Patent Publication Number: US-11659968-B2

Title: Surface cleaning apparatus with a brake assembly

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Surface cleaning apparatuses such as vacuum cleaners are well-known devices for removing dirt and debris from a variety of surfaces such as carpets, hard floors, or other fabric surfaces such as upholstery. Such surface cleaning apparatuses typically include a recovery system including a recovery container, a nozzle adjacent the surface to be cleaned and in fluid communication with the recovery container through a conduit, and a source of suction in fluid communication with the conduit to draw debris-laden air from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the conduit to the recovery container. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a surface cleaning apparatus, comprising a base assembly including a suction nozzle and at least one wheel, a hand-held portion having a hand grip, a recovery container, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and the recovery container and configured for generating a working airstream, a wand operably coupled between the base assembly and the hand-held portion and defining at least a portion of a working air path extending from the suction nozzle to an air outlet in the hand-held portion and including the suction source, and a brake assembly provided on the base assembly and configured to be moveable between a first position wherein at least a portion of the brake assembly engages the at least one wheel and a second position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus according to various aspects described herein. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  1    in the form of a hand-held vacuum cleaner including a base assembly and an upright assembly according to various aspects described herein. 
         FIG.  3    is a partially-exploded view of the vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  2   , further including a brake assembly. 
         FIG.  4    is a side sectional view of the vacuum cleaner including the brake assembly of  FIG.  2    along line IV-IV. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the brake assembly of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the base assembly of  FIG.  2    with the brake assembly exploded. 
         FIG.  7    is an exploded sectional view of the brake assembly of  FIG.  2   , along line VII-VII. 
         FIG.  8    is an enlarged partial sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  4   , including the brake assembly in a first position. 
         FIG.  9    is an enlarged partial sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  4   , including the brake assembly in a second position. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of an exemplary brake assembly that can be utilized in the vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of another exemplary brake assembly that can be utilized in the vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of yet another exemplary brake assembly that can be utilized in the vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of yet another exemplary brake assembly that can be utilized in the vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  2   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosure relates to a surface cleaning apparatus such as a hand-held surface cleaner. Such hand-held cleaners can be in the form of a stick vacuum or wand vacuum. The surface cleaning apparatus can also include a base assembly including an agitator chamber. It will be understood that a variety of surface cleaning apparatus exist including those which are top heavy and additionally or alternatively include wheeled bases or bases including rotating portions. In either scenario, when an upper portion of the surface cleaning is leaned against a wall or other object, a lower portion may tend to move from the placed location. In certain circumstances this can cause the surface cleaning apparatus to tilt, fall, or otherwise cause dissatisfaction to a user. 
     A brake assembly can be provided on the base assembly and be configured to be moveable between at least a first position and a second position. When the brake assembly is in the first position, at least a portion of the brake assembly can restrain movement of the base of the surface cleaning apparatus. In one non-limiting example, the brake assembly can contact and restrain a set of wheels of the base assembly to prevent them from rotating. 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic view of various functional systems of a surface cleaning apparatus in the form of an exemplary vacuum cleaner  10 . The functional systems of the exemplary vacuum cleaner  10  can be arranged into any desired configuration including as a portable cleaner adapted to be hand carried by a user for cleaning relatively small areas. The vacuum cleaner  10  can be adapted to include a hose or other conduit, which can form a portion of the working air path between a nozzle and the suction source. 
     The vacuum cleaner  10  can include a recovery system  14  for removing debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the debris. The recovery system  14  can include a suction inlet or suction nozzle  16 , a suction source  18  in fluid communication with the suction nozzle  16  for generating a working air stream, and a recovery container  20  for separating and collecting debris from the working airstream for later disposal. 
     The suction nozzle  16  can be provided on a base or cleaning head adapted to move over the surface to be cleaned. At least one agitator  26  can be provided adjacent to the suction nozzle  16  for agitating the surface to be cleaned so that the debris can be more easily ingested into the suction nozzle  16 . Some examples of agitators  26  include, but are not limited to, a horizontally-rotating brushroll, dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls, one or more vertically-rotating brushrolls, or a stationary brush. The at least one agitator  26  can also be configured to cling to or otherwise retain dirt or debris removed from the surface to be cleaned, such as a disposable cleaning pad, wherein such retained dirt or debris is not ingested into the suction nozzle  16 . 
