Patent Publication Number: US-9420925-B2

Title: Portable surface cleaning apparatus

Description:
FIELD 
     The specification relates to hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a portable surface cleaning apparatus, such as a hand vacuum cleaner or a pod. 
     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. Surface cleaning apparatus include vacuum cleaners. Currently, a vacuum cleaner typically uses at least one cyclonic cleaning stage. More recently, cyclonic hand vacuum cleaners have been developed. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,931,716 and US 2010/0229328. Each of these discloses a hand vacuum cleaner which includes a cyclonic cleaning stage. U.S. Pat. No. 7,931,716 discloses a cyclonic cleaning stage utilizing two cyclonic cleaning stages wherein both cyclonic stages have cyclone axes that extend vertically. US 2010/0229328 discloses a cyclonic hand vacuum cleaner wherein the cyclone axis extends horizontally and is co-axial with the suction motor. In each of these designs, the cyclone bin assembly is removable for emptying. The cyclone bin assembly is removed together with the dirty air inlet. Accordingly, any member attached to the cyclone bin assembly, such as a cleaning tool, is removed with the cyclone bin assembly when it is desired to empty the cyclone bin assembly or the cleaning tool must first be removed In addition, hand carriable (e.g., pod style) cyclonic vacuum cleaners are also known (see U.S. Pat. No. 8,146,201). In this design, the cyclone bin is not removable from the pod vacuum cleaner. 
     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. 
     According to one broad aspect, a portable surface cleaning apparatus (e.g., a hand vac or a pod vac) is provided wherein the suction motor is positioned proximate the handle of the portable surface cleaning apparatus and, optionally, the center of gravity of the suction motor is positioned proximate the handle of the portable surface cleaning apparatus. An advantage of this design is that the force applied by a user to hold the hand vac in a particular orientation (the hand weight) may be reduced since more of the mass of the hand vac is located near the handle. Preferably, the suction motor is oriented at an angle to a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, e.g., it may be angled forwardly. Alternately or in addition, the suction motor may be positioned forward of the handle and optionally immediately in front of a gap provided to receive the fingers of a user when the user is holding the handle. 
     In accordance with this aspect, a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be positioned under the suction motor to increase the capacity of the dirt collection chamber. 
     In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
         (a) a body housing a suction motor and comprising a handle,   (b) a cyclone bin assembly mounted to the body, and,   (c) an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and including the suction motor and the cyclone bin assembly. The suction motor may be oriented at an angle to a vertical axis and a horizontal axis.       

     In some embodiments, the suction motor may be positioned forward of the handle. 
     In some embodiments, the suction motor may extend at an angle of from about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees to the vertical axis. 
     In some embodiments, the handle may be oriented at an angle to the vertical axis and the horizontal axis. 
     In some embodiments, the handle has an axis, the suction motor has an axis, and the handle axis and the suction motor axis may be generally parallel. 
     In some embodiments, the suction motor has an axis that may be angled forwardly from about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees from the vertical axis. 
     In some embodiments, the hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus may have a center of gravity and the center of gravity may be positioned forward of the handle and below an upper end of the cyclone bin assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the center of gravity may be positioned between an upper end and a lower end of the handle. 
     In some embodiments, the handle may be oriented at an angle to the vertical axis and the horizontal axis. 
     In some embodiments, the handle has an axis, the suction motor has an axis, and the handle axis and the suction motor axis may be generally parallel. 
     In some embodiments, the hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus may further include a pre-motor filter positioned above the suction motor. 
     In some embodiments, the suction motor may have a suction motor air inlet at an upper end thereof. 
     In some embodiments, air may travel downwardly from the pre-motor filter to the suction motor air inlet. 
     In some embodiments, the clean air outlet may be at a lower end of the body. 
     In some embodiments, the clean air outlet may be in a lower surface of the body. 
     In some embodiments, the handle may be mounted to upper and lower portions of the body. 
     In some embodiments, the handle may be provided at a rear end of the body. 
     In some embodiments, the handle may be mounted to upper and lower portions of the body. 
     In some embodiments, the cyclone bin assembly may include a dirt collection chamber and at least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may extend under the suction motor. 
     In some embodiments, the cyclone bin assembly may include a base on which the hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus can stand. 
     It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a surface cleaning apparatus may embody any one or more of the features contained herein and that the features may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  in an upright floor cleaning configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  in the upright floor cleaning configuration of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of a main body of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  wherein the cyclone bin assembly has been removed; 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  with the main body separated from a cyclone bin assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  with a lower wall of the cyclone bin assembly in an open position; 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  with the main body separated from the cyclone bin assembly, and the lower wall of the cyclone bin assembly in an open position; 
         FIG. 9B  is a bottom perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly of  FIG. 6 , with the lower wall in an open position; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom plan view of the main body of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  wherein the cyclone bin assembly has been removed; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  including a partial cutaway to show a locking mechanism in a locked position; 
         FIG. 11B  is a bottom plan view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  with actuators of the locking mechanism in the locked position; 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  including the partial cutaway to show the locking mechanism in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 12B  is a bottom plan view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  with the actuators of the locking mechanism in the unlocked position; 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  wherein the pre-motor filter assembly is shown in an exploded configuration; 
         FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  in the upright floor cleaning configuration of  FIG. 2  with the cyclone bin assembly separated from the main body; 
         FIG. 14B  is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  in the upright floor cleaning configuration of  FIG. 2  with a surface cleaning head maneuvered to one side; 
         FIG. 15  is a rear perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly; 
         FIG. 16  is a front perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial exploded front perspective view of the surface cleaning head and a wand; 
         FIG. 18  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line  18 - 18  in  FIG. 2  with a locking mechanism in a locked position; 
         FIG. 19  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line  18 - 18  in  FIG. 2  with the locking mechanism in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  directly connected to the surface cleaning head; 
         FIG. 21  is an exploded front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  in the upright floor cleaning configuration of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  with an attached hose accessory; 
         FIG. 23  is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 2  with the hose accessory detached; 
         FIG. 24  is a top plan view of the surface cleaning head; 
         FIG. 25  is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  with an upholstery cleaner accessory detached; 
         FIG. 26  is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  with the upholstery cleaner attached; 
         FIG. 26B  is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  with the upholstery cleaner attached by a hose; 
         FIG. 27  is a bottom perspective view of the upholstery cleaner in a closed position; 
         FIG. 28  is a bottom perspective view of the upholstery cleaner in an open position; 
         FIG. 29  is a side elevation view of the upholstery cleaner with a forward portion in a first position; 
         FIG. 30  is the side elevation view of  FIG. 29  with the forward portion in a second position; and, 
         FIG. 31  is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  in the floor cleaning configuration of  FIG. 2  with the accessory mount and accessory tools in an exploded configuration. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
     Numerous embodiments are described in this application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any sense. No embodiment described below limits any claimed apparatus or method and any claimed apparatus or method may cover methods or apparatuses that differ from those described herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any of the embodiments may be practiced with modification and alteration without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Although particular features of the present invention may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments or figures, it should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or figures with reference to which they are described. Any embodiment 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 applicants, inventors or owners 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. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus  100  is shown. In the embodiment illustrated, the surface cleaning apparatus  100  is a hand carriable or hand-held vacuum cleaner. It will be appreciated that surface cleaning apparatus  100  could be carried by a hand of a user, a shoulder strap or the like and could be in the form of a pod or other portable surface cleaning apparatus. Surface cleaning apparatus  100  could be a vacuum cleaner, an extractor or the like. All such surface cleaning apparatus are referred to herein as a hand carriable surface cleaning apparatus. Optionally, surface cleaning apparatus  100  could be removably mounted on a base so as to form, for example, an upright vacuum cleaner, a canister vacuum cleaner, a stick vac, a wet-dry vacuum cleaner and the like. Power can be supplied to the surface cleaning apparatus  100  by an electrical cord (not shown) that can be connected to a standard wall electrical outlet. Alternatively, or in addition, the power source for the surface cleaning apparatus can be an onboard energy storage device, including, for example, one or more batteries. 
     The surface cleaning apparatus  100  comprises a main body  108  having a handle  112 , a dirty air inlet  116 , a clean air outlet  120  (see for example  FIG. 3 ) and an air flow path extending therebetween. In the embodiment shown, the dirty air inlet  116  is the inlet end  124  of conduit  128 . Optionally, the inlet end  124  can be used to directly clean a surface. Alternatively, the inlet end  124  can be connected to the downstream end of any suitable hose, cleaning tool or accessory, including, for example a wand  132  that is pivotally connected to a surface cleaning head  136  ( FIG. 2 ), a nozzle and a flexible suction hose. In the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the surface cleaning apparatus  100  can be used to clean a floor or other surface in a manner analogous to conventional upright-style vacuum cleaners. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , conduit  128  may provide a suitable connector that is operable to connect to, and preferably detachably connect to, a hose, cleaning tool or other accessory. It will be appreciated that, alternately, the connector may be provided on main body  108 . Optionally, main body  108  may further include an electrical connection. Providing an electrical connection may allow cleaning tools and accessories that are coupled to conduit  128  to be powered by the surface cleaning apparatus  100 . For example, the surface cleaning apparatus  100  can be used to provide both power and suction to a surface cleaning head, or other suitable tool. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, main body  108  includes an electrical coupling in the form of a female socket member  140  positioned proximate conduit  128  for receiving a corresponding male prong member of a hose, cleaning tool and/or accessory that is connected to inlet end  124 . Providing the female socket  140  on the electrified side of the electrical coupling may help prevent a user from inadvertently contacting the electrical contacts. In other embodiments, socket member  140  may include male connectors. In such a case, it is preferred that the male connectors are de-energized when exposed (i.e., when they are not plugged into a female connector). It will be appreciated that any other electrical connector may be provided. For example, main body may have a socket for receiving a plug that is connected, e.g., by a wire, to an electrically operable accessory. 
