438, such as a powered actuator that is controlled by a simple circuit. A simple circuit may not include a processor or a data storage device, such as a circuit with a toggle (e.g., a switch, slider, or button) that closes the circuit when activated and breaks the circuit when deactivated. For example, an actuator may itself close a circuit to actuate a solenoid.

[0222] It will be appreciated that an actuator may be a dedicated actuator provided to move only one operated device, or may be a common actuator operable to move more than one operated device (e.g., at the same time, or separately such as directed by the control system 438).

[0223] An actuator 450 may be responsive to an activation event. The activation condition may be any suitable event, such as that the air flow path is active (e.g., air moving member 400 has been turned on) and/or that the air flow path has been deactivated (e.g., air moving member 400 has been turned off). The actuator 450 may operate continuously while an activation event is present, or intermittently while the activation event is met. The actuator 450 may operate once in response to an activation event.

[0224] In some embodiments, an actuator 450 is primed by a first event and triggered to actuate the operable device 452 by a second event. The primeable actuator 450 may be triggered only if it has first been primed. For example, the actuator 450 may be primed by the air moving member 400 being turned off or on, or by air pressure adjacent the actuator reaching or falling below a predetermined level.

[0225] As exemplified in FIGS. 49-53, a primeable actuator 450 may be a one-way actuator which is moved from a first position (FIG. 49) to a second position (FIG. 51) by a first event (e.g., a drop in air pressure behind a piston, such as due to an upstream air moving member 400 being turned on) without actuating the operable device 452, and then moved from the second position (FIG. 51) back to the first position (FIG. 53) by a second event (e.g., an increase in air pressure behind the piston, such as due to an upstream air moving member 400 being turned off) and thereby actuates the operable device. As exemplified, the primeable actuator 450 may be, e.g., a piston driving coupled to a flap 514 which rises to pass over a lever 516 when passing in one direction 518 but moves the lever when passing in the other direction 520.

[0226] In some embodiments, an actuator operates an operated device 452 after a predetermined time delay from a triggering event. For example, an activation event may be turning off the air moving device and/or an air pressure dropping below a predetermined threshold, and the actuator may act after a predetermined delay after that activation event. For example, the actuator 450 may open a door (a second stage dirt collection chamber door which opens the second stage dirt collection chamber to empty dirt due to gravity into the first stage dirt collection region) after a predetermined delay following the turning off of the air moving device. It will be appreciated that any suitable delayed-operation actuator may be used. As exemplified in FIGS. 49 to 53, a delayed-operation actuator 450 may include a piston 492 that is moved by a biasing member 522 when an air pressure extending from the spring side of a piston chamber (the left side of the piston chamber in FIG. 49 in which spring 522 is located) drops below a predetermined threshold, and the piston may need to travel a certain distance 524 (FIG. 51) before actuating the operated device 452. For example, it will be appreciated that the vacuum level in an air flow path 170 will return to atmospheric pressure slowly once air moving member 400 is deenergized. Accordingly, the biasing member 522 may be selected to exert a force on the piston that moves the piston when a predetermined pressure level is reached in the spring side of a piston chamber.

[0227] In some embodiments, an actuator 450 automatically reverses the operation of an operated device 452 after a predetermined waiting time. For example, an actuator 450 may open a door in response to a triggering event and then close the door after a predetermined waiting time in the absence of a further applicable event. For example, the actuator may include a piston that moves in response to a predetermined pressure threshold, and the movement may change the pressure causing the piston to move back (e.g., driven by a biasing member).

[0228] It will be appreciated that any suitable actuator and/or operated device may be used and that any actuator disclosed herein may be used with any operated device disclosed herein.

Bucket Removable in a Closed Configuration

[0229] The following is a description of a surface cleaning apparatus 100 in which the air treatment assembly 200 or a portion thereof (e.g., the bucket 206) is removeable from the main body housing 132 in a closed configuration. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0230] The air treatment assembly 200 that is removable may be a first stage air treatment chamber. Optionally a second stage air treatment member (e.g., chamber) may remain in the main housing when the first stage air treatment member is removed. In such a case material separated by the second stage air treatment member may be emptied into the first stage air treatment member as discussed elsewhere herein.

[0231] Optionally, the air treatment assembly 200 that is removable is an air treatment chamber such as bucket 206 and the bucket may be closed by, e.g., the apparatus lid 150 and/or a separate lid of the bucket 206 itself. Removing the assembly or a part thereof in a closed configuration inhibits dirt and/or water from falling out while the user carries the assembly or part thereof to a disposal location. Where the assembly or part thereof (e.g., the bucket 206) is used to collect water, removing the assembly or part thereof in a closed configuration inhibits water from sloshing out the assembly or part thereof is carried. The closed assembly or part thereof may have an open pour passage 600 (described elsewhere herein) such that a user may pour out liquid without opening the closed assembly or part thereof.

Angled Mating Surface

[0232] The following is a description of a surface cleaning apparatus 100 in which the air treatment assembly 200 or a portion thereof is removable. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0233] As exemplified in FIGS. 37-40, a removeable air treatment assembly 200 or part thereof may have a mating interface 270 that is angled relative to a removal direction 272 in which the assembly or part thereof is removeable from another component of the surface cleaning apparatus (e.g., the main body housing 132). Optionally, the angled mating interface includes a port of an air flow passage that lines up with a port of the air flow passage on a part of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 from which the assembly or part thereof is removeable. To encourage an air-tight connection between the ports when the assembly or part thereof is mounted, one or both may include a seal surrounding the port. One or both of the ports extends at an angle relative to the removal direction. An angled interface reduces friction between the port(s) and/or seal(s) during relative movement between the ports.

Dual Actuators

[0234] The following is a description of a surface cleaning apparatus 100 in which two actuators are provided to provide optional ways of emptying a separation stage, such as a first stage separation chamber. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0235] Accordingly, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a first actuator (e.g., a button) to allow a user to release the bucket 206 in a closed configuration (e.g., with the bucket lid still on) so the user can remove the bucket in a closed configuration and a second actuator (e.g., another button) to allow a user to release the lid to open the bucket whether the bucket remains secured to the main body housing or has been removed therefrom. A user is therefore given a choice in how to dispose of separated material. Any actuator disclosed herein may be used. Accordingly, if a bag is provided in the bucket, the bucket may be opened while mounted to the main body so that the bag may be removed. Alternately, if water has been collected, then the bucket may be removed, optionally closed) and moved to, e.g., a sink, at which location the water may be poured out of the bucket by, e.g., an optional pour spout as discussed elsewhere herein.

Air Treatment Assembly

[0236] The following is a description of an air treatment assembly 200 that may be used in a surface cleaning apparatus 100. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0237] It will be appreciated that the air treatment assembly 200 may include any suitable number of air treatment stages, each with any suitable number of air treatment members in parallel. An air treatment member 202 may be any suitable air treatment member, such as an air treatment chamber which may be a non-cyclonic momentum separator or a cyclone (inverted, reverse flow, uniflow, multi-inlet, single inlet, single outlet, etc.). For example, the air treatment assembly 200 may include a single air treatment stage with one or a plurality of air treatment members (e.g., a plurality of momentum separators or cyclones) in parallel. As another example, the air treatment member 202 may include a first separation stage with a single air treatment chamber (e.g., a cyclone or momentum separator) and a downstream second stage comprising a plurality of air treatment chambers (e.g., an array of mini cyclones in parallel with one another).

[0238] As exemplified in FIGS. 4-7, the air treatment assembly 200 may comprise a first air treatment stage 280 and a second air treatment stage 282 downstream from the first air treatment stage 280. As exemplified in FIGS. 4-7, the first air treatment stage 280 may comprise only a single air treatment chamber and the second air treatment stage 282 may also comprise only a single air treatment chamber. A single air treatment member in a stage simplifies the construction and/or use (e.g., user emptying) of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. As exemplified in FIGS. 22-23, the first air treatment stage 280 may comprise only a single air treatment chamber 202 while the second air treatment stage may comprise a plurality of air treatment chamber 202 (e.g., two) in parallel. A plurality of air treatment chamber in an air treatment stage allows the air treatment chamber to be physically smaller (e.g., have a reduced height along the apparatus vertical axis 122) and the surface cleaning apparatus to be more compact in at least one dimension.

[0239] It will be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include more than one type of air treatment member. For example, the first stage may include a first type of air treatment chamber (e.g., a non-cyclonic momentum separator) while the second stage includes a second type of air treatment chamber (e.g., a cyclone). Additionally, or alternatively, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include more than one configuration of a type of air treatment chamber. For example, the first stage may include a single-inlet cyclone while the second stage includes a multi-inlet cyclone.

[0240] As exemplified, each air treatment chamber includes a member (chamber) air inlet 290 and a member (chamber) air outlet 292. The air flow path 170 extends through each of the air inlet 290 and the air outlet 292. If the air treatment member is in parallel with another air treatment member, the air flow path may include a plurality of air flow path branches 294, as exemplified in FIG. 22 or a header may be provided that communicates with each air treatment member.

[0241] An air treatment member 202 may include only a single air inlet 290 and/or air outlet 292 see for example air treatment chamber 202 of the first stage 280 in FIGS. 4-7). A single inlet and/or outlet simplifies the construction of the surface cleaning apparatus and/or reduces the need for ducting or header space in the surface cleaning apparatus. Alternately, an air treatment chamber 202 may include a plurality of air inlets 290 and/or air outlets 292. As exemplified by the second stage air treatment chamber 202 in FIGS. 4-7, an air treatment member 202 may include multiple member air inlets 290 (e.g., a multi-inlet cyclone). Multiple inlets and/or outlet may allow for a reduction in the length of a cyclone in a direction of the cyclone axis of rotation.

[0242] The air inlet 290 and the air outlet 292 may be of any design known in the art. An air inlet 290 may consist of an inlet opening 304 (e.g., a port) provided in a wall of an air treatment chamber of the air treatment member 202 and the member air outlet 292 may consist of an outlet opening 302 (e.g., a port) opening provided in a wall of air treatment chamber. Accordingly, the member air inlet 290 and/or the member air outlet 292 may each consist of an opening or port in a wall of an air treatment chamber. For example, if the air treatment chamber is a non-cyclonic air treatment chamber, then the port 304 may be the outlet end of conduit 180 (see for example FIG. 4). Alternately, if the air treatment chamber is a cyclone, then the port may be the outlet end of a tangential air inlet provided exterior to a cyclone chamber.

[0243] Alternatively, or additionally, the air inlet 290 and/or the air outlet 292 may include a guide conduit (e.g., see guide conduit 310 projecting into the air treatment chamber 210 in FIG. 4). The guide conduit 310 may extend into an air treatment chamber radially inward of a sidewall (e.g., sidewall 220) and/or axially inward of a chamber end wall (e.g., wall 222 or wall 224). For example, if the air treatment chamber is a cyclone, then the air inlet 290 may be a tangential air inlet at least a portion of which is interior the cyclone chamber and the tangential air inlet may terminate at a downstream end or opening. Alternately, as exemplified by the member air inlet 290 of the air treatment member 202 of the first stage 280 in FIGS. 19-23, the guide conduit 310 may be a downstream end of the apparatus inlet conduit 180. Alternately or in addition, the guide conduit 310 may be an air outlet conduit which extends between an upstream end 320 and a downstream end 322 (see, e.g., FIG. 4). The guide conduit 310 includes a guide conduit sidewall 324 extending between the upstream end 320 and the downstream end 322. The sidewall of the guide conduit may be non-porous such that the guide conduit 310 includes an opening or port at the upstream (inlet end). Alternately or in addition, the guide conduit may have a porous sidewall (e.g., it may be covered by a screen or mesh material as exemplified in FIG. 4).

[0244] If the air treatment chamber is a cyclone, then the guide conduit 310 may be a vortex finder 340. As exemplified in FIGS. 4-7 the air outlet 292 includes an air permeable portion 346 upstream of an air impermeable portion 342 (e.g., a solid-walled portion). The member air outlet 292 may include a screen 344 over the member air outlet opening 302. The air permeable portion 346 may comprise a screen or mesh material, which may be made of a plastic or metal. A screen may be any suitable shape, such as cylindrical or frusto-conical in shape. The air impermeable portion 342 may separate the air permeable portion 346 from a wall of the air treatment chamber 210 and may be co-extensive with the outlet port of the air inlet. Accordingly, the member air outlet 292 may include a laterally closed conduit projecting into the air treatment chamber 210 into which air may enter at an end thereof, as exemplified.

[0245] While specific member air inlets and member air outlets have been described, it will be appreciated that the air treatment member 202 may have any air inlet and any air outlet known in the art.

[0246] The air treatment member 202 has a member longitudinal axis 350. The member longitudinal axis 350 extends between a member first end 352 and a member second end 354. The member first end 352 is axially spaced from the member second end 354 along the member longitudinal axis 350. As exemplified by the air treatment members of each of the first and second stages in FIGS. 4-7, the member first end 352 may be a bottom end and the member second end 354 may be a top end when the apparatus upper end 116 is above the apparatus lower end 118. Gravity may encourage dirt to move away from the member top or second end 354. The member longitudinal axis 350 may be generally parallel to the apparatus vertical axis 122 and/or generally perpendicular to the carry handle axis 138 and/or the apparatus longitudinal axis 120. If the air treatment chamber is a cyclone, then the member longitudinal axis 350 is a cyclone axis of rotation.

[0247] The air treatment chamber 210 may be the volume within a chamber housing 360. The chamber housing may include a set of walls enclosing the air treatment chamber 210. As exemplified in FIGS. 4-7, the chamber housing 360 may include a member first end wall 222 at the member first end 352, a member second end wall 224 at the member second end 354 and a member sidewall 220 extending between the member first end wall 222 and the member second end wall 224. The end walls may close the ends of the chamber. The first and second end walls may each extend generally horizontally when the apparatus upper end 116 is above the apparatus lower end 118.

[0248] The member sidewall 220 may be a generally cylindrical sidewall as exemplified in FIGS. 4-7. A generally cylindrical sidewall encourages cyclonic air flow within the chamber. The member sidewall 220 may have a generally constant diameter along the member longitudinal axis 350. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable shape may be used for an air treatment chamber.

[0249] The member longitudinal axis 350 may be centrally located within the air treatment chamber 210. The member longitudinal axis 350 may be a central axis extending through a radial centre of the air treatment chamber 210. The member longitudinal axis 350 may extend along a longest dimension of the air treatment chamber 210, as exemplified by the air treatment member of the first stage 280 in FIGS. 4-7.

[0250] As exemplified by the air treatment member of the first stage 280 in FIGS. 4-7, the member air inlet 290 and/or the member air outlet 292 may be located at the member second (upper) end 354. If the first stage is operable to remove water from an air flow, then locating the inlet and outlet at the upper end 354 enables the air to enter and exit the air treatment chamber 210 at a location above a water fill line. As exemplified by the air treatment member of the second stage 282 in FIGS. 4-7, the member air inlet 290 and/or the member air outlet 292 may be located at the member first end 352. Locating the inlet and/or outlet at the member first or bottom end 352 may encourage dirt that exits the chamber at a point removed from the first or bottom end 352 (e.g., through a dirt outlet, which may be at the top end) to fall away from the dirt outlet 370. It will be appreciated that the member air inlet 290 and/or the member air outlet 292 may be located at any other position in the air treatment chamber 210, e.g., a midway point between the first and second ends.

[0251] The member air inlet 290 and the member air outlet 292 may be located at a common end of the first stage air treatment chamber 210 as exemplified or at different ends. For example, the first stage air inlet 290 and the first stage air outlet 292 may be located at opposite ends of the first stage air treatment chamber 210. The first stage air treatment chamber 210 may be a uniflow chamber (e.g., a uniflow cyclone).

Deflector

[0252] The following is a description of a deflector 380. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0253] As exemplified in FIGS. 4, 10, and 14, an air treatment member 202 may include a deflector 380 downstream of the member air inlet 290. The deflector 380 may be or include a deflector plate. The deflector 380 guides air flow in a desired direction and inhibits air entering an air treatment chamber from travelling directly to the air outlet. Accordingly, the deflector 380 may guide air flow against an outer (side) wall of the chamber. Accordingly, the deflector 380 may help to prevent air flow from taking a shortest route between an air inlet and an air outlet, to encourage dirt separation within the chamber. Where an air treatment member 202 includes a member air inlet 290 and a member air outlet 292 at a common end of the air treatment chamber 210, the deflector may be arranged generally between the member air inlet 290 and the member air outlet 292.

Window

[0254] The following is a description of a window 390. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0255] Optionally, as exemplified in FIG. 18, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes a window 390 in at least one exterior surface of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The window 390 is formed of a transparent material such as a transparent plastic. The window 390 provides a user with a view of an interior of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 without requiring the user to open the surface cleaning apparatus 100. For example, the window 390 may be positioned in a wall of the air flow path 170 to show the user a portion of the air flow path. Alternately or in addition, a window 390 may be provided in a wall of the apparatus inlet conduit 180 (e.g., to provide a view of the apparatus inlet conduit 180 to allow a user to determine if it clogged), a wall of a dirt collection region 230 (e.g., to provide a view of the dirt collection region 230 to allow a user to determine when the dirt collection region is full and should be emptied) and/or in the apparatus lid 150. A window in the apparatus lid 150 may provide a view of the second stage dirt chamber which may be within the apparatus lid 150 so that a user can see how full the dirt chamber is and/or whether it is emptying properly into the first stage chamber as discussed elsewhere herein.

Bypass Motor

[0256] The following is a description of a surface cleaning apparatus 100 which has a bypass air flow path and in which the air movement member 400 may include a bypass motor 530 or a fan in the bypass air flow path that is driven by the motor and fan assembly used in the air flow path 170. The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be a wet/dry vacuum. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0257] As exemplified in FIGS. 4-7, the air moving member 400 is a bypass motor 530, which comprises a fan 534 in the flow path 170 to move air through the air flow path 170, a second fan exterior to the air flow path 170, such as in a cooling airflow path 540 and a motor 532 exterior to the air flow path 170. The motor 532 is outside the air flow path 170, i.e., the main air flow path 170 bypasses the motor 532. Accordingly, any water in the air flow path 170 is not passed through the motor 532.

