Vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly

A vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly includes a vacuum cleaner and a carrier. The vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a suction inlet and an air outlet, an airflow passage that extends from the air inlet to the air outlet, and a suction source disposed within the housing and operable to generate a suction airflow that travels through the air inlet and through the air outlet. The vacuum cleaner also includes a battery that supplies power to the suction source to generate the suction airflow. The carrier includes a main body in which at least a portion of the housing is received and a battery receiving portion configured to receive the battery therein when the battery supplies power to the suction source.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner and more particularly to a carrier for a vacuum cleaner.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly includes a vacuum cleaner and a carrier. The vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a suction inlet and an air outlet, an airflow passage that extends from the air inlet to the air outlet, and a suction source disposed within the housing and operable to generate a suction airflow that travels through the air inlet and through the air outlet. The vacuum cleaner also includes a battery that supplies power to the suction source to generate the suction airflow. The carrier includes a main body in which at least a portion of the housing is received and a battery receiving portion configured to receive the battery therein when the battery supplies power to the suction source.

In another embodiment, a carrier for a supporting a vacuum includes a main body in which at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner is received, and a battery receiving portion configured to receive a battery therein. The carrier also includes a battery receptacle supported within the battery receiving portion. The battery cooperates with the battery receptacle to supply power to the vacuum cleaner.

In another embodiment, a carrier for a supporting a vacuum cleaner includes a main body in which at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner is received and a plenum in fluid communication with the portion of the vacuum cleaner. The plenum includes at least one opening and is configured to receive an exhaust airflow generated by the vacuum cleaner during operation and to discharge the exhaust airflow through the at least one opening.

In another embodiment, a vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly includes a vacuum cleaner and a carrier. The vacuum cleaner includes a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, an airflow passage that extends from the air inlet to the air outlet, and a suction source disposed within the housing and operable to generate an airflow that travels through the air inlet and through the air outlet. The carrier includes a first compartment in which at least a portion of the housing is received, and a second compartment pivotably coupled with the first compartment.

In another embodiment, a vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly includes a vacuum cleaner and a carrier. The vacuum cleaner includes a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, an airflow passage that extends from the air inlet to the air outlet, and a suction source disposed within the housing and operable to generate an airflow that travels through the air inlet and through the air outlet. The carrier includes a first compartment including a main body in which at least a portion of the housing is received. The main body includes a flexible foam material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a first embodiment of a vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly including a vacuum cleaner10and a carrier14. The illustrated vacuum cleaner10includes a housing18, a handle22extending from the housing18, and a suction source26(e.g., an electric motor and fan assembly) received within the housing18. The suction source26is operable to generate an airflow from an air inlet or suction inlet30to an air outlet34. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction source26is powered by a battery38; however, in other embodiments, the suction source26can be powered by a conventional wall outlet via a power cord.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, the illustrated air inlet30and air outlet34are located at generally opposite ends of the vacuum cleaner10. A cleaning wand, hose, or other attachment (not shown) can be coupled to the vacuum cleaner10at the air inlet30to provide a desired cleaning configuration. The vacuum cleaner10further includes a separator42, which is a cyclonic separator in the illustrated embodiment, to filter dirt and debris from air entering the inlet30before the air is discharged through the outlet34. In other embodiments, the separator42can be a filter bag or other filtered separator designs not incorporating cyclonic action or in combination with cyclonic action. An inlet duct46extends from the air inlet30to the separator42.

