Agitator with Debrider and Hair Removal

The present application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 18/435,600 filed Feb. 7, 2024, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 17/182,090 filed Feb. 22, 2021, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/917,598 filed Mar. 10, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/469,853, filed Mar. 10, 2017, all of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

This specification relates to surface cleaning apparatuses, and more particularly, to agitators for reducing and/or preventing hair from becoming entangled and systems/methods for removing collected hair without the user having to contact the hair.

The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

A surface cleaning apparatus may be used to clean a variety of surfaces. Some surface cleaning apparatuses include a rotating agitator (e.g., brush roll). One example of a surface cleaning apparatus includes a vacuum cleaner which may include a rotating agitator as well as vacuum source. Non-limiting examples of vacuum cleaners include robotic vacuums, upright vacuum cleaners, canister vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners, and central vacuum systems. Another type of surface cleaning apparatus includes powered broom which includes a rotating agitator (e.g., brush roll) that collects debris, but does not include a vacuum source.

While the known surface cleaning apparatuses are generally effective at collecting debris, some debris (such as hair) may become entangled in the agitator. The entangled hair may reduce the efficiency of the agitator, and may cause damage to the motor and/or gear train that rotates the agitator. Moreover, it may be difficult to remove the hair from the agitator because the hair is entangled in the bristles.

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.

Various apparatuses or processes will be 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 processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process 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 applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

illustrates a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus such as a robot cleaning apparatus. The robot cleaning apparatusmay include a body or housing, one or more drive devices(such as, but not limited to, one or more wheels and/or tracks driven by one or more electric motors and/or gears), and one or more cleaning devices. While not shown for clarity, the robot cleaning apparatusmay also include one or more controllers, motors, sensors, and/or power sources (e.g., but not limited to, one or more batteries) disposed within and/or coupled to the body. As is well understood, the controllers, motors, sensors (and the like) may be used to autonomously navigate the robot cleaning apparatusin a space such that the cleaning devicespicks-up (e.g., sweeps up) and collects debris (for example, optionally using suction airflow).

Turning now to, a cross-sectional view of the robot cleaning apparatustaken along lines II-II ofis generally illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward direction of travel of the robot cleaning apparatusis generally illustrated by arrow F. The cleaning devicemay include one or more agitatorsthat are rotatably driven at least partially within one or more agitator chambersdisposed within/defined by the body. The agitator chambersinclude one or more openingsdefined within and/or by a portion of the bottom surface/plateof the body. The agitatoris configured to be coupled to the body(either permanently or removably coupled thereto) and is configured to be rotated about a pivot axis PA (e.g., in the direction and/or reverse direction of arrow R) within the agitator chambersby one or more rotation systems. The rotation systemsmay be at least partially disposed in the vacuum body, and may one or more motors(either AC and/or DC motors) coupled to one or more belts and/or gear trains (not shown) for rotating the agitators.

When rotated, the agitatoris configured pickup and/or sweep debris into one or more debris collection chambers(e.g., dust bins), e.g., as generally illustrated by arrow D. The debris collection chambersmay be either permanently or removably coupled to the body, and are configured to be in fluid communication with the agitator chambersuch that debris collected by the rotating agitatormay be stored. Optionally, the agitator chamberand debris chamberare fluidly coupled to a vacuum source(e.g., a vacuum pump or the like) for generating a partial vacuum in the agitator chamberand debris collection chamberand to suck up debris proximate to the agitator chamberand/or agitator. As may be appreciated, the rotation of the agitatormay aid in agitating/loosening debris from the cleaning surface. Optionally, one or more filtersmay be provided to remove any debris (e.g., dust particles or the like) entrained in the partial vacuum air flow. The debris chamber, vacuum source, and/or filtersmay be at least partially located in the body. Additionally, one or more tubes, ducts, or the likemay be provided to fluidly couple the debris chamber, vacuum source, and/or filters.

