Patent Publication Number: US-2010107356-A1

Title: Nozzle brush arrangements for vacuum cleaner assemblies

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/110,797 filed Nov. 3, 2008 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure is generally related to vacuum cleaners and, more particularly to vacuum cleaner bases with rotating brush arrangements. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vacuum cleaners are used to pick up dirt and debris that has become deposited or embedded into various floor types. To improve performance of vacuum cleaners, some vacuum cleaners employ a revolving brushroll to loosen up dirt and debris, so an air flow created by the vacuum cleaner may entrain such dirt and debris. Additionally, brushrolls have generally been configured to rotate in a manner to push the dirt and debris toward an opening to a vacuum chamber, in the pathway of the air flow, such that the dirt and debris get picked up and deposited into canister for disposal. 
     Brushrolls are generally contained in housings that prevent the brushroll from extending all the way to the edge or through the edge of the housing so as prevent the rotating brushroll from projecting dirt and debris up into the air rather than into the opening of a vacuum chamber. As a result, brushrolls are generally contained within a housing which, in turn, creates a gap between the outer edge of the housing and the brushroll. When vacuuming up against a wall in a room this gap prevents the brushroll from being able to loosen dirt and debris on the edge of the floor abutting the wall. While one solution to cleaning this edge of the floor abutting the wall is to use an attachment wand and nozzles that are connect to the vacuum chamber, such an arrangement requires reconfiguring the setup of a vacuum cleaner, increasing cleaning time. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a vacuum cleaner design that can effectively loosen dirt and debris, like the rotating brushroll, but also provide such action to the edge of a vacuum cleaner housing without requiring additional reconfiguration of the vacuum cleaner through the use of external attachment accessories. 
     SUMMARY 
     A vacuum cleaner assembly is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner assembly comprises at least one brushroll and at least one nozzle brush. The brushroll is rotatably supported about a first axis within the vacuum cleaner and is operatively connected to a motor. The nozzle brush is operatively connected to the brushroll and configured to rotate about a second axis. When the brushroll is rotated about the first axis, the nozzle brush is actuated to rotate about the second axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of a vacuum cleaner base. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial plan view of a first nozzle brush arrangement. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner base. 
         FIG. 4  a plan view of an underside of the vacuum cleaner base of  FIG. 3 , illustrating a second nozzle brush configuration. 
         FIG. 5  a plan view of the underside of the vacuum cleaner base of  FIG. 4 , with a cover panel removed. 
         FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view of a gear housing used with a brushroll and nozzle brush arrangement. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a forward portion of a vacuum cleaner base. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a casing that mounts a brushroll and nozzle brush arrangement. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner base having a nozzle brush therein, wherein the vacuum cleaner is engaged against a wall. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring now to the drawings, illustrative and exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent some embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain characteristics may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure. Further, the embodiments set forth herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit or restrict the disclosure to the precise forms and configurations disclosed in the following detailed description. 
       FIGS. 1-8  provide alternative arrangements of a brushrolls and nozzle brushes used in vacuum cleaners. While shown positioned in a vacuum cleaner base, such as vacuum cleaner bases  10  and  100 , respectively, it is understood that the brushroll and nozzle brush arrangements may be used in other types of vacuum cleaner configurations. The vacuum cleaner assemblies employing the brushrolls and nozzle brushes arrangements may be used on a variety of surfaces such as generally planar flooring, including tiles, cement, wood, paneling; as well as on carpeting or other textured surfaces. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of vacuum cleaner base  10  is shown. Vacuum cleaner base  10  includes an outer portion  12 , a panel cover  14 , one or more wheels  16 , a projection portion  18 , and a nozzle brush  20 . A light (not shown), may also be attached to outer portion  12 . Outer portion  12  may be made of a unitary piece of durable material, such as plastic, or a blend of synthetic materials that are durable and sturdy. In one exemplary embodiment, outer portion  12  is injection molded for ease of manufacturer. It is contemplated that outer portion  12  may be made of more than one piece of durable sturdy material, held together with suitable fasteners of various types. The shape of outer portion  12  may be designed and manufactured to fit the contents and structures contained within vacuum cleaner base  10 . Thus, it is contemplated that the shape of outer portion  12  may vary greatly between embodiments. 
