Abstract:
A vacuum cleaner for removing dirt and debris from a floor covering includes a motor that generates a low pressure input air stream and a high pressure output air stream. An inlet directs the input stream such that dirt and debris are drawn into the inlet. The inlet is fluidly connected to a dustbin and filter that removes the dirt and debris from the input stream. Next, the motor converts the low pressure input stream into the high pressure output stream. An output disposed adjacent to the inlet directs the output stream onto the floor covering. The output stream agitates the dirt and debris in the floor covering such that a conventional rolling agitator is unnecessary. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner constructed in accordance with present invention can use a smaller motor, thereby making such vacuum cleaner lighter and quieter to use.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application having an application Ser. No. of 09/406,096 and a filing date of Sep. 25, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part application of a previous application having an application Ser. No. of 09/312,929 and a filing date of May 17, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Present Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to vacuum cleaners, and more particularly to a vacuum cleaner that utilizes exhaust air to agitate dirt and debris prior to being drawn into the vacuum cleaner. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Vacuum cleaners are common household appliances that are used for the maintenance and cleaning of carpets and other floor coverings. The vacuum cleaner will have a cleaning head that is drawn over the floor to be cleaned. Disposed within the cleaning head is a 6 to 12 amp electric motor that rotates a fan up to 35,000 rpm to thereby generate a low pressure air stream. The motor is coupled to an inlet disposed in the cleaning head through either a duct or a flexible hose and a dustbin. During operation of the vacuum cleaner, the motor rotates the fan thereby generating the low pressure air stream that draws dust and debris into the inlet, and it is deposited into the dustbin. 
     In order to facilitate removal of dirt from a carpet, the vacuum cleaner typically uses an agitator disposed next to the inlet. The agitator is typically a cylindrical roller mounted to the cleaning head next to the inlet. Attached along the longitudinal axis of the roller are a series of brushes. The agitator is coupled to the motor with a belt such that as the motor rotates, the agitator will thereby spin at a high rate of speed thereby brushing and agitating the carpet. Such agitation will dislodge dirt and debris contained within the floor covering, thereby facilitating the removal of such into the inlet. Typically, upright vacuum cleaners use a single motor for rotating both the fan and the agitator. As such, the motor typically generates a considerable amount of noise such that the vacuum cleaner can only be used at periods during the day that do not disturb other people. Additionally, the motor may be heavy, thereby causing the appliance to be unwieldy and difficult to draw over the surface to be cleaned. 
     Furthermore, the configuration of existing vacuum cleaners is such that removal of dirt and debris from the edges of walls and other obstacles such as furniture which rest directly on the floor covering is accomplished only through the use of an accessory hose and adapter piece which the inventor of the present invention has found to be inconvenient and adds to the cumbersome nature of prior art vacuum cleaners. 
     The present invention addresses the above-mentioned deficiencies in prior are vacuum cleaners by providing a system that uses the unused exhaust air to agitate the dirt and debris in the floor and along the edges of walls and obstacles to be cleaned. As such, the vacuum cleaner of the present invention may use a smaller motor than conventional vacuum cleaners and thereby be more efficient. Additionally the smaller motor will not generate as such noise, thereby permitting vacuuming at any time of the day. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a vacuum cleaner for cleaning dirt from a floor. The vacuum cleaner comprises a motor that has an intake and an exhaust port. The motor is operative to generate a low pressure input stream of air through the intake and a high pressure output stream of air through the exhaust port. The intake of the motor is in fluid communication with an inlet disposed adjacent to the floor and operative to draw dirt therefrom with the input stream. Additionally, the vacuum further includes an outlet in fluid communication with the exhaust port. The outlet is disposed adjacent to the inlet and the floor is operative to direct the output stream onto the floor to thereby facilitate removal of dirt therefrom. 
     In order to filter the incoming dirt and debris, the vacuum cleaner of the present invention may further comprise a filter and dustbin positioned between the inlet and the intake of the motor. The filter and dustbin are configured to collect and filter the dirt and debris in the input stream of air before exiting through the outlet. 
     The outlet is configured to direct the output streams adjacent to and in relative communication with the inlet streams. Specifically, the outlet comprises a plurality of forward deflection channels that direct the output stream in front of the vacuum cleaner and a plurality of rear deflection channels that agitate the floor covering directly beneath the plurality of inlet channels. A selector directs the output stream through either the forward or rearward deflection channels as is desired. 
