Patent Description:
<CIT> constitutes the closest prior art and describes a surface cleaning apparatus according to the generic part of claim <NUM>.

<CIT> also concerns a surface cleaning apparatus according to the generic part of claim <NUM>.

The invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus according to claim <NUM>. Further developments are defined in the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus such as a hand-held surface cleaner. Such hand-held cleaners can be in the form of a stick vacuum or wand vacuum. The surface cleaning apparatus can also include a base assembly including an agitator chamber. It will be understood that a variety of surface cleaning apparatus exist including those which are top heavy and additionally or alternatively include wheeled bases or bases including rotating portions. In either scenario, when an upper portion of the surface cleaning is leaned against a wall or other object, a lower portion may tend to move from the placed location. In certain circumstances this can cause the surface cleaning apparatus to tilt, fall, or otherwise cause dissatisfaction to a user.

A brake assembly is provided on the base assembly and is configured to be moveable between at least a first position and a second position. When the brake assembly is in the first position, at least a portion of the brake assembly can restrain movement of the base of the surface cleaning apparatus. In one non-limiting example, the brake assembly can contact and restrain a set of wheels of the base assembly to prevent them from rotating.

<FIG> is a schematic view of various functional systems of a surface cleaning apparatus in the form of an exemplary vacuum cleaner <NUM>. The functional systems of the exemplary vacuum cleaner <NUM> can be arranged into any desired configuration including as a portable cleaner adapted to be hand carried by a user for cleaning relatively small areas. The vacuum cleaner <NUM> can be adapted to include a hose or other conduit, which can form a portion of the working air path between a nozzle and the suction source.

The vacuum cleaner <NUM> can include a recovery system <NUM> for removing debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the debris. The recovery system <NUM> can include a suction inlet or suction nozzle <NUM>, a suction source <NUM> in fluid communication with the suction nozzle <NUM> for generating a working air stream, and a recovery container <NUM> for separating and collecting debris from the working airstream for later disposal.

The suction nozzle <NUM> can be provided on a base or cleaning head adapted to move over the surface to be cleaned. At least one agitator <NUM> can be provided adjacent to the suction nozzle <NUM> for agitating the surface to be cleaned so that the debris can be more easily ingested into the suction nozzle <NUM>. Some examples of agitators <NUM> include, but are not limited to, a horizontally-rotating brushroll, dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls, one or more vertically-rotating brushrolls, or a stationary brush. The at least one agitator <NUM> can also be configured to cling to or otherwise retain dirt or debris removed from the surface to be cleaned, such as a disposable cleaning pad, wherein such retained dirt or debris is not ingested into the suction nozzle <NUM>.

The suction source <NUM> can be any suitable suction source and is provided in fluid communication with the recovery container <NUM>. The suction source <NUM> can be electrically coupled to a power source <NUM>, such as a battery or by a power cord plugged into a household electrical outlet. A suction power switch <NUM> between the suction source <NUM> and the power source <NUM> can be selectively closed by the user, thereby activating the suction source <NUM>.

A separator <NUM> can be formed in a portion of the recovery container <NUM> for separating entrained debris from the working airstream.

The vacuum cleaner <NUM> shown in <FIG> can be used to effectively remove debris from the surface to be cleaned in accordance with the following method. The sequence of steps discussed is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit the method in any way as it is understood that the steps may proceed in a different logical order, additional or intervening steps may be included, or described steps may be divided into multiple steps.

In operation, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> is prepared for use by coupling the vacuum cleaner <NUM> to the power source <NUM>. During operation of the recovery system <NUM>, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> draws in debris-laden working air through the suction nozzle <NUM> and into the downstream recovery container <NUM> where the debris is substantially separated from the working air and deposited in the recovery container. The airstream then passes through the suction source <NUM> prior to being exhausted from the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. The recovery container <NUM> can be periodically emptied of collected fluid and debris.