     Wheels  16  are depicted in  FIG. 1  as being positioned adjacent a rear end  17  of vacuum cleaner base  10 , also adjacent projection portion  18  of the vacuum cleaner base  10 . However, it is contemplated that there may be more than one wheels  16  and that any of wheels  16  may be rearranged to different positions within vacuum cleaner base  10 , depending on the desired design of the vacuum cleaner base  10 . Wheels  16  help facilitate the movement of vacuum cleaner base  10  when attached to a vacuum cleaner body (not shown). Wheels  16  may vary in size, type (such as swivel, mechanized, spherical, etc.), and the types of materials used to make wheels  16  may range from a variety of durable materials including plastics, rubber or a blend of thereof. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, projection portion  18  may be pivotally attached to the body of the vacuum cleaner (not shown). Projection portion  18  serves as a conduit to deliver debris to a vacuum receptacle of the vacuum cleaner body (not shown). As shown, projection portion  18  may be configured to extend outwardly from the vacuum cleaner base  10 . Further, projection portion  18  may serve to provide stability and support between vacuum cleaner base  10  and the vacuum cleaner body (not shown). For example, projection portion  10  may support an attached vacuum canister, vacuum motor and a handle in an upright vacuum cleaner arrangement. In yet another exemplary arrangement, projection portion  10  may support a handle and a hose leading to the vacuum cleaner body. 
     Further, projection portion  18  may be configured to facilitate a pivoting motion of the vacuum body with respect to vacuum cleaner base  10  during operation. Projection portion  18 , together with wheels  16 , facilitates the ease of moving vacuum cleaner base  10  over and across a targeted surface. Projection portion  18  may be made of the same material as outer portion  12 . Projection portion  18  may also be made out of the same piece as outer portion  12  or may be made from a separate piece and then attached to vacuum cleaner base  10  using a variety of suitable fasteners. It is contemplated that other materials, such as those materials suitable for outer portion  12 , may also be used to make projection portion  18 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts the underside of the vacuum cleaner base  10 . As shown, in addition to nozzle brush  20 , positioned within vacuum cleaner base  10  is also at least one brushroll  26 . Brushroll  26  is generally configured as an elongated member and has a plurality of bristles  27  extending from an external surface  29  thereof. While shown as being arranged in a spiral pattern, it is understood that bristles  27  may be arranged in a variety of patterns. Brushroll  26  is mounted within a cavity  28  such that at least bristles  27  extend through an opening  30  formed in panel cover  14  and positioned adjacent a forward edge  31  of vacuum cleaner base  10 . Bristles  27  may be directly attached to external surface  29  of brushroll  26 . Cavity  28  is in fluid communication with an air flow channel (not shown). 
     In an alternative arrangement, bristles  27  may be mounted on a substrate. In such an arrangement, brushroll  26  includes a slot that is configured to receive bristles  27  such that bristles  27  extend outward from the slot (as explained below in connection with  FIG. 8  in greater detail). 
     In one exemplary embodiment, brushroll  26  is configured to be predominantly cylindrical in shape, but may include various grooves or channels formed in external surface  29  of brushroll  26  to facilitate mechanical communication with other structures within vacuum cleaner base  10 . For example, a center portion  32  of the elongate brushroll  26  may be configured with a groove  34  to which a drive belt (not shown) is mounted to facilitate mechanical communication between a motor (not shown) and brushroll  26 . In one particular arrangement, disposed on either side of groove  34  is a retaining flange  34  that assists with retaining the drive belt on brushroll  26 . In another embodiment, a pair of brushrolls  26  are used, the brushrolls  26  being connected together with a mounting portion that receives the drive belt. 
