Vacuum Device

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/658,505, filed Jun. 11, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to vacuum cleaners and more particularly to a cyclone vacuum cleaner.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner including: a housing defining a longitudinal axis; an inlet defining an opening through which debris is provided into the housing; a cyclone chamber configured to receive the debris from the inlet, the cyclone chamber being annular, defining a central opening and a debris opening positioned radially outward of the central opening; a dust collection chamber configured to receive the debris from the cyclone chamber via the debris opening; a suction motor assembly positioned within the housing and configured to generate an airflow through the inlet and the cyclone chamber; and an airflow passage extending from the central opening of the cyclone chamber to the suction motor assembly, wherein the suction motor assembly is configured to draw the airflow from the cyclone chamber through the airflow passage, and wherein the airflow passage extends downward from the cyclone chamber and into an interior of the dust collection chamber.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, further including a separator plate positioned within the housing to separate the cyclone chamber from the dust collection chamber, wherein the debris opening is formed within the separator plate, and wherein the airflow passage passes through the separator plate.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, wherein the separator plate is movable relative to the housing to provide access to an interior of the cyclone chamber.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, wherein the inlet is located external to a remainder of the housing, the vacuum cleaner further including an internal inlet channel located within the housing and extending between the inlet and the cyclone chamber, wherein the separator plate is movable relative to the housing to provide access to an interior of the internal inlet channel.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, wherein the airflow passage extends downward and then rearward from the central opening to the suction motor assembly.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, further including a pre-motor filter positioned within the airflow passage and arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing such that the airflow through the pre-motor filter, perpendicular to a plane of the pre-motor filter, is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, wherein the airflow passage is located centrally within the dust collection chamber such that the dust collection chamber extends to either widthwise side of the airflow passage.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, wherein at least a portion of the airflow passage is integrally formed as a single component with the dust collection chamber.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, wherein the dust collection chamber is movable relative to the housing from a closed position to an open position to permit emptying of the dust collection chamber, wherein at least a portion of the airflow passage is movable with the dust collection chamber between the open position and the closed position.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, further including a grate positioned at the central opening and configured to prevent large debris within the cyclone chamber from entering the airflow passage.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner including: a housing defining a longitudinal axis; an inlet located external to a remainder of the housing, the inlet defining an opening through which debris is provided into the housing, the inlet extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; a cyclone chamber configured to receive the debris from the inlet, the cyclone chamber being annular, defining a central opening and a debris opening positioned radially outward of the central opening; an internal inlet channel located wholly within the housing and extending between the inlet and the cyclone chamber, a dust collection chamber configured to receive the debris from the cyclone chamber via the debris opening; a suction motor assembly positioned within the housing and configured to generate an airflow through the inlet, the internal inlet channel, and the cyclone chamber; an airflow passage extending from the central opening of the cyclone chamber to the suction motor assembly, wherein the suction motor assembly is configured to draw airflow from the cyclone chamber through the airflow passage, and a separator plate positioned within the housing to separate the cyclone chamber from the dust collection chamber, wherein the debris opening is formed within the separator plate, and wherein the separator plate is movable relative to the housing to provide access to an interior of the cyclone chamber and an interior of the internal inlet channel.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, wherein the separator plate defines a lower surface of at least a portion of the cyclone chamber and at least a portion of the internal inlet channel.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, wherein the separator plate is rotatable about a hinge.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, wherein the dust collection chamber is movable relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position, and wherein the separator plate is accessible for movement relative to the housing when the dust collection chamber is in the open position.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, further including at least one adjustment mechanism that selectively holds the separator plate in a use position and is rotatable away from the separator plate to allow the separator plate to be opened.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, wherein the internal inlet channel is non-linear and deviates from the longitudinal axis of the housing such that the airflow is introduced tangentially to the cyclone chamber.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner including: a housing defining a longitudinal axis; an inlet located external to a remainder of the housing, the inlet defining an opening through which debris is provided into the housing; a cyclone chamber configured to receive the debris from the inlet, the cyclone chamber being annular, defining a central opening and a debris opening positioned radially outward of the central opening; a dust collection chamber configured to receive the debris from the cyclone chamber via the debris opening; a suction motor assembly positioned within the housing and configured to generate an airflow through the inlet and the cyclone chamber; and an airflow passage extending from the central opening of the cyclone chamber to the suction motor assembly, wherein the suction motor assembly is configured to draw the airflow from the cyclone chamber through the airflow passage, wherein the housing defines a hinge pin extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the dust collection chamber defines an L-shaped bracket that extends over and around the hinge pin such that the dust collection chamber is rotatable about an axis of the hinge pin between a closed position and an open position, and wherein the L-shaped bracket is removable from the hinge pin when the dust collection chamber is in the open position such that the dust collection chamber is removable from the housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, wherein the L-shaped bracket of the dust collection chamber is not removable from the hinge pin in the closed position.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, wherein a majority of the hinge pin is visible and external to a remainder of the housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, further including a latch assembly configured to secure the dust collection chamber in the closed position, the latch assembly including a handle, a latch arm, and a catch plate, wherein the handle is a user engagement member that is coupled to the dust collection chamber and is rotatable relative to the dust collection chamber, wherein the latch arm is a bar shaped as an inverted-U engaged with the handle, and wherein the catch plate defines a hook supported by the housing that is engageable by the latch arm when the latch assembly secures the dust collection chamber to the housing in the closed position.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, further including a light configured to illuminate a surface to be cleaned by the vacuum cleaner, wherein the light includes a plurality of light emitting diodes or a plurality of fiber optic cables.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, where the suction motor assembly includes a motor, an impeller blade, and a foam sleeve positioned around the motor to decrease blade pass frequency peaks generated by a speed and a blade count of the impeller blade.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, wherein the inlet is adjustable relative to the housing such that the orientation of a distal end of the inlet is rotatable relative to the housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vacuum cleaner, wherein a lower surface of the housing includes an attachment structure for attaching to components having a mating attachment structure.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

