Agitator for surface treatment apparatus, and surface treatment apparatus having the same

Abstract

To provide a vacuum cleaner including a system to migrate and / or remove debris from an agitator.SOLUTION: An agitator for a vacuum cleaner comprises: an elongated main body extending along a pivot axis and having first and second opposite lateral ends; one or more soft cleaning elements extending from the elongated main body between the first and second opposite lateral ends; one or more channels formed within the one or more soft cleaning elements and disposed between the first and second opposite lateral ends; and one or more deformable flaps disposed within the one or more channels and extending from the elongated main body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 53

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vacuum cleaners, and more particularly to vacuum cleaners that include a system for moving and / or removing debris from an agitator. [Background technology]

[0002] Vacuum cleaners can be used to clean a variety of surfaces. Some vacuum cleaners include a rotating agitator (e.g., a brush roll). While known vacuum cleaners are generally effective at collecting debris, some debris (e.g., elongated debris such as hair, fur, or the like) may become entangled within the agitator. The entangled debris can reduce the efficiency of the agitator and can cause damage to the motor, bearings, support structures, and / or drive trains that rotate the agitator. Additionally, it can be difficult to remove the entangled debris from the agitator because the debris becomes entangled in the brush bristles. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0003] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers indicate similar parts and in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a vacuum cleaner consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 taken along line II-II, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates generally one example of a hair movement system consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a comb unit generally taken along line IV-IV of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 generally shows a cross-sectional view of the comb unit of FIG. 4 taken along line IV-IV of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 generally shows a cross-sectional view of the comb unit of FIG. 4 taken along line VI-VI of FIG. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a comb unit generally taken along line VI-VI of FIG. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of an example comb unit having teeth in a central region that have a greater measured length than the teeth in the lateral (or end) regions, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the multiple cross-sectional agitator chamber of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 taken generally along line II-II. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side schematic view of an agitator that can be used with the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a plurality of ribs configured to engage (eg, contact) the agitator of FIG. 9, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of a plurality of ribs configured to engage (eg, contact) an agitator, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional end view of a surface cleaning head consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 12, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a surface cleaning head consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A shows a perspective view of an example of a stirrer cover consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of a portion of a robotic cleaner having an agitator cover 14A coupled thereto, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an agitator cover that can be used with the surface cleaning head of FIG. 14, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom view of the agitator cover of FIG. 15, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of an agitator cover that can be used with the surface cleaning head of FIG. 14, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom view of the agitator cover of FIG. 17, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of a rib, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows a schematic diagram of an agitator having flaps and bristles consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a schematic diagram of an agitator having bristles, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an agitator having an end cap, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of the agitator of FIG. 22 having a rib extending along a portion of the agitator and disposed between the end caps, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of an agitator end cap consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 illustrates another perspective view of the end cap of FIG. 24, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of an end cap consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 illustrates another perspective view of the end cap of FIG. 26, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27A] FIG. 27A shows a perspective view of an end cap, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27B] FIG. 27B illustrates a perspective view of a surface cleaning head having the mating end cap of FIG. 27A, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a front view of another embodiment of an agitator according to the present disclosure. [Figure 29]FIG. 29 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the agitator of FIG. 29 taken along line 29-29, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 illustrates an example of an elongated body of the agitator of FIG. 29 without flaps, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 31A] FIG. 31A shows another example of an elongated body of the agitator of FIG. 30, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 31B] FIG. 31B shows a close-up view of the end of the flap of FIG. 31A, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 illustrates an example of the flap of FIG. 29 without the elongated body, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 illustrates another implementation of the flap of FIG. 32, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 illustrates an example of a flap with portions removed to create a taper consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 illustrates another example of a flap having a base configured to form a taper, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 illustrates an example of an agitator having flaps disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the agitator body consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 illustrates another example of an end cap having a plurality of ribs for engaging the distal end of a flap consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 37A] FIG. 37A shows a perspective view of an agitator, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 37B] FIG. 37B shows a cross-sectional view of an agitator with passive angled bristles and active angled flaps consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 37C] FIG. 37C shows a perspective view of an agitator, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 37D] FIG. 37D shows a perspective view of a debrider having a bristle comb, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 37E] FIG. 37E shows a cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner including a leading roller and an agitator consistent with the embodiment of FIGS. 37A-D, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 illustrates another embodiment of a vacuum cleaner consistent with the present disclosure. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 illustrates an example of the hand vacuum of FIG. 38 including a trigger, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 illustrates an implementation of the hand vacuum of FIG. 38 including an air flow path extending therethrough consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 41] FIG. 41 generally illustrates one example of a close-up view of a debris collection chamber secured to the body of a hand vacuum, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 generally illustrates one example of a close-up view of a debris collection chamber that is not attached to the body of a hand vacuum, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 43] FIG. 43 generally illustrates one example of a debris collection chamber and primary filter consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 44] FIG. 44 generally illustrates one implementation of the debris collection chamber and primary filter of FIG. 43 with the lid open, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 45] FIG. 45 illustrates generally one example of a second stage filter consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 illustrates generally one example of a pre-motor filter consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 illustrates generally one example of a post-motor filter consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 generally illustrates one embodiment of a robotic vacuum cleaner that may include one or more of the features described in this disclosure. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 generally illustrates another embodiment of a vacuum cleaner, which may include one or more of the features described in this disclosure. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 generally illustrates a front perspective view of the cleaning head of FIG. 49 including one or more features described in this disclosure. [Figure 51] FIG. 51 generally illustrates a front view of the cleaning head of FIG. 49, including one or more features described in this disclosure. [Figure 52] FIG. 52 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of the cleaning head of FIG. 49, including one or more features generally described in this disclosure. [Figure 53] FIG. 53 generally illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cleaning head of FIG. 49 viewed generally perpendicular to the pivot axis, including one or more features described in this disclosure. [Figure 54] FIG. 54 generally illustrates a bottom view of the cleaning head of FIG. 49, including one or more features described in this disclosure. [Figure 55] FIG. 55 generally illustrates a partially exploded front perspective view of the cleaning head of FIG. 49, with the cover plate and part of the cleaning head body not shown. [Figure 56] FIG. 56 shows a cross-sectional view of the cleaning head of FIG. 49 taken generally along the pivot axis. [Figure 57] FIG. 57 is a photograph of the exterior of a flap including holes that can reduce noise. [Figure 58] FIG. 58 is a schematic diagram showing the shape of a brush bristle filament. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0004] While making and using various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below, it will be understood that the disclosure provides numerous applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts, and the specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the disclosure and do not limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0005] The present disclosure is generally directed to an agitator for a surface treatment device. The agitator includes a body and a deformable flap extending from the body. The deformable flap includes one or more tapers extending into corresponding end regions of the deformable flap. The agitator is configured to be received within an agitator chamber of the surface treatment device such that the agitator can rotate within the agitator chamber. Rotation of the agitator causes the deformable flap to engage a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor) such that debris deposited thereon can be intercepted by the deformable flap. During operation, the one or more tapers can facilitate movement of fibrous debris (e.g., hair) along a longitudinal axis of the body toward a common location (e.g., a removal location).

[0006] 1 and 2, one embodiment of a vacuum cleaner 10 is generally illustrated. The term vacuum cleaner 10 is intended to refer to any type of vacuum cleaner, including, but not limited to, hand-operated vacuum cleaners and robotic vacuum cleaners. Non-limiting examples of hand-operated vacuum cleaners include upright vacuum cleaners, canister vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners, and central vacuum cleaner systems. Thus, although various aspects of the present disclosure may be illustrated and / or described in the context of a hand-operated vacuum cleaner or a robotic vacuum cleaner, it should be understood that features disclosed herein are applicable to both hand-operated and robotic vacuum cleaners, unless otherwise stated.

[0007] With this in mind, FIG. 1 generally illustrates a bottom view of the vacuum cleaner 10, and FIG. 2 generally illustrates a cross-section of the vacuum cleaner 10 along line II-II of FIG. 1. It should be understood that the vacuum cleaner 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for illustrative purposes only, and a vacuum cleaner consistent with the present disclosure may not include all of the features illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and / or may include additional features not illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. For illustrative purposes only, the vacuum cleaner 10 may include a cleaning head (which may also be referred to as a nozzle and / or cleaning nozzle) 12 and optionally a handle 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 14 is pivotally coupled to the cleaning head 12 such that a user may grasp the handle 14 while standing to move the cleaning head 12 over a surface 114 (e.g., a floor) to be cleaned using one or more wheels 16. However, it should be understood that the cleaning head 12 and the handle 14 may be of an integrated or unitary structure (e.g., a vacuum cleaner with a handle, etc.). Alternatively, the handle 14 may be eliminated (eg, in a robotic vacuum cleaner).

[0008] The cleaning head 12 includes a cleaning head body or housing 13 that at least partially defines / contains one or more agitator chambers 22. The agitator chambers 22 include one or more openings (or air inlets) 23 defined in and / or by a portion of a bottom surface / plate 25 of the cleaning head 12 / cleaning head body 13. At least one rotatable agitator or brush roll 18 is configured to be coupled to the cleaning head 12 (either permanently or removably coupled thereto) and configured to rotate about a pivot axis 20 (e.g., in the direction of and / or against arrow A in FIG. 2 ) within the agitator chamber 22 by one or more rotation systems 24. The rotation system 24 may be at least partially disposed within the cleaner head 12 and / or handle 14 and may be one or more motors 26 (either AC motors and / or DC motors) coupled to one or more belts and / or gear trains 28 for rotating the agitator 18.

[0009] The vacuum cleaner 10 includes a debris collection chamber 30 in fluid communication with the agitator chamber 22 such that debris collected by the rotating agitator 18 may be stored. The agitator chamber 22 and debris chamber 30 may be fluidly coupled to a vacuum source 32 (e.g., a suction motor or similar) to generate an air flow (e.g., a partial vacuum) within the agitator chamber 22 and debris collection chamber 30 and to suck debris proximate the agitator chamber 22 and / or agitator 18. As will be appreciated, rotation of the agitator 18 may aid in agitating / stripping the debris from the cleaning surface. Optionally, one or more filters 34 may be provided to remove any debris (e.g., dust particles, etc.) trapped in the vacuum air flow. The debris chamber 30, vacuum source 32, and / or filter 34 may be at least partially located in the cleaning head 12 and / or handle 14. Additionally, one or more suction tubes, ducts, or the like 36 may be provided to fluidly connect the debris chamber 30, the vacuum source 32, and / or the filter 34. For example, the suction tube 36 may include a suction inlet and / or suction opening 33, FIG. 2, separating the suction tube 36 from the agitation chamber 22 (e.g., at the inlet of the suction tube 36 from the agitation chamber 22). The vacuum cleaner 10 may include and / or be configured to be electrically coupled to one or more power sources, such as, but not limited to, an electrical cord / plug, a battery (e.g., rechargeable and / or non-rechargeable batteries), and / or a circuit (e.g., an AC / DC converter, a voltage regulator, a step-up / step-down transformer, or the like), to provide power to various components of the vacuum cleaner 10, such as, but not limited to, the rotation system 24 and / or the vacuum source 32.

[0010] The agitator 18 includes an elongated agitator body 40 configured to extend along and rotate about a longitudinal / pivot axis 20. The agitator 18 (e.g., but not limited to, one or more of the ends of the agitator 18) may be permanently or removably coupled to the cleaner head 12 and rotated about the pivot axis 20 by a rotation system 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated agitator body 40 has a generally generally cylindrical cross-section, although other cross-sectional shapes are possible (e.g., but not limited to, oval, hexagonal, rectangular, octagonal, concave, convex, etc.). The agitator 18 may have bristles, fabric, nap, pile, and / or other cleaning elements, (or any combination thereof) 42 about the exterior of the elongated agitator body 40. Examples of brush rolls and other agitators 18 are shown and described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 9,456,723 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0220082, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0011] As the agitator 18 rotates within the agitation chamber 22, the agitator 18 may come into contact with elongated (or fibrous) debris, including, but not limited to, hair, string, and the like. The fibrous debris 44 may have a length that is much longer than the diameter of the agitator 18. As a non-limiting example, the fibrous debris 44 may have a length that is 2-10 times longer than the diameter of the agitator 18. Due to the rotation of the agitator 18, and the length and flexibility of the fibrous debris 44, the fibrous debris 44 tends to wrap around the diameter of the agitator 18.

[0012] As can be appreciated, excessive amounts of fibrous debris 44 accumulating on the agitator 18 can reduce the efficiency of the agitator 18 and / or cause damage to the vacuum cleaner 10 (e.g., the rotation system 24 or the like). To address the issue of fibrous debris 44 wrapping around the agitator 18, the vacuum cleaner 10 can include one or more hair moving systems 49 and / or one or more comb units 50 (also referred to as debriders) disposed at least partially within the agitation chamber 22. As described herein, the hair moving system 49 can be configured to move at least a portion of the fibrous debris 44 wrapped around the agitator 18 along (and optionally removed from) the agitator 18 as the agitator 18 rotates about the pivot 20. The comb unit 50 (which may optionally be used in combination with a hair movement system 49) may be configured to slough off at least a portion of the fibrous debris 44 wrapped around the agitator 18, and the sloughed off fibrous debris 44 may be entrained through the suction tube 36 into the suction airflow and ultimately into the debris collection chamber 30. The hair movement system 49 may include one or more ribs 116, bristles 60, and / or sidewalls 62 (e.g., elastically deformable sidewalls / flaps). At least one rib 116 (shown in hidden lines) may extend into the surface cleaning head 12 and may be configured to engage (e.g., contact) the agitator 18 to urge the fibrous debris toward one or more predetermined locations on the agitator 18. For example, at least one rib 116 may extend transversely (e.g., at a non-perpendicular angle) to the longitudinal axis L of the agitator 18 such that as the fibrous debris becomes entangled around the agitator 18, the fibrous debris engages (e.g., contacts) the rib 116 and is urged toward a predetermined position along the agitator 18. Although the vacuum cleaner 10 is illustrated with both a hair moving system 49 and a comb unit 50, it should be understood that some embodiments of the vacuum cleaner 10 may include only the hair moving system 49 or the comb unit 50.

[0013] Referring now to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a hair moving system 49 is generally illustrated. The hair moving system 49 may include a plurality of bristles 60 on the agitator 18 arranged in one or more rows or strips. Alternatively (or additionally), the hair moving system 49 may include one or more side walls and / or continuous side walls (which may be referred to as flaps or elastically deformable flaps in some embodiments) 62 adjacent to at least one row of bristles 60. The row of bristles 60 and / or continuous side walls 62 are configured to reduce hair entanglement on the bristles 60 of the agitator 18. Optionally, the combination of the bristles and side walls 62 may be configured to generate an Archimedean screw force that moves / urges hair toward one or more collection regions of the agitator 18 (such as, but not limited to, the central region 41 of the agitator 18). The bristles 60 may include a row of continuous bristles 60 and / or multiple tufts of bristles 60 arranged in one or more rows.

[0014] A plurality of bristles 60 extend outwardly (e.g., generally radially outwardly) from the elongated agitator body 40 (e.g., a base portion) to define one or more continuous rows. One or more of the continuous rows of bristles 60 may be coupled (permanently or removably coupled) to the elongated agitator body 40 using one or more form-locking connections (e.g., including but not limited to tongue and groove connections, T-slot connections, or the like), interference fit connections (e.g., interference fit, press fit, friction fit, molar taper, or the like), adhesives, fastener overmolds, or the like.

[0015] The row of bristles 60 at least partially rotates about and extends along at least a portion of the longitudinal / pivot axis 20 of the elongated agitator body 40 of the agitator 18. As defined herein, a continuous row of bristles 60 is defined as a plurality of bristles 60 where the spacing between adjacent bristles 60 along the rotation axis 20 is no greater than three times the maximum cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the bristles 60.

[0016] As described above, the plurality of bristles 60 are aligned in and / or define at least one row that at least partially rotates about and extends along at least a portion of the longitudinal / pivotal axis 20 of the elongated agitator body 40 of the agitator 18. For example, at least one of the rows of bristles 60 may be arranged in a generally helical, arcuate, and / or chevron configuration / pattern / shape. Optionally, one or more of the rows of bristles 60 (e.g., the entire row or a portion thereof) may have a constant pitch (e.g., a constant helical pitch). Alternatively (or additionally), one or more of the rows of bristles 60 (e.g., the entire row or a portion thereof) may have a variable pitch (e.g., a variable helical pitch). For example, at least a portion of the row of bristles 60 may have a variable pitch configured to accelerate hair movement and / or generally direct debris toward a desired location (e.g., toward the central region 41 of the agitator 18 and / or the primary inlet 33 of the suction tube 36).

[0017] In one example, at least one row of bristles 60 may be disposed proximate (e.g., immediately adjacent) to at least one sidewall 62. The sidewall 62 may be disposed as close as possible to the bristles 60 of the nearest row while still allowing the bristles 60 to bend freely from left to right. For example, one or more of the sidewalls 62 may extend substantially continuously along the row of bristles 60. In one embodiment, the sidewall 62 may have a length at least as long as an adjacent row of bristles 60. The sidewall 62 may extend substantially parallel to at least one of the rows of bristles 60. As used herein, the term "substantially parallel" is intended to mean that the separation distance between the sidewall 62 and the row of bristles 60 remains within 25% of the maximum separation distance along the entire longitudinal length of the row of bristles 60, e.g., within 20% of the maximum separation distance along the entire longitudinal length of the row of bristles 60, and / or within 15% of the maximum separation distance along the entire longitudinal length of the row of bristles 60. Also, as used herein, the term "closely adjacent to" is intended to mean that no other structural feature or element having a height greater than the height of the sidewall 62 is disposed between the sidewall 62 and the nearest row of bristles 60, and that the separation distance D between the sidewall 62 and the nearest row of bristles 60 is 5 mm or less (e.g., 3 mm or less, 2.5 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, and / or any range between 1.5 mm and 3 mm).

[0018] Thus, one or more of the sidewalls 62 can at least partially rotate around and extend along at least a portion of the longitudinal / pivot axis 20 of the elongated agitator body 40 of the agitator 18. For example, at least one of the sidewalls 62 can be arranged in a generally helical, arcuate, and / or chevron configuration / pattern / shape. Optionally, one or more of the sidewalls 62 (e.g., an entire row or a portion thereof) can have a constant pitch (e.g., a constant helical pitch). Alternatively (or additionally), one or more of the sidewalls 62 (e.g., an entire row or a portion thereof) can have a variable pitch (e.g., a variable helical pitch).