With reference to, the agitatormay includes an elongated agitator bodythat is configured to extend along and rotate about a longitudinal/pivot axis PA. The agitator(e.g., but not limited to, one or more of the ends of the agitator) is permanently or removably coupled to the bodyand may be rotated about the pivot axis PA by the rotation system. The agitatormay come into contact with elongated debris such as, but not limited to, hair, string, fibers, and the like (hereinafter collectively referred to as hair for ease of explanation). The hair may have a length that is much longer than the circumference of the agitator. By way of a non-limiting example, the hair may have a length that is 2-10 times longer than the circumference of the agitator. Because of the rotation of the agitatoras well as the length and flexibility of the hair, the hair will tend to wrap around the circumference of the agitator.

As may be appreciated, an excessive amount of hair building up on the agitatormay reduce the efficiency of the agitatorand/or causing damage to the robot cleaning apparatus(e.g., the rotation systemsor the like). To address the problem of hair wrapping around the agitator, the agitatorincludes a plurality of bristlesaligned in one or more rows or strips as well as one or more sidewalls and/or continuous sidewallsadjacent to at least one row of bristles. The rows of bristlesand continuous sidewallare configured to reduce hair from becoming entangled in the bristlesof the agitator. Optionally, the combination of the bristles and sidewallmay be configured to generate an Archimedes screw force that urges/causes the hair to migrate towards one or more collection areas and/or ends of the agitator. The bristlesmay include a plurality of tufts of bristlesarranged in rows and/or one or more rows of continuous bristles.

The plurality of bristlesextend outward (e.g., generally radial outward) from the elongated agitator body(e.g., a base portion) to define one or more continuous rows. One or more of the continuous rows of bristlesmay be coupled (either permanently or removably coupled) to the elongated agitator body(e.g., to a base regionof the body) using one or more form locking connections (such as, but not limited to, a tongue and groove connection, a T-groove connection, or the like), interference connections (e.g., interference fit, press fit, friction fit, Morse taper, or the like), adhesives, fasteners overmoldings, or the like.

The rows of bristlesat least partially revolve around and extend along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis/pivot axis PA of the elongated agitator bodyof the agitator. As defined herein, a continuous row of bristlesis defined as a plurality of bristlesin which the spacing between adjacent bristlesalong the axis of rotationis less than or equal to 3 times the largest cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the bristles.

As mentioned above, the plurality of bristlesare aligned in and/or define at least one row that at least partially revolves around and extends along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis/pivot axis PA of the elongated agitator bodyof the agitator. For example, at least one of the rows of bristlesmay be arranged in a generally helical, arcuate, and/or chevron configuration/pattern/shape. Optionally, one or more of the rows of bristles(e.g., the entire row or a portion thereof) may have a constant pitch (e.g., constant helical pitch). Alternatively (or in addition), one or more of the rows of bristles(e.g., the entire row or a portion thereof) may have a variable pitch (e.g., variable helical pitch). For example, at least a portion of the row of bristlesmay have a variable pitch that is configured to accelerate the migration of hair and/or generally direct debris towards the debris collection chamber.

At least one row of bristlesis proximate to (e.g., immediately adjacent to) at least one sidewall. The sidewallmay be disposed as close as possible to the nearest row of bristles, while still allowing the bristlesto bend freely left-to-right. For example, one or more of the sidewallsmay extend substantially continuously along the row of bristles. In one embodiment, at least one sidewallextends substantially parallel to at least one of the rows of bristles. As used herein, the term “substantially parallel” is intended to mean that the separation distance between the sidewalland the row of bristlesremains within 15% of the greatest separation distance along the entire longitudinal length of the row of bristles. Also, as used herein, the term “immediately adjacent to” is intended to mean that no other structure feature or element having a height greater than the height of the sidewallis disposed between the sidewalland a closest row of bristles, and that the separation distance D between the sidewalland the closest row of bristlesis less than, or equal to, 5 mm (for example, less than or equal to 3 mm, less than or equal to 2.5 mm, less than or equal to 1.5 mm, and/or any range between 1.5 mm to 3 mm).