     The air flow path extends from dirty air inlet  116  through an air treatment member. The air treatment member may be any suitable member that can treat the air in a desired manner, including, for example, removing dirt particles and debris from the air. In the illustrated example, the air treatment member includes a cyclone bin assembly  144 . Alternatively, the air treatment member can comprise a bag, a filter, an additional cyclonic cleaning stage and/or other air treating known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the cyclone bin assembly  144  is removably mounted to main body  108  of surface cleaning apparatus  100 . A suction motor  148  (see  FIG. 4 ) is mounted within a motor housing  152  (see  FIG. 5 ) of main body  108  and is in fluid communication with cyclone bin assembly  144 . In this configuration, suction motor  148  is downstream from cyclone bin assembly  144 , and clean air outlet  120  is downstream from suction motor  148 . 
     Cyclone Bin Assembly 
     The following is a description of a cyclone bin assembly that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. The cyclone bin assembly comprises a cyclone chamber wherein entrained particulate matter is separated from an incoming dirty air stream. Separated particulate matter may be stored in a dirt collection chamber. As is known in the art, the dirt collection chamber may be provided as part of the cyclone chamber (e.g., a lower portion of the cyclone chamber) and/or in a separate dirt collection chamber that is in communication with a cyclone chamber via a dirt outlet (e.g., it may surround all or a portion of the cyclone chamber or be positioned below a cyclone chamber and separated therefrom other than the cyclone chamber dirt outlet) 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4, and 6-9 , in the illustrated embodiment, the cyclone bin assembly  144  includes a cyclone chamber  156  and a dirt collection chamber  160 . As exemplified, the dirt collection chamber  160  is positioned outside (i.e. exterior to) and substantially below the cyclone chamber  156 . Preferably, at least a portion, if not all, of the dirt collection chamber  160  is below the cyclone chamber  156 . The dirt collection chamber  160  comprises a sidewall  164 , a first end wall  168  and an opposed second end wall  172 . 
     The dirt collection chamber  160  may be emptyable by any means known in the art. For example, the dirt collection chamber may be removable by itself or as part of the cyclone bin assembly. In such a case, the dirt collection chamber may be emptyable by inverting the dirt collection chamber (e.g., inverting a cyclone bin assembly having an open upper end). Alternately or in addition, the dirt collection chamber may be openable concurrently with the cyclone chamber  156  or alternately by itself. 
     As exemplified, the second dirt collection chamber end wall  172  is moveably (e.g., pivotally) connected to e.g., the dirt collection chamber sidewall  164 , for example using hinge  176 . In this configuration, the second end wall  172  of dirt collection chamber  160  functions as an openable door to empty the dirt collection chamber  160  and can be opened as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  to empty dirt and debris from the interior of the dirt collection chamber  160 . The second dirt collection chamber end wall  172  can be retained in the closed position by any means known in the art, such as by a releasable latch  180 . In the illustrated example, the hinge  176  is provided on a back edge of the end wall  172  and the latch  180  is provided at the front of the end wall  172  so that the door swings backwardly when opened. Alternatively, the hinge and latch may be in different positions, and the door may open in a different direction or manner. Optionally, instead of being pivotal or openable, the end wall may be removable. 
     In some embodiments, end wall  172  may include a stand  174  for supporting surface cleaning apparatus  100  in an upright position. 
     In the embodiment shown, the cyclone chamber  156  extends along a cyclone axis  184  and is bounded by a sidewall  186 . The cyclone chamber  156  includes an air inlet  188  and an air outlet  192 , and a dirt outlet  196  in communication with the dirt collection chamber  160 . The air inlet  188 , air outlet  192  and dirt outlet  196  may be of any design known in the art. Preferably, the air inlet  188  is generally tangentially oriented relative to the sidewall  186 , so that air entering the cyclone chamber  156  will tend to swirl and circulate within the cyclone chamber  156 , thereby dis-entraining dirt and debris from the air flow, before leaving the chamber via the air outlet  192 . The air inlet  188  extends along an inlet axis  200  that may differ from the cyclone axis  184  by an angle  204 . For example, axis  200  of air inlet  188  may be perpendicular to cyclone axis  184 . 
     In the illustrated example, the cyclone air outlet  192  comprises a conduit member or vortex finder  208 . Optionally, a screen  212  can be positioned over the vortex finder  208  to help filter lint, fluff and other elongate debris. Preferably, the screen  212  can be removable. Optionally, the screen  212  can be tapered such that the distal, inner or free end  216  of the screen  212  has a smaller diameter  220  than the diameter  224  at the base  228  of the screen  212  and/or the air outlet  192 . 
     In the example illustrated the cyclone chamber  156  is arranged in a generally vertical, inverted cyclone configuration. In this configuration, the air inlet  188  and the air outlet  192  are provided at an upper end of the cyclone chamber  156  and the dirt outlet is at the lower end. However, alternate configurations may be used. 
     The dirt outlet from the cyclone chamber may be any dirt outlet known in the art, such as one or more slot outlets or an annular gap between an end wall of the cyclone chamber and a spaced apart facing wall. As exemplified, an end wall, deflector or arrestor plate  232  is positioned at the dirt outlet end or lower end of the cyclone chamber  156 . The arrestor plate  232  may be of any size and configuration and may be sized to cover substantially all of the lower end of the cyclone chamber  156 . As exemplified, the plate  232  abuts the lower end of the cyclone sidewall  186  to form a lower end wall of the cyclone chamber  156 . When the arrestor plate  232  abuts the lower ends of the sidewall  186  it helps define the gap or slot that forms the dirt outlet  196 . In this configuration, the dirt outlet slot  196  is bounded on three sides by the cyclone chamber sidewall  186  and on a fourth side by the arrestor plate  232 . Alternatively, plate  232  may be spaced from sidewall  186  of the cyclone chamber such that the dirt outlet slot  196  may be a continuous gap that extends between the sidewall  186  and the arrestor plate  232 . In the illustrated example the dirt outlet  196  is vertically spaced apart from the air inlet  188  and air outlet  192 , and dirt outlet  196  is positioned at the opposite, lower end of the cyclone chamber  156 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the arrestor plate  232  forms the bottom of the cyclone chamber  156  and may be of any suitable configuration known in the art. Optionally the arrestor plate  232  may be fixed in its position adjacent the sidewall  186  or in a fixed spaced relation, or it may be moveable or openable. Providing an openable arrestor plate  232  may help facilitate emptying of the cyclone chamber  156 . 
     Optionally, as exemplified herein, the arrestor plate  232  may be openable concurrently with another portion of the surface cleaning apparatus, including, for example, the dirt collection chamber  160 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the arrestor plate  232  is mounted to and supported spaced from the openable wall  172  of the dirt collection chamber by a support member  234 . The support member  234  may be of any suitable configuration and may be formed from any suitable material that is capable of supporting the arrestor plate  232  and resisting stresses exerted on the arrestor plate  232  by the air flow in the cyclone chamber or dirt particles exiting the cyclone chamber  156 . In this configuration, the arrestor plate  232  is openable concurrently with the end wall  172 , so that opening the end wall  172  simultaneously opens the dirt collection chamber  160  and the cyclone chamber  156  (see  FIG. 9B ). Alternatively, the arrestor plate  232  may be mounted to the sidewall  186  (or other portion of the surface cleaning apparatus  100 ) and need not open in unison with the end wall  172 . 
     Nesting of the Cyclone Bin Assembly 
     The following is a description of nesting of the cyclone bin assembly that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. In accordance with this aspect, cyclone bin assembly  144  may be detached without having to disconnect an accessory or wand from the cyclone bin assembly and, if an electrified cleaning tool is used, without having to disconnect an electrical cord from the cyclone bin assembly. This may permit cyclone bin assembly  144  to be quickly and easily removed, emptied, and replaced, and for cleaning with apparatus  100  to resume. Accordingly, the portion of the cyclone bin assembly that includes the air inlet to the cyclone bin assembly (e.g., the cyclone air inlet) may be nested inside the main body. An advantage of this design is that a wand, cleaning tool or the like may be attached to an inlet conduit on the main body and the cyclone bin assembly is removable as a sealed unit without having to disconnect a wand, cleaning tool of the like from the air inlet to the cyclone bin assembly. Accordingly, detaching cyclone bin assembly  144  does not require any additional reconfiguration of surface cleaning apparatus  100 . 
     Cyclone bin assembly  144  may be removably mounted to main body  108  so as to at least partially nest inside main body  108  in any suitable fashion. For example, a portion of main housing  108  may have a cavity or recess having an open end through which the cyclone bin assembly is inserted. The cyclone bin assembly may be receivable by travel along a linear or an arcuate path. Accordingly, the main body may have a cavity having an open side (e.g., an open lower end) in which a portion (e.g., the portion having the air inlet) of the cyclone bin assembly is removably receivable. The cyclone bin assembly may slide into the cavity and be secured therein by a mechanical restraining member, e.g., a snap fit, male and female engagement members, a securing arm or the like. 
     In accordance with this embodiment, cyclone bin assembly  144  may be releasably secured to main body  108  in any suitable fashion. For example, cyclone bin assembly  144  and/or main body  108  may include a locking mechanism including one or more of a latch, snap, hook and loop fastener, zipper, magnet, friction fit, bayonet mount, or any other suitable locking member. 
     The open end of the cavity may be any side of main body. The portion of the cyclone bin assembly that is inserted preferably has the air inlet to the cyclone bin assembly and the air outlet from the cyclone bin assembly. Therefore, for example, the cyclone air inlet and the cyclone air outlet may be at the same end (e.g., an upper end) of the cyclone bin assembly. Accordingly, the open end is positioned so as to receive, and optionally slidably receive, the portion of the cyclone bin assembly that has the air inlet to the cyclone bin assembly and the air outlet from the cyclone bin assembly. Accordingly, if the air inlet to the cyclone bin assembly and the air outlet from the cyclone bin assembly are provided at an upper end of the cyclone bin assembly, the open end is provided at a lower end of the main body. If the open end is provided at a front end of the main body, the cyclone bin assembly may be insertable by positioning the upper end of the cyclone bin assembly at the open end and rotating the cyclone bin assembly rearwardly so that the lower end of the cyclone bin assembly travels along an arc. 