[0019] Although the agitator 18 is shown having a row of bristles 60 with a sidewall 62 disposed behind the row of bristles 60 as the agitator 18 rotates about the pivot axis 20, the agitator 18 may include one or more sidewalls 62 both in front of the row of bristles 60, behind the row of bristles 60, and / or without a row of bristles 60. As mentioned above, one or more of the sidewalls 62 may generally extend outwardly from a portion of the elongated agitator body 40, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, one or more of the sidewalls 62 may extend outwardly from a base of the elongated agitator body 40 to which the row of bristles 60 is coupled and / or may extend outwardly from a portion of the circumference of the elongated agitator body 40. Alternatively (or additionally), one or more of the sidewalls 62 may extend inwardly from a portion of the elongated agitator body 40. For example, the radially most distal portion of sidewall 62 may be disposed at a radial distance from the pivot axis 20 of the elongated agitator body 40 that is within 20 percent of the radial distance of the adjacent periphery of the elongated agitator body 40, and the proximal most portion of sidewall 62 (i.e., the portion of sidewall 62 that begins to extend away from the base) may be disposed at a radial distance less than the radial distance of the adjacent periphery of the elongated agitator body 40. As used herein, the term "adjacent, peripheral" is intended to refer to a portion of the circumference of the elongated agitator body 40 that is within 30 degrees about the pivot axis 20.

[0020] In some examples, the agitator 18 may include at least one row of bristles 60 substantially parallel to at least one sidewall 62. According to one embodiment, at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in a row may have a total height Hb (e.g., height measured from the pivot axis 20) that is greater than a total height Hs (e.g., height measured from the pivot axis 20) of at least one adjacent sidewall 62. Alternatively (or additionally), at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in a row may have a height Hb that is 2-3 mm (e.g., but not limited to, 2.5 mm) greater than the height Hs of at least one adjacent sidewall 62. Alternatively (or additionally), the height Hs of at least one adjacent sidewall 62 may be 60-100% of the height Hb of at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in the row. For example, the bristles 60 may have a height Hb in the range of 12-32 mm (e.g., but not limited to, in the range of 18-20.5 mm) and the adjacent sidewall 62 may have a height H in the range of 10-29 mm (e.g., but not limited to, in the range of 15-18 mm).

[0021] The bristles 60 may have a height Hb that extends at least 2 mm beyond the distal-most end of the sidewall 62. The sidewall 62 may have a height Hs of at least 2 mm from the base and may have a height Hs that is 50% or less of the height Hb of the bristles 60. At least one sidewall 62 may be located sufficiently close to at least one row of bristles 60 to increase stiffness (e.g., reduce range or movement) of the bristles 60 in at least one front-to-back direction as the agitator 18 rotates during normal use. Thus, the sidewall 62 may allow the bristles 60 to bend more freely in at least one lateral-to-lateral direction compared to the front-to-back direction. For example, the bristles 60 may be 25% to 40% (including all values ​​and ranges therein) stiffer in the front-to-back direction compared to the side-to-side direction. According to one embodiment, the sidewall 62 may be located adjacent (e.g., immediately adjacent) to a row of bristles 60. For example, the distal end of side wall 62 (i.e., the end of side wall 62 furthest from the center of rotation PA) may be 0-10 mm from the row of bristles 60, such as 1-9 mm from the row of bristles 60, 2-7 mm from the row of bristles 60, and / or 1-5 mm from the row of bristles 60 (including all ranges and values ​​therein).

[0022] In another embodiment, at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in a row may have an overall height Hb that is less than the overall height Hs of at least one of the adjacent sidewalls 62. Alternatively (or additionally), at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in a row may have a height Hb that is 2-3 mm (e.g., such as, but not limited to, 2.5 mm) less than the height Hs of at least one of the adjacent sidewalls 62. Alternatively (or additionally), the height Hb of at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in a row may be 60-100% of the height Hs of at least one of the adjacent sidewalls 62. For example, the bristles 60 may have a height Hb in the range of 10-29 mm (e.g., but not limited to, in the range of 15-18 mm) and the adjacent sidewalls 62 may have a height H in the range of 12-32 mm (e.g., but not limited to, in the range of 18-20.5 mm). The sidewall 62 may have a height H that extends at least 2 mm beyond the distal-most ends of the bristles 60. The bristles may have a height Hb of at least 2 mm from their base and may rise to a height Hb that is no more than 50% of the height Hs of the sidewall 62.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the sidewall 62 comprises a flexible and / or elastomeric material and may generally be referred to as a flap and / or an elastically deformable flap. Examples of flexible and / or elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, rubber, silicone, and / or the like. The sidewall 62 may comprise a combination of flexible material and woven fabric. The combination of flexible material and woven fabric reduces wear on the sidewall 62, thereby extending the life of the sidewall 62, and also provides additional methods for cleaning and agitation. The rubber may comprise natural and / or synthetic and may be either a thermoplastic and / or a thermoset plastic. The rubber and / or silicone may be combined with a polyester fabric and / or a nylon fabric (e.g., PA66). In one embodiment, the sidewall 62 may comprise cast rubber and woven fabric (e.g., polyester fabric). The cast rubber may comprise natural rubber cast with a polyester fabric. Alternatively (or additionally), the cast rubber may include polyurethane (such as, but not limited to, PU45 Shore A) and be cast with a polyester fabric.

[0024] Since the sidewalls 62 may be assembled on a helical path, the top and bottom edges of the sidewalls 62 may be required to follow different helical paths at different helical radii. When a flexible material with reinforcement is selected to pass the life requirements, the stretch required along these edges should be considered so that the position of the assembled sidewalls 62 coincides with the different helical radii and helical paths of each edge (as the fibrous material of the composite sidewalls 62 can reduce the flexibility of the sidewalls 62). If this is not accomplished, the distal end of the sidewalls 62 may not be positioned at a constant distance (e.g., within 10 mm as described herein) from the brush bristles 60. Thus, the geometry and material selection of the sidewalls 62 may be selected to meet the spatial / location requirements of the sidewalls 62, the flexibility required to perform the anti-wrap function, and the durability to withstand normal use in a vacuum cleaner. The addition of fabric may be useful for higher agitator rotation speed applications (such as, but not limited to, upright vacuum applications).

[0025] The agitator 18 (e.g., bristles 60 and / or sidewalls 62) should be aligned within the agitator chamber 22 such that the bristles 60 and / or sidewalls 62 can contact the surface to be cleaned. The bristles 60 and / or sidewalls 62 should be sufficiently stiff (e.g., stiff enough to agitate debris from carpet) in at least one direction to engage the surface to be cleaned (e.g., but not limited to, carpet fibers) without undesirable bending, yet flexible enough to allow lateral bending. Both the size (e.g., height Hs) and position of the sidewalls 62 relative to the row of bristles 60 may be configured to generally prevent and / or reduce tangling of hair around the base or bottom of the bristles 60. The bristles 60 may be sized to clear the floor to be used when used on a hard floor. However, when the surface cleaner 10 is on carpet, the wheels sink and the bristles 60 and / or sidewalls 62 penetrate the carpet. The length of the bristles 60 and / or sidewall 62 may be selected to always be in contact with the floor regardless of the floor surface. Additional details of the agitator 18 (such as, but not limited to, the bristles 60 and / or sidewall 62) are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0070785, filed September 8, 2017, entitled Agitator With Hair Removal, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0026] As referred to herein, the hair movement system 49 (e.g., a combination of the bristles 60 and / or the sidewall 62) may be configured to move the fibrous debris 44 in a desired and / or targeted direction and / or to a desired location. According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the hair movement system 49 is configured to move the fibrous debris 44 toward the comb unit 50 and / or toward a region of the agitator 18 proximate an inlet of the suction tube 36 that is fluidly coupled to the agitation chamber 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the hair movement system 49 is configured to move the fibrous debris 44 toward a central region 41 of the agitator 18 (e.g., which may be proximate the comb unit 50) and toward the primary inlet 33 of the suction tube 36 (FIGS. 4-6) as the agitator 18 rotates within the agitation chamber 22. For example, the hair movement system 49 may be configured to move the fibrous debris 44 along the agitator 18 toward the comb unit 50 to enable the comb unit 50 to remove the fibrous debris 44 from the agitator 18 so that the fibrous debris 44 can be entrained in the suction airflow to the suction tube 36.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, the hair moving system 49 may include first and at least second (e.g., left and right) hair moving sections 66, 67. Each hair moving section 66, 67 may include one or more sidewalls 62 and / or bristles 60, as generally described herein. The sidewalls 62 and / or bristles 60 of the one or more hair moving sections 66, 67 may have a generally spiral pattern and / or a generally chevron pattern. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the hair moving sections 66, 67 may partially overlap at an overlap region 69. In the illustrated example, only the sidewalls 62 overlap, but it should be understood that only the bristles 60 may overlap and / or both the sidewalls 62 and the bristles 60 may partially overlap. As used herein, hair movement sections 66, 67 are considered to overlap if the side walls 62 and / or bristles 60 of adjacent hair movement sections 66, 67 pass through a radial cross section as the agitator 18 rotates about the pivot axis 20 within the agitator chamber 22. The amount and / or degree of overlap (i.e., the size of the overlap region 69) may vary depending on the intended application. For example, the size of the overlap region 69 may vary depending on the length of the comb unit 50, the overall length of the agitator 18, the rotational speed of the agitator 18, etc. According to one embodiment, the size of the overlap region 69 may be 10-30 mm, and the length of the agitator 18 may be 225 mm. According to another embodiment, the size of the overlap region 69 may be 4-20% of the length of the agitator 18. Of course, these are merely examples.

[0028] Optionally, the height of one or more of the sidewalls 62 and / or bristles 60 may be tapered in at least a portion of the overlap region 69. The reduction in the height of the sidewalls 62 and / or bristles 60 in the overlap region 69 may facilitate removal of the fibrous debris 44 from the agitator 18 by reducing the compressive force that the fibrous debris 44 applies to the agitator 18.

[0029] Although the hair moving system 49 has two adjacent hair moving sections 66, 67, each extending along only a portion of the length of the agitator 18, it should be understood that the hair moving system 49 may have more or less than two moving sections 66, 67. For example, the hair moving system 49 may include one or more continuous hair moving sections that extend substantially along the entire length of the agitator 18. In particular, the elongated hair moving sections may have a generally spiral and / or generally chevron pattern that may change direction at the target location to move from either end of the agitator 18 towards the target location.

[0030] Turning now to Figures 4-6, one embodiment of a comb unit 50 is generally shown. In particular, Figure 4 generally shows a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Figure 1, without the agitator 18 for clarity. Figure 5 generally shows a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Figure 1. Figure 6 generally shows a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of Figure 2, without the agitator 18 for clarity. Although only a single comb unit 50 is shown, it should be understood that the vacuum cleaner 10 may include multiple comb units 50.

[0031] The comb unit 50 may be at least partially disposed within the agitator chamber 22 and may include a plurality of fingers, ribs, and / or teeth 52 forming a comb-like structure configured to contact a portion of the length of the agitator 18 (e.g., the bristles 60 and / or the sidewalls 62 as discussed herein). The fingers 52 are configured to extend (e.g., protrude) from a portion of the vacuum cleaner 10 (such as, but not limited to, the body 13, the agitator chamber 22, the bottom surface 25, and / or the debris collection chamber 30) generally toward the agitator 18 such that at least a portion of the fingers 52 contact the ends of the bristles 60 and / or one or more of the sidewalls 62. Rotation of the agitator 18 causes the fingers 52 of the comb unit 50 to pass between the plurality of bristles 60 and / or contact one or more of the sidewalls 62, thereby preventing hair from becoming entangled on the agitator 18. It should be understood that the shapes or fingers, ribs, and / or teeth 52 are not limited to those shown and / or described in this application, unless specifically claimed as such.

[0032] According to one embodiment, at least some of the fingers 52 (e.g., all of the fingers 52) extend generally toward the agitator 18 such that the distal-most ends of the fingers 52 are within 2 mm of the sidewall 62 as the sidewall 62 rotates past the fingers 52. As such, the fingers 52 may or may not contact the sidewall 62.

[0033] Alternatively (or additionally), at least some of the fingers 52 (e.g., all of the fingers 52) extend generally toward the agitator 18 such that a distal-most end of the finger 52 contacts (e.g., overlaps) the sidewall 62 as the sidewall 62 rotates past the fingers 52. For example, the distal-most end of the finger 52 may contact up to 3 mm of the distal-most end of the sidewall 62, such as, for example, 1-3 mm of the distal-most end of the sidewall 62, 0.5-3 mm of the distal-most end of the sidewall 62, up to 2 mm of the distal-most end of the sidewall 62, and / or 2 mm of the sidewall 62 (including all ranges and values ​​therein).

[0034] The fingers 52 may be spaced along all or a portion of the longitudinal length L of the comb unit 50, such as evenly or randomly spaced along the longitudinal length L. According to one embodiment, the finger density 52 (e.g., number of fingers 52 per inch) may be in the range of 0.5 to 16 fingers 52 per inch, such as, but not limited to, 1 to 16 fingers 52 per inch, 2 to 16 fingers 52 per inch, 4 to 16 fingers 52 per inch, and / or 7 to 9 fingers 52 per inch (including all ranges and values ​​therein). For example, the fingers 52 can be spaced 2-5 mm center-to-center, 3-4 mm center-to-center, 3.25 mm center-to-center, 1-26 mm center-to-center, up to 127 mm center-to-center, up to 102 mm center-to-center, up to 76 mm center-to-center, up to 50 mm center-to-center, 2-26 mm center-to-center, 2-50.8 mm center-to-center, and / or 1.58-25.4 mm center-to-center (including all ranges and values ​​therein).

[0035] The width of the fingers 52 (e.g., also referred to as teeth) may be configured to occupy a minimum width that meets manufacturing and strength requirements. The narrower width of the fingers 52 may minimize wear on the agitator 18 and promote air flow between the fingers 52 for hair removal. The collective width of the plastic fingers 52 may be 30% or less than the total width of the comb unit 50, especially if the comb unit 50 is plastic.

[0036] The contour and width of the fingers 52 along the brush roll axis 20 may be based on construction and molding requirements. The contour of the distal end of the fingers 52 may be arcuate (e.g., rounded) or may form a sharp tip (e.g., the leading and trailing edges may intersect at a bend point to form an acute angle). According to one embodiment, the contour of the distal end of the fingers 52 may be rounded and smooth, based on material and production factors. For example, the contour of the distal end of the fingers 52 may be 0.6-2.5 mm in diameter (such as, but not limited to, 1-2 mm in diameter and / or 1.6 mm in diameter) for a 28 mm diameter agitator 18.

[0037] The root gap of the fingers 52 (e.g., the transition between adjacent fingers 52) may have a radial gap clearance of 0-25% of the major diameter of the agitator 18. For example, the root gap of the fingers 52 may be between 2-7% of the major diameter of the agitator 18, such as, but not limited to, 3-6% of the major diameter of the agitator 18, and / or 5.4% of the major diameter of the agitator 18. As a non-limiting example, the root gap of the fingers 52 may be a 1.5 mm gap for a 28 mm agitator 18.

[0038] Although the fingers 52 are shown spaced apart in a direction extending along the longitudinal length L of the comb unit 50 that is generally parallel to the pivot axis 20 of the agitator 18, it should be understood that all or a portion of the fingers 52 may extend along one or more axes (e.g., multiple axes) in one or more directions transverse to the pivot axis 20 (e.g., such as, but not limited to, in a V-shape).

[0039] The comb unit 50 extends over only a portion of the length of the stirring chamber 22, e.g., a portion corresponding to the primary suction inlet 33 of the suction tube 36. At least one comb unit 50 may be disposed proximate to the primary suction inlet 33 of the suction tube 36. As used herein, the phrase "proximate to the primary suction inlet 33 of the suction tube 36" or the like is intended to mean that the comb unit 50 is disposed within and / or upstream of the primary suction inlet 33 at a distance that is less than 20% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the primary suction inlet 33 of the suction tube 36.

[0040] In the illustrated example, the vacuum cleaner 10 is shown having a primary suction inlet 33 (best seen in FIG. 6 ) and two adjacent secondary suction inlets 71 extending laterally (e.g., left and right) from the primary suction inlet 33 along the length of the agitation chamber 22. The primary suction inlet 33 and the secondary suction inlet 71 of the suction tube 36 are defined as a transition area between the agitation chamber 22 and the suction tube 36 that defines the beginning of the suction path from the agitation chamber 22. Although the vacuum cleaner 10 is shown having only a single primary suction inlet 33 and two adjacent secondary suction inlets 71, it should be understood that the vacuum cleaner 10 may have fewer or more than two secondary suction inlets 71 and / or multiple primary suction inlets 33. In embodiments having multiple primary suction inlets 33, the vacuum cleaner 10 may optionally include multiple comb units 50. Additionally, the vacuum cleaner 10 may not have any secondary suction inlets 71.

[0041] The primary suction inlets 33 of the suction tube 36 are defined as having a height greater than the height of the adjacent secondary suction inlets 71. Thus, the primary suction inlets 33 may have a greater pressure (but a lower velocity) compared to the secondary suction inlets 71. For example, the secondary suction inlets 71 may have a height that is less than 25% of the height of the primary suction inlets 33, e.g., the secondary suction inlets 71 may have a height that is less than 20% of the height of the primary suction inlets 33, the secondary suction inlets 71 may have a height that is less than 15% of the height of the primary suction inlets 33, and / or the secondary suction inlets 71 may have a height that is less than 10% of the height of the primary suction inlets 33 (including all values ​​and ranges therein). The primary suction inlets 33 collectively have a length that is less than the length of the stirring chamber 22. For example, the total length of primary suction inlet 33 is less than 80% of the length of stirring chamber 22, e.g., the total length of primary suction inlet 33 may be less than 60% of the length of stirring chamber 22, the total length of primary suction inlet 33 may be less than 50% of the length of stirring chamber 22, the total length of primary suction inlet 33 may be less than 40% of the length of stirring chamber 22, and / or the total length of primary suction inlet 33 may be less than 30% of the length of stirring chamber 22 (including all values ​​and ranges therein).

[0042] According to one embodiment, the upper surface of the secondary suction inlet 71 may be located 3-5 mm from the surface to be cleaned when the vacuum cleaner 10 is positioned on the surface to be cleaned. The secondary suction inlet 71 may be configured to extend substantially the entire length of the agitation chamber 22 from the primary suction inlet 33. This configuration may enhance the suction of the vacuum cleaner 10 by reducing and / or eliminating dead spots within the agitation chamber 22 where the airflow is too low to entrain debris. Additionally (or alternatively), the upper surface of the primary suction inlet 33 may be 12-18 mm (e.g., 15 mm) from the upper surface of the secondary suction inlet 71 (e.g., 15-21 mm from the floor).