     The brushroll  26  may be constructed from wood, or any other durable and sturdy material, as described above. It is also contemplated that brushroll  26  may vary in thickness throughout the span of brushroll  26 . It may be tapered at certain portions or it may have a uniform thickness throughout. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , attached to distal ends  36  of brushroll  26  are spindles  42 . Spindles  42  receive rotary belts  44  that also attach to nozzle brushes  20  to promote rotation of nozzle brush  20  when brushroll  26  rotates. More specifically, spindles  42  support and stabilize rotary belt  44 . Each rotary belt  44  wraps around a base of a nozzle brush  20 , which may also be configured with a mounting groove (not shown) formed thereon to secure rotary belt  44  during rotation about a vertical axis. As depicted in one exemplary embodiment, nozzle brushes  20  are positioned rearward of the brushroll  26 . However, it is understood that nozzle brush  20  may also be positioned forward of brushroll  26 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, vacuum cleaner base  10  may be configured with an air flow groove  53  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 1 ). Air flow groove  53  may be formed through a portion of a vacuum cleaner and leads into cavity  28  so as to be in fluid communication with a recess formed in vacuum cleaner base  10 , adjacent brushroll  26  and the air channel formed therein. Generally, air flow groove  53  is positioned adjacent to nozzle brush  20  and particularly close to a pathway where nozzle brush  20  may direct dirt and debris to. 
     Air flow groove  53  is configured to have a predetermined size to create a low pressure area inside vacuum base  10 . Such a low pressure area assists in creating a relatively high air flow rate through cavity  28 , the recess and aperture formed within vacuum cleaner base  10  (described in further detail in connection with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3-5 ), and into the air channel. The high air flow forces dirt and debris (including hard objects) that may be continuously rotating about brushroll  26  due to centripetal forces generated thereby, to be directed into the air channel  32 . Thus, the relatively high air flow allows a vacuum cleaner effectively direct dirt and debris loosened up or pushed into the air channel of the vacuum system by brushroll  126  and nozzle brush  120 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a vacuum cleaner base  100  and  FIG. 4  illustrates the underside thereof. Vacuum cleaner base  100  includes an outer portion  112 , a panel cover  114 , one or more wheels  116 , a projection portion  118 , and at least one nozzle brush  120 . A light  158  may also be attached to outer portion  112 . As may be seen, in this embodiment, nozzle brushes  120  are positioned adjacent a forward edge  121  of vacuum cleaner base  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , it can be seen that panel cover  114  substantially covers and at least partially seals off the structures within and contents of vacuum base  100 . Panel cover  114  is depicted in  FIG. 4  as one continuous piece but it is contemplated that panel cover  114  may be made up of more than one piece. Panel cover  114  is relatively flat as it engages with a targeted surface. However, panel cover  114  may include varying shaped depressions and extrusions depending on what structure it is covering. Panel cover  114  may be held in position by any number of fasteners suitable to secure panel cover  114  in position during use and at rest. It is contemplated that panel cover  114  will vary in shape and design depending on the shape and design of the corresponding base. Panel cover  114  may be made from the same or similar materials as the outer portion. 
     A substantial portion of a cavity  128  is exposed through an opening  130  formed in the panel cover  114 . A rotating brushroll  126  is positioned within cavity  128 . Brushroll  126  is configured to carry bristles  127 . Bristles  127  may be attached directly to an outer surface  129  of brushroll  126 , or, alternatively, indirectly to brushroll  126 . More specifically, bristles  127  may be mounted to a substrate that is removably received within brushroll such that bristle  127  may extend outwardly from a channel formed through outer surface  129  of brushroll. 
