Patent Description:
Surface treatment apparatuses can include upright vacuum cleaners configured to be transitionable between a storage position and an in-use position. Upright vacuum cleaners can include a suction motor configured to draw air into an air inlet of the upright vacuum cleaner such that debris deposited on a surface can be urged into the air inlet. At least a portion of the debris urged into the air inlet can be deposited within a dust storage container within the upright vacuum cleaner for later disposal.

An example vacuum cleanser is disclosed in <CIT>, in which the vacuum cleaner includes an air treatment or debris removable assembly with a multi-layer filtration stage. The multi-layer filtration stage can include an outer mesh screen, a louvered exhaust grill, and a multi-layer filter. Optionally, an inner perforated exhaust grill is also provided. The debris removable assembly can further include a cyclonic filtration stage.

The features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings, wherein:.

The present invention is generally directed to a reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus. The surface treatment apparatus includes an upright section configured to couple to a pod. The upright section includes a wand having a first distal end configured to couple to a surface cleaning head and a second distal end, opposite the first distal end, configured to couple to a handle. The pod is configured to removably couple to a portion of the wand extending between the first and second distal ends. The pod includes a suction motor assembly cavity configured to receive a suction motor and a premotor filter, a dust cup cavity configured to receive a dust cup, and a power source cavity configured to receive a power source (e.g., one or more batteries). The suction motor assembly cavity and the power source cavity extend along opposite sides of a vertical plane extending along a central longitudinal axis of the pod and the dust cup cavity extends along the vertical plane such that at least a portion of the dust cup is disposed on each side of the vertical plane. Such a configuration may result in a center of gravity of the pod being generally aligned with the wand when the pod is coupled to the wand. As such, when a user is operating the surface treatment apparatus, the surface treatment apparatus may feel substantially balanced, potentially reducing user fatigue.

<FIG> shows a perspective view an upright surface treatment apparatus <NUM> having a wand <NUM>, wherein a first distal end <NUM> of the wand <NUM> is coupled to a surface cleaning head <NUM> and a second distal end <NUM> of the wand <NUM> is coupled to a cleaner handle <NUM>, the first distal end <NUM> being opposite the second distal end <NUM>. As shown, a pod <NUM> may be coupled to the wand <NUM> at a location between the first and second distal ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The pod <NUM> can be removably coupled to the wand <NUM> such that the pod <NUM> can be carried by a user independently of the wand <NUM>. For example, a user may actuate a toggle (e.g., button) <NUM> configured to cause an engagement mechanism (e.g., a latch) to transition between an engaging state and a disengaging state to decouple the pod <NUM> from the wand <NUM>.

As shown, the pod <NUM> includes a suction motor assembly cavity <NUM> configured to receive a suction motor, a battery cavity <NUM> configured to receive a power source (e.g., a battery), and a dust cup cavity <NUM> configured to receive a dust cup <NUM>. An air flow path <NUM> may extend from an air inlet <NUM> of the surface cleaning head <NUM>, through the wand <NUM> and a flexible conduit <NUM> (e.g., a non-electrified hose or an electrified hose) and into the dust cup <NUM>. As such, the flexible conduit <NUM> may generally be described as fluidly coupling the pod <NUM> to the wand <NUM>. The dust cup <NUM> can be configured such that a cyclone is generated within the dust cup <NUM>. As such, before exiting the dust cup <NUM>, at least a portion of any debris entrained within the air extending along the air flow path <NUM> is deposited within the dust cup <NUM> due to a cyclonic motion of the air. After exiting the dust cup <NUM> the air flow path <NUM> extends into a premotor filter within the suction motor assembly cavity <NUM> and passes through a suction motor disposed within suction motor assembly cavity <NUM>. After passing through the suction motor, the air flow path <NUM> extends into the battery cavity <NUM> and provides cooling to a battery pack <NUM> (e.g., having one or more batteries) disposed within the battery cavity <NUM>. In some instances, a post motor filter medium may be positioned within the air flow path <NUM> (e.g., battery cavity <NUM>) such that the air flow path <NUM> passes through the post motor filter medium before to passing through the battery pack <NUM>. This may reduce the quantity of debris that collects in the battery pack <NUM>. The post motor filter medium may be a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. As such, the suction motor assembly cavity <NUM> may generally be described as being fluidly coupled to the battery cavity <NUM> when the dust cup <NUM> is received within the dust cup cavity <NUM>.

