Patent Publication Number: US-2023143305-A1

Title: Surface cleaning apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/818,438, filed on Mar. 13, 2020, which itself claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/825,148, filed on Mar. 28, 2019 and also claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 62/818,856, filed on Mar. 15, 2019, the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to an emptying mechanism for a surface cleaning apparatus and a surface cleaning apparatus having same. The surface cleaning apparatus is optionally a hand vacuum cleaner. 
     INTRODUCTION 
     The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art. 
     Various types of surface cleaning apparatus are known. Such surface cleaning apparatus include vacuum cleaners, including upright vacuum cleaners, hand carryable vacuum cleaners, canister-type vacuum cleaners, extractors and wet/dry type vacuum cleaners (e.g. Shop-Vac™). Some vacuum cleaners include a cyclonic separator (also referred to as a cyclone bin assembly) having a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. A suction motor is used to draw air through the surface cleaning apparatus. A filter, such as a pre-motor filter, may be provided in the airflow path through the surface cleaning apparatus. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures. 
     In one aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus, which may be a hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus, is provided which has a housing, which defines at least part of an air treatment chamber and at least part of a filter chamber. The housing is operable (e.g., pivotally moveable) between an in use position and an emptying position. In the emptying position, each of the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber are opened. An advantage of such a design is that a single movement may permit dirt collected in the air treatment chamber to be emptied and the filter to be removed. A further advantage is that the housing may be emptied without removing any component from the surface cleaning apparatus. 
     In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a front end and a rear end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends, the hand vacuum cleaner having:
         (a) a main body;   (b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet wherein an air treatment chamber, a filter in a filter chamber and a suction motor are provided in the air flow passage;   (c) a housing rotatably mounted to the main body about a rotational axis, the housing including at least a portion of the air treatment chamber and at least a portion of the filter chamber, the housing moveable between an in use position in which each of the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber are closed and an emptying position in which each of the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber are open, a first end of the housing having an open end of the air treatment chamber when the housing is in the emptying position and a second end of the housing longitudinally spaced from the first end having an open end of the filter chamber when the housing is in the emptying position,   wherein when the housing is in emptying position, the first end is located on one side of the rotational axis and the second end is located on an opposite side of the rotational axis.       

     In some embodiments, the housing may be rotatably mounted to the main body at a location between the first and second ends. 
     In some embodiments, the hand vacuum cleaner may have an upper end and a lower end and, when the housing is in emptying position, the first end may face downwardly and the second end may face upwardly. 
     In some embodiments, the filter may be located in the portion of the filter chamber provided in the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the open end of the air treatment chamber may extend in a first plane, the longitudinal axis may intersect the first plane and an included angle between the longitudinal axis and the first plane may be acute, and the open end of the filter chamber may extend in a second plane that is generally parallel to the first plane. 
     In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the dirty air inlet, the filter may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the air treatment chamber and the suction motor may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the filter wherein the air treatment chamber, the filter and the suction motor may be arranged linearly when the housing is in the in use position. 
     In another aspect, when the housing is in emptying position, the first end may be located on one side of the longitudinal axis and the second end may be located on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis. 
     In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a front end and a rear end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends, the hand vacuum cleaner having:
         (a) a main body;   (b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet wherein an air treatment chamber, a filter in a filter chamber and a suction motor are provided in the air flow passage;   (c) a housing rotatably mounted to the main body, the housing including at least a portion of the air treatment chamber and at least a portion of the filter chamber, the housing moveable between an in use position in which each of the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber are closed and an emptying position in which the each of the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber are open, a first end of the housing having an open end of the air treatment chamber when the housing is in the emptying position and a second end of the housing longitudinally spaced from the first end having an open end of the filter chamber when the housing is in the emptying position,   wherein when the housing is in emptying position, the first end is located on one side of the longitudinal axis and the second end is located on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis.       

     In some embodiments, the housing may be rotatably mounted to the main body at a location between the first and second ends. 
     In some embodiments, the hand vacuum cleaner may have an upper end and a lower end and, when the housing is in emptying position, the first end may face downwardly and the second end may face upwardly. 
     In some embodiments, the filter may be located in the portion of the filter chamber provided in the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the open end of the air treatment chamber may extend in a first plane, the longitudinal axis may intersect the first plane and an included angle between the longitudinal axis and the first plane may be acute, and the open end of the filter chamber may extend in a second plane that is parallel to the first plane. 
     In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the dirty air inlet, the filter may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the air treatment chamber and the suction motor may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the filter wherein the air treatment chamber, the filter and the suction motor may be arranged linearly when the housing is in the in use position. 
     In another aspect, as the housing is moved from the in use position to the emptying position, the first end is moved in a first direction and the second end is moved in a direction opposite to the first direction. 
     In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a front end and a rear end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends, the hand vacuum cleaner having:
         (a) a main body;   (b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet wherein an air treatment chamber, a filter in a filter chamber and a suction motor are provided in the air flow passage;   (c) a housing moveably mounted to the main body, the housing including at least a portion of the air treatment chamber and at least a portion of the filter chamber, the housing moveable between an in use position in which each of the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber are closed and an emptying position in which the each of the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber are open, a first end of the housing having an open end of the air treatment chamber when the housing is in the emptying position and a second end of the housing longitudinally spaced from the first end having an open end of the filter chamber when the housing is in the emptying position,   wherein as the housing is moved from the in use position to the emptying position, the first end is moved in a first direction and the second end is moved in a direction opposite to the first direction.       

     In some embodiments, the housing may be moveably mounted to the main body at a location between the first and second ends. 
     In some embodiments, the hand vacuum cleaner may have an upper end and a lower end and, when the housing is in emptying position, the first end may face downwardly and the second end may face upwardly. 
     In some embodiments, the filter may be located in the portion of the filter chamber provided in the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the open end of the air treatment chamber may extend in a first plane, the longitudinal axis may intersect the first plane and an included angle between the longitudinal axis and the first plane may be acute, and the open end of the filter chamber may extend in a second plane that is parallel to the first plane. 
     In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the dirty air inlet, the filter may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the air treatment chamber and the suction motor may be positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the filter wherein the air treatment chamber, the filter and the suction motor may be arranged linearly when the housing is in the in use position. 
     In another aspect, the sidewall of the surface cleaning apparatus includes a longitudinally extending portion, which may be a lower portion, that moves between a closed position and an open emptying position. 
     In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a front end, a rear end, an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends, the hand vacuum cleaner having:
         (a) a main body;   (b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet wherein an air treatment chamber, a pre-motor filter in a pre-motor filter chamber and a suction motor are provided in the air flow passage; and,   (c) the air treatment chamber having a front end, a rear end and a sidewall extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber, the sidewall of the air treatment chamber including an upper longitudinally extending portion and a lower longitudinally extending portion, wherein the upper and lower longitudinally extending portions abut at a juncture that extends longitudinally and the upper and lower longitudinally extending portions are moveably between a closed position and an open emptying position.       

