Surface cleaning apparatus with an adjustable handle

A reconfigurable upright surface cleaning apparatus may include a cleaning unit including an air treatment member, a suction motor and a clean air outlet. The cleaning unit may be detachably connected to the surface cleaning apparatus. A reconfigurable air flow passage may include at least one portion that is alternatively configurable between a surface cleaning mode and an auxiliary cleaning mode. An adjustable handle may be provided on the cleaning unit and may be drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head. The handle may include a grip portion having at least one grip member and may be moveable between an extended position, in which the grip portion is spaced apart from the cleaning unit, and a retracted position, in which the grip portion is positioned proximate the cleaning unit.

FIELD

The present subject matter of the teachings described herein relates generally to surface cleaning apparatuses, such as vacuum cleaners.

BACKGROUND

Various constructions for surface cleaning apparatuses, such as vacuum cleaners, are known. Currently, many surface cleaning apparatuses are constructed using at least one cyclonic cleaning stage. Air is drawn into the vacuum cleaners through a dirty air inlet and conveyed to a cyclone inlet. The rotation of the air in the cyclone results in some of the particulate matter in the airflow stream being disentrained from the airflow stream. This material is then collected in a dirt bin collection chamber, which may be at the bottom of the cyclone or in a direct collection chamber exterior to the cyclone chamber (see for example WO2009/026709 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,761). One or more additional cyclonic cleaning stages and/or filters may be positioned downstream from the cyclone.

SUMMARY

The following summary is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The summary is not intended to limit or define the claims.

According to one broad aspect of the teachings described herein, a surface cleaning apparatus includes a surface cleaning head and an upper section mounted to the surface cleaning head. The surface cleaning apparatus includes a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet and an air flow passage that extends therebetween. A suction motor and an air treatment member can be provided in the air flow passage between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet. Preferably, the suction motor, air treatment member and other operating components of the surface cleaning apparatus can be provided in a cleaning unit on the upper section. The upper section may be moveable between an upright position and an in use position. Optionally, the upper section can be detachable from the surface cleaning head.

The air flow passage may include an upflow conduit provided on the upper section. A portion of the upflow conduit may include a detachable cleaning wand, and may be operable in both a surface cleaning mode and an above floor cleaning mode. Preferably, the upflow conduit also includes a flexible hose member that fluidly connects the cleaning wand to the air flow passage. The flexible hose may allow a user to manipulate the cleaning wand separately from the upper section.

An advantage of this configuration may be that it allows a user to manipulate the upper section without having to manipulate the surface cleaning head. For example, a user may wish to separate the cleaning unit from the surface cleaning head and utilize the above floor cleaning wand to clean furniture, window covers, ceiling corners and any other such features. Detaching the surface cleaning head may allow a user to carry only the upper section, without requiring the user to lift the weight of the surface cleaning head.

A handle may be drivingly connected to the upper section. The handle may allow a user to manipulate the surface cleaning apparatus in the surface cleaning mode. The handle may also be used to carry the upper section when the upper section is separated from the surface cleaning head. The handle may include a grip portion that is graspable by a user. Preferably, the handle may be adjustable so that the grip portion can be moved between extended and retracted positions relative to the cleaning unit.

An advantage of this configuration may be that a user can change the height of the handle, and specifically the grip portion of the handle, relative to the cleaning unit and/or surface cleaning head. For example, a user may wish to place the handle in the extended configuration when using the surface cleaning apparatus as an upright vacuum cleaner in the surface cleaning mode. This may allow a user to push, pull or otherwise maneuver the surface cleaning apparatus along a surface. A user may wish to place the handle in, the retracted position when the upper section is detached from the surface cleaning head and is going to be carried by the user. Retracting the handle may reduce the overall height of the upper section, which may allow the user to hold the upper section by his/her side, without having to bend or otherwise elevate his/her arm. This may help reduce the stress placed on a user's arm.