One or more of the sidewallsmay therefore at least partially revolve around and extend along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis/pivot axis PA of the elongated agitator bodyof the agitator. For example, at least one of the sidewallsmay be arranged in a generally helical, arcuate, and/or chevron configuration/pattern/shape. Optionally, one or more of the sidewalls(e.g., the entire row or a portion thereof) may have a constant pitch (e.g., constant helical pitch). Alternatively (or in addition), one or more of the sidewalls(e.g., the entire row or a portion thereof) may have a variable pitch (e.g., variable helical pitch).

While the agitatoris shown having a row of bristleswith a sidewallarranged behind the row of bristlesas the agitatorrotates about the pivot axis PA, the agitatormay include one or more sidewallsboth in front of and behind the row of bristles. As noted above, one or more of the sidewallsmay extend outward from a portion of the elongated agitator bodyas generally illustrated in. For example, one or more of the sidewallsmay extend outward from the baseof the elongated agitator bodyfrom which the row of bristlesis coupled and/or may extend outward from a portion of an outer peripheryof the elongated agitator body. Alternatively (or in addition), one or more of the sidewallsmay extend inward from a portion of the elongated agitator body. For example, the radially distal-most portion of the sidewallmay be disposed at a radial distance from the pivot axis PA of the elongated agitator bodythat is within 20 percent of the radial distance of the adjacent, surrounding periphery of the elongated agitator body, and the proximal-most portion of the sidewall(i.e., the portion of the sidewallwhich begins to extend away from the base) may be disposed at a radial distance that is less than the radial distance of the adjacent, surrounding periphery of the elongated agitator body. As used herein, the term “adjacent, surrounding periphery” is intended to refer to a portion of the periphery of the elongated agitator bodythat is within a range ofdegrees about the pivot axis PA.

The agitatormay therefore include at least one row of bristlessubstantially parallel to at least one sidewall. According to one embodiment, at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristlesin a row may have an overall height Hb (e.g., a height measured from the pivot axis PA) that is longer than the overall height Hs (e.g., a height measured from the pivot axis PA) of at least one of the adjacent sidewalls. Alternatively (or in addition), at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristlesin a row may have a height Hb that is 2-3 mm (e.g., but not limited to, 2.5 mm) longer than the height Hs of at least one of the adjacent sidewalls. Alternatively (or in addition), the height Hs of at least one of the adjacent sidewallsmay be 60 to 100% of the height Hb of at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristlesin the row. For example, the bristlesmay have a height Hb in the range of 12 to 32 mm (e.g., but no limited to, within the range of 18 to 20.5 mm) and the adjacent sidewallmay have a height Hs in the range of 10 to 29 mm (e.g., but no limited to, within the range of 15 to 18 mm).

The bristlesmay have a height Hb that extends at least 2 mm. beyond the distal-most end of the sidewall. The sidewallmay have a height Hs of at least 2 mm from the base, and may up a height Hs that is 50% or less of the height Hb of the bristles. At least one sidewallshould be disposed close enough to the at least one rowof bristlesto increase the stiffness of the bristlesin at least one front-to-back direction as the agitatoris rotated during normal use. The sidewallmay therefore allow the bristlesto flex much more freely in at least one side-to-side direction compared to a front-to-back direction. For example, the bristlesmay be 25%-40% (including all values and ranges therein) stiffer in the front-to-back direction compared to side-to-side direction. According to one embodiment, the sidewallmay be located adjacent to (e.g., immediately adjacent to) the rowof bristles. For example, the distal most end of the sidewall(i.e., the end of the sidewallfurthest from the center of rotation PA) may be 0-10 mm from the rowof bristles, such as 1-9 mm from the rowof bristles, 2-7 mm from the rowof bristles, and/or 1-5 mm from the rowof bristles, including all ranges and values therein.

