Patent Description:
<CIT> forms the closest prior art and concerns a surface cleaning apparatus with opposing bristle supports defining first mounting surfaces and opposing sweeper supports defining second mounting surfaces. The special design of the opposing bristle supports and opposing sweeper supports according to the characterizing part of claim <NUM> is not described in this document.

<CIT> describes a vacuum cleaner with a brush roll but does not disclose a cyclonic collection system comprising a cyclone separator.

<CIT> describes a surface cleaning apparatus and belongs to the technological background.

Further developments are defined in the dependent claims.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner comprises a base comprising an agitator chamber and a suction nozzle opening in fluid communication with the agitator chamber, an upright body pivotally mounted to the base and comprising a main support section supporting a cyclonic collection system comprising a cyclone separator, a suction source in fluid communication with the cyclonic collection system, a brushroll positioned within the agitator chamber for rotational movement about a central rotational axis and comprising a brush dowel configured to be mounted for rotation about the central rotational axis, which extends longitudinally through the brush dowel, and a floor type sensor configured to provide a sensor output indicative of a type of floor beneath the vacuum cleaner, wherein the sensor output indicative of the type of floor determines a speed at which the brush dowel is rotated about the central rotational axis.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a brushroll for a vacuum cleaner comprises a brush dowel configured to be mounted for rotation about a central rotational axis, which extends longitudinally through the brush dowel, and comprising opposing bristle supports defining first mounting surfaces, opposing sweeper supports defining second mounting surfaces, and a shroud surface extending between the opposing bristle supports and the opposing sweeper supports, and a plurality of bristle tufts fastened to each of the opposing bristle supports and projecting from one of the first mounting surfaces, and a sweeper fastened to each of the opposing sweeper supports and projecting from one of the second mounting surfaces.

Brushrolls typically have a generally cylindrical dowel that can include multiple sweeping features or elements, such as multiple bristle tufts extending radially from the dowel. In operation, debris on a surface to be cleaned is swept up by the brushroll. In some cases, elongated debris, such as hair, may become wrapped around the brushroll and must be removed by a user by manually pulling or cutting the hair off the brushroll. Further, such brushrolls can include features that may optimize the performance of the brushroll in sweeping up debris from a specific type of surface to be cleaned. For example, some brushrolls can be designed to be more effective at sweeping up debris from soft surfaces, such as carpeted floors, rugs, or upholstered surfaces, while other brushrolls include sweeping features or elements that optimize the brushroll instead for sweeping up debris from hard surfaces, such as bare floors, wood floors, tile, linoleum, or the like. However, this can result in brushrolls designed for use on either soft or hard surfaces that are, in turn, not as effective at sweeping up debris from other types of surfaces.

The present disclosure relates to a surface cleaning apparatus having a rotatable brushroll. An aspect of the disclosure relates to vacuum cleaner or accessory tool for a vacuum cleaner having a rotatable brushroll. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an improved brushroll design which reduces tangling, such as hair wrap, about the brushroll and is also adapted for multi-surface use, such as to sweep up debris from both soft surfaces and hard surfaces. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a brushroll includes a dowel, a plurality of bristles protruding from the dowel, at least one elastomeric sweeping element protruding from the dowel, and a shroud surface which is positioned relative to the bristles to minimize hair wrap. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a brushroll includes a dowel, a plurality of bristles protruding from the dowel, and at least one elastomeric sweeping element protruding from the dowel, wherein at least one of the plurality of bristles or the at least one elastomeric sweeping element protruding from the dowel are provided in a single chevron pattern or shape on the dowel. According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a brushroll includes concave curved tufting surfaces to which bristle tufts and/or at least one elastomeric sweeping element are mounted or secured to minimize hair wrap.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner includes a plurality of headlights that are configured to function as a status indicator system for providing a visual indication of an operational status or characteristic for at least one component of the vacuum cleaner.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner includes at least one ultrasonic floor type sensor configured to sense the type of surface to be cleaned by the vacuum cleaner and to alter the operation of the vacuum cleaner based on the sensed floor type.

It will be understood that while an upright vacuum cleaner is illustrated herein that the brushrolls, headlights, and floor type sensor can be used with various surface cleaning apparatus, including an upright-type vacuum cleaner, a canister-type vacuum cleaner, a stick vacuum cleaner, an autonomous or robotic vacuum cleaner, or a hand-held vacuum cleaner, or accessory tools therefore. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner or accessory tool can additionally be configured to distribute a fluid and/or to extract a fluid, where the fluid may, for example, be liquid or steam. The term "surface cleaning apparatus" as used herein includes both vacuum cleaners and accessory tools for vacuum cleaners, unless expressly noted. Additionally, in some aspects of the present disclosure the surface cleaning apparatus including the illustrated vacuum cleaner can have fluid delivery capability for applying a fluid, including liquid and/or steam, to the surface to be cleaned, and/or fluid extraction capability for extracting fluid from the surface to be cleaned.

<FIG> is a schematic cross section of a conventional brushroll <NUM> for a vacuum cleaner. The brushroll <NUM> includes a brush dowel <NUM> configured to be mounted for rotation about a central rotational axis X extending longitudinally through the dowel <NUM>. The dowel <NUM> includes a cylindrical core <NUM> and one or more bristle supports <NUM> projecting from the core <NUM>. A plurality of bristles <NUM> protrude from the bristle supports <NUM>. The bristles <NUM> can be provided in a series of discrete tufts or in a continuous strip.

<FIG> show an exemplary operation of the brushroll <NUM>. During operation, the brushroll <NUM> is configured to be rotationally driven in the direction indicated by arrow R. As the bristles <NUM> come into contact with the surface to be cleaned, the bristles <NUM> are deflected. Debris, which can include, but is not limited to, dirt, dust, and hair, on the surface to be cleaned is swept up by the brushroll <NUM>. In the present example, for purposes of simple illustration, a single hair H on the surface is shown as being picked up by the brushroll <NUM> in <FIG> by the bristles <NUM> in contact with the surface. The bristles <NUM> lift the hair H off the surface and around the dowel <NUM> as the brushroll <NUM> rotates.

In some cases, the hair H may be pulled off the bristles <NUM> by the suction force of the vacuum cleaner. In other cases, as the bristles <NUM> holding the hair H continue along the rotational path determined by the dowel <NUM>, the hair H can become wrapped around the dowel <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

As the bristles <NUM> holding the hair H again come into contact with the surface to be cleaned, the hair H extends from an attachment point P, which is where at least one strand of hair H is attached to at least one bristle <NUM>. When viewed from the side, the surface to be cleaned defines a surface line S, and the deflected bristles <NUM> define a bristle deflection line Y, which is the tangent line to the curve defined by the deflected bristles <NUM> at the attachment point P. A deflection angle A1 is defined by the included angle formed by the surface line S and a line Z, which is the line orthogonal to the bristle deflection line Y at the intersection of the bristle deflection line Y with the surface line S. The hair H defines a hair wrap line W, which is the line defined by the hair H from the attachment point P where it extends from or leaves the bristles <NUM>. In some cases, the portion of the hair H extending immediately from the bristles <NUM> may extend substantially linearly before curving around the dowel <NUM>, and so that hair wrap line W can follow that linear portion of the hair H. A hair wrap angle A2 is defined by the included angle formed by the surface line S and the hair wrap line W. It is noted that the hair H can be caught in various locations by the bristles <NUM>, but that, regardless of where the hair is attached to the bristles, the wrapped hair H will have at least some portion that extends from the bristles <NUM> in the direction opposite to brushroll rotation R.

It has been found that for brushroll designs where the hair wrap angle A2 is greater than the deflection angle A1 (in other words, where A2 > A1), the hair is pulled toward the root of the bristles <NUM> and becomes tightly wrapped around the dowel <NUM>. In this case, the hair cannot be pulled off the brushroll <NUM> by the suction force of the vacuum cleaner, and the user must manually remove the hair.

Aspects of the present disclosure include brushroll designs in which the hair wrap angle A2 is less than or equal to the deflection angle A1 (in other words, where A2 ≤A1). Such brushrolls prevent or greatly reduce the amount of hair wrap during operation. By way of non-limiting example, other suitable examples of such exemplary brushroll designs having the hair wrap angle A2 that is less than or equal to the deflection angle A1 (in other words, where A2 ≤A1) are set forth in detail in <CIT>, and titled "Brushroll for Vacuum Cleaner," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in the form of a vacuum cleaner <NUM> and more specifically in the form of an upright vacuum cleaner according to an aspect of the present disclosure. While shown and referred to herein as an upright vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> can alternatively be configured as a stick vacuum cleaner, an autonomous or robotic vacuum cleaner, a hand-held vacuum cleaning device, or as an apparatus having a floor nozzle or a hand-held accessory tool connected to a canister or other portable device by a vacuum hose. Additionally, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> can be configured to have fluid distribution capability and/or extraction capability.