As also shown, the suction motor assembly cavity <NUM> and the battery cavity <NUM> are disposed on opposing sides of a vertical plane <NUM> extending through a center of the pod <NUM>. In some instances, the vertical plane <NUM> may include a central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the wand <NUM> and/or a central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the pod <NUM>. The central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the pod <NUM>, when the pod <NUM> is coupled to the wand <NUM>, extends substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the wand <NUM>. At least a portion of the dust cup cavity <NUM> is disposed between the suction motor assembly cavity <NUM> and the battery cavity <NUM> such that a portion of the dust cup <NUM> is disposed on opposing sides of the vertical plane <NUM>. For example, the dust cup cavity <NUM> can be positioned such that the portions of the dust cup cavity <NUM> on opposing sides of the vertical plane <NUM> are substantially equal. Therefore, the dust cup <NUM> may generally be described as having substantially equal portions disposed on opposing sides of the vertical plane <NUM> when received within the dust cup cavity <NUM>. As such, the pod <NUM> may generally be described as being substantially balanced across the vertical plane <NUM> when fully assembled (e.g., when the battery pack <NUM>, the suction motor, the premotor filter, and the dust cup <NUM> are coupled to the pod <NUM>).

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the pod <NUM> decoupled from the wand <NUM> in response to actuation of the toggle <NUM>. As shown, when the pod <NUM> is decoupled from the wand <NUM>, a clip <NUM> configured to couple the flexible conduit <NUM> to the wand <NUM> decouples from the wand <NUM>. As such, the wand <NUM> may be maneuvered independently from the pod <NUM>. The clip <NUM> can include a plurality of protrusions <NUM> extending from a body <NUM> of the clip <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> may include one or more ribs <NUM> configured to engage a corresponding portion of the wand <NUM> (e.g., a groove extending along the wand <NUM>). The clip <NUM> can be configured to slide along the wand <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a rear perspective view of surface treatment apparatus <NUM> having the pod <NUM> and the flexible conduit <NUM> removed therefrom for purposes of clarity. As shown, at least a portion of the wand <NUM> includes grooves <NUM> for coupling to the clip <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the wand <NUM> is configured such that at least a portion of the wand <NUM> may be decoupled from the surface cleaning head <NUM>. For example, and as shown, the wand <NUM> includes a neck <NUM> that is coupled to the surface cleaning head <NUM> and a detachable portion <NUM>. The detachable portion <NUM> is separable from the neck <NUM> and can be used independently of the neck <NUM> and the surface cleaning head <NUM>. Therefore, when the pod <NUM> is decoupled from the wand <NUM> (e.g., the neck <NUM>) the pod <NUM> and the detachable portion <NUM> can be maneuvered independently of the surface cleaning head <NUM> and the neck <NUM>. As such, when the pod <NUM> is fluidly decoupled from the surface cleaning head <NUM> only a portion of the wand may be fluidly coupled to the pod <NUM>.

The neck <NUM> may define a portion of a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism is actuated in response to pressing of a release toggle (e.g., button) <NUM>. When the release toggle <NUM> is actuated, the detachable portion <NUM> of the wand <NUM> is separable from the neck <NUM>. In some instances, a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) may disposed within the neck <NUM> such that the biasing mechanism urges the detachable portion <NUM> of the wand <NUM> in a direction out of the neck <NUM>. In these instances, when the release toggle <NUM> is depressed, the detachable portion <NUM> of the wand <NUM> may be urged at least partially out of the neck <NUM>.

The neck <NUM> can also include a plurality of alignment features <NUM> for aligning the pod <NUM> when coupling the pod <NUM> to the wand <NUM> (e.g., the neck <NUM>). For example, and as shown, the alignment features <NUM> may include an elongated protrusion extending from the neck <NUM> and configured to engage a corresponding groove defined in the pod <NUM>. The alignment features <NUM> can also be configured to cooperate with the engagement mechanism for coupling the pod <NUM> to the wand <NUM>.

The neck <NUM> defines a fluid pathway that fluidly couples the pod <NUM> to the surface cleaning head <NUM>. The neck <NUM> can also include one or more electrical contacts configured to electrically couple the battery pack <NUM> to the surface cleaning head <NUM>. For example, the battery pack <NUM> may be configured to power one or more brush rolls <NUM> disposed within the surface cleaning head <NUM> and/or one or more light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes, incandescent lamps, and/or any other light source).