[0258] Optionally, as exemplified in FIGS. 15-16, the motor 532 may be cooled by a cooling airflow path 540. The cooling airflow path 540 extends between a cooling path inlet 542 and a cooling path outlet 544. The motor 532 is received in the cooling airflow path 540. As exemplified in FIGS. 15-16, the cooling path inlet 542 and/or the cooling path outlet 544 may be in lateral surfaces of the main body housing 132. It will be appreciated that the cooling path inlet and cooling path outlet may be located elsewhere, such as in the bottom wall or top wall of the main body housing.

[0259] As exemplified in FIGS. 15-16, the second fan 534 is in the cooling airflow path 540. The fan in the cooling airflow path is provided to move air though the cooling airflow path to cool the motor. Accordingly, the second fan 534 in the cooling airflow path 540 is driven by the same motor as a fan in the main air flow path 170, and may have the same operational characteristics (e.g., the same rate of rotation per unit time) or different operational characteristics (e.g., a different rate of rotation per unit of time, such as one of the fans is operated via a clutch system).

[0260] It will be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may also or alternatively include more than one motor 532, such as a first motor to drive a first fan 534 in the main air flow path 170 and a second motor 532 to drive a second fan 534 in the cooling airflow path 540. Motors 532 may optionally operate with different characteristics from one another (e.g., at different rates of rotation per unit of time), and may be independently controlled.

[0261] It will also be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include more than two fans, such as more than one fan in the main air flow path 170, more than one fan in the cooling airflow path 540, and/or more than two air flow paths each including a fan. The fans 534 may be operated with different characteristics from one another (e.g., at different rates of rotations per unit of time). Fans operating with different characteristics may be operated by different motors, but may alternatively be operated by a common motor but with different characteristics (e.g., one or both of the fans is operated via a clutch system to allow the fans to be rotated at different rates of rotations per unit of time).

[0262] As exemplified in FIGS. 4-7, 15, and 16, the cooling airflow path 540 may be discrete from the main air flow path 170. However, it will be appreciated that the cooling airflow path 540 may also or alternatively include a portion of the main air flow path 170. For example, the cooling airflow path 540 and main air flow path 170 may have separate inlets into the surface cleaning apparatus but a comment outlet out of the surface cleaning apparatus, with the cooling airflow path joining the main air flow path 170 upstream of the clean air outlet 174 and optionally downstream of the motor 532.

[0263] Optionally, as exemplified in FIGS. 15-16, surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include one or more filters in the cooling air flow path 540 (e.g., a filter 420 may be provided at the cooling path inlet 542 and/or the cooling path outlet 544). A pre-moving member filter 420 may be provided upstream of the motor 532 and downstream of the cooling path inlet 542. A pre-moving member filter 420 removes particulates that could potentially damage the motor. A post-moving member filter 420 may be provided downstream of the motor 532 and upstream of the cooling path outlet 544. A post-moving member filter 420 filters air prior to exhausting from the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g., to remove particulates coming off of the motor). A post-moving member filter 420 may be a HEPA filter. Including filters in the cooling airflow path 540 reduces the amount of particulates discharged by the surface cleaning apparatus.

[0264] Optionally, as exemplified in FIGS. 15-17, the filter 420 may be provided in a filter housing 442, and the cooling path inlet 542 or cooling path outlet 544 may extend through a wall of the filter housing 442. Optionally, as exemplified by the pre-moving member filter in FIGS. 15-16, the filter 420 is arranged against the housing wall through which the inlet or outlet extends (i.e., substantially without a header space between the filter and the perforated wall of the housing). Optionally, as exemplified by the post-moving member filter in FIGS. 15-16, the filter 420 is spaced from the housing wall through which the inlet or outlet extends to provide a header space 548 between the filter and the housing wall through which the inlet or outlet extends.

[0265] The cooling airflow path 540 may be shorter than the main air flow path 170. Filters 420 in the cooling airflow path 540 may be relatively flat (planar) filters.

[0266] Filters 420 in the cooling airflow path 540 may be arranged with the shortest dimension of the filter extending in the air flow direction 550 through the filter 420. In some embodiments, as exemplified, a filter 420 in the cooling airflow path 540 is arranged with an inlet face 552 and/or an outlet face 554 extending generally vertically (i.e., generally parallel to the apparatus vertical axis 122).

[0267] If the air moving member 400 includes a bypass motor 530, then the main air flow path 170 may still includes an air treatment member 202 and/or a filter 420 even though motor 532 is not in the main air flow path 170. Particles carried by the main air flow path 170 to the first fan 534 may accumulate on the fan 534. Particles accumulating on the fan 534 may cause an imbalance of the fan 534. An unbalanced fan may operate at a reduced efficiency and/or reduce the lifespan of the fan or mechanically coupled components.

Water-Responsive Valve in the Air Flow Path

[0268] The following is a description of a water-responsive valve 560 arranged in the air flow path. The water-responsive valve 560 is moveable between an open position in which the water-responsive valve 560 does not close an air flow path, e.g., the air flow path 170 and/or a vacuum line, and a closed position in which the water-responsive valve 560 closes an air flow path, e.g., the air flow path 170 and/or a vacuum line. A surface cleaning apparatus 100 comprising the water-responsive valve 560 may be a wet/dry vacuum. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0269] As exemplified in FIGS. 19-19A the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a water-responsive valve 560 operable to selectively close the air treatment path 170. As exemplified in FIGS. 19-19A, the water-responsive valve 560 may include a valve body 562 that blocks an opening in an end of a conduit or duct. However, it will be appreciated that other types of valves may also or alternately be used, such as a valve that is inserted into a conduit or duct (e.g., a gate valve), pinches a conduit or duct (e.g., a diaphragm valve), or rotates to close a conduit or duct (e.g., a butterfly valve). It will also be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may also or alternatively include a water-responsive actuator which drives a valve, as described elsewhere herein.

[0270] The valve 560 is a water-responsive valve, moving between the open and closed positions in response to changes in the quantity of water contained in the surface cleaning apparatus. In some embodiments, the valve is operable to close the air flow path based on a water level 502 in the first stage air treatment member 202. As the water level 502 within the first stage air treatment member 202 approaches an upper end of the air treatment member 202 (e.g., due to water accumulation or tipping of the first stage air treatment chamber 210), the valve responds by moving from the open position to the closed position. The water-responsive valve 560 may move to the closed position upon the water level 502 reaching a predetermined level.

[0271] The air flow path 170 may include a partially treated airflow path 570 extending downstream from the first stage air treatment member 202. The water-responsive valve 560 may selectively closes the partially treated airflow path 570, such as a partially treated airflow path 570 that extends between the first stage air treatment chamber 210 and a downstream filter 420. The valve inhibits or prevents water from reaching the filter 420 and motor 532. Water may damage the filter 420 or combine with dirt on the filter 420 to cover the filter 420 or a portion thereof with an air-impermeable layer. In some embodiments, the partially treated airflow path 570 extends between the first stage air treatment member 202 and a downstream air treatment member 202. The water-responsive valve 560 helps to prevent water form reaching the downstream air treatment member 202. The downstream air treatment member 202 may not be optimized for retaining or emptying water (e.g., lacking a pour out opening and/or having an outlet at a lower end of the member).

[0272] As exemplified, the water-responsive valve 560 may close the partially treated airflow path 570 at the upstream end of the path.

[0273] As exemplified in FIGS. 19-19A the air outlet 292 of the first stage air treatment member 202 may include a guide conduit 310 (e.g., a vortex finder) extending into the air treatment chamber 210. The guide conduit 310 may include a sidewall 572 with a water-impermeable portion 574 (i.e., a solid portion). The water-impermeable portion 574 may be at a downstream end of the guide conduit 310. The water-impermeable portion 574 may be located at an upper end wall of the first stage air treatment member 202. The water-responsive valve 560 may close the water-impermeable portion 574 of the conduit 310 or an outlet port of the conduit 310. For example, the valve may include a body that is shaped and sized to close or covers an outlet port at an upstream end of the guide conduit as exemplified in FIG. 19A.

[0274] The air outlet 292 of the first stage air treatment chamber 210 may include a screen 344 (e.g., a metal or plastic mesh fluff screen) upstream of the water-impermeable portion 574. In some embodiments, the valve is positioned within the screen 344 and moveable between a first position within the screen in which it does not close the air flow path 170 (e.g., a lower position along the member longitudinal axis 350, as exemplified in FIG. 19) and a second position within the screen in which it does close the air flow path 170 (e.g., a higher position along the member longitudinal axis 350, as exemplified in FIG. 19A).

[0275] As exemplified in FIGS. 19-19A, the water-responsive valve 560 may be a ball float valve. The ball float valve includes a buoyant ball member 500, and the buoyant ball member 500 blocks the air flow path 170 when lifted by a rising water level. It will be appreciated that a buoyant member may be of any shape and size that closes the any portion of the partially treated air flow path, such as the outlet guide 310 and the buoyant member may be as exemplified in FIGS. 70 and 71.

[0276] Alternatively, the water-responsive valve 560 may be an operated device 452 driven by an actuator 450, such as one of the operated devices described elsewhere herein.

Lid Openable to a Drip Position

[0277] The following is a description of an apparatus lid 150 that is moveable between a closed position and an open drip position. The apparatus lid 150 that is openable to an open drip position may be included in a wet/dry vacuum. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0278] As exemplified in FIG. 74, a surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include an apparatus lid 150 forming at least one wall of a chamber of an air treatment member 202. The exemplary apparatus lid 150 forms part or all of an upper end wall of a chamber of the first stage air treatment member 202. It will be appreciated that the apparatus lid 150 may form more than one wall of the chamber of the air treatment member 202, such as if the chamber is entirely within the lid.

[0279] When the lid is closed and water is received in the air treatment member 202 water may accumulate on the inner surface of the lid. When the lid is subsequently opened (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 74), water on the inner surface of the lid may run off of the lid. For example, beads of water on the on the inner surface may run down and drip off of the apparatus lid 150 when the apparatus lid is in the drip position.

[0280] As exemplified, the apparatus lid 150 may be moveable between a closed position (e.g., FIG. 1) and a drip position (e.g., FIG. 74). The drip position may be a stable open position. In some embodiments, the apparatus lid 150 or a hinge 250 between the lid and the air treatment assembly (e.g., the bucket 206) rests against a support surface (e.g., a seat) in the drip position to inhibit further opening movement of the lid 150.

[0281] In the drip position, the apparatus lid 150 may remain coupled to the air treatment assembly 200 (e.g., the bucket 206).

[0282] In the drip position, water which drips from the lid is inhibited from falling onto a surface on which the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is positioned. For example, water may fall directly into the air treatment member 202 or onto a surface that directs the water into the air treatment member 202.

[0283] For example, in the drip position, an accumulation surface 580 of the apparatus lid 150, which forms a wall of the air treatment chamber 210 in the closed position, may be angled relative to the horizontal to encourage water to flow along the accumulation surface 580. The accumulation surface 580 may be joined to a drip edge 582 on the apparatus lid 150 such that water that flows along the accumulation surface is directed towards the drip edge 582. In the drip position, the apparatus lid 150 forms a drip flow path 584 extending between the accumulation surface 580 and the drip edge 582. The drip flow path 584 is generally sloped downwards relative to gravity to encourage water flow along the drip flow path. In some embodiments, the drip flow path 584 is sloped downwards at each point along the drip flow path 584.

[0284] In the drip position, the drip edge 582 may be positioned over a catch bason 586 in the surface cleaning apparatus. The catch bason 586 may be, e.g., the dirt collection region 230 of the first stage air treatment member 202.

Water Pour Spout

[0285] The following is a description of a water pour spout 590 of a surface cleaning apparatus. The water pour spout 590 is fluidically coupled to a dirt collection region 230 within the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The apparatus comprising the water pour spout 590 may be a wet/dry vacuum. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0286] As exemplified in FIGS. 28-30, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes a water pour spout 590. The water pour spout 590 may project out from a container to direct a flow of water poured out of the container. As exemplified, the water pour spout 590 projects out from the apparatus main body housing 132.

[0287] It will be appreciated that the water pour spout 590 may alternatively be provided on the air treatment assembly 200, such as on a removeable air treatment assembly 200 or part thereof. In some embodiments, the water pour spout 590 is provided on the bucket 206. As exemplified in FIG. 75, in some embodiments, the water pour spout 590 is provided on or adjacent an upper lip 592 of a bucket 206, where the bucket 206 includes an upper lip 592 at an open or openable end of the member sidewall 220 opposite the member end wall (e.g., the member first end wall 222) that forms a bottom of the bucket 206. A water pour spout 590 on a removeable air treatment assembly 200 or part thereof may be used to empty water from the air treatment assembly 200 after the air treatment assembly or part thereof is removed from the main body housing 132. For example, a user may remove the air treatment assembly or part thereof from the main body housing and carry it to a dumping area, such as a toilet, to dump water from the air treatment assembly 200. As described elsewhere herein, the bucket may be removed in a closed configuration, such as closed by the apparatus lid 150 or a separate lid of the bucket 206.

[0288] The water may be collected in a dirt collection region 230. The water pour spout 590 is fluidically coupled to a dirt collection region 230 such that water collected in the dirt collection region 230 may be poured out thought the water pour spout 590. As exemplified in FIGS. 28-30, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes a pour flow path 600 extending between the dirt collection region 230 and the water pour spout 590. The pour flow path 600 may extend through a laterally extending enclosed conduit, such as through the apparatus inlet conduit 180 as exemplified in FIGS. 28-30. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the pour flow path may be a relatively short path, such as an open-topped trough projecting from a lip 592 of an open end of an air treatment member, as exemplified in FIG. 75.

[0289] As exemplified in FIGS. 12-13, it will be appreciated that water may be poured out of the apparatus or a part thereof (e.g., the bucket 206) without a pour spout. For example, water may be poured out of the bucket 206 over any portion of the rim 592.

[0290] A surface cleaning apparatus may include more than one spout 590, such as a spout 590 for each of more than one air treatment member 202 and/or dirt collection region 230. In some embodiments, a spout 590 is coupled to each air treatment member 202 and/or dirt collection region 230 of a second stage 282, as exemplified in FIGS. 17-27. Pour spouts 590 may be arranged on each side of an inlet conduit 180.

[0291] It will be appreciated that if the water is poured out through a conduit, such as inlet conduit 180, then a screen may be provided in the flow path to retain larger particulate material in the dirt collection region. If the conduit is the air inlet conduit 180, then as discussed elsewhere herein, the screen is moveable into the conduit for emptying the dirt collection region and out of the inlet conduit 180 for when the apparatus is used to clean a surface. Any actuator discloses herein may be used and the screen may be an operated device 452.

Pour Handle

[0292] The following is a description of a pour handle that is mounted to a liquid container. The pour handle may be used with a wet/dry vacuum. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0293] According to this aspect, a pour handle 610 may be mounted to the liquid container in a configuration that facilitates pouring liquid from the liquid container. It will be appreciated that the liquid container may be any container that can hold liquid picked up by the surface cleaning apparatus. The liquid container may be, e.g., the bucket 206, the air treatment assembly 200 as a whole, or the surface cleaning apparatus 100 as a whole.

[0294] The pour handle 610 includes a hand grip portion 136 with a grip portion axis 138 that extends in a direction that facilitates pouring. For example, the pour handle may have a grip portion that extends vertically and is at an end of the dirt collection region that is spaced from (opposite to) the pour spout. Accordingly, the grip portion axis 138 of a pour handle grip portion may extend generally perpendicular to a pour axis 622 of the pour spout 590 (see e.g., FIG. 19). The pour axis 622 may extend along a longest dimension of the pour spout 590 and/or in a direction of water flow through the pour spout 590. It will be appreciated that the carry handle may include a grip portion with an axis that does extend through the pour spout 590, extend generally parallel to a pour axis 622 of the pour spout 590, and/or intersect the pour axis 622 of the pour spout 590.

[0295] Alternately, the pour handle may be on an upper surface of the dirt collection region and extend transverse to the direction of water when it is poured out through the pour spout. In such a case, the grip portion axis 138 of the grip portion of the pour handle 610 may extend at an angle 612 to the grip portion axis 138 of the grip portion of the carry handle 134 (see for example FIGS. 17-27). The angle 612 may be at least 20%, at least 40%, or at least 60%. In some embodiments, the angle 612 is approximately 90%.

[0296] As exemplified in FIGS. 17-27, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes at least two discrete handles, including a pour handle 610 and a carry handle discrete from the pour handle 610. As exemplified in FIGS. 17-27 at least one end of the handle assembly 620 is secured to a support body 630 (e.g., the apparatus lid 150, as exemplified) in a recess 632 formed in the upper surface of the support body. The handle assembly includes a mounting end 634 that is secured to the support body 630. The recess 632 provides a finger grip space 636 between the mounting end 634 and side walls of the recess 632. The grip space allows a user to grasp a hand grip portion 136, which forms the pour handle 610, that includes the mounting end 634 as exemplified. Mounting an end of the handle assembly 620 in a recess of a support body 630 reduces the extent to which the handle assembly 620 extends out from a lip 638 of the recess 632.

[0297] Alternately, the handle assembly 620 may be an integrally formed or one piece assembly that comprises both a pour handle 610 and a carry handle 134. For example, the handle assembly 620 may be L-shaped with a horizontally extending carry handle 134 and a vertically extending pour handle 610 or a T-shaped handle. In the latter case, as exemplified in FIGS. 37-40, a handle assembly 620 that includes a pour handle and a carry handle may include a plurality of hand grip portions 136 and at least one grip portion axis 138 extends at an angle relative to at least one other grip portion axis 138. As exemplified, the handle assembly may include a T-shaped body 624, with one shaft of the T-shape (e.g., the long portion) forming a carry handle and the other shaft of the T-shape (the cross portion forming the T) forming a pour handle. Accordingly, the handle assembly 620 may include a carry handle 134 having a hand grip portion with an axis 138 extending generally horizontally, and optionally longitudinally (i.e., generally parallel to the apparatus longitudinal axis 120).

