Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner includes a debris collector having a base, a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the base, and a plurality of housing sections coupled to the base. The cover is coupled to the debris collector, and the suction source is configured to generate an airflow to draw fluid and debris into the debris collector. The vacuum cleaner further includes an exhaust passage downstream of the suction source for exhausting the airflow from the debris collector. The debris collector is movable along the longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position to change the distance between the base and the cover. When the debris collector is in the retracted position, at least one of the plurality of housing sections is nested within a remainder of the plurality of housing sections.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 588,594 filed on October 6, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference into this application. Background Art

[0002] The present invention relates to vacuum cleaners and more particularly to wet / dry and multi-purpose vacuum cleaners. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one aspect, the present invention provides a vacuum cleaner including a debris collector having a base, a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the base, and a plurality of housing sections coupled to the base. A cover is coupled to the debris collector, and a suction source is configured to generate an airflow to draw fluid and debris into the debris collector. The vacuum cleaner further includes an exhaust passage downstream of the suction source, which is used to discharge the airflow from the debris collector. The debris collector moves along the longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an expanded position, thereby changing the distance between the base and the cover. When the debris collector is in the retracted position, at least one of the plurality of housing sections is nested within the remainder of the plurality of housing sections.

[0004] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent through careful reading of the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, showing the vacuum cleaner in a deployed position.

[0006] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner taken along line 2-2 in FIG.

[0007] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner in a retracted position.

[0008] Figure 4 is a plan view of a locking mechanism of a vacuum cleaner according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner showing a liner that collects and stores debris.

[0010] Figure 6is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the vacuum cleaner in a deployed position.

[0011] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner in a retracted position.

[0012] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the vacuum cleaner in a deployed position.

[0013] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner in a retracted position.

[0014] Before explaining any embodiment of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the application of the present invention is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components recorded in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention can have other embodiments and can be implemented or realized in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be regarded as limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vacuum cleaner 10 is shown to include a debris collection container 14 and a cover 18. The debris collection container 14 collects and stores debris and includes a base 20. The container 14 also includes a plurality of housing segments 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, each of which is annular in the illustrated embodiment. Each of the plurality of housing segments 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 is concentrically disposed relative to each other and centered on a longitudinal axis 38. The longitudinal axis 38 is also oriented perpendicular to the base 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the uppermost segment 34 adjacent to the cover 18 has the largest outer dimension among the segments, so that the other segments 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 are nested within the segment 34, and the outer dimensions of the segments 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 decrease in a direction from the uppermost segment 34 to the lowermost segment 24. In other embodiments, the uppermost segment 34 adjacent to the cover 18 has the smallest outer dimension, so that the segments are nested within the lowermost segment 24, and the outer dimensions of the segments 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 increase in a direction from the uppermost segment 34 to the lowermost segment 24.

[0016] The lid 18 is removably coupled to the container 14 and includes a handle 42. The handle 42 allows a user to grasp and manipulate the vacuum cleaner 10 (i.e., if the lid 18 is coupled to the container (14) or to grasp and manipulate the lid 18 relative to the container 14 (i.e., if the lid 18 is not coupled to the container 14). The vacuum cleaner 10 also includes a latch 44 that is coupled to the lid 18 and engageable with the container 14. The latch 44 is movable between a locked state and an unlocked state, in which the lid 18 is coupled to the container 14 and the lid 18 is unlocked. Figure 1 ), in the unlocked state, the lid 18 is allowed to be removed from the container 14. In some embodiments, the lid 18 can be coupled to the container by alternative means such as a twist-lock configuration, a hinged lid with a single latch and lock, a push button locking tab, etc. However, in other embodiments, the lid 18 can be permanently coupled to the container 14. The vacuum cleaner 10 further includes a plurality of wheels 48 and a hose reservoir 50 rotatably coupled to the container 14. Specifically, the wheels 48 and the hose reservoir 50 are coupled to the base 20. The wheels 48 support the vacuum cleaner 10 to move along a support surface. In other embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 10 may not include wheels ( Figure 5 ).

