Vacuum cleaner wand

Abstract

There is provided a wand for releasable attachment between a cleaner head having a head attachment catch and a vacuum cleaner body. The wand comprises an inner tube 205, an outer tube 210 at least partially circumscribing the inner tube, the outer tube being axially slidable relative to the inner tube, a locking orifice 225 for receipt of the head attachment catch 242 and a distal release unit provided at a distal end of the wand for forcing the head attachment catch from the locking orifice upon axial sliding of the outer tube. The distal release unit preferably includes a distal movable block 222 which is pivotally or slidably mounted in the wand. Also claimed is a wand with a proximal release unit.

Description

BACKGROUND Vacuum cleaners comprising a cleaner head that is separable from the vacuum cleaner body may include an intercommunicating wand providing an airflow connection between the cleaner head and the vacuum cleaner body, for example, to extend the reach of the vacuum cleaner. SUMMARY The disclosure provides a wand for releasable attachment between a cleaner head having a head attachment catch and a vacuum cleaner body. The wand comprises: an inner tube; an outer tube at least partially circumscribing the inner tube, the outer tube being axially slidable relative to the inner tube; a locking orifice for receipt of the head attachment catch; and a distal release unit provided at a distal end of the wand for forcing the head attachment catch from the locking orifice upon axial sliding of the outer tube. There is provided a means of releasably attaching a cleaner head to a vacuum cleaner body by way of a wand. The wand attaches to the cleaner head by receiving a head attachment catch in a locking orifice. The wand releases the cleaner head by way of a distal release unit forcing the head attachment catch out of the locking orifice. The distal release unit is actuated by axially sliding an outer tube of the wand relative to an inner tube of the wand. In this way, the attachment of the cleaner head to the vacuum cleaner body, by way of the wand, is made releasable through the movement of the outer tube relative to the inner tube. In other words, there is provided a means of attaching and detaching a cleaner head from a wand leading to a vacuum cleaner body by sliding an outer tube of the wand. In this way, the action of attaching and detaching a cleaner head to the wand is made more convenient for the user as they do not need to reach the cleaner head itself in order to detach it. Rather, they may simply slide the outer tube, which may already be within arm's reach of the vacuum cleaner body, to the appropriate configuration, or position, in order to perform the desired attachment / detachment action. Put another way, the invention provides a distal release unit for releasably attaching a cleaner head to a wand, which in turn may be connected to a vacuum cleaner body. The distal release unit is actuated by a user sliding an outer tube of the wand relative to an inner tube of the wand. The outer tube cooperates with the distal release unit such that the state of the distal release unit is altered in response to the movement of the outer tube. For example, the outer tube may be mechanically coupled to, contact, or abut against a moveable element of the distal release unit. By sliding the outer tube of the wand relative to the inner tube of the wand, the distal release unit is actuated between attachment and detachment states in order to selectively attach and detach the wand to / from the cleaner head. The inner tube may be held rigidly with respect to the cleaner head when the wand is releasably attached to the cleaner head. The distal release unit may comprise a distal movable block having a distal abutment surface, the distal movable block cooperating with the outer tube such that axial sliding of the outer tube causes movement of the distal movable block from a rest position to a release position where contact between the distal abutment surface and the head attachment catch forces the head attachment catch from the locking orifice. In this way, the mechanical movement of the outer tube may be directly transferred to a distal movable block that contacts the head attachment catch in order to force the head attachment catch from the locking orifice, thereby releasing the cleaner head from the wand. The distal release unit may further comprise a distal biasing element biasing the distal movable block to its rest position. In this way, the distal movable block is biased towards its rest position, where attachment of the cleaner head to the wand is possible. In other words, the distal release unit is biased towards allowing the connection of the cleaner head to the wand. Accordingly, the connection between the cleaner head and the wand is made more robust and the risk of unintended release of the wand from the cleaner head is reduced, or eliminated. Further, as the distal movable block is biased towards its rest position, the user is not required to move the outer tube in order to move the distal movable block from the release position to the rest position for connection between the wand and a cleaner head. Put another way, the user is not required to move the wand again between releasing a cleaner head and attaching the / another cleaner head. The biasing element may be a spring, such as a tension spring or a compression spring. The spring may be a helical spring, a leaf spring, or the like. The distal biasing element may be connected between the distal movable block and the inner tube or a distal axial end of the wand. In this way, the distal biasing element may bias the distal movable block to move with respect to the inner tube, which may bias the outer tube to move with respect to the inner tube under the biasing influence also. The distal abutment surface may be angled towards the inner tube from a distal edge to a proximal edge. In this way, the distal abutment surface may gradually force the head attachment catch from the locking orifice as it moves, thereby reducing the force required to move the distal movable block from its rest position to its release position. Put another way, as the distal abutment surface moves to force the head attachment catch from the locking orifice, the distance between the distal abutment surface and the locking orifice gradually decreases until the locking orifice is no longer able to receive the head attachment catch. The distal movable block may be pivotally or slidably mounted in the wand. In