Surface treatment tool

Abstract

A surface treatment tool for a suction cleaning device comprises a base portion 12, a connecting portion 14 and a suction conduit (16, fig 21) extending from the base portion through the connecting po

Description

The present invention relates to a surface treatment tool for a suction cleaning device such as a vacuum cleaner. Particularly, though not exclusively, the invention relates to a surface treatment tool for a handheld vacuum, wherein the surface treatment tool has several serviceable parts which may be easily accessed for cleaning, unblocking and / or replacement, as required. Cleaning devices such as vacuum cleaners contain a suction conduit in fluid communication with a suction generator within the cleaning device. Such devices typically have a variety of tools which can be removably attached to the suction conduit to facilitate cleaning of different surfaces by an operator. It is beneficial if an operator can access different parts of the attachment tools and the suction conduit within the tools to enable cleaning and / or obstruction removal. Further, it is advantageous if the tool is designed to enable functional and / or essential parts of the tool to be removed for cleaning and / or easy replacement where necessary. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a surface treatment tool for a suction cleaning device which is easily serviceable. According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a surface treatment tool for a suction cleaning device, the surface treatment tool comprising a base portion, a connecting portion and a suction conduit extending from the base portion through the connecting portion, wherein the base portion and connecting portion are locatable in: (i) a locked configuration in which the base portion and the connecting portion are locked in substantially perpendicular relation, and (ii) an unlocked configuration in which the base portion is inclined at an obtuse angle relative to the connecting portion and in which unlocked configuration the base and connecting portions are movable relative to one another; wherein the base portion comprises a housing, a removable cover, and an agitator, and wherein part of the housing and an inner surface of the removable cover are shaped to define a suction chamber when the surface cleaning tool is placed on a surface, which suction chamber is in fluid communication with the suction conduit; and wherein removal of the cover provides access to the agitator within the suction chamber and wherein the agitator is removably mounted within the suction chamber such that selective removal of the cover and the agitator allow access to an end of the suction conduit. Advantageously, the surface treatment tool of the invention contains removable parts such as the cover and agitator, the removal of which provide unrestricted access to the lower end of the suction conduit. It is beneficial for an operator to have easy access to the suction chamber, agitator and suction conduit as these are typically the most frequently obstructed parts of a surface treatment tool during use of a suction cleaning device. The surface treatment tool may be configured for selective attachment to a suction cleaning device. The connecting portion of the surface treatment tool may be configured for connecting the surface treatment tool to a suction cleaning device. The connecting portion of the surface treatment tool may be configured for selective attachment directly and / or indirectly to a suction cleaning device. The surface treatment tool may be configured for attachment to a suction inlet of a suction cleaning device. The surface treatment tool may be configured for attachment to an end of a wand or hose. Alternatively, the surface treatment tool may be a permanently connected part of an end portion of a suction cleaning device. The suction cleaning device may be a vacuum cleaner. The suction cleaning device may be a handheld vacuum cleaner. The surface treatment tool may comprise an engagement mechanism configured for enabling selective attachment of the surface treatment tool to a suction cleaning device. The engagement mechanism may be located on the connecting portion of the surface treatment tool. The engagement mechanism on the surface treatment tool may comprise one of (i) a locating part and (ii) a receiving part, and wherein the remaining complementary (i) receiving part or (ii) locating part of the engagement mechanism is located on the suction cleaning device. The engagement mechanism may be configured such that the surface treatment tool is securely attachable to the suction cleaning device when the locating part is engaged within the complementary receiving part in an engagement configuration. The engagement mechanism may be biased into the engagement configuration. The act of engagement of the locating part within the receiving part in the engagement configuration may provide feedback to an operator. Transition into the biased engagement configuration may result in audible and / or tactile feedback as the locating part engages the receiving part. The engagement mechanism may comprise a release means actuable to transition the surface treatment tool from the engagement configuration to a detached configuration wherein the surface treatment tool is disengaged from a suction cleaning device. The release means may be actuable to disengage the locating part from the receiving part and hence separate the surface treatment tool from the suction cleaning device. The release means may be configured to allow a user to exert a force sufficient to overcome the bias of the engagement mechanism into the engagement configuration. The engagement mechanism on the surface treatment tool may include a locating part for engaging a complementary receiving profile located on an end of the suction cleaning device. A complementary receiving profile may be located on an elongate suction conduit or wand. A complementary receiving profile may be provided proximate an inlet to a debris receiving chamber of a suction cleaning device. The locating part of the engagement mechanism may be movable between an engagement position and a release position to facilitate engagement and release respectively of the engagement mechanism by movement of the locating part within and outwith the complementary receiving profile of the suction cleaning device. The engagement mechanism may comprise at least one actuator arranged to move the locating part between the engagement and release positions. The engagement mechanism may be biased into the engagement configuration in which the locating part is retained within the complementary receiving profile of the suction cleaning device. The engagement mechanism may comprise a resilient means, such as a spring to bias the locating part into the engagement position. The engagement mechanism may comprise two actuators, for actuating the release means to transition the surface treatment tool from the engagement configuration to the detached configuration. The engagement mechanism may comprise two actuators, wherein each actuator is arranged to move the locating part into the release position. The engagement mechanism may comprise a first actuator, wherein the first actuator causes the locating part to move into the release position. The first actuator may be a button actuator which is manually actuable by an operator. The engagement mechanism may comprise a second actuator, wherein the second actuator causes movement of the engagement mechanism to urge the locating part into the