[0043] As discussed herein, the fingers 52 of the comb unit 50 may be configured to contact the agitator 18, e.g., the bristles 60 and / or the sidewall 62. According to one embodiment, all of the fingers 52 of the comb unit 50 may generally have substantially the same height as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6. According to one embodiment, the fingers 52 may have a height of 8-10 mm, and the comb unit 50 may have an overall length of 30-40 mm (e.g., but not limited to, 35 mm). The fingers 52 of the comb unit 50 may extend the entire length of the top of the primary suction inlet 33. Alternatively, one or more fingers 52 may have different lengths. For example, one or more fingers 52′ on the lateral region 73 may generally have a longer length, as shown in FIG. 7. In other words, the fingers 52′ corresponding to the lateral region 73 may have a length in a dimension greater than the teeth 52 corresponding to the central region 77. As a further example, one or more fingers 52' in the lateral regions 73 may be of a smaller length than one or more fingers 52 in the central region 77. An embodiment of a comb unit 93 having a plurality of fingers 94 is shown in FIG. 7A, where a portion of the plurality of fingers 94 corresponding to a central region 95 of the comb unit 93 has a length 96 that is greater than a length 96 of a portion of the plurality of fingers 94 corresponding to a lateral region 97. In FIG. 7A, the central region 95 extends between each of the lateral regions 97. A length 98 of the central region 95 may be in the range of 20% to 60% of a length 99 of the comb unit 93.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 8 , the present disclosure may also feature a plurality of cross-sectional agitator chambers 80. In particular, the cross-sectional agitator chambers 80 may extend between the agitator 18 and an inner wall 82 that defines the agitator chamber 22. The pressure within the cross-sectional agitator chambers 80 may be higher and / or lower as compared to the pressure within the agitator chamber 22 (e.g., the pressure in the agitator chamber 22 proximate the opening 23) and / or the remaining section of the suction tube 36. The cross-sectional agitator chambers 80 may be defined by bristles 60 and / or sidewalls 62 that extend from the agitator body 40 and contact the inner wall 82 of the agitator chamber 22. In particular, the bristles 60 and / or sidewalls 62 may form a localized seal with the inner wall 82. The shape, size, and pattern of the bristles 60 and / or sidewalls 62 may be used to adjust the pressure within the cross-sectional agitator chambers 80 as the agitator 18 rotates about the pivot axis 20. Although the illustrated embodiment is shown having four cross-sectional agitator chambers 80, it should be understood that the vacuum cleaner 10 may have more or less than four cross-sectional agitator chambers 80.

[0045] 9, there is generally illustrated a schematic diagram of an agitator 200, which may be an embodiment of agitator 18 of FIG 1. As shown, the agitator 200 includes at least one elastically deformable flap 202 (which may be an embodiment of sidewall 62) that extends helically around an elongated body 203 of the agitator 200 in a direction along a longitudinal axis 204 of the agitator 200. As discussed herein, the agitator 200 does not have to include bristles, although it should be understood that the agitator 200 may optionally include bristles in addition to (or without) the flap 202.

[0046] The flaps 202 may generally be described as continuous strips extending longitudinally along and away from at least a portion of the elongated body 203 of the agitator 200. In some instances, the flaps 202 may extend longitudinally along the elongated body 203 for a substantial portion (e.g., at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%) of the length 205 of the elongated body 203. The flaps 202 are configured to engage (e.g., contact) the surface to be cleaned as the agitator 200 rotates such that debris is forced, for example, in the direction of the opening / air inlet 23 of the vacuum cleaner 10 of FIG. 1.

[0047] In some instances, the flap 202 can extend helically around the body 203 of the agitator 200 according to a first direction. In other instances, the flap 202 can extend helically around the body 203 of the agitator 200 according to first and second directions such that at least one chevron shape is formed.

[0048] As the flaps 202 extend around the elongated body 203 of the agitator 200, the helical shape of the flaps 202 can be configured to urge fibrous debris toward one or more predetermined locations along the agitator 200. For example, if fibrous debris, such as hair, becomes entangled around the agitator 200, engagement (e.g., contact) of the flaps 202 with the surface to be cleaned and / or the ribs 116 of FIG. 1 can urge the fibrous debris along the agitator 200 according to the helical shape of the flaps 202.

[0049] 10 shows a schematic embodiment of a plurality of ribs 300, which may be examples of ribs 116 that engage (e.g., contact) the agitator 200. As shown, each of the ribs 300 extends laterally at a non-perpendicular angle to the longitudinal axis 204 of the agitator 200 and is configured to engage (e.g., contact) at least a portion of the flap 202. For example, a rib angle a formed between the longitudinal axis 204 and each one or more of the ribs 300 may range from about 30° to about 60°. As the number of ribs 300 increases and the rib angle a decreases, the rate at which fibrous debris is forced along the agitator 200 may increase.

[0050] In some instances, the ribs 300 may be configured to extend at least partially around the agitator 200. As such, the ribs 300 may have an arched shape. Such a configuration may increase the amount of engagement (e.g., contact) between the flaps 202 and the ribs 300. The ribs 300 are configured to deform the flaps 202 in response to the flaps 202 engaging (e.g., contacting) the ribs 300. For example, the ribs 300 may be made of plastic (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), metal (e.g., aluminum or steel alloy), and / or any other suitable material, and the flaps 202 may be made of rubber (e.g., natural or synthetic rubber) and / or any other suitable material.

[0051] In some instances, each of the ribs 300 may extend parallel to one another. In other instances, one or more of the ribs 300 may not extend parallel to at least one other of the ribs 300 (e.g., at least one rib 300 may extend transversely to at least one other rib 300). As shown, in some instances, each of the ribs 300 may be evenly spaced apart. In other instances, the ribs 300 may not be evenly spaced apart. For example, the separation distance 301 extending between the ribs 300 may decrease or increase in a direction of travel 304 extending along the longitudinal axis 204 of the agitator 200. The direction of travel 304 may generally be described as the direction in which the fibrous debris is forced.

[0052] As shown, each of the ribs 300 may be oriented such that at least a portion of at least one rib 300 overlaps with at least a portion of at least one other rib 300 (e.g., a longitudinal position along a first rib corresponds to a longitudinal position along an adjacent rib). As a result, an overlap region 303 may extend between two adjacent ribs 300. The overlap region 303 may provide a substantially continuous bias of the fibrous debris along the direction of travel 304.

[0053] As the agitator 200 rotates according to the rotational direction 302, the flap 202 engages (e.g., contacts) at least a portion of the rib 300 and moves along the peripheral edge of the rib 300. The interengagement between the rib 300 and the flap 202 urges the fibrous debris in the moving direction 304.

[0054] In some instances, there may be multiple directions of movement 304. For example, the agitator 200 may be configured to urge the fibrous debris toward both ends of the agitator 200. The direction of movement 304 may be based, at least in part, on the helical pitch of the flaps 202, the direction of rotation 302, and / or the rib angle a.

[0055] Figure 11 shows a schematic example of a plurality of ribs 400, which may be an example of ribs 116 engaging (e.g., contacting) an agitator 401, which may be an embodiment of the agitator 200 of Figure 9. As shown, the direction of rotation 402 and direction of movement 404 are opposite to those of Figure 10. As such, the directions of movement 304 and 404 may be generally described as being based at least in part on the orientation of the ribs 300 and 400.

[0056] 12 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional end view of a surface cleaning head 500, which may be an embodiment of the surface cleaning head 12 of FIG. 1. As shown, the surface cleaning head 500 includes an agitator chamber 502 configured to receive an agitator 504, which may be an embodiment of the agitator 200 of FIG. 9. The agitator 504 includes a plurality of flaps 506, and the surface cleaning head 500 includes at least one rib 508 configured to engage (e.g., contact) the plurality of flaps 506. As shown, the at least one rib 508 extends from an inner surface 501 of the agitator chamber 502. For example, the at least one rib 508 may be formed from or coupled to at least a portion of the surface cleaning head 500.

[0057] An overlap distance 512 between the rib 508 and the flap 506 can be from an engagement surface 516 of the at least one rib 508 to a distal-most portion of the flap 506 adjacent the rib 508 when the flap 506 is engaged (e.g., in contact) with the at least one rib 508. For example, the overlap distance 512 can be, at its maximum, in a range from about 1 millimeter (mm) to about 3 mm. As a further example, the overlap distance 512 can be, at its maximum, in a range from about 1 mm to about 2 mm.

[0058] In examples having multiple ribs 508, the height 514 of one or more ribs 508 may be different from at least one other rib 508. As such, the overlap distance 512 may be configured to vary between the ribs 508. Additionally or alternatively, the length 510 of the engagement surface 516 may be different from at least one other rib 508. Alternatively, the height 514 and / or the length 510 of the engagement surface 516 may be substantially the same for each of the ribs 508.

[0059] In some instances, a friction-increasing material may be coupled to at least a portion of the engagement surface 516. For example, rubber (e.g., natural or synthetic rubber) may extend along at least a portion of the engagement surface 516. Such a configuration may improve the speed at which the fibrous material is forced along the agitator 504.

[0060] 13 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a surface cleaning head 500. As shown, the surface cleaning head 500 can include a plurality of ribs 508 configured to engage (e.g., contact) the flaps 506. As shown, the ribs 508 are configured to extend at least partially around at least a portion of the agitator 504.

[0061] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a surface cleaning head 700, which may be an example of the surface cleaning head 12 of FIG. 1. The surface cleaning head 700 may include an agitator cover 702 having a plurality of ribs 704 (shown in hidden lines) extending therefrom. The agitator cover 702 may be coupled to or integrally formed with the surface cleaning head 700 such that the agitator cover 702 defines at least a portion of an agitator chamber in which an agitator (e.g., agitator 18) rotates. In some instances, the agitator cover 702 may be invisible to a user of the surface cleaning head 700 and may have a length less than the length of the agitator. For example, the surface cleaning head 700 may include multiple agitator covers 702, each agitator cover 702 corresponding to a respective distal end of an agitator, and the combined length of the agitator covers 702 is less than the total length of the agitator. FIG. 14A shows an example of an agitator cover 710 having a length less than the total length of the agitators, and FIG. 14B shows an example of an agitator chamber 712 of a robot cleaner having multiple agitator covers 710 disposed therein at opposing distal ends of the agitator chamber 712. The agitator covers 710 include ribs 714 and may be coupled to or integrally formed from the agitator chamber 712 such that the ribs 714 are positioned to engage at least a portion of the agitator. In other words, the agitator chamber 712 includes ribs at opposing distal ends of the agitator chamber 712. By positioning the agitator covers 710 at opposing distal ends of the agitator chamber 712, migration of fibrous debris on the ends of the agitators (e.g., into the bearings and / or shaft) can be reduced and / or prevented while reducing wear on the agitators.

[0062] The ribs 704 are configured to engage (e.g., contact) an agitator (e.g., agitator 18) disposed within the surface cleaning head 700 such that fibrous debris (e.g., hair) entangled around the agitator can be urged by the ribs 704 at least partially along the agitator toward one or more locations.

[0063] In some instances, the ribs 704 may extend along only a portion of the stirrer cover 702. For example, the ribs 704 may extend along a central portion of the stirrer cover 702 (e.g., a portion corresponding to 20%-60% of the length of the stirrer cover 702 that is substantially centered between the distal ends of the stirrer cover 702). As a further example, the ribs 704 may extend along one or more distal end portions of the stirrer cover 702 (e.g., a portion corresponding to 15%-40% of the length of the stirrer cover 702 that is proximate or extending from the distal end of the stirrer cover 702).

[0064] Although the ribs 704 are shown as being disposed along the agitator cover 702, the ribs 704 may be disposed elsewhere within the surface cleaning head 700. As such, the ribs 704 may be generally described as being disposed within the surface cleaning head 700 such that the ribs 704 are stationary relative to the agitator as the agitator rotates. For example, the ribs 704 may be disposed along a sidewall of the surface cleaning head 700. In these examples, the ribs 704 may not obstruct a view of the agitator through the agitator cover 702 when the agitator cover 702 is transparent and visible to a user.

[0065] Figures 15 and 16 show bottom perspective and bottom views, respectively, of the agitator cover 702 of Figure 14. As shown, each of the multiple ribs 704 extend parallel to one another and transverse (e.g., at a non-perpendicular angle) to the longitudinal axis 800 of the agitator cover 702. The ribs 704 may be generally described as oriented to urge fibrous debris toward a single distal end of the agitator.

[0066] 17 and 18 show perspective and bottom views of an agitator cover 1000 that can be used with the surface cleaning head 700 of FIG. 14. As shown, the agitator cover 1000 includes a plurality of ribs 1002. The ribs 1002 are configured to engage (e.g., contact) an agitator (e.g., agitator 18) such that fibrous debris is urged toward at least one predetermined location between the distal ends of the agitator (e.g., toward the center of the agitator). As shown, at least one of the ribs 1002 extends transversely relative to at least one other of the ribs 1002. As such, the transverse ribs 1002 may be generally described as collectively defining a chevron shape. In some instances, the agitator may include one or more flaps that extend helically around the elongated body of the agitator according to first and second directions such that the one or more flaps define a chevron shape.

[0067] 19 shows a side view of rib 1200, which may be an example of rib 116 of FIG. 1. Rib 116 may have an arched shape that extends at least partially around the agitator (e.g., agitator 18) transversely (e.g., at a non-perpendicular angle) to the agitator's longitudinal axis. As such, rib 1200 may be generally described as extending helically around the elongated body of the agitator. In some instances, rib 1200 may be coupled to a surface cleaning head (e.g., surface cleaning head 12) such that rib 1200 is stationary relative to the agitator and biases fibrous debris toward a predetermined location.

[0068] Figure 20 shows a schematic example of an agitator 1300, which may be an embodiment of the agitator 18 of Figure 1. As shown, the agitator 1300 includes a plurality of flaps 1302 and a plurality of bristle strips 1304 extending substantially parallel to corresponding flaps 1302. The bristle strips 1304 may include a plurality of individual bristles extending from an elongated body 1305 of the agitator 1300.

[0069] The bristle height 1306 may be less than the flap height 1308. For example, the bristle height 1306 may be such that when the agitator 1300 rotates within a surface cleaning head, such as the surface cleaning head 12 of FIG. 1, the bristle strip 1304 does not engage (e.g., does not contact) one or more ribs configured to urge fibrous debris along the agitator 1300. As a further example, in some instances, the bristle strip height 1306 may be such that a portion of the bristles that engage (e.g., contacts) one or more ribs is less than a portion of the flap 1302 that engages (e.g., contacts) one or more ribs. Alternatively, the bristle height 1306 may be greater than the flap height 1308. In this manner, the bristle strip 1304 may engage (e.g., contact) one or more ribs configured to urge fibrous debris along the agitator 1300. In some instances, the bristle height 1306 may be substantially equal to the flap height 1308. In this manner, both the bristle strip 1304 and the flap 1302 may engage (e.g., contact) one or more ribs configured to urge fibrous debris along the agitator 1300. In some instances, the agitator 1300 may not include the bristle strip 1304 (e.g., FIG. 9). In some examples, the bristle height 1306 and / or the flap height 1308 may be measured from the axis of rotation of the agitator 1300.

[0070] Figure 21 shows a schematic example of an agitator 1500, which may be an embodiment of the agitator 18 of Figure 1. As shown, the agitator 1500 includes a plurality of bristle strips 1502 that extend helically around an elongated body 1504 of the agitator 1500. The bristle strips 1502 may include a plurality of individual bristles extending from the elongated body 1504 of the agitator 1500.

[0071] 22 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an agitator 1600, which may be an embodiment of the agitator 18 of FIG. 1. As shown, the agitator 1600 includes an elongated body 1602 having one or more flaps 1604 extending therefrom. The flaps 1604 are configured to engage a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor). The elongated body 1602 is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation 1606 extending longitudinally through the elongated body 1602. One or more shafts 1608 may be disposed along the axis of rotation 1606 and coupled to the elongated body 1602. For example, multiple shafts 1608 may be coupled to the elongated body 1602 at both ends of the body 1602.

[0072] The first and second end caps 1610 and 1612 may be disposed at opposing distal ends of the elongated body 1602. The end caps 1610 and 1612 may be generally described as agitator covers, where the agitator cover is at least a portion that extends completely around the axis of rotation of the agitator. The first and second end caps 1610 and 1612 are configured to be fixed relative to the elongated body 1602 such that the elongated body 1602 rotates relative to the first and second end caps 1610 and 1612. For example, the first and second end caps 1610 and 1612 may be coupled to a portion of a surface cleaning head (e.g., surface cleaning head 12 of FIG. 1).

[0073] The first and second end caps 1610 and 1612 can define respective end cap cavities 1614 and 1616 having cavity sidewalls 1615 and 1617. At least a portion of the elongated body 1602 and at least a portion of the one or more flaps 1604 are received within each of the end cap cavities 1614 and 1616. When the elongated body 1602 and the one or more flaps 1604 are received within the respective end cap cavities 1614 and 1616, the cavity sidewalls 1615 and 1617 extend longitudinally along the elongated body 1602 and the one or more flaps 1604 at extension distances 1619 and 1621. The extension distances 1619 and 1621 can be, for example, in the range of 1% to 25% of the overall length 1623 of the elongated body 1602. As a further example, the extension distances 1619 and 1621 can be in the range of 5% and 15% of the overall length 1623 of the elongate body 1602. As a further example, the extension distances 1619 and 1621 can be 10% of the overall length 1623 of the elongate body 1602. As a further example, the extension distances 1619 and 1621 can be in the range of 1.3 centimeters (cm) to 5 cm. In some instances, the extension distances 1619 and 1621 can be different for each of the first and second end caps 1610 and 1612.

[0074] Each of the end caps 1610 and 1612 may include one or more ribs 1618 and 1620 extending into the end cap cavities 1614 and 1616. The one or more ribs 1618 and 1620 extend radially toward the elongated body 1602 such that the one or more ribs 1618 and 1620 engage (e.g., contact) one or more of the flaps 1604. As shown, at least a portion of the one or more flaps 1604 overlaps with one or more of the ribs 1618 and 1620. For example, the overlap between the ribs 1618 and 1620 and the one or more flaps 1604 may be in the range of 1% and 99% of the rib thickness 1625. As a further example, the overlap between the ribs 1618 and 1620 and the one or more flaps 1604 may be in the range of 10% and 75% of the rib thickness 1625. As a further example, the overlap between the ribs 1618 and 1620 and the one or more flaps 1604 can be greater than 0% and less than 99% of the rib thickness 1625. Reducing the amount of overlap between the ribs 1618 and 1620 and one or more of the one or more flaps 1604 can reduce the amount of wear experienced by the one or more flaps 1604 and extend the life of the one or more flaps 1604.

[0075] The one or more ribs 1618 and 1620 may be configured to bias fibrous debris (e.g., hair) away from the distal end of the elongate body 1602 (e.g., toward a central portion of the elongate body 1602). Interaction between the ribs 1618, 1620 and the flap 1604 may reduce and / or prevent fibrous debris from becoming entangled around the one or more shafts 1608 and / or within the one or more bearings that support the one or more shafts 1608.

