Patent ID: 12234087

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various apparatuses, methods and compositions are described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses, methods and compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus, method or composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses, methods or compositions described below. It is possible that an apparatus, method or composition described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, method or composition described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “the embodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “some embodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprising,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

In the examples discussed herein, the dirt collection region (or dirt collection chamber) from which dust, allergens, or other particulate matter may be transferred to a refuse container or other receptacle may be associated with any suitable type of surface cleaning apparatus, such as an upright vacuum cleaner, a canister type vacuum cleaner, a hand vacuum cleaner, a stick vacuum cleaner, a wet-dry type vacuum cleaner, a carpet extractor, and the like.

The flowing is a general description of a garbage can which may be used with any aspect of this disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.1-8, a container20and a lid100are shown generally and collectively as10. Container20may be referred to as a refuse container, and the container20and lid100may be referred to collectively as a garbage can. The container20includes an upper end24and a closed lower end22, and a sidewall26extending between the lower and upper ends22,24. Sidewall26and lower end22define an interior volume28of the container20. The lid100is configured to rest on or engage with the upper end24of container20, such that the lid overlies all or substantially all of upper end24. In such a closed configuration, lid100inhibits or prevents access to the interior volume28of container20. Lid100is preferably removable from refuse container20, to e.g. facilitate emptying of the container. It will be appreciated that container20and a lid100may be of any configuration known in the art and may be lockingly secured to each other by any means known in the art.

In the examples discussed herein, dust, allergens, or other particulate matter are described as being transferred into interior volume28of refuse container20. It will be appreciated that a secondary container, such as a refuse or garbage bag (e.g. a plastic or paper container, which may be characterized as a disposable container) may be removably positioned in refuse container20, e.g. lining all or substantially all of the interior volume28. For example, an upper portion of a secondary container may be positioned between container20and lid100, with a lower portion of the secondary container positioned adjacent or in abutment with lower end22of container20. In such an arrangement, refuse deposited into the container20is actually deposited into the secondary container, and the secondary container maybe periodically removed from container20to transfer the collected refuse to e.g. a larger household refuse container, such as a container from which a municipality or other service provider may collect refuse for transport to a landfill, an incinerator, and the like.

As exemplified inFIGS.1-8, lid100has an upper surface104and a lower surface102. The lower surface102is configured to overlie upper end24of container20, in order to substantially or entirely enclose interior volume28of container20. For example, as exemplified inFIG.5, lower surface102may have a channel108that is dimensioned to overlie and engage with the sidewall26at the upper end24of container20. Alternatively, the lower surface102and/or the upper end24may be provided in another configuration for cooperative engagement, for example upper end24may have a channel in the top surface of sidewall26and lower surface102may have a one or more downwardly extending projections for engaging such a channel.

In some of the embodiment disclosed herein, the lid may include an operating component and/or part of a fluid flow passage and/or an ion emitter. In such a case, a two part lid system may be used. In such a case, as exemplified inFIG.10, the lid for the container20may comprise a first lid100and a second lid5. InFIG.10, a second or upper lid5is also shown in a removed position. Upper lid5is configured to rest on or engage with the upper surface104of lid100, such that the second lid5overlies all or substantially all of port110. Lid5is preferably removable from lid100. In the illustrated embodiment, lid5has a handle7, although such a handle may not be provided in alternative embodiments.

In some embodiments, second or upper lid5may also be configured to rest on or engage with the upper end24of container20, such that the lid overlies all or substantially all of upper end24. For example, second lid5and container20may have been purchased or otherwise acquired as a set, and first or inner lid100may be configured to act as a retrofit or to otherwise provide some or all of the dust control features and/or functionality as disclosed herein.

An advantage of using a second lid5is that an operating component and/or part of a fluid flow passage and/or an ion emitter need not be provided with container20. Instead, they may be provided in or on or as part of the lid. When the container is to be emptied, first lid100may be removed and second lid5used to close container20. Container20may then be taken to the end of a driveway to be emptied by a municipal garbage service without concern that an operating component and/or part of a fluid flow passage and/or an ion emitter may be damaged by workers when emptying container20.

Refuse Container Lid Having an Openable Port

The following is a general description of a lid for a refuse container having an openable port and other features set out herein that may be used by itself or in combination with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, including one or more of a refuse container having a suction source, a cyclone bin assembly having a deployable closure member, dust control systems for refuse containers or surface treatment apparatus, and dust treatment systems for refuse containers or surface treatment apparatus. The following description contains various features of a lid for a refuse container having an openable port that may be used individually or in any combination or sub-combination.

In accordance with this aspect, lid100has an aperture or port110extending between upper surface104and lower surface102. Port110is operable between a closed position in which particulate matter (e.g. dirt, dust, allergens, and the like) is inhibited or preferably prevented from passing through port110, and an open position. Preferably, a closure member of port110is biased towards the closed position. It will be appreciated that port110may occupy part or all of lid100other than the portion of lid that seats on refuse container20. It will be appreciated that

In the illustrated example, a number of moveable members or flanges120are provided on the interior perimeter of port110. Each moveable flange120extends inwardly from an outer end122towards an inner end124located at or proximate the center of port110, and the members120are dimensioned such that when the members are each substantially parallel to lid100, the aperture or port110is substantially or preferably completely closed by the flanges120. Preferably, flanges120are flexible, and may be resiliently biased towards a closed position, e.g., a position in which the members are substantially parallel to the remainder of the horizontally extending portion of lid100.

Alternatively, the moveable members or flanges may be of any other suitable configuration, including, for example a configuration in which the members open like an iris, a sliding panel or the like.

Moveable members or flanges120may be secured to lid100using any suitable method, such as using one or more mechanical fasteners, an adhesive, or the like. Alternatively, the lid100and flanges120may be integrally formed, e.g. via injection molding.

The operation of lid100in controlling dust, allergens, and other particulate matter when emptying a dirt collection region of a surface cleaning apparatus will now be discussed with reference toFIGS.5-8.

InFIG.5, lid100is resting on and overlying upper end24of container20. Flanges120are substantially parallel to lid100, cooperatively closing port110in lid100.

InFIGS.6and8, a cyclone bin assembly30for a surface cleaning apparatus has been positioned in port110. Cyclone bin assembly30includes an air treatment member, in this case a cyclone31, and a dirt collection region38for collecting particulate matter dis-entrained from a dirty airflow by cyclone31. A handle33is provided at an upper end34of the cyclone bin assembly. Cyclone bin assembly30has an openable lower end32releasably secured by a door closure member37. A door release switch or actuator35is positioned external to the garbage can so it is operable by a user when the cyclone bin assembly30has been inserted into port110into an emptying position. Switch35is operatively connected to door closure member37. As exemplified, switch35is provided adjacent handle33and is drivingly coupled to door closure member37via door actuator39. It will be appreciated that switch35may be operatively connected to door closure member37by any other mechanical drive member or may be electrically connected thereto or wirelessly operatively connected thereto.

