Patent Publication Number: US-11653799-B2

Title: Adapter for vacuum cleaner assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/956,752, filed Jan. 3, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner assembly. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to an adapter for use with an upright vacuum cleaner and a handheld accessory. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner assembly including an upright vacuum cleaner, an adapter, and a handheld accessory. The upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright frame and a connection post. The connection post is coupled to the upright frame. The connection post includes a distal end. The adapter includes a recess and a projection. The distal end of the connection post is removably received in the recess. The projection is opposite the recess. The handheld accessory includes an elongate member. The elongate member includes a nozzle end. At least a portion of the projection is removably received in the nozzle end. 
     In another embodiment, the disclosure provides an adapter for use with a vacuum cleaner assembly. The adapter includes an upright vacuum cleaner engagement end, a handheld accessory engagement end, a peripheral wall, a shoulder, and a retainer member. The upright vacuum cleaner engagement end includes a recess defined therein. The recess is formed to receive a portion of an upright vacuum cleaner. The handheld accessory engagement end is opposite the upright vacuum cleaner engagement end. The handheld accessory engagement end includes a projection. The projection is formed to be received in a nozzle of a handheld accessory. The peripheral wall surrounds the recess. The peripheral wall includes an adapter outer surface. The retainer member extends substantially parallel to the projection. The retainer member includes a tooth extending toward the projection. 
     In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner assembly. The vacuum cleaner assembly includes an upright vacuum cleaner, a handle attachment, and an adapter. The handle attachment includes a handle and a handle shaft. The handle shaft is coupled to the handle. The handle shaft removably couples to the upright vacuum cleaner. The adapter removably couples to the upright vacuum cleaner and removably couples to a handheld accessory. 
     Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various was. Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner assembly, according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a detailed perspective view of the vacuum cleaner assembly of  FIG.  1    with the handheld accessory and the battery exploded from the upright vacuum cleaner. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner assembly taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a detailed perspective view of the vacuum cleaner assembly of  FIG.  1    with the handheld accessory, adapter, and battery exploded from the upright vacuum cleaner and an optional handle shaft exploded from the upright vacuum cleaner. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a front perspective view of the adapter of the vacuum cleaner assembly of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a rear perspective view of the adapter of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a side elevation view of the adapter of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner assembly of  FIG.  1    with an additional battery. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a rear perspective view of the handheld accessory of the vacuum cleaner assembly of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  10    illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of the handheld accessory of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the handheld accessory taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a perspective view of the dirt cup of the handheld accessory of  FIG.  1    with the shroud exploded therefrom. 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a rear elevation view of the dirt cup of  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shroud taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  15    illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of another embodiment of a handheld accessory of the vacuum cleaner assembly of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a detailed perspective view of the filter access door in a closed position with the latch disengaged from the housing of the handheld accessory of  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  17    illustrates the detailed perspective view of  FIG.  16    with the filter access door partially removed from the housing. 
         FIG.  18    illustrates the detailed perspective view of  FIG.  16    with the filter access door completely removed from the housing. 
         FIG.  19    illustrates a detailed and partially sectioned perspective view of the handheld accessory of  FIG.  15    with the filter access door removed. 
         FIG.  20    illustrates the detailed and partially sectioned perspective view of  FIG.  19    with the filter removed from the housing. 
         FIG.  21    illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the handheld accessory of  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  22    illustrates an exploded side perspective view of the handheld accessory of  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  23    illustrates a perspective view of the dirt cup of the handheld accessory of  FIG.  15    with the shroud exploded therefrom. 
         FIG.  24    illustrates a rear elevation view of the dirt cup of  FIG.  23   . 
         FIG.  25    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shroud taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG.  23   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a vacuum cleaner assembly  100  is shown. The vacuum cleaner assembly  100  includes an upright vacuum cleaner  102 , a handheld accessory  104 , and a battery  106 . In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner assembly  100  further includes an adapter  108  removably coupling the handheld accessory  104  to the upright vacuum cleaner  102 . In some embodiments, the battery  106  is usable interchangeably between the vacuum cleaner  102  and the handheld accessory  104 . This interchangeability may allow a user to purchase/own only one battery  106  for multiple cleaning applications. Further, this interchangeability can reduce the overall weight of the vacuum cleaner assembly  100 , since only one battery  106  need be included. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the upright vacuum cleaner  102  includes a cleaning head  110 , an upright frame  112  pivotably connected to the cleaning head  110 , and a dirt cup  114 . The upright frame  112  includes a pivot end  116  and a handheld end (or engagement end)  118  opposite the pivot end  116 . The cleaning head  110  is pivotably connected to the upright frame  112  adjacent the pivot end  116 . The upright frame  112  defines a longitudinal axis A 1  extending through the pivot end  116  and the handheld end  118 . The upright frame  112  also includes a leading surface  120  ( FIG.  1   ) and a trailing surface  122  ( FIG.  2   ) opposite the leading surface  120 . The leading surface  120  is forward of the trailing surface  122  in a forward direction of the upright vacuum cleaner  102  during operation. 