[0017] Continue to see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the vacuum cleaner 10 further includes an inlet port 52 coupled to the lid 18. The inlet port 52 allows debris and fluids (e.g., air and liquids) to enter the debris collection container 14. A flexible nozzle 56 is coupled to the inlet port 52 to extend the inlet port 52 to the cleaning surface. The flexible nozzle 56, such as a hose or flexible conduit with a suction port, is movable relative to the vacuum cleaner 10 and can receive an accessory tool 58. When the accessory tool 58 is not coupled to the nozzle 56, the accessory tool 58 is stored on or inside the vacuum cleaner 10. The nozzle 56 can also be received by the hose reservoir 50 when not in use. Although the inlet port 52 of the illustrated embodiment is coupled to the lid 18, in other embodiments, the inlet port 52 may be alternatively coupled to the container 14 or integrally formed as a part of the container 14.

[0018] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vacuum cleaner 10 further includes a suction source 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction source 60 is coupled to the lid 18, while in other embodiments, the suction source 60 may be coupled to the container 14 ( Figure 6 The suction source 60 generates an air flow to draw fluid and debris into the debris collection container 14. The suction source 60 includes a motor 64 and an impeller 68 ( Figure 2). When supplied with power via a power source such as a battery pack 72, the motor 64 is powered. As the motor 64 is activated, the impeller 68 is also driven. In this way, a low pressure area is generated within the debris collection container 14, thereby drawing fluid and debris into the container 14 through the mouth 56 and the inlet port 52. Although the motor 64 of the illustrated embodiment draws power from the battery pack 72, in other embodiments, the motor 64 may alternatively draw power from other power sources via electrical wires (e.g., a wall outlet, a generator, etc.). A user interface 76 is provided on the lid 18 and is operable to activate the suction source 60 and control various settings of the vacuum cleaner 10 and the suction source 60.

[0019] Continue to see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the vacuum cleaner 10 further includes a filter 80 that is coupled to the lid 18 and is disposed within the debris collection container 14 when the lid 18 is coupled to the container 14. The filter 80 separates debris from air entering the container 14. In one embodiment, the filter 80 has micropores to allow air to pass through the filter 80 and allow air to be exhausted from the vacuum 10 while inhibiting debris from passing through the filter 80. Thus, debris is collected via the mouth 56 and is prevented from being exhausted from the vacuum cleaner 10 via the filter 80. Air is exhausted from the container 14 via an exhaust passage 84 that is downstream of the suction source 60 and the filter 80. The exhaust passage 84 is disposed within the lid 18. The exhaust passage 84 terminates at an exhaust outlet port 88 of the lid 18.

[0020] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment includes a sensor 92 (e.g., a limit switch, a photoelectric distance sensor, a laser distance sensor, an electromechanical switch, etc.) that is operable to inhibit activation of the suction source 60 under certain circumstances, as explained in further detail below. Although the sensor 92 of the illustrated embodiment is coupled to the filter 80, in other embodiments, the sensor 92 is coupled to another component of the vacuum cleaner 10 (e.g., the container 14, the cover 18, or any other suitable component). For example, in some embodiments, the sensor 92 is located on the bottom wall of the container 14.

[0021] The vacuum cleaner 10 can be arranged in the deployed position ( Figure 1 ) and the contracted position ( Figure 3). When the vacuum cleaner 10 is in the retracted position, the cover 18 is generally adjacent to the base 20, and when the vacuum cleaner 10 is in the deployed position, the cover 18 is spaced apart from the base 20. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is in the retracted position, the cover 18 is spaced apart from the base 20 by a first distance D1, and when the vacuum cleaner 10 is in the deployed position, the cover 18 is spaced apart from the base 20 by a second distance D2 that is greater than the first distance D1. Thus, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is in the retracted position, the container 14 defines a first volume, and when the vacuum cleaner 10 is in the deployed position, the container 14 defines a second volume that is greater than the first volume. In the retracted position, the sensor 92 inhibits activation of the suction source 60, such that the vacuum cleaner 10 is not operable in the retracted position. For example, in an embodiment where the sensor 92 includes an electromechanical switch, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is in the retracted position, the cover 18 or the base 20 contacts the switch to mechanically move the switch to electrically disconnect the power source from the suction source 60. In embodiments where sensor 92 comprises a distance sensor, sensor 92 determines a distance D between base 20 and lid 18 and enables activation of suction source 60 only when distance D exceeds a predetermined value or disables activation of suction source 60 when distance D is less than a predetermined value.

