Abstract:
A vacuum cleaner including a base including a motor assembly and a wheel, wherein the wheel rotates around the motor assembly about an axis of rotation, the wheel extends radially outward from the motor assembly, and a portion of the motor assembly intersects a plane defined by the wheel perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority as a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/288,826, filed Nov. 3, 2011, entitled VACUUM AXLE WITH A MOTOR EMBEDDED THEREIN AND WHEELS, the contents of which is whereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present teachings are directed toward the improved cleaning and durability capabilities of upright vacuum cleaners. In particular, the disclosure relates to an upright vacuum cleaner housing comprising motor housed within the wheel axle. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A need has been recognized in the vacuum cleaner industry for an upright vacuum cleaner that has increased longevity and lighter weight. As the Mean Time Between Failure (MTFB) for the moving parts of vacuums have increased, the moving parts may in fact last longer than the housing portions of the vacuum. Also, as vacuum cleaners have begun to add additional functional features, such as stronger, and larger motors, as well as integrated attachments, the weight of the vacuum cleaners have increased. The bases of vacuum cleaners have increased in size (e.g. have a larger “footprint”) in order to accommodate the increased features. As such, there exists a need for vacuum cleaners that can provide additional features but have a reduced size (e.g. footprint) and materials, yet be strong enough to support all the required features, light enough to be convenient and comfortable for a user to use. 
         [0004]    The prior art does not, however, exemplify upright vacuum cleaners with increased function while decreasing the size of the vacuum cleaner base. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    According to one embodiment, a vacuum cleaner base comprising a motor including a shaft, a first wheel mount, and a second wheel mount, wherein the first wheel mount and the second wheel mount are co-axial, and the motor is disposed in the first wheel mount is described. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, the shaft is coaxial with first and second wheel mounts. In some embodiments, the first wheel mount and the second wheel mount each have a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the first wheel mount is substantially equal in diameter to the second wheel mount. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner base further comprises a bearing disposed on of the substantially circular outer surface of the first wheel mount. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner base further comprises a wheel disposed on the bearing. In some embodiments, the first wheel mount and the second wheel mount are non-rotating. In some embodiments, the first wheel mount includes at least two fastening points, and the two fastening points, the motor shaft, and a load shaft driving a beater bar are substantially collinear. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner base further comprises a motor support bracket fixed to the at least two fastening points. In some embodiments, the shaft extends from a first face and a second face opposite the first face of the motor, and a portion of the shaft extending from the first face drives a beater bar and a portion of the shaft extending from the second face drives an impeller. In some embodiments, the first wheel mount comprises magnesium. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner base further comprises a beater bar housing disposed parallel to an axis extending from a center of the first wheel mount and a center of the second wheel mount. 
         [0008]    According to various embodiments, a vacuum cleaner base comprising a roller bearing, a wheel disposed on the roller bearing, where a height of the vacuum cleaner base is less than an outer diameter of the wheel is described. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the roller bearing comprising non-metallic materials. In some embodiments, the non-metallic materials comprising plastic. In some embodiments, the roller bearing including an aperture having a diameter greater than a diameter of a motor body to be disposed within the inner race. In some embodiments, the roller bearing comprising a plurality of rollers and a cage disposed around each of the rollers. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, each cage completely surrounds each of the respective rollers. In some embodiments, the rollers having a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the height being the maximum height of the vacuum base. 
         [0011]    According to various embodiments, vacuum cleaner base comprising an operational component positioned within a rear portion of the vacuum cleaner base, a wheel positioned on the rear portion of the vacuum cleaner base, a bearing disposed in a rotational arrangement with the wheel, the bearing comprising an inner race including an aperture, an outer race, and roller bearings disposed between the inner race and the outer race, wherein the aperture has a diameter greater then a height of the operational component is described. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the operational component comprises a motor coil. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the operational component is disposed within the aperture. 
         [0013]    The invention provides, in another aspect, a vacuum cleaner including a base including a motor assembly and a wheel, wherein the wheel rotates around the motor assembly about an axis of rotation, the wheel extends radially outward from the motor assembly, and a portion of the motor assembly intersects a plane defined by the wheel perpendicular to the axis of rotation. 
         [0014]    The invention provides, in another aspect, a vacuum cleaner including a base including a first wheel mount that carries a first wheel, a second wheel mount that carries a second wheel, and a motor received by the base. At least a portion of the motor being disposed within the first wheel mount, wherein the first wheel rotates about an outer perimeter of the motor such that the first wheel overlaps a portion of the motor. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The same reference number represents the same element on all drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The foregoing and other objects, aspects, and advantages are better understood from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front prospective view of one embodiment of an upright vacuum cleaner; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of an upright vacuum cleaner; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  illustrates the interior of the base of an upright vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  illustrates a wheel and wheel hub of an upright vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5A  illustrates the front view of the bag mount of an upright vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a profile view of the back of the bag mount of an upright vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  illustrates the axis of motor mounts of prior art vacuum cleaners; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates the axis of motor mounts of an upright vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  illustrates the bag mount of an upright vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  illustrates the base portion of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    The present teachings provide an upright vacuum cleaner including a vacuum cleaner base providing improved cleaning features and longevity. The structure of a vacuum cleaner can comprise a handle, body, base, and a wheel mount capable of housing a motor. The placement of the motor within the wheel mount reduces the weight of the vacuum cleaner, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Increased wheel diameter makes the vacuum cleaner extremely maneuverable, thereby making the unit easy and light for a consumer to use. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an upright vacuum cleaner  100 . A vacuum cleaner base  102  can be connected to a dust collection assembly  104  and a handle portion  106 . Vacuum cleaner base  102  can further comprise wheels  108 , a beater bar housing  116 , and a window/light housing cover  120  enclosing a light emitting diode  118  and a Hall Effect sensor  122  for improved cleaning capabilities of the upright vacuum cleaner unit. Vacuum cleaner base  102  has a vacuum cleaner base top cover  124  and air path cover  125  which may enclose the motor and other internal components of vacuum cleaner base  102 . The sides of vacuum cleaner base  102  may be capped with tracks  110 , which protect the sides of vacuum cleaner base  102 , and stabilize the vacuum cleaner base  102  by connecting the rear portion of the vacuum cleaner base  102  with the front portion enclosing the beater bar (see  FIG. 3 ). Tracks  110  can be attached to vacuum cleaner base  102  via wheel hub  112 . Tracks  110  can also enclose a motor shaft (see  FIG. 3 ) and may include a drive belt housing portion  114  which can enclose a beater bar drive belt ( FIG. 3 ). Tracks  110  can be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to polymers, plastics, thermoplastics, elastomeric plastics, metals or combinations thereof. 