     In some embodiments, the juncture may be located in a longitudinally extending plane. 
     In some embodiments, the longitudinally extending plane may extend generally horizontally when an upper portion of the hand vacuum cleaner is positioned above a lower portion of the hand vacuum cleaner. 
     In some embodiments, the lower longitudinally extending portion may rotate downwardly. 
     In some embodiments, a forward portion of the lower longitudinally extending portion may be pivotally mounted to a remainder of the hand vacuum cleaner. 
     In some embodiments, a rearward portion of the lower longitudinally extending portion may be pivotally mounted to a remainder of the hand vacuum cleaner. 
     In some embodiments, a screen may be positioned in the air treatment chamber wherein the screen may be moveable to a cleaning position. 
     In some embodiments, when the lower longitudinally extending portion is in the open emptying position, the screen may be moveable to the cleaning position. 
     In some embodiments, the screen may be moveable to the cleaning position concurrently with the lower longitudinally extending portion moving to the open emptying position. 
     In some embodiments, the screen may be rotatably mounted at a rear end of the air treatment chamber. 
     In some embodiments, the lower longitudinally extending portion may rotate downwardly and the screen may rotate the same amount as the lower longitudinally extending portion. 
     In some embodiments, the lower longitudinally extending portion may rotate downwardly and the screen may rotate a lesser amount than the lower longitudinally extending portion. 
     In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may have a cyclone chamber. 
     In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter may be removable through the air treatment chamber when the lower longitudinally extending portion is in the open emptying position. 
     In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter may be translatable forwardly once the lower longitudinally extending portion is in the open emptying position. 
     In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter may be removable when the lower longitudinally extending portion is in the closed position. 
     In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter may be removable through an opening provided in a longitudinally extending sidewall of the main body. 
     In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter may be removable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. 
     In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter may be provided in a pre-motor filter housing and a portion of the housing may form a portion of the sidewall of the main body. 
     In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be pivotally mounted to the main body and the pre-motor filter chamber may be opened when the air treatment chamber is pivoted to an open position. 
     In another aspect, the filter chamber may be opened by rotating portion of the hand vacuum cleaner relative to another portion of the hand vacuum cleaner so as to open the filter chamber and, optionally, a rear end of the filter chamber. An advantage such a design is that the filter may be removed without opening the air treatment chamber. 
     In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a front end, a rear end, an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends, the hand vacuum cleaner having:
         (a) a main body;   (b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet wherein an air treatment chamber, a pre-motor filter in a pre-motor filter chamber and a suction motor are provided in the air flow passage; and,   wherein the air treatment chamber may be provided in a housing that may be rotatably mounted to the main body and moveable between a closed in use position and an open position and the pre-motor filter chamber may be opened when the housing may be rotated to the open position.       

     In some embodiments, the housing may be pivotally mounted to the main body. 
     In some embodiments, a rear end of the pre-motor filter chamber may be rotatably mounted to the main body 
     In some embodiments, a rear end of the housing may be rotatably mounted to the main body. 
     In some embodiments, a rear end of the pre-motor filter chamber may be opened when the housing is rotated to the open position. 
     In some embodiments, a rear end of the pre-motor filter chamber may be opened and may face upwardly when the housing is rotated to the open position and the upper end of the longitudinal axis extends horizontally. 
     In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be provided in the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be provided in the housing forward of the pre-motor filter. 
     In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may have a cyclone chamber. 
     In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be openable independently of the pre-motor filter chamber. 
     In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may be openable after the pre-motor filter chamber has been opened. 
     In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may have a handle wherein the handle may have a hand grip portion that may extend generally axially. 
     In some embodiments, a rear end of the pre-motor filter chamber may be opened and may face upwardly when the housing is rotated to the open position and the upper end of the longitudinal axis extends horizontally. 
     In some embodiments, the pre-motor filter may be a porous filter media. 
     In some embodiments, the porous filter media may include a foam filter. 
     In another aspect, a housing of an air treatment chamber, which may be a cyclone chamber, includes a forward portion and a rearward portion wherein at least one of the forward and rearward portions is moveable between a closed position and an open emptying position. In the closed position, the forward and rearward portions meet along a line that is diagonal to the longitudinal axis of the chamber. 
     In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a front end, a rear end, an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends, the hand vacuum cleaner having:
         (a) a main body;   (b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet wherein an air treatment chamber and a suction motor are provided in the air flow passage; and,   (c) a housing including the air treatment chamber having a front end, a rear end and a sidewall extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber, the housing including a forward portion having a rearward edge and a rearward portion having a forward edge,   wherein the forward edge and rearward edge abut at a juncture that extends at an angle between 5 and 85° to the longitudinal axis and the forward and rearward portions are moveably between a closed position and an open emptying position in which the air treatment chamber may be opened.       

     In some embodiments, the forward and rearward portions may be rotatably mounted with respect to each other. 
     In some embodiments, the forward portion may include the air inlet. 
     In some embodiments, the forward portion may be pivotally mounted to a forward end of the rearward portion. 
     In some embodiments, the forward portion may be rotated forwardly from the closed position to the open position. 
     In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber may include a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber may be provided exterior to the cyclone chamber and both the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber may be opened when the forward and rearward portions are in the open emptying position. 
     In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may have an ejector provided in the cyclone chamber wherein the ejector may be translatable forwardly. 
     In some embodiments, the ejector may be translatable forwardly subsequent to the cyclone chamber opening. 
     In some embodiments, the ejector may include an annular member moveable between an in use position in which the ejector may be positioned at a rear end of the cyclone chamber and an emptying position in which the ejector has been translated forwardly. 
     In some embodiments, the rearward edge of the forward portion may have a front most portion and a rearmost portion and the forward edge of the rearward portion may have a front most portion and a rearmost portion and, in the closed position, the rearmost portion of the rearward edge may be rearward of the front most portion of the forward edge and the front most portion of the forward edge may be forward of the rearmost portion of the rearward edge. 
     In some embodiments, the rearmost portion of the rearward edge may be below the front most portion of the rearward edge when the longitudinal axis is horizontal and the upper end is above the lower end. 
     In some embodiments, the juncture may extend upwardly and forwardly when the longitudinal axis is horizontal and the upper end is above the lower end. 
     In some embodiments, the forward portion may be rotated rearwardly from the closed position to the open position. 
     In some embodiments, the rearmost portion of the rearward edge may be above the front most portion of the rearward edge when the longitudinal axis is horizontal and the upper end is above the lower end. 
