SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS

A hand vacuum cleaner has a front end, a rear end, and a central longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The hand vacuum cleaner has an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A first stage air treatment chamber and a suction motor are provided in the air flow passage. The longitudinal axis extends between a front end and a rear end of the first stage air treatment chamber. The hand vacuum cleaner has a stationary component and a rotatable component rotatably mounted to the stationary component about a rotational axis. The rotatable component, which includes at least a portion of the first stage air treatment chamber and suction motor, is moveable between an in-use position in which the first stage air treatment chamber is closed and an emptying position in which the first stage air treatment chamber is open.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to an emptying mechanism for a surface cleaning apparatus and a surface cleaning apparatus having same. The surface cleaning apparatus is optionally a hand vacuum cleaner.

INTRODUCTION

Various types of surface cleaning apparatus are known. Such surface cleaning apparatus include vacuum cleaners, including upright vacuum cleaners, hand carryable vacuum cleaners, canister-type vacuum cleaners, extractors and wet/dry type vacuum cleaners (e.g. Shop-Vac™). Some vacuum cleaners include a cyclonic separator (also referred to as a cyclone bin assembly) having a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. A suction motor is used to draw air through the surface cleaning apparatus. A filter, such as a pre-motor filter, may be provided in the airflow path through the surface cleaning apparatus.

SUMMARY

This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.

In one aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus, which may be a hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus, is provided which has a housing, which defines at least part of an air treatment chamber and at least part of a filter chamber. The housing is operable (e.g., pivotally moveable) between an in use position and an emptying position. In the emptying position, each of the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber are opened. An advantage of such a design is that a single movement may permit dirt collected in the air treatment chamber to be emptied and the filter to be removed. A further advantage is that the housing may be emptied without removing any component from the surface cleaning apparatus.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a front end and a rear end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends, the hand vacuum cleaner having:(a) a main body;(b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet wherein an air treatment chamber, a filter in a filter chamber and a suction motor are provided in the air flow passage;(c) a housing rotatably mounted to the main body about a rotational axis, the housing including at least a portion of the air treatment chamber and at least a portion of the filter chamber, the housing moveable between an in use position in which each of the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber are closed and an emptying position in which each of the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber are open, a first end of the housing having an open end of the air treatment chamber when the housing is in the emptying position and a second end of the housing longitudinally spaced from the first end having an open end of the filter chamber when the housing is in the emptying position, wherein when the housing is in emptying position, the first end is located on one side of the rotational axis and the second end is located on an opposite side of the rotational axis.

In some embodiments, the housing may be rotatably mounted to the main body at a location between the first and second ends.

In some embodiments, the hand vacuum cleaner may have an upper end and a lower end and, when the housing is in emptying position, the first end may face downwardly and the second end may face upwardly.

In some embodiments, the filter may be located in the portion of the filter chamber provided in the housing.

In some embodiments, the open end of the air treatment chamber may extend in a first plane, the longitudinal axis may intersect the first plane and an included angle between the longitudinal axis and the first plane may be acute, and the open end of the filter chamber may extend in a second plane that is generally parallel to the first plane.

In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the dirty air inlet, the filter may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the air treatment chamber and the suction motor may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the filter wherein the air treatment chamber, the filter and the suction motor may be arranged linearly when the housing is in the in use position.

In another aspect, when the housing is in emptying position, the first end may be located on one side of the longitudinal axis and the second end may be located on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a front end and a rear end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends, the hand vacuum cleaner having:(a) a main body;(b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet wherein an air treatment chamber, a filter in a filter chamber and a suction motor are provided in the air flow passage;(c) a housing rotatably mounted to the main body, the housing including at least a portion of the air treatment chamber and at least a portion of the filter chamber, the housing moveable between an in use position in which each of the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber are closed and an emptying position in which the each of the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber are open, a first end of the housing having an open end of the air treatment chamber when the housing is in the emptying position and a second end of the housing longitudinally spaced from the first end having an open end of the filter chamber when the housing is in the emptying position,wherein when the housing is in emptying position, the first end is located on one side of the longitudinal axis and the second end is located on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the housing may be rotatably mounted to the main body at a location between the first and second ends.

In some embodiments, the hand vacuum cleaner may have an upper end and a lower end and, when the housing is in emptying position, the first end may face downwardly and the second end may face upwardly.

In some embodiments, the filter may be located in the portion of the filter chamber provided in the housing.

In some embodiments, the open end of the air treatment chamber may extend in a first plane, the longitudinal axis may intersect the first plane and an included angle between the longitudinal axis and the first plane may be acute, and the open end of the filter chamber may extend in a second plane that is parallel to the first plane.

In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the dirty air inlet, the filter may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the air treatment chamber and the suction motor may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the filter wherein the air treatment chamber, the filter and the suction motor may be arranged linearly when the housing is in the in use position.

In another aspect, as the housing is moved from the in use position to the emptying position, the first end is moved in a first direction and the second end is moved in a direction opposite to the first direction.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a front end and a rear end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends, the hand vacuum cleaner having:(a) a main body;(b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet wherein an air treatment chamber, a filter in a filter chamber and a suction motor are provided in the air flow passage;(c) a housing moveably mounted to the main body, the housing including at least a portion of the air treatment chamber and at least a portion of the filter chamber, the housing moveable between an in use position in which each of the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber are closed and an emptying position in which the each of the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber are open, a first end of the housing having an open end of the air treatment chamber when the housing is in the emptying position and a second end of the housing longitudinally spaced from the first end having an open end of the filter chamber when the housing is in the emptying position,wherein as the housing is moved from the in use position to the emptying position, the first end is moved in a first direction and the second end is moved in a direction opposite to the first direction.

In some embodiments, the housing may be moveably mounted to the main body at a location between the first and second ends.

In some embodiments, the hand vacuum cleaner may have an upper end and a lower end and, when the housing is in emptying position, the first end may face downwardly and the second end may face upwardly.

In some embodiments, the filter may be located in the portion of the filter chamber provided in the housing.

In some embodiments, the open end of the air treatment chamber may extend in a first plane, the longitudinal axis may intersect the first plane and an included angle between the longitudinal axis and the first plane may be acute, and the open end of the filter chamber may extend in a second plane that is parallel to the first plane.

In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the dirty air inlet, the filter may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the air treatment chamber and the suction motor may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the filter wherein the air treatment chamber, the filter and the suction motor may be arranged linearly when the housing is in the in use position.

In another aspect, the sidewall of the surface cleaning apparatus includes a longitudinally extending portion, which may be a lower portion, that moves between a closed position and an open emptying position.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a front end, a rear end, an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends, the hand vacuum cleaner having:(a) a main body;(b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet wherein an air treatment chamber, a pre-motor filter in a pre-motor filter chamber and a suction motor are provided in the air flow passage; and,(c) the air treatment chamber having a front end, a rear end and a sidewall extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber, the sidewall of the air treatment chamber including an upper longitudinally extending portion and a lower longitudinally extending portion, wherein the upper and lower longitudinally extending portions abut at a juncture that extends longitudinally and the upper and lower longitudinally extending portions are moveably between a closed position and an open emptying position.

