Abstract:
A method of removing hair from a surface laden with hair comprising moving a hair collection element along the surface in a first direction to collect hair, depositing the collected hair at a first location, gliding the hair collection element along the surface in a second direction away from the first location and removing the collection hair from the first location.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 11/683,744, filed Mar. 8, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/371,721, filed on Mar. 9, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,305,731, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.  60 / 659 , 786 , filed on Mar. 9, 2005. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to a method for removing hair and other small debris from fabric surfaces, such as a carpet or upholstery. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for removing hair and other small debris from fabric surfaces using vacuum. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a method of removing hair from a surface with a hair removal element on a vacuum cleaner. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Pet hair from shedding animals, such as dogs and cats, can easily get trapped in fabrics, such as carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture and other similar items. While a vacuum cleaner can suction up some of the hair, a good portion of the hair can become trapped within the fibers of the fabric such that the vacuum cleaner alone cannot suction up the hair. Vacuum cleaners also have similar problems suctioning up other small debris. 
         [0006]    Heretofore, carpet rakes, such as the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,930,862 to Garrett, have been used to rake carpets by pulling the rake over the surface of the carpet to collect the hair on the carpet and gather it into a pile. Typically, these carpet rakes include a plurality of bristles to rake the hair on the carpet towards the user of the rake, wherein the user then has to pick up the pile of collected hair. However, a more effective hair removal apparatus is desired. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,907,370 to Schoeller discloses a hair and thread gathering nozzle attachment for a vacuum cleaner. The nozzle comprises a wood or metal slider with longitudinal air passages that lead to a suction aperture. The nozzle attachment further comprises strips of non-felting material, such as crepe rubber, that loosen hairs and threads during movement of the nozzle attachment. The hairs and threads are removed through the suction apertures. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to the invention, a method of removing hair from a surface laden with hair comprises moving a hair collection element along a surface laden with hair in a first direction to collect hair, depositing the collected hair at a first location, gliding the hair collection element along the surface in a second direction away from the first location, and removing the collected hair from the first location. 
         [0009]    Preferably, the removing step can comprise suctioning the collected hair. The moving step can comprise applying pressure to the surface using the hair removal element. The gliding step can comprise relieving pressure applied by the hair collection element on the surface so that collection of hair in the second direction is substantially avoided. The depositing step can comprise forming a pile of the collected hair at the first location. The moving step can comprise moving a vacuum cleaner comprising the hair removal element in the first direction. The gliding step can comprise moving the vacuum cleaner in the second direction. 
         [0010]    The hair collection element can comprise a plurality of projections that are transversely elongated. The projections can be arranged in a plurality of rows. The projections in one row can be offset from elongated projections in an adjacent row. Alternately, the hair collection element can comprise a directional fabric. The hair collection element can be formed of an elastomeric material. 
         [0011]    The hair collection element can comprise at least one projection orientated at an angle, for example, about 45°, with respect to the surface to be cleaned. The hair collection element can be configured to rotate when the cleaning head is moved in the second direction. The hair collection element can be configured to glide over the surface to be cleaned when the cleaning head is moved in the second direction. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0012]    In the drawings: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a carpet brush in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a handle of the carpet brush in accordance with the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a brush head of the carpet brush in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the brush head of the carpet brush in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a close-up view of section V of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a front side view of the brush head of the carpet brush in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a brush head of a carpet brush in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of a vacuum cleaner base assembly comprising a movable hair collection assembly in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the vacuum cleaner base assembly from  FIG. 8 , where the hair collection assembly is in a use-position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the vacuum cleaner base assembly from  FIG. 8 , where the carpet brush is in a non-use position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of a vacuum cleaner base assembly comprising a movable hair collection assembly in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention, where the hair collection assembly is in a use-position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the vacuum cleaner base assembly from  FIG. 11 , where the hair collection assembly is in a non-use position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the vacuum cleaner base assembly from  FIG. 11 , where the vacuum cleaner base assembly is moving in a forward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a view similar to  FIG. 13 , where the vacuum cleaner base assembly is moving a rearward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a side view of a vacuum cleaner base assembly comprising a movable hair collection assembly in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention, where the hair collection assembly is in a use-position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the vacuum cleaner base assembly from  FIG. 15 , where the hair collection assembly is in a non-use position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a view similar to  FIG. 15 , where the vacuum cleaner base assembly is moving in a forward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a view similar to  FIG. 15 , where the vacuum cleaner base assembly is moving a rearward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a view of a vacuum cleaner base assembly comprising a movable hair collection assembly in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention, where the vacuum cleaner base assembly is moving in a forward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a view similar to  FIG. 19 , where the vacuum cleaner base assembly is moving a rearward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is a view of a height adjustment knob for the hair collection assembly from  FIG. 19 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is a partial perspective view of a vacuum cleaner base assembly comprising a movable hair collection assembly in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is a side view of the base assembly from  FIG. 22 , where the hair collection assembly is in a use position and the vacuum cleaner base assembly is moving in a forward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  is a view similar to  FIG. 23 , where the vacuum cleaner base assembly is moving a rearward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  is a view similar to  FIG. 23 , where the hair collection assembly is in a non-use position. 
           [0038]      FIG. 26  is a bottom perspective view of a vacuum cleaner base assembly comprising a hair collection assembly in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the hair collection assembly from  FIG. 26 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 28  is a side view of the base assembly from  FIG. 26 , where the base assembly is moving in a forward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0041]      FIG. 29  is a side view similar to  FIG. 28 , where the base assembly is moving in a rearward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0042]      FIG. 30  is a bottom perspective view of a vacuum cleaner base assembly comprising a hair collection assembly in accordance with an ninth embodiment of the invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 31  is an exploded view of the hair collection assembly from  FIG. 30 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 32  is a side view of the base assembly from  FIG. 30 , where the base assembly is moving in a forward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0045]      FIG. 33  is a top view of the hair collection assembly from  FIG. 30 , illustrating the movement of the hair collection assembly when the base assembly is moving in a forward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0046]      FIG. 34  is a side view similar to  FIG. 32 , where the base assembly is moving in a rearward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0047]      FIG. 35  is a top view of the hair collection assembly from  FIG. 30 , illustrating the movement of the hair collection assembly when the base assembly is moving in a rearward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0048]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner base assembly comprising a hair collection assembly in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the invention. 
           [0049]      FIG. 37  is a bottom view of the base assembly from  FIG. 36 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 38  is a view similar to  FIG. 36 , showing the hair collection assembly exploded from the base assembly. 
           [0051]      FIG. 39  is a side view of the base assembly, where the hair collection assembly is in a non-use position. 