     An advantage of this design is that it may provide surface cleaning apparatus  100  with a comparatively reduced size relative to the volume of cyclone bin assembly  144  while permitting the cyclone bin assembly to be removed for emptying without disconnecting a cleaning tool from inlet end  124 . 
     For example, as exemplified in  FIGS. 1, 4-7, and 10 , cyclone bin assembly  144  includes an upper portion  236 , and main body  108  includes a cavity or recess  240  in a lower side thereof. Recess  240  is defined in part by an upper wall  244 , sidewalls  248   a  and  248   b , a rear wall  252 , and a front wall  256 . Upper portion  236  is at least partially receivable inside recess  240  when cyclone bin assembly  144  is connected to main body  108 . In the example shown, upper portion  236  includes the cyclone chamber  156  air inlet and outlet. Recess  240  is sized to receive upper portion  236  of cyclone chamber  156  so that when cyclone bin assembly  144  is mounted to main body  108 , an upper end  260  of cyclone bin assembly  144  is positioned in recess  240  surrounded by walls  244 ,  248 ,  252 , and  256 , and a lower end  264  of cyclone bin assembly  144  extends below and exterior to recess  240 . Side walls  310  may also be provided to partially surround parts of the cyclone bin assembly so as to protect it from impact during use. 
     In alternative embodiments, more or less of cyclone bin assembly  144  may be nested inside main body  108  when cyclone bin assembly  144  is mounted to main body  108 . For example, recess  240  may be sized to receive most or all of cyclone bin assembly  144 . It will be appreciated that if a substantial portion of the cyclone chamber and/or the dirt collection chamber are positioned inside main body  108 , then portions of the main body may be transparent so that a user may see the air circulate in the cyclone chamber and/or the level of dirt in the dirt collection chamber. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 4, 7, and 10 , cyclone bin assembly  144  cooperates with main body  108  to form an airflow path from dirty air inlet  116  to clean air outlet  120 , when cyclone bin assembly  144  is mounted to main body  108 . Accordingly, as cyclone bin assembly  144  is inserted into main body  108 , air inlet  188  of cyclone chamber  156  is optionally automatically connected in air flow communication with upstream dirty air inlet  116 , and air outlet  192  of cyclone chamber  156  is optionally automatically connected in air flow communication with downstream clean air outlet  120 . 
     In the illustrated example, a conduit  128  extends linearly from dirty air inlet  116  rearwardly to define an airflow path from dirty air inlet  116  to conduit air outlet  328 . Therefore, when cyclone bin assembly  144  is mounted to main body  108 , cyclone chamber air inlet  188  is brought into contact with conduit air outlet  328 . Preferably, cyclone chamber inlet  188  and conduit air outlet  328  form a substantially air tight connection. This may mitigate the escape of dirty air, e.g. into recess  240  of main body  108 , and a consequent loss of suction. For example, cyclone chamber inlet  188  may be urged into firm contact with conduit air outlet  328  when cyclone bin assembly  144  is mounted to main body  108 . Optionally, one or both of conduit air outlet  328  and cyclone chamber inlet  188  may include a sealing member  332  (e.g. a gasket or an O-ring) which may be compressed between conduit air outlet  328  and cyclone chamber inlet  188  to enhance the air-tight characteristic of the connection. 
     Optionally, the interface between cyclone chamber inlet  188  and conduit air outlet  328  may be at a (non-zero) angle to the direction  336  of insertion of cyclone bin assembly  144  into main body  108 . This may enhance the reciprocal force applied by cyclone chamber air inlet  188  to conduit air outlet  328 . In turn, this may enhance the air-tight character of the connection between cyclone chamber air inlet  188  and conduit air outlet  328 . In the illustrated example, conduit air outlet  328  extends at a (non-zero) angle  340  to the direction  344  of airflow through conduit  128 . Further, cyclone chamber air inlet  188  is shown extending at a mating angle  204 . 
     Preferably, cyclone chamber air outlet  192  is fluidly coupled to the downstream airflow path as cyclone bin assembly  144  is mounted to main body  108 . For example, main body  108  may include an air inlet that mates with cyclone chamber air outlet  192 . In the illustrated example, upper wall  244  of recess  240  includes an air inlet  348 . Recess air inlet  348  may be positioned and aligned to form a fluid connection with cyclone chamber air outlet  192  as cyclone bin assembly  144  is mounted to main body  108 . In the example shown, both of cyclone chamber air outlet  192  and recess air inlet  348  extend vertically in the direction  336  of insertion. 
     Preferably, recess air inlet  348  and cyclone chamber air outlet  192  form a substantially air tight connection. This may mitigate an escape of air, and corresponding loss of suction at dirty air inlet  116 . For example, mounting cyclone bin assembly  144  with main body  108  may urge cyclone chamber outlet  192  into firm contact with recess air inlet  348 . Optionally, one or both of recess air inlet  348  and cyclone chamber outlet  192  may include a sealing member (e.g. a gasket or an O-ring) which may be compressed between recess air inlet  348  and cyclone chamber outlet  192  to enhance the air-tight characteristic of the connection. 
     Accordingly, as the cyclone bin assembly is inserted into the recess, an air flow connection is made with both the outlet of conduit  128  and the inlet to the main body. Accordingly, as exemplified in  FIG. 14 , cyclone bin assembly  144  can be removed from main body  108  and replaced while one or more accessories, such as wand  132  and surface cleaning head  408 , remain connected with main body  108 . This may make removing cyclone bin assembly  144  hassle-free for users. 
     It will be appreciated that dirt collection chamber  160  may be emptyable while cyclone bin assembly  144  is mounted to main body  108  as well as when removed therefrom. This may permit a user to empty dirt collection chamber  160  without detaching cyclone bin assembly  144  from main body  108 . For example, the release arm which retains lower wall  172  in the closed position may be accessible while cyclone bin assembly  144  is nested inside main body  108 . In the illustrated example, latch  180 , which releasably retains lower wall  172  in the closed position, is positioned outside recess  240  when cyclone bin assembly  144  is mounted to main body  108 . This may permit a user to actuate latch  180  to release lower wall  172  and access an interior of cyclone bin assembly  144  (e.g. for emptying/cleaning) while cyclone bin assembly is mounted to main body  108  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
     Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 6 , cyclone bin assembly  144  may be detached from main body  108  as a substantially sealed unit (except for air inlet  188  and air outlet  192 ). This may permit cyclone bin assembly  144  to be separately transported to, e.g. a garbage receptacle, where latch  180  may be activated to pivot lower end wall  172  into the open position (see  FIG. 9 ) and the contents of cyclone bin assembly  144  emptied into the garbage receptacle. 
     As exemplified, handle  112  may form part of main body  108  such that handle  112  remains with main body  108  when cyclone bin assembly  144  is detached. A user may grasp handle  112  while pulling on cyclone bin assembly  144 , which may make separating cyclone bin assembly  144  from main body  108  easier. 
     It will be appreciated that any mounting structure may be used with other aspects of this disclosure. 
     Cyclone Bin Assembly Locking Mechanism 
     The following is a description of a locking mechanism for releasably securing a cyclone bin assembly that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. 
     In accordance with this aspect, the locking mechanism includes a lock release actuator provided on the cyclone bin assembly. An advantage of this design is that the user may use the same hand to hold the cyclone bin assembly and actuate the lock release actuator, while using their other hand to hold the main body (e.g. by its handle). Thus, the user may simultaneously release and remove the cyclone bin assembly from the main body. It will be appreciated that, in accordance with this aspect, the lock release actuator may provide a structure suitable for a user to hold the cyclone bin assembly when removed from main body  108 . For example, the lock release actuator may comprise two members provided on opposed sides of the cyclone bin assembly. It will be appreciated that, in one embodiment, the cyclone bin assembly may be as exemplified herein and may be removed as a sealed unit other than the air inlet and outlet. In other embodiments, the cyclone bin assembly may be removable is an open configuration (e.g., the cyclone bin assembly which is removed may have an open top) or only the dirt collection chamber may be removable. If only the dirt collection chamber is removable, it is preferably removable as a sealed unit other than the dirt inlet. However, in another embodiment, it may be removed with, e.g., an open top. 
     The cyclone bin assembly  144  may be releasably secured to main body  108  in any suitable fashion which enables the release actuator to be provided on the cyclone bin assembly  144 . Accordingly, a locking mechanism  272  is provided which has an actuator on the cyclone bin assembly and a member to secure cyclone bin assembly  144  to main body  108 . Alternately, if only the dirt collection chamber is removable, then the actuator may be provided on the dirt collection chamber and the member may secure the dirt collection chamber to the main body and/or the cyclone chamber. In some embodiments, the member may be part of the actuator or a separate part that is drivenly connected to the actuator. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 6, 11, 11B, 12, and 12B , apparatus  100  includes a locking mechanism  272  which has a locked position in which cyclone bin assembly  144  is secured to main body  108 , and an unlocked position in which cyclone bin assembly  144  is removable (e.g. freely removable) from main body  108 . 
     As exemplified, locking mechanism  272  comprising two actuators  276  each of which is drivingly connected to a movable engagement member such as a release arm  280 . Actuators  276  are operable to move the engagement members into and optionally out of engagement with main body  108  to selectively place locking mechanism  272  in the locked and unlocked positions. The movable engagement members are movable into engagement with main body  108  for securing cyclone bin assembly  144  to main body  108  in the locked position of locking mechanism  272 , and movable to disengage from main body  108  for releasing cyclone bin assembly  144  from main body  108  in the unlocked position of locking mechanism  272 . Accordingly, actuator may have a first portion that is operated, e.g., pressed, by a user and a second portion that engages release arm  280  and release arm  280  may have a first portion that is driven by the second portion of the actuator and a second portion that engages or lock to the main body  108 . 