release position. The second actuator may comprise a substantially planar depressible surface, such as a pedal, which may be actuable by a foot of an operator. The first and second actuators may be configured to pivot the locating part into the release position. The locating part may be pivotable about a pivot axis and the first and second actuators may be configured to act on the locating part on opposing sides of the pivot axis to selectively move the locating part into the release position. Thus, the invention advantageously allows the surface treatment tool to be easily engaged and released from a suction cleaning device. Different actuators allow an operator to release the surface treatment tool from a suction cleaning device manually or using a foot depending on where the surface treatment tool may be attached to a suction cleaning device and an operator’s preference. The base portion and the connecting portion may each be provided with complementary locking profiles to enable the floor tool to transition between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. The complementary locking profiles may comprise a locking profile and a receiving profile, wherein the locking profile and the receiving profile are configured to interlock when the base portion and the connecting portion are substantially perpendicular to one another. The locking profile and the receiving profile may be disengaged by urging the connecting portion into a reclined position with reference to the base portion. One of the locking profile or the receiving profile may be located on the base portion and the other of the locking profile or the receiving profile may be located on the connecting portion. The complementary locking profiles may be moulded into an outer housing of the base portion and the connecting portion of the surface treatment tool. The complementary locking profile formed on the connecting portion may be located at a lower front facing part adjacent the base portion. The complementary locking profile formed on the base portion may be located on an upper surface adjacent the connecting portion. The complementary locking profile on the connecting portion may be integrally formed as part of the external shell of the connecting portion. The complementary locking profile on the base portion may be integrally formed as part of the housing on an upper region of the base portion. The locking profile may comprise a locating projection. The receiving profile may comprise a complementary retaining recess shaped to accept and retain the locating projection in the locked position. Advantageously, the complementary locking profiles formed integrally in an outer housing I shell of the base and connecting portions respectively, enable the surface treatment tool to be selectively locked in an upright position without additionally requiring a complicated locking mechanism or additional components and space to achieve this functionality. The locked configuration may represent a parked position in which there is no relative movement between the connecting portion and the base portion. In the unlocked configuration, the connecting portion may be movable about at least two axes relative to the base portion. The two axes about which the connecting portion are movable in the unlocked configuration may be substantially perpendicular. The two axes about which the connecting portion is movable in the unlocked configuration may be spaced from one another such that they do not intersect. Thus, in the unlocked configuration, the connecting portion and the base portion may form an articulated connection with freedom of movement of the connecting portion relative to the base portion up and down as well as side to side in directions. The ability to lock the surface treatment tool into a parked position is convenient for an operator. It facilitates transport of the tool when not in use. The locked position also enables the tool to contain design features such as the foot pedal release for the engagement mechanism, since the tool can be locked into a stable upright position, from which position force may be applied to the foot pedal. The unlocked position advantageously provides freedom of movement of the surface treatment tool during use, enabling improved steering and handling of the tool. The agitator may be removably mounted within the suction chamber with the axis of rotation substantially parallel to a surface on which the surface treatment tool is placed in use. The base portion may comprise a motor connected to the agitator to enable drivable rotation of the agitator. The agitator may be accessible and removable from the suction chamber on removal of the cover. The agitator may be provided with a finger tab to facilitate removal of the agitator from the suction chamber. The agitator may be removed from the suction chamber by lifting the agitator in a radial or upwards direction. The agitator may comprise a brush bar. The brush bar may comprise a substantially cylindrical member with at least two spaced brush strips arranged helically therearound. The cylindrical member may have a substantially curved surface with a primary diameter. The cylindrical member of the brush bar may have a minimum diameter of 40mm. The cylindrical member of the brush bar may have a diameter of around 45mm. The cylindrical member may have a wider diameter portion or step in the region of each brush strip. The wider diameter portion or step may form part of a self-cleaning assembly for the agitator. The wider diameter portion or step may be configured to retain each brush strip on the cylindrical member. The wider diameter portion may be formed from two opposing steps having a sectional T-shape that extend from the cylindrical surface helically around the cylindrical member. The wider diameter portion may define a substantially T-shaped recess. The T-shaped recess may be configured to retain the brush strip. Each brush strip may comprise a line of radially extending bristles. Each brush strip may comprise a retaining base portion to which the radially extending bristles are attached. The retaining base portion may be accommodated within the T-shaped recess of the wider diameter portion of the cylindrical member such that the bristles extend radially through the narrower portion of the T-shaped recess. At least two brush strips may be provided with bristles of differing densities. The at least two brush strips may comprise bristles of differing filament diameters. A first brush strip may have bristles with a density of less than 500 filaments per cm. A second brush strip may have bristles with a density of greater than 500 filaments per cm. The first brush strip may have bristles with a density of between 100 and 350 filaments per cm. The second brush strip may have bristles with a density of between 750 and 1250 filaments per cm. Advantageously, the design features of the brush bar mitigate the entanglement of hair and long fibres therearound. The wider diameter portion or step may substantially restrict the tight wrapping of hair or long fibrous strands around the primary diameter of the cylindrical portion of the brush bar. The base portion may comprise rolling means to facilitate travel of the surface treatment tool over a surface. The rolling means may be provided in the form of two pairs of wheels. At least one of the wheel pairs may be detachably connected to a lower region of the housing. One or more of the wheels may be connected to the housing using a snap-fit connection. Advantageously, one or more wheels may be easily removed and