Abstract:
A surface cleaning apparatus has a unit that is self contained and has a shoulder strap reel containing a shoulder strap that is manually or automatically deployable or withdrawable.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional applications 60/884,767 (filed on Jan. 12, 2007), 60/870,175 (filed on Dec. 15, 2006) and 60/869,586 (filed on Dec. 12, 2006), all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to surface cleaning apparatus, such as vacuum cleaners, wet/dry vacuum cleaners and carpet extractors. More specifically, the invention relates to surface cleaning apparatus which comprise a shoulder strap reel, preferably mounted to a suction and filtration unit 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Various types of surface cleaning apparatus are known in the art, for example hand carryable vacuum cleaners, and vacuum cleaners, which are movable along a surface (e.g. an upright and a canister vacuum cleaner). The vacuum cleaner that may be selected for a particular application, will vary depending upon a number of factors. For example, vacuum cleaners that are used for cleaning an office or a residence require a large capacity dirt container and maneuverability. In order to increase the dirt capacity of a vacuum cleaner, the size of the dirt collection receptacle must be increased. Increasing the size of the dirt collection receptacle may result in the overall size of the vacuum cleaner be increased to such an extent that the maneuverability of the vacuum cleaner decreases. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In accordance with this invention, a surface cleaning apparatus that has a shoulder strap reel is provided. An advantage of this design is that a user may employ a shoulder strap with, e.g., a vacuum cleaner, thereby increasing the maneuverability of the vacuum cleaner. Also, by using a shoulder strap, the user may carry part, and preferably, all of the weight of the unit on their torso thereby permitting the user to use a heavier vacuum cleaner (e.g. a larger more powerful motor and/or a larger collection bin). 
         [0005]    Further, the use of a shoulder strap may enable a user to use both hands for cleaning instead of using one to hold the vacuum cleaner. For example, a user may use one hand to move a surface cleaning wand and a second to move furniture out of the way of the surface cleaning head. 
         [0006]    By providing a shoulder strap reel, the shoulder strap is available for use when required (e.g., a surface cleaning apparatus is modified for being portable by withdrawing a module from a cradle or from a part of a larger apparatus) or when a user no longer wants to use a handle. Further, the strap may be retracted (manually or by a selfwinding mechanism) when the strap is not required (e.g., for storage or when a handle is used or the surface cleaning apparatus is placed on a cradle or into a larger apparatus. 
         [0007]    In one broad aspect, the vacuum cleaner comprises a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the vacuum cleaner, and includes a suction motor. A suction and filtration unit comprises the suction motor and at least one cyclone. The at least one cyclone comprises a cyclone inlet, a separated material outlet and a separated material collection chamber in flow communication with the cyclone. A shoulder strap reel is mounted to the suction and filtration unit. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the shoulder strap reel is lockable in a plurality of positions. Such embodiments may be advantageous because a user may adjust the position of the shoulder strap according to their body size. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the shoulder strap reel is self-winding. Such embodiments may be advantageous because a user may not be required to wind and unwind the shoulder strap. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the shoulder strap reel is manually windable on the reel by a user. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the shoulder strap reel is mounted to an upper portion of the vacuum cleaner. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the suction and filtration unit has a carry handle provided thereon. Such embodiments may be advantageous because a user may choose to carry the vacuum cleaner by hand, or may choose to employ the shoulder strap, depending on the user&#39;s preference. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the shoulder strap reel is mounted to an upper portion of the vacuum cleaner and a carry handle is mounted on the shoulder strap reel. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner has an openable lid and the shoulder strap reel is provided on the openable lid. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner is an upright vacuum cleaner having an upper casing pivotally mounted to a surface cleaning head and the suction and filtration unit comprises at least part of the upper casing and is removably mounted to the surface cleaning head. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the suction and filtration unit is the upper casing and is removably mounted to the surface cleaning head. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner further comprises an above floor cleaning wand that is removable with the suction and filtration unit. 