illustrate a vacuum cleanerincluding an inlet, a cyclone chamber, a separator plate, a dust collection chamber, a pre-motor filter, a suction motor assembly, and an airflow passagebetween the pre-motor filterand the suction motor assembly. The suction motor assemblydraws air and debris (e.g., dust and larger particles and pieces) into the vacuum cleanerfrom the environment (around the vacuum cleaner) through the inlet. The air and debris are drawn through the inletand into the cyclone chamber. Within the cyclone chamber, the heavier debris falls past the separator plateand into the dust collection chamber. The air within the cyclone chamberis drawn through the central openingand downwards to into the airflow passageto pre-motor filter. The airflow is drawn from the airflow passage, through the pre-motor filterand substantially to the suction motor assemblyand then through outlet openingsin the housingof the vacuum cleaner, where the air is vented from inside the vacuum cleanerback to the environment. In some embodiments, a filteris positioned within the housingof the vacuum cleaneradjacent the outlet openingsto prevent an ingress of materials (e.g., dust, debris) into the housingthrough the outlet openings. In some embodiments, the filteris a foam material that attenuates sound, accounting for frequency peaks in the sound generated by the vacuum cleaner. In some embodiments, the filteris formed as an open cell foam sheet having a thickness of 5 mm. In some embodiments, an additional foam sleeveis positioned around the motor to further minimize blade pass frequency peaks generated by the speed and blade count of the impeller blade. In some embodiments, the foam sleevehas a thickness of 15 mm.

The housingof the vacuum cleanersurrounds and encloses the cyclone chamber, the separator plate, the pre-motor filter, the suction motor assembly, and the airflow passage. The housingmay also surround a portion of the inlet. The dust collection chamberis separable from and coupled to the housing. The housinghas a length (longer than its width and height) extending from a front end of the housingto a rear end of the housing. The inletis located at the front end of the housing. A longitudinal axis Aextends in the lengthwise direction of the vacuum cleaner. The longitudinal axis Ais substantially parallel to a horizontal ground surface on which the vacuum cleanerrests. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis Ais also parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inlet.