replaced as required. The housing may be provided in one or more parts moulded to define at least part of the suction chamber. The housing may be shaped to accommodate the agitator within the suction chamber. The agitator may be mounted to the housing and rotatable about a transverse axis. The suction chamber may also be defined by an inner face of the removable cover arranged for placement over the agitator. The removable cover may comprise a rigid plastic member. The removable cover may comprise an integrally formed member. The removable cover may be formed from polycarbonate. The removable cover may be at least partially transparent. The removable cover may be entirely transparent or translucent. Thus, advantageously, the cover can be easily removed and cleaned within a dishwasher. The transparent cover enables an operator to view the agitator within the suction chamber and check for any blockages therein without the need to invert the tool, which is not convenient when the tool is attached to a cleaning device. An inner surface of the removable cover may be shaped to define part of the suction chamber. The removable cover may extend at least partially around an exterior of the agitator to define part of the suction chamber. The removable cover may extend at least 90 degrees around an exterior of the agitator. The removable cover may extend between 90 and 180 degrees around an exterior of the agitator. Thus, the removable cover may partially enclose at least part of the top and front of the agitator when the surface treatment tool is placed on a floor surface. The removable cover may be sealed against the adjacent housing of the base portion. Joins between the housing and the cover may be sealed with an elongate elastomeric seal. The seals may be removable and replaceable as required. The surface treatment tool may comprise a self-cleaning assembly. The self-cleaning assembly may be located on part of the removable cover. The self-cleaning assembly may be located on an underside of the removable cover surrounding the agitator. The self-cleaning assembly may be integrally formed as part of the removable cover. The self-cleaning assembly may comprise a plurality of cutting edges configured to interact with the agitator to break fibres wrapped therearound. The plurality of cutting edges may be formed by providing inwardly depending protrusions having a leading edge that is arranged substantially perpendicular to a surface of the agitator. Part of the self-cleaning assembly may be formed on the agitator. The self-cleaning assembly may also comprise at least one projection or step provided on the agitator. The projection or step may be configured to space fibres and hair from the surface of the agitator to enable the cutting edge to successfully break the fibres and hair in use. The cover may be provided with a plurality of inwardly depending protrusions or teeth located and configured to interact with an outer part of the agitator during rotation to assist with the removal of debris therefrom. The inwardly depending protrusions or teeth may be provided with a cutting edge. The inwardly depending protrusions may be configured to contact at least a portion of the bristles radially extending from the brush bar. Advantageously, the protrusions or teeth with cutting edges interact with the agitator or bristles of the brush bar to provide self-cleaning of the agitator within the surface treatment tool. The teeth act to break-up and / or remove long hair and fibres wrapped around the brush bar. The base portion may comprise a light source mounted towards a front facing end of the surface treatment tool. The light source may be simultaneously illuminated when power is provided to drive the rotatable agitator. The light source may be mounted on a part of the housing towards the front facing end of the surface treatment tool. The housing may be provided with a panel mounted over the light source with one or more apertures to enable light to travel therethrough. The panel may be a protective panel to substantially protect the light source. The light source may comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). A plurality of apertures may be provided in the housing panel, wherein the apertures are aligned with the location of the LEDs to allow light to be emitted through the panel at the front face of the housing. An internal front face of the removable cover may be provided with a dispersal means for dispersing light emitted from the light source. A front internal face of the cover may be provided with a profiled surface to act as a lens for dispersing light emitted from the light source. The light dispersal means or profiled surface may be integrally formed on an internal front face of the removable cover. Advantageously, the invention can provide a light source at the front end of the cleaning device to illuminate the surface being cleaned. Use of LEDs as a light source uses minimal power which is an important consideration for a battery powered suction cleaning device. However, the presence of bright spots from LEDs is minimised by providing the removable top cover with a dispersal means to provide an evenly distributed light beam across the surface to be cleaned. A rear part of the removable cover may be configured for retention beneath a part of the housing. A front portion of the removable cover may be selectively retained by a latch. A rear edge of the removable cover may be shaped such that it is retained beneath a part of the housing of the base portion and substantially prevented from displacement when the cover is in position enclosing the suction chamber and the retaining latch is engaged. The front face of the removable cover may be provided with a latch interacting with a front part of the housing to retain the cover in position over the suction chamber. Interaction with the latch may disengage the latch to release the cover from the housing. Removal of the cover may be achieved by disengaging the latch and pivoting the rear edge of the cover beneath the housing such that the cover can be lifted away. Thus, the top cover of the tool may be removed easily by releasing and pivoting the cover so that it can be lifted away, which enables easy access to the suction chamber and the agitator. The base portion may comprise a switch, wherein the switch is configured to selectively allow power to the motor provided to rotate the agitator. The switch may be connected to a rear part of the removable cover via a linkage. The linkage may comprise a first end located adjacent a rear part of the cover and a second end located in selective contact with the switch. The linkage may be pivotally mounted within the base portion such that contact with the cover urges the linkage into contact with the switch and removal of the cover causes the linkage to pivot resulting in the second end of the linkage moving away from the switch. Thus, the surface treatment tool may be provided with a safety switch arranged to prohibit power to the motor to prevent rotation of the agitator on removal of the cover. Thus, when the cover is in place creating a sealed suction chamber along with the housing, the cover acts on the linkage to depress the switch and allow power to the motor for rotation of the agitator. Removal of the cover causes pivotal movement of the second end of the linkage away from the switch which disconnects the switch to prevent power delivery to the agitator motor. Advantageously, this safety feature ensures that on removal of the cover, the agitator within the suction chamber can be