         [0018]    In another broad aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and including a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a suction and filtration unit comprising at least one fluid treating member and the suction motor. A shoulder strap reel is mounted to the suction and filtration unit. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, the shoulder strap reel is lockable in a plurality of positions. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the shoulder strap reel is self-winding. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the shoulder strap reel is manually windable on the reel by a user. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the shoulder strap reel is mounted to an upper portion of the surface cleaning apparatus. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the suction and filtration unit has a carry handle provided thereon. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, the shoulder strap reel is mounted to an upper portion of the surface cleaning apparatus and a carry handle is mounted on the shoulder strap reel. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus has an openable lid and the shoulder strap reel is provided on the openable lid. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus is an upright surface cleaning apparatus having an upper casing pivotally mounted to a surface cleaning head and the suction and filtration unit comprises at least part of the upper casing and is removably mounted to the surface cleaning head. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, the suction and filtration unit is the upper casing and is removably mounted to the surface cleaning head. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises an above floor cleaning wand that is removable with the suction and filtration unit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]    These and other advantages of the present invention will be more fully and particularly understood in connection with the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention in which: 
           [0030]      FIG. 1  is a perspective illustration of an embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are perspective illustrations of an alternate embodiment of a surface cleaning head of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective illustration of an alternate embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a cross-section taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a cross-section taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 2B , showing a bottom door of a dirt bin in an opened position; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a cross-section taken along line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective illustration of an alternate embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention, in a carryable configuration, and showing a user; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7B  is a perspective illustration of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 7A , in a floor cleaning configuration; 
           [0038]      FIG. 7C  is an perspective illustration of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 7A , without a user; 
           [0039]      FIG. 7D  is a side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 7B , showing a shoulder strap in a wound position; 
           [0040]      FIG. 7E  is a side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 7B , showing a shoulder strap in an un-wound position; 
           [0041]      FIG. 8  is a cross section taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 3 , showing the direction of airflow when the surface cleaning apparatus is in an upright configuration; 
           [0042]      FIG. 9  is a side-view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , showing the direction of airflow when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning configuration; 
           [0043]      FIG. 10  is a cross section taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 3 , showing the direction of airflow when the surface cleaning apparatus is in an carryable configuration; 
           [0044]      FIG. 11  is a side-view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , showing the direction of airflow when the surface cleaning apparatus is in an carryable or above floor cleaning configuration; 
           [0045]      FIGS. 12 and 13   a  are perspective illustrations of alternate embodiments of a reel of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 13   b  is a cross section taken along line B-B in  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 14  is a side view of a further alternate reel of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 15  is a partial front view of an alternate embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention, showing an embodiment of a shoulder strap reel in a unwound or in use position; 
           [0049]      FIG. 16  is a partial front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , showing a shoulder strap reel in an partially unwound position, which may be used to carry the unit higher off the floor; and 
           [0050]      FIG. 17  is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a shoulder strap reel of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0051]    Embodiments of a surface cleaning apparatus  10  of the present invention are shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the surface cleaning apparatus  10  may be a hand carryable vacuum cleaner. As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the surface cleaning apparatus  10  may be a wheel-mounted vacuum cleaner, which may be converted to a carryable vacuum cleaner (e.g., a canister or a wet/dry vacuum cleaner). As shown in  FIG. 3 , the surface cleaning apparatus  10  may be an upright vacuum cleaner, which may be converted to a carryable vacuum cleaner. In other embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus  10  may be another type of surface cleaning apparatus for example a stick vacuum cleaner, a back pack vacuum cleaner, a carpet extractor or the like. 