[0298] It will be appreciated that, the grip portion axis 138 of a pour handle grip portion may extend generally parallel to a pour axis 622 of the pour spout 590, and/or intersects the pour axis 622 of the pour spout 590 (e.g., if the handle assembly is T-shaped).

[0299] Alternately or in addition, as exemplified in FIGS. 76-77, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be a reconfigurable (e.g., rotatable or otherwise moveable) handle that forms the carry handle 134 in a first confirmation and forms the pour handle 610 in a second configuration, (i.e., is a pour handle in the pour configuration and is a carry handle in the carry configuration). Reconfiguring the handle may include rotating (e.g., in direction 640) a hand grip portion 136 such that when the handle is in the pour configuration the grip portion axis 138 extends in a first direction and when the handle is in the carry configuration the grip portion axis 138 of the same grip portion extends in a second direction that is at an angle to the first direction. For example, the hand grip portion may be rotatable such that the grip portion axis 138 extends through the pour spout 590 or parallel to the pour axis 622 in the carry configuration, and does not extend through the pour spout 590 or parallel to the pour axis 622 (e.g., it may be transverse to the pour axis 662) in the pour configuration. Optionally, the rotation may be at least 20%, at least 45% or about 90%.

[0300] Optionally reconfiguring the handle between the pour configuration and the carry configuration may open and/or close a latch or lock (e.g., lock or unlock a lid and/or lock or unlock the bucket from the main housing). For example, the bucket 206 may be secured to the main body housing 132 via a releasable latch or lock, and reconfiguration the handle from the carry configuration to the pour configuration may release the latch or lock. Reconfiguring from the pour configuration to the carry configuration may close the latch or lock, and vice versa.

[0301] As discussed previously, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include two or more discrete handles (see, e.g., FIGS. 17-27), that is a carry handle 134 and a pour handle 610 that is discrete from the carry handle 134. Each of the pour handle 610 and carry handle 134 may be independently secured to one or more supporting body of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the pour handle is secured to a removeable component (e.g., the bucket 206, apparatus lid 150, or air treatment assembly 200 as a whole) that is removable from the main body housing 132. The pour handle 610 may be removed with the removeable component form the main body housing 132. In some embodiments, the carry handle is secured to the main body housing 132 to remain with the main body housing 132 when a removeable component is removed from the main body housing 132.

[0302] It will be appreciated that the ends of a handle may be rigidly mounted to the support body or moveably mounted. For example, the ends of the handle may be rotationally mounted to the support body, such as to allow the handle to be reconfigured. As exemplified in FIGS. 17-27, a pour handle 610 may be a wire handle with a hand grip portion 136 formed by a hand grip body mounted to, e.g., a middle portion of a wire 642. The wire 642 may be rotatably secured at each end to the support body (e.g., the bucket 206). Accordingly, the pour handle 610 may be rotatable about a rotational axis 644. However, as exemplified by the handle assembly 620, the ends of the handle assembly 620 maybe rigidly mounted to the support body 630.

[0303] Accordingly, as exemplified, the pour handle may rotate, e.g., about axis 644) from a storage position (see e.g., FIG. 24) in which it does not interfere with the use of the apparatus to clean a surface (e.g., it rests against a wall of the apparatus) and a pour position (see e.g., the alternate position shown in FIG. 27) in which it is spaced from a wall of the apparatus 10. In the storage position, the pour handle 610 may be accessible but out of the way in the storage position. In some embodiments, in the storage position the hand grip portion 136 of the pour handle 610 is positioned away from the apparatus upper end 116 (e.g., at the apparatus lower end 118, as exemplified in FIG. 17).

[0304] Optionally, the handle may be hidden in the storage position. As exemplified in FIG. 41, the storage position may be between a removeable member (e.g., the bucket 206) and a body from which the removeable member removes (e.g., the main body housing 132). Optionally, the pour handle 610 is only accessible after the removable member has been removed from the body from which it removes.

[0305] Optionally, as exemplified in FIG. 41, a handle may form a fluid flow conduit extending through the handle from one end to another (e.g., part of the vacuum airflow path 660 or the main air flow path 170).

[0306] A discussed previously, handle may include a body extending from a supporting surface and secured at one or both ends of the body to the supporting surface, and may be referred to as a projecting or extending handle. However, it will be appreciated that a handle may also or alternatively include a recessed handle 646, as exemplified at the bottom of the first stage air treatment member in FIG. 18 (e.g., the removable bucket). A recessed handle 646 includes a recess 648 formed in an external surface of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The recess 648 is shaped to receive a hand. A recessed handle 646 may be provided on a removeable component, such as the bucket 206.

Screen in Pour-Out Path

[0307] The following is a description of a pour-through screen in a pour path. The pour-through screen may be moveable between a first position extending across the pour path and a second position in which the screen is partially or fully removed from the pour path. A moveable pour-through screen may be manually moved or automatically moved. The moveable pour-through screen may be automatically moved when a first body of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is removed from a second body of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g., a dirt collection region such as the bucket is removed for emptying). The moveable screen may be part of the first body. The first body may be the air treatment assembly 200 or a part thereof (e.g., the bucket 206). The second body may be the main body housing 132. The pour-through screen 650 may be used in a wet/dry vacuum. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0308] As exemplified in FIG. 75, a pour-through screen 650 extends across a pour path to screen out large debris from the pour path. Accordingly, larger debris is retained in the bucket when water is poured out of the bucket. The pour-through screen 650 may extend across any suitable pour path through which liquid may be poured out of a collection area of a container. If the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes a dedicated water pour spout 590, the pour-through screen 650 may extend across the pour flow path 600 and may optionally remain in position at all times (e.g., it may remain in the same position even when the apparatus is used to clean a surface. However, if part of the air flow path 170 (e.g., conduit 180) is used as the pour flow path 600, then it will be appreciated that the pour-through screen 650 may be removed from the air flow path during the use of the apparatus to clean a surface.

[0309] Optionally, the screen may extend from the lip 592 of the bucket 206 or a portion of the lip 592 even where the bucket 206 does not include a pour spout. The pour-through screen 650 may be provided to encourage a user to screen water being poured out, although it will be appreciated that the container being emptied of water may also include one or more potential pour paths that do not extend through the pour-through screen such that a user can choose whether or not to screen the water being poured out. The pour-through screen 650 removes large debris that may otherwise clog a disposal device, such as a toilet, used to dispose of liquid poured out through the pour path.

[0310] The pour-through screen 650 may be fixed in place (e.g., rigidly secured to a wall of the pour path). However, it will be appreciated that the pour-through screen 650 may be moveable. The screen may be moved from a first position in which it extends across the pour path and a second position in which it is at least partially removed from the pour path. Moving the screen reduces the extent to which the screen obstructs the path. For example, the path may be a multi-purpose path that is used for another purpose at another time. For example, the pour path may include a portion of the air flow path 170, and at least partially removing the screen may reduce backpressure when the path is used as an air flow path 170.

[0311] A moveable pour-through screen 650 may be automatically or manually moveable. A moveable pour-through screen 650 may be moved by an actuator 450, such as any of the actuators 450 described herein, e.g., it may be moved into the pour flow path 600 (e.g., conduit 180) when the bucket is removed from the main body and moved out when the bucket is reinserted into the main body.

First Stage Axis Intersects Second Stage

[0312] The following is a description of a surface cleaning apparatus in which the member longitudinal axis 350 of a first stage 280 extends through the second stage 282. The second stage 282 may be partially or fully above the first stage 280 and/or partially or fully nested within the first stage 280. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0313] Arranging the first and second stages such that the member longitudinal axis 350 of the first stage 280 intersects the second stage 282 compacts the construction of a multi-stage air treatment assembly 200 and/or reduces back-pressure by straightening the air flow path 170. The second stage 282 may be outside the first stage 280 or nested fully or partially inside the first stage 280, such as fully or partially within the air treatment chamber 210 and/or air outlet 292 of the first stage 280.

[0314] As exemplified in FIG. 78, the second stage 282 includes an air treatment member 202 that is nested at least partially inside the first stage 280. The second stage air treatment member 202 includes an air treatment chamber 210 that is partially within the vortex finder 340 of an air treatment member 202 of the first stage 280.

[0315] As exemplified, in some embodiments the first and/or second stage includes a single air treatment member 202 when the member longitudinal axis 350 of the first stage air treatment member 202 extends through the second stage air treatment member 202. In some embodiments, the second stage 282 overlies the first stage and/or is vertically above or directly above the first stage 280 when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is in the in-use position.

[0316] Accordingly, the first stage may be a single air treatment chamber (a cyclone chamber or a non-cyclonic momentum separator chamber) and the second stage may be a single second stage air treatment chamber (optionally a cyclone). The second stage cyclone may be a multi-inlet cyclone and the multi-inlet cyclone may be inverted (i.e., the air inlet and the air outlet may be at a lower end thereof). Optionally, the longitudinal axis of the first stage (e.g., a cyclone axis of rotation) may extend through the second stage cyclone and optionally may be co-axial with the second stage multi-inlet cyclone.

An Inverted Multi-Inlet Cyclone

[0317] The following is a description of an air treatment chamber 202 that includes a plurality of air inlets 290, and in which the air inlets 290 and an air outlet 290 are optionally located at a lower end of the air treatment chamber 202. The air treatment chamber 202 may be a cyclone. The air treatment chamber 202 may have a chamber longitudinal axis 350 (e.g., a cyclone axis of rotation) that extends generally vertically (e.g., parallel to the apparatus vertical axis 122 and an optional first stage cyclone axis of rotation). The air treatment chamber 202 may be part or all of the second stage 282. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0318] A multi-inlet cyclone is highly efficient for a small axial length, allowing a second stage cyclone to be used with a reduced axial length then would otherwise be required. An inverted cyclone, in which the inlet and outlet are at a lower end (e.g., relative to gravity) when the surface cleaning apparatus is in an in-use position, reduces the air flow path 170 length when the cyclone is at an upper end of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, e.g., above and optionally partially or fully overlying the first stage as exemplified.

[0319] The inverted cyclone may also or alternatively allow the dirt outlet 370 to be at an upper end of the cyclone, encouraging dirt to fall into a dirt collection chamber 382 that is laterally beside the cyclone rather than below the cyclone.

[0320] As discussed elsewhere herein, by providing an inverted second stage air treatment chamber, the portion of the air flow path leading to the inverted second stage air treatment chamber and from the inverted second stage air treatment chamber may be positioned between the first and second air treatment chambers. Further, one or both of the air flow path leading to the inverted second stage air treatment chamber and from the inverted second stage air treatment chamber may be opened when the lid 150 is opened.

Lateral Air Outlet

[0321] The following is a description of an air treatment member having a lateral air outlet conduit. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0322] The air outlet 292 may extend through an end wall (e.g., lower wall) of the air treatment chamber 202 and then extend laterally, which may be in a radial direction or generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 350 of the air treatment chamber 202, to the outer perimeter 676 of the air treatment chamber 210 (see for example FIGS. 79C-80B).

[0323] Alternately part or all of a lateral air outlet may exit through an air treatment chamber sidewall 220. For example, as exemplified in FIGS. 79A-79B, an upper end 670 of a laterally extending conduit of the air treatment chamber air outlet 292 may extend through the chamber sidewall 220. Accordingly, the air outlet may be a laterally extending conduit.

[0324] The laterally extending portion of the air outlet 292 may include a top or bottom end that is further axially (in the direction of axis 350) into the chamber 210 than the other of the top or bottom end, and at least the end further into the chamber 210 may be curved. As exemplified, the upper end 670 of the air outlet 292 is curved in the direction 674.

[0325] Optionally, all of the perimeter of the laterally extending portion of the lateral air outlet is curved (e.g., a circular or oval cross-sectional profile in a direction transverse to the axis 672 of the conduit), such as if the laterally extending conduit is vertically spaced (e.g., below) the air treatment chamber.

[0326] As exemplified in FIGS. 79A-80B, the air treatment member 202 may be an inverted cyclone or an inverted air treatment chamber.

[0327] Alternately, the air inlet may be at the upper end and the air outlet may be at the lower end. Accordingly, the laterally extending conduit of the air outlet 292 may be located between the lower wall of the second stage air treatment chamber and the upper wall of the first stage air treatment chamber. If the air moving member 400 is positioned laterally from the first or second d treatment stage, then the air treated by the second treatment stage may have to travel laterally to the air moving member 400, e.g., if the second stage is above the first stage. Accordingly, as discussed elsewhere herein, the laterally extending conduit of the air outlet 292 may travel through a region containing other conduits or an air treatment region and thereby reduce the height of the apparatus.

[0328] The laterally extending portion of the air outlet 292 may have an axis 672 that extends generally perpendicular to the member axis 350.

[0329] Alternately, a portion of the air outlet that extends laterally may be is curved (e.g., rounded) in a direction 674 perpendicular to the air treatment chamber axis 350.

Air Outlet Between Air Inlets

[0330] The following is a description of an air treatment chamber air outlet extending between air treatment chamber air inlets. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0331] For example, as exemplified in FIGS. 79A-80B, an air treatment chamber, such as a second stage air treatment chamber, which may be a second stage cyclone, may have a plurality of air inlets (see for example the two second stage cyclones in FIG. 22). The plurality of air inlets may be evenly spaced around a cyclone. In such a case, the laterally extending portion of the air outlet 292 may be located between two of the air inlets, e.g., between two of tangential inlets for a cyclone. Accordingly, a plane that is horizontal (e.g., perpendicular to a cyclone axis or rotation 350) may intersect the air inlets and the laterally extending portion of the air outlet 292.

[0332] Optionally, the plurality of inlets may be spaced around the cyclone chamber except for a location (sector). The laterally extending portion of the air outlet 292 may be located at that sector and positioned between two of the air inlets.

[0333] It will be appreciated that the inlets and the laterally extending outlet conduit may be coextensive, i.e., their upper ends may be at the same elevation and the lower ends may be at the same elevation). Accordingly, a horizontal plane may intersect the vertical centre of the air inlets and the laterally extending portion of the air outlet 292. Alternately, the inlets and the laterally extending outlet conduit may be partially coextensive, i.e., the inlets and the laterally extending outlet conduit may be vertically offset so that a horizontal plane may intersect the air inlets and the laterally extending portion of the air outlet 292 but not the vertical centre of each. Alternately, the inlets and the laterally extending outlet conduit may not be coextensive, i.e., the inlets and the laterally extending outlet conduit may be vertically offset so that a horizontal plane will not intersect the air inlets and the laterally extending portion of the air outlet 292.

Partially Annular Dirt Collection Region

[0334] The following is a description of a dirt collection region 230 that is partially, e.g., semi-annular, in shape. The partially annularly shaped region may be a dirt collection chamber 382 exterior to an air treatment chamber 210 and in communication with the air treatment chamber 210 via a dirt outlet 370. The partially annularly shaped region may be a dirt collection chamber 382 may be positioned adjacent the air treatment chamber or abutting the air treatment chamber (e.g., the inner wall of the dirt collection chamber may be the outer wall of the air treatment chamber). This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0335] A partially annular collection region 230 can be arranged around a portion of an outside perimeter of an air treatment chamber 210. For example, the air treatment chamber 210 may be a cylindrical chamber, and the dirt collection region 230 may surround the air treatment chamber on multiple sides without encircling the air treatment chamber entirely. Accordingly, if the air treatment chamber and the dirt collection chamber abut, then a portion of the air treatment chamber sidewall 220 may form a wall of the dirt collection region 230 while at least one other portion of the air treatment chamber sidewall 220 does not form a wall of the dirt collection region. The uncovered portion of the air treatment chamber (e.g., uncovered portion of the member sidewall 220) is available for other uses, such as having one or more air inlets and/or an air outlet as discussed elsewhere herein.

[0336] As exemplified in FIG. 82, the dirt collection region 230 is semi-annular and is arranged against an air treatment member 202. A portion of the air treatment chamber 210 that is uncovered by the dirt collection region 230 is available for other uses. As exemplified, an air outlet 292 may extend laterally out from the air treatment chamber 210.

[0337] It will be appreciated that the air treatment chamber 202 may also or alternatively include another laterally extending or laterally adjacent feature, such as a laterally extending member air inlet 290 or a laterally adjacent chamber, external wall, or component (e.g., a motor). The dirt collection region 230 is unobstructed by the laterally extending or adjacent feature.

[0338] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 79D, the dirt collection chamber 382 is partially annular and air inlets 290 are located on the perimeter 676 of the air treatment chamber 210 except the location of the dirt collection chamber 382. Accordingly, the dirt collection chamber 382 is located between two air inlets and the air inlets 290 may define or be located at the angularly spaced opposed ends of the dirt collection chamber 210. A semi-annular dirt collection chamber 382 may allow for the dirt collection chamber to have a greater dimension than an annular dirt collection chamber (e.g., the chamber of FIG. 79D has a greater height (axial length along the air treatment chamber axis) than the chamber of FIG. 79C since the chamber of FIG. 79D extends down between the inlets while the chamber of FIG. 79C remains above the inlets 290.

[0339] As exemplified in FIGS. 8-10 and 15, the dirt collection chamber 382 may be spaced from the air treatment chamber 202 but also be partially annular. In such a case, as exemplified, the air inlets 290 may extend around all of the perimeter of the air treatment chamber and the air outlet 292 may be an axially extending conduit that extends downwardly to a further air treatment member 202 (e.g., pre-motor filter) or directly to the air inlet of the air moving member 400. In an alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated that the air outlet 292 may consist of or comprise a laterally extending conduit as discussed elsewhere herein. In such a case, the air inlets 290 may be arranged such that the laterally extending conduit 292 is located between two adjacent air inlets 290 (and optionally a horizontal plane may intersect the laterally extending conduit 292 and the adjacent air inlets 290).

[0340] In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the lower end of the second stage dirt collection region 230 overlies the first stage dirt collection region 230. Accordingly, as discussed elsewhere herein, an openable door 690 (e.g., all of a lower portion of the second stage dirt collection region) may open to empty dirt into the first stage dirt collection region.

