Abstract:
A vacuum cleaner ( 100 ) comprises a main body ( 3 ), separating apparatus, a flexible hose ( 20 ) having one end for coupling to an input of the separating apparatus and the other end terminating in a connecting part ( 40 ), a rigid pipe ( 9, 10 ) being selectively connectable to the main body ( 3 ) (see FIG.  2 A) so as to provide a handle for the cleaner when connected to the main body ( 3 ), or a wand when released from the main body ( 3 ). The pipe ( 9 ) has an opening at each of first and second ends ( 16, 17 ) and a gripping portion ( 11 ) at the first end ( 17 ) for allowing a user to grasp the pipe ( 9 ). The hose connecting part ( 40 ) is connectable to the opening at either end ( 16, 17 ) of the pipe ( 9 ). Thus, the pipe ( 9 ) can be more conveniently used during a cylinder mode of cleaning.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a hose and wand assembly. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   An upright vacuum cleaner generally comprises a cleaner head rotatably mounted to the lower end of the main body of the vacuum cleaner. The cleaner head has a downwardly directed dirty air inlet through which dirty air is sucked into dust separation apparatus. The dust separation apparatus usually takes the form of a bag or a cyclonic separator. This type of vacuum cleaner is often convertible between an upright mode of operation and a cylinder mode of operation. 
   In the upright mode, the vacuum cleaner is moved over the surface to be cleaned so that the dirty air enters the dust separation apparatus via the dirty air inlet in the cleaner head whilst the main body is inclined rearwardly. The vacuum cleaner comprises an upwardly extending handle which the user can use to move the vacuum cleaner over the surface to be cleaned. 
   In the cylinder mode, the main body is put into an upright position and a wand, which is connected to the vacuum cleaner by a length of flexible hose, is used to introduce dirty air to the dust separation apparatus. 
   One known type of upright vacuum cleaner described in EP 134654 comprises a wand having a generally rigid pipe portion and a generally flexible hose portion. The hose portion is connected at one end to the main body of the vacuum cleaner and at the other end to the rigid pipe. The rigid pipe is selectively connectable to the main body of the vacuum cleaner so as to form a handle for the cleaner in an upright mode, or a wand in a cylinder mode. This arrangement avoids the need to store an additional pipe on the cleaner for use as a wand, since the pipe serves as both a handle for the cleaner and a wand. 
   In the upright mode, the rigid pipe portion is slid telescopically inside the hose portion and secured to the back of the main body of the vacuum cleaner so that the rigid pipe portion extends upwardly from the main body to form a handle. The user can then grasp the handle to move the cleaner head over the surface to be cleaned. In the cylinder mode, the rigid pipe portion is connected to the main body of the vacuum cleaner via the flexible hose. The pipe portion is released from the main body of the cleaner to allow a user to grip the rigid pipe portion and to manoeuvre it freely with respect to the main body in the manner of a wand. Tools such as a nozzle or brush are attached to the distal end of the rigid pipe portion, which forms the dirty air inlet of the vacuum cleaner for cleaning those parts of a room which cannot be reached with the normal cleaner head, such as confined spaces, furnishings and other above-floor cleaning. 
   While the wand and flexible hose allow a user freedom in their cleaning, the rigid pipe can sometimes be difficult to use. The handle portion of the pipe, which a user grasps to manoeuvre the cleaner during the upright mode of cleaning, is located remote from the user and can sometimes cause an obstruction when a user is attempting to reach a confined space. Also, the position of the handle at the remote end of the pipe results in a significant portion of the weight being at this end of the wand, which can also make the wand difficult to use. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,867,833 shows a vacuum cleaner in which a pipe serves the two functions of being part of a handle for the machine, when the pipe is stowed in the cleaner body, and an extension wand for use in cleaning when the pipe is removed from the cleaner body. 
   The present invention seeks to allow a vacuum cleaner to be more convenient to use. 