accessed safely by preventing the possibility of driven rotation of the agitator. Removal of the cover and the agitator allow access to an end of the suction conduit. The suction conduit may be releasably connected within the base and / or connecting portions such that it can be selectively disconnected and removed from the surface treatment tool. The suction conduit may comprise a flexible hose. The suction conduit may be coupled to at least one of the base portion and / or the connecting portion. The suction conduit may be coupled with the base portion and / or the connecting portion using clips, clasps, a threaded connection or other similar connection means. An upper end of the suction conduit may be releasably coupled to the connecting portion of the surface treatment tool via a spung clip. Release of the sprung clip(s) may enable the upper end of the suction conduit to be released from the connecting portion. A lower end of the suction conduit may be removably retained in the base portion of the surface treatment tool via an interlocking profile. A user may release the lower end of the suction conduit from the base portion by applying a force to the suction conduit to overcome the friction lock of the interlocking profile and release the lower end of the suction conduit. Advantageously, the invention ensures that the suction conduit is quickly and easily accessible and removable as required. This is especially important and enhances usability and serviceability of the surface treatment tool. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a surface treatment tool for a suction cleaning device, the surface treatment tool comprising a housing and a cover, wherein the housing and the cover are substantially sealed along their joining edges and shaped to define a suction chamber with an elongate opening when the surface treatment tool is placed on a surface; wherein a substantially cylindrical rotatable brush bar is removably mounted within the suction chamber, wherein the brush bar comprises a plurality of bristles to agitate debris on a surface to be cleaned; wherein the cover comprises a plurality of teeth integrally formed on an inner surface of the cover, wherein the inwardly facing teeth are arranged to contact bristles of the brush bar during rotation thereof, to substantially restrict accumulation of debris within and around the bristles; and wherein the cover is selectively removable to enable cleaning and / or replacement thereof and to permit access to and selective removal of the brush bar. All optional or essential features of the surface treatment tool of the first aspect of the invention are equally applicable to the surface treatment tool of the second aspect of the invention. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a suction cleaning device attached to a surface treatment tool according to either of the first or second aspects of the invention. The above-described aspects of the invention may be combined with any other aspect, feature or embodiment described in the specification or shown in the figures. One embodiment of the invention is now described with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a surface treatment tool according to the invention; Figure 2 is an isometric view of the surface treatment tool of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of the surface treatment tool of Figure 1; Figures 4a and 4b are isometric views of the surface treatment tool with a top cover removed and of the removable top cover respectively; Figure 5 is an isometric sectional view of internal components of a base portion of the surface treatment tool of Figure 1; Figure 6 is an underside isometric view of the top cover of Figure 4b; Figure 7 is a sectional view through a brush bar of the surface treatment tool of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a sectional side view through part of the base portion of the surface treatment tool of Figure 1 showing the self-cleaning assembly; Figure 9 is an isometric view of a drive train for the brush bar of the surface treatment tool of Figure 1; Figure 10 is a sectional view through a lower region of the surface treatment tool of Figure 1; Figures 11 a and 11 b are sectional views of the safety switch mechanism in closed and open positions respectively; Figure 12 is a sectional isometric view through the base portion of the surface treatment tool; Figure 13 is an underside part isometric view of the top cover; Figure 14 is a topside part sectional view through a front region of the base portion of the surface treatment tool; Figure 15 is an overhead isometric view of the surface treatment tool of Figure 1; Figure 16 is a side view of the surface treatment tool of Figure 1; Figure 17 is a part sectional view through an elbow region of the surface treatment tool of Figure 1 when the tool is in an upright and locked position; Figure 18 is a part sectional view through an elbow region of the surface treatment tool of Figure 1 when the tool is in an inclined and unlocked position; Figure 19 is a front view of the surface treatment tool of Figure 1; Figure 20 is a part sectional view through a base and connecting region of the surface treatment tool; Figure 21 is a part sectional isometric view through the surface treatment tool; Figure 22 is an isometric view of a suction conduit of the surface treatment tool; Figure 23 is an underside isometric view through a front region of an underside of the surface treatment tool; Figures 24a and 24b are isometric views of part of the underside of the surface treatment tool and a wheel respectively; Figure 25 is a part sectional isometric view through the wheel and part of the base portion of the surface treatment tool; Figure 26 is an isometric view of the wheel axle and part of the base region of the surface treatment tool; Figures 27a, 27b and 27c are isometric views of part of the surface cleaning tool in connected, disconnected and close-up connected positions respectively, with an end of a wand of a suction cleaning device; and Figures 28a and 28b are sectional views of part of the engagement mechanism connecting the surface cleaning tool and an end of a suction cleaning device in an engaged and release position respectively. A surface treatment or floor tool according to one embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 10 in the figures. The floor tool 10 comprises a base portion 12 and a connecting portion 14 with a suction conduit in the form of a flexible hose 16 extending therethrough. The flexible hose 16 has two clips 15 provided in diametrically opposing positions towards its upper end as shown in figures 21 and 22. The clips 15 are sprung outwardly to extend through apertures in the connecting portion 14 as shown in figure 4a. Depression of the clips 15 against the inherent spring bias enables the hose 16 to be released from the connecting portion 14. The base portion 12 includes several housing portions including a shaped upper housing 21 and a shaped lower housing 22. Parts of the housing portions 21,22 are shaped to define sides, and lower front and rear regions of a suction chamber 11, which is in fluid communication with a lower end of the flexible hose 16. Several components of the tool 10 are coupled to, or formed as part of, the lower housing 22 including a pair of front wheels, a lower brush strip, ramp and release vents. A rear underside of the lower housing 22 accepts a pair of snap fit wheels 36 as shown in figures 23, 24a and 24b. The underside of the housing 22 includes two pairs of profiled portions. The first