         [0052]    Surface cleaning apparatus  10  comprises a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet  12  to a clean air outlet  14 . A suction and filtration unit  16  is provided in the fluid flow path. The suction and filtration unit comprises a fluid treating member, preferably a cyclonic cleaning stage  18  including at least one cyclone  20 , a motor  22 , and a material collection chamber  32 . 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , in the embodiments shown, the cyclonic cleaning stage  18  comprises a single cyclone  20 , extending along an axis  24 . The cyclone comprises a cyclone inlet  26 , a separated material outlet  28 , and an air outlet  30 . Material collection chamber  32  is mounted below the cyclone  20 , and includes an inlet  34  in fluid communication with separated material outlet  28 . Material collection chamber  32  may comprise a divider plate  33  mounted to a pedestal  35 , and positioned adjacent inlet  34 . Material collection chamber  32  may be emptied in a variety of ways, for example by pivoting a lower portion thereof to an open position, as shown in  FIG. 5 . It will be appreciated that each of cyclone  20  and material collection chamber or dirt collection chamber  32  may be configured as any such chamber known in the art and may be positioned at any location known in the art. For example, as exemplified, material collection chamber  32  may comprise or utilize a divider plate  33  provided in flow passage from the cyclone chamber to the material separation chamber  32 . Divider plate  33  may be mounted at any location. Further, material collection chamber  32  may be positioned in the bottom of the cyclone chamber of cyclone  20  as opposed to in a separate chamber separated by a dirt outlet from the cyclone  20 , with or without a divider plate  33 . 
         [0054]    In some embodiments, the suction and filtration unit alternately, or in addition comprises other cleaning elements. For example, as exemplified in  FIG. 4  a second cleaning stage  36  is provided downstream from first cleaning stage  18 . Air exiting air outlet  30  of cyclone  20  is directed to second cleaning stage  36 , which comprises a plurality of second cyclones  38  in parallel. Additionally, a pre-motor filter member  40  is provided downstream from second cleaning stage  36 . Accordingly, in this embodiment, fluid enters dirty fluid inlet  12 , is directed to cyclone  20 , where material is separated from the fluid. The material enters chamber  32 , and the air is directed to second cleaning stage  36 , where further material is separated from the air. the air is then directed through filter member  40 , past motor  22 , and out of clean air outlet  14 . 
         [0055]    In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a filter member  40  is provided downstream from cleaning stage  18 . Accordingly, in this embodiment, dirty fluid enters dirty fluid inlet  12 , passes through a conduit  42  and is directed to cyclone  20 , where material is separated from the fluid. The material enters chamber  32 , and the treated air travels through filter member  40 , past motor  22 , and out of clean air outlet  14 . 
         [0056]    It will be appreciated that the dirty fluid to be treated may be water or other liquid (such as in the case of a carpet extractor or a wet/dry vacuum cleaner) or air with entrained dirt (such as in the case of a vacuum cleaner). The first cleaning stage may comprise one cyclone or a plurality of cyclones in parallel and the optional second cleaning stage may also comprise one cyclone or a plurality of cyclones in parallel, one or more filters, or a combination thereof. Additional cleaning stages may also be provided. 
         [0057]    In the embodiments shown, suction and filtration unit  16  comprises a casing  44  as is exemplified. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , casing  44  is a unitary, integrally molded casing comprising a cyclone casing portion  46 , a motor casing portion  48 , a chamber portion  50 , and portions housing any additional components, such as second cleaning stage casing portion  52  and/or filter member casing portion  54 . In such embodiments, casing  44  may comprise an openable lid  45 , which may be pivotally or removably mounted to the remainder of casing  44 , and which can be opened by a user to view or repair portions of surface cleaning apparatus  10 . Alternatively, casing  44  may comprise various components, which are mounted together (e.g., one or more of portions  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52  and  54  may be provided and secured together to define suction and filtration unit  16 , such as by means of an adhesive, welding, a mechanical fastener or a combination thereof). For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , cyclone casing portion  46 , motor casing portion  48 , chamber portion  50 , and filter member casing portion  54  are separately molded, and may be mounted together to form casing  44 . 
         [0058]    In the embodiments shown, surface cleaning apparatus  10  is either a carryable surface cleaning apparatus, or is capable of being converted to a carryable surface cleaning apparatus. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , surface cleaning apparatus  10  is a hand carryable vacuum cleaner, and accordingly comprises a handle  56 , which, in the exemplified embodiment, is integrally molded with casing  44 . 
