Patent Description:
Vacuum cleaners and other surfaces devices can have multiple components that each receive electrical power from one or more power sources (e.g., one or more batteries or electrical mains). For example, a vacuum cleaner may include a suction motor to generate a vacuum within a cleaning head. The generated vacuum collects debris from a surface to be cleaned and deposits the debris in a debris collector. The vacuum may also include a motor to rotate a brush roll within the cleaning head. The rotation of the brush roll agitates debris that has adhered to the surface to be cleaned such that the generated vacuum is capable of removing the debris from the surface. In addition to electrical components for cleaning, the vacuum cleaner may include one or more light sources to illuminate an area to be cleaned.

Vacuum cleaners generally occupy a relatively large amount of space in a closet or other storage location. For instance, up-right vacuums tend to be kept an in-use, up-right position when stored away for future use. To this end, storage of a vacuum cleaner requires a space that can accommodate the overall height and width of the vacuum. This often relegates vacuums to storage locations in unseen places such as a closet, garage, or other out-of-the-way place. Such locations may be some distance from rooms and other locations that may require periodic cleaning, which may thus result in less cleaning of those locations because hauling a vacuum to and from storage may be impractical or otherwise inconvenient.

An example of a hand held vacuum cleaner is disclosed in <CIT>. The vacuum cleaner is arranged to be secured to a shaft part and has a housing comprising a motor-fan unit, a dust container and an inlet channel opening into the dust container through which dust laden air is directed into the dust container. The vacuum cleaner also comprises a filter arranged after the dust container in the flow direction, The dust container constitutes a part of or communicates with a cyclone separator arranged between the inlet channel and the filter.

These and other features advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:.

In general, the present disclosure is directed to a hand-held surface cleaning device that includes a relatively compact form-factor to allow users to store the same in a nearby location (e.g., in a drawer, in an associated charging dock, on a table top) for easy access to perform relatively small cleaning tasks that would otherwise require retrieving a full-size vacuum from storage. A hand-held surface cleaning device consistent with aspects of the present disclosure includes a body (or body portion) with a motor, power source and dust cup disposed therein. The body portion also functions as a handgrip to allow the hand-held surface cleaning device to be operated by one hand, for example. Therefore, the body portion may also be referred to as a handgrip, handle portion, or simply a handle.

In an embodiment, a hand-held surface cleaning apparatus consistent with the present disclosure includes a body defining a handle portion and a dirty air passageway. The body may define a cavity for holding a motor for generating suction to draw dirt and debris into the dirty air passageway, a power source for powering the motor, and a dust cup for receiving and storing dirt. Each of the components within the body can be disposed in a coaxial manner. Each of power source, motor, and dust cup may include a shape that generally corresponds with the body of the hand-held surface cleaning apparatus, e.g., a substantially cylindrical shape, rectangular shape, and so on. Thus, the body may include a relatively continuous width about its length to allow a user to comfortably grip the body in-hand during cleaning operations. The hand-held surface cleaning device also includes a cleaning head (or nozzle) that includes a longitudinal axis in parallel with the body to allow the hand-held surface cleaning device, in a general sense, to be operated similar to a wand of a conventional full-size vacuum to target various surfaces to clean without the added bulk of a trailing hose.

As generally referred to herein, dust and debris refers to dirt, dust, water, or any other particle that may be pulled by suction into a hand-held surface cleaning device.

Turning to the Figures, <FIG> show a hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> includes a body <NUM> that extends from a first end <NUM> to a second end <NUM> along a longitudinal axis <NUM>. The body <NUM> of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> includes a handle portion <NUM> adjacent the first end <NUM> followed by a motor portion (or section) <NUM>, a filter portion <NUM>, a dust cup <NUM> and a nozzle <NUM> disposed adjacent the second end <NUM>. The body <NUM> can include a substantially flat and continuous surface <NUM> that extends from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> to form a "wand" like apparatus. In an embodiment, the handle portion <NUM>, motor portion <NUM>, filter portion <NUM> and nozzle <NUM> may be formed as a single, monolithic piece. In other cases portions such as the nozzle <NUM> and/or filter portion <NUM> may be removable.

As shown, the handle portion <NUM> of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> is contoured to comfortably fit within the hand of a user during operation. The tapered region <NUM> may advantageously allow for a user's hand and fingers to more comfortably grip and operate the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>. The body <NUM> of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> further includes an on/off button <NUM> and a dust-cup release button <NUM>. The on/off button <NUM> and the dust-cup release <NUM> may be actuated by, for example, the thumb of a user's hand when the handle portion <NUM> is held by the same. The dust-cup release <NUM> may be slidably engaged, e.g., displaced by a user's thumb, to unlock the dust cup <NUM>, which will be described in greater detail below. The dust-cup release <NUM> may be spring-biased to return to a rearward position in the absence of a user-supplied force.

The motor section <NUM> of the body <NUM> may include circuitry (not shown) for selectively supplying power to a motor <NUM> (see <FIG>) disposed therein. The motor <NUM> may be a DC motor or other suitable motor for generating suction. In some embodiments, the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> may include a vortex arrangement, so the illustrated embodiment is not intended to limit the present disclosure. The motor <NUM> generates suction to draw air into the dirty air inlet <NUM>. The amount of power supplied to the motor <NUM> may vary to proportionally adjust the amount of suction power. Alternatively, the on/off button <NUM> may simply cause a constant amount of power to be supplied to the motor <NUM>.

Continuing on, the dust cup <NUM> may be configured to receive and store dirt and debris received via the dirty air inlet <NUM>. As shown, the dust cup <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the body <NUM>, and more particularly, to a portion of the dirty air inlet <NUM> by way of a hinge <NUM>, with the hinge <NUM> being formed by a pin extending through the body <NUM> substantially transverse relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> may provide the hinge <NUM>. In some cases the nozzle <NUM> may be removable. The dust cup <NUM> may therefore rotate along a first rotational axis when released, e.g., via the dust-cup release <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the dust cup <NUM> may rotate in a direction generally indicated as D and come to a stop at an angle of about <NUM> degrees relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the body <NUM>. This position of the dust cup <NUM> may be accurately referred to as an open, release or disposal orientation. In the open orientation, the opening <NUM> may then be used to allow dust and debris to exit the dust cup <NUM> into a trash bin, for example. Thus, the dust cup <NUM> may be transitioned between a locked/close orientation, e.g., as shown in <FIG>, to an open/disposal orientation as shown in <FIG>. When in the closed orientation, the dust cup <NUM> is in fluid communication with the filter of the filter section <NUM> by way of the opening <NUM>. On the other hand, when in the open orientation the dust cup <NUM> decouples from fluid communication with the filter of the filter section <NUM> and permits the opening <NUM> to release/evacuate dust and debris stored within the dust cup <NUM>.

As discussed further below, the dust cup <NUM> may include a cleaning or agitation element, e.g., bristles, that agitate a filter within the filter section <NUM>. The agitation of the filter within the filter section <NUM> may free trapped/stuck dirt and debris and generally promote increased fluid communication of air to ensure that clogs are minimized or otherwise prevented from reducing suction power.