A user may also wish to retract the handle in a plurality of other situations, and optionally, when the cleaning unit is mounted on the surface cleaning head. For example, a user may wish to adjust the height of the handle to accommodate his/her height, and/or if the surface cleaning head is being used on stairs or other surfaces at different elevations. Optionally, a user may wish to position the handle in the extended configuration when the cleaning unit is detached from the surface cleaning head. To help accommodate such desires, the handle may be configured so that it is moveable between the retracted and extended configurations regardless of the operating mode of the surface cleaning apparatus.

In accordance with this aspect, a reconfigurable upright surface cleaning apparatus may include a surface cleaning head having a first dirty air inlet and a cleaning unit including an air treatment member, a suction motor and a clean air outlet. The cleaning unit may be movably connected to the surface cleaning head and may be moveable between an upright storage position and an inclined in use position. The cleaning unit may be detachably connected to the surface cleaning apparatus. A reconfigurable air flow passage may include at least one portion that is alternatively configurable between a surface cleaning mode in which the cleaning unit is connected to the surface cleaning apparatus and an air flow passage extends between the first dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet, and an auxiliary cleaning mode in which the cleaning unit is detached from the surface cleaning apparatus. The air flow passage may extend from a second dirty air inlet to the clean air outlet and the position of the second dirty air inlet is adjustable relative to the cleaning unit. An adjustable handle may be provided on the cleaning unit and may be drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head. The handle may include a grip portion having at least one grip member and may be moveable between an extended position, in which the grip portion is spaced apart from the cleaning unit, and a retracted position, in which the grip portion is positioned proximate the cleaning unit.

The handle may include a telescoping handle.

The cleaning unit may have a length and the telescoping handle may include a telescopic handle shaft including an upper shaft portion slidably coupled to a corresponding channel portion. The channel portion may extend along at least a portion of the length of the cleaning unit.

When the grip portion is in the retracted position at least ⅔ of the upper shaft portion may extend along the length of the cleaning unit.

The handle may be selectably securable in both the extended and retracted positions.

The cleaning unit may be detachably connected to the surface cleaning head.

The grip portion may be moveable between the extended and retracted positions when the surface cleaning unit is in each of the surface cleaning mode and the auxiliary cleaning mode.

The grip portion may be securable in at least one intermediate position between the extended and retracted positions.

The air flow passage may include at least one re-positionable conduit member having a downstream end that is in continuous air flow communication with the air treatment member and an upstream end that defines the second dirty air inlet when the cleaning unit is in the auxiliary cleaning mode and that is in air flow communication with the first dirty air inlet when the cleaning unit is in the surface cleaning mode.

The re-positionable conduit member may include a flexible hose.

The downstream end of the re-positionable conduit member may be movably coupled to the cleaning unit and may be rotatably coupled to the cleaning unit.

The handle may not form part of the air flow passage.

The handle may extend from an upper portion of the cleaning unit and is external the air flow passage.

The handle may include a shaft member extending between the cleaning unit and the grip portion and the shaft member may be external the air flow passage

The at least one grip member may include a first grip member and a second grip member spaced apart from the first grip member.

The first grip member may extend in a first direction and the second grip member may extend in a second direction that is at an angle to the first direction.

The second grip member may be oriented at an angle between about 10 degrees and about 175 degrees relative to the first grip member.

When the surface cleaning apparatus is in the upright position the second grip member may be generally vertical and the first grip member may be within about 30 degrees of horizontal.

The second grip may be provided on a rear portion of the handle and may generally vertical when the upper section is in the upright position.

Where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG. 1, an embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus is shown. In the embodiment illustrated, the surface cleaning apparatus100is an upright surface cleaning apparatus. In alternate embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may be another suitable type of surface cleaning apparatus, including, for example, a hand vacuum, a canister vacuum cleaner, a stick vac, a wet-dry vacuum cleaner and a carpet extractor.

As exemplified inFIGS. 1-4, a surface cleaning apparatus100is an upright vacuum cleaner that includes a surface cleaning head102and an upper section104. A dirty air inlet106may be provided on the surface cleaning head102. Optionally, the upper section104may be configured to include a cleaning unit108that contains at least an air treatment member110and a suction motor housing112containing a suction motor (not shown), and optionally a plurality of other components. Alternatively, the suction motor may be provided in any other suitable location.