According to one embodiment, the sidewallincludes flexible and/or elastomeric. Examples of a flexible and/or elastomeric material include, but are not limited to, rubber, silicone, and/or the like. The sidewallmay include a combination of a flexible material and fabric. The combination of a flexible material and fabric may reduce wear of the sidewall, thereby increasing the lifespan of the sidewall. The rubber may include natural and/or synthetic, and may be either a thermoplastic and/or thermosetting plastic. The rubber and/or silicone may be combined with polyester fabric. In one embodiment, sidewallmay include cast rubber and fabric (e.g., polyester fabric). The cast rubber may include natural rubber cast with a polyester fabric. Alternatively (or in addition), the cast rubber may include a polyurethane (such as, but not limited to, PU 45 Shore A) and cast with a polyester fabric.

Because the sidewallmay be assembled on a helical path, there is a requirement for the top edge and bottom edge of the sidewallto follow different helices each with a different helical radius. When a flexible material with reinforcement is selected to pass life requirements, the stretch required along these edges should be accounted for in order for the as-assembled sidewallposition to agree with the different helical radius and helical path of each edge (because the fiber materials of the composite sidewallcan reduce the flexibility of the sidewall). If this is not meet, then the distal end of the sidewallmay not be positioned at a constant distance from the bristles(e.g., within 10 mm as described herein). Therefore, the sidewallgeometry and the material choices should be selected to satisfy the spatial/positional requirements of the sidewall, the flexibility required to perform the anti-wrap function, and the durability to withstand normal use in a vacuum cleaner. The addition of a fabric may be useful in higher agitator rotation speed applications (e.g., but not limited to, upright vacuum applications).

The agitator(e.g., the bristles) should be aligned within the agitator chambersuch that the bristlesare able to contact the surface to be cleaned. The bristlesshould be stiff enough in at least one of the directions of arrows R to engage the surface to be cleaned (e.g., but not limited to, carpet fibers) without undesirable bending (e.g., stiff enough to agitate debris from the carpet), yet flexible enough to allow side-to-side bending. Both the size (e.g., height Hs) and location of the sidewallsrelative to the row of bristlesmay be configured to generally prevent and/or reduce hair from becoming entangled around the base or bottom of the bristles. The bristlesmay be sized so that when used on a hard floor, it is clear of the floor in use. However, when the surface cleaning apparatusis on carpet, the wheelswill sink in and the bristleswill penetrate the carpet. The length of bristlesmay be chosen so that it is always in contact with the floor, regardless of floor surface. Additional details of the agitator(such as, but not limited to, the bristlesand sidewall) are described in copending U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/385,572 filed Sep. 9, 2016, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

With reference to, the robot cleaning apparatusmay also include one or more debriders. The debridersincludes a plurality of fingers, ribs, and/or teethforming a comb-like structure that extends along all or a portion of the length of the agitatorwhich includes the bristlesand/or sidewalls. The fingersare configured to extend (e.g., protrude) from a portion of the robot cleaning apparatus(such as, but not limited to, the body, agitator chamber, bottom surface, and/or debris collection chamber) generally towards the agitatorsuch that at a portion of the fingerscontact an end portion of the bristlesand/or one or more of the sidewalls. Rotation of the agitatorcauses the fingersof the debriderto pass between the plurality of bristlesand contact one or more of the more of the sidewalls(e.g., as generally illustrated in), thereby preventing hair from becoming entangled on the agitator. It should be appreciated that the shape or the fingers, ribs, and/or teethare not limited to those shown and/or described in the instant application unless specifically claimed as such.

According to one embodiment, at least some of the fingers(e.g., all of the fingers) extend generally towards the agitatorsuch that a distal most end of the fingersis within 2 mm of the sidewallas the sidewallrotates past the fingers. As such, the fingersmay or may not contact the sidewall.