     It is further contemplated that the present invention may be incorporated into an air return attachment for an existing vacuum cleaner. As such, the air return attachment cleaner. The housing also includes an outlet disposed adjacent to the inlet and configured to direct the output stream onto the floor. 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of cleaning dirt from a floor with a vacuum cleaner equipped with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The method includes the steps of first generating a low pressure input stream of air through an inlet of the vacuum with vacuum&#39;s motor. Next, dirt and debris is drawn into the inlet with the input stream and removed by a filter. Then the input stream is converted into a high pressure output stream by the motor and directed onto the floor with an outlet. The output stream facilitates cleaning of the floor by agitating dirt and debris therein. The output stream may be directed toward the inlet during normal operation, or may be directed toward the front of the vacuum cleaner in order to facilitate removal of dirt between the floor and the wall or the other obstacles which may be relatively perpendicular to the floor covering. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum cleaner according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional perspective view of the air inlet an defection channels of the vacuum cleaner according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 4A and 4B are sectional views of the inlet and deflection channels for the vacuum cleaner according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a front view of the vacuum cleaner attachment constructed according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner attachment according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner constructed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum cleaner according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a sectional perspective view of the air inlet an defection channels of the vacuum cleaner according to the above second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the motor according to the above second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the air stream through the vacuum cleaner according to the above second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum cleaner according to the above third preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a sectional side view of the vacuum cleaner according to the above third preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 15A and 15B are sectional side views of the outlet for the vacuum cleaner according to the above third preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 16 is a front view of the vacuum cleaner attachment constructed in accordance with the above third preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 17 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner attachment according to the above third preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the drawings wherein the showings are for purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 perspectively illustrates a vacuum cleaner  10  constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The vacuum cleaner  10  comprises a cleaning head portion  12  and an upright portion  14 . The vacuum cleaner  10  is used by pushing the cleaning head portion  12  over the surface or floor covering to be cleaned with a handle  16  attached to the upright portion  14  thereof. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaning head portion  12  has a generally rectangular floor plate  18  that supports a pair of rotatable rear wheels  20   a  and  20   b  placed at opposite comers of the floor plate  18 . Also attached to the floor plate  18  is a front axle  22  supporting a pair of rotatable front wheels  24   a  and  24   b . The axle  22  is attached to floor plate  18  in a position whereat each of the front wheels  24   a  and  24   b  protrude through an opening  26  formed within floor plate  18 . The front wheels  24   a  and  24   b , as well as rear wheels  20   a  and  20   b , are configured to travel and support the floor plate  18  and cleaning head portion  12  above the floor covering. Additionally, the front axle  22  is attached to a vertical height adjustment mechanism  28  that is capable of selectively adjusting the height of the floor plate  18  above the floor covering. Specifically, the height adjustment mechanism  28  can change the vertical spacing between the floor plate  18  and the axle  22  in order to move the cleaning head portion  12  either closer to or further away from the floor covering. 
     Referring to FIG.  3  and FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b , disposed adjacent to the air inlet aperture extension  38  and the rearward air deflection channel  68  are rows of brushes  30 , positioned such that they will further aid in the agitation process of the floor covering and will also serve to contain most of the output air stream  64  in the area directly under the air return outlet  58 . 
     As seen in FIG. 3, the air inlet  36  has a generally hollow, bell shaped configuration whereby a lower portion thereof is shaped as an elongate rectangular base  37  with a plurality of openings adapted to be in fluid communication with the air inlet aperture extensions  38  which are disposed vertically through the air return outlet  58 . The low pressure input stream  52  is maintained within the inlet aperture extensions  58  and the air inlet  36  by way of an air tight seal  59 . Additionally, the upper portion is angled approximately ninety relative to the bottom portion, and tapers to an upper orifice  40  to be in fluid communication with a flexible hose  42 . 
     In the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hose  42  is coupled between the inlet  36  and a top attachment point of an airtight dustbin  44 . As seen in FIG. 2, the dustbin  44  is attachable to the upright portion  14  of vacuum cleaner  10  through the use of a springclip  80 , slots  82  and tabs  84 . The tabs  84  of upright portion  14  are insertable into the slots  82  of dustbin  44  such that the dustbin  44  can be swung into place on upright portion  14 . The springclip  80  thereby frictionally secures the dustbin  44  to the upright portion  14 . The dustbin  44  is an airtight container that uses a loose plastic mesh to collect debris that is drawn into the air inlet  36  and hose  42 . The dustbin  44  includes a hinged lid  46  that is openable to provide access into the container for removal of dirt and debris when the dustbin  44  is removed from the upright portion  14 . 