Optionally, the upper section104, or at least a portion thereof, may be detachable from the surface cleaning head102(see for exampleFIGS. 7 and 8). Alternatively, the upper section may not be detachable from the surface cleaning head.

Preferably, the cleaning unit may include a clean air outlet114, and an air flow passage116may extend between, and fluidly connect, the dirty air inlet106and the clean air outlet114. While shown on the upper section, alternatively the clean air outlet may be provided in any other suitable location.

Optionally, the surface cleaning apparatus may be operable in more than one cleaning mode. The versatility of operating in different operating modes may be achieved in a plurality of ways, including, for example, by allowing the cleaning unit to be separated from the surface cleaning head. Alternatively, or in addition, further versatility may be achieved by permitting at least a portion of the upper section to be detached and/or reconfigured. For example, portions of the air flow passage provided on the upper section may be reconfigurable to alter the air flow passage.

For example, the surface cleaning apparatus100may be operable in a surface cleaning mode (see for exampleFIG. 1) in which the cleaning unit108is mechanically and fluidly connected to the surface cleaning apparatus100and the air flow passage116extends between the dirty air inlet106on the surface cleaning head102and the clean air outlet114. The surface cleaning apparatus100may also be operable in an auxiliary cleaning mode in which the cleaning unit108is detached from the surface cleaning head102(see for exampleFIGS. 7 and 8). In the auxiliary cleaning mode the air flow passage116may extend from a different dirty air inlet (for example the inlet106aof an auxiliary cleaning wand154or collar, an inlet of another cleaning tool or other suitable air inlet) to the clean air outlet114. Preferably, in this configuration the position of the second dirty air inlet106a, for example the end of a cleaning wand154, is adjustable relative to the cleaning unit108.

A handle118is preferably drivingly connected to the upper section104for manipulating the surface cleaning apparatus100. The handle118may be of any suitable configuration that may be grasped by a user. While illustrated as being positioned toward the top of the upper section104, the handle118may be provided at any other suitable location on the surface cleaning apparatus100. When the surface cleaning apparatus100in its upright position, the vertical distance120between the bottom122of the surface cleaning head102and the top of the upper section104, in this case the upper end124of the handle, defines a surface cleaning apparatus height120. The height120may be any suitable distance, and may be between about one meter and two meters.

The surface cleaning head102may be any suitable type of cleaning apparatus, including, for example a powered cleaning head having a rotating brush and a brushless cleaning head. The surface cleaning head102may be of any suitable configuration and may include at least one wheel or other rolling support to contact the surface being cleaned.

In the illustrated example the surface cleaning head102includes a pair of rear wheels126and a pair of front wheels (optionally caster-type wheels, not shown) for rolling across a surface and the dirty air inlet106provided at the front end.

If the surface cleaning apparatus is an upright surface cleaning apparatus, then the upper section104may be moveably connected to the surface cleaning head102by any means known in the art. As exemplified inFIG. 6, optionally, the surface cleaning apparatus100may include a mounting hub128(of any suitable configuration) or other suitable structure, and the upper section104can be detachably mounted to the mounting hub128. Preferably, the mounting hub128can be pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning head102, using any suitable pivot joint, so that both the mounting hub128and the upper section104can be pivoted, for example about a pivot axis130, relative to the surface cleaning head102. Optionally, the upper section104can be rotatably coupled to the mounting hub128, and/or at least a portion of the mounting hub128can be rotatable relative to the surface cleaning head102, for example about a pivot axis132. This configuration may allow the upper section104to be rotated relative to the surface cleaning head102, at least when the surface cleaning apparatus100is in use. Preferably, the upper section102is at least moveable (e.g., pivotally mounted to the surface cleaning head) between an upright or storage position and an inclined in use position.