this way, distal movable block may slide, for example axially slide, with the outer tube, with respect to the inner tube. Alternatively, the axial sliding of the outer tube may cause the distal movable block to move about a pivot point. For example, the pivot point of the distal movable block may be displaced from the movement path of the outer tube, such that contact with the outer tube as it moves along the movement path would cause the distal movable block to rotate about the pivot point. The distal movable block may be slidably mounted in the wand and the distal movable block may comprise a fixing portion which is affixed to the outer tube. For example, the distal movable block may be removably received within an aperture of the outer tube, may be rigidly fixed to the outer tube or may be integrally formed with the outer tube. The outer tube may be axially slidable towards a / the distal axial end of the wand in order to move the distal movable block to its release position. For example, in order to release the cleaner head from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube towards the cleaner head. In this way, the user may slide the outer tube towards the distal end of the wand, and so towards the distal release unit and the cleaner head, in order to move the distal movable block from its rest position to its release position and detach the cleaner head from the wand. Put another way, the user may push the outer tube in the direction of the cleaner head and away from the vacuum cleaner body in order to detach the cleaner head from the wand. Alternatively, the outer tube may be axially slidable away from a / the distal axial end of the wand in order to move the distal movable block to its release position. Accordingly, in order to release the cleaner head from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube away from the cleaner head, and towards the vacuum cleaner body. In this way, the user may slide the outer tube away from the distal end of the wand, and so away from the distal release unit and the cleaner head, in order to move the distal movable block from its rest position to its release position and detach the cleaner head from the wand. Put another way, the user may pull the outer tube in the direction of the vacuum cleaner body and away from the cleaner head in order to detach the cleaner head from the wand. The wand may further comprise a distal collar which at least partly defines the locking orifice. In this way, the locking orifice may be partially obscured by the distal collar, thereby reducing the ingress of debris that may interfere with the distal release unit. The distal movable block may be pivotally mounted in the wand and the outer tube may be axially slidable towards a / the distal axial end of the wand in order to move the distal movable block to its release position; or the outer tube may axially slidable away from a / the distal axial end of the wand in order to move the distal movable block to its release position. For example, in order to release the cleaner head from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube towards the cleaner head. In this way, the user may slide the outer tube towards the distal end of the wand, and so towards the distal release unit and the cleaner head, in order to rotate the distal movable block from its rest position to its release position and detach the cleaner head from the wand. Put another way, the user may push the outer tube in the direction of the cleaner head and away from the vacuum cleaner body in order to detach the cleaner head from the wand. Alternatively, in order to release the cleaner head from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube away from the cleaner head, and towards the vacuum cleaner body. In this way, the user may slide the outer tube away from the distal end of the wand, and so away from the distal release unit and the cleaner head, in order to rotate the distal movable block from its rest position to its release position and detach the cleaner head from the wand. Put another way, the user may pull the outer tube in the direction of the vacuum cleaner body and away from the cleaner head in order to detach the cleaner head from the wand. The outer tube may be axially slidable relative to the distal collar, and the distal movable block pivotally mounted to the distal collar. The wand may further comprise a distal ejection unit provided at a distal end of the wand for forcing the cleaner head away from the wand upon axial sliding of the outer tube. In this way, the cleaner head may be forced away from the wand upon release, thereby preventing accidental reattachment of the cleaner head and reducing the burden on the user for moving the wand away from the cleaner head when attempting to release it from the wand. The wand may further comprise a proximal release unit provided at a proximal end of the wand for releasing the wand from the vacuum cleaner body. Accordingly the disclosure provides a means of releasably attaching a wand to both a cleaner head and a vacuum cleaner body. The wand attaches to the cleaner head using a distal release unit and attaches to the vacuum cleaner body using a proximal release unit. The distal release unit and the proximal release unit are both actuated by axially sliding an outer tube of the wand relative to an inner tube of the wand. In this way, the attachment of the cleaner head to the vacuum cleaner body, by way of the wand, is made releasable through the movement of the outer tube. In other words, there is provided a means of attaching and detaching a cleaner head and a vacuum cleaner body from a wand connecting the two by sliding an outer tube of the wand. In this way, the action of attaching and detaching the cleaner head and the vacuum cleaner body to the wand is made more convenient for the user as they do not need to interact separately with the cleaner head and the vacuum cleaner body in order to detach them from the wand. Rather, they may simply slide the outer tube, which may already be within arm's reach, to the appropriate configuration, or position, in order to perform the desired attachment / detachment action for the cleaner head and / or the vacuum cleaner body. Put another way, the invention provides a distal release unit and a proximal release unit for releasably attaching a cleaner head and a vacuum cleaner body to a wand, respectively. The distal release unit and the proximal release unit are actuated by a user sliding an outer tube of the wand relative to an inner tube of the wand. The