The vacuum cleaner10also includes a dirt bin50coupled to the housing18to collect the dirt and debris filtered from the air by the separator42. A door54is provided on the dirt bin50to allow the dirt bin50to be emptied while it remains in position on the vacuum cleaner10. In the illustrated embodiment, the dirt bin50, the separator42, the suction source26, and the air outlet34are all generally aligned along a longitudinal axis58of the vacuum cleaner10.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, the carrier14includes a first compartment defining a main body62in which at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner10is received such that the main body62enwraps at least a portion of the housing18. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body62substantially enwraps the housing18. Also shown in the illustrated embodiment, the separator42, the dirt bin50, and a portion of the inlet duct46are also received within and enwrapped by the main body62. The inlet duct46and the dirt bin door54may extend beyond a front end66of the main body62such that the door54and the air inlet30are accessible to a user of the vacuum cleaner10as shown for example inFIG. 2. In alternate embodiments, the main body62may partially or fully enwrap the dirt bin door54but the main body62configured to be openable by the user such that the door54is accessible. The handle22also extends beyond the main body62and is accessible to the user. The main body62includes a closure (not shown), which can include a zipper, Velcro, snaps, or other means suitable for facilitating removal of the vacuum cleaner10from the carrier14. Alternatively, the main body62may be permanently secured around the vacuum cleaner10. In some embodiments, the main body62includes perforations (not shown) to allow ambient air to flow through the main body62to cool the vacuum cleaner10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the main body62includes a flexible and resilient foam material, such as a flexible foam of polyurethane, polyether, polyisocyanurate, rubber, or any combinations thereof, or other polymeric foams. Optionally, the main body is covered with an outer layer of textile, film, or cladding covering material providing one or more surface properties such as water repellency, griping surface, soft surface, other tactile surface, chemical resistance, protective surface, strength, reinforcement, reflective or high-visibility surface, decoration, or other properties as desired. The optional covering material can include natural fibers, artificial fibers, polymers, metallic materials, or a combination thereof. The foam and optional covering material construction of the main body62can provide the vacuum cleaner10with additional protection from drops or other impacts. Additionally, the sound dampening properties of selected foam used in the construction of the main body62may reduce the sound of the motor and airflow in the vacuum cleaner during use. In addition, the water repellency of the selected foam may help to water proof the vacuum cleaner10to reduce bacteria growth in wet environments.

The first compartment of the carrier14further defines a plenum70in fluid communication with the air outlet34. (FIG. 1). The plenum70is configured to receive an exhaust airflow generated by the suction source26during operation and discharge the exhaust airflow through at least one opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the plenum70is an extension of the main body62and is made of the same foam construction. In other embodiments, the plenum70can include a separate chamber coupled to the main body62and can be made of the same or different materials.

The illustrated plenum70is approximately the same circumferential shape of the main body62, which in the exemplary embodiment is generally cylindrical, but the plenum70could have other shapes corresponding with the design of the main body62. The illustrated plenum70includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced openings74through which the exhaust airflow is discharged from the plenum70. In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum cleaner10is generally oriented in the carrier14to introduce the exhaust airflow into the plenum70in a first direction, and at least one opening74is oriented to discharge the exhaust airflow in a second direction different than the first direction. For example, the air outlet34may be oriented to introduce the exhaust airflow into the plenum70in one or more lateral directions transverse to the longitudinal axis58, and the openings74may be oriented to discharge the exhaust airflow in a plurality of radially-outward (or alternatively downward) directions. This change in flow direction, along with sound dampening properties of selected foam used in the construction of the plenum70, can dampen noise produced by the vacuum cleaner10during operation and contribute to a reduced operating volume.

In some embodiments, the plenum70includes one or more flow affecting features, such as vanes, protrusions, and the like, to create a tortuous path78through the plenum70between the air outlet34and the openings74. For example, the plenum70, openings74, and/or flow affecting features may be constructed to impart a swirling motion in the exhaust airflow. The tortuous path78can provide additional noise dampening. In some embodiments, the plenum70includes one or more internal supports to help define the shape of the plenum70and to inhibit the plenum70from being compressed or otherwise deformed in manner that would inhibit airflow through the air outlet34or the openings74. The supports may also act as flow affecting features. For example, the supports may guide the exhaust airflow through to openings74and contribute to creating the tortuous path78. In yet another alternative, the plenum70includes one or more flow affecting features to create a smooth path through the plenum70between the air outlet34and the openings74, reducing pressure drop in the flow between the air outlet34and the openings74.

Referring toFIG. 1, the illustrated carrier14includes a second compartment defining a battery receiving portion82having a battery receptacle86supported therein, which is in electrical communication with the suction source26of the vacuum cleaner10. The battery38is connectable to the battery receptacle86to provide power to the suction source26and may be removable from the receptacle86for storage, recharging, replacement, and the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the battery receiving portion82is positioned adjacent the plenum70, such that the plenum is70disposed between the battery receiving portion82and the vacuum cleaner10. A power cord or wire90extends from the receptacle86and through the plenum70to transmit power from the battery38to the suction source26. In other embodiments, the wire90extends outside of the plenum70, and in some embodiments, the battery receiving portion82can be positioned in other locations (e.g., on a belt, sling, or harness remote from the main body62).