While not illustrated it will be understood that the surface cleaning apparatus including the vacuum cleaner <NUM> can include a fluid delivery system for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The fluid delivery system can include a fluid supply container for storing cleaning fluid, as well as at least one fluid distributor fluidly coupled to the fluid supply container.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a vacuum cleaner <NUM> according to various aspects described herein. For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," and derivatives thereof shall be described from the perspective of a user behind the vacuum cleaner <NUM>, which defines the rear of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> can include a housing <NUM> with an upright assembly <NUM> and a base assembly <NUM>. The upright assembly <NUM> can be operably coupled to the base assembly <NUM> for directing the base assembly <NUM> across the surface to be cleaned. A joint or other pivoting mechanism can be utilized to pivotally connect the upright assembly <NUM> to the base assembly <NUM>. It is contemplated that the vacuum cleaner <NUM> can include any or all of the various systems and components described in <FIG>, including a recovery system <NUM> for separating and storing dirt or debris from the surface to be cleaned. The various systems and components schematically described for <FIG> can be supported by either the base assembly <NUM> or the upright assembly <NUM> of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> or both in combination.

<FIG> illustrates a partially-exploded view of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> of <FIG>. The upright assembly <NUM> includes a hand-held portion <NUM> supporting components of the recovery system <NUM>, including, but not limited to, the suction source <NUM> and the recovery container <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the suction source <NUM> can include a motor/fan assembly.

The hand-held portion <NUM> can be coupled to a wand <NUM> having at least one wand connector <NUM>. In the illustrated example, both a first end <NUM> of the wand <NUM> and a second end <NUM> of the wand <NUM> include a wand connector <NUM>. The wand connector <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the wand <NUM> can be coupled to the base assembly <NUM> via a wand receiver <NUM>. The wand connector <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the wand <NUM> can couple to a second wand receiver <NUM> within the hand-held portion <NUM>. It is contemplated that the wand connectors <NUM> can be the same type of connector or can vary in any suitable manner with respect to function, structure, design, profile, etc. Any suitable type of connector mechanism can be utilized, such as a quick connect mechanism or a tubing coupler in non-limiting examples.

A pivotal connection between the upright assembly <NUM> and the base assembly <NUM> can be provided by at least one pivoting mechanism. In the illustrated example, the pivoting mechanism can include a multi-axis swivel joint assembly <NUM> configured to pivot the upright assembly <NUM> from front-to-back and side-to-side with respect to the base assembly <NUM>. However, this need not be the case and the pivoting mechanism can move in any suitable manner including that the upright assembly <NUM> may pivot about one single axis with respect to the base assembly <NUM>. A lower portion <NUM> of the swivel joint assembly <NUM> is located between the wand <NUM> and the base assembly <NUM>. The lower portion <NUM> of the swivel joint assembly <NUM> provides for pivotal forward and backward rotation between the wand <NUM> and the base assembly <NUM>. An upper portion <NUM> of the swivel joint assembly <NUM> is also located between the wand <NUM> and the base assembly <NUM> and provides for lateral or side-to-side rotation between the wand <NUM> and base assembly <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the lower portion <NUM> of the swivel joint assembly <NUM> is coupled between the base assembly <NUM> and the upper portion <NUM> of the swivel joint assembly <NUM>. The upper portion <NUM> of the swivel joint assembly <NUM> is coupled to the wand receiver <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the wand <NUM>. Wheels <NUM> can be coupled to the lower portion <NUM> of the swivel joint assembly <NUM> or directly to the base assembly <NUM>, and are adapted to move the base assembly <NUM> across the surface to be cleaned.

A brake assembly <NUM> is provided with the base assembly <NUM>. The brake assembly <NUM> can be located on an upper portion of the base assembly <NUM>. The brake assembly <NUM> is defined by a body <NUM> with at least a portion of the body extending into the base assembly <NUM> and another portion extending beyond an upper surface <NUM> of the base assembly <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the body <NUM> can be include an upper portion or a handle <NUM> and at least one lower portion or at least one leg <NUM>. The handle <NUM> can extend beyond the upper surface <NUM> of the base assembly <NUM> such that the handle <NUM> is accessible to a user. The at least one leg <NUM> can extend at least partially into the base assembly <NUM> adjacent the wheels <NUM>, such that the at least one leg confronts, contacts, or is adjacent to at least one of the wheels <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the brake assembly <NUM> is near the pivotal connection between the upright assembly <NUM> and the base assembly <NUM>.