     In some embodiments, the juncture extends upwardly and rearwardly when the longitudinal axis is horizontal and the upper end is above the lower end. 
     In some embodiments, the rearward portion may be pivotally mounted to the main body. 
     In some embodiments, each of the forward portion and the rearward portion may be rotatably mounted to the main body. 
     In some embodiments, the forward portion may be rotatably mounted to an upper end of the main body and the rearward portion may be rotatably mounted to a lower end of the main body. 
     In another aspect, a sidewall of a housing of the surface cleaning apparatus is rearwardly translatable. 
     In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a front end, a rear end, an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends, the hand vacuum cleaner having:
         (a) a main body;   (b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet wherein an air treatment chamber and a suction motor are provided in the air flow passage; and,   (c) a housing including the air treatment chamber having a front end, a rear end and a sidewall extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber, wherein the front end may be rotatably mountable to the hand vacuum cleaner between an in use position and an open emptying position and the sidewall may be translatable rearwardly when the front end may be in the open emptying position.       

     In some embodiments, the front end may be rotated rearwardly from the closed position to the open position. 
     In some embodiments, the front end may include the dirty air inlet. 
     In some embodiments, the front end may include a cleaning tool electrical connector electrically engageable with a cleaning tool. 
     In some embodiments, the sidewall may include an electrical lead extending from a main body electrical contact to the cleaning tool electrical connector. 
     In some embodiments, the sidewall may be translatable between a forward position and a rearward emptying position and the electrical lead may be electrically connected to the main body electrical contact when the sidewall is in its forward position. 
     In some embodiments, the electrical lead may be disconnected from the main body electrical contact when the sidewall is in its rearward position. 
     These and other aspects and features of various embodiments will be described in greater detail below. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in an in use position; 
         FIGS.  2 A to  2 C  are top, side, and front views respectively of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  1    in the in use position; 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are perspective views of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  1    in an emptying position; 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  are perspective views of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  1    in the emptying position with a filter removed; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  1    in the in use position; 
         FIG.  5 B  is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  1    in the emptying position; 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  are perspective views of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  1    showing various handle positions; 
         FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  are perspective views of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  1    showing removal of the battery; 
         FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  are perspective views of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  1    attached to a wand and a cleaning head; 
         FIG.  9 A  is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in an in use position; 
         FIG.  9 B  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  9 A  in an emptying position; 
         FIG.  9 C  is a cross-sectional side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  9 A  in the in use position; 
         FIG.  9 D  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  9 A  with a filter removed; 
         FIG.  10 A  is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in an in use position; 
         FIG.  10 B  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  10 A  in an emptying position; 
         FIG.  10 C  is a cross-sectional side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  10 A  in the in use position; 
         FIG.  10 D  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  10 A  with a filter removed; 
         FIG.  11 A  is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in an in use position; 
         FIG.  11 B  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  11 A  in an emptying position; 
         FIG.  11 C  is a cross-sectional side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  11 A  in the in use position; 
         FIG.  11 D  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  11 A  with a filter removed; 
         FIG.  12 A  is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in an in use position; 
         FIG.  12 B  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  12 A  in an emptying position; 
         FIG.  12 C  is a cross-sectional side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  12 A  in the in use position; 
         FIG.  12 D  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  12 A  with a filter removed; 
         FIG.  13 A  is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in an in use position; 
         FIG.  13 B  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  13 A  in an emptying position; 
         FIG.  13 C  is a cross-sectional side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  13 A  in the in use position; 
         FIG.  13 D  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  13 A  with a filter removed; 
         FIG.  13 E  is a cross-sectional side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  13 A  in the emptying position; 
         FIG.  14 A  is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in an in use position; 
         FIG.  14 B  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  14 A  in an emptying position; 
         FIG.  14 C  is a cross-sectional side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  14 A  in the in use position; 
         FIG.  14 D  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  14 A  with a filter removed; 
         FIG.  14 E  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  14 A  in the emptying position; 
         FIG.  15 A  is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in an in use position; 
         FIG.  15 B  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  15 A  in an emptying position; 
         FIG.  15 C  is a cross-sectional side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  15 A  in the in use position; 
         FIG.  15 D  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  15 A  with a filter removed; 
         FIG.  15 E  is a cross-sectional side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  15 A  in the emptying position; 
         FIG.  16 A  is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in an in use position; 
         FIG.  16 B  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  16 A  in an emptying position; 
         FIG.  16 C  is a cross-sectional side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  16 A  in the in use position; 
         FIG.  16 D  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  16 A  with a filter removed; 
         FIG.  16 E  is a cross-sectional side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  16 A  in the emptying position; 
         FIG.  17 A  is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in an in use position; 
         FIG.  17 B  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  17 A  in an emptying position; 
         FIG.  17 C  is a cross-sectional side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  17 A  in the in use position; 
         FIG.  17 D  is a cross-sectional side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  17 A  with a filter removed; 
         FIG.  18 A  is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in an in use position; 
         FIG.  18 B  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  18 A  in an emptying position; 
         FIG.  18 C  is a cross-sectional side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  18 A  in the in use position; 
         FIG.  18 D  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  18 A  with a filter removed. 
         FIG.  18 E  is a cross-sectional side view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG.  18 A  in the emptying position. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
     Various apparatuses, methods and compositions are described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses, methods and compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus, method or composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses, methods or compositions described below. It is possible that an apparatus, method or composition described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, method or composition described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document. 
     The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “the embodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “some embodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The terms “including,” “comprising” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, “joined”, “affixed”, or “fastened” where the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “directly coupled”, “directly connected”, “directly attached”, “directly joined”, “directly affixed”, or “directly fastened” where the parts are connected in physical contact with each other. As used herein, two or more parts are said to be “rigidly coupled”, “rigidly connected”, “rigidly attached”, “rigidly joined”, “rigidly affixed”, or “rigidly fastened” where the parts are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. None of the terms “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, “joined”, “affixed”, and “fastened” distinguish the manner in which two or more parts are joined together. 
     Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. In addition, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein. 
     General Description of a Vacuum Cleaner 
       FIGS.  1  to  8    show an exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus  100  that may use one or more aspects of an emptying mechanism that are disclosed herein. The following is a general discussion of the surface cleaning apparatus  100 , which provides a basis for understanding several of the features discussed herein. As discussed subsequently, each of the features may be used individually or in any particular combination or sub-combination in this or in other embodiments disclosed herein. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus  100  may be any type of surface cleaning apparatus including, for example, a hand vacuum cleaner (as shown), a stick vacuum cleaner, an upright vacuum cleaner, a canister vacuum cleaner, an extractor, or a wet/dry type vacuum cleaner. In the embodiment shown, the surface cleaning apparatus  100  is a hand vacuum cleaner. Optionally, the surface cleaning apparatus may use one or more cyclones and may therefore be a cyclonic surface cleaning apparatus. 
