SURFACE CLEANER

Abstract

A surface cleaner includes a suction airflow, a base air inlet, a housing, a wand coupled to the housing, a wand housing, a handle, a hose coupled to the handle, a first airflow path, a second airflow path, and a valve moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the suction airflow is directed along the first airflow path and the suction airflow along the second airflow path is inhibited. In the second position, the suction airflow is directed along the second airflow path and the suction airflow along the first airflow path is inhibited. The valve moves from the first position to the second position in response to the handle being uncoupled from the wand. The valve moves from the first position to the second position in response to the wand being removed from the wand housing.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to surface cleaners, and more particularly to surface cleaners having a wand accessory.

SUMMARY

A surface cleaner is disclosed. The surface cleaner includes a suction source operable to generate a suction airflow, a debris collector in fluid communication with the suction source, a base having a base air inlet in fluid communication with the debris collector, a housing pivotably coupled to the base, a wand releasably coupled to the housing, a wand housing, a handle, a hose, a valve moveable between a first position and a second position, and a linkage. The debris collector is configured to separate debris from the suction airflow. The suction airflow is operable to draw the debris from a surface through the base air inlet along a first airflow path. The wand has a first end and a second end. The first end of the wand includes a wand air inlet. The suction airflow is operable to draw the debris from the surface through the wand air inlet along a second airflow path. The wand housing receives the first end of the wand when the wand is coupled to the housing. The handle is removably coupled to the second end of the wand. The handle has a handle air inlet in fluid communication with the wand air inlet when the handle air inlet is coupled to the second end of the wand. The hose is coupled to the handle and is in fluid communication with the handle air inlet. The hose is in fluid communication with the wand air inlet when the handle air inlet is coupled to the second end of the wand. In the first position, the suction airflow is directed along the first airflow path and suction airflow along the second airflow path is inhibited. In the second position, the suction airflow is directed along the second airflow path and suction airflow along the first airflow path is inhibited. The linkage extending along the wand and operably positioned between the handle and the valve when the handle air inlet is coupled to the second end of the wand. The linkage inhibits the movement of the valve from the first position to the second position when the handle air inlet is coupled to the second end of the wand. The valve moves from the first position to the second position in response to the handle air inlet being uncoupled from the second end of the wand. The valve moves from the first position to the second position in response to the first end of the wand being removed from the wand housing.

A surface cleaner is disclosed. The surface cleaner includes a suction source operable to generate a suction airflow, a debris collector in fluid communication with the suction source, a base having a base air inlet in fluid communication with the debris collector, a housing pivotably coupled to the base, a wand releasably coupled to the housing, a wand housing, a handle, a hose, a valve moveable between a first position and a second position, an actuator that moves the valve between the first valve position and the second valve position. The debris collector is configured to separate debris from the suction airflow. The base including a base air inlet in fluid communication with the debris collector. The suction airflow is operable to draw the debris from a surface through the base air inlet along a first airflow path. The wand has a first end and a second end, a first tube, and a rod extending along the first tube. The first end of the wand includes a wand air inlet and a telescoping member. The telescoping member is moveable with the rod relative to the first tube between an extended state and a retracted state. The suction airflow is operable to draw the debris from the surface through the wand air inlet along a second airflow path. The wand housing receives the first end of the wand when the wand is coupled to the housing. The handle is removably coupled to the second end of the wand. The handle is operably coupled to the rod when the handle is coupled to the wand. The hose is coupled to the handle and is in fluid communication with the handle air inlet. The hose is in fluid communication with the wand air inlet when the handle air inlet is coupled to the second end of the wand. In the first position, the suction airflow is directed along the first airflow path and suction airflow along the second airflow path is inhibited. In the second position, the suction airflow is directed along the second airflow path and suction airflow along the first airflow path is inhibited. The actuator is moveable between a first actuator position and a second actuator position. The valve is in the first valve position when the actuator is in the second actuator position, and the valve is in the second valve position when the actuator is in the first actuator position. The actuator moves from the first actuator position to the second actuator position in response to the telescoping member moving from the retracted state to the extended state when the handle is coupled to the wand while the wand is coupled to the housing.

A surface cleaner is disclosed. The surface cleaner includes an airflow valve, a suction source operable to generate a suction airflow, a debris collector in fluid communication with the suction source, a base having a base air inlet in fluid communication with the debris collector, a housing pivotably coupled to the base, a wand releasably coupled to the housing, a valve actuator, and a spring. The airflow valve has a first inlet, a second inlet, a valve outlet, and a valve passageway. The valve passageway is movable between a valve first position forming a first airflow path through the first inlet and the valve outlet and a valve second position forming a second airflow path through the second inlet and the valve outlet. The suction source is operable to generate a suction airflow through the airflow valve. The debris collector is in fluid communication with the valve outlet and the suction source. The debris collector is configured to separate debris from the suction airflow. The base includes a base air inlet in fluid communication with the valve first inlet. The suction airflow is operable to draw the debris from a surface through the base air inlet along the first airflow path. The wand includes a wand air inlet in fluid communication with the valve second inlet. The suction airflow is operable to draw the debris from the surface through the wand air inlet along the second airflow path. The valve actuator is operably connected to the valve passageway movable between a first actuator position enabling the valve second position and a second actuator position enabling the valve first position. The spring is operably applying a spring force on the valve actuator toward the first actuator position. The wand has a first tube and a telescoping member including a telescoping part. The telescoping member forms the wand air inlet. The telescoping member is movable between an extended state with the telescoping part extending past an end of the first tube and a retracted state. The wand has a first configuration wherein the telescoping member in the extended state and holds the valve actuator in the second actuator position against the force of the spring. The wand has a second configuration wherein the telescoping member in the retracted state and allows the spring to move the valve actuator to move to the first actuator position. The spring force is sufficient to move the valve actuator from the second position to the first position.