type of profiled portion formed in the lower housing 22 is a protrusion 39 engageable with a complementary recess within an axle 37 of the wheel 36. The second type of profiled portion formed in the lower housing 22 is a receiving indent 38 to receive and accommodate a protrusion on the snap fit rear wheels 36. The snap fit profiles 38, 39 and complementary profiles on the axle 37 and the lower housing 22 facilitate attachment and changing of the wheels 36 where required. Several components of the tool 10 are coupled to, or formed as part of, the upper housing 21 including a mount for an agitator, strengthening ribs, a cosmetic plate and a receiving part. The housing portions 21,22 are juxtaposed and shaped to define part of the suction chamber 11 in which a rotatable agitator in the form of a brush bar 25 is accommodated. The brush bar 25 is provided to agitate debris from a surface to be cleaned, such that debris is drawn into the suction chamber 11 when the tool 10 is in use and encouraged into entrainment with the airflow towards the suction conduit 16. The brush bar 25 (shown in various views in figures 5, 7, 8 and 9) is substantially cylindrical with a diameter of approximately 44mm and a wider diameter portion or step 65 which extends from the cylindrical surface and defines a T-shaped recess 66. Two brush strips 60 are substantially equispaced and helically wound around the exterior of the brush bar 25. The brush strips 60 each have a retaining base part 61 joined to a plurality of bristles 62. The brush strips 60 are retained within the T-shaped recess 66 as shown in figures 7 and 8. Each brush strip 60 has different characteristics to enhance the cleaning ability of the floor tool 10. The first brush strip 60 has bristles 62 with a density of around 1000 filaments per cm and a diameter of 0.1 mm. The second brush strip 60 has bristles 62 with a density of around 230 filaments per cm and a diameter of 0.165mm. The wider diameter portion or step 65 raises the base of the bristles 62 relative to the cylindrical surface of the brush bar 25 and thus any hair or long fibre stuck in the bristles 62 is spaced from the exterior of the brush bar 25 to prevent the tight winding of long fibres and hair therearound. Thus, the design of the brush bar 25 encourages hair and long fibres to be recovered via the suction conduit or hose 16 in use and minimises the likelihood that they will become entangled around the brush bar 25. Figure 9 shows a drive train enabling selective rotation of the brush bar 25. The drive train includes a motor jacket 69 housing a motor within. Rotation of the motor is transmitted via a transmission belt 67 to a drive gear system 68 that is in turn connected to the brush bar 25. Moving parts of the drive train are enclosed and protected within a drive mount 40. The drive mount 40 is isolated from the floor head chassis via a front antivibration mount 41. The motor is also isolated via the motor jacket 69. The motor jacket 69 and anti-vibration mount 41 are of elastomeric construction to provide high energy absorption properties. Thus, during operation of the motor, noise and vibration is minimised. A removable top cover 23 is positioned between front and rear parts of the upper and lower housing 21,22. The top cover 23 is an integral moulded component and has several functional features with benefits including protecting and covering an upper part of the brush bar 25, providing light dispersal ahead of the surface treatment tool 10 and a self-cleaning cleaning assembly in combination with the brush bar 25. The top cover 23 has an internal curved surface corresponding to the external curve of the brush bar 25. Part of the internal curved surface of the top cover 23 defines a top part of the suction chamber 11. The internal curved surface the top cover 23 includes a plurality of teeth to form a comb 24. The teeth of the comb 24 depend radially into the suction chamber 11 towards the brush bar 25 when the top cover 23 is positioned on the floor tool 10. A leading edge of each tooth represents a cutting surface 64 and is arranged substantially perpendicular to the surface of the brush bar 25 so that the cutting edges 64 of the comb 24 pass between the bristles 62 of the brush strips 60. Thus, the comb 24 is positioned to act on the brush strips 60 as the brush bar 25 rotates during use. The combination of the brush bar 25 design and the comb 24 in the top cover 23 forms a self-cleaning assembly and substantially reduces the prevalence of entangled hair and other long fibres tightly wound around the brush bar 25 in use. A front part of the top cover 23 projects perpendicularly downwardly and a leading lower edge of the top cover 23 abuts a front upper edge of the lower housing 22. An interior of the front face of the top cover 23 includes a profiled lens surface 26 to disperse and refract light incident thereupon. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 32 are located on a front facing part of the upper housing 21. The upper housing 21 also has a parallel protective panel having a plurality of apertures 27 aligned with the LEDs 32 such that light emitted by the LEDs 32 is visible through the apertures 27 in the upper housing 21. The profiled lens surface 26 of the top cover 23 is located in front of the apertures 27 such that the light emitted by the LEDs 32 is dispersed substantially evenly ahead of the floor tool 10 in use. The top cover 23 has two compressible elastomeric seals along its underside. The seals are provided to ensure that when the top cover 23 is in a closed position, a sealed chamber is formed between the housing portions 21,22 and the top cover 23 to substantially seal around the suction chamber 11. Sealing the top cover 23 against the housing 21,22 ensures that there is sufficient suction within the suction chamber 11 to encourage and lift debris towards the suction conduit or hose 16. The suction chamber 11 has an elongate opening along the base of the tool 10 to enable debris to enter the suction chamber 11. A proximal end of the top cover 23 near the connecting portion 14 has an outer inclined edge that locates beneath a ramped edge or lip 28 of the upper housing 21. Thus, in a closed position such as that shown in figure 5, any movement of the top cover 23 is restricted by the edge or lip 28 of the housing. A self-locking catch (not shown) is provided along the inner front face of the top cover 23 and an outer front face of the upper housing 21 such that when the cover 23 is in position abutting the upper and lower housing 22, 21, the cover 23 is secured in position. Removal of the top cover 23 is achieved by releasing the catch and lifting the front part of the top cover 23 causing the rear inclined edge to pivot beneath the lip 28 of the housing. The top cover 23 can then be lifted away from the floor tool 10. The base portion 12 includes a safety switch 31 as shown in figures 10, 11a and 11 b. The purpose of the safety switch 31 is to ensure that there is no power provided to the motor for rotating the brush bar 25 when the top cover 23 is removed or in the open position. When the top cover 23 is secured in position above the brush bar 25, the safety switch 31 enables operation of the motor to rotate the brush bar 25 with the top cover 23 in the closed position. A pivotable linkage 30 is mounted within the base portion 12 to selectively connect the electric switch 31 and the top cover 23. A first end of the linkage 30 is located adjacent the outer inclined edge of the top cover 23. The second opposing end of the linkage 30 is