In the illustrated embodiment, inserting cyclone bin assembly30in port110results in flanges120being deflected towards the lower end22of container20by contact with the cyclone bin assembly30. At least the inner ends124of each flange120are displaced into the interior volume28of container20. Preferably, flanges120are configured such that at least a portion of each inner end124remains in contact or proximate an outer sidewall36of cyclone bin assembly30, thereby forming at least a substantial if not a complete seal about cyclone bin assembly30, to inhibit or prevent dust, allergens, and other particulate matter from exiting container20. Optionally, if port110is sized to be slightly larger in diameter that the cyclone bin assembly or the dirt collection region inserted into port110, then flanges120may contact most of the perimeter of the cyclone bin assembly or the dirt collection region.

InFIG.7, openable lower end32of cyclone bin assembly30has been moved into an open position. For example, door release switch35may have been deflected or rotated (e.g. by a user's thumb), resulting in a deflection or rotation of door closure member37, whereby openable lower end32was released and moved to an open position, e.g. due to gravity or one or more biasing members (not shown).

As discussed previously with reference toFIG.6, lid100and the substantial if not complete seal provided by flanges120about the outer sidewall36of cyclone bin assembly30may act to inhibit or prevent dust, allergens, and other particulate matter from exiting container20during transfer of such particles from dirt collection region38to the interior volume28of container20.

FIG.9exemplifies an alternative embodiment of a lid, referred to generally as100′, with an alternative design of cyclone bin assembly30′ positioned in port110of lid100′. The embodiment of lid100′ shown inFIG.9includes a lid actuator for actuating a door closure member of a cyclone bin assembly when the cyclone bin assembly has been positioned in port110of lid100′, but is otherwise similar to lid100shown inFIG.7.

In the example cyclone bin assembly30′ shown inFIG.9, a door release switch need not be provided proximate the upper end of the cyclone bin assembly. Instead, the door closure member37′ may be configured to be moved, e.g., deflected or rotated once the cyclone bin assembly has been inserted into port110, thereby releasing openable lower end32into a closed or essentially closed volume. Otherwise, the example cyclone bin assembly30′ shown inFIG.9is similar to cyclone bin assembly30shown inFIG.7.

As exemplified inFIG.9, when cyclone bin assembly30′ is positioned in port110, flanges120are configured such that at least a portion of each inner end124remains in contact or proximate an outer sidewall36of cyclone bin assembly30′, thereby forming at least a substantial if not a complete seal about cyclone bin assembly30′, to inhibit or prevent dust, allergens, and other particulate matter from exiting container20. However, in this illustrated configuration the door closure member37′ is positioned below flanges120, which may inhibit or prevent a user from releasing openable lower end32when cyclone bin assembly30′ is positioned in port110. To address this potential issue, lid100′ is provided with a lid actuator130.

Lid actuator130has an upper end132operable by a user from the exterior of the refuse container. As exemplified, lid actuator130projects upwardly from, e.g., top surface104of lid100′, and a lower end134is positioned in the interior volume28and below the lower surface102of lid100′. In the illustrated example, lid actuator is pivotally secured to lid100′ by a shaft or other pivoting coupling136. In this arrangement, the upper end132of lid actuator130may be manipulated by a user to cause the lower end134to drivingly engage and thereby actuate the door closure member37′ of cyclone bin assembly30′ to release openable lower end32when the bin assembly has been positioned in port110.

Alternatively, the lid actuator may be of any other suitable configuration, including, for example a configuration in which the actuator is provided in a sidewall of the garbage can and inwardly slideable to actuate door closure member37′.

It will be appreciate that in this aspect, and other aspects, of this disclosure cyclone bin assembly30may be of any design and may be an air treatment member of any type and need not be cyclonic. Further, instead of inserting part or all of an air treatment member (such as cyclone bin assembly30) into port110, the dirt collection region may comprise a dirt collection chamber that is external to the air treatment member, e.g., a cyclone chamber, and the dirt collection region may be removed from the rest of the air treatment member and part of all of it may be inserted into port110in order to empty the dirt collection chamber.

Refuse Container with Sub-Atmospheric Pressure Mode

The following is a general description of a refuse container having a suction source and other features set out herein that may be used by itself or in combination with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, including one or more of a lid for a refuse container having an openable port, dust control systems for refuse containers or surface treatment apparatus, and dust treatment systems for refuse containers or surface treatment apparatus. The following description contains various features of a refuse container having a suction source which may be used individually or in any combination or sub-combination.

In accordance with this aspect, a sub atmospheric is used to inhibit, substantially prevent or essentially prevent a dust plume of lighter dirt particles forming in the ambient air when the dirt collection region is emptied. For example, a suction motor may be used to draw air from the interior of a refuse container or the ambient air above or immediately above the refuse container. This will create a flow of air, e.g., into the refuse container if the suction motor is in communication with the interior of the refuse container, or into one or more inlet ports if the suction motor is in communication with the air above the refuse container, which may partially or substantially entrain the lighter dust that would otherwise form a dust plume. Accordingly, a smaller dust plume or essentially no dust plume may be formed.

In the examples illustrated inFIGS.10-12, a suction source, referred to generally as220, is provided on the refuse container and may be permanently mounted thereto or may be removable mounted. In the latter case, the suction source may be removed before a garbage can is taken to, e.g., the end of a drive way to be emptied into a garbage truck. By providing a suction source to draw air from the interior volume of the refuse container, some or all of a plume of fine dust or other particles generated during the emptying of a dirt collection region of a surface cleaning apparatus may be drawn into the interior of the refuse container, which may result in a more controlled transfer of the contents of the dirt collection region to the refuse container. By making the suction source220removable, damage to suction source220may be avoided when the garbage can is emptied.

Suction source220includes a suction motor206drivingly connected to a suction fan204for drawing air from the interior volume28of container20, either directly or via an optional air treatment member210. An optional pre-motor filter202is shown upstream of suction motor206, and an optional post-motor filter208is shown downstream of suction motor206and upstream of a clean air outlet. It will be appreciated that one or both of these filters may not be provided in alternative embodiments.

In the illustrated configuration, an upstream or inlet end of suction source220is in airflow communication with the interior volume28via an inlet212provided in the sidewall26of container20. An optional air treatment member210is provided downstream of inlet212. In the illustrated example, air treatment member210is a cyclonic air treatment member, and has a cyclone211in fluid communication with the interior volume28of container20via inlet212. A dirt collection region218is provided to collect particles dis-entrained from air drawn through inlet212by cyclone211. Air treatment member210also has an outlet214in fluid communication with suction fan204. Alternatively, or additionally, the air treatment member may comprise a bag, a filter, an additional cyclonic cleaning stage and/or other air treatment known in the art.

In the illustrated examples, inlet212is provided proximate the upper end24of container20. Alternatively, inlet212may be provided proximate the lower end22of container20, or between the upper and lower ends24,22.

Also, in the illustrated examples a single inlet212is provided. Alternatively, two or more inlets212may be provided. In some embodiments, a manifold may be provided between two or more inlets212and the suction fan204. For example, two or more inlets212may converge at or before the inlet to optional air treatment member210.

The operation of suction source220in controlling dust, allergens, and other particulate matter when emptying a dirt collection region of a surface cleaning apparatus will now be discussed with reference toFIGS.11and12.