In some embodiments, the juncture may be located in a longitudinally extending plane.

In some embodiments, the longitudinally extending plane may extend generally horizontally when an upper portion of the hand vacuum cleaner is positioned above a lower portion of the hand vacuum cleaner.

In some embodiments, the lower longitudinally extending portion may rotate downwardly.

In some embodiments, a forward portion of the lower longitudinally extending portion may be pivotally mounted to a remainder of the hand vacuum cleaner.

In some embodiments, a rearward portion of the lower longitudinally extending portion may be pivotally mounted to a remainder of the hand vacuum cleaner.

In some embodiments, a screen may be positioned in the air treatment chamber wherein the screen may be moveable to a cleaning position.

In some embodiments, when the lower longitudinally extending portion is in the open emptying position, the screen may be moveable to the cleaning position.

In some embodiments, the screen may be moveable to the cleaning position concurrently with the lower longitudinally extending portion moving to the open emptying position.

In some embodiments, the screen may be rotatably mounted at a rear end of the air treatment chamber.

In some embodiments, the lower longitudinally extending portion may rotate downwardly and the screen may rotate the same amount as the lower longitudinally extending portion.

In some embodiments, the lower longitudinally extending portion may rotate downwardly and the screen may rotate a lesser amount than the lower longitudinally extending portion.

In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may have a cyclone chamber.

In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter may be removable through the air treatment chamber when the lower longitudinally extending portion is in the open emptying position.

In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter may be translatable forwardly once the lower longitudinally extending portion is in the open emptying position.

In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter may be removable when the lower longitudinally extending portion is in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter may be removable through an opening provided in a longitudinally extending sidewall of the main body.

In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter may be removable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter may be provided in a pre-motor filter housing and a portion of the housing may form a portion of the sidewall of the main body.

In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be pivotally mounted to the main body and the pre-motor filter chamber may be opened when the air treatment chamber is pivoted to an open position.

In another aspect, the filter chamber may be opened by rotating portion of the hand vacuum cleaner relative to another portion of the hand vacuum cleaner so as to open the filter chamber and, optionally, a rear end of the filter chamber. An advantage such a design is that the filter may be removed without opening the air treatment chamber.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a front end, a rear end, an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends, the hand vacuum cleaner having:(a) a main body,(b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet wherein an air treatment chamber, a pre-motor filter in a pre-motor filter chamber and a suction motor are provided in the air flow passage, and,wherein the air treatment chamber may be provided in a housing that may be rotatably mounted to the main body and moveable between a closed in use position and an open position and the pre-motor filter chamber may be opened when the housing may be rotated to the open position.

In some embodiments, the housing may be pivotally mounted to the main body.

In some embodiments, a rear end of the pre-motor filter chamber may be rotatably mounted to the main body.

In some embodiments, a rear end of the housing may be rotatably mounted to the main body.

In some embodiments, a rear end of the pre-motor filter chamber may be opened when the housing is rotated to the open position.

In some embodiments, a rear end of the pre-motor filter chamber may be opened and may face upwardly when the housing is rotated to the open position and the upper end of the longitudinal axis extends horizontally.

In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be provided in the housing.

In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be provided in the housing forward of the pre-motor filter.

In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may have a cyclone chamber.

In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be openable independently of the pre-motor filter chamber.

In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be openable after the pre-motor filter chamber has been opened.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may have a handle wherein the handle may have a hand grip portion that may extend generally axially.

In some embodiments, a rear end of the pre-motor filter chamber may be opened and may face upwardly when the housing is rotated to the open position and the upper end of the longitudinal axis extends horizontally.

In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter may be a porous filter media.

In some embodiments, the porous filter media may include a foam filter.

In another aspect, a housing of an air treatment chamber, which may be a cyclone chamber, includes a forward portion and a rearward portion wherein at least one of the forward and rearward portions is moveable between a closed position and an open emptying position. In the closed position, the forward and rearward portions meet along a line that is diagonal to the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a front end, a rear end, an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends, the hand vacuum cleaner having:(a) a main body;(b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet wherein an air treatment chamber and a suction motor are provided in the air flow passage; and,(c) a housing including the air treatment chamber having a front end, a rear end and a sidewall extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber, the housing including a forward portion having a rearward edge and a rearward portion having a forward edge,wherein the forward edge and rearward edge abut at a juncture that extends at an angle between 5 and 85° to the longitudinal axis and the forward and rearward portions are moveably between a closed position and an open emptying position in which the air treatment chamber may be opened.

In some embodiments, the forward and rearward portions may be rotatably mounted with respect to each other.

In some embodiments, the forward portion may include the air inlet.

In some embodiments, the forward portion may be pivotally mounted to a forward end of the rearward portion.

In some embodiments, the forward portion may be rotated forwardly from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may include a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber may be provided exterior to the cyclone chamber and both the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber may be opened when the forward and rearward portions are in the open emptying position.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may have an ejector provided in the cyclone chamber wherein the ejector may be translatable forwardly.

In some embodiments, the ejector may be translatable forwardly subsequent to the cyclone chamber opening.

In some embodiments, the ejector may include an annular member moveable between an in use position in which the ejector may be positioned at a rear end of the cyclone chamber and an emptying position in which the ejector has been translated forwardly.

In some embodiments, the rearward edge of the forward portion may have a front most portion and a rearmost portion and the forward edge of the rearward portion may have a front most portion and a rearmost portion and, in the closed position, the rearmost portion of the rearward edge may be rearward of the front most portion of the forward edge and the front most portion of the forward edge may be forward of the rearmost portion of the rearward edge.

In some embodiments, the rearmost portion of the rearward edge may be below the front most portion of the rearward edge when the longitudinal axis is horizontal and the upper end is above the lower end.

In some embodiments, the juncture may extend upwardly and forwardly when the longitudinal axis is horizontal and the upper end is above the lower end.

In some embodiments, the forward portion may be rotated rearwardly from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, the rearmost portion of the rearward edge may be above the front most portion of the rearward edge when the longitudinal axis is horizontal and the upper end is above the lower end.

In some embodiments, the juncture extends upwardly and rearwardly when the longitudinal axis is horizontal and the upper end is above the lower end.

In some embodiments, the rearward portion may be pivotally mounted to the main body.

In some embodiments, each of the forward portion and the rearward portion may be rotatably mounted to the main body.

In some embodiments, the forward portion may be rotatably mounted to an upper end of the main body and the rearward portion may be rotatably mounted to a lower end of the main body.