         [0059]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A-2B , surface cleaning apparatus  10  is a wheel mounted vacuum cleaner. Accordingly, surface cleaning apparatus  10  comprises a plurality of wheels  58 . Wheels may be permanently mounted to casing  44  (not shown), or alternatively, may be provided on a wheeled mount or cradle  60 , to which casing  44  may removably mounted. In this embodiment, surface cleaning apparatus  10  may be converted to a carryable surface cleaning apparatus by lifting surface cleaning apparatus off of the ground. Surface cleaning apparatus  10  may be lifted off the ground together with wheels  50 , or surface cleaning apparatus  10  may be removed from wheeled mount  60  (which may include release an optional lock or catch used to secure unit  16  to wheeled mount  60 ), and then lifted off the ground, as shown in  FIG. 2B . 
         [0060]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , surface cleaning apparatus  10  is an upright vacuum cleaner, and accordingly includes a handle  62 , mounted to a backbone  64 , to which suction and filtration unit  16  and conduit  42  are mounted. Conduit  42  is pivotally mounted to a surface cleaning head  66 . In this embodiment, surface cleaning apparatus  10  may be converted from an upright surface cleaning apparatus to a carryable surface cleaning apparatus, shown in  FIG. 7  as follows. 
         [0061]    Surface cleaning apparatus  10  may be converted from an upright vacuum cleaner, shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , to a carryable surface cleaning apparatus, shown in  FIGS. 10-11 , by rotating valve  68 . In the floor cleaning mode, valve  68  connects surface cleaning head  66  to cyclone inlet  26 , such that air travels in a direction indicated by arrows A 1  from surface cleaning head  66  to cyclone inlet  26 . When valve  68  is rotated to the carryable or above floor cleaning position, and above floor cleaning wand  70  is removed from a handle mount  69 , air travels through an above floor cleaning wand  70  to flexible hose  72  past valve  68  to cyclone inlet  26 . Accordingly, when valve  68  is rotated to the carryable position, a user may detach suction and filtration unit  16  from conduit  42 , and carry surface cleaning apparatus  10 . Any other valving and wand configuration known in the art may be used. 
         [0062]    In any of the above embodiments, apparatus  10  may be provided with a shoulder strap  76 , shown in  FIG. 5 , for aiding in carrying cleaning apparatus  10  when used in a carryable position. Shoulder strap  76  may be any strap of suitable strength and size for carry surface cleaning apparatus  10 . Strap  76  may be provided with a cushioning pad provided thereon (not shown) which may be slidably mounted on strap  76  so that it may be moved to seat on a user&#39;s shoulder when strap  76  is used. 
         [0063]    Shoulder strap  76  may be mounted to surface cleaning apparatus at any location. Preferably, shoulder strap reel  76  is mounted on an upper surface of unit  16  or a side portion thereof. For example, shoulder strap reel  76  may be mounted on the top surface of unit  16  or it may be mounted on a side wall adjacent the top wall as exemplified in  FIG. 7B-7E . In a particularly preferred embodiment as exemplified in  FIGS. 7B-7E , shoulder strap  76  may extend from a reel  76  on one side of the unit  16  to a rod or pin or the like mounted on the opposed side, or to another reel  76  on the opposed side. Unit  16  may be provided with a carry handle, in which case handle may be mounted on reel  74 , reel  74  may surround the base of the handle or strap  74  may overlie the handle when strap  74  is retraced into the reel, as exemplified in  FIGS. 7B-7E . In some embodiments, shoulder strap reel  74  is manually windable on reel  76 . In other embodiments, reel  74  may be self-winding. 