     It will be appreciated that locking mechanism  272  may include one or more actuators and a similar number of release arms  280 . It will also be appreciated that one or both of the actuators and the engagements members may be biased into the locked position. For example, actuator  276  may be biased to the locked position and may be drivingly connected to release arm  180  to move release arm into both the locked and the unlocked position. Alternately, or in addition, release arm  280  may be biased to the locked position and may be drivingly connected to actuator  276  to move actuator  276  into both the locked and the unlocked position 
     The actuators of locking mechanism  272  may be positioned at any suitable location or locations on cyclone bin assembly  144 . For example, each of the actuators  276  may be positioned on cyclone chamber  156  or dirt collection chamber  160 . In some cases, it may be convenient to locate actuators  276  on a bottom of cyclone bin assembly  144 . This may permit a user to easily grasp actuators  276  from beneath cyclone bin assembly  144  while cyclone bin assembly  144  is nested in main body  108 . 
     In the illustrated example, locking mechanism  272  includes two actuators  276 . As shown, actuators  276  are positioned on lower wall  172  of the dirt collection chamber  160  on opposed left and right sides of cyclone bin assembly  144 . This configuration may permit a user to grasp and operate both actuators  276  simultaneously from below cyclone bin assembly  144 . For example, the user may place their thumb on one actuator  276  and their other fingers on the second actuator  276  with their palm face up, and then squeeze the two actuators toward each other to operate the actuators  276  and thereby move the engagement members out of engagement with main body  108  and unlock locking mechanism  272 . The user may rely upon the grip on cyclone bin assembly  144  developed from squeezing actuators  276  together to withdraw cyclone bin assembly  144  from main body  108 . 
     Release arms  280  are provided on opposed left and right sides of cyclone bin assembly  144  (e.g., release arms  280  may be mounted on the sidewalls  164  of dirt collection chamber  160 ) and are positioned and configured so as to be engaged by actuator  276 . Further, release arms may be located internal of main body  108  when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the main body and therefore release arms  280  may be protected from damage or accidental operation such as by being hit against a piece of furniture during use. As exemplified, a portion of the dirt collection chamber is positioned interior of the main body when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the main body. Accordingly, release arms  280  may be provided on the dirt collection chamber at a location that will result in release arms being covered by a protective wall when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the main body. 
     Each release arm  280  includes an engagement member (e.g., an outward protrusion  284  on an outer surface  288  thereof) suitable for releasable engagement with main body  108  in the locked position of locking mechanism  272 . If the engagement member of release arm  280  is located internal of main body  108 , then the mating engagement member on main body  108  may also be positioned internal of main body  108 . As exemplified, main body  108  includes a mating engagement member (e.g., an inward protrusion  292  on an inner surface  294  of main body  108 ) for engagement with the locking mechanism engagement member. Outward protrusion  284  and inward protrusion (e.g. lip)  292  are examples of engagement members. Other examples of suitable engagement members include oppositely charged magnets, hook and loop fasteners, and mating male/female snap components. 
     It will be appreciated that the mating engagement member on main body  108  may be provided on any suitable inner surface of main body  108 . For example, an engagement member may be provided on an inner surface of recess  240 . In the illustrated example, recess  240  further includes a rear portion  308  for receiving a further portion of cyclone bin assembly  144 . As shown, recess rear portion  308  is defined at least in part by sidewalls  310 , upper wall  312 , and rear wall  314 . A forward end  316  of rear portion  308  is preferably contiguous with the front portion of recess  240 . As illustrated, forward end  316  of rear portion  308  is coincident with rear wall  252  of the forward portion of recess  240 . In the example shown, protrusions  292  extend inwardly from an inner surface  294  of each sidewall  310 . 
     Each release arm  280  may have any suitable configuration that permits it to move from a locked position in which the release arm engagement member may engage with main body  108 , and an unlocked position in which the release arm engagement member is disengaged from main body  108 . In the illustrated example, release arms are located inside main body  108  when cyclone bin assembly  144  is mounted thereto. Accordingly, release arms  280  are movable in a manner that permits outward protrusion  284  to move outwardly into engagement with main body  108  to a locked position (see  FIG. 11 ), and to move inwardly out of engagement with main body  108  to an unlocked position (see  FIG. 12 ). In alternative embodiments, release arms  280  may movable in a manner that permits the corresponding engagement member to move in a different direction (e.g. forwardly, rearwardly, upwardly, or downwardly) into and out of engagement with main body  108 . 
     Each release arm  280  may be mounted to cyclone bin assembly  144  in any suitable manner to permit the corresponding engagement member to move between the locked and unlocked positions. In the illustrated example, release arms  280  are pivotally mounted to cyclone bin assembly  144  for pivoting between the unlocked and locked positions. As shown, each release arm  280  can pivot about an axis of rotation  298  between the unlocked and locked positions. Protrusions  284  move outwardly to engage with main body  108  when release arms  280  pivot in one direction, and move inwardly to disengage from main body  108  when release arms pivot  280  pivot in the other direction. In alternative embodiments, a release arm  280  may be, e.g., slideably mounted to cyclone bin assembly  144  for translating between the unlocked and locked positions. 
     In the illustrated example, each release arm  280  extends between a drive end  300  and a body engagement end  302 , and the pivot mount is located between the body engagement and drive ends  300  and  302 . Preferably, one or more of release arms  280  are biased to the locked position using a biasing member. For example, a biasing member such as a linear or torsional spring (not shown) may act upon a release arm  280  to rotate the release arm  280  toward the locked position. As shown, in the locked position, body engagement end  302  of release arm  280  may contact dirt collection chamber  160  which may inhibit further rotation about axis  298  in that direction. 
     Preferably, each actuator  276  is drivingly connected to a corresponding release arm  280  for moving the release arm  280  to the unlocked position. For example, each actuator  276  may be drivingly connected to, e.g., in contact with, the drive end  300  of a corresponding release arm  280 , and inwardly movable for urging the drive end  300  to move inwardly toward the unlocked position. In the illustrated example, each actuator  276  includes a drive end  304  positioned in overlapping relation to a release arm drive end  300 , and inwardly movable for driving the drive end  300  toward the unlocked position. As shown, actuator drive end  304  is positioned outboard of release arm drive end  300 , such that moving the actuator drive end  304  inward (e.g. by squeezing actuators  276  together) pushes release arm drive ends  300  inwardly (which disengages release arm protrusions  284  from main body  108 ). 
     Each actuator  276  may be movable in any manner suitable for driving release arms  280  into the unlocked and/or locked positions. Preferably, actuators  276  are hand-operable. In the illustrated example, each actuator  276  is pivotally mounted to cyclone bin assembly  144 . As shown, each actuator  276  is rotatable about an axis  306  at a pivot end  305  opposite drive end  304 . In use a user may drive a release arm  280  to the unlocked position by applying force between pivot and drive ends  304  and  305  of the corresponding actuator  276  to pivot the actuator  276  and its drive end  304  inwardly. 
     Preferably, actuators  276  are biased toward the locked position (in this case outwardly). For example, a biasing member such as a spring, may act upon each actuator  276  so that the actuator  276  is normally in the locked position. This may permit actuators  276  to return to the locked position when the user releases the actuators  276  (e.g. after replacing cyclone bin assembly  144  inside main body  108 ). 
     Preferably, at least a portion of each actuator  276  is accessible while cyclone bin assembly  144  is secured to main body  108  by locking mechanism  272 . For example, at least a portion of each actuator  276  may be positioned outside of recess  240 . In the illustrated example, a bottom end  318  of sidewalls  310  of recess  240  is positioned above actuators  276  so that actuators  276  are positioned outside of recess  240  and are accessible while cyclone bin assembly  144  is secured to main body  108 . 
     Preferably, a user may manipulate actuators  276  on cyclone bin assembly  144  with one hand to disengage and detach cyclone bin assembly  144 , while grasping main body  108 , e.g. by handle  112 , with their other hand. This may permit cyclone bin assembly  144  to be detached from main body  108  simply and quickly. In the illustrated example, cyclone bin assembly  144  includes two actuators  276  positioned on opposite sides of cyclone bin assembly  144 . Optionally, actuators  276  may include a gripping portion  320  to direct users where to apply pressure to activate the actuator  276 . In use, the user may position their thumb on the gripping portion  320  of one actuator  276  and their other fingers on the gripping portion  320  of the other actuator  276 , and then squeeze to rotate both actuators  276  inwardly and thereby move the locking mechanism  272  to the unlocked position. Afterward, the user may rely upon the grip obtained by squeezing actuators  276  to withdraw dirt collection chamber  160  from main body  108 , while continuing to grasp main body  108  with their other hand. 
     Preferably, all moving parts of locking mechanism  272  are positioned on cyclone bin assembly  144 . In the illustrated example, inward protrusion  292  is the only component of locking mechanism  272  that is not positioned on cyclone bin assembly  144 , and it is preferably a static, non-movable element. 
     The dirt collection chamber  160  is preferably openable for emptying cyclone bin assembly  144  while cyclone bin assembly  144  remains secured to main body  108 . Accordingly, as exemplified in  FIG. 8 , lower wall  172  of dirt collection chamber  160  may be openable while cyclone bin assembly  144  remains secured to main body  108 . Since actuators  276  are positioned on openable lower wall  172 , opening lower wall  172  may move actuators  276  away from a remainder of cyclone bin assembly  144  and from main body  108 . As exemplified, actuators  276  are provided on openable lower wall  172  and release arms are located on other than the openable lower wall  172  (e.g., a non-moveable portion of the cyclone bin assembly) actuators  276  disengage, and optionally automatically disengage, from release arms  280  when lower wall  172  is opened, and automatically reestablish a driving connection to release arms  280  when lower wall  172  is reclosed. In the illustrated example, each drive end  304  slides downwardly away from and out of overlapping relationship with drive end  300  when lower wall  172  is opened, and moves back toward and into overlapping relationship with drive end  300  when lower wall  172  is closed. 