With reference toFIG. 4A, the battery38is configured as a rechargeable battery pack and includes a housing94having a front side98, a back side102, a top side106, and a bottom side110. As used herein, “front,” “back,” “top,” and “bottom” are used for convenience of illustration and are not necessarily related to the orientation of the battery relative to the product or relative to a use position. The housing94encloses one or more rechargeable cells (not shown). The cells can be arranged in series, parallel, or a series-parallel combination to provide a desired nominal voltage and capacity. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery38has a nominal voltage of about 20 volts; however, the voltage can be any other voltage selected for use with the particular design of the vacuum cleaner10, for example 12 volt, 40 volt, or any other desired voltage. In some embodiments, the battery38is a lithium-ion type battery, having lithium-based cells with a chemistry of, for example, lithium-cobalt, lithium-manganese, or lithium-manganese spinel. Alternatively, the cells can have any other suitable chemistry. In other embodiments, other types of batteries can be utilized, such as nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lead-acid, or any other battery type.

Referring toFIG. 4B, the illustrated receptacle86includes a receiving surface112, which is sized and shaped to receive the bottom side110of the battery housing94. Optionally, an outer wall111may surround the receiving surface112to aid in locating and seating the battery38. The illustrated battery38includes contacts114such as prongs on the bottom side110that are engageable with receiving contacts118on the receptacle86to electrically connect the battery38with the receptacle86. In the illustrated embodiment, the contacts114are positioned on the bottom side110proximate the front side98. However, the contacts114generally are positioned on the battery housing94on any side to engage the receiving contacts118on the receptacle86.

With reference toFIGS. 4A and 4B, a latching mechanism122may be provided on the battery38to secure the battery38to the receptacle86. The illustrated latching mechanism122includes a hook (not shown) engageable with a tab123on the receptacle86. The latching mechanism122also includes a release button126on the front side98of the housing94to selectively disengage the hook from the tab123. The tab123is located on the receptacle86proximate the receiving contacts118, and the hook is located on the battery38proximate the prongs114. Alternatively, the latching mechanism122can be located on the receptacle86and the tab123can be located on the battery housing94. In other embodiments, the latching mechanism122can include one or more rails, channels, detents, spring-loaded elements, or other latching features engageable with corresponding features on the receptacle86to releasably secure the battery38to the receptacle86.

In other embodiments, the receptacle86can engage with the battery38in other ways. For example, in some embodiments, the receptacle can be a cap or plug having the receiving contacts118to receive the prongs114on the battery38but not including the receiving surface112. In such embodiments, the receptacle86may be substantially smaller than the battery38.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the battery receiving portion82has a lid130that is movable to an open position to facilitate insertion or removal of the battery38from the battery receiving portion82. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid130is pivotally connected to the remainder of the battery receiving portion82by a thin strip of material134that acts as a hinge. In other embodiments, the lid130may be separable from the remainder of the battery receiving portion82or coupled to the remainder of the battery receiving portion82in other ways. When the lid130is closed, the battery38is substantially enclosed within the battery receiving portion82. In some embodiments, the lid130may be secured in the closed position by snaps, Velcro, a zipper, or other suitable means. In other embodiments, the lid130may be omitted. Furthermore, the battery receiving portion82need not encapsulate the battery38, but may only receive a portion of the battery38.

The illustrated battery receiving portion82is made of the same foam and optional covering material construction as the main body62. Accordingly, the battery receiving portion82can provide the battery38and battery receptacle86with additional protection from drops and impacts. In other embodiments, the battery receiving portion82can include other materials. For example, the battery receiving portion82may include one or more relatively rigid supports to inhibit the battery receiving portion82from being compressed or otherwise deformed.