     With reference to  FIG.  2   , the upright vacuum cleaner  102  further includes a first battery mount  124 . The first battery mount  124  is illustrated as being connected to the upright frame  112 , but the first battery mount  124  may alternatively be connected to the cleaning head  110 . The first battery mount  124  includes a first battery connection terminal  126 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the first battery mount  124  includes a plurality of first battery connection terminals  126 . The battery  106  is removably coupled to the first battery mount  124 . In some embodiments, the battery  106  is slidably received on the first battery mount  124  in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis A 1  of the upright frame  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the battery  106  is slidably received on the first battery mount  124  in a direction extending parallel with the longitudinal axis A 1 . With the battery  106  removably coupled to the first battery mount  124  and electrically coupled to the first battery connection terminal  126 , the battery  106  powers at least one operating component of the upright vacuum cleaner  102 . The operating component may be, for example, a suction motor, brushroll motor, a pump, a valve, an actuator, a microprocessor, a controller, or other operating component. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the upright vacuum cleaner  102  further includes a first operating component as a first motor  128 . The first motor  128  drives a first impeller (not shown) to generate airflow. In embodiments including the first motor  128  driving the first impeller, the first motor  128  may also be considered to be a first suction motor. With the battery  106  coupled to the first battery mount  124  and electrically coupled to the first battery connection terminal  126 , the first motor  128  is electrically coupled to and powered by the battery  106 . 
     Also shown in  FIG.  3   , a flow passage, or first airflow pathway,  130  passes through the cleaning head  110  and is in fluid communication with the dirt cup  114 . This flow passage  130  is isolated from the handheld accessory  104 . The first motor  128  creates suction to draw air and dirt through the flow passage  130  and into the dirt cup  114 . A dirt separator within the dirt cup  114  separates dirt and debris from the incoming air stream, collects the separated dirt within a dirt collection chamber, and directs the clean air to the motor  128 , from which it will be exhausted to ambient. In the illustrated embodiment, the dirt separator is a cyclonic dirt separator. The dirt cup  114  is removable and includes a bottom door that is selectively openable by pivoting to empty the debris from the dirt collection chamber when the dirt collection chamber is full. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , the upright vacuum cleaner  102  further includes a connection post  132  coupled to the upright frame  112 . In some embodiments, the connection post  132  is integrally formed with the upright frame  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the connection post  132  is removably coupled to the upright frame  112 . The connection post  132  includes a proximal end  134  that is received within a connection opening  136  of the upright frame  112 . The connection post  132  further includes a distal end  138  that is opposite the proximal end  134 . 
     In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner assembly  100  further includes a handle attachment  140  removably coupled to the upright vacuum cleaner  102 . The handle attachment  140  includes a handle  142  and a handle shaft  144  coupled to the handle  142 . In the illustrated embodiment, the handle shaft  144  is removably coupled to the connection post  132 . In some embodiments, however, the handle shaft  144  is removably coupled to the upright frame  112  in the connection opening  136 . 
     The connection post  132 , in some embodiments, includes one or more fasteners to removably couple the connection post  132  to either the adapter  108  or the handle attachment  140 . The fasteners may include, for instance, one or more detent mechanisms. These fasteners pass through one or more through holes  146  defined in the connection post  132 . In some embodiments, the adapter  108  is not removable from the connection post  132  and is integral with or otherwise fastened to the connection post  132 . 
     Also shown in  FIG.  4   , the vacuum cleaner assembly  100  further includes the adapter  108  removably coupled to the upright vacuum cleaner  102 . The adapter  108 , in some embodiments, is formed as a single unitary part. The adapter  108  is also removably coupled to the handheld accessory  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum cleaner assembly  100  is arranged such that only one of the handle shaft  144  and the adapter  108  is able to removably couple to the upright vacuum cleaner  102  at a time. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  5 - 7   , the adapter  108  includes an adapter body having an upright vacuum cleaner engagement end  148  configured to connect the adapter  108  to a portion of the upright vacuum cleaner  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the upright vacuum cleaner engagement end  148  has a recess  150  defined therein. The recess  150  is sized to removably receive the distal end  138  of the connection post  132 . The adapter  108  further includes a handheld accessory engagement end  152  opposite the upright vacuum cleaner engagement end  148 . The handheld accessory engagement end  152  includes a projection  154 . Stated another way, the projection  154  is positioned opposite the recess  150 . A longitudinal axis A 2  of the adapter  108  extends through the upright vacuum cleaner engagement end  148  and the handheld accessory engagement end  152 . In the illustrated embodiment, the recess  150  is open in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis A 2 . The projection  154  also extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis A 2 . In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis A 2  extends along longitudinal axis A 1  such that the projection  154  also extends away from the upright frame  112  along the longitudinal axis A 1 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the free end of the projection  154  is tapered. 
     The adapter  108  further includes a peripheral wall  156  about the adaptor body between the handheld accessory engagement end  152  and the upright vacuum cleaner engagement end  148  surrounding the recess  150  and extending in a direction along the longitudinal axis A 2 . The peripheral wall  156  also includes a first peripheral wall portion  158  and a second peripheral wall portion  160 . The first peripheral wall portion  158  is longer along the longitudinal axis A 2  than the second peripheral wall portion  160 . This difference in lengths creates an angled recess  150  to match the contours of the upright frame  112  in the illustrated embodiment. 
     The peripheral wall  156  further includes at least one aperture  162  defined therein. The at least one aperture  162  receives a fastener therethrough, thereby coupling the adapter  108  to the connection post  132 . In some embodiments, a detent mechanism coupled to the connection post  132  at least partially occupies the aperture  162  when the adapter  108  is coupled to the connection post  132 . 