Optionally, the mounting hub128can be configured to provide connections for one or more services or components of the surface cleaning apparatus100. This may allow a plurality of services, such as vacuum air flow and/or electrical power, to be transferred between the upper section104and the surface cleaning head102when the upper section104is mounted on the mounting hub128. Preferably, the connections provided are configured so that they may be automatically engaged and/or disengaged by placement and removal of the upper section104, respectively, without requiring a separate actuator or triggering mechanism. Alternatively, a plurality of switches, valves and other suitable hardware may be provided.

In the example illustrated, the upper section104comprises a cleaning unit108that includes an air treatment member110and a suction motor housing112, which is preferably positioned below air treatment member110. Alternatively, the upper section104may be of any suitable configuration.

The air treatment member110may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the dirty air inlet106to remove dirt particles and other debris from the air flowing through the air flow passage116. The air treatment member110may be any suitable type of treatment member that includes any one or more of the features disclosed herein and may include, for example, a bag, a filter, one or more cyclones and any other apparatus that may help separate dirt from the air flowing through the air flow passage116. In the illustrated example, the air treatment member is a cyclone bin assembly110.

The clean air outlet114may be provided in the cleaning unit108and may be positioned downstream from the suction motor. Optionally, one or more filters or filtration members, for example a HEPA filter, may be provided at the clean air outlet114. A grill152(FIG. 5), or other suitable cover member, may be provided at the clean air outlet114to help contain any such filters. Optionally, the grill152may openable, or preferably detachable, to allow access to the filter at the clean air outlet114.

Optionally, the cleaning unit108may be configured as a generally self-contained unit or pod that is detachable from the surface cleaning head102. In this configuration, the cleaning unit108is preferably configured to contain at least the air treatment member110and suction motor and may be re-configured to provide an auxiliary dirty air inlet in the communication with the air treatment member110.

For example, the upper portion104may include a detachable portion that may function as an above-floor cleaning wand154and/or may be connectable to any other suitable auxiliary cleaning tool. As exemplified inFIG. 8, the cleaning wand154may be a relatively short conduit member and may have an inlet156that may be detached or separated from the cleaning unit108and serve as an auxiliary dirty air inlet106a. In this configuration, the cleaning unit108may be operated as a stand-alone cleaning apparatus when it is separated surface cleaning head102. For example, a user may wish to separate the cleaning unit108from the surface cleaning head102and utilize the above floor cleaning wand154to clean furniture, window covers, ceiling corners and any other such features. Detaching the surface cleaning head102may allow a user to carry only the cleaning unit108, without requiring the user to lift the weight of the surface cleaning head102.

Alternatively, as exemplified inFIG. 6, a user may wish to detach and use the cleaning wand154when the surface cleaning head102is still attached to the cleaning unit108. This may allow the cleaning unit108to be supported on the surface cleaning head102while a user manipulates the cleaning wand154.

In the illustrated example, the air treatment member includes a cyclone bin assembly110having a cyclone chamber158and a dirt collection chamber160. Referring also toFIG. 5, in the illustrated example the suction motor housing112is configured to house a suction motor (not shown). Preferably, as exemplified, the suction motor may be in air flow communication with the air flow passage116, downstream from the cyclone bin assembly110. The suction motor may be any suitable motor and may be selected based on a plurality of factors including, for example, suction strength, operating noise, power consumption and physical size. The housing112may be formed to accommodate the selected suction motor as well as mating with and optionally supporting the cyclone bin assembly110.

Preferably, the cleaning unit108may be configured so that the cyclone bin assembly110is provided toward one end of the cleaning unit, the top or upper portion as illustrated inFIG. 5, and the suction motor may be provided toward the other end of the cleaning unit, i.e. toward the bottom or lower portion of the cleaning unit108.

Optionally, a lower surface138(see for exampleFIGS. 5 and 7) of the cleaning unit108may include one or more support members configured to rest on the floor, or other such surface, when the cleaning unit108is detached from the surface cleaning head102. For example, a user may wish to rest the cleaning unit108on the floor next to an object that is being cleaned, for example a given piece of furniture, rather than holding the cleaning unit108during the entire cleaning process. Providing support members on the cleaning unit108may help improve the stability of the cleaning unit108and may help protect portions of the cleaning unit from impact and/or damage. The support members may include one or more support feet extending from the cleaning unit108. Optionally, the support feet may be integrally formed with the cleaning unit108, or may be provided as separate members that may be attached to the cleaning unit108.