     As exemplified in  FIG.  1   , the surface cleaning apparatus  100  has a front end  102 , a rear end  104 , and a longitudinal axis  106  extending between the front and rear ends  102 ,  104 . The surface cleaning apparatus  100  has an upper end  101  and a lower end  103 . The surface cleaning apparatus  100  has a dirty air inlet  110 , a clean air outlet  112 , and an airflow passage extending therebetween. The airflow passage has a direction of flow from the dirty air inlet  110  to the clean air outlet  112 . An air treatment chamber  120 , a filter chamber  130 , and a suction motor  114  are provided in the airflow passage. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus  100  has a main body  108 , which includes a handle  116 . Accordingly, in this embodiment, the main body  108  extends from the front end  102  to the rear end  104 . A housing  140  is mounted to the main body  108 . The housing  140  has a first end  142 , a second end  144 , and a sidewall  146  extending from the first end  142  to the second end  144 . The second end  144  is longitudinally (rearwardly as exemplified) spaced from the first end  142 . The housing  140  includes at least a portion of the air treatment chamber  120  and at least a portion of the filter chamber  130 . It will be appreciated that a main body that receives a moveable housing  140  may be of various designs. 
     The air treatment chamber  120  has a first end  122  and a second end  124  with a sidewall  126  extending therebetween. The air treatment chamber has an upper end  121  and a lower end  123 . In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber  120  may comprise a cyclone, a plurality of cyclones, or a plurality of cyclonic stages. As exemplified, the air treatment chamber comprises a single cyclone chamber. It will be appreciated that housing  140  may comprise only part of, essentially all, or all of the air treatment chamber. The remainder of the air treatment chamber may be part of the main body. 
     The air treatment chamber  120  may house a porous air treatment member  128 , which is positioned in the airflow passage downstream of the dirty air inlet  110 , for removing particulate matter from air flowing through the airflow passage. In some embodiments, the air treatment member  128  may be, for example, a screen or shroud as is known in the art. 
     The filter chamber  130  may be positioned downstream from the air treatment chamber and upstream of the suction motor. Accordingly, the filter chamber  130  may be a pre-motor filter chamber. The filter chamber  130  has a first end  132 , a second end  134 , and a sidewall  136  extending therebetween. The filter chamber  130  has an upper end  131  and a lower end  133 . At least one filter  138  is located within the filter chamber  130 . It will be appreciated that the filter  138  may be any filter known in the art. For example, the filter  138  may be physical filter media such as one or more of a foam filter, a felt filter, a HEPA filter or the like. It will be appreciated that housing  140  may comprise only part of, essentially all, or all of the filter chamber. The remainder of the filter chamber may be part of the main body. For example, when in the emptying position, the filter may remain in the main housing. 
     As exemplified, in use, air flows into the surface cleaning apparatus  100  through the dirty air inlet  110  into the air treatment chamber  120 . The screen  128  separates particulate matter from the air in the air treatment chamber  120 . The particulate matter settles in the air treatment chamber  120  and/or a dirt chamber exterior to the air treatment chamber  120 . The air exits the air treatment chamber  120  and then travels through the filter chamber  130  whereupon the air passes through the filter  138 . The air flows from the filter  138  to the suction motor  114  and then out the clean air outlet  112 . 
     It will be appreciated that the various elements discussed herein are for reference for the discussion of the specific exemplified embodiments and that the elements such as the handle, the screen and filter, the suction motor and the like may be of various constructions known in the art. It will also be appreciated that some elements that are discussed are optional and need not be in any particular embodiment. 
     Description of a Moveable Housing with Openable Opposed Ends 
     In some cases, emptying a dirt container, such as an air treatment chamber in which dirt is accumulated, may be complicated and may run the risk of collected dirt not being received in the desired refuse receptacle. Further, a user may have to handle a part that is dirty or the user may have to handle a part that is near to the emptying end of a dirt container of a surface cleaning apparatus. For example, a user may have to remove a dirty filter or other components of the surface cleaning apparatus in order to empty the collected dust and particulate matter. Removing components increases the likelihood of spreading dust and particulate matter as well as dirtying the user&#39;s hands. 
     According to this aspect, housing  140  is moveably mounted to the main body. As the housing is moved from the in use position to the emptying position, the first end is moved in a first direction and the second end is moved in a direction opposite to the first direction. For example, the housing may be rotatably mounted to the main body. Such a structure may allow the surface cleaning apparatus to be emptied easily, without having to remove any additional components and without a user having to handle any portion of the surface cleaning apparatus proximate the open end of the dirt collection region of the surface cleaning apparatus. As exemplified in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , when in the emptying position, the housing  140  may provide access to both the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber. 
       FIGS.  1  to  8    exemplify an embodiment wherein all of the lower end of the air treatment chamber is part of housing  140  and accordingly housing  140  includes a substantial portion of the air treatment chamber. Similarly, all of the upper end of the filter chamber is part of housing  140  and accordingly housing  140  includes a substantial portion of the filter chamber. As exemplified, the front of the filter chamber abuts the rear of the air treatment chamber and two chambers may be separated by a single wall having the air treatment chamber air outlet therein. As exemplified, the housing  140  is pivotally mounted to the main body  108  about axis  152 . Rotating the housing  140  about axis  152  allows the housing  140  to move between an in use position (see, e.g.,  FIG.  1   ) and an emptying position (see, e.g.,  FIG.  3 A ). When in the in use position, as exemplified in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , each of the air treatment chamber  120  and the filter chamber  130  are closed. As the air treatment chamber and the filter chamber are at opposite sides of the housing (and the open end of the air treatment chamber is on the opposite side of the rotational axis from the open end of the filter chamber), when in the emptying position, as exemplified in  FIGS.  3  and  4    the first end  142  of the housing  140  provides access to the air treatment chamber  120  while the second end  144  of the housing  140  provides access to the filter chamber  130 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  1  to  8   , the housing  140  is pivotally mounted to the main body  108  by a pivot  150 . The pivot  150  allows the housing  140  to rotate about the rotational axis  152 . The housing  140  may be pivotally mounted to the main body at a location between the one of the first and second ends  142 ,  144 , or at a location therebetween. As exemplified, the pivot  150  is located approximately at the midpoint of the housing  140  between the first end  142  and the second end  144 . An advantage of such a placement is that, when the housing is in the emptying position, the open end of the filter chamber may be positioned on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis  106  from the open end of the air treatment chamber, and, optionally, radially outwardly of the outer surface of the surface cleaning apparatus. For example, referring to  FIG.  5 B , the first end  142  is located below the longitudinal axis  106  while the second end  144  is located above the longitudinal axis  106 . 