<FIG> shows an example cross-sectional view of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> taken along the line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, body <NUM>, and in particular the handle portion <NUM>, defines a cavity <NUM> that can house one or more power sources such as batteries. The cavity can include a battery holder <NUM> or battery cradle <NUM> to position and align the batteries with associated electrical contacts (not shown) to electrically couple the batteries to the motor <NUM>. As discussed above, the handle portion <NUM> provides a tapered region <NUM>, with the tapered region <NUM> providing a transition between the handle portion <NUM> and the motor section <NUM>.

Continuing on, the cavity <NUM> defined by the body <NUM> continues through the motor section <NUM>. The motor section includes the motor <NUM> disposed in the cavity <NUM>. Following the motor section, the cavity <NUM> continues through the filter section <NUM>. The filter <NUM> may then be disposed in the cavity <NUM> of the filter section. As shown, the filter <NUM> is a cone-type filter, but other filter devices are within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the cavity <NUM> may extend from the first end <NUM> at a base of the handle portion <NUM> to the second end by way of the dirty air inlet <NUM>.

Adjacent the filter section <NUM>, the dust cup <NUM> couples to the filter <NUM>. The dust cup <NUM> may therefore fluidly couple with the filter section <NUM> by way of the opening <NUM>. A screen <NUM> (see <FIG>) may cover the opening <NUM> to prevent ingress of dirt and debris into the motor section <NUM>, which is discussed in further detail below. As further shown, the dirty air inlet <NUM> is in fluid communication with the dust cup <NUM> for purposes of receiving and storing dirt and debris.

A valve body <NUM> formed from a flexible or resilient material may be disposed between the dust cup <NUM> and the dirty air inlet <NUM>. In the absence of suction forced provided by the motor <NUM>, the valve body <NUM> may remain in a valve seat position such as shown in <FIG>. The valve body <NUM> may be biased towards the dirty air inlet <NUM> based on spring tension, e.g., based on a bend introduced into the material or other suitable arrangement. The seat position of the valve body <NUM> can form a seal, e.g., an air-tight seal that prevents <NUM>% of air flow, or a partially air-tight seal that restricts at least <NUM>% of air flow, between an opening of the dust cup <NUM> that aligns with an opening of the dirty air inlet <NUM>, each of which is generally shown at <NUM>. Thus, the seated position of the valve body <NUM> can prevent dust and debris from exiting the dust cup <NUM> by way of the aligned openings at <NUM> when the surface cleaning device <NUM> is "off", e.g., suction from the motor <NUM> isn't present. The valve body <NUM> may be configured to be displaced/bent into a cavity <NUM> of the dust cup <NUM> when suction force generated by the motor <NUM> to draw air into the dirty air inlet, and ultimately, the dust cup <NUM>.

In an embodiment, when the dust cup <NUM> is in the release orientation, e.g., as shown in <FIG>, the valve body <NUM> in the seated position continues to seal off the cavity of the dust cup <NUM>, e.g., based on a spring force that biases the valve body <NUM> away from the dust cup <NUM> to hold the same against one or more surfaces that define the cavity of the dust cup <NUM>, to ensure that dust and debris exits the dust cup <NUM> only via opening <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, another example embodiment of a dust cup suitable for use in the hand-held surfacing cleaning device <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, the dust cup includes an agitator member <NUM> in the form of a plurality of bristles. The bristles may be formed from, for example, plastic or other suitably rigid material. When in the closed position, such as shown in <FIG>, the bristles <NUM> may be disposed adjacent the upper surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>. As shown in the cross-section view of <FIG>, as the dust cup <NUM> rotates about axis <NUM> to transition from a closed to open orientation the agitator member <NUM> makes contact with a screen <NUM> of the filter section <NUM>. Note the screen <NUM> and the filter <NUM> may be referred to collectively herein as a filter arrangement. This contact, in a general sense, "scrapes" the screen <NUM> which may advantageously dislodge or otherwise displace debris stuck to the screen <NUM> to minimize or otherwise reduce loss of suction power between the motor, filter and dirty air inlet <NUM>.

The same scraping action may be achieved when transitioning the dust cup <NUM> from the open to closed orientation. To this end, each cleaning operation of the dust cup <NUM> performed by the user may result in a two-stage cleaning action whereby the first stage includes scraping the screen <NUM> along a first direction D1 as the dust cup <NUM> is released and a second stage includes scraping the screen <NUM> along a second direction D2 (see <FIG>) as the dust cup <NUM> is transitioned to the closed position. In some cases, a user may release and close the dust cup <NUM> multiple times to cause the two-stage cleaning action to clear obstructions.

As shown in <FIG>, the filter section <NUM> can include a removable filter carriage <NUM> to allow for the filter <NUM> to be replaced or otherwise cleaned. As shown, this embodiment includes the dust cup <NUM> being in the release orientation prior to removal of the removable filter carriage <NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition, the entire filter carriage <NUM> and filter <NUM> may be replaced as a single unit for ease of use.

<FIG> shows an example of a vacuum cleaner apparatus <NUM> being configured to removably couple to a hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>. The hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> may be implemented as the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> of <FIG>, and this disclosure is not intended to be limiting this this regard. As shown, the vacuum cleaning apparatus <NUM> includes a vacuum frame <NUM> (or simply a frame <NUM>), collapsible joint <NUM>, a hand-held surface cleaner receptacle <NUM>, a dust cup receptacle <NUM>, a removable dust cup <NUM>, and a cleaning head <NUM> with dirty air inlet <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> defines the hand-held surface cleaner receptacle <NUM> or hand-held receptacle, with the hand-held receptacle being configured to securely hold the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>. When the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> is disposed/mounted within the hand-held receptacle <NUM>, the dirty air inlet <NUM> may be aligned with and in fluid communication with a dirty air channel (not shown) that fluidly couples the dirty air inlet <NUM> with the dust cup <NUM>. Therefore, the suction generated by the motor of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> may be used to draw air into the dirty air inlet <NUM>. From there, dirt and debris may then be stored in the dust cup <NUM> (or first dust cup) and/or the dust cup <NUM> (or second dust cup) of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>.

In some cases, the presence of the dust cup <NUM> effectively increases (e.g., doubles or more) the overall amount of storage for dust and debris relative to using the dust cup <NUM> alone, although in some embodiments the dust cup <NUM> may be utilized exclusively. As also shown, the frame <NUM> includes an optional collapsible joint <NUM> that allows for the upper handle portion of the frame <NUM> to be bent parallel to the lower portion having the hand-held receptacle <NUM> for storage purposes (See also <FIG>).