         [0028]    Dust collection assembly  104  can comprise a dust collection assembly outer housing  126 . In one embodiment, dust collection assembly outer housing  126  may be a flexible, semi-flexible, or semi-rigid bag. In one embodiment, dust collection assembly  104  can comprise a cyclonic separator. In some embodiments, discrete sections of dust collection assembly outer housing  126  may comprise air impermeable materials. In one embodiment, a front section  134  is air permeable. This permits exhaust of cleaned air and allows the flap to bend. In one embodiment, a side-wall section  132  is air impermeable and semi-rigid. As such side-wall section  132  can keep a desired shape without having undue weight and manufacturing cost. In some embodiments, vacuum cleaner  100  includes an outer bag stabilization tab  200  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) that secures dust collection assembly outer housing  126  to vacuum cleaner base  102  and stabilizes it. 
         [0029]    In this embodiment, front section  134  is shown as an air permeable semi-flexible bag that comprises an outer layer  128  and an inner layer  130 . Inner layer  130  can be made of any material capable of providing a flexible, semi-flexible or semi-rigid inner layer. Examples of suitable materials include thermoplastics (TPE) or elastomerics, including thermoplastic or elastomeric polyurethane, polyurea, polystyrene, polyolefin, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or other thermoplastics or elastomers as known in the art. Outer layer  128  can be made of any material capable of providing a flexible or semi-flexible cloth-layer. Examples of suitable materials for outer layer  128  include polypropylene, nylon, polyester or rayon, etc. as known in the art. 
         [0030]    In this embodiment, section  132  is shown as an air impermeable semi-flexible bag that comprises an outer layer  138  and an inner layer  136 . Inner layer  136  can be made of any material capable of providing a flexible, semi-flexible or semi-rigid inner layer. Examples of suitable materials include thermoplastics (TPE) or elastomerics, including thermoplastic or elastomeric polyurethane, polyurea, polystyrene, polyolefin, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or other thermoplastics or elastomers as known in the art. Outer layer  136  can be made of any material capable of providing a flexible or semi-flexible cloth-layer. Examples of suitable materials for outer layer  136  include polypropylene, nylon, polyester or rayon, etc. as known in the art. 
         [0031]    Dust collection assembly outer housing  126  may include an opening or aperture  142  to allow for the removal of collected debris. In some embodiments, the collected debris is contained in a filter bag  140  after traveling through dirty air tube  174 . Filter bag  140  may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid collar  146  that includes an inlet  144 , slots  148 , and a pull tab  152 . Collar  146  can slide into bag mount  156  of bag mount assembly  154 . Additional details regarding bag mount assembly  154  can be found in  FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, dust collection assembly can further include one or more filters for cleaning dirty air. Such filters can include one or more wire, mesh, carbon, activated charcoal, filter paper, or HEPA filters. The filters can be included as portions of dust collection outer housing  126 , as a portion of filter bag  140 , or a combination thereof. 
         [0032]    Handle  106  can comprise two handle supports  158 , which are connected via handle brackets  160  and grip portion  166 . The handle supports  158  may be connected to a top portion of the dust collection assembly  104  via attachment posts ( FIG. 5A ) which can be covered by attachment post covers  162 . Handle  106  can be made from any material with a suitable strength-to-weight ratio. In one embodiment, magnesium is a suitable material for handle  106 . In one embodiment, materials such as carbon fibers (e.g. graphite) or titanium or other alloys may provide suitable strength, be light-weight, and have low production costs. Depending on their implementation and design arrangement, items such as aluminum, steel and iron may not have both suitable strength and light weight requirements. Additionally, aluminum, steel and iron may possibly have increased production costs, when factoring in costs for raw materials and shipping are included. However, these materials are not contemplated to be exclusively outside of all embodiments of the various inventions described herein. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , vacuum  100  can include a power cord  182  which provides power to a motor. The power cord can be stored around lower cord hook  178  and upper cord hook  180  for easy storage and management. Power cord  182  and cord  186  can enter into vacuum cleaner base  102  through parallel apertures ( FIG. 9 ). Power cord  182  supplies alternating current (AC) to vacuum cleaner base  102  and a motor assembly  187  ( FIG. 3 ). Cord  186  can convey user commands to a control board in base housing  102 . For example, cord  186  can convey a user request to turn on and off the power to the vacuum cleaner by pressing power button  184 . Cord  186  may provide power for signaling within the vacuum (e.g., power on/off, speed control of a beater bar, LED lights on/off, and brush on/off) between a control button within a handle  106 , for example, power button  184 . 
         [0034]    Dirty air tube  174  can provide multiple functions besides conveying dirty air from the base to dust collection assembly  104 . Dirty air tube  174  can be a part of the handle used to move the vacuum back and forth over the floor. Dirty air tube  174  can comprise a handle region  176  which allows a convenient place for a user to grip and lift vacuum cleaner  100 . Locking collar  172 , located on a distal end of dirty air tube  174 , includes internal threads (not shown) which are received on a distal end of scroll/volute  170 . By joining dirty air tube  174  to scroll/volute  170 , a continuous dirty air path is created allowing dirt and debris to be transferred from vacuum base  102  up and into dust collection assembly  104 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is an interior view of an exemplary embodiment of vacuum cleaner base  102 . A dirty air path is created when dirty air travels through sole plate  198  and beater bar housing  116 , out of beater bar housing air outlet  210  into dirty air intake duct  175 , and into scroll/volute  170  via a scroll/volute air inlet  212 . Dirty air intake duct  175  is directly connected to beater bar housing  116  via dirty air intake gasket  173  which provides an air tight seal between dirty air intake duct  175  and beater bar housing  116 . Dirty air intake duct  175  can connect the volute air inlet  212  and the air outlet of the beater bar housing  210 . In some embodiments, dirty air intake duct  172  flairs as dirty air intake duct approaches the beater bar housing  116 . In some embodiments, scroll/volute  170  can include a volute air inlet  212  disposed parallel to beater bar housing  116 . In some embodiments, volute air outlet  214  can be orthogonal to the beater bar housing  116 . Threads  171  on an exterior portion of a distal end of scroll/volute  170  are received by locking collar  172  on dirty air tube  174 . 