     The peripheral wall  156  also has an adapter outer surface  164 . The adapter outer surface  164  is arranged in a stepped configuration relative to the projection  154  such that a shoulder  166  extends laterally between the projection  154  and the adapter outer surface  164 . The shoulder  166  surrounds the projection  154  in the illustrated embodiment. Also in the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the shoulder  166  is inclined relative to a direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A 2  of the adapter  108 . 
     The adapter  108  also includes a retainer member  168 . The retainer member  168  extends in a direction along the projection  154 . In some embodiments, the retainer member  168  is aligned with the second peripheral wall portion  160  in a direction along the longitudinal axis A 2  of the adapter  108 . In the illustrated embodiment, retainer member  168  extends parallel to the projection  154 . The retainer member  168  includes at least one tooth  170  extending toward the projection  154 . The retainer member  168  also includes a user-engageable actuator, such as a tab  172 . A user can engage the tab  172  or another user-engageable actuator to move the at least one tooth  170  away from the projection  154 , such as by sliding or pivoting movement. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer member  168  and the tooth  170  pivot away from the projection  154  together. In some embodiments, the tooth  170  is movable relative to the retainer member  168 . The tab  172  extends in a direction away from the projection  154 . In the illustrated embodiment, a gap  174  is defined between the tooth  170  and the projection  154 . User engagement to move the at least one tooth  170  away from the projection  154  widens the gap  174 . In some embodiments, the tooth  170  moves against the force of a spring or other resilient member configured such that the spring presses the tooth  170  toward its rest or seated position. 
     Returning to  FIG.  2   , the vacuum cleaner assembly  100  further includes the handheld accessory  104  removably coupled to the upright frame  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the handheld accessory (illustrated as a handheld vacuum cleaner)  104  is coupled to the adapter  108  which, in turn, is coupled to the upright frame  112 . The handheld accessory  104  is coupled to the upright frame  112  nearer the handheld end  118  than the pivot end  116 . Specifically, the handheld accessory  104  projects beyond the handheld end  118  of the upright frame  112  in a direction away from the pivot end  116  when the handheld accessory  104  is coupled to the upright frame  112 . 
     The handheld accessory  104  includes a handle  176  having a grip portion. With the handheld accessory  104  coupled to the upright frame  112 , the handle  176  functions as the handle for the upright vacuum cleaner  102 . With the handheld accessory  104  removed from the upright frame, the handle  176  functions as the handle for the handheld accessory  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the handle  176  is a pistol grip style handle. 
     The handheld accessory  104  further includes an elongate structural member  178  having a nozzle, or nozzle end,  180 . The handle  176  of the handheld accessory  104  is opposite the nozzle end  180 , and the handle  176  extends at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis A 3  of the elongate structural member  180 . In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate structural member  178  includes a body portion  178 A that extends from the nozzle end  180  and a tang portion  178 B that extends from the body portion  178 A and into the grip portion of the handle  176 . In some embodiments, the elongate structural member  178  is a continuous, unitary part. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the handle  176  of the handheld accessory  104  extends along a direction that is at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A 3 . In some embodiments, the handle  176  extends along a direction that is at an angle between 10 and 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A 3 , and more particularly at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees. With the handheld accessory  104  connected to the upright frame  112 , the handle  176  extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis A 1  of the upright frame  112 . To connect the handheld accessory  104  to the adapter  108 , at least a portion of the projection  154  is removably received in the nozzle end  180 . As such, the nozzle  180  is substantially blocked when the handheld accessory  104  is coupled to the upright frame  112 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , with the projection  154  received in the nozzle end  180 , the retainer member  168  engages the handheld accessory  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one tooth  170  engages the handheld accessory  104  by entering a corresponding cavity  182  defined in an elongate structural member outer surface  184  of the passage wall  186  of the elongate structural member  178  (shown in  FIG.  2   ). The passage wall  186  extends from the nozzle end  180 , and at least a portion of the passage wall  186  includes a passage wall thickness  188  that is thicker than the gap  174  between the tooth  170  and the projection  154 . In the illustrated embodiment, this difference in thickness forces the at least one tooth  170  into engagement with the handheld accessory  104 . The at least one tooth  170  is forced into engagement with the handheld accessory  104  by a resilient member (such as a spring) or by flexing the retainer member  168  such that the retainer member  168  exhibits a return force. To remove the handheld accessory  104  from the adapter  108  in the illustrated embodiment, a user actuates the tab  172  to move the retainer member  168 , thereby disengaging the at least one tooth  170  from the handheld accessory  104 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter  108  and the handheld accessory  104  are sized such that the adapter outer surface  164  is generally flush with the elongate structural member outer surface  184 . Stated another way, these surfaces  164 ,  184  form a substantially tangential transition. The nozzle  180  is further angled in a manner that matches the incline of the shoulder  166 . In the illustrated embodiment, the handheld accessory  104  further is coupled to the upright frame  112  such that the elongate structural member  178  is nearer the leading surface  120  than the trailing surface  122 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the elongate structural member outer surface  184  is substantially aligned with the leading surface  120  of the upright frame  112 . This continuity of surfaces between the upright frame  112 , the adapter  108 , and the handheld accessory  104  is aesthetically pleasing and functions to give the vacuum cleaner assembly  100  sturdiness and a sleek appearance. 