Alternatively (or in addition), at least some of the fingers(e.g., all of the fingers) extend generally towards the agitatorsuch that a distal most end of the fingerscontact (e.g., overlap) the sidewallas the sidewallrotates past the fingers. For example, the distal most end of the fingersmay contact up to 3 mm of the distal most end of the sidewall, for example, 1-3 mm of the distal most end of the sidewall, 0.5-3 mm of the distal most end of the sidewall, up to 2 mm of the distal most end of the sidewall, and/or 2 mm of the sidewall, including all ranges and values therein.

The fingersmay be placed along all or a part of the longitudinal length L of the debrider, for example, either evenly or randomly spaced along longitudinal length L. According to one embodiment, the density of the fingers(e.g., number of fingersper inch) may be in the range of 0.5-16 fingersper inch such as, but not limited to, 1-16 fingersper inch, 2-16 fingersper inch, 4 to 16 fingersper inch and/or 7-9 fingersper inch, including all ranges and values therein. For example, the fingersmay have a 2-5 mm center to center spacing, a 3-4 mm center to center spacing, a 3.25 mm center to center spacing, a 1-26 mm center to center spacing, up to a 127 mm center to center spacing, up to a 102 mm center to center spacing, up to a 76 mm center to center spacing, up to a 50 mm center to center spacing, a 2-26 mm center to center spacing, a 2-50.8 mm center to center spacing, and/or a 1.58-25.4 mm center to center spacing, including all ranges and values therein.

The width of the fingers(e.g., also referred to as teeth) may be configured to occupy a minimum width subject to manufacturing and strength requirements. The reduced width of the fingersmay minimize wear on the agitatorand facilitate airflow between the fingersfor clearing of hair. The collective widths of the plastic fingersmay be 30% or less than the total width of the debrider, particularly when the debrideris plastic.

The width of the fingersalong the profile and brush roll axis PA may be based on structural and molding requirements. The profile of the distal end of the fingersmay be arcuate (e.g., rounded) or may form a sharp tip (e.g., the leading edgeand the trailing edgemay intersect at the inflection point to form an acute angle). According to one embodiment, the profile of the distal end of the fingersmay be rounded and smooth, based on material and production factors. For example, the profile of the distal end of the fingersmay be 0.6-2.5 mm in diameter (such as, but not limited to, 1-2 mm in diameter and/or 1.6 mm in diameter) for a 28 mm diameter agitator.

The root gap of the fingers(e.g., the transition between adjacent fingers) may have a radial gap clearance that is from 0 to 15% of the major diameter of the agitator. For example, the root gap of the fingersmay be between 2-7% of the major diameter of the agitatorsuch as, but not limited to, 3-6% of the major diameter of the agitatorand/or 5.4% of the major diameter of the agitator. By way of a non-limiting example, the root gap of the fingersmay be a 1.5 mm gap for a 28 mm agitator.

While the fingersare illustrated being spaced in a direction extending along a longitudinal length L of the debriderthat is generally parallel to the pivot axis PA of the agitator, it should be appreciated that all or a portion of the fingersmay extend along one or more axes (e.g., a plurality of axes) in one or directions that are transverse to the pivot axis PA (e.g., but not limited to, a V shape).

Turning now towhich is a close up of region V in, the fingersinclude a leading edgeand a trailing edge. The leading edgeis defined as the portion (e.g., surface) of the fingerwhich faces towards and initially contacts the agitator(e.g., the bristles) as the agitatorrotates during normal use, while the trailing edgeis defined as the generally opposite side of the finger. The region of the leading edgethat contact/engages the bristlesis defined as the engagement portion (e.g., surface).

With reference to, the debridermay be located within the agitator chambersuch that the fingerscontact the agitatorin a region where the bristlesof the agitatorare moving generally upward (e.g., away from the surfaceto be cleaned). For example, the debridermay be disposed proximate to an upper portion of the entrance/inletto the debris collection chamber. In at least one embodiment, the debris collection chambermay be removable from the bodyand the debridermay be coupled to the debris collection chambersuch that the debrideris removed from the bodywith the debris collection chamber.