         [0036]    As illustrated by Axis “B,” beater bar housing air outlet  210  and the volute air outlet  214  are substantially collinear. As illustrated by axis “C”, in some embodiments, the center of the volute air inlet  212  and a center of the beater bar housing air outlet  210  are substantially orthogonal. A length of the dirty air path of the vacuum cleaner is kept at a minimum. The reduction of the air path length reduces the resistance within the air path. Dirty air intake may occur at beater bar outlet/air duct inlet  211 . As a result, motor assembly  187  requires less power to move adequate air within the vacuum, and suction is more evenly distributed over beater bar  182 . Preferably, motor assembly  187  in vacuum  100  is capable of producing an average maximum of about 50 cubic feet per minute (CFM) air flow, when operated in air, measured at beater bar outlet/air duct inlet  211 . Preferably, the motor assembly  187  in vacuum  100  at that maximum CFM utilizes an about 416 wattage motor. Prior art vacuum cleaners must use a larger wattage motor in order to generate similar air movement at intake and blower. Thus, vacuum cleaner  100  utilizes a smaller motor in order to generate adequate air movement. Reducing the size and power of the vacuum motor, while maintaining cleaning capability reduces the weight of the vacuum and operative costs. As such, the convenience and ease of use of the vacuum is increased for the consumer. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that not every embodiment necessarily includes these features. 
         [0037]    Vacuum cleaner base  102  can comprise a track  110 , a wheel hub  112 , a vacuum cleaner base plate  103 , a motor assembly  187 , a wheel  108  disposed on a wheel assembly  109 , and vacuum cleaner base cover  124 . Vacuum cleaner base cover  124  can be secured to vacuum cleaner base plate  103  via fasteners (not shown). Assembly of tracks  110 , wheel hubs  112 , and wheels can be secured via a combination of friction fit and twist-to-lock feature. Wheel hubs  112  can be received within a track hub receiving portion Ill of track  110 . Wheel hubs  112  can include locking tabs  113  which are received within locking slots ( FIG. 9 ) on wheel mount  107 . Once locking tabs  113  are received within locking slots, the wheel hub  112  can be rotated to lock the wheel hubs  112  and tracks  110  into place. Wheel assembly  109  can be secured to an outer circumference portion of wheel mount  107 . 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, vacuum cleaner base plate  103  can be a single piece or unibody construction. Vacuum cleaner base plate  103  includes beater bar housing  116  and wheel mount  107  ( FIG. 9 ). Motor assembly  187  can be disposed within wheel mount  107 . Motor assembly  187  can be held within wheel mount  107  by holding it within a motor cradle and via friction fit. In other words, in this illustrative example, motor assembly  187  requires no additional fasteners (screws, clamps, rivets, etc.) in order for the motor assembly  187  to remain secured to and within vacuum cleaner  100 . In this arrangement, a reduction in the use of fasteners can be achieved by way of configuring the motor assembly  187 , base plate  103 , wheel mount  107 , or other structural component to physically mate and hold the motor assembly  187  when the components are assembled when manufacturing the vacuum. Axis line “A” of  FIG. 3  shows how wheel assembly  109 , motor assembly  87 , and wheel mount  107  can be concentric. 
         [0039]    Airflow generated by an impeller rotated by motor assembly  187  draws air in from dirty air intake duct  175  and exhausts the air through scroll/volute  170  into bag assembly  104  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) where debris can be contained. The impeller (not shown) is driven by motor shaft  193  and is housed in scroll/volute  170 . Motor assembly  187  can also drive beater bar  192  via a flexible belt  204 . Prior art vacuum cleaner flexible stretch type belts fail before 100 hours. In some embodiments, flexible belt  204  exceeds 100 use hours before breakage. In some embodiments, a flexible belt use exceeds the mean time between failure (MTBF) of the vacuum cleaner itself. Thus, flexible belts may never have to be replaced during the lifetime of the vacuum. In some embodiments, the belts are circular belts or serpentine belts. In a preferred embodiment, belt  204  is a corded belt. In some embodiments the belt can include a flat or length-wise grooved surface. If the belt includes a grooved surface, the surface can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more grooves. The belts can be made of materials known in the art, including, but not limited to rubber, nylon, plastics, and polymers such as polybutadiene, and polyamide, among others. In some embodiments, flexible belts have little or no stretch. In some embodiments, the flexible can be installed under tension. In a preferred embodiment, flexible belt  204  does not stretch more than 3%. In a preferred embodiment, flexible belt  204  is about a 20-25 lb. load capacity belt. 
         [0040]    Vacuum cleaner base  102  can also include a belt housing assembly  119  which can comprise belt housing inner cover  115  and a belt housing outer cover  114 . When belt housing inner cover  115  and belt housing outer cover  114  are assembled they enclose flexible belt  204 . During vacuum cleaner use, air is drawn into the belt housing assembly  119  and over flexible belt  204  cooling flexible belt  204 . By cooling flexible belt  204  during use, the integrity of flexible belt  204  is preserved, prolonging the MTBF of flexible belt  204 . A belt housing filter cover  117  encloses an air filter onto belt housing assembly  119 —cleaning the air prior to the air is drawn into and across motor  189 . 
         [0041]    Motor assembly  187  can comprise a motor  189 , motor belt shaft  191 , and motor end plate  195 . Motor end plate  195  can include one or more motor end plate notches  197  and flat planar edges  188 , which allow motor end plate  195  to be held with friction fit into the wheel mount  107 . Motor end plate  195  can also propel air over motor assembly  187  disposed within wheel mount  107 . Advantageously, air flow generated by motor assembly  187  can cool motor assembly  187 , thereby reducing the amount of long term heat exposure to the motor assembly. By reducing the amount of stress on motor assembly  187  due to heat, the MTBF of motor assembly  187  can be greatly increased, resulting in longer life of the vacuum cleaner. 
         [0042]    Circuit board  190  can provide electrical current to one or more of a motor assembly  187 , LED lights  118  ( FIG. 1 ) or a Hall Effect sensor  122  ( FIG. 1 ). Hall Effect sensor  122  can detect a rotational speed of a beater bar  192 . A magnetic metal ball  196  embedded in beater bar  192  can be used to activate the Hall Effect sensor  122 , thus detecting the beater bar rotation speed. A beater bar  192  that is tangled or stuck on debris can place a large load on motor assembly  187  or burn it out. A tangled or stuck beater bar can cause strain upon drive belt  204 . When circuit board  190  detects a slowed rotational movement of beater bar  192 , circuit board  190  can shut down power to motor assembly  187 . In other words, if beater bar  192  gets stuck, power to motor assembly  187  is shut off, thereby preventing motor assembly  187  from overheating and drive belt  204  from breaking. In a preferred embodiment, if beater bar  192  falls below 120 rotations per minute, power to motor assembly  187  is shut down. Circuit board  190  can also provide electrical current to various other components of the vacuum cleaner, such as LED lights  118  ( FIG. 1 ), motorized handheld attachments, temperature sensors, altitude sensors, magnetic sensors, indicator lights, etc. 