     When the handle  176  of the handheld accessory  104  functions as the handle for the upright vacuum cleaner  102 , forces applied to the handle  176  for manipulating the upright vacuum cleaner  102  are transferred through the elongate structural member  178 , the nozzle end  180 , and the adaptor  108  to the upright frame  112 . The novel improvement disclosed with the continuous elongate structural member  178  extending from the nozzle end  180  into the grip portion of the handle  176  and the projection  154  removably received in the nozzle end  180  is advantageous over prior art connections in providing a sturdy connection between the user-manipulable grip and the upright frame  112  while achieving a desired appearance. In some embodiments, the assembled vacuum cleaner assembly  100  resembles a single upright vacuum cleaner with no accessories, while still offering a detachable handheld accessory  104 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , the handheld accessory  104  further includes a second battery mount  190 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second battery mount  190  is identical to the first battery mount  124 . As such, the second battery mount  190  includes at least one second battery connection terminal  192 . The battery  106  removably couples to the second battery mount  190  to power at least one operating component of the handheld accessory  104 . The operating component may be, for example, a suction motor, brushroll motor, a pump, a valve, an actuator, a microprocessor, a controller, or other operating component. In some embodiments, the battery  106  is slidably received on the second battery mount  190  in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis A 3  of the elongate structural member  178 . In the illustrated embodiment, the battery  106  is slidably received on the second battery mount  190  in a direction extending parallel with the longitudinal axis A 3 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the handheld accessory  104  also includes a second operating component as a second motor  194 . The second motor  194  drives a second impeller (not shown) to generate airflow. In embodiments including the second motor  194  driving the second impeller, the second motor  194  may also be considered to be a second suction motor. The second motor  194  is electrically coupled to and powered by the battery  106  when the battery is coupled to the second battery mount  190  and electrically coupled to the at least one second battery connection terminal  192 . 
     When the battery  106  is coupled to the first battery mount  124 , only the first motor  128  is electrically coupled to the battery  106 ; the second motor  194  receives no electric power. When the battery  106  is coupled to the second battery mount  190 , only the second motor  194  is electrically coupled to the battery  106 ; the first motor  128  receives no electric power. Stated another way, the battery  106  powers only one of the first motor  128  (when the battery  106  is coupled to the first battery mount  124 ) and the second motor  194  (when the battery  106  is coupled to the second battery mount  190 ) at a time, being interchangeable between the vacuum cleaner  102  and the handheld accessory  104 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  8   , in some embodiments, a second battery  106 B is provided interchangeable with the battery  106 , and the first battery mount  124  and the second battery mount  190  are configured to receive one of the battery  106  and the second battery  106 B. Providing the second battery  106 B onboard interchangeable with the battery  106  gives the user the ability to exchange, for example, the second battery  106 B for the battery  106  when the battery  106  is depleted, extending the continuous operating time of the vacuum cleaner assembly  100 . Also, providing the second battery  106 B onboard gives the user the ability to use both the upright vacuum cleaner  102  and the handheld accessory  104  without exchanging batteries  106 ,  106 B. The second battery  106 B may essentially be a duplicate of the battery  106  having the same battery characteristics. In some embodiments, the battery  106  has different characteristics than the second battery  106 B. For example, but not limited to, the battery  106  may have a first battery capacity (e.g., 2 A-h), while the second battery  106 B may have a second battery capacity (e.g., 4 A-h). The characteristics may further be any of, or any combination of, voltage, current, resistance, number of cells, etc. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , the handheld accessory  104  further includes a second airflow pathway  196  in some embodiments. When the handheld accessory  104  is coupled to the adapter  108 , the second airflow pathway  196  is substantially blocked. The first airflow pathway  130  and the second airflow pathway  196  are separated and discrete from each other regardless of whether the handheld accessory  104  is coupled to the upright frame  112 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , the handheld accessory  104  functions as a stand-alone device when removed from the adapter  108  (and/or upright frame  112 ) and when fitted with the battery  106 . In the illustrated embodiment, the handheld accessory  104  is a handheld vacuum, but other embodiments may include alternative accessories. Such alternative accessories include a powered scrub brush, wherein the operating component is a brush motor or other operating component; a powered upholstery or stair cleaning tool, wherein the operating component is a brush motor, suction motor, or other operating component; a powered cleaning solution sprayer, wherein the operating component is a pump, a valve, or other operating component; a drill, wherein the operating component is a drill motor or other operating component; a flashlight, wherein the operating component is a light or other operating component; or any other power tool and operating component. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  10  and  11   , the handheld accessory  104  includes a housing  198 , the motor (or second motor)  194 , a filter access door  200 , a filter  202 , a dirt cup  204 , and a shroud  206 . The housing  198  includes a top  208 , a bottom  210  opposite the top  208 , a front  212 , and a rear  214  opposite the front  212 . The housing  198  further includes a motor chamber  216  defined therein, a dirty air inlet  218  defined by the nozzle end  180  at the front  212  of the housing  198 , the handle  176  positioned at the rear  214  of the housing  198 , a clean air outlet  222  defined therein, and the airflow pathway (or second airflow pathway)  196  fluidly connecting the dirty air inlet  218  with the clean air outlet  222 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  11   , the motor  194  is disposed in the motor chamber  216  and defines a motor axis A 4 . The filter access door  200  is removably coupled to the housing  198  and cooperates with the housing  198  to define a filter chamber  224  (shown best in  FIG.  10   ). The filter  202  is disposed in the filter chamber  224  and defines a filter axis A 5 . The dirt cup  204  is movably coupled to the housing  198  and defines a dirt cup axis A 6  extending from a front  226  of the dirt cup  204  to a rear  228  of the dirt cup  204 . The motor axis A 4 , the filter axis A 5 , and the dirt cup axis A 6  extend parallel to each other, and generally extend along the longitudinal axis A 3  of the elongate structural member  178 . In some embodiments, the motor axis A 4  and the filter axis A 5  extend coaxially. In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud  206  includes a longitudinal axis A 7  that extends parallel to the dirt cup axis A 6 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , the filter access door  200  is located below the filter axis A 5  such that the filter  202  is removable in a downward direction from the filter chamber  224  when the filter access door  200  is removed. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter access door  200  includes a latch  230  with a user actuation portion  232 . Actuation of the user actuation portion  232  by a user causes the latch  230  to retract. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch  230  translates upon actuation of the user actuation portion  232 . The filter access door  200  may further include a spring or another biasing member to bias the latch toward an extended position. The filter access door  200  further includes a catch  234  positioned opposite the latch  230 . 