     In this embodiment, outward protrusion  284  remains engaged with main body  108  when lower wall  172  is opened. It will be appreciated that since actuators  276  have been moved out of driving engagement with release arms  280  and that since release arms  280  are located interior of main body  108 , this mitigates the risk of accidentally releasing cyclone bin assembly  144  from main body  108  when lower wall  172  is open. 
     It will be appreciated that, in an alternate embodiment, lower wall  172  may not be openable. In another embodiment, actuator  276  may be provided above lower openable wall  172 . In any such embodiment, actuator  276  may be provided with the member that engages main body  108 . For example, protrusion  284  may be provided on actuator  276  or actuator  276  and release arm  280  may be a unitary construction (e.g., they may be integrally molded together. 
     It will be appreciated that any locking mechanism may be used with other aspects of this disclosure. 
     Pre-Motor Filter 
     Optionally, one or more pre-motor filters may be placed in the air flow path between the cyclone bin assembly and the suction motor. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more post-motor filters may be provided downstream from the suction motor. The following is a description of a pre-motor filter housing construction that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 13 , in the illustrated embodiment a pre-motor filter chamber (i.e. housing)  352  is provided as a portion of main body  108  of surface cleaning apparatus  100 , above recess  240  that receives cyclone bin assembly  144 . As shown, pre-motor filter chamber  352  is bounded by a bottom wall  356 , a sidewall  360  and an upper wall  364 . In the illustrated example the upper wall  364  is provided by an upper cover  368 . Preferably, at least one of the bottom wall  356 , sidewall  360  and upper cover  368  are openable to allow access to the interior of the pre-motor filter chamber. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper cover  368  is removable ( FIG. 13 ) to provide access to the interior of chamber  352 . Alternatively, instead of being removable the upper cover  368  may be pivotally openable or otherwise moveably coupled to the main body. 
     One or more filters may be positioned within the pre-motor filter chamber  352  to filter fine particles from the air stream entering recess air inlet  348 , before it flows into the inlet of the suction motor  148 . The filters may be of any suitable configuration and formed from any suitable materials. In the illustrated embodiment, a foam filter  368  and a downstream felt filter  372  are positioned within the pre-motor filter chamber  352 . As shown, pre-motor filter chamber  352 , as well as filters  368  and  372 , are positioned above recess  240 . 
     In the illustrated example, the bottom wall  356  includes a plurality of upstanding support ribs  376  to support the filters  368  and  372  positioned within the chamber  352 . The support ribs  376  may hold the filters  368  and  372  above the surface of the bottom wall  356  to define a lower header or headspace  380 , to allow for air to flow laterally between the bottom surface  384  of filter  372  and the bottom wall  356 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the upstream side  388  of the foam filter  368  is provided facing the openable lid. Accordingly, air flows generally downwardly through the filters  368  and  372  to suction motor inlet  390 . The upper cover  368  is optionally shaped so that when it is closed ( FIG. 4 ) an upper or upstream headspace or header  392  is provided between the inner surface of the upper cover  364  and the upstream side  388  of the foam filter  368 . To provide air flow communication between the cyclone air outlet  192  and the upstream headspace  392 , it is preferred that the vortex finder  396  or an extension thereof extends through the pre-motor filters  368  and  372  and preferably extends into the interior of the pre-motor filter chamber  352 , through the filters  368  and  372  therein, and has an outlet end  400  that is located within the upstream head space  392  above filters  368  and  372 . To accommodate the extension of the vortex finder  396 , each filter  368  and  372  includes a correspondingly shaped conduit aperture  404  ( FIG. 13 ). It will be appreciated that other flow paths may be used to connect vortex finder  396  in air communication with upstream headspace  392 . 
     As exemplified, the pre-motor filter chamber  352 , and the filters therein  368  and  372 , are positioned above the cyclone chamber  156  and the suction motor. An advantage of this design is that the upstream face of the pre-motor filter may have a larger cross sectional area. A further advantage is that the pre-motor filter chamber  352  may also essentially function as an air flow passage from the cyclone to the suction motor (e.g., as exemplified, lower header  380  has an outlet leading down into the suction motor). 
     When surface cleaning apparatus  100  is in use, air exiting cyclone chamber air outlet  192  may flow into recess air inlet  348  and through vortex finder  396  into upstream head space  392 . Within the upstream headspace  392  the air can flow laterally across the upstream surface  388  of the foam filter  368 , and down through filters  368  and  372  into downstream head space  380  toward suction motor inlet  390 . As shown, suction motor inlet  390  may be positioned in an upper end  428  of main body  108 , and suction motor outlet  406  may be positioned in a lower end  432  of main body  108 . 
     Position and Orientation of the Suction Motor 
     The following is a description of position and orientation of the suction motor that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. 
     In accordance with this aspect, suction motor  148  is positioned and oriented relative to handle  112  in manner which may improve the balance of surface cleaning apparatus  100  when it is used in a hand held mode as exemplified in  FIG. 20  and  FIG. 22 . A large proportion of the weight of surface cleaning apparatus  100  may be attributed to suction motor  148 . Accordingly, the position and orientation of suction motor  148  may significantly influence the balance and hand weight of surface cleaning apparatus  100  when handled by a user. In accordance with this aspect, the suction motor is positioned proximate handle  112 . It will be appreciated that the closer the suction motor is to handle  112 , the smaller the moment arm between the handle and the center of gravity of the suction motor. As a result, a user will have to exert less force to maintain surface cleaning apparatus  100  at a desired orientation while in a hand held cleaning mode. 
     In order to reduce the moment arm between the handle and the center of gravity of the suction motor, suction motor  148  may be positioned forward or rearward of handle  112  but proximate thereto so as to reduce the forward/rearward moment arm. Similarly, suction motor  148  may be positioned generally between the top and bottom of handle  112  so as to reduce the vertical moment arm. In such a configuration, the center of gravity of suction motor is between the top and bottom of handle  112 . 
     Handle  112  has a handle axis  424 . The angle of handle axis  424  may be selected to enhance the operating ergonomics of the vacuum cleaner (e.g., the handle may be oriented to so that the wrist of a user is at a desired orientation, such as a neutral orientation to the user&#39;s arm, when using the vacuum cleaner). Accordingly, while handle axis  424  may be oriented at any suitable angle to horizontal and vertical axes  408  and  412 , handle axis  424  may be angled at between 5 to 45 degrees from vertical axis  412  and, more preferably, at about 30 degrees. 
     Handle  112  may generally extend along handle axis  424  at any suitable location on main body  108 . For example, handle  112  may be mounted between upper and lower ends  428  and  432  of main body  108 . In the illustrated example, handle  112  includes an upper end  436  mounted to main body upper end  428 , and a lower end  440  mounted to main body lower end  432 . Further, as shown, handle  112  is mounted to the rear end  444  of main body  108 . In the illustrated example, motor center of gravity  420  is positioned between upper and lower end  436  and  440  of handle  112 . 
     The angle of suction motor  148  relative to the horizontal and vertical axes  408  and  412  may be selected to position the center of gravity of suction motor  148  as close to handle  112 , and optionally as close to handle  112  as possible, to thereby improve the balance of surface cleaning apparatus  100  in some modes of operation. As exemplified, motor axis  416  is approximately parallel to handle  112 . Therefore, as with handle  112 , motor axis  416  may be angled forwardly between 5 degrees and 45 degrees from vertical axis  412  of apparatus  100 . In the illustrated example, motor axis  416  is angled forwardly approximately 30 degrees from vertical axis  412 . Accordingly, handle axis  424  and motor axis  416  are parallel and angled approximately 30 degrees to vertical axis  412 . 
     In this orientation, the distance between handle  112  and suction motor  148  remains generally constant. An advantage of this design is that the mass of suction motor  148  is maintained as close as possible to handle  112  as permitted by the geometry of main body  108 . For example, as exemplified in  FIG. 4 , handle  112  is spaced from motor housing  152  so as to define a gap  452  in which a user may place the user&#39;s fingers while gripping handle  112 . Motor housing  152  is located in main body  108  on the opposite side of gap  452  from handle  112 . Therefore, the center of gravity  420  of suction motor  148  is located forward of and as close as possible to handle  112  allowing for gap  452 . 
     As exemplified, the center of gravity  420  of suction motor  148  is also located generally between the top and bottom of handle  112 . Accordingly, the vertical moment arm is reduced. It some embodiments, it will be appreciated that part of the suction motor may extend above the top of handle  112  and/or below the bottom of handle  112 . For example, if the suction motor is longer than the handle, the suction motor may be positioned along handle  112  such that the center of gravity is between the top and bottom of handle  112  and preferable such that the center of gravity  420  of suction motor  148  is located proximate a midpoint of handle  112  between the top and bottom of handle  112 . 
     In the exemplified embodiment, it will also be appreciated that the center of gravity  420  of suction motor  148  is also located below the upper end  256  of cyclone bin assembly  144 . 
     In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that suction motor  148  may be oriented inside main body  108  at any angle to horizontal axis  408  and vertical axis  412  of surface cleaning apparatus  100 . 
     Clean air outlet  120  may be positioned on a lower end  432  of main body  108 . For example, clean air outlet  120  may be positioned on a lower surface  448  of main body  108 . In the example shown, clean air outlet  120  is positioned directly beneath handle  112 . 
     It will be appreciated that any position and orientation of the suction motor may be used with other aspects of this disclosure. 
     Enhanced Dirt Collection Capacity 
     The following is a description of a dirt collection chamber that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. 
     In accordance with this aspect, the capacity of a dirt collection chamber for a cyclone may be increased by extending the dirt collection chamber outwardly from beneath cyclone chamber  156  to occupy space generally beneath main body  108 . For example, dirt collection chamber  160  may extend forwardly and/or rearwardly of cyclone chamber  156 . 