The hand-held portion <NUM> can also include the recovery container <NUM>, illustrated herein as a dirt separation and collection module <NUM> fluidly coupled to the suction source <NUM> via an air outlet port <NUM>. The dirt separation and collection module <NUM> can be removable from the hand-held portion <NUM> by a release latch <NUM> as shown so that it can be emptied of debris. Additional details of the dirt separation and collection module and the cleaning apparatus are described in PCT Application No. <CIT>,.

An upper end of the hand-held portion <NUM> can further include a hand grip <NUM> for maneuvering the vacuum cleaner <NUM> over a surface to be cleaned and for using the vacuum cleaner <NUM> in hand-held mode. At least one control mechanism <NUM> is provided on the hand grip <NUM> and coupled to the power source <NUM> (<FIG>) for selective operation of components of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. In the contemplated example, the at least one control mechanism <NUM> is an electronic control that can form the suction power switch <NUM>.

The agitator <NUM> of the illustrated embodiment includes a brushroll <NUM> (<FIG>) configured to rotate about a horizontal axis and operatively coupled to a drive shaft of a drive motor via a transmission, which can include one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, or combinations thereof. An example of which will be explained in more detail below. An agitator housing <NUM> is provided around the suction nozzle <NUM> and defines an agitator chamber <NUM> (<FIG>) for the brushroll <NUM> (<FIG>).

Referring now to <FIG>, a recovery airflow conduit <NUM> can be formed between the agitator housing <NUM> and the dirt separation and collection module <NUM>. For example, a hose conduit <NUM> in the base assembly <NUM> can be fluidly coupled to a wand central conduit <NUM> within the wand <NUM>. The hose conduit <NUM> can be flexible to facilitate pivoting movement of the swivel joint assembly <NUM> about multiple axes. The wand central conduit <NUM> is fluidly connected to a dirt inlet <NUM> on the dirt separation and collection module <NUM> via the air outlet port <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the power source <NUM> is in the form of a battery pack <NUM> containing one or more batteries, such as lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries. Optionally, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> can include a power cord (not shown) to connect to a wall outlet. In still another example, the battery pack <NUM> can include a rechargeable battery pack, such as by connecting to an external source of power to recharge batteries contained therein.

During operation of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>, the power source <NUM> can supply power for the suction source <NUM>, such as by way of non-limiting example a motor/fan assembly to provide suction through the recovery airflow conduit <NUM>. Debris-laden working air within the agitator housing <NUM> can be directed through the flexible hose conduit <NUM> and wand central conduit <NUM> before flowing into the dirt separation and collection module <NUM> by way of the dirt inlet <NUM> as shown. In addition, the swivel joint assembly <NUM> can provide for forward/backward and side-to-side pivoting motion of the upright assembly <NUM> with respect to the base assembly <NUM> when moving the base assembly <NUM> across the surface to be cleaned. Additional details of the motor/fan assembly are described in <CIT>, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the body <NUM> of the brake assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. As illustrated, the body <NUM> can include the handle <NUM> and a set of legs <NUM>. In a of non-limiting example, the two legs <NUM> are spaced from one another. The handle <NUM> can extend from a portion of one of the legs <NUM> to a corresponding portion of the adjacent leg <NUM>. As such, the handle <NUM> can span the space between the set of legs <NUM> and operatively couple the legs <NUM> to one another. Although illustrated as a brake assembly <NUM> including two legs <NUM>, it will be appreciated that there can be any number of one or more legs <NUM>. For example, the brake assembly <NUM> can include a single leg <NUM> with the handle <NUM> projecting outward from a portion of the leg <NUM>. The body <NUM> can be further defined by a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM> opposite the first side <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> can include a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> can be directly coupled to the set of legs <NUM>, while the second portion <NUM> can be spaced from the set of legs <NUM> and define a distal end of the brake assembly <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> can extend in a direction oblique to a direction of extension of the second portion <NUM>. As such, the first portion <NUM> can be obliquely oriented with respect to the second portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the first portion <NUM> can be normal to the second portion <NUM>. In either case, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> are non-parallel. This orientation of the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> can form a grip of the handle <NUM> such that the user can easily grasp the handle <NUM> of the brake assembly <NUM>. As such, the brake assembly <NUM> can be further defined as a brake assembly <NUM> including an ergonomic handle <NUM>.