     The filter  202  is a cylindrical filter in the illustrated embodiment, in which air enters the filter radially from the peripheral surfaces into a central filter air path ( FIG.  11   ) along the filter axis A 5 . The central filter air path is disposed in fluid communication with the motor chamber  216  through a filter chamber outlet ( FIG.  10   ). The cylindrical filter  202  may be a pleated or non-pleated filter, and may be non-woven media, foam media, or other filter media, and in some embodiments may include combinations of two or more layers. In some embodiments, the filter  202  is a planar filter disposed in the filter chamber  224  in the airflow path  196  transverse to the motor axis A 4 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , the housing  198  further includes a filter access opening  236  that is exposed upon removal of the filer access door  200 . The housing  198  also includes a first ledge  238  adjacent the filter access opening  236  and a second ledge  240  adjacent the filter access opening  236  on an opposite side of the filter access opening  236  from the first ledge  238 . The catch  234  engages the first ledge  238  of the housing  198 . The latch  230  engages the second ledge  240  of the housing  198 . To remove the filter access door  200 , the user retracts the latch  230  and swings the filter access door  200  about at least a portion of the catch  234 . As such, the latch  230  travels along an arc R 1 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the filter access door  200  further includes at least one door filter support  242 . The housing  198  also includes at least one corresponding housing filter support  244 . The door filter support  242  and the housing filter support  244  are located in the filter chamber  224  when the filter access door  200  is coupled to the housing  198 . One or both of the door filter support  242  and the housing filter support  244  are provided to orient the filter  202 , and may be configured to hold the filter  202 , in position within the filter chamber  224 . In the illustrated embodiment, the filter  202  is located directly upstream of the motor  194  (and a corresponding fan/impeller) when the filter  202  is in position. 
     Also shown in  FIG.  11   , the second airflow pathway  196  enters the dirty air inlet  218 , which is located in the nozzle end  180  in some embodiments, travels through the elongate structural member  178  in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A 3  of the elongate structural member, turns and enters the dirt collection chamber  260  of the dirt cup  204  via the dirt cup inlet  256 , passes through the mesh screen  278  ( FIG.  12   ) of the shroud  206 , exits the dirt cup  204  via the dirt cup outlet  258  ( FIG.  12   ), enters the filter chamber  224 , passes through the filter  202 , enters the motor chamber  216 , and exits the clean air outlet  222  ( FIGS.  9  and  10   ) defined in the housing  198 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  10   , the housing  198  further includes the second battery mount (or battery mount)  190 . In the illustrated embodiment, the battery mount  190  is disposed below the motor  194 . At least a portion of the battery mount  190  is also located on an opposite side of the filter access door  200  from the filter  202 . In an alternative embodiment, the battery mount  190  is positioned on the top  208  disposed above the motor  194 . Stated another way, in some embodiments at least a portion of the battery mount  190  is not located on an opposite side of the filter access door  200  from the filter  202 . 
     The battery mount  190  includes an open end  246 , a closed end  248  opposite the open end  246 , and at least one battery connection terminal (second battery connection terminal)  192 . The at least one battery connection terminal  192  is positioned nearer the closed end  248  than the open end  246 . In the illustrated embodiment, the battery mount  190  further includes a first rail  250  and a second rail  252  extending generally parallel to each other. The first rail  250  and the second rail  252  extend between the open end  246  and the closed end  248 . The rails  250 ,  252  function to slidably guide the battery  106  into engagement with the at least one battery connection terminal  192 . The arrangement of the rails  250 ,  252  creates a recessed face  254  of the battery mount  190  disposed therebetween. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  11   , at least a portion of the filter access door  200  is adjacent the battery mount  190 . In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the filter access door  200  is substantially flush with the recessed face  254  of the battery mount  190 . The filter access door  200  is shown as a stepped door, but may be a plate that is substantially planar or other desired shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the portion of the filter access door  200  that is substantially flush with the recessed face  254  is also positioned adjacent the open end  246  of the battery mount  190 . Specifically, in some embodiments, the user actuation portion  232  of the latch  230  is positioned adjacent the open end  246  of the battery mount  190  and extends toward the closed end  248  of the battery mount  190 . In this arrangement, the latch  230  is disposed nearer the battery mount  190  than the catch  234  is. At least a portion of the first rail  250  is disposed on an opposite lateral side of the user actuation portion  232  from at least a portion of the second rail  252 . Stated another way, the user actuation portion  232  may be at least partially disposed between portions of the first and second rails  250 ,  252 . As such, the arc R 1  along which the latch  230  travels upon installation or removal of the filter access door  200  is at least partially surrounded by the battery mount  190 . Stated another way, installation or removal of the filter access door  200  is blocked by the battery  106  when the battery  106  is received within the battery mount  190 . 