   A first aspect of this provides a hose and wand assembly for a vacuum cleaner, of the type which includes a main body having an inlet to a separating apparatus. The hose and wand assembly includes a flexible hose having one end for coupling to the inlet of the separating apparatus and the other end terminating in a connecting part and a rigid pipe that is selectively connectable to the main body so as either to provide a handle for the cleaner when it is connected to the main body or to act as a wand when released from the main body, the pipe having an opening at each of first and second ends and having a gripping portion at the first end for allowing a user to grasp the pipe, the hose connecting part being connectable to the opening end of the pipe. 
   This has an advantage that the rigid pipe can be more conveniently used during a cylinder mode of cleaning. By connecting the flexible hose to the first end of the pipe, adjacent the gripping portion, a user can more easily manoeuvre the pipe, reaching into confined spaces without the hindrance of the gripping portion at the remote end of the pipe. Also, since the gripping portion is at the end of the pipe near to the user, the user can use the gripping portion to manoeuvre the pipe. Furthermore, the position of the gripping portion near to the user reduces the weight at the distal end of the pipe, which also improves manoeuvrability and comfort for the user. 
   The gripping portion is a part of the pipe which is intended to be used as a handle. It can be a part of the pipe which is shaped or has surface features such as ridges which allows a user to grip the pipe or it can be a separate part which extends from the pipe. 
   Preferably the openings at the first and second ends of the pipe are of the same shape. Alternatively, the openings at the first and second ends of the pipe are of different shape, and the cleaner further comprises an adapter having an inlet which is connectable to the first end of the pipe and an outlet which fits the hose connecting part. 
   Preferably the vacuum cleaner further comprises an accessory tool having an outlet which is connectable to the openings at the first and second ends of the pipe. More preferably, the outlet of the accessory tool is also connectable to the hose connecting part. This can be achieved by providing the accessory tool with an outlet which has sleeves of two different diameters. 
   Another aspect of the invention provides a handle for a vacuum cleaner comprising a rigid pipe which is selectively connectable to a main body of the cleaner so as to provide a handle for the cleaner when connected to the main body, or a wand when released from the main body, the pipe having an opening at each of first and second ends and having a gripping portion at the first end for allowing a user to grasp the pipe, the openings being of the same shape so that either opening can connect to a connecting part of a flexible hose for connecting to a separating apparatus of the cleaner. 
   A further aspect of the invention provides a vacuum cleaner incorporating a hose and wand assembly or a handle of the above type. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  shows an upright type of vacuum cleaner; 
       FIG. 2A  shows the vacuum cleaner of  FIG. 1  used in an upright mode of operation; 
       FIG. 2B  shows the vacuum cleaner of  FIG. 1  used in a cylinder mode of operation; 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a first way of using the cleaner of  FIG. 1  in a cylinder mode of operation; 
       FIGS. 4A–C  show a second way of using the cleaner of  FIG. 1  in a cylinder mode of operation; 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  show a third way of using the cleaner of  FIG. 1  in a cylinder mode of operation; 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  show an accessory tool for use in the arrangements of  FIGS. 3A–5B ; 
       FIGS. 7A to 7D  show, in more detail, the insert which is fitted inside the tool of  FIGS. 6A and 6B ; 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  show an adapter for use in the arrangement of  FIGS. 4A and 4B ; 
       FIGS. 9A to 9D  show alternative arrangements to that shown in  FIGS. 3A to 8B . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The vacuum cleaner  100  comprises a cleaner head  1  rotatably mounted to the lower end of the main body  3  of the vacuum cleaner  100 . The main body  3  houses dust separating apparatus (not shown). This can take the form of one or more cyclonic separating devices, a dust bag or some other form of separating apparatus. A pair of wheels  5  are also mounted at the lower end of the main body  3  via a motor casing  6  from which the cleaner head  1  extends in a forward direction. 
   The cleaner head  1  has a dirty air inlet  7  located at its forward end and facing downwardly so that, in use in an upright mode, the dirty air inlet  7  contacts a surface to be cleaned and dirty air enters the cleaner head  1  via the dirty air inlet  7  before being conducted to the dust separating apparatus. A wand  9  is releasably attached to the rear of the main body  3  of the vacuum cleaner  100 . 