Optionally, the support members may include at least one wheel or other type of rolling support member in addition to, or as an alternative to the support feet. Providing at least one rolling support member may allow the cleaning unit108to roll across the floor without the need for mounting the cleaning unit108on the surface cleaning head102. This configuration may allow a user to roll the cleaning unit108across the floor, instead of lifting it, and/or may allow the cleaning unit108to be pulled along behind a user when in use.

When the cleaning unit108is mounted on the surface cleaning head102, the cleaning unit support members, for example feet168, may be at least partially nested within or otherwise accommodated by the mounting hub128, or may be external the mounting hub128.

The cyclone bin assembly110may be of any suitable design. For example, the cyclone bin assembly may be of any suitable configuration, size and shape. The cyclone chamber therein may be configured in a plurality of different configurations, including, for example, an upright cyclone, an inverted cyclone and a horizontal or transverse cyclone, and optionally may include more than one cyclones. As exemplified inFIG. 5, in the illustrated example, the cyclone bin assembly110includes cyclone chamber158, configured as an inverted cyclone chamber, and a dirt collection chamber160disposed below the cyclone chamber158. Preferably, the dirt collection chamber160may be configured to cooperate with the cyclone chamber158, as well as connect with the rest of the surface cleaning apparatus100. The cyclone chamber158may be integrally formed with the dirt collection chamber160, or optionally may be separable from the dirt collection chamber160.

Preferably, at least a portion of the cyclone bin assembly100is removable from the upper section104of the surface cleaning apparatus100to help facilitate emptying of the dirt collection chamber160. More preferably, the entire cyclone bin assembly110is detachable from the cleaning unit108. To help facilitate emptying and/or inspection at least one of, or both of the top170and bottom172of the cyclone bin assembly110may be openable to provide access to the interiors of the cyclone chamber158and/or the dirt collection chamber160.

Optionally, some or all of the cyclone bin assembly110may be formed from a transparent or semi-transparent material, such as plastic, so that a user may visually inspect the contents of the cyclone bin assembly110, for example the contents of the dirt collection chamber160, without having to open or disassemble the cyclone bin assembly110. This may also allow a user to inspect the interior of the cyclone bin assembly110while the surface cleaning apparatus100is in use.

Preferably a lid174(FIG. 5) covers the top170of the cyclone chamber158. Optionally, an inner surface of the lid174may form the first or upper end wall of the cyclone chamber158. Preferably, the lid174is openable and/or detachable from the cyclone bin assembly110by any means known in the art.

Opening the lid174may allow a user to access the interior of the cyclone chamber158, for example for cleaning.

Preferably, a tangential air inlet180is provided in the sidewall182of the cyclone chamber158and is in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet106, or106a. The tangential air inlet180may be of any suitable design and/or cross sectional area and may be provided at any suitable location along the sidewall182of the cyclone chamber158. Air flowing into the cyclone chamber158via the air inlet180may circulate around the interior of the cyclone chamber158and dirt particles and other debris may become disentrained from the circulating air.

The dirt collection chamber160may be provided to receive and retain dirt and debris that is separated from the dirty air flow via the cyclone chamber158. The dirt collection chamber160may be any suitable configuration that may accommodate a given cyclone chamber158, and may be formed from any suitable material, including, for example plastic and metal. At least a portion of the air circulating within the cyclone chamber158may flow into and circulate within the dirt collection chamber when the cyclone bin assembly is in use. After having circulated within the dirt collection chamber160, the air may flow back into the cyclone chamber158and exit via the air outlet (not shown) of the cyclone chamber158.

Optionally, the dirt collection chamber160may be a unitary, integrally formed chamber and/or may be of any suitable cross-sectional shape, and may have a varying cross-sectional shape along its height.