     The battery  106  is removably coupled to the battery mount  190  of the housing  198 . In the illustrated embodiment, when the battery  106  is coupled to the battery mount  190 , the battery  106  at least partially covers the filter access door  200 . Stated another way, the battery  106  may cover at least a portion of the filter access door  200  when the battery  106  is received within the battery mount  190 . In the illustrated embodiment, the user actuation portion  232  of the latch  230  is covered by the battery  106  when the battery  106  is coupled to the battery mount  190 . In some embodiments, the battery  106  covers at least a portion of the user actuation portion  232  of the latch  230  inhibiting access to the user actuation portion  232  when the battery  106  is received within the battery mount  190 . In order to remove the filter  202  from the illustrated filter chamber  224 , the user must first remove the battery  106  from the battery mount  190 . Once the battery  106  is removed, the user may access and remove the filter access door  200  from the housing  198 . Only once the filter access door  200  has been removed can the user remove the filter  202  from the filter chamber  224 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , the handheld accessory  104  includes the dirt cup  204  movably coupled to the housing  198 . In the illustrated embodiment, the dirt cup  204  is removably coupled to the housing  198 , but other embodiments include the dirt cup  204  pivotally or translatably coupled to the housing  198  without being removable from the housing  198 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  12   , the dirt cup  204  includes a dirt cup inlet  256 , a dirt cup outlet (or dirt cup opening or dirt cup exhaust opening)  258 , and a dirt collection chamber  260  defined at least partially between the dirt cup inlet  256  and the dirt cup outlet  258 . As shown in  FIG.  11   , the dirt cup outlet  258  is positioned adjacent to and facing the filter chamber  224 . Returning to  FIG.  12   , although the dirt cup  204  could be cylindrical or another shape, the illustrated embodiment includes the dirt cup  204  having a plurality of dirt cup sidewalls  262 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  13   , the handheld accessory  104  also includes at least one wipe member  264  disposed about the dirt cup opening  258 . The wipe member  264  extends inwardly to reduce the size of the dirt cup opening  258 , such that the wipe member  264  extends adjacent to or in contact with lateral sides of the shroud  206  as the shroud  206  is removed from the dirt cup opening  258  inhibiting debris from being removed with the shroud  206 . The wipe member  264  is flexible relative to the dirt cup  204 , such as an elastomeric wiper or an array of bristles. In the illustrated embodiment, the wipe member  264  is a polymer that is overmolded onto the dirt cup  204 . Although the dirt cup opening  258  could be circular, elliptical, or another shape, the illustrated embodiment includes the dirt cup opening  258  having a plurality of opening sides  266 . In this embodiment, the wipe member  264  is disposed on fewer than all of the plurality of opening sides  266 . Specifically, the wipe member  264  is a continuous body that is disposed on all of the plurality of opening sides  266  except one, as further described below. 
     Referring to  FIG.  12   , the handheld accessory  104  also includes the shroud  206 . The shroud  206  includes a first end  268  and a second end  270  opposite the first end  268 . The second end  270  is spaced farther from the dirt cup outlet  258  than the first end  268  is. Although the shroud  206  could be cylindrical or another shape, the illustrated embodiment includes the shroud  206  has plurality of shroud lateral sides  272  extending between the first and second ends  268 ,  270  of the shroud  206 . Specifically, the shroud  206  is shown as being a generally hexagonal prism. Other embodiments could include, for instance, a shroud  206  being a generally rectangular prism or a cylinder. Although the second end  270  of the shroud  206  could be rounded or pointed, the illustrated embodiment includes the shroud  206  having a shroud end facet at the second end  270 . 
     The shroud  206  further includes a shroud frame  276  supporting a mesh screen  278  coupled thereto. As shown in  FIG.  14   , the shroud frame  276  and the mesh screen  278  cooperate to give the shroud  206  its shape and to define a lateral outer perimeter of the shroud  206 . In the illustrated embodiment, at least one of the shroud lateral sides  272  is at least partially closed to airflow therethrough while the other shroud lateral sides  272  are permeable to airflow therethrough, forming an air path from inside of the dirt cup  204  into the shroud  206 . The mesh screen  278  allows the shroud  206  to at least partially filter debris from the airflow that passes from the dirt cup inlet  256  to the dirt cup outlet  258 . Particles that might clog or damage the filter  202  are, therefore, prevented from reaching the filter  202 . The mesh screen  278  is selected with a mesh size as desired for operation with the selected filter  202 . In some embodiments the mesh size is between about 100 micron and 1 mm, and more particularly between about 200 micron and 500 micron. The mesh screen  278  may be woven or non-woven media, wire mesh, perforated media, etched media, or other mesh media as desired. 