Other features and aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the following detained description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a surface cleaner.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the surface cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the surface cleaner of FIG. 1 with the wand removed.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the surface cleaner of FIG. 1 with the handle removed.

FIG. 6 is a section view along the line 6-6 of the surface cleaner of FIG. 1 showing the wand release mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a section view of the top end of the wand.

FIGS. 8A-8B are detailed views of the handle and wand.

FIGS. 8C-8D are section views of the wand and handle of FIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIG. 9 is a section view along the line 9-9 of the surface cleaner of FIG. 1 showing the first airflow path.

FIG. 10 is a section view along the line 9-9 of the surface cleaner of FIG. 1 showing the second airflow path.

FIG. 11 is a section view along the line 11-11 of the surface cleaner of FIG. 1 when the wand is removed.

FIG. 12 is a section view along the line 11-11 of the surface cleaner of FIG. 1 when the wand is being inserted into the wand housing.

FIG. 13 is a section view along the line 11-11 of the surface cleaner of FIG. 1 when the wand is inserted in the wand housing, but the handle is removed.

FIG. 14 is a section view along the line 11-11 the surface cleaner of FIG. 1 when the wand is inserted in the wand housing, but the handle is attached to the wand.

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a surface cleaner 10. The surface cleaner 10 includes a housing 14, a base 18, a wand 22 releasably coupled to the housing 14, and a handle 26 removably coupled to the wand 22. The surface cleaner 10 is able to clean a surface in a base configuration (FIGS. 1-3) with the wand 22 attached to the housing 14 in a stowed position, a wand configuration (FIG. 4) when the wand 22 is removed from the housing 14, and a handle configuration (FIG. 5) when the handle 26 is removed from the wand 22.

The housing 14 is pivotably connected to the base 18. The housing 14 is pivotable relative to the base 18 between an upright position and an inclined position. The surface cleaner 10 includes a suction source 30 and a debris collector 34. The suction source 30 generates a suction airflow SA (FIG. 9). The suction source 30 includes a motor and a fan. The debris collector 34 is upstream of the suction source 30 and is in fluid communication with the suction source 30. The debris collector 34 separates debris from the suction airflow SA. In some embodiments, the debris collector 34 may be located downstream of the suction source 30. In some embodiments, the suction source 30 and the debris collector 34 may be disposed in the housing 14. In one embodiment, the debris collector 34 includes a cyclonic separator. In other embodiments, the debris collector 34 includes other types of separators and collectors, including filters, filter bags, and the like. In other embodiments, the debris collector 34 includes both a filter and a cyclonic separator.

The base 18 includes wheels 38 to facilitate movement of the base 18 over the surface, and a base air inlet 42. The base air inlet 42 may be located opposite the wheels 38. A base airflow path or a first airflow path 46 connects the base air inlet 42 to the suction source 30 such that the base air inlet 42 is in fluid communication with the suction source 30. The first airflow path 46 extends through the base air inlet 42 and into debris collector 34 such that the suction airflow SA generated by the suction source 30 can draw the debris from the surface through the base air inlet 42.

With reference to FIGS. 5, 8, and 10, the wand 22 has a first end 54 and a second end 58 opposite the first end 54. The wand 22 includes a first tube 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the first tube 50 is an outer tube having an elongated body.

The first end 54 is located adjacent an end 62 of the first tube 50. The first end 54 includes a wand air inlet 66 and a telescoping member 70. When the wand air inlet 66 is exposed, debris can be sucked from the surface into the surface cleaner 10 through the wand air inlet 66.

The telescoping member 70 includes at least one telescoping part 74 that can move relative to the end 62 of the first tube 50. The telescoping member 70 moves between a retracted state (FIGS. 8A and 8C) and an extended state (FIGS. 8B and 8D). In the retracted state, the first end 54 abuts the end 62 of the first tube 50. In the extended state, the telescoping parts 74 extend past the end 62 of the first tube 50 such that the first end 54 is spaced from the end 62 of the first tube. The telescoping member 70 moves in response to the handle 26 being coupled or uncoupled from the wand 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the telescoping member 70 has a smaller diameter than the first tube 50 and moves to the retracted state inside of the first tube 50. In one embodiment, the telescoping part 74 has a larger diameter than the first tube 50 and moves along the outside of the first tube 50 to the retracted state.