An air flow passage116extends from the dirty air inlet106and/or106ato a clean air outlet114, which is preferably provided on the upper section104. The air flow passage116may include any suitable combination of rigid conduits, flexible conduits, chambers and other features that may cooperate to direct a flow of air through the surface cleaning apparatus. The upper section104may be of various configurations and the air flow passage116may be configured to travel in a plurality of different routes within and/or around the upper section104and/or cleaning unit108.

Preferably, the air flow passage116is a re-configurable air flow passage that may be positioned in at least two different operating configurations.

Preferably, the air flow passage116includes at least one flexible conduit section. Providing a flexible conduit section may help facilitate re-configuration of the air flow passage. Optionally, the flexible conduit section may be positioned between two generally rigid conduit sections. Preferably, the flexible conduit section may include at least one flexible hose. Alternatively, the air flow passage may include any suitable combination of conduit members.

Preferably, at least one of the conduit sections is provided on the cleaning unit108, and optionally may be at least partially integrally formed with the cleaning unit108. Alternatively, all of the air flow conduit portions may be external to the cleaning unit108.

As exemplified inFIGS. 6 and 8, in the illustrated example, a portion of the air flow passage116provided in the upper section104includes an upflow conduit184, having fixed portion and a re-configurable portion. In this example, the fixed portion is a rigid conduit member186and the re-configurable portion is a flexible hose188. In some other Figures, the hose188is not illustrated.

In this configuration, when the cleaning unit108is mounted on the surface cleaning head (FIGS. 5 and 6), dirty air may be drawn in via the dirty air inlet106and may flow through the surface cleaning head102and into an upstream end190of the first upflow conduit184(seeFIGS. 3 and 6) and travel to an opposed downstream end192of the upflow conduit184. In the illustrated example, the downstream end192of the upflow conduit184is provided proximate the upper end of the cleaning unit108and the handle118extending therefrom.

From the upflow conduit184, the dirty air may travel into the air inlet180of the cyclone bin assembly110(or other suitable air treatment member). In this configuration, the air flow passage116includes at least one fixed portion and at least one re-positionable portion, for example conduit188. The air flow passage116may also include any other suitable conduit sections as desired.

The cleaning wand154may be a generally rigid conduit member that is affixed to the upstream end of the hose188. To establish an air flow passage from the inlet106to the air outlet114, the inlet156of the cleaning wand154may be coupled to the downstream end of the rigid conduit member186. The cleaning wand154may be of any suitable length. Optionally, the cleaning wand154may be configured as a mounting collar that may be used to connect to other auxiliary cleaning tools, including, for example, a longer wand segment, a crevice tool, a turbo brush and other tools.

In the illustrated example, the inlet106aof the cleaning wand154may be detachably connected to the cleaning unit108using any suitable mechanism, and may be held in place using any suitable fastener, such as a releasable latch. When in this position, the cleaning wand154may form part of the air flow passage116connecting the dirty air inlet106to the clean air outlet114and may be drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head102. Preferably, the inlet106aof the cleaning wand154may be detached from the cleaning unit108when the cleaning unit is mounted on the surface cleaning head (FIG. 6), and when the cleaning unit108is separated from the surface cleaning head102(FIG. 8).

Optionally, the downstream end192of the re-positionable conduit member (e.g hose188) may be movably and/or rotatably coupled to the cleaning unit108using any suitable connector, including, for example an elbow connector and a rotatable coupling member. Preferably, the rotatable or otherwise moveable connection may be provided between the downstream end192of the upflow conduit184and the air inlet180. This may help facilitate re-configuration of the surface cleaning apparatus100and may make it easier to manipulate the hose188.

Alternatively, or in addition, there may be one or more additional separation points or junctures in the air flow passage, and optionally, within the upflow conduit184portion. Additional detachment points may be provided along the length of upflow conduit184and at any other suitable position within the air flow passage116.