     Cavity  128  may be formed in part by a casing  152  as depicted in  FIG. 7  or upper casing  152 a and lower casing  152 b as depicted in  FIG. 8 . Casing  152  may be made of one piece or multiple pieces and out of a variety of materials including metals and plastics. Casing  152  may also be formed out of a portion of outer portion  12  or may be independently attached to vacuum base  100 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , the underside of vacuum cleaner base  100  with panel cover  114  removed is shown. An air channel  132  is positioned within vacuum cleaner base  100 . Air channel  132  is fluidly connected with an opening of a vacuum chamber (not shown) that is generally located in the body of the vacuum cleaner (not shown). The opening of the vacuum chamber may be partially formed from projection portion  118  of vacuum cleaner base  100 , although it may alternatively be formed separately from the projection portion  118 . Air channel  132  may also be formed partially from projection portion  118 . 
     Also contained within vacuum cleaner base  100  is a motor  140 . In one exemplary arrangement, motor  140  is at least partially covered by both outer portion  112  and panel cover  114  (removed). Motor  140  is connected to a motor arm  136 . In one exemplary arrangement, motor arm  136  extends axially into air channel  132 . Many variations of motors are suitable for use in the vacuum cleaner; especially those used and sold by Rexair, Inc., the assignee of the present disclosure. Two examples of suitable motors are described in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,949,175 and 6,777,844, each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     Brushroll  126  is generally cylindrically-shaped but may include various grooves or channels formed in external surface  129  to facilitate mechanical communication with other structures within vacuum cleaner base  100 . For example, a center portion  133  of brushroll  126  may be configured with a groove  134  to which a drive belt  138  is mounted to facilitate mechanical communication between motor  140  and brushroll  126 . In one particular arrangement, disposed on either side of groove  134  is a retaining flange  135  that assists with retaining drive belt  138  on brushroll  126 . In another embodiment, a pair of brushrolls  126  are used, the brushrolls  126  being connected together with a mounting portion that receives drive belt  138 . 
     In one embodiment, brushroll  126  may be constructed from wood. However, it is also contemplated that brushroll  126  may be made from any number of durable and sturdy materials previously described above. It is also contemplated that brushroll  126  may vary in thickness throughout the span of brushroll  126 . It may be tapered at certain portions or it can have a uniform thickness throughout. 
     In one embodiment, bristles  127  attached to brushroll  126  are arranged in a spiral pattern. More specifically, bristles  127  on brushroll  126  are depicted in  FIG. 5  as two spiral-patterned rows integrated into brushroll  126 . However, it is contemplated that more bristle rows may be present on brushroll  126  and that the pattern with which the rows are arranged may vary from the depicted spiral design to a chevron design or other arrangements. 
     As discussed above, in some embodiments the bristles  127  are removably attached or replaceable as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . It is desirable to have bristles  127  that are sturdy enough to loosen debris and dirt from the targeted surface without causing damage to the surface such as unnecessary scratching, scuffing or snagging of the surface. Any number of suitable materials that are well known in the art can be used for this purpose. 
     In addition, bristles  170  on nozzle brush  120  may be removably attached or replaceable. Bristles  170  of both nozzle brush  120  and the elongate brushroll  126  may be made of various materials exhibiting a variety of properties, wherein some are thicker, coarser, and stiffer in nature while others are finer, softer, and less stiff. A variety of types and materials the bristles are made of such as plastics, acrylics, resins, goat hair and so forth, that exist are known in the art and made to be adaptable to a particular surface that is to be cleaned. Bristles  170  of the nozzle brush  120  shown in  FIG. 7  ideally exhibit the same sturdy qualities as those bristles  127  on brushroll  126 . Bristles  170  may be arranged in rows, bunches, partially or completely covering the outermost surface of the power nozzle brush  120 . A bristle-less brushroll or nozzle brush is also conceivable wherein the material used is designed to facilitate the uptake of dirt and debris. 