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the pod <NUM> decoupled from the wand <NUM> and the detachable portion <NUM> of the wand <NUM> decoupled from the neck <NUM>. As shown, the detachable portion <NUM> of the wand <NUM> includes electrical contacts <NUM> corresponding to electrical contacts in the neck <NUM> such that the battery pack <NUM> can be electrically coupled to the surface cleaning head <NUM>.

The cleaner handle <NUM> can include a toggle (e.g., a trigger) <NUM> configured to actuate a latching mechanism that removably couples the cleaner handle <NUM> to the detachable portion <NUM> of the wand <NUM>. For example, the toggle <NUM> can be configured to transition the latching mechanism from a latching state to a delatching state in response to a user pulling the toggle <NUM> in a direction generally away from the detachable portion <NUM> of the wand <NUM>.

The cleaner handle <NUM> can also include a user interface <NUM> having a plurality of buttons <NUM>. Each button <NUM> can cause the surface treatment apparatus <NUM> to function differently. For example, there can be one or more buttons that correspond to suction power, floor surface type, and/or any other function. In some instances, one or more buttons <NUM> can control the surface cleaning head <NUM>. For example, one or more buttons <NUM> can enable and/or disable one or more brush rolls, light sources, and/or any other function. One of the one or more buttons <NUM> can correspond to a power button for the entire surface treatment apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the pod <NUM> decoupled from the wand <NUM> and the cleaner handle <NUM> decoupled from the wand <NUM>. As shown, the cleaner handle <NUM> can include electrical contacts <NUM> configured to electrically couple the cleaner handle <NUM> to the wand <NUM> such that the battery pack <NUM> can be electrically coupled to the surface cleaning head <NUM>. In some instances, the cleaner handle <NUM> (and/or or the detachable portion <NUM> of the wand <NUM>) can be configured to couple to one or more surface cleaning accessories.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of an example of the toggle <NUM> coupled to a toggling mechanism <NUM> configured to transition the latching mechanism between a latching and delatching state. The toggling mechanism <NUM> includes a plunger portion <NUM> configured to actuate the latching mechanism and a pivoting collar <NUM>. For example, when the toggle <NUM> is pulled along an actuation axis <NUM>, the pivoting collar <NUM> is caused to rotate. Rotation of the pivoting collar <NUM> causes the plunger portion <NUM> to be urged in a direction away from the toggle <NUM> and generally parallel to the actuation axis <NUM>. In other words, the toggling mechanism <NUM> can generally be described as being configured to convert a pull motion into a push motion.

<FIG> show a perspective view of a handle assembly <NUM>, which may be an example of the handle <NUM> of <FIG>, having portions removed therefrom for purposes illustrating a pivot linkage <NUM>, the pivot linkage <NUM> may be an example of the toggling mechanism <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, the pivot linkage <NUM> includes a pivot body <NUM> that is pivotally coupled to an air guide <NUM> such that the pivot body <NUM> pivots about a body pivot point <NUM>. The pivot body <NUM> can extend, at least partially, around the air guide <NUM>. For example, an air guide <NUM> can extend through an opening <NUM> extending through the pivot body <NUM>.

The pivot body <NUM> can be coupled to a toggle <NUM> (e.g., trigger) such that actuation of the toggle <NUM> causes the pivot body <NUM> to pivot about the body pivot point <NUM>. The pivot body <NUM> can also be coupled to an actuator <NUM> such that pivoting of the pivot body <NUM> about the body pivot point <NUM> causes the actuator <NUM> to transition between actuated and unactuated states. As the actuator <NUM> transitions towards the actuated state, a latch <NUM> can be urged towards a delatched state (e.g., the latch <NUM> comes out of engagement with a catch). The toggle <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> can be coupled to opposing sides of the pivot body <NUM> relative to a pivot axis defined by the body pivot point <NUM>.