   In the upright cleaning mode, as shown in  FIG. 2A , the wand  9  is clipped to the main body  3  of the vacuum cleaner  100  so that the wand  9  extends upwardly from the main body  3 . The gripping portion  12  of the handle  11  is grasped by the user and the main body  3  of the vacuum cleaner  100  is tilted rearwardly towards the user and away from the cleaner head  1 . 
   In the cylinder cleaning mode, as shown in  FIG. 2B , the wand  9  is detached from the main body  3  of the vacuum cleaner  100  and extended for use, the distal end  17  of the wand  9  becoming the active dirty air inlet. A valve (not shown) is provided for shutting off the dirty air inlet in the cleaner head  1  when the cleaner is used in the cylinder mode. The valve is responsive to the position of the wand  9  with respect to the main body  3  of the cleaner. When the wand  9  is attached to the main body  3  and retracted inside the hose  20 , for an upright mode of operation, the valve allows dirty air to flow from the cleaner head  1 . When the wand  9  is detached from the main body  3  the valve allows dirty air to flow from the pipe  10 . A suitable valve mechanism is described in U.S. Re.32,257. 
   The wand  9  comprises a rigid pipe portion  10  and a flexible hose portion  20 . The proximal end  16  of the rigid pipe portion  10  is slidably and releasably connected to one end of the flexible hose portion to allow telescopic sliding of the pipe portion  10  within the hose portion  20 . The proximal end  16  of the flexible hose portion is fixedly connected to the lower end of the main body  3  of the vacuum cleaner. The pipe portion  10  and hose portion  20  together provide an air flow path into the dust separation apparatus when the vacuum cleaner is used in a cylinder mode. In this embodiment, the pipe portion  10  of the wand  9  consists of a straight, hollow tube having no internal bends. This reduces the risk of blockage and also allows the user to look down the pipe  10  in case of a blockage and to remove the blockage by introducing an elongate tool into the pipe portion from one end. However, as described further below, the pipe  10  does not have to be straight along its entire length. 
   The pipe portion  10  extends upwardly from the main body  3  of the vacuum cleaner to form a handle  11  when the vacuum cleaner  100  is to be used in its upright mode. The handle  11  comprises a gripping portion  12  which extends forwardly and downwardly from the distal end of the pipe portion  10  at an acute angle to longitudinal axis of the pipe portion  10 . The gripping portion  12  comprises an outer portion  13  having a curved outer surface and an inner portion  15 . The gripping portion  12  is shaped so as to be comfortable for a user to hold. A lower portion  18  of the handle  11  extends from the forward end of the gripping portion  12  downwardly and rearwardly to attach the gripping portion  12  of the handle  11  to the pipe portion  10  at a point approximately midway between the distal end of the pipe portion  10  and the top of the main body  3  of the vacuum cleaner  100 . The lower portion  18  braces the gripping portion and provides strength and stability thereto. As an alternative to a pipe  10  which is straight along its entire length, the pipe  10  can have a bend close to its distal end, the distal portion of the pipe  10  serving as a handle. 
   Preferably, a cap  19  is pivotably attached to the distal end  17  of the pipe portion  10  at a pivot point  25  on either side of the pipe portion  10 . The pivot points  25  are located beneath the point at which the gripping portion  12  is attached to the pipe portion  10 . The cap  19  comprises an outer curved surface  21  remote from the pivot points  25  and two side walls  20 . The side walls  20  each extend downwardly from the curved surface  21  to the respective pivot point  25  on either side of the rigid pipe portion  10 . The outer curved surface  21  is longer than the end of the pipe portion  10 . Biasing means (not shown) such as a spring or resilient strip, urge the cap  19  into the closed position. The cap  19 , in its closed position, covers the remote end of the wand  9  to prevent objects dropping down into the wand  9  and also to reduce the risk of injury through improper use. 