         [0043]    Vacuum cleaner  100  and circuit board  190  can comprise multiple sensors and switches. In a broad sense, a “sensor” as used herein, is a device capable of receiving a signal or stimulus (electrical, temperature, time, etc.) and responds to it in a specific manner (opens or closes a circuit, etc.). A “switch,” as used herein, can be a mechanical or electrical device for making or breaking or changing the connections in a circuit. In some embodiments sensors can be switches. In other embodiments the sensors are connected to indicator lights or the like to inform a user of a malfunction or the need to perform a necessary function. Vacuum cleaner  100  or circuit board  190  can utilize flow blockage, light, temperature, “bag full” sensors, and handle attitude sensors. Signals from these sensors can aid the user in using and assessing various states of the vacuum. Sensors can comprise electric, magnetic, optical, gravity, etc., known in the art. Vacuum cleaner  100  or circuit board  190  can further comprise a “deadman” or “kill” switch which is capable of terminating power to the vacuum should the user become incapacitated. 
         [0044]    Vacuum cleaner base  102  is supported by wheel assembly  109 . Vacuum cleaner base  102  can also be supported by small front wheels (not shown). Base  102  generally glides over a cleaning surface, such as a floor. Vacuum cleaner base  102  can contact a cleaning surface, for example, when the cleaning surface is a deep shag carpet. Agitation devices, such as a beater bar  192 , squeegee  206 , and side brushes (not shown) can provide agitation of cleaning surfaces in order to dislodge and direct debris into dirty air intake  172 . As mentioned above, beater bar  196  can be driven by motor assembly  187  via a flexible belt  204  or other mechanism. Anti-ingestion bars  202  in sole plate  198  prevent large sized items from being drawn into the dirty air intake duct  175 . Beater bar  192  can include an arrangement of bristle tufts  194  that sweep the particulates into the dirty air intake duct  175 . Flexible belt  204  can be disposed on beater bar shaft  208  to drive beater bar  192 . In some embodiments, beater bar shaft  208  can include grooves to receive corresponding grooves disposed on flexible belt  204 . Bristle tufts  194  can be arranged on the beater bar in many different orientations. The fibers of the bristles can be of substantially identical stiffness, diameter and geometry or of different stiffnesses, diameters and geometries as desired. The fibers of the bristles can be made of natural or synthetic materials, or combinations thereof, including but not limited to nylon, plastic, polymers, rubber, hair (e.g., boar&#39;s hair). In some embodiments, bristle tufts  194  can be arranged in a double or single helix pattern. 
         [0045]    A double or single helix pattern can reverse its direction of rotation. The average length of the fibers of the bristle tufts can be from about 0.300 inches to about 0.500 inches. The average diameter of the fibers of the bristle tufts can be from about 0.008 inches to about 0.015 inches. Additionally, the bristle tufts can be angled out or placed non-orthogonally from the spindle to maximize the “embedded dirt” movement characteristics of the vacuum. The bristle tufts can be offset from the centerline about 0.08 inches to about 0.15 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the bristle tufts can comprise filaments comprising Nylon 6-6. The mean diameter of each filament can be about 0.012 inches. The mean amplitude of each filament can be about 0.022 inches. The mean tuft length of each filament can be about 0.370 inches. The tuft offset from centerline can be about 0.120 inches. In some embodiments, a single helix brush can be advantageously used in high shag carpets as its rotational speed is not inhibited to the same degree as the rotational speed of double helix brushroll. 
         [0046]    Moment arm D can be co-linear with scroll/volute  170  and dirty air tube  174  and ultimately connected to handle  106 . Moment arm D can be optionally disposed behind axis C. This effectively moves any force conveyed along moment arm D by the handle behind an axle defined by axis A. It is theorized that with an anterior moment arm D, a force applied to handle  106  transfers force through scroll/volute  170 , causing scroll/volute to be pushed towards a cleaning surface rather than pushing vacuum cleaner base  102  towards the cleaning surface. As such, any downward component of the force applied to handle  106  does not push base  102  down also. This reduces a frictional force of base  102  against the cleaning surface. The resulting reduction in friction can provide a much easier vacuum to push and control for a user over a cleaning surface, and provides a “floating head.” 
         [0047]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of wheel assembly  109 . Wheel assembly  109  can comprise wheel  108 , a roller bearing comprising rollers  404 , an inner race  406  and an outer race  408 . Rollers  404  are encased by cage  410 , forming an interior chamber in which rollers  404  rotate. Rollers  404  rotate around an outer surface of wheel mount  107  ( FIGS. 3 and 9 ). Rollers  404  are shown as cylinders. However, it should be understood that rollers  404  can be any suitable shape including but not limited to spheres and ellipsoids. The number of rollers  404  that are included in wheel assembly  109  can vary, so long as the number provides a low coefficient of friction sufficient to allow wheel  108  to easily rotate around wheel mount  107  ( FIGS. 3 and 9 ). In some embodiments, wheel assembly  109  can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or more rollers  404 . In a preferred embodiment, wheel assembly includes 19 cylindrical rollers  404 . For example, the wheel assembly  109  can include an even or odd number of rollers  404 . In some examples, rollers  404  are equally spaced along the inner diameter of inner race  406 . In some embodiments, rollers  404  are unequally spaced along the inner diameter of wheel assembly  109 . Roller bearings can comprise any suitable material, including but not limited to steel or other metals, plastics or other polymers, or combinations thereof. 
         [0048]    As mentioned above track hub  114  locks into wheel mount  107  ( FIGS. 3 and 9 ) through track hub locking tabs  113 . Track hub  114  can include track hub wells  115  which can be used to aid in rotating track hub  114  when locking or unlocking track hub  114  from wheel mount  107 . Track hub  114  can also include planar rim  410  which can include lip  412  which supports track hub locking tab  113 . Track hub  114  is shown as a circular shape. However, track hub  114  can be any suitable shape, so long as track hub includes locking tabs  113  in order to secure the track hub  114  to wheel mount  107 . Track hub  114  can be full or partial—that is portions of track hub rim  210  and lip  412  can be removed as long as track hub includes locking tabs  113 . For example as shown in  FIG. 3 , track hub  114  can have a portion of track hub rim  210  and lip  412  removed to accommodate belt  204 . In some embodiments vacuum cleaner base  102  can include one or more vacuum operational components (e.g. motor assembly  187 , circuit board  190 , etc.) positioned within a back portion of vacuum cleaner base  102 , two or more wheel assemblies  109  and bearings  404 , in which bearings  404  are in a rotational arrangement with wheel assemblies  109 . In some embodiments, wheel assemblies  109  can include inner race  406 , outer race  402 , and bearings  404 . In some embodiments, bearings  404  can rotate around an aperture in motor mount  107  to move wheel assembly  109 . In some embodiments, wheel assembly  109  are positioned on a back portion of the vacuum cleaner base  102 . In some embodiments the aperture of wheel mount  107  has a diameter that is at least greater than a height one of the operational components. 