The receptacle86can be made of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material or combination of materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle86is made of a relatively rigid material compared to the battery receiving portion82. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle86is formed separately and permanently affixed within the battery receiving portion82by stitching, mechanical fasteners, adhesive, or any other suitable means. Alternatively, the receptacle86can be removable from the battery receiving portion82(e.g., to facilitate engaging or disengaging the battery38from the receptacle86). In such embodiments, the wire90may be detachable from the receptacle86, the vacuum cleaner10, or both.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, the vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly may include a shoulder sling138. The shoulder sling138has a first end142coupled to the battery receiving portion82and a second end146coupled to the main body62. In other embodiments, one or both ends142,146can be directly coupled to the main body62or housing18. In some embodiments, one or both ends142,146can include clips such that the shoulder sling138may be selectively attached or detached from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly. The shoulder sling138may be adjustable in length, for example, using adjustment buckles150or other fasteners that allow the length of the shoulder sling138to be adjusted. In other embodiments, the carrier14includes a shoulder harness (not shown) for carrying as a back-pack. For certain types or sizes of vacuum cleaners, the carrier14can also include a waist or hip belt to provide additional support or additional storage for carrying items such as batteries, cleaning attachments, cleaning supplies, or other items. In some embodiments, the battery receiving portion82can be positioned on the waist or hip belt, shoulder sling, or shoulder harness remote from the main body62with the power cord or wire90extending from the receptacle86to the vacuum cleaner10in the carrier14to transmit power from the battery38to the suction source26.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, the battery receiving portion82is pivotally coupled to the main body62by a thin strip of material that acts as a hinge154. In this embodiment, the hinge154is the same material as the main body62and the battery receiving portion82; however, in alternative embodiments the hinge154can be a different material or separate part. As such, the battery receiving portion82, the battery receptacle86, and the battery38are movable relative to the main body62and the vacuum cleaner10. The wire90passes through the hinge154to maintain the electrical connection between the receptacle86and the suction source26(FIG. 1). Alternatively, the wire90can be a coiled wire, routed outside the hinge, which is able to extend and retract to accommodate relative movement of the battery receiving portion82.

The illustrated battery receiving portion82is pivotable about an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis58. This arrangement advantageously provides improved ergonomics and can allow the battery receiving portion82and the main body62to conform to a user's body, particularly when suspended by the shoulder sling138. In some embodiments, one or more zippers, snaps, Velcro regions, or other suitable means can be provided to selectively secure the battery receiving portion82in a desired position relative to the main body62.

With continued reference toFIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the battery receiving portion82includes a first end wall87, and the plenum includes a second end wall88. In some embodiments, one or both of the end walls87,88are made of the same foam and optional covering construction as the main body62. Alternatively, one or both of the end walls87,88can be made of other materials (e.g., plastic). In some embodiments, the first end wall87includes one or more openings or perforations to allow an airflow through the first end wall87to cool the battery38, and the battery receiving portion82may also include other openings or perforations to promote cooling. The second end wall88can also include one or more openings or perforations such that a portion of the exhaust airflow may be discharged from the plenum70through the perforations in the second end wall88. In some embodiments, the portion of the exhaust airflow may pass through both the second end wall88and the first end wall87to cool the battery38. Alternatively, one or both of the end walls87,88can have a solid (i.e. substantially airtight) construction.

In some embodiments, the carrier14may further include a bag or pocket (not shown) defining an internal volume that provides additional storage for carrying items such as batteries, cleaning attachments, cleaning supplies, or other items. For example, in such embodiments, the carrier14may be used to support and carry the vacuum cleaner10, the battery38, and one or more additional items simultaneously. The bag or pocket may be attached to the carrier14at any desired location, such as at the main body62, at the battery receiving portion82, or at the shoulder sling138, for example. In some embodiments, the bag or pocket can be releasably attached to the carrier14by snaps, Velcro, buckles, a zipper, or any other suitable means. In other embodiments, the bag or pocket is permanently fastened to the carrier14(e.g., by stitching). In yet other embodiments, the bag or pocket is integrally formed with at least a portion of the carrier14. For example, the bag or pocket may be integrated into the optional covering material. In some embodiments, the bag or pocket may be configured as a third compartment attached by a hinge to the main body62, the battery receiving portion82, or both.

Thus, the vacuum cleaner10is usable with a carrier14to facilitate operating, carrying, and/or storing the vacuum cleaner10and the battery38. Although the carrier14is described for use with the handheld vacuum cleaner10, the carrier14could also be used with other types of vacuum cleaners such as wet/dry vacuum cleaners, canister vacuum cleaners, and other types and styles of vacuum cleaners, as well as other powered devices such as power tools, outdoor power equipment, and the like.