           [0052]      FIG. 40  is a side view of the base assembly, where the hair collection assembly is in a use position and the base assembly is moving in a rearward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0053]      FIG. 41  is a side view similar to  FIG. 40 , where the base assembly is moving in a forward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0054]      FIG. 42  is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner base assembly comprising a hair collection assembly in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 43  is a bottom view of the base assembly from  FIG. 42 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 44  is a view similar to  FIG. 42 , showing the hair collection assembly exploded from the base assembly. 
           [0057]      FIG. 45  is a side view of the base assembly, where the hair collection assembly is in a use position and the base assembly is moving in a rearward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
           [0058]      FIG. 46  is a side view similar to  FIG. 45 , where the base assembly is moving in a forward direction across a surface to be cleaned. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0059]    For purposes of description related to  FIGS. 1-7 , the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the reference number  10  generally designates a carpet brush comprising a hair collection element. In the illustrated example, the carpet brush  10  includes a handle  12  and a brush head  14  attached at one end of the handle  12 . During use, the carpet brush  10  is employed by moving the brush head  14  over a fabric-covered surface, such as a carpet, rug, upholstered furniture or other similar items, having pet hair or other small debris therein to bring the hair and debris to the surface of the fabric-covered surface to easily remove the hair and debris by hand or by using a vacuum cleaner or similar household equipment. 
         [0061]    Referring additionally to  FIG. 2 , in the illustrated embodiment, the handle  12  is elongated such that a user of the carpet brush  10  can easily use the carpet brush  10  while standing. The illustrated handle  12  is circular and is approximately 4 feet long. However, it is contemplated that the handle  12  could be any length and could have any cross-sectional shape. The handle  12  is preferably made of plastic, although it is contemplated that the handle  12  could be made of any material. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the handle  12  could be extendible. For example, the handle  12  could include a plurality of handle sections configured to be connected together to form a handle  12  of any desired length. Furthermore, the handle  12  could include a pair of telescoping tubes that can be rotated relative to each other as is well known to those skilled in the art to fix the handle  12  in a desired length or one of the tubes could have a plurality of openings configured to accept a spring loaded tab from the other of the tubes to fix the tubes in a desired extended position. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle  12  includes a threaded end  16  configured to be screwed into the brush head  14 . 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the illustrated brush head  14  is connected to the handle  12  and has a bottom configured to be brushed against the carpet, etc. to bring the hair and small debris to the surface of the carpet, etc. The brush head  14  includes a top portion  18  and a bottom portion  20 . The top portion  18  of the brush head  14  includes an internal threaded opening  22  for accepting the threaded end  16  of the handle  12  therein for connecting the handle  12  to the brush head  14 . However, it is contemplated that the handle  12  could be connected to the brush head  14  in any manner. For example, it is contemplated that the handle  12  and the top portion  18  of the brush head  14  could be molded as one integral piece. The top portion  18  of the brush head  14  is preferably made of plastic or wood and includes a rectangular shape, although it is contemplated that the top portion  18  of the brush head  14  could be made of any material and have any shape. 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , the bottom portion  20  of the brush head  14  comprises a hair collection element. In the illustrated example, the bottom portion  20  of the brush head  14  is connected to the top portion  18  of the brush head  14  and includes the plurality of projections  24  extending in a direction opposite the handle  12 . The projections  24  are elongated and comprise a plurality of rows of ridges  26  having a non-circular face  28  extending opposite to the top portion  18  of the brush head  14 . As illustrated, the face  28  is oval, comprising spaced elongated sides  30  joined by arcuate ends  32 . Preferably, the projections  24  are formed of an elastomeric material. In the illustrated example, the projections  24  are rubber. 
         [0064]    Each projection  24  is elongated, preferably such that the distance D 1  between the arcuate ends  32  of the face  28  is greater than the distance D 2  between the sides  30 . Furthermore the projections  24  are relatively short and can extend from the bottom portion  20  of the brush head  14  a distance H less than a largest dimension of the non-circular face  28  of the ridges  26 , which, as discussed above, is preferably the distance D 1  between the arcuate ends  32 . 
         [0065]    In the illustrated example, the projections  24  in each row are aligned and are axially spaced from each other. Preferably, adjacent rows of projections  24  are offset from each other, whereby axial spaces S between adjacent projections  24  in one row are juxtaposed to projections  24  in an adjacent row. In other words, the axial spaces S between adjacent rows are offset from one another. Furthermore, the rows are preferably equally spaced from one another at regular intervals R. 
         [0066]    By way of example, and without limitation, the carpet brush  10  according to the present invention can have one or more of the following dimensions: a distance D 1  of 0.25 inches; a distance D 2  of 1.5 inches; an axial space S of 0.375 inches; a row spacing R of 0.25 inches; and a height H of 0.1875 inches. 
         [0067]    In the illustrated embodiment, the entire bottom portion  20  of the brush head  14  is rubber is and attached to the top portion  18  of the brush head  14  using suitable fasteners, such as staples  34 . However, it is contemplated that the bottom portion  20  of the brush head  14  could be connected to the top portion  18  of the brush head  14  in any manner. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the top portion  18  and the bottom portion  20  of the brush head  14  could be integral. 
         [0068]    The illustrated carpet brush  10  is used by grasping the handle  12  and pressing the projections  24  of the brush head  14  against a fabric surface. The handle  12  is then moved towards or away from the user of the carpet brush  10  while continuing to press the projections  24  against the fabric surface. Preferably, the brush head  14  is moved in a direction perpendicular to the elongated sides  30  of the faces  28  of the ridges  26 . As the projections  24  are moved over the fabric surface, the projections  24  will force the hair and/or other small debris towards the top of the fabric surface. At the end of a brush stroke, the hair and/or other small debris is collected in a pile, which can then be easily picked up by hand or using a vacuum cleaner. It is believed that at least one of the shape of the projections  24 , the material of the projections  24  and/or the distance that the projections  24  extend from the rest of the bottom portion  20  of the brush head  14  help to make the carpet brush  10  very effective in forcing the hair and/or other small debris towards the top of the fabric surface. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the reference numeral  10   a  generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a second embodiment for the carpet brush. Since carpet brush  10 A is similar to the previously described carpet brush  10 , similar parts appearing in  FIGS. 1-6  and  FIG. 7 , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “A” in the numerals of the latter. The carpet brush  10 A is substantially identical to the first embodiment of the carpet brush  10 , except that the second embodiment of the carpet brush  10 A does not include a handle. Therefore, the carpet brush  10 A includes a brush head  14 A that has a bottom configured to be brushed against the fabric surface to bring the hair and small debris to the surface of the fabric surface. The brush head  14 A includes a top portion  18 A and a bottom portion  20 A that includes a plurality of projections  24 A. The carpet brush  10 A can also include a rope or other strap device  36  for easily holding and transporting the carpet brush  10 A. 