     In accordance with this aspect, suction motor  148  may be angled. Accordingly, the vertical distance occupied by the suction motor (i.e., the vertical extent between the top and bottom of suction motor  148 ) is reduced and this may enable part of the dirt collection chamber to extend under suction motor  148 . An advantage of this design is that enhanced dirt collection capacity may be provided with a small increase in the footprint of the vacuum cleaner  100 . Accordingly, surface cleaning apparatus  100  may collect more dirt before emptying, and yet still be maneuverable and easy to handle. 
       FIGS. 4, 15, and 16  exemplify a surface cleaning apparatus  100  that has a compact design with a high capacity dirt collection chamber. In the illustrated example, dirt collection chamber  160  extends both forwardly and rearwardly of cyclone chamber  156 . As shown, dirt collection chamber  160  includes a forward portion  500  positioned forward of cyclone chamber  156 , and a rear portion  520  positioned rearward of cyclone chamber  156 . 
     Forward portion  500  is bounded by a front wall  504 , a forward portion  508  of upper wall  168 , and a forward portion  512  of lower wall  172 , all of which is positioned forward of cyclone chamber  156 . Forward portion  500  may provide additional volume to dirt collection chamber  160 , and/or may permit dirt collection chamber  160  to provide the same volume with a lesser height  516 . In alternative embodiments, dirt collection chamber  160  may not extend forward of cyclone chamber  156 . 
     Rear portion  520  is bounded by a rear wall  524 , a rear portion  528  of upper wall  168 , and a rear portion  532  of lower wall  172 . Rear portion  520  may provide additional volume to dirt collection chamber  160 , and/or may permit dirt collection chamber  160  to provide the same volume with a lesser height  516 . In alternative embodiments, dirt collection chamber  160  may not extend rearward of cyclone chamber  156 . 
     Dirt collection chamber  160  may extend under at least a portion of suction motor  148 . For example, suction motor  148  may be positioned rearward of cyclone chamber  156  and at least part of rear portion  520  of dirt collection chamber  160  may be positioned under at least a portion of suction motor  148 . Optionally, rear portion  520  of dirt collection chamber  160  may be positioned under all of suction motor  148 . 
     Preferably, dirt collection chamber  160  may be shaped to efficiently occupy the space available under main body  108 . For example, dirt collection chamber  160  may include one or more walls shaped to generally follow the contours of one or more walls of main body  108 . In some embodiments, dirt collection chamber  160  may include a recess for receiving at least a portion of the suction motor housing. In the illustrated example, rear portion  528  of upper wall  168  includes a recess  536  for receiving a lower portion of suction motor  148 . More specifically, rear portion  528  of upper wall  168  has a surface  540  angled downwardly toward rear end  444  of apparatus  100  to define recess  536 . Downwardly angled surface  540  may generally correspond with the downwardly angled outer surface  544  of motor housing  152 . This may permit rear portion  520  of dirt collection chamber  160  to partially surround motor housing  152  to occupy the space below and around motor housing  152  for additional storage capacity. 
     Cyclone chamber  156  includes one or more dirt outlets in communication with the dirt collection chamber. The cyclone chamber dirt outlet may be positioned to preferentially direct dirt toward the furthest wall of dirt collection chamber  160 . In the illustrated example, dirt collection chamber  160  extends farther rearwardly of cyclone chamber  156  than it does forwardly of cyclone chamber  156  and dirt outlet  196  is positioned in a rear side of cyclone chamber sidewall  186 . In use, dirt may be propelled rearwardly from cyclone chamber  156  through rear dirt outlet  196  to the rear portion  520  of dirt collection chamber  160 . 
     It will be appreciated that any dirt collection chamber structure may be used with other aspects of this disclosure. 
     Wand Release 
     The following is a description of a wand release mechanism that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. 
     In accordance with this aspect, a wand release is provided that may be operated by a user while cleaning using surface cleaning apparatus  100  so that a user need not shut of the surface cleaning apparatus to reconfigure the surface cleaning apparatus to, e.g., an above floor cleaning configuration. Accordingly, the wand release may be operable by a user&#39;s foot, such as by a foot pedal. The user may step on the wand release to release the wand while continuing to operate the surface cleaning apparatus  100 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 2, and 17-19 , inlet end  124  of surface cleaning apparatus  100  may be connected, and preferably releasably connected, in air flow communication with a surface cleaning head  136 , such as via a wand  132  that is pivotally connected to surface cleaning head  136 . When surface cleaning apparatus  100  is mounted to the downstream end of wand  132  and wand  132  is connected to surface cleaning head  136 , surface cleaning apparatus  100  may be used to clean a floor or other surface in a manner analogous to conventional upright-style vacuum cleaners. Accordingly, surface cleaning apparatus  100  may be pivoted from an upright storage position ( FIG. 2 ) to an in-use position, and then manipulated to maneuver surface cleaning head  136  over a surface for cleaning ( FIG. 14B ). 
     In the illustrated example, wand  132  includes an upper end  548  removably mounted to conduit  128 , and a lower end  552  removably mounted to surface cleaning head  136 . Preferably, surface cleaning head  136  includes an upstream portion  556  pivotally connected to a downstream portion  560 . Surface cleaning head  136  may be any surface cleaning head known in the art. Accordingly, upstream portion  556  may include a rotatably mounted brush roll, a brush roll motor and wheels. In the illustrated example, upstream portion  556  includes a cleaning head dirty air inlet  564 , and downstream portion  560  includes an air outlet  568 . 
     In use, the surface cleaning apparatus  100  may be manipulated to selectively pivot downstream portion  560  relative to upstream portion  556  for maneuvering upstream portion  556  (and dirty air inlet  116 ) over a surface for cleaning. Wand  132  may also be rotatably or otherwise moveably mounted to downstream portion  560  so as to be steeringly coupled to surface cleaning head  136 . 
     In some embodiments, surface cleaning apparatus  100  may be directly connected to surface cleaning head  136 . For example, conduit  128  may directly connect to surface cleaning head  136  (see  FIG. 20 ). 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , locking mechanism  572  is described with respect to surface cleaning head  136  and wand  132 . However, it is expressly contemplated that, alternatively or in addition, conduit  128  may include the same or analogous elements/structure of wand  132  which relate to locking mechanism  572 . For example, conduit  128  may be substituted for wand  132  in the following paragraphs. 
     Locking mechanism  572  is reconfigurable between a locked position in which wand  132  is secured to downstream portion  560  of the surface cleaning head, and an unlocked position in which wand  132  is removable (e.g. freely removable) from downstream portion  560 . Locking mechanism  572  may include one or more foot operable actuators for manually moving locking mechanism  572  from the locked position to the unlocked position, and/or vice versa. The actuator may be positioned in any suitable location on surface cleaning head  136  or wand  132 . For example, the actuator may be positioned on one of the upstream or downstream portions  556  and  560  of surface cleaning head  136 . In the illustrated example, actuator  576  comprises a single foot pedal positioned on downstream portion  556  of surface cleaning head  136 . 
     Actuator  576  may directly engage wand  132  and secure wand  132  in position, Alternately, as exemplified, locking mechanism  572  may include one or more release arms  580  that are drivenly connected to actuator  576 . The release arms may be positioned on one of surface cleaning head  136  and wand  132 , and releasably engage the other of surface cleaning head  136  and wand  132  when locking mechanism  572  is in the locked position. For example, a release arm on surface cleaning head  136  may include an engagement member that in the locked position releasably engages an engagement member on wand  132 . In the example shown, locking mechanism  572  includes one release arm  580 . Release arm  580  is shown including an inward protrusion  584  on an inner surface  588  thereof that releasably engages a recess  592  on an outer surface  596  of wand lower end  596 . Inward protrusion  584  and recess  592  are examples of engagement members. Other examples of engagement members include oppositely charged magnets, hook and loop fasteners, and mating male/female snap components, latches and the like. 
     In the illustrated example, actuator  576  includes a pedal surface  620  which extends exterior to downstream portion  560  for operation by a user&#39;s foot. In use, a user may step onto pedal surface  620  to slide actuator  576  downwardly and unlock locking mechanism  572  as described above. Alternately, actuator  576  may be a button, lever, or the like that is foot operable. 
     Actuator  576  may be moveably mounted to surface cleaning head  136  for movement between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, actuator  576  may either release control of release arm  580  (e.g. a biasing member such as a spring to move release arm  580  to the unlocked position) or urge release arm  580  into the unlocked position. Preferably, actuator  576  is biased to the locked position. For example, a biasing member such as a linear spring  626  may act upon actuator  576  to urge actuator  576  to the locked position. In the example shown, a linear spring  626  is positioned below actuator  576  for urging actuator  576  upwardly to the locked position. This may permit actuator  576  to automatically (i.e. without additional user action) return to the locked position when the user ceases to apply force (e.g. with their foot) to actuator  576 . 
     Release arm  580  may have any suitable configuration and may be mounted to surface cleaning head  136  in any suitable manner for movement between a locked position in which the release arm engages wand  132  (e.g. when wand  132  is suitably received in surface cleaning head downstream portion  560 ), and an unlocked position in which the release arm  580  disengages from wand  132 . In the illustrated example, inward protrusion  584  of release arm  580  is inwardly movable to a locked position, and outwardly movable to an unlocked position. In the illustrated example, release arm  580  is pivotally mounted to surface cleaning head  136  for pivoting about an axis of rotation  600  between the unlocked and locked positions. 
     As exemplified, release arm  580  includes a body engagement end  604  and a drive end  608 . Body engagement end  604  includes inward protrusion  584 . Release arm  580  is pivotally mounted to surface cleaning head  136  between body engagement and drive ends  604  and  608 . Actuator  576  is drivingly connected to the drive end  608  of release arm  580  for moving the release arm  580  to the unlocked position. In the illustrated example, actuator  576  includes an engagement surface  612  and drive end  608  of release arm  580  includes an angled engagement surface  616 . Surfaces  612  and  616  are aligned such that when actuator  576  moves downwardly, actuator engagement surface  612  cams against drive end engagement surface  616  which urges drive end  608  to move inwardly. This pivots release arm  580  moving release arm  580  outwardly to the unlocked position. 