FIGS. 5 and 6illustrate a second embodiment of a vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly200. The vacuum cleaner10and battery38illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6are the same as the vacuum cleaner10and battery38described with reference to the vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly ofFIGS. 1-4B. However, the vacuum cleaner10ofFIG. 5is shown with an optional hose204attached to the suction inlet30, a wand208attached to the opposite end of the hose204, and a floor cleaning head212attached to the opposite end of the wand208. The floor cleaning head212includes a dust cloth216and a suction nozzle220that draws in dirt and air to be delivered to the separator42through the wand208, hose204, and inlet duct46. Other accessory tools can be used in various combinations with or instead of the hose204, wand208, and floor cleaning head212.

The vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly200ofFIGS. 5 and 6includes a carrier224similar to the carrier14described with reference to the vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly ofFIGS. 1-4Bexcept for the differences detailed below. First, the main body228includes downwardly-directed exhaust openings (not shown) on the bottom of the main body228that allow the exhausted working air from the air outlets34of the vacuum cleaner10to exit the plenum232of the main body228in a downward direction. Second, the battery receiving portion236is sized to receive and store two batteries38,38′. The first battery38connects to the battery receptacle86and powers the vacuum cleaner10in a similar manner as described with the first embodiment (FIGS. 1-4B), except that the orientation of the battery receptacle86is rotated 90 degrees such that the receiving surface of the battery receptacle faces sideways relative to the vacuum cleaner10(i.e., in a direction orthogonal to the axis58) rather than rearwardly relative to the vacuum cleaner10(i.e., in a direction aligned with the axis58) as previously described for the first embodiment. The second battery38′ is placed directly in back of the first battery38. The second battery38′ is a back-up battery such the when the first battery38is fully discharged and can no longer sufficiently power the vacuum cleaner10, the first battery38can be removed from the battery receptacle86and replaced with the second battery38′ to power the vacuum cleaner10. The first battery38can either be stored in the battery receiving portion236for later charging or can be immediately connected to a charger leaving half of the battery receiving portion236empty. In an alternative embodiment, the battery receiving portion236may be configured to hold one battery38.

FIGS. 7-15illustrate a third embodiment of a vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly300. The vacuum cleaner10and battery38illustrated inFIGS. 7-15are the same as the vacuum cleaner10and battery38described with reference to the vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly ofFIGS. 1-4B. However, the vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly300ofFIGS. 7-15includes a carrier304similar in many respects to the carrier14of the first embodiment, except having a different configuration described in greater detail below.

The carrier304includes a first compartment308that defines a main body312and a second compartment316that defines a battery receiving portion320. The first compartment308and the second compartment316are pivotably coupled together with a hinge324. The hinge324is aligned with the axis58such that from a top view, the hinge324is positioned on the centerline of the carrier304. The centrally-located hinge324allows the operator to comfortably support the vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly300from either their left or right shoulder with a shoulder sling (not shown) and to have the pivoting compartments308,316of the carrier304wrap around the operator's waist.

The main body312optionally includes a pair of front supports328and a pair of rear supports332that extend outwardly from the bottom of the main body312to support the vacuum cleaner upright10on a horizontal surface. The carrier304includes a slit336between the two lateral sides of the carrier304and passing between the pair of front supports328. The slit336allows enough deflection of the main body312to allow the dirt cup50to be removed when the dirt cup release button340is depressed. The main body304defines a first exhaust plenum344at the back end of the vacuum cleaner10within the main body304. As shown inFIGS. 9, 11, and 12, the first exhaust plenum344is positioned between the back end of the vacuum cleaner10and the hinge324such that substantially all of the exhaust air leaving the air outlet34is forced through an exhaust passageway348through the hinge324.

Upon passing through the exhaust passageway348(FIG. 13), the exhaust air enters a second exhaust plenum352(FIG. 14) defined within the second compartment316. The second exhaust plenum352is disposed between the exhaust passageway348and a wall356dividing the second exhaust plenum352from the battery receiving portion320. The second compartment316defines exhaust openings360(see alsoFIG. 8) that direct the majority of the exhaust air out the bottom of the carrier304. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall356includes first and second slots364positioned on opposite sides of the axis58allowing a portion of the exhaust air from the second exhaust plenum352to pass.