[0022] See also Figure 4 Each of the plurality of housing sections 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 (although only sections 26, 28 are shown) includes a locking mechanism 96 that allows the vacuum cleaner 10 to move between the retracted position and the deployed position when unlocked, and holds (e.g., locks) the vacuum cleaner 10 in either the retracted position or the deployed position when locked. Figure 1 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, each housing segment 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 includes only a single locking mechanism 96. However, in other embodiments, each segment 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 may include a plurality of locking mechanisms 96 spaced around the perimeter of the segment 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34. For example, in one embodiment, each housing segment 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 includes four locking mechanisms, each locking mechanism spaced approximately 90 degrees around the perimeter of the segment 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34. In other embodiments, the segments 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 may include from 2 to about 12 locking mechanisms 96 spaced around the perimeter of the segment 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34. The number of locking mechanisms 96 on each section 24 , 26 , 28 , 30 , 32 , 34 may be selected based on the weight of the lid 18 and other components of the vacuum cleaner 10 to appropriately support the weight of the vacuum cleaner 10 in the deployed position.

[0023] Continue to see Figure 4 , the locking mechanism 96 includes a protrusion 98 (e.g., a pin, etc.) extending outwardly from the sections 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 and a slot 100 that receives the protrusion 98. Specifically, the protrusion 98 attached to the inner section 26 is received within the slot 100 provided in the outer section 28. The protrusion 98 is constrained by the slot and is movable along the slot 100, and thereby travels through the slot 100 as the vacuum cleaner 10 moves between the retracted position and the deployed position. The slot 100 includes a first channel 104 oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 38 and a second channel 108 oriented generally perpendicular to the first channel 104. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is moved to the deployed position, the first passage 104 moves upward relative to the protrusion 98 as the outer segment (e.g., segment 28) moves relative to the inner segment (e.g., segment 26), and when the vacuum cleaner 10 is moved to the retracted position, the first passage 104 moves downward relative to the protrusion 98 as the outer segment (e.g., segment 28) moves relative to the inner segment (e.g., segment 26). In addition, the plurality of housing segments 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 rotate relative to each other (e.g., counterclockwise) about the longitudinal axis 38 so that when the vacuum cleaner 10 is moved in the deployed position toward the locked position, as the outer segment (e.g., segment 28) rotates relative to the inner segment (e.g., segment 26), the protrusion 98 translates through the second passage 108, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown. The segments 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 reach the locked position when all segments are rotated so that the protrusion 98 is within the locked portion 110 of the second channel 108. In some embodiments, gravity or the weight of the cover 18 is sufficient to hold the protrusion 98 in the locked position 110. To unlock, the cover 18 is lifted relative to the base 20 so that the protrusion 98 moves from the locked position 110 to the second channel 108. Then, the plurality of housing segments 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 are rotated relative to each other (e.g., clockwise) about the longitudinal axis 38, which causes the protrusion 98 to translate through the second channel 108 back toward the first channel 104. When the protrusion 98 of each section 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 is within the first channel 104, the cover 18 moves downward and toward the base 20, and the sections 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 can be nested together as the protrusion 98 translates along the first channel 104. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is in the collapsed position, each of the plurality of housing sections 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 nests within each other. In other embodiments, the plurality of housing sections 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 are stacked or collapsed on top of each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 38.