The second end 58 of the wand 22 is configured to receive the handle 26. The second end 58 of the wand 22 may include a wand coupling member (e.g., latch or detents or a friction fit) that engage with corresponding handle coupling members 82 to secure the handle 26 to the wand 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the wand coupling member includes a handle release button 146 configured to the engage handle coupling member 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle release button 146 is located on the wand 22. When the handle release button 146 is pressed, the handle coupling member 82 is disengaged and the handle 26 can be removed from the wand 22.

With reference to FIGS. 7-8D, the second end 58 of the wand 22 further includes a slider 86 and a rod 90 that moves the telescoping member 70 from the retracted state to the extended state in response to the handle 26 being coupled to the wand 22. The slider 86 is coupled to the rod 90 and is moveable relative to the first tube 50 and causes the rod 90 to move relative to the first tube 50. The slider 86 moves in response to the handle 26 being coupled to the wand 22. When the handle 26 is coupled to the wand 22 (e.g., FIGS. 8B and 8D), the handle 26 pushes the slider 86 downward. When the handle 26 is uncoupled from the wand 22, the slider 86 is moved back to a resting position (e.g., FIGS. 8A and 8C). Stated another way, the slider 86 is positioned a first dimension D1 away from the second end 58 when the handle 26 is uncoupled from the wand 22, and the slider 86 is positioned a second dimension D2 away from the second end 58 when the handle 26 is coupled to the wand 22, where the second dimension D2 is greater than the first dimension D1.

The rod 90 extends along the first tube 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod 90 is at least partially disposed in the first tube 50. More specifically, the rod 90 forms a portion of a linkage that extends along the first tube 50 from the slider 86 to the telescoping member 70. The rod 90 may be a dowel, rod, bar, extrusion, tube, or other linkage or force transfer member. The rod 90 is axially moveable between a first rod position and a second rod position. The rod 90 moves toward the end 62 in response to the movement of the slider 86, and more specifically, the rod 90 moves in response to the handle 26 being coupled to the wand 22 and the handle 26 pushing the slider 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the slider 86 is fastened to the rod 90 at one end of the rod and the telescoping member 70 is fastened to the rod 90 at the other end of the rod such that the slider 86, the rod 90, and the telescoping member 70 form a linkage that moves together relative to the first tube 50. In one embodiment, the slider 86 and/or the telescoping member 70 is not fastened to the rod 90. In other embodiments, the linkage between the handle 26 and the valve actuator, discussed below, includes additional or fewer components.

The rod 90 is in the first rod position (e.g., FIGS. 8A and 8C) when the handle 26 is uncoupled from the wand 22 and the telescoping member 70 is in the retracted state. The rod 90 is in the second rod position (e.g., FIGS. 8B and 8D) when the handle 26 is coupled to the wand 22 and the slider 86 is pushed down positioning the telescoping member 70 in the extended state. When the handle 26 is coupled to the wand 22 it holds the slider 86, the rod 90, and the telescoping member 70 in the extended state relative to the first tube 50. The slider 86, the rod 90, and the telescoping member 70 are moveable relative to the first tube 50 when the handle 26 is uncoupled from the wand 22. Stated another way, the handle 26 actuates and retains the linkage formed by the slider 86, the rod 90, and the telescoping member 70 relative to the first tube 50.

The wand 22 is removably coupled to the housing 14. More specifically, the first end 54 of the wand 22 is removably coupled to a wand housing 94 disposed on the housing 14. The wand housing 94 includes a tapering mouth 98 forming a wand inlet (FIG. 11), a wand channel 102 (FIG. 11), and a wand axis WA (FIG. 11) that extends along the length of the wand channel 102.

The tapering mouth 98 includes a narrow portion 106 that inhibits the movement of the wand 22 along the wand axis WA. The narrow portion 106 is sized such that it has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the first tube 50. The narrow portion 106 acts as a stop that engages the end 62 of the first tube 50 and inhibits the movement of the first tube 50 along the wand axis WA such that the first tube 50 does not enter the wand channel 102. The wand channel 102 may be wider than the narrow portion 106 of the tapering mouth 98.

With reference to FIG. 6, the suction cleaner 10 further includes a wand latch 110 (e.g., a wand release button) disposed on the housing 14 to retain the wand 22 in its stowed position. The wand latch 110 includes an actuator 114, a latch member 118, and a spring 122. The actuator 114 is a button. The latch member 118 is moveable between an engaged and disengaged position. In the engaged position, the latch member 118 is engaged with the wand 22 and limits the axial movement of the wand 22. In the engaged position, the latch member 118 secures the wand 22 in the wand housing 94. In the disengaged position, the latch member 118 is disengaged from the wand 22 such that the wand 22 can be removed from the housing 14 and the wand housing 94. The spring 122 applies a force on the latch member 118 toward the engaged position. The latch member 118 can move from the engaged position to the disengaged position by pressing the actuator 114, which, for example, moves a cam surface 116 against a corresponding surface on the latch member 118 to move the latch.

When the handle 26 is attached to the wand 22 and the wand 22 is uncoupled from the housing 14, the handle 26 facilitates manipulation of the wand 22 by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, when the handle 26 is attached to the wand 22 and the wand 22 is attached to the housing 14 in its stowed position, the handle 26 facilitates the movement of the base 18 along the surface. The handle 26 is disposed opposite the base 18 and includes a grip 126, a first end 130, and a second end 134.