in selective contact with the switch 31. As shown in figure 11 a, when the top cover 23 is closed, the end of the linkage 30 is in contact with the switch 31 completing the electric circuit and allowing power to the brush bar motor on demand. Opening, removing or lifting the top cover 23 causes the outer inclined edge of the top cover 23 to pivot about pivot axis 34, which in turn pivots the linkage 30. The linkage 30 urges the second end to pivot about linkage pivot axis 33 such that the end of the linkage 30 moves out of contact with the electric switch 31 thereby breaking the circuit and cutting off power to the brush bar motor. The top cover 23 is integrally moulded from a transparent rigid polycarbonate. Thus, the top cover 23 is easily removable for cleaning and is sufficiently durable that it may be washed within a dishwasher. If the teeth of the comb 24 break, the top cover 23 can be removed and a replacement top cover 23 inserted. The top cover 23 is a single multifunctional component that is easily removed, cleaned and incorporates several key functional features that might otherwise be separately provided on a conventional floor tool. The connecting portion 14 has a throughbore to accommodate the suction conduit or hose 16 therein and is formed from several housing parts. A lower free end of the hose 16 opens into the suction chamber 11. A lower rear part of the connecting portion 14 incorporates an elbow 13. The elbow 13 is pivotally connected to the base portion 12 and is movable about substantially perpendicular pivot axes 45, 46 as shown in figures 17 and 18 to allow freedom of movement of the connecting portion 14 relative to the base portion 12 when the tool is in an unlocked position. A wiring harness (not shown) is required to provide power to the motor for driving the brush bar 25 and the LEDs. An upper end of the wiring harness terminates in a connector at an upper end 44 of the connecting portion 14. The wiring harness includes two wires which extend from the connector along an inner face of the elbow 13 and pass through rotatable joint at the axis 46 leaving the elbow 13 and connecting part 14 via a bearing sleeve, before entering the base portion 12 and terminating at a printed circuit board located within an upper region of the upper housing 21. A locating part 49 is provided towards a lower front end of the connecting portion 14. The locating part 49 is formed as an integral part of the front housing of the connecting part. The locating part 49 is shaped such that it is securely received within a complementary receiving portion 48 provided on the base 12 when the floor tool 10 is in a locked upright position. Similarly, the receiving portion 48 is integrally moulded as part of the upper housing 21 of the base portion 12. The floor tool 10 is movable between the locked upright configuration shown in figure 14 and the reclined operational configuration as shown in Figure 18. In the locked upright configuration, the main axis of the connecting portion 14 is substantially perpendicular to the plane on which the base portion 12 of the floor tool 10 rests on a surface. In the unlocked reclined operational configuration, the angle of the main axis of the connecting portion 14 is inclined relative to the plane on which the base portion 12 of the floor tool 10 rests on a surface. Thus, the locking elbow allowing the surface treatment tool to be locked in an upright position is achieved without including additional components into the design. Rather, appropriate shaping the housing by incorporating complementary locking features enables the locking elbow functionality without additionally requiring the introduction of additional multiple components. The floor tool 10 is engageable with a handheld vacuum. The floor tool 10 can be attached to an end of a wand 19 coupled to the handheld vacuum as shown in figures 27a to 28b. Alternatively, the floor tool 10 may be attached in a similar manner directly to an inlet of the handheld vacuum (arrangement not shown). Towards an upper end on a front facing side, the connecting portion 14 is provided with an engagement mechanism 50. The engagement mechanism 50 includes a locking part 53 that is arranged to selectively engage with a locking indent 18 provided on an outer surface towards a lower end of the connecting wand 19 in an engagement position as shown in figure 28a. The engagement mechanism 50 is biased into the engagement position via a spring 59 acting on a cam 56. Movement of the locking part 53 in and out of the locking indent 18 allows the floor tool 10 to be respectively engaged with, and released from, the wand 19. Movement of the locking part 53 in and out of the indent 18 is achieved by pivoting of the engagement mechanism 50 about a pivot point 58. When the locking part 53 is pivoted out of the locking indent 18, the engagement mechanism 50 is in a release position shown in figure 25b. The floor tool 10 has two actuators, both of which are actuable to move the engagement mechanism 50 from the engagement position to the release position. The first actuator is a button latch 51 and the second actuator is a foot pedal 52. Pivoting of the engagement mechanism 50 into the release position can be achieved by pressing the button latch 51 located on an opposing side of the pivot point 58 from the locking part 53. The inner upper face of the engagement mechanism 50 is provided with a cutaway portion shaped such that pressure on the button latch 51 enables the engagement mechanism 50 to pivot about point 58 and therefore urge the locking part 53 out of the indent 18. The foot pedal 52 is located on a side of the floor tool 10 and provides an alternative separate means to transition the engagement mechanism 50 into the release position. The foot pedal 52 presents a substantially planar surface of sufficient size such that an operator can depress the foot pedal using one foot. The foot pedal 52 is biased upwardly via the spring 59 such that the engagement mechanism 50 is urged into the normally engaged position. Depression of the foot pedal 52 by an operator against the bias of the spring 59 causes downward movement of an integral cam 56 facing an inner surface of the lower end of the engagement mechanism 50. The engagement mechanism 50 has an internal lower inclined face 54. Downward movement of the cam 56 urged by the foot pedal 52 urges the lower end of the engagement mechanism 50 outwardly causing it to pivot about point 58 such that the locking part 53 is moved out of the indent 18 into the release position. In the release position, the floor tool 10 can be pulled from the wand 19 to separate the floor tool 10 from the handheld vacuum. Prior to use, an operator can attach the floor tool 10 to the end of the wand 19 or alternatively directly to an inlet for a handheld vacuum depending on the required application and surfaces to be cleaned. In the present example, the floor tool is attached to the end of the wand 19 to clean a floor surface. However, according to an alternative example, the locking part 53 may similarly engage with a complementary indent 18 proximate an inlet of a handheld vacuum (not shown) which enables the floor tool to be selectively connectable directly to the handheld vacuum. In both cases, the locking part 53 is biased by the spring 59 into the locking indent 18 when an end of the handheld vacuum cleaner is pushed into the floor tool 10. If the floor tool 10 is placed on the floor surface in the locked upright position, an operator can place their hand, or more conveniently their foot on the base