Patent ID: 6295692
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: A47L

Abstract:
A cleaning apparatus convertible between upright, canister, and backpack modes, comprising: a power unit assembly including: an electric motor, an impeller powered by said electric motor to establish a suction, thereby creating an airflow in an intake port and out an exhaust port, a power cord connecting said motor to a power source, an on/off means for turning said motor on and off, an intake port for receiving air from a base unit, an exhaust port for exhausting air, a power unit housing for containing said power unit assembly, a base unit attachment means for attachment with a base unit, and a head attachment means for attachment with a head; a base unit including: an intake port for receiving air containing a suspended particulate substance, said intake port further comprising a hose attachment means for cooperation with a hose; a filter means for separating, filtering, collecting, and storing said particulate substance, thereby creating filtered air, an exhaust port for venting said filtered air to said power unit intake port, an upright handle attachment means for attachment with a handle means, a backplate attachment means for attachment with a backplate, a pair of rear wheels and a front surface contact means; a handle means for attachment to said base unit, whereby a user is able to grasp said handle means and thereby use said apparatus in upright form; a head for contacting a floor surface, said head including an alignment pin for releasably connecting said head with said head attachment means of said power unit assembly; and a backplate for releasable attachment with said base unit, said backplate including: a backplate pad, engagement means for releasable attachment to the base unit, and shoulder straps and a belt for allowing said backplate to be worn on the user's back; wherein said backplate allows said apparatus to be worn on a user's back in a backpack mode; wherein said base unit can be placed upon said floor surface, said apparatus thereby in a canister mode; and wherein handle means allows a user to push and pull said apparatus across said floor surface, said apparatus thereby in a upright mode.