Preferably, the hose188is at least somewhat extensible so that it may be stretched to provide some extra length when the cleaning wand154is in use, and, may retract to a shorter length when the cleaning wand154is mounted on the cleaning unit108.

Optionally, when the cleaning wand154is detached from the cleaning unit108, the connection between the downstream end196of the hose188and the upstream end198of the second upflow conduit186may provide the only mechanical and/or structural connection between the cleaning wand154and flexible hose188and the cleaning unit108.

The handle118on the upper section104may be any suitable type of handle that may be gripped by a user.

Optionally, the handle118may be grippable in more than one direction. This may allow the user to grip the handle in one direction when operating the surface cleaning apparatus in surface cleaning mode (for exampleFIG. 1), and in a second direction when operating the surface cleaning apparatus in the auxiliary cleaning mode (for exampleFIGS. 6 and 8). This configuration may allow a user to comfortably operate the surface cleaning apparatus100in both operating modes. It may also give the user increased freedom when operating in the auxiliary cleaning mode, as the user may orient the handle118, and cleaning wand154extending therefrom, in multiple orientations relative to the user's arm.

Preferably, the handle118may have a grip portion282that includes at least two separate grip members260and262that are spaced apart from each other to help provide at least two discrete grippable locations. Optionally, the handle118may include an outer (or optionally internal) support member264and the grip members260and262may be provided on the outer support member264.

The grip members260and262may be formed from any suitable material, including relatively soft foam-like or gel-like materials that may help improve user comfort. Optionally, the grip members260and262may be integrally formed with the outer support member264. Alternatively, the grip members260and262may be provided as separate members that may be coupled to the outer support using any suitable fasteners, including, for example, screws.

Optionally, the grip members260and262may be integrally formed with each other as part of a continuous insert member that may be coupled to the outer support member264.

Preferably, the first grip member260may be generally linear and may be oriented in a first direction, along a first grip axis268. The second grip member262may also optionally be generally linear and may be oriented in a different, second direction along a second grip axis270. Optionally, the angle272between the first and second grip members may be between about 10 and about 175 degrees, and may be between about 85 and about 120 degrees.

Optionally, the handle118may include more than two grip members. For example a third grip274member may be provided on the handle118and may extend along a third axis276. Preferably, the third axis276may be generally parallel to, and offset from, the second axis270and may be oriented at an angle to the first axis268. Alternatively, the third axis276may be oriented at an angle to both the first and second axes268and270.

In the illustrated example, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in the upright position, the second grip member262and third grip member274are in a generally upright position (e.g. within about 10 degrees of vertical) and the first grip member260is at an angle278to a horizontal plane (FIG. 6). Preferably, the angle278may be between about 0 and about 30 degrees. Preferably, the second grip262is positioned so that it is provided toward the back of the handle118, the first grip260is provided toward the top of the handle118and the third grip274is provided toward the front of the handle. Alternatively, the grips may be provided at another suitable position.

In this example, the handle118does not form part of the air flow passage and includes a structural shaft280(FIGS. 2 and 3) that extends from the grip portion282to the cleaning unit108. The shaft280may be any suitable structural or load bearing member that may be used to drivingly connect the grip portion282to the cleaning unit108. It may be hollow or solid. Optionally, the shaft280may be formed from the same material as the grip portion282, and preferably may be integrally formed therewith. Alternatively, the shaft280may be formed separately from the grip portion282and may be coupled to the grip portion282using any suitable fasteners, including, for example screws, bolt and pins. The handle118may be formed from any suitable material, including, for example plastic and metal.

Optionally the handle, or at least a portion thereof, may be adjustable (or otherwise re-configurable) so that the grip portion may be moveable between at least two different positions, for example between an extended position and a retracted position. This may allow a user to place the handle in one position when operating the surface cleaning apparatus in a first cleaning mode (for example the surface cleaning mode), and in another position when operating the surface cleaning apparatus in a second cleaning mode (for example the auxiliary cleaning mode).