     It will be appreciated that the length in the longitudinal direction of the air treatment chamber in housing  140  may be similar to the length in the longitudinal direction of the filter chamber in housing  140 . Therefore, if the pivot  150  is located at a location approximately midway along the length in the longitudinal direction of the housing  140 , then pivot  150  may be located at or proximate to the rear end of the air treatment chamber  120 . 
     When in the emptying position, as exemplified in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , each of the air treatment chamber  120  and the filter chamber  130  are open. The first end  142  of the housing provides an open end of the air treatment chamber  120  when the housing  140  is in the emptying position. The second end  144  of the housing  140  provides an open end of the filter chamber  130  when the housing  140  is in the emptying position. In other words, the first end  142  of the housing  140  is open such the portion of the air treatment chamber  120  in the housing  140  may be accessed. The second end  144  of the housing  140  is open such that the portion of the filter chamber  130  in the housing  140  may be accessed. 
     As described above, during use, and when in the in use position, dust and particulate matter are separated from the air by the screen  128 . The dust and particulate matter collect in the air treatment chamber  120 , at least a portion of which is provided in housing  140 . As such, the housing  140  also collects dust and particulate matter in the portion of the housing  140  defining the air treatment chamber  120 . When the housing  140  is moved or rotated to the emptying position, the first end  142  of the housing  140  provides an open end of the air treatment chamber  120 . The dust and particulate matter can then be emptied from the housing  140  and the air treatment chamber  120  through the first end  142 , e.g., by gravity. 
     Similarly, the housing  140  includes at least a portion of the filter chamber  130 . In some embodiments, the filter  138  may be located in the portion of the filter chamber  130  provided in the housing  140 . As exemplified in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the filter  138  is located in the portion of the filter chamber  130  provided in the housing  140 . When the housing  140  is moved or rotated to the emptying position, the second end  144  of the housing  140  provides an open end of the filter chamber  130 . The filter  138  may then be removed from the housing  140  through the second end  144 . It will be appreciated that the main body may contain part of the filter chamber and that the filter may remain in position in the part of the filter chamber of the main body when the housing is in the emptying position. 
     In some embodiments, when in the in use position, the air treatment chamber  120 , the filter  138 , and the suction motor  114  may be arranged linearly. For example, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the air treatment chamber  120  is positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the dirty air inlet  110 , the filter  138  is positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the air treatment chamber  120  and the suction motor  114  is positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the filter  138  such that the air treatment chamber  120 , the filter  138  and the suction motor  114  are arranged linearly when the housing  140  is in the in use position. 
     The open end of the air treatment chamber defined by housing  140  and the open end of the filter chamber defined by housing  140  may be of various shapes and may mate with abutting surfaces of the main body to define a closed air treatment chamber and a closed filter. As illustrated in  FIG.  5 A , the open end of the air treatment chamber  120  (first end  142 ) extends in a first plane  160  and the open end of the filter chamber  130  (second end  144 ) extends in a second plane  162  that maybe generally parallel to the first plane  160 . The longitudinal axis  106  may intersect the first plane  160 . An included angle  164  between the longitudinal axis  106  and the first plane  160  may be acute (e.g., 30-60°, optionally about 45°). 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , when the housing  140  is in the emptying position, the first end  142  may face downwardly and the second end  144  may face upwardly. By having the first end  142  face downwardly, the open end of the air treatment chamber  120  may be used to empty air treatment chamber  120  of dust and particulate matter using gravity. By having the second end  144  face upwardly, the filter  138  does not fall out when the housing  140  is emptied. Additionally, the filter  138  may be easily removed. 
     As exemplified, pivot axis  152  extends horizontally (when longitudinal axis  106  extends horizontally. Therefore, as exemplified in  FIGS.  2 ,  3 , and  4   , when moved from the in use position to the emptying position, the first end  142  moves downwardly while the second end moves upwardly. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, pivot axis  152  may extend in a different plane. For example, it may extend vertically when the longitudinal axis extends horizontally. In such a case, the first direction may be forwardly while the direction opposite to the first direction may be rearwardly (i.e., as the housing  140  is pivoted open, the open end of the air treatment chamber may rotate rearwardly and the open end of the filter chamber may pivot forwardly. 
     In some embodiments, a lock releasable by a release mechanism, may be used secure the housing  140  in the in use position. The release mechanism may be located on the housing or on the main body. As exemplified in  FIG.  3   , the main body  108  includes a housing release mechanism  170 . When pressed, the housing release mechanism  170  allows the housing  140  to move from the in use position to the emptying position. 
     Description of Axially Openable Air Treatment Chamber 
     In some embodiments, the sidewall  126  of the air treatment chamber  120  may include an upper longitudinally extending portion  125  and a lower longitudinally extending portion  127 . The upper and lower longitudinally extending portions  125 ,  127  may abut at a juncture  129  that extends generally longitudinally. The juncture  129  may be located in a longitudinally extending plane  166 . As exemplified in  FIGS.  11 A to  11 D , the longitudinally extending plane  166  may extend generally horizontally when the upper end  101  of the surface cleaning apparatus  100  (which may include the inlet nozzle) is positioned above the lower end  103  of the surface cleaning apparatus. As exemplified in  FIGS.  11 A to  11 D , the longitudinally extending plane  166  may extend generally horizontally. As exemplified in  FIGS.  11 A to  11 D , the longitudinally extending plane  166  may extend from the first end  122  to the second end  124  of the air treatment chamber  120 . In some embodiments, the longitudinally extending plane  166  may extend generally horizontally for only a portion of the juncture  129  between the first end  122  and the second end  124 . As exemplified in  FIGS.  9 A to  10 D , the longitudinally extending plane  166  extends generally horizontally for a substantial portion of the distance between the second end  124  and the first end  122 . 
     The upper and lower longitudinally extending portions  125 ,  127  may be moveable between a closed position and an open emptying position. As exemplified, at least a portion of the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  may be pivotally mounted to the main body  108  or another portion of the hand vacuum cleaner. As exemplified in  FIGS.  9 A to  11 D , the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  is pivotally mounted to the main body  108  by a pivot  200 , about rotational axis  202 . 
     The lower longitudinally extending portion  127  may rotate downwardly to provide access to the air treatment chamber  120 . As exemplified in  FIGS.  9 A to  10 D , a rearward portion of the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  may be pivotally mounted to the main body  108 , and as such, the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  may rotate rearwardly. 
     Alternately, as exemplified in  FIGS.  11 A to  11 D , a forward portion of the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  may be pivotally mounted to the main body  108  by pivot  200 , and as such, the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  may rotate downwardly or forwardly. 