<FIG> shows an example of a dust cup <NUM> having a door <NUM> that may be hinged to the body <NUM> of the dust cup <NUM>. In this example, a button may be pressed to release the door <NUM> and allow the same to swing/rotate open to allow stored dirt and debris to exit the body <NUM> of the dust cup <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example embodiment of a docking system <NUM> that includes a dock <NUM>, a hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> and a robotic vacuum <NUM>. In an embodiment, the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> is implemented as the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> of <FIG> or the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> of <FIG>, for example. As shown, the dock <NUM> includes a robotic vacuum coupling section defined at least in part by a base <NUM>, with the base <NUM> being configured to removably couple to the robotic vacuum <NUM>. The base <NUM> may further include electrical contacts/terminals for electrically coupling with the robotic vacuum <NUM> for recharging purposes.

The dock <NUM> further includes a hand-held surface cleaning device coupling section <NUM>, which may also be referred to as simply a wand coupling section. The wand coupling section <NUM> may include a wand receptacle <NUM> and a wand release <NUM> (or wand release pedal <NUM>). As shown in the example embodiment of <FIG>, the wand receptacle <NUM> (or receptacle) may be a recess/opening defined by sidewalls of the wand coupling section <NUM>. The wand receptacle <NUM> may extend substantially perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the dock <NUM>. The wand receptacle <NUM> may be configured to at least partially receive the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>. As shown, the wand receptacle <NUM> includes a depth that allows an upper surface <NUM> of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> to mount flush with a surface <NUM> defining the wand receptacle <NUM>. Thus, the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> may be relatively hidden when mounted into the wand receptacle <NUM> and have contours that generally correspond with shape of the wand coupling section <NUM>.

Insertion of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> into the wand receptacle <NUM> may include inserting the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> at a first angle, e.g., approximately <NUM> degrees, with the nozzle of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> being used to bias and engage spring-loaded mechanism (not shown). Once inserted, the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> may be locked into position via a detent (not shown) or other suitable locking mechanism.

To remove the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>, a user-supplied force (e.g., by a user's foot or hand) provided against the wand release <NUM> disengages the locking mechanism and may allow the spring-loaded mechanism to transition the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> from a storage position to an extended/release position. As shown, this transition may include the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> rotating about a first axis of rotation <NUM> which extends substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis <NUM>. At the release position, a user may simply grip the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> and supply a force in a direction vertically away from the wand receptacle <NUM> to decouple the same for use.

<FIG> shows another example embodiment of a docking system 4400a consistent with the present disclosure. The embodiment of <FIG> may also be accurately referred to as an upright configuration, wherein the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> extends vertically from the dock 4401a. In more detail, the dock 4401a includes a base 4404a and wand coupling section 4405a. The base 4404a includes release buttons <NUM> and <NUM>. The release buttons <NUM> and <NUM> may allow for decoupling of the robotic vacuum <NUM> and hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>, respectively, based on a user-supplied force (e.g., from a user's foot). As shown, the release buttons <NUM> and <NUM> may at least partially define a ramp by which a robotic vacuum may travel over to couple to the dock 4401a.

The wand coupling section 4405a may include a wand receptacle 4406a that is configured to at least partially receive the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>. In particular, the wand receptacle 4406a may include an elongated cavity with a longitudinal axis that may extend substantially perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>. Thus, a handle section/region of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> may at least partially extend from the wand receptacle 4406a when in the storage position.

The wand coupling section 4405a may include a taper adjacent the robotic vacuum coupling section to provide a recess to at least partially receive a robotic vacuum. Therefore, the taper may form at least a portion of the robotic vacuum coupling section. When the robotic vacuum <NUM> is coupled to the base 4404a, at least a portion <NUM> of the wand coupling section 4405a may extend over the robotic vacuum <NUM>. This may advantageously reduce the overall footprint of the docking system 4400a when the robotic vacuum is the storage position, i.e., coupled to the base 4404a.

A user may then grip the handle section/region of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> and supply a force generally along direction D2 to decouple the same from the wand receptacle 4406a. In some cases, the user must first engage the release button <NUM> to unlock the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> from the wand receptacle 4406a. In addition, the wand receptacle 4406a may include a spring-loaded mechanism that, in response to the user supplying a force to release button <NUM>, causes the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> to travel upwards along direction D2 while remaining at least partially within the wand receptacle 4406a. Direction D2 may extend substantially perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis 4408a of the dock 4401a. This may advantageously reduce how far down a user must reach down to grip the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another example embodiment of a docking system 4400b in an upright configuration consistent with the present disclosure. As shown, this embodiment is substantially similar to that of the docking system 4400a, and for purpose of brevity the description of which will not be repeated. However, the docking system of 4400a includes a wand receptacle 4406b without a locking mechanism and instead may utilize a friction-fit or simply gravity. Thus, the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> may be inserted/removed from the dock 4401b without actuating a release, e.g., release button <NUM> (<FIG>).

<FIG> shows another example embodiment of a docking system 4400c consistent with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the docking system 4400c includes a dock 4401c, a hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>, and a robotic vacuum <NUM>. The dock 4401c includes a base 4404b that defines a robotic vacuum coupling section. The wand coupling section 4401c includes fixed portion <NUM> rotatably coupled to a wand receptacle 4407b by way of a hinge <NUM>. The wand receptacle 4407b may therefore rotate about a second rotational axis 4412a between a storage position (<FIG>/c/d) and a release position (FIG. 47a), which are each discussed in greater detail below.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the wand receptacle 4407b may at least partially surround the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>. In a general sense, the wand receptacle 4407b may form a cradle that holds the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> in a fixed position based on a friction-fit connection, gravity, or both.

As shown in <FIG>, the wand receptacle 4407b is in a release position, wherein the wand receptacle 4407b extends at about <NUM>±<NUM> degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 4408b of the base. Thus, a user may easily reach down and grip the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>. On the other hand, the wand receptacle 4407b extends substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis 4408b of the base when in a storage position, such as shown in <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the wand receptacle 4407b may transition between the storage and release position by way of the hinge <NUM> or other suitable coupling device that allows for rotation about the second rotational axis 4412a. The dock 4401c may include a mechanical mechanism (e.g., gears, belt drive, or other suitable mechanism) for causing rotation of the wand receptacle 4407b between storage and release positions. The fixed portion <NUM> may include a proximity sensor <NUM> such as an infrared (IR) sensor. The proximity sensor <NUM> may induce a vertical IR field that when breached by a hand (or other part) of a user the wand receptacle 4407b may automatically rotate to the release position to allow for easy detachment of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>. The release position may also "reveal" or otherwise provide access to controls on an upper surface of the robotic vacuum <NUM> (see <FIG>).

<FIG> shows the embodiment of <FIG> in additional detail. As shown, the dock 4401c may include elongatesd legs <NUM> that extend from the fixed section <NUM> to a distance D1 that is at least <NUM>. 5x the height H2 of the fixed section <NUM>. The elongated legs <NUM> may therefore advantageously support the wand receptacle 4407b (and the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>) in the absence of the robotic vacuum <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a docking system 4400d consistent with aspects of the present disclosure. The docking system 4400d is similar to that of the docking system 4400a (<FIG>), the disclosure of which will not be repeated for brevity. As shown, the wand coupling section 4405b includes an IR sensor (or other suitable proximity sensor) and a wand receptacle 4407c with a tooth/detent (not shown), an elevator/extender mechanism. The IR sensor may emit a IR beam adjacent the dock 4401d. In the event the IR beam is breached (e.g., by a user's hand), a signal may be sent to the elevator/extender mechanism to cause the same to extend upwards along vertical direction D3. The tooth/detent may engage a guide/track disposed along the length of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> to allow the same to travel vertically along a relatively straight path. In an embodiment, this may cause the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> to rise six (<NUM>) to eight (<NUM>) inches, although other configurations are within the scope of this disclosure. The IR sensor may further include a visual indicator, e.g., an LED, to draw a user's attention to the location of the sensor.