The set of legs <NUM> are illustrated as extending from the first portion <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. Each leg <NUM> can extend in the same direction away from the section of the body <NUM> defining the handle <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the legs <NUM> can be spaced from one another and the width of the handle <NUM> span the space between the set of legs <NUM>. Further, the set of legs <NUM> are illustrated to be parallel to one another, however, it will be appreciated that he legs <NUM> can be non-parallel.

Each leg <NUM> can include a foot <NUM> defining a distal end of the set of legs <NUM>, opposite a handle <NUM>. The foot <NUM> can extend across only a portion of the width of each leg <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the foot <NUM> can extend across <NUM>% of the width of a corresponding leg <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the foot <NUM> can be formed as a cylinder. It will be appreciated, however, that the foot <NUM> can have any suitable geometric configuration. A remaining <NUM>% of the width of the leg <NUM> that does not include the foot <NUM> can include a cut out <NUM> with a shape corresponding to the foot <NUM>. As such, the cut out <NUM> can be formed as a cylindrical cut out <NUM> along a distal portion of the legs <NUM>. Alternatively, the foot <NUM> can extend the same width as the leg.

A passageway or through hole <NUM> can extend through a portion of the foot <NUM> from one end or side to the other. In the non-limiting example illustrated, the through hole <NUM> can be formed as a concentric cylinder within the cylinder defined by the foot <NUM>. It is contemplated, by way of non-limiting example, as illustrated, that the through hole <NUM> can have a varying cross-sectional area from one end of the foot <NUM> to the other. For example, the cross-sectional area of the through hole <NUM> can be larger at one end to define a seat for a fastener that can be used to couple the brake assembly <NUM> the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. It will be appreciated, however, that the through hole <NUM> can have any suitable cross-sectional area along any portion of the through hole <NUM>. For example, the through hole <NUM> can have a constant cross-sectional area.

The set of legs <NUM> can further include a set of grooves <NUM> provided on the first side <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The set of grooves <NUM> can define a portion of the body <NUM> where the first side <NUM> converges toward the second side <NUM>. In other words, the set of grooves <NUM> can define a depression formed within the body <NUM> of the brake assembly <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the set of grooves <NUM> can be within a portion of the set of legs <NUM>. As illustrated, the set of grooves <NUM> can be formed as a rounded, concave portion of the set of legs <NUM>. Alternatively, the set of grooves <NUM> can be formed as any suitable geometric portion depression of concave portion of the set of legs <NUM>.

A lock <NUM> can be included along an interior portion of the set of legs <NUM>. The lock <NUM> can confront the space between the set of legs <NUM> although it is contemplated that it could be located on the exterior. The lock <NUM> can include an arm <NUM> connected to a corresponding leg <NUM> at one end. The remainder of the arm <NUM> can be separated from the body of the corresponding leg <NUM> thus forming a gap between the arm <NUM> and the leg <NUM>, as illustrated. The gap can extend around the entirety of the arm <NUM> besides where the arm <NUM> connects to the set of legs <NUM>. A protrusion <NUM> can extend away from a distal end of the arm <NUM> and confront the space between the set of legs <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> is illustrated, by way of non-limiting example as a in the form of a semi-sphere. Although illustrated as a single lock <NUM> on a single leg <NUM>, it will be appreciated that there can be any number of locks <NUM>. For example, each leg <NUM> of the set of legs <NUM> can include a lock <NUM> on the interior portion of the corresponding leg <NUM>.