In another aspect, a sidewall of a housing of the surface cleaning apparatus is rearwardly translatable.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a front end, a rear end, an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends, the hand vacuum cleaner having:(a) a main body;(b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet wherein an air treatment chamber and a suction motor are provided in the air flow passage; and,(c) a housing including the air treatment chamber having a front end, a rear end and a sidewall extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber, wherein the front end may be rotatably mountable to the hand vacuum cleaner between an in use position and an open emptying position and the sidewall may be translatable rearwardly when the front end may be in the open emptying position.

In some embodiments, the front end may be rotated rearwardly from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, the front end may include the dirty air inlet.

In some embodiments, the front end may include a cleaning tool electrical connector electrically engageable with a cleaning tool.

In some embodiments, the sidewall may include an electrical lead extending from a main body electrical contact to the cleaning tool electrical connector.

In some embodiments, the sidewall may be translatable between a forward position and a rearward emptying position and the electrical lead may be electrically connected to the main body electrical contact when the sidewall is in its forward position.

In some embodiments, the electrical lead may be disconnected from the main body electrical contact when the sidewall is in its rearward position.

These and other aspects and features of various embodiments will be described in greater detail below.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Various apparatuses, methods and compositions are 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 apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses, methods and compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus, method or composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses, methods or compositions described below. It is possible that an apparatus, method or composition described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, method or composition 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 applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

General Description of a Vacuum Cleaner

FIGS.1to8,19to22, and23to26show exemplary embodiments of a surface cleaning apparatus100, each of which may use one or more aspects of an emptying mechanism that are disclosed herein. The following is a general discussion of the exemplary embodiments of the surface cleaning apparatus100, which provides a basis for understanding several of the features discussed herein. As discussed subsequently, each of the features may be used individually or in any particular combination or sub-combination in these or in other embodiments disclosed herein.

The surface cleaning apparatus100may be any type of surface cleaning apparatus including, for example, a hand vacuum cleaner (as shown), a stick vacuum cleaner, an upright vacuum cleaner, a canister vacuum cleaner, an extractor, or a wet/dry type vacuum cleaner. In the embodiments shown, the surface cleaning apparatus100is a hand vacuum cleaner. Optionally, the surface cleaning apparatus may use one or more cyclones and may therefore be a cyclonic surface cleaning apparatus.

As exemplified inFIGS.1,19, and23, the surface cleaning apparatus100has a front end102, a rear end104, and a longitudinal axis106extending between the front and rear ends102,104. The surface cleaning apparatus100has an upper end101and a lower end103. The surface cleaning apparatus100has a dirty air inlet110, a clean air outlet112, and an airflow passage extending therebetween. The airflow passage has a direction of flow from the dirty air inlet110to the clean air outlet112. An air treatment member, which may comprise an air treatment chamber120, a filter chamber130, and a suction motor114are provided in the airflow passage. It will be appreciated that the air treatment member may comprise one or more stages wherein each stage comprises at least one air treatment chamber. Each air treatment chamber may be a non-cyclonic momentum separator or a cyclone chamber. Any non-cyclonic momentum separator or cyclone chamber may be used in any air treatment stage.

The surface cleaning apparatus100has a main body108, which includes a handle116. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the main body108extends from the front end102to the rear end104. In the embodiments shown inFIGS.19and23, the handle116is a pistol grip handle extending downwardly from a lower surface of the main body108. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown inFIG.19, the main body108extends rearwardly from the front end102toward the rear end104and the handle116is provided on a lower surface forward of the rear end. In the embodiment shown inFIG.23, the rear portion of the main body108, which is exemplified as a suction motor housing115and which houses the suction motor114, is a separate component from the remainder of the main body108. In this embodiment, the pistol grip handle116extends downwardly from a lower surface of the suction motor housing115. It will be appreciated that, in the embodiment ofFIG.23, any handle may be used.

Referring still to the examples shown inFIGS.1,19, and23, a housing140is mounted to the main body108. The housing140has a first end142, a second end144, and a sidewall146extending from the first end142to the second end144. The second end144is longitudinally (rearwardly as exemplified) spaced from the first end142. The housing140includes at least a portion of the air treatment chamber120and at least a portion of the filter chamber130(see e.g.,FIGS.1and23). The housing140can further include at least a portion of the suction motor housing115(see e.g.,FIG.19wherein a portion of the front end of the motor housing115is part of the rear end of housing140). It will be appreciated that a main body that receives a moveable housing140may be of various designs.

The air treatment chamber120has a first end122and a second end124with a sidewall126extending therebetween. The air treatment chamber120has an upper end121and a lower end123. In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber120may comprise a cyclone, a plurality of cyclones, or a plurality of cyclonic stages. As exemplified inFIGS.5,20, and24, the air treatment chamber120comprises a single cyclone chamber. As exemplified inFIGS.22and26, the air treatment chamber120comprises a first stage cyclone chamber119a, having a single cyclone, and a second stage cyclone chamber119b, having a single cyclone. It will be appreciated that housing140may comprise only part of, essentially all, or all of the air treatment chamber120. The remainder of the air treatment chamber may be part of the main body108.

The air treatment chamber120may house a porous member128, which is positioned in the airflow passage downstream of the dirty air inlet110, for removing particulate matter from air flowing through the airflow passage. In some embodiments, the porous member128may be, for example, a screen or shroud as is known in the art.

The filter chamber130may be positioned downstream from the air treatment chamber120and upstream of the suction motor114. Accordingly, the filter chamber130may be a pre-motor filter chamber. The filter chamber130has a first end132, a second end134, and a sidewall136extending therebetween. The filter chamber130has an upper end131and a lower end133. At least one filter138is located within the filter chamber130. It will be appreciated that the filter138may be any filter known in the art. For example, the filter138may be physical filter media such as one or more of a foam filter, a felt filter, a HEPA filter or the like. It will be appreciated that housing140may comprise only part of, essentially all, or all of the filter chamber130. The remainder of the filter chamber130may be part of the main body108. For example, when in the emptying position, the filter138may remain in the main body108.

As exemplified, in use, air flows into the surface cleaning apparatus100through the dirty air inlet110, through an air inlet conduit111, and into the air treatment chamber120through a dirty air outlet113of the air inlet conduit111. The air exits through the screen128, which separates particulate matter from the air exiting the air treatment chamber120. The particulate matter settles in a first dirt collecting region154interior of the air treatment chamber120(see e.g.,FIGS.5,20, and24) and/or in a second dirt collecting region156exterior to the first dirt collecting region154(which may be referred to as a dirt collection chamber). For example, particulate matter may pass through a dirt outlet155(which may be in the form of a slot in a sidewall of the cyclone chamber), which may be in the sidewall126of the air treatment chamber120, into the second dirt collecting region156, such as a dirt collection chamber which may be below the air treatment chamber120, and which as exemplified is defined between the sidewall126of the air treatment chamber120and the sidewall146of the housing140(see e.g.,FIGS.21and25). As another example, if the air treatment chamber120includes first and second stage cyclone chambers119a,119b, larger particulate matter that is separated by the first stage cyclone chamber119asettles in the first dirt collecting region154interior of the first stage cyclone chamber119a. Finer particulate matter that passes through the screen128is separated in the second stage cyclone chamber119band settles in the second dirt collecting region156. For example, the second stage cyclone chamber119bmay have one or more dirt outlets155, and particulate matter may pass through the slot outlets (e.g., by momentum) into the second dirt collecting region156, such as a dirt collection chamber internal to the screen128and positioned annularly about the air inlet conduit111(see e.g.,FIGS.22and26).