InFIG.11, a cyclone bin assembly30′ for a surface cleaning apparatus has been positioned above port110. For example, a user may have detached and carried such a dirt collection region to such a position. Alternatively, if the surface cleaning apparatus is a hand vacuum cleaner, then the entire hand vacuum cleaner may be so positioned. Cyclone bin assembly30′ includes a dirt collection region38for collecting particulate matter dis-entrained from a dirty airflow by an air treatment member, in this case a cyclone31.

InFIG.12, openable lower end32of cyclone bin assembly30′ has been moved into an open position. For example, a user may have opened the dirt collection region, with the expectation that gravity would transfer at least the bulk of the contents of the dirt collection region to the interior of the refuse container. For example, door closure member37′ may have been deflected or rotated (e.g. by a user's thumb), whereby openable lower end32was released and moved to an open position, e.g. due to gravity or one or more biasing members (not shown).

As discussed previously, opening the dirt collection region38for emptying often results in a cloud or plume of fine dust or other particles billowing outwards from the opening of the dirt collection region and/or from the container20into which the dirt collection region is being emptied. The particles in such a plume or cloud may be dispersed during the emptying process, resulting in a less than complete transfer from the dirt collection region38to the interior28of the refuse container20. This may be considered undesirable by a user, particularly if the plume or cloud contains dust or other allergens to which the user is sensitive.

To address this potential issue, inFIG.12suction motor206has been actuated to drive suction fan204, resulting in an airflow from the interior volume28of container20, through inlet212and optional air treatment member210, and through post-motor filter208to an area exterior of the container20. Advantageously, this may result in some or all of any particles dispersed in a plume or cloud following the opening of dirt collection region38being drawn into the interior volume28of container20and/or into air treatment member210. Accordingly, the amount of dust, allergens, or other fine particulate matter that is ‘lost’ (i.e. is not transferred to container20or to air treatment member210) during the emptying of dirt collection region38into container20may be reduced or eliminated.

FIGS.13A and13Billustrate an alternative embodiment in which a suction source220is provided on the first or inner lid100for a refuse container20. In the illustrated example, suction source220includes a suction motor206drivingly connected to a suction fan204for drawing air from inlets112located about the perimeter of port110in lid100. A pre-motor filter202and a post-motor filter208are also shown upstream and downstream, respectively, of suction motor206, although it will be appreciated that one or both of these filters may not be provided in alternative embodiments.

InFIG.13A, a second or upper lid5is also shown in a removed position. Upper lid5is configured to rest on or engage with the upper surface104of lid100, such that the second lid5overlies all or substantially all of port110.

In the illustrated configuration, inlets112are provided on an inner surface of port110between the upper surface104and a lower surface102of lid100. An optional air treatment member210is provided downstream of inlets112. In the illustrated example, air treatment member210includes a vacuum bag213for collecting particles from a dirty airflow into the bag, as is known in the art. Air treatment member210is in fluid communication with a conduit115that is downstream of an annular manifold114provided about port110. Downstream portions of inlets112are connected to manifold114, providing a fluid flow path from inlets112to air treatment member210. Air treatment member210also has an outlet214in fluid communication with suction fan204. Alternatively, the air treatment member can comprise a cyclone, a filter, an additional cyclonic cleaning stage and/or other air treatment known in the art.

In the illustrated example, inlets112are provided on an inner surface of port110. Alternatively, inlets112may be provided on the lower surface102of lid100, or on the upper surface104and may optionally extend above upper surface104.

Also, in the illustrated example two inlets112are provided. Alternatively, three or more inlets112may be provided, or a single inlet112may be provided.

Also, in the illustrated example, an annular manifold114is provided between inlets112and the air treatment member210. Alternatively, each inlet112may be provided with a dedicated conduit to optional air treatment member210.

Also, as illustrated inFIG.13B, suction source200is provided on lid100. For example, second lid5and container20(as shown inFIG.13A) may have been purchased or otherwise acquired as a set, and first or inner lid110shown inFIG.13Bmay be acquired as an option or a retrofit (e.g. acquired separately) to provide the suction source to effect a more controlled transfer of the contents of the dirt collection region to the refuse container. Suction source200may be secured to lid100in any suitable manner. For example, suction source200and/or optional air treatment member210may be removably mounted to lid100, e.g. an upper end of conduit115may be threaded to provide for rotational engagement and disengagement with corresponding threads in lid100. Alternatively, suction source200and/or optional air treatment member210may be non-removably (e.g. integrally formed with) mounted to lid100.

Also, in the illustrated examples, suction source200is provided on lid100. Alternatively, suction source200may be provided on the exterior of container20. Suction source200may be secured to container20in any suitable manner. For example, suction source200and/or optional air treatment member210may be removably mounted to container20. Alternatively, suction source200and/or optional air treatment member210may be non-removably (e.g. integrally formed with) mounted to container20.

Also, in the illustrated examples, suction source200is configured to be positioned on the exterior of container20. Alternatively, suction source200and/or optional air treatment member210may be positioned (e.g. removably or non-removably) in the interior of container20.

It will be appreciated that the lid may include the openable port of the aspect discussed previously and the air may be drawn for a substantially sealed interior28of container20.

Alternatively or in addition, it will be appreciated that the suction source may be actuated prior to, upon or subsequent to the opening of the dirt collection region. For example, if port110is provided with flanges, then the suction source may be actuated when the flanges commence deflection upon opening of the port. Alternatively, a sensor, e.g., an infra-red (IR) sensor, may be provided to actuate the suction source when the dirt collection region is brought proximate to or into the container20.

Cyclone Bin Assembly with Deployable Closure Member

The following is a general description of a cyclone bin assembly having a deployable closure member and other features set out herein that may be used by itself or in combination with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, including one or more of a lid for a refuse container having an openable port, dust control systems for refuse containers or surface treatment apparatus, dust treatment systems for refuse containers or surface treatment apparatus, and a refuse container having a suction source. The following description contains various features of a cyclone bin assembly having a deployable closure member that may be used individually or in any combination or sub-combination.

In accordance with this aspect, a flexible closure member or hood is provided to create a closed or substantially closed volume between the interior of container20and the openable portion of the dirt collection region. Accordingly, when the dirt collection region is opened, even if the finer dirt creates a plume or cloud, the plume or cloud is contained or substantially contained thereby reducing or preventing the loss of finer particulate matter upon emptying the dirt collection region.

As exemplified inFIGS.14-17, a flexible closure member300is shown in association with a cyclone bin assembly for a surface cleaning apparatus. In the example shown inFIGS.14and17, cyclone bin assembly30′ includes an air treatment member, in this case a cyclone31, and a dirt collection region38for collecting particulate matter dis-entrained from a dirty airflow by cyclone31. A handle33is provided at an upper end34of the cyclone bin assembly. Cyclone bin assembly30′ has an openable lower end32releasably secured by a door closure member37′. It will be appreciated that, as discussed previously, any air treatment member and openable dirt collection region known in the surface cleaning arts may be used.