     The suction source  18  can be any suitable suction source and is provided in fluid communication with the recovery container  20 . The suction source  18  can be electrically coupled to a power source  22 , such as a battery or by a power cord plugged into a household electrical outlet. A suction power switch  24  between the suction source  18  and the power source  22  can be selectively closed by the user, thereby activating the suction source  18 . 
     A separator  21  can be formed in a portion of the recovery container  20  for separating entrained debris from the working airstream. 
     The vacuum cleaner  10  shown in  FIG.  1    can be used to effectively remove debris from the surface to be cleaned in accordance with the following method. The sequence of steps discussed is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit the method in any way as it is understood that the steps may proceed in a different logical order, additional or intervening steps may be included, or described steps may be divided into multiple steps. 
     In operation, the vacuum cleaner  10  is prepared for use by coupling the vacuum cleaner  10  to the power source  22 . During operation of the recovery system  14 , the vacuum cleaner  10  draws in debris-laden working air through the suction nozzle  16  and into the downstream recovery container  20  where the debris is substantially separated from the working air and deposited in the recovery container. The airstream then passes through the suction source  18  prior to being exhausted from the vacuum cleaner  10 . The recovery container  20  can be periodically emptied of collected fluid and debris. 
     While not illustrated it will be understood that the surface cleaning apparatus including the vacuum cleaner  10  can include a fluid delivery system for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The fluid delivery system can include a fluid supply container for storing cleaning fluid, as well as at least one fluid distributor fluidly coupled to the fluid supply container. 
       FIG.  2    is a perspective view illustrating a vacuum cleaner  10  according to various aspects described herein. For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” and derivatives thereof shall be described from the perspective of a user behind the vacuum cleaner  10 , which defines the rear of the vacuum cleaner  10 . However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. 
     In the illustrated example, the vacuum cleaner  10  can include a housing  30  with an upright assembly  32  and a base assembly  34 . The upright assembly  32  can be operably coupled to the base assembly  34  for directing the base assembly  34  across the surface to be cleaned. A joint or other pivoting mechanism can be utilized to pivotally connect the upright assembly  32  to the base assembly  34 . It is contemplated that the vacuum cleaner  10  can include any or all of the various systems and components described in  FIG.  1   , including a recovery system  14  for separating and storing dirt or debris from the surface to be cleaned. The various systems and components schematically described for  FIG.  1    can be supported by either the base assembly  34  or the upright assembly  32  of the vacuum cleaner  10  or both in combination. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a partially-exploded view of the vacuum cleaner  10  of  FIG.  2   . The upright assembly  32  includes a hand-held portion  36  supporting components of the recovery system  14 , including, but not limited to, the suction source  18  and the recovery container  20 . By way of non-limiting example, the suction source  18  can include a motor/fan assembly. 
     The hand-held portion  36  can be coupled to a wand  40  having at least one wand connector  42 . In the illustrated example, both a first end  44  of the wand  40  and a second end  46  of the wand  40  include a wand connector  42 . The wand connector  42  at the second end  46  of the wand  40  can be coupled to the base assembly  34  via a wand receiver  48 . The wand connector  42  at the first end  44  of the wand  40  can couple to a second wand receiver  50  within the hand-held portion  36 . It is contemplated that the wand connectors  42  can be the same type of connector or can vary in any suitable manner with respect to function, structure, design, profile, etc. Any suitable type of connector mechanism can be utilized, such as a quick connect mechanism or a tubing coupler in non-limiting examples. 
     A pivotal connection between the upright assembly  32  and the base assembly  34  can be provided by at least one pivoting mechanism. In the illustrated example, the pivoting mechanism can include a multi-axis swivel joint assembly  52  configured to pivot the upright assembly  32  from front-to-back and side-to-side with respect to the base assembly  34 . However, this need not be the case and the pivoting mechanism can move in any suitable manner including that the upright assembly  32  may pivot about one single axis with respect to the base assembly  34 . A lower portion  54  of the swivel joint assembly  52  is located between the wand  40  and the base assembly  34 . The lower portion  54  of the swivel joint assembly  52  provides for pivotal forward and backward rotation between the wand  40  and the base assembly  34 . An upper portion  56  of the swivel joint assembly  52  is also located between the wand  40  and the base assembly  34  and provides for lateral or side-to-side rotation between the wand  40  and base assembly  34 . By way of non-limiting example, the lower portion  54  of the swivel joint assembly  52  is coupled between the base assembly  34  and the upper portion  56  of the swivel joint assembly  52 . The upper portion  56  of the swivel joint assembly  52  is coupled to the wand receiver  48  at the second end  46  of the wand  40 . Wheels  58  can be coupled to the lower portion  54  of the swivel joint assembly  52  or directly to the base assembly  34 , and are adapted to move the base assembly  34  across the surface to be cleaned. 