     It will be appreciated that the pivot  200  may be located at the first end  122  of the air treatment chamber  120  (as exemplified by  FIGS.  11 A to  11 D ), the second end  124  of the air treatment chamber  120  (as exemplified by  FIGS.  9 A to  10 D ), or any location therebetween if, e.g., only part of longitudinal length of the lower portion is moveably mounted. It will also be appreciated that any longitudinally extending portion of the sidewall of the air treatment chamber  120  may be moveable (e.g., the upper portion or a side portion) and therefore the pivot  200  may be located at the upper end  101 , the lower end  103  (as exemplified by  FIGS.  11 A to  11 D ), or at a location therebetween (as exemplified by  FIGS.  10 A to  11 D ). 
     As described above, during use, and when in the in use position, dust and particulate matter are separated from the air by the air treatment chamber  120 . The dust and particulate matter collect in the air treatment chamber  120 . When the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  is moved or rotated to the emptying position, the air treatment chamber  120  is opened. The dust and particulate matter can then be emptied from the air treatment chamber  120  through the opening e.g., by gravity. As exemplified in  FIGS.  9 A to  10 D , when the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  is moved to the emptying position, dust and particulate matter may be released from the air treatment chamber  120  by sliding along the lower end  123  and out of the surface cleaning apparatus  100 . 
     In embodiments where the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  includes only a portion of the lower end  123  of the air treatment chamber  120 , when the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  is in the emptying position, the surface cleaning apparatus  100  may also be tipped forward or backwards to remove any of the dust and particulate matter that was not removed when the lower longitudinally extending member initially moved to the emptying position. 
     It will be appreciated that if the air treatment chamber  120  Has a dirt collection chamber external thereto, then both the air treatment chamber  120  and the dirt collection chamber may be concurrently opened. 
     Description of Forwardly and Rearwardly Openable Housing Portions 
     In accordance with another aspect, the air treatment chamber may be constructed from two portions, at least one of which is openable, wherein the two parts abut along a juncture that extends at a diagonal to the longitudinal chamber axis. Embodiments of such a design are exemplified in  FIGS.  12 A to  17 D . 
     As exemplified, the surface cleaning apparatus  100  may have a housing  240 . The housing  240  has a first end  242 , a second end  244 , and a sidewall  245  extending therebetween The housing  240  includes the air treatment chamber  120  such that the first and second ends  242 ,  244  of the housing  240  may be the same as the first and second ends  122 ,  124  of the air treatment chamber  120 . The housing  240  has a forward portion  248  having a rearward edge  248  and a rearward portion  250  having a forward edge  252 . As exemplified in  FIGS.  12 A to  17 D , the forward portion  246  may include the dirty air inlet  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the rearward edge  248  of the forward portion  246  has a front most portion  247  and a rearmost portion  249  and the forward edge  252  of the rearward portion  250  has a front most portion  251  and a rearmost portion  253  (see for example (see  FIG.  12 B ). When in the closed position, the rearmost portion  249  of the rearward edge  248  may be rearward of the front most portion  251  of the forward edge  252  and the front most portion  251  of the forward edge  252  is forward of the rearmost portion  249  of the rearward edge  248 . 
     In some embodiments, the rearmost portion  249  of the rearward edge  248  is below the front most portion  247  of the rearward edge  248  when the longitudinal axis  106  is horizontal and the upper end  101  is above the lower end  103  (see for example (see  FIG.  12 B ). 
     In some embodiments, the rearmost portion  249  of the rearward edge  248  is above the front most portion  247  of the rearward edge  248  when the longitudinal axis  106  is horizontal and the upper end  101  is above the lower end  103  (see for example (see  FIG.  16 B ). 
     The forward edge  252  and the rearward edge  248  may abut at a juncture  260 . The juncture  260  may extend at angle  262  to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the angle  262  is between 5 and 85 degrees to the longitudinal axis  106 . In some embodiments, the angle  262  may be between 15 and 75 degrees to the longitudinal axis  106 . In some embodiments, the angle  262  may be between 30 and 60 degrees to the longitudinal axis  106 . As exemplified in  FIGS.  12 A to  15 E , juncture  260  may extend upwardly and forwardly when the longitudinal axis  106  is horizontal and the upper end  101  is above the lower end  103 . As exemplified in  FIGS.  16 A to  17 D , the juncture  260  may extend upwardly and rearwardly when the longitudinal axis  106  is horizontal and the upper end  101  is above the lower end  103 . 
     The forward and rearward portions  246 ,  250  are moveable between a closed position and an open emptying position in which the air treatment chamber  120  is opened. The forward and rearward portions  246 ,  250  may be rotatably mounted with respect to each other. As exemplified in  FIGS.  12 A to  15 E , the forward portion  246  is pivotally mounted to the front most portion  251  of the rearward portion  250  by a pivot  204 , about rotational axis  206 . The forward portion  246  may be rotated forwardly from the closed position (as exemplified by  FIG.  12 A ) to the open position (as exemplified by  FIG.  12 B ). As exemplified by  FIGS.  16 A to  16 D , the forward portion  246  may be rotated rearwardly from the closed position to the open emptying position. Accordingly, the rearward portion  250  may be pivotally mounted to the main body  108 . 
     As exemplified in  FIG.  17 A to  17 D , each of the forward and rearward portions  246 ,  250  may be pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning apparatus  100 . As exemplified, the forward portion  246  is rotatably mounted to the upper end  101  of the main body  108  and the rearward portion  250  is rotatably mounted to the lower end  103  of the main body  108 . The forward portion  246  is pivotally mounted to the main body  108  by pivot  204  and the rearward portion  250  is pivotally mounted to the main body  108  by pivot  208 , about rotational axis  210 . The forward portion  246  may rotate upwardly and rearwardly about the axis  206  and the rearward portion  250  may rotate downwardly and rearwardly about the axis  210 . 
     As exemplified in  FIG.  17 B , the air treatment chamber  120  may have a first dirt collecting region  154  (e.g., the interior of the air treatment chamber) and a second dirt collecting region  156  exterior to the first dirt collecting region  154  (e.g., a dirt collection chamber). The first dirt collecting region  154  may collect larger particulate matter, while finer particulate matter may pass through the first dirt collecting region  154  into the second dirt collecting region  156 . As exemplified, the first dirt collection region  154  may be a cyclone chamber. When the forward and rearward portions  246 ,  250  are in the open emptying position, both the first dirt collecting region  154  and the second dirt collecting region  156  may be opened. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  9 A to  11 D , the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  may include both the first dirt collecting region  154  and the second dirt collecting region  156 . As exemplified in  FIGS.  12 A to  13 E , the forward portion  246  may include both the first dirt collecting region  154  and the second dirt collecting region  156 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  14 A to  15 E , the forward portion  246  may include only the second dirt collecting region  156 . As exemplified in  FIGS.  16 A to  17 D , the forward portion  246  may not include either the first dirt collecting region  154  or a lower end of the second dirt collecting region  156 . 