[0076] The one or more flaps 1604 may be configured to cooperate with the one or more ribs 1618 and 1620 to urge the fibrous debris in a direction away from the distal end of the elongate body 1602. For example, the one or more flaps 1604 may extend helically around at least a portion of the elongate body 1602. In some instances, the one or more flaps 1604 may extend helically around at least a portion of the elongate body 1602 according to two or more directions such that one or more chevron shapes are formed. In some instances, the one or more flaps 1604 may be configured to urge the fibrous debris in a direction away from the distal end of the elongate body 1602 after the fibrous debris spaces from the end caps 1610 and 1612. In these examples, the one or more flaps 1604 can bias the fibrous debris to a common location along the elongate body 1602 so that the fibrous debris can be removed therefrom (e.g., using a comb unit / wiping rib that engages with the one or more flaps 1604 and removes the fibrous debris therefrom as a result of rotation of the elongate body 1602).

[0077] As shown in FIG. 23 , one or more ribs 1700 may extend between the end caps 1610 and 1612. The ribs 1700 may, for example, be coupled to and / or integrally formed with a portion of the surface cleaning head (e.g., the surface cleaning head 12 of FIG. 1 ) and / or one or more of the end caps 1610 and 1612. The ribs 1700 may cooperate with the ribs 1618 and 1620 of the end caps 1610 and 1612 to urge fibrous debris (e.g., hair) toward one or more common locations along the elongated body 1602. In the event that the elongated body 1602 includes one or more bristles (e.g., in addition to or instead of one or more flaps 1604), the ribs 1700 may improve the movement of fibrous debris toward one or more locations along the elongated body 1602.

[0078] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of an end cap 1800, which may be an example of the end cap 1610 of FIG. 22. As shown, the end cap 1800 defines a cavity 1802 for receiving at least a portion of an agitator (e.g., the agitator 18 of FIG. 1). The cavity 1802 is defined by a cavity sidewall 1804 extending from a cavity base 1806. The cavity sidewall 1804 may extend from the cavity base 1806 by an extension distance 1805. The extension distance 1805 extends from the cavity base 1806 to a distal surface 1810 of the cavity sidewall 1804, which is spaced apart from the cavity base 1806. The extension distance 1805 may vary along the circumference of the cavity base 1806. For example, the end cap 1800 can be configured such that the measurement of the extension distance 1805 increases with increasing distance from the surface to be cleaned when the end cap 1800 is coupled to a surface cleaning head (e.g., surface cleaning head 12 of FIG. 1). As shown, the extension distance 1805 corresponding to the floor-facing portion 1807 of the end cap 1800 is less than the extension distance 1805 corresponding to the surface cleaning head-facing portion 1809 of the end cap 1800. Such a configuration may increase the effective cleaning width of the agitator while mitigating and / or preventing hair migration to the shaft and / or bearings by leaving a larger portion of the agitator exposed on the floor-facing portion 1807 compared to the surface cleaning head-facing portion 1809.

[0079] The cavity sidewall 1804 may include one or more ribs 1808 extending from the cavity sidewall 1804 into the cavity 1802. As shown, the ribs 1808 may extend from the cavity base 1806 along the cavity sidewall 1804 toward a distal surface 1810 of the cavity sidewall 1804. The ribs 1808 may form a rib angle β with the cavity base 1806. The rib angle β may be greater than 90° or less than 90°. Thus, in some instances, the one or more ribs 1808 may extend helically along the cavity sidewall 1804.

[0080] As shown, the rib 1808 extends from the cavity base 1806 to a distal surface 1810 of the cavity sidewall 1804. In some instances, multiple ribs 1808 extend from the cavity sidewall 1804. When multiple ribs 1808 extend from the cavity sidewall 1804, the rib length 1812 corresponding to each rib 1808 may be different. For example, the rib length 1812 may be based, at least in part, on the extension distance 1805 of the cavity sidewall 1804 at a location along the circumference of the cavity base 1806 where the corresponding rib 1808 terminates. As shown, the rib length 1812 corresponding to the rib 1808 proximate the floor-facing portion 1807 of the end cap 1800 is less than the rib length 1812 corresponding to the rib 1808 proximate the surface-cleaning head-facing portion 1809 of the end cap 1800.

[0081] FIG. 25 shows another perspective view of the end cap 1800. As shown, the end cap 1800 can include a shaft opening 1902 through which at least a portion of a shaft (e.g., shaft 1608 of FIG. 22) can extend. A protrusion 1903 can extend from the cavity base 1806 and extend around the shaft opening 1902. As also shown, one or more rib openings 1904 can extend along the cavity base 1806. The rib openings 1904 can have a rib opening length 1906 that generally corresponds to the distance that a corresponding rib 1808 extends along the cavity base 1806. Thus, the rib opening length 1906 can be less than the rib length 1812 of the corresponding rib 1808.

[0082] The cavity sidewall 1804 may define an engagement region 1908 extending on an outer surface 1910 of the cavity sidewall 1804. The outer surface 1910 faces away from the cavity 1802. The engagement region 1908 is configured to, for example, engage at least a portion of a surface cleaning head (e.g., the surface cleaning head 12 of FIG. 1 ) such that the end cap 1800 is retained within the surface cleaning head. For example, the engagement region 1908 may include a raised portion 1911 and a recessed portion 1912 that collectively define a portion of a snap-fit ​​interface.

[0083] 26 and 27 show perspective views of an end cap 2000, which may be an example of the end cap 1612 of FIG. 22. As shown, the end cap 2000 includes a cavity 2002 defined by a cavity base 2004 and a cavity sidewall 2006 extending from the cavity base 2004. One or more ribs 2008 may extend from the cavity sidewall 2006 into the cavity 2002. As shown, the one or more ribs 2008 have a helical shape. In other words, the cavity base 2004, the cavity sidewall 2006, and the ribs 2008 may be similar to the cavity base 1806, the cavity sidewall 1804, and the ribs 1808 described in connection with FIGS. 24 and 25.

[0084] As shown, the end cap 2000 can include an engagement region 2010. The engagement region 2010 can be configured, for example, to engage at least a portion of a surface cleaning head (e.g., surface cleaning head 12 of FIG. 1) such that the end cap 2000 is retained within the surface cleaning head. For example, the engagement region 2010 can define a portion of a snap-fit ​​interface. Also as shown, the cavity base 1806 can be substantially planar and includes one or more rib openings 2012 and shaft openings 2014 for receiving at least a portion of a shaft (e.g., shaft 1608 of FIG. 22).

[0085] Although end caps 1800 and 2000 are illustrated as separate components from the housing / body of vacuum cleaner 10, it should be understood that any one or more of the end caps described herein may be integrally formed as part of the housing / body of vacuum cleaner 10. Any one or more of the end caps described herein may be formed as separate components from agitator 18 such that removal of agitator 18 does not result in removal of the end cap. Alternatively, one or more end caps may form part of an agitator assembly, such that removal of agitator 18 results in removal of at least one of the end caps.

[0086] In some instances, the opening or openings may extend through at least a portion of the cavity sidewalls 1804 and 2006. For example, FIG. 27A shows an example of an end cap 2750 having one or more openings 2752 extending through the cavity sidewall 2754. As shown, the opening or openings 2752 extend between adjacent ribs 2756. For example, and as shown, the collective area of ​​an opening 2752 or each of the openings 2752 may be greater than the surface area of ​​the cavity sidewall 2754. When the end cap 2750 is coupled to the surface cleaning head, a portion of the surface cleaning head extends over the opening or openings 2752. An example of an end cap 2750 within a surface cleaning head 2758 is shown in FIG. 27B. As shown, the end cap 2750 is coupled to an inner surface of the surface cleaning head 2758. For example, the end cap 2750 may be coupled to the surface cleaning head 2758 such that the end cap 2750 extends around at least a portion of a top portion of the agitator 2760. In some instances, at least a portion of the surface cleaning head 2758, at least a portion of the agitator 2760 and / or the end cap 2750 may be transparent to visible light.

[0087] 28 and 29, another embodiment of an agitator 2800 is generally shown, which may be an embodiment of the agitator 18 of FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 28 is a front view of the agitator 2800, and FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the agitator 2800 of FIG. 29 taken along line 29-29. The agitator 2800 may include at least one elastically deformable flap 2802 (which may be an embodiment of the sidewall 62) that extends helically around at least a portion of the elongated body 2804 of the agitator 2800 in a direction along a longitudinal axis 2806 of the agitator 2800. For example, the agitator 2800 may include a plurality of deformable flaps 2802, each of which has a length less than a length of the body 2804. As shown, the agitator 2800 includes a plurality of deformable flaps 2802 extending from end regions 3000, 3002 of the main body 2804 to a central region 3004 of the main body 2804. As discussed herein, the agitator 2800 does not have to include bristles, although it should be understood that the agitator 2800 may optionally include bristles in addition to (or without) the flaps 2802.

[0088] FIG. 30 illustrates one embodiment of the elongate body 2804 of the agitator 2800 of FIG. 29 without the flaps 2802 and / or bristles. The elongate body 2804 of the agitator 2800 may have a generally circular cross-section (along a cross-section generally transverse to the longitudinal axis 2806). As used herein, the phrase "generally circular cross-section" is intended to mean that the radius R of the elongate body 2804 at any point within the circular cross-section is within 25% of the maximum radius of the elongate body 2804 within the circular cross-section. In the illustrated example, the circular cross-section of the elongate body 2804 is larger at the proximal end regions 3000, 3002 than at the central region 3004. In this manner, the circular cross-section of the elongate body 2804 can be said to taper from the proximal end regions 3000, 3002 to the central region 3004. The taper of the proximal end regions 3000, 3002 may be constant (e.g., linear) and / or non-linear. In at least one embodiment, the center 3008 of the elongate body 2804 can have the smallest circular cross-section. The taper of the first proximal end region 3000 can be the same as or different from the taper of the second end region 3002.

[0089] The taper of the elongated body 2804 can increase the stiffness of the elastically deformable flaps 2802 in the proximal end regions 3000, 3002 while increasing the flexibility of the elastically deformable flaps 2802 in the central region 3004. The reduced cross-section of the central region 3004 can allow the comb unit 50 (e.g., teeth 52) to extend further into the elastically deformable flaps 2802 and / or bristles (e.g., further toward the center of the agitator 2800), thereby increasing the removal of debris (e.g., hair) by increasing the contact between the comb unit 50 and the elastically deformable flaps 2802 and / or bristles. In this manner, the teeth 52 can have a greater length in the central region 3004 compared to the teeth 52 located outside the central region 3004.

[0090] 31A-31B, another embodiment of the elongate body 2804 of the agitator 2800 of FIG. 30 is shown. Similar to FIG. 30, the elongate body 2804 may have a generally circular cross-section, with the circular cross-section of the proximal end regions 3000, 3002 being greater than the central region 3004. In at least one embodiment, the first end region 3000 may have a length extending along the longitudinal axis 2806 that is between 10% and 40% of the overall length 3100 of the elongate body 2804. For example, the length of the first end region 3000 may be between 25% and 30% of the overall length 3100 of the elongate body 2804 and / or 20% of the overall length 3100 of the elongate body 2804.

[0091] The length of the second end region 3002 along the longitudinal axis 2806 may be the same as the first end region 3000. Alternatively, the length of the second end region 3002 may be less than the first end region 3000. In at least one embodiment, the second end region 3002 may have a length extending along the longitudinal axis 2806 that is between 8% and 30% of the overall length 3100 of the elongate body 2804. For example, the length of the second end region 3002 may be between 10% and 20% of the overall length 3100 of the elongate body 2804, such as 17% of the overall length 3100 of the elongate body 2804. As a non-limiting example, the overall length 3100 of the elongate body 2804 may be 222.2 mm, the first end region 3000 may have a length of 45.7 mm, and the second end region 3002 may have a length of 36.9 mm.

[0092] As discussed herein, the proximal end regions 3000, 3002 may have a tapering radius R. The taper may be linear or non-linear (e.g., curved). In at least one embodiment, the radius R of the inner end region 3102 of the proximal end region 3000, 3002 (e.g., the region 3102 of the proximal end region 3000, 3002 adjacent the central region 3004) may be 3-15% less than the radius R of the distal end region 3104 of the proximal end region 3000, 3002 (e.g., the region 3104 of the proximal end region 3000, 3002 adjacent the end cap). For example, the radius R of the inner end region 3102 may be 5-10% less than the radius R of the distal end region 3104 and / or 8.6% less than the radius R of the distal end region 3104. The difference in radii of the end regions of the first proximal end region 3000 may be the same as or different from the difference in radii of the end regions of the second proximal end region 3002 .

[0093] As a non-limiting example, the radius R of the inner end region 3102 may be 21.25 mm and the radius R of the distal end region 3104 may be 23.25 mm. The taper of the end regions 3000, 3002 may facilitate hair movement by tapering the stiffness of the ribs / flaps and / or bristles. To this end, increasing the length of the free / unsupported portions of the ribs / flaps and / or bristles results in a reduction in the effective stiffness of the ribs / flaps and / or bristles, thereby enhancing hair movement.

[0094] 32-33, an embodiment of the flap 2802 of FIG. 29 is generally illustrated without the elongate body 2804. As described herein, the flap 2802 may extend in a generally helical manner around at least a portion of the elongate body 2804 and may be formed of an elastically deformable material. One or more of the end regions 3200, 3202 of the flap 2802 may include a chamfer or taper (e.g., the flap may include a taper in only one or each of the end regions 3200, 3202). In this manner, the height 3204 of the flap 2802 in at least a portion of the end regions 3200, 3202 may be less than the height 3204 of the flap 2802 in the central region 3206. In other words, the taper may cause the cleaning edge 3201 of the flap 2802 to approach the elongate body 2804. According to one embodiment, the height 3204 of the flap 2802 may be from the base 3208 of the flap 2802 to the cleaning edge 3201 of the flap 2802, where the base 3208 is configured to be fixed to the agitator 2800 (e.g., the elongated body 2804). Alternatively, the height 3204 of the flap 2802 may be from the axis of rotation of the agitator 2800 to the cleaning edge 3201 of the flap 2802. The taper of the end regions 3200, 3202 may be constant (e.g., linear) and / or non-linear. In at least one embodiment, the center 3210 of the flap 2802 may have the maximum height 3204. The taper of the first end region 3200 may be the same as or different from the taper of the second end region 3202.

[0095] With additional reference to FIG. 28, the first end region 3200 may be disposed within one of the proximal end regions 3000, 3002 of the elongate body 2804, and the second end region 3202 may be disposed within the central region 3004 of the elongate body 2804. The taper of the first end region 3200 may be configured to be at least partially received in an end cap, such as, for example, a moving hair end cap, such as the end caps described in FIGS. 22-27. The taper of the first end region 3200 may reduce wear and / or friction between the flap 2802 and the end cap, thereby extending the life of the flap 2802 and the end cap. In at least some embodiments, the taper of the first end region 3200 may reduce folding of the flap 2802 (both within the end cap and the portion of the flap 2802 disposed proximal and outside of the end cap) as the flap 2802 rotates within the end cap. Reducing the folding of the flap 2802 may increase the contact between the flap 2802 and the surface being cleaned, thereby enhancing cleaning performance.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 33, the taper of the first end region 3200 may have a length 3304 and a height 3306. The length 3304 may be selected based on the dimensions of the end cap into which it will be received. For example, the length 3304 may be the same as the insertion distance of the flap 2802 in the end cap, may be less than the insertion distance of the flap 2802 in the end cap, or may be greater than the insertion distance of the flap 2802 in the end cap. The taper of the first end region 3200 helps to cushion the flap 2802 from bending as it is pressed into the end cap. By way of example, the taper of the first end region 3200 may have a length 3304 of 5-9 mm and a height 3306 of 1-3 mm and / or a length 3304 of 7 mm and a height 3306 of 2 mm.

[0097] The taper of the second end region 3202 may be configured to enhance the movement of hair along the agitator 2800. In particular, the taper may enhance the movement of hair as hair tends to move to its smallest diameter. Hence, the taper of the second end region 3202 may allow hair to migrate more effectively towards a particular location. Additionally, the taper of the second end region 3202 may function as a hair storage region. To this end, the central region 3004 of the agitator 2800 may have a smaller overall diameter compared to the overall diameter of the proximal end regions 3000, 3002. Thus, hair may accumulate and wrap around the central region 3004 of the agitator 2800. As generally illustrated in FIGS. 29-30, the taper of the second end region 3202 of the first flap 2802 may partially overlap with the taper of the second end region 3202 of the adjacent flap 2802 in the central region 3004. When the flap 2802 is optionally used in combination with the debrider unit 50 and / or the ribs 116, the teeth of the debrider unit 50 and / or the ribs 116 may optionally be longer in an area adjacent the second end region 3202 of the flap 2802.

[0098] Returning to FIG. 33, the dimensions of the taper of the flap 2802 can affect the performance and / or lifespan of the flap 2802. Increasing the taper (e.g., length 3300 and / or height 3302) can improve hair movement, but too much taper can adversely affect cleaning performance. For example, too much taper of the second end region 3202 can result in a gap where the flap 2802 does not make sufficient contact with the surface being cleaned. On the other hand, too little taper of the second end region 3202 (e.g., length 3300 and / or height 3302) may not result in sufficient hair movement.

[0099] Experiments have shown that removing the inner chamfer (e.g., removing the tapered portion of the second end region 3202) removes the mid-gap, which may result in improved cleaning performance and aesthetics (no kinky chamfer), but removing the mid-gap may cause hair to accumulate on the agitator 2800 due to insufficient hair movement. A taper of the second end region 3202 with a length 3300 that is too short may reduce and / or eliminate the adverse effects caused by the mid-gap and promote hair movement, but such a configuration may result in a chamfer that is too steep, causing kink defects. For example, experiments have shown that a taper of the second end region 3202 with a length 3300 of 5 mm and a height 3302 of 7 mm results in a taper that may cause kinking to the user, causing the flap 2802 to fold back, which may impair cleaning / hair removal.

[0100] A taper of the second end region 3202 with too long a length 3300 may improve hair movement and not kink the flap 2802, but may result in a large intermediate gap. For example, experiments show that a taper of the second end region 3202 with a length 3300 of 30 mm and a height 3302 of 7 mm results in a taper with a large cleaning gap that may be detrimental to overall cleaning performance.

[0101] The inventors of the present application have unexpectedly discovered that a taper in the second end region 3202 having a length 3300 of 15-25 mm and a height 3302 of 5-12 mm allows hair to move while minimizing the intermediate cleaning gap and the size of the resulting kinks (e.g., the resulting kinks are generally not visible and do not substantially affect performance). As a non-limiting example, the taper of the second end region 3202 may have a length 3300 of 17-23 mm and a height 3302 of 6-10 mm, e.g., a length 3300 of 20 mm and a height 3302 of 7 mm. In other words, the taper of the second end region 3202 may have a length 3300 and height 3302 with a slope of 1 to 0.3, e.g., a slope of 0.28 to 0.42, a slope of 0.315 to 0.0385, and / or a slope of 0.35.