[0024] To place the vacuum cleaner 10 in the operating mode, the vacuum cleaner 10 can be moved from the retracted position to the deployed position by grasping the handle 42, pulling the cover 18 upward along the longitudinal axis 38 so that the protrusion 98 translates along the first channel 104, and rotating the handle 42 about the longitudinal axis 38 (e.g., counterclockwise) so that the protrusion 98 translates along the second channel 108 to the locking portion 110 of the second channel 108. The motor 64 is then activated by the user via the user interface 76, which in turn drives the impeller 68. The battery pack 72 supplies power to the motor 64. Once the impeller 68 begins to rotate, fluid and debris are drawn into the debris collection container 14 via the mouth 56 and the inlet port 52, at which time the filter 80 separates the debris from the air and the debris is stored in the container 14. The air passes through the filter 80 and travels toward the impeller 68. After passing through the impeller 68, the air is discharged along the exhaust passage 84 and discharged from the exhaust outlet port 88. Once the operational mode of operation is complete, the vacuum cleaner 10 can be placed in the storage mode (i.e., the retracted position) by pulling the lid 18 upward along the longitudinal axis 38 so that the protrusion 98 is released from the locking portion 110, then rotating the handle 42 to rotate the plurality of housing segments 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 about the longitudinal axis 38 so that the protrusion 98 translates along the second channel 108 to the first channel 104, and then moving the lid 18 toward the base 20 so that the protrusion 98 translates along the first channel 104, thereby moving the vacuum cleaner 10 back to the retracted position. In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 10 includes six segments 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34. In other embodiments, there are two to ten segments, the number of segments being based on the desired amount of compression and the desired volume of the expanded container 14. In one embodiment, there are four to sixteen segments.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the sections 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 do not form a sealed connection. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 10 includes a collapsible liner 114 ( Figure 5). In one embodiment, the liner 114 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the container 14 (e.g., a cylindrical bag). The liner 114 is sealingly connected to the cover 18 to receive fluid and debris from the inlet port 52. The liner 114 can be formed of a thermoplastic film (such as a polyethylene film). The liner 114 includes a structural member 118 to prevent the liner 114 from shrinking under suction. In one embodiment, the structural member 118 is a coil spring positioned within and / or connected to the liner 114, configured to prevent the liner 114 from shrinking radially. As the vacuum cleaner 10 moves to the retracted position, the structural member 118 (e.g., the coil spring) can shrink along the longitudinal direction 38 (i.e., in the axial direction). In the illustrated embodiment, the structural member 118 includes a coil spring, but in other embodiments, other structural members can be used to hold the liner 114 in place. For example, in other embodiments, the structural member can include a clip, a buckle, a magnet, a clamp, etc. that holds the liner 114 in place.

[0026] Figure 6 A vacuum cleaner 1010 according to another embodiment is shown, wherein like features are designated with like reference numerals plus 1000. The vacuum cleaner 1010 may be in a deployed position ( Figure 6 ) and the contracted position ( Figure 7 ) operates in both.

[0027] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the vacuum cleaner 1010 includes a debris collection container 1014, a cover 1018, and a base 1020. The debris collection container 1014 includes a plurality of housing sections 1026, 1028, each of which is annular. Each of the plurality of housing sections 1026, 1028 is concentrically arranged relative to each other and centered on a longitudinal axis 1038. The longitudinal axis 1038 is also oriented perpendicular to the base 1020. The cover 1018 includes a handle 1042, and the base 1020 includes a hose reservoir 1050.

[0028] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the vacuum cleaner 1010 further includes an inlet port 1052 coupled to the cover 1018. A flexible nozzle 1056 is coupled to the inlet port 1052, and the nozzle 1056 can receive the accessory tool 60 ( Figure 1 ). Although the inlet port 1052 of the illustrated embodiment is coupled to the lid 1018, in other embodiments, the inlet port 1052 may alternatively be coupled to or integrally formed as a part of the container 1014.

[0029] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7In the embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 1010 further includes a suction source 1060 disposed in the container 14, and includes a motor 1064 and an impeller 1068 (rotatably driven by the motor 1064). Figure 6 ). The motor 1064 is powered when supplied with power via a power source such as a battery pack 1072. Although the motor 64 of the illustrated embodiment draws power from the battery pack 1072, in other embodiments, the motor 64 may draw power from other power sources via electrical wiring (e.g., a wall outlet, a generator, etc.). The vacuum cleaner 1010 further includes a filter disposed within the debris collection container 1014. Air is exhausted from the container 1014 via an exhaust passageway downstream of the suction source 1060 and the filter. The exhaust passageway terminates at an exhaust outlet port.