     A recess  154  may be formed in vacuum cleaner base  100 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Recess  154  aides in facilitating uptake of debris that contains small hard objects that would otherwise spit back out. Recess  154 , as shown, has an angled surface  155 . Angled surface  155  is oriented so as to have a first end  157  that is positioned axially lower than a second end  159 . With this configuration dirt and debris is directed upwardly in recess  154  from brushroll  120 , along angled surface  155  to cause such dirt and debris to move towards an aperture  156  that opens into air channel  132 , shown in  FIG. 5 . Hard objects are either directed into air channel  132  or contained in recess  154  until they are drawn into air channel  132 . In one embodiment recess  154  is configured to create a vortex-like tunnel that pulls dirt and debris caught in the recess  154  from outer edges of casing  152  into a center portion where aperture  156  fluidly communicates with air channel  132 . Recess  154  may span the length of the casing  152 , enclosing brushroll  126  or may vary in length. In some arrangements, recess  154  may even be comprised of sections. 
     In some arrangements, as best seen in  FIGS. 6-7 , an air flow groove  153  is formed through a portion of a vacuum cleaner into cavity  128 . More specifically, in one particular arrangement, air flow groove  153  is formed through an outer portion of gear housing  150  or vacuum base  100  and extends into cavity  128 . Thus, air flow groove  153  is in fluid communication with recess  154 , aperture  156  and air channel  132 . Generally, air flow groove  153  is positioned adjacent to nozzle brush  120  and particularly close to the path that nozzle brush  120  may direct dirt and debris to. In one exemplary arrangement, air flow groove  153  is arranged so as to be adjacent to a dust pan region  161 . Dust pan region  161  cooperates with air flow groove  153  to retain dirt and debris within recess  154  until such dirt and debris may be drawn through aperture  156  of air channel  132 . 
     Air flow groove  153  is configured to have a predetermined size to create a low pressure area inside vacuum base  100 . In one exemplary arrangement, air flow groove  153  is approximately ¼ inches wide and ⅛ inches in height. Such a low pressure area assists in creating a relatively high air flow rate through cavity  128 , recess  154  and aperture  156 , into air channel  132 . The high air flow forces dirt and debris (including hard objects) that may be continuously rotating about brushroll  126 , due to centripetal forces, to be directed into air channel  132 . Thus, the relatively high air flow allows a vacuum cleaner to effectively direct dirt and debris loosened up or pushed into the air channel  132  of the vacuum system by brushroll  126  and nozzle brush  120 . 
     In one arrangement, positioned at each end of brushroll  126  are worm gears  124 , seen best in  FIG. 6 . In an alternative embodiment, a bearing housing  130  is positioned adjacent to each worm gear  124 , between the end of brushroll  126  and worm gears  124 , best seen in  FIG. 5 . In both of these embodiments, worm gears  124  and the bearing housings  130  rotate in sync with brushroll  126 , about a first axis. Specifically, motor  140  positioned within vacuum base  100  rotates motor arm  136 . Drive belt  138  is positioned such that it is wrapped around both motor arm  136  and a portion of brushroll  126 . As motor  140  axially rotates motor arm  136  about an axis, drive belt  138  rotates around both motor arm  136  and brushroll  126 , facilitating continuous revolutions about a first axis. Worm gears  124 , and if applicable, adjacent bearing housings  130 , also rotate about the first axis, in sync with elongate brushroll  126 . 
     In another embodiment (not shown), a motor  140  operatively communicates with brushroll  126  and may be attached to a drive shaft (not shown) that causes brushroll  126  to rotate about the first axis, which may be oriented to be generally horizontal with respect to an engaged surface or ground. Additionally, in one embodiment, (not shown) a motor may be positioned externally of vacuum base  100  and in operative communication with brushroll  127  through a turbine system. The motor draws in air which in turn causes rotational movement of brushroll  127  through a turbine driven system. This particular embodiment may be incorporated into a handheld version of a vacuum base wherein at least one nozzle brush is rotated through brushroll  127  driven by a turbine motor system. 