         [0049]    Also, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 9 , wheel mounts  109  can be located within wheel mount portion  901 , located in a rear portion of vacuum base  102 . However, it should be understood that wheel mount portion  901  (including corresponding wheel mounts  107 ) can be located anywhere within vacuum cleaner base  102 . For example, wheel mounts  107  may be located in a front portion of vacuum base  102  (e.g. in or near beater bar portion  903 ). Wheel mounts  107  may be located in a middle portion of vacuum base  102  (e.g. in or near passage portion  902 ). Vacuum cleaner  100  can include without limitation, one, two, three, four or more wheel mounts. In some embodiments, vacuum cleaner  100  can include odd numbers of wheel mounts  107  and even numbers of wheel mounts  107 . As used herein, “operational component” and “functional component” are synonymous, and refer to any specific component of the vacuum. For example, motor assembly  187 , beater bar  192 , LED light  118 , power cord  182 , filter bag  140 , wheel assembly  109 , dust collection assembly  104 , flexible belt  204  and scroll/volute  170  are all “operational components” and “functional components.” The terms “operational components” and “functional components” can be used interchangeably. 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, a structural junction can be implemented that can be a physical junction point for different functional components so as to position different components to be located generally physically adjacent to each other and to provide support for at least some of those components. For example, a support for the vacuum handle, a vacuum bag holder (e.g., attachment for connecting the bag to the dirty air tube), and a support for holding a power cord can be designed and implemented on the vacuum to have those functional components join together in an integrated assembly. If desired, a dirty air tube can be part of the assembly and can be used to substantially support the assembly. For example, through fastening, manufacturing or a combination thereof each functional component can be secured or attached to the other. For example,  FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a front portion and rear portion, respectively, of bag mount  154  which can structurally and functionally connect the lower portions of vacuum cleaner  100 —such as dirty air tube  174  and vacuum cleaner base  102 —to the handle  104 . Advantageously, the binding/attaching of dirty air tube  174  and vacuum cleaner base  102 —to the handle  104  at bag mount  154  results in a multi-functional element that 1) receives the vacuum bags; 2) establishes an air path; 3) carries the electric cord; 4) transfers movement energy from one end of a vacuum to another; and 5) provides a convenient waist high location of a power switch. Bag mount  154  preferably uses less material and parts than prior art vacuums that utilize multiple parts that provide similar functions. In some embodiments, the integrated or unibody construction reduces production costs, inventory costs and fewer parts that can break over the lifetime of a vacuum. Bag mount  154  for example, can be made of a unibody construction, i.e., it is not an assembly but a single-molded piece. 
         [0051]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a front view of bag mount  154 . Bag mount  154  receives dirty air from dirty air tube  174  which is connected to vacuum cleaner base ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). A distal end of bag mount  154  can include a handle post receiver  514 . Distal ends of handle support  158  can include a handle attachment post  502 . A spring lock  504  on handle attachment post  502  can be received in a corresponding locking hole  512  in a handle post receiver  514  to secure handle attachment post  502  to the vacuum cleaner. Handle attachment post  502  can be covered by handle attachment post cover  162 . Bag mount support column  510  connects handle post receiver  514  and a bag mount dirty air intake  506 . Bag mount support column  510  can include one or more of a bag mount collar hook latch or locking clip  522 , a bag mount vertical locking key or protrusion  518 , and a bag mount horizontal locking key or protrusion  520 . Bag mount collar hook latch or locking clip  522 , bag mount vertical locking key or protrusion  518 , and bag mount horizontal locking key or protrusion  520  can be used to orient and secure filter bag  140  (See  FIG. 8  for more details). Debris filled air from vacuum cleaner base  102  travels through dirty air tube  174  and through bag mount dirty air intake  506 . Bag mount baffle  508  can change the direction of incoming air and direct it into a receiving filter bag  140  ( FIG. 8 ). Fasteners (not shown) are received in bag mount fastening receiver  516  to secure bag mount  154  to dirty air tube  174 . 
         [0052]    Apertures through dust collection assembly  104  allow handle posts  502 , bag mount  154  and dirty air tube  174  to be secured together for vacuum cleaner assembly as shown in  FIG. 5B . In one example, handle attachment posts  502  can be received in handle post receivers  514  through handle apertures  524 . In one example, fasteners  536  can be secured through fastener receiving apertures  534  and apertures  530  in dust collection assembly  104 . This secures bag mount locking collar  183  to bag mount  154 . An upper cord hook  180  and a power button  184  are disposed on or in bag mount locking collar  183 . Power on/off button  184  makes electrical contact with micro-switch  532  through aperture  526  via a spring (not shown) when bag mount  154  is assembled to dust collection assembly  104 . Dirty air tube  174  can be assembled to bag mount  154  through aperture  528  when bag mount  154  is assembled to dust collection assembly  104 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 6  illustrates on form of prior art motor mounts of vacuum cleaners. In this design, prior art motor mounts  608  and  610  of motors  601  are horizontal to cleaning surfaces  612 . For example, prior art vacuum cleaners have a motor  601 ; a motor shaft  602  to drive a belt  606  that rotates a beater bar  604 . As shown, motor mounts  608  and  610  are equidistance from a cleaning surface  612 . In other words, the distance (d1) between motor mount  608  and cleaning surface, and the distance (d2) between motor mount  610  and cleaning surface  612  are the same (d1=d2). Thus, axis line  614  through motor mounts  608  and  610  is horizontal and parallel to cleaning surface  612 . 