As exemplified, flexible closure member300is mounted on or secured to an outer sidewall36(i.e. an exterior surface) of cyclone bin assembly30′. In the illustrated example, a first or upper end304is secured to sidewall36. An optional shroud308is provided about the sidewall36. Shroud308may assist in retaining or gathering flexible closure member300when it is in a retracted position. It will be appreciated that flexible closure member300may be permanently mounted or removably mounted to any portion of the dirt collection region, air treatment member, or surface cleaning apparatus.

Flexible closure member300comprises a pliant, flexible material, and may be provided as a single piece construction (e.g. having an annular or conical shape), or may alternatively be provided as two or more panels of material.

Preferably, flexible closure member300comprises at least one of a plastic material (e.g. a polyethylene film, a bioplastic film, and the like) and a natural fabric (e.g. cotton, hemp, and the like). In one or more preferred embodiments, flexible closure member300may be made from a substantially or completely air-impermeable material.

Flexible closure member300is preferably transparent or translucent, although it will be appreciated that all or a portion of flexible closure member300may be opaque.

Flexible closure member300preferably has a length sufficient to permit a user to hold, e.g., bin assembly30′ while standing upright, while flexible closure member is secured to container20and while emptying the dirt collection region.

As exemplified inFIG.15, a securing member306may be provided at or proximate a second or lower end302of flexible closure member300. Securing member306is configured to assist in retaining the lower end302of flexible closure member300in a position where the flexible closure member encloses upper end24of refuse container20.

In a preferred embodiment, securing member306may comprise an elongate elastic member extending about all or a portion of a perimeter of lower end302of flexible closure member300. In such an arrangement, securing member306may assist in providing a partial or complete seal between lower end302of flexible closure member300and sidewall26of refuse container20. Preferably, such an elastic member has sufficient elasticity so as to be stretched from a length approximately equal to the circumference of an outer perimeter of the cyclone bin assembly, to a length approximately equal to a circumference of an outer perimeter of a refuse container20or of a lid100.

In another preferred embodiment, securing member306may comprise a drawstring extending about all or a portion of a perimeter of lower end302of flexible closure member300. Preferably, such a drawstring can be extended to a length approximately equal to a circumference of an outer perimeter of a refuse container20or of a lid100, and retracted to a second length approximately equal to the circumference of an outer perimeter of the cyclone bin assembly.

For example, in a retracted position (not shown), lower end302of flexible closure member300may be gathered or otherwise positioned under shroud308, such that all or substantially all of flexible closure member300is positioned between shroud308and sidewall36. Preferably, in such a position securing member306may be used to secure lower end302to the cyclone bin assembly (e.g. to sidewall36).

In another preferred embodiment, flexible closure member300may itself be sufficiently resilient or elastic such that a securing member306is not required.

Alternatively, or in addition, container20may be provided with a locking member to which the lower end of flexible closure member300is releasably attachable. For example, the lower end of flexible closure member300and the garbage can may have male and female interengageable hook and loop fasteners.

The operation of flexible closure member300in controlling dust, allergens, and other particulate matter when emptying a dirt collection region of a surface cleaning apparatus will now be discussed with reference toFIGS.15and16.

InFIG.15, a cyclone bin assembly30for a surface cleaning apparatus has been positioned above port110of container20or may be above an open top of container20. For example, a user may have detached and carried the cyclone bin assembly to such a position. Cyclone bin assembly30includes a dirt collection region38for collecting particulate matter dis-entrained from a dirty airflow by an air treatment member, in this case a cyclone31.

Also, inFIG.15flexible closure member300has been moved to a deployed position, in which lower end302has been positioned around upper portion24of container20, and optionally retained in such a position by optional securing member306. As a result, an enclosed volume310(i.e. a closed volume) defined by flexible closure member300extends between the upper end304of flexible closure member300and includes the interior volume28of container20. Notably, openable lower end32of cyclone bin assembly30is positioned within enclosed volume310.

InFIG.16, openable lower end32of cyclone bin assembly30has been moved into an open position. For example, a user may have opened the dirt collection region, with the expectation that gravity would transfer at least the bulk of the contents of the dirt collection region to the interior of the refuse container. For example, door release switch35may have been deflected or rotated (e.g. by a user's thumb), resulting in a deflection or rotation of door closure member37, whereby openable lower end32was released and moved to an open position, e.g. due to gravity or one or more biasing members (not shown).

As discussed previously, opening the dirt collection region38for emptying often results in a cloud or plume of fine dust or other particles billowing outwards from the opening of the dirt collection region and/or from the container20into which the dirt collection region is being emptied. The particles in such a plume or cloud may be dispersed during the emptying process, resulting in a less than complete transfer from the dirt collection region38to the interior28of the refuse container20. This may be considered undesirable by a user, particularly if the plume or cloud contains dust or other allergens to which the user is sensitive.

Advantageously, in the configuration illustrated inFIG.16, flexible closure member300may act to direct some or all of any particles dispersed in a plume or cloud following the opening of dirt collection region38towards the interior volume28of container20. Accordingly, the amount of dust, allergens, or other fine particulate matter that is dispersed during the emptying of dirt collection region38into container20may be reduced or eliminated.

As discussed previously, the actuator to open the dirt collection region may be located so that it may be actuated when flexible closure member is deployed, e.g., it is located at a position exterior to enclosed volume310. Accordingly, as exemplified inFIGS.15and16, cyclone bin assembly30is provided with a door release switch35(positioned adjacent handle33) that is operatively coupled to door closure member37via door actuator39. In such a configuration, i.e. in which the actuator35for the openable door32is exterior to the closed volume310when the flexible closure member300is in the deployed position, the opening of openable door32may be relatively straightforward for a user. Any mechanism discussed herein may Alternatively be used.

FIG.17illustrates an alternative embodiment of a refuse container20, with an alternative design of cyclone bin assembly30′. In the example cyclone bin assembly30′ shown inFIG.17, a door release switch is not provided proximate the upper end of the cyclone bin assembly. Instead, the door closure member37′ is configured to be deflected or rotated directly, thereby releasing openable lower end32.

As shown inFIG.17, when lower end32of cyclone bin assembly30′ is positioned in interior volume28of container20, and the flexible closure member300has been deployed about the upper end24of container20, the door closure member37′ is positioned in the interior volume310provided by flexible closure member300. In this illustrated configuration, the flexible closure member300may inhibit or prevent a user from releasing openable lower end32. To address this potential issue, container20is provided with a release actuator130′.

Release actuator130′ has a first portion132′ projecting generally outwardly from sidewall26of container20, and a second portion134′ positioned in the interior volume28. In the illustrated example, release actuator130′ is positioned in an annular opening in sidewall26such that the actuator may be translated inwardly or outwardly with respect to container20. Preferably, a spring138or other biasing member is provided to bias the release actuator130′ towards a position in which the second portion134′ remains in interior volume28, and in which first portion132′ remains exterior to container20. In this arrangement, the first portion132′ of actuator130′ may be manipulated by a user to cause the second portion134′ to extend inwardly to drivingly engage and thereby actuate the door closure member37′ of cyclone bin assembly30′ to release openable lower end32when the flexible closure member300is in a deployed position. It will be appreciated that release actuator130′ may have any configuration and may be rotatable, translatable or otherwise moveably mounted. Also, release actuator130′ may communicate wirelessly with door closure member37′.