   In the cylinder mode, the wand  9  is released from the main body  3  of the vacuum cleaner  100 . The cap  19  is tilted rearwardly away from the open, distal end  27  of the wand  9  to expose the dirty air inlet. Accessory tools  31  can then be attached to the wand  9 . The accessory tools  31  can include a nozzle  33 , a circular brush  35  and a crevice tool  37  and a grooming tool (not shown) for use with absorbent powder on carpets. Attaching a tool, as required, to the open end  27  of the wand  9  forms the dirty air inlet of the vacuum cleaner  100  and retains the cap  19  in the open position. 
   The accessory tools  31  can be stored on top of the dust separating apparatus of the vacuum cleaner  100  so that they are easily accessible. Alternatively, they can be stored on top of the cleaner head  1 . The tools  31  can be stored on corresponding sockets or pegs or held by clips. 
     FIGS. 3A to 9D  show the various ways in which the cleaner  100  can be used in a cylinder mode. 
   A user can use the cleaner  100  in various ways, depending on the cleaning job that a user has to perform. 
   For jobs where the user wants to hold a wand and requires some distance between the accessory tool and the user, such as cleaning along the edge of a skirting board without bending down, or in reaching places high in a room, the accessory tool  31  is mounted to one end of the wand  9  and the user holds the other end of the wand  9  to direct the tool. The accessory tool  31  can be mounted to either end  16 ,  17  of the wand  9 . Firstly,  FIG. 3A  shows a known arrangement. Hose connector  40  is connected to end  16  of the wand  9 . A tool  31  is mounted to distal end  17  of the wand  9 . Using the cleaner in this manner is quick for the user as the hose connector  40  is already connected to end  16  of pipe  10  when the cleaner is used in an upright mode ( FIG. 2A .) The user simply releases wand  9  from the main body  3  of the cleaner using release mechanism  8  and mounts the accessory tool  31  to end  17 . However, as previously described, there is a disadvantage that the user needs to hold the wand  9  by the hose connector  40 . 
     FIG. 4A  shows hose connector  40  connected to distal end  17  of the wand  9 . A tool  31  is mounted to end  16  of the wand  9 . As before, the user releases wand  9  from the main body  3  of the cleaner using release mechanism  8 . The hose connector  40  is disconnected from end  16  of the wand  9  and connected to end  17  of the wand  9 . An adapter  70  is used to make the connection to end  17 . Accessory tool  31  is then mounted to end  16  of the wand  9 . With this arrangement, a user benefits from having the handle in a position which is comfortable to use. 
   For cleaning jobs in confined spaces, where the user wants to hold the accessory tool, such as cleaning the interior of a car or upholstery, it is preferable to connect an accessory tool directly to the end of the hose portion  20 .  FIG. 5A  shows accessory tool  31  connected directly to the hose connector  40 . To achieve this, the user releases wand  9  from the main body  3  of the cleaner using release mechanism  8 . The hose connector  40  is disconnected from end  16  of the wand  9  and connected to the accessory tool  31 . 
   Each accessory tool  31  is capable of fitting on to the hose connector  40  or to either end  16 ,  17  of the wand  9 . This is achieved by providing the accessory tool with an outlet which has sleeves of two diameter diameters.  FIGS. 6A and 6B  show the accessory tool  31  in more detail. The outlet of the tool  31  has a first portion  61  of diameter d 1  and a second portion  62 , adjacent the outlet, of a wider diameter d 2 . The different diameter portions  61 ,  62  of the outlet can be achieved by moulding the tool with an outlet in this form. It is also possible to modify existing tools, having an outlet of one diameter (d 2 ).  FIGS. 6A and 6B  show an insert  80  fitted in the outlet of tool  31  providing the two diameter portions  61 ,  62 .  FIGS. 7A to 7D  show the insert  80  in more detail. It comprises a narrow sleeve  83  which fits within the outlet of an accessory tool  31  and provides the portion  61  of diameter d 1  and a wider sleeve  84  which provides portion  62  or wider diameter d 2 . When the insert  80  is fitted into the outlet of tool  31 , lip  86  of the insert abuts the end of the outlet of the tool  31 . The insert is preferably fitted in the tool by spin-welding, but other techniques can be used, such as the use of an adhesive. Ribs  81 ,  82  are provided on the interior surface of insert  80  and serve, in use, to grip the hose connector  40  or ends  16 ,  17  of the wand  9 . 