As shown, the pivot body <NUM> can include an arm <NUM> that defines an arm slot <NUM> that corresponds to at least one toggle protrusion <NUM> extending from the toggle <NUM>. The toggle protrusion <NUM> is configured to be able slide within the arm slot <NUM>. As such, the latch <NUM> can be actuated without actuating the toggle <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> can define an actuator slot <NUM> configured to receive at least one corresponding body protrusion <NUM>. The body protrusion <NUM> can be configured to slide within the actuator slot <NUM>. In some instances, one or more of the toggle <NUM>, the pivot linkage <NUM>, and/or the actuator <NUM> may engage and/or include a biasing mechanism that biases the actuator <NUM> towards, for example, the unactuated state. The biasing mechanism may be, for example, a spring (e.g., a tension spring, a torsion spring, a compression spring, and/or any other suitable spring), an elastic material (e.g., a rubber), and/or any other suitable biasing mechanism.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the pod <NUM> decoupled from the flexible conduit <NUM> and the wand <NUM>. As shown, the dust cup <NUM> is configured to couple to the pod <NUM> at the dust cup cavity <NUM>. The dust cup <NUM> can include a latching mechanism <NUM> configured to removably couple the dust cup <NUM> to the pod <NUM>. The dust cup <NUM> can also include a dust cup handle <NUM> configured to allow the dust cup <NUM> to be carried by a user and/or the pod <NUM> (when the dust cup <NUM> is coupled to the pod <NUM>) to be carried by the user. The dust cup <NUM> can also include a first openable door <NUM> coupled to the dust cup handle <NUM> and a second openable door <NUM> on an opposite end of the dust cup <NUM>.

The dust cup <NUM> can also be configured to generate a cyclone. For example, the dust cup <NUM> can have a cyclone portion <NUM> and a collection portion <NUM> for collecting debris. As shown, cyclone portion <NUM> may be positioned above the collection portion <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the pod <NUM> having the dust cup <NUM> decoupled therefrom. As shown, the dust cup cavity <NUM> includes a protrusion <NUM> extending from a base portion <NUM> of the pod <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> is configured to engage the dust cup <NUM> such that the protrusion <NUM> aligns the dust cup <NUM> when coupling the dust cup <NUM> to the pod <NUM>. As shown, the protrusion <NUM> can include a generally frustoconical shape extending from a portion of the protrusion <NUM> and the frustoconical shape can be angled outwardly (e.g., away from an operator of the surface treatment apparatus <NUM> when the pod is coupled to the wand <NUM>).

As also shown, the dust cup cavity <NUM> defines a suction motor inlet <NUM> and a dust cup inlet <NUM>. The dust cup inlet <NUM> is configured to be fluidly coupled to the flexible conduit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of the pod <NUM> having a door, enclosing the suction motor assembly cavity <NUM>, removed. As shown, the suction motor assembly cavity <NUM> includes a suction motor <NUM> and a premotor filter cavity <NUM> configured to receive a premotor filter.

As also shown, the pod <NUM> can include a flexible conduit coupler <NUM>. The flexible conduit coupler <NUM> can be positioned on a side of the pod <NUM> that is opposite of the dust cup cavity <NUM>. Such a configuration may result in an airflow path having more gradual directional transitions when compared to other locations. However, the flexible conduit coupler <NUM> may be positioned elsewhere on the pod <NUM>. For example, the flexible conduit coupler <NUM> may be positioned on a top, a bottom, or a side of the pod <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a top view of the pod <NUM> having the battery pack <NUM> and the dust cup <NUM> coupled to the pod <NUM>. <FIG> shows a top view of the pod <NUM> having the battery pack <NUM> removed therefrom and the dust cup <NUM> coupled to the pod <NUM>. A filter <NUM> may be disposed within the battery cavity <NUM> such that the filter <NUM> is positioned between the battery pack <NUM> and at least a portion of an inner surface <NUM> of the battery cavity <NUM>. For example, the filter <NUM> can be disposed within the air flow path <NUM> (see <FIG>) at a location up flow of the battery pack <NUM>. As such, air passes through the filter <NUM> before passing through the battery pack <NUM>. As previously discussed, exhaust air from the suction motor <NUM> is used to provide cooling to the battery pack <NUM>. As such, the filter <NUM> collects at least a portion of any debris still entrained within the air flow, which may reduce a quantity of debris collected in the battery pack <NUM>. The filter <NUM> may be a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

As shown in <FIG>, the battery cavity <NUM> includes a battery protrusion <NUM> extending from a base <NUM> of the battery cavity <NUM>. The battery protrusion <NUM> can be configured to transition between a depressible state and a rigid state. For example, the battery protrusion <NUM> can be configured to transition from the rigid state to the depressible state in response to the filter <NUM> being received within the battery cavity <NUM>. As such, when the battery pack <NUM> and the filter <NUM> are received within the battery cavity <NUM>, the battery pack <NUM> depresses the battery protrusion <NUM>. Such a configuration may prevent the battery pack <NUM> from being installed within the battery cavity <NUM> such that the battery pack <NUM> forms an electrical coupling with the pod <NUM> when the filter <NUM> is not installed.