[0341] Providing a partially annular second stage dirt collection chamber may enable to the second stage dirt collection region, or a portion thereof, to overlie the first stage dirt collection region and/or a ramp of downwardly extending path that leads to the first stage dirt collection region so that the a door may be openable to empty dirt into the first stage dirt collection region.

[0342] It will be appreciated that the partially annular second stage dirt collection region may alternately or in addition, be located between two second stage air inlets or a second stage air inlet and a second stage air outlet.

[0343] Accordingly, the volume between the upper end of a first stage air treatment chamber and the lower end of a second stage air treatment chamber may accommodate all or a part of the air flow passage from the first stage air treatment chamber to the second stage air treatment chamber, all or a part of the flow path from the second stage air treatment chamber to the pre-motor filter and/or fan and motor assembly air inlet and/or part or all of the second stage dirt collection chamber or a passage from the second stage dirt collection chamber to the first stage dirt collection region.

Angled Dirt Outlet

[0344] The following is a description of a dirt outlet 370 between a dirt collection chamber 382 and an air treatment chamber 210 having an angled wall. The angled wall may be angled downwardly. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0345] An angled dirt outlet directs dirt into the dirt collection region 230 and may inhibit dirt from re-entering the first collection chamber. For example, as exemplified in FIG. 82, the dirt outlet 370 may be a passageway enclosed by walls. At least one of the walls may extend at an angle 680 relative to a plane 682 extending perpendicular to the member axis 350. The angle 680 may be more than 5?, more than 10?, or more than 20?.

[0346] As exemplified, the angled wall 684 may be a wall closest to an end of the air treatment chamber 210 (e.g., the upper end of cyclone, as exemplified). The angled wall 684 may be angled downwardly in the flow direction of dirt, with a first end (inlet end) of the angled wall 684 which is closer to the air treatment chamber 210 being closer to the nearest (e.g., upper) end wall of the chamber 210 than a second (outlet) end of the angled wall 684 opposite the first end.

[0347] The angled wall 684 may extend at a generally constant angle along the length 686 of the passageway 688 of the dirt outlet 370. However, it will be appreciated that the angled wall 684 may alternatively be curved along the length of the passageway 688.

[0348] It will be appreciated that the angled dirt outlet may be the gap defining the dirt outlet in the sidewall 220. Alternately, the angled dirt outlet may be part of a downwardly extending passage (e.g., ramp) leading to a second stage dirt collection chamber as exemplified in FIG. 15.

Inter-Emptying Dirt Collection Regions

[0349] The following is a description of a surface cleaning apparatus 100 with a plurality of discrete dirt collection regions, at least one of which is selectively emptiable into another. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0350] Emptying one dirt collection region into another simplifies emptying by gathering dirt in a reduced number of regions. A reduced number of dirt collection regions need be accesses to empty dirt. The dirt collection regions themselves can be placed in more optimal positions relative to the air treatment member(s) of the air treatment assembly 200.

[0351] As exemplified in FIGS. 8-9, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a selectively openable door 690 between a first dirt collection region 230 and a second dirt collection region 230. In some embodiments, the first dirt collection region is the dirt collection region for a first stage 280 and the second dirt collection region is the dirt collection region for a second stage 282. For example, a second stage dirt collection chamber or region may be selectively connectable to be in communication, e.g., via gravity, with the first stage, such as the first stage dirt collection region, whereby dirt collected in the second stage is introduced into the first stage. Accordingly, by emptying the first stage, the user may also be emptying material collected in the second stage. In such a case, it will be appreciated that the second stage dirt collection region need not be openable to itself be emptied by a user or removable for emptying.

[0352] Accordingly, the first and second dirt collection regions may be in different parts of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 wherein only the first dirt collection region is removable for emptying. For example, the second stage dirt collection region 230 may be in the apparatus lid 150 and the first stage dirt collection region may be the bucket 206.

[0353] In some embodiments, when the apparatus is in the in-use position, the first dirt collection region 230 is at a lower elevation relative to gravity than the second dirt collection region 230. Dirt may move from the second collection region to the first collection region due to the force of gravity (i.e., without an actuator driving dirt movement). However, it will be appreciated that the apparatus may include an actuator driving dirt movement, such as a motor operating a wiper to push dirt out of the first dirt collection region or a vibration or agitation member.

[0354] As exemplified, the selectively openable door 690 may open directly into the first collection region. The selectively openable door 690 may open directly from the second collection region (e.g., it may be part of a wall or floor of the second dirt collection region. However, it will be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus may include a transfer passageway upstream or downstream of the selectively openable door 690.

[0355] The selectively openable door 690 may be opened and/or closed in any suitable way, such as manually or automatically. Any of the actuators 450 described herein may be used to open and/or close the door 690.

[0356] Opening and/or closing of the selectively openable door 690 may be triggered in any suitable way. In some embodiments, opening and/or closing of the door 690 is triggered by one or more of turning the air moving member 400 on, turning the air moving member 400 off, removing the air treatment assembly 200 or a part thereof, reattaching the air treatment assembly 200 or a part thereof, release a lock or latch holding the air treatment assembly 200 or a part thereof to the main body housing 132, fasten a lock or latch holding the air treatment assembly 200 or a part thereof to the main body housing 132, by air pressure within one of the dirt collection regions reaching a predetermined level, and/or by air pressure within one of the dirt collection regions dropping below a predetermined level.

[0357] As exemplified in FIGS. 17-27, the second stage air treatment dirt collection regions 230 may be open to the first stage air treatment dirt collection region 230 when the lid 150 is open (FIGS. 22 to 24). Dirt may then fall into the first stage collection region 230 when the lid 150 is open.

Laterally Spaced Arrangement

[0358] The following is a description of a laterally spaced arrangement. An air treatment member 202 of the first stage 280, a member axis 350 thereof, and/or an axial projection thereof is fully or partially laterally spaced from a laterally spaced component 700 of the surface cleaning apparatus. The laterally spaced component may be, e.g., the air moving member 400, a pre-moving member filter 420, and/or a second stage air treatment member 202. A horizontal plane and/or a plane extending generally perpendicular to the member axis 350 may intersect the first stage air treatment member 202 and one or more of the laterally spaced component. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0359] One or more laterally spaced components may be arranged fully or partially to one lateral side of the first stage air treatment member 202 or an axis or projection thereof, e.g., rather than being directly over or under the first stage air treatment member 202. A laterally spaced arrangement reduces the axial height of the surface cleaning apparatus and/or lowers the centre of gravity of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. A lateral spacing may be a spacing in a generally horizontal plane when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is placed on a floor. In some examples a laterally spaced component may also be partially or fully spaced in a plane that extends generally perpendicular to the apparatus vertical axis 122.

[0360] As exemplified by the pre-motor filter and the air moving member 400 in FIGS. 4-7, the laterally spaced component 700 may be laterally spaced from the air treatment member 202. In this example, the laterally spaced components are not vertically above the first stage air treatment chamber.

[0361] Alternatively, the laterally spaced component 700 may be laterally spaced from the axis 350 of the first stage air treatment chamber 202 but not a projection of the first stage air treatment chamber 202 along the axis 350 thereof. For example, the part or all of the laterally spaced component 700 may extend within a projection of the air treatment chamber along the member axis while remaining spaced from the axis 350 itself.

[0362] Additionally, or alternatively, part or all of a laterally spaced component 700 may be within a projection of the first stage air treatment chamber along the axis 350 and the axis 350 of the first stage air treatment member 202 may extend through the laterally spaced component 700 but not a central portion thereof.

[0363] In any case, the laterally spaced component 700 may be partially or fully vertically spaced from the first stage air treatment chamber 202. Accordingly, the first stage air treatment member 202 and the laterally spaced component 700 may each be intersected by a common horizontal plane 702, as exemplified in FIG. 5.

[0364] Additionally, or alternatively, the center of gravity of the laterally spaced component 700 may be laterally spaced from the centre of gravity of the air moving member 400 or a vertical (e.g., generally parallel to the apparatus vertical axis 122) projection thereof.

[0365] As exemplified, the laterally spaced component (e.g., the air moving member 400) may be forward of the cyclone air treatment assembly 200. The first stage air treatment member 202 may be generally located at the apparatus rear end 114 and the laterally spaced component may be located generally at the apparatus front end 112.

[0366] In some embodiments, the laterally spaced component 700 is or includes the air moving member 400. In some embodiments, the laterally spaced component 700 is or includes the pre-moving member filter 420.

[0367] As exemplified, the carry handle 134 may be an elongated handle overlying the air treatment assembly 200 and the laterally spaced component 700. The carry handle 134 may extend generally horizontally. An elongated handle 134 allows a user to shift their grip along the handle as the centre of gravity of the surface cleaning apparatus shifts. The laterally spaced component 700 may be heavier than an empty first stage air treatment member 202 or may include a plurality of components that are together heavier than an empty first stage air treatment member 202. The first stage air treatment member 202 may include at least one dirt collection region, and as the first stage air treatment member 202 removes dirt or liquid, the center of gravity of the surface cleaning apparatus may shift from the first stage air treatment member 202 towards the laterally spaced component 700. The carry handle 134 may include a hand grip portion 136 with a length 704 (FIG. 3) that is at least 10 cm, at least 15 cm or at least 20 cm.

[0368] As exemplified in FIG. 22, in some embodiments, the laterally spaced component(s) 700 includes a plurality of second stage air treatment members 202 which are in parallel with one another. The plurality of second stage air treatment members 202 may be a plurality of second stage cyclones, as exemplified.

Vertical Stacking with the Air Moving Member

[0369] The following is a description of vertically spacing one or more vertically spaced components 710 from the air moving member 400. The vertically spaced component 710 may be or include a second stage air treatment member 202 and/or a pre-moving member filter 420. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0370] A vertical spacing may be a spacing in a generally vertical plane when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is on a floor or in an in-use cleaning orientation. Accordingly, a vertical spacing may be a spacing in a plane that extends generally parallel to the apparatus vertical axis 122.

[0371] Arranging one or more vertically spaced components above or below the air moving member 400 increases the total vertical length of the air moving member and the vertically spaced component(s). Arranging one or more vertically spaced components above or below the air moving member 400 may bring the total vertical length of the air moving member and the vertically spaced component(s) closer to the vertical length (height) of a laterally spaced portion of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g., the first stage 280 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100).

[0372] The air moving member 400 may be vertically spaced from (e.g., below) a second stage air treatment member 202. Optionally, in such a case, the second stage air treatment member 202 may have a vertical height that is less than the vertical height of another air treatment member of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g., the first stage air treatment chamber 202).

[0373] As exemplified in FIGS. 5-6, the air moving member 400 may be vertically spaced from the vertically spaced component(s) 710. The vertically spaced component(s) 710 may include a second stage air treatment member 202 and/or a pre-moving member filter 420. The vertically spaced component(s) 710 may be vertically above the air moving member 400, as exemplified.

[0374] As exemplified in FIGS. 17-27, in some embodiments, the vertically spaced component(s) 710 includes a plurality of second stage air treatment members 202 which are in parallel with one another. The plurality of second stage air treatment members 202 may be a plurality of second stage cyclones, as exemplified.

[0375] It will be appreciated that the vertically spaced components may be vertically aligned. For example, a vertical axis may extend through a centre of two or more of the vertically spaced components. Accordingly, the motor axis of rotation may extend through a centre of two or more of the vertically spaced components (e.g., if a single second stage cyclone is provided, then the motor axis may be co-axial with the axis of rotation of the single second stage cyclone). Alternately a projection of the air moving member 400 may extend through two or more of the vertically spaced components and the motor axis may also extend through two or more of the vertically spaced components.

Plurality of Apparatus Lids

[0376] The following is a description of a surface cleaning apparatus 100 comprising a plurality of apparatus lids 150. The apparatus lids 150 may be independently openable from one another. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0377] Independently openable lids allows one internal area of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 to be accessed while another is kept closed. For example, the pre-moving member filter 420 may be accessed without opening a dirt collection region 230 of the first stage 280.

[0378] As exemplified in FIGS. 33 and 33A, the apparatus includes a plurality of apparatus lids 150. As exemplified, an apparatus lid 150 may cover the first stage dirt collection region 230. The lid covering the first stage dirt collection region 230 may include at least one wall of the first stage air treatment chamber, and may include an end wall of the first stage air treatment chamber 210. An apparatus lid 150 may cover the pre-moving member filter 420. The lid covering the pre-moving member filter 420 may include at least one wall of an associated filter housing 442, and may include a top wall of the filter housing 442. The lid covering the pre-moving member filter 420 may include a laterally spaced component such as a second stage 282 air treatment member 202.

[0379] The lid covering the first stage dirt collection region 230 may be separately openable from the lid covering the pre-moving member filter 420. The lid covering the first stage dirt collection region 230 may be openable without uncovering the pre-moving member filter 420 and/or the associated filter housing 442. The lid covering the pre-moving member filter may be openable without opening the first stage dirt collection region 230. It will be appreciated that, optionally, the lids may be concurrently openable.

[0380] In some embodiments, an apparatus lid 150 in a closed configuration abuts another apparatus lid 150 in a closed configuration. The air flow path 170 may be defined in whole or in part by the apparatus lids. For example, the lids may define an upper portion, e.g., an upper wall, of an air flow path and the air flow path is opened when one or both lids is opened. Alternately, a conduit may extend through the lids and when a lid is opened, and end of a conduit is exposed.

[0381] In some embodiments, one apparatus lid 150 opens in a generally opposite direction from another apparatus lid 150. In some embodiments, one apparatus lid 150 opens generally rearwardly and another apparatus lid 150 opens generally forwardly, as exemplified. Alternately, they may open in alternate lateral directions.

[0382] As discussed elsewhere herein, one of the lids may be openable to a drip position.

Rib

[0383] The following is a description of a rib 720 provided in the air treatment assembly 200. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0384] The rib 720 may be provided in an air treatment chamber 210 (e.g., a cyclone chamber). The rib 720 disrupts airflow within the chamber, and may encourage dirt accumulation adjacent the rib 720. Accordingly, the rib maybe provided in a dirt collection region. For example, if the dirt collection region is a lower end of an air treatment chamber, such as a cyclone or non-cyclonic momentum separator, the rib may be located on the lower wall of the air treatment chamber and/or a lower portion of the sidewall of the air treatment chamber (e.g., below a fill line).

[0385] As exemplified in FIGS. 4-14, the air treatment assembly 200 includes a rib 720 extending into a chamber of the assembly 200 from the lower end wall of the chamber. It will be appreciated that the rib 720 may be at an end opposite the end at which the member air outlet 292 and/or member air inlet 290 is located. Accordingly, the rib 720 may be at a lower end of the chamber when the surface cleaning apparatus is in the in-use position. The rib may create an area adjacent the rib which has diminished or minimal or no air circulation and, accordingly, dirt, e.g., finer dirt, may be accumulated therein. The rib 720 may be in the first stage air treatment chamber 210.

[0386] It will be appreciated that the rib 720 may be provided in any suitable location. The rib 720 may be provided at a lower end of a first stage air treatment chamber (e.g., the lower end of the bucket 206). As exemplified in FIGS. 4-14, the rib 720 may project into an air treatment chamber from a wall thereof (e.g., axially or radially into the chamber).

[0387] The rib 720 may be joined to one or more walls of the chamber. For example, a rib 720 may be secured only to an end (e.g., lower) wall of an air treatment chamber 210. The rib may also or alternatively be secured to the sidewall 220. The rib 720 may be secured to both an end wall (e.g., the lower end wall 222) and the sidewall 220. As exemplified in FIGS. 4-14, a rib arrestor 720 may be L-shaped and extend down the sidewall 220 and across an end wall.

[0388] The rib may extend along part or all of a sidewall and//or an end wall. For example, rib 720 may extend along all of a lower wall and have opposed ends that are each secured to the sidewall (e.g., extending across the chamber along the end wall).

[0389] A rib 720 may extend upwardly within the chamber 210 to a predetermined minimum distance 722 (FIG. 5) from a top end wall and/or an end wall through which the member air outlet 292 extends. The pre-determined distance may be, at least 5 cm, at least 10 cm, or at least 20 cm. The pre-determined distance may be the vertical height of at least 1.5 cyclonic turns, 2.25 cyclonic turns, or 4 cyclonic turns (wherein a cyclone turn is the height of the column of air cycloning in a cyclone chamber, which may be approximate the height of a cyclone air inlet).

[0390] One or more ribs may be provided. Optionally, a plurality of rib 720 are provided. The ribs may be discrete or interconnected. The plurality of rib 720 may be the same shape as one another or different shapes. For example, the plurality of rib 720 may be different lengths along the end wall. As exemplified in FIGS. 6 and 14, a plurality of rib \ 720 may extend generally parallel to one another across the end wall of the air treatment chamber 210. The rib 720 may form channels 730 between the rib arrestors 720.

[0391] A rib 720 may be a generally linearly body along a wall from which it projects, as exemplified. However, it will be appreciated that a rib arrestor 720 may be curved along the wall from which it projects.

[0392] As exemplified in FIG. 14A, a transverse cross section of a rib 720 may include corners 732, e.g., a juncture of the rib and the wall from which it projects may be 90?. However, as exemplified in FIGS. 14B and 14C, in some embodiments the juncture is smooth arrestor such that a transverse cross section of the rib 720 shows a curved profile 734 rising from the surface of the wall to which the rib is secured. A curved profile 734 may be free of corners 732 at a base end 736 of the rib 720 and/or at a distal end 738 of the rib (FIG. 14C). A curved profile may reduce turbulence adjacent the rib 720. Juncture 740 may have a gentle radius, such as a radius of between 0.3 cm and 5 cm, 0.6 cm and 4 cm, or 1 cm and 2.5 cm.

[0393] As exemplified in FIG. 37, a wheel 164 may be secured to a wall opposite a rib 720. The rib 720 may strengthen the wall over the wheel 164. The rib 720 may be formed opposite a recess 744 in which the wheel 164 is fully or partially received. A recessed wheel 164 holds the adjoining body at a reduced elevation compared to an unrecessed wheel 164, improving the stability of the body.