outer tube cooperates with the distal release unit and the proximal release unit such that the state of the distal release unit and the proximal release unit is altered in response to the movement of the outer tube. For example, the outer tube may be mechanically coupled to, contact, or abut against moveable elements of the distal release unit and the proximal release unit. By sliding the outer tube of the wand relative to the inner tube of the wand, the distal release unit and the proximal release unit may be actuated between attachment and detachment states in order to selectively attach and detach the wand to / from the cleaner head and / or the vacuum cleaner body. The inner tube may be held rigidly with respect to the cleaner head and the vacuum cleaner body when the wand is releasably attached thereto. The direction of travel of the outer tube relative to the inner tube for releasing the cleaner head may be the same as the direction of travel of the outer tube relative to the inner tube for releasing the vacuum cleaner body. For example, in order to release the cleaner head from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube towards the cleaner head. Similarly, in order to release the vacuum cleaner body from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube towards the cleaner head (in other words, away from the cleaner body). Alternatively, in order to release the cleaner head from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube away from the cleaner head, and towards the vacuum cleaner body. Similarly, in order to release the vacuum cleaner body from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube away from the cleaner head. In this case, the distance that the outer tube is required to be slid in order to release the cleaner head may be different than the distance that the outer tube is required to be slid in order to release the vacuum cleaner body. The direction of travel of the outer tube relative to the inner tube for releasing the cleaner head may be different to the direction of travel of the outer tube relative to the inner tube for releasing the vacuum cleaner body. For example, in order to release the cleaner head from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube towards the cleaner head, and away from the vacuum cleaner body. Correspondingly, in order to release the vacuum cleaner body from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube towards the vacuum cleaner body, and away from the cleaner head. Alternatively, in order to release the cleaner head from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube away from the cleaner head, and towards the vacuum cleaner body. Correspondingly, in order to release the vacuum cleaner body from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube towards the cleaner head, and away from the vacuum cleaner body. There is also provided a wand for releasable attachment between a cleaner head and a vacuum cleaner body, the wand comprising an inner tube, an outer tube at least partially circumscribing the inner tube, the outer tube being axially slidable relative to the inner tube, and a proximal release unit provided at a proximal end of the wand for releasing the wand from the vacuum cleaner body. The disclosure provides a means of releasably attaching a cleaner head to a vacuum cleaner body by way of a wand. The wand attaches to the vacuum cleaner body using a proximal release unit. The proximal release unit is actuated by axially sliding an outer tube of the wand relative to an inner tube of the wand. In this way, the attachment of the cleaner head to the vacuum cleaner body, by way of the wand, is made releasable through the movement of the outer tube. In other words, there is provided a means of attaching and detaching a vacuum cleaner body from a wand leading to a cleaner head by sliding an outer tube of the wand. In this way, the action of attaching and detaching a vacuum cleaner body to the wand is made more convenient for the user as they do not need to reach the vacuum cleaner body itself in order to detach it. Rather, they may simply slide the outer tube, which may already be within arm's reach, to the appropriate configuration, or position, in order to perform the desired attachment / detachment action. Put another way, the invention provides a proximal release unit for releasably attaching a vacuum cleaner body to a wand, which in turn may be connected to a cleaner head. The proximal release unit is actuated by a user sliding an outer tube of the wand relative to an inner tube of the wand. The outer tube cooperates with the proximal release unit such that the state of the proximal release unit is altered in response to the movement of the outer tube. For example, the outer tube may be mechanically coupled to, contact, or abut against a moveable element of the proximal release unit. By sliding the outer tube of the wand relative to the inner tube of the wand, the proximal release unit is actuated between attachment and detachment states in order to selectively attach and detach the wand to / from the vacuum cleaner body. The inner tube may be held rigidly with respect to the vacuum cleaner body when the wand is releasably attached to the vacuum cleaner body. The proximal release unit may comprise a proximal movable block having a wand attachment catch for attachment to the vacuum cleaner body and a proximal abutment surface, the proximal movable block cooperating with the outer tube such that axial sliding of the outer tube causes movement of the proximal movable block from a rest position to a release position where contact between the proximal abutment surface and the outer tube causes movement of the wand attachment catch out of attachment with the vacuum cleaner body. In this way, the mechanical movement of the outer tube may be directly transferred to a proximal movable block that comprises the wand attachment catch in order to force the wand attachment catch out of attachment with the vacuum cleaner body. Put another way, the user may slide the outer tube in order to force the wand attachment catch of the wand from the vacuum cleaner body in order to release the wand from the vacuum cleaner body. The proximal movable block may be pivotally mounted in the wand. For example, the axial sliding of the outer tube may cause the proximal movable block to move about a pivot point. For example, the pivot point of the proximal movable block may be displaced from the movement path of the outer tube, such that contact with the outer tube as it moves along