For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the present disclosure as oriented in <FIG> from the perspective of a user behind the vacuum cleaner, which defines the rear of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. However, it is to be understood that the aspects of the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

As illustrated, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> includes an upright body <NUM> operably coupled to a base <NUM>. The upright body <NUM> generally includes a main support section <NUM> supporting a collection system <NUM> for separating and collecting contaminants from a working airstream for later disposal. In one conventional arrangement illustrated herein, the collection system <NUM> can include a cyclone separator <NUM>, which can be thought of as a cyclonic collection system, for separating contaminants from a working airstream and integrally formed with a dirt cup <NUM> for receiving and collecting the separated contaminants from the cyclone separator <NUM>. The dirt cup <NUM> can be removable from the main support section <NUM> and be provided with a bottom-opening dirt door for contaminant disposal. The cyclone separator <NUM> can have a single cyclonic separation stage, or multiple stages. In another conventional arrangement, the collection system <NUM> can include a separately formed cyclone separator and dirt cup. It is understood that other types of collection systems <NUM> can be used, such as centrifugal separators or bulk separators. In yet another conventional arrangement, the collection system <NUM> can include a filter bag. The vacuum cleaner <NUM> can also be provided with one or more additional filters upstream or downstream of the collection system <NUM>.

The upright body <NUM> can be pivotally mounted to the base <NUM> for movement between an upright storage position, shown in <FIG>, and a reclined use position (not shown). The vacuum cleaner <NUM> can be provided with a detent mechanism, such as a pedal (not shown) pivotally mounted to the base <NUM>, for selectively releasing the upright body <NUM> from the storage position to the use position.

The upright body <NUM> also has an elongated handle <NUM> extending upwardly from the main support section <NUM> that is provided with a hand grip <NUM> at one end that can be used for maneuvering the vacuum cleaner <NUM> over a surface to be cleaned.

A motor cavity <NUM> is formed at a lower end of the main support section <NUM> and contains a conventional suction source, such as a motor/fan assembly <NUM>, positioned therein in fluid communication with the collection system <NUM>. The vacuum cleaner <NUM> can also be provided with one or more additional filters upstream or downstream of the motor/fan assembly <NUM>.

The base <NUM> can include a housing <NUM> that couples with a cover <NUM> to create a partially enclosed space therebetween. An agitator chamber <NUM> (<FIG>) can be provided at a forward portion of the housing <NUM> for receiving a brushroll <NUM> (<FIG>). A suction nozzle opening <NUM> (<FIG>) is formed in the housing <NUM> and is in fluid communication with the agitator chamber <NUM> and the collection system <NUM>. Wheels <NUM> can be provided on the base <NUM> for maneuvering the vacuum cleaner <NUM> over a surface to be cleaned.

Specifically, the housing <NUM> can extend between a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM> and, along with the cover <NUM>, can at least partially define the agitator chamber <NUM> therebetween. A front bar <NUM> extends between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> along a lower portion of the housing <NUM>. The front bar <NUM> is configured to be located behind the cover <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is mounted. A headlight array <NUM> is illustrated as being located on the front bar <NUM> and extending along the width of the housing <NUM> between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM>. The headlight array <NUM> can be any suitable illumination assembly, including an LED headlight array. Even though the headlight array <NUM> is positioned under the cover <NUM>, it can be considered to be positioned along an outer portion of the housing <NUM>. In one example, the cover <NUM> can include a transparent portion such that, when installed, the transparent portion covers and protects the headlight array <NUM> and permits emitted light to shine through to the surface to be cleaned. In another example, the cover <NUM> can leave the headlight array <NUM> uncovered so as not to block emitted light from the headlight array <NUM>.

The base <NUM> can further include an optional suction nozzle height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the suction nozzle opening <NUM> with respect to the surface to be cleaned. An actuator or selector (not shown) for actuating the adjustment mechanism can be provided on the exterior of the base <NUM>, or at any other suitable location on the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. In another variation, the suction nozzle height adjustment mechanism can be eliminated.

In <FIG>, a lower portion of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>, and specifically a portion of the base <NUM> including at least a portion of the housing <NUM>, is shown with the cover <NUM> removed to better illustrate features of the base <NUM>. The brushroll <NUM> is positioned within the agitator chamber <NUM> for rotational movement about a central rotational axis X. A single brushroll <NUM> is illustrated; however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for more than one brushroll <NUM> to be used, such as, by way of non-limiting example, for dual rotating brushrolls <NUM> to be used. Moreover, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the brushroll <NUM> to be mounted within the agitator chamber <NUM> in a fixed or floating vertical position relative to the agitator chamber <NUM> and to the housing <NUM>.

The brushroll <NUM> can be operably coupled to and driven, either directly or indirectly, by the motor/fan assembly <NUM> in the motor cavity <NUM>. The base <NUM> can include a motor shaft <NUM> that is operably coupled to and driven by the motor/fan assembly <NUM>. The motor shaft <NUM> is oriented substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned and can be located in a rear portion of the base <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the motor shaft <NUM> can protrude into the rear portion of the base <NUM> adjacent to the agitator chamber <NUM>. A drive belt <NUM> operably connects the motor shaft <NUM> to the brushroll <NUM> for transmitting rotational motion of the motor shaft <NUM> to the brushroll <NUM>. Alternatively, a separate, dedicated agitator drive motor (not shown) can be provided within the base <NUM> to drive the motor shaft <NUM> and the brushroll <NUM>, either in cooperation with or independently of the operation of the motor/fan assembly <NUM>. Further, while the brushroll <NUM> is described herein as being rotatably driven by a motor, it is understood that the brushroll <NUM> can be driven by other means, such as, but not limited to, a turbine fan or a mechanical gear train.

In operation, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> draws in debris-laden air through the base <NUM>, and specifically through the suction nozzle opening <NUM>, and into the collection system <NUM> where the debris, which can include, but is not limited to, dirt, dust, hair, and other debris, is substantially separated from the working air flow, which is generated by the motor/fan assembly <NUM>. The spinning motor shaft <NUM> that can be operably coupled to the motor/fan assembly <NUM> rotates the brushroll <NUM> via the drive belt <NUM> that is operably connected therebetween. Alternatively, the separate, dedicated agitator drive motor can rotate the brushroll <NUM> via the motor shaft <NUM> and the drive belt <NUM> operably connected therebetween. As the brushroll <NUM> rotates, sweeping elements sweep across the surface to be cleaned to release and propel debris into the working air flow generated by the motor/fan assembly <NUM>, which carries the debris into the collection system <NUM>. The working air flow then passes through the motor cavity <NUM> and past the motor/fan assembly <NUM> prior to being exhausted from the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. The collection system <NUM> can be periodically emptied of debris.

With the cover <NUM> removed, it can better be seen that the base <NUM> can further include the headlight array <NUM>. In one example, the headlight array <NUM> can be provided in the form of a light bar. The headlight array <NUM> includes a light assembly body <NUM> provided within the base <NUM>, such as along the lower front edge of the base <NUM> at the front bar <NUM>. The light assembly body <NUM> can be integrally formed with the housing <NUM>, though it will be understood that the light assembly body <NUM> can also be formed separately from the housing <NUM> and instead be coupled to or mounted to the housing <NUM> or to another component of the base <NUM>. As illustrated herein, the headlight array <NUM> is positioned such that at least a portion of the light assembly body <NUM> is located behind or within the cover <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is in place with the housing <NUM>. However, it is also contemplated that the light assembly body <NUM> can be provided on an exterior of the base <NUM>, such as on an exterior front surface of the cover <NUM>.

While the light assembly body <NUM> is illustrated herein as extending across substantially the full width of the base <NUM>, it is also contemplated that the light assembly body <NUM> can extend across less than the full width of the base <NUM>, including less than or equal to half the width of the base <NUM>, less than or equal to one third the width of the base <NUM>, or less than or equal to one quarter the width of the base <NUM>. Further, while the headlight array <NUM> is illustrated herein as including a single monolithic light assembly body <NUM>, it will also be understood that the headlight array <NUM> can alternatively include more than one light assembly body <NUM>, with the multiple light assembly bodies <NUM> collectively forming the headlight array <NUM>.

The light assembly body <NUM> defines a plurality of light openings <NUM>. As illustrated herein, the light openings <NUM> can extend across the width of the light assembly body <NUM>, though the light openings <NUM> could alternatively be provided within only a portion of the light assembly body <NUM>. While the light openings <NUM> as illustrated herein as being evenly spaced across the width of the light assembly body <NUM>, it will be understood that the light openings <NUM> can be provided in any suitable pattern or arrangement on the light assembly body <NUM>.

The headlight array <NUM> further includes a plurality of lights <NUM>, such that at least some of the plurality of light openings <NUM> receive the lights <NUM>. In one example, the lights <NUM> are provided as LED lights <NUM>. As illustrated herein, each of the light openings <NUM> can receive at least one light <NUM>, though it is not necessary that the number of light openings <NUM> and lights <NUM> be the same. The lights <NUM> are positioned such that the lights <NUM> emit illumination through the light openings <NUM>. In the case that the portion of the light assembly body <NUM> defining the light openings <NUM> is positioned behind the cover <NUM>, the cover <NUM> can be at least partially transparent such that the illumination from the lights <NUM> is visible to a user from behind the cover <NUM>. Alternatively, or additionally, the light assembly body <NUM> can be positioned such that the light openings <NUM>, and therefore also the lights <NUM>, are not obstructed by the cover <NUM>.

The operation of the headlight array <NUM> can be controlled by a microcontroller (not shown) located within the base <NUM>. In one example, the lights <NUM> are controlled and configured to serve as headlights for the vacuum cleaner <NUM>, emitting illumination forward from the base <NUM> to illuminate the surface to be cleaned during operation of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the headlight array <NUM> can be controlled and configured to function as a status indicator system to provide at least one visual indicator corresponding to an operational status or informational status of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> and its components.