The engagement portionof at least one leading edgeof a fingermay be disposed at an angle LEA that may be defined as the angle formed by a straight line extending between the inner and outer most positions of the engagement portion(excluding the tip radius, if any) and a line extending normal from the outer most position of the engagement portion. According to this definition, the angle LEA may be between 0 and 40 degrees in the direction towards the front of the robot cleaning apparatus(e.g., generally in the direction of arrow F) as shown in, and/or may be between 0 and 5 degrees in the direction towards the back of the robot cleaning apparatus(e.g., generally opposite the direction of arrow F) as shown in(please note that the engagement portioninis not shown within the described region, however, the lines defining LEA incorrespond to the recited description).

As noted herein, the debridermay be located anywhere within the agitator chamberand/or opening. According to one embodiment, the angle LEA of the engagement portionof at least one leading edgeof a fingermay be defined as the angle formed by a straight line extending between the inner and outer most positions of the engagement portion(excluding the tip radius, if any) and a straight line extending between a midpoint of the fingerat the outer most position of the engagement portionand the center of rotation (e.g., pivot axis) of the agitator, as generally illustrated in. According to this definition, the angle LEA may be between 5 and 50 degrees. Alternatively, the angle LEA of the engagement portionof at least one leading edgeof a fingermay be defined as the angle formed by a straight line extending between the inner and outer most positions of the engagement portion(excluding the tip radius, if any) and a straight line extending between the outer most position of the engagement portionand the center of rotation (e.g., pivot axis) of the agitator, as generally illustrated in. According to this definition, the angle LEA may be between 5 and 60 degrees and/or between 15 and 90 degrees, for example, 25 degrees. In all cases, a straight line extending between the inner and outer most positions of the engagement portiondoes not pass through the center of rotation (e.g., pivot axis) of the agitator.

Turning now to, one embodiment of a debris collection chamberis generally illustrated. The debris collection chamberincludes a chamber bodyand a movable lip/coverthat define one or more debris collection cavities. The debris collection chamberincludes at least one entranceand, optionally, one or more outletswhich are configured to be in fluid communication with a vacuum source/blower. As noted herein, the debridermay be located proximate to the entranceof the debris collection chamber. According to one embodiment, at least one debridermay be mounted, coupled, and/or otherwise secured to the lid. Alternatively (or in addition), the least one debridermay be mounted, coupled, and/or otherwise secured to the chamber body. In either embodiment, the lidmay optionally be coupled to the chamber bodyby way of one or more hinges.

The robot cleaning apparatusmay also include one or more debrider cleaners. As noted herein, hair that is removed from the agitatormay collect on the fingersof the debrider. This hair must be eventually removed from the debrider. The debrider cleaner may include a plurality of debrider cleaner fingers and/or gratings that are configured to remove the hair collected on the fingersof the debriderwhen the user moves the debrider cleaner fingers/gratings relative to the debrider, without the user having to contact the hair. According to one embodiment, one or more of the debridersare coupled to the lidand one or more of the debrider cleaner fingers/gratings are coupled to the chamber body. Alternatively (or in addition), one or more of the debridersare coupled to the chamber bodyand one or more of the debrider cleaner fingers/gratings are coupled to the lid. In either case, the debridermoves relative to the debrider cleaner fingers/gratings as the user removes the lidand/or swings the lidopen from the chamber body, for example, while empting the debris cavityof the debris collection chamber.