the movement path would cause the proximal movable block to rotate about the pivot point. The proximal release unit may further comprise a biasing element biasing the proximal movable block to its rest position. In this way, the proximal movable block is biased towards its rest position, where attachment of the wand to the vacuum cleaner body is possible. In other words, the proximal release unit is biased towards allowing the connection of the wand to the vacuum cleaner body. Accordingly, the connection between the vacuum cleaner body and the wand is made more robust and the risk of unintended release of the wand from the vacuum cleaner body is reduced, or eliminated. Further, as the proximal movable block is biased towards its rest position, the user is not required to move the outer tube in order to move the proximal movable block from the release position to the rest position for connection between the wand and a vacuum cleaner body. Put another way, the user is not required to move the wand again between releasing and reattaching the wand to the vacuum cleaner body. The biasing element may be a spring, such as a tension spring or a compression spring. The spring may be a helical spring, a leaf spring, or the like. The wand further may further comprise a proximal collar, the outer tube being axially slidable relative to the proximal collar, and wherein the proximal movable block is pivotally mounted to the proximal collar and / or the biasing element is connected between the collar and the proximal movable block. In this way, the movable parts of the proximal release unit may be at least partially obscured by the proximal collar, thereby reducing the ingress of debris that may interfere with the proximal release unit. Axial sliding of the outer tube towards a proximal end of the wand may cause contact of the outer tube with the proximal contact surface, pivoting of the proximal movable block and movement of the wand attachment catch. For example, in order to release the vacuum cleaner body from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube towards the vacuum cleaner body. In this way, the user may slide the outer tube towards the proximal end of the wand, and so towards the proximal release unit and the vacuum cleaner body, in order to move the proximal movable block from its rest position to its release position and detach the vacuum cleaner body from the wand. Put another way, the user may pull the outer tube in the direction of the vacuum cleaner body and away from the cleaner head in order to detach the vacuum cleaner body from the wand. Alternatively, axial sliding of the outer tube away from a proximal end of the wand may cause contact of the outer tube with the proximal contact surface, pivoting of the proximal movable block and movement of the wand attachment catch. Accordingly, in order to release the vacuum cleaner body from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube away from the vacuum cleaner body, and towards the cleaner head. In this way, the user may slide the outer tube away from the proximal end of the wand, and so away from the proximal release unit and the vacuum cleaner body, in order to move the proximal movable block from its rest position to its release position and detach the vacuum cleaner body from the wand. Put another way, the user may push the outer tube in the direction of the cleaner head and away from the vacuum cleaner body in order to detach the vacuum cleaner body from the wand. The proximal movable block may be pivotally mounted to the inner tube and / or the biasing element may be connected between the collar and the inner tube, and wherein the proximal contact surface extends through an aperture in the outer tube. Axial sliding of the outer tube away from a proximal end of the wand causes contact of the outer tube with the proximal contact surface, pivoting of the proximal movable block and movement of the wand attachment catch. For example, in order to release the vacuum cleaner body from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube towards the vacuum cleaner body. In this way, the user may slide the outer tube towards the proximal end of the wand, and so towards the proximal release unit and the vacuum cleaner body, in order to move the proximal movable block from its rest position to its release position and detach the vacuum cleaner body from the wand. Put another way, the user may pull the outer tube in the direction of the vacuum cleaner body and away from the cleaner head in order to detach the vacuum cleaner body from the wand. Alternatively, axial sliding of the outer towards a proximal end of the wand causes contact of the outer tube with the proximal contact surface, pivoting of the proximal movable block and movement of the wand attachment catch. Accordingly, in order to release the vacuum cleaner body from the wand, the user may axially slide the outer tube away from the vacuum cleaner body, and towards the cleaner head. In this way, the user may slide the outer tube away from the proximal end of the wand, and so away from the proximal release unit and the vacuum cleaner body, in order to move the proximal movable block from its rest position to its release position and detach the vacuum cleaner body from the wand. Put another way, the user may push the outer tube in the direction of the cleaner head and away from the vacuum cleaner body in order to detach the vacuum cleaner body from the wand. The proximal contact surface may be angled towards the inner tube from a proximal edge to a distal edge. In this way, the outer tube may gradually force the wand attachment catch from the vacuum cleaner body as it moves, thereby reducing the force required to move the proximal movable block from its rest position to its release position. Put another way, as the proximal contact surface moves to force the head attachment catch from the locking orifice, the distance between the distal abutment surface and the locking orifice gradually decreases until the locking orifice is no longer able to receive the heat attachment catch. The wand may further comprise a proximal ejection unit provided at a proximal end of the wand for forcing the vacuum cleaner body away from the wand upon axial sliding of the outer tube. In this way, the wand may be forced away from the vacuum cleaner body upon release, thereby preventing accidental reattachment of the wand and reducing the burden on the user for moving the wand away from the vacuum cleaner body when attempting to release the wand from it. The inner tube