[0102] One or more tapers in the first and / or second end regions 3200, 3202 may be formed, for example, by removing a portion 3400 of the outer cleaning edge 3201 of the flap 2802 (e.g., the end that contacts the surface to be cleaned), as generally shown in Figure 34. This is particularly useful when the flap 2802 is formed from a non-woven material (such as, but not limited to, rubber, plastic, silicone, or the like).

[0103] In embodiments in which the flap 2802 is formed, at least in part, from a woven material, it may be desirable to maintain ears in one or more of the first and / or second end regions 3200, 3202. The ears extend along the cleaning edge 3201 of the flap 2802, and the ears may improve the wear resistance of the flap 2802 when compared to a portion of the cleaning edge 3201 of the flap 2802 that does not include the ears (e.g., when a portion of the flap 2802 is removed to form a taper). In at least one embodiment, the original ears are maintained and one or more of the tapers in the first and / or second end regions 3300, 3202 may be formed by modifying the attachment edge of the flap 2802. One embodiment of an ear 3500 is generally shown in FIG. In particular, the cleaning edge 3201 of the flap 2802 may be substantially straight prior to attachment to the agitator, and in the first and / or second end regions 3200, 3202, the attachment edge 3402 (which may be the base 3208) of the flap 2802 may have a shorter length 3502 as compared to the length 3504 of the flap 2802 in the central region 3206 (e.g., intermediate 3210). In at least one embodiment, the attachment edge 3402 may include a plurality of segments 3506 (e.g., molded contoured "T" segments) that straighten when the flap 2802 is attached within the agitator body 2804, thereby providing contoured (e.g., tapered) ears 3500 in the first and / or second end regions 3200, 3202. In other words, the flap 2802 may be generally described as including a plurality of segments 3506 along the attachment edge 3402 that, when attached to the body 2804, cause a taper to be formed in the flap 2802.

[0104] 36, another embodiment of an agitator 3600 is generally shown, which may be an embodiment of the agitator 18 of FIG. 1. The agitator 3600 may include an agitator body 3602 including a plurality of channels 3604 configured to receive an attachment edge 3606 of a flap 3608, for example, as generally described herein. The plurality of channels 3604 and / or the attachment edge 3606 of the flap 3608 may be configured to align the flap 3608 at an attachment angle 3610. The attachment angle 3610 may be defined as the angle between a line 3612 extending along a radius of the agitator body 3602 and a line 3614 extending along a length of the flap 3608. The lines 3612, 3614 may intersect at an outer edge 3615 of the agitator body 3602. The mounting angle 3610 may be angled toward the direction of rotation (e.g., wire 3614 may contact the surface to be cleaned before wire 3612 as the agitator 3600 rotates). The mounting angle 3610 may be any angle within the range of 10-45 degrees, e.g., 15-30 degrees, 30-25 degrees, and / or 22.53 degrees. An aggressive mounting angle 3610 improves cleaning and helps prevent hair from bending the flap 3608 and wrapping around the agitator 3600. However, if the mounting angle 3610 is too aggressive, excessive noise and / or wear may occur.

[0105] Referring now to FIG. 37, a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an end cap 3700 is generally illustrated. The end cap 3700 may be similar to the end cap 1610 of FIG. 22. Accordingly, like reference numbers refer to similar features unless otherwise noted and are not repeated for brevity. Similar to the end cap 1610, the end cap 3700 may include a plurality of ribs 3702-3712. For example, the plurality of ribs 3702-3708 may extend from an inner surface 3714 of the end cap 3700, for example, proximate to an upper region 3716 of the end cap 3700. The plurality of ribs 3702-3708 may have different heights 3718. The different heights of the ribs 3702-3708 may help reduce noise and / or wear on the flap 2802.

[0106] The height 3718 of the plurality of ribs 3702-3708 may generally inversely correspond to the taper of the flap 2802 (e.g., the taper of the first end region 3200). In at least one embodiment, the different heights 3718 of the plurality of ribs 3702-3708 may have different amounts of rib / flap engagement 3720. For example, a rib (e.g., rib 3702) closest to the distal-most end 3722 of the agitator 2800 may have a greater amount of rib / flap engagement 3720 compared to a rib (e.g., rib 3708, etc.) furthest from the end 3722 of the agitator 2800. In at least one embodiment, the end cap 3700 may include one or more ribs that engage and / or are adjacent to the flap 2802 but are not within the taper of the first end region 3200. For illustrative purposes, the rib / flap engagement portion 3720 of the closest rib (such as, but not limited to, rib 3702) and the more distant rib (such as, but not limited to, rib 3708) may taper between 2.0 mm and 0 mm, e.g., 1.5 mm and 0 mm. The spacing between adjacent ribs 3702-3712 may be constant or may vary. For example, the spacing between adjacent ribs 3702-3712 may be 2-4 mm, e.g., 2-3 mm, 2.5-2.75 mm, and / or 2.75 mm. The close proximity of the ribs / teeth 3702-3712 may prevent the hair from continuously rotating between two adjacent ribs / teeth. The ribs / teeth 3702-3712 may have a tooth width of 1-3 mm, e.g., 1-2 mm, 1.5-1.75 mm, and / or 1.75 mm.

[0107] In at least one embodiment, a bottom region 3724 of the end cap 3700 (e.g., the region of the end cap 3700 closest to the surface to be cleaned) may have a different configuration of ribs 3710-3712 compared to the top end region 3716. For example, the bottom region 3724 of the end cap 3700 may have fewer ribs compared to the top end region 3716. The ribs 3710-3712 may also extend across a smaller area of ​​the flap 2802. For example, the ribs 3710-3712 may be disposed only in the taper of the first end region 3200.

[0108] 37A shows a perspective view of an example of an agitator 3750 having a plurality of deformable flaps 3752 (which may be examples of sidewalls 62) and a plurality of tufts arranged in a plurality of bristle strips and / or rows 3754. The bristle strips and / or rows 3754 extend along and generally parallel to at least a portion of the corresponding deformable flap 3752. As shown, the length of the bristle strips and / or rows 3754 is less than the length of the corresponding deformable flap 3752. In other words, the bristle strips and / or rows 3754 extend only along a portion of the corresponding deformable flap 3752. For example, the length of the bristle strips and / or rows 3754 may be less than half the length of the corresponding deformable flap 3752.

[0109] One or more bristle strips and / or rows of tufts 3754 may be positioned in front of the corresponding deformable flap 3752 (e.g., from a rotational standpoint, the bristle strips and / or rows of tufts 3754 contact the surface being cleaned before the corresponding deformable flap 3752 immediately adjacent to the bristle strips and / or rows of tufts 3754 as the agitator rotates). Alternatively (or additionally), one or more bristle strips and / or rows of tufts 3754 may be positioned behind the corresponding deformable flap 3752 (e.g., from a rotational standpoint, the bristle strips and / or rows of tufts 3754 contact the surface being cleaned after the corresponding deformable flap 3752 immediately adjacent to the bristle strips and / or rows of tufts 3754 as the agitator rotates).

[0110] As shown, each of the deformable flaps 3752 includes a taper 3753 at a central end region 3756. The taper 3753 of the central end region 3756 for at least one deformable flap 3752 may be different from the taper 3753 of the central end region 3756 for at least one other deformable flap 3752. For example, a first group of deformable flaps 3752 may have a first taper 3753a having a first slope and a second group of deformable flaps 3752 may have a second taper 3753b having a second slope, the second slope being different from the first slope. In some instances, the first and second groups of deformable flaps 3752 may be arranged about the body 3758 of the agitator 3750 in a generally alternating manner. For example, a deformable flap 3752 having a first taper 3753a may be positioned such that the next instantly deformable flap 3752 on one side has a second taper 3753b and the next instantly deformable flap 3752 on the other side includes the first taper 3753a. As a further example, a deformable flap 3752 having a first taper 3753a may be positioned such that the next instantly deformable flap 3752 on either side has the second taper 3753b.

[0111] In some instances, the body 3758 of the agitator 3750 may narrow and / or taper toward a central portion of the body 3758. The taper may extend from a distal end of the body 3758. In some instances, the taper may extend from an end region of the body 3758 such that the taper begins at a location spaced from the distal end of the body 3758.

[0112] With reference to FIG. 37B, the bristle strip and / or row of tufts 3754 may be positioned at a passive angle as the agitator rotates. As used herein, a passive angle means that the base of the bristle strip and / or row of tufts 3754 is positioned perpendicular to the surface being cleaned before the tip of the bristle strip and / or row of tufts 3754 is positioned perpendicular to the surface being cleaned as the agitator rotates. The corresponding deformable flap 3752 may be positioned at an active angle as the agitator rotates. As used herein, an active angle means that the tip of the deformable flap 3752 is positioned perpendicular to the surface being cleaned before the base of the deformable flap 3752 is positioned perpendicular to the surface being cleaned as the agitator rotates. In FIG. 37B, the bristle strip and / or row of tufts 3754 is shown on the left and the deformable flap 3752 is shown on the right as the agitator rotates clockwise.

[0113] As referred to herein, the agitator may include one or more generally parallel bristle strips and / or rows of tufts 3754 extending along at least a portion of one or more corresponding deformable flaps 3752 (collectively referred to as bristle / flap arrangements 5000, FIG. 37C ). The length of the bristle strips and / or rows of tufts 3754 may be the same as, shorter than, or longer than the length of the corresponding deformable flap 3752. In one example, a first bristle / flap arrangement 5000a may extend from a first lateral end region 5051 of the agitator toward a central region 5052 of the agitator, and a second bristle / flap arrangement 5000b may extend from a second lateral end region 5053 of the agitator toward the central region 5052 of the agitator. The second bristle / flap arrangement 5000b may be rotationally / circumferentially offset relative to the first bristle / flap arrangement 5000a such that the first bristle / flap arrangement 5000a first contacts the surface to be cleaned before the second bristle / flap arrangement 5000b as the agitator rotates. This arrangement of the first and second bristle / flap arrangements 5000a,b may be repeated around the agitator.

[0114] In at least one embodiment, an agitator consistent with the present disclosure may include one or more first and second bristles / flap groups 5050a,b that are rotationally / circumferentially offset relative to one another. In other words, the first bristles / flap group 5050a contacts the surface to be cleaned first before the second bristles / flap group 5050b as the agitator rotates. This arrangement of the first and second bristles / flap groups 5050a,b may be repeated around the agitator.

[0115] The first bristle / flap group 5050a may extend from a first lateral end region 5051 of the agitator towards a central region 5052 of the agitator, and the first bristle / flap group 5050a may include at least two bristle / flap arrangements 5000 and / or at least one bristle / flap arrangement 5000 and one or more bristle strips and / or tuft rows 3754 or deformable flaps 3752. In at least one embodiment, the bristle strips and / or tuft rows 3754 or deformable flaps 3752 of the bristle / flap arrangements 5000 in the first bristle / flap group 5050a may be spaced apart from one another by a circumferential distance of no more than 20% of the circumference of the agitator body, e.g., no more than 15% of the circumference of the agitator body, no more than 10% of the circumference of the agitator body, and / or no more than 5% of the circumference of the agitator body.

[0116] The second bristle / flap group 5050b may extend from the second lateral end region 5053 of the agitator towards the central region 5052 of the agitator, and the second bristle / flap group 5050b may include at least two bristle / flap arrangements 5000 and / or at least one bristle / flap arrangement 5000 and one or more bristle strips and / or tuft rows 3754 or deformable flaps 3752. In at least one embodiment, the bristle strips and / or tuft rows 3754 or deformable flaps 3752 of the bristle / flap arrangements 5000 in the second bristle / flap group 5050b may be spaced apart from one another by a circumferential distance of no more than 20% of the circumference of the agitator body, e.g., no more than 15% of the circumference of the agitator body, no more than 10% of the circumference of the agitator body, and / or no more than 5% of the circumference of the agitator body.

[0117] Optionally, a central end region 3756 of the deformable flap 3752 and / or bristle strip and / or tuft row 3754 of one or more bristle / flap arrangements 5000 of the first bristle / flap group 5050a may overlap the same area on the surface to be cleaned with a central end region 3756 of the deformable flap 3752 and / or bristle strip and / or tuft row 3754 of one or more bristle and / or flap arrangements 5000 of the second bristle / flap group 5050b as the agitator rotates. In one example, the length of the bristle strip and / or tuft row 3754 in the central region of the agitator may be shorter than the corresponding deformable flap 3752 and / or may be removed.

[0118] The second bristles / flap group 5050b may be rotationally offset relative to the first bristles / flap group 5050a such that the first bristles / flap group 5050a first contacts the surface being cleaned before the second bristles / flap group 5050b as the agitator rotates. This configuration of the first and second bristles / flap arrangements 5000a,b may be repeated around the agitator. In other words, the first and second bristles / flap groups 5050a,b may generally be described as staggered around the circumference of the agitator (e.g., staggered configuration). In some instances, there may be some overlap between the first and second bristles / flap groups 5050a,b. For example, when extending helically in a staggered configuration, a portion of the first and second bristles / flap groups 5050a,b may contact the surface being cleaned simultaneously. In at least one embodiment, no portion of a bristle / flap group 5050a, b intersects or extends into the other bristle / flap group 5050a, b (e.g., no portion of the bristle / flap arrangement 5000 of either of the bristle / flap groups 5050a, b is disposed between the bristle / flap arrangements 5000 of the other bristle / flap group 5050a, b).

[0119] It should be understood that in any of the embodiments described herein, the deformable flaps, the row of bristle strips, and / or the row of tufts may contact the tines of the debrider. Alternatively (or additionally), any of the embodiments described herein may include the deformable flaps, the row of bristle strips, and / or the row of tufts that are removed (i.e., spaced apart) from the tines of the debrider such that the deformable flaps, the row of bristle strips, and / or the row of tufts do not contact the tines of the debrider. In particular, the deformable flaps, the row of bristle strips, and / or the row of tufts, and the tines of the debrider may be spaced apart from one another such that one or more layers of bristles on the agitator (e.g., two or more layers, three or more layers, etc.) may contact the debrider as the agitator rotates. Additionally, the tines of any of the debriders described herein may include rigid and / or flexible tines that can deflect upon contact with bristles on a deformable flap, a row of bristle strips, a row of tufts, and / or an agitator (e.g., the bristles of a bristle comb 5060 as generally illustrated in FIG. 37D).

[0120] The agitator 3750 may be used in any vacuum cleaner known to one of ordinary skill in the art. One example of a vacuum cleaner including a dual agitator consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 37E. The vacuum cleaner includes a surface cleaning head 100 having a housing 110 with a front side 112, a rear side 113, left and right sides 116a, 116b, an upper side 118, and a lower or bottom side 120. The housing 110 defines a suction conduit 128 having an opening 127 in the underside 120 of the housing 110. The suction conduit 128 is fluidly connected to a dirty air inlet that leads to a suction motor (not shown) either in the surface cleaning head 100 or at another location within the vacuum cleaner. The suction conduit 128 is an interior space defined by the interior walls of the housing 110 that receives and directs air drawn by suction, the opening 127 being where the underside 120 of the housing 110 meets the suction conduit 128. Although embodiments of the housing 110 are described herein for purposes of illustration, the housing 110 and its components may have other shapes and configurations. The surface cleaning head 100 includes dual rotating agitators 122, 124, e.g., a brush roll 122 and a leading roller 124. The brush roll 122 and leading roller 124 may be configured to rotate about first and second rotational axes (RA1, RA2), respectively, that extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the surface cleaning head 100 (e.g., generally perpendicular to the intended direction of suction motion of the surface cleaning head 100 and / or generally parallel to the front side 112). The rotating brush roll 122 and / or leading roller 124 may be coupled to and rotated about the rotational axes by one or more motors.

[0121] The rotating brush roll 122 (which may include an agitator 3750 shown in FIGS. 37A-D) may be at least partially disposed within the suction conduit 128 (schematically shown in dashed lines in FIG. 37E). The leading roller 124 is positioned in front of and spaced apart from the brush roll 122, and at least substantially outside the suction conduit 128. As shown in FIG. 37E, at least the inner top (e.g., at least the inner top half) of the leading roller 124 may not be exposed to the flow path to the opening 127 of the suction conduit 128. Meanwhile, at least the inner bottom of the leading roller 124 may be exposed to the flow path to the opening 127 of the suction conduit 128. The leading roller 124 may be received within a leading roller chamber 126, which may prevent the inner top half of the leading roller 124 from being exposed to the flow path. Other variations are possible in which different portions of the leading roller 124 are and are not exposed to the flow path. The space between the bottom of the leading roller 124 and the brush roll 122 forms an inter-roller air passage 146 that provides at least a partial flow path within the opening 127 of the suction conduit 128 and may allow debris to be conveyed into the suction conduit 128.

[0122] As shown, the brush roll 122 may be disposed in front of one or more wheels 130 for supporting the housing 110 on the surface 10 to be cleaned. For example, one or more larger wheels may be disposed along the rear side 114, and / or one or more smaller middle wheels (not shown) may be provided in a central section on the underside of the housing 110, and / or along the left and right sides 116a, 116b. Other wheel configurations may also be used. The wheels 130 may also facilitate moving the surface cleaning head 100 along the surface 10 to be cleaned, and may allow a user to easily tilt and pivot the surface cleaning head 100 (e.g., the brush roll 122 and / or the leading roller 124) away from the surface 10 to be cleaned. The rear wheels 130 and the middle wheels may provide the primary contact with the surface to be cleaned, and thus the primary support for the surface cleaning head 100. When the surface cleaning head 100 is positioned on the surface 10 to be cleaned, the leading roller 124 may rest on the surface 10 being cleaned. In other embodiments, the leading roller 124 may be positioned such that the leading roller 124 is located just above the surface to be cleaned.

[0123] One or more comb units, debris protrusions, and / or ribs may contact the surface of the leading roller 124 and / or brush roll 122 to facilitate removal of debris and / or move bristles to a desired location. The comb units, debris protrusions, and / or ribs may include any comb units, debris protrusions, and / or ribs known to one of skill in the art and / or described herein, including, but not limited to, comb units 50, 93, debris protrusions 150, and comb units, debris protrusions, and / or ribs including ribs 508, 704, 1002, 1200, 1700, 1808, 2008, and 3702.

[0124] According to one embodiment, one or more sealing strips 170, 172 may be positioned along the rear and left and right sides of the opening 127 to the suction conduit 128. The sealing strips 170, 172 may contact the surface 10 to be cleaned and seal against the surface with the leading roller 124 contacting the surface 10 forward of the roller. Side edge vacuum passages may be formed between the side sealing strips 172 and the leading roller 124 to direct air into the inter-roller air passages 146 and back towards the opening 127 of the suction conduit 128. Thus, the side edge vacuum passages and the inter-roller air passages 146 provide at least a portion of an air flow path to the suction conduit 128.

[0125] The housing 110 may be open at the front side 112 such that a front portion of the leading roller 124 is exposed to facilitate edge cleaning. According to one embodiment, the housing 110 may include a front bumper 160 that extends from the front side 112 of the housing 110 just beyond (or at least to) the front contact surface of the leading roller 124 such that the bumper 160 first contacts the vertical surface 12 to prevent damage to the leading roller 124. The bumper 160 may be sufficiently resilient to bend or compress to allow the leading roller 124 to contact the vertical surface 12 for edge cleaning.

