Patent ID: 8122566
Filing Date: 2012-02-28
Classification: A47L

Abstract:
1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a base having a first air inlet; a rear housing pivotally mounted to the base; a removable handle assembly comprising a grip, a second air inlet, and a flexible hose in fluid communication with the second air inlet; a socket formed in the rear housing to selectively receive at least part of the removable handle assembly; a valve assembly having a first valve inlet in fluid communication with the first air inlet, a second valve inlet in fluid communication with the flexible hose, a valve outlet in fluid communication with a vacuum fan, and a valve member adapted to move between a first valve position in which the first valve inlet is in fluid communication with the valve outlet, and a second valve position in which the second valve inlet is in fluid communication with the valve outlet; a handle latch; a linkage connecting the handle latch to the valve member to thereby move the valve member in synchronization with the handle latch; and wherein the handle latch has a first latch position in which it engages the removable handle assembly to hold it in connection with the socket and places the valve member in the first valve position, and a second latch position in which it releases the removable handle assembly to permit the removable handle assembly to be removed from the socket and places the valve member in the second position.