     Preferably, release arm  580  is biased to the locked position. For example, a biasing member such as a linear spring  624  or a torsional spring may act upon release arm  580  to rotate the release arm  580  toward the locked position. In the example shown, a linear spring  624  is positioned to urge drive end  608  of release arm  580  outwardly to pivot release arm  580  to the locked position. This may permit release arm  580  to automatically (i.e. with additional user action) engage wand  132  upon insertion of wand  132  into surface cleaning head downstream portion  560 . 
     Preferably, all moving parts of locking mechanism  572  are positioned on surface cleaning head  136 . This may make adapting accessories that are compatible with locking mechanism  572  less complicated. In the illustrated example, recess  592  is the only component of locking mechanism  572  not positioned on surface cleaning head  136 , and is preferably a static, non-movable element. Compatibility with locking mechanism  572  may require only an upstream conduit sized to fit into downstream portion  560  and a recess  592  for engagement by release arm  580 . Optionally, surface cleaning head  136  may include a cover  628  for concealing one or more components (such as release arm  580 ) of locking mechanism  572 . 
     It will be appreciated that any release mechanism may be used with other aspects of this disclosure. 
     Electrical Connector Guard 
     The following is a description of an electrical connector guard that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. 
     In accordance with this aspect, surface cleaning apparatus  100  has an electrical connector to which an accessory tool, such as an electrified cleaning wand or motorized cleaning head may be connected. In some cases, the accessory tool may not require an electrical connection (e.g., a crevice tool). In such a case, the accessory tool may be mounted to conduit  128  without needing to connect to the electrical connector. In such a case, the electrical connector may be exposed. If the electrical connector is live, a user might be exposed to an electrical shock risk from the exposed electrical connector. In accordance with this aspect, the accessory tool is provided with a cover or cowl to cover or surround the electrical connector. The cowl protects the electrical connector from damage (e.g., by hitting a piece of furniture during use of the surface cleaning apparatus) and inhibits a user being exposed to an electrical shock risk from the exposed electrical connector. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , surface cleaning apparatus  100  may include an electrical connector, such as socket  140 , for providing electrical power to a powered accessory, such as a motor-driven brush or a light. Electrical connector  140  may be a male or female connector including any number of electrical wires (e.g. one to five wires). In the illustrated example, connector  140  is a female socket including three wires. Three-wire connector  140  may form part of an electrical circuit that controls the power and/or operation mode of a connected accessory. For example, electrical wires  636  may connect three-wire connector  140  to multi-position switch  640 . The position of switch  640  may toggle power to a connected accessory, and/or control the mode of operation of the accessory (e.g., suction motor on, brush of; suction motor on, brush low speed; suction motor on, brush high speed). 
     Electrical connector  140  may be positioned in any suitable location on surface cleaning apparatus  100 . Preferably, electrical connector  140  is positioned proximate inlet end  124 . This may permit electrical connector  140  to join with a mating accessory connector when the accessory is fluidly coupled to inlet end  124 . Reference is now made to  FIGS. 4 and 21 . In the illustrated example, wand  132  includes a downstream end  548  that is releasably securable to inlet end  124 . For example, conduit  128  may be receivable inside wand downstream end  548 , and releasably secured in position by locking mechanism  644  (e.g. a latch). Further, wand  132  is shown including a downstream connector  648  at downstream end  548 . Preferably wand downstream connector  648  mates with main body connector  140  substantially concurrently as wand downstream end  548  is secured to conduit  128 . 
     As shown, wand  132  further includes an upstream connector  652  at wand upstream end  552 . Electrical wires  656  extend from wand downstream connector  648  to wand upstream connector  652  for transmitting electricity therebetween. Preferably, electrical wires  656  are isolated from the airflow path extending between the upstream and downstream ends  548  and  552  of wand  132 . For example, wand  132  may include an isolated conduit  656  in an interior thereof for housing wires  656 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , an accessory such as surface cleaning head  136  may include an electrical connector  664  for mating with upstream connector  652 . In use, wand  132  may transmit power from surface cleaning apparatus  100  to the electrical connector of an accessory for providing power to that accessory (e.g. to power a motor or a light). In the illustrated example, electrical wires  668  extend from surface cleaning head connector  664  to a power brush motor  672 . 
     In some cases, an accessory may not require power from surface cleaning apparatus  100  when connected thereto. For example, the accessory may have its own source of power or may not be powered at all. This may leave electrical connector  140  disconnected. Preferably, such an accessory may protect electrical connector  140  against exposure to dirt and damage. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 22 and 23 . In the illustrated example, a hose  676  is shown connected to main body  108 . Hose  676  includes a downstream end  680  which may be releasably secured to main body  108  in any suitable way. For example, downstream end  680  may include a cylindrical receptacle  684  for receiving conduit  128  of main body  108 . Downstream end  680  may also provide protection for electrical connector  140  against exposure to dirt and damage. In the illustrated example, downstream end  680  includes a connector guard  688  for receiving electrical connector  664  when downstream end  680  is connected to main body  108 . 
     Connector guard  688  may take any suitable form. In the illustrated example, connector guard  688  includes sidewalls  692  and  696 , and an end wall  700 , which collectively define a cavity  704  for receiving electrical connector  140 . Cavity  704  is preferably sized to substantially enclose electrical connector  140  when downstream end  680  is secured to main body  108 . As illustrated, inner sidewall  696  may be a sidewall of receptacle  684  or an independent sidewall. Optionally, opening  708  to receptacle  684  and the opening to connector guard  688  lie in substantially the same plane, as shown. This may permit connector guard  688  to effectively cover electrical connector  664  against debris and damage. 
     It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, connector guard  688  may be of any design that covers the inlet end of electrical connector  140  and need not cover all of electrical connector  140 . 
     Powered Accessories 
     The following is a description of a control arrangement for powered accessories that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. 
     Preferably, surface cleaning apparatus  100  may be connected to a plurality of different accessories. Some accessories may have more operational modes than others. For example, some accessories may have a single operational mode (i.e. on), whereas other accessories may have multiple operational modes (e.g., high and low). As used herein and in the claims, off is not considered an “operational mode” and is common to all accessories. According to some electrical circuits, a two-wire connection between apparatus  100  and an accessory may be sufficient to provide control over a single operational mode, and a three-wire connection may be used to provide control over multiple operational modes. 
     Surface cleaning apparatus  100  is provided with a multi-position switch  640  which may have more than two positions (other than off). For example switch  640  may be moveable between an “off” position in which all of the wires in electrical connector  140  are de-energized and suction motor  148  is de-energized; “a suction motor on, brush low speed” position in which electrical connector  140  is energized to provide a first lower level of power and suction motor  148  is energized; and, a “suction motor on, brush high speed” position in which electrical connector  140  is energized to provide a second higher level of power and suction motor  148  is energized. 
     Preferably, the same electrical connector  140  is used to connect with accessories having limited operational modes, and with accessories having many operational modes. For example, electrical connector  140  may be a three-wire electrical socket that is connectable with both two and three wire mating accessory electrical plugs. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 24-26 . In the illustrated example, surface cleaning head  136  includes three-wire electrical connector  664 . This may permit a user actuating a switch on surface cleaning apparatus  100  to select an operational mode for surface cleaning head  136  and also to actuate suction motor  148 . For example, surface cleaning head  136  may include two modes of operation—high brush speed and low brush speed. In use, a user may selectively position a control actuator, such as multi-position switch  640 , between an off position, a first (or low brush speed) position wherein the suction motor is also actuated, and a second (or high brush speed) position wherein the suction motor is also actuated. 
       FIGS. 25-26  illustrate an exemplary upholstery cleaner  716  which has only one mode of operation, i.e., upholstery cleaner  716  has a power brush that may only be turned on or off. As shown, upholstery cleaner  716  may include an electrical connector  720  having just two wires. The two wires of upholstery cleaner electrical connector  720  may connect with two of the three wires of main body electrical connector  140 . In this case, the third wire of main body electrical connector  140  may remain disconnected. When electrical connectors  720  and  140  are connected, switch  640  may be operable to turn upholstery cleaner  716  on and off (i.e. to selectively provide power to upholstery cleaner  716 ). In such a case, the additional control position is redundant. For example, the motor of upholstery cleaner  716  may be energized at the same power level in positions of switch  640  in which suction motor  148  is energized or it may be energized in only one of the positions of switch  640  in which suction motor  148  is energized. 
     Optionally, electrical connector  720  of upholstery cleaner  716  may include a connector guard  724 . Connector guard  724  is substantially similar to connector guard  688  described above. Connector guard  724  may surround electrical connector  140  to protect at least the disconnected third wire from exposure to dirt and damage. 
     Alternatively, the first position of switch  640  may provide power to surface cleaning apparatus  100 , and second/further positions of switch  640  may provide power to both surface cleaning apparatus  100  and the connected accessory. This may permit the accessory to be selectively activated while powering surface cleaning apparatus  100 . 
     In alternate embodiments, a separate on/off switch may be provided for suction motor  148 . 
     It will be appreciated that any control mechanism may be used with other aspects of this disclosure. 
     Openable Cleaning Tool 
     The following is a description of an openable cleaning tool that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. 