[0126] The rotating brush roll 122 may have bristles, fabric, or other cleaning elements, or any combination on the exterior of the brush roll 122. For example, the rotating brush roll 122 may include an agitator 3750. The agitator 3750 may further have two deformable flaps 3752 in front of each row of bristle strips 3754. In this manner, two deformable flaps 3752 may be positioned in front of (e.g., directly in front of) each bristle strip 3754 and two deformable flaps 3752 may be positioned behind (e.g., directly behind) each bristle strip 3754 as the agitator 3750 rotates. Positioning two deformable flaps 3752 in front of each bristle strip 3754 and two deformable flaps 3752 behind each bristle strip 3754 may increase the number of agitating interactions, thereby improving carpet cleaning. One or more of the deformable flaps 3752 may include holes (eg, as shown in FIG. 57) that may reduce the stiffness of the deformable flap 3752, thereby reducing noise.

[0127]

[0128] Additionally, reducing the harness (#4) of the deformable flap 3752 can reduce flap impact and snapback forces and reduce noise. Reducing the OD of the flap tip / engagement of the flap with the floor (#3) can increase thick carpet agitation and reduce noise. Optionally, the bristle strip 3754 can be replaced with a row of bristle tufts. The bristle tufts can increase thick carpet agitation and thereby improve carpet cleaning. The bristle strip 3754 can be at an active angle, which can increase thick carpet and abrasive agitation, enhance carpet cleaning and pet hair pick-up. The diameter / stiffness of the bristle filament length can be increased to improve thick carpet agitation and carpet cleaning. Alternatively, the diameter / stiffness of the bristle filament length can be decreased to reduce human hair entrapment and improve hair movement capabilities (e.g., hair movement to the center). The shape of the bristle filaments may be modified to one or more of several shapes shown in FIG. 58:

[0129]

[0130] A change in the shape of the bristles may increase cleaning or pet hair pick-up. Soft material can be added between the deformable flaps 3752 to increase fine scrubbing / wiping of hard floors and increase pick-up of caked-on dirt. The rotational speed of the agitator 3750 can be decreased to decrease the total number of interactions, thereby reducing noise.

[0131] Other examples of brush rolls and agitators are shown and described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 9,456,723 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0220082, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0132] The leading roller 124 may include a relatively soft material (e.g., soft bristles, fabric, felt, nap, or pile fabric) arranged in a pattern (e.g., a spiral pattern) to facilitate debris capture, as described in more detail below. The leading roller 124 may be selected to be substantially more flexible than the brush roll 122. The softness, length, diameter, arrangement, and elasticity of the bristles and / or pile fabric of the leading roller 124 may be selected to form a seal with hard surfaces (e.g., hard wood floors, tile floors, laminate floors, etc.), while the bristles of the brush roll 122 may be selected to agitate carpet fibers, etc. For example, the leading roller 124 may be at least 25% softer than the brush roll 122, or the leading roller 124 may be at least 30% softer than the brush roll 122, or the leading roller 124 may be at least 35% softer than the brush roll 122, or the leading roller 124 may be at least 40% softer than the brush roll 122, or the leading roller 124 may be at least 50% softer than the brush roll 122, or the leading roller 124 may be at least 60% softer than the brush roll 122. The softness may be determined based on, for example, the flexibility of the brush bristles or pile fabric used.

[0133] The size and shape of the bristles and / or pile fabric may be selected based on the intended application. For example, the leading roller 124 may include bristles and / or pile fabric having a length of 5-15 mm (e.g., 7-12 mm) and may have a diameter of 0.01-0.04 mm (e.g., 0.01-0.03 mm). According to one embodiment, the bristles and / or pile fabric may have a length of 9 mm and a diameter of 0.02 mm. The bristles and / or pile fabric may have any shape. For example, the bristles and / or pile fabric may be straight, arcuate, and / or have a compound shape. According to one embodiment, the bristles and / or pile fabric may have a generally U- and / or Y-shape. The U- and / or Y-shaped bristles and / or pile fabric may increase the number of points of contact with the floor surface 10, thereby enhancing the cleaning function of the leading roller 124. The bristles and / or pile fabric may be made on any material, such as, but not limited to, nylon 6 or nylon 6 / 6.

[0134] The leading roller 124 may have an outer diameter Dlr smaller than the outer diameter Dbr of the brush roll 122. For example, the diameter Dlr may be greater than zero and less than or equal to 0.8 Dbr, greater than zero and less than or equal to 0.7 Dbr, or greater than zero and less than or equal to 0.6 Dbr. According to an exemplary embodiment, the diameter Dlr may be in the range of 0.3 Dbr to 0.8 Dbr, in the range of 0.4 Dbr to 0.8 Dbr, in the range of 0.3 Dbr to 0.7 Dbr, or in the range of 0.4 Dbr to 0.7 Dbr. As an illustrative example, the brush roll 122 may have an outer diameter of 48 mm and the leading roller 124 may have an outer diameter of 30 mm. The leading roller 124 may have an outer diameter Dlr smaller than the outer diameter Dbr of the brush roll 122, but the brush roll 122 may have bristles longer than the bristles and / or pile fabric of the leading roller 122.

[0135] Positioning the leading roller 124 (having a diameter Dlr smaller than the diameter Dbr of the brush roll 122) in front of the brush roll 122 provides a number of benefits. For example, this arrangement reduces the height Hf (e.g., see FIG. 1 ) of the front side 112 of the surface cleaning head 100 (e.g., housing 110) from the surface 10 being cleaned. The reduction in the height Hf of the front side of the surface cleaning head 100 provides a lower profile that allows the surface cleaning head 100 to fit under objects (e.g., furniture and / or cabinets). Additionally, the lower height Hf allows the surface cleaning head 100 to fit under objects while still allowing for the addition of one or more light sources 111 (e.g., but not limited to, LEDs).

[0136] Additionally, the smaller diameter Dlr of the leading roller 124 allows the axis of rotation of the leading roller 124 to be positioned closer to the front side 112 of the surface cleaning head 100. As it rotates, the leading roller 124 forms a generally cylindrical protrusion having a radius based on the overall diameter of the leading roller 124. As the diameter of the leading roller 124 decreases, the bottom contact surface 140 (FIG. 1) of the leading roller 124 moves forward toward the front side 112 of the surface cleaning head 100. Additionally, when the surface cleaning head 100 contacts a vertical surface 12 (e.g., but not limited to, a wall, trim, and / or cabinet), the bottom contact surface 140 of the leading roller 124 also moves closer to the vertical surface 12, thereby enhancing leading edge cleaning of the surface cleaning head 100 as compared to a larger diameter leading roller. Additionally, the smaller diameter Dlr of the leading roller 124 also reduces the load / drag on the motor driving the leading roller 124, thereby extending the life of the motor and / or allowing a smaller motor to be used to rotate both the brush roll 122 and the leading roller 124.

[0137] Referring generally to Figure 38, another embodiment of a vacuum cleaner 3800 is illustrated. The vacuum cleaner 3800 may include a head 3802 (which may optionally include one or more agitators as described herein), a wand 3804 (which may optionally include one or more joints 3806 configured to allow the wand 3804 to bend between an extended position and a bent position, for example as shown), and a hand vacuum 3808. The hand vacuum 3808 may include the head 3802, the wand 3804, and a debris collection chamber 3810 for generating an airflow (e.g., a partial vacuum) in the debris collection chamber 3810 to suck up debris proximate to the head 3802, and a vacuum source 3812 (e.g., a suction motor or similar). The wand 3804 may define a wand longitudinal axis 3814 extending between a first end 3816 configured to be coupled to the head 3802 and a second end 3818 configured to be coupled to the hand vacuum 3808. One or more of the first and second ends 3816, 3818 may be removably coupled to the head 3802 and the hand vacuum 3808, respectively.

[0138] 39, the hand cleaner 3808 of FIG. 38 is shown in more detail. In particular, the hand cleaner 3808 may include a wand connector 3900 having a first end region 3902 fluidly connected to the second end 3818 of the wand 3804 and a second end region 3904 connected to a handle body 3906 that forms a part of the body 3908 of the hand cleaner 3808. The wand connector 3900 includes a longitudinal wand axis 3910 that extends through the first end region 3902 to the second end region 3904 and through at least a portion of the handle body 3906. The longitudinal wand axis 3910 may be parallel to the wand longitudinal axis 3814. For example, the longitudinal wand axis 3910 may be collinear with the wand longitudinal axis 3814.

[0139] The handle body 3906 further includes a handle 3912 in the form of, for example, a pistol grip that a user can grasp to operate the hand vacuum 3808. The handle body 3906 may optionally include one or more actuators (e.g., buttons) 3914. The actuator 3914 may be located anywhere on the hand vacuum 3808 (for example, but not limited to, on the handle body 3906). The actuator 3914 may be configured to adjust one or more parameters of the hand vacuum 3808 and / or the head 3802. For example, the actuator 3914 may turn on power to the suction motor 3812 and / or one or more rotatable agitators located in the head 3802.

[0140] Alternatively, or in addition to the actuator 3914, the handle body 3906 may include a trigger 3916 configured to adjust one or more parameters of the hand vacuum 3808 and / or the head 3802. The trigger 3916 may be located at least partially between the handle 3912 and the wand connector 3900 and may move along a trigger direction 3918. The trigger direction 3918 may be linear or non-linear (e.g., arcuate, etc.). In at least one embodiment, the trigger direction 3918 may be parallel to the longitudinal wand axis 3910 and / or the wand longitudinal axis 3814. For example, the trigger direction 3918 may be collinear with the longitudinal wand axis 3910 and / or the wand longitudinal axis 3814. The trigger direction 3918 may extend through at least a portion of the wand connector 3900 and / or the wand 3804. The trigger 3916 may be particularly suitable for adjusting the suction power of the suction motor 3812 and / or for adjusting the rotational speed of one or more rotatable agitators located within the head 3802. The positioning of the trigger 3916 may provide an ergonomically friendly design that makes the vacuum cleaner 3800 easy to use.

[0141] 40-47, further details of one embodiment of the hand vacuum 3808 of FIGS. 38-39 are shown. In particular, an air pathway 4000 may extend from a wand 3804 (not shown), through a wand connector 3900 (e.g., through a first end region 3902) and into a debris collection chamber 3810. At least a portion of the debris may be collected within the debris collection chamber 3810, for example, through an inlet 4001 (FIGS. 43-44) of the debris collection chamber 3810 that is coupled to a second end region 3904 of the wand connector 3900. The air pathway 4000 may extend from the debris collection chamber 3810 and through one or more primary filters 4002 (see, e.g., FIGS. 43-44). In at least one embodiment, the primary filter 4002 may generally include one or more cyclone filters 4004, as shown, although it should be understood that any filter may be used. Optionally, the air path 4000 extends through one or more secondary (e.g., second stage) filters 4006 (e.g., FIG. 45). The secondary filters 4006 may include any known filter, such as, but not limited to, a plurality of cyclones 4008. The plurality of second stage cyclones 4008 may be smaller than the primary filter 4002 and may be configured to separate smaller debris particles from the air path 4000 than the primary filter 4002. The secondary filter 4006 may be located in the air path 4000 between the primary filter 4002 and the vacuum source 3812.

[0142] Optionally, one or more pre-motor filters 4010 may be provided (e.g., FIG. 46). The pre-motor filter 4010 may be located in the air path 4000 between the primary filter 4002 and the vacuum source 3812, for example, between the secondary filter 4006 and the vacuum source 3812. The pre-motor filter 4010 may be configured to separate smaller debris particles from the air path 4000 than the primary filter 4002 and / or the secondary filter 4006. In at least one embodiment, the pre-motor filter 4010 may include one or more foam layers, fabric and / or woven layers, or the like. Optionally, exhaust air in the air path 4000 exits the vacuum source 3812 through one or more post-motor filters 4012 (see, e.g., FIG. 47). For example, the post-motor filter 4012 may include a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, or the like.

[0143] Although various features disclosed herein are shown in combination with a hand-operated vacuum cleaner, any one or more of these features may generally be incorporated into a robotic vacuum cleaner, as shown in FIG. 48. It should be understood that the robotic vacuum cleaner shown is for illustrative purposes only, and that the robotic vacuum cleaner may not include all of the features shown in FIG. 48 and / or may include additional features not shown in FIG. 48. The robotic vacuum cleaner may include an air inlet 23 fluidly coupled to a debris compartment 30 and a suction motor 32. The suction motor 32 sucks debris into the air inlet 23 and deposits it in the debris compartment 30 for later disposal. The robotic vacuum cleaner may optionally include one or more agitators 18 disposed at least partially within the air inlet 23. The agitators 18 may be driven by one or more motors disposed within the robotic vacuum cleaner. As a non-limiting example, the agitators 18 may include a rotatable bushing bar having a plurality of brush bristles and / or a sidewall 62 (e.g., an elastically deformable flap). The robotic vacuum cleaner may include one or more wheels 16 coupled to a respective drive motor 910. As such, each wheel 16 may be generally described as being independently driven. The robotic vacuum cleaner may be steered by adjusting the rotational speed of one of the wheels 16 relative to another of the wheels 16. The one or more side brushes 918 may be positioned such that a portion of the side brush 918 extends at least to (e.g., beyond) a perimeter defined by the vacuum housing 13 of the robotic vacuum cleaner. The side brush 918 may be configured to urge debris toward the air inlet 23 such that debris located beyond the perimeter of the vacuum housing 13 may be collected. For example, the side brush 918 may be configured to rotate in response to activation of the side brush motor 920.

[0144] A user interface 922 may be provided to allow a user to control the robotic vacuum cleaner. For example, the user interface 922 may include one or more push buttons corresponding to one or more features of the robotic vacuum cleaner. The robotic vacuum cleaner may optionally include a power source (such as one or more batteries) and / or one or more displaceable bumpers 912 disposed along a portion of a perimeter defined by the vacuum housing 13 of the robotic vacuum cleaner. In this manner, the displaceable bumpers 912 are displaced in response to engagement (e.g., contact) of at least a portion of an obstacle spaced apart from the surface to be cleaned. Thus, the robotic vacuum cleaner may avoid being trapped between the obstacle and the surface to be cleaned. The robotic vacuum cleaner may include any one or more of the various features disclosed herein.

[0145] 49-54, another embodiment of a vacuum cleaner 10 consistent with the present disclosure is generally illustrated. As referred to herein, the term vacuum cleaner 10 is intended to refer to any type of vacuum cleaner, including, but not limited to, hand-operated vacuum cleaners and robotic vacuum cleaners. Non-limiting examples of hand-operated vacuum cleaners include upright vacuum cleaners, canister vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners, and central vacuum cleaner systems. Thus, although various aspects of the present disclosure may be illustrated and / or described in the context of a hand-operated vacuum cleaner or a robotic vacuum cleaner, it should be understood that features disclosed herein are applicable to both hand-operated vacuum cleaners and robotic vacuum cleaners, unless otherwise indicated.

[0146] The vacuum cleaner 10 may include a cleaning head (which may also be referred to as a nozzle and / or cleaning nozzle) 12 and optionally a handle 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 14 is pivotally coupled to the cleaning head 12, such as by a wand, such that a user may grasp the handle 14 while standing to move the cleaning head 12 over a surface 114 (e.g., a floor) to be cleaned using one or more wheels 16. However, it should be understood that the cleaning head 12 and the handle 14 may be an integrated or unitary structure (e.g., a vacuum cleaner with a handle, etc.). Alternatively, the handle 14 may be eliminated (e.g., in a robotic vacuum cleaner, etc.).

[0147] The cleaning head 12 includes a cleaning head body or housing 13 that at least partially defines / contains one or more agitator chambers 22 (best seen in FIG. 53). The agitator chambers 22 include one or more openings (or air inlets) 23 defined in and / or by a portion of a bottom surface / plate 25 of the cleaning head 12 / cleaning head body 13. At least one rotatable agitator or brush roll 18 is configured to be coupled to the cleaning head 12 (either permanently or removably coupled thereto) and configured to rotate about a pivot axis 20 within the agitator chamber 22 (e.g., in the direction of and / or against arrow A in FIG. 50) by one or more rotation systems.

[0148] The cleaning head 12 may optionally include a cover plate 4901. The cover plate 4901 (which may be formed at least in part by a transparent and / or translucent material) may be removably coupled to the cleaning head body 13 or may be permanently coupled to the cleaning head body 13 (and thus may be considered a part of the cleaning head body 13). In either case, the cover plate 4901 may form at least a portion of the agitator chamber 22. The transparent and / or translucent cover plate 4901 may allow a user to view the agitator 18 rotating within the agitator chamber 22. The agitator cover 4901 may include any agitator cover known to those skilled in the art, such as, but not limited to, the agitator covers 702, 710, 1000, which optionally include ribs 704, 714, 1002.

[0149] The cleaning head 12 may include an exposed leading edge 4902. The exposed leading edge 4902 may be formed by a portion of the cover plate 4901 and / or cleaning head body 13 and may be configured to allow large debris and / or piles of debris to directly contact the agitator 18, rather than contacting the cleaning head 12 (e.g., the cover plate 4901 and / or the cleaning head body 13). In particular, a height H1 (see, e.g., FIG. 51 ) of the exposed leading edge 4902 from the surface 114 to be cleaned may be 25-150% (e.g., 50-125%) of a height H2 of the pivot 20 from the surface 114 to be cleaned. In at least one embodiment, the height H1 of the exposed leading edge 4902 may be equal to or greater than the height H2 of the pivot 20 from the surface 114 to be cleaned. The exposed leading edge 4902 may extend along substantially the entire length L of the agitator 18 (e.g., more than 75% of the length L of the agitator 18) and / or along only a portion (e.g., 50-75% of the length L of the agitator 18).

[0150] The cleaning head 12 may include one or more end caps 5001. One or more of the end caps 5001 may be at least partially formed and / or may extend along a portion of the cleaning head body 13 and / or cover plate 4901 exposed to the agitator chamber 22. The end cap 5001 may include any end cap design known to one of skill in the art and / or any of the end caps described herein, such as, but not limited to, end caps 1610, 1612, 1800, 2000, and 2750. The end cap 5001 may include one or more ribs 5002 (e.g., but not limited to, ribs 1618, 1620, 1808, 2008, 2756) configured to contact a portion of the agitator 18 (e.g., but not limited to, a soft material, a bristle strip, and / or a flap of the agitator 18) as the agitator 18 rotates within the agitator chamber 22. In at least one embodiment, the end cap 5001 extends along one or more of the lateral end regions of the agitator 18 and may contact up to 25% of the length L of the agitator 18, although it should be understood that the end cap 5001 may extend across substantially the entire length L of the agitator 18. The end cap 5001 may extend radially around the entire circumference of the agitator 18. For example, the ribs 5002 of the end cap 5001 may extend 360 degrees around the circumference of the agitator 18 and / or contact the agitator.