As shown in <FIG>, the filter <NUM> may include a filter protrusion <NUM> extending from a base portion <NUM> of the filter <NUM> (for example, and as shown, the filter <NUM> may include a filter frame <NUM> extending around a filter medium <NUM>, wherein the filter protrusion <NUM> extends from the filter frame <NUM>). The filter protrusion <NUM> can be configured to engage a latching mechanism that is in communication with the battery protrusion <NUM>. For example, when the filter protrusion <NUM> comes into engagement with and actuates the latching mechanism, the battery protrusion <NUM> transitions from the rigid state to the depressible state such that the battery protrusion <NUM> can be depressed by the battery pack <NUM>. As a result, the battery pack <NUM> is able to be properly seated within the battery cavity <NUM> (e.g., fully inserted such that the battery pack <NUM> is electrically coupled to the surface cleaning head <NUM> and/or the suction motor <NUM>). As also shown in <FIG>, the filter <NUM> may include a latching mechanism <NUM> configured to couple the filter <NUM> to the pod <NUM> within the battery cavity <NUM>. For example, the latching mechanism <NUM> can be slideably coupled to the filter frame <NUM> and configured to move along a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the filter <NUM> between a latching and unlatching position. In some instances, the filter <NUM> may have a shape that generally corresponds to a shape of the battery cavity <NUM> (e.g., the filter <NUM> may have an arcuate shape, as shown).

<FIG> shows a perspective front view of the battery pack <NUM>. <FIG> shows a perspective back view of the battery pack <NUM>. <FIG> shows a side view of the battery pack <NUM>. As shown, the battery pack <NUM> includes a battery handle <NUM> configured to transition between a storage position (e.g., where the battery handle <NUM> is substantially flush with a top surface <NUM> of the battery pack <NUM>) to an upright (or release) position. In some instances, and as shown, when transitioning the battery handle <NUM> between the storage position and the upright position, the battery handle <NUM> may actuate a battery latching mechanism <NUM> (see <FIG>) that causes a latch <NUM> to transition between a latching state and a delatcing (or release) state. The latch <NUM> can be configured to retain the battery pack <NUM> within the battery cavity <NUM>.

As shown, in <FIG>, the battery latching mechanism <NUM> includes the battery handle <NUM>, wherein the battery handle <NUM> is pivotally coupled to a closure cap <NUM> of the battery pack <NUM>. As shown, the battery handle <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the closure cap <NUM> using an axle <NUM> extending between opposing sides of the closure cap <NUM>. The axle <NUM> includes a cam <NUM> configured to engage a sled <NUM>. The sled <NUM> is slideably coupled to the closure cap <NUM> such that the sled <NUM> slides in response to rotation of the axle <NUM>. The sliding movement of the sled <NUM> causes the latch <NUM> to transition between the latching state and the delatching state. A handle biasing mechanism <NUM> (e.g., a torsion spring) may urge the battery handle <NUM> towards the storage position and a latch biasing mechanism <NUM> (e.g., a compression spring) may urge the latch <NUM> towards the latch state. For example, the latch biasing mechanism <NUM> may be configured extend between the sled <NUM> and a portion of the closure cap <NUM> such that the sled urges the latch <NUM> towards the latch state.

Referring again to <FIG>, as also shown, the battery pack <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> having a plurality of apertures <NUM> extending therethrough. The apertures <NUM> are configured to allow air to flow through the battery pack <NUM>. The air passing through the battery pack can be exhaust air from the suction motor <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the battery pack <NUM> may include a cooling fan disposed therein for generating air flow to cool the battery pack <NUM>.

As shown, the apertures <NUM> proximate the center of the battery pack <NUM> have a smaller size than the apertures <NUM> spaced apart from the center of the battery pack <NUM>. As such, a size of the apertures <NUM> may generally increase with increasing distance from the center of the battery pack <NUM>. For example, in some instances, a size of the apertures <NUM> may progressively increase with increasing distance from the center of the battery pack <NUM>.

Alternatively, the apertures <NUM> may be arranged according to one or more groups along the battery pack <NUM>. Each group may have a predetermined aperture size, wherein the aperture size increases between groups with increasing distance from the center of the battery pack <NUM>. In some instances, the aperture size may increase within a respective group with increasing distance from the center of the battery pack <NUM>. For example, and as shown, a first (e.g., central) group <NUM> may have a substantially constant aperture size therein and second and third groups <NUM> and <NUM> may have aperture sizes that increase with increasing distance from the first group <NUM>.