         [0054]    Improvements can be implemented with different motor mount implementations. For example,  FIG. 7  illustrates the motor mounts of a vacuum cleaner, such as the instant vacuum cleaner. Motor  701  and motor shaft  702  drive belt  706  to rotate a beater bar  704 . In the instant vacuum cleaner, motor mounts  708  and  710  are different distances from cleaning surface. In one example, the distance (d1) between motor mount  708  and cleaning surface, is shorter than the distance (d2) between motor mount  710  and cleaning surface  712  (d1&lt;d2). Axis  715  represents prior art axis line  614  of prior art vacuums as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In one example, distance (d1) between motor mount  708  and cleaning surface  712  is shorter than the distance (d2) between motor mount  710  and cleaning surface  712 . As such imaginary axis  714  can traverse a center of beater bar  704 , motor mount  708 , motor shaft  702  and motor  710  is a generally co-linear fashion. Thus, imaginary axis  714  is not parallel to cleaning surface, unlike the prior art imaginary axis  715  which while generally parallel to cleaning surface  712  did not traverse a center of a beater bar (see  FIG. 6 ). The generally co-linear alignment along axis  714  reduces a load on motor  701 , motor shaft  712  and belt  706 . This can significantly reduce the wear and tear on motor  701 , drive belt  702  and beater bar  714 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of filter bag  140  positioned to engage bag docking assembly  154 . The filter bag  140  has a bag inlet  144  through which dirty air enters the filter bag  140  for collection of entrained dirt. Filter bag  140  can have a dirt carrying capacity of about 1-10 quarts. In some embodiments, the dirt carrying capacity is between about 4-8 quarts, or more preferably 6-8 quarts dirt carrying capacity. In a most preferred embodiment, the dirt carrying capacity of filter bag  140  is about 8 quarts. 
         [0056]    The bag inlet  144  is surrounded by a reinforced collar  146 . The bag inlet  144  can also be surrounded by an elastic collar seal  812  to create a substantially air-tight seal when the filter bag  140  is engaged with bag mount dirty air intake  506 . Filter bag  140  may include a sliding member  816  that slides between an opened position and a closed position over the bag inlet  144 . When sliding member  816  is in the closed position, it prevents spillage of the captured dirt when the filter bag  140  is disengaged from the vacuum cleaner  100  ( FIG. 1 ). Collar securing apertures  814  may be located on sliding member  816  to provide a grip for retaining collar  146  and for moving sliding member  816 . Collar  146  may also include voids  818  and  820  to aid in securing and orienting collar  146  in support body  156 . 
         [0057]    The bag mount assembly  154  may include support body  156 . Support body  156  is pivotally attached to the bag mount assembly  154  at support body pivot member  804 . Support body  156  pivots between a loading position, in which the collar  146  of filter bag  140  may be engaged or disengaged with the support body  156 , and a working position, in which the bag inlet  144  engages the bag mount dirty air intake. Support body  156  may also include collar securing tabs  808  which define a channel  802 . Channel  802  can receive an edge of bag collar  146  and aids in holding collar  146  to support body  156 . Channel  802  slidably receive the edges of collar  146  on filter bag  140 . Channel  802  allows a user to easily slide collar  146  on and off of support body  156 . Channel  802  may also have press features (not shown) formed into them to ensure that bag collar  146  is held tightly in support body  156 . Preferably, bag mount  154  can use less material for receiving filter bag collar  146  compared to prior art bag mounts. Use of less material, with fewer parts can reduce production costs, and less parts can result in fewer parts that may potentially break or wear out over time—thereby potentially increasing the longevity of the vacuum cleaner. 
         [0058]    Support body  156  may also include one or more collar securing fasteners  810  to secure collar  146  to support body  156 . The collar securing fasteners  810  are positioned to engage the collar securing apertures  814  disposed in sliding member  816  of filter bag  140 . Advantageously, collar securing fasteners  810  secure the edge of bag collar  146  directly, versus prior art fasteners which fasten bag mount portions to other bag mount areas. By directly fastening the collar to bag mount  154 , proper bag collar  146  placement is more easily identifiable by the user. Also, because collar securing fasteners  810  may be made of a different material or color than bag collar  146 , a user can easily identify proper bag collar  146  placement and/or removal. Additionally, multiple collar securing fasteners  810  provide a stronger attachment of bag collar  146  to bag mount  154 , reducing the likelihood that the collar may become detached. 
         [0059]    The bag mount assembly  154  may also include bag mount support columns  510  which may include bag mount collar locking clips or hook latches  522 , bag mount vertical locking key  518  and bag mount horizontal locking key  520 , which are used to orient and secure filter bag  140 . Bag mount vertical locking key  518  and bag mount horizontal locking key  520  correspond to voids  818  and  820  in collar  146  that are mated to one other when the support body  156  is in a working position. When the bag mount vertical locking key  518 , bag mount horizontal locking key  520  are fully engaged with voids  818  and  820 , bag collar  146  has been properly aligned and support body  156  is able to close. In a further preferred embodiment, the locking keys are vertical and horizontal in nature to ensure that the bag collar is not inserted upside down or backwards which would result in misalignment of bag collar  146  and leakage of the dirty air stream. A latch mechanism, such as bag mount collar locking clips  522  lock a distal engagement of collar  146  when the support body  156  is in a working position to retain collar  146  and support body  156  against support columns  510 , i.e., retain support body  156  in a working position. 
         [0060]    In a preferred embodiment, the support body  156  is formed of a plastic that has been injection molded into a substantially planar body. The support body  156  is formed with an opening  822  that is positioned to correspond with bag inlet  144  when collar  146  of filter bag  140  is retained within the support body  156  in the proper position for engagement with the bag mount dirty air intake. 
         [0061]    Filter bag  140  can be engaged with the bag mount assembly  154  by inserting collar  146  within collar receiving gaps  802  on support body  156 . When the filter bag  140  is fully engaged with support body  156 , the bag inlet  144  aligns with the support body opening  822  in the support body  156  and collar securing apertures align with collar securing fasteners  810 . When the support body  156  is rotated into the working position, the bag inlet  144  aligns with and engages the bag mount dirty air intake  506 , and voids  818  and  820  of collar  146 , aligns with bag mount vertical locking key  518  and bag mount horizontal locking key  520  on support columns  510 . 
         [0062]    Collar  146  may include sliding member  816  which slides between an opened position and a closed position. A user may grasp pull tab  152  to pull bag collar  146  out of support body  156 . Collar securing fasteners  810  have a hooked portion  824  at its distal end that engages the collar securing apertures  814  when collar  146  is fully engaged with support body  156 . The engagement of collar securing fasteners  810  with collar securing apertures  814  operates to close sliding member  816  over the bag inlet  144  upon removal of the filter bag  140  from support body  156 . When the user removes filter bag  140  from support body  156  via the pull tab  152 , the hooked portion  824  of collar securing fasteners  824  resists the force exerted by the user. The force necessary to move sliding member  816  is less than the force necessary to disengage collar securing fasteners  810  from the collar securing apertures  814 . As a result, sliding member  816  remains stationary as bag collar  146  is removed from support body  156 . Collar slides  150  are secured to a distal end of sliding member  186 , and are within collar slots  148 . Collar slots  148  may provide a positive stop in collar  146  to prevent sliding member  816  from being pulled out of collar  146  entirely. 