In one non-limiting example, the headlight array <NUM> is configured to illuminate the surface to be cleaned during operation of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> and is additionally configured to indicate an operational status of the brushroll <NUM>. During normal operation of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>, when the headlight array provides illumination, it has been determined that the placement of the headlight array <NUM> in this very low position across the front of the base <NUM> illuminates the surface to be cleaned very well, including that dust and/or debris are illuminated exceptionally well. It has been determined that performance is noticeably better as compared to when LEDs are mounted higher up and pointing downwardly at the surface to be cleaned. Because of the low position of the headlight array <NUM>, and because the headlight array <NUM> faces forward and projects illumination at substantially a horizontal projection, shadows are cast by debris on the surface to be cleaned and these shadows are very obvious to a user of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. It will be understood that the beam provided by the headlight array <NUM> can be projected with a zero-degree angle that provides a beam that is parallel to the surface to be cleaned.

The vacuum cleaner <NUM> can also include an over-current protection (OCP) feature to ensure that the vacuum cleaner <NUM> only operates under safe parameters. Under normal operation, the motor/fan assembly <NUM> or the separate, dedicated agitator drive motor can output a current value to operate the brushroll <NUM> that is not to exceed a predetermined threshold. However, under certain conditions, non-limiting examples of which include the brushroll <NUM> becoming tangled with debris such that it cannot rotate freely, or if rotation of the brushroll <NUM> is impeded by the surface to be cleaned, such as by thick carpet, the motor/fan assembly <NUM> or the separate, dedicated agitator drive motor may generate increased current to try to overcome the impediment and cause the brushroll <NUM> to rotate. If this increased current value becomes too great, such as by exceeding the predetermined threshold, components of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> may be damaged or subject to increased wear. In such a case of the current exceeding the predetermined threshold, the OCP feature is tripped and can cease operation of the brushroll <NUM> by the motor/fan assembly <NUM> or the separate, dedicated agitator drive motor in order to prevent damage or undue wear within the vacuum cleaner <NUM>.

Further, if the OCP feature of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> is tripped due to the current operating the brushroll <NUM> exceeding the predetermined threshold, when operation of the brushroll <NUM> is ceased, the headlight array <NUM> can also provide a visual indication to a user to communicate to the user that the OCP has been tripped and that the brushroll <NUM> is no longer operating. The visual indication provided by the headlight array <NUM> can include a specific illumination pattern of at least some of the lights <NUM>, such as by the lights <NUM> flashing or being constantly illuminated, by a change in illumination color of at least some of the lights <NUM>, or a combination of a color change and a change in illumination pattern or frequency. In one example, the lights <NUM> are controlled to begin flashing when the OCP is tripped and will continue to flash until the OCP is reset, such as by power cycling the vacuum cleaner <NUM>.

Additionally, or alternatively, the headlight array <NUM> can be operated to provide a visual indication for various other functions or information relating to the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. Further non-limiting examples of such visual indications that can be provided by the headlight array <NUM> include other operational status information for the brushroll <NUM> besides the over-current protection activation, such as a rotational speed level of the brushroll <NUM>. Further non-limiting examples of such visual indications that can be provided by the headlight array <NUM> include other operational status information or component information that is unrelated to the brushroll <NUM>, including but not limited to, an indication for nozzle pressure or system pressure of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> that could indicate a clogged filter, a fill level of the dirt cup <NUM>, a fill level of any included fluid dispensing systems, an operational mode of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>, or a floor type sensed by the vacuum cleaner <NUM> (e.g. carpet or bare floor). It will be understood that, in such an instance, an appropriate sensor, motor, controller or other component would need to be coupled to, or otherwise provide information to, the microcontroller to allow the headlight array <NUM> display to provide such indications thereon.

<FIG> is a bottom perspective view of the base <NUM> showing the base <NUM> further including a floor type sensor assembly <NUM>. A lower surface of the base <NUM>, such as defined in part by the housing <NUM>, defines a sensor opening <NUM>. A recessed portion <NUM> extends upwardly away from the bottom most portion of the housing <NUM>. The sensor opening <NUM> includes an aperture located in the recessed portion <NUM>. The sensor opening <NUM> leads into the interior of the base <NUM>. In this manner, the sensor opening <NUM> is recessed into the housing <NUM> and provided at a vertical height above the bottom most portion of the housing <NUM>. It will be understood that this allows the sensor opening <NUM> to be located further vertically above the surface to be cleaned than other portions of the housing <NUM>. A plurality of ribs <NUM> can be provided within the recessed portion <NUM>. The plurality of ribs <NUM> may be located in the sensor opening <NUM> and extend a width of the sensor opening <NUM> from a wall of the recessed portion <NUM> defining the sensor opening <NUM>. While the ribs <NUM> are illustrated herein as being evenly spaced from one another about the circumference of the sensor opening <NUM>, it will be understood that any suitable number of ribs <NUM> can be provided, including only a single rib <NUM>, and the plurality of ribs <NUM> can be provided in any suitable arrangement and spacing about the sensor opening <NUM>. The plurality of ribs <NUM> can also be joined together or otherwise form a support within the sensor opening <NUM>. While the plurality of ribs <NUM> forming the support is illustrated as centralized within the sensor opening <NUM>, it need not be.

A floor type sensor <NUM> can be retained or otherwise supported by the plurality of ribs <NUM>. The floor type sensor <NUM> can be provided adjacent or within the sensor opening <NUM>. More specifically, the ribs <NUM> and floor type sensor <NUM> can be configured such that the floor type sensor <NUM> can be held in place within the base <NUM>. In one example, the floor type sensor <NUM> can be provided within the recessed portion <NUM> such that the floor type sensor <NUM> is recessed vertically above a bottom most portion of the housing <NUM> and can sense the floor type through the sensor opening <NUM>. It is contemplated that the floor type sensor <NUM> can be located entirely within the interior of the base <NUM> or that the floor type sensor <NUM> can protrude from the sensor opening <NUM> into the recessed portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the floor type sensor <NUM> can be even with or extend below portions of the housing <NUM>.

In one example, the floor type sensor <NUM> is provided in the form of an ultrasonic floor type sensor <NUM>. The ultrasonic floor type sensor <NUM> can sense a floor type of the surface to be cleaned. More specifically, the floor type sensor <NUM> can through contactless detection measure, sense, or otherwise detect or determine the type of surface. By way of non-limiting example, the floor type sensor <NUM> can provide an output related to the floor type. It will be understood that different materials absorb and reflect ultrasonic energy differently. The ultrasonic floor type sensor <NUM> can produce and monitor an ultrasonic wave reflected by the surface to be cleaned and provide an output related thereto. The output can be indicative of the floor type as compared to a predetermined threshold, range, or known metric for various flooring. The floor type sensor <NUM> can be operably coupled with a controller (not shown), which can be an overall controller for the vacuum cleaner <NUM>, the microcontroller located within the base <NUM>, or an additional microcontroller provided within the base <NUM> separate from that previously described. The floor type sensor <NUM> can be operated automatically during the operation of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> or in response to an input or control from the user. Further, the floor type sensor <NUM> can be operated when the vacuum cleaner <NUM> is stationary, when the vacuum cleaner <NUM> is being moved along the surface to be cleaned, when the brushroll <NUM> is operating, when the brushroll <NUM> is not operating, or any combination thereof.

The floor type sensor <NUM> is operated and provides an output related to the type of floor beneath the vacuum cleaner <NUM> and specifically beneath the floor type sensor <NUM>. In one example, the floor type sensor <NUM> senses the surface to be cleaned and provides a sensor output to the operably coupled controller that is indicative of a hard floor or a soft floor, such as a carpeted floor. Additionally, or alternatively, the floor type sensor <NUM> can provide a sensor output to the controller that is indicative of the specific floor type, non-limiting examples of which can include carpet, rug, bare floor, wood floor, tile, linoleum, etc. Based upon the output from the floor type sensor <NUM> received by the controller, the controller can be operated to set or to alter the operation of the brushroll <NUM>, either directly, such as in the case where the same microcontroller in the base <NUM> is operably coupled with both the brushroll <NUM> and the floor type sensor <NUM>, or indirectly, such as in the case where the controller for the floor type sensor <NUM> is separate from, but operably coupled with, the microcontroller located within the base <NUM>.

By way of non-limiting example, the sensor output received by the controller from the floor type sensor <NUM> is used by the controller to control the operation of the brushroll <NUM>, and specifically is used by the controller to set or actively adjust the speed of rotation of the brushroll <NUM> by the motor shaft <NUM>. If the floor type sensor <NUM> provides output indicating a hard floor type, the controller causes the brushroll <NUM> to be rotated at a slower speed relative to the speed of rotation for a carpeted floor. Conversely, if the floor type sensor <NUM> provides output indicating a carpeted floor type, the controller causes the brushroll <NUM> to be rotated at a faster speed relative to the speed of rotation for a bare or hard floor. Determining and dynamically controlling the speed of rotation of the brushroll <NUM> based on the floor type sensed by the floor type sensor assembly <NUM> results in improved cleaning performance as compared to constantly rotating the brushroll <NUM> at only a single speed regardless of the type of surface being cleaned. For example, operating the brushroll <NUM> at a higher speed on a hard floor surface can result in debris being scattered across the surface, rather than being swept up by the brushroll <NUM> and ingested by the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. By reducing the rotational speed of the brushroll <NUM> when the floor type sensor <NUM> indicates a hard floor type, debris scatter can be reduced compared to rotation of the brushroll <NUM> at a higher speed.