         [0070]    The illustrated carpet brush  10 A is used by grasping the top portion  18 A pressing the projections  24 A of the brush head  14 A against the carpet, etc. The top portion  18 A is then moved towards or away from the user of the carpet brush  10 A while continuing to press the projections  24 A against the fabric surface. As the projections  24 A are moved over the fabric surface, the projections  24 A will force the hair and/or other small debris towards the top of the fabric surface. At the end of a brush stroke, the hair and/or other small debris is collected in a pile, which can be easily picked up by hand or using a vacuum cleaner. Several brush strokes can be made to effectively collect hair and/or other small debris from the carpet. 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , a third embodiment of the invention is shown, where a movable hair collection assembly  38  is provided on a vacuum cleaner base assembly  40  of a typical upright vacuum cleaner, although the invention is equally effective on canister or stick type vacuum cleaners also. The base assembly  40  comprises a housing  42  having an agitator chamber  44  formed at a forward portion thereof, which houses a commonly known agitator assembly  46  in the form of a rotatable brushroll  48  for agitating the surface to be cleaned, however it can be appreciated that the invention can be practiced with or without an agitator assembly  46 . A suction nozzle  50  is formed at a lower portion of the agitator chamber  44  and is in fluid communication with a remote suction source, as is commonly found in an upright vacuum cleaner. 
         [0072]    The hair collection assembly  38  comprises a hair collection element  52  and a mounting assembly  54  for attaching the hair collection element  52  to the base assembly  40 . The mounting assembly  54  comprises a pair of spaced brackets  56  (only one is visible in  FIGS. 9-10 ) affixed or otherwise formed on the base assembly housing  42 , preferably on the agitator chamber  44 , and a corresponding support arm  58  rotatably coupled with each bracket  56  by a pivot coupling  60 . 
         [0073]    The hair collection element  52  is attached to or otherwise supported by the support arms  58  and extends substantially across the width of the front portion of the base assembly  40 . The hair collection element  52  comprises an elongated support  62  and a plurality of spaced projections  64  depending therefrom. As illustrated, the hair collection element  52  is similar to the bottom portion  20  of the first embodiment. The projections  64  are arranged in a plurality of parallel rows extending across the support  62 . The projections  64  in each row are aligned and are axially spaced from each other. Adjacent rows of projections  64  are offset from each other, whereby axial spaces S between adjacent projections  64  in one row are juxtaposed to projections  64  in an adjacent row. Preferably, the projections  64  are formed of an elastomeric material. More preferably, both the projections  64  and the support  62  are formed of an elastomeric material. The hair collection element  52  can alternately comprise a hair collector that is shown and described in the first embodiment. For example, the projections  64  can be shaped or arranged differently, or the material can be different. 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the hair collection assembly  38  is manually movable between a use position, shown in  FIG. 9 , in which the hair collection element  52  is in contact with the surface to be cleaned F, and a non-use position, shown in  FIG. 10 , in which the hair collection element  52  is spaced from the surface to be cleaned F. In the use position, the hair collection element  52  is positioned forwardly of the suction nozzle  50  and is configured to dig against the surface to be cleaned F as the base assembly  40  is moved over it. To move to the non-use position, the support arms  58  are rotated about the pivot coupling  60  with the brackets  56  until the support arms  58  and/or the hair collection element  52  rests against an upper surface of the base assembly housing  42 . Preferably, the support arms  58  rest against an upper surface of the agitator chamber  44 . 
         [0075]    In operation, to collect hair and/or other small debris, the vacuum cleaner base assembly  40  is moved forward and rearward in a reciprocating fashion over the surface to be cleaned using a common handle assembly that can be pivotally attached to the base assembly  40 , with the hair collection assembly  38  in the use position. In the use position, the hair collection assembly  38  digs against the surface to be cleaned, thereby collecting hair and/or other small debris. At the end of each forward and rearward stroke, a pile of collected hair and/or debris accumulates, which can then be picked up through the suction nozzle  50 . When hair collection is not desired, the vacuum cleaner can be used with the hair collection assembly  38  in the non-use position. The hair collection assembly  38  can also be moved to the non-use position to pick up the pile of collection hair and/or debris manually or though the suction nozzle  50 . 
         [0076]    Referring to  FIGS. 11-14 , a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown, where a movable hair collection assembly  66  is provided on a vacuum cleaner base assembly  68  of a typical upright vacuum cleaner, although the invention is equally effective on canister or stick type vacuum cleaners also. The base assembly  68  comprises a housing  70  having an agitator chamber  72  formed at a forward portion thereof, which houses a commonly known agitator assembly  74  in the form of a rotatable brushroll  76  for agitating the surface to be cleaned, however it can be appreciated that the invention can be practiced with or without an agitator assembly  74 . A suction nozzle  78  is formed at a lower portion of the agitator chamber  74  and is in fluid communication with a remote suction source, as is commonly found in an upright vacuum cleaner. 
         [0077]    The hair collection assembly  66  comprises a hair collection element  80  and a mounting assembly  82  for attaching the hair collection element  80  to the base assembly  68 . The mounting assembly  82  comprises a pair of spaced brackets  84  (only one is visible in  FIG. 12 ) affixed or otherwise formed on the base assembly housing  70 , and preferably on the agitator chamber  72 . An elongated casing  86  having a cavity  88  is configured to at least partially receive the hair collection element  80  and a pair of spaced support arms  90  formed on or otherwise attached to the casing  86  are rotatably coupled with each bracket  84  by a pivot coupling  92 . The hair collection element  80  is rotatably coupled within the cavity  88  by a shaft  94  mounted to the casing  86 . 
         [0078]    The hair collection element  80  comprises an elongated support  96  having a curved face  98  and a plurality of spaced projections  100 ,  102  depending from the curved face  98 . The projections  100 ,  102  are arranged in a plurality of parallel rows extending across the support  96 . As illustrated, the projections  100 ,  102  are arranged in four rows, where the forwardmost two rows comprise longer projections, and the rearwardmost two rows comprise shorter, elongated projections. The projections  100 ,  102  adjacent rows are aligned. Preferably, at least the projections  100 ,  102  are formed of an elastomeric material. More preferably, both the projections  100 ,  102  and the support  96  are formed of an elastomeric material. Other configurations of the hair collection element  80  are possible such as combining the oval protrusions described in the first embodiment with rake teeth and the like. 