The first end 130 of the handle 26 includes a handle air inlet 138. When the handle air inlet 138 is exposed, debris can be sucked from the surface into the surface cleaner through the handle air inlet 138.

The first end 130 of the handle 26 is couplable to the wand 22 and more specifically to the second end 58 of the wand 22. The first end 130 of the handle 26 includes the handle coupling members 82 that can engage with the handle release button 146 fixing the handle 26 in position relative to the first tube 50. As shown in FIG. 7, the slider 86 includes an interface portion 78 configured to engage the first end 130 of the handle 26 moving the slider 86 as the handle 26 is coupled to the wand 22 or moving the slider 86 from dimension D1 to dimension D2.

The handle 26 includes an airflow passageway such that the second end 134 of the handle 26 is fluidly connected to the first end 130 such that suction airflow SA, and the debris can flow from the handle air inlet 138 to the second end 134. The second end 134 is coupled to a hose 142 such that the debris can flow from the second end 134 to the debris collector 34 as further described below.

The first end 130 of the handle 26 lies on the wand axis WA when the handle 26 and the wand 22 are coupled to the housing 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 134 of the handle 26 is not vertically aligned with the first end 130. More specifically, the second end 134 may not be aligned with the wand axis when the handle 26 and the wand 22 are coupled to the housing 14.

The handle 26 is coupled to a hose 142 such that the handle 26 and the wand 22 can move relative to the housing 14 when the wand 22 is uncoupled from the housing 14. The hose 142 is in fluid communication with the handle air inlet 138, and the hose 142 is in fluid communication with the wand air inlet 66 when the wand 22 is coupled to the handle 26.

The hose 142 forms a hose airflow path or a second airflow path 154 (FIG. 10) that connects the handle air inlet 138 to the suction source 30 such that the handle air inlet 138 is in fluid communication with the suction source 30 and connects the wand air inlet 66, when the wand 22 is coupled to the handle 26, to the suction source 30 such that that the wand air inlet 66 is in fluid communication with the suction source 30. The second airflow path 154 extends through the wand air inlet 66, the handle air inlet 138, and into the debris collector 34 such that the suction airflow SA generated by the suction source 30 can draw the debris from the surface through the wand air inlet 66 or the handle air inlet 138.

The surface cleaner 10 further includes a valve assembly 158 having a valve 162 that moves between a first valve position and a second valve position. The valve 162 is a rotary valve that includes a first inlet 164, a second inlet 166, an outlet 170, and a valve passageway 168. The valve passageway 168 is selectively rotatable to align the first inlet 164 with the outlet 170 to enable the first airflow path 46 or align the second inlet 166 with the outlet to enable the second airflow path 154.

When the valve 162 is in the first valve position (FIGS. 9 and 14), the valve passageway 168 is aligned with the first inlet 164 and the outlet 170 enabling airflow through the first airflow path 46 and the valve 162 blocking airflow through the second airflow path 154. In the first valve position, the suction airflow SA is directed along the first airflow path 46 through the valve passageway 168 and the suction airflow SA along the second airflow path 154 is inhibited.

When the valve 162 is in the second valve position (FIGS. 10 and 13), the valve passageway 168 is aligned with the second inlet 166 and the outlet 170 enabling airflow through the second airflow path 154 and the valve 162 blocking airflow through the first airflow path 46. In the second valve position, the suction airflow SA is directed along the second airflow path 154 through the valve passageway 168 and the suction airflow SA along the first airflow path 46 is inhibited.

The valve assembly 158 includes an actuator that moves the valve 162 between the first valve position and the second valve position. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator is a rack 178 and a pinion 182.

The valve assembly 158 further includes a spring 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 202 is a torsion spring that provides a rotational force (e.g., a spring force) on the valve 162 toward the second valve position such that the valve remains in the second valve position until the actuator moves the valve 162. To move the valve 162 from the second valve position to the first valve position, the actuator must overcome the spring force. In other embodiments, the spring may be a coil spring, a resilient member such as an elastic band or strap, one or more spring shapes molded from a resilient plastic, or another spring.

With reference to FIG. 11, the rack 178 includes a set of rack teeth 186 and a rack engagement member 190. The rack teeth 186 are disposed on one side of the rack 178 and the rack engagement member 190 is on the opposite side of the rack 178. More specifically, the rack teeth 186 are located on the side of the rack 178 that is adjacent the pinion 182, and the rack engagement member 190 is located on the side of the rack 178 that is adjacent the wand channel 102. The rack 178 defines a rack axis RA that is parallel to and offset from the wand axis WC.

The rack engagement member 190 extends into the wand channel 102. The rack engagement member 190 extends into the wand channel 102 such that the wand 22 can engage with and move the rack engagement member 190 and the rack 178 against the force of the spring 202 when the wand 22 is inserted in the wand housing 94. More specifically, the rack engagement member 190 extends into the wand channel 102 such that the first end 54 of the wand 22, and even more specifically the telescoping member 70 of the first end 54, can engage with the rack engagement member 190. When the wand 22 is inserted into the wand housing 94 with the telescoping member 70 in the extended state, the first end 54 of the wand 22 engages with the rack engagement member 190 and moves the rack 178.