As further shown in <FIG>, the wand coupling section 4405b may be tapered (as shown in the side profile) to offset the wand receptacle 4407c from adjacent wall by distance D4. This may advantageously allow for a user to more easily reach a hand around the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> to grip the same even if the dock 4401d is disposed flush against a wall.

<FIG> collectively show another embodiment of a docking system 4400e consistent with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the dock 4401e includes a wand receptacle 4407d adjacent a first end <NUM> of the dock 4401e. As shown, the wand receptacle 4407d is integrally formed with the dock 4401e as a single, monolithic piece. However, the wand receptacle 4407d and the dock 4401e may be formed as separate pieces depending on a desired configuration. The wand receptacle 4407d may include a curvilinear profile/shape to increase aesthetic appeal and to form a shape which generally corresponds with the shape of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>.

As shown, the wand receptacle 4407d has a fixed orientation wherein the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> disposed therein is held at about a <NUM> degree angle relative to an upper surface <NUM> defining the dock 4401e. Other angles are within the scope of this disclosure. The embodiment of <FIG> may accurately be referred to as a side-by-side configuration whereby the wand receptacle 4407d is adjacent (e.g., disposed laterally) to the region that a robotic vacuum couples to the dock 4401e. Thus, when inserted into the wand receptacle 4407d, the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> includes a longitudinal center line 4408d disposed horizontally offset by distance of D5 from a center line 4408e of the robotic vacuum drawn tangent to the dock 4401e, with the distance D5 being at least equal to the radius R1 of the robotic vacuum.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a docking system 4400f consistent with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the embodiment of FIG. <NUM> is similar to that of the docking system 4400e of FIG <NUM> and for this reason the description of which will not be repeated for brevity. As shown, the dock 4401f includes a wand coupling section 4405c that includes a wand receptacle 4407e in a side-by-side configuration with the robotic coupling section 4420c. The wand coupling section 4405c further includes an IR sensor <NUM> (or other suitable proximity sensor). In response to a user breaching the IR beam emitted by the IR sensor <NUM>, a signal may be sent to the wand receptacle 4407e. A lift and tilt mechanism (not shown) may then receive the signal and transition the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> from a storage position <NUM> to a release position <NUM>. As shown, transition to the release position <NUM> causes the hand-held vacuum device <NUM> to first travel along a vertical path relative to an upper surface of the robotic vacuum (e.g., away from the robotic vacuum) followed by "tilting" of the hand-held vacuum device <NUM> towards the robotic vacuum, e.g., at about a <NUM>±<NUM> degree angle relative to the robotic vacuum. On the other hand, transition to the storage position <NUM> causes the reverse of the transition to the release position <NUM>, e.g., tilt back to a vertical orientation followed by downward travel towards the robotic vacuum device.

In the event a user is not detected, e.g., the user walks away from the dock 4401f, the lift and tilt mechanism may then automatically transition the hand-held surface cleaning device back to the storage position <NUM>. This may advantageously allow a user to insert the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> into the wand receptacle 4407e and simply walk away while the wand receptacle 4407e transitions back to the storage position <NUM>.

The following additional embodiments and examples are equally applicable to the preceding disclosure. For example, the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> of <FIG> may be utilized in the various embodiments disclosed above including, for instance, the base (see <FIG>) that may be utilized to both to couple to robotic cleaning devices and hand-held cleaning device.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> includes a body <NUM> coupled to a cleaning head <NUM>. An optional flexible region <NUM>, which may also be referred to as a flexible conduit, may couple the body <NUM> to the cleaning head <NUM>, and allow for rotation of the cleaning head <NUM> relative to the body <NUM> during cleaning operation. A dirty air passageway <NUM> may extend from a dirty air inlet <NUM> provided by the cleaning head <NUM> through the cleaning head <NUM> and the body <NUM> to a dust cup <NUM> (see <FIG>) disposed adjacent a distal end of the body relative to the cleaning head <NUM>. Thus, the body <NUM> and the cleaning head <NUM> may be in fluid communication to receive dirt and debris via the dirty air passageway.

The body <NUM> extends from a first end <NUM>-<NUM> to a second end <NUM>-<NUM> along a first longitudinal axis <NUM>. The body <NUM> may have a substantially cylindrical shape, such as shown, although other shapes (e.g., rectangular, square, irregular, and so on) and configurations are within the scope of this disclosure. The body <NUM> may be formed from a plastic or other suitably rigid material. The body <NUM> may comprise multiple pieces, or may be formed from a single piece. As shown, the body <NUM> includes removable pieces to separate the dust cup portion <NUM> from the power and motor portion <NUM>.

The body <NUM> may be defined by a surface <NUM>, which may also be referred to as a handgrip surface <NUM>. The body <NUM> and may contoured to fit comfortably within a user's hand during use. Thus, the handgrip surface <NUM> may extend at least partially around the power and motor portion <NUM> and the dust cup portion <NUM>.

The body <NUM> may include a power and motor portion <NUM> disposed proximal the first end <NUM>-<NUM> followed by a dust cup portion <NUM>. As discussed in greater detail below, components within the power and motor portion <NUM> (e.g., one or more motors and one or more power sources such as batteries) may be disposed coaxially with the dust cup portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>. As the power and motor portion <NUM> are disposed in front (e.g., up-stream) of the dust cup portion <NUM>, components of the power and motor portion <NUM> may collectively define a cavity that extends therethrough to allow dirty air traveling along the dirty air passageway <NUM> to reach the dust cup portion <NUM> for storage purposes.

The body <NUM> may include a plurality of vents <NUM> disposed proximal to the second end <NUM>-<NUM> to allow for filtered/clean air to exit the body <NUM>. The plurality of vents <NUM> may be disposed proximal the second end <NUM>-<NUM> to ensure that a user's hand does not inadvertently cover the plurality of vents <NUM> during operation. Other locations for the plurality of vents <NUM> is within the scope of this disclosure and the example illustrated in <FIG> should not be construed as limiting.

Continuing with <FIG>, the cleaning head <NUM> may extend from a first end <NUM>-<NUM> to a second end <NUM>-<NUM> along a second longitudinal axis <NUM>. The cleaning head <NUM> may be formed from the same material as the body <NUM>, or may comprise a different material. In some cases, the cleaning head <NUM> is formed from a bendable material, e.g., a material that may bend/unbend based on a user-supplied force. In other cases, the cleaning head <NUM> is formed from a relatively rigid material that resists bending. In still other cases, the cleaning head <NUM> is formed from multiple materials. For instance, the first end <NUM>-<NUM> adjacent the dirty air inlet <NUM> may be formed from a relatively rigid material and the second end <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed from a relatively rigid material.