         [0079]    Referring to  FIGS. 12-14 , the hair collection assembly  66  is manually movable between a non-use position, shown in  FIG. 12 , in which the hair collection element  80  is spaced from the surface to be cleaned F, and a use position, shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , in which the hair collection element  80  is in contact with the surface to be cleaned F. To move from the use position to the non-use position, the support arms  90  are rotated about the pivot coupling  92  with the brackets  84  until the support arms  90  and/or the casing  86  rests against an upper surface of the base assembly housing  70 . To prevent damage to the hair collection assembly  66  or the base assembly  68  when moving between the use and non-use positions, a first stop  104  is provided on the housing  70  on which the casing  86  will rest in the non-use position, a second stop  106  is provided on the front surface of the agitator chamber  72  against which the casing  86  will rest in the use position, and a third stop  108  is provided on each of the support arms  90  which contacts the front surface of the agitator chamber  72  in the use position. 
         [0080]    In the use position, the hair collection element  80  is positioned forwardly of the suction nozzle  78  and is configured to glide or skim over the surface to be cleaned F as the base assembly  68  is moved in a forward direction, as shown in  FIG. 13 , and to press or dig against the surface to be cleaned F as the base assembly  68  is moved in a rearward direction, as shown in  FIG. 14 . On each rearward stroke of the base assembly  68 , friction between the long projections  102  and the surface to be cleaned F causes the support  96  to rotate about the shaft  94  in a clockwise direction with respect to the orientation of  FIGS. 13-14 . In this position, contact between the hair collection element  80  and the surface to be cleaned F is maximized, thus requiring more pull effort to be exerted by the user. As the projections  100 ,  102  dig against the surface to be cleaned F, hair and/or other small debris will be collected. At the end of the rearward stroke, a pile of collected hair and debris will accumulate. On each forward stroke of the base assembly  68 , friction between the long projections  102  and the surface to be cleaned F causes the support  96  to rotate about the shaft  94  in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the orientation of  FIGS. 13-14 . In this position, contact between the hair collection element  80  and the surface to be cleaned F is minimized, thus requiring less push effort to be exerted by the user. Furthermore, little to no hair and/or other small debris is collection by the hair collection element  80  on the forward stroke. 
         [0081]    In operation, to collect hair and/or other small debris, the vacuum cleaner base assembly  68  is moved forwards and rearwards in a back and forth motion over the surface to be cleaned using a common handle assembly that can be pivotally attached to the base assembly  68 , with the hair collection assembly  66  in the use position. In the use position, the hair collection element  80  digs against the surface to be cleaned as the base assembly  68  is moved in a rearward direction, thereby collecting hair and/or other small debris. At the end of each rearward stroke, a pile of collected hair and/or debris accumulates, which can then be picked up through the suction nozzle  78  as the base assembly  68  in moved in a forward direction. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIGS. 15-18 , a fifth embodiment of the invention is shown, where a movable hair collection assembly  110  is provided on a vacuum cleaner base assembly  112  of a typical upright vacuum cleaner, although the invention is equally effective on canister or stick type vacuum cleaners also. The base assembly  112  comprises a housing  114  having an agitator chamber  116  formed at a forward portion thereof, which houses a commonly known agitator assembly (not shown) for agitating the surface to be cleaned, however it can be appreciated that the invention can be practiced with or without an agitator assembly. A suction nozzle  118  is formed at a lower portion of the agitator chamber  116  and is in fluid communication with a remote suction source, as is commonly found in an upright vacuum cleaner. 
         [0083]    The hair collection assembly  110  comprises a hair collection element  120  and a mounting assembly  122  for attaching the hair collection element  120  to the base assembly  112 . The mounting assembly  122  comprises a bracket  124  that is rotatably coupled with the base assembly  112 , preferably at the front surface of the agitator chamber  116 , by a first pivot coupling  126 . A second pivot coupling  128  rotatably couples the bracket  124  and the hair collection element  120 . 
         [0084]    The hair collection element  120  extends substantially across the width of the front portion of the base assembly  112  and comprises an elongated support  130  and a plurality of spaced projections  132  depending from the support. The hair collection element  120  is preferably similar to the bottom portion  20  of the first embodiment, although other configurations can be used. 
         [0085]    Referring to  FIGS. 15-16 , the hair collection assembly  110  is manually movable between a use position, shown in  FIG. 15 , in which the hair collection element  120  is in contact with the surface to be cleaned F and a non-use position, shown in  FIG. 16 , in which the hair collection element  120  is spaced from the surface to be cleaned F. To move from the use position to the non-use position, the bracket  124  is rotated about the first pivot coupling  126  until the bracket  124  rests against the agitator chamber  116 . Furthermore, in the non-use position, the hair collection element  120  has the added utility of acting as a front bumper for the base assembly  112  as the hair collection element  120  is made of a soft elastomeric material that will not damage furniture or other obstacles it contacts. 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , in the use position, the hair collection element  120  is positioned forwardly of the suction nozzle  118  and is configured to glide or skim over the surface to be cleaned F as the base assembly  112  is moved in a forward direction, as shown in  FIG. 17 , and to press or dig against the surface to be cleaned F as the base assembly  112  is moved in a rearward direction, as shown in  FIG. 18 . On each rearward stroke of the base assembly  112 , friction between the projections  132  and the surface to be cleaned F causes the support  130  to rotate about the second pivot coupling  128  in a clockwise direction with respect to the orientation of  FIGS. 17-18 . In this position, friction between the hair collection element  120  and the surface to be cleaned F is maximized, thus requiring more pull effort to be exerted by the user. As the projections  132  dig against the surface to be cleaned F, hair and/or other small debris will be collected. At the end of the rearward stroke, a pile of collected hair and debris will accumulate. On each forward stroke of the base assembly  112 , friction between the projections  132  and the surface to be cleaned F causes the support  130  to rotate about the second pivot coupling  128  in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the orientation of  FIGS. 17-18 . In this position, contact between the hair collection element  120  and the surface to be cleaned F is minimized, thus requiring less push effort to be exerted by the user. Furthermore, little to no hair and/or other small debris is collection by the hair collection element  120  on the forward stroke. 
         [0087]    In operation, to collect hair and/or other small debris, the vacuum cleaner base assembly  112  is moved forwards and rearwards in a reciprocating fashion over the surface to be cleaned using a common handle assembly that can be pivotally attached to the base assembly  112 , with the hair collection assembly  110  in the use position. In the use position, the hair collection element  80  digs against the surface to be cleaned as the base assembly  112  is moved in a rearward direction, thereby collecting hair and/or other small debris. At the end of each rearward stroke, a pile of collected hair and/or debris accumulates, which can then be picked up through the suction nozzle  118  as the base assembly  112  in moved in a forward direction. 