portion 12 of the tool 10 and pull the wand 19 towards themselves to release the locating part 49 from the receiving portion 48. This moves the floor tool 10 into the unlocked configuration so that the wand 19 can be reclined relative to the base region 12. In the unlocked position the floor tool is pivotable about two perpendicular axes 45 and 46 as shown in figures 14 and 15. The floor tool 10 glides smoothly over the floor surface using the front and rear wheel 36 pairs. During use, the brush bar 25 in combination with the applied suction from the attached handheld vacuum enables dust and debris to be recovered through the hose 16 and into a debris chamber within the handheld vacuum cleaner. The LEDs 32 provide dispersed illumination due to the clear profiled lens 26 which casts light evenly onto the floor surface ahead of the floor tool 10, assisting the user by illuminating the areas which require cleaning. The relatively wide diameter and shape of the brush bar 25 assists with entraining debris and long fibres into the hose. The teeth of the comb 24 interact with the radially extending brush strips mounted helically around the brush bar 25 to break up or remove hair and other long fibres to substantially reduce entanglement around the brush bar 25. Once a cleaning operation is complete, a user can place a foot (or hand) on the base portion 12 to prevent movement thereof, while the wand 19 is pushed towards the base portion 12 to form a right angle therewith. The locating part 49 is thus urged into the receiving portion 48 to lock the floor tool 10 into an upright position. In order to remove the floor tool 10 from the wand 19, the operator places a foot on the foot pedal 52 which urges the cam 56 downwardly against the bias of the spring 59. The cam 52 travels along the inclined cam follower face 54. As a result, the engagement mechanism 50 pivots about pivot point 58 to pivot the locking part 53 away from the locking indent 18 on the external face of the wand 19. Thus, the wand 19 is no longer engaged with the floor tool 10 and upward motion of the wand 19 enables it to be pulled away and disengaged from therefrom. Alternatively, in a scenario where an operator has attached the floor tool 10 directly to an inlet of a handheld vacuum, the floor tool 10 may be released from the vacuum when the user depresses the button latch 51. Depression of the button latch 51 causes the engagement mechanism 50 to pivot about the pivot point 58 and urge the locking part 53 away from the locking indent 18 on the end of the vacuum cleaner. Thus, the handheld vacuum is no longer locked into the floor tool 10 and the vacuum and floor tool 10 can be pulled away from one another to separate the tool 10 from the vacuum. An operator can access one or more parts of the floor tool 10 to remove them for cleaning, dislodging obstructions and / or replacement. For example, the top cover 23 or lens may be released by releasing the catch on its front face and lifting it upwardly. The rear edge or lip 28 pivots along axis 34. This allows the top cover 23 to slide out from beneath the housing by urging it upwards and outwards away from the floor tool 10. During this operation the top cover 23 pivots about the pivot axis 34 causing the linkage 30 to pivot in turn about pivot point 33 which disengages the switch 31. The switch 31 prevents power from reaching the motor connected to the rotatable brush bar 25. As a result, the top cover 23 can be removed safely since rotation of the brush bar 25 is prevented. The top cover 23 may be placed within a dishwasher to clean the clear plastic and ensure the profiled lens 26 is clean to effectively disperse light from the LEDs 32 in use. If one or more of the teeth of the comb 24 are broken the top cover 32 can be replaced with a similar moulded part. Should an operator need to remove or replace the brush bar 25, the top cover 23 is removed as described above to allow a user access to the brush bar 25. A release tab 29 enables the brush bar 25 to be lifted out of the base portion 12. Any obstructions around the bristles can be cleared by an operator or the brush bar 25 can be replaced with a new part as required. Removal of the top cover 23 and the brush bar 25 gives direct access to the first lower end of the hose 16. This enables an operator to check the hose 16 for obstructions or clean it as required. If necessary, an operator can press the sprung clips 15 to release the hose 16 from the connecting portion 14. The hose 16 can be pulled through the tool 10 such that the hose 16 is fully separated from the floor tool 10. This enables effective cleaning or replacement of the hose 16. The rear pair of wheels 36 can be removed and replaced if damaged. The snap fit profiles 38, 39 and complementary profiles on the axle 37 and the lower housing 22 facilitate changing of the wheels 36. As described, the floor tool 10 of the invention is robust, serviceable and easy to use. Individual component parts may be easily accessed and removed for cleaning or replacement. Modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the top cover 23 may be provided with any simple interactive catch acting between an inner face of the top cover 23 and the front face of the upper housing 21 to securely attach the two components on the front edge. The interactive latch may be released by any suitable mechanism positioned on or proximate the front face of the top cover 23. For example, the interactive latch may be released by sliding, pressing or pulling to disengage the cover 23 from the housing 21 and enable the top cover 23 to be lifted out of the tool 10 and removed in the manner previously described. According to other embodiments, the receiving portion 48 can be a separate member attached to the housing. In some embodiments the suction conduit or hose 16 may be accessed in different ways using clips, clasps, threaded connections or tools. The primary mode of access or removal of the hose 16 can be from either the lower end of the tool 10 (as described above) or, as an alternative, the upper end of the tool 10 through removal of some or all of the parts forming the connecting portion 14. Additional features may be provided on the surface treatment tool that are conventional and known in the art. Relative terms such as “front”, “rear”, “upper” and / or “lower” are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A surface treatment tool for a suction cleaning device, the surface treatment tool comprising a base portion, a connecting portion and a suction conduit extending from the base portion through the connecting portion,wherein the base portion and connecting portion are locatable in: (i) a locked configuration in which the base portion and the connecting portion are locked in substantially perpendicular relation, and (ii) an unlocked configuration in which the base portion is inclined at an obtuse angle relative to the connecting portion and in which the base and connecting portions are movable relative to one another;wherein the base portion comprises a housing, a removable cover, and an agitator, wherein part of the housing and the removable cover are shaped to define a suction chamber when the surface cleaning tool is placed on a surface, which suction chamber is in fluid communication with the suction conduit; andwherein removal of the cover provides access to the agitator within the suction chamber and wherein the agitator is removably mounted within the suction chamber such that selective removal of the cover and the agitator allow access to an end of the suction conduit.