The air exits the air treatment chamber120and then travels through the filter chamber130whereupon the air passes through the filter138. The airflows from the filter138to the suction motor114, then to a post-motor filter (if present), and then out the clean air outlet112.

It will be appreciated that the various elements discussed herein are for reference for the discussion of the specific exemplified embodiments and that the elements such as the handle, the screen and filter, the suction motor and the like may be of various constructions known in the art. It will also be appreciated that some elements that are discussed are optional and need not be in any particular embodiment.

Description of a Moveable Housing with One or More Openable Opposed Ends

In some cases, emptying a dirt container, such as an air treatment chamber in which dirt is accumulated, may be complicated and may run the risk of collected dirt not being received in the desired refuse receptacle. Further, a user may have to handle a part that is dirty or the user may have to handle a part that is near to the emptying end of a dirt container of a surface cleaning apparatus. For example, a user may have to remove a dirty filter or other components of the surface cleaning apparatus in order to empty the collected dust and particulate matter. Removing components increases the likelihood of spreading dust and particulate matter as well as dirtying the user's hands.

According to this aspect, housing140is moveably mounted to the main body108. As the housing140is moved from the in use position to the emptying position, the first end142is moved in a first direction and the second end144is moved in a direction opposite to the first direction. For example, the housing140may be rotatably mounted to the main body108, and as the housing140is rotated to the emptying position, the first end142may move in a downward (or alternatively upward) direction to open the first end142and, optionally, the second end144. Such a structure may allow the surface cleaning apparatus to be emptied easily, without having to remove any additional components and without a user having to handle any portion of the surface cleaning apparatus proximate the open end of the dirt collection region(s) of the surface cleaning apparatus.

As exemplified inFIGS.3,4, and24to26, the air treatment chamber120is at an opposite side of the rotational axis152of the pivot150to the filter chamber130and at an opposite end (first end142) of the housing140to the filter chamber130(second end144). Accordingly, as exemplified inFIGS.3,4, and24, when in the emptying position, the housing140may provide access to the air treatment chamber120and the first dirt collecting region154at the open first end142, and the filter chamber130at the open second end144. As exemplified inFIGS.25and26, when in the emptying position, the housing140may also provide access to the second dirt collecting region156at the open first end142.FIGS.1to8and23to26exemplify embodiments wherein all of the lower end of the air treatment chamber120is part of housing140and accordingly housing140includes a substantial portion of the air treatment chamber120. Similarly, all of the upper end of the filter chamber130is part of housing140and accordingly housing140includes a substantial portion of the filter chamber130.

As exemplified inFIGS.20to22, the air treatment chamber120is at an opposite side of the rotational axis152of the pivot150to the suction motor housing115and at an opposite end (first end142) of the housing140to the suction motor housing115(second end144). Accordingly, when in the emptying position, the housing140may provide access to the air treatment chamber120, the first dirt collecting region154and, when present, the second dirt collecting region156at the open first end142. The housing140may not provide access to the suction motor housing115at the closed second end144or, alternatively, may open the suction motor housing115providing access to the suction motor114and/or post-motor filter, if present, therein.FIGS.19to22exemplify embodiments wherein all of the lower end of the air treatment chamber120, filter chamber130, and suction motor housing115is part of the housing140(i.e., the second end144of the housing140is at the rear end104of the surface cleaning apparatus100) and accordingly the housing140includes a substantial portion of the air treatment chamber120, all of the filter chamber130, and all of the suction motor housing115.

Accordingly, when in the emptying position, the first dirt collecting region154in the air treatment chamber120can be emptied through the open first end142of the housing144. When present, the second direct collecting region156can also be emptied through the open first end142of the housing144at the same time. When the housing140is in the emptying position, the user may further have access to the filter138in the filter housing130or the suction motor114(or post-motor filter, if present) in the suction motor housing115, such as for cleaning and/or replacement.

It will be appreciated that, if a second air treatment stage (e.g., a second cyclonic stage) is provided, then pivoting the housing may also open a front end of the second stage cyclone chamber and/or the rear end of the second stage cyclone chamber may be opened.

Referring to the embodiments exemplified inFIGS.1to8,19to22, and23to26, the front of the filter chamber130abuts the rear of the air treatment chamber120and the two chambers may be separated by a single wall having the air treatment chamber air outlet therein. As exemplified in119a,119b, the front of the second stage cyclone chamber119bmay abut the rear of the first stage cyclone chamber119a, and the front of the filter chamber130may abut the rear of the second stage cyclone chamber119b. The second stage cyclone chamber119bmay be separated from the filter chamber130by a single wall having the air treatment chamber air outlet therein. It will be appreciated that, in an alternate embodiment, the second stage may comprise a plurality of cyclones that may be arranged around part or all of the first stage air treatment chamber or may be partially or fully nested in the first stage air treatment chamber.

As exemplified inFIGS.1to8, the housing140is pivotally mounted to the main body108by the pivot150. The pivot150allows the housing140to rotate about the rotational axis152. The housing140may be pivotally mounted to the main body at a location between the one of the first and second ends142,144, or at a location therebetween. As exemplified, the pivot150is located approximately at the midpoint of the housing140between the first end142and the second end144. An advantage of such a placement is that, when the housing is in the emptying position, the open end of the filter chamber130may be positioned on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis106from the open end of the air treatment chamber120, and, optionally, radially outwardly of the outer surface of the surface cleaning apparatus. For example, referring toFIG.5B, the first end142is located below the longitudinal axis106while the second end144is located above the longitudinal axis106.

It will be appreciated that the length in the longitudinal direction of the air treatment chamber120in housing140may be similar to the length in the longitudinal direction of the filter chamber130in housing140. Therefore, if the pivot150is located at a location approximately midway along the length in the longitudinal direction of the housing140, then pivot150may be located at or proximate to the rear end of the air treatment chamber120.