     In order to draw dirt and debris into the dustbin  44 , the vacuum cleaner  10  is equipped with a blower or motor  48  fluidly connected to the dustbin  44  through a duct  50 . The duct  50  is formed within the upright portion  14  and fluidly connects the dustbin  44  to an intake  51  of the motor  48 . The motor  48  contains fan (not shown) that rotates to produce a low pressure input streams  52  of air as seen in FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b . The low pressure input stream  52  draws dust and debris through the inlet  36  and hose  42  such that the dust and debris is deposited within the dustbin  44 . In order to trap the dust within the dustbin  44 , there is provided a first filter  53  disposed between the dustbin  44  and the duct  50 . Additionally, a second filter  54  is disposed between the duct  50  and the intake  51  of motor  48 . The second filter B 54  is located within a flexible coupling  55  that attaches intake  51  of the motor  48  to the duct  50 . The first  53  and second  54  filters prevent debris from entering and damaging the motor  48  as well as the trap dust. 
     The motor  48  produces an output stream  64  of air through an exhaust port  57  of motor  48 . The exhaust port  57  is fluidly connected to an air return outlet  58  that is a generally hollow, bell shaped housing that has a narrowed upper portion  62  angled approximately ninety degrees to a rectangular lower portion  60 . The outlet  58  directs an output stream  64  of air past the inlet aperture extensions  38  by way of a plurality of inlet bypass channels  39  and then continues through either a plurality of rearward deflection channels  68  or a forward deflection channel  70 , as seen in FIG.  3  and FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b . In the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rearward deflection channels  68  are configured to direct the output streams  64  toward the floor covering directly beneath the air inlet aperture extensions  38  which occupy the spaces between the rows of rearward deflection channels  68 . The output stream  64  can be deflected into either the forward deflection channel  70  or the plurality of rearward deflection channels  68 , depending upon the position of a selector or slidable edge detection button  66 . The edge detection button  66  has a closed portion  72  that blocks the output stream  64  from entering a respective channel and an open portion  74  that allows output stream  64  to enter a respective channel. Therefore, by laterally sliding the edge detection button  66  between the rear deflection channels  68  and forward deflection channel  70 , the output stream  64  can be directed through a respective channel. In the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detection button  66  is positioned to allow the output stream  64  to exit through the rear deflection channels  68  during normal vacuuming. However, as seen in FIG. 4 b , if the vacuum cleaner is pressed up against a wall, the edge detection button  66  will contact the wall and slide rearward thereby closing the rear deflection channels  68  and opening the forward detection channel  70 . As such, the output stream  64  will be directed towards the front of the vacuum cleaner  10  to thereby blow out dirt and debris that has collected between the wall (or other obstacle) and the floor that can then be collected by the air inlet aperture extensions  38 . Therefore, the vacuum cleaner  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention does not need special tools or attachments for cleaning the junction between the wall and the floor. 
     Since the vacuum cleaner  10  constructed in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention reuses the exhaust output stream  64 , the motor  48  may be sized appropriately. As will be recognized to those of ordinary skill in the art, the motor  48  may be smaller and consume less energy than a conventional vacuum cleaner since it does not power a spinning agitator. Therefore, it is contemplated that the motor  48  may be powered by a rechargeable battery  76  mounted within a hood  78 . As seen in FIG. 2, the hood  78  covers the top of the cleaning head portion  12  when attached thereto. The battery  76  is attached to the top of the hood  78  for easy recharging and ideal weight distribution. If the vacuum cleaner  10  is used with a battery  76 , then the battery  76  will be designed to operate at 12 volts, 7 amp/hours for the duration of at least 1 hour in order to sustain the motor  48  with 120 volts at 6 amps and spinning at 25,000 RPM. 