         [0088]    Referring to  FIGS. 19-21 , a sixth embodiment of the invention is shown, where a hair collection assembly  134  is provided on a vacuum cleaner base assembly  136  (shown in phantom for illustration purposes) of a typical upright vacuum cleaner, although the invention is equally effective on canister or stick type vacuum cleaners also. The base assembly  136  comprises a housing  138  having an agitator chamber  140  formed at a forward portion thereof, which houses a commonly known agitator assembly (not shown) for agitating the surface to be cleaned, however it can be appreciated that the invention can be practiced with or without an agitator assembly. Preferably, the hair collection assembly  134  is positioned within the agitator chamber  140 , forwardly of the agitator assembly. A suction nozzle  142  is formed at a lower portion of the agitator chamber  140  and is in fluid communication with a remote suction source, as is commonly found in an upright vacuum cleaner. 
         [0089]    The hair collection assembly  134  comprises a bar  144  rotatably coupled to a shaft  146  extending through the agitator chamber  140 . The bar  144  comprises a curved surface  148  having a hair collection element  150  in the form of multiple projections  152  extending from the curved surface  148 . The bar  144  further is biased to the position shown in  FIG. 19  by a spring  154  attached between the bar  144  and the base assembly housing  138 . 
         [0090]    The hair collection assembly  134  can be adjusted according to the type of surface being cleaned, i.e. according to the height of the carpet pile. A control knob  156 , is provided for manually selecting the type of surface being cleaned. The control knob  156  comprises a cylindrical body  158  having a user-engageable portion  160  which extends exteriorly of the base assembly housing  138  and a cam curve portion  162  formed opposite the user-engageable portion  160 . The cam curve portion  162  rides up and down on a rod  164  that extend upwardly from the shaft  146 . The rod  164  is fixed to or integrally formed with the shaft  146  so that that shaft  146  will be forced towards or lifted away from the surface to be cleaned F when the control knob  156  is rotated accordingly. While not illustrated, the height adjustment mechanism for the hair collection assembly  134  can be combined with a nozzle height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the suction nozzle  142  and the surface to be cleaned F. For example, the control knob  156  can be combined with a commonly known nozzle height adjustment mechanism so that both the nozzle height and hair collection assembly  134  can be simultaneously adjusted. 
         [0091]    The hair collection element  150  is configured to glide or skim over the surface to be cleaned F as the base assembly  136  is moved in a forward direction, as shown in  FIG. 19 , and to press or dig against the surface to be cleaned F as the base assembly  136  is moved in a rearward direction, as shown in  FIG. 20 . On each rearward stroke of the base assembly  136 , friction between the projections  152  and the surface to be cleaned F causes the bar  144  to rotate about the shaft  146  in a clockwise direction with respect to the orientation of  FIGS. 19-20 . In this position, contact between the hair collection element  150  and the surface to be cleaned F is maximized, thus requiring more pull effort to be exerted by the user. As the projections  152  dig against the surface to be cleaned F, hair and/or other small debris will be collected. At the end of the rearward stroke, a pile of collected hair and debris will accumulate. On each forward stroke of the base assembly  136 , the geometry of the hair collection assembly  134  with respect to the surface to be cleaned F causes the bar  144  to rotate about the shaft  146  in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the orientation of  FIGS. 19-20 . This rotation is aided by the spring  154 , which biases the plate  144  to the position shown in  FIG. 19 . In this position, contact between the hair collection element  150  and the surface to be cleaned F is minimized, thus requiring less push effort to be exerted by the user. Furthermore, little to no hair and/or other small debris is collection by the hair collection element  150  on the forward stroke. 
         [0092]    Alternately, the hair collection assembly  134  can be mounted within the base assembly  136  such that the hair collection element  150  is configured to glide or skim over the surface to be cleaned F as the base assembly  136  is moved in a rearward direction and to press or dig against the surface to be cleaned F as the base assembly  136  is moved in a forward direction. 
         [0093]    In operation, the user first selects what type of surface is to be cleaned using the control knob  156 . Markings can be provided on the control knob  156  and/or the base assembly housing  138  to indicate the surface type options. The vacuum cleaner base assembly  136  is moved forwards and rearwards in a reciprocating fashion over the surface to be cleaned using a common handle assembly that is pivotally attached to the base assembly  136 . The hair collection element  150  digs against the surface to be cleaned as the base assembly  136  is moved in a rearward direction, thereby collecting hair and/or other small debris. At the end of each rearward stroke, a pile of collected hair and/or debris accumulates, which can then be picked up through the suction nozzle  142  as the base assembly  136  in moved in a forward direction. 
         [0094]    Referring to  FIGS. 22-25 , a seventh embodiment of the invention is shown, where a movable hair collection assembly  166  is provided on a vacuum cleaner base assembly  168  of a typical upright vacuum cleaner, although the invention is equally effective on canister or stick type vacuum cleaners also. The base assembly  168  comprises a housing  170  having an agitator chamber  172  formed at a forward portion thereof, which houses a commonly known agitator assembly (not shown) for agitating the surface to be cleaned, however it can be appreciated that the invention can be practiced with or without an agitator assembly. A suction nozzle  174  is formed at a lower portion of the agitator chamber  172  and is in fluid communication with a remote suction source, as is commonly found in an upright vacuum cleaner. 
         [0095]    The hair collection assembly  166  comprises a hair collection element  176  and a mounting assembly  178  for attaching the hair collection element  176  to the base assembly  168 . The mounting assembly  178  comprises a pair of spaced arms  180  (only one is visible in  FIG. 22 ) slidably mounted within an arm receiver  182  formed on either end of the agitator chamber  172 . A hair collection element mounting bar  184  extends between the arms and supports the hair collection element  176 . 
         [0096]    The hair collection element  176  comprises an elongated support  186  having a plurality of projections  188  depending from the support  186 . As illustrated, the projections  188  are arranged in the single row extending across the support  186 . Preferably, at least the projections  188  are formed of an elastomeric material. More preferably, both the projections  188  and the support  186  are formed of an elastomeric material. Other configurations of the hair collection element  176  are possible. For example, a single continuous blade can be used in place of multiple separate projections. 
         [0097]    Referring to  FIGS. 23-25 , the hair collection assembly  166  is manually movable between a non-use position, shown in  FIG. 25 , in which the hair collection element  176  is spaced from the surface to be cleaned F, and a use position, shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , in which the hair collection element  176  is in contact with the surface to be cleaned F. To move from the use position to the non-use position, the arms  180  are slid upwardly within the arm receivers  182  and locked or otherwise retained in an orientation where the hair collection element  176  is spaced from the surface to be cleaned F. 