         [0064]    As exemplified in  FIG. 5 , shoulder strap  76  may be mounted to a first portion  78  of casing  44  at a first end  86   a  thereof, and mounted to a second portion  82  of casing  44  at a second end  86   b  thereof. The ends  86   a ,  86   b  of shoulder strap  76  may be mounted to casing  44  by one or more shoulder strap reels  74  mounted to casing  44 . In some embodiments, both ends of  86   a ,  86   b  of shoulder strap  76  may be mounted to a single reel  74 . In other embodiments, one end  86   a  may be mounted to a reel  74 , and the other end  86   b  may be mounted to another member, for example a rod  75 , to which end  86   b  may be affixed, or removably affixed via a releasable clip. Shoulder strap reel  74  may be of a variety of configurations, and be mounted to casing  44  in a variety of ways. 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , in the embodiments shown, reel  74  comprises a pair of flanges  80   a ,  80   b  mounted to a first portion  78  of casing  44 . In some embodiments, flanges  80   a ,  80   b , may be integrally formed with casing  44  or may be separately manufactured and secured thereto by, e.g., an adhesive, welding, a mechanical fastener or a combination thereof. A pin  84  extends between each pair of flanges, and is rotatably mounted thereto by extending through holes  85   a ,  85   b  provided in each flange. Pin  84  may comprise flanges  87  (shown in  FIG. 13A ) at the ends thereof, for preventing pin  84  from sliding out of holes  85   a ,  85   b . An end  86   a  of shoulder strap  76  is secured to pin  84 . For example, an adhesive may be used to secure end  86   a  to pin  84 , or a slot may be provided in pin  84  into which end  86   a  may be inserted, or it may be stapled thereto. 
         [0066]    Strap may be wound or unwound onto pin  84  by a user. For example, if surface cleaning apparatus  10  is being used in a non-carryable configuration, for example is being used in an upright configuration, a user may desire to wind strap  76  onto pin  84 , such that it is out of the way of the user. When the user wishes to use surface cleaning apparatus  10  in the carryable configuration, the user may unwind strap  76  to a desired length, such that it may be used. 
         [0067]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , reel  74  is manually winding, and further comprises a crank  88  coupled to pin  84 . Crank  88  may be rotated by a user, such that strap  76  is wound on wound onto pin  84  by rotating crank  88  in a direction indicated by arrow A 3 , and unwound on pin  84  by rotating crank  88  in a direction opposite to arrow A 4 . In other embodiments, reel may be manually wound in another manner. 
         [0068]    In other embodiments, reel  74  is self winding. For example, referring to  FIGS. 13A-13B , reel  74  and comprises a torsion spring  90 . Torsion spring  90  is a coil spring, and mounted at one end  92   a  to flange  80   a , and at the other end  92   b  to pin  84 . Accordingly, when strap  76  is unwound, pin  84  rotates in a direction indicated by arrow A 5 , and spring  90  is tensioned. When strap  76  is released, the tension on spring  90  is released, and spring  90  will return to its original position, and re-wind strap  76 . In other embodiments, strap reel may be self-winding in another manner. For example, strap reel  74  may be electronically actuated. 
         [0069]    Strap reel  74  may further comprise a locking member for locking strap  76  in one or more positions. Referring to  FIG. 14 , an end  94  of pin  84  may comprise teeth  95  extending outwardly from pin  84 . Flange  80   a  comprises a spring loaded lever  96  rotatably mounted thereto at pivot point  98 . In a relaxed state, lever  96  is biased in a direction indicated by arrow A 6 , and allows pin  84  to rotate in a direction indicated by arrow A 7 , which corresponds to a direction required to wind strap  76 . Lever  96  is configured to prevent pin  84  from rotating in a direction opposite to arrow A 7 , which corresponds to a direction required to unwind strap  76 . Accordingly, in use, a user may retract lever  96  by rotating it in a direction opposite to arrow A 6 , and unwind strap  76 , for example pulling on strap  76 . When the strap  76  is in the desired position, the user may release lever  96 , such that it returns to its biased position. Accordingly, when the user lifts the surface cleaning apparatus  10  with strap  76 , the strap will remain in the position set by the user, and will not unwind further due to gravity. In order to return strap  76  onto pin  84 , lever  96  may be moved out of the path of rotation of teeth  95  (e.g., by being translated in the longitudinal direction of pin  84 ). Alternately, a friction brake, a pin  102  insertable into a hole, or any other reel construction known in the art may be used, as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . 