In some cases, the first longitudinal axis <NUM> of the body <NUM> may be substantially parallel relative to the second longitudinal axis <NUM>, e.g., for storage purposes, docking purposes, or when a user desires the cleaning head <NUM> to extend straight from the body <NUM>. In other cases, such as shown, the second longitudinal axis <NUM> of the cleaning head <NUM> may extend at an angle <NUM> relative to the first longitudinal axis <NUM>, with angle <NUM> being between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, and preferably, <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

As further shown, a dirty air inlet <NUM> is disposed at the first end <NUM>-<NUM>. The dirty air inlet <NUM> may define an opening having a width W1 and a height H1. The ratio of W1 to H1 may measure about <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM> including all ranges therebetween, for example. The ratio of the overall length L1 relative to the width W1 may measure about <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, including all ranges therebetween. Other ratios are within the scope of this disclosure and the provided examples are not intended to be limiting. The width W1 of the dirty air inlet <NUM> may be greater than the width W2 of the cleaning head <NUM> proximal to the second end <NUM>-<NUM>. Thus, the cleaning head <NUM> may taper inwards from the first end <NUM>-<NUM> to the second end <NUM>-<NUM>. However, the cleaning head <NUM> may not necessarily taper, as shown, and may include a substantially continuous width along longitudinal axis <NUM>.

The hand-held surface cleaning apparatus may further optionally include a flexible region <NUM> (or flexible conduit) disposed between the body <NUM> and the cleaning head <NUM>. In particular, a first end of the flexible region <NUM> may couple to the second end <NUM>-<NUM> of the cleaning head <NUM>. A second end of the flexible region <NUM> opposite of the first end may couple to the first end <NUM>-<NUM> of the body <NUM>. The flexible region <NUM> may include a cavity that defines at least a portion of the dirty air passageway <NUM>.

The flexible region <NUM> may be formed from a plastic or other bendable material that allows for bending based on a user-supplied force. The flexible region <NUM> may be configured to return to a particular resting state in the absence of a user-supplied force. For instance, the flexible region <NUM> may return to an unbent state that causes the first and second longitudinal axis <NUM> and <NUM> of the body <NUM> and cleaning head <NUM>, respectively, to extend substantially in parallel. In other cases, the flexible region <NUM> may be configured to remain in a bent position, e.g., via a clips or other mechanical retaining features, until a user supplies a force to transition the cleaning head to a different position relative to the body <NUM>.

In any event, the flexible region <NUM> allows the cleaning head <NUM> to rotate relative to the body <NUM>. In some cases, the flexible region <NUM> may allow for an angle <NUM> that measures between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, as discussed above. Preferably, the flexible region <NUM> allows for up to <NUM> degrees of rotation.

In some cases, rotation of cleaning head <NUM> relative to the body <NUM> may cause the hand-held surface cleaning apparatus to switch ON. For instance, when a user desires to clean a particular surface, the user may automatically switch on the hand-held surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> simply by supplying a force that causes the cleaning head <NUM> to engage a surface and cause bending of the flexible region <NUM>. In response to the bending of flexible region <NUM>, the hand-held surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> may supply power to a motor to introduce suction along the dirty air passageway <NUM>. Likewise, the absence of the user-supplied force may cause the hand-held surface cleaning apparatus <NUM> to switch OFF.

Alternatively, or in addition to the automatic-on features discussed above, the body <NUM> may include a button or other suitable control (not shown) to allow for manual switching of the hand-held surface apparatus <NUM> ON/OFF.

Note that the flexible region <NUM> is optional. For instance, the body <NUM> may simply couple directly to the cleaning head <NUM>. Alternatively, the flexible region <NUM> may be replaced with a rigid portion (or rigid conduit) that does not bend based on a user-supplied force.

In any such cases, the body <NUM> and/or the cleaning head <NUM> may be removably coupled to the flexible region <NUM>. A user may therefore remove the body <NUM> and/or cleaning head <NUM> from the flexible region <NUM> to, for example, unclog the dirty air passageway <NUM> or to attach a different type of cleaning head <NUM> such as a cleaning head configured with bristles.

Turning to <FIG>, the body <NUM> is shown isolated from the cleaning head <NUM> and flexible region <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The body <NUM> is shown in a highly-simplified form and other components may be disposed within the body <NUM>. As shown, the body defines a cavity <NUM>. The body <NUM> further includes a motor <NUM>, a power source <NUM> and a dust cup <NUM> disposed within the cavity <NUM>. Each of the motor <NUM>, the power source <NUM> and the dust cup <NUM> may include a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis <NUM>. Thus, the motor <NUM>, power source <NUM> and dust cup <NUM> may be disposed coaxially within the cavity <NUM>. As discussed below, this coaxial arrangement allows the motor <NUM>, the power source <NUM>, and the dust-cup <NUM> to have their respective cavities align to collectively form a single dirty-air passageway, e.g., dirty-air passageway <NUM>. Note, the coaxial arrangement may form a plurality of dirty-air passageways depending on a desired configuration, and this disclosure should not be construed as limited to a single passageway.

The motor <NUM> may comprise, for example, a brushless DC motor, although other types of motors are within the scope of this disclosure. The motor <NUM> may electrically couple to the power source <NUM> and/or AC mains via a charging circuit, as discussed further below. The motor <NUM> may include a cavity <NUM> (see <FIG>) to allow the dirty air passageway <NUM> to extend therethrough. The motor <NUM> may include an impeller/fan <NUM> that introduces air flow/suction towards the dust cup <NUM>.

<FIG> show the motor <NUM> in further detail in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the motor <NUM> may include a built in fan <NUM> that is disposed in the cavity <NUM>. The motor <NUM> my further optionally include openings/vents <NUM> along sidewall <NUM> to regulate air flow.

Returning to <FIG>, the power source <NUM> may comprise a plurality of battery cells <NUM>. In an embodiment, each of the battery cells is a lithium-ion battery cell, although other types of battery cells are within the scope of this disclosure. As shown in the power source 22A of <FIG>, each of the plurality of battery cells <NUM> may form an annular arrangement. The annular arrangement may include a cavity <NUM> extending therethrough. In the annular arrangement, each of the battery cells may have a respective longitudinal axis that is substantially in parallel with the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the body <NUM> when the power source 22A is disposed in the same. <FIG> shows another example power source 22B configured as a ring-shaped capacitor. The ring-shaped capacitor may also include cavity <NUM> extending therethrough. In any such cases, the power source <NUM> may at least partially define the dirty air passageway <NUM> based on an associated cavity. The cavity of the power source <NUM>, e.g., cavity <NUM> or <NUM>, may therefore align with the cavity <NUM> of the motor when the power source <NUM> and the cavity <NUM> are disposed within the cavity <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

Returning to <FIG>, the power source <NUM> may be charged via an associated charging circuit (not shown). The charging circuit may include, for example, an inductive coil to receive a charge for purposes of charging the power source <NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition, the charging circuit may include terminals or other suitable interconnects (e.g., a USB-C port) to couple to a base/docking station for charging purposes, for example. The charging circuit may also allow for power from mains to be used directly by the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> while also charging the power source <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a body <NUM>' in a substantially similar configuration to that of the body <NUM> of <FIG>, and for this reason the foregoing description is equally applicable to the body <NUM>' and will not be repeated for brevity. However, the body <NUM>' includes the power source <NUM> disposed prior to the motor <NUM>. Thus, the body <NUM>' includes the power source <NUM> disposed proximal to the first end <NUM>-<NUM> of the body <NUM> followed by the motor <NUM> and then the dust cup <NUM>.