The rack 178 is moveable along the rack axis RA. In the illustrated embodiment, the rack 178 moves from the wand channel 102 to a rack channel 194 that is partially contiguous with the wand channel 102. The rack channel 194 extends past the wand channel 102.

The rack 178 is moveable between an upper position or a first rack position, shown in FIG. 13, and a lower position or a second rack position, shown in FIG. 14, when the wand 22 is in its stowed position. More specifically, the rack 178 is in the second rack position when the wand 22 is coupled to the wand housing 94 and the handle 26 is coupled to the wand 22 such that the telescoping member 70 engages and pushes the rack 178 down. The rack 178 is in the first rack position when the wand 22 is removed from the wand housing 94, and when the wand 22 is in the wand housing 94 in its stowed position with the handle 26 removed from the wand 22 such that the telescoping member 70 is in the retracted state.

When the rack 178 is in the first rack position, the rack 178 extends above the pinion 182 and the rack 178 is located in the wand channel 102. When the rack 178 is in the first rack position (FIG. 13), the valve 162 is in the second valve position (FIG. 10). When the rack 178 is in the second rack position (FIG. 14), the rack 178 extends below the pinion 182 and the rack 178 is located in the rack channel 194. When the rack 178 is in the second rack position, the valve 162 is in the first valve position (FIG. 9).

The pinion 182 is disposed onto the valve 162 and rotates with the valve 162. The pinion 182 includes pinion teeth 198 that engage with the rack teeth 186. As the rack 178 moves along the rack axis RA, the rack teeth 186 engage with the pinion teeth 198 to cause the pinion 182 to rotate and thereby the valve 162 to rotate. More specifically, as the rack 178 moves from the first rack position to the second rack position, the rack 178 causes the pinion 182 to rotate counterclockwise (as viewed in FIG. 10), and as the rack 178 moves from the second rack position to the first rack position, the rack 178 causes the pinion 182 to rotate clockwise (as viewed in FIG. 9). The rotation of the pinion 182 causes the valve 162 to move between the first and second valve positions.

The spring 202 stores energy when the pinion 182 rotates in the counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 10) and releases energy when the pinion 182 rotates in the clockwise direction. As such, when the wand 22 is inserted into the wand housing 94 with the telescoping member 70 in the extended state, the first end 54 of the wand 22 engages with the rack engagement member 190 moving the rack 178 toward the second rack position. The rack 178 moving toward the second rack position rotates the pinion 182 in the counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 10) against the force of the spring 202, thereby storing energy in the spring 202. The wand 22 in its stowed position holds the rack 178 in the second rack position and the valve 162 in the first valve position against the force of the spring 202. When the wand 22 is released from its stowed position and is uncoupled from the housing 14, the spring 202 causes the pinion 182 to rotate clockwise causing the rack 178 to move to the first position and the valve 162 to move to the second valve position. Stated another way, when the wand 22 releases from the rack 178, the rack 178 and pinion 182 are no longer bound, and the spring 202 rotates the pinion 182, moving the rack 178 to the first rack position. Similarly, the handle 26 coupled to the wand 22 holds the slider 86 relative to the first tube 50 and thereby holds the telescoping member 70 in the extended state such that the rack 178 is held in the second rack position against the force of the spring 202. When the handle 26 is removed from the wand 22, the slider 86 is no longer bound and the spring 202 has a spring force that is sufficient to rotate the pinion 182, moving the rack 178 against the telescoping member 70 pushing the telescoping member 70 to the retracted state, the rod 90 to the first rod position, the slider 86 to the first dimension D1, and the valve 162 to the second valve position. Stated another way, the handle 26 coupled to the wand 22 holds the linkage formed by the slider 86, the rod 90, and the telescoping member 70 pressing the rack 178 in the second rack position against the force of the spring 202. When the handle 26 is uncoupled from the wand 22, the linkage no longer holds the rack 178 in the second position.

In use, the surface cleaner 10 is in the base configuration (FIGS. 1, 9, 14) when the wand 22 is received in (e.g., inserted into or coupled to) the wand housing 94 in its stowed position and the handle 26 is attached (e.g., coupled) to the wand 22. In the base configuration, the telescoping member 70 of the wand 22 is in the extended state such that the rack 178 is in the lowered position and the valve 162 is in the first valve position. In the first valve position, the valve passageway 168 is aligned with the first airflow path 46 such that the suction airflow SA is directed along the first airflow path 46 and the suction airflow SA along the second airflow path 154 is inhibited. Said another way, in the base configuration, the suction airflow SA flows along the first airflow path 46 from the base air inlet 42 to the debris collector 34. The linkage formed by the slider 86, the rod 90, and the telescoping member 70 inhibits the movement of valve 162 from the first valve position to the second valve position.