The housingincludes a lower surfacethat rests upon the horizontal ground surface. An upper surfaceis opposite the lower surfaceand includes a handle. The handleincludes a gripping portion and a forward post coupling the gripping portion to the remainder of the housing. The gripping portion extends longitudinally and is located above the remainder of the housing. The forward post of the handleextends at an angle upward from the upper surfacealong a central axis A. The gripping portion of the handleis angled downward (relative to the longitudinal axis A) along a central axis A, as it extends rearward. While the handleis described as having a forward post and a rearward gripping portion extending along axes A, A, the handleis also relatively rounded such that these axes A, Aare a linear fit of the respective portions. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle between the two axes A, Ais an obtuse angle (e.g., greater than 90 degrees, between 90 and 120 degrees. The housingincludes a battery receptacleconfigured to receive a rechargeable battery (not shown) adjacent a rear end and a lower end of the housing. The battery is configured to provide power to the suction motor assembly. The battery receptacle is angled (see insertion axis Aof the battery receptacle) relative to the longitudinal axis Aby approximately 10 degrees (e.g., 5-15 degrees). As shown in, a power switchis located on the handle(e.g., at a forward end of the gripping portion) and is movable between an off-position and an on-position for actuating the vacuum cleanerbetween an off-state (in which the motor assemblyis not activated) and an on-state (in which the motor assemblyis activated).

The inletis a substantially cylindrical passage that extends from a first (distal) endto a second (proximal) end. The distal endis the end through which debris is drawn into the vacuum cleaner. The second endis at (e.g., within) the housingof the vacuum cleaner and provides the debris from the inletto the cyclone chamber. As shown, an axis of the inletis substantially parallel (or colinear) with the longitudinal axis Aof the vacuum cleaner. In the embodiment shown, the inletincludes a tapered opening at the first endsuch that the opening is not perpendicular to the axis of the inlet. In other embodiments, the opening may be otherwise angled. The inletbroadens in diameter nearer to the second end. In some embodiments, attachments are attachable to the endof the inletto provide additional attachment heads suitable for different surfaces (e.g., a brushed attachment head, a crevice tool, etc.). In other embodiments, the inletmay be replaceable by alternative inlets having different attachment heads.

As shown in, an internal inlet channelis located wholly within the housingand is positioned between the inlet(which is predominantly external to the housing) and the cyclone chamber. A first endof the internal inlet channelis positioned at the second endof the inletto receive airflow and debris therefrom. A second endof the internal inlet channelis coupled directly to (e.g., is integrally formed with) the inlet of the cyclone chamberand provides the airflow and debris from the internal inlet channelto the cyclone chamber. The internal inlet channelis non-linear and deviates from the longitudinal axis Aof the inletsuch that the dirty air is introduced tangentially to the cyclone chamberthus creating a cyclone airflow within the cyclone chamber. In the embodiment shown, the internal inlet channeldefines a first curved portion extending from the first endtowards the second endand a second curved portion extending from the second endtowards the first endsuch that the passage deviates from the axis Awithout harsh corners or angles that would otherwise significantly impede airspeed or flow of debris.

The cyclone chamberis positioned rearward of the inletwithin the housingand provides diverging paths for the debris and airflow drawn through the inlet. The cyclone chamberincludes an outer cylindrical sidewallthrough which the cyclone chamberreceives the airflow and debris from the inlet. A top wallcovers one end of the cyclone chamber and an annular lower wallcovers the opposite, lower end, with the exception of a central openingand a debris openingextending therethrough. As shown, the central openingis defined by an inner cylindrical sidewallnested within the outer cylindrical sidewallthat extends upward from the lower wallto extend upward and into the interior of the cyclone chambersuch that at least a portion of the cyclone chamberhas an annular cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner cylindrical sidewallextends nearly the full height (e.g., at least two-thirds of the full height) of the cyclone chamber. The lower wallis formed at least in part by the separator platethat forms a barrier between the cyclone chamberand the dust collection chamber. In some embodiments, the separator platealso forms a barrier between the cyclone chamberand the airflow passage. The debris diverges from the airflow generated by the suction motor assemblyas the airflow is drawn upward and then down through the central openingand the debris, too heavy to move upward to the central opening, moves downward through the separator plate. In the embodiment shown, a grateis positioned over the openingto prevent debris from passing through the central opening. As shown, the gratehas a geometric (e.g., hexagonal) pattern, though other designs may be used.