The arm <NUM> can include a section having a different shape, profile, configuration, size, etc. from a remainder of the arm <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the profile of the arm <NUM> can remain constant. Alternatively, the profile or width of the arm <NUM> can vary along the length of the arm <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the arm <NUM> can have any suitable profile and that the width, shape, profile, size, or thickness can vary along the length of the arm <NUM> constantly, linearly, non-constantly, or non-linearly.

As illustrated, the body <NUM> of the brake assembly <NUM> is hollow such that a void is formed between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM>. As a portion of the arm <NUM> is separated from the body of the set of legs <NUM>, it will be appreciated that the lock <NUM> can move at least partially into the void from the illustrated position by applying a force onto a portion of the lock <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the protrusion <NUM> of the lock <NUM> can move at least partially into the void of the set of legs <NUM>. As such, the lock <NUM> can be further defined as a spring biased to an original position (e.g., the illustrated position where an outer surface of the arm <NUM> is aligned with the outer surface of the corresponding leg <NUM>).

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the brake assembly <NUM> and the base assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. As illustrated, the base assembly <NUM> can include a brake housing <NUM>. The wheels <NUM> can extend into at least a portion of the brake housing <NUM>. The hose conduit <NUM> can extend through the brake housing <NUM> between the wheels <NUM>, thus diving the brake housing <NUM> into two separate areas. The brake assembly <NUM> can straddle the hose conduit <NUM> such that each leg <NUM> extends into a corresponding area of the brake housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded sectional view of the brake assembly <NUM> and the base assembly as seen from cut VI-VI of <FIG>. The base assembly <NUM> can further include a projection <NUM> and a divot <NUM>.

When the brake assembly <NUM> is posited within the base assembly <NUM>, the projection <NUM> can rest within or against the cut out <NUM>. It is contemplated that a portion of the projection <NUM> can extend into at least a portion of the through hole <NUM>, thus coupling the brake assembly <NUM> to the base assembly <NUM>. The foot <NUM> including the through hole <NUM>, the cut out <NUM>, and the projection <NUM>, together, can define a center of rotation of the brake assembly <NUM> and a first point of coupling between the base assembly <NUM> and the brake assembly <NUM>.

At least a portion of the lock <NUM> can be releasably secured within the divot <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> can be releasably secured within the divot <NUM>. As such, the divot <NUM> can define a second point of coupling between the brake assembly <NUM> and the base assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the brake assembly <NUM> as seen from cut VI-VI of <FIG>. As illustrated, the brake assembly <NUM> is in a first position or a locked position.

As illustrated, the groove <NUM> of one of the legs <NUM> confronts or otherwise is in direct contact with at least one of the wheels <NUM>. Although only one of the legs <NUM> is illustrated to be in contact with one wheel <NUM>, it will be appreciated that this description can be applied to any leg <NUM> of the set of legs <NUM>. As such, in the case of the brake assembly <NUM>, one leg <NUM> can confront a wheel <NUM> while another adjacent leg <NUM> can confront a separate, adjacent wheel <NUM>.

It is contemplated, however, that the projection <NUM> can further be defined as bore such that a fastener <NUM> can be thread through the through hole <NUM> of the brake assembly <NUM> and into a portion of the projection <NUM>. As such, the fastener <NUM> can couple the brake assembly <NUM> to the base assembly <NUM>. The fastener <NUM>, the foot <NUM> including the through hole <NUM>, the cut out <NUM>, and the projection <NUM>, together, can define the center of rotation of the brake assembly <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the fastener can be any suitable fastener such as, but not limited to, a push pin, a tab, a pin, a screw, a nail, a protrusion, or any combination thereof.