The body <NUM> and <NUM>' of <FIG>, respectively, may include multiple power sources <NUM> and/or multiple motors <NUM> disposed and aligned within the cavity <NUM> to form dirty air passageway <NUM>. Therefore, while the above examples illustrate a single motor and power source, this disclosure is not limited in this regard. Likewise, although each motor, power source and dust cup are shown have a substantially cylindrical shape, this disclosure is not limited in this regard. Other shapes and configurations are within the scope of this disclosure.

Turning to <FIG>, the dust cup <NUM> may be configured to receive and store dust and debris received from the dirty air passageway <NUM>. The dust cup may define a cavity <NUM> to store the dust and debris. The dust cup may further include a statically-charged accumulator <NUM> to help attract and trap dust and debris. In some cases, the statically-charged accumulator <NUM> is formed from a material that naturally tends to hold a static charge. Alternatively, or in addition, the statically-charged accumulator <NUM> may be energized via, for example, the power source <NUM>.

<FIG> show additional example embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the hand-held surface cleaning device may be docked into a base for recharging purposes.

<FIG> shows an example hand-held surface cleaning device consistent with the present disclosure. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the hand-held surface cleaning device of <FIG> in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> shows an example cleaning head of the hand-held surface cleaning device of <FIG> in isolation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> shows an example handle of the hand-held surface cleaning device of <FIG> in isolation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> shows another example hand-held surface cleaning device consistent with the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, a handle portion may rotate relative to a body to transition/articulate to one or more positions. Batteries may be disposed in the handle portion, such as shown in the cross-section taken along A-A. This arrangement may allow the handle portion to have a relatively small form-factor throughout its length.

<FIG> show additional example embodiments of a surface cleaning device consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

<FIG> show additional example embodiments of a surface cleaning device consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, a hand-held surface cleaning device consistent with the present disclosure may include an arrangement for wiping/dislodging dust during dust cup emptying procedures.

<FIG> show additional example embodiments of a surface cleaning device consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the dust cup may be extended to increase storage capacity.

Referring to <FIG> an example surface cleaning device <NUM> is shown consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the surface cleaning device <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and a dust cup <NUM> coupled to a first end <NUM> the body <NUM>. Note the aspects and embodiments shown and described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> are equally applicable to the surface cleaning device <NUM> and will not be repeated for brevity.

As generally referred to herein, the terms "closed position" and "docked position" may be used interchangeably and refer to a position of the dust cup <NUM> relative to the body <NUM> whereby the dust cup <NUM> is coupled to and in fluid communication with the body <NUM>, and more particularly, with a motor <NUM> disposed within a cavity of the body <NUM> that generates suction to draw dirt and debris into the dust cup <NUM>. In some cases, the closed position may result in the dust cup <NUM> having a longitudinal axis that extends substantially in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the body <NUM>, such as shown in <FIG>.

Conversely, the term "open position" or "emptying position" may be used interchangeably and refer to a position of the dust cup <NUM> relative to the body <NUM> whereby the dust cup <NUM> is angled substantially perpendicular relative to the body <NUM> to allow for emptying of the dust cup. The dust cup <NUM> may be rotably/pivotably coupled to the body <NUM> to allow the dust cup <NUM> to transition to the open position. This transition may be initiated by, for example, button(s) <NUM> disposed on the body <NUM>, which will be discussed in greater detail below. Thus, when in the open position, the dust cup may be fluidly decoupled from the motor <NUM> while remaining pivotably/rotatably coupled to the housing.

As discussed in greater detail below, the dust cup <NUM> may be spring-loaded to cause the same to "spring"/launch into the open position. The body <NUM> may provide a stop, e.g., a sidewall <NUM> (<FIG>) or other surface feature, to engage the dust cup <NUM> while the same is rotating due to the release of spring tension. Engagement with the stop may then cause the dust cup <NUM> to abruptly stop rotational movement, with the impact advantageously dislodging dirt and debris stored within the dust cup <NUM>. Gravity may then be used to allow the dislodged dirt and debris to empty from an opening of the dust cup located at an opposite end from that of an inlet for receiving dirty air. The spring bias may then hold the dust cup <NUM> in the open position until a user desires transitioning the dust cup <NUM> back to the closed position. Thus, a user may simply angle the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> over the mouth of a trash can and transition the dust cup <NUM>, e.g., via actuation of the button(s) <NUM>, to the open position to empty the dust cup <NUM>.

In addition, and in accordance with an embodiment, a filter arrangement <NUM> may be at least partially disposed within the body <NUM>. The filter arrangement <NUM> may also be spring-loaded and "spring" forward (see <FIG> and <FIG>) to extend at least partially from the body <NUM> and stop at a predetermined distance D1. In this embodiment, the filter arrangement <NUM> may travel away from the body <NUM> to distance D1 (after the dust cup <NUM> rotates away from the filter arrangement <NUM>) before encountering a stop, e.g., a lap, catch or other protrusion, provided within or external to the body <NUM>, e.g., protrusion <NUM> (see <FIG>). The spring bias may then hold the filter arrangement <NUM> in the extended position until the dust cup <NUM> displaces the filter arrangement <NUM> when the same brought back into the closed position, e.g., based on a user-supplied force.

Thus, the surface cleaning device <NUM> may be accurately described as having a multi-phase (or multistage) opening sequence based on a single user-supplied motion, wherein in response to the single user-supplied motion (e.g., a button press), the dust cup first snaps/springs/launches forward (longitudinally) and then rotates to a vertical/upright position, followed by the filter arrangement snapping/springing out either simultaneously as the dust cup transitions or shortly thereafter (e.g., based on the springs of the filter arrangement <NUM> having a different spring constant/configuration than that of the springs associated with the dust cup <NUM>). Note, the dust cup <NUM> may be weight to cause the up-right position (see <FIG>). Alternatively, or in addition, the dust cup <NUM> may be brought into the up-right position based on a track provided by the body <NUM> that causes the rotation to occur. Note, the dust cup <NUM> may be configured with an agitating device, e.g., bristles, similar to that of dust cup <NUM> of <FIG>, and the embodiments disclosed above are equally applicable to the hand-held surface cleaning cleaning device of <FIG>.