According to yet another embodiment, at least one of the debridersis configured to be retracted or extended (for example into a portion of the chamber body, debris cavity, and/or lid) and the debrider cleaner fingers/gratings remain substantially stationary. Alternatively (or in addition), at least one of the debrider cleaner fingers/gratings is configured to be retracted or extended (for example into a portion of the chamber body, debris cavity, and/or lid) and the debridersremain substantially stationary. In all cases, the debrider cleaner fingers/gratings are in configured to move within close proximity to (e.g., within 1 mm) and/or contact the fingersof the debriderduring the relative movement of the debrider cleaner fingers/gratings and debrider.

With reference to, one embodiment of the debriderand the debrider cleaneris generally illustrated. The debrideris coupled to the lidand the debrider cleaneris coupled to the chamber body. The debrideris located at the entrance/inletof the debris collection chamberand in close proximity to the exit from the agitator chamber. The exact placement of the debridermay be dictated by optimum placement of the debriderrelative to the agitatorto collect/remove hair from the agitator.

The lidis coupled to the chamber bodyby one or more hingesthat are located near the debrider(e.g., on the same side of the debris collection chamberas the debrider). In particular, the lidis shown in the closed position inand in the open position in. As the user moves the lidfrom the closed position to the open position (e.g., to empty the collection cavity), the debrider cleaner fingers/gratingsof the debrider cleaner(best seen in) pass in close proximity to and/or contact the fingersof the debrider, thereby removing any hair that has been collected by the fingers. The size of the debrider cleaner fingers/gratingsof the debrider cleanerwill be based, at least in part, on the length of the fingers, the position of the fingersrelative to the debrider cleaner fingers/gratings, and the position of the hingerelative to the fingers.

Turning now to, another embodiment of the debriderand the debrider cleaneris generally illustrated. The debrideris coupled to the lidand the debrider cleaneris coupled to the chamber body. The debrideris located at the entrance/inletof the debris collection chamberand in close proximity to the exit from the agitator chamber. The exact placement of the debridermay be dictated by optimum placement of the debriderrelative to the agitatorto collect/remove hair from the agitator. The lidis coupled to the chamber bodyby one or more hingesthat are located on the generally opposite side of the debris collection chamberfrom the debrider.

With reference now to, at least a portion of the trailing edgeof the fingersof the debridermay include an arcuate profile. In particular, the trailing edgemay have an arcuate profile that generally corresponds to an arcthat is centered at the hinge pointof the lidand chamber body. When the lidis opened, the fingersof the debriderpass through the debrider cleaner fingers/gratingsof the debrider cleaner, and the arc profile of the trailing edgeof the fingersallows for a minimal gap and/or constant contact between the trailing edgeof the fingersand the debrider cleaner fingers/gratingsat all angles while the lidis opened.

While the debrider cleaner fingers/gratingshave been illustrated as being closed (e.g., gratings), it should be appreciated that the debrider cleaner fingers/gratingsmay be open (e.g., fingers) similar to a comb. Additionally, it should be appreciated that while the agitator, debrider, and debrider cleanerhave been described in combination with a robot cleaning apparatus, the agitator, debrider, and/or debrider cleanerare not limited to a robot cleaning apparatusunless specifically claimed as such. In particular, the agitator, debrider, and/or debrider cleanermay be integrated into any surface cleaning apparatus or surface cleaning head such as, but not limited to, upright vacuums, canister vacuums, handheld vacuums, and the like.

Turning now to, another embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus is generally illustrated. The surface cleaning apparatus may include an upright vacuum. The upright vacuummay include a body or housing, optionally one or more wheels and/or more drive devices(such as, but not limited to, one or more wheels and/or tracks driven by one or more electric motors and/or gears), and one or more cleaning devices. While not shown for clarity, the upright vacuummay also include one or more controllers, motors, sensors, and/or power sources (e.g., but not limited to, one or more batteries) disposed within and/or coupled to the body. As is well understood, the controllers, motors, sensors (and the like) may be configured to pick-up (e.g., sweep up) and collect debris (for example, optionally using suction airflow).