     A brake assembly  100  can be provided with the base assembly  34 . The brake assembly  100  can be located on an upper portion of the base assembly  34 . By way of non-limiting example, the brake assembly  100  can be defined by a body  102  with at least a portion of the body extending into the base assembly  34  and another portion extending beyond an upper surface  98  of the base assembly  34 . As a non-limiting example, the body  102  can be include an upper portion or a handle  104  and at least one lower portion or at least one leg  106 . The handle  104  can extend beyond the upper surface  98  of the base assembly  34  such that the handle  104  is accessible to a user. The at least one leg  106  can extend at least partially into the base assembly  34  adjacent the wheels  58 , such that the at least one leg confronts, contacts, or is adjacent to at least one of the wheels  58 . In the illustrated example, the brake assembly  100  is near the pivotal connection between the upright assembly  32  and the base assembly  34 . 
     The hand-held portion  36  can also include the recovery container  20 , illustrated herein as a dirt separation and collection module  60  fluidly coupled to the suction source  18  via an air outlet port  62 . The dirt separation and collection module  60  can be removable from the hand-held portion  36  by a release latch  64  as shown so that it can be emptied of debris. Additional details of the dirt separation and collection module and the cleaning apparatus are described in PCT Application No. PCT/US19/39424, filed Jun. 27, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     An upper end of the hand-held portion  36  can further include a hand grip  66  for maneuvering the vacuum cleaner  10  over a surface to be cleaned and for using the vacuum cleaner  10  in hand-held mode. At least one control mechanism  68  is provided on the hand grip  66  and coupled to the power source  22  ( FIG.  1   ) for selective operation of components of the vacuum cleaner  10 . In the contemplated example, the at least one control mechanism  68  is an electronic control that can form the suction power switch  24 . 
     The agitator  26  of the illustrated embodiment includes a brushroll  70  ( FIG.  4   ) configured to rotate about a horizontal axis and operatively coupled to a drive shaft of a drive motor via a transmission, which can include one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, or combinations thereof. An example of which will be explained in more detail below. An agitator housing  72  is provided around the suction nozzle  16  and defines an agitator chamber  74  ( FIG.  4   ) for the brushroll  70  ( FIG.  4   ). 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4   , a recovery airflow conduit  75  can be formed between the agitator housing  72  and the dirt separation and collection module  60 . For example, a hose conduit  76  in the base assembly  34  can be fluidly coupled to a wand central conduit  78  within the wand  40 . The hose conduit  76  can be flexible to facilitate pivoting movement of the swivel joint assembly  52  about multiple axes. The wand central conduit  78  is fluidly connected to a dirt inlet  80  on the dirt separation and collection module  60  via the air outlet port  62 . 
     In the illustrated example, the power source  22  is in the form of a battery pack  82  containing one or more batteries, such as lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries. Optionally, the vacuum cleaner  10  can include a power cord (not shown) to connect to a wall outlet. In still another example, the battery pack  82  can include a rechargeable battery pack, such as by connecting to an external source of power to recharge batteries contained therein. 
     During operation of the vacuum cleaner  10 , the power source  22  can supply power for the suction source  18 , such as by way of non-limiting example a motor/fan assembly to provide suction through the recovery airflow conduit  75 . Debris-laden working air within the agitator housing  72  can be directed through the flexible hose conduit  76  and wand central conduit  78  before flowing into the dirt separation and collection module  60  by way of the dirt inlet  80  as shown. In addition, the swivel joint assembly  52  can provide for forward/backward and side-to-side pivoting motion of the upright assembly  32  with respect to the base assembly  34  when moving the base assembly  34  across the surface to be cleaned. Additional details of the motor/fan assembly are described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,064,530, issued Sep. 4, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the body  102  of the brake assembly  100  of  FIG.  2   . As illustrated, the body  102  can include the handle  104  and a set of legs  106 . In a of non-limiting example, the two legs  106  are spaced from one another. The handle  104  can extend from a portion of one of the legs  106  to a corresponding portion of the adjacent leg  106 . As such, the handle  104  can span the space between the set of legs  106  and operatively couple the legs  106  to one another. Although illustrated as a brake assembly  100  including two legs  106 , it will be appreciated that there can be any number of one or more legs  106 . For example, the brake assembly  100  can include a single leg  106  with the handle  104  projecting outward from a portion of the leg  106 . The body  102  can be further defined by a first side  103  and a second side  105  opposite the first side  103 . 