         [0063]    Once sliding member  816  is fully closed over bag inlet  144 , all of the force exerted by the user is transferred to collar securing fasteners  810 . This additional force frees collar securing apertures  814  from the collar securing fasteners, and in turn disengages the collar  146  and filter bag  140  from support body  156 . 
         [0064]    Advantageously, bag collar  146  is smaller than prior art bag collars with sliding members. Reduction in size reduces production costs, ultimately resulting in lower costs for the consumer. A top edge of the collar can extend beyond the top edge of the bag. 
         [0065]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exploded view of vacuum cleaner base plate  103 , vacuum cleaner base cover  124  and a vacuum cleaner air path cover. Vacuum cleaner base plate  103  can include wheel mount portion  901 , which includes one or more wheel mounts  107 . Vacuum cleaner base plate  103  can include beater bar portion  903  which can include beater bar housing  116 . Base plate  103  may include passage portion  902  which can connect motor mounts  107  to beater bar portion  903 . Vacuum cleaner base plate  103  including wheel mount portion  901 , beater bar portion  903 , and passage portion  902  can be a single piece construction. Passage portion  902  can connect motor mount portion  901  to beater bar portion  903 . Passage portion  902  can include walls  940  and floor  942 . Passage portion  902  also serves to enclose and support other internal features of vacuum cleaner  100 , such as circuit board  190  and dirty air intake duct  175  (See  FIG. 3 ). Internal components may be received in slots or receptacles within passage portion  902 . For example, circuit board  190  may be secured within circuit board receiving slot  926 . 
         [0066]    In some embodiments, passage portion  902  has parallel side portions. In some embodiments, passage portion  902  has a rear portion closest to wheel mount portion  901  that is wider than a forward portion that is closest to beater bar portion  903 , e.g., passage portion  902  may taper in width from the rear of vacuum cleaner base  102  to the front of vacuum cleaner base  102 . In some embodiments, passage portion  902  is narrower in width than the wheel mount portion  901  of base plate  103 . In some embodiments, passage portion  902  is narrower in width than beater bar portion  903 . In some embodiments, passage portion  902  is narrower than both wheel mount portion  901  and beater bar portion  903 . In some embodiments, beater bar portion  903  comprises receptacles (not shown) to secure beater bar  192  ( FIG. 3 ). In some embodiments, portions of passage portion may be about 1.25 mm in thickness. However, it should be understood that the thickness of passage portion  902  may vary from about 1.0 mm to about 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, base plate  103  has a uniform thickness. In some embodiments, base plate  103  has different thicknesses in different regions or areas of the base plate  103 . For example, the motor mount portion  901  may be thicker than passage portion  902 , which is thicker than beater bar portion  903 . Motor mount portion  901  may be thicker than passage portion  902  or beater bar portion  903 . Passage portion  902  may be thicker than motor mount portion  901  or beater bar portion  903 . Beater bar portion may be thicker than passage portion  902  or motor mount portion  901 . It should be understood that even sub-regions within motor mount portion  901 , passage portion  902  or beater bar portion  903  can have different thicknesses or similar thicknesses. Wall thickness may vary with shape because curves and embosses are stronger for same wall thickness than is a flat section. A skilled artisan would know how the thickness of various portions and areas of base plate  103  relates to structural and functional requirements of base plate  103 , and any structural or functional components housed in or near the different areas, in order to produce a sufficient and functional base plate  103 . 
         [0067]    In some embodiments, base plate  103  may have walls  940  of unitary thickness. In some embodiments base plate  103  may have walls  940  that have different thicknesses. For example, base plate  103  may have walls  940  that taper (e.g. walls  940  may progressively get thinner or thicker). This is called “draft angle” and is primarily used to allow the die cast part to more readily be removed from the mating die cast mold, otherwise suction and friction prevent removal after casting. In some embodiments, walls  940  may range in thickness from about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm. A skilled artisan would know how the thickness of various walls  940  of base plate  103  relate to structural and functional requirements of base plate  103 , and any structural or functional components housed in or near the walls, in order to produce a sufficient and functional base plate  103 . In some embodiments, floor  942  may have a uniform thickness or may have areas of different thicknesses. In some embodiments, floor  942  may range in thickness from about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm. In general, base plate  103  can include structural support elements such as trunnions, ribs, side walls and motor mounts. Generally, base plate  103  can have trunnion ribs, screw bosses and trunnions as having a thickness from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 0.75 mm to 2.5 mm. If desired, some sections such as support members, ribs or other structural elements can be formed from magnesium, and other sections can be formed from other materials. In some embodiments, wheel mount  107  may have a uniform thickness or may have areas of different thicknesses. In some embodiments, wheel mount  107  may range in thickness from about 0.75 mm to about 1.75 mm. 
         [0068]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , base plate  103  may include one or more wheel mounts  107 . In a preferred embodiment, base plate  103  includes at least two wheel mounts  107 . Wheel mounts  107  may include both flat and curved planar portions. For example, in a preferred embodiment, wheel mount  107  may include flat planar portions  912  and curved planar portions  914  which aid in orienting and securing motor assembly  187  received therein ( FIG. 3 ). When motor assembly  187  is properly inserted into wheel mount  107 , planar portions prevent the motor assembly from rotating within wheel mount  107 . Wheel mounts  107  may also include locking slots  916  which receive track hubs locking tabs  113  in order to secure wheel assemblies  109  and tracks  110  to vacuum cleaner base  102  ( FIG. 4 ). Each wheel mount  107  may include one, two or more locking slots  916 . Additionally, wheel mount ribs  938  may serve to prevent wheel assembly  109  from lateral movement when assembled on wheel mount  107 . 
         [0069]    Wheel mounts  107  may include one, two or more areas which allow a motor assembly  187  to be fastened within wheel mount  107 . For example, wheel mount  107  may include motor locking tabs  928  which correspond to and friction fit with motor end plate notch  197  on motor end plate  188 , when motor end plate  188  is properly inserted into wheel mount  107  (See,  FIG. 3 ). Planar portions  912  of wheel mount  107  correspond to and friction fit with motor end plate flat edge  188  when motor end plate  188  is properly inserted into wheel mount  107  (See,  FIG. 3 ). The combination of motor locking tabs  928  and planar portions  912  of wheel mount  107  allow friction fit to secure motor end plate  188 . Vacuum cleaner base cover  124  can secure the top of motor assembly  187 . As such motor assembly  187  is secured within wheel assembly  107  without any additional fasteners. 