     Referring to FIG.  5  and FIG. 6, the vacuum cleaner  10  of the present invention is also provided an air return accessory  100  for attachment to an existing vacuum cleaner. The air return accessory  100  comprises a front housing  102  that is attachable to the upright portion of an existing vacuum cleaner such as an Eureka World VAC. Specifically, the front housing  102  replaces the existing upright body cover and disposable bag of the vacuum cleaner. The front housing  102  snaps into the upright portion using a standard spring loaded handle/clip apparatus (not shown). The front housing  102  contains an airtight accessory dustbin  104  that is coupled to the inlet of the existing vacuum cleaner through adaptive orifice  105 . The input air flows through the dustbin  104  and is filtered by an accessory filter  106  before exiting the dustbin  104  through accessory exhaust opening  108 . An accessory outlet  110  is coupled to the accessory exhaust  108  in order to direct the exhaust toward the existing air inlet of the vacuum cleaner. The accessory outlet  110  has a forward lip  112  that projects downwardly in front of the air inlet of the existing vacuum cleaner. Additionally, the accessory outlet  110  is configured with an accessory edge detection button  114  that directs the output stream either forward or rearward. The accessory outlet  110  and accessory edge detection button  114  operate identically to the edge detection button  66  and outlet  58  of the vacuum  10 . The accessory edge detection button  144  will direct the exhaust stream rearward through an accessory rear channel  116  during normal operation and forward through an accessory forward channel  118  when the accessory outlet  110  is in contact with a wall or obstruction and the accessory edge detection button  114  is depressed. When the accessory dustbin  104  has been filled with dust and debris, it may be emptied through a hinged lid (not shown). 
     Referring to FIGS. 7 to  11 , a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The vacuum cleaner A 10  of the second embodiment is a modified mode of the above first preferred embodiment that basically constructs as the above first embodiment to comprise a cleaning head A 12  and an upright portion A 14 . The vacuum cleaner A 10  of the present invention is used by pushing the cleaning head portion A 12  over the surface of floor covering to be cleaned with a handle A 16  attached to the upright portion A 14  thereof. 
     Referring to FIG. 8, similar to the above first embodiment, the cleaning head portion A 12  has a generally rectangular floor plate A 18  that supports a pair of rotatable rear wheels A 20   a  and A 20   b  placed at opposite corners of the floor plate A 18 . Also attached to the floor plate A 18  is a front axle A 22  supporting a pair of rotatable front wheel A 24   a  and A 24   b . The axle A 22  is attached to floor plate A 18  in a position whereat each of the front wheels A 24   a  and A 24   b  protrude through an opening A 26  formed within the floor plate A 18 . The front wheels A 24   a  and A 24   b , as well as rear wheels A 20   a  and A 20   b , are configured to travel and support the floor plate A 18  and cleaning head portion A 12  above the floor covering. Additionally, the front axle A 22  is attached to a vertical height adjustment mechanism A 28  that is capable of selectively adjusting the height of the floor plate A 18  above the flooring covering. Specifically, the height adjustment mechanism A 28  can change the vertical spacing between the floor plate A 18  and the axle A 22  in order to move the cleaning head portion A 12  either closer to or further away from the floor covering. 
     Referring to FIGS. 8 to  11 , the major modifications of the second embodiment with respect to the above first embodiment is to provide a blower or motor assembly A 48  containing a pair of intakes A 51   a  and A 51   b  disposed on two opposite sides and an air return outlet A 58  having a pair of upper portions A 62   a  and A 62   b  which are connected to the two intakes A 51   a  and A 51   b  of the motor assembly A 48 . 
     Referring to FIG.  8  and FIG. 9, disposed adjacent to the air inlet aperture extension A 38  and the rearward air deflection channel A 68  are rows of brushes A 30 , positioned such that they will further aid in the agitation process of the floor covering and will also serve to contain most of the output air stream A 64  in the area directly under the air return outlet A 58 . 
     As seen in FIG. 8, the air inlet A 36  has a generally hollow, bell shaped configuration whereby a lower portion thereof is shaped as an elongate rectangular base A 37  with a plurality of openings adapted to be in fluid communication with the air inlet aperture extensions A 38  which are disposed vertically through the air return outlet A 58 . The low pressure input stream A 52  is maintained within the inlet aperture extensions A 58  and the air inlet  36  by way of an air tight seal A 59 . Additionally, the upper portion is angled approximately ninety relative to the bottom portion, and tapers to an upper orifice A 40  to be in fluid communication with an intake orifice A 42  in the upright portion A 14 . 