By including the floor type sensor assembly <NUM> and determining the speed at which the brushroll <NUM> should be rotated based upon the floor type sensed by the floor type sensor <NUM>, the operation of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> and of the brushroll <NUM> is dynamically controlled based upon the sensed floor type such that both the vacuum cleaner <NUM> and the brushroll <NUM> are configured for multi-surface cleaning without any need for the user to change any components or to select a specific floor type cleaning mode of operation in advance. Further, it is contemplated that the floor type sensor assembly <NUM> can be operated during operation of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>, either intermittently or continuously, such that the user can go back and forth between hard floor types and carpeted floor types and the operation of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> and the brushroll <NUM> can accordingly be adjusted in real time for instant customization of the rotational speed of the brushroll <NUM>. It will be understood that the term continuously can also include repeated predetermined intervals and need not be constant. However, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure for the floor type sensor assembly <NUM> to be utilized only when the vacuum cleaner <NUM> is stationary or only when the brushroll <NUM> is not operating, rather than throughout an entire operation of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the brushroll <NUM>. The brushroll <NUM> includes a brush dowel <NUM> configured to be rotated about the central rotational axis X that extends longitudinally through the brush dowel <NUM>. The brush dowel <NUM> is mounted for rotation on an elongated shaft <NUM> that extends through the center of the brush dowel <NUM> and defines the central rotational axis X around which the brush dowel <NUM> rotates. The brushroll <NUM> is configured to be rotationally driven in the direction indicated by arrow R. The brush dowel <NUM> further defines a midpoint <NUM> generally corresponding to a center of the longitudinal width of the brush dowel <NUM>. A bearing <NUM> is mounted on at least one end of the shaft <NUM>. In operation, the brush dowel <NUM> rotates about the shaft <NUM> on the at least one bearing <NUM>. A belt engagement surface <NUM> extends around the circumference of the brush dowel <NUM> near one end, and communicates with the drive belt <NUM> (<FIG>). The belt engagement surface <NUM> may include a pulley.

The brushroll <NUM> is designed to be configured for use with multiple types of floors or surfaces. In this manner the brushroll <NUM> can include more than one type of sweeping element. More specifically, the brush dowel <NUM> is illustrated as including one or more first sweeping element supports, illustrated herein in the form of one or more bristle supports <NUM>. The overall outer surface of the brush dowel <NUM> further includes at least one first concave curved surface <NUM> defining first mounting surfaces <NUM> of the bristle supports <NUM>. A plurality of bristles <NUM> protrudes from at least one of the bristle supports <NUM>, and can be provided in a series of discrete tufts <NUM> or in a continuous strip so as to project from the first mounting surfaces <NUM> defined by the at least one first concave curved surface <NUM>. The bristles <NUM> can be arranged in various patterns on the brush dowel <NUM>, including straight, angled, helical, a chevron shape or chevron-shaped row, or combinations thereof. In the illustrated aspect, two sets of bristle supports <NUM> and two corresponding rows of bristle tufts <NUM> are provided on the brush dowel <NUM>, each tuft <NUM> containing a plurality of bristles <NUM>. Each bristle support <NUM> and each row of bristle tufts <NUM> extends generally in a single chevron pattern longitudinally along the brush dowel <NUM> and partially around the circumference of the brush dowel <NUM>.

The brush dowel <NUM> further includes one or more second sweeping element supports, illustrated herein in the form of one or more sweeper supports <NUM>, which project into the brush dowel <NUM>. The overall outer surface of the brush dowel <NUM> further includes at least one second concave curved surface <NUM> defining second mounting surfaces <NUM> of the sweeper supports <NUM>. At least one sweeping element, illustrated herein in the form of at least one projection <NUM>, protrudes from at least one of the sweeper supports <NUM>, such as from a slot formed by the sweeper support <NUM>, which can be better seen in the view of <FIG>. In this way, the projections <NUM> project from the second mounting surfaces <NUM> defined by the at least one second concave curved surface <NUM>. The at least one projection <NUM> can be any suitable type of sweeping element, non-limiting examples of which include a strip brush, a sweeper, an elastomeric sweeper, a blade, a wiper blade, a flapper, etc. The at least one projection <NUM> is illustrated herein as a continuous projection <NUM> extending longitudinally along the sweeper support <NUM>, though it will be understood that the at least one projection <NUM> can be provided in a series, set, or line of discrete projections <NUM>. The at least one projection <NUM> can be arranged in various patterns on the brush dowel <NUM>, including straight, angled, helical, a chevron shape or chevron-shaped row, or combinations thereof.

In the illustrated aspect, two sweeper supports <NUM> and two corresponding projections <NUM> are provided on the brush dowel <NUM>, each sweeper support <NUM> and each projection <NUM> extending generally in a single chevron pattern longitudinally along the brush dowel <NUM> and partially around the circumference of the brush dowel <NUM>. Further in the illustrated example, the two bristle supports <NUM> and two corresponding rows of bristle tufts <NUM> alternate about the circumference of the brush dowel <NUM> with the two sweeper supports <NUM> and two corresponding projections <NUM>, such that the two bristle supports <NUM> and two corresponding rows of bristle tufts <NUM> are provided as an opposing pair of bristle supports <NUM> and corresponding rows of bristle tufts <NUM>, with the two sweeper supports <NUM> and two corresponding projections <NUM> provided as an opposing pair of sweeper supports <NUM> and corresponding projections <NUM> interposed between the opposing pair of bristle supports <NUM> and corresponding rows of bristle tufts <NUM>.

In the front view of the brushroll <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the single chevron pattern formed by each of the bristle supports <NUM>, each of the corresponding rows of bristle tufts <NUM>, each of the sweeper supports <NUM>, and each of the corresponding projections <NUM> extending longitudinally along the brush dowel <NUM> can be better seen, including that each of the bristle supports <NUM> projects into the brush dowel <NUM>. Each of the bristle supports <NUM>, each of the corresponding rows of bristle tufts <NUM>, each of the sweeper supports <NUM>, and each of the corresponding projections <NUM>, and therefore also each of the first concave curved surfaces <NUM> defining each of the first mounting surfaces <NUM> and each of the second concave curved surfaces <NUM> defining each of the second mounting surfaces <NUM>, forms a single chevron pattern extending longitudinally along the brush dowel <NUM>, with the lowermost outer ends of the chevrons formed at the opposing ends of the brush dowel <NUM> and each of the chevrons defining a peak or apex <NUM> at the midpoint <NUM> of the brush dowel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross section of the brushroll <NUM> taken through line VIII-VIII of <FIG>. The brush dowel <NUM> can define a hollow interior <NUM> that extends along the length of the brush dowel <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is received within the hollow interior <NUM>. The bristle supports <NUM> further include bristle support platforms <NUM> which project from the first concave curved surfaces <NUM> into the hollow interior <NUM> of the brush dowel <NUM>. Bristle holes <NUM> for at least partially receiving the bristle tufts <NUM> can be formed in the first concave curved surfaces <NUM> and can extend at least partially into the bristle support platforms <NUM>. Likewise, the sweeper supports <NUM> further include sweeper support platforms <NUM> which project from the second concave curved surfaces <NUM> into the hollow interior <NUM> of the brush dowel <NUM>. Sweeper holes <NUM> for at least partially receiving the projections <NUM> can be formed in the second concave curved surfaces <NUM> and can extend at least partially into the sweeper support platforms <NUM>.

The brushroll <NUM> is further designed to prevent or greatly reduce the amount of tangling, such as hair wrap, during operation by providing a shroud surface <NUM> for wrapping hair. The shroud surface <NUM> is provided adjacent to the bristles <NUM> and the projections <NUM> in order to establish a more shallow hair wrap angle as compared to a dowel without the feature, as described in further detail below. In one example, the shroud surface <NUM> is provided between the bristles <NUM> and the projections <NUM> and therefore also between the bristle supports <NUM> and the sweeper supports <NUM>. The overall outer surface of the brush dowel <NUM> includes a plurality of curved sections, provided herein in the form of convex curved surfaces <NUM>, spaced apart from one another about the circumference of the brush dowel <NUM>, and which together define the shroud surface <NUM>. The overall outer surface of the brush dowel <NUM> further includes the at least one first concave curved surface <NUM> and the at least one second concave curved surface <NUM> as previously described.

In the illustrated aspect, the at least one first concave curved surface <NUM> defining the first mounting surfaces <NUM> of the bristle supports <NUM> are provided as a pair of opposing first concave curved surfaces <NUM> defining first mounting surfaces <NUM> of the corresponding opposing pair of bristle supports <NUM> with corresponding rows of bristle tufts <NUM>. Likewise, the at least one second concave curved surface <NUM> defining the second mounting surfaces <NUM> of the sweeper supports <NUM> are provided as a pair of opposing second concave curved surfaces <NUM> defining second mounting surfaces <NUM> of the corresponding opposing pair of sweeper supports <NUM> with corresponding projections <NUM> and interposed between the opposing first concave curved surfaces <NUM> defining first mounting surfaces <NUM> of the corresponding opposing pair of bristle supports <NUM> with corresponding rows of bristle tufts <NUM>.