The separator plateis shown in greater detail inand is defined as a plate (as shown, a substantially circular plate having an arm) having a debris openingthrough which debris is configured to pass from the cyclone chamberto the dust collection chamber. The debris openingis positioned radially outward of the central opening. As shown, the openingis formed adjacent a radial extent of the circular portion of the separator plate. The openinghas a first width at a first endand a second width, less than the first width at a second end, opposite the first end. The width of the openingtapers gradually between the two ends,in the direction of the cyclone airflow. The first endis offset from the second endby approximately 120 degrees (e.g., 110-130 degrees, 90-150 degrees, more than 90 degrees) such that the openingdoes not extend around a majority of the separator plate. As shown, the openingcovers less than 50 percent of the separator. In the embodiment shown, the openingis generally C-shaped. The openingis large enough to permit a reasonably large item of debris (that can fit through the inlet) to pass therethrough but is otherwise limited in size to limit the influence of circulating airflow within the cyclone chamberfrom stirring up the debris within the dust collection chamber. As described in greater detail below, the airflow passagealso passes through the separator plate, though is distinct from the openingand does not provide access to the dust collection chamber.

A vortex finder gap height is defined between the top of the inner cylindrical sidewalland the underside of the top walland corresponds to the non-annular portion of the cyclone chamberabove the inner cylindrical sidewall. A separator height is a height of the cyclone chamberand is defined between the separator plateand the top wall. A separator diameter is a diameter of the cyclone chamberand is defined by the interior surface of the outer cylindrical sidewall. A vortex finder diameter is defined as a diameter of the central opening. An inlet width is defined as a width of the internal inlet channelmeasured perpendicular to the airflow direction through the internal inlet channelat a location between the two ends,. In some embodiments, the inlet width may be an average inlet width. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet width is measured perpendicular to the airflow direction at the earliest intersection of the internal inlet channeland the cyclone chamber. For a separator diameter of 115 mm and an airflow of 40 CFM, the ratio between the separator diameter and the vortex finder diameter is 3.3 (e.g., 3.0-3.5, 3.3). Additionally, the ratio between the separator diameter and the separator height is 2.3 (e.g. 2.0-2.5, 2.3). Further, a ratio between the separator diameter and the inlet width is 4.6 (e.g., 4.4-4.8, 4.6). Further still a ratio between the separator height and the vortex finder height is 3.3 (e.g., 3.0-3.5, 3.3). The abovementioned ratios maximize separation efficiency while reducing the resistance of the separator.

The separator plateincludes two adjustment mechanismsthat permit a user to rotate the separator platerelative to the lower wallto remove the separator plateand provide access to the inside of the cyclone chamber. As shown, each adjustment mechanism is a tabcoupled to a postfor rotation relative to the separator plate. When each tabis rotated below the separator plate, the tabshold the separator platein a use position (i.e., locked position) to separate the interior of the cyclone chamberfrom the interior of the dust collection chamber. When each tabis rotated away from the separator plate, the separator plateis openable (e.g., removable, rotatable about hinge) to provide access to the interior of the cyclone chamber. The tabsare located within the dust collection chambersuch that the separator plateis openable when the dust collection chamberis opened and/or removed from the remainder of the housing. A user can rotate the tabswithout a tool (i.e., using only fingers) to open or remove the separator plate. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanismpermits the separator plateto pivot downward to provide access to the cyclone chamber, while other embodiments permit removal of the separator plate. In the illustrated embodiment, the separator plateextends under not only the cyclone chamber, but also the internal inlet channel. As such, when the separator plateis opened, the interior of the internal inlet channelis similarly opened up (i.e., the underside of the channelis removed) such that a majority (e.g., at least half) of the internal inlet channelbetween the two ends,is opened to simplify removal of debris from within the internal inlet channel. The separator plateis accessible for movement relative to the housingwhen the dust collection chamberis opened.