[0030] The vacuum cleaner 1010 can be arranged in a deployed position ( Figure 6 ) and the contracted position ( Figure 7 ). When the vacuum cleaner 1010 is in the retracted position, the container 1014 defines an internal volume that is approximately half of the internal volume of the vacuum cleaner 10 when it is in the deployed position. For example, when in the deployed position, the container 1014 can define a volume of approximately 3 gallons, and when in the retracted position, the container 1014 can define an internal volume of approximately 1.5 gallons. Other volume ratios and / or approximate volumes of the retracted position and the deployed position (e.g., a volume ratio of 1:3, approximate volumes of 2 gallons and 4 gallons, etc.) can be appropriately implemented. In addition, when the vacuum cleaner 1010 is in the retracted position, the cover 1018 is spaced apart from the base 1020 by a first distance D1, and when the vacuum cleaner is in the deployed position, the cover 1018 is spaced apart from the base 1020 by a second distance D2 that is greater than the first distance D1. The vacuum cleaner 1010 is operable in both a retracted position (eg, for collecting small amounts of debris) and a deployed position (eg, for collecting large amounts of debris).

[0031] See also Figure 6The locking mechanism 1096 allows the vacuum cleaner 1010 to move between the retracted position and the deployed position when unlocked, and holds (e.g., locks) the vacuum cleaner 1010 in the retracted position or the deployed position when locked. The locking mechanism 1096 includes a protrusion 1098 extending inwardly from the segment 1028 and a slot 1100 on the segment 1026 that receives the protrusion 1098. Specifically, the protrusion 1098 of the outer segment 1028 is received in the slot 1100 of the inner segment 1026. As the vacuum cleaner 1010 moves between the retracted position and the deployed position, the protrusion 1098 travels through the slot 1100. The slot 1100 includes a first channel 1104 oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 1038 and a second channel 1108 oriented generally perpendicular to the first channel 1104. When the vacuum cleaner 1010 is moved to the deployed position, the protrusion 1098 translates upward through the first channel 1104, and when the vacuum cleaner 1010 is moved to the retracted position, the protrusion 1098 translates downward through the first channel 1104. In addition, the housing segment 1026 is rotated relative to the housing segment 1028 about the longitudinal axis 1038 (e.g., clockwise), which causes the protrusion 1098 to translate through the second channel 1108 as the housing segment 1028 rotates relative to the housing segment 1026 when the vacuum cleaner 1010 is moved toward the locked position in the deployed position. To unlock, the housing segment 1026 is rotated relative to the housing segment 1028 about the longitudinal axis 1038 (e.g., counterclockwise), causing the protrusion 1098 to translate through the second channel 1108 back toward the first channel 1104. When the protrusion 1098 is within the first channel 1104, the segments 1026, 1028 may nest together as the protrusion 1098 translates along the first channel 1104. The housing segment 1026 nests within the housing segment 1028 when the vacuum 1010 is in the retracted position.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the segments 1026, 1028 are sealedly connected via a seal 1114 (eg, an O-ring, a radial seal, etc.) between the segments 1026, 1028. Figure 6As shown. Specifically, the shell segment 1028 has a double wall, which makes the inner wall 1118 arranged on the inner periphery of the shell segment 1026 and the outer wall 1122 arranged on the outer periphery of the shell segment 1026. The seal 1114 is arranged between the inner periphery of the shell segment 1026 and the outer periphery of the inner wall 1118. In other embodiments, the seal 1114 may alternatively be arranged between the outer periphery of the shell segment 1026 and the inner periphery of the outer wall 1122. In addition, in other embodiments, the seal 1114 may be arranged elsewhere as long as a fluid seal is formed between the shell segments 1026 and 1028. In other embodiments, the shell segment 1028 may not be double-walled but only include a single wall. In such an embodiment, the seal may be located between the single wall of the shell segment 1028 and the shell segment 1026.

[0033] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A vacuum cleaner 2010 according to another embodiment is shown, wherein like features are given like reference numerals plus 2000, and only the differences between vacuum cleaners 10 and 2010 will be discussed below. Vacuum cleaner 2010 includes a debris collection container 2014 that can be retracted by a push or force in a downward direction from a lid 2018 toward a base 2020. Additionally, collection container 2014 can be deployed by a pull or force in an upward direction from the base 2020 toward the lid 2018. That is, a user can deploy container 2014 from a deployed position (ie, a position in which the container 2014 is retracted) by pushing lid 2018 downward toward base 2020 to retract container 2014. Figure 8 ) moves to the retracted position ( Fig. 9 The user may move the container 214 from the retracted position ( ) by pulling the lid 218 upward relative to the base 2020. Fig. 9 ) is moved, which causes the container 2014 to expand. In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 2010 includes a support 2051 that holds the container 2014 in the expanded position against the weight of the lid 2018. In such embodiments, the support 2051 is moved to allow the user to move the container 2014 to the retracted position. In other embodiments, the container 2014 can be held in the extended position against the weight of the lid 2018 without the support 2051, and the support 2051 is not required or omitted.