Furthermore, the plurality of convex curved surfaces <NUM> defining the shroud surface <NUM> can be thought of as two opposing pairs of convex curved surfaces <NUM> defining the shroud surface <NUM>, each of the convex curved surfaces <NUM> evenly spaced from one another about the circumference of the brush dowel <NUM>. Each of the convex curved surfaces <NUM> is therefore provided between one first concave curved surface <NUM> defining the first mounting surface <NUM> of the corresponding bristle support <NUM> with the corresponding row of bristle tufts <NUM> on one side of the convex curved surface <NUM> and one second concave curved surface <NUM> defining the second mounting surface <NUM> of the corresponding sweeper support <NUM> with the corresponding projection <NUM> on the other side of the convex curved surface <NUM>.

As noted above, the brushroll <NUM> is designed to prevent or greatly reduce the amount of hair wrap during operation by providing the shroud surface <NUM> for wrapping hair. In the illustrated aspect, the brush dowel <NUM> defines a major diameter D1, which is the diameter defined by the smallest circle that can enclose the shroud surface <NUM> of the brush dowel <NUM>. The bristle tufts <NUM> and the projections <NUM> define a trim diameter D2, which is slightly larger than the major diameter D <NUM>. The first concave curved surfaces <NUM> and the second concave curved surfaces <NUM> are recessed below the major diameter D1, and therefore below the shroud surface <NUM>, which allows the bristles <NUM> and the projections <NUM> on the first concave curved surfaces <NUM> and the second concave curved surfaces <NUM>, respectively, to deflect when contacting the surface to be cleaned, while keeping any hair at or near the tip of the bristles <NUM> or of the projections <NUM>.

For example, the bristle supports <NUM> that are defined by the first concave curved surfaces <NUM> and the sweeper supports <NUM> that are defined by the second concave curved surfaces <NUM> define a minor diameter D3 of the brush dowel <NUM>. The minor diameter D3 can be defined at the tufting locations of the bristle tufts <NUM> in the bristle supports <NUM> and at the mounting locations of the projections <NUM> in the sweeper supports <NUM>. The minor diameter D3 can be less than the major diameter D1 and the trim diameter D2. In the illustrated example, the minor diameter D3 is the diameter defined by the smallest circle that can touch both first concave curved surfaces <NUM> of the bristle supports <NUM> at the tufting locations of the bristle tufts <NUM> or that can touch both second concave curved surfaces <NUM> of the sweeper supports <NUM> at the mounting locations of the projections <NUM>. Other configurations for a brushroll having bristle supports <NUM>, sweeper supports <NUM>, and shroud surfaces <NUM> may have major and minor diameters D1, D3 defined in other manners, as long as the shroud surface <NUM> defines D1 and the bristle supports <NUM> or sweeper supports <NUM> define D3.

Having first concave curved surfaces <NUM> defining the tufting surfaces of the brushroll <NUM>, i.e. the surfaces to which the bristle tufts <NUM> are mounted or secured, as well as having second concave curved surfaces <NUM> defining the sweeper mounting surfaces of the brushroll <NUM>, i.e. the surfaces to which the projections <NUM> are mounted or secured, can offer improved hair wrap reduction. The first and second concave curved surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> defining the first and second mounting surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> intersect the convex shroud surfaces <NUM> at outside corners <NUM> where the converging surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> or <NUM> meet, shown herein as raised edges <NUM> which can prevent hair from being wedged at the base of the bristle tufts <NUM> or at the base of the projections <NUM>. With a flat mounting surface, hair may be pulled tight across the mounting surface and toward or to the base of the bristle tuft. However, with the first and second concave curved surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> defining trough-shaped tufting or mounting surfaces prevent hair from being wedged at the base of the tufts <NUM> or the projections <NUM> because the hair bridging the raised edges <NUM> create a gap that spaces the hair from the base of the tufts <NUM> or the projections <NUM>. For the purposes of this description, the term concave curved surface refers to a surface that curves inwardly toward the central rotational axis X, forming a tufting or mounting surface that is recessed from the outside corners <NUM>. Although the first and second concave curved surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are shown in the figures as symmetric incurvate shapes, non-uniform and non-symmetric inwardly curved recesses are also contemplated. Additionally, non-arcuate recesses are also contemplated, such as planar tufting or mounting surfaces or V-shaped tufting or mounting surfaces, which are recessed inwardly toward the central rotational axis X, for example.

The illustrated aspect of the brushroll <NUM> further has the bristle tufts <NUM> positioned equidistant between the raised edges <NUM>, and projecting radially from the brush dowel <NUM> at a midpoint of the first concave curved surfaces <NUM>. Likewise, the brushroll <NUM> yet further has the projections <NUM> positioned equidistant between the raised edges <NUM>, and projecting radially from the brush dowel <NUM> at a midpoint of the second concave curved surfaces <NUM>. It should be understood that the brushroll <NUM> can further be designed to accommodate a secondary device, such as scissors or another hand-held cutting implement, for cutting wrapped hair, such as by including ribs and/or a channel that can be provided in the brush dowel <NUM>.

<FIG> show an exemplary operation of the brushroll <NUM>. The brushroll <NUM> is designed to have a hair wrap angle A2 that is less than or equal to the deflection angle A1 (in other words, where A2 ≤A1). During operation, the brushroll <NUM> rotates in direction R and debris including, but not limited to, dirt, dust, and hair on the surface to be cleaned is swept up by the brushroll <NUM>. In the present example, for purposes of simple illustration, a single hair H on the surface is shown as being picked up by the brushroll <NUM> in <FIG> by the bristle tufts <NUM> and the projection <NUM> in contact with the surface. The bristle tufts <NUM> and the projection <NUM> lift the hair H off the surface and around the brush dowel <NUM> as the brushroll <NUM> rotates. In some cases, the hair H may be pulled off the brushroll <NUM> by the suction force of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. In other cases, as the bristle tufts <NUM> and the projection <NUM> holding the hair H continue along the rotational path determined by the brush dowel <NUM>, the hair H can wrap around the shroud surface <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, extending from the attachment point P to the bristle tufts <NUM> and around the brush dowel <NUM>. Because the hair wrap angle A2 is more shallow, the hair H remains at or near the tip of the bristle tufts <NUM> and the projection <NUM> and the hair H is not pulled toward the root of the bristles <NUM> or the projection <NUM>, nor does the hair H wrap tightly around the brush dowel <NUM>. As the bristle tufts <NUM> and the projection <NUM> holding the hair H again comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned, the hair H can be pulled off the bristle tufts <NUM> and the projection <NUM> by frictional contact with the surface to be cleaned and the resulting deflection of the bristle tufts <NUM> and the projection <NUM>. Though the hair H may be returned to the surface, as the vacuum cleaning operation continues, the same hair H may be picked up again by the brushroll <NUM> and pulled off the brushroll <NUM> by the suction force of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. It is also noted that the brushroll <NUM> may make one or more revolutions before hair H is pulled off the brushroll <NUM> by suction force or releasing hair back onto the surface to be cleaned.

In one example, the hair wrap angle A2 of the brushroll <NUM> can be approximately half of the bristle or projection deflection angle A1. Keeping the minor diameter D3 less than the major diameter D1 essentially pulls the bristle tips and the tip of the projection in closer to the shroud surface <NUM>, such that the trim diameter D2 remains slightly larger than the major diameter D <NUM>, and hair wrap can be prevented. If the hair wrap angle A2 becomes too shallow, essentially by the major diameter D1 of the shroud surface <NUM> becoming larger relative to the trim diameter D2, the shroud surface <NUM> may prevent the bristle tufts <NUM> and the projection <NUM> from engaging the surface to be cleaned.

In such an exemplary operation of the brushroll <NUM> to produce the hair wrap angle A2, the at least one projection <NUM> can be any suitable elastomeric structure adapted to sweep against the surface to be cleaned, such as by bearing against the surface to be cleaned in instances when the projection <NUM> is deflected by the surface to be cleaned, non-limiting examples of which include an elastomeric fin, an elastomeric rib, an elastomeric flapper, an elastomeric wiper blade, or an elastomeric blade. Because the at least one projection <NUM> is formed of a flexible, elastomeric material, the at least one projection <NUM> can bear against the surface to be cleaned with a greater force than the bristles <NUM> due to the increased ability of the projection <NUM> to be deflected by the surface to be cleaned as compared to the bristles <NUM>, resulting in improved performance for sweeping up fine dust relative to a brushroll including only bristles with no projection <NUM>. The inclusion of the projection <NUM> also further contributes to improving the flexibility of the brushroll <NUM> for use with a variety of floor types. For example, the bristles <NUM> may be more effective at removing debris from a carpeted surface, while the projection <NUM> may be more effective at removing fine dust or dirt, such as from a hard floor surface.

<FIG> illustrate a tooling assembly <NUM> that can be used in forming and producing at least a portion of the brushroll <NUM> shown in <FIG>. More specifically, the tooling and a process for forming and ejecting at least a portion of a formed brush dowel <NUM> from the tooling assembly <NUM> is illustrated. It will be understood that, for visual simplicity and clarity, <FIG> illustrate one tooling assembly <NUM> that forms one side, or approximately one half, of the brush dowel <NUM>, and that a second tooling assembly <NUM> can be provided with the other end of the brush dowel <NUM>, such that both ends or halves of the brush dowel <NUM> can be formed at the same time by separate sets of the tooling assembly <NUM> positioned opposite one another, although only one half is illustrated herein. In such a case, it will be understood that the description of the structure and operation of the single tooling assembly <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> would apply simultaneously to the second tooling assembly <NUM> positioned with the opposite end of the brush dowel <NUM> at the same time although one side is already illustrated as being fully formed. Alternatively, in another non-limiting example, to produce the brushroll <NUM>, the brush dowel <NUM> can be formed in a two-part molding process using the tooling assembly <NUM> to form a portion, such as one end or one half, of the brush dowel <NUM> at a time, then subsequently forming the second end or half of the brush dowel <NUM>. Regardless of whether the entire brush dowel <NUM> is formed at once by two tooling assemblies <NUM> or if the brush dowel <NUM> is formed one half at a time by a single tooling assembly <NUM>, the use of the tooling assembly <NUM> for forming the brush dowel <NUM> allows for the forming of the complex structures of the brush dowel <NUM> while still ensuring manufacturing quality, such as producing the brush dowel <NUM> with a uniform wall thickness.