The surface cleaner 10 is reconfigured from the base configuration to the wand configuration when the wand 22 is removed (e.g., uncoupled) from the housing 14 and, more specifically, when the first end 54 of the wand 22 is removed from the wand housing 94. When the wand 22 is removed from the wand housing 94, the telescoping member 70 of the wand 22 disengages the rack 178 such that the spring 202 rotates the pinion 182 moving the rack 178 into the first rack position. Said another way, the rack 178 and pinion 182 are not bound when the first end 54 of the wand 22 is removed from the wand housing 94 enabling the spring 202 to rotate the pinion 182 and the valve 162 such that the valve 162 is moved to the second valve position as the rack 178 moves to the first rack position. Said another way, the rack 178 moves from the second rack position to the first rack position when the first end 54 of the wand 22 is removed from the wand housing, and the valve 162 moves from the first valve position to the second valve position in response to the first end 54 of the wand 22 being removed from the wand housing 94.

The surface cleaner 10 is in the wand configuration (FIGS. 4, 10, 11) when the wand 22 and is removed from the housing 14 and the handle 26 is attached to the wand 22. In the wand configuration, the telescoping member 70 is in the extended state, however because the wand 22 is removed from the wand housing 94, the valve 162 is in the second valve position. In the second valve position, the valve passageway 168 is aligned with the second airflow path 154 such that the suction airflow SA is directed along the second airflow path 154 and the suction airflow SA along the first airflow path 46 is inhibited. Said another way, in the wand configuration, the suction airflow SA flows along the second airflow path 154 from the wand air inlet 66 along the hose 142 to the debris collector 34.

The surface cleaner 10 is reconfigured from the wand configuration to the base configuration by inserting the wand 22 into the wand housing 94 while the handle 26 is attached to the wand 22 and, more specifically, by inserting the first end 54 of the wand 22 into the wand housing 94 while the handle air inlet 138 is coupled to the second end 58 of the wand 22. When the wand 22 is inserted into the wand housing 94, the telescoping member 70, which is in the extended state, enters the wand channel 102. The telescoping member 70 engages the rack engagement member 190 and pushes the rack 178 from the first rack position to the second rack position. As the rack 178 moves to the second rack position, the rack 178 rotates the pinion 182 and the valve 162 such that the valve 162 moves to the first valve position against the force of the spring 202. Said another way, the valve 162 moves from the second valve position to the first valve position in response to the first end 54 of the wand 22 being inserted to the wand housing 94. When the wand 22 is in its stowed position, the narrow portion 106 of the wand housing 94 stops the movement of the first tube 50 and the wand latch 110 engages the wand to hold the wand in place.

The surface cleaner 10 is reconfigured from the base configuration to the handle configuration when the handle 26 is removed (e.g., uncoupled) from the wand 22, and more specifically when the handle air inlet 138 is uncoupled from the second end 58 of the wand 22. When the handle air inlet 138 is uncoupled from the wand 22, the handle air inlet 138 disengages from the slider 86 releasing the slider 86 to move relative to the first tube 50. With the slider 86 released, the spring 202 rotates the pinion 182 moving the rack 178 to the first rack position, pushing the telescoping member 70 to the retracted state, and the rod 90 to the first rod position. Said another way, the rod 90 telescoping member 70 moves from the extended state to the retracted state by the force of the spring 202 in response to the handle air inlet 138 being uncoupled from the second end 58 of the wand 22 and the rod 90 moves from the extended state to the retracted state in response to the force of the spring 202 in response to the handle air inlet 138 being uncoupled from the second end 58 of the wand 22. As the rod 90 moves to the first rod position, the telescoping member 70 moves from the extended position to the retracted position. Said another way, the telescoping member 70 moves from the extended state to the retracted state in response to the handle air inlet 138 being uncoupled from the second end 58 of the wand 22. The valve 162 moves from the first valve position to the second valve position in response to the handle air inlet 138 being uncoupled from the second end 58 of the wand 22.

When the surface cleaner 10 is in the handle configuration (FIGS. 5, 10, 13), the handle 26 is removed from the housing 14 and from the wand 22 while the wand 22 is coupled the wand housing 94 in its stowed position. In the handle configuration, the rod 90 is in the first rod position, the telescoping member 70 is in the retracted state, and the rack 178 is in the first rack position such that the valve 162 is in the second position. In the second valve position, the suction airflow SA is directed along the second airflow path 154 and the suction airflow SA along the first airflow path 46 is inhibited. Said another way, in the hose configuration, the suction airflow SA flows along the second airflow path 154 from the handle air inlet 138 along the hose 142 to the debris collector 34.