         [0070]    Base plate  103  may include a cradle section  904  (e.g. trunnion) within wheel mount portion  901 . Cradle section  904  may include one or more motor support platforms  930  (e.g. trunnion ribs) created by one or more cradle walls  918  which define the distal portions of cradle section  904 . Cradle walls  918  prevent a motor from lying directly against an exterior portion of base plate  103 , thereby creating an internal chamber between motor assembly  197  and base plate  103 . Multiple vents  906  allow air into and out of base plate  103 , allowing heat and any entrapped particles within base plate  103  to conveniently exit vacuum cleaner base  102  when assembled. Although not shown, additional vents can be included on distal portions of cradle section  904 . 
         [0071]    Wheel mount portion  901  may also include power cord apertures  908  and  910  which allow entry to power cord  182  and  186  to supply AJC power to motor assembly  187  or to provide signaling power to internal components of the vacuum (See  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0072]    As discussed above, a wheel mount  107  is capable of housing a motor assembly to drive a beater bar. A single piece construction for base plate  103  can advantageously reduce the “foot print” of the vacuum cleaner base and reduce the amount of materials and time required to produce the vacuum. However, by housing a motor within wheel mount  107 , and is securing it within the vacuum housing through friction fit can produce a lot of stress upon base plate  103  and wheel mount  107 , in particular. 
         [0073]    Base plate  103  can comprise any material with a suitable strength-to-weight ratio. In one embodiment, magnesium is a suitable material for base plate  103 . In one embodiment, materials such as carbon fibers (e.g. graphite) or titanium or other alloys may provide suitable strength, be light-weight, and have low production costs. In some embodiments, the material can provide increased damping capacity, and can thereby reduce the noise generated by any moving parts or motors within the vacuum. A skilled artisan would know what structural/functional properties are desired in a material, and would be able to choose a material formulation that best meets as many of those properties as possible. In one embodiment, base plate  103  can be manufactured by die casting the suitable material. However, it should be understood that any suitable manufacturing process may be used to produce base plate  103 . In a preferred embodiment, base plate  103  comprises Magnesium Die Cast Metal. For example, AZ91D is. A specific ASM material formulation of magnesium that provides the desired strength-to-thickness. AZ91D comprises: 8.3-9.7% Al; 0.15% Mn min.; 0.35-1.0% Zn; 0.10% Si max.; 0.005% Fe max.; 0.030% Cu max.; 0.002% Ni max.; 0.02% max. other (each); and balance Mg. Materials having similar or greater strength-to-thickness are included in the present teachings. Additional information regarding Magnesium Die Case Metal AZ91D can be found at, for example, the URL mg.tripod.com/asm_prop.htm. 
         [0074]    Depending on their implementation and design arrangement, items such as aluminum, steel and iron may not have both suitable strength and light weight requirements. Additionally, aluminum, steel and iron may possibly have increased production costs, when factoring in costs for raw materials and shipping are included. Use of steel in a base plate with suitable strength can potentially result in a base plate with 4 times the weight of a magnesium base plate. Further, injection molded plastics depending on implementation and design arrangements may not be suitable for base plate  103  to be formed thereof. Use of injection molded plastics can potentially result in a base plate with 2 times the weight of a magnesium base plate. Use of injection molded plastics may also result in a much thicker base plate, thus requiring more product and increasing production costs. 
         [0075]    In some embodiments, additional portions of the vacuum cleaner may comprise magnesium. For example, while handle  106  and vacuum base  102  are illustrated as comprising magnesium, other parts, such as air conduits, wheels, cord hooks, etc. may also include magnesium. In some embodiments, all of, or substantially all of, vacuum cleaner  100  can comprise magnesium. A skilled artisan would know how to determine the proper structural, strength, and weight characteristics of various parts and portions of a vacuum cleaner using magnesium. In some embodiments, the portions of the vacuum cleaner that comprise magnesium may be substantially free of other materials. In some embodiments, the portions of the vacuum cleaner that comprise magnesium may include about 0.1% to about 100% magnesium. Without limitation, the portions may include about 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.9, to about 99.99% magnesium. In some embodiments, the additional portions of the vacuum cleaner may include materials with characteristics similar to magnesium. In these embodiments, the portions of the of the vacuum cleaner that comprise materials with characteristics similar to magnesium may be substantially free of other materials. In some embodiments, the portions of the vacuum cleaner that comprise materials with characteristics similar to magnesium may include about 0.1% to about 100% magnesium. Without limitation the portions may include about 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.9, to about 99.99% materials with characteristics similar to magnesium. 
         [0076]    Vacuum cleaner base cover  124  may be secured to base plate  103  via fasteners. Fastener receivers  920  (e.g. bosses) in base plate  103  may correspond to fastener receivers  932  in base cover  124 . A fastener (not shown) such as a screw or rivet, may be used to secure a base plate to base cover  124 . Additionally, air path cover  125  may be secured to base plate  103  via fasteners. Fastener receivers (not shown) in base plate  103  may correspond to fastener receivers  934  in air path cover  125 . A fastener (not shown) such as a screw or rivet, may be used to secure base plate  103  to air path cover  124 . 
         [0077]    In some embodiments, vacuum cleaner  100  weighs between about 5 to about 10 pounds. In some embodiments, vacuum cleaner  100  weighs between about 6 to about 8 pounds. In a preferred embodiment, vacuum cleaner weighs about 7 pounds. 
         [0078]    In some embodiments, vacuum cleaner  100  can further comprise an attachment hose and hand held attachments. For example, one embodiment of a hand held attachment may include a flexible hose or a rigid hose. Vacuum cleaner  100  may include an extendible crevice tool that is partially or wholly integrated into a flexible or rigid hose. In some embodiments, hand held attachments can include, but are not limited to brushes, squeegees, beater bars, extension hoses, nozzles, etc. In some embodiments, the upright vacuum cleaner may comprise a tool caddy for easy and convenient storage of a hand held attachment, for example, an extendible crevice tool. A tool caddy can be disposed on dust collection assembly  104  or vacuum cleaner base  102 . A tool caddy can friction fit around an extendible crevice tool for easy storage and management of flexible or rigid hoses, extendable crevice tools or other hand held attachments. 
         [0079]    Combinations of different features illustratively described in connection with the embodiments are also contemplated. Although the embodiments illustrated herein relate to upright vacuum cleaners, alternative vacuum cleaner configurations (e.g. hand held, canister, etc.) are also contemplated. 
         [0080]    The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be constructed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize the various modifications and changes which may be made to the present invention without strictly following the exemplary embodiments illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.