may comprise a plurality of indexing projections and wherein the outer tube comprises a deformable projection adapted to index with the indexing projections to releasably fix the outer tube at a predetermined axial position relative to the inner tube. In this way, the outer tube may be held at a predetermined axial position, or at one of multiple predetermined axial positions, until acted upon by the user. For example, when the wand comprises both a distal release unit and a proximal release unit as described above, and when the outer tube is slid in the same direction to actuate both the distal release unit and a proximal release unit, the indexing projections may be provided to give a first predetermined axial position for the actuation of the distal release unit and a second predetermined axial position for the actuation of the proximal release unit. Accordingly, the axial movement of the outer tube may be limited to discrete lengths in order to prevent the user from unintentionally releasing the cleaner head or the vacuum cleaner body. The disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner system comprising: a vacuum cleaner body; a cleaner head; and a wand as any embodiment described above connecting the cleaner head to the vacuum cleaner body. The cleaner head comprises a movable head attachment catch received within the locking orifice of the wand. In some cases, the cleaner head may comprise one or more electronic components that require electrical power in order to function. In this case, the wand may further comprise an electrical connection adapted to connect to the cleaner head through the distal release unit and the vacuum cleaner body through the proximal release unit. The electrical connection may be housed between the outer tube and the inner tube. The disclosure provides a method for releasably attaching a cleaner head to a vacuum cleaner body by way of a wand. The method comprises providing a cleaner head to a distal end of the wand such that a head attachment catch of the cleaner head is received in a locking orifice of the wand. The cleaner head is released from the wand by sliding an outer tube of the wand, in some cases towards the cleaner head and in other cases away from the cleaner head, in order to actuate a distal release unit. Actuation of the distal release unit forces the head attachment catch from the locking orifice of the wand to release the cleaner head from the wand. The method may further comprise providing a vacuum cleaner body to a proximal end of the wand such that the vacuum cleaner body is attached to a proximal release unit of the wand. The vacuum cleaner body is released from the wand by sliding an outer tube of the wand, in some cases towards the vacuum cleaner body and in other cases away from the vacuum cleaner body, in order to actuate the proximal release unit. Actuation of the proximal release unit releases the vacuum cleaner body from the wand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a wand for connecting a cleaner head to a vacuum cleaner body. Figure 2A shows a cross sectional view of a distal release unit. Figure 2B shows a cross sectional view of a distal ejection unit that may be used in conjunction with the distal release unit of Figure 2A. Figure 3 A shows a cross sectional view of a distal release unit. Figure 3B shows a cross sectional view of a distal ejection unit that may be used in conjunction with the distal release unit of Figure 3 A. Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of a proximal release unit. Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of a proximal release unit. Figure 6 shows a cross sectional view of a wand with the distal release unit of Figure 2A and the proximal release unit of Figure 4. Figure 7 shows a cross sectional view of a wand with the distal release unit of Figure 3 A and the proximal release unit of Figure 5. Figure 8 shows a cross sectional view of a wand with the distal release unit of Figure 3 A and the proximal release unit of Figure 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a wand 100 for connecting a cleaner head to a vacuum cleaner body. In the example shown in Figure 1, the wand 100 is shown in isolation. The wand 100 comprises an inner wall (not shown), an outer wall 101, a distal release unit 102 adapted to connect and disconnect the wand from a cleaner head, and a proximal release unit 103 adapted to connect and disconnect the wand from a vacuum cleaner body. Figures 2A and 3A show cross sectional views of two examples of distal release units according to various implementations of the wand for connecting a cleaner head to a vacuum cleaner body. The illustrations provided in Figures 2A and 3A show only one side of the wand. Figure 2A shows an example of a distal release unit 220, adapted to be actuated by a user by pulling the outer tube 210 away from the cleaner head and towards the vacuum cleaner body, in direction A. The outer tube 210 slides axially with respect to the inner tube 205, the position of which does not change relative to the cleaner head or the vacuum cleaner body. The distal release unit 220 of Figure 2A comprises a distal movable block 222 slidably mounted in the wand between the inner tube 205 and the outer tube 210. The distal movable block has a distal abutment surface 223, which is angled towards the inner tube from a distal edge to a proximal edge, and is connected to a distal axial end of the wand by way of a distal biasing element 224. Figure 2A shows the distal movable block 222 in a rest position, where the head attachment catch 242 may be received in the locking orifice 225 of the wand, which is at least partially defined by a distal collar 226. The head attachment catch is rotatably mounted in a cleaner head collar 240 at a pivot point 243. When the outer tube 210 is slid in direction A, the distal movable block 222, which is received within the outer tube 210 to cooperatively link them together, also moves in direction A, against the biasing force of the biasing element 224, to move the distal movable block 222 from the rest position to the release position. As the distal movable block 222 moves from the rest position to the release position, the distal abutment surface 223 gradually forces the head attachment catch 242 from the locking orifice 225 to release the cleaner head from the wand. The head attachment catch 242 is pivotably mounted in the cleaner head such that the movement of the distal movable block 222 in direction A, causes the head attachment catch 242 to move in direction