It will be appreciated that any embodiment of this aspect may be used advantageously with an embodiment which creates a sub atmospheric pressure in interior volume28and/or interior volume310.

Dust Control and/or Treatment for Refuse Container or Surface Treatment Apparatus

The following is a general description of dust control and dust treatment systems for a refuse container or for a surface treatment apparatus and other features set out herein that may be used by itself or in combination with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, including one or more of a lid for a refuse container having an openable port, a refuse container having a suction source, a cyclone bin assembly having a deployable closure member, and a dirt collection region of a surface treatment apparatus having a sub-atmospheric pressure mode. The following description contains various features of dust control and dust treatment systems that may be used individually or in any combination or sub-combination.

In accordance with this aspect, a dust control system is provided for selectively directing a dust control agent towards an area in and/or above the interior volume of the refuse container, e.g. below a dirt emptying outlet of a dirt collection region of a surface treatment apparatus. By providing a dust control agent above the interior volume of the container, the dispersal of dust, allergens, or other fine particulate matter into the air, e.g. while particulate matter is being transferred from a dirt collection region of a surface cleaning apparatus to the refuse container, may be inhibited or prevented, which may result in a more controlled transfer of the contents of the dirt collection region to the refuse container. Alternatively, or additionally, the dust control system may be configured to selectively direct a dust control agent towards the interior volume of the refuse container.

Alternatively or in addition, in accordance with this aspect a dust treatment system is provided for selectively directing a dust treatment agent to, e.g., the interior volume of the refuse container and/or a dirt collection region and/or an air treatment member such as a cyclone chamber. Dust, dirt, and other refuse collected in the refuse container may result in the growth of undesirable organisms. Such organisms may have a negative effect of the air quality surrounding container20. Accordingly, a refuse container20may include one or more treatment applicators that provide one or more treatment agents (e.g. disinfecting, sanitizing, and/or deodorizing agents) in the interior volume28to reduce or eliminate organisms and/or other odor sources in the interior volume of the container. Disinfecting agents may be any element or emission that may reduce or inhibit growth of organisms in interior volume28, or that are harmful or lethal to organisms that may grow in interior volume28. Examples include ultra-violet (UV) light, ozone (O3), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). An advantage of this design is that it may reduce or eliminate potentially harmful organisms (e.g. allergens), or reduce or eliminate odors emanating from the collected refuse.

As exemplified inFIGS.18and19, the dust control system includes a plurality of nozzles410for dispersing a liquid, e.g. water, into the air in the form of, e.g., a mist or other dispersion. Nozzles410may be provided on an inner surface of port110between the upper surface104and a lower surface102of lid100. As exemplified inFIG.19, the nozzles410are in fluid communication via conduit422with a fluid pump430that is itself in fluid communication with a reservoir420. Reservoir420is configured to store a liquid to be dispersed (e.g. water).

It will be appreciated that the liquid, e.g., water, may be dispersed using any means known in the arts, such as an ultrasonic nebulizer or the like.

In the illustrated example, nozzles410are provided on an inner surface of port110. Alternatively, or additionally, nozzles410may be provided on the upper surface104of lid100, or on the lower surface102, or on container20itself.

Also, in the illustrated example four nozzles410are provided. Alternatively, five or more nozzles410may be provided, or three or two or only one nozzle410may be provided.

Also, in the illustrated example, nozzles410are connected in series using conduit422. Alternatively, each nozzle410may be provided with a dedicated conduit to pump430.

It will be appreciated that the dust control system may be actuated in a number of ways and any method discussed herein for actuating a suction motor to produce sub atmospheric pressure may be used.

For example, in the configuration illustrated inFIG.18, a first dust control system actuator404, in this example a depressible button, is provided on upper surface104of lid100. Pump430may be configured to direct fluid from reservoir420to nozzles410in response to actuator404being depressed. Alternatively, pump430may be configured to direct fluid to nozzles410after a pre-determined delay period following the depression of button404.

Alternatively, or in addition, a second dust control system actuator402, a sensor such as an infra-red (IR) sensor, may be provided, e.g., on an inner surface of port110between the upper surface104and a lower surface102of lid100. IR sensor402is preferably configured to detect when an object (e.g. a dirt collection region of a surface cleaning apparatus) is positioned in port110. Pump430may be configured to direct fluid from reservoir420to nozzles410in response to actuator402determining an object is positioned in port110. Alternatively, pump430may be configured to direct fluid to nozzles410after a pre-determined delay period following the detection of an object by sensor402.

In the configuration exemplified inFIGS.18and19, the dust control system includes one or more nozzles for dispersing water or other liquids into the air in the form of a mist or other dispersion. Alternatively, or additionally, the dust control system may include one or more ion emitters for selectively dispersing negative (and/or positive) ions in to the air. In operation, contacting the particulate matter with liquid will increase the weight of the particulate matter, including some or all of the finer particulate matter. This will increase the weight of the particulate matter and thereby reduce the likelihood of a plume or cloud forming. Similarly, particulate matter may become charged upon passage through a surface cleaning apparatus, e.g., a cyclone chamber. Exposing the particulate matter with oppositely charged ions will decrease the charge state of the particulate matter, including some or all of the finer particulate matter. This will reduce the tendency of the charged particulate matter to disperse and thereby reduce the likelihood of a plume or cloud forming.

In the configuration exemplified inFIGS.20and21, the dust control system also includes a plurality of ion emitters460for imparting a negative (and/or positive) charge. Emitters460are provided on, e.g., an inner surface of port110between the upper surface104and a lower surface102of lid100. As illustrated inFIG.20, the emitters460are coupled to a, e.g., power source and control electronics450for providing the voltage to impart the charge.

In the illustrated example, emitters460are provided on an inner surface of port110. Alternatively, or additionally, emitters460may be provided on the upper surface104of lid100, or on the lower surface102, or on container20itself.

Also, in the illustrated example a group of six emitters460is provided. It will be appreciated that more or fewer groups of more or fewer emitters460may be provided in alternative embodiments.

The operation of the dust control system in controlling dust, allergens, and other particulate matter when emptying a dirt collection region of a surface cleaning apparatus will now be discussed with reference toFIGS.20and21.

InFIG.20, a cyclone bin assembly30for a surface cleaning apparatus has been positioned above port110. For example, a user may have detached and carried such a dirt collection region to such a position. Cyclone bin assembly30includes a dirt collection region38for collecting particulate matter dis-entrained from a dirty airflow by an air treatment member, in this case a cyclone31.

InFIG.21, openable lower end32of cyclone bin assembly30has been moved into an open position. For example, a user may have opened the dirt collection region, with the expectation that gravity would transfer at least the bulk of the contents of the dirt collection region to the interior of the refuse container. For example, door release switch35may have been deflected or rotated (e.g. by a user's thumb), resulting in a deflection or rotation of door closure member37, whereby openable lower end32was released and moved to an open position, e.g. due to gravity or one or more biasing members (not shown).