     The handle  104  can include a first portion  120  and a second portion  122 . The first portion  120  can be directly coupled to the set of legs  106 , while the second portion  122  can be spaced from the set of legs  106  and define a distal end of the brake assembly  100 . The first portion  120  can extend in a direction oblique to a direction of extension of the second portion  122 . As such, the first portion  120  can be obliquely oriented with respect to the second portion  122 . Alternatively, the first portion  120  can be normal to the second portion  122 . In either case, the first portion  120  and the second portion  122  are non-parallel. This orientation of the first portion  120  and the second portion  122  can form a grip of the handle  104  such that the user can easily grasp the handle  104  of the brake assembly  100 . As such, the brake assembly  100  can be further defined as a brake assembly  100  including an ergonomic handle  104 . 
     The set of legs  106  are illustrated as extending from the first portion  120  of the handle  104 . Each leg  106  can extend in the same direction away from the section of the body  102  defining the handle  104 . In the illustrated example, the legs  106  can be spaced from one another and the width of the handle  104  span the space between the set of legs  106 . Further, the set of legs  106  are illustrated to be parallel to one another, however, it will be appreciated that the legs  106  can be non-parallel. 
     Each leg  106  can include a foot  128  defining a distal end of the set of legs  106 , opposite a handle  504 . The foot  128  can extend across only a portion of the width of each leg  106 . By way of non-limiting example, the foot  128  can extend across 50% of the width of a corresponding leg  106 . In one non-limiting example, the foot  128  can be formed as a cylinder. It will be appreciated, however, that the foot  128  can have any suitable geometric configuration. A remaining 50% of the width of the leg  106  that does not include the foot  128  can include a cut out  132  with a shape corresponding to the foot  128 . As such, the cut out  132  can be formed as a cylindrical cut out  132  along a distal portion of the legs  106 . Alternatively, the foot  128  can extend the same width as the leg. 
     A passageway or through hole  130  can extend through a portion of the foot  128  from one end or side to the other. In the non-limiting example illustrated, the through hole  130  can be formed as a concentric cylinder within the cylinder defined by the foot  128 . It is contemplated, by way of non-limiting example, as illustrated, that the through hole  130  can have a varying cross-sectional area from one end of the foot  128  to the other. For example, the cross-sectional area of the through hole  130  can be larger at one end to define a seat for a fastener that can be used to couple the brake assembly  100  the vacuum cleaner  10 . It will be appreciated, however, that the through hole  130  can have any suitable cross-sectional area along any portion of the through hole  130 . For example, the through hole  130  can have a constant cross-sectional area. 
     The set of legs  106  can further include a set of grooves  108  provided on the first side  103  of the body  102 . The set of grooves  108  can define a portion of the body  102  where the first side  103  converges toward the second side  105 . In other words, the set of grooves  108  can define a depression formed within the body  102  of the brake assembly  100 . By way of non-limiting example, the set of grooves  108  can be within a portion of the set of legs  106 . As illustrated, the set of grooves  108  can be formed as a rounded, concave portion of the set of legs  106 . Alternatively, the set of grooves  108  can be formed as any suitable geometric portion depression of concave portion of the set of legs  106 . 
     A lock  112  can be included along an interior portion of the set of legs  106 . The lock  112  can confront the space between the set of legs  106  although it is contemplated that it could be located on the exterior. The lock  112  can include an arm  114  connected to a corresponding leg  106  at one end. The remainder of the arm  114  can be separated from the body of the corresponding leg  106  thus forming a gap between the arm  114  and the leg  106 , as illustrated. The gap can extend around the entirety of the arm  114  besides where the arm  114  connects to the set of legs  106 . A protrusion  116  can extend away from a distal end of the arm  114  and confront the space between the set of legs  106 . The protrusion  116  is illustrated, by way of non-limiting example as a in the form of a semi-sphere. Although illustrated as a single lock  112  on a single leg  106 , it will be appreciated that there can be any number of locks  112 . For example, each leg  106  of the set of legs  106  can include a lock  112  on the interior portion of the corresponding leg  106 . 