     Referring specifically to the arrangements depicted in  FIGS. 3-6  and  8 , rotatable nozzle brush  120  is depicted as positioned on a forward outer edge  141  of vacuum base  100  so as to extend outwardly from the vacuum base  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, a pair of rotatable nozzle brushes  120  are partially situated in gear housings  150  (best seen in  FIG. 6 ) adjacent each end of the elongate brushroll  126 . Each gear housing  150  contains a worm gear  124  and spur gear  148  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The outer circumference of nozzle brush  120  may carry a gear having a plurality of gripping teeth protruding radially outwardly there from such as those adapted for various types of gears including spur, worm, hypoid, bevel and any type of system having a driving portion attached to brushroll  126  and a driven portion attached to nozzle brush  120 . For instance in  FIG. 6 , a worm gear  124  mechanically engages the plurality of gripping teeth of spur gear  148  on the corresponding nozzle brush  120 , as shown. As worm gear  124  rotates about its axis, spur gear  148  causes nozzle brush  120  to rotate about a second axis with each revolution of worm gear  124 . The driving portion of gear  124  is contemplated to be made of a metallic material such as stainless steel, a plastic or polymer based material including, but not limited to, Entech nylon66 and Ashland Zytel WRF 500, or other suitable resin material. Likewise, the driven portion may also be made of similar materials as to that of the driving portion. Any combination of the materials mentioned above or those having similar characteristics as recognized by those skilled in the art are conceivable. 
     One particular embodiment using a gear system to mechanically rotate a nozzle brush  120  through a brushroll  126  comprises using a bath of grease such as Molbilux EP 023 to ensure adequate lubrication and prevent wearing. However, in one particular embodiment a gear system devoid of any grease is possible. More specifically, where the driving portion is made of a stainless steel while the driven portion is made of plastic material. Such an arrangement of a greaseless or tubeless system is advantageous when cleaning floors as such lubricants may soil the engaged surface if they were to leak out of the system. 
     One particular advantage of a gear system driving nozzle brushes  120  through brushroll  126  is the ability to adjust the torque and speed relationships between brushroll  126  and the power nozzle brush  120 . It has been found that rotating brushroll  126  at higher speeds tend to loosen dirt and debris caused by the rotating beating action of bristles  127 . However, rotating nozzle brush  120  at a lower rotational speed than brushroll  126  has been found to be more effective than rotating nozzle brush  120  at a high rotational speed as too high of a speed tends to project dirt and debris beyond the intended intake of vacuum base  100 . The ratio of the speeds of nozzle brush  120  to brushroll  126  may be of the range 1:1. 1:5, 1:10 and 1:20 wherein brushroll  126  rotates  20  times faster than nozzle brush  120 . Other non-gear systems are also conceived to adjust the ratio of speed as discussed below. 
     Nozzle brush  120  may be secured to vacuum base  100  or gear housing  150  within vacuum base by a suitable fastener  122  such as a stud, pin or a screw, traversing the center of nozzle brush  120 , so as not to hinder rotation about the second axis. Plain or ball bearings (not shown) may be press fit onto or otherwise attached to  122  facilitating rotational movement. A gear such as spur gear  148  may be press fit, pinned or molded onto fastener  122 . Other fastening means may be contemplated as alternatives for attaching nozzle brush  120  to vacuum base  100  as well. More particularly, those that may be easily removed and allow nozzle brush  120  to be selectively detached. Nozzle brush  120  is generally circular in shape with bristles  170  protruding from the outermost surface of nozzle brush  120 ; specifically, they protrude from the surface that engages the targeted surface. 