         [0098]    In the use position, the hair collection element  176  is positioned forwardly of the suction nozzle  174  and is configured to glide or skim over the surface to be cleaned F as the base assembly  168  is moved in a forward direction, as shown in  FIG. 23 , and to press or dig against the surface to be cleaned F as the base assembly  168  is moved in a rearward direction, as shown in  FIG. 24 . In the use position, the projections  188  contact the surface to be cleaned F at an acute angle, such that the projections extend from the support  186  in a generally rearward direction. Preferably, the projections  188  are orientated at roughly a 45° angle with respect to the surface to be cleaned F. 
         [0099]    On each rearward stroke of the base assembly  168 , the orientation of the projections  188  causes them to dig against the surface to be cleaned F. As the projections  188  dig against the surface to be cleaned F, hair and/or other small debris will be collected. At the end of the rearward stroke, a pile of collected hair and debris will accumulate. On each forward stroke of the base assembly  168 , the orientation of the projections  188  causes them to glide or skim over the surface to be cleaned F. In this position, contact between the hair collection element  176  and the surface to be cleaned F is minimized, thus requiring less push effort than pull effort to be exerted by the user. Furthermore, little to no hair and/or other small debris is collection by the hair collection element  176  on the forward stroke. 
         [0100]    In operation, to collect hair and/or other small debris, the vacuum cleaner base assembly  168  is moved forwards and rearwards in a reciprocating fashion over the surface to be cleaned using a common handle assembly that is pivotally attached to the base assembly  168 , with the hair collection assembly  166  in the use position. As the base assembly  168  moved in a forward direction, the hair collection assembly  176  digs against the surface to be cleaned, thereby collecting hair and/or other small debris. At the end of each forward and rearward stroke, a pile of collected hair and/or debris accumulates, which can then be picked up through the suction nozzle  174 . When hair collection is not desired, the vacuum cleaner can be used with the hair collection assembly  166  in the non- use position. The hair collection assembly  166  can also be moved to the non-use position to pick up the pile of collection hair and/or debris manually or though the suction nozzle  174 . 
         [0101]    Referring to  FIGS. 26-29 , a eighth embodiment of the invention is shown, where a hair collection assembly  190  is provided on a vacuum cleaner base assembly  192  of a typical upright vacuum cleaner, although the invention is equally effective on canister or stick type vacuum cleaners also. The base assembly  192  comprises a cover housing  194  and a sole plate  196 . An agitator chamber  198  is formed at a forward portion of the cover housing  194 , which houses a commonly known agitator assembly  200  in the form of a rotatable brushroll  202  for agitating the surface to be cleaned, however it can be appreciated that the invention can be practiced with or without an agitator assembly  200 . The sole plate  196  has a suction nozzle  204  formed therein at a lower portion of the agitator chamber  198  and is in fluid communication with a remote suction source, as is commonly found in an upright vacuum cleaner. The sole plate  196  further has a curved leading edge  206  that at least partially covers the front portion of the hair collection assembly  190 . 
         [0102]    The hair collection assembly  190  comprises a rod  208  having a hair collection element  210  covering at least a portion of the rod  208 , leaving the rod ends  212  exposed. Preferably, the hair collection element  210  is overmolded onto the rod  208 . Alternatively, the hair collection element  210  is a polyurethane tube, where the inside diameter of the tube is sized to provide an interference fit with the outside diameter of the rod  208 . However, the hair collection element  210  can be attached to the rod  208  in any suitable manner and can be made of any suitable elastomeric material as previously described. 
         [0103]    The hair collection assembly  190  is snap fit into the sole plate  196 , forwardly of the brushroll  202  so that a portion of the hair collection element  210  can contact the surface to be cleaned F through the suction nozzle  204 . Although not illustrated, the sole plate  196  can have features that cooperate with the rod ends  212  to retain the hair collection assembly  190  on the base assembly  192  as is commonly employed with straight axle engagement mechanisms on vacuum cleaners and sweepers. As the hair collection assembly  190  is used, the portion of the hair collection element  210  that is in contact with the surface to be cleaned F can wear down and become less effective at collecting hair and/or other small debris. When this happens, the hair collection assembly  190  can be rotated to another orientation, preferably 90° from the prior position, and used again until unacceptable wear occurs, at which point the hair collection assembly  190  can be removed from the sole plate  196  and replaced with a new hair collection element  210  or entire hair collection assembly  190 . As illustrated, the rod ends  212  have a square cross section, which allows the user to index the hair collection assembly  190  to four different orientations before having to replace the hair collection element  210  or the entire hair collection assembly  190 . 
         [0104]    In operation, to collect hair and/or other small debris, the vacuum cleaner base assembly  192  is moved forwards and rearwards in a reciprocating fashion over the surface to be cleaned using a common handle assembly that is pivotally attached to the base assembly  192 . As the base assembly  192  is moved in a rearward direction, as shown in  FIG. 28 , the hair collection element  210  digs against the surface to be cleaned thereby collecting hair and/or other small debris. At the end of each rearward stroke, a pile of collected hair and/or debris accumulates, which can then be picked up through the suction nozzle  204  as the base assembly  192  in moved in a forward direction. When moving in the forward direction, as shown in  FIG. 29 , the leading edge  206  of the sole plate  196  covers the leading portion of the hair collection element  210  so that minimal hair is collected on the forward stroke, and a relatively easy push effort is required from the user. 
         [0105]    Referring to  FIGS. 30-35 , a ninth embodiment of the invention is shown, where a hair collection assembly  214  is provided on a vacuum cleaner base assembly  216  of a typical upright vacuum cleaner, although the invention is equally effective on canister or stick type vacuum cleaners also. The base assembly  216  comprises a housing  218  having an agitator chamber  220  formed at a forward portion thereof, which houses a commonly known agitator assembly  222  in the form of a rotatable brushroll  224  for agitating the surface to be cleaned, however it can be appreciated that the invention can be practiced with or without an agitator assembly  222 . A suction nozzle  226  is formed at a lower portion of the agitator chamber  220  and is in fluid communication with a remote suction source, as is commonly found in an upright vacuum cleaner. 