Continuing with the <FIG> a motor <NUM> is disposed within the body <NUM> and generates suction to draw dirty air into the inlet <NUM> (or nozzle) via a dirty air passageway <NUM> (see <FIG>) during use. The dust cup <NUM>, and more particularly, the dirty air passageway <NUM> may be in fluid communication with the motor <NUM> when the dust cup <NUM> is in the closed position, such as shown in <FIG>. A filter <NUM> disposed between the body <NUM> and the dust cup <NUM> may prevent/reduce dust and debris from entering the body <NUM> and ultimately clogging the motor <NUM>. Dust and debris may then be stored in dust storage area <NUM> (<FIG>) within the cavity of the dust cup <NUM> during operation of the surface cleaning device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the dust cup <NUM> may be decoupled from the suction of the motor <NUM> when in the open position based on rotation of the dust cup <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, an end of the dust cup <NUM> may be decoupled from the body <NUM> and rotated to angle the dust cup <NUM> substantially transverse relative to the body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the open position of the dust cup <NUM> may result in the dust cup <NUM> having a longitudinal axis <NUM> that is substantially transverse relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the body. Note, the angle at which the dust cup <NUM> extends relative to the body <NUM> may vary, e.g., from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees, and preferably <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees, depending on a desired configuration.

In an embodiment, the body <NUM> may be formed from a plastic, metal, and/or any other suitably rigid material. The body <NUM> may be formed from a single piece of material, or from multiple pieces.

The body <NUM> may be defined by walls that extend along longitudinal axis <NUM> from a first end <NUM>, which may be referred to as a dust coupling end <NUM>, to a second end <NUM>. The walls may be defined by a surface <NUM>, with the surface <NUM> providing a handle portion, or handle, that may be comfortably gripped within the hand of a user during operation of the surface cleaning device <NUM>.

The body <NUM> further includes button(s) <NUM> for causing the dust cup <NUM> to transition from a closed position, e.g., as shown in <FIG>, to an open position, e.g., as shown in <FIG>. Note, the button(s) <NUM> are not necessarily limited to a mechanical button whereby a user depresses the same to cause the surface cleaning device <NUM> to transition from the closed to open position. For example, the button <NUM> may also be any other suitable user input device such as a slider button, a capacitive touch button, and a rotatable ring that extends around the diameter of the body <NUM>.

The body <NUM> may define a cavity <NUM> (<FIG>). The cavity may include the filter arrangement <NUM>, the motor <NUM> and a power source <NUM> disposed therein. The motor <NUM> may comprise, for example, a brushless DC motor although other types of motors are within the scope of this disclosure. The motor <NUM> may electrically couple to the power source <NUM> and generate suction for drawing dirt and debris into the dust cup <NUM>.

The dust cup <NUM> may comprise plastic, metal, or any other suitably rigid material. The dust cup <NUM> may be defined by one or more walls that extend from a first end <NUM> (or nozzle) to a second end <NUM> (suction coupling end or suction coupling section) along a longitudinal axis <NUM> (<FIG>). The dust cup <NUM> may further define a cavity with a dirty air passageway <NUM> extending at least partially therethrough, with the dirty air passageway extending substantially in parallel with the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The dust cup <NUM> further includes a dust storage area <NUM> within the cavity to receive and store dirt and debris. The walls surrounding the dust storage area <NUM> may be light transmissive, e.g., allowing <NUM>% or more of incident visible wavelengths, to allow a user to visibly examine the current amount of dirt and debris stored in the dust storage area through the walls. Note the suction coupling end <NUM> also provides an opening for emptying dirt and debris when the dust cup <NUM> is oriented upright/vertically in the open position.

The filter arrangement <NUM> comprises a cylindrical housing that generally corresponds with the shape of the body <NUM>. Other shapes and configurations for the filter arrangement <NUM> are also within the scope of this disclosure. The filter arrangement <NUM> may include one or more filters, such as the pleated filter <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The one or more filters may comprise, for example, a polyester material, PTFE, fiberglass, or any other suitable filter material. The one or more filters may include a cartridge body for easy removal and replacement of filters.

The filter arrangement <NUM> may further include springs <NUM> to bias the filter arrangement <NUM> away from the body <NUM> and towards the dust cup <NUM>. When the dust cup <NUM> is in the closed position, such as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the springs <NUM> may be compressed based on the dust cup <NUM> displacing the filter arrangement <NUM> towards the cavity <NUM> of the body <NUM>. Note that the springs <NUM> may include more of fewer springs, e.g., a single spring, depending on a desired configuration.

Continuing on, arms <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> (or arm portions) may extend from the body <NUM> along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The arms <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be integrally formed with the body <NUM> as a single, monolithic piece, or may be formed from multiple pieces. In an embodiment, the arms <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed from the same material as the body <NUM>, e.g., formed from a plastic or other suitably rigid material. In some cases, the arms <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed from a different material from that of the body <NUM>. For example, the arms <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed at least in part with a metal or metal alloy to reinforce the arms.

The arms <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may each be pivotally coupled to the dust cup <NUM> to allow rotational movement along a direction/path generally indicated as D (<FIG>). Thus, the dust cup <NUM> may pivot/rotate relative to arms <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> based on rotational axis <NUM>, with rotational axis <NUM> being substantially perpendicular with the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

The arms <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may further define a cavity. The cavity defined by the arms <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may include spring(s) <NUM>. Each of the spring(s) <NUM> may bias the dust cup <NUM> away from the body <NUM>, e.g., by supplying force against a dust cup carrier <NUM> or other mechanism coupled to the dust cup <NUM>. The dust cup carrier <NUM> may be formed integrally, i.e., as a single, monolithic piece, with the dust cup <NUM> or may be formed from multiple pieces. The dust cup carrier <NUM> be configured to travel longitudinally along a track/guide provided by arms <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. Thus, the dust cup carrier <NUM> may be used to transition/displace the dust cup <NUM> from the closed position to the open position.

To securely hold the dust cup carrier <NUM> in the closed position, and by extension to hold the dust cup <NUM> in the closed position, a detent <NUM> (<FIG>) or other suitable locking mechanism may extend from a surface of the arms <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. The detent <NUM> may be spring-biased and configured to engage a corresponding surface feature of the dust cup <NUM> such as catch/recess <NUM>. Thus, when the dust cup <NUM> is aligned with and pressed against the filter arrangement <NUM>, e.g., based on a user-supplied force, the detent <NUM> may engage with the catch <NUM> of the dust cup <NUM> to securely hold the dust cup <NUM> in position relative to the body <NUM>.

To release the dust cup <NUM> and transition the same to the open position, a user may depress button(s) <NUM>. Depressing button(s) <NUM> may include using a thumb and index finger in a pinching motion against buttons disposed on opposite sides of the body <NUM>. In response, the button(s) <NUM> may mechanically actuate the detent <NUM> to disengage the same from the catch of the dust cup <NUM>. Alternatively, the button <NUM> may provide an electrical signal that may be utilized to cause, for instance, a motor or other mechanical actuator to disengage the detent <NUM>.