Similarly, in the embodiments exemplified inFIGS.19to22and23to26, the housing140is pivotally mounted to the main body108by the pivot150and may be pivotally mounted to the main body108by the pivot150at a location forward of the suction motor114. As exemplified inFIGS.20to21and24to25, the housing140may alternately or in addition be pivotally mounted to the main body108by the pivot150at a location rearward of the air treatment chamber120such that the rotational axis152of the pivot150extends through the filter chamber130. As exemplified inFIGS.22and26, the air treatment chamber120includes the first stage cyclone chamber119aand the second stage cyclone chamber119brearward of the first stage cyclone chamber119aand the housing140is optionally pivotally mounted to the main body108by the pivot150at a location rearward of the first stage cyclone chamber119asuch that the rotational axis152of the pivot150extends through the second stage cyclone chamber119b. It will be appreciated that the placement of the pivot may be at any location as discussed elsewhere herein. The placement of the pivot150as described can have similar advantages to those described previously with respect to the pivot placement inFIGS.1to8.

It will be appreciated that the length in the longitudinal direction of the first cyclone chamber119ain housing140may be similar to the length in the longitudinal direction of the filter chamber130(or optionally depending upon the components included in the housing140, the length in the longitudinal direction of the filter chamber130and/or the second cyclone chamber119band/or the suction motor housing115) in housing140. Therefore, the pivot150is located at a location approximately midway along the length in the longitudinal direction of the housing140. Alternately, the pivot may be located adjacent a center of gravity of the housing such that the part of the housing forward of the pivot has about the same weight as the portion of the housing rearward of the pivot.

Referring still toFIGS.19to22and23to26, as exemplified, the pivot150can further be positioned forward of the handle116. As shown, the main body108may include a yoke member153that may be positioned forward of the handle116, and the housing140is pivotally mounted by the pivot150to the yoke member153. The yoke member153may connect a forward portion of the main body108with a rearward portion of the main body108(including the handle116and, optionally, suction motor housing115as exemplified inFIG.23B). The yoke member153includes opposed ears, the ears extending across laterally opposed side of the surface cleaning apparatus100in respective planes that are transverse to the longitudinal axis106of the surface cleaning apparatus100. As exemplified, the yoke member153is positioned proximate the second end124of the air treatment chamber120. The housing140is positioned between the ears of the yoke member153and rotatably mounted therebetween. An advantage of such a placement is that, when the housing140moves to the emptying position, it may rotate freely without obstruction by the handle116. Further, when in the emptying position, the lower surface of the housing140may be forward of the handle116such that the user's fingers gripping the handle may not be pinched between the lower surface of the housing140and the handle116. In alternate embodiments, it will be appreciated that the upper end of the handle may provide a pivot mount or may provide a yoke structure.

When in the emptying position, as exemplified inFIGS.3,4, and24to26, each of the air treatment chamber120and the filter chamber130are open. The first end142of the housing provides an open end of the air treatment chamber120when the housing140is in the emptying position. The second end144of the housing140provides an open end of the filter chamber130when the housing140is in the emptying position. In other words, the first end142of the housing140is open such that the portion of the air treatment chamber120in the housing140may be accessed. The second end144of the housing140is open such that the portion of the filter chamber130in the housing140may be accessed. In some embodiments, when in the emptying position as exemplified inFIGS.20to22, only the air treatment chamber120is open.

As described above, during use, and when in the in use position, dust and particulate matter are separated from the air by the screen128. The dust and particulate matter collect in the first dust collecting region154in the air treatment chamber120, at least a portion of which is provided in housing140. As such, the housing140also collects dust and particulate matter in the portion of the housing140defining the air treatment chamber120. The dust and particulate matter further collect in the second dust collecting region156, if present, which is provided in the housing140, such as a dirt collection chamber that is external to the air treatment chamber120(see e.g.,FIGS.21and25) or a second stage dirt collection chamber interior to the screen128(see e.g.,FIGS.22and26). When the housing140is moved or rotated to the emptying position, the open first end142of the housing140provides an open end of the air treatment chamber120and dirt collecting regions154,156. The dust and particulate matter can then be emptied from the housing140, the air treatment chamber120, and the dirt collecting regions154,156, through the first end142, e.g., by gravity.

Similarly, the housing140includes at least a portion of the filter chamber130. In some embodiments, the filter138may be located in the portion of the filter chamber130provided in the housing140. As exemplified inFIGS.3,4, and24to26, the filter138is located in the portion of the filter chamber130provided in the housing140. When the housing140is moved or rotated to the emptying position, the second end144of the housing140provides an open end of the filter chamber130. The filter138may then be removed from the housing140through the second end144. It will be appreciated that the main body may contain part of the filter chamber and that the filter may remain in position in the part of the filter chamber of the main body when the housing is in the emptying position.

In some embodiments, when in the in use position, the air treatment chamber120, the filter138, and the suction motor114may be arranged linearly. For example, as shown inFIGS.1,2, and19to26, the air treatment chamber120is positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the dirty air inlet110, the filter138is positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the air treatment chamber120and the suction motor114is positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the filter138such that the air treatment chamber120, the filter138and the suction motor114are arranged linearly when the housing140is in the in use position.

The open end of the air treatment chamber defined by housing140and the open end of the filter chamber defined by housing140may be of various shapes and may mate with abutting surfaces of the main body to define a closed air treatment chamber and a closed filter chamber. As illustrated inFIG.5A, the open end of the air treatment chamber120(first end142) extends in a first plane160and the open end of the filter chamber130(second end144) extends in a second plane162that maybe generally parallel to the first plane160. The longitudinal axis106may intersect the first plane160. An included angle164between the longitudinal axis106and the first plane160may be acute (e.g., 30-60°, optionally about 45°).

As exemplified inFIGS.3,4, and23to26, when the housing140is in the emptying position, the first end142may face downwardly and the second end144may face upwardly. By having the first end142face downwardly, the open end of the air treatment chamber120may be used to empty air treatment chamber120of dust and particulate matter using gravity. By having the second end144face upwardly, the filter138does not fall out when the housing140is emptied. Additionally, the filter138may be easily removed.

As exemplified, pivot axis152extends horizontally (when longitudinal axis106extends horizontally. Therefore, as exemplified inFIGS.2to4and19to26, when moved from the in use position to the emptying position, the first end142moves downwardly while the second end144moves upwardly. As such, when in the emptying position, the first end142is positioned below the longitudinal axis106and faces downwardly, and the rear end144is positioned above the longitudinal axis106and faces upwardly. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, pivot axis152may extend in a different plane. For example, it may extend vertically when the longitudinal axis extends horizontally. In such a case, the first direction may be forwardly while the direction opposite to the first direction may be rearwardly (i.e., as the housing140is pivoted open, the open end of the air treatment chamber may rotate rearwardly and the open end of the filter chamber may pivot forwardly.

In some embodiments, a lock releasable by a release mechanism, may be used secure the housing140in the in use position. The release mechanism may be located on the housing or on the main body. As exemplified inFIG.3, the main body108includes a housing release mechanism170. When pressed, the housing release mechanism170allows the housing140to move from the in use position to the emptying position.