     The arm  114  can include a section having a different shape, profile, configuration, size, etc. from a remainder of the arm  114 . As a non-limiting example, the profile of the arm  114  can remain constant. Alternatively, the profile or width of the arm  114  can vary along the length of the arm  114 . It will be appreciated that the arm  114  can have any suitable profile and that the width, shape, profile, size, or thickness can vary along the length of the arm  114  constantly, linearly, non-constantly, or non-linearly. 
     As illustrated, the body  102  of the brake assembly  100  is hollow such that a void is formed between the first side  103  and the second side  105 . As a portion of the arm  114  is separated from the body of the set of legs  106 , it will be appreciated that the lock  112  can move at least partially into the void from the illustrated position by applying a force onto a portion of the lock  112 . As a non-limiting example, the protrusion  116  of the lock  112  can move at least partially into the void of the set of legs  106 . As such, the lock  112  can be further defined as a spring biased to an original position (e.g., the illustrated position where an outer surface of the arm  114  is aligned with the outer surface of the corresponding leg  106 ). 
       FIG.  6    is an exploded perspective view of the brake assembly  100  and the base assembly  34  of  FIG.  2   . As illustrated, the base assembly  34  can include a brake housing  96 . The wheels  58  can extend into at least a portion of the brake housing  96 . The hose conduit  76  can extend through the brake housing  96  between the wheels  58 , thus diving the brake housing  96  into two separate areas. The brake assembly  100  can straddle the hose conduit  76  such that each leg  106  extends into a corresponding area of the brake housing  96 . 
       FIG.  7    is an exploded sectional view of the brake assembly  100  and the base assembly as seen from cut VI-VII of  FIG.  2   . The base assembly  34  can further include a projection  124  and a divot  126 . 
     When the brake assembly  100  is posited within the base assembly  34 , the projection  124  can rest within or against the cut out  132 . It is contemplated that a portion of the projection  124  can extend into at least a portion of the through hole  130 , thus coupling the brake assembly  100  to the base assembly  34 . The foot  128  including the through hole  130 , the cut out  132 , and the projection  124 , together, can define a center of rotation of the brake assembly  100  and a first point of coupling between the base assembly  34  and the brake assembly  100 . 
     At least a portion of the lock  112  can be releasably secured within the divot  126 . The protrusion  116  can be releasably secured within the divot  126 . As such, the divot  126  can define a second point of coupling between the brake assembly  100  and the base assembly  34 . 
       FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the brake assembly  100  as seen from cut VII-VII of  FIG.  2   . As illustrated, the brake assembly  100  is in a first position or a locked position. 
     As illustrated, the groove  108  of one of the legs  106  confronts or otherwise is in direct contact with at least one of the wheels  58 . Although only one of the legs  106  is illustrated to be in contact with one wheel  58 , it will be appreciated that this description can be applied to any leg  106  of the set of legs  106 . As such, in the case of the brake assembly  100 , one leg  106  can confront a wheel  58  while another adjacent leg  106  can confront a separate, adjacent wheel  58 .). 
     It is contemplated, however, that the projection  124  can further be defined as bore such that a fastener  138  can be thread through the through hole  130  of the brake assembly  100  and into a portion of the projection  124 . As such, the fastener  138  can couple the brake assembly  100  to the base assembly  34 . The fastener  138 , the foot  128  including the through hole  130 , the cut out  132 , and the projection  124 , together, can define the center of rotation of the brake assembly  100 . As a non-limiting example, the fastener can be any suitable fastener such as, but not limited to, a push pin, a tab, a pin, a screw, a nail, a protrusion, or any combination thereof. 
     In the first position, the lock  112  of the brake assembly  100  is engaged within a corresponding portion of the base assembly  34 . As a non-limiting example, the protrusion  116  of the lock  112  is engage within the divot  126  of the base assembly  34 . This engagement prevents unintentional rotational movement of the brake assembly  100 . In other words, the brake assembly  100  will not move from the first position unless an external force is applied to the brake assembly  100 . As such, the groove  108  remains in contact with the wheels  58 . The external force can be any suitable force that can cause the arm  114  to move inward from its biased position. For example, the external force can be, but is not limited to, a user moving the brake assembly  100  over a portion of the base assembly  34  that projects toward the lock  112  and will cause the lock  112  to move inward when moved over it. 