     FIGS. 3B ,  4 B,  4 C,  5 B show cross-sectional views through the different connection arrangements and show in more detail how the accessory tool  31  and adapter  70  allow these connection arrangements. 
     FIG. 3B  is a cross-section along A—A of  FIG. 3A . End  17  of wand  9  fits within portion  62  (diameter d 2 ) of the tool  31  outlet. 
     FIGS. 4B and 4C  are views of the ends of the cross-section along  4 C— 4 C of  FIG. 4A . End  16  of the wand  9  fits within portion  61  (diameter d 1 ) of the outlet of tool  31  while hose connector  40  fits to end  17  of the wand  9  via adapter  70 . Adapter  70  provides a female-to-female connection between the hose connector  40  and end  17  of the wand  9 . The inlets of adapter  70  are of equal diameter (d 2 ). 
     FIG. 5B  is a cross-section along  5 B— 5 B of  FIG. 5A . Hose connector  40  fits within portion  62  (diameter d 2 ) of the outlet of accessory tool  31 . 
     FIGS. 8A and 8B  show the female-to-female adapter  70  in more detail. Ribs  71 ,  72  are provided on the interior surface of the inlets to the adapter  70 . Both inlets are of equal diameter (d 2 ). An articulated joint  72  is provided part-way along the length of the adapter. This allows the hose connector  40  to be positioned at an angle to the wand  9  and increases comfort for the user. 
     FIGS. 9A to 9C  show an alternative arrangement by which the hose connector  40  and accessory tools  31  can be connected to either end of the wand  9 . Modified wand  109  is the same as wand  9 , except that both ends  16 ,  17  of the wand have plugs  115 ,  116  of the same shape. This allows the hose connector  40  to connect to either end of the wand without the need for the adapter  70 . As in the previous embodiment, each accessory tool  31  has an outlet with portions of two different diameters. These can be provided as an insert part to an existing tool or, more preferably, are moulded integrally with the tool. To connect accessory tool  31  to hose connector  40  portion  62  of tool  31 , having a diameter d 2 , fits around the inner sleeve  42  of the hose connector  40 . To connect accessory tool  31  to either end of wand  109 , portion  61  of tool  31 , having a diameter d 1 , fits around the plug  115 ,  116  at the end of wand  109 . 
   Wand  109  is modified at end  17 , see region  110 , to allow a greater clearance between the handle and the pipe  115  to accommodate the cuff of hose connector  40  when it is fitted at this end of the wand. 
   A further alternative arrangement is shown in  FIG. 9D . As with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9A–9C , wand  109  has a plug  115 ,  116  of diameter d 1  at each end. This embodiment differs in that modified tool  31 ′ has an outlet only of diameter d 1  which allows it to fit around the plugs  115 ,  116  at either end of the wand  109 . The hose connector  40 ′ is modified with respect to hose connector  40  in that it has an inlet which can fit both the plugs  115 ,  116  at either end of the wand  109  and the tool  31 ′. Portion  43  of the hose connector  40 ′ has a diameter d 1 , as before, but instead of the tool fitting around a sleeve on the hose connector, as previously shown in  FIG. 5B , the tool  31 ′ fits within sleeve  45  of the connector  40 ′, having a diameter d 3 , and sits in portion  44  of the connector  40 ′. Thus, it is the hose connector  40 ′ which has the double diameter connector. This has the advantage that the tools  31 ′, of which there are a plurality, have a narrower inlet diameter and a shorter inlet length compared with the tools  31 . Therefore the tools  31 ′ are easier to store as they occupy less storage space. 
   In each of the described embodiments, the plug at each end  16 ,  17  of the wand  9  can be in the form of a metal pipe, such as an aluminium pipe, or a part moulded in a suitable material such as plastics. 
   Variations to the described embodiments will be apparent to a skilled person and are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.