[0151] The end caps 5001 may be disposed adjacent to and / or define lateral ends (e.g., left and right sides) of the cleaning head 12 and / or the agitator chamber 22. For example, the first and second end caps 5001 may be disposed at opposite distal ends of the elongated body of the agitator 18, and either of the end caps 5001 may be removably coupled to the cleaning head 12 or may be permanently coupled to the cleaning head 12. Upon removal of the end cap 5001, all of the ribs 5002 associated with the end cap 5001 may be simultaneously removed along with the end cap 5001. Alternatively, all or a portion of the ribs 5002 may remain within the agitator chamber 22 when the end cap 5001 is removed. In this example, all or a portion of the ribs 1618, 1620, 1808, 2008, 2756 disposed within the agitator chamber 22 after the end cap 4904 is removed may be separately removed from the agitator chamber 22 or may be permanently disposed within the agitator chamber 22. With reference to FIGS. 52 and 55, a first portion / subset 5201 of the ribs 5002 may be formed by the agitator cover 4901 and / or the cleaning head body 13, and a second portion / subset 5202 of the ribs 5002 may be part of the removable end cap 5001a (note, the agitator cover 4901 and / or the cleaning head body 13 forming the first portion / subset 5201 of the ribs 5002 are not shown in FIG. 55, and the second portion / subset 5202 of the ribs 5002 are disposed on the inner surface of the removable end cap 5001 in FIG. 55). In this manner, when end cap 5001a is removed, the second portion / subset 5202 of ribs 5002 is simultaneously removed with end cap 5001a, while the first portion / subset 5201 of ribs 5002 remains within the agitator chamber 22.

[0152] The end cap 5001 may be removably secured to the cleaning head 12 (e.g., cleaning head body 13) using any mechanism known to one of skill in the art, including, but not limited to, one or more fasteners, screws, bolts, biased tabs, detents, clips, locks, nuts, etc. Optionally, one or more seal strips may be disposed along the rear of the opening 23 of the agitator chamber 22 and / or along all or a portion of the lateral (e.g., left and right) sides of the opening 23 of the agitator chamber 22. Side seal strips may extend from the end cap 5001. The end cap 5001 may optionally include and / or define side edge air passages configured to direct vacuum air flow from the side edges of the cleaning head 12 toward the opening 23 of the agitator chamber 22.

[0153] The cleaning head 12 and / or agitator chamber 22 may include one or more comb units / debriders 5400 (best seen in FIG. 54). The comb units / debriders 5400 may include any comb unit / debrider known to one of skill in the art and / or described herein. For example, the comb unit 5400 may include a comb unit 50 generally described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-7. In at least one embodiment, the comb unit 50 may be configured to contact a portion of the agitator 18 (such as, but not limited to, a soft material, a bristle strip, and / or a flap of the agitator 18) as the agitator 18 rotates within the agitator chamber 22.

[0154] 52 and 53, one embodiment of an agitator 5210 is generally illustrated that is consistent with agitator 18. The agitator 5210 may be used in any vacuum cleaner 10 known to those of skill in the art, including any vacuum cleaner described herein, such as, but not limited to, the vacuum cleaner of FIGS. 49-60 and / or a robotic vacuum cleaner. The agitator 5210 may be used alone or in combination with one or more additional agitators 18. When used in combination with one or more additional agitators 18, the agitator 5210 may be a leading roller, a trailing roller, and / or a middle roller (i.e., between a leading roller and a trailing roller).

[0155] The agitator 5210 may include an elongated body or core 5300 (see, e.g., FIG. 53) having a long axis LA extending along the pivot axis 20 of the agitator 5210. The elongated body or core 5300 may be formed from a substantially rigid material configured to enable the agitator 5210 to rotate within the agitator chamber 22. The elongated body or core 5300 may have a generally cylindrical shape (see, e.g., FIG. 53) or may have a tapered design as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 656,930, filed October 18, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. As can be seen, the agitator 5210 includes at least one soft cleaning feature 5302 and at least one elastically deformable flap 5304 (which may be an example of a sidewall) and / or at least one continuous bristle row 5305 (note, the continuous bristle row 5305 may be replaced with a row of multiple adjacent tufts) disposed within the at least one channel 5310 and extending spirally circumferentially and radially outwardly from at least a portion of the elongated body / core 5300 of the agitator 5210 in a direction along the longitudinal axis LA of the agitator 5210. As described herein, the agitator 5210 may generally be considered a napped roller having at least one channel 5310 and a soft material forming at least one elastically deformable flap 5304 and / or bristle row 5305 disposed therein.

[0156] The soft cleaning feature 5302 may include a plush, dense pile fabric (e.g., but not limited to, velvet or velvet-like material) formed from relatively flexible filaments / materials. The pile fabric may be similar to the raised or fluffy surface of a carpet, rug, or fabric, and may comprise filaments woven onto a fabric carrier member (not shown) that is attached to the elongated body 5300, for example, using an adhesive. The length of the pile fabric filaments may range from 5 to 30 mm, e.g., 5 to 25 mm, 5 to 15 mm, and / or 5 to 10 mm, including all ranges and values ​​therein. The fabric carrier may be in the form of a strip that is wound onto the elongated body 5300 such that the pile fabric is substantially continuous and substantially covers the outer surface of the elongated body 5300 as described herein. Alternatively, the carrier member may be in the form of a cylindrical sleeve into which the elongated body 5300 is inserted.

[0157] The pile material may include synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, petroleum-based acrylic or acrylonitrile, natural fibers (such as wool or animal fur), or wood pulp-based rayon, and / or may be derived from blended fibers. The nap or pile of the soft cleaning feature 5302 may be configured to agitate and / or transport debris toward the opening 23 of the cleaning head 12 and / or form a seal with the surface 114 being typically cleaned. Due to the softness of the pile / nappy, the soft cleaning feature 5302 may dampen vibrations, absorb sound, and / or reduce damage (e.g., scratches) to floor surfaces (e.g., but not limited to, hardwood floors or the like). As a non-limiting example, the soft cleaning feature 5302 may have a density of 5001 to 8250 grams / cm, e.g., 6600 grams / cm. The pile fabric of the soft cleaning features 5302 may extend approximately 2-25 cm, for example 2-15 m, 2-10 cm, and / or 7 mm (including all ranges and values ​​therein) from the elongate body or core 5300. The density and diameter of the filaments may be tailored to provide the desired softening and deformability as well as generally form a seal with the surface 114 being cleaned.

[0158] The agitator 5210 may include one or more channels 5310 in which at least one elastically deformable flap 5304 and / or bristles row 5305 are at least partially disposed. The channel 5310 may be configured to allow the elastically deformable flap 5304 and / or bristles row 5305 to move forward and backward as the agitator 5210 rotates. In at least one embodiment, the channel 5310 may have a width adjacent to the opening that is about 3-20 mm wide (front to back), e.g., 5-15 mm wide, 6-12 mm wide, and / or about 8 mm wide (including all ranges and values ​​therein).

[0159] The channel 5310 may be at least partially formed and / or defined by the soft cleaning feature 5302. In at least one embodiment (see, e.g., FIGS. 25-27), the channel 5310 may have a "U" cross-sectional shape including a base 5312 (which may be formed by the elongated body 5300) and two side walls 5314, 5316 (which may be formed by the soft cleaning feature 5302). The side walls 5314, 5316 may be substantially perpendicular to a surface of the elongated body 5300 and / or may extend at an obtuse and / or acute angle to a surface of the elongated body / core 5300. Alternatively (or additionally), the channel 5310 may have a "V" cross-sectional shape with the two side walls 5314, 5316 extending from a base region of the elastically deformable flap 5304 and / or the row of bristles 5305.

[0160] One or more channels 5310 may extend from one of the ends or end regions 5320, 5322 of the agitator 5210 generally toward a central region 5324 of the agitator 5210. As generally illustrated in FIG. 52, the channels 5310 may extend from the ends or end regions 5320, 5322 and terminate at the central region 5324. In this manner, the length of each of the channels 5310 is less than the length of the body / core 5300. The portions 2326 of the channels 5310 may overlap longitudinally with one another in the central region 5324 as the agitator 5210 rotates about the pivot axis (i.e., the portions 2326 of the channels 5310 may contact the same area of ​​the bed as the agitator 5210 rotates). The channels 5310 may extend linearly and / or non-linearly across the agitator 5210. However, it should be understood that one or more of the channels 5310 may extend completely or substantially completely through the length of the body / core 5300 .

[0161] The left and right channels 5310 may be rotationally / circumferentially offset relative to each other as the agitator 5210 rotates. In other words, the left channel 5310 will be first in contact with the surface to be cleaned before the right channel 5310 as the agitator rotates. Of course, two or more channels 5310 on the left side may be first in contact with the surface to be cleaned before one or more channels 5310 on the right side as the agitator rotates. This arrangement of left and right channels 5310 may be repeated around the agitator 5210.

[0162] In at least one embodiment, the agitator 5210 can include three evenly spaced channels 5310 on the left side and three evenly spaced channels 5310 on the right side, although this should be understood as not being a limitation of the disclosure unless specifically so claimed. The agitator 5210 can include less than or more than three left channels 5310 and / or less than or more than three right channels 5310.

[0163] In at least one embodiment, the soft cleaning features 5302 (e.g., fluff) may extend across a substantial portion of the surface of the cylindrical portion of the elongate body / core 5300 (i.e., portions of the elongate body / core 5300 other than the circular ends). As used herein, a substantial portion of the surface of the cylindrical portion of the elongate body / core 5300 is intended to mean at least 75% of the surface of the cylindrical portion of the elongate body 5300, for example, at least 80% of the surface of the cylindrical portion of the elongate body 5300, at least 85% of the surface of the cylindrical portion of the elongate body 5300, and / or at least 90% of the surface of the cylindrical portion of the elongate body 5300, including all values ​​and ranges therein. The soft cleaning features 5302 may extend across the entire surface of the cylindrical portion of the elongate body / core 5300 except where the channels 5310 are located.

[0164] The soft cleaning feature 5302 may be formed from a single monolithic piece of material. Alternatively, the soft cleaning feature 5302 may be formed from multiple separate pieces coupled to the elongate body / core 5300. Forming the soft cleaning feature 5302 formed from multiple separate pieces may aid in the manufacture of the agitator 5210, particularly the formation of the channels 5310.

[0165] As discussed herein, the agitator 5210 may include a plurality of deformable flaps 5304, each of which has a length less than the length of the body 5300. As shown, the agitator 5210 includes a plurality of deformable flaps 5304 extending from end regions 5320, 5322 of the agitator 5210 and / or body 5300 to a central region 5324 of the agitator 5210 and / or body 5300. In at least one embodiment, the length of the deformable flap 5304 may be substantially the same as the length of the channel 5310 in which it is disposed. Thus, in one embodiment, the flap 5304 may extend entirely, or substantially entirely, the length of the body / core 5300.

[0166] Returning to FIG. 52, the flap 5304 may extend generally helically around at least a portion of the elongate body 5300 and may be formed of an elastically deformable material. The flap 5304 may have a height that is less than, equal to, or greater than the height of the soft cleaning feature 5302. According to one embodiment, the height of the flap 5304 may be from a base 5208 of the flap 5304 to a cleaning edge 5207 of the flap 5304, where the base 5208 is configured to be secured to the agitator 5210 (e.g., the elongate body 5300). Alternatively, the height of the flap 5304 may be from an axis of rotation of the agitator 5210 to the cleaning edge 5207 of the flap 5304. In at least one embodiment, the flap 5304 may have a height such that the flap 5304 extends beyond an outer radius of the soft cleaning feature 5302. For example, the flap 5304 can extend beyond the outer radius of the soft cleaning feature 5302 by 0-15 mm, such as 1-15 mm, 1-10 mm, and / or 2-8 mm, including all ranges and values ​​therein.

[0167] One or more of the end regions 5201, 5203 of the flap 5304 may include a chamfer or taper (e.g., the flap 5304 may include a taper in only one or each of the end regions 5201, 5203). In this manner, the height of the flap 5304 in at least a portion of the end regions 5201, 5203 may be less than the height of the flap 5304 in the central region 5205. In other words, the taper may cause the cleaning edge 5207 of the flap 5304 to approach the elongated body 5300. The taper of the end regions 5201, 5203 may be constant (e.g., linear) and / or non-linear. In at least one embodiment, the middle of the flap 5304 may have a maximum height. The taper of the first end region 5201 may be the same as or different from the taper of the second end region 5203.

[0168] The first end region 5201 may be disposed within one of the end regions of the elongate body 5300, and the second end region 5203 may be disposed within a central region 5324 of the elongate body 5300. The taper of the first end region 5201 may be configured to be at least partially received within a moving hair end cap, such as, for example, an end cap described herein (e.g., but not limited to, end cap 5001) and / or an end cap described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 656,930, filed October 18, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. The taper of the first end region 5201 may reduce wear and / or friction between the flap 5304 and the end cap, thereby extending the life of the flap 5304 and the end cap. In at least some embodiments, the taper of the first end region 5201 may reduce the folding of the flap 5304 (both within the end cap and the portion of the flap 5304 disposed proximal and outward of the end cap) as the flap 5304 rotates within the end cap. Reducing the folding of the flap 5304 may increase contact between the flap 5304 and the surface to be cleaned, thereby enhancing cleaning performance. The flap 5304 (e.g., optionally including but not limited to the first end region 5201) may also contact the end cap 5001, such as the ribs 5002 described herein.

[0169] The taper of the first end region 5201 may have a length and a height. The length may be selected based on the dimensions of the end cap into which it is received. For example, the length may be the same as the insertion distance of the flap 5304 in the end cap, may be less than the insertion distance of the flap 5304 in the end cap, or may be greater than the insertion distance of the flap 5304 in the end cap. The taper of the first end region 5201 helps to cushion the flexing of the flap 5304 as it is pressed into the end cap. By way of example, the taper of the first end region 5201 may have a length of 5-9 mm and a height of 1-3 mm, and / or a length of 7 mm and a height of 2 mm.

[0170] The taper of the second end region 5203 may be configured to enhance the movement of hair along the agitator 5210. In particular, the taper may enhance the movement of hair as hair tends to move to a smallest diameter. Hence, the taper of the second end region 5203 may allow hair to migrate more effectively towards a particular location. Furthermore, the taper of the second end region 5203 may function as a hair storage region. To this end, the central region 5324 of the agitator 5210 may have a smaller overall diameter compared to the overall diameter of the proximal end regions 5330, 5332. Thus, hair may accumulate and wrap around the central region 5324 of the agitator 5210. The taper of the second end region 5203 of the first flap 5304 may partially overlap with the taper of the second end region 5203 of the adjacent flap 5304 in the central region 5324. As described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 656,930, filed Oct. 18, 2019 (herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), and as described herein, when the flap 5304 is optionally used in combination with a debrider unit and / or ribs, the teeth and / or ribs of the debrider unit may optionally be longer in an area adjacent the second end region 5203 of the flap 5304.

[0171] The dimensions of the taper of the flap 5304 can affect the performance and / or lifespan of the flap 5304. Increasing the taper (e.g., length and / or height) can improve hair movement, but too much taper can adversely affect cleaning performance. For example, too much taper of the second end region 5203 can result in a gap where the flap 5304 does not make sufficient contact with the surface to be cleaned. On the other hand, too little taper of the second end region 5203 (e.g., length and / or height) may not result in sufficient hair movement.

[0172] Experiments have shown that removing the inner chamfer (e.g., removing the tapered portion of the second end region 5203) removes the mid-gap, which may result in improved cleaning performance and aesthetics (no kinky chamfer), but removing the mid-gap may cause hair to accumulate on the agitator 5210 due to insufficient hair movement. A taper of the second end region 5203 with too short a length may reduce and / or eliminate the detrimental effects caused by the mid-gap and may promote hair movement, but such a configuration may result in a chamfer that is too steep and may cause bad twisting. For example, experiments have shown that a taper in the second end region 5203 with a length of 5 mm and a height of 7 mm results in a taper that causes twisting that has an aesthetically unpleasant appearance to the user and may cause the flap 5304 to fold backwards, which may impair cleaning / hair removal.

[0173] A taper in the second end region 5203 with too long a length may improve hair movement and may not twist the flap 5304, but may result in a large intermediate gap. For example, experiments have shown that a taper in the second end region 5203 with a length of 30 mm and a height of 7 mm results in a taper with a large cleaning gap that may be detrimental to overall cleaning performance.

[0174] The inventors of the present application have unexpectedly found that a taper in the second end region 5203 having a length of 15-25 mm and a height of 5-12 mm allows hair movement while minimizing the intermediate cleaning gap and the size of any resulting twist (e.g., the resulting twist is generally not visible and does not substantially affect performance). As a non-limiting example, the taper in the second end region 5203 may have a length of 17-23 mm and a height of 6-10 mm, e.g., a length of 20 mm and a height of 7 mm. Stated differently, the taper in the second end region 5203 may have a length and height with a slope of 1-0.3, e.g., a slope of 0.28-0.42, a slope of 0.315-0.0385, and / or a slope of 0.35. In at least one embodiment, the second end region 5203 may have a taper of 25 x 7 mm. The overlap in the central region 5324 of the channel 5310 and / or the flap 5304 may be 10-20 mm.

[0175] One or more of the tapers in the first and / or second end regions 5201, 5203 may be formed by removing a portion of the outer cleaning edge 5207 of the flap 5304 (e.g., the edge that contacts the surface to be cleaned). This is particularly useful when the flap 5304 is formed from a non-woven material (such as, but not limited to, rubber, plastic, silicone, or the like).

[0176] In embodiments in which the flap 5304 is formed, at least in part, from a woven material, it may be desirable to maintain the ears in one or more of the first and / or second end regions 5201, 5203. The ears extend along the cleaning edge 5207 of the flap 5304, and the ears may improve the wear resistance of the flap 5304 when compared to a portion of the cleaning edge 5207 of the flap 5304 that does not include the ears (e.g., when a portion of the flap 5304 is removed to form a taper). In at least one embodiment, the original ears are maintained and one or more of the tapers in the first and / or second end regions 5201, 5203 may be formed by modifying the attachment edge of the flap 5304. Specifically, the cleaning edge 5207 of the flap 5304 may be substantially straight prior to installation into the agitator, and in the region of the first and / or second end regions 5201, 5203, the installation edge (which may also be the base) of the flap 5304 may be reduced in length as compared to the length of the flap 5304 in the central region 5324 (e.g., middle). In at least one embodiment, the installation edge may include multiple segments (e.g., molded contoured multiple "T" segments) that straighten when the flap 5304 is installed into the agitator body 5300, thereby resulting in contoured (e.g., tapered) ears at the first and / or second end regions 5201, 5203. In other words, the flap 5304 may be generally described as including multiple segments along the installation edge that cause a taper to be formed in the flap 5304 when installed into the body 5300.