     In the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intake orifice A 42  is in fluid communication between the inlet A 36  and a top attachment adapter A 43  of one or two airtight dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b . As seen in FIG. 8, the dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b  are attachable to the upright portion A 14  of vacuum cleaner A 10  through the use of a springclip A 80 , slots A 82  and tabs A 84 . The tabs A 84  of upright portion A 14  are insertable into the slots A 82  of dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b  such that the dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b  can be swung into place on upright portion A 14 . The springclip A 80  thereby frictionally secures the dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b  to the upright portion A 14 . The dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b  are airtight containers that uses a loose plastic mesh (not shown) to collect debris that is drawn into the air inlet A 36 , intake orifice A 42  and finally the dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b . The dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b  include a hinged lids A 46   a  and A 46   b  that are openable to provide access into the container for removal of dirt and debris when the dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b  is removed from the upright portion A 14 . 
     In order to draw dirt and debris into the dustbin A 44 , the vacuum cleaner A 10  is equipped with a blower or motor assembly A 48  fluidly connected to the dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b  through ducts A 50   a  (not shown) and A 50   b . The ducts A 50   a  and A 50   b  are formed within the base of the dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b  and are fluidly connected to the intake A 51   a  and A 51   b  of the motor assembly A 48 . 
     Referring to FIG. 10, the motor assembly A 48  contains two fans that rotate to produce a low pressure input streams A 52  of air. The low pressure input stream A 52  draws dust and debris through the inlet A 36  and hose  42  such that the dust and debris is deposited within the dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b . In order to trap the dust within the dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b , filters A 53   a  and A 53   b  are disposed between the ducts A 50   a  and A 50 b the dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b  (respectively). Accordingly, the filters A 54   a  and A 54   b  are located within flexible couplings A 55   a  (not shown) and A 55   b  that attach intakes A 51   a  and A 5 l b  of the motor assembly A 48  to the ducts A 50   a  and A 50   b  (respectively). The first A 53   a  and A 53   b  and second A 54   a  and A 54   b  filters prevent debris from entering and damaging the motor assembly A 48  as well as prevent dust from being expelled into the room. 
     The motor assembly A 48  produces an output stream A 64  of air through an exhaust port A 57   a  and A 57   b  of motor assembly A 48 . The exhaust ports A 57   a  and A 57   b  are fluidly connected to an air return outlet A 58  that is a generally hollow, bell shaped housing that has a narrowed upper portions A 62   a  and A 62   b  angled approximately ninety degrees to a rectangular lower portion A 60 . 
     According to the second embodiment of the present invention, which similar to the first embodiment of the present invention as seen in FIG. 4 a  and FIG. 4 b , the outlet A 58  directs an output stream A 64  of air past the inlet aperture extensions A 38  by way of a plurality of inlet bypass channels A 39  and then continues through either a plurality of rearward deflection channels A 68  or a forward deflection channel A 70 . In the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rearward deflection channels A 68  are configured to direct the output streams A 64  toward the floor covering directly beneath the air inlet aperture extensions A 38  which occupy the spaces between the rows of rearward deflection channels A 68 . The output stream A 64  can be deflected into either the forward deflection channel A 70  or the plurality of rearward deflection channels A 68 , depending upon the position of a selector or slidable edge detection button A 66 . The edge detection button A 66  has a closed portion A 72  that blocks the output stream A 64  from entering a respective channel and an open portion A 74  that allows output stream A 64  to enter a respective channel. Therefore, by laterally sliding the edge detection button A 66  between the rear deflection channels A 68  and forward deflection channel A 70 , the output stream A 64  can be directed through a respective channel. In the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detection button A 66  is positioned to allow the output stream A 64  to exit through the rear deflection channels A 68  during normal vacuuming. However, if the vacuum cleaner is pressed up against a wall, the edge detection button A 66  will contact the wall and slide rearward thereby closing the rear deflection channels A 68  and opening the forward detection channel A 70 . As such, the output stream A 64  will be directed towards the front of the vacuum cleaner A 10  to thereby blow out dirt and debris that has collected between the wall (or other obstacle) and the floor that can then be collected by the air inlet aperture extensions A 38 . Therefore, the vacuum cleaner A 10  constructed in accordance with the present invention does not need special tools or attachments for cleaning the junction between the wall and the floor. 
     Under circumstances where the use of an accessory extension would be the preferred method of vacuuming, a flexible hose A 86  is provided with nozzle A 88  which can be readily coupled to the top attachment adapter A 43  by way of a nozzle orifice A 90 . The nozzle A 88  is constructed such that when inserted into the nozzle orifice A 90 , fluid communication between the inlet A 36  and the dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b  is interrupted, thereby establishing fluid communication between a hose inlet A 92  and the dustbins A 44   a  and A 44   b.    