The surface cleaner 10 is reconfigured from the handle configuration to the base configuration by inserting the handle 26 into the wand 22 when the wand 22 is coupled to the housing 14 in its stowed position. More specifically, the surface cleaner 10 moves from the handle configuration to the base configuration when the handle air inlet 138 is inserted into the second end 58 of the wand 22 when the first end 54 of the wand 22 is coupled to the wand housing 94. When the handle 26 is coupled to the wand 22, the handle air inlet 138 engages with the slider 86 of the wand 22 and pushes the slider 86 down. The slider 86 moves the rod 90 from the first rod position to the second rod position, which pushes the telescoping member 70 from the retracted state to the extended state. Said another way, the rod 90 moves from the first rod position to the second rod position in response to the handle air inlet 138 being coupled to the second end 58 of the wand 22, and the telescoping member 70 moves from the retracted state to the extended state in response to the handle air inlet 138 being coupled to the second end 58 of the wand 22. As the telescoping member 70 moves to the extended state, the telescoping member 70 engages the rack engagement member 190 of the rack 178 to push the rack 178 from the first rack position to the second rack position. Said another way, the rack 178 moves from the first rack position to the second rack position in response to the telescoping member 70 moving from the retracted state to the extended state and in response to the handle air inlet 138 being coupled to the second end 58 of the wand 22. As the rack 178 moves to the second rack position, the rack 178 rotates the pinion 182 and the valve 162 such that the valve 162 is moved to the first valve position. Said another way, the valve 162 moves from the second position to the first position in response to the handle air inlet 138 being coupled to the second end 58 of the wand 22.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be constructed to limit the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize the various modifications and changes which may be made to the present disclosure without strictly following the example embodiments illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A surface cleaner comprising: a suction source operable to generate a suction airflow;a debris collector in fluid communication with the suction source, the debris collector configured to separate debris from the suction airflow;a base including a base air inlet in fluid communication with the debris collector, the suction airflow operable to draw the debris from a surface through the base air inlet along a first airflow path;a housing pivotally coupled to the base;a wand releasably coupled to the housing, the wand having a first end and a second end, the first end of the wand includes a wand air inlet, the suction airflow operable to draw the debris from the surface through the wand air inlet along a second airflow path;a wand housing receiving the first end of the wand when the wand is coupled to the housing;a handle removably coupled to the second end of the wand, the handle having a handle air inlet in fluid communication with the wand air inlet when the handle air inlet is coupled to the second end of the wand;a hose coupled to the handle in fluid communication with the handle air inlet, the hose in fluid communication with the wand air inlet when the handle air inlet is coupled to the second end of the wand;a valve movable between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the suction airflow is directed along the first airflow path and the suction airflow along the second airflow path is inhibited, in the second position, the suction airflow is directed along the second airflow path and the suction airflow along the first airflow path is inhibited; anda linkage extending along the wand operably positioned between the handle and the valve when the handle air inlet is coupled to the second end of the wand, the linkage inhibiting movement of the valve from the first position to the second position when the handle air inlet is coupled to the second end of the wand,wherein the valve moves from the first position to the second position in response to the handle air inlet being uncoupled from the second end of the wand, andwherein the valve moves from the first position to the second position in response to the first end of the wand being removed from the wand housing.

2. The surface cleaner of claim 1, wherein the valve moves from the second position to the first position in response to the handle air inlet being coupled to the second end of the wand when the first end of the wand is coupled to the wand housing.

3. The surface cleaner of claim 1, wherein the valve moves from the second position to the first position in response to the first end of the wand being inserted into the wand housing.

4. The surface cleaner of claim 1, wherein the second airflow path extends through the wand air inlet when the wand is removed from the wand housing and the handle air inlet is coupled to the second end of the wand.

5. The surface cleaner of claim 1, wherein the wand includes a handle release button that uncouples the handle air inlet from the second end of the wand.

6. The surface cleaner of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a wand release button that uncouples the wand from the housing.

7. The surface cleaner of claim 1, wherein the valve includes an actuator that moves the valve between the first position and the second position, the actuator is moveable between a first actuator position and a second actuator position, the valve is in the first position when the actuator is in the second actuator position and the valve is in the second position when the actuator is in the first actuator position.

8. The surface cleaner of claim 7, wherein the first end of the wand engages the actuator when the wand is coupled to the housing, the first end of the wand moves the actuator from the first actuator position to the second actuator position.

9. The surface cleaner of claim 7, wherein the actuator moves from the second actuator position to the first actuator position in response to the handle air inlet being uncoupled from the second end of the wand.

10. The surface cleaner of claim 7, wherein the actuator moves from the second actuator position to the first actuator position when the first end of the wand is removed from the wand housing.

11. The surface cleaner of claim 7, wherein the actuator moves from the first actuator position to the second actuator position in response to the handle air inlet being coupled to the second end of the wand when the wand is coupled to the wand housing.

12. The surface cleaner of claim 7, wherein the actuator includes a rack.

13. The surface cleaner of claim 12, wherein the actuator includes a pinion rotatable by movement of the rack between the first actuator position to the second actuator position, wherein the rotation of the pinion rotates the valve.

14. The surface cleaner of claim 7, wherein the linkage includes a telescoping member movable between a retracted state and an extended state.

15. The surface cleaner of claim 14, wherein the telescoping member moves the actuator from the first actuator position to the second actuator position when the telescoping member moves from the retracted state to the extended state.

16. The surface cleaner of claim 1, wherein the valve includes a spring that operably forces the valve toward the second position.

17. The surface cleaner of claim 16, wherein the spring is a torsion spring operable to rotate the pinion when the telescoping member is in the retracted state.

18. The surface cleaner of claim 1, wherein the suction airflow is operable to draw the debris from the surface through the handle air inlet when the handle is removed from the wand and the valve is in the second position.