     It will be appreciated that the forward portion  246  or the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  may include a portion of one or both of dirt collecting regions  154  and  156 . Accordingly, when the forward portion  246  or the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  does not include either the first dirt collecting region  154  or the second dirt collecting region  156 , or when the forward portion  246  or the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  includes only a portion of the first or second collecting regions  154 ,  156 , the surface cleaning apparatus  100  may be tipped forwards or backwards to ensure that dirt and particulate matter are removed from the air treatment chamber  120 . 
     Description of Rearwardly Translatable Housing 
     In accordance with another aspect, the sidewall of the air treatment chamber may be moved (translated) rearwardly in order to empty the chamber. The front face of the chamber (or the front face of the hand vacuum cleaner if the front face of the chamber is the front face of the hand vacuum cleaner) may be moved (e.g., rotated) so as to permit the sidewall to be translated rearwardly. An advantage of this design is that the screen  128  may be revealed for cleaning if needed. 
     In accordance with this aspect, the surface cleaning apparatus  100  may have a housing  280 . The housing  280  includes the air treatment chamber  120  and extends from a front end  282  to a rear end  284  with a sidewall  286  extending therebetween. The front end  282  may be located at or near the first end  122  and the rear end  284  may be located at or near the second end  124 . The front end  282  may be rotatably mountable to the surface cleaning apparatus  100 . The front end  282  may rotate between an in use position and an open emptying position. As exemplified in  FIGS.  18 A to  18 E , the front end  282  may include the dirty air inlet  110 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  18 A to  18 E , the sidewall  286  may be translatable rearwardly subsequently to or as the front end  282  is moved to the open emptying position. As exemplified, the front end  282  may be rotated rearwardly from the closed in use position to the open emptying position. The front end  282  may be coupled to the pivot  212  at a location between the first end  122  and the second end  124  of the air treatment chamber  120 . 
     The main body  108  may include a groove  288  and a flange  290 . The flange  290  is slideably coupled to the groove  288 . The diameter of the air treatment chamber  120  is larger than the diameter of the filter chamber  130 . The pivot  212  may be coupled to the flange  290 . To move from the in use position (forward position  FIG.  18 A ) to the emptying position (rearward position  FIG.  18 B ), the front end  282  is rotated upwardly at the pivot  212  (about the rotational axis  214 ). Once the front end  282  is above the upper end  121  of the air treatment chamber  120 , the flange  290  may slide along the groove  288  towards the rear end  104 . As exemplified in  FIGS.  18 B and  18 E , the flange  290  may slide along the groove  288  until the screen  128  is fully exposed. In some embodiments, the screen  128  may only be partially exposed. 
     In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus  100  includes a cleaning tool electrical connector  310 . The cleaning tool electrical connector  310  may be electrically engageable with a cleaning tool. For example, the cleaning tool electrical connector  310  may be engageable with the cleaning head  182 . In some embodiments, the sidewall  126  may include an electrical lead  312  extending from a main body electrical contact  314  to the cleaning tool electrical connector  310 . In some embodiments, the electrical lead  312  may be electrically connected to the main body electrical contact  314  when the sidewall  126  is in its forward position. The electrical lead  312  may be disconnected from the main body electrical contact  314  when the sidewall  126  is in its rearward position. 
     Description of Cleaning the Screen 
     In some cases, the screen  128  may become clogged with hair or larger particulate matter or debris. In such cases, it may be desirable to access the screen  128  to clean the hair or debris. According to this aspect, the screen  128  may be positioned in the air treatment chamber  120  during use of the hand vacuum cleaner and may be moveable to a cleaning position subsequent to, or concurrently with the opening of the air treatment chamber. Alternately, or in addition, a cleaning member (e.g., an annular ejector ring) may be translatable along a screen to clean the screen when the air treatment chamber is in the closed or open position. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  9 A to  10 D , the screen  128  may be moveable to the cleaning position when the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  is in the emptying position. As exemplified in  FIG.  9 A to  10 D , the screen  128  may be moveable to the cleaning position concurrently with the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  moving to the open emptying position. As exemplified in  FIGS.  10 A to  10 D , the screen  128  may rotate the same amount as the longitudinally extending portion  127 . Alternately, as exemplified in  FIGS.  9 A to  9 D , the screen  128  may rotate to a lesser amount or degree than the lower longitudinally extending portion  127 . For example, the screen  128  may rotate, e.g., 45 degrees while the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  may rotate, e.g., 60 degrees. Thus, a larger gap is formed between the screen  128  and the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  in the emptying position. This gap may allow for easier cleaning of the screen  128  by providing additional space for the user to access the screen  128 . 
     In some embodiments, the screen  128  may be moveably mounted to the second end  124  of the air treatment chamber  120 . For example, the screen  128  may be pivotally mounted to a pivot  216  and may rotate about a rotational axis  218 . As exemplified in  FIGS.  11 A to  11 D , the screen  128  may rotate downwardly. Rotating the screen  128  downwardly may improve the efficiency of the removal of dust and particulate matter from the air treatment chamber  120 . Further, larger debris such as hair may more easily be removed from the screen  128  with the assistance of gravity. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  11 A to  11 D , the pivot  216  may be a separate pivot from the pivot  200  for the openable portion of the air treatment chamber. 
     In some embodiments, some or all of the air treatment chamber  120  may also rotate with the screen  128 . As exemplified in  FIGS.  14 A to  14 D , the first dirt collecting region  154  and the screen  128  rotate about the pivot  216 . As exemplified in  FIGS.  17 A to  17 D , both the screen  128  and a portion of the air treatment chamber  120  rotate about the pivot  208 . 
     In some embodiments, the screen  128  may be coupled to a biasing member (not shown). When the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  or the forward portion  246  is moved from the in use position to the emptying position, the biasing member may bias the screen  128  downwards for cleaning. When the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  or the forward portion  246  is moved to the emptying position, the screen  128  may be forced to a cleaning position. Alternately, in some embodiments, the biasing member may bias the screen  128  to its in use position. 
     Whether the screen  128  is moveable or not, as exemplified in  FIGS.  13 A to  13 D , the surface cleaning apparatus  100  may have an ejector  230  translatable forwardly. In some embodiments, the ejector may be translatable forwardly subsequent to the opening of the first dirt collection region  154 . The ejector may comprise an annular member or ring  232  moveable between an in use position in which the ejector is positioned at, e.g., the second end  124  of the air treatment chamber  120  and an emptying position in which the ejector has been translated forwardly. 