     With reference to  FIG.  12   , the shroud lateral side  272  that is at least partially closed to airflow therethrough is illustrated as being entirely closed to airflow therethrough. Specifically, the shroud  206  includes a shroud lateral sidewall  280  that forms the entirety of one of the shroud lateral sides  272 . The shroud lateral sidewall  280  blocks the airflow from passing through the shroud lateral side  272  such that the shroud lateral side  272  is entirely closed to airflow therethrough. Other embodiments include the shroud lateral sidewall  280  blocking only a portion of the shroud lateral side  272 . In yet another embodiment, all of the shroud lateral sides  272  are permeable to airflow therethrough, such as including the mesh screen  278  on at least a portion of each lateral side  272  forming an air path from inside of the dirt cup  204  into the shroud  206 . In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud lateral sidewall  280  is integrally formed as a unitary part with the shroud frame  276 . 
     The second end  270  is closed to airflow therethrough in the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the second end  270  includes a shroud endwall  282  that blocks airflow through at least a portion of the second end  270 . In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud endwall  282  blocks airflow through the entirety of the second end  270 . The shroud endwall  282  is integrally formed as a unitary part with the shroud frame  276 . In other embodiments, the second end  270  is permeable to airflow therethrough, such as including the mesh screen  278  on at least a portion of the second end  270 . 
     The shroud  206  is coupled to the dirt cup  204  in the illustrated embodiment and extends at least partially through the dirt cup opening  258  and into the dirt collection chamber  260 . As such, at least a portion of the shroud  206  is disposed between the dirt cup inlet  256  and the dirt cup outlet  258 , such that the mesh screen  278  is provided in the air path between dirt cup inlet  256  and the dirt cup outlet  258 . 
     The shroud  206  may include a pull tab  284  or other handle such that the shroud  206  may more easily be removed from the dirt cup  204 . In the illustrated embodiment, the pull tab  284  is integrally formed as a unitary part with the shroud frame  276 . This pull tab  284  is arranged on the first end  268  of the shroud  206 , which may be considered an open shroud attachment end. 
     As shown in  FIG.  11   , the shroud  206  is positioned nearer one of the dirt cup sidewalls  262  than another of the dirt cup sidewalls  262  such that the shroud  206  is off-center with respect to the dirt cup  204  in cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud lateral sidewall  280  is closed to airflow, inhibiting collection of debris in the reduced space between the shroud  206  and the dirt cup sidewall  262  adjacent the shroud lateral sidewall  280 . In some embodiments, the at least one of the shroud lateral sides  272  that has at least a portion closed to airflow therethrough is blocked due to its proximity to the nearest dirt cup sidewall  262 . Stated another way, a shroud lateral side  272  is at least partially blocked by a corresponding dirt cup sidewall  262  such that airflow cannot pass through at least a portion of the respective shroud lateral side  272 . In some embodiments, the respective shroud lateral side  272  of the shroud  206  is removably coupled to the corresponding dirt cup sidewall  262 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  12  and  13   , the wipe member  264  of the dirt cup  204  wipes the shroud  206  upon removal of the shroud  206  from the dirt cup  204 . In some instances, the wipe member  264  wipes debris/dirt from the shroud  206  upon removal of the shroud  206  and keeps the debris/dirt in the dirt collection chamber  260 . In the illustrated embodiment, the wipe member  264  is disposed on all of the plurality of opening sides  266  of the dirt cup opening  258  except for the opening side  266  corresponding to the shroud lateral sidewall  280 . In this manner, the wipe member  264  is not needlessly worn due to wiping a shroud lateral side  272  that does not require wiping. In some embodiments, all of the shroud lateral sides  272  are air permeable and the wipe member  264  extends around all of the corresponding opening sides  266 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  14   , the shroud frame  276 , which is integrally formed as a unitary part with the shroud lateral sidewall  280  in the illustrated embodiment, blocks airflow from passing through a continuous section of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the lateral outer perimeter of the shroud  206  in cross-section. In some embodiments, this continuous section is greater than twenty-five percent (25%) and less than fifty percent (50%). In some embodiments, the continuous section blocking airflow with the shroud lateral sidewall  280  is greater than 5% and less than 25% of the lateral outer perimeter of the shroud  206  in cross-section. The cross-section in  FIG.  14    is taken through a plane that is perpendicular to the longest dimension of the shroud  206 . Stated another way, the cross-section in  FIG.  14    is taken through a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A 7  of the shroud  206 . 
     Although the present disclosure has been discussed with regard to an upright vacuum cleaner  102  and a handheld accessory  104  in the form of a handheld vacuum cleaner, this disclosure contemplates combinations of other components. For instance, the upright cleaner  102  can be a floor cleaner including a cleaning solution tank, fluid dispensing nozzles, and scrubbing members for carpet cleaning or the like. The handheld accessory  104  can be a handheld fluid dispensing device including a dispensing nozzle to spray cleaning solution for spot treatment cleaning or the like. The handheld accessory  104  can be a handheld powered upholstery or stair cleaning tool, including an motor driven agitator or brush, or other powered cleaning implement. 
     With reference to  FIG.  15   , another embodiment of a handheld accessory  1104  is shown. The handheld accessory  1104  is similar in many ways to the handheld accessory  104  shown in  FIG.  10   . As such, only differences between the handheld accessories  104 ,  1104  will be discussed herein with regard to the handheld accessory  1104  shown in  FIG.  15   . The similar features between the handheld accessories  104 ,  1104  have the same number, only increased by a value of one thousand for the handheld accessory  1104  shown in  FIG.  15   . 