B and pivotably rotate to leave the locking orifice 225. The head attachment catch is connected to the cleaner head collar 240 by way of an attachment biasing element 244, which opposes the action of the head attachment catch 242 as it rotates about the pivot point 243 and returns the head attachment catch to the attachment configuration after release. When the user releases the outer tube 210, the biasing element 224 forces the distal movable block 222, and the outer tube 210, back to the rest position from the release position. Figure 2B shows a cross sectional view of a distal ejection unit 260 that may be used in conjunction with the distal release unit 220 of Figure 2A. The distal ejection unit 260 shown in Figure 2B comprises a movable ejection block 261 pivotably mounted to the wand and cooperatively linked to the outer tube 210 in a similar manner to the distal movable block described above with reference to Figure 2A. When the outer tube 210 moves in direction A to release the cleaner head as described above with reference to Figure 2A, the outer tube also moves the movable ejection block 261 and causes the movable ejection block 261 to rotate about the pivot point 262 and abut against an ejection pin 263. The ejection pin 263 moves in direction C as a result. The ejection pin 263 transfers the force from the outer tube 210 to the cleaner head collar 240, thereby causing the cleaner head to be moved in direction C as it is released from the wand. The distal ejection unit 260 is reset to its resting position by the outer tube returning to its rest position under the influence of the biasing element 224 of the distal release unit 220. Figure 3 A shows an example of a distal release unit 320, adapted to be actuated by a user by pushing the outer tube 310 towards the cleaner head and away from the vacuum cleaner body, in direction C. The outer tube 310 slides axially with respect to the inner tube 305, the position of which does not change relative to the cleaner head or the vacuum cleaner body. The distal release unit 320 of Figure 3A comprises a distal movable block 322 pivotably mounted in the wand, and in particular within a distal collar 326. The distal movable block 322 has a distal abutment surface 323, which is angled towards the inner tube from a distal edge to a proximal edge, and is connected to a distal axial end of the wand by way of a distal biasing element 324. Figure 3 A shows the distal movable block 322 in a rest position, where the head attachment catch 342 may be received in the locking orifice 325 of the wand, which is at least partially defined by a distal collar 326. The head attachment catch is rotatably mounted in a cleaner head collar 340 at a pivot point 343. When the outer tube 310 is slid in direction C, the distal movable block 322 rotates about pivot point 327 to move the distal abutment surface 323 in direction D, against the biasing force of the biasing element 324, to move the distal movable block 322 from the rest position to the release position. As the distal movable block 322 moves from the rest position to the release position, the distal abutment surface 323 gradually forces the head attachment catch 342 from the locking orifice 325 to release the cleaner head from the wand. The head attachment catch 342 is pivotably mounted in the cleaner head such that the rotation of the distal movable block 322 and the movement of the distal abutment surface in direction D, causes the head attachment catch 342 to move in direction D and pivotably rotate to leave the locking orifice 325. The head attachment catch is connected to the cleaner head collar 340 by way of an attachment biasing element 344, which opposes the action of the head attachment catch 342 as it rotates about the pivot point 343 and returns the head attachment catch to the attachment configuration after release. When the user releases the outer tube 310, the biasing element 324 forces the distal movable block 322, and the outer tube 310, back to the rest position from the release position. Figure 3B shows a cross sectional view of a distal ejection unit 360 that may be used in conjunction with the distal release unit 320 of Figure 3A. The distal ejection unit 360 shown in Figure 3B comprises a movable ejection block 361 pivotably mounted to the wand and cooperatively linked to the outer tube 310 in a similar manner to the distal movable block described above with reference to Figure 2A. When the outer tube 310 moves in direction C to release the cleaner head as described above with reference to Figure 3 A, the outer tube also moves the movable ejection block 361 and causes the movable ejection block 361 to rotate about the pivot point 362 and abut against an ejection pin 363. The ejection pin 363 moves in direction C as a result. The ejection pin 363 transfers the force from the outer tube 310 to the cleaner head collar, thereby causing the cleaner head to be moved in direction C as it is released from the wand. The distal ejection unit 360 is reset to its resting position by the outer tube returning to its rest position under the influence of the biasing element 324 of the distal release unit 320. Figures 4 and 5 show cross sectional views of two examples of proximal release units according to various implementations of the wand for connecting a cleaner head to a vacuum cleaner body. The illustrations provided in Figures 4 and 5 show only one side of the wand. Figure 4 shows an example of a proximal release unit 430, adapted to be actuated by a user by pushing the outer tube 410 towards the cleaner head and away from the vacuum cleaner body 450, in direction C. The outer tube 410 slides axially with respect to the inner tube 405, the position of which does not change relative to the cleaner head or the vacuum cleaner body. The proximal release unit 430 of Figure 4 comprises a proximal movable block 432 pivotably mounted in the wand. The proximal movable block 432 has a proximal abutment surface 433, which is angled towards the inner tube from a proximal edge to a distal edge, and is connected to a proximal end of the inner tube 405 by way of a proximal biasing element 434. Figure 4 shows the proximal movable block 432 in a rest position, where the wand attachment catch 435 may be received in a recess of the vacuum cleaner body. The proximal release unit is partially concealed by way of the proximal collar 436. When the outer tube 410 is slid in direction C, the proximal movable block 432 rotates about pivot point 437 to move the wand attachment catch 435 in direction