Description of Axially Openable Air Treatment Chamber

In some embodiments, the sidewall126of the air treatment chamber120may include an upper longitudinally extending portion125and a lower longitudinally extending portion127. The upper and lower longitudinally extending portions125,127may abut at a juncture129that extends generally longitudinally. The juncture129may be located in a longitudinally extending plane166. As exemplified inFIGS.11A to11D, the longitudinally extending plane166may extend generally horizontally when the upper end101of the surface cleaning apparatus100(which may include the inlet nozzle) is positioned above the lower end103of the surface cleaning apparatus. As exemplified inFIGS.11A to11D, the longitudinally extending plane166may extend generally horizontally. As exemplified inFIGS.11A to11D, the longitudinally extending plane166may extend from the first end122to the second end124of the air treatment chamber120. In some embodiments, the longitudinally extending plane166may extend generally horizontally for only a portion of the juncture129between the first end122and the second end124. As exemplified inFIGS.9A to10D, the longitudinally extending plane166extends generally horizontally for a substantial portion of the distance between the second end124and the first end122.

The upper and lower longitudinally extending portions125,127may be moveable between a closed position and an open emptying position. As exemplified, at least a portion of the lower longitudinally extending portion127may be pivotally mounted to the main body108or another portion of the hand vacuum cleaner. As exemplified inFIGS.9A to11D, the lower longitudinally extending portion127is pivotally mounted to the main body108by a pivot200, about rotational axis202.

The lower longitudinally extending portion127may rotate downwardly to provide access to the air treatment chamber120. As exemplified inFIGS.9A to10D, a rearward portion of the lower longitudinally extending portion127may be pivotally mounted to the main body108, and as such, the lower longitudinally extending portion127may rotate rearwardly.

Alternately, as exemplified inFIGS.11A to11D, a forward portion of the lower longitudinally extending portion127may be pivotally mounted to the main body108by pivot200, and as such, the lower longitudinally extending portion127may rotate downwardly or forwardly.

It will be appreciated that the pivot200may be located at the first end122of the air treatment chamber120(as exemplified byFIGS.11A to11D), the second end124of the air treatment chamber120(as exemplified byFIGS.9A to10D), or any location therebetween if, e.g., only part of longitudinal length of the lower portion is moveably mounted. It will also be appreciated that any longitudinally extending portion of the sidewall of the air treatment chamber120may be moveable (e.g., the upper portion or a side portion) and therefore the pivot200may be located at the upper end101, the lower end103(as exemplified byFIGS.11A to11D), or at a location therebetween (as exemplified byFIGS.10A to11D).

As described above, during use, and when in the in use position, dust and particulate matter are separated from the air by the air treatment chamber120. The dust and particulate matter collect in the air treatment chamber120. When the lower longitudinally extending portion127is moved or rotated to the emptying position, the air treatment chamber120is opened. The dust and particulate matter can then be emptied from the air treatment chamber120through the opening e.g., by gravity. As exemplified inFIGS.9A to10D, when the lower longitudinally extending portion127is moved to the emptying position, dust and particulate matter may be released from the air treatment chamber120by sliding along the lower end123and out of the surface cleaning apparatus100.

In embodiments where the lower longitudinally extending portion127includes only a portion of the lower end123of the air treatment chamber120, when the lower longitudinally extending portion127is in the emptying position, the surface cleaning apparatus100may also be tipped forward or backwards to remove any of the dust and particulate matter that was not removed when the lower longitudinally extending member initially moved to the emptying position.

It will be appreciated that if the air treatment chamber120Has a dirt collection chamber external thereto, then both the air treatment chamber120and the dirt collection chamber may be concurrently opened.

Description of Forwardly and Rearwardly Openable Housing Portions

In accordance with another aspect, the air treatment chamber may be constructed from two portions, at least one of which is openable, wherein the two parts abut along a juncture that extends at a diagonal to the longitudinal chamber axis. Embodiments of such a design are exemplified inFIGS.12A to17D.

As exemplified, the surface cleaning apparatus100may have a housing240. The housing240has a first end242, a second end244, and a sidewall245extending therebetween The housing240includes the air treatment chamber120such that the first and second ends242,244of the housing240may be the same as the first and second ends122,124of the air treatment chamber120. The housing240has a forward portion246having a rearward edge248and a rearward portion250having a forward edge252. As exemplified inFIGS.12A to17D, the forward portion246may include the dirty air inlet110.

In some embodiments, the rearward edge248of the forward portion246has a front most portion247and a rearmost portion249and the forward edge252of the rearward portion250has a front most portion251and a rearmost portion253(see for example (seeFIG.12B). When in the closed position, the rearmost portion249of the rearward edge248may be rearward of the front most portion251of the forward edge252and the front most portion251of the forward edge252is forward of the rearmost portion249of the rearward edge248.

In some embodiments, the rearmost portion249of the rearward edge248is below the front most portion247of the rearward edge248when the longitudinal axis106is horizontal and the upper end101is above the lower end103(see for example (seeFIG.12B).

In some embodiments, the rearmost portion249of the rearward edge248is above the front most portion247of the rearward edge248when the longitudinal axis106is horizontal and the upper end101is above the lower end103(see for example (seeFIG.16B).

The forward edge252and the rearward edge248may abut at a juncture260. The juncture260may extend at angle262to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the angle262is between 5 and 85 degrees to the longitudinal axis106. In some embodiments, the angle262may be between 15 and 75 degrees to the longitudinal axis106. In some embodiments, the angle262may be between 30 and 60 degrees to the longitudinal axis106. As exemplified inFIGS.12A to15E, juncture260may extend upwardly and forwardly when the longitudinal axis106is horizontal and the upper end101is above the lower end103. As exemplified inFIGS.16A to17D, the juncture260may extend upwardly and rearwardly when the longitudinal axis106is horizontal and the upper end101is above the lower end103.

The forward and rearward portions246,250are moveable between a closed position and an open emptying position in which the air treatment chamber120is opened. The forward and rearward portions246,250may be rotatably mounted with respect to each other. As exemplified inFIGS.12A to15E, the forward portion246is pivotally mounted to the front most portion251of the rearward portion250by a pivot204, about rotational axis206. The forward portion246may be rotated forwardly from the closed position (as exemplified byFIG.12A) to the open position (as exemplified byFIG.12B). As exemplified byFIGS.16A to16D, the forward portion246may be rotated rearwardly from the closed position to the open emptying position. Accordingly, the rearward portion250may be pivotally mounted to the main body108.

As exemplified inFIG.17A to17D, each of the forward and rearward portions246,250may be pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning apparatus100. As exemplified, the forward portion246is rotatably mounted to the upper end101of the main body108and the rearward portion250is rotatably mounted to the lower end103of the main body108. The forward portion246is pivotally mounted to the main body108by pivot204and the rearward portion250is pivotally mounted to the main body108by pivot208, about rotational axis210. The forward portion246may rotate upwardly and rearwardly about the axis206and the rearward portion250may rotate downwardly and rearwardly about the axis210.