         [0106]    Referring to  FIG. 31 , the hair collection assembly  214  comprises a roller  228  supported between a pair of spaced ratchet arms  230  mounted on either side of the agitator chamber  220  so that the roller  228  is positioned forwardly of the suction nozzle  226  and so that the roller  228  is rotatable with respect to the ratchet arms  230 . The roller  228  comprises a cylindrical roller body  232  having open ends  234  and a hair collection element  236  in the form of multiple projections  238  extending from the roller body  232 . The projections  238  can be made of a material, such as an elastomeric material, that will grip hair and/or other small debris as the hair collection assembly  214  is moved over a surface to be cleaned F. Each open end  234  comprises a spring engagement wall  240  joined with a cylindrical side wall  242  having multiple spaced protrusions  244  formed thereon. 
         [0107]    A ratchet slide  246  is positioned within each open end  234  of the roller body  232 . Each ratchet slide  246  comprises a generally cylindrical body  248  having a plurality of indentations  250  that engage the protrusions  244  when the ratchet slide  246  is positioned in the open end  234 , such that the ratchet slide  246  and the roller  228  are rotationally fixed to one another. However, there is some clearance between the cylindrical body  248  and the side wall  242  that allows the ratchet slide  246  to move axially with respect to the roller  228 . The cylindrical body  248  further includes a spring cavity  252  formed on one end and a toothed surface  254  formed on the opposite end. Each spring cavity  254  includes a spring engagement wall  256  and receives a spring  258  that is positioned between the spring engagement wall  256  and the spring engagement wall  240  of the roller  228  to bias the ratchet slide  246  against the ratchet arm  230 . The toothed surface  254  comprises a plurality of teeth  260  arranged in a circle. Each tooth  260  comprises a ramp  262  joined by a wall  264  at the upper edge of the ramp  262 . The wall  264  of one tooth  260  joins with the lower edge of the ramp  262  of an adjacent tooth  260 . 
         [0108]    Each ratchet arm  230  comprises a toothed surface  266  that engages the toothed surface  256  of the ratchet slide  246 . The toothed surface  266  comprises a plurality of teeth  268  arranged in a circle. Each tooth  268  comprises a ramp  270  joined by a wall  272  at the upper edge of the ramp  270 . The wall  272  of one tooth  268  joins with the lower edge of the ramp  270  of an adjacent tooth  268 . The toothed surfaces  254 ,  266  of the ratchet slide  246  and the ratchet arm  230  engage each other in opposing fashion, so that the respective ramps  262 ,  270  and walls  264 ,  272  lie against one another. 
         [0109]    In operation, the roller  228  is configured to rotate freely as the base assembly  216  is moved in a forward direction, as shown in  FIGS. 32 and 33 , and to lock against rotation as the base assembly  216  is moved in a rearward direction, as shown in  FIGS. 34 and 35 . On each forward stroke of the base assembly  216 , friction between the roller  228  and the surface to be cleaned F causes the roller  228  to rotate in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the orientation of  FIG. 32 , as indicated by arrow A. This is also shown in  FIG. 33 , where arrow B indicates that the roller  228  rotates in an upward direction with respect to the orientation of the drawing. During rotation, the ramps  262  on the toothed surface  254  of the ratchet slides  246  ride up the ramps  270  on the toothed surface  266  of the ratchet arms  230 . Upon reaching the end of one ramp  270 , the ramps  262  drop down to engage an adjacent ramp  270  under the biasing force of the springs  258 . As the base assembly  216  is moved forwardly with the roller  228  freely rotating, little to no hair and/or other small debris is collected by the hair collection element  236 . 
         [0110]    On each rearward stroke of the base assembly  216 , friction between the roller  228  and the surface to be cleaned F causes the roller  228  to rotate in a clockwise direction with respect to the orientation of  FIG. 34 , as indicated by arrow C, until rotation is arrested by engagement of the respective toothed surfaces  254 ,  266  of the ratchet slide  246  and the ratchet arm  230 . This is also shown in  FIG. 35 , where arrow D indicates that the roller  228  rotates in a downward direction with respect to the orientation of the drawing, until opposing walls  264 ,  272  of the toothed surfaces  254 ,  266  contact one another and prevent further rotation of the roller  228  with respect to the ratchet arms  230 . As the base assembly  216  is moved rearwardly with the roller  228  locked against rotation, the projections  238  will dig against the surface to be cleaned F and collect hair and/or other small debris. At the end of the rearward stroke, a pile of collected hair and debris accumulates, which can then be picked up through the suction nozzle  226  on a forward stroke of the base assembly  216 . 
         [0111]    Referring to  FIGS. 36-41 , a tenth embodiment of the invention is shown, where a hair collection assembly  274  is provided on a vacuum cleaner base assembly  276  of a typical upright vacuum cleaner, although the invention is equally effective on canister or stick type vacuum cleaners also. The base assembly  276  comprises a housing  278  having an agitator chamber  280  formed at a forward portion thereof, which houses a commonly known agitator assembly  282  in the form of a rotatable brushroll  284  for agitating the surface to be cleaned, however it can be appreciated that the invention can be practiced with or without an agitator assembly  282 . A suction nozzle  286  is formed at a lower portion of the agitator chamber  280  and is in fluid communication with a remote suction source, as is commonly found in an upright vacuum cleaner. 
         [0112]    The hair collection assembly  274  comprises a hair collection element  288  and a mounting assembly  290  for attaching the hair collection element  288  to the base assembly  276 . The mounting assembly  290  comprises an elongated casing  292  having a cavity  294  configured to receive the hair collection element  288 . A pair of spaced arms  296  are formed on an upper surface of the casing  292 , and are pivotally attached to the agitator chamber  280  of the base assembly  276  by attachment assemblies  298 . Each attachment assembly  298  comprises a hinge  300  mounted to the agitator chamber  280  and having a pivot shaft  302  rotatably connected to a shaft receiving hole  310  in each of the arms  296 . A torsion spring  304  is held between the one of the hinges  300  and the corresponding arm  296  to bias the arm  296  and the entire hair collection assembly  274  in an upward direction. A latch  314  is provided on the front of the agitator chamber  280  for engaging a hook  315  on the casing  292  to maintain the hair collection assembly  274  in a use position, shown in  FIG. 40  and explained below. A compression spring (not shown) biases the latch  314  upward towards the hook  315 . The latch  314  can be released from engagement with the hook  315  by pressing vertically downwardly on an upper surface of the latch  314 , whereby the torsion spring  304  is free to move the hair collection assembly  274  upwardly to a non-use position, shown in  FIG. 39  and also explained below. A cap  306  covers each hinge  300 . 
         [0113]    The hair collection element  288  comprises an elongated support  308  at least partially covered with a hair collecting material  310 . The support  308  is mounted within the cavity  294  by two spaced link arms  312  coupling each end of the support  308  to the casing  292 . The linkage arrangement between the hair collection element  288  and the casing  292  positions the hair collection element  288  parallel to the surface to be cleaned F, thereby providing maximum surface contact between the hair collecting material  310  and the surface to be cleaned F and greater hair removal performance. The hair collection element  288  can float over the surface to be cleaned F due to its own weight, thus automatically adjusting to different carpet pile heights without any intervention by the user. 