In the first position, the lock <NUM> of the brake assembly <NUM> is engaged within a corresponding portion of the base assembly <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the protrusion <NUM> of the lock <NUM> is engage within the divot <NUM> of the base assembly <NUM>. This engagement prevents unintentional rotational movement of the brake assembly <NUM>. In other words, the brake assembly <NUM> will not move from the first position unless an external force is applied to the brake assembly <NUM>. As such, the groove <NUM> remains in contact with the wheels <NUM>. The external force can be any suitable force that can cause the arm <NUM> to move inward from its biased position. For example, the external force can be, but is not limited to, a user moving the brake assembly <NUM> over a portion of the base assembly <NUM> that projects toward the lock <NUM> and will cause the lock <NUM> to move inward when moved over it.

In the first position, the protrusion <NUM> of the lock <NUM> is positioned within the divot <NUM> (<FIG>), thus locking the brake assembly in the illustrated position. As used herein, the term "locked", "locking", "lock" or iterations thereof refers to the prevention or limitation of movement of a moveable object (e.g., the brake assembly <NUM>). Although discussed in terms of the protrusion <NUM> of the lock <NUM> fitting within the divot <NUM> to lock the brake assembly <NUM> in the first position, it will be appreciated that any other suitable locking mechanism can be used such as, but not limited to, a spring, a hook, a magnet, a lever, a body moveable between different set positions such as through a series of detents, or any combination thereof. The engagement between the grooves <NUM> and the wheels <NUM> prevents the rotation of the wheels <NUM>. As such, when the brake assembly <NUM> is in the first position, the wheels <NUM> will not rotate as they are locked in position. Further, when in the first position, at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> can rest against or otherwise contact the handle <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, when in the first position, at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> can rest against the second portion <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. As illustrated, the upper portion <NUM> of the swivel joint assembly <NUM> can rest against the second portion <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. As such, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> can be stood upright, and remain upright, by positioning the brake assembly <NUM> in the first position as illustrated.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the brake assembly <NUM> as seen from cut VI-VI of <FIG>. As illustrated, the brake assembly <NUM> is in a second position defined as an unlocked position.

In the second position, the grooves <NUM> the set of legs <NUM> are no longer in contact with the wheels <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> of the lock is removed from the divot <NUM>. As such, the wheels <NUM> are not engaged by a portion of the brake assembly <NUM>. As such, the wheels <NUM> are free to rotate. When in the second position, the brake assembly <NUM> can rest against the base assembly <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the brake assembly <NUM> can rest against an inner wall of the brake housing <NUM> although this need not be the case. Further, in the second position, the swivel joint <NUM> no longer contacts the handle <NUM>. As such, the upright assembly <NUM> of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> is free to swivel about a pivot defined by the joint assembly <NUM>.

In operation, the brake brake assembly <NUM> can transition between the first position and the second position to selectively engage the wheels <NUM>. In the first position, the grooves <NUM> of the brake assembly <NUM> can contact the wheels <NUM>, thus restricting rotational movement of the wheels <NUM>. In the second position, the brake assembly <NUM> can be displaced from or otherwise not contact the wheels <NUM>, thus allowing for the free rotational movement of the wheels <NUM>. As discussed herein, the brake assembly <NUM> can be selectively locked or unlocked. This selective locking can be done at least partially through the lock <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the selective locking can be determined by whether or not the protrusion <NUM> of the lock is engaged with or otherwise positioned within the divot <NUM> of the base assembly <NUM>.

During the locking and unlocking of the brake assembly <NUM>, the lock <NUM> is compressed inward into the hollow portion the leg <NUM> when the external force is applied to the brake assembly <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the arm <NUM> of the lock <NUM> is compressed inward into the hollow portion of the leg <NUM> when the external force is applied to the brake assembly <NUM>. Once the brake assembly <NUM> is rotated such that the protrusion <NUM> overlays the divot <NUM>, the arm <NUM> will "snap-back" or otherwise move back to the position it biases (the position illustrated in <FIG>). As such, the protrusion <NUM> will be nested within the divot <NUM>, and the brake assembly <NUM> will be locked in place. The external force can once again be applied to rotate the brake assembly <NUM>. The arm <NUM> will once again be compressed inward into the hollow of the legs <NUM> and the protrusion will be removed from the divot <NUM>. As such, the brake assembly <NUM> will be unlocked from the first position. As a non-limiting example, the external force can be from moving a portion of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> and contacting the brake assembly <NUM>. For example, the user can push the upright assembly <NUM> forward such that a portion of the upper portion <NUM> of the swivel joint assembly <NUM> can come apply a force to a portion of the brake assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the second portion <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. This, in turn, can cause the brake assembly <NUM> to unlock from the first position and rotate toward the second position, thus unlocking the wheels <NUM> through movement of the swivel joint assembly <NUM>.