19. A surface cleaner comprising: a suction source operable to generate a suction airflow;a debris collector in fluid communication with the suction source, the debris collector configured to separate debris from the suction airflow;a base including a base air inlet in fluid communication with the debris collector, the suction airflow operable to draw the debris from a surface through the base air inlet along a first airflow path;a housing pivotally coupled to the base;a wand releasably coupled to the housing, the wand having a first end, a second end, a first tube, and a rod extending along the first tube, the first end of the wand includes a wand air inlet and a telescoping member, the telescoping member is moveable with the rod relative to the first tube between an extended state and a retracted state, the suction airflow operable to draw the debris from the surface through the wand air inlet along a second airflow path;a wand housing receiving the first end of the wand when the wand is coupled to the housing;a handle removably coupled to the second end of the wand, the handle having a handle air inlet in fluid communication with the wand air inlet when the handle air inlet is coupled to the second end of the wand, the handle operably coupled to the rod when the handle is coupled to the wand;a hose coupled to the handle in fluid communication with the handle air inlet, the hose in fluid communication with the wand air inlet when the handle air inlet is coupled to the second end of the wand;a valve movable between a first valve position and a second valve position, in the first valve position, the suction airflow is directed along the first airflow path and the suction airflow along the second airflow path is inhibited, in the second valve position, the suction airflow is directed along the second airflow path and the suction airflow along the first airflow path is inhibited; andan actuator that moves the valve between the first valve position and the second valve position, the actuator is moveable between a first actuator position and a second actuator position, the valve is in the first valve position when the actuator is in the second actuator position, and the valve is in the second valve position when the actuator is in the first actuator position,wherein the actuator moves from the first actuator position to the second actuator position in response to the telescoping member moving from the retracted state to the extended state when the handle is coupled to the wand while the wand is coupled to the housing.

20. The surface cleaner of claim 19, wherein the telescoping member moves from the retracted state to the extended in response to the handle being coupled to the second end of the wand.

21. The surface cleaner of claim 19, wherein the telescoping member moves from the extended state to the retracted state in response to the handle being uncoupled from the second end of the wand while the wand is coupled to the housing.

22. The surface cleaner of claim 19, wherein the rod is axially moveable between a first rod position and a second rod position, the rod moves the telescoping member into the extended state when the rod moves from the first rod position to the second rod position.

23. The surface cleaner of claim 22, wherein the rod moves from the first rod position to the second rod position in response to the handle being coupled to the second end of the wand.

24. The surface cleaner of claim 22, wherein the rod moves from the second rod position to the first rod position in response to the handle being uncoupled from the second end of the wand while the wand is coupled to the housing.

25. The surface cleaner of claim 19, wherein the valve includes a spring configured to force the actuator to the first actuator position.

26. The surface cleaner of claim 19, wherein the actuator includes a rack and pinion.

27. The surface cleaner of claim 19, wherein the spring is a torsion spring operable to rotate the pinion when the telescoping member is in the retracted state.

28. The surface cleaner of claim 19, wherein the actuator moves from the second actuator position to the first actuator position in response to the telescoping member moving from the extended state to the retracted state when the handle is removed from the wand while the wand is coupled to the housing.

29. A surface cleaner comprising: an airflow valve having a first inlet, a second inlet, a valve outlet, and a valve passageway, the valve passageway movable between a valve first position forming a first airflow path through the first inlet and the valve outlet and a valve second position forming a second airflow path through the second inlet and the valve outlet;a suction source operable to generate a suction airflow through the airflow valve;a debris collector in fluid communication with the valve outlet and the suction source, the debris collector configured to separate debris from the suction airflow;a base including a base air inlet in fluid communication with the valve first inlet, the suction airflow operable to draw the debris from a surface through the base air inlet along the first airflow path;a housing pivotally coupled to the base;a wand releasably coupled to the housing, the wand including a wand air inlet in fluid communication with the valve second inlet, the suction airflow operable to draw the debris from the surface through the wand air inlet along the second airflow path;a valve actuator operably connected to the valve passageway movable between a second actuator position enabling the valve first position and a first actuator position enabling the valve second position; anda spring operably applying a spring force on the valve actuator toward the first actuator position;the wand having a first tube and a telescoping member including a telescoping part, the telescoping member forming the wand air inlet, the telescoping member movable between an extended state with the telescoping part extending past an end of the first tube and a retracted state,the wand having a first configuration wherein the telescoping member in the extended state and holds the valve actuator in the second actuator position against the force of the spring, andthe wand having a second configuration wherein the telescoping member in the retracted state and allows the spring to move the valve actuator to move to the first actuator position, the spring force sufficient to move the valve actuator from the second actuator position to the first actuator position.

30. The surface cleaner of claim 29, wherein the actuator includes a rack and pinion.

31. The surface cleaner of claim 30, wherein the spring is a torsion spring operable to rotate the pinion when the telescoping member is in the retracted state.

32. The surface cleaner of claim 29, further comprising a handle removably coupled to the wand.

33. The surface cleaner of claim 32, wherein the telescoping member moves from the retracted state to the extended in response to the handle being coupled to the wand.