D, against the biasing force of the biasing element 434, to move the proximal movable block 432 from the rest position to the release position. As the proximal movable block 432 moves from the rest position to the release position, the wand attachment catch 435 is gradually removed from the vacuum cleaner body 450 to release the vacuum cleaner body 450 from the wand. When the user releases the outer tube 410, the biasing element 434 forces the proximal movable block 432, and the outer tube 410, back to the rest position from the release position. Figure 5 shows an example of a proximal release unit 530, adapted to be actuated by a user by pulling the outer tube 510 away from the cleaner head and towards the vacuum cleaner body 550, in direction A. The outer tube 510 slides axially with respect to the inner tube 505, the position of which does not change relative to the cleaner head or the vacuum cleaner body. The proximal release unit 530 of Figure 5 comprises a proximal movable block 532 pivotably mounted in the wand, and in particular within a proximal collar 536. The proximal movable block 532 has a proximal abutment surface 533, which is angled towards the inner tube from a proximal edge to a distal edge, and is connected to the proximal collar 536 by way of a proximal biasing element 534. Figure 5 shows the proximal movable block 532 in a rest position, where the wand attachment catch 535 may be received in a recess of the vacuum cleaner body 550. The proximal release unit is partially concealed by way of the proximal collar 536. When the outer tube 510 is slid in direction A, the proximal movable block 532 rotates about pivot point 537 to move the wand attachment catch 535 in direction D, against the biasing force of the biasing element 534, to move the proximal movable block 532 from the rest position to the release position. As the proximal movable block 532 moves from the rest position to the release position, the wand attachment catch 535 is gradually removed from the vacuum cleaner body 550 to release the vacuum cleaner body 550 from the wand. When the user releases the outer tube 510, the biasing element 534 forces the proximal movable block 532, and the outer tube 510, back to the rest position from the release position. The wand may also comprise a proximal ejection unit provided at a proximal end of the wand for forcing the vacuum cleaner body away from the wand upon axial sliding of the outer tube. The proximal ejection unit may be arranged in a similar manner to the distal ejection unit of Figure 2B when implemented with the proximal release unit of Figure 5, such that the ejection pin abuts against the vacuum cleaner body, or in a similar manner to the distal ejection unit of Figure 3B when implemented with the proximal release unit of Figure 4, such that the ejection pin abuts against the vacuum cleaner body. Figure 6 shows an example of a wand 600 connecting a cleaner head 640 to a vacuum cleaner body 450. The wand comprises an inner tube 605 and an outer tube 610 as described above. The cleaner head 640 is releasably connected to the wand 600 by way of a distal release unit 220 as described above with reference to Figure 2A. The vacuum cleaner body 450 is releasably connected to the wand 600 by way of a proximal release unit 430 as described above with reference to Figure 4. Figure 6 illustrates what may be referred to as a pull-push arrangement, as the user holding the system at the vacuum cleaner body would pull the outer tube 610 towards them to release the cleaner head 640 from the wand 600 and push the outer tube 610 away from them to release the vacuum cleaner body 450 from the wand. Figure 7 shows an example of a wand 700 connecting a cleaner head 740 to a vacuum cleaner body 550. The wand comprises an inner tube 705 and an outer tube 710 as described above. The cleaner head 740 is releasably connected to the wand 700 by way of a distal release unit 320 as described above with reference to Figure 3A. The vacuum cleaner body 550 is releasably connected to the wand 700 by way of a proximal release unit 530 as described above with reference to Figure 5. Figure 7 illustrates what may be referred to as a push-pull arrangement, as the user holding the system at the vacuum cleaner body would pull the outer tube 710 towards them to release the cleaner head 740 from the wand 700 and push the outer tube 710 away from them to release the vacuum cleaner body 550 from the wand. Figure 8 shows an example of a wand 800 connecting a cleaner head 740 to a vacuum cleaner body 450. The wand comprises an inner tube 805 and an outer tube 810 as described above. The cleaner head 740 is releasably connected to the wand 800 by way of a distal release unit 320 as described above with reference to Figure 3A. The vacuum cleaner body 550 is releasably connected to the wand 800 by way of a proximal release unit 430 as described above with reference to Figure 4. Figure 8 illustrates what may be referred to as a push-push arrangement, as the user holding the system at the vacuum cleaner body would push the outer tube 810 away from them to release the cleaner head 740 from the wand 800 and also push the outer tube 810 away from them to release the vacuum cleaner body 450 from the wand. In the example shown in Figure 8, the wand further comprises a plurality of indexing projections 820, 821, 822 positioned on the inner tube 805. The outer tube 810 comprises a deformable projection 823 adapted to index with the indexing projections 820, 821, 822 to releasably fix the outer tube 810 at a predetermined axial position relative to the inner tube 805. Figure 8 shows the wand 800 in its rest position. When the user pushes the outer tube 810 to release the cleaner head 740, the outer tube 810 may move until the deformable projection 823 is between indexing projection 820 and indexing projection 821. When the user pushes the outer tube 810 to release the vacuum cleaner body 450, the outer tube 810 may move until the deformable projection 823 is between indexing projection 821 and indexing projection 822. It will be understood that that a pull-pull arrangement may be achieved in a similar manner to the arrangement shown in Figure 8 by substituting the distal release unit 320 of Figure 3A with distal release unit 220 of Figure 2A and by substituting the proximal release unit 430 5 of Figure 4 with the proximal release unit 530 of Figure 5. In this case, the deformable projection 823 may be between the distal release unit and indexing projection 822 when the wand is in the rest position.