The dust collection chamberis positioned below the cyclone chamberand separator plateand receives the debris drawn in through the inletthrough the openingin the separator plate. In some embodiments, the dust collection chamberis formed of a transparent or translucent material such that a user can identify a state (empty, partially full, nearly full, entirely full, etc.) of the dust collection chamber. The dust collection chamberis located below the cyclone chamberand rearward of the inletand defines an internal storage volume for the gathered debris. The dust collection chamberis removable from the housing(and the inletand cyclone chamber) to empty the dust collection chamber. In some embodiments, the dust collection chamberis pressed inward (i.e., squeezed on opposing sides) to release clips that couple the dust collection chamberto the housing. In other embodiments, the dust collection chambermay otherwise flip downward (e.g., on a hinge) and/or have clips or buttons that are displaced to separate the dust collection chamberfrom the housing.

illustrates a hingefor supporting the dust collection chamberon the housing. As shown, the hingeis located at the undersideof the housingand at the rearward edge of the dust collection chambersuch that rotation of the dust collection chamberrelative to the housingincludes a downward rotation of the front side of the dust collection chamber. The housingincludes a hinge pindefining an axis Athat is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The hinge pinis supported at each end by aperturesformed in the housing. In other embodiments, the hinge pinmay be integrally formed with the remainder of the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, a majority of the hinge pinis visible and external to the remainder of the housing. The dust collection chamberincludes the hingeformed as an L-shaped bracketthat extends over and around the hinge pin. In particular, the dust collection chamberrotates about the axis Aof the hinge pinbetween open and closed positions and the hinge pinrests within the internal corner of the L-shaped bracket in each of the open and closed positions. In some embodiments, when the dust collection chamberis in the open position (i.e., for emptying), the dust collection chamberis slidable forward to separate the dust collection chamberfrom the hinge pinand therefore the housing. In the closed position, the geometry of the L-shaped bracket and the housingprohibit separation of the dust collection chamberfrom the housing. In some embodiments, the pre-motor filteris accessible for cleaning and/or replacement when the dust collection chamberis separated from the housing.

As shown in, the dust collection chamberis secured to the housing in the closed position via a latch assembly. The latch assemblyincludes a handle, a latch arm, and a catch plate. The handleis a user engagement member that is coupled to the dust collection chamberand is rotatable by the user relative to the dust collection chamberabout axis A. The latch armis a bar (e.g., round bar) shaped as an inverted-U, with the distal ends of the latch armengaged with the handleand collectively rotatable about the axis A. The catch platedefines a hook supported by the housing. The catch plateis engageable by the latch arm(i.e., the central portion of the latch armextends over the hook of the catch plate) when the latchsecures the dust collection chamberto the housingin the closed position. The latch armis moved out of engagement with the catch plateto open the dust collection chamberby a user moving the handleupward (i.e., rotating the handle about axis A), providing clearance between the latch armand catch plate, which allows for subsequent rotation of the latch armaway from the catch plate(about axis A).

The airflow passageextends downward and then rearward from the central openingto the suction motor assemblyand is a hollow conduit for providing suction airflow between the suction motor assemblyand the cyclone chamberand extends between a first endat the cyclone chamberand a second end at the pre-motor filterand suction motor assembly. The airflow passageis positioned centrally within the dust collection chamber, with the dust collection chamberextending forward of the airflow passageand to either widthwise side of the airflow passage. In some embodiments, the airflow passage is integrally formed as a single component with the dust collection chamber. As such, when the dust collection chamberis opened, the airflow passageis similarly opened. As such, the first endmay be accessible for cleaning upon opening the dust collection chamber.

The pre-motor filteris positioned within a rearward portion of the airflow passagedirectly upstream of the suction motor assembly. In particular, the pre-motor filter is provided in the airflow path between the cyclone chamberand the suction motor assemblyto prevent dirt, dust, and debris in the cyclone chamberfrom reaching the suction motor assembly. As described above with respect to the hinge, the dust collection chamberis openable to provide access to the pre-motor filterfor removal and cleaning or replacement of the pre-motor filter, when necessary. In other embodiments, a portion of the housingor the cyclone chamberis removable to provide access to the pre-motor filter. In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter is a pleated filter. In other embodiments, the pre-motor filter is an open-cell foam filter. As shown in, the pre-motor filteris angled substantially perpendicular (as shown by axis A) to the longitudinal axis Aof the vacuum cleanersuch that an airflow direction through the filteris substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Aas it passes rearward through the housing.