Removeable Ribbed Wall

[0394] The following is a description of a removeable wall on a surface of which are formed a plurality of ribs. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0395] A removeable ribbed wall allows a chamber to be reconfigured between a first configuration (in which the wall is in the chamber) and a second configuration (in which the wall is removed from the chamber), such as a configuration in which a chamber includes ribs and a configuration in which the chamber does not include ribs (i.e., if no other wall of the chamber includes ribs). A removeable ribbed wall may be removeable for cleaning. In addition, as discussed elsewhere herein the ribbed wall may be insertable to provide vacuum flow channels to secure a bag in position when a bag is installed in the air treatment chamber.

[0396] As exemplified in FIGS. 83 and 83A, the removeable wall 740 may be an end wall of an air treatment chamber 210. The removeable wall 740 may be an end wall of the first stage air treatment member 202. The removeable wall 740 may form the first end wall 222 when received in the chamber 210. In some embodiments, the removable wall 740 is generally a complete end wall extending all the wall across an end of the chamber 210 when received therein.

[0397] As exemplified, the removeable wall 740 may form a plurality of channels 730 between ribs, and the channels 730 may extend across a lower end of the chamber when the wall is in the chamber 210. The lower end of the chamber may be unribbed when the removeable wall 740 is removed (FIG. 83).

[0398] As exemplified in FIG. 12, ribs may also or only be provided on the sidewall. Such ribs may be on a removable wall.

Non-Porous Bag in Air Treatment Member

[0399] The following is a description of a removeable, optionally non-porous, bag 750 for an air treatment chamber 210. The bag 750 may be a plastic garbage bag, and may line a dirt collection region, which may be an air treatment chamber. The bag 750 may be removably received in the first stage air treatment chamber 210. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0400] A bag collects dirt and, if non-porous, or liquid to be disposed of. The bag is optionally positionable in the air treatment assembly to collect dirt or liquid during operation of the surface cleaning apparatus. The bag lines a dirt collection region and may be arranged in an air treatment chamber. Arranging a removeable bag 750 in the air treatment member 202 frees a user from emptying the air treatment member 202 into an external bag. A user is able to remove the bag 750 from the air treatment member 202 and dispose of the bag. It will be appreciated that a user may only install a bag during some cleaning operations and not others. Accordingly, as discussed elsewhere herein, a user may elect to use a bag sometimes and not at other times.

[0401] As exemplified in FIGS. 10, 10A, and 31, the bag 750 may line an air treatment chamber (e.g., line the bucket 206). The bag 750 may be arranged in the air treatment chamber 210 to line an end (e.g., first end 222) of the chamber 210 opposite the member air inlet 290 and/or member air outlet 292 during operation of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g., to line the member first end 352).

[0402] The member air inlet 290 is configured or positioned so that the bag 750 may be installed in the air treatment chamber 210 without the member air inlet 290 extending through the bag 750. As exemplified in FIGS. 10, 10A, and 31, the member air inlet 290 may be arranged above an open end 752 of the bag. The member air inlet 290 and member air outlet 292 may each be arranged above the open end 752 of the bag. In some embodiments, the open end 752 is an upward facing end when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is in an in-use position. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the member air inlet 290 is above an upper end of the bag 750.

[0403] Accordingly, the air inlet(s) and air outlet(s) may be in the openable lid. Accordingly, the air inlet may be through a sidewall of the openable lid (e.g., it may be a tangential air inlet for a cyclone) and the air outlet may be through the upper end wall of the lid (e.g., a vortex finder). As exemplified in FIGS. 4-10A, the first stage chamber air inlet 290 may be part of the apparatus lid 150. When the apparatus lid 150 is opened, the first stage chamber air inlet 290 moves with the apparatus lid 150. Optionally, the inlet conduit 180 or a portion thereof (e.g., the downstream end, as exemplified) may be part of the apparatus lid 150. In some embodiments, the inlet conduit 180 or a portion thereof is part of the main body housing 132 and not part of the lid. As exemplified, the upstream end may be part of the main body housing 132.

[0404] It will be appreciated that a removable bag may be positionable in any number of stages. For example, one or more first stage air treatment member, one or more second stage air treatment member, or one or more member from each of the first stage and the second stage may each receive a removeable bag. In some embodiments, only one stage receives a removeable bag. As exemplified, in some embodiments the bag is received in the first stage. The first stage may remove larger and/or more dirt and/or water and so the bag may be used to collect that dirt. In some embodiments, a dirt collection region of a stage without a bag empties into the dirt collection region of a stage with a bag (e.g., the bag in one stage is used to collect dirt from more than one stage).

[0405] The apparatus lid 150 may be opened to provide access to the chamber for the installation of the bag 750. The rim 754 of the bag 750 at the open end 752 may optionally be held between the apparatus lid 150 and another wall of the air treatment chamber 210 (e.g., the sidewall 220) when the apparatus lid 150 is closed over the bag installed in the chamber. In some embodiments, the air treatment assembly or a part thereof (e.g., the bucket) can be removed from the main body housing with the bag contained in the removable member, and optionally the removeable member may be removed with the chamber closed (i.e., the bag contained in a closed container).

[0406] It will be appreciated that various member air inlet configurations may be used. The member air inlet 290 may include a guide conduit 310 extending below the lid 150 or the lid may form a cavity 758 into which the member air inlet 290 opens.

[0407] As exemplified in FIGS. 17-27 the air inlet 290 may extend down from the apparatus lid 150. The air inlet 290 may be a tangential inlet. The air inlet 290 may be a hooked or otherwise a redirecting inlet to redirect an airflow in the inlet to a tangential direction. As exemplified in FIG. 20, the air inlet 290 may include at least one bend 760 (e.g., a hooked inlet). It will be appreciated that any air inlet 290 may be a hooked inlet or a straight inlet. Each bend 760 redirects airflow from a first vector 762 to a second vector 764 extending at an angle to the first vector 762. Optionally, the first vector 762 extends at an angle of at least 45?, at least 60? or about 90? to the second vector 764. Optionally, the air inlet includes two or more bends extending in different planes, optionally perpendicular planes as exemplified in FIG. 20. A bend 760 in the inlet may be a radiused bend 760, as exemplified in FIG. 20, having a radius of at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, or at least 5 cm.

[0408] As exemplified in FIGS. 1-10, the apparatus lid 150 may also or alternatively include a cavity 758 (FIG. 4) forming an upper end of the air treatment chamber 210 when the apparatus lid 150 is closed over the air treatment chamber 210. The member air inlet 290 extends into the cavity 758. In some embodiments, as exemplified, the member air inlet 290 opens into the cavity 758. Opening into a cavity in the apparatus lid 150 reduces the need for bends in the member air inlet 290. Reducing the number of bends reduces backpressure. Optionally, the member air inlet 290 is a generally linear inlet without bends, as exemplified in FIG. 4.

[0409] It will be appreciated that the inlet profile 766 in transverse plane 768 may have any suitable shape. The inlet profile 766 may be circular (as exemplified in FIG. 4A), square, rectangular, triangular, oval, or amorphous.

[0410] As exemplified in FIG. 84, the upper end of the air treatment chamber 210 may be larger than the lower end to accommodate the size of the rim 754 of the bag 750. Garbage bags are commonly sold in predetermined sizes having predetermined circumference at the rim 754. The upper end of the air treatment chamber 210 may be sized to have a similar or slightly smaller (e.g., between 1% and 10%, or between 2% and 8%, or between 3% and 5% smaller) circumference 592 than the circumference of the rim 754. A similar sized or slightly smaller upper end of the chamber allows the rim to reach the edges without leaving a lot of extra bag material to fold over itself. The lower end of the chamber may have a smaller circumference than the upper end to provide space adjacent the chamber for other components of the surface cleaning apparatus 100.

[0411] It will also be appreciated that the sidewall may be angled inwardly and need not have a share bend as exemplified in FIG. 84.

[0412] It will also be appreciated that the wider portion of the chamber may be the region which receives dirt from an openable second stage dirt collection chamber as discussed elsewhere herein. Accordingly, the first stage air treatment chamber may have a wider portion that is positioned to underlie an openable door from the second stage dirt collection region.

Bag Retainer

[0413] The following is a description of a retainer to hold the bag in place lining the air treatment chamber while the air flow path 170 is active (i.e., while the air-moving member 400 is moving air through the air flow path 170, e.g., during a cleaning operation). This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0414] The bag 750 may be arranged in a chamber in which air is moving or circulating when the air flow path 170 is active. Where the chamber is a cyclone chamber, the air may be circling the chamber. Negative air pressure is created at the member air outlet 292. Air flow and/or pressure characteristics may draw the bag 750 out of a position lining a wall or walls of the chamber, resulting in sub-optimal collection or airflow. A bag retainer 770 may be used to hold the bag in position.

[0415] It will be appreciated that the bag retainer 770 may be any suitable bag retainer. The bag retainer may be a mechanical retainer 770 (e.g., FIGS. 31-32A) and/or a pneumatic retainer 770 (e.g., FIGS. 11 to 14) as discussed herein.

[0416] It will be appreciated that a bag retainer may optionally be used with a porous bag. A porous bag may also be affected by air movement or pressure differences, and a bag retainer may assist in holding the porous bag open and/or in place. The bag retainer may engage an inner surface of the bag (porous or non-porous) to hold the bag open and/or in place.

Mechanical Bag Retainer

[0417] The following is a description of a mechanical bag retainer. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0418] A mechanical bag retainer 770 may be easy for a user to understand and work with. A mechanical member 772 contacts the bag 750 to restrain the movement of the bag 750. As exemplified in FIGS. 31-32A, the mechanical member 772 may contact an inside of the bag 750, such as opposite a wall of the air treatment chamber 210, to restrain movement of the bag 750 away from the wall.

[0419] A mechanical bag retainer 770 may be one or a plurality of bag engaging members 774. If a plurality of bag engaging members 774 are provided, then they may be spaced apart from one another.

[0420] A mechanical bag retainer 770 includes a bag retaining member 774 and a member to position the bag retaining member in position. Accordingly, as exemplified in FIG. 31, the bag retaining member 774 may be located at the end of a shaft 776.

[0421] A bag engaging member 774 is any member which contacts a bag to secure the bag in position. The member 774 may be of various configurations and may contact the bag at a single location or multiple locations or may have a dimension such that it extends across a portion of the interior of the bag. As exemplified in FIG. 32A, a bag engaging member 774 engages spaced portions of the bag 750 such that the bag is restrained at multiple points. Restraining the bag at multiple spaced points assist in securing the bag in position during a cleaning operation.

[0422] As exemplified in FIG. 32A, the bag engaging member 774 may be arms extending out from the common shaft 776. The arms may radiate out from a distal end 778 of the shaft 776, and may be evenly spaced from one another as exemplified.

[0423] A mechanical bag retainer 770 may be a separate element that is positioned in the bag and then retained in place when the air treatment chamber is closed, e.g., the lid 150 is closed. Alternately, the mechanical bag retainer 770 may be rigidly or moveably connected to another portion of the apparatus, such as the openable portion. Accordingly, the mechanical bag retainer 770 may be removed or partially removed when the air treatment chamber is opened. Accordingly, for example, mechanical bag retainer 770 may be secured to, a lower side, of the lid 150. The bag retainer 770 may extend downwardly from the apparatus lid 150. Securing the bag retainer to the lid may allow the bag retainer 770 to be positioned within the air treatment chamber 210 as part of closing the apparatus lid 150 over the air treatment chamber 210. The mechanical bag retainer 770 may be rigidly fixed to the apparatus lid 150 such that the lid and retainer move as a single body. Accordingly, if the lid is lifted off, the bag retainer 770 is removed. It will be appreciated that, if the lid 150 is pivotally mounted, a flexible or rotatable mount may be used to connect the bag retainer to the lid whereby the lid maybe pivoted open with the bar retainer held in position. Alternately, bag retainer 770 may be releasably mounted to the apparatus lid 150. Accordingly, the bag retainer may then be moved out of the bag of disconnected from the lid and then removed from the bag.

[0424] As exemplified in FIG. 31, the mechanical bag retainer 770 may include a central body extending generally coaxially with the member axis 350 when the mechanical bag retainer 770 is received in the air treatment chamber 210. A centrally positioned body may reduce air flow disruption caused by the mechanical bag retainer. Optionally, the only part of the mechanical bag retainer 770 that extends through the open volume of the air treatment chamber 210 extends generally coaxially with the member axis 350. As exemplified, a base end 780 of the shaft 776 opposite the distal end 778 may be secured to the apparatus lid 150. The mechanical bag retainer 770 may be secured to a distal end 782 of the member air outlet 292.

Pneumatic Bag Retainer

[0425] The following is a description of a pneumatic bag retainer. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0426] A pneumatic bag retainer 770 is easy to use and/or does not include a mechanical member extending through an open volume of an air treatment chamber 210, although a mechanical bag retainer may be used in conjunction with a pneumatic bag retainer.

[0427] As exemplified in FIGS. 11-14, a vacuum airflow path 660 extends between a vacuum inlet 792 and a vacuum outlet 794. As air is drawn into the vacuum inlet 792, the bag is drawn towards the inlet 794. The air flow may therefore produce a negative pressure (vacuum) that may secure a bag in position or inhibit the bag from moving during a cleaning operation. Accordingly, the vacuum inlet 792 may be in any wall of the air treatment chamber 210 behind the bag 750.

[0428] The vacuum airflow path may provide more than a single point of suction and therefore, as exemplified in FIGS. 11-14, the vacuum airflow path 660 may include a plurality of vacuum inlets 792. The vacuum inlets 792 may be spaced from one another. Spaced vacuum inlets 792 may be positioned to draw the bag 750 at multiple points. Spaced vacuum inlets 792 may encourage a more defines shape of the bag 750.

[0429] Each inlet 974 may be a point source of vacuum (e.g., on inlet port of a conduit. Alternately, an inlet 794 may be a channel that extends across a portion of the bag. Accordingly, when air is drawn through the channels, the bag is drawn against the channel. The bag may therefore form a wall of a channel to thereby essentially from a closed air flow path.

[0430] As exemplified in FIGS. 11-14, the vacuum inlet 792 may be a single channel 730 between adjacent ribs 720. Alternately, the vacuum inlet 792 may be a of channels 730, wherein each channel may extend across part or all of a wall of the air treatment chamber 210. Optionally, each channel extends across at least two walls of the air treatment chamber 210, such as the member sidewall 220 and an end wall as exemplified. The channels 730 may therefore create suction ducts.

[0431] As exemplified in FIGS. 89-90, the vacuum inlet 792 may be provided in a porous wall 798 (e.g., with a plurality of apertures 796 therethrough). The porous wall 798 may be a removeable plate such as the removeable wall 740 as described elsewhere herein. Alternately, the porous wall may be a non-removable part of the air treatment chamber (e.g., molded as part of the air treatment chamber). Optionally, in such a case, a wall or wall portion may be insertable to close the inlets 792 if a bag is not used.

[0432] Optionally, as exemplified in FIG. 12, any vacuum inlet 792 may be covered by a screen 800 (e.g., a wire mesh screen). A screen may encourage the bag wall to remain outside the vacuum airflow path 660.

[0433] The downstream end of the vacuum flow path may have one or more vacuum outlets 794 that are pneumatically connected to the same air moving member 400 which moves air in the main air flow path 170. Optionally, the vacuum outlet 794 may terminate at a portion of the main air flow path 170 that is optionally upstream of the air moving member 400. The vacuum outlet 794 may be in a member air outlet 292 (e.g., first or second stage), a member air inlet 290 (e.g., first or second stage), the apparatus inlet conduit 180, the partially treated airflow path 570, the pre-moving member filter housing 442, a post-moving member filter housing 442, and/or a moving member housing 410. The outlet 794 may be downstream of one or more second stage air treatment members 202 or a filter 420, such as a pre-moving member filter 420. The outlet 794 may be downstream of the filter so that as the filter collects dirt and air flow characteristics of an air stream upstream of the filter change, the force drawings air into the inlets 792 will not be affected or not as affected.

[0434] It will be appreciated that there may be more than one vacuum outlet 794, and the vacuum outlets 794 may open into different portions of the main air flow path 170. Multiple vacuum outlets 794 may allow for a more regular airflow through the vacuum airflow path 660 throughout a cleaning operation.

[0435] It will also be appreciated that the vacuum outlet 794 may optionally be in an exterior surface of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, such as if the vacuum airflow path 660 is isolated from the main airflow path 170. In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes only a single air moving member 400. However, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include separate air moving members for different air flow paths.

[0436] Accordingly, the vacuum air flow path may have its' own suction motor or, alternately, if a motor and fan assembly is provided in a cooling air flow path as described elsewhere herein, then that motor and fan assembly may provide the suction for vacuum air flow path 660

[0437] The vacuum airflow path 660 may include a middle portion 810 between the vacuum inlet 792 and vacuum outlet 794 which is generally vertical and/or generally parallel to the member sidewall 220. The middle portion 810 may extend along and/or generally parallel to the member sidewall 220.

[0438] As exemplified in FIGS. 28-30, the middle portion 810 may be located opposed to a location of a pour spout 590 and/or a pour-out passage inlet 602 leading to the pour spout 590 if a pour out spout or passage is provided. The middle portion 810 may be directly opposite the pour spout 590 and/or the pour-out passage inlet 602 across the chamber. When the pour spout 590 is used to pour water from out of the air treatment chamber 210, any water in the middle portion 810 flows down and out the inlet 792 rather than flowing further into the vacuum airflow path 660.

[0439] Optionally, a filter 420 is received in the vacuum airflow path 660. The filter 420 in the vacuum airflow path 660 may remove dirt that would otherwise be introduced back into the main air flow path 170 downstream of one or more air treatment members 202.