[0034] The container 2014 is formed of a rigid section 2053 and a flexible section 2055. The uppermost section 2053a and the lowermost section 2053b are rigid sections 2053. Additional rigid sections 2053 are located between the uppermost section 2053a and the lowermost section 2053b. A flexible section 2055 extends between each adjacent rigid section 2053. The container 2014 can be constructed of any suitable material that provides relative hardness or stiffness to the rigid sections 2053 and relative flexibility to the flexible sections 2055. For example, the rigid sections 2053 can be formed of polypropylene, and the flexible sections 2055 are formed of a thermoplastic elastomer that is overmolded onto the polypropylene of the rigid sections 2053 to connect the flexible sections 2055 and the rigid sections 2053 into a single component. The flexible section 2055 allows the container 2014 to move between the collapsed position and the expanded position, and the rigid section 2053 provides sufficient rigidity and strength for the container 2014 to remain in the expanded position. When the container 2014 is in the collapsed position, the rigid section 2053 and the lowermost section 2053b are nested in the uppermost section 2053a. In other embodiments, the lowermost section 2053b can have the largest outer dimension, and the rigid section 2053 can be nested in the lowermost section 2053b. In addition, although Figure 8 The container 2014 is shown in a maximum expanded position and Fig. 9 The container 2014 is shown in a maximum retracted position, but in Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Other positions between those shown in are also possible. For example, a user can partially expand or partially collapse container 2014 to convert container 2014 into a different storage volume.

[0035] Various features and advantages are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a debris collector comprising a base, a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the base, and a plurality of housing sections coupled to the base; a cover coupled to the debris collector; a suction source configured to generate an airflow to draw fluid and debris into the debris collector; and an exhaust passage, the exhaust passage being located downstream of the suction source and configured to exhaust the airflow from the debris collector, wherein the debris collector is movable along the longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position, thereby changing the distance between the base and the cover, and Wherein, when the debris collector is in the retracted position, at least one of the plurality of shell segments is nested within the remainder of the plurality of shell segments.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: A first distance is defined between the base and the cover when the debris collector is in the retracted position, and a second distance is defined between the base and the cover when the debris collector is in the deployed position, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The base and the cover are adjacent to each other when the debris collector is in the retracted position, and the base and the cover are separated by the plurality of housing segments when the debris collector is in the deployed position.

4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The debris collector defines a first volume when the debris collector is in the retracted position, and defines a second volume that is greater than the first volume when the debris collector is in the deployed position.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of housing sections are arranged concentrically relative to one another.

6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the plurality of shell segments includes a protrusion, and an adjacent one of the plurality of shell segments includes a slot that receives the protrusion, thereby coupling the at least one shell segment to the adjacent shell segment.

7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein: The slot includes a first channel extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second channel extending generally perpendicular to the first channel.

8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, wherein: The debris collector is movable between the retracted position and the deployed position when the protrusion is located in the first channel.

9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, wherein: The debris collector is maintained in the retracted position or the deployed position when the protrusion is located in the second channel.

10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein The exhaust passage is coupled to the cover such that the exhaust passage is removable from the debris collector along with the cover.

11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The exhaust passage includes an exhaust outlet port disposed on the cover.

12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a filter disposed within the debris collector for separating debris from the airflow.

13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The suction source is removable from the debris collector through the cover, wherein the suction source includes a motor and an impeller driven by the motor.

14. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a power source for powering the motor, and wherein the power source is a battery.

15. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 14, wherein The battery is removably coupled to the cover.

16. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 14, wherein: The battery is removably coupled to the base.

17. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The suction source is operable when the debris collector is in the retracted position and the deployed position.

18. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein The suction source is only operable when the debris collector is in the deployed position.

19. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of shell sections include at least two rigid sections and a flexible section extending between the at least two rigid sections.

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