As exemplified inFIG.17B, the air treatment chamber120may have a first dirt collecting region154(e.g., the interior of the air treatment chamber) and a second dirt collecting region156exterior to the first dirt collecting region154(e.g., a dirt collection chamber). The first dirt collecting region154may collect larger particulate matter, while finer particulate matter may pass through the first dirt collecting region154into the second dirt collecting region156. As exemplified, the first dirt collection region154may be a cyclone chamber. When the forward and rearward portions246,250are in the open emptying position, both the first dirt collecting region154and the second dirt collecting region156may be opened.

As exemplified inFIGS.9A to11D, the lower longitudinally extending portion127may include both the first dirt collecting region154and the second dirt collecting region156. As exemplified inFIGS.12A to13E, the forward portion246may include both the first dirt collecting region154and the second dirt collecting region156.

As exemplified inFIGS.14A to15E, the forward portion246may include only the second dirt collecting region156. As exemplified inFIGS.16A to17D, the forward portion246may not include either the first dirt collecting region154or a lower end of the second dirt collecting region156.

It will be appreciated that the forward portion246or the lower longitudinally extending portion127may include a portion of one or both of dirt collecting regions154and156. Accordingly, when the forward portion246or the lower longitudinally extending portion127does not include either the first dirt collecting region154or the second dirt collecting region156, or when the forward portion246or the lower longitudinally extending portion127includes only a portion of the first or second collecting regions154,156, the surface cleaning apparatus100may be tipped forwards or backwards to ensure that dirt and particulate matter are removed from the air treatment chamber120.

Description of Rearwardly Translatable Housing

In accordance with another aspect, the sidewall of the air treatment chamber may be moved (translated) rearwardly in order to empty the chamber. The front face of the chamber (or the front face of the hand vacuum cleaner if the front face of the chamber is the front face of the hand vacuum cleaner) may be moved (e.g., rotated) so as to permit the sidewall to be translated rearwardly. An advantage of this design is that the screen128may be revealed for cleaning if needed.

In accordance with this aspect, the surface cleaning apparatus100may have a housing280. The housing280includes the air treatment chamber120and extends from a front end282to a rear end284with a sidewall286extending therebetween. The front end282may be located at or near the first end122and the rear end284may be located at or near the second end124. The front end282may be rotatably mountable to the surface cleaning apparatus100. The front end282may rotate between an in use position and an open emptying position. As exemplified inFIGS.18A to18E, the front end282may include the dirty air inlet110.

As exemplified inFIGS.18A to18E, the sidewall286may be translatable rearwardly subsequently to or as the front end282is moved to the open emptying position. As exemplified, the front end282may be rotated rearwardly from the closed in use position to the open emptying position. The front end282may be coupled to the pivot212at a location between the first end122and the second end124of the air treatment chamber120.

The main body108may include a groove288and a flange290. The flange290is slideably coupled to the groove288. The diameter of the air treatment chamber120is larger than the diameter of the filter chamber130. The pivot212may be coupled to the flange290. To move from the in use position (forward positionFIG.18A) to the emptying position (rearward positionFIG.18B), the front end282is rotated upwardly at the pivot212(about the rotational axis214). Once the front end282is above the upper end121of the air treatment chamber120, the flange290may slide along the groove288towards the rear end104. As exemplified inFIGS.18B and18E, the flange290may slide along the groove288until the screen128is fully exposed. In some embodiments, the screen128may only be partially exposed.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus100includes a cleaning tool electrical connector310. The cleaning tool electrical connector310may be electrically engageable with a cleaning tool. For example, the cleaning tool electrical connector310may be engageable with the cleaning head182. In some embodiments, the sidewall126may include an electrical lead312extending from a main body electrical contact314to the cleaning tool electrical connector310. In some embodiments, the electrical lead312may be electrically connected to the main body electrical contact314when the sidewall126is in its forward position. The electrical lead312may be disconnected from the main body electrical contact314when the sidewall126is in its rearward position.

Description of Cleaning the Screen

In some cases, the screen128may become clogged with hair or larger particulate matter or debris. In such cases, it may be desirable to access the screen128to clean the hair or debris. According to this aspect, the screen128may be positioned in the air treatment chamber120during use of the hand vacuum cleaner and may be moveable to a cleaning position subsequent to, or concurrently with the opening of the air treatment chamber. Alternately, or in addition, a cleaning member (e.g., an annular ejector ring) may be translatable along a screen to clean the screen when the air treatment chamber is in the closed or open position.

As exemplified inFIGS.9A to10D, the screen128may be moveable to the cleaning position when the lower longitudinally extending portion127is in the emptying position. As exemplified inFIG.9A to10D, the screen128may be moveable to the cleaning position concurrently with the lower longitudinally extending portion127moving to the open emptying position. As exemplified inFIGS.10A to10D, the screen128may rotate the same amount as the longitudinally extending portion127. Alternately, as exemplified inFIGS.9A to9D, the screen128may rotate to a lesser amount or degree than the lower longitudinally extending portion127. For example, the screen128may rotate, e.g., 45 degrees while the lower longitudinally extending portion127may rotate, e.g., 60 degrees. Thus, a larger gap is formed between the screen128and the lower longitudinally extending portion127in the emptying position. This gap may allow for easier cleaning of the screen128by providing additional space for the user to access the screen128.

In some embodiments, the screen128may be moveably mounted to the second end124of the air treatment chamber120. For example, the screen128may be pivotally mounted to a pivot216and may rotate about a rotational axis218. As exemplified inFIGS.11A to11D, the screen128may rotate downwardly. Rotating the screen128downwardly may improve the efficiency of the removal of dust and particulate matter from the air treatment chamber120. Further, larger debris such as hair may more easily be removed from the screen128with the assistance of gravity.

As exemplified inFIGS.11A to11D, the pivot216may be a separate pivot from the pivot200for the openable portion of the air treatment chamber.

In some embodiments, some or all of the air treatment chamber120may also rotate with the screen128. As exemplified inFIGS.14A to14D, the first dirt collecting region154and the screen128rotate about the pivot216. As exemplified inFIGS.17A to17D, both the screen128and a portion of the air treatment chamber120rotate about the pivot208.

In some embodiments, the screen128may be coupled to a biasing member (not shown). When the lower longitudinally extending portion127or the forward portion246is moved from the in use position to the emptying position, the biasing member may bias the screen128downwards for cleaning. When the lower longitudinally extending portion127or the forward portion246is moved to the emptying position, the screen128may be forced to a cleaning position. Alternately, in some embodiments, the biasing member may bias the screen128to its in use position.