Automatic Control of the Vacuum Airflow Path

[0440] The following is a description of automatic control over the vacuum airflow path 660. The vacuum airflow path 660 may be automatically opened and/or closed in response to one or more events. The vacuum airflow path 660 may be automatically opened and/or closed in response to installation and/or removal of a bag 750 from a chamber at the inlet end of the vacuum airflow path 660. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0441] Optionally, the vacuum airflow path 660 is closed when no bag is installed to prevent dirt or liquid from being drawn through the vacuum airflow path 660. Dirt or liquid drawn through the vacuum airflow path 660 may bypass one or more air treatment members and/or filters. For example, the vacuum airflow path 660 may be manually opened and closed by a user, such as by sliding a plug in or out of the path (e.g., via moving a lever that extends to an exterior of the surface cleaning apparatus 100). Alternately, the vacuum airflow path 660 may also, or alternatively, be automatically opened and/or closed in response to a bag being installed, removed, detected, or not detected. In some embodiments, an automatic mechanism may be overridden by a parallel manual mechanism. An automatically opened and/or closed vacuum airflow path responsive to whether a bag is in position may be referred to as a bag detect vacuum line.

[0442] Any of the actuators 450 and/or operated devices 452 disclosed herein may be used. For example, the operated device 452 may include a valve, including any valve described herein.

[0443] As exemplified in FIGS. 14 and 14D, the vacuum airflow path 660 may be closed and/or opened by a piston 490 moveable between an open position (FIG. 14D) and a closed position (FIG. 14). When the piston is closed the vacuum airflow path 660 is closed. When the piston is open the vacuum airflow path 660 is open. The piston is biased to a closed position by a biasing member 820. The vacuum outlet 794 opens into the main air flow path 170. When a bag is received in the air treatment chamber 210 from which the vacuum inlet 792 opens and the main air flow path 170 is active, the piston is drawn towards the open position to equalize pressure on both sides of the piston 490, thus opening the vacuum airflow path. When the suction motor is deenergized, the piston travels in the reverse direction thereby closing the path 660.

[0444] It will also be appreciated that a detect sensor, such as a hall effect sensor or optical sensor as discussed elsewhere herein, may be used to open and close path 660 (e.g., by moving a valve or door).

[0445] Alternately, an on/off control may have a first on position (bag present) and a second on position (bag not present) and the path 660 is open if a user selects the first on position and the path 660 is closed if a user selects the second on position. If the actuator is a manually moveable button (e.g., a slide control), then the position of the button may manually of electromechanically open and close the valve. If the actuator is on a touch screen, then the actuator may send an electrical signal that drives an electromechanical member to open and close the path 660.

[0446] Also, or alternatively, as exemplified in FIG. 91, a surface cleaning apparatus 100 may have a separate bag detect airflow path 662. The bag detect airflow path 662 may extend from an inlet 664 to an outlet 668. The outlet 668 may be in the vacuum airflow path 660 and/or the main air flow path 170. The inlet 664 may be at any suitable location which may be blocked by a bag when a bag is present. For example, the inlet 664 may be in the rim 592 of the bucket 206. When a bag is received lining the bucket 206, the rim 754 of the bag 750 may cover the rim of the bucket 206, including covering the inlet 664. When the inlet 664 is covered a sensor (e.g., a piston in the path 662) may detect the bag 750.

[0447] For example, a piston may have one side in communication with an air flow path. When the apparatus is actuated, a vacuum drawn by the movement of air in the air flow path may cause the piston to move in one direction and, when air flow terminates, a biasing member may drive the piston in the other direction. Movement of the piston in one direction, e.g., due to air flow, may open the path 660 and movement in the other direction, e.g., when air flow terminates, may drive the piston in the other direction.

[0448] Alternately, each end of the piston may be exposed to air flow. As exemplified in FIG. 91, the upper end of the bag detect path 662 is open when a bag is not present. The open end may be in flow communication with the air flow path 170 at a first location. The lower end of the bag detect path 662 may be in flow communication with the air flow path at a second different location. The second location is connected to the flow path 170 at a location closer to the suction motor such that the lower end is exposed to a larger vacuum (draw of air). Therefore, if a bag is not present, the piston will be driven downwardly and this may close the path 660. Alternately, if a bag is present, then the bag may cover the upper end of the bag detect path 662. In such a case, the piston will not be drawn down and the path 660 may remain pen. Therefore, when the air moving member 400 is on, a piston 492 in the bag detect path 662 may respond to a difference in pressure since the upstream end of the bag detect path 662 is blocked by the bag 750 and the downstream end of the path 662 is open to the main air flow path 170 (e.g., directly or via the vacuum airflow path 660). Accordingly, the piston may move to open the path 660. If a bag is not present, then the differential pressure on each end of the piston, alone or with a biasing member, may move the piston to close path 660.

[0449] Optionally, the vacuum airflow path 660 and the bag detect path 662 are adjacent one another.

Filter Nested in Air Treatment Chamber

[0450] The following is a description of a filter 420 nested in an air treatment chamber 210. The filter 420 may be received directly in the air treatment chamber 210 or in a filter chamber 442 that is received in the air treatment chamber 210. The air treatment chamber 210 in which the filter 420 is nested may be a second stage air treatment chamber 210. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0451] Arranging a filter 420 nested in an air treatment chamber 210 compacts the surface cleaning apparatus. The filter 420 may be directly received in the air treatment chamber, wherein the air treatment chamber may form a filter chamber around the filter, effectively reducing the number of chambers in the surface cleaning apparatus. Alternatively, the filter 420 may be received in a filter chamber 442 that is nested in the air treatment chamber 210. The air treatment chamber may include an open volume in addition to the nested filter 420 and/or filter housing 442.

[0452] As exemplified in FIG. 46, the open volume may encircle the nested filter 420 and/or filter housing 442 to allow for cyclonic flow around the filter 420 and/or filter housing. As exemplified by the second stage air treatment member 202 in FIG. 46, a filter 420 may be centrally positioned in the air treatment chamber 210. The member axis 350 may intersect the filter 420 within the air treatment chamber 210. The filter 420 may have a longest dimension extending generally parallel, and optionally coaxially, with the member axis 350. The filter 420 may be a donut filter with a filter axis 422 extending generally parallel, and optionally coaxially, with the member axis 350.

[0453] The filter 420 may be received in a member air outlet 292 of the air treatment member 202. A dirt collection region 230 may be formed within the air treatment chamber against a wall from which the air impermeable portion extends, e.g., axially outward of an air impermeable portion 342 of the member air outlet 292. The member air outlet 292 may exit out of a bottom end of the chamber, as exemplified. The air impermeable portion 342 may reduce air flow within the dirt collection region 230 within the chamber 210.

[0454] As exemplified in FIGS. 46-46A, the air treatment member 202 may include an annular plate or flange 830 between one part of the open volume of the air treatment chamber 210 and another part of the open volume of the air treatment chamber 210. The annular plate or flange 830 may be between the member first end 352 and the member second end 354. The annular plate or flange 830 may be a generally annular rib, as exemplified. The region below the annular plate or flange 830 may be a dirt collection region of the air treatment member 202.

[0455] The annular plate or flange 830 may extend into the chamber from a sidewall of the chamber and/or from a wall of the member air outlet 292. As exemplified, the annular plate or flange 830 may be a rib extending outwardly from a wall of the chamber and/or a member air outlet 292, such as the sidewall 220 or the air impermeable portion 342 of the member air outlet 292. In embodiments in which the annular plate or flange 830 extends from the member air outlet 292, the annular plate or flange 830 may extend out from an interface 832 between the air permeable portion 346 and the air impermeable portion 342, as exemplified in FIG. 46A. In embodiments in which the annular plate or flange 830 extends from an outside wall of the chamber, the annular plate or flange 830 may be across or directly across from the air impermeable portion 342. The dirt arrestor 830 may be across or directly across from the interface 832 between the air permeable portion 346 and the air impermeable portion 342.

Screen Cleaning

[0456] The following is a description of a screen cleaner 850 operable to clean the screen of a member air outlet. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0457] Dirt may accumulate on the screen of a member air outlet 292, obstructing air flow through the screen. Cleaning the screen 344 allows for increased air flow through the screen.

[0458] It will be appreciated that the screen cleaner 850 may be a manual or automatic screen cleaner. The screen cleaner 850 may include any of the actuators 450 and/or operated devices 452 described herein. A screen cleaner 850 may be a pneumatic screen cleaner, a vibratory screen cleaner, an impact screen cleaner, a wiper screen cleaner, and/or a flexing screen cleaner. The screen cleaner may be actuated when the apparatus is turned off, then the air treatment chamber containing the screen is removed for emptying and/or when the air treatment chamber is opened.

[0459] As exemplified in FIGS. 47-48, a pneumatic screen cleaner 850 may be operable to direct one or more air jets at the screen. The air jets may be directed generally parallel to a surface of the screen. The air jets may be directed at an upstream surface of the screen 344 to peel dirt off of the upstream surface. A pneumatic screen cleaner 850 includes a cleaner airflow path 852 with an air outlet 854 adjacent the screen and directed towards the screen. The air inlet 856 may open from the main air flow path 170 downstream of the air moving member 400, although it will be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus may alternatively or additionally include another air moving member in the cleaner airflow path 852 to move air in the cleaner airflow path 852. The pneumatic screen cleaner 850 may operate in response to an activation condition as described elsewhere herein. Operating the pneumatic screen cleaner 850 may include opening and/or closing the cleaner airflow path, starting and/or stopping an air moving member received in the cleaner airflow path 852, and/or connecting or disconnecting the cleaner airflow path to an active air flow path (e.g., the main air flow path 170 when it is active).

[0460] The air outlet 854 of the cleaner airflow path 852 of a pneumatic screen cleaner 850 forms a nozzle to direct a jet of air at the screen. The nozzle may be directed at a downstream surface of the screen (e.g., to blow through the screen to dislodge dirt on the outside). The nozzle may be directed at an upstream surface of the screen. A nozzle directed at the downstream surface of the screen may be directed generally parallel to the downstream surface to generate a jet to peel dirt off of the upstream surface. A nozzle directed at the upstream surface of the screen may be directed at the screen in a downward tangential angle as exemplified.

[0461] It will be appreciated that other screen cleaners may be used. For example, an actuator 450 may actuate a vibratory motor (the operated device 452) that is operatively coupled to the screen 344 whereby the screen 344 may be vibrated by the vibratory motor.

[0462] As another example, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include an impact member as an operated device 452, the impact member (e.g., a hammer) driven by an actuator against the screen 344 to knock dirt off the screen 344.

[0463] As another example, the apparatus 100 may include a wiper (e.g., a flexible wiper, such as a rubber wiper) as an operated device 452, the wiper operable to be moved across the screen 344 (e.g., an upstream surface of the screen 344) by an actuator 450 to wipe dirt off the screen 344.

[0464] As exemplified in FIGS. 68-69, a flexing screen cleaner includes the screen itself 344 or a flexible outer layer of the screen (e.g., a flexible member overlying a generally rigid metal or plastic mesh). The screen 344 of a flexing screen cleaner 850, or a member thereof, is formed of a flexible material, such as a flexible plastic or rubber. The flexing screen 344 is arranged in the air flow path 170 such that the screen or flexible member thereof, deforms into a deformed shape (FIG. 68) when the air flow path is active. The deformed shape may include a stretching and/or compressing of the downstream surface and/or the upstream surface of the screen. A wall of the screen or flexible member thereof, may be bowed in the direction of the air flow through the screen. The screen or flexible member thereof may be fixed along an edge of the screen to a wall of the airflow path to hold the edge in position as the screen is deformed. The flexing screen 344 or flexible member thereof is formed of a resilient material and returns to a rest shape (FIG. 69) when the air flow path 170 is deactivated. The change between deformed and rest shapes changes the surface area and/or shape of the upstream surface of the screen or flexible member thereof. Changing the surface area and/or shape may dislodge dirt from the surface. Alternately, the flexible screen may not change shape during a cleaning operation but may be deformed or compressed after a cleaning operation by any actuator and the deformation may occur concurrently or prior to the use of another screen cleaner, such as a wiper or vibratory motor.

Locating a User-Accessed Feature Adjacent the Air Moving Member

[0465] The following is a description of a surface cleaning apparatus 100 having an air moving member 400 located adjacent a user-accessed feature 860. The user-accessed feature 860 may be a dirty air inlet 172, water pour spout 590, and/or user interface 260. The air moving member and the user-accessed feature may be at a common end or side of the surface cleaning apparatus, and the common end or side may be the apparatus rear end 114. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0466] The air moving member 400 is generally the heaviest component of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, at least when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is empty of debris and water. When carrying the surface cleaning apparatus 100, the user may grasp the surface cleaning apparatus 100 near the heaviest component and/or near the centre of gravity. Where the handle 134 is at a top end of the surface cleaning apparatus, the user may hold the handle at a location that is generally vertically axially in-line with (e.g., above) the centre of gravity of the surface cleaning apparatus. The user also has greater control over the movement of the end of the surface cleaning apparatus that is closest to the point at which the user grasps the surface cleaning apparatus. Accordingly, one or more components (i.e., user-accessed features 860) that require greater user control may be located adjacent (e.g., at the same end) as one or more heavy components (e.g., the air moving member 400).

[0467] As exemplified in FIGS. 4-7, in some embodiments, the user-accessed feature 860 includes or consists of the dirty air inlet 172. In some embodiments, as exemplified in FIGS. 17-19, the user accessed feature 860 includes or consists of the water pour spout 590. In some embodiments, the dirty air inlet 172 forms the water pour spout 590. The dirty air inlet may need to be held stable while the user attaches an external conduit, such as a hose. The water pour spout may need to be held stable while the user empties water from the surface cleaning apparatus. The user-accessed feature 860 may also or alternately be an actuator to control, e.g., a screen cleaner and/or a vacuum line to hold a bag in place.

[0468] In some embodiments, the user accessed feature 860 includes or consists of the user interface 260 (FIG. 4). The user interface 260 may need to be held stable while the user interacts (e.g., pushes buttons). The user interface 260 may be adjacent the handle 134 and/or above the air moving member 400, as exemplified.

[0469] The first stage air treatment chamber 210 may be located on an opposite side or end of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 from the air moving member 400, the dirty air inlet 172, the user interface 260, and/or the pour spout 590. The first stage air treatment chamber 210 may be a relatively light component, at least when empty, and located opposite to further encourage a laterally shifted centre of gravity.

[0470] In some embodiments, as exemplified, a surface cleaning apparatus 100 having a water pour spout 590 on an end of the surface cleaning apparatus opposite the first stage air treatment chamber 210 includes at least two discrete handles.

Non-Circular Air Treatment Chamber

[0471] The following is a description of an air treatment chamber that has a non-circular profile in a transverse plane. The non-circular air treatment chamber may be a first stage air treatment chamber. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0472] A non-circular air treatment chamber 210 provides space adjacent the laterally extending side of the air treatment chamber for additional components of the surface cleaning apparatus. As exemplified in FIGS. 17-27, the chamber 210 may have a member sidewall 220 with a non-circular profile 870 (FIG. 23A) in a transverse plane 872. The chamber may have a reduced curvature wall portion 874 having a reduced curvature compared to other wall portions, and may optionally be generally planar or the long side of an oval. The water pour spout 590 may extend from the reduced curvature wall portion 874 and/or extend along a pour axis 622 that extends through the reduced curvature wall portion 874.

[0473] In some embodiments, as exemplified, the air moving member 400, pre-moving member filter 420, and/or subsequent air treatment member 202 is closer to the reduced-curvature wall portion than to any other wall portions and may be provided on that side of the air treatment member. Alternately, or in addition, accessory tools may be removably positionable on accessory tools mounts provided on that side of the air treatment member 202.

[0474] In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber 210 has radiuses of between 1 and 10 inches, between 2 and 6 inches, or about 4 inches. The radiused portions may be joined by planar portions or slightly convex shaped portions (e.g., the long side of an oval), which may be between 1 and 15 inches, between 2 and 10 inches, or about 4 inches and about 8 inches. Optionally, the air treatment chamber 210 has three radiused portions joined by two shorter portions and one longer portion to form a generally triangular shaped profile.

[0475] In accordance with this aspect, the width between the reduced curvature wall portions 874 (e.g., in the lateral side to side direction) of the air treatment member may be reduced thereby enabling the accessory tools and or a downstream component of the air flow path (e.g., one or more of a second stage air treatment member, a pre-motor filter and an air moving member) to be positioned on one or both of the lateral sides.

Hose Wraps Around

[0476] The following is a description of an air treatment chamber in which an external hose has a storage position in which the hose wraps around the surface cleaning apparatus. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0477] Wrapping the hose around the surface cleaning apparatus 100 provides for a convenient storage position. In some embodiments, the external conduit 160 includes a hose 160a, and the hose 160a is wrapped around the surface cleaning apparatus in a storage position while remaining in fluid flow communication with the dirty air inlet 172.

[0478] As exemplified in FIGS. 1-2, the hose 160a may be adjacent, and optionally lying against and/or abutting, an external surface of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 along substantially the entire length of the hose 160a, such as more than 80%, more than 90%, or more than 95% of the length of the hose. The hose may be attached at each end to the apparatus 100, e.g., via being secured to the dirty air inlet 172 at one end and coupled to the apparatus 100 by a releasable fastener 876 (e.g., a clip) at the other end of the hose. The hose may be secured to the apparatus 100 at one or more additional points as well, or may rest upon ne or more seats along the length of the hose.

[0479] Also, or alternatively, as exemplified in FIGS. 1-3 the dirty air inlet 172 is recessed relative to at least one adjacent external surface of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The hose may be wrapped towards the adjacent external surface from which the dirty air inlet 172 is recessed. Accordingly, the hose 160a may be adjacent the external surface of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 at a connection end 878 of the hose 160a, rather than projecting out from the external surface when wrapped and in air flow communication with the dirty air inlet 172. The dirty air inlet 172 may be arranged at one end and to one lateral side of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, as exemplified.

[0480] Optionally, the hose may be wrapped around an upper part of the apparatus and, if an openable lid 150 is provided, the hose may be wrapped around the lid. Accordingly, if the lid 150 is pivoted open, then the hose will pivot with the lid 150 and may be moved out of the way thereby enabling a user to remove the first stage air treatment member more readily.