This method of moving the brake assembly <NUM> can be used during operation of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> when it is desired to lock or stop movement of the wheels <NUM>, as discussed herein. Further yet, in the first position, the upright assembly <NUM> can confront a portion of the brake assembly <NUM> thus propping-up or retaining the upright assembly <NUM> in the upright position. If the brake assembly <NUM> were not present, the wheels <NUM> would be free to rotate. The weight from the upright assembly <NUM> and hand-held portion <NUM> could then cause the wheels <NUM> to rotate and the base assembly <NUM> would "slide out" from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. As used herein, the phrase "slide out" can refer to the unintentional and undesired movement of the base assembly <NUM> through rotation of the wheels <NUM> that can cause the upright assembly <NUM> and hand-held portion <NUM> to fall from its upright position. This can ultimately result in at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> falling to the ground or against a surrounding object. The implementation of the brake assembly <NUM>, however, ensures that the base assembly <NUM> cannot slide out from underneath the remainder of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> when the brake assembly <NUM> is secured in the first position. This eliminates the risk of at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> falling to the ground or against a surrounding object.

<FIG> illustrates a non-limiting exemplary brake assembly <NUM>. The brake assembly <NUM> is similar to the brake assembly <NUM>; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals in the <NUM> series, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the brake assembly <NUM> applies to the brake assembly <NUM> unless otherwise noted.

The brake assembly <NUM> can include a set of legs <NUM> similar to the set of legs <NUM> of the brake assembly <NUM>, but without the set of feet <NUM>. Alternatively, the set of legs <NUM> can include the set of feet <NUM>. The difference being that the set of legs <NUM> do not include the foot <NUM>. Instead, the set of legs <NUM> have a constant width from one distal end to the other. The set of legs <NUM> can each further include a knob <NUM> extending from an inner portion of the set of legs <NUM> and confronting the space between the set of legs <NUM>. It is contemplated that the knob <NUM> can define both a point of coupling and a pivot point of the brake assembly <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the projection <NUM> can instead be formed as a divot or include a bore such that the knob <NUM> can be secured within the projection <NUM> of the base assembly <NUM>. The knob <NUM>, and the projection <NUM> can form the center of rotation and a point of coupling between the brake assembly <NUM> and the base assembly <NUM>.

The brake assembly <NUM> can further include a lock <NUM> including an arm <NUM> and a protrusion <NUM> extending from the arm <NUM>. The lock <NUM> is similar to the lock <NUM> except that the arm <NUM> of the lock <NUM> has a constant thickness or otherwise extends linearly from one distal end coupling the arm to the legs <NUM> to another distal end where the protrusion <NUM> extends from the arm <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a non-limiting exemplary brake assembly <NUM>. The brake assembly <NUM> is similar to the brake assembly <NUM>, <NUM>; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals in the <NUM> series, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the brake assembly <NUM>, <NUM> applies to the brake assembly <NUM> unless otherwise noted.

The brake assembly <NUM> can include a set of legs <NUM> without the set of feet <NUM> of the brake assembly <NUM>. Alternatively, the brake assembly <NUM> can include the set of feet <NUM>. One difference is that the brake assembly <NUM> can further include a handle <NUM> formed as a monolithic body without the first portion <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., the angled portion) of the handle <NUM>, <NUM> included with the brake assembly <NUM>, <NUM>. As used herein, the term "monolithic body", "integral monolithic body", or iterations thereof can refer to a single body that is a single, non-separable piece, or formed as a single unitary piece at manufacture, as opposed to being formed by combining separate elements into one during manufacture. The formation of the brake assembly <NUM> as a monolithic body can allow for a smaller handle <NUM> that does not extend as far away from the base assembly <NUM> when compared to the corresponding portions of the brake assembly <NUM>, <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the formation of the handle <NUM> as a monolithic body can allow for a smaller handle <NUM> that does not extend as far away from the base assembly <NUM> when compared to the corresponding portions of the brake assembly <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a non-limiting exemplary brake assembly <NUM>. The brake assembly <NUM> is similar to the brake assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals in the <NUM> series, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the brake assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> applies to the brake assembly <NUM> unless otherwise noted.