     In the first position, the protrusion  116  of the lock  112  is positioned within the divot  126  ( FIG.  7   ), thus locking the brake assembly in the illustrated position. As used herein, the term “locked”, “locking”, “lock” or iterations thereof refers to the prevention or limitation of movement of a moveable object (e.g., the brake assembly  100 ). Although discussed in terms of the protrusion  116  of the lock  112  fitting within the divot  126  to lock the brake assembly  100  in the first position, it will be appreciated that any other suitable locking mechanism can be used such as, but not limited to, a spring, a hook, a magnet, a lever, a body moveable between different set positions such as through a series of detents, or any combination thereof. The engagement between the grooves  108  and the wheels  58  prevents the rotation of the wheels  58 . As such, when the brake assembly  100  is in the first position, the wheels  58  will not rotate as they are locked in position. Further, when in the first position, at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner  10  can rest against or otherwise contact the handle  104 . As a non-limiting example, when in the first position, at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner  10  can rest against the second portion  122  of the handle  104 . As illustrated, the upper portion  56  of the swivel joint assembly  52  can rest against the second portion  122  of the handle  104 . As such, the vacuum cleaner  10  can be stood upright, and remain upright, by positioning the brake assembly  100  in the first position as illustrated. 
       FIG.  9    is a perspective view of the brake assembly  100  as seen from cut VII-VII of  FIG.  2   . As illustrated, the brake assembly  100  is in a second position defined as an unlocked position. 
     In the second position, the grooves  108  the set of legs  106  are no longer in contact with the wheels  58 . The protrusion  116  of the lock is removed from the divot  126 . As such, the wheels  58  are not engaged by a portion of the brake assembly  100 . As such, the wheels  58  are free to rotate. When in the second position, the brake assembly  100  can rest against the base assembly  34 . As a non-limiting example, the brake assembly  100  can rest against an inner wall of the brake housing  96  although this need not be the case. Further, in the second position, the swivel joint  52  no longer contacts the handle  104 . As such, the upright assembly  32  of the vacuum cleaner  10  is free to swivel about a pivot defined by the joint assembly  52 . 
     In operation, the assembly  100  can transition between the first position and the second position to selectively engage the wheels  58 . In the first position, the grooves  108  of the brake assembly  100  can contact the wheels  58 , thus restricting rotational movement of the wheels  58 . In the second position, the brake assembly  100  can be displaced from or otherwise not contact the wheels  58 , thus allowing for the free rotational movement of the wheels  58 . As discussed herein, the brake assembly  100  can be selectively locked or unlocked. This selective locking can be done at least partially through the lock  112 . As a non-limiting example, the selective locking can be determined by whether or not the protrusion  116  of the lock is engaged with or otherwise positioned within the divot  126  of the base assembly  34 . 
     During the locking and unlocking of the brake assembly  100 , the lock  112  is compressed inward into the hollow portion the leg  106  when the external force is applied to the brake assembly  100 . As a non-limiting example, the arm  114  of the lock  112  is compressed inward into the hollow portion of the leg  106  when the external force is applied to the brake assembly  100 . Once the brake assembly  100  is rotated such that the protrusion  116  overlays the divot  126 , the arm  114  will “snap-back” or otherwise move back to the position it biases (the position illustrated in  FIG.  5   ). As such, the protrusion  116  will be nested within the divot  126 , and the brake assembly  100  will be locked in place. The external force can once again be applied to rotate the brake assembly  100 . The arm  114  will once again be compressed inward into the hollow of the legs  106  and the protrusion will be removed from the divot  126 . As such, the brake assembly  100  will be unlocked from the first position. As a non-limiting example, the external force can be from moving a portion of the vacuum cleaner  10  and contacting the brake assembly  100 . For example, the user can push the upright assembly  32  forward such that a portion of the upper portion  56  of the swivel joint assembly  52  can come apply a force to a portion of the brake assembly  100 . In the illustrated example, the second portion  122  of the handle  104 . This, in turn, can cause the brake assembly  100  to unlock from the first position and rotate toward the second position, thus unlocking the wheels  58  through movement of the swivel joint assembly  52 . 