The cleaning devicemay include one or more agitatorsthat are rotatably driven at least partially within one or more agitator chambersdisposed within/defined by the body. The agitator chambersinclude one or more openingsdefined within and/or by a portion of the bottom surface/plateof the body. The agitatoris configured to be coupled to the body(either permanently or removably coupled thereto) and is configured to be rotated about a pivot axis PA (e.g., in the direction and/or reverse direction of arrow R) within the agitator chambersby one or more rotation systems(not shown for clarity) as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward direction of travel of the upright vacuumis generally illustrated by arrow F.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upright vacuumincludes a primary agitatorA and an optional secondary agitatorB. When rotated, the agitatorsA and/orB are configured to pickup and/or sweep debris into one or more debris collection chambers (e.g., dust bins, not shown for clarity), e.g., as generally illustrated by arrow D. The debris collection chambers may be either permanently or removably coupled to the body, and are configured to be in fluid communication with the agitator chambersuch that debris collected by the rotating agitatormay be stored. Optionally, the agitator chamberand debris chamber are fluidly coupled to a vacuum source (e.g., a vacuum pump or the like, not shown for clarity) for generating a partial vacuum in the agitator chamberand debris collection chamber and to suck up debris proximate to the agitator chamberand/or agitatorsA and/orB. As may be appreciated, the rotation of the agitatorsA and/orB may aid in agitating/loosening debris from the cleaning surface. Optionally, one or more filters may be provided to remove any debris (e.g., dust particles or the like) entrained in the partial vacuum air flow. The debris chamber, vacuum source, and/or filters may be at least partially located in the body. Additionally, one or more tubes, ducts, or the likemay be provided to fluidly couple the debris chamber, vacuum source, and/or filters.

The upright vacuummay include one or more debriders. For example, a primary debriderA may be configured to contact the primary agitatorA and a secondary debriderB may optionally be configured to contact the secondary agitatorB, e.g., as generally described herein. The debridermay include a plurality of fingers or teethas generally described herein.

The primary agitatorA may include an elongated agitator bodythat is configured to extend along and rotate about a longitudinal/pivot axis PA. The primary agitatorA (e.g., but not limited to, one or more of the ends of the agitator) is permanently or removably coupled to the bodyand may be rotated about the pivot axis PA by the rotation system. The primary agitatorA includes a plurality of bristlesand at least one sidewall and/or continuous sidewall. The primary agitatorA may include a plurality of bristlesaligned in two rows or strips, and a four sidewalls. The bristlesmay include a plurality of tufts of bristlesarranged in rows and/or one or more rows of continuous bristles. The bristlesmay include a longitudinal axis that extends along a radius of the primary agitatorA (e.g., the bristlesarranged collinearly with the radius of the primary agitatorA such that the longitudinal axis of the bristlespasses through the pivot axis PA of the primary agitatorA).

The bristlesmay extend radially outward beyond the sidewall. For example, the bristlesmay extend radially up to 5 mm beyond the sidewall, e.g., between 0.5 mm and 5 mm beyond the sidewall, between 1 mm and 5 mm beyond the sidewall, between 2 mm and 4 mm beyond the sidewall, and/or 3.5 mm beyond the sidewall. If the upright vacuumincludes a cord guard, then the bristlesshould extend below the cord guardand the sidewallshould not contact the cord guard. Alternatively, if the upright vacuumdoes not include a cord guard, then the bristlesand the sidewallcould be the same length. According to another embodiment, the sidewallmay extend beyond the distal most end of the bristles.

The primary agitatorA may include a sidewall and/or continuous sidewalladjacent to each of the rows of bristles. The bristlespreferably lead before the sidewallwhen the primary agitatorA is rotating in the direction of arrow R. The distal end of the sidewall(i.e., the end of the sidewallfurthest from the center of rotation PA) may be 0-10 mm from the adjacent rowof bristles, such as 1-9 mm from the rowof bristles, 2-7 mm from the rowof bristles, and/or 1-5 mm from the rowof bristles, including all ranges and values therein.