The brake assembly <NUM> can include a set of legs <NUM> without the set of feet <NUM> of the brake assembly <NUM>. Alternatively, the set of legs <NUM> can include he set of feet <NUM>. The set of legs <NUM> can each include a groove <NUM>, similar to the set of legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the groove <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the brake assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The legs <NUM>, however, and hence the grooves <NUM> have an increased width when compared to the corresponding portions of the brake assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the width of the set of legs <NUM>, and hence the set of grooves <NUM>, can two times as large as the width of the corresponding portions of the brake assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. It will be appreciated, however, that the width of the legs <NUM> can be any times greater than the corresponding portions of the brake assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The increased width of the set of legs <NUM>, and the grooves <NUM> can allow for a greater surface area of the brake assembly <NUM> to engage the wheels <NUM> of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. This, in turn, can increase a frictional force applied to the wheels <NUM> by the set of legs <NUM> when compared to the corresponding portions of the brake assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. This ultimately increases the efficiency of the brake assembly <NUM> as a surface area of the wheels <NUM> that are engaged by the brake assembly <NUM>, the less likely the wheels <NUM> will rotate. It is yet further contemplated that the brake assembly <NUM> can engage more than one wheel <NUM> per groove <NUM>. For example, each groove <NUM> can be configured to engage two adjacent wheels <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a non-limiting exemplary brake assembly <NUM>. The brake assembly <NUM> is similar to the brake assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals in the <NUM> series, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the brake assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> applies to the brake assembly <NUM> unless otherwise noted.

The brake assembly <NUM> can include a set of legs <NUM> without the set of feet <NUM> of the brake assembly <NUM>. Alternatively, the brake assembly <NUM> can include the set of feet <NUM>. The brake assembly <NUM> is a combination of the brake assembly <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively, and the brake assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. As such, the brake assembly <NUM> includes the set of legs <NUM>, and groove <NUM> with a larger width similar to the corresponding parts of the brake assembly <NUM>. The brake assembly <NUM> further includes the handle <NUM> with a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> similar to the corresponding portions of the brake assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. As such, the brake assembly <NUM> can be defined as a brake assembly <NUM> that exerts a larger frictional force on the wheels <NUM>, while also including an ergonomically efficient handle <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A surface cleaning apparatus (<NUM>), comprising:
a base assembly (<NUM>) including a suction nozzle (<NUM>) and at least one wheel (<NUM>), and having an upper surface (<NUM>);
a hand-held portion (<NUM>) having a hand grip (<NUM>) and a suction source (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the suction nozzle (<NUM>) and configured for generating a working airstream;
a working air path from the suction nozzle (<NUM>) to an air outlet in the hand-held portion (<NUM>) and including the suction source (<NUM>); and
a brake assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) provided on the base assembly (<NUM>),
characterized in that the brake assembly (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) is defined by a body (<NUM>) with at least a portion of the body extending into the base assembly (<NUM>) and another portion extending beyond the upper surface (<NUM>) of the base assembly and that the portion extending beyond the upper surface (<NUM>) of the base assembly (<NUM>) is accessible from an exterior of the base assembly and that the brake assembly is configured to be moveable between a first position, wherein at least a portion of the brake assembly engages the at least one wheel (<NUM>), and a second position, and that the brake assembly further comprises a lock located on a first leg (<NUM>) of the brake assembly, the lock comprising an arm (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a protrusion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the arm biased into a locking position.