The suction motor assemblyincludes a suction motor (e.g., an electric motor) and an impeller coupled to an output shaft of the motor. The suction motor assemblyis operable to generate a working airflow along the working airflow path from the inletto the cyclone chamber, through the pre-motor filter, through the airflow passage, and to the outlet openings. In some embodiments, an outlet filter is positioned within the housingadjacent the outlet openingsto prevent debris from passing into the housing through the outlet openings. The suction motor rotates the impeller to draw dirty air (air with debris) through the inletto move the debris into the dust collection chamber. The suction motor assemblyis located rearward of the second endof the airflow passage, the cyclone chamber, the dust collection chamberand the inlet. The motor (i.e., the rotational axis Aof the motor output shaft of the motor) is angled upward at approximately 5 degrees (e.g., at least 5 degrees, 3-10 degrees, 5-15 degrees) rearward and upward relative to the longitudinal axis A.

As shown in, the undersideof the vacuum cleanerincludes a keyhole aperturefor mounting the vacuum cleaneron a screw, hook, or other protrusion. In the illustrated embodiment, the keyhole apertureis rearward of the dust collection chamberand is forward of the battery receptacle. The keyhole aperture is located in the rearmost portion of the ground engaging lower surfacesuch that when the vacuum cleaneris hung with the handleat the top and the inletat the bottom, the majority of the weight of the vacuum cleaneris below the keyhole aperture.

illustrate a vacuum cleanersimilar to the vacuum cleanerillustrated in, except as otherwise described. Reference numerals correspond to similar elements, incremented by 100. The inletof the vacuum cleaneris dissimilar from the inletwith the inclusion of an integrated bristle assembly. The integrated bristle assemblyincludes a slidable input memberpositioned on an exterior of the inletand movable (e.g., linearly slidable) by a user (e.g., a finger of a user) between a first, stowed position () and a second, extended position (). A plurality of bristlesare coupled to the slidable input memberand movable with the slidable input memberbetween the first and second positions. As shown, in the first position, the plurality of bristlesare substantially positioned within the inlet, with a majority (e.g., at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 90%) of the length of the bristleswithin the inletand rearward of the first endof the inlet. In the second position, the plurality of bristlesextend substantially out of and forward of the endof the inletsuch that the bristles are configured to engage a surface to be cleaned to assist with the collection of debris by the inlet.

illustrates a vacuum cleanersimilar to the vacuum cleanerillustrated in, except as otherwise described. Reference numerals correspond to similar elements, incremented by 200. A light ringis provided around the inletand in particular is formed adjacent the second endof the inleton a forward-facing surface of the housing. The light ringprovides illumination in the area being cleaned as it provides illumination on all sides of the inlet. In some embodiments, the light ringis actuated on when the motor is actuated. In some embodiments, the light ringis formed of a plurality (e.g., eight) of individual light emitting diodes (LEDs). In other embodiments, the light ringis formed of a plurality of fiber optic cables. In some embodiments, a diffuser is positioned in front of the light ring to provide a more consistent light output.