Whether the screen128is moveable or not, as exemplified inFIGS.13A to13D, the surface cleaning apparatus100may have an ejector230translatable forwardly. In some embodiments, the ejector may be translatable forwardly subsequent to the opening of the first dirt collection region154. The ejector may comprise an annular member or ring232moveable between an in use position in which the ejector is positioned at, e.g., the second end124of the air treatment chamber120and an emptying position in which the ejector has been translated forwardly.

During use, in the in use position, the ejector230may remain at the second end124of the air treatment chamber120. The ejector230may be coupled to a slider (not shown) that translates between the air treatment chamber120and the main body108to allow a user to slide the ejector forwardly. As the ejector230is moved forwardly it may push dust and particulate matter that has accumulated on or around the screen128towards the front of the screen128, e.g., towards to opening in the air treatment chamber120at the first end122. The ejector230may contact the screen128to dislodge hair or other particulate matter that may be stuck to the screen128.

As described above and as exemplified inFIGS.18A to18E, the sidewall286of the housing280may be retractable to provide access to the screen128. When the sidewall286in the rearward position, the screen128may be accessed for cleaning using ejector230.

Description of the Filter Removal

In accordance with another aspect, a pre-motor filter may be provided in a filter chamber that is accessible when the porous member is in the closed in use position, e.g., by pivoting one portion of the hand vacuum cleaner relative to another portion, or by translating the pre-motor filter outwardly (e.g., radially outwardly). Alternately, or in addition, the pre-motor filter may be accessible after the air treatment chamber has been opened.

According to this aspect, in an embodiment exemplified inFIGS.9A to9D, the pre-motor filter chamber may be accessed by rotating one portion of the hand vacuum cleaner relative to another portion. As exemplified, the air treatment chamber120may be included in a housing300having a front end302, a rear end304, and a sidewall extending therebetween. The air treatment chamber120may be provided in the housing300forward of the pre-motor filter138. The housing300may be rotatably, e.g., pivotally, mounted to the main body108and moveable between a closed in use position (FIG.9C) and an open position (FIG.9D). The filter chamber130may be opened by moving the housing300to the open position. As exemplified, the second (rearward) end134of the filter chamber130may be opened when the housing300is rotated to the open position. As exemplified, when the housing300is rotated to the open position and the portion of the longitudinal axis106extending through the main body108extends horizontally, the second end134of the filter chamber130may be opened and may face upwardly. As exemplified, the housing300may be pivotally coupled to a pivot222about a rotational axis224. The pivot222may be located at the first end132or the second end134of the filter chamber130. As exemplified, the rear end304of the housing300may be rotatably mounted to the main body108. As exemplified, the second end134of the filter chamber130may be rotatably mounted to the main body108.

As exemplified inFIGS.9A to9D, the air treatment chamber120may be openable independently of the filter chamber130. In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber120may be openable before or after the filter chamber130has been opened.

As exemplified inFIG.10D, the filter138may be removable when the lower longitudinally extending portion127is in the closed position. As exemplified inFIG.10D, the filter138may be removable through an opening135in a longitudinally extending sidewall109of the main body108. In some embodiments, a portion of the filter chamber130forms a portion of the sidewall109of the main body108. For example, the filter chamber130may include a filter cover139. The filter cover139may be removably or moveably coupled to the filter chamber130and the sidewall109of the main body108.

When the filter cover139is moved or removed from the filter chamber130, the filter138may be accessed. In some embodiments, the filter138may be coupled to the filter cover139such that when the filter cover139is removed from the filter chamber130, the filter138is also removed. By coupling the filter138to the filter cover139, a user may remove the filter138without directly contacting the dirty filter138. A user may then clean the filter138by holding onto the filter cover139. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the filter138may not be coupled to the filter cover139, and the filter138may be moved removed separately from the filter cover139. For example, the filter cover139may be rotatably coupled to the main body108such that the filter cover139may be rotated to provide access to the filter138.

As exemplified inFIG.10D, the filter cover139may be removed from the upper end131of the filter chamber130. As exemplified inFIG.12D, the filter cover139may be removed from the lower end133of the filter chamber130. It will be appreciated that the filter cover139may be removed from the filter chamber130sideways or any other direction transverse or generally transverse to the longitudinal axis106to provide access to the filter138.

In some embodiments, the filter138may be accessed through the first end132of the filter chamber130by moving the screen128. As exemplified inFIGS.11A to11D, the filter138may be removable through the air treatment chamber120when the lower longitudinally extending portion127is in the open emptying position. The first end132of the filter chamber130may be coupled to the screen128such that when the screen128is moved, the filter chamber130is opened to provide access to the filter138. The filter138may then be translated forwardly. As exemplified inFIGS.11B and11D, the screen128may be rotated about the pivot216to provide access to the filter138in the filter chamber130. The filter138may then be removed through the air treatment chamber120to be cleaned or replaced.

The Handle

As exemplified inFIGS.2and6, the handle116may be rotatably mounted to the rear of the main body. The handle116rotates about a hinge172. In some embodiments, a handle release mechanism may be included to release a lock that secures the handle in a particular position. As exemplified, the handle116may include a handle release mechanism174. When the handle release mechanism174is pressed, the handle116is free to rotate about the hinge172. In some embodiments, instead of a handle release mechanism, the hinge172may provide resistance to rotation of the handle116to prevent accidental rotation of the handle116. For example, a threshold amount of force may be required to rotate the handle116from a first position to a second position. Once the threshold force is reached, the handle116may snap to the next position.

Hinge172may be a pivot pin. The axis of the pivot pin may extend horizontally when the longitudinal axis106is oriented horizontally. Accordingly the handle116rotates downwardly to the position exemplified inFIG.5B.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus100may include an on board energy storage member, (e.g., a battery or a supercapacitor). The battery or supercapacitor may be charged in situ, in which case the energy storage member, e.g., a battery pack, may be non-moveably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus, or it may be removable for recharging, such as a removable battery pack.

As exemplified inFIGS.7A and7B, the surface cleaning apparatus100includes a battery pack118that is removable, which as exemplified, may be removably receivable via the rear end of the handle. As exemplified, as exemplified, the surface cleaning apparatus100may include a battery release mechanism176. When pressed, the battery release mechanism176allows the battery118to be removed from the handle116.

As exemplified inFIGS.20to22and24to26, the surface cleaning apparatus100includes a battery pack118that is positioned at a lower end of the pistol grip handle116. The battery pack118, which may be any energy storage member, is shown positioned at the lower end of the handle116, which may also function as a stand for the surface cleaning apparatus. In some embodiments, the battery pack118may be chargeable while mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner or it may be removable from the hand vacuum cleaner for charging.

In some embodiments, as exemplified inFIGS.8A and8B, the surface cleaning apparatus100may be coupled to an upper end of a wand180and the wand180may be coupled to a cleaning head182, so as to define a stick-type vacuum cleaner for floor cleaning use.

While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.