     The handheld accessory  1104  includes a filter access door  1200  that can be removed to access the filter  1202 . The filter access door  1200  includes a user actuation portion  1232 , which actuates two opposing latches  1230 . In the illustrated embodiment, the latches  1230  extend laterally outwardly in opposing directions. Actuation of the user actuation portion  1232  causes the latches  1230  to retract along the length of the filter access door  1200 . A spring or another biasing member may resist retraction of the latches  1230 . The filter access door  1200  further includes a catch  1234  positioned generally opposite the user actuation portion  1232 . In the illustrated embodiment, the catch  1234  extends outwardly in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane containing the laterally outward directions in which the latches  1230  extend. 
     Also shown in  FIG.  15   , the housing  1198  includes a filter access opening  1236  that is exposed upon removal of the filter access door  1200 . The housing  1198  includes a ledge  1238  adjacent the filter access opening  1236 . The housing  1198  also includes two opposing channels  1500  defined therein generally opposite the ledge  1238 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  16 - 18   , removal of the filter access door  1200  from the housing  1198  is illustrated. The catch  1234  engages the ledge  1238  and each of the latches  1230  engages the corresponding channel  1500  while the filter access door  1200  is on the housing  1198 . A user removes the filter access door  1200  by retracting the latches  1230  through actuation of the user actuation portion  1232  ( FIG.  16   ). The user may next swing the filter access door  1200  open by pivoting the filter access door  1200  about the contacting interface between the catch  1234  of the filter access door  1200  and the ledge  1238  of the housing  1198  ( FIG.  17   ). This pivoting causes each of the latches  1230  to travel along an arc R 2  (shown in  FIG.  21   ). Once the filter access door  1200  has been swung open a sufficient distance, the user may fully remove the filter access door  1200  by pulling the catch  1234  of the filter access door  1200  out of engagement with the ledge  1238  of the housing  1198  ( FIG.  18   ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  19   , with the filter access door  1200  removed, the user may next remove the filter  1202  from the filter chamber  1224 . In the illustrated embodiment, the filter  1202  includes a handle  1502  for a user to grasp to more easily remove the filter  1202  from the filter chamber  1224 . In some embodiments, the handle  1502  is pivotable relative to the body of the filter  1202  in order to more easily store the handle  1502  in the filter chamber  1224 . The handle  1502  pivots from a storage position ( FIG.  18   ) to a deployed position ( FIG.  19   ). In some embodiments, the handle  1502  may be biased toward one of the storage position and the deployed position. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  19  and  20   , the filter  1202  further includes an angled surface  1504  having a block receiving recess  1506  defined therein. The handheld accessory  1104  further includes a corresponding block, or rail,  1508  that projects into the filter chamber  1224  and is received in the block receiving recess  1506  to assist in maintaining the filter  1202  in place in the filter chamber  1224 . In the illustrated embodiment, the angled surface  1504  of the filter  1202  at least partially surrounds the block  1508 . This interface between the block  1508  and the block receiving recess  1506  locates the filter  1202  at least one of laterally and rotationally relative to the housing  1198 . Some embodiments further include the filter access door  1200  having one or more door filter supports  1242  and/or the housing  1198  having one or more housing filter supports  1244 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  21  and  22   , the block  1508  is illustrated as being a single unitary piece with an elongate structural member  1178 . In such embodiments, the block  1508  may be less susceptible to breaking due to improper installation or removal of the filter  1202 . In some embodiments, the elongate structural member  1178  is made of a more durable material than other components of the handheld accessory  1104 . The elongate structural member  1178  made of metal or rigid nylon and the housing  1198  made of a less rigid plastic. Other material choices are also contemplated herein. 
     As shown in  FIG.  22   , the housing  1198  may be made of multiple separate components. These components of the housing  1198  surround and are fastened to the elongate structural member  1178  to form a box beam shape. In the illustrated embodiment, two side panel sections  1510  surround the tang portion  1178 B and at least some of the body portion  1178 A of the elongate structural member  1178 . Fasteners  1512  couple the side panel sections  1510  of the housing  1198  to the elongate structural member  1178 . The fasteners  1512  extend in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane containing the longitudinal axis A 3  of the elongate structural member  1178 , the dirt cup axis A 6 , and the tang portion  1178 B in order to add rigidity to the handheld accessory  1104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  1198  further includes a longitudinal section  1514 . As discussed above, fasteners  1513  also couple the longitudinal section  1514  of the housing  1198  to the elongate structural member  1178 . Once more, the fasteners  1513  extend in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane containing the longitudinal axis A 3  of the elongate structural member  1178 , albeit a different plane in this instance. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  23 - 25   , the handheld accessory  1104  has a dirt cup  1204  with no wipe members. The shroud  1206  includes a seal member  1516  around the periphery of the shroud  1206  for sealing engagement with the dirt cup  1204 . The shroud  1206  further includes a shroud endwall  1282  coupled to a shroud collar  1518  via a plurality of shroud ribs  1520 . In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud endwall  1282 , the shroud collar  1518 , and the shroud ribs  1520  are formed together as a unitary part to make up the shroud frame  1276 . The shroud  1206  further includes two laterally opposed grips  1522  for a user to engage in order to pull the shroud  1206  from the dirt cup  1204 . In the illustrated embodiment, the grips  1522  are formed as a unitary part with the rest of the shroud frame  1276 . The dirt cup  1204  also includes grip indentations  1524  to receive the grips  1522  of the shroud  1206 . 
     Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.