illustrates a vacuum cleanersimilar to the vacuum cleanerillustrated in, except as otherwise described. Reference numerals correspond to similar elements, incremented by 300. The vacuum cleanerhas an inletthat is dissimilar from the inlet. The inletis capable of rotation relative to the housingof the vacuum cleaner. As shown, the inletincludes a forward component, which defines the first distal endthrough which debris enters the vacuum cleaner. A rearward component, formed separate from the forward component, defines the second endof the inletthrough which the debris passes into the housing. Each of the first and second components,are substantially tubular, defining a passage through which the debris passes into the housing, with a bendable, corrugated tubeextending between the first and second components,. The first componentincludes a pair of rearwardly extending armsA on diametrically opposed sides. The second componentincludes similar armsB, extending forward to engage the armsA of the first component. The first and second sets of armsA,B define a rotational axis Aabout which the first componentis rotatable relative to the second componentto modify the inlet angle of the first endrelative to the housing. As shown, one or both of the first armsA include a toothed wheel for selectively engaging with a toothof a slidercoupled to the second component. In a forward position, as shown, the toothengages teethC of the wheel to hold the angle of the first componentrelative to the second component. In some embodiments, the slideris locked into the forward position until it is moved rearward by a user to a rearward, unlocked position, in which the toothdisengages the toothed wheelC, allowing for relative rotation of the components,. In other embodiments, the slideris biased into the forward position (e.g., by a biasing member such as a spring). The bias may be overcome be manually sliding the sliderrearward or by otherwise rotating the first componentuntil the biasing force is overcome.

illustrates an inletfor a vacuum cleaner similar to the vacuum cleanerillustrated in, except as otherwise described. Reference numerals correspond to similar elements, incremented by 400. The inletis formed of three separate, yet connection components, a first componentlocated at a first endof the inlet, a second componentlocated rearward of the first component, and a third componentlocated rearward of the first and second components,and defining the second endof the inlet. The first componentis coupled to and rotatable relative to the second component, the second componentis coupled to and rotatable relative to the third component, and the third componentis coupled to the housing of a vacuum cleaner. Each of the three components,are generally cylindrical to define the inlet, though the first and second components,are trapezoidal (when viewed from the side) such that rotation of the first and/or second components,modify an angle of the first endrelative to the second end. In a first orientation, the three components,,are aligned with one another such that the inletis linear. In a second orientation, the second componentis rotated relative to the third componentsuch that the first endis angled approximately 45 degrees relative to the second end. In a third orientation, the first componentis further rotated relative to the second componentsuch that the first endis angled perpendicular to the second end.

illustrate an inletfor a vacuum cleaner similar to the vacuum cleanerillustrated in, except as otherwise described. Reference numerals correspond to similar elements, incremented by 500. The inletis capable of rotation relative to a housing of a vacuum cleaner. As shown, the inletincludes a forward component, which defines the first distal endthrough which debris enters the vacuum cleaner. A rearward component, formed separate from the forward component, defines the second endof the inletthrough which the debris passes out of the inlet. Each of the first and second components,are substantially tubular, defining a passage through which the debris passes. The first componentis coupled to the second componentfor rotation relative to the second component in a similar manner as the first and second components,of the inletshown in. A toothed wheelis mounted to the inletat the point of relative rotation. A prongextends from a basethat is coupled to (e.g., extends around) the first component. The prongis moveable into () and out of () engagement with the teeth of the toothed wheelto selectively inhibit or allow rotation of the first componentrelative to the second component.

illustrates an inletfor a vacuum cleaner similar to the vacuum cleanerillustrated in, except as otherwise described. Reference numerals correspond to similar elements, incremented by 600. At least a portion of the inlet(and, as shown, the distal end) is capable of rotation relative to a housing of a vacuum cleaner. As shown, the inletincludes a forward component, which defines the first distal endthrough which debris enters the vacuum cleaner. A rearward component, formed separate from the forward component, defines the second endof the inletthrough which the debris passes into the housing. Each of the first and second components,are substantially tubular, defining a passage through which the debris passes into the housing, with a bendable, corrugated tubeextending between the first and second components,. The first componentincludes a pair of rearwardly extending armson diametrically opposed sides. The second componentincludes similar arms, extending forward to engage the armsof the first component. The interaction between the two components,defines a rotational axis about which the first componentis rotatable relative to the second componentto modify the inlet angle of the first endrelative to the second end. Armsare coupled to the first componentand are biased into engagement with the second componentto maintain a desired angle between the two components,. The armsinclude headsthat extend radially inward from the remainder of the armsto engage the second component. The armsare pressable radially inward (against the bias) to unseat the headsfrom engagement with the second componentof the inletto permit rotation of the first componentrelative to the second component. In releasing the arms, the arms are biased again into engagement with the second componentto hold the relative angle between the two components,.