As also shown, the apertures <NUM> proximate the center of the battery pack <NUM> may have a circular outline (or shape) and the apertures <NUM> spaced apart from the center of the battery pack <NUM> may have an elongated (e.g., elliptical) outline (or shape). In other words, the apertures <NUM> may include at least one aperture having a circular outline and at least one aperture having an elongated outline. In some instances, the apertures <NUM> having the circular outline may correspond to the first group <NUM> and the apertures <NUM> having the elongated outline may correspond to the second and third groups <NUM> and <NUM>. As such, the apertures <NUM> corresponding to the first group <NUM> may generally be described as having a first set of characteristics and the apertures <NUM> corresponding to the second and third groups <NUM> and <NUM> may generally be described as having a second set of characteristics, wherein the first and second sets of characteristics are different. The characteristics can include one or more of size, shape, orientation, and/or any other characteristic.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the battery pack <NUM> installed in the pod <NUM>. As shown, a plurality of apertures <NUM> can extend from an outer surface <NUM> of the pod <NUM> and into the battery cavity <NUM>. The plurality of apertures <NUM> allow air to flow out of the battery pack <NUM> and into the environment. As shown, the plurality of apertures <NUM> increase in size as the apertures <NUM> move away from the base portion <NUM> of the pod <NUM>. In some instances, the plurality of apertures <NUM> can be arranged to generally correspond to the apertures <NUM> in the battery pack <NUM>.

<FIG> show an example of a cleaner docking station <NUM>. The cleaner docking station <NUM> can be configured to couple to the pod <NUM> and/or one or more accessories. <FIG> shows a pod <NUM>, which may be an example of the pod <NUM>, and a surface cleaning head <NUM>, which may be an example of the surface cleaning head <NUM>, docked to the cleaner docking station <NUM>.

As shown, the cleaner docking station <NUM> includes a stage <NUM> upon which the surface cleaning head <NUM> is positioned. In some instances, the stage <NUM> is configured to electrically couple to the surface cleaning head <NUM>. For example, the stage <NUM> may include one or more electrical charging contacts configured to engage corresponding electrical charging contacts of the surface cleaning head and/or the stage <NUM> may include a wireless charging module. As such, one or more batteries powering the pod <NUM> may be recharged when the surface cleaning head <NUM> is positioned on the stage <NUM>.

The stage <NUM> may also be configured to clean one or more agitators <NUM> of the surface cleaning head <NUM>. For example, the stage <NUM> may include and/or define a comb or blade configured to engage one or more of the one or more agitators <NUM>, wherein the comb or blade is configured to remove fibrous debris (e.g., hair or string) from the one or more agitators <NUM>. In some instances, the comb or blade may be stationary and remove fibrous debris in response to the agitators <NUM> being rotated while the surface cleaning head <NUM> is positioned on the stage <NUM>. In some instances, the stage <NUM> may define one or more receptacles <NUM> configured to receive corresponding wheels <NUM> of the surface cleaning head <NUM>. As such, the receptacles <NUM> may retain the surface cleaning head <NUM> on the stage <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of a battery docking station <NUM> configured to receive, for example, the battery pack <NUM>. <FIG> shows a battery pack <NUM>, which may be an example of the battery pack <NUM>, disposed within the battery docking station <NUM>. As shown, the battery pack <NUM> may include an illuminated charge indicator <NUM> that can be configured to illuminate based on a level of charge in the battery pack <NUM>. For example, segments of the charge indicator <NUM> can be illuminated based on stored charge. <FIG> shows a bottom view of the battery pack <NUM>. As shown, the battery pack <NUM> can include a charging port <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM>. As also shown, the battery pack <NUM> includes a receptacle <NUM> for receiving at least a portion of a protrusion (e.g., the battery protrusion <NUM>) extending from a base of a battery cavity of a pod.