     Since the vacuum cleaner A 10  constructed in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention reuses the exhaust output stream A 64 , the motor assembly A 48  may be sized appropriately. As will be recognized to those of ordinary skill in the art, the motor assembly A 48  may be smaller and consume less energy than a conventional vacuum cleaner since it does not power a spinning agitator. Therefore, it is contemplated that the motor assembly A 48  may be powered by a rechargeable battery A 76  mounted within a hood A 78 . As seen in FIG. 8, the hood A 78  covers the top of the cleaning head portion A 12  when attached thereto. The battery A 76  is attached to the top of the hood A 78  for easy recharging and ideal weight distribution. If the vacuum cleaner A 10  is used with a battery  76 , then the battery A 76  will be designed to operate for a sufficient duration in order to sustain the motor assembly A 48  with specifications of about 24 volts at 6 amps and spinning at 8,600 RPM. 
     Under circumstances where a cord powered vacuum is more desirable, the motor assembly A 48  will be designed to operate indefinitely, sustaining usage of 120 volts at 6 amps and spinning at approximately 11,000 RPM. 
     Accordingly, the vacuum cleaner A 10  of the second embodiment of the present invention is also provided an air return accessory A 100  for attachment to an existing vacuum cleaner, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 with respect to the first embodiment of the present invention. The air return accessory A 100  comprises a front housing A 102  that is attachable to the upright portion of an existing vacuum cleaner such as an Eureka World VAC. Specifically, the front housing A 102  replaces the existing upright body cover and disposable bag of the vacuum cleaner. The front housing A 102  snaps into the upright portion using a standard spring loaded handle/clip apparatus (not shown). The front housing A 102  contains an airtight accessory dustbin A 104  that is coupled to the inlet of the existing vacuum cleaner through adaptive orifice A 105 . The input air flows through the dustbin A 104  and is filtered by an accessory filter A 106  before exiting the dustbin A 104  through accessory exhaust opening A 108 . An accessory outlet A 110  is coupled to the accessory exhaust A 108  in order to direct the exhaust toward the existing air inlet of the vacuum cleaner. The accessory outlet A 110  has a forward lip A 112  that projects downwardly in front of the air inlet of the existing vacuum cleaner. Additionally, the accessory outlet A 110  is configured with an accessory edge detection button A 114  that directs the output stream either forward or rearward. The accessory outlet A 110  and accessory edge detection button A 114  operate identically to the edge detection button A 66  and outlet A 58  of the vacuum A 10 . The accessory edge detection button A 144  will direct the exhaust stream rearward through an accessory rear channel A 116  during normal operation and forward through an accessory forward channel A 118  when the accessory outlet A 110  is in contact with a wall or obstruction and the accessory edge detection button A 114  is depressed. When the accessory dustbin A 104  has been filled with dust and debris, it may be emptied through a hinged lid (not shown). 
     Referring to FIGS. 12 to  17 , a vacuum cleaner B 10  according to a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The vacuum cleaner B 10  comprises an agitator B 30 , which is disposed within an opening B 26  and adjacent to front wheels B 24   a  and B 24   b , having a first row of brushes B 32   a  and a second row of brushes B 32   b  disposed on the exterior surface of the agitator B 30 . 
     Referring to the drawings wherein the showings are for purpose of illustrating the third preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purpose of limiting the same, FIG. 12 perspectively illustrates a vacuum cleaner B 10  constructed in accordance with the present invention. The vacuum cleaner B 10  comprises a cleaning head portion B 12  and an upright portion B 14 . The vacuum cleaner B 100  of the present invention is used by pushing the cleaning head portion B 12  over the surface or floor covering to be cleaned with a handle B 16  attached to the upright portion B 14  thereof. 
     Referring to FIG. 13, the cleaning head portion B 12  has a generally rectangular floor plate B 18  that supports a pair of rotatable rear wheels B 20   a  and B 20   b  placed at opposite corners of the floor plate B 18 . Also attached to the floor plate B 18  is a front axle B 22  supporting a pair of rotatable front wheels B 24   a  and B 24   b . The axle  22  is attached to floor plate  18  in a position whereat each of the front wheels B 24   a  and B 24   b  protrude through an opening B 26  formed within floor plate B 18 . The front wheels B 24   a  and B 24   b , as well as rear wheels B 20   a  and B 20   b , are configured to travel and support the floor plate B 18  and cleaning head portion B 12  above the floor covering. Additionally, the front axle B 22  is attached to a vertical height adjustment mechanism B 28  that is capable of selectively adjusting the height of the floor plate B 18  above the floor covering. Specifically, the height adjustment mechanism B 28  can change the vertical spacing between the floor plate B 18  and the axle B 22  in order to move the cleaning head portion B 12  either closer to or further away from the floor covering. 