[0177] In at least one embodiment, the flap 5304 (see, e.g., FIG. 53) may include a protrusion / wall 5311 extending generally outwardly from the base 5208. The protrusion / wall 5311 may be formed at least in part from a polyester fabric. Optionally, a rear surface of the protrusion / wall 5311 (as viewed based on the rotation of the agitator 5210) may include a silicone layer and a front surface of the protrusion 5311 may include a polyester fabric. The protrusion / wall 5311 may have a height of 8-12 mm from the base 5208, e.g., 10.1 mm or 10.6 mm. The protrusion / wall 5311 extends below the outer surface of the soft cleaning feature 5302, substantially at the same height as the soft cleaning feature 5302, or beyond the outer surface of the soft cleaning feature 5302. In at least one embodiment, the protrusion / wall 5311 may extend up to 3 mm beyond the outer surface of the soft cleaning feature 5302, for example, about 0.5-2 mm beyond the outer surface of the soft cleaning feature 5302, and / or about 1-1.5 mm beyond the outer surface of the soft cleaning feature 5302.

[0178] The base 5208 may be configured to secure the flap 5304 to the agitator 5210 (e.g., elongated body 5300) such that the protrusion / wall 5311 extends generally radially outward from the agitator 5210. In at least one embodiment, the base 5208 may be configured to be at least partially received within a slot or groove 5354 formed in the agitator 5210 (e.g., elongated body 5300) and disposed within the channel 5310. The base 5208 and slot 5354 may form a T-slot type connection, however, it will be appreciated that the base 5208 and slot 5354 may form any other type of connection.

[0179] As referred to herein, the agitator 5210 may include a row and / or a plurality of tufts of bristles arranged in rows 5305, each of which has a length less than the length of the body 5300. As shown, the agitator 5210 includes a plurality of rows of bristles 5305 extending from end regions 5320, 5322 of the agitator 5210 and / or body 5300 to a central region 5324 of the agitator 5210 and / or body 5300. The rows of bristles 5305 may be the same length, shorter, or longer than the corresponding adjacent deformable flaps 5304. In at least one embodiment, the length of the rows of bristles 5305 may be substantially the same as the length of the channel 5310 in which it is disposed. Thus, as one embodiment, the rows of bristles 5305 may extend completely or substantially completely across the length of the body / core 5300.

[0180] The bristle row 5305 may extend in a generally helical manner around at least a portion of the elongate body 5300, for example, proximate and / or adjacent to the corresponding flap 5304. Of course, the bristle row 5305 may be used in combination with, without, or removed from the flap 5304. The bristle row 5305 may have a height that is less than, equal to, or greater than the height of the soft cleaning feature 5302 and / or the flap 5304. According to one embodiment, the height of the bristle row 5305 may be from a base 5368 of the bristle row 5305 to a distal end 5370 of the bristle row 5305, where the base 5368 is configured to be secured to the agitator 5210 (e.g., the elongate body 5300). Alternatively, the height of the bristle row 5305 can be from the axis of rotation of the agitator 5210 to the distal-most end 5360 of the bristle row 5305. In at least one embodiment, the bristle row 5305 can have a height such that the bristle row 5305 extends beyond the outer radius of the soft cleaning feature 5302. For example, the bristle row 5305 can extend beyond the outer radius of the soft cleaning feature 5302 between 0 and 15 mm, e.g., between 1 and 15 mm, between 1 and 10 mm, and / or between 2 and 8 mm, including all ranges and values ​​therein.

[0181] The base 5368 may be configured to secure the row of bristles 5305 to the agitator 5210 (e.g., elongated body 5300) such that the row of bristles 5305 extends generally radially outward from the agitator 5210. In at least one embodiment, the base 5368 may be configured to be at least partially received within a slot or groove 5372 formed in the agitator 5210 (e.g., elongated body 5300) and disposed within the channel 5310. The base 5368 and the slot 5372 may form a T-slot type connection, however it will be appreciated that the base 5368 and the slot 5372 may form any other type of connection.

[0182] The bristle row 5305 may be positioned behind the flap 5304 as the agitator 5210 rotates (i.e., counterclockwise as illustrated in FIG. 53). Alternatively (or additionally), one or more of the bristle rows 5305 may be positioned in front of the flap 5304. The bristle row 5305 and the flap 5304 may be positioned at passive and active angles as the agitator 5210 rotates. As used herein, a passive angle means that the base 5372 of the bristle row 5305 is positioned perpendicular to the surface being cleaned as the agitator 5210 rotates before the tip 5370 of the bristle row 5305 is positioned perpendicular to the surface being cleaned, and similarly the base 5354 of the flap 5304 is positioned perpendicular to the surface being cleaned before the tip 5207 of the flap 5304 is positioned perpendicular to the surface being cleaned as the agitator 5210 rotates. As used herein, an active angle means that the 5370 of the row of bristles 5305 is positioned perpendicular to the surface being cleaned before the base 5372 of the row of bristles 5305 is positioned perpendicular to the surface being cleaned as the agitator 5210 rotates, and similarly the flap 5304 is positioned perpendicular to the surface being cleaned before the base 5354 of the flap 5304 is positioned perpendicular to the surface being cleaned as the agitator 5210 rotates. In at least one embodiment, the flap 5304 may be positioned at an active angle and the corresponding adjacent row of bristles 5305 may be positioned at a passive angle, although it should be understood that this angle configuration may be reversed.

[0183] The tips 5370, 5207 and flaps 5304 of the bristle rows 5305 may be spaced apart from each other by 0-5 mm, such as, for example, 0-3 mm, 1-5 mm, and / or 1-3 mm, including all ranges and values ​​therein. The flaps 5304 and corresponding adjacent bristle rows 5305 may be disposed at different angles, such that the lengths of the flaps 5304 and corresponding adjacent bristle rows 5305 may differ (although they may extend the same radial distance relative to the soft cleaning feature 5302). Alternatively (or additionally), one or more of the bristle rows 5305 and / or corresponding adjacent flaps 5304 may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the elongate body 5300, and / or one or more of the bristle rows 5305 and / or corresponding adjacent flaps 5304 may be disposed substantially parallel to one another.

[0184] As referred to herein, one or more flaps 5304 and / or one or more corresponding adjacent rows of bristles 5305 may be disposed within the channel 5310. The channel 5310 may be configured to provide space to allow the flaps 5304 and / or corresponding adjacent rows of bristles 5305 to move and generate a flicking motion as the agitator 5210 rotates. The movement of the flaps 5304 and / or corresponding adjacent rows of bristles 5305 within the channel 5310 may generally prevent debris (such as hair) from becoming entangled in the agitator 5210 and / or assist in the movement of debris (e.g., toward the debrider unit 50).

[0185] 55-56, one embodiment of an agitator drive mechanism 5500 is generally illustrated. Rather than having an agitator motor configured to drive the agitator by one or more gears and / or belts, the agitator drive mechanism 5500 includes an agitator 5210 including a motor 5502, a motor cavity 5504 configured to receive at least a portion of the motor 5502, and one or more cooling air passages 5506 (and optionally one or more fan blades 5508, best seen in FIG. 56) configured such that air 5510 (best seen in FIG. 56) is drawn through the motor cavity 5504, across the motor 5502, and through the cooling air passages 5506 to cool the motor 5502. The motor cavity 5504, cooling air passages 5506, and fan 5508 may be at least partially disposed within the agitator 5210 (e.g., within the elongated body / core 5300) such that the longitudinal axis of the motor cavity 5504 is concentric with the axis of rotation 20 of the agitator 5210. The longitudinal axis of the cooling air passages 5506 motor may also be concentric with the axis of rotation 20 of the agitator 5210. Although the agitator drive mechanism 5500 is described in the context of the agitator 5210, it should be understood that the agitator drive mechanism 5500 may be used with any agitator 18 known to those of skill in the art and / or described herein.

[0186] In at least one embodiment, the end cap 5001 may be configured to include a cooling air inlet 5512 and a cooling air outlet 5514 to allow cooling air 5510 to flow to / from the lateral ends of the cleaning head 12. The cooling air inlet 5512 and / or the cooling air outlet 5514 may be configured to be in fluid communication with the motor cavity 5504 cooling air passage 5506. Optionally, the cooling air inlet 5512 and / or the cooling air outlet 5514 may include a grate, screen, mesh, or the like to generally prevent debris from being inadvertently / unintentionally drawn into the cooling air 5510 flowing through the agitator 5210. Although the cooling air inlet 5512 is illustrated proximate to the motor cavity 5504, it should be understood that the motor cavity 5504 may be proximate to the cooling air outlet 5514 or may be located anywhere between the cooling air inlet 5512 and the cooling air outlet 5514.

[0187] The cooling air 5510 may be independent of the vacuum air path (i.e., the cooling air 5510 is not drawn into the vacuum air path). Stated another way, the motor cavity 5504 and the cooling air passages 5506 are not fluidly coupled to the vacuum air path and may generally be considered sealed off from the vacuum air path.

[0188] The motor 5502 may include any AC or DC motor known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as, but not limited to, a high torque, low cost brushless DC (BLDC) motor. In any event, the motor 5502 may be attached, coupled, or otherwise secured to the cleaning head 12 (e.g., the cleaning head body / frame 13) and may be configured to be at least partially removably received within the motor cavity 5504. In at least one embodiment, the motor 5502 may be permanently (i.e., non-removably) coupled to the cleaning head body / frame 13. The motor 5502 may optionally include a cover 5516 at least partially enclosing the motor 5502.

[0189] The motor 5502 may include one or more fasteners 5520 configured to engage corresponding fasteners 5522 of the agitator 5210 to transmit torque generated by the motor 5502 to the agitator 5210 and rotate the agitator 5210. The fasteners 5520, 5522 may include any fasteners configured to transmit torque from the motor 5502 to the agitator 5210. The fasteners 5520, 5522 may be configured to optionally allow the agitator 5210 to be detached from the motor 5502. Non-limiting examples of the fasteners 5520, 5522 include splines, grooves, protrusions, channels, tapered connections (e.g., molar tapers), and the like.

[0190] The motor cavity 5504 may be configured to provide a fluid path around the motor 5502 such that cooling air 5510 may flow over / through / around the motor 5502 and into the cooling air passages 5506. Although the motor cavity 5504 is shown proximate a first lateral end region of the agitator 5210, it should be understood that the motor cavity 5504 may be located anywhere within the agitator 5210. For example, the motor cavity 5504 may be generally centrally located within the agitator 5210 and the first and second cooling air passages 5506 may extend from the motor cavity 5504 to two opposing lateral end regions of the agitator 5210.

[0191] In at least one embodiment, the one or more cooling air passages 5506 may have substantially the same cross-sectional size (e.g., diameter) as the motor cavity 5504. Alternatively, one or more of the cooling air passages 5506 may have a larger or smaller cross-sectional size (e.g., diameter) as the motor cavity 5504. The one or more fan blades 5508 may be at least partially disposed within the agitator 5210, e.g., within the motor cavity 5504 and / or the cooling air passages 5506. Alternatively (or additionally), the one or more fan blades 5508 may be at least partially disposed outside the agitator 5210, e.g., within one or more end caps 5001. Rotation of the agitator 5210 rotates the fan blades 5508, generating the cooling air flow 5510. The fan blades 5508 can be configured to push and / or pull the cooling air flow 5510 through the agitator 5210 (eg, the motor cavity 5504 and / or the cooling air passages 5506).

[0192] 56, a lateral end of the agitator 5210 may include a pin cavity 5630 configured to receive a first end of a rotation pin (not shown) concentrically aligned with the pivot axis 22. A second end of the rotation pin may be received in the end cap 5001, for example, in cavity 5632 in the removable end cap 5001a. In at least one embodiment, the pin cavity 5630 may be formed as part of the fan blade 5508. The pin cavities 5630, 5632 may optionally include one or more bearings to facilitate rotation of the agitator 5210 about the pivot axis 22.

[0193] To remove the agitator 5210 from the cleaning head 12, the removable end cap 5001a is removed from the cleaning head 12 as described herein. The agitator 5210 can then be urged toward the lateral end of the cleaning head 12 to which the removable end cap 5001a was previously coupled, as generally illustrated by arrow 5660. Arrow 5660 may be generally parallel to the pivot axis 22. As the agitator 5210 moves laterally, the fasteners 5520 of the motor 5502 disengage from the fasteners 5522 of the motor cavity 5504, and the motor is removed from the agitator 5210. The motor 5502 ultimately remains coupled to the cleaning head 12. One advantage of locating the motor 5502 within the agitator 5210 is a reduction in the overall size of the cleaning head 12. This allows the cleaning head 12 to fit within a smaller area compared to a cleaning head having a motor coupled to the agitator using gears or a drive belt. Additionally, larger wheels (eg, wheel 16) may be used, thus increasing the maneuverability of cleaning head 12.

[0194] An embodiment of a vacuum cleaner agitator according to the present disclosure may include a body and at least one deformable flap extending from the body. The deformable flap may include at least one taper. The at least one taper brings a cleaning edge of the deformable flap closer to the body.

[0195] In some instances, the at least one taper may extend to an end region of the at least one deformable flap. In some instances, the at least one taper may include a first taper and a second taper, each taper extending to a corresponding end region of the deformable flap. In some instances, the first taper may have a first slope and the second taper may have a second slope, the first slope being different from the second slope. In some instances, the deformable flap may include a woven material. In some instances, the deformable flap may include ears along the cleaning edge. In some instances, the deformable flap may include an attachment edge, the attachment edge having a plurality of segments that, when attached to the body, cause a taper to be formed in the deformable flap. In some instances, the at least one deformable flap may include a plurality of deformable flaps, each deformable flap extending in a spiral around the body, the length of each deformable flap being less than the length of the body. In some instances, each deformable flap can extend from an end region of the body to a central region of the body. In some instances, the agitator can further include at least one bristle strip, where the at least one bristle strip extends substantially parallel to a corresponding deformable flap. In some instances, a length of the at least one bristle strip can be less than a length of the corresponding deformable flap.

[0196] An embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present disclosure may include an agitator chamber including one or more ribs and an agitator disposed within the agitator chamber such that at least a portion of the agitator engages the one or more ribs. The agitator may include a body and at least one deformable flap extending from the body. The deformable flap may include at least one taper. The at least one taper brings a cleaning edge of the deformable flap closer to the body.

[0197] In some instances, the one or more ribs may be disposed at opposing distal ends of the agitator chamber. In some instances, the at least one taper may include a first taper and a second taper, the first and second tapers extending into opposing end regions of the corresponding deformable flap. In some instances, the ribs may extend from the agitator cover. In some instances, the agitator cover may be an end cap. In some instances, the agitator may further include at least one bristle strip, the at least one bristle strip extending substantially parallel to the corresponding deformable flap. In some instances, the length of the at least one bristle strip may be less than the length of the corresponding deformable flap. In some instances, the at least one taper may include a first taper and a second taper, each taper extending into a corresponding end region of the deformable flap. In some instances, the first taper may have a first slope and the second taper may have a second slope, the first slope being different from the second slope. In some instances, the body may include a taper extending toward a central region of the body.

[0198] While the principles of the present invention are described herein, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a surface cleaning device and / or agitator may embody any one or more of the features contained herein, and that the features may be used in any particular combination or subcombination. Modifications and substitutions made by those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which should not be limited except as by the claims.

Claims

1. 1. An agitator for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: an elongate body extending along a pivot axis and having first and second opposing lateral ends, a motor cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a motor; one or more cooling air passages; an elongated body including one or more fan blades configured to generate a cooling air flow drawn through the motor cavity, across the motor disposed within the motor cavity, and through the cooling air passage to cool the motor, wherein rotation of the agitator rotates the one or more fan blades to generate the cooling air flow; one or more flexible cleaning elements extending from the elongate body between the first and second opposing lateral ends; one or more channels formed in the one or more flexible cleaning elements and disposed between the first and second opposing lateral ends; and one or more deformable flaps disposed within the one or more channels and extending from the elongate body.

2. 2. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the one or more channels are configured to allow the one or more deformable flaps to move back and forth as the agitator rotates about the pivot axis.

3. 3. The agitator of claim 2, wherein the one or more channels have a width adjacent the opening of the one or more channels that is between 3 and 20 mm wide.

4. 2. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the one or more channels include a first and a second channel, the one or more deformable flaps include first and second deformable flaps disposed within the first and second channels, respectively, the first channel extending from the first lateral end to a central region of the agitator, and the second channel extending from the second lateral end to the central region of the agitator.

5. The agitator of claim 1 , wherein the one or more channels extend from the first lateral end to the second lateral end of the agitator.

6. The agitator of claim 1 , wherein the one or more channels have a generally "U" cross-sectional shape.

7. The agitator of claim 1 , wherein the one or more channels have a generally "V" cross-sectional shape.

8. The agitator of claim 1 , wherein the one or more deformable flaps have a height extending radially outward from the elongate body equal to a height of the one or more flexible cleaning elements.

9. The agitator of claim 1 , wherein the one or more deformable flaps have a height extending radially outward from the elongate body that is less than a height of the one or more flexible cleaning elements.

10. The agitator of claim 1 , wherein the one or more deformable flaps have a height extending radially outward from the elongate body that exceeds a height of the one or more flexible cleaning elements.

11. The agitator of claim 1 , further comprising one or more bristle strips disposed within the one or more channels.

12. The agitator of claim 11 , wherein the one or more bristle strips have a height extending radially outward from the elongate body that exceeds a height of the one or more flexible cleaning elements.

13. 10. The agitator of claim 1, further comprising one or more rows of tufts disposed within the one or more channels.

14. 14. The agitator of claim 13, wherein the one or more bristle strips have a height extending radially outward from the elongate body that exceeds a height of the one or more flexible cleaning elements.

15. The agitator of claim 1 , wherein the one or more fan blades are at least partially disposed within the agitator.

16. The agitator of claim 15 , wherein the one or more fan blades are at least partially disposed within the motor cavity.

17. The agitator of claim 15 , wherein the one or more fan blades are at least partially disposed within the one or more cooling air passages.

18. The agitator of claim 1 , wherein the one or more fan blades are at least partially disposed outside the agitator.

19. The agitator of claim 1 , further comprising at least one end cap, said one or more fan blades being at least partially disposed within said end cap.

20. The agitator of claim 1 , wherein rotation of the agitator causes the one or more fan blades to pull the cooling airflow through the agitator.

21. The agitator of claim 1 , wherein rotation of the agitator causes the one or more fan blades to push the cooling airflow through the agitator.

22. 2. The agitator of claim 1, wherein a lateral end of the agitator includes a pin cavity configured to receive a first end of a rotation pin aligned concentrically with a pivot axis, and a second end of the rotation pin configured to be received within an end cap.

23. 23. The agitator of claim 22, wherein the removable end cap includes a cavity configured to receive the second end of the rotation pin.

24. 24. The agitator of claim 23, wherein the pin cavity is formed as part of the one or more fan blades.

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