In <FIG>, the tooling assembly <NUM> is shown in a first position wherein the brush dowel <NUM> is at least partially received within and retained by the tooling assembly <NUM>. In one example, the first position corresponds to a molding position of the tooling assembly <NUM>. The tooling assembly <NUM> includes an actuating assembly <NUM>, a movable carrier <NUM>, a guide assembly <NUM>, a set of clamps <NUM>, an outer mold <NUM>, and an inner core <NUM> (<FIG>). The tooling assembly <NUM> can be supported on a work surface (not shown) such that the actuating assembly <NUM>, the guide assembly <NUM>, and at least a portion of the set of clamps <NUM> are coupled or mounted to the work surface to maintain a fixed position relative to the work surface. It will be understood that the visible end of the brush dowel <NUM> can be located within a second outer mold <NUM> of a second tooling assembly <NUM>, that is not shown for the sake of visual clarity, and that the visible end of the brush dowel <NUM> may be actually formed at the same time as the end of the brush dowel <NUM> shown as within the outer mold <NUM>, or, alternatively, the visible end of the brush dowel <NUM> can have already been molded and the second side, shown as located interiorly of the outer mold <NUM>, is being formed.

For the sake of clarity, only the formation of one end of the brush dowel <NUM> will be described for the remainder of the document with it being understood that both sides may be formed simultaneously. To begin, the actuating assembly <NUM> actuates movement of at least some of the components of the tooling assembly <NUM> relative to the work surface. The actuating assembly <NUM> includes a reciprocating piston <NUM> that is movable between an extended position as shown and a retracted position (<FIG>) relative to a housing <NUM>. The reciprocating piston <NUM> includes a piston head <NUM> at the end of the reciprocating piston <NUM> opposite the housing <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the actuating assembly <NUM> can be provided as a hydraulic cylinder, though it will be understood that any suitable actuating mechanism capable of moving the reciprocating piston <NUM> between the retracted and extended positions can be used.

The piston head <NUM> can operably couple the actuating assembly <NUM> with the movable carrier <NUM>. Specifically, the movable carrier <NUM> defines a channel <NUM> within which the piston head <NUM> can be at least partially received such that the piston head <NUM> is retained within the channel <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the piston head <NUM> and the channel <NUM> can couple together via a slide lock mechanism or a bayonet-style fitting, though it will be understood that any suitable coupling can be used such that the piston head <NUM> is fixed and does not move relative to the movable carrier <NUM>.

The movable carrier <NUM> further defines a second channel, illustrated herein as a cooling channel <NUM> for regulating the temperature of the tooling assembly <NUM> and dissipating heat, which can build up in the tooling assembly <NUM> during operation. A shaft, illustrated herein as a water line <NUM> is at least partially received in the cooling channel <NUM> such that the water line <NUM> passes through and extends beyond both sides of the movable carrier <NUM>. The water line <NUM> includes a water line fitting <NUM> that can be connected to a water supply source (not shown). While the tooling assembly <NUM> is described herein as including the cooling channel <NUM>, the water line <NUM>, and the water line fitting <NUM>, it will be understood that these examples are not limiting. In another non-limiting example, the cooling channel <NUM> can be any suitable channel, whether used for cooling or not, the water line <NUM> can be provided as a simple shaft extending through the channel <NUM>, whether or not it carries water, and the water line fitting <NUM> can instead be provided as any suitable shaft head and is not limited to a water line fitting <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the water line <NUM> is positioned at least partially beside the reciprocating piston <NUM> and is substantially parallel to the reciprocating piston <NUM>. Further, the water line fitting <NUM> can be retained at the same end, side, or surface of the movable carrier <NUM> that the reciprocating piston <NUM> extends toward and couples with. While the water line <NUM> is at least partially retained within the cooling channel <NUM>, the water line <NUM> is not fixed relative to the cooling channel <NUM>, but is rather movable relative thereto, such as by reciprocating, within or through the cooling channel <NUM>. In the first position, or the molding position, of <FIG>, the water line <NUM> is in an extended position relative to the movable carrier <NUM> such that the water line fitting <NUM> is spaced from the movable carrier <NUM>.

At the end of the cooling channel <NUM> opposite the water line fitting <NUM>, on the opposite side of the movable carrier <NUM> from the actuating assembly <NUM>, the outer mold <NUM> is coupled to the movable carrier <NUM>. Specifically, the outer mold <NUM> is fixed to the movable carrier <NUM> such that longitudinal movement of the outer mold <NUM> relative to the movable carrier <NUM> is prevented, but the coupling of the outer mold <NUM> to the movable carrier <NUM> does permit rotational movement of the outer mold <NUM> relative to the movable carrier <NUM>. The outer mold <NUM> couples to the movable carrier <NUM> at the end of the cooling channel <NUM> such that the water line <NUM> extends into and is at least partially received within the outer mold <NUM> and is co-axial with the outer mold <NUM>. At least a portion of the outer mold <NUM> defines a threaded outer surface, illustrated herein as a threaded helix drive shaft <NUM>. However, it will be understood that the portion of the outer mold <NUM> is not limited to the threaded helix drive shaft <NUM>, and could alternatively be provided as any suitable type of threaded outer surface and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

The guide assembly <NUM> is fixed relative to the work surface and defines at least one guide channel <NUM> extending through the guide assembly <NUM> coaxially with the water line <NUM> and the outer mold <NUM>. The outer mold <NUM>, and thus also a portion of the water line <NUM> that is received within the outer mold <NUM>, extends through and is at least partially received within the guide channel <NUM>. The outer mold <NUM> is rotatably received within the guide channel <NUM> for rotational movement relative to the guide assembly <NUM> about an axis of rotation defined by the longitudinal body of the outer mold <NUM>, as well as for reciprocating movement of the outer mold <NUM> through the guide channel <NUM> between an extended position as shown and a retracted position (<FIG>). In the first, molding position as shown, the movable carrier <NUM> is positioned close to and adjacent the guide assembly <NUM>, though not necessarily abutting the guide assembly <NUM>, and is spaced from the housing <NUM> of the actuating assembly <NUM>.

The outer mold <NUM> extends from the movable carrier <NUM> through the guide channel <NUM> and toward the set of clamps <NUM>. The outer mold <NUM> can further define an injection opening <NUM>, which in a non-limiting example can be provided as a notch in the outer mold <NUM>, and further which can be positioned, in one non-limiting example, at the end of the outer mold <NUM> opposite the movable carrier <NUM>. The injection opening <NUM> provides a fluid connection through which material for forming the brush dowel <NUM> can be supplied into the interior defined by the outer mold <NUM> when the outer mold <NUM> is in the molding position as shown. By way of non-limiting example, the injection opening <NUM> can receive a nozzle <NUM>, or other suitable inlet, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a hot drop nozzle location, through which the material to be molded can be supplied into the outer mold <NUM>, such as generally at the midpoint <NUM> of the brush dowel <NUM>, when the tooling assembly <NUM> is in the extended position and the outer mold <NUM> is in the molding position as shown. By way of non-limiting example, the location of the nozzle <NUM> can be fixed relative to the clamps <NUM> while the outer mold <NUM> and the injection opening <NUM> are movable relative to the clamps <NUM>, such that the nozzle <NUM> is received within or aligned with the injection opening <NUM> only when the tooling assembly <NUM> and the outer mold <NUM> are in the extended or molding position as shown. It will be further understood that, in the case that the nozzle <NUM> is provided at the injection opening <NUM>, the nozzle <NUM> can provide the material for forming the brush dowel <NUM> immediately at the position of the injection opening <NUM>, or the nozzle <NUM> or the outer mold <NUM> can include further structural features to deliver the material to the interior of the outer mold <NUM>, such as to upper, lower, and/or side positions of the midpoint <NUM> of the outer mold <NUM>.

While any suitable number and arrangement of clamps <NUM> can be provided for retaining the brush dowel <NUM>, in the illustrated example, the set of clamps <NUM> is provided as a pair of opposing clamps <NUM>. The clamps <NUM> each include a base <NUM> that is fixed to the work surface such that the base <NUM> is not movable relative to the work surface. However, the clamps <NUM> are movable relative to the bases <NUM>. Specifically, the clamps <NUM> are movable toward and away from one another between a clamping position as shown and a non-clamping position (<FIG>). In the clamping position as shown, and corresponding to the first, molding position of the tooling assembly <NUM>, the clamps <NUM> are moved inwardly toward one another to apply an inward clamping force against the brush dowel <NUM>. In one example, the clamps <NUM> clamp against and retain the brush dowel <NUM> at or near the midpoint <NUM> of the brush dowel <NUM>.