     This method of moving the brake assembly  100  can be used during operation of the vacuum cleaner  10  when it is desired to lock or stop movement of the wheels  58 , as discussed herein. Further yet, in the first position, the upright assembly  32  can confront a portion of the brake assembly  100  thus propping-up or retaining the upright assembly  32  in the upright position. If the brake assembly  100  were not present, the wheels  58  would be free to rotate. The weight from the upright assembly  32  and hand-held portion  36  could then cause the wheels  58  to rotate and the base assembly  34  would “slide out” from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner  10 . As used herein, the phrase “slide out” can refer to the unintentional and undesired movement of the base assembly  34  through rotation of the wheels  58  that can cause the upright assembly  32  and hand-held portion  36  to fall from its upright position. This can ultimately result in at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner  10  falling to the ground or against a surrounding object. The implementation of the brake assembly  100 , however, ensures that the base assembly  34  cannot slide out from underneath the remainder of the vacuum cleaner  10  when the brake assembly  100  is secured in the first position. This eliminates the risk of at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner  10  falling to the ground or against a surrounding object. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a non-limiting exemplary brake assembly  200 . The brake assembly  200  is similar to the brake assembly  100 ; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals in the  200  series, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the brake assembly  100  applies to the brake assembly  200  unless otherwise noted. 
     The brake assembly  200  can include a set of legs  206  similar to the set of legs  106  of the brake assembly  100 , but without the set of feet  128 . Alternatively, the set of legs  206  can include the set of feet  128 . The difference being that the set of legs  206  do not include the foot  128 . Instead, the set of legs  206  have a constant width from one distal end to the other. The set of legs  206  can each further include a knob  210  extending from an inner portion of the set of legs  206  and confronting the space between the set of legs  206 . It is contemplated that the knob  210  can define both a point of coupling and a pivot point of the brake assembly  200 . As a non-limiting example, the projection  124  can instead be formed as a divot or include a bore such that the knob  210  can be secured within the projection  124  of the base assembly  34 . The knob  210 , and the projection  124  can form the center of rotation and a point of coupling between the brake assembly  200  and the base assembly  34 . 
     The brake assembly  200  can further include a lock  212  including an arm  214  and a protrusion  216  extending from the arm  214 . The lock  212  is similar to the lock  112  except that the arm  214  of the lock  212  has a constant thickness or otherwise extends linearly from one distal end coupling the arm to the legs  206  to another distal end where the protrusion  216  extends from the arm  214 . 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a non-limiting exemplary brake assembly  300 . The brake assembly  300  is similar to the brake assembly  100 ,  200 ; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals in the  300  series, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the brake assembly  100 ,  200  applies to the brake assembly  300  unless otherwise noted. 
     The brake assembly  300  can include a set of legs  306  without the set of feet  128  of the brake assembly  100 . Alternatively, the brake assembly  300  can include the set of feet  128 . One difference is that the brake assembly  300  can further include a handle  304  formed as a monolithic body without the first portion  120 ,  220  (e.g., the angled portion) of the handle  104 ,  204  included with the brake assembly  100 ,  200 . As used herein, the term “monolithic body”, “integral monolithic body”, or iterations thereof can refer to a single body that is a single, non-separable piece, or formed as a single unitary piece at manufacture, as opposed to being formed by combining separate elements into one during manufacture. The formation of the brake assembly  300  as a monolithic body can allow for a smaller handle  304  that does not extend as far away from the base assembly  34  when compared to the corresponding portions of the brake assembly  100 ,  200 . As a non-limiting example, the formation of the handle  304  as a monolithic body can allow for a smaller handle  304  that does not extend as far away from the base assembly  34  when compared to the corresponding portions of the brake assembly  100 ,  200 . 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a non-limiting exemplary brake assembly  400 . The brake assembly  400  is similar to the brake assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 ; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals in the  400  series, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the brake assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300  applies to the brake assembly  400  unless otherwise noted. 
     The brake assembly  400  can include a set of legs  406  without the set of feet  128  of the brake assembly  100 . Alternatively, the set of legs  406  can include the set of feet  128 . The set of legs  406  can each include a groove  408 , similar to the set of legs  106 ,  206 ,  306 , and the groove  108 ,  208 ,  308  of the brake assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 . The legs  406 , however, and hence the grooves  308  have an increased width when compared to the corresponding portions of the brake assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 . For example, the width of the set of legs  406 , and hence the set of grooves  408 , can two times as large as the width of the corresponding portions of the brake assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 . It will be appreciated, however, that the width of the legs  406  can be any times greater than the corresponding portions of the brake assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 . 