Claims

1. A wand for releasable attachment between a cleaner head having a head attachment catch and a vacuum cleaner body, the wand comprising:an inner tube;an outer tube at least partially circumscribing the inner tube, the outer tube being axially slidable relative to the inner tube;a locking orifice for receipt of the head attachment catch; anda distal release unit provided at a distal end of the wand for forcing the head attachment catch from the locking orifice upon axial sliding of the outer tube.

2. A wand according to claim 1 wherein the distal release unit comprises a distal movable block having a distal abutment surface, the distal movable block cooperating with the outer tube such that axial sliding of the outer tube causes movement of the distal movable block from a rest position to a release position where contact between the distal abutment surface and the head attachment catch forces the head attachment catch from the locking orifice.

3. A wand according to claim 2 wherein the distal release unit further comprises a distal biasing element biasing the distal movable block to its rest position.

4. A wand according to any one of claims 2 to 3 wherein the distal biasing element is connected between the distal movable block and the inner tube or a distal axial end of the wand.

5. A wand according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the distal abutment surface is angled towards the inner tube from a distal edge to a proximal edge.

6. A wand according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the distal movable block is pivotally or slidably mounted in the wand.

7. A wand according to claim 6 wherein the distal movable block is slidably mounted in the wand and the distal movable block comprises a fixing portion which is affixed to the outer tube.

8. A wand according to claim 7 wherein:the outer tube is axially slidable away from a / the distal axial end of the wand in order to move the distal movable block to its release position; orthe outer tube is axially slidable towards a / the distal axial end of the wand in order to move the distal movable block to its release position.

9. A wand according to any one of claims wherein the wand further comprises a distal collar which at least partly defines the locking orifice.

10. A wand according to claim 6 wherein the distal movable block is pivotally mounted in the wand and wherein:the outer tube is axially slidable towards a / the distal axial end of the wand in order to move the distal movable block to its release position; orthe outer tube is axially slidable away from a / the distal axial end of the wand in order to move the distal movable block to its release position.

11. A wand according to claim 10 wherein the wand further comprises a distal collar which at least partly defines the locking orifice, the outer tube being axially slidable relative to the distal collar, and wherein the distal movable block is pivotally mounted to the distal collar.

12. A wand according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wand further comprises a distal ejection unit provided at a distal end of the wand for forcing the cleaner head away from the wand upon axial sliding of the outer tube.

13. A wand according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a proximal release unit provided at a proximal end of the wand for releasing the wand from the vacuum cleaner body.

14. A wand for releasable attachment between a cleaner head and a vacuum cleaner body,the wand comprising:an inner tube;an outer tube at least partially circumscribing the inner tube, the outer tube being axially slidable relative to the inner tube; anda proximal release unit provided at a proximal end of the wand for releasing the wand from the vacuum cleaner body.

15. A wand according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the proximal release unit comprises a proximal movable block having a wand attachment catch for attachment to the vacuum cleaner body and a proximal abutment surface, the proximal movable block cooperating with the outer tube such that axial sliding of the outer tube causes movement of the proximal movable block from a rest position to a release position where contact between the proximal abutment surface and the outer tube causes movement of the wand attachment catch out of attachment with the vacuum cleaner body.

16. A wand according to claim 15 wherein the proximal movable block is pivotally mounted in the wand.

17. A wand according to claim 15 or 16 wherein the proximal release unit further comprises a biasing element biasing the proximal movable block to its rest position.

18. A wand according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the wand further comprises a proximal collar, the outer tube being axially slidable relative to the proximal collar, and wherein the proximal movable block is pivotally mounted to the proximal collar and / or the biasing element is connected between the collar and the proximal movable block.

19. A wand according to claim 18 wherein:axial sliding of the outer tube towards a proximal end of the wand causes contact of the outer tube with the proximal contact surface, pivoting of the proximal movable block and movement of the wand attachment catch; oraxial sliding of the outer tube away from a proximal end of the wand causes contact of the outer tube with the proximal contact surface, pivoting of the proximal movable block and movement of the wand attachment catch.

20. A wand according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the proximal movable block is pivotally mounted to the inner tube and / or the biasing element is connected between the collar and the inner tube, and wherein the proximal contact surface extends through an aperture in the outer tube.

21. A wand according to claim 20 wherein:axial sliding of the outer tube away from a proximal end of the wand causes contact of the outer tube with the proximal contact surface, pivoting of the proximal movable block and movement of the wand attachment catch; oraxial sliding of the outer towards a proximal end of the wand causes contact of the outer tube with the proximal contact surface, pivoting of the proximal movable block and movement of the wand attachment catch.

22. A wand according to any one of claims 15 to 21 wherein the proximal contact surface is angled towards the inner tube from a proximal edge to a distal edge.

23. A wand according to any of claims 13 to 22, wherein the wand further comprises a proximal ejection unit provided at a proximal end of the wand for forcing the vacuum cleaner body away from the wand upon axial sliding of the outer tube.

24. A wand according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the inner tube comprises a plurality of indexing projections and wherein the outer tube comprises a deformable projection adapted to index with the indexing projections to releasably fix the outer tube at a predetermined axial position relative to the inner tube.

25. A vacuum cleaner system comprising:a vacuum cleaner body;a cleaner head; anda wand as claimed in any of claims 1 to 24 connecting the cleaner head to the vacuum cleaner body,wherein the cleaner head comprises a movable head attachment catch received within the locking orifice of the wand.

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