As discussed previously, opening the dirt collection region38for emptying often results in a cloud or plume of fine dust or other particles billowing outwards from the opening of the dirt collection region and/or from the container20into which the dirt collection region is being emptied. The particles in such a plume or cloud may be dispersed during the emptying process, resulting in a less than complete transfer from the dirt collection region38to the interior28of the refuse container20. This may be considered undesirable by a user, particularly if the plume or cloud contains dust or other allergens to which the user is sensitive.

To address this potential issue, inFIG.21pump430has been actuated to direct a liquid, e.g., water, to nozzles410, resulting in a spray or mist of water particles being dispersed in the region above port110(i.e. the area or region below the outlet of the dirt collection region38in the illustrated example). Advantageously, this may result in some or all of any particles dispersed in a plume or cloud following the opening of dirt collection region38being ‘wetted’ by the dispersed water droplets, and thereafter drawn into the interior volume28of container20by gravity.

Also, inFIG.21control electronics450have been actuated to cause ion emitters460to emit, e.g., negatively charged particles, resulting in a negative ions being dispersed in the region above port110. Advantageously, this may result in some or all of the charged particulate matter being neutralized. This results in the particulate matter having a lesser tendency to disperse following the opening of dirt collection region38and thereby a lower likelihood of a plume being formed or a smaller plume being formed.

Accordingly, the amount of dust, allergens, or other fine particulate matter that is ‘lost’ (i.e. is not transferred to container20) during the emptying of dirt collection region38into container20may be reduced or eliminated.

In the examples illustrated inFIGS.18-21, a dust control system is provided in association with a refuse container and/or with a lid for a refuse container. Alternatively, or in addition, a dust control system may be provided in association with a surface cleaning apparatus, or a portion thereof such as an air treatment member (which may be characterized as a dirt separation member) and/or a dirt collection region. Accordingly, the dust control system may be configured to selectively direct a dust control agent towards the interior volume of the dirt collection region and/or a region below the openable portion of a dirt collection region.

As exemplified in inFIGS.22-24, the dust control system includes a plurality of nozzles410for dispersing a liquid, e.g. water, into the air in the form of a mist or other dispersion. Nozzles410are provided on an outer surface of sidewall36between the upper end34and lower end32of bin assembly30. As illustrated inFIG.23, the nozzles410are in fluid communication with a reservoir420. Reservoir420is configured to store a liquid to be dispersed (e.g. water).

In the illustrated example, four nozzles410are shown. Alternatively, five or more nozzles410may be provided, or three or two or only one nozzle410may be provided.

The operation of the dust control system in controlling dust, allergens, and other particulate matter when emptying a dirt collection region of a surface cleaning apparatus will now be discussed with reference toFIGS.23and24.

InFIG.23, openable end or door32for dirt collection region38is in a closed position, and particulate matter dis-entrained from a dirty airflow by an air treatment member, in this case a cyclone31, has been collected in the dirt collection region38.

InFIG.24, openable lower end32has been moved into an open position. For example, a user may have opened the dirt collection region, with the expectation that gravity would transfer at least the bulk of the contents of the dirt collection region to e.g. the interior of a refuse container. For example, door closure member37′ may have been deflected or rotated (e.g. by a user's thumb), whereby openable lower end32was released and moved to an open position, e.g. due to gravity or one or more biasing members (not shown).

Also, inFIG.24a pump has been actuated to direct liquid, e.g., water, to nozzles410, resulting in a spray or mist of water particles being dispersed in the region around the opening of dirt collection region38. As discussed previously, opening the dirt collection region38for emptying often results in a cloud or plume of fine dust or other particles billowing outwards from the opening of the dirt collection region. Advantageously, the dispersal of water particles in the region around the opening of dirt collection region38may result in some or all of any particles dispersed in a plume or cloud following the opening of dirt collection region38being ‘wetted’ by the dispersed water droplets, and thereafter drawn into e.g. the interior volume28of a refuse container by gravity.

Accordingly, the amount of dust, allergens, or other fine particulate matter that is dispersed into the air during the emptying of dirt collection region38may be reduced or eliminated.

The dust control system provided with a cyclone bin assembly may be actuated in a number of ways and may be actuated using any method of actuation discussed herein. For example, a manual dust control system actuator, e.g. a depressible button, may be provided. Fluid pump may be configured to direct fluid from reservoir420to nozzles410in response to such an actuator being depressed. Alternatively, it may be actuated by the opening of the dirt collection region.

For example, in the configuration illustrated inFIG.25, at least a portion of bellows-type pump430is positioned between door closure member37′ and sidewall36of the cyclone bin assembly. In this arrangement, pump430may be actuated substantially concurrently with the deflection or rotation of door closure member37′ (e.g. by a user's thumb), whereby a spray or mist of water particles being dispersed from nozzles410substantially concurrently with the opening of openable lower end32. In other words, in such an arrangement pump430is configured to direct fluid from reservoir420to nozzles410in response to door closure member37′ being actuated.

Alternatively, in the configuration illustrated inFIG.26, a door release switch35provided adjacent handle33is operatively coupled to door closure member37via door actuator39. In this example, a piston-type pump430is provided at the base of door actuator39, such that downward travel of door actuator39results in a spray or mist of water particles being dispersed from nozzles410. Also, a secondary door actuator371is provided at the base of the cylinder of the piston-type pump430. In this configuration, further downward travel of door actuator39—i.e. after pump430has been actuated—results in contact and downward travel of secondary door actuator371, thereby resulting in a deflection of door closure member37, whereby openable lower end32is released. In other words, in such an arrangement pump430is configured to direct fluid from reservoir420to nozzles410prior to door closure member37′ being actuated. Or, put another way, in such an arrangement openable lower end32is configured to automatically open after a spray or mist of water particles has been dispersed from nozzles410.

FIGS.27and28exemplify the use of a dust treatment agent.

As exemplified inFIG.27, the dust treatment system includes a UV light emitter510that selectively emits UV light into interior volume28of container20, and an ozone gas emitter520that selectively emits ozone gas into interior volume28of container20. It will be appreciated that only one treatment member may be used.

In some embodiments, a manual actuator (e.g. a depressible button) may be provided to selectively actuate the dust treatment system to provide one or more treatment agents (e.g. UV light, ozone gas) into interior volume28of container20. For example, the UV light emitter510may be configured such that, in response to depression of the manual actuator, it emits UV light for a pre-set period of time (e.g. 90 seconds). Similarly, the ozone gas emitter520may be configured such that, in response to depression of the manual actuator, it emits ozone gas for a pre-set period of time (e.g. 90 seconds). Alternatively, or additionally, the dust treatment system may be configured such that one or more treatment agents (e.g. UV light, ozone gas) are provided into interior volume28of container20at pre-set intervals (e.g. every 24 hours) without requiring manual actuation, and/or upon emptying a dirt collection region and/or a preset time after a dirt collection region is emptied into the refuse container.