For example, a user may wish to place the handle in the extended configuration when using the surface cleaning apparatus as an upright vacuum cleaner in the surface cleaning mode. This may allow a user to push, pull or otherwise maneuver the surface cleaning apparatus along a surface. A user may wish to place the handle in the retracted position when the upper section is detached from the surface cleaning head and is going to be carried by the user. Retracting the handle may reduce the overall height of the upper section, which may allow the user to hold the upper section by his/her side, without having to bend or otherwise elevate his/her arm. This may help reduce the stress placed on a user's arm.

A user may also wish to retract the handle in a plurality of other situations, and optionally, when the cleaning unit is mounted on the surface cleaning head. For example, a user may wish to adjust the height of the handle to accommodate his/her height, and/or if the surface cleaning head is being used on stairs or other surfaces at different elevations. Optionally, a user may wish to position the handle in the extended configuration when the cleaning unit is detached from the surface cleaning head. To help accommodate such desires, the handle may be configured so that it is moveable between the retracted and extended configurations regardless of the operating mode of the surface cleaning apparatus.

Optionally, the handle118may be locked or otherwise secured in both the extended and retracted configurations so that the handle may be drivingly connected to the cleaning unit and may also be used to lift the cleaning unit, without unintentionally changing the configuration of the handle. In some configurations, the handle may be lockable or securable in one or more intermediate or partially-retracted configurations, in which the grip portion282is positioned intermediate the extended and retracted positions. This may provide a greater variety of positions to accommodate a user's preferences.

Preferably, when the grip portion is in the extended position it, and the grip members provided thereon, may be spaced from the cleaning unit. In the retracted position, the grip portion, and grip portions provided thereon, may be positioned proximate the upper end of the cleaning unit108.

The handle may include any suitable adjustment mechanism that is configurable to facilitate adjustment and repositioning of the grip portion, including, for example, a telescoping handle portion, a detachable handle portion, a handle portion that is slidable or moveable relative to the upper section and other suitable mechanisms.

As exemplified inFIGS. 2, 6 and 7, in the illustrated example the handle118is an adjustable handle and the grip portion282is moveable between an extended position (FIG. 2) and a retracted position (FIGS. 6 and 7). In the extended position the grip portion282is spaced apart from the cleaning unit by an extended distance286(FIG. 2). In the retracted position, the grip portion282is generally proximate the cleaning unit108and is spaced apart from the upper end of the cleaning unit108by a retracted distance288.

The retracted distance288is smaller than the extended distance286. Optionally, the retraced distance288may be less than about 50% of the extended distance286, and may be less than about 15% and/or less than about 10% of the extended distance286.

Optionally, the handle118may be selectably securable or lockable in both the extended and retracted positions using any suitable locking mechanism, including, for example a clamp, clip, pin, latch or other mechanism. Preferably the handle118may also be securable in one or more intermediate or partially-retracted positions (FIG. 4) using the same locking mechanism or any other suitable locking or securement mechanism. In the partially-retracted position, the grip portion282is spaced apart from the cleaning unit108by an intermediate distance290, which is less than distance286and greater than distance288.

Optionally, to help provide the adjustable functionality, the handle118may be configured as a telescopic handle. In the illustrated example, the cleaning unit108has a length292and the telescoping handle comprises a telescopic handle shaft including an upper shaft portion294slidably coupled to a lower channel296. Preferably, the lower channel296may be provided on the cleaning unit and may extend along at least a portion of the length292of the cleaning unit108, and may extend at least 75% of the length292.

In this configuration, the position of the grip portion282may be adjusted by telescoping the upper shaft portion294within the lower channel296. Preferably, the upper shaft portion294may be substantially contained within the lower channel296when the grip portion282is in the retracted position. Optionally, when the grip portion282is retracted, at least 50% of the upper shaft portion294may be positioned within the lower channel296and extends along the length292of the cleaning unit108. Preferably, when the grip portion282is retracted at least 60%, and optionally at least 75% of the upper shaft portion294is nested within the lower channel296.

It will be appreciated that, depending upon the aspects that are incorporated into a surface cleaning apparatus, some of the exemplified features may not be used or may be varied so as to be of any design known in the art.

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.