In the first molding position of the tooling assembly <NUM> as shown, the clamps <NUM> in the clamping position retain the brush dowel <NUM> fixed relative to the tooling assembly <NUM>. With the outer mold <NUM> in the extended position as shown in <FIG>, the outer mold <NUM> is fully extended toward the clamps <NUM>. In one example, in the extended position of the outer mold <NUM>, the outer mold <NUM> extends fully up to the midpoint <NUM> of the brush dowel <NUM> where the clamps <NUM> contact the brush dowel <NUM>, and can even abut the clamps <NUM> where the clamps <NUM> contact the brush dowel <NUM>. In this extended position of the outer mold <NUM>, the outer mold <NUM> at least partially surrounds the brush dowel <NUM> such that the brush dowel <NUM> is at least partially received within the outer mold <NUM>, such as, by way of non-limiting example, received within the outer mold <NUM> up to the midpoint <NUM> of the brush dowel <NUM>.

The inner core <NUM> surrounds the water line <NUM> and is provided at the opposite end of the water line <NUM> from the water line fitting <NUM>. In one example, the inner core <NUM> can be provided as an unscrewing inner core <NUM> that can be used to core out the interior <NUM> of the brush dowel <NUM> and to form the interior wall of the brush dowel <NUM> using only the single unscrewing inner core <NUM>. Though not visible in <FIG>, it will be understood that, in the molding position of the tooling assembly <NUM>, with the outer mold <NUM> and the water line <NUM> in the extended position relative to the clamps <NUM>, the inner core <NUM> is therefore also provided in an extended position wherein the inner core <NUM> at least partially extends into the interior <NUM> of the brush dowel <NUM>, such as, by way of non-limiting example, to an extent that the inner core <NUM> is received within the interior <NUM> of the brush dowel <NUM> up to at least the midpoint <NUM> of the brush dowel <NUM>. Based on the position of the various components of the tooling assembly <NUM>, the first, molding position of <FIG> corresponds to a fully extended and clamping position of the tooling assembly <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the tooling assembly <NUM> is illustrated in a second position, corresponding to a partially retracted and clamping position of the tooling assembly <NUM> and components. In the partially retracted position, the actuating assembly <NUM> is operated to partially retract the reciprocating piston <NUM> into the housing <NUM>. Due to the piston head <NUM> being retained within the channel <NUM> of the movable carrier <NUM>, movement of the reciprocating piston <NUM> to the partially retracted position also retracts the movable carrier <NUM> to a partially retracted position as shown. In the partially retracted position, the movable carrier <NUM> is spaced away from the guide assembly <NUM> and has moved slidably along and relative to the water line <NUM>, toward the actuating assembly <NUM>, to the extent that the movable carrier <NUM>, and specifically the cooling channel <NUM>, is brought to bear against the water line fitting <NUM>. Thus, in the partially retracted position of the tooling assembly <NUM>, the water line <NUM> is in a fully retracted position relative to the movable carrier <NUM>, such that the movable carrier <NUM> abuts the water line fitting <NUM>, but the water line <NUM> remains in the extended position relative to the guide assembly <NUM>, the clamps <NUM>, and the brush dowel <NUM>.

The movement of the movable carrier <NUM> to the partially retracted position relative to the guide assembly <NUM> in turn retracts the outer mold <NUM> to the partially retracted position, wherein a portion of the outer mold <NUM> has passed through the guide channel <NUM>, toward the actuating assembly <NUM>. As the outer mold <NUM> passes through the guide channel <NUM> toward the actuating assembly <NUM>, the outer mold <NUM> is also simultaneously rotated relative to the movable carrier <NUM> and relative to the guide assembly <NUM>. In one example, the guide channel <NUM> can define a threaded surface that is complementary to the threaded helix drive shaft <NUM> of the outer mold <NUM>, such that the contact and interaction between the guide channel <NUM> and the threaded helix drive shaft <NUM> as the outer mold <NUM> passes through the guide channel <NUM>, moving toward the actuating assembly <NUM>, causes rotation of the outer mold <NUM> relative to the guide assembly <NUM> as the outer mold <NUM> moves through the guide assembly <NUM>.

With the outer mold <NUM> moved to the partially retracted position as shown, the outer mold <NUM> is partially retracted away from the clamps <NUM> and from the brush dowel <NUM>, such that the outer mold <NUM> no longer surrounds any portion of the brush dowel <NUM> and the brush dowel <NUM> is no longer received within the outer mold <NUM>. With the outer mold <NUM> removed from the brush dowel <NUM>, the inner core <NUM> can be seen in the extended position relative to the brush dowel <NUM>. As the outer mold <NUM> moved to the partially retracted position, the outer mold <NUM> moved both longitudinally and rotationally relative to the water line <NUM>. However, as the movable carrier <NUM> is just brought to abut the water line fitting <NUM> in the partially retracted position, the water line <NUM> is not yet moved by the movable carrier <NUM>, and thus remains in the extended position relative to the guide assembly <NUM>, the clamps <NUM>, and the brush dowel <NUM>. Therefore, the inner core <NUM>, which is carried by the water line <NUM>, likewise remains in the extended position relative to the guide assembly <NUM>, the clamps <NUM>, and the brush dowel <NUM>. The clamps <NUM> remain in the clamping position relative to the brush dowel <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the tooling assembly <NUM> is illustrated in a third position, corresponding to a fully retracted and clamping position of the tooling assembly <NUM> and components. In the fully retracted position, the actuating assembly <NUM> is further operated to fully retract the reciprocating piston <NUM> into the housing <NUM>. Again, due to the piston head <NUM> being retained within the channel <NUM> of the movable carrier <NUM>, movement of the reciprocating piston <NUM> to the fully retracted position also retracts the movable carrier <NUM> to the fully retracted position as shown. In the fully retracted position, the movable carrier <NUM> is fully spaced away from the guide assembly <NUM>. Because the movable carrier <NUM> was previously brought to bear against the water line fitting <NUM> in the partially retracted position, further movement of the movable carrier <NUM> toward the actuating assembly <NUM>, and from the partially retracted position to the fully retracted position, in turn retracts the water line <NUM> from the extended position to the fully retracted position relative to the guide assembly <NUM>, the clamps <NUM>, and the brush dowel <NUM>. The water line <NUM> remains in the fully retracted position relative to the movable carrier <NUM>.

Likewise, the further movement of the movable carrier <NUM> toward the actuating assembly <NUM>, and from the partially retracted position to the fully retracted position, in turn also retracts the outer mold <NUM> to the fully retracted position, wherein yet a further portion of the outer mold <NUM> has passed through the guide channel <NUM>, toward the actuating assembly <NUM>. The further movement of the outer mold <NUM> passing through the guide channel <NUM> from the partially retracted position to the fully retracted position correspondingly causes further rotation of the outer mold <NUM> relative to the movable carrier <NUM> and relative to the guide assembly <NUM> as described previously.

With the outer mold <NUM> moved to the fully retracted position, the outer mold <NUM> is spaced away from the clamps <NUM> and from the brush dowel <NUM>, exposing more of the inner core <NUM> to view. As the inner core <NUM> is carried by the water line <NUM>, the movement of the water line <NUM> to the fully retracted position relative to the guide assembly <NUM>, the clamps <NUM>, and the brush dowel <NUM> in turn retracts the inner core <NUM> from the extended position to the fully retracted position relative to the guide assembly <NUM>, the clamps <NUM>, and the brush dowel <NUM>. In the fully retracted position, the inner core <NUM> is fully withdrawn and removed from the interior <NUM> of the brush dowel <NUM> such that no portion of the inner core <NUM> remains received within the interior <NUM> of the brush dowel <NUM>. Thus, with the tooling assembly <NUM> in the fully retracted and clamping position, the clamps <NUM> are the only component of the tooling assembly <NUM> remaining in contact with and retaining the brush dowel <NUM>. The clamps <NUM> remain in the clamping position relative to the brush dowel <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the tooling assembly <NUM> is illustrated in a fourth position, corresponding to a fully retracted and non-clamping position of the tooling assembly <NUM> and components. With the components of the tooling assembly <NUM> already moved to the fully retracted position as described above with respect to <FIG>, all of the components of the tooling assembly <NUM> except for the clamps <NUM> have been removed from contact or engagement with the brush dowel <NUM>. Movement of the clamps <NUM> from the clamping position to the non-clamping position as shown will therefore allow for the completed, molded brush dowel <NUM> to be removed from the tooling assembly <NUM> to be used to further produce the brushroll <NUM>. To move the clamps <NUM> to the non-clamping position, the clamps <NUM> can be moved away from one another, such as by laterally outward sliding movement of the clamps <NUM> along and relative to the bases <NUM>, toward the opposing outer edges of the bases <NUM>. With the clamps <NUM> in the non-clamping position, the clamps <NUM> no longer contact the brush dowel <NUM> nor apply an inward clamping force against the brush dowel <NUM>, permitting the brush dowel <NUM> to be fully removed from the tooling assembly <NUM>.

In the top view of <FIG>, with the tooling assembly <NUM> remaining in the fully retracted and non-clamping position as in <FIG>, the non-clamping position of the clamps <NUM> is better seen. The clamps <NUM> are moved outwardly toward and past the opposing outer edges of the bases <NUM>. Further, the clamps <NUM> are moved outwardly away from the brush dowel <NUM> such that the clamps <NUM> no longer clamp or contact the brush dowel <NUM>, allowing for removal of the brush dowel <NUM> from the tooling assembly <NUM>.