     Disposed within opening  26  and adjacent to front wheels B 24   a  and B 24   b  is an agitator B 30 . As seen in FIG. 14, the agitator B 30  is an elongate tube with a first row of brushes B 32   a  and a second row of brushes B 32   b  disposed on the exterior surface thereof. The first row of brushes B 32   a  are attached in opposite relation (i.e., about 180 degrees) to the second row of brushes B 32   b  along the exterior of the agitator B 30 . The first row of brushes B 32   a  may be series of firm brushes to be used on thick, shag carpeting and the second row of brushes may be soft brushes to be used on delicate floors. The agitator B 30  does not rotate as in a conventional vacuum cleaner. Specifically, the first or second row of brushes B 32   a , are selected with brush selector lever B 34  to comb the floor to be cleaned. The brush selector lever B 34  selectively positions the agitator B 30  between a first position whereat the first row of brushes B 32   a  are in contact with the floor and a second position whereat the second row of brushes B 32   b  are in contact with the floor. Additionally, the agitator B 30  is coupled to the vertical height adjustment mechanism B 28  so that the agitator B 30  is at the same height above the floor covering as the front wheels B 24   a  and B 24   b.    
     In order to draw dust and debris into the vacuum cleaner B 10 , an air inlet B 36  is attached to the floor plate B 18 . As seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, the air inlet B 36  is in fluid communication with the opening B 26  such that dirt and debris may be drawn through opening B 26  and into inlet B 36 . The inlet B 36  is disposed over the agitator B 30  such that dirt and/or debris disturbed by agitator B 30  is immediately drawn into the inlet B 36 . As seen in FIG. 2, the air inlet B 36  has a generally hollow, bell shaped configuration whereby a lower portion B 38  thereof is shaped as an elongate rectangular opening that tapers into a narrow cylindrical upper portion B 40 . Additionally, the upper portion B 40  is angled approximately ninety degrees relative to the bottom portion to facilitate connection to a flexible hose B 42 . 
     In the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hose B 42  is coupled between the inlet B 36  and a top attachment point of an airtight dustbin B 44 . As seen in FIG. 13, the dustbin B 44  is attachable to the upright portion B 14  of vacuum cleaner B 10  through the use of a springclip B 80 , slots B 82  and tabs B 84 . The tabs B 84  of upright portion B 14  are insertable into the slots B 82  of dustbin B 44  such that the dustbin B 44  can be swung into place on upright portion B 14 . The springclip B 80  thereby frictionally secures the dustbin B 44  to the upright portion B 14 . The dustbin B 44  is an airtight container that uses a loose plastic mesh to collect debris that is drawn into the air inlet B 36  and hose B 42 . The dustbin B 44  includes a hinged lid B 46  that is openable to provide access into the container for removal of dirt and debris when the dustbin B 44  is removed from the upright portion B 14 . 
     In order to draw dirt and debris into the dustbin B 44 , the vacuum cleaner B 10  is equipped with a blower or motor B 48  fluidly connected to the dustbin B 44  through a duct B 50 . The duct B 50  is formed within the upright portion B 14  and fluidly connects the dustbin B 44  to an intake B 51  of the motor B 48 . The motor B 48  contains fan (not shown) that rotates to produce a low pressure input streams B 52  of air seen in FIG.  14 . The low pressure input stream B 52  draws dust and debris through the inlet B 36  and hose B 42  such that the dust and debris is deposited within the dustbin B 44 . In order to trap the dust within the dustbin B 44 , there is provided a first filter B 53  disposed between the dustbin B 44  and the duct B 50 . Additionally, a second filter B 54  is disposed between the duct B 50  and the intake B 51  of motor B 48 . The second filter B 54  is located within a flexible coupling B 55  that attaches intake B 51  of the motor B 48  to the duct B 50 . The first B 53  and second B 54  filters prevent debris from entering and damaging the motor B 48  as well as the trap dust. 