Rearward of the wall356, the second compartment316includes a cooling plenum368forward of the battery receptacle86(FIG. 15). The battery receptacle86forms a solid barrier that prevents the air in the cooling plenum368from passing further in the rearward direction toward the battery38. Instead, the air in the cooling plenum circulates within the cooling plenum over a battery control board372to cool the board372. The heated air can then pass back through the slots364from which it came and then exit the second exhaust plenum352through the exhaust openings360during operation of the vacuum cleaner10. The battery receiving portion320does not include a lid, and thus the battery is exposed to ambient air for cooling. As shown inFIGS. 9, 13, and 14, the hinge324and the wall356both include a cord passage376receiving the cord that electrically connects the battery receptacle to the vacuum cleaner10. In alternative embodiments, the slots364and plenum368may be omitted where airflow directed toward the battery38and/or battery control board372is not required. In yet another embodiment, one or more outlets (not shown) may be provided through the main body312from the first exhaust plenum344to reduce the air flow through the passageway348.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 8 and 9, the rearmost end of the carrier304and battery receiving portion320includes a tubular slot380sized to receive and hold an accessory tool such as a wand, hose, crevice tool, or the like. Further, the rearmost end of the carrier304includes an angled slot384for receiving a strap (not shown) that passes through the slot384and is secured to the bottom of the battery receiving portion320. The opposite end of the strap is exposed at the top end of the slot384and includes a D-ring that is selectively coupled to the shoulder sling with a clip.

Similar to previous embodiments, the first compartment308(e.g., main body312and first exhaust plenum344), the second compartment316(e.g., second exhaust plenum352and battery receiving portion320), and the hinge324may be integrally formed from a flexible and resilient foam material, such as a flexible foam of polyurethane, polyether, polyisocyanurate, rubber, or any combinations thereof, or other polymeric foams. In alternative embodiments, the hinge324can be a different material or separate part. Optionally, the foam material is covered with an outer layer of textile, film, or cladding covering material providing one or more surface properties such as water repellency, griping surface, soft surface, other tactile surface, chemical resistance, protective surface, strength, reinforcement, reflective or high-visibility surface, decoration, or other properties as desired. The optional covering material can include natural fibers, artificial fibers, polymers, metallic materials, or a combination thereof. The integrally formed foam material may be cast into halves or multiple components and then glued together around the vacuum cleaner10.

FIGS. 16-18illustrate a fourth embodiment of a vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly400. The vacuum cleaner10and battery38illustrated inFIGS. 16-18are the same as the vacuum cleaner10and battery38described with reference to the vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly300ofFIGS. 7-15. In addition, the vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly400ofFIGS. 16-18includes a carrier404similar to the carrier304of the third embodiment, except for a having a different exhaust air path. Specifically, a single exhaust plenum444is defined by the main body412of the first compartment408on the upstream side of the hinge424such that no exhaust air passes through the hinge424to the second compartment416or battery receiving portion420. Rather, the exhaust air passes through openings460in the bottom of the main body412through openings460that direct the exhaust air downwardly.

It should be noted that features described relative to one embodiment of the vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly can be incorporated into or substituted for similar features of other described embodiments of the vacuum cleaner and carrier assemblies. For example, certain alternative designs may be described relative to one embodiment, but not introduced again when another embodiment is described for the sake of brevity. The alternative designs are equally applicable to the other embodiments in addition to the one for which it was specifically described.

All of the embodiments described above include a carrier with first and second compartments pivotably joined by a hinge. The first and second embodiments each includes a first compartment having a main body housing a vacuum cleaner housing and defining an exhaust plenum, an offset hinge, and a second compartment defining a battery receiving portion. The third embodiment illustrates a first compartment that includes a main body housing a vacuum cleaner housing and a first exhaust plenum, a centrally-located hinge that includes an exhaust passageway and cord passage, and a second compartment that defines a second exhaust passageway, a cooling plenum, and a battery receiving portion. Finally, the third illustrated embodiment includes a carrier with a first compartment including a main body housing a vacuum cleaner housing and defining an exhaust plenum, a centrally-located hinge, and a second compartment defining a battery receiving portion. Alternative designs in which each of the first and second compartments define any one or more combination of functions including housing the vacuum cleaner, defining one or more exhaust plenums, defining one or more battery receiving portions, and defining one or more cooling plenums are contemplated and considered to be within the scope of present invention.