     During use, in the in use position, the ejector  230  may remain at the second end  124  of the air treatment chamber  120 . The ejector  230  may be coupled to a slider (not shown) that translates between the air treatment chamber  120  and the main body  108  to allow a user to slide the ejector forwardly. As the ejector  230  is moved forwardly it may push dust and particulate matter that has accumulated on or around the screen  128  towards the front of the screen  128 , e.g., towards to opening in the air treatment chamber  120  at the first end  122 . The ejector  230  may contact the screen  128  to dislodge hair or other particulate matter that may be stuck to the screen  128 . 
     As described above and as exemplified in  FIGS.  18 A to  18 E , the sidewall  286  of the housing  280  may be retractable to provide access to the screen  128 . When the sidewall  286  in the rearward position, the screen  128  may be accessed for cleaning using ejector  230 . 
     Description of the Filter Removal 
     In accordance with another aspect, a pre-motor filter may be provided in a filter chamber that is accessible when the air treatment member is in the closed in use position, e.g., by pivoting one portion of the hand vacuum cleaner relative to another portion, or by translating the pre-motor filter outwardly (e.g., radially outwardly). Alternately, or in addition, the pre-motor filter may be accessible after the air treatment chamber has been opened. 
     According to this aspect, in an embodiment exemplified in  FIGS.  9 A to  9 D , the pre-motor filter chamber may be accessed by rotating one portion of the hand vacuum cleaner relative to another portion. As exemplified, the air treatment chamber  120  may be included in a housing  300  having a front end  302 , a rear end  304 , and a sidewall extending therebetween. The air treatment chamber  120  may be provided in the housing  300  forward of the pre-motor filter  138 . The housing  300  may be rotatably, e.g., pivotally, mounted to the main body  108  and moveable between a closed in use position ( FIG.  9 C ) and an open position ( FIG.  9 D ). The filter chamber  130  may be opened by moving the housing  300  to the open position. As exemplified, the second (rearward) end  134  of the filter chamber  130  may be opened when the housing  300  is rotated to the open position. As exemplified, when the housing  300  is rotated to the open position and the portion of the longitudinal axis  106  extending through the main body  108  extends horizontally, the second end  134  of the filter chamber  130  may be opened and may face upwardly. As exemplified, the housing  300  may be pivotally coupled to a pivot  222  about a rotational axis  224 . The pivot  222  may be located at the first end  132  or the second end  134  of the filter chamber  130 . As exemplified, the rear end  304  of the housing  300  may be rotatably mounted to the main body  108 . As exemplified, the second end  134  of the filter chamber  130  may be rotatably mounted to the main body  108 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  9 A to  9 D , the air treatment chamber  120  may be openable independently of the filter chamber  130 . In some embodiments, the air treatment chamber  120  may be openable before or after the filter chamber  130  has been opened. 
     As exemplified in  FIG.  10 D , the filter  138  may be removable when the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  is in the closed position. As exemplified in  FIG.  10 D , the filter  138  may be removable through an opening  135  in a longitudinally extending sidewall  109  of the main body  108 . In some embodiments, a portion of the filter chamber  130  forms a portion of the sidewall  109  of the main body  108 . For example, the filter chamber  130  may include a filter cover  139 . The filter cover  139  may be removably or moveably coupled to the filter chamber  130  and the sidewall  109  of the main body  108 . 
     When the filter cover  139  is moved or removed from the filter chamber  130 , the filter  138  may be accessed. In some embodiments, the filter  138  may be coupled to the filter cover  139  such that when the filter cover  139  is removed from the filter chamber  130 , the filter  138  is also removed. By coupling the filter  138  to the filter cover  139 , a user may remove the filter  138  without directly contacting the dirty filter  138 . A user may then clean the filter  138  by holding onto the filter cover  139 . It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the filter  138  may not be coupled to the filter cover  139 , and the filter  138  may be moved removed separately from the filter cover  139 . For example, the filter cover  139  may be rotatably coupled to the main body  108  such that the filter cover  139  may be rotated to provide access to the filter  138 . 
     As exemplified in  FIG.  10 D , the filter cover  139  may be removed from the upper end  131  of the filter chamber  130 . As exemplified in  FIG.  12 D , the filter cover  139  may be removed from the lower end  133  of the filter chamber  130 . It will be appreciated that the filter cover  139  may be removed from the filter chamber  130  sideways or any other direction transverse or generally transverse to the longitudinal axis  106  to provide access to the filter  138 . 
     In some embodiments, the filter  138  may be accessed through the first end  132  of the filter chamber  130  by moving the screen  128 . As exemplified in  FIGS.  11 A to  11 D , the filter  138  may be removable through the air treatment chamber  120  when the lower longitudinally extending portion  127  is in the open emptying position. The first end  132  of the filter chamber  130  may be coupled to the screen  128  such that when the screen  128  is moved, the filter chamber  130  is opened to provide access to the filter  138 . The filter  138  may then be translated forwardly. As exemplified in  FIGS.  11 B and  11 D , the screen  128  may be rotated about the pivot  216  to provide access to the filter  138  in the filter chamber  130 . The filter  138  may then be removed through the air treatment chamber  120  to be cleaned or replaced. 
     The Handle 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  2  and  6   , the handle  116  may be rotatably mounted to the rear of the main body. The handle  116  rotates about a hinge  172 . In some embodiments, a handle release mechanism may be included to release a lock that secures the handle in a particular position. As exemplified, the handle  116  may include a handle release mechanism  174 . When the handle release mechanism  174  is pressed, the handle  116  is free to rotate about the hinge  172 . In some embodiments, instead of a handle release mechanism, the hinge  172  may provide resistance to rotation of the handle  116  to prevent accidental rotation of the handle  116 . For example, a threshold amount of force may be required to rotate the handle  116  from a first position to a second position. Once the threshold force is reached, the handle  116  may snap to the next position. 
     Hinge  172  may be a pivot pin. The axis of the pivot pin may extend horizontally when the longitudinal axis  106  is oriented horizontally. Accordingly the handle  116  rotates downwardly to the position exemplified in  FIG.  5 B . 
     In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus  100  may include an on board energy storage member, (e.g., a battery or a supercapacitor). The battery or supercapacitor may be charged in situ, in which case the energy storage member, e.g., a battery pack, may be non-moveably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus, or it may be removable for recharging, such as a removable battery pack. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , the surface cleaning apparatus  100  includes a battery pack  118  that is removable, which as exemplified, may be removably receivable via the rear end of the handle. As exemplified, as exemplified, the surface cleaning apparatus  100  may include a battery release mechanism  176 . When pressed, the battery release mechanism  176  allows the battery  118  to be removed from the handle  116 . 
     In some embodiments, as exemplified in  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B , the surface cleaning apparatus  100  may be coupled to an upper end of a wand  180  and the wand  180  may be coupled to a cleaning head  182 , so as to define a stick-type vacuum cleaner for floor cleaning use. 
     While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.