In any event, the button <NUM> may therefore allow a user to cause the dust cup <NUM> to transition to an open position to empty out the dust cup and clear the filter of dust and debris. The dust cup <NUM> may include a recessed surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) or recessed region <NUM> that defines a sidewall <NUM>, with the sidewall <NUM> extending substantially perpendicular relative to the surface <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> may be configured to engage a stop surface <NUM> of the arms <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> to prevent rotational movement of the dust cup <NUM> beyond a predefined limit, e.g., <NUM> degrees. The impact of the dust cup <NUM> encountering the stop surface <NUM> may advantageously dislodge dirt and debris within the dust cup <NUM>.

Likewise, as shown in <FIG>, the filter arrangement <NUM> may include a protrusion/catch/surface <NUM> to engage a corresponding stop/protrusion <NUM> of the body <NUM>. Note, the dust cup <NUM> may include a recessed region/guide <NUM> to engage the protrusion <NUM>. Thus, when the dust cup <NUM> is transitioned back into the closed position, the protrusion <NUM> may be used to align and guide the dust cup <NUM> into alignment with the body <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the surface cleaning device <NUM> may be held in a single hand and transitioned from a closed to an open position with the same hand.

<FIG> collectively show the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> transitioning from a closed position to an open position. In particular <FIG> shows the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> in a closed position whereby the dust cup <NUM> is in fluid communication with the motor disposed in the body <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> shows the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> after one or both of button(s) <NUM> on either side of the body <NUM> have been depressed by a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In response to the button(s) <NUM> being pressed, the detent <NUM> (<FIG>) may be disengaged from the dust cup <NUM>. Likewise, and as shown in <FIG>, the dust cup <NUM> and filter arrangement <NUM> may travel longitudinally away from the body <NUM>. In some cases, there may be a momentary pause between the rotational movement of the dust cup <NUM> and the movement of the filter arrangement <NUM>, depending on the desired configuration.

As shown in <FIG>, the dust cup <NUM> may then rotate/pivot relative to the body <NUM> and stop at a position which holds the dust cup <NUM> at an orientation which is substantially transverse relative to the body <NUM>. The dust cup <NUM> may pivot based on a track/guide provided by the arms <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition, weighting may be added to the dust cup <NUM> to cause the same to naturally tend towards a vertical/upright orientation.

The dust cup <NUM> may be held in this position based at least in part on the spring(s) <NUM> disposed in the first and second arms <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> (see <FIG>). Likewise, the filter arrangement <NUM> may be held in the extended position based on spring bias from the spring(s) <NUM>. Accordingly, a user may then shake the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> to cause dust and debris to empty from the dust cup <NUM>. To bring the dust cup <NUM> into a closed position for further use, a user may simply rotate the dust cup <NUM> into alignment with the body <NUM> and then slide the dust cup <NUM> towards the body <NUM> to displace the filter arrangement <NUM> and "lock" into the closed position based on detent <NUM> engaging with a sidewall feature, e.g., recess <NUM>, of the dust cup <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an additional example embodiment of a surface cleaning device consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> shows additional example embodiments of a surface cleaning device consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. Note the example aspects shown in <FIG> are equally applicable to the embodiment shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows additional example embodiments of a surface cleaning device consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

<FIG> show an additional example embodiment of a hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM> having a body <NUM> that includes a handle <NUM>, an extendable crevice tool <NUM>, a cyclone assembly <NUM>, and a motor <NUM> electrically coupled to at least one battery <NUM>. The battery <NUM> can be stored in the handle <NUM>. As shown, the cyclone assembly <NUM> includes an inlet <NUM> that is fluidly coupled to the crevice tool <NUM>, a vortex finder <NUM>, a collection area <NUM>, and a filter <NUM>. In operation, air is drawn from a crevice tool inlet <NUM> and into the cyclone assembly <NUM>. The air may include debris collected, for example, during a cleaning operation. The debris carried in the air may collect within the cyclone assembly <NUM> (e.g., within the collection area <NUM>).

When a sufficient amount of debris is collected within the cyclone assembly <NUM>, an operator may empty the debris by causing a door <NUM> to be opened. Once the door <NUM> has been opened the debris may exit the cyclone assembly <NUM> (e.g., by the force of gravity). An operator may cause the door <NUM> to be opened by actuating a button (or trigger) <NUM>. In some instances, the actuation of the button <NUM> may result in the movement of a push rod <NUM>. When the push rod <NUM> is moved between a first and second position, the push rod <NUM> may engage a latch <NUM> holding the door <NUM> in a closed position. As shown, when the latch <NUM> is moved out of engagement with the door <NUM>, the door <NUM> rotates about an axis <NUM>.

Once released, an operator may reclose the door <NUM> by pushing the door <NUM> back into engagement with the latch <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the user may actuate the button <NUM> a second time (or actuate a different button or trigger) to cause the door <NUM> to close. In some instances, the latch <NUM> may include a biasing member (e.g., a spring) that urges the latch <NUM> towards an engagement position (e.g., a position in which the latch <NUM> is capable of engaging the door <NUM>).

The crevice tool <NUM> may be extendable from a first to a second position. For example, an operator may manually grasp the crevice tool <NUM> and pull (or push) the crevice tool <NUM> to cause the crevice tool <NUM> to transition between the first and second positions. Additionally, or alternatively, the crevice tool <NUM> may transition between the first and second positions in response to the actuation of a button (or trigger).

As also shown, at least a portion of the cyclone assembly <NUM> may be removably coupled to the body <NUM> of the hand-held surface cleaning device <NUM>. For example, removal of the cyclone assembly <NUM> may allow a user to clean and/or replace the filter <NUM>. By way of further example, in some instances, the vortex finder <NUM> may be removable. As shown a toe in feature <NUM> may be provided to couple the cyclone assembly <NUM> to the body <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A hand-held surface cleaning device (<NUM>) comprising:
a handle portion (<NUM>) at a first end of the device, the handle portion (<NUM>) configured to receive at least one battery (<NUM>);
a nozzle at a second end of the device, the nozzle (<NUM>) defining a nozzle dirty air inlet;
a motor section adjacent the handle portion (<NUM>) and comprising a motor (<NUM>) configured to be powered by the at least one battery (<NUM>) for generating suction and drawing air into the nozzle (<NUM>) dirty air inlet;
a dust cup adjacent the motor section, the dust cup being removable from the device and comprising a collection area (<NUM>) and a door (<NUM>), the dust cup being coupled to the nozzle (<NUM>) and in fluid communication with the nozzle dirty air inlet for receiving debris through the nozzle dirty air inlet and storing the debris in the collection area (<NUM>), the door (<NUM>) being disposed at a first end of the dust cup and having a closed position for retaining the debris in the collection area (<NUM>) and an open position for emptying the debris from the collection area (<NUM>), the door (<NUM>) being disposed at the first end of the dust cup in both the closed position and the open position, the device having a substantially continuous width from the motor section to the second end of the device; and
a removable filter.