Ozone gas may be effective for purifying and/or deodorizing refuse collected in container20. However, ozone gas may be also harmful if inhaled by humans or other animals. In an effort to minimize one or more risks associated with emitting ozone gas, some embodiments that include an ozone gas emitter520may also include an ozone destructor material for breaking down some or all of the emitted ozone.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.27, a suction source220that includes a suction motor206drivingly connected to a suction fan204may be provided for drawing air (including emitted ozone) from the interior volume28of container20via an inlet212and across an ozone destructor material530. The ozone destructor material530may be any material that can remove ozone gas from the air flow by adsorption or conversion to one or more other molecules. Examples include activated carbon or an ozone catalyst that converts ozone (O3) to oxygen (O2). An advantage of this design is that some or all of the ozone gas emitted into interior volume28to counteract organisms in container20may be removed before the air flow is discharged from container20. This may allow a container20including ozone gas emitter520to be safely employed in, e.g. residential spaces.

In the example illustrated inFIG.27, a dust treatment system is provided in association with a refuse container and/or with a lid for a refuse container. Alternatively, a dust treatment system may be provided in association with an air treatment member such as a cyclone bin assembly. As exemplified inFIG.28, a cyclone bin assembly30for a surface cleaning apparatus has a dust treatment system for selectively introducing a dust treatment agent into a dirt collection region of a surface treatment apparatus. By providing one or more disinfecting agents, e.g. ultra-violet (UV) light, ozone (O3), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), into a dirt collection region, growth of undesirable organisms present in dust, dirt, and/or other refuse collected in the dirt collection region may be reduced or eliminated.

In the configuration illustrated inFIG.28, the dust treatment system includes a UV light emitter510that emits UV light into dirt collection region38of cyclone bin assembly30, and an ozone gas emitter520that selectively emits ozone gas into dirt collection region38. It will be appreciated that only one treatment member may be used.

In some embodiments, a manual actuator (e.g. a depressible button) may be provided to selectively actuate the dust treatment system to provide one or more treatment agents (e.g. UV light, ozone gas) into dirt collection region38of cyclone bin assembly30. For example, the UV light emitter510may be configured such that, in response to depression of the manual actuator, it emits UV light for a pre-set period of time (e.g. 90 seconds). Similarly, the ozone gas emitter520may be configured such that, in response to depression of the manual actuator, it emits ozone gas for a pre-set period of time (e.g. 90 seconds). Alternatively, or additionally, the dust treatment system may be configured such that one or more treatment agents are provided into interior volume28of container20at pre-set intervals (e.g. every 24 hours) without requiring manual actuation. Alternatively, or additionally, the dust treatment system may be configured such that one or more treatment agents are provided into interior volume28of container20after a pre-set number of uses of the surface cleaning apparatus (e.g. following 5 on/off cycles of the main suction motor of the surface cleaning apparatus). Alternatively, or additionally, the dust treatment system may be configured such that one or more treatment agents are provided into interior volume28of container20subsequent to emptying of the dirt collection region (e.g. in response openable door32being closed).

In an effort to minimize one or more risks associated with emitting ozone gas, the example illustrated inFIG.28includes a suction source220that includes a suction motor206drivingly connected to a suction fan204for drawing air (including emitted ozone) from dirt collection region38via an inlet532and across an ozone destructor material530. As discussed above, ozone destructor material530may be any material that can remove ozone gas from the air flow by adsorption or conversion to one or more other molecules. Examples include activated carbon or an ozone catalyst that converts ozone (O3) to oxygen (O2). An advantage of this design is that some or all of the ozone gas emitted into dirt collection region38of cyclone bin assembly30may be drawn across an ozone destructor material before being otherwise exhausted into the ambient atmosphere (e.g. by opening openable door32). This may allow a cyclone bin assembly30including ozone gas emitter520to be safely employed in, e.g. residential spaces.

Sub-Atmospheric Pressure Mode for Dirt Collection Region of a Surface Treatment Apparatus

The following is a general description of a dirt collection region of a surface treatment apparatus having a sub-atmospheric pressure mode and other features set out herein that may be used by itself or in combination with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, including one or more of a lid for a refuse container having an openable port, a refuse container having a suction source, a cyclone bin assembly having a deployable closure member, dust control systems for refuse containers or surface treatment apparatus, and dust treatment systems for refuse containers or surface treatment apparatus. The following description contains various features of a dirt collection region of a surface treatment apparatus having a sub-atmospheric pressure mode that may be used individually or in any combination or sub-combination.

In accordance with this aspect, sub atmospheric pressure is provided in an air treatment member or a portion thereof, e.g., a dirt collection region, to draw finer particulate matter into the surface cleaning apparatus. An advantage of this aspect is that a reduced amount of finer particulate matter may be released when the dirt collection region is opened and therefore a smaller plume may be formed upon emptying the dirt collection region.

It will be appreciated that the sub atmospheric pressure may be produced by the suction motor (which may be referred to as a main suction motor) used to draw air from a dirty air inlet when a surface cleaning apparatus is used to clean a surface (i.e., a cleaning mode). In such a case, the main suction motor may be operated at a lower power level to produce a reduced level of suction during an emptying operation (i.e., an emptying mode). For example, the main suction motor may be configured to produce sufficient suction to create an air flow of 0.1 CFM to 1.5 CFM per square inch of opening area during the empting mode, preferably 0.25 CFM to 1.25 CFM per square inch of opening during the emptying mode and more preferably 0.50 CFM to 1.00 CFM per square inch of opening area during the empting mode. Alternatively, or in addition, dilution air may be drawn from outside the air treatment member, such as by opening a vent hole, between the main suction motor and the air treatment member during the emptying mode. An advantage of this latter approach is that the suction motor may be operated at the same power level during both cleaning and emptying.

Alternatively, or in addition, the sub atmospheric pressure may be produced during the emptying mode by an alternate suction motor for use during a cleaning cyclone, i.e., an emptying mode suction motor. An advantage of this design is that a smaller, and therefore lighter, suction motor and fan assembly may be used. Such a suction motor may be removable with the dirt collection region (e.g., part of a removable cyclone bin assembly or dirt collection region), thereby permitting a removable dirt collection to be used in conjunction with this aspect.

It will be appreciated that the suction motor, whichever is used, may be actuated prior to, upon, or subsequent to opening the dirt collection region for emptying. For example, one or more sensors configured to detect when an openable door of the dirt collection region is opened may be provided to automatically actuate whichever suction motor is to be used during the emptying mode in response to the openable door being opened.

It will also be appreciated that the air which is drawn from the air treatment member during an emptying operation (i.e., the emptying mode) may also be treated to remove particulate matter. Any air treatment member may be used. For example, the air may be drawn through a cyclone and/or an alternate or emptying mode pre-motor filter.

As exemplified inFIGS.29-32, a cyclone bin assembly (a main air treatment member) is shown schematically coupled to a suction system of surface cleaning apparatus. In the illustrated schematics, cyclone bin assembly30includes a cyclone31, and a dirt collection region38in communication with cyclone31via cyclone dirt outlet633for collecting particulate matter dis-entrained from a dirty airflow by cyclone31. Cyclone bin assembly30has an openable lower end32releasably secured by a door closure member37′. It will be appreciated that any air treatment member may be used as the main air treatment member.