Nested Storage or Shipping Configuration

[0481] The following is a description of an air treatment chamber sized and shaped to receive an external hose and one or more accessory attachments within the chamber while the chamber is closed. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0482] When the surface cleaning apparatus is stored or shipped, it may be stored or shipped along with a cooperating external hose 160a and one or more accessory attachments 880 (e.g., floor cleaning head or crevice tool). The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include an air treatment chamber 210 sized and shaped to hold the external hose 160a and one or more accessory attachments 880 within the chamber while the chamber is closed in a shipping or storage configuration, as exemplified in FIG. 85. The hose may be coiled within the chamber, as exemplified.

[0483] The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be prepared for storage or shipping by opening the air treatment chamber, inserting (optionally coiling) the hose within the chamber 210 and inserting the one or more accessory tools (on, below, and/or encircled by the hose), and closing the air treatment chamber 210 (e.g., closing the apparatus lid 150). The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may then be shipped, displayed, and/or stored.

Reconfigurable Between Suction Mode and Blowing Mode

[0484] The following is a description of a surface cleaning apparatus that is reconfigurable between a suction mode and a blowing mode. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0485] A surface cleaning apparatus 100 is operable to generate an air flow (e.g., via the air moving member 400). The air flow may be used to carry dirt into the surface cleaning apparatus (the suction mode). The air flow may also or attentively be directed as a blower output (the blowing mode). The surface cleaning apparatus may therefore be reconfigurable as a blower.

[0486] As exemplified in FIGS. 86, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes a dirty air inlet 172 and a clean air outlet 174. In some embodiments, the clean air outlet 174 is shaped to be coupled to an end of an external conduit, such as a hose or ridged blower nozzle, which may be the same external conduit as is used for surface cleaning. The clean air outlet 174 may include a port to which an external conduit can be attached in air flow communication with the clean air outlet 174. The user may operate the surface cleaning apparatus as a cleaner by applying the dirty air inlet or an upstream conduit to a surface and/or operate the surface cleaning apparatus as a blower by directing the clean air outlet or a downstream conduit at an object or surface.

[0487] As exemplified in FIG. 86 the dirty air inlet 172 may be provided adjacent the clean air outlet 174. The dirty air inlet 172 may be within 2 cm, 5 cm, or 10 cm of the clean air outlet 174. Proving the inlet adjacent the outlet reduces the distance a user needs to move a conduit to switch modes. Optionally, the outlet 174 is lower then or directly below the inlet 172, or vise versa as opposed to side by side.

[0488] In some embodiments, as exemplified in FIGS. 87, the airflow direction through an opening 882 that is in air flow communication with the air flow path 170 is selectively switchable. The opening 882 may be switched form being the dirty air inlet 172 to being the clean air outlet 174. The switch may be accomplished by any suitable actuator, such as any actuator described herein. As exemplified, the user may use a button or switch 884 on an exterior of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 to switch the airflow direction through the opening. Changing the direction may include changing the direction of air flow throughout the air flow path 170 (e.g., reversing the direction of the air moving member 400) and/or reconfiguring the air flow path 170 to selectively join the opening to an upstream end of the air flow path 170 or the downstream end of the airflow path 170. Reconfiguring the air flow path may include, e.g., moving a duct (which extends from the opening on the exterior of the apparatus to an interior location) from being connected to an upstream portion of air flow path 170 to being connected to a downstream portion of air flow path 170, opening and/or closing a valve to selective connect the duct to the upstream portion of air flow path 170 the downstream portion of air flow path 170. Reconfiguration of the air flow path 170 may be accomplished by any suitable actuator, such as any actuator described herein.

[0489] Alternatively, as exemplified in FIGS. 42-43, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes a selectively joinable opening 890. Accordingly, two openings 890 may be provided. An external conduit may be selectively insertable into each of the openings 890. As exemplified, one of the openings may extend horizontally (opening 890a), which may be the upstream portion of the air flow path 170 and therefore be an inlet conduit, and one of the openings may extend vertically (opening 890b), which may be a downstream portion of the air flow path 170.

[0490] The apparatus may have a clean air outlet that comprises a grill on a sidewall of the apparatus, as exemplified in FIGS. 3 and 11. However, if a conduit is installed in the vertically extending opening, then the insertion of the conduit may convert the vertically extending opening to be a or the clean air outlet and accordingly the vertically extending opening may be used as a blower.

[0491] As exemplified in FIGS. 42-43, the air flow path 170 may be reconfigured by insertion of a downstream end 878 of an external conduit 160. As exemplified, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include two selectively joinable openings 890, each leading into a duct 892, and the ducts 892 cross one another and are open to one another. Accordingly, the ducts may be in the form of a cross. One or both of the ducts may have openings. As exemplified, the horizontal duct 892 has openings 892a and the vertical duct has openings 892b.

[0492] When the downstream end 878 of an external conduit 160 (e.g., a rigid wand) is inserted into the horizontal duct 892 (the suction mode), then the downstream end 878 of an external conduit 160 may overlie the openings 892a, thereby essentially closing the openings 892a. Concurrently, the downstream end 878 of an external conduit 160 connects the right side of the duct 892r to the left side of the duct 8921, thereby forming a continuous inlet duct.

[0493] Similarly, when the downstream end 878 of an external conduit 160 is inserted into the vertical duct 892 (the blowing mode), then the downstream end 878 of an external conduit 160 may overlie the openings 892b, thereby essentially closing the openings 892b. Concurrently, the downstream end 878 of an external conduit 160 connects the downward or lower side of the duct 892d to the upper side of the duct 892u, thereby forming a continuous outlet duct.

[0494] In the suction mode, air travels into the conduit 892r and travels to the air treatment members. The openings in the vertical conduit are open and some or all of the air may exit through those to exit the surface cleaning apparatus via a grill on the sidewall of the apparatus. In the blowing mode, the air from the downstream side is directed through the opening 890b as the holes 892b are closed. Air may be drawn into flow path 170 through opening 890a and/or the openings 892a, which are open to the ambient.

Dual Suction and Blowing External Conduit

[0495] The following is a description of a surface cleaning apparatus with an external conduit having dual air flow paths, one coupled to an air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and one coupled to an air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0496] When suction is applied to a surface, dirt can be drawn off of the surface. In some cases, the dirt is stuck, wedged, or otherwise not free to be moved. In some cases, dirt is more readily picked up by suction if the dirt is simultaneously subject to a blowing air flow. A blowing air flow may dislodge dirt, such as releasing it or lifting it off of a surface, thereby facilitating a suction air flow picking up the dirt.

[0497] As exemplified in FIG. 88, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be used with an external conduit 160 having dual conduit air flow paths 900. The dual conduit air flow paths 900 may be generally parallel. As exemplified, one of the conduit air flow paths 900 may be coupled to a dirty air inlet 172 and the other coupled to a clean air outlet 174. The dirty air inlet 172 and clean air outlet 174 may be adjacent one another to facilitate use of the external conduit with dual conduit air flow paths. The downstream end of the conduit air flow path that is coupled to the dirty air inlet may be used as a suction nozzle 902 and the downstream end of the conduit air flow path that is coupled to the clean air outlet 174 may be used as a blower nozzle 904. The blower nozzle and suction nozzle may be adjacent. As exemplified, the blower nozzle and suction nozzle may be directly beside one another.

[0498] Optionally, one or more end tools 906 may be coupled to the external conduit having dual conduit flow paths. An end tool 906 may be, e.g., a floor cleaning head (e.g., with a blower nozzle directed towards a rotating brush 908) configured to direct a blower air flow at a floor surface and direct an air flow from the floor surface into the suction nozzle, as exemplified in FIG. 88.

[0499] Alternately, a dual conduit attachment may be used when the apparatus is useable as a blower or a surface cleaning apparatus as discussed elsewhere herein. In such a case, the suction and blowing conduit may always be available and a user may merely redirect the air flow path to provide alternate suction and blowing.

Filter Door Held Closed by Removeable Air Treatment Assembly or Part Thereof

[0500] The following is a description of a filter chamber 442 access door of the main body housing 132 that is openable only when the air treatment assembly 200 or part thereof is removed from the main body housing 132. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0501] As exemplified in FIGS. 44-45, the filter chamber 442 may include an access door 910. The access door 910 may be openable to provide access to the filter 420 within the filter chamber 442. The access door 910 may be behind one or more components of the air treatment assembly 200. When the air treatment assembly 200 is mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus main body housing 132, the access door 910 may be prevented from opening by the air treatment assembly. The access door that is prevented from opening by the air treatment assembly 200 may be an access door to a filter housing 442 of a post-air moving member filter 420 (e.g., a HEPA filter).

[0502] As exemplified in FIGS. 44-45, the filter may include filter guide members 912 shaped to cooperate with housing guide members 914 to guide placement of the filter 420 within the filter housing 442 and/or guide removal of the filter 420 from the filter housing 442.

[0503] As used herein, the wording and/or is intended to represent an inclusive-or. That is, X and/or Y is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, X, Y, and/or Z is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0504] While the above description describes features of example embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, the various characteristics which are described by means of the represented embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting. 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. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Clause Set A

[0505] 1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: [0506] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; and, [0507] (b) an air treatment member comprising a collection chamber, a lid, an air inlet and an air outlet, [0508] wherein the lid is moveable from a closed position in which the collection chamber is closed and an open position in which the collection chamber is open, and [0509] wherein a bag is positionable in the collection chamber when the lid is open, and [0510] wherein the lid comprises the air treatment member air inlet whereby, when the bag is positioned in the collection chamber and the lid is closed, the collection chamber is downstream from the dirty air inlet and at least a portion of the air treatment member air inlet is positioned above an upper end of the bag. [0511] 2. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the air treatment member air inlet is located in a sidewall of the lid. [0512] 3. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 2 wherein the air treatment member air inlet comprises a tangential air inlet. [0513] 4. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the air treatment member air inlet extends through a sidewall of the lid. [0514] 5. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 4 wherein the air treatment member air inlet comprises a tangential air inlet. [0515] 6. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the lid comprises an upper wall of the collection chamber and the air treatment member air inlet extends through the upper wall. [0516] 7. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 6 wherein air treatment member air inlet extends generally downwardly through the upper wall and comprises a tangential air inlet. [0517] 8. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 6 wherein air treatment member air inlet extends generally downwardly through the upper wall and has comprises a hooked air outlet portion. [0518] 9. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 further comprising a bag retaining member. [0519] 10. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 9 wherein the bag retaining member comprises a vacuum line. [0520] 11. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 9 wherein the bag retaining member comprises a mechanical retaining member for a lower portion of the bag. [0521] 12. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein, when the bag is positioned in the collection chamber and the lid is closed, an outlet end of the air treatment member air inlet is positioned above an upper end of the bag. [0522] 13. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein an outlet end of the air treatment member air inlet is non-circular. [0523] 14. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 13 wherein the outlet end of the air treatment member air inlet is polygonal. [0524] 15. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 13 wherein the outlet end of the air treatment member air inlet is oval. [0525] 16. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 13 wherein an inlet end of the air treatment member air inlet is circular.

Clause Set B

[0526] 1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: [0527] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; and, [0528] (b) an air treatment member comprising a collection chamber, the collection chamber comprising a bottom wall and a sidewall, [0529] wherein a bag is positionable in the collection chamber and the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a bag retaining member, and [0530] wherein, when the bag is positioned in the collection chamber, the bag overlies a portion of collection chamber which has a ribbed inner surface. [0531] 2. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the ribbed inner surface is provided on at least the bottom wall of the collection chamber. [0532] 3. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 2 wherein the ribbed inner surface is also provided on the sidewall of the collection chamber. [0533] 4. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the ribbed inner surface is provided on the sidewall of the collection chamber. [0534] 5. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the ribbed inner surface comprises at least one rib extending outwardly from an inner surface of the collection chamber and a juncture of the rib and the inner surface is curved. [0535] 6. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 5 wherein the juncture of the rib and the inner surface is radiused and the radius is ?-2 inches, ?-1.5 inches or ?-1 inches. [0536] 7. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the ribbed inner surface comprises a portion of the bag retaining member. [0537] 8. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: [0538] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; [0539] (b) an air treatment member comprising a collection chamber, the collection chamber comprising a bottom wall and a sidewall; and, [0540] (c) a ribbed member that is removably insertable into the collection chamber. [0541] 9. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 8 wherein, when positioned in the collection chamber, the ribbed member overlies the bottom wall. [0542] 10. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 9 wherein, when positioned in the collection chamber, the ribbed member is also positioned on the sidewall. [0543] 11. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 8 wherein, when positioned in the collection chamber, the ribbed member is positioned on the sidewall. [0544] 12. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 8 wherein the ribbed member comprises a contiguous surface with at least one rib extending outwardly therefrom. [0545] 13. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 12 wherein a juncture of the at least one rib and the contiguous surface is curved. [0546] 14. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 5 wherein the juncture of the of the at least one rib and the contiguous surface is radiused and the radius is ?-2 inches, ?-1.5 inches or ?-1 inches. [0547] 15. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 8 wherein the ribbed member comprises a portion of a bag retaining member.

Clause Set C

[0548] 1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: [0549] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; [0550] (b) an air treatment member comprising a collection chamber, the collection chamber comprising a bottom wall and a sidewall, wherein a bag is positionable in the collection chamber; and, [0551] (c) a bag retaining member comprising a bag securing vacuum line extending from an upstream end located at the collection chamber to a downstream end wherein, when suction is applied to the downstream end of the bag securing vacuum line, the upstream end provides more than a single point source of suction. [0552] 2. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the upstream end provides suction at least two locations [0553] 3. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 2 wherein the upstream end has a first inlet provided in the bottom wall and a second inlet provided in the sidewall. [0554] 4. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 2 wherein the upstream end has a first inlet provided at a first location in the bottom wall and a second inlet provided at a second location in the bottom wall. [0555] 5. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein at least a portion of one or both of the bottom wall and the sidewall comprises a ribbed surface, a valley is provided between adjacent ribs and, when suction is applied to the downstream end of the bag securing vacuum line, at least one of the valleys provides an upstream suction zone. [0556] 6. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 5 further comprising a screen that overlies the valleys. [0557] 7. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein at least a portion of one or both of the bottom wall and the sidewall comprises a ribbed surface, a valley is provided between adjacent ribs and, when suction is applied to the downstream end of the bag securing vacuum line, a plurality of valleys provides an upstream suction zone. [0558] 8. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 5 further comprising a ribbed member which is removably insertable into the collection chamber and, when inserted into the collection chamber, provides the ribbed surface. [0559] 9. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 8 further comprising a screen that overlies the valleys. [0560] 10. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the air treatment member further comprises a pour spout, the bag securing vacuum line comprises a portion that extends upwardly generally parallel to the sidewall and the portion of the bag securing vacuum line is located opposed to a location of the pour spout. [0561] 11. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 further comprising a bag detect system that is operable to shut off flow through the bag securing vacuum line when a bag is not present in the collection chamber and the motor and fan assembly is actuated, the bag detect system includes a bag detect vacuum line. [0562] 12. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 11 wherein the bag detect vacuum line comprises a portion of the bag securing vacuum line. [0563] 13. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 11 wherein the bag detect vacuum line is located adjacent the bag securing vacuum line. [0564] 14. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the downstream end of the bag securing vacuum line is in fluid communication with the motor and fan assembly. [0565] 15. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 14 wherein the downstream end of the bag securing vacuum line is interior of an air outlet of the air treatment member. [0566] 16. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 14 wherein the air treatment member comprises a first stage cyclone and the downstream end of the bag securing vacuum line is interior of a vortex finder of the first stage cyclone. [0567] 17. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 16 further comprising a second stage air treatment chamber and the downstream end of the bag securing vacuum line is downstream of the second stage air treatment chamber. [0568] 18. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 16 further comprising a pre-motor filter and the downstream end of the bag securing vacuum line is downstream of the pre-motor filter. [0569] 19. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the downstream end of the bag securing vacuum line is in flow communication with the motor and fan assembly at two or more locations. [0570] 20. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 further comprising a filter in the bag securing vacuum line.

Clause Set D

[0571] 1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: [0572] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; [0573] (b) an air treatment member comprising a collection chamber, the collection chamber comprising a bottom wall and a sidewall, wherein a bag is positionable in the collection chamber; and, [0574] (c) a mechanical bag retaining member comprising a plurality of spaced apart bag engaging members. [0575] 2. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the bag engaging members are spaced apart from each other. [0576] 3. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein, when the bag is positioned in the collection chamber, the bag engaging members engage spaced apart portions of the bag. [0577] 4. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the bag engaging members comprise clip members. [0578] 5. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the bag engaging members comprise adhesive members. [0579] 6. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: [0580] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; [0581] (b) a first stage air treatment member comprising a collection chamber comprising a container and an openable lid, the container comprises a bottom wall and a sidewall and has an interior volume, wherein a bag is positionable in the collection chamber; and, [0582] (c) a mechanical bag retaining member is removably insertable into the container wherein, when the bag is installed in the container and the openable lid is mounted to the container with the lid in a closed position, the mechanical bag retaining member abuts a portion of the bag that is positioned in the interior volume of the container. [0583] 7. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 6 wherein the mechanical bag retaining member is attached to the openable lid. [0584] 8. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 6 wherein the mechanical bag retaining member is inserted into the interior volume when the openable lid is mounted to the container. [0585] 9. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 6 wherein the mechanical bag retaining member comprises a foot portion and, when the bag is inserted in the container and the openable lid is in the closed position, the foot portion presses the bag against the bottom wall of the container. [0586] 10. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 9 wherein, when the mechanical bag retaining member is positioned in the container, the mechanical bag retaining member comprises a vertically extending member having the foot portion at the lower end thereof. [0587] 11. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 10 wherein the vertically extending member extends downwardly from the openable lid. [0588] 12. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 9 wherein, when the mechanical bag retaining member is positioned in the container, the foot portion is located adjacent a perimeter of the bottom wall. [0589] 13. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 9 wherein the foot portion is flexible. [0590] 14. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 13 wherein the foot portion is made of a resilient material. [0591] 15. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 6 wherein the first stage air treatment member comprises a cyclone having a vortex finder and the mechanical bag retaining member is affixed to the vortex finder. [0592] 16. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 6 further comprising a second stage air treatment member downstream from the first stage air treatment member and the mechanical bag retaining member is affixed to the second stage air treatment member. [0593] 17. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 16 wherein the second stage air treatment member comprises a second stage air treatment chamber.