         [0070]    As exemplified in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , when strap  76  is fully retracted, it preferably seats or lies on top of handle  56 . Therefore, strap  76  does not interfere with the use of handle  56 . Handle  56  may have a portion that is narrower then the strap so that a user may easily grab strap  76  and extend it to an in use position, Alternately, or in addition, handle  56  may be recessed inwardly from the side wall of the surface cleaning apparatus as exemplified in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , or otherwise configured or the configuration or positioning of the reel adjusted, to provide a space between handle  56  and strap  76  when strap is fully retracted and seats on handle  56 . This gap provides a location which a user may utilize to grab strap  76  and extend strap  76  to an in use position. 
         [0071]    An alternate embodiment of a shoulder strap reel  74  is shown in  FIG. 17 . In this embodiment reel  74  comprises a reel body  104 , a manipulation lever  106 , an elastic spring member  108 , a brake member  110 , and a damper unit  112 . Reel body  104  is rotatably supported by a rotary shaft  114 , and partially enclosed by reel cover  116 . A similar cover may be provided on the opposed side. The strap  76  is wound and unwound around a winding part or hub  118  as the reel body  104  is rotated in one direction or another. Strap  76  may be of any desired width. 
         [0072]    The reel body  104  is elastically biased by a spiral spring  120  so that the reel body  104  is rotated in the direction D for winding the strap  76  onto hub  118 . The spiral spring  120  is wound as the strap  76  is pulled from the reel body  104 . The inner end of the spiral spring  120  fits within an insertion recess  122  of the rotary shaft  114  thereby engaging the reel body  104  to the rotary shaft  114 , through the spring  120 . 
         [0073]    The brake member  110  can frictionally engage and disengage the reel body  104  to disable or enable control rotation of the reel body  104  respectively when the user operates the manipulation lever  106 . The brake member  110  is normally spaced away from reel body  104  allowing the strap  76  to be withdrawn from the reel  74 . The brake member  110  is preferably a friction roller, however alternate embodiments include using a friction pad or a toothed member to engage teeth provided on the rim of reel body  104 . 
         [0074]    The manipulation lever  106  comprises a coupling  124  connected or otherwise engaged to the brake member  110 , and, a brake activation part  126 , which can be selective actuated by the user to move the brake member  110  away from the reel body  104  when the manipulation part  126  is operated. The manipulation lever  106  in this embodiment is installed in the reel  74  to pivot about the rotary shaft  128 . Spring member  108  elastically biases the lower end of the manipulation part  126  upwardly and therefore elastically biases the manipulation lever  106 . 
         [0075]    A brake member damper unit  112  impedes or slows the movement of the brake member  110  from contact with the reel body  104  when an actuating force that was applied to the manipulation part  126  is removed. By way of the interference of the damper unit  112 , the time between actuation of the manipulation lever  106  to release the brake member  110  and the re-engagement of the brake member  110  to the reel body  104  is lengthened, allowing the manipulation lever  106  to return to its initial position more slowly, which in turn allows the spring  120  more time to fully wind the strap  76 . Even if an external force applied to the manipulation lever  106  is removed immediately after the user compresses the manipulation lever  106  to wind the strap  76 , the damper unit  112  controls the manipulation lever  106  to slowly return to its original position to assure a sufficient length of time for completely winding the strap  76 . In this embodiment end  86   b  of strap  76  is releasably securable to a member provided on housing  44 , such that when end  86   b  is released from the member, strap  76  may be hidden. 
         [0076]    In any of the above embodiments, all or a portion of reel  74  may be provided in a casing, for example a portion of casing  44 , for hiding all or a portion of reel  74 . 
         [0077]    As previously mentioned, surface cleaning apparatus  10  may be provided with one reel  74 , or two reels  74 . The reels  74  may be mounted to housing  44  at a variety of positions. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , reel(s)  74  may be mounted to casing  44  at an upper portion  100  thereof. In one particular embodiment, reel(s)  74  may be mounted to casing  44  at lid  45 . In such an embodiment, handle  56  may be mounted to reel  74 . 
         [0078]    It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments or separate aspects, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment or aspect, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. 
         [0079]    Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, if is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.