Referring toFIG.29, in operation dirty air (e.g. an airflow with entrained particulate matter) enters a dirty air inlet602of the surface cleaning apparatus and is drawn through a conduit610to a cyclone dirty air inlet632. After circulating in cyclone31, and thereby dis-entraining particles contained therein, the air passes through cyclone air outlet634and is drawn through a conduit620by a suction fan204drivingly connected to a main suction motor206and exhausted from a clean air outlet604of the surface cleaning apparatus. In the illustrated example, an optional main or first pre-motor filter202and an optional main or first post-motor filter208are also shown upstream and downstream, respectively, of suction motor206, although it will be appreciated that one or both of these filters may not be provided in alternative embodiments. Any known surface cleaning apparatus with any known cyclone assembly or other air treatment member may be used.

As discussed previously, opening the dirt collection region38for emptying often results in a cloud or plume of fine dust or other particles billowing outwards from the opening of the dirt collection region. The particles in such a plume or cloud may be dispersed during the emptying process, resulting in a less than complete transfer from the dirt collection region38to e.g. a refuse container. This may be considered undesirable by a user, particularly if the plume or cloud contains dust or other allergens to which the user is sensitive.

As exemplified inFIGS.29and30, the main suction motor used during a cleaning operation is used to create the sub atmospheric pressure during emptying of the dirt collection region (e.g. when the openable door is in an open position). The suction motor may be connected to draw air from the cyclone by any method and may use the cyclone air outlet. As exemplified, a bypass conduit612, which functions as an alternate downstream air flow path, and valves640a,640bare provided. For example, in the configuration shown inFIG.30, main suction fan204and main suction motor206are shown being used to draw air from cyclone air inlet632via conduit612, resulting in an airflow from the dirt collection region38via cyclone dirt outlet633and cyclone31, through conduit612and an optional auxiliary or emptying mode backflow pre-motor filter650, and through post-motor filter208to an area exterior of the air treatment member. Advantageously, this may result in some or all of any particles that might otherwise be dispersed in a plume or cloud following the opening of dirt collection region38being drawn back into auxiliary backflow filter650. Accordingly, the amount of dust, allergens, or other fine particulate matter that is ‘lost’ (e.g. is not transferred to a refuse container) during the emptying of dirt collection region38may be reduced or eliminated. In an alternate embodiment as exemplified inFIG.32, it will be appreciated that the alternate downstream air flow path may extend from the main air treatment member (cyclone31as exemplified) to the main suction motor206and bypass the main pre-motor filter202. In such a case, auxiliary backflow pre-motor filter650may be the only filter upstream of suction motor206.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, suction motor206may be operated at reduced power when drawing air from cyclone air inlet632. An advantage of such a configuration is that only very fine dust or other particles may be drawn towards auxiliary backflow filter650, while larger particles may be relatively unaffected by the reduced airflow. For example, when openable lower end32of cyclone bin assembly30has been moved into an open position, larger dirt particles collected in the dirt collection region may be directed by gravity to the interior of a refuse container over which the cyclone bin assembly30is positioned.

In the examples illustrated inFIGS.29and30, the same suction source used during normal operation of the surface cleaning apparatus is used to drawing air from cyclone air inlet632during emptying of the dirt collection region38. Alternatively, an auxiliary or emptying mode suction source may be provided to draw air from the cyclone, such as from cyclone air inlet632.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.31, a main suction source220a, which may be referred to as a main suction motor or a main suction motor and fan assembly, may be provided downstream of cyclone air outlet634for drawing air through cyclone31during normal operation of the surface cleaning apparatus (the cleaning mode). For example, suction fan204amay be used to induce an airflow from dirty air inlet602through cyclone air inlet632, around cyclone31, through cyclone air outlet634, and exiting from clean air outlet604aof the surface cleaning apparatus.

During emptying of the dirt collection region (the emptying mode), emptying mode suction fan204band emptying mode suction motor206bmay be used to draw air from cyclone air inlet632via conduit612, resulting in an airflow from the dirt collection region38via cyclone dirt outlet633and cyclone31, through conduit612and optional auxiliary backflow filter650, and through post-motor filter208bto an auxiliary clean air outlet604b. Advantageously, this may result in some or all of any particles dispersed in a plume or cloud following the opening of dirt collection region38being drawn back into auxiliary backflow filter650.

It will be appreciated that the air flow path through which air travels during the emptying mode (the alternate downstream air flow path), whichever suction motor is used, may be closed during the cleaning mode and opened during an emptying mode. Similarly, the flow path from the main air treatment member to the main suction motor (a main downstream portion of the air flow path) is open during the cleaning mode and may be closed during the emptying mode. A main closure member may be associated with the main downstream portion of the air flow path and an alternate closure member may be associated with the alternate downstream air flow path. These closure members may be provided at the inlets to these air flow paths and may be any closure member such as a valve, a sliding closure panel, or the like.

For example, as exemplified inFIG.32, a valve640cis provided to selectively direct suction from a main suction source220to either cyclone air outlet634(for drawing air through cyclone31during normal operation of the surface cleaning apparatus) or to bypass inlet636(for drawing air from dirt collection region38via cyclone31during emptying). Valve640cmay be a sliding panel which selectively blocks the outlet of main pre-motor filter202and alternate pre-motor filter650. Accordingly, a single closure member may be used.

Accordingly, during a cleaning operation, valve640cmay direct an airflow generated by main suction fan204to induce an airflow from dirty air inlet602through cyclone air inlet632, around cyclone31, through cyclone air outlet634, through pre-motor filter202, past the suction motor, across post-motor filter208, and exiting from clean air outlet604of the surface cleaning apparatus.

During emptying of the dirt collection region, valve640c(in the position shown inFIG.32) may direct an airflow generated by suction fan204to induce an airflow from the dirt collection region38via cyclone dirt outlet633and cyclone31, and through an auxiliary cleaning cyclone air outlet through cleaning cycle pre-motor filter650, past the suction motor and through post-motor filter208to clean air outlet604. This may result in some or all of any particles dispersed in a plume or cloud following the opening of dirt collection region38being drawn back into auxiliary pre-motor filter650. As the dirt that may be entrained by a pre-motor filter may differ between a cleaning operation and an emptying operation, (e.g., it may be finer during a cleaning operation) each pre-motor filter202and650may be designed to collect dirt having a different particle size distribution. An advantage of this design is that the main pre-motor filter202is not used in an emptying mode and therefore the pre-motor filter may operate for a longer period of time without requiring cleaning or replacement.

In an alternate embodiment, a separate closure member may be used for each flow path. Accordingly, for example, in the embodiment ofFIG.31, a main closure member640cmay be used to close the cyclone air outlet during an emptying mode and an alternate closure member640dmay be used to close the alternate downstream air flow path612during a cleaning mode.

As noted above, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, suction motor206may be operated at reduced power during an emptying operation so that only very fine dust or other particles may be drawn towards auxiliary pre-motor filter650, while larger particles may be relatively unaffected by the reduced airflow.

As used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive-or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

While the above description describes features of example embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, the various characteristics which are described by means of the represented embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.