Turning to the operation of the tooling assembly <NUM> to form the brush dowel <NUM> for producing the brushroll <NUM>, the single, one side of the tooling assembly <NUM> as illustrated herein as configured to mold one half of the brush dowel <NUM> in a molding operation process as described, and with the other half of the brush dowel <NUM> either being formed concurrently by a second, not pictured tooling assembly <NUM> or being formed previously or subsequently by the same tooling assembly <NUM>, as previously discussed. Specifically, each single tooling assembly <NUM> can mold precisely one half of the longitudinal length of the brush dowel <NUM>, up to the midpoint <NUM> of the brush dowel <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, when the first half of the brush dowel <NUM> has been molded using the tooling assembly <NUM>, the brush dowel <NUM> can then be rotated such that the other half of the brush dowel <NUM> can then be molded using the same tooling assembly <NUM>, such that the outer contour of the brush dowel <NUM> is formed using a two-part or two-step molding process. In another non-limiting example, two tooling assemblies <NUM> can be provided, positioned opposite one another about the set of clamps <NUM>, such that the brush dowel <NUM> can be clamped within the clamps <NUM> for molding of both halves of the brush dowel <NUM> without needing to remove the brush dowel <NUM> from the clamps <NUM> or rotate the brush dowel <NUM> within the clamps <NUM>. In such an example, the first and second halves of the brush dowel <NUM> can be molded by the first and second tooling assemblies <NUM> either one after the other, or even concurrently while the brush dowel <NUM> is retained by the set of clamps <NUM>.

Whether both halves of the brush dowel <NUM> are formed concurrently or in sequence, the material for forming the brush dowel <NUM> can be provided to the outer mold <NUM> in any suitable manner, such as by injection to the outer mold <NUM> from the nozzle <NUM> through either the injection opening <NUM> or any other suitable opening provided with the outer mold <NUM>. The material for forming the brush dowel <NUM> can be provided to flow freely into the outer mold <NUM> after being delivered from the nozzle <NUM> through the injection opening <NUM>, or the material provided from the nozzle <NUM> and through the injection opening <NUM> can be directed to a specific point or points within the outer mold <NUM> and spaced from the nozzle <NUM> and the injection opening <NUM>. In one such non-limiting example, either the interior of the outer mold <NUM> or the nozzle <NUM> positioned adjacent the injection opening <NUM> in the molding position of <FIG> can define at least one conduit extending within the outer mold <NUM> to provide the material for forming the brush dowel <NUM> further into the outer mold <NUM>, such as by providing the material to opposing sides of the brush dowel <NUM> within the outer mold <NUM>. Regardless of whether the material is provided only from the nozzle <NUM> to the injection opening <NUM> or further within the outer mold <NUM>, by way of further non-limiting example, the material for forming the brush dowel <NUM> can be provided to the outer mold <NUM> either as the outer mold <NUM> is rotatably withdrawn away from the clamps <NUM> or before the outer mold <NUM> is rotatably withdrawn away from the clamps <NUM>, when the outer mold <NUM> is stationary.

Other manufacturing methods can also be used to produce the brushroll <NUM> shown in <FIG>, such as, by way of non-limiting example, by the use of a two-part mold to form the outer contour of the brush dowel <NUM>. However, it is noted that, in order to form the brushroll <NUM> in a two-part mold, the bristle supports <NUM>, the sweeper supports <NUM>, and the shroud surfaces <NUM> may be required to extend only <NUM> degrees or less along the length of the brush dowel <NUM> in order to be in the line of draw.

The completed, formed brush dowel <NUM>, whether formed by the use of the tooling assembly <NUM> or by another manufacturing method, is then used to produce the brushroll <NUM>. In one example, the bristle holes <NUM> or the sweeper holes <NUM> can be formed in the brush dowel <NUM> by drilling into the brush dowel <NUM> after molding, or can be integrally molded with the brush dowel <NUM>. The bristle tufts <NUM> can be assembled with the brush dowel <NUM> by pressing bristles <NUM> into the bristle holes <NUM> and securing the bristles <NUM> using a fastener (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a staple, wedge, or anchor. Likewise, the projections <NUM> can be assembled with the brush dowel <NUM> by pressing a portion of the projections <NUM> into the sweeper holes <NUM> and securing the projections <NUM> using a fastener (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a staple, wedge, or anchor.

The components of the brushroll <NUM> can be formed of a variety of suitable materials to provide the desired characteristics. By way of non-limiting example, the brush dowel <NUM> can include a polymeric material, such as polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or styrene. Further by way of non-limiting example, the bristles <NUM> can include a polymeric material, such as nylon or polyester, for example, which allows the bristles <NUM> to flex and deflect when brought into contact with a surface to be cleaned during normal operation. In one non-limiting example, the diameter of each individual bristle can be <NUM> millimeters. Likewise, the projections <NUM> can include an elastomeric material or a polymeric material, such as nylon or polyester, for example, to allow the projections <NUM> to flex and deflect when brought into contact with a surface to be cleaned during normal operation, which results in more effective removal of debris. In one aspect of the present disclosure, by way of non-limiting example, the projections <NUM> can comprise a strip brush or a continuous strip of fine bristles having a diameter less than the diameter of the bristles <NUM>. Further by way of non-limiting example, in such a case, the projections <NUM> can comprise a strip brush with individual bristles having a diameter of <NUM> millimeters and a length of <NUM> millimeters.

The vacuum cleaner <NUM> and brushroll <NUM> disclosed herein provide an improved brushroll design which addresses the problem of hair wrap and tangling about the brushroll, as well as providing an improved brushroll and vacuum cleaner for ease and effectiveness of use on multiple types of floors or surfaces to be cleaned. Aspects of the present disclosure include brushroll designs in which the hair wrap angle A2 is less than or equal to the deflection angle A1 (in other words, where A2 ≤ A1). Such brushrolls release hair that is not pulled off the brushroll by the suction force of the vacuum cleaner back on to the surface to be cleaned, rather than tightly wrapping the hair on the brushroll. These brushrolls provide the opportunity to prevent or greatly reduce the amount of hair wrap during operation. Other aspects of the present disclosure include brushroll designs that provide both bristles as well as elastomeric sweeping elements with the brushroll for improved debris removal and cleaning performance on both soft floors like carpeting and hard floors, such as wood or linoleum.

Still other aspects of the present disclosure include a tooling assembly for improved ease of forming an improved brushroll design, as well as methods and processes for forming such an improved brushroll using the tooling assembly. In another example, the vacuum cleaner can include a light assembly that can also operate as a status indicator system for the vacuum cleaner and its various components. In yet another example, the vacuum cleaner can include an ultrasonic floor type sensor to detect a type of floor to be cleaned and to automatically adjust the operation of the vacuum cleaner accordingly, such as to adjust the rotational speed of the brushroll based on whether the floor is carpeted or is a hard floor in order to improve cleaning performance and reduce the amount of debris scatter that can occur when the brushroll rotation speed is not optimized for the floor type.

To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various aspects of the disclosure, may be used in combination with each other as desired, or may be used separately. That one surface cleaning apparatus is illustrated herein as having all of these features does not mean that all of these features must be used in combination, but rather is done so here for brevity of description. Furthermore, while the surface cleaning apparatus shown herein has an upright configuration, the surface cleaning apparatus can be configured as a canister or portable unit. For example, in a canister arrangement, foot components such as the suction nozzle and brushroll can be provided on a cleaning head coupled with a canister unit. Still further, the surface cleaning apparatus can additionally have steam delivery capability. Thus, the various features of the different aspects may be mixed and matched in various vacuum cleaner configurations as desired to form new aspects, whether or not the new aspects are expressly described.

Claim 1:
A surface cleaning apparatus (<NUM>), comprising:
a base (<NUM>) comprising an agitator chamber (<NUM>) and a suction nozzle opening (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the agitator chamber (<NUM>);
an upright body (<NUM>) pivotally mounted to the base (<NUM>) and comprising a main support section supporting a cyclonic collection system (<NUM>) comprising a cyclone separator (<NUM>);
a suction source (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the cyclonic collection system (<NUM>); and
a brushroll (<NUM>) positioned within the agitator chamber for rotational movement about a central rotational axis, the brushroll (<NUM>) comprising:
a brush dowel (<NUM>) configured to be mounted for rotation about the central rotational axis, which extends longitudinally through the brush dowel (<NUM>), and comprising:
opposing bristle supports (<NUM>) defining first mounting surfaces (<NUM>) and opposing sweeper supports (<NUM>) defining second mounting surfaces (<NUM>), and
a shroud surface (<NUM>) extending between the opposing bristle supports (<NUM>) and the opposing sweeper supports (<NUM>), and
a plurality of bristle tufts (<NUM>) fastened to each of the opposing bristle supports (<NUM>) and projecting from one of the first mounting surfaces (<NUM>), and
a projection (<NUM>) fastened to each of the opposing sweeper supports (<NUM>) and projecting from one of the second mounting surfaces (<NUM>),
characterized in that the opposing bristle supports (<NUM>) each extend in a single chevron shape along the brush dowel (<NUM>) relative to the central rotational axis and multiple bristle tufts (<NUM>) are fastened to each bristle support (<NUM>) and arranged in a single chevron-shaped row on the first mounting surfaces (<NUM>), and the opposing sweeper supports (<NUM>) each extend in a single chevron shape along the brush dowel (<NUM>) relative to the central rotational axis and the projection (<NUM>) fastened to each sweeper support (<NUM>) are each provided in a single chevron shape on the second mounting surfaces (<NUM>)