Clause Set E

[0594] 1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: [0595] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; [0596] (b) an air treatment member comprising a collection chamber, the collection chamber comprising a bottom wall and a sidewall, wherein a bag is positionable in the collection chamber; [0597] (c) a bag retaining member comprising a bag securing vacuum line extending from an upstream end located at the collection chamber to a downstream end; and, [0598] (d) a detection sensor wherein a flow of air through the vacuum line is adjusted based on the detection sensor determining whether a bag is in the collection chamber. [0599] 2. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the detection sensor detects that the bag is in the collection chamber. [0600] 3. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the motor and fan assembly is energized when the detection sensor detects that the bag is in the collection chamber. [0601] 4. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the vacuum line is open when the detection sensor detects that the bag is in the collection chamber. [0602] 5. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 4 wherein the detection sensor issues a signal that opens a valve when the detection sensor detects that the bag is in the collection chamber. [0603] 6. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the detection sensor detects that the bag is absent from the collection chamber. [0604] 7. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 6 wherein the motor and fan assembly is de-energized when the detection sensor detects that the bag is absent from the collection chamber. [0605] 8. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 6 wherein the vacuum line is closed when the detection sensor detects that the bag is absent from the collection chamber. [0606] 9. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 8 wherein the detection sensor issues a signal that closes a valve when the detection sensor detects that the bag is absent from the collection chamber. [0607] 10. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: [0608] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; [0609] (b) an air treatment member comprising a collection chamber, the collection chamber comprising a container and an openable lid, the container comprising a bottom wall and a sidewall, wherein a bag is positionable in the container; [0610] (c) a bag retaining member comprising a bag securing vacuum line extending from an upstream end located at the container to a downstream end; [0611] (d) a main power switch; and, [0612] (e) a detection sensor wherein the power switch is drivingly connected to at least one of the motor and fan assembly and a valve which is operable to open the bag securing vacuum line when the detection sensor detects the bag is in the collection chamber. [0613] 11. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 10 wherein the main power switch is decoupled from the at least one of the motor and fan assembly and the valve when the detection sensor detects the bag is absent from the collection chamber. [0614] 12. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 10 wherein the detection sensor is at least one of an optical sensor, a capacitance sensor, a hall effect sensor, a mechanical sensor and a pressure differential system. [0615] 13. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 10 wherein the detection sensor comprises a capacitance sensor, the capacitance sensor comprises two electrical contacts that are separated by a gap and the bag is positioned in the gap when the bag is present and a signal is sent to the at least one of the motor and fan assembly and a valve when the bag is present. [0616] 14. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 10 wherein the detection sensor comprises a mechanical sensor, the mechanical sensor comprises a pin that is moveable between a bag absent position and a bag present position, and the pin is moved to the bag present position when the bag is present in the container and the lid is in a closed position. [0617] 15. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 14 wherein movement of the pin to the bag present position opens the valve or enables the fan and motor assembly to be energized. [0618] 16. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 10 wherein the detection sensor comprises a pressure differential system, the pressure differential system comprises the bag securing vacuum line and an expansion member, the downstream end of the bag securing vacuum line comprises a first downstream portion of the vacuum line in fluid communication with the air flow path at a first location and a second downstream portion of the vacuum line in fluid communication with the air flow path at a second location, wherein when the motor and fan assembly is energized, a first level of vacuum is provided at the first location and a second level of vacuum is provided at the second location that is greater than the first level of vacuum whereby, when a bag is absent, the second level of vacuum drives the expansion member to an expanded position that closes the vacuum line. [0619] 17. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 10 wherein the detection sensor comprises a pressure differential system, the pressure differential system comprises the bag securing vacuum line and an expansion member, the downstream end of the bag securing vacuum line comprises a first downstream portion of vacuum line in fluid communication with the air flow path at a first location and a second downstream portion of the vacuum line in fluid communication with the air flow path at a second location, wherein when the motor and fan assembly is energized, a first level of vacuum is provided at the first location and a second level of vacuum is provided at the second location that is greater than the first level of vacuum whereby, when a bag is present, the second level of vacuum drives the expansion member to an expanded position that opens the vacuum line. [0620] 18. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: [0621] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; [0622] (b) an air treatment member comprising a collection chamber, the collection chamber comprising a container and an openable lid, the container comprising a bottom wall and a sidewall, wherein a bag is positionable in the container; [0623] (c) a bag retaining member comprising a bag securing vacuum line extending from an upstream end located at the container to a downstream end; [0624] (d) a main power switch; and, [0625] wherein the power switch is drivingly connected to at least one of the motor and fan assembly and a valve which is operable to open the bag securing vacuum line when the lid is placed on the collection chamber in a closed position.

Clause Set F

[0626] 1. A wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus comprising: [0627] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; [0628] (b) a first cyclonic stage comprising a first stage cyclone having an axis of rotation; and, [0629] (c) a single second stage cyclone downstream from the first cyclonic stage, wherein the axis of rotation intersects the single second stage cyclone. [0630] 2. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the single second stage cyclone is at least partially nested in the first cyclonic stage. [0631] 3. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the first cyclonic stage is a single first stage cyclone having a cyclone air outlet and the single second stage cyclone is at least partially nested in the first cyclone stage air outlet. [0632] 4. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the first cyclonic stage is a single first stage cyclone having a cyclone air outlet, the air outlet has a diameter and the single second stage cyclone has a diameter that is up to twice the diameter of the air outlet or up to 1.5 times the diameter of the air outlet. [0633] 5. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 further comprising an openable lid and the single second stage cyclone is provided in the lid. [0634] 6. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 5 wherein the single second stage cyclone is exterior of the first cyclonic stage. [0635] 7. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the first cyclonic stage comprises a first stage dirt collection region, the single second stage cyclone has a second stage dirt collection region and the second stage dirt collection region is emptiable into the first stage dirt collection region. [0636] 8. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 7 wherein the second stage dirt collection region is emptied into the first stage dirt collection region when the surface cleaning apparatus is turned off. [0637] 9. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 8 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus has an on/off control that is drivingly connected with an openable door of the second stage dirt collection region whereby, when the on/off control is used to deenergize the fan and motor assembly, the door is opened. [0638] 10. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 9 wherein the on/off control is a main power switch that is moveable between a on position and an off position, a mechanical driving linkage extends between the main power switch and the door whereby movement of the main power switch to the off position moves the mechanical driving linkage which thereby opens the door. [0639] 11. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 9 further comprising an electromechanical member that is drivingly connected to the door and operating the on/off control to deenergize the fan and motor assembly issues a signal to the electromechanical member whereupon the electromechanical member opens the door. [0640] 12. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 7 further comprising an openable lid and the second stage dirt collection region is emptied into the first stage dirt collection region when the lid is opened. [0641] 13. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 7 wherein the second stage dirt collection has an openable door and the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a user operable door opening control that is drivingly connected to the openable door. [0642] 14. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is placed on a floor, the single second stage cyclone has an upper end and a lower end, and the lower end has a cyclone air inlet and a cyclone air outlet. [0643] 15. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is placed on a floor, the single second stage cyclone has an upper end and a lower end, and the lower end has a plurality of cyclone air inlets and a cyclone air outlet. [0644] 16. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 14 wherein the second stage dirt collection region is a second stage dirt collection chamber that is in communication with the second stage cyclone by a dirt outlet and the dirt outlet is at the upper end of the second stage cyclone. [0645] 17. The wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus of clause 16 wherein the second stage dirt collection chamber is exterior to the second stage cyclone and is partially annular. [0646] 18. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: [0647] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; [0648] (b) a first cyclonic stage; [0649] (c) a single second stage cyclone downstream from the first cyclonic stage, wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is placed on a floor, the single second stage cyclone has an upper end and a lower end, and the lower end has a plurality of cyclone air inlets and a cyclone air outlet. [0650] 19. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 18 wherein the cyclone air inlets extend around 50-85%, 60-80% or about 75% of a perimeter of the single second stage cyclone. [0651] 20. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 18 wherein the second stage cyclone has an axis of rotation, the plurality of cyclone air inlets comprises a first cyclone air inlet and a second cyclone air inlet, each of the first and second cyclone air inlets comprises an inlet conduit that extends generally transverse to the axis of rotation, and the cyclone air outlet comprises an outlet conduit that is located between the inlet conduits of the first and second cyclone air inlets.

Clause Set G

[0652] 1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: [0653] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; [0654] (b) a first cyclonic stage comprising a first stage cyclone having a first stage axis of rotation; and, [0655] (c) a second cyclonic stage comprising a plurality of second stage cyclones downstream from the first cyclonic stage, [0656] wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is positioned on a floor in a use position, the motor and fan assembly is laterally positioned beside the first cyclonic stage and the second stage cyclones are positioned overlying the motor and fan assembly. [0657] 2. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the motor and fan assembly has an axis of rotation that is parallel to the first stage axis of rotation. [0658] 3. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the air flow path comprises an inlet conduit extending downstream from the dirty air inlet and the inlet conduit extends past the second cyclonic stage. [0659] 4. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the air flow path comprises an inlet conduit extending downstream from the dirty air inlet and the inlet conduit extends through the second cyclonic stage. [0660] 5. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 4 wherein the air inlet conduit extends between two of the plurality of cyclones. [0661] 6. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 5 wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is positioned on the floor in the use position, a horizontal plane extends through the air inlet conduit and the two of the plurality of cyclones. [0662] 7. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the second cyclonic stage comprises a dirt collection chamber that is in communication with two of the plurality of cyclones. [0663] 8. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 7 wherein the second cyclonic stage comprises a dirt collection region that is partially annular. [0664] 9. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the second cyclonic stage comprises a dirt collection chamber that is emptiable into the first cyclonic stage. [0665] 10. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the second cyclonic stage comprises a dirt collection region that is partially annular. [0666] 11. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein at least one of the plurality of second stage cyclones has a plurality of cyclone air inlets. [0667] 12. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is positioned on the floor in the use position, the second cyclonic stage has an upper end and a lower end, each second stage cyclone has a cyclone air inlet that is provided at the lower end and a cyclone air outlet that is provided at the lower end. [0668] 13. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 12 wherein each second stage cyclone has a dirt outlet that is provided at the upper end of the second cyclonic stage. [0669] 14. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is placed on a floor, the second cyclonic stage has an upper end and a lower end, each second stage cyclone has a plurality of cyclone air inlets that are provided at the lower end and a cyclone air outlet that is provided at the lower end. [0670] 15. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 14 wherein each second stage cyclone has a dirt outlet that is provided at the upper end of the second cyclonic stage. [0671] 16. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is positioned on the floor in the use position, the surface cleaning apparatus has an upper end and a lower end, and the second cyclonic stage is positioned at an elevation above an upper end of the first stage cyclone. [0672] 17. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 further comprising a pre-motor filter positioned downstream of the second cyclonic stage and, when the surface cleaning apparatus is positioned on the floor in the use position, a horizontal plane extends through the first stage cyclone and the pre-motor filter. [0673] 18. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: [0674] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; [0675] (b) a first cyclonic stage comprising a first stage cyclone having a first stage axis of rotation; [0676] (c) a second cyclonic stage comprising a plurality of second stage cyclones downstream from the first cyclonic stage; and, [0677] (d) a pre-motor filter downstream of the second cyclonic stage, [0678] wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is positioned on a floor in a use position, the motor and fan assembly is laterally positioned beside the first cyclonic stage and the second stage cyclones are positioned above the pre-motor filter and a horizontal plane extends through the first stage cyclone and the pre-motor filter. [0679] 19. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 18 wherein the motor and fan assembly has an axis of rotation that extends through the second cyclonic stage. [0680] 20. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 19 wherein the axis of rotation of the motor and fan assembly is parallel to the first stage axis of rotation. [0681] 21. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 18 wherein the pre-motor filter comprises a longitudinally extending filter having a longitudinal opening extending centrally therethrough.

Clause Set H

[0682] 1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: [0683] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path; [0684] (b) a first air treatment stage comprising a first air treatment chamber and a first dirt collection region; and, [0685] (c) a second air treatment stage comprising a second air treatment chamber and a second dirt collection region, [0686] wherein the second dirt collection region is emptied into the first air treatment stage upon the occurrence of one or more of the following events: [0687] i) when the surface cleaning apparatus is turned off, [0688] ii) when a user operable door opening control is actuated, [0689] iii) in an embodiment wherein the first air treatment stage has a pivotally openable lid, when the lid is pivoted open, [0690] iv) in an embodiment wherein the first air treatment stage has an openable lid and the lid has a carry handle, when the lid is opened, [0691] v) in an embodiment wherein the surface cleaning apparatus has a main body and the first air treatment stage is removable from the main body, when the first air treatment stage is unlocked for removal from the main body, and [0692] vi) in an embodiment wherein the surface cleaning apparatus has a main body and the first air treatment stage is removable from the main body, when the first air treatment stage is removed from the main body. [0693] 2. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the second dirt collection region is emptied into the first air treatment stage when the surface cleaning apparatus is turned off. [0694] 3. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 2 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus has an on/off control that is drivingly connected with an openable door of the second stage dirt collection region whereby, when the on/off control is used to deenergize the fan and motor assembly, the door is opened. [0695] 4. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 3 wherein the on/off control is a main power switch that is moveable between an on position and an off position, a mechanical driving linkage extends between the main power switch and the door whereby movement of the main power switch to the off position moves the mechanical driving linkage which thereby opens the door. [0696] 5. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 3 further comprising an electromechanical member that is drivingly connected to the door and operating the on/off control to deenergize the fan and motor assembly issues a signal to the electromechanical member whereupon the electromechanical member opens the door. [0697] 6. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 5 wherein the electromechanical member comprises a solenoid. [0698] 7. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 3 wherein a moveable member is drivingly connected to the door, the moveable member is biased to a door open position whereby, energizing the motor and fan assembly moves the moveable member to a door closed position and, deenergizing the motor and fan assembly moves the moveable member to the door open position. [0699] 8. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the second dirt collection region is emptied into the first air treatment stage when a user operable door opening control is actuated. [0700] 9. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 8 wherein a mechanical driving linkage extends between the user operable door opening control and the door whereby actuating the user operable door opening control opens the door. [0701] 10. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus has a pivotally openable lid and the second dirt collection region is emptied into the first air treatment stage when the lid is pivoted open. [0702] 11. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 10 wherein the second air treatment stage is in the lid. [0703] 12. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus has an openable lid and the lid has a carry handle, and the second dirt collection region is emptied into the first air treatment stage when the lid is opened. [0704] 13. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 12 wherein the second air treatment stage is in the lid. [0705] 14. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus has a main body, the first air treatment stage is removable from the main body, and the second dirt collection region is emptied into the first air treatment stage when the first air treatment stage is unlocked for removal from the main body. [0706] 15. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus has a main body, the first air treatment stage is removable from the main body, and the second dirt collection region is emptied into the first air treatment stage when the first air treatment stage is removed from the main body. [0707] 16. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein an actuation member is drivingly connected to the door by a mechanical linkage. [0708] 17. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 16 wherein the actuation member is a user operable switch. [0709] 18. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein an actuation member is drivingly connected to the door by a linkage that comprises a muscle wire. [0710] 19. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein an actuation member is drivingly connected to the door by an electromechanical linkage. [0711] 20. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 19 wherein the actuation member is a user operable switch.

Clause Set I

[0712] 1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: [0713] (a) a treatment air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a first air treatment stage positioned in the air flow path; [0714] (b) a motor cooling air flow path extending from a cooling air inlet to an exhaust air outlet, wherein the motor cooling air flow path is separate from the treatment air flow path; and, [0715] (c) a motor and fan assembly wherein a fan of the motor and fan assembly is positioned in the treatment air flow path and a motor of the motor and fan assembly is positioned in the motor cooling air flow path. [0716] 2. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is placed on a floor, the surface cleaning apparatus has an upper end and a lower end, the upper end has the dirty air inlet and the lower end has the cooling air inlet. [0717] 3. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 2 wherein the lower end also has the exhaust air outlet. [0718] 4. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 3 wherein the clean air outlet is adjacent the exhaust air outlet. [0719] 5. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is placed on a floor, the surface cleaning apparatus has an upper end and a lower end, the upper end has the dirty air inlet and the lower end has the exhaust air outlet. [0720] 6. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 5 wherein the clean air outlet is adjacent the exhaust air outlet. [0721] 7. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the clean air outlet is adjacent the exhaust air outlet. [0722] 8. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 further comprising a post motor filter provided downstream of the motor. [0723] 9. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is positioned on a floor in a use position, the motor and fan assembly is laterally positioned beside the first air treatment stage and a first horizontal plane extends through the first air treatment stage and the motor and fan assembly. [0724] 10. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 9 further comprising a pre-motor filter positioned upstream of the fan and the pre-motor filter is positioned overlying the motor and fan assembly. [0725] 11. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 10 wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is positioned on a floor in a use position, a second horizontal plane extends through the pre-motor filter. [0726] 12. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 10 further comprising a second air treatment stage that is positioned above the first air treatment stage. [0727] 13. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 12 wherein the second air treatment stage overlies the pre-motor filter. [0728] 14. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the motor and fan assembly has an axis of rotation and, when the surface cleaning apparatus is positioned on a floor in a use position, the axis of rotation is oriented generally vertical. [0729] 15. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 9 wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is placed on a floor, the surface cleaning apparatus has an upper end and a lower end, the upper end has the dirty air inlet and the lower end has the cooling air inlet. [0730] 16. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 15 wherein the lower end also has the exhaust air outlet. [0731] 17. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 16 wherein the clean air outlet is adjacent the exhaust air outlet. [0732] 18. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 9 wherein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is placed on a floor, the surface cleaning apparatus has an upper end and a lower end, the upper end has the dirty air inlet and the lower end has the exhaust air outlet. [0733] 19. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 18 wherein the clean air outlet is adjacent the exhaust air outlet. [0734] 20. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 9 wherein the clean air outlet is adjacent the exhaust air outlet.