     The increased width of the set of legs  406 , and the grooves  408  can allow for a greater surface area of the brake assembly  400  to engage the wheels  58  of the vacuum cleaner  10 . This, in turn, can increase a frictional force applied to the wheels  58  by the set of legs  406  when compared to the corresponding portions of the brake assemblies  100 ,  200 ,  300 . This ultimately increases the efficiency of the brake assembly  400  as a surface area of the wheels  58  that are engaged by the brake assembly  400 , the less likely the wheels  58  will rotate. It is yet further contemplated that the brake assembly  400  can engage more than one wheel  58  per groove  408 . For example, each groove  408  can be configured to engage two adjacent wheels  58 . 
       FIG.  13    illustrates a non-limiting exemplary brake assembly  500 . The brake assembly  500  is similar to the brake assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals in the  500  series, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the brake assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  applies to the brake assembly  500  unless otherwise noted. 
     The brake assembly  500  can include a set of legs  506  without the set of feet  128  of the brake assembly  100 . Alternatively, the brake assembly  500  can include the set of feet  128 . The brake assembly  500  is a combination of the brake assembly  100 ,  200  of  FIG.  5    and  FIG.  10   , respectively, and the brake assembly  400  of  FIG.  12   . As such, the brake assembly  500  includes the set of legs  506 , and groove  508  with a larger width similar to the corresponding parts of the brake assembly  400 . The brake assembly  500  further includes the handle  504  with a first portion  520  and a second portion  522  similar to the corresponding portions of the brake assembly  100 ,  200 ,  400 . As such, the brake assembly  500  can be defined as a brake assembly  500  that exerts a larger frictional force on the wheels  58 , while also including an ergonomically efficient handle  504 . 
     To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in combination with each other as desired. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described. 
     For example, various characteristics, aspects, and advantages of the present invention may also be embodied in the following technical solutions defined by the following clauses and may include any combination of the following concepts: 
     A surface cleaning apparatus, comprising a base assembly including a suction nozzle and at least one wheel, a hand-held portion having a hand grip, a recovery container, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and the recovery container and configured for generating a working airstream, a wand operably coupled between the base assembly and the hand-held portion and defining at least a portion of a working air path extending from the suction nozzle to an air outlet in the hand-held portion and including the suction source, and a brake assembly provided on the base assembly and configured to be moveable between a first position wherein at least a portion of the brake assembly engages the at least one wheel and a second position. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the brake assembly extends from on an upper portion of base assembly. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the brake assembly comprises a body having a first leg and a second leg, defining two legs spaced apart from one another and a handle joining the first leg and the second leg and extending therebetween. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein at least a portion of the first leg engages the at least one wheel when the brake assembly is in the first position. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the first leg includes a groove and the groove engages the at least one wheel. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the engagement of the at least one wheel restricts the at least one wheel from rotating. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the at least one wheel includes multiple wheels and the first leg engages a first wheel of the multiple wheels. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the engagement of the first wheel restricts the multiple wheels from rotating. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the handle includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion defining a distal end of the brake assembly and extending beyond a housing of the base assembly. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the brake assembly further comprises a lock located on the first leg, the lock comprising an arm and a protrusion. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the lock confronts the space between the at least two legs. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the arm is moveably mounted to the first leg. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the base assembly further includes a divot adapted to receive the protrusion when the brake assembly is in the first position. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the brake assembly further comprises a lock located on a first leg of the brake assembly, the lock comprising an arm and a protrusion, the arm biased into a locking position. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the base assembly further includes a divot adapted to receive the protrusion when the brake assembly is in the first position. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the brake assembly is rotatably coupled to the base assembly. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the at least one wheel includes multiple wheels and the brake assembly engages a first wheel of the multiple wheels. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the engagement of the first wheel restricts the multiple wheels from rotating. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the brake assembly comprises a handle defining a distal end of the brake assembly and extending beyond an upper housing of the base assembly. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the brake assembly comprises a body having a first leg and a second leg, defining two legs spaced apart from one another and the handle extends therebetween. 
     While aspects of the present disclosure have 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. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure which is 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.