<FIG> show an example of a battery pack <NUM>, which may be an example of the battery pack <NUM>, being removed from a pod <NUM>, which may be an example of the pod <NUM>. The battery pack <NUM> may be releaseably coupled to the pod <NUM> using, for example, an actuatable latch. As shown, the battery pack <NUM> includes a battery handle <NUM>. The battery handle <NUM> can be pivotally coupled to a housing <NUM> of the battery pack <NUM>. For example, the battery handle <NUM> can be configured to be pivoted between a storage and an upright (or removal) position. As the battery handle <NUM> is pivoted, the battery handle <NUM> may cause an actuatable latch coupling the battery pack <NUM> to the pod <NUM> to be actuated towards a release position. Once in the release position a force can be exerted on the battery handle <NUM> to remove the battery pack <NUM> from the pod <NUM>. In other words, the battery pack <NUM> can be configured to be decoupled from the pod <NUM> in response to a pivoting of the battery handle <NUM> from a storage position towards an upright (or removal position).

A reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus, consistent with the present disclosure, may include a wand and a pod removably coupled to the wand. The wand may have a first distal end that is configured to couple to a surface cleaning head and a second distal end that is configured to couple to a handle. The pod may include a suction motor assembly cavity, a battery cavity, and a dust cup cavity. The suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity may be disposed on opposing sides of a vertical plane, wherein the vertical plane extends along a central longitudinal axis of the pod. The dust cup cavity may be disposed between the suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity such that at least a portion of the dust cup cavity is disposed on each side of the vertical plane.

In some instances, the battery cavity may be fluidly coupled to the suction motor assembly cavity when a dust cup is received in the dust cup cavity. In some instances, the battery cavity may be further configured to receive a filter. In some instances, the battery cavity may further comprise a battery protrusion configured to transition between a depressible state and a rigid state in response to the battery cavity receiving the filter. In some instances, the battery protrusion may be further configured to be depressed when a battery pack and the filter are disposed within the battery cavity. In some instances, the reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus may further include a flexible conduit configured to fluidly couple the pod to the wand, the flexible conduit being electrified. In some instances, the reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus may further include the handle, wherein the handle may include a toggle configured to decouple the handle from the wand. In some instances, the wand may include a detachable portion and a neck, the detachable portion being configured to be separable from the neck. In some instances, the detachable portion may be separable from the neck in response to actuation of a release toggle. In some instances, the reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus may further include a battery pack disposed within the battery cavity. In some instances, the battery pack may include a housing having a plurality of apertures configured to allow air to pass therethrough. In some instances, at least one of the plurality of apertures may have a circular shape and at least one of the plurality of apertures may have an elongated shape.

A pod for a reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus, consistent with the present disclosure, may include a suction motor assembly cavity, a battery cavity, and a dust cup cavity. The suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity may be disposed on opposing sides of a vertical plane, wherein the vertical plane extends along a central longitudinal axis of the pod. The dust cup cavity may be disposed between the suction motor assembly cavity and the battery cavity such that at least a portion of the dust cup cavity is disposed on each side of the vertical plane.

In some instances, the battery cavity may be fluidly coupled to the suction motor assembly cavity when a dust cup is received in the dust cup cavity. In some instances, the battery cavity may be further configured to receive a filter. In some instances, the battery cavity may further comprise a battery protrusion configured to transition between a depressible state and a rigid state in response to the battery cavity receiving the filter. In some instances, the battery protrusion may be further configured to be depressed when a battery pack and the filter are disposed within the battery cavity. In some instances, the pod may further include a battery pack disposed within the battery cavity. In some instances, the battery pack may include a housing having a plurality of apertures configured to allow air to pass therethrough. In some instances, at least one of the plurality of apertures may have a circular shape and at least one of the plurality of apertures may have an elongated shape.

Claim 1:
A reconfigurable surface treatment apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a wand (<NUM>) having a first distal end (<NUM>) that is configured to couple to a surface cleaning head (<NUM>) and a second distal end (<NUM>) that is configured to couple to a handle (<NUM>); and
a pod (<NUM>) configured to removably couple to the wand (<NUM>), wherein the pod (<NUM>) includes:
a suction motor assembly cavity (<NUM>);
a battery cavity (<NUM>), wherein the suction motor assembly cavity (<NUM>) and the battery cavity (<NUM>) are disposed on opposing sides of a vertical plane (<NUM>), the vertical plane (<NUM>) extending along a central longitudinal axis (<NUM>) of the pod (<NUM>); and
a dust cup cavity (<NUM>), the dust cup cavity (<NUM>) disposed between the suction motor assembly cavity (<NUM>) and the battery cavity (<NUM>) such that at least a portion of the dust cup cavity (<NUM>) is disposed on each side of the vertical plane (<NUM>).