2. A surface treatment tool according to claim 1, wherein the suction conduit is removably coupled to at least one of the base portion and the connecting portion using connection means such that it can be selectively disconnected and removed from the surface treatment tool.

3. A surface treatment tool as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base portion and the connecting portion comprise complementary interlocking profiles and one or more housing part(s), and wherein at least one housing part of the base portion and at least one housing part of the connecting portion comprise integrally formed complementary interlocking profiles to enable the floor tool to transition between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.

4. A surface treatment tool as claimed in claim 3, wherein the complementary interlocking profiles comprise a locating projection and a complementary retainingrecess shaped to accept and retain the locating projection in the locked position when the base portion and the connecting portion are substantially perpendicular to one another and wherein the locating projection and complementary retaining recess are movable into the unlocked position by urging the connecting portion into a reclined position relative to the base portion.

5. A surface treatment tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the agitator comprises a substantially cylindrical member having a primary diameter of at least 40mm with at least two spaced brush strips arranged helically therearound, wherein the brush strips comprise radially extending bristles and wherein the brush strips are provided with bristles of differing densities and differing filament diameters.

6. A surface treatment tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool comprises a self-cleaning assembly associated with the agitator, the self-cleaning assembly including a wider diameter portion extending around the agitator and a plurality of inwardly depending protrusions on an inner surface of the cover surrounding the suction chamber, which protrusions are configured to interact with an outer part of the agitator during rotation to assist with the removal of debris therefrom.

7. A surface treatment tool as claimed in claim 6, wherein a leading edge of each inwardly depending protrusion has cutting edge that is substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the agitator.

8. A surface treatment tool as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, when dependent on claim 5, wherein the inwardly depending protrusions provided of the inner surface of the cover are configured to contact at least a portion of the bristles radially extending from the rotatable cylindrical member.

9. A surface treatment tool as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the inwardly depending protrusions are integrally formed as part of the removable cover.

10. A surface treatment tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an internal front face of the cover is provided with an integrally formed profiled surfaceto act as a lens for dispersing light emitted from a light source.

11. A surface treatment tool according to any one of the preceding claims, when dependent on claim 3, wherein a rear part of the removable cover is shaped for retention beneath a part of the housing of the base portion, and a front part of the removable cover is selectively retained by a latch against a front part of the housing of the base portion.

12. A surface treatment tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a safety switch and a motor located within the base portion, wherein the switch is arranged to selectively power the motor, and the motor is arranged to rotate the agitator, wherein the switch is configured to remove power from the motor on removal of the cover.

13. A surface treatment tool as claimed in claim 12, wherein the switch is connected to a rear part of the removable cover via a linkage, wherein the linkage has a first end located adjacent part of the cover and a second end located proximate the switch, and wherein the linkage is pivotally mounted within the base region such that contact with the rear part of the cover urges the linkage into contact with the electric switch and removal of the cover causes the linkage to pivot so that the second end of the linkage pivots away from the switch.

14. A surface treatment tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable cover comprises an integrally formed rigid plastic member that is at least partially transparent.

15. A surface treatment tool as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an engagement mechanism located on the connecting portion for enabling selective attachment of the surface treatment tool to a suction cleaning device, wherein the engagement mechanism is biased into an engagement configuration, and wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a release means wherein the release means comprises a first and a second actuator, wherein both the first and second actuators are actuable to disengage the surface treatment tool from the suction cleaning device.

16. A surface treatment tool as claimed in claim 15, wherein the engagement mechanism on the connecting portion includes a movable locating part for selectively engaging a complementary receiving profile located on an end of the suction cleaning device, wherein the locating part of the engagement mechanism is movable between an engagement position and a release position to facilitate engagement and release respectively, and wherein each actuator is arranged to move the locating part into the release position, wherein the first actuator is a manually operable actuator and wherein the second actuator comprises a pedal actuator configured to be actuable by a foot of an operator.

17. A surface treatment tool as claimed in claim 16, wherein the locating part is pivotally mounted within the engagement mechanism, and wherein the first and second actuators are configured to pivot the locating part into the release position, wherein the locating part is pivotable about a pivot axis and the first and second actuators are configured to act on the locating part on opposing sides of the pivot axis to selectively move the locating part into the release position.

18. A surface treatment tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base portion comprises wheels to facilitate travel of the surface treatment tool over a surface, wherein at least two of the wheels are detachably connected to a lower region of the housing using a snap-fit connection.

19. A surface treatment tool for a suction cleaning device, the surface treatment tool comprising a housing and a cover, wherein the housing and the cover are substantially sealed along their joining edges and shaped to define a suction chamber with an elongate opening when the surface treatment tool is placed on a surface;wherein a substantially cylindrical rotatable brush bar is removably mounted within the suction chamber, wherein the brush bar comprises a plurality of bristles to agitate debris on a surface to be cleaned;wherein the cover comprises a plurality of teeth integrally formed on an inner surface of the cover, wherein the inwardly facing teeth are arranged to contact bristles of the brush bar during rotation thereof, to substantially restrict accumulation of debris within and around the bristles; andwherein the cover is selectively removable to enable cleaningand / or replacement thereof and to permit access to and selective removal of the brush bar.

20. A surface treatment tool according to claim 19, wherein an internal front face of the cover is provided with an integrally formed profiled surface to act as a lens for dispersing light emitted from a light source.

21. A suction cleaning device attached to a surface treatment tool according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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