         [0114]    The hair collecting material  310  is preferably a commercially available lint removal material, often referred to as a directional fabric, typically found on commercially available lint brushes. Like a lint brush, the hair collection element  288  will collect hair and/or other small debris when the hair collecting material  310  is drawn across a fabric surface in a first direction. When the hair collecting material  310  is drawn across a fabric surface in the opposite direction, hair and/or other small debris is not collected and, furthermore, any hair and/or other small debris present on the hair collecting material  310  is released onto the fabric surface in a convenient pile. Accordingly, the hair collecting material  310  is attached to the support  308  so that the hair collection element  288  can collect hair and/or other small debris when the base assembly  276  is moved in a rearward direction across the surface to be cleaned F and will not collect hair and/or other small debris when the base assembly  276  is moved in a forward direction across the surface to be cleaned F. Furthermore, the hair collecting material  310  will release and hair and/or other small debris thereon when moving in the forward direction, which can then be easily picked up through the suction nozzle  286 . 
         [0115]    Referring to  FIGS. 39-41 , the hair collection assembly  274  is manually movable between a non-use position, shown in  FIG. 39 , in which the hair collection element  288  is spaced from the surface to be cleaned F, and a use position, shown in  FIGS. 40-41 , in which the hair collection element  288  is in contact with the surface to be cleaned F. In the use position, the hair collection element  288  is positioned forwardly of the suction nozzle  286 . To move from the use position to the non-use position, the latch  314  is pressed downward to release it from engagement with the hook  315 , whereby the hair collection assembly  274  moves to the non-use position under the biasing force of the torsion spring  304 . The arms  296  are rotated about the hinges  300  until the casing  292  and/or the arms  296  rest against an upper surface of the base assembly housing  278 . Preferably, the casing  292  rests against an upper surface of the agitator chamber  280 . A first stop  316  is provided on the casing  292 , to provide a secure location for the casing  292  to come to rest against the agitator chamber  280  in the non-use position. Two spaced second stops  318  are provided on the front surface of the agitator chamber  280  against which the casing  292  will rest in the use position. The stops  316 ,  318  prevent damage to the hair collection assembly  274  or the base assembly  276  when moving between the use and non-use positions. 
         [0116]    In operation, to collect hair and/or other small debris, the vacuum cleaner base assembly  276  is moved forward and rearward in a reciprocating fashion over the surface to be cleaned using a common handle assembly that can be pivotally attached to the base assembly  276  with the hair collection assembly  274  in the use position. In the use position as the base assembly  276  is moved in a rearward direction the hair collection element  288  collects hair and/or other small debris on the hair collecting material  310 . As the base assembly  276  is moved in a forward direction, the hair collecting material  310  will release and hair and/or other small debris thereon, which is then picked up through the suction nozzle  286 . 
         [0117]    Referring to  FIGS. 42-46 , an eleventh embodiment of the invention is shown, where a hair collection assembly  320  is provided on a vacuum cleaner base assembly  322  of a typical upright vacuum cleaner, although the invention is equally effective on canister or stick type vacuum cleaners also. The base assembly  322  comprises a housing  324  having an agitator chamber  326  formed at a forward portion thereof, which houses a commonly known agitator assembly  328  in the form of a rotatable brushroll  330  for agitating the surface to be cleaned, however it can be appreciated that the invention can be practiced with or without an agitator assembly  328 . A suction nozzle  332  is formed at a lower portion of the agitator chamber  328  and is in fluid communication with a remote suction source, as is commonly found in an upright vacuum cleaner. 
         [0118]    The hair collection assembly  320  comprises a hair collection element  334  and a mounting assembly  336  for attaching the hair collection element  334  to the base assembly  322 . The mounting assembly  336  comprises an elongated support  338  having a pair of space outer tubes  340  formed thereon. The outer tubes  340  sliding receive corresponding inner tubes  342  mounted to the agitator chamber  326  by mounting fixtures  344 . Each outer tube  340  comprises a slot  346  in which a detent  348  on the inner tube  342  is received. A compression spring  350  is positioned between the outer and inner tubes  340 ,  342  and biases the tubes  340 ,  342  apart. This arrangement allows the hair collection assembly  320  to adjust to the height and contour of the surface to be cleaned F, thereby maintaining contact with surface and improving hair collection performance. 
         [0119]    The hair collection element  334  is attached to or otherwise supported on the support  338  and extends substantially across the width of the front portion of the base assembly  322 . The hair collection element  334  comprises an elongated support  352  and a plurality of spaced projections  354  depending therefrom. As illustrated, the hair collection element  334  is similar to the bottom portion  20  of the first embodiment. The projections  354  are arranged in a plurality of parallel rows extending across the support  352 . The projections  354  in each row are aligned and are axially spaced from each other. Adjacent rows of projections  354  are offset from each other, whereby axial spaces between adjacent projections  354  in one row are offset to projections  354  in an adjacent row. Preferably, the projections  354  are made of an elastomeric material. More preferably, both the projections  354  and the support  352  are formed of an elastomeric material. The hair collection element  334  can alternately comprise a different type of hair collector that shown and described for the first embodiment. 
         [0120]    In operation, to collect hair and/or other small debris, the vacuum cleaner base assembly  322  is moved forward and rearward in a reciprocating fashion over the surface to be cleaned using a common handle assembly that is pivotally attached to the base assembly  322 . The hair collection element  334  digs against the surface to be cleaned as the base assembly  322  moves, thereby collecting hair and/or other small debris. At the end of each forward and rearward stroke, a pile of collected hair and/or debris accumulates, which can then be picked up through the suction nozzle  332 . The hair collection assembly  320  can further be configured to glide or skim over the surface to be cleaned F as the base assembly  322  is moved in a forward direction, as shown in  FIG. 45 , and to press or dig against the surface to be cleaned F as the base assembly  322  is moved in a rearward direction, as shown in  FIG. 46 . 
         [0121]    While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. For example, while illustrated on an upright vacuum cleaner, it is understood that any of the hair collection assemblies disclosed herein can be provided on the cleaning head of a canister vacuum cleaner, as well as other surface cleaning apparatus. Furthermore, any of the hair collection assemblies and elements can be interchanged to form different combinations and configurations not illustrated herein. Any of the hair collection elements discussed herein can be used on any of the described embodiments. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the foregoing description and drawings without departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.