     In accordance with this aspect, a cleaning tool has a cleaning member that may require occasional cleaning. For example, the cleaning tool may include a brush that may collect hairs or other elongate material, e.g., a rotatable bush. In such a case, the user may occasional desire to clean the brush by removing the elongate material therefrom. Accordingly, the cleaning tool may have an openable member which is situated so as to permit a user to clean the brush while the brush is still mounted in the cleaning tool. Preferably, the openable member increases the size of the dirty air inlet of the cleaning tool. Accordingly, one part of the housing defining the dirty air inlet may be moveable mounted (e.g., pivotally, slideable, etc.) to the rest of the housing. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 25-28 , an upholstery cleaning accessory  716  has a motorized brush roll. Upholstery cleaning accessory  716  has a downstream portion  728  that may be releasably securable to inlet end  124  of surface cleaning apparatus  100  by any means known in the art. Downstream portion  728  may be releasably securable to surface cleaning apparatus  100  directly as shown in  FIG. 26 , or indirectly such as by way of an intermediate hose  736  (see  FIG. 26B ). Downstream portion  728  includes an air outlet  740  at opening  744  for receiving at least a portion of main body conduit  128  to connect air outlet  740  in air communication with dirty air inlet  116 . Upstream portion  732  of accessory  716  has a dirty air inlet  748  at a lower end  752  thereof. Dirty air inlet  748  is in fluid communication with air outlet  740  to form an airflow pathway therebetween. When downstream portion  728  is connected to surface cleaning apparatus  100 , a contiguous airflow pathway is formed from upholstery cleaner dirty air inlet  748  to apparatus air inlet  116  to apparatus clean air outlet  120 . 
     Upstream portion  732  is provided with a brush  756  having bristles  760  which extend out of dirt air inlet  748  for contacting the cleaning surface and entraining dirt and hair thereon. Optionally, upholstery cleaner  716  further includes a motor (e.g., electric motor or air turbine—not shown), such as in upstream portion  732 , for driving brush  756  to rotate. 
     In operation, brush  756  is prone to having hair and the like being wound around bristles  760 . Accordingly to this aspect, lower end  752  of upstream portion  732  is adapted to provide selective access to brush  756  for cleaning. For example, lower end  752  may include one or more portions which may be moved relative to brush  756  to improve access to brush  756 . In the illustrated example, lower end  752  includes a forward portion  764  and a rear portion  770  which border dirty air inlet  748 . As shown, forward portion  764  may be pivotally mounted to rear portion  770  to permit forward portion  764  to rotate away from brush  756  and thereby provide improved access to brush  756 . As shown, forward portion  764  may be rotated about axis  772  between a closed position ( FIG. 27 ) in which dirty air inlet  748  has a forward length  776 , and an open position ( FIG. 28 ) in which brush dirty air inlet  748  has an enlarged forward length  780  (greater than closed forward length  776 ), which may provide easier access to brush  756 . 
     Optionally, lower end  752  may be rotatably mounted to upstream portion  732 . This may permit lower end  752  to rotate to maintain contact with a cleaning surface. In turn, this may improve the cleaning efficiency of upholstery cleaner  716 , especially for uneven surfaces such as upholstery. In the illustrated example, lower end  752  is rotatable with respect to upstream portion  732  about an axis  784 . Axis  784  may be substantially parallel to brush axis of rotation  788 . More preferably, axis  784  is coincident (i.e. the same) as brush axis  788 . This may permit brush  756  to maintain a constant distance to dirty air inlet  748 , for contacting the cleaning surface with bristles  760 , as lower end  752  is rotated into different positions. 
     Lower end  752  may be rotatable about axis  784  from a first rearward position (see  FIG. 29 ) to a second forward position (see  FIG. 30 ). Optionally, lower end  752  is rotatable between the first and second positions across a range of between 20 and 70 degrees, and preferably across a range of at least 30 degrees. In the illustrated example, lower end  752  is rotatable between the first and second positions across a range of approximately 45 degrees. 
     It will be appreciated that the accessory  716  may be provided with a rotatably mounted lower end  752  without a pivotally mounted forward portion  764 . 
     Optionally, in any embodiment, upholstery cleaner  716  may include a bleed valve. The bleed valve may permit ambient air to enter the airflow pathway through upholstery cleaner  716  to reduce the suction developed at dirty air inlet  748 . Preferably, the bleed valve is manually operable. This may permit a user to selectively open the bleed valve to reduce suction at dirty air inlet  748 , which may improve cleaning efficiency over, e.g. high pile carpet. Alternatively, the bleed valve may open automatically in response to a sealed suction situation (e.g. low pressure) in the airflow pathway. This may help to prevent overheating of suction motor  148  by drawing in additional air through the bleed valve. 
     Bleed valve  792  may be position in any suitable location on upholstery cleaner  716 . In the illustrated example, bleed valve  792  is positioned on an upper surface  796  of upstream portion  732  of upholstery cleaner  716 . In alternative embodiments, bleed valve  792  may be positioned on downstream portion  728 . 
     Bleed valve  792  is an example of a manually openable bleed valve  792 . As shown, bleed valve  792  includes a slide  800  which may be selectively moved (left and right in the example shown) between opened and closed positions. In the open position, bleed valve  792  allows supplemental air to enter the airflow path, and in the closed position, bleed valve  792  does not allow supplemental air to enter the airflow path. Preferably, bleed valve  792  includes additional partially open positions between the open and closed positions. This may provide additional control over the amount of air allowed to cross bleed valve  792  into the airflow path. In turn, this may provide finer control over the suction developed at dirty air inlet  748 . For example, maximum suction may be desired for hard floors, medium suction may be desired for low pile carpet, and minimum suction may be desired for high pile carpet. 
     Lighting 
     The following is a description of a lighting arrangement that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. 
     Surface cleaning apparatus  100  may include one or more lights that operate to illuminate a surface to be cleaned or to illuminate components of surface cleaning apparatus  100 . For example, surface cleaning apparatus  100  or an attached accessory may include one or more forward facing lights (e.g. LED, halogen, or incandescent bulbs). 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1 and 4 . In the illustrated example, surface cleaning apparatus  100  includes an LED light  804 . As shown, light  804  is directed forwardly to shine light onto a cleaning surface forward of inlet end  124 . Preferably, light  804  is positioned on an upper end  428  of main body  108 . In the example shown, light  804  is positioned above conduit  128  and dirty air inlet  116  (e.g., on an upper surface of main body  108  and at the forward end thereof). In some cases, this may permit LED light  804  to shine forwardly, over conduit  128  and an attached accessory, onto the surface to be cleaned. In turn this may permit light  804  to replace any need for a separate light on some accessories, since light  804  may be positioned to shine over the accessory onto the cleaning surface. 
     Light  804  may be activated in any suitable manner. For example, surface cleaning apparatus  100  may include a dedicated actuator (e.g. switch, lever, or button) for powering light  804 . Alternatively, and as shown, light  804  may be powered by operation of a shared control actuator, such as switch  640 . This may permit the activation of light  804  to be coordinated with the activation of other components of surface cleaning apparatus  100  such as suction motor  148 . For example, when switch  640  is in the OFF position, both suction motor  148  and light  804  may be powered off. When switch  640  is in any other position (e.g. a first position), both suction motor  148  and light  804  may be powered on. In effect, light  804  may power on automatically with suction motor  148 . 
     Alternatively, switch  640  may include a first position in which suction motor  148  is powered on while light  804  is powered off, and a second position in which both suction motor  148  and light  804  is powered on. This may permit light  804  to be selectively activated or deactivated while operating surface cleaning apparatus  100 , e.g. to conserve energy. 
     Accessory Mount 
     The following is a description of an accessory mount that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein. 
     In accordance with this aspect, surface cleaning apparatus  100  is provided with storage for one or more accessories. Accordingly, accessories (e.g. a crevice tool, wand extension, power brush, etc.) may be conveniently stored and available when required. These accessories may be mounted to inlet end  124  for expanding the functionality of surface cleaning apparatus  100  or for improving cleaning efficiency on the particular cleaning surface. In order to reduce the footprint of surface cleaning apparatus  100  during use, the storage mount may be provided on wand  132 . An advantage of this design is that the accessory tools are not located on the cleaning head, which could increase the height or width of the cleaning head and reduce the furniture under which it may fit, nor are they located on the hand vac itself. Instead, they are provided on a the wand at a position between the cleaning head and the hand vac. 
     It will be appreciated that the storage mount may be releasable secured to wand  132  or it may be permanently mounted thereto, such as by being molded as part thereof, or by being a separate part that is secured to wand  132  by an adhesive, a mechanical fastener such as a screw or the like. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 2 and 31 , accessory mount  808  for carrying one or more accessories includes an engagement portion  812  for releasably securing mount  808  to wand  132  and one or more mounting portions  816 . Engagement portion  812  may include any suitable retentive member such as a clip, a clamp, magnets, or hook and loop fasteners. This may permit accessory mount  808  to be selectively removed, repositioned, and replaced onto a different position on wand  132 . In the illustrated example, engagement portion  812  includes a clip  820  sized to grasp wand  132 . Clip  820  includes a pair of spaced apart resilient arms  822  which can be spread apart to receive wand  132  and afterward released to bear down onto wand  132 . 
     Accessory mount  808  is shown including two mounting portions  816  laterally connected to engagement portion  812 . Mounting portions  816  are positioned to support an accessory, such as crevice tool  824  or brush  828 . Preferably, one or more of mounting portion  816 , and more preferably both of mounting portion  816 , can support an accessory oriented in parallel with the mounting surface (here wand  132 ) as shown. In alternative embodiments, one or more of mounting portions  816  may support an accessory oriented at an angle to the mounting surface. 
     In some embodiments, accessory mount  808  may include more than two mounting portions  816 . For example, accessory mount  808  may include a plurality of mounting portions  816  arranged in pairs (or larger groups), which are distributed about a periphery of engagement portion  808 . 
     Each accessory mount  808  may have any suitable configuration for supporting an accessory. For example, each accessory mount  808  may include one or more of a plug, a receptacle, a magnet, a hook or loop fastener, a snap, or another suitable mounting member for retaining an accessory. In the example shown, each accessory mount  808  includes a plug sized to form a friction frit inside an air outlet of an accessory. 
     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.