     It is further contemplated that additional nozzle brushes  120  may be added to vacuum cleaner base  100  in alternate embodiments. It is also contemplated that nozzle brush  120  may be positioned on the outer edges of vacuum cleaner base  100  or positioned more internally, for example, near the air channel  132  of the base  100 .  FIGS. 1-2  show embodiments where nozzle brush  20  is placed on an outer edge of vacuum cleaner base  10  behind brushroll  26 .  FIGS. 3-5  illustrate embodiments where nozzle brush  120  is placed on a forward corner of vacuum cleaner base  100 , adjacent brushroll  126 .  FIG. 9  illustrates a specific operation of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3-5 . More specifically, as nozzle brush  120  engages a target surface  200  to be cleaned, nozzle brush  120  is able to reach debris  204  deposited adjacent a wall  202 . 
     As previously stated, it is contemplated that the number and position of nozzle brushes  20 ,  120  may vary between embodiments. It is contemplated that some nozzle brushes  20 ,  120  are powered by alternative means, other than through the operation of brushroll  26 ,  126 . For instance, nozzle brushes  20 ,  120  may be directly powered by motor  140 . It is also contemplated that nozzle brushes  20 ,  120  may be used to drive brushroll  26 ,  126 . Other power mechanisms operatively communicating between brushroll  26 ,  126  and nozzle brush  20 ,  120  using a flex shaft, and magnetic clutches. 
     In all of the described embodiments, as vacuum cleaner base  10 ,  100  engages a targeted surface, the combination of rotation of brushroll  26 ,  126 , and nozzle brush  20 ,  120 , create a powerful source of agitation that promotes and enhances the loosening, collection and uptake of dirt and debris from the surface. Nozzle brush  20 ,  120  increases the area of the targeted surface that can be reached and cleared of dirt and debris by adding a substantial amount of spinning power that can grab more dirt and debris as compared to a vacuum cleaner without a nozzle brush  20 ,  120  configuration. 
     Rotation and beating of bristles  27 ,  127  of brushroll  26 ,  126  onto an engaged surface, mixed with the rotation and vibrations of the spinning bristles  170  on nozzle brush  20 ,  120 , facilitate the uptake of dirt and debris particles as they are drawn into cavity  28 ,  128 . The dirt and debris then pass through an opening or aperture  156  as shown in  FIG. 7 . Bristles  27 ,  127  of brushroll  26 ,  126  may be configured to direct dirt and debris toward the center of brushroll  26 ,  126  where they are then pushed or drawn through aperture  156  into air channel  132  that may be formed, in part, by projection portion  18 ,  118  of vacuum cleaner base  10 ,  100  and continuously drawn through the opening of the vacuum chamber (not shown). From there it passes to the body of the vacuum cleaner (not shown) where the dirt and debris may run through a filtering process and eventually end up in a receptacle (not shown) where it is stored until it is discarded. It is contemplated that these events can occur within many types of vacuums including a standard upright vacuum. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the height and position of vacuum cleaner base  10 ,  100  in relation to the surface to be cleaned may be selectively adjustable, such as raised away from the surface, to allow for thicker surfaces such as carpeting, or lowered to be closer to more planar-like surfaces such as wood floors. Additionally, it is contemplated the height of brushroll  26 ,  126  and nozzle brush  20 ,  120  may also be selectively adjusted with respect to the engaged surface. It is also contemplated that the angle of the second axis about which nozzle brush  20 ,  120  rotates may be selectively adjusted with respect to the engaged surface. 
     The appended claims have been particularly shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, which are merely illustrative of the best modes for carrying out the invention defined by the appended claims. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternatives to the embodiments described herein may be employed in practicing the invention defined by the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in claims. The embodiments should be understood to include all novel and non-obvious combinations of elements described herein, and claims may be presented in this or a later application to any novel and non-obvious combination of these elements. Moreover, the foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature or element is essential to all possible combinations that may be claimed in this or a later application. 
     With regard to the processes, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than the order described herein. It further should be understood that certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes described herein are provided for illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be construed to limit the appended claims. 
     Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the arts discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In sum, it should be understood that the invention is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the following claims. 
     All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “said,” etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.