     The motor B 48  produces an output stream B 64  of air through an exhaust port B 57  of motor B 48 . The exhaust port B 57  is fluidly connected to an air return outlet B 58  that is a generally hollow, bell shaped housing that has a narrowed upper portion B 60  angled approximately ninety degrees to a rectangular lower portion B 62 . The outlet B 58  directs an output stream B 64  of air adjacent to and in front of the input stream B 52 , as seen in FIG.  14 . The outlet B 58  is configured to direct the output stream B 64  towards the inlet B 36  during normal operation. As seen in FIG. 15A, the outlet B 58  has a rear deflection channel B 68  and a forward deflection channel B 70 . The output stream B 64  can be deflected into one of the two channels (i.e., rear deflection channel B 68  or forward deflection channel B 70 ) depending upon the position of a selector or slidable edge detection button B 66 . The edge detection button B 66  has a closed portion B 72  that blocks the output stream B 64  from entering a respective channel and an open portion B 74  that allows output stream B 64  to enter a respective channel. Therefore, by laterally sliding the edge detection button B 66  between the rear deflection channel B 68  and forward deflection channel B 70 , the output stream B 64  can be directed through a respective channel. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detection button B 66  is positioned to allow the output stream B 64  to exit the rear deflection channel B 68  during normal vacuuming. However, as seen in FIG. 15 b , if the vacuum cleaner is pressed up against a wall, the edge detection button B 66  will contact the wall and slide rearward thereby closing the rear deflection channel B 68  and opening the forward detection channel B 70 . As such, the output stream B 64  will be directed towards the front of the vacuum cleaner B 10  to thereby blow out dirt and debris that has collected between the wall and the floor that can then be collected by inlet B 36 . Therefore, the vacuum cleaner B 10  constructed in accordance with the present invention does not need special tools or attachments for cleaning the junction between the wall and the floor. 
     Since the vacuum cleaner B 10  constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention reuses the exhaust output stream B 64 , the motor B 48  may be sized appropriately. As will be recognized to those of ordinary skill in the art, the motor B 48  may be smaller and consume less energy than a conventional vacuum cleaner since it does not power a spinning agitator. Therefore, it is contemplated that the motor B 48  may be powered by a rechargeable battery B 76  mounted within a hood B 78 . As seen in FIG. 13, the hood B 78  covers the top of the cleaning head portion B 12  when attached thereto. The battery B 76  is attached to the top of the hood B 78  for easy recharging. If the vacuum cleaner B 10  is used with a battery B 76 , then the battery B 76  will be designed to operate at 12 volts, 7 amp/hours for the duration of at least 1 hour in order to sustain the motor B 48  with 120 volts at 6 amps and spinning at 25,000 RPM. 
     In accordance with the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, there is also provided an air return accessory B 100  for attachment to an existing vacuum cleaner. The air return accessory B 100  comprises a front housing B 102  that is attachable to the upright portion of an existing vacuum cleaner such as an Eureka World VAC. Specifically, the front housing B 102  replaces the existing upright body cover and disposable bag of the vacuum cleaner. The front housing B 102  snaps into the upright portion using a standard spring loaded handle/clip apparatus (not shown). The front housing B 102  contains an airtight accessory dustbin B 104  that is coupled to the inlet of the existing vacuum cleaner through adaptive orifice B 105 . The input air flows through the dustbin B 104  and is filtered by an accessory filter B 106  before exiting the dustbin B 104  through accessory exhaust opening B 108 . An accessory outlet B 110  is coupled to the accessory exhaust B 108  in order to direct the exhaust toward the existing air inlet of the vacuum cleaner. The accessory outlet B 110  has a forward lip B 112  that projects downwardly in front of the air inlet of the existing vacuum cleaner. Additionally, the accessory outlet B 110  is configured with an accessory edge detection button B 114  that directs the output stream either forward or rearward. The accessory outlet B 110  and accessory edge detection button B 114  operate identically to the edge detection button B 66  and outlet B 58  of the vacuum B 10 . The accessory edge detection button B 144  will direct the exhaust stream rearward through an accessory rear channel B 116  during normal operation and forward through an accessory forward channel B 118  when the accessory outlet B 110  is in contact with a wall or obstruction and the accessory edge detection button B 114  is depressed. When the accessory dustbin B 104  has been filled with dust and debris, it may be emptied through a hinged lid (not shown). 
     Additional modifications and improvements of the first, second and third embodiment of the present invention, such as adapting the outlet for use on a canister type vacuum cleaner, may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitation of alternative devices within the spirit and scope of the invention.