Cleaning system

Abstract

To provide an improved vacuum cleaner.SOLUTION: A vacuum cleaner may include: a body having a handle end and an attachment end, the attachment end being opposite the handle end along a longitudinal axis of the body, a dust cup disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a suction motor disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a body latch configured to releasably engage an accessory, and a body toggle configured to cause the body latch to transition between a releasing position and a retaining position, the body toggle being positioned closer to the handle end than the attachment end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 058,397, entitled "Surface Cleaning Apparatus," filed on July 29, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 209,701, entitled "Surface Cleaning Apparatus," filed on June 11, 2021, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to surface cleaning devices, and more particularly to vacuum cleaners. [Background technology]

[0003] The surface cleaning apparatus may include a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner may include a suction motor, a dust cup, and an inlet. The suction motor is fluidly coupled to the dust cup and the inlet such that air can flow from the inlet into the dust cup and through the suction motor. The air flowing into the dust cup may have debris entrained therein. At least a portion of the entrained debris may fall out of the entrainment as it passes through the dust cup.

[0004] An example of a vacuum cleaner may be an upright vacuum cleaner. The upright vacuum cleaner may include a surface cleaning head and an upright section, where the upright section is pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning head. The upright section is configured to pivot between a stored position and an in-use position. Another example of a vacuum cleaner may be a handheld vacuum cleaner configured to be supported in a user's hand independent of the surface to be cleaned. As such, a handheld vacuum cleaner may be more maneuverable compared to an upright vacuum cleaner. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] These and other features, and advantages, will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a surface cleaning apparatus consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a wand configured to be fluidly coupled to the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a surface cleaning head configured to be fluidly coupled to the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 5 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 4 with a portion of the body of the vacuum cleaner removed for clarity, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to area VI of FIG. 5, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view of a wand configured to be fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 4, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 8 is an end perspective view of the wand of FIG. 7, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] 8A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 4 and a portion of the wand of FIG. 7, with a portion of the wand received within the vacuum cleaner, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 9 is a side view of a wand configured to be fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 4, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to area X of FIG. 9, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to area XI of FIG. 9, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a cleaning assembly coupled to a docking station, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a docking station consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is another view of the docking station of FIG. 12 in an undocked state consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 generally illustrates a docking station and cleaning system in a first docked state, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A generally illustrates a view of the docking station of FIG. 14, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B generally illustrates another view of the docking station of FIG. 14, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 generally illustrates an example of the first base coupler of FIG. 14, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 generally illustrates another view of a docking station and cleaning system in a first docked state, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 generally illustrates an example of the cleaning assembly coupler of FIG. 14 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 generally illustrates another view of a cleaning assembly coupler, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 generally illustrates a further view of a cleaning assembly coupler, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 generally illustrates yet another view of a cleaning assembly coupler, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 generally illustrates an example of the second base coupler of FIG. 14, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 generally illustrates an example of the vacuum coupler of FIG. 14, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 25]FIG. 25 generally illustrates another view of a vacuum coupler, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 generally illustrates a vacuum cleaner moving forward toward a docking station into a second docked state, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 generally illustrates a vacuum cleaner and docking station in a second docked state, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] 29 illustrates a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 28 with a portion of the body removed, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 illustrates an end perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 29, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] The present disclosure generally relates to a surface cleaning apparatus. The surface cleaning apparatus may include a cleaner body, a suction motor, and a dust cup. The cleaner body has a handle end and a body mounting end. The body mounting end is opposite the handle end along a body longitudinal axis. The body mounting end includes a cleaner inlet fluidly coupled to the suction motor and the dust cup such that the suction motor can draw air through the cleaner inlet and into the dust cup. The body mounting end further includes a body latch configured to operate between a retaining position and a releasing position in response to actuation of a body toggle. When in the retaining position, the body latch is configured to couple a cleaning accessory to the body mounting end, and when in the releasing position, the body latch is configured to allow the cleaning accessory to be removed from the body mounting end.

[0007] One example of a cleaning accessory is a wand. The wand includes a wand body having a coupling end configured to removably couple to a body attachment end of a surface cleaning device, and a wand attachment end configured to removably couple to an additional cleaning accessory. The coupling end is opposite the wand attachment end along the wand longitudinal axis, and an air channel extends between the wand attachment end and the coupling end. The air channel is fluidly coupled to the body inlet, the suction motor, and the dirt cup. The wand attachment end includes a wand latch configured to actuate between a retained position and a released position in response to actuation of a wand toggle. When in the retained position, the wand latch is configured to couple the cleaning accessory to the wand attachment end, and when in the released position, the wand latch is configured to allow the cleaning accessory to be removed from the wand attachment end.

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic example of a surface cleaning apparatus 100. As shown, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes a cleaner body 102 having a body mounting end 104 and a handle end 106, a dust cup 108 coupled (e.g., pivotally and / or removably coupled) to the cleaner body 102, and a suction motor 110 (shown in hidden lines) disposed within the cleaner body 102. The handle end 106 is opposite the body mounting end 104 along a longitudinal axis 105 of the cleaner body 102. The cleaner body 102 may have a generally elongated shape. For example, at least a portion of the elongated shape may include a generally tubular shape (e.g., the generally tubular shape may include one or more flat surfaces). The dust cup 108 and the suction motor 110 may be disposed between the handle end 106 and the body mounting end 104. In some instances, the suction motor 110 may be disposed between the handle end 106 and the dust cup 108 (eg, along the longitudinal axis 105).

[0009] The body mounting end 104 includes a cleaner inlet 112 that is fluidly coupled to the dust cup 108 and the suction motor 110 such that the suction motor 110 can draw air into the cleaner inlet 112 and through the dust cup 108 and the suction motor 110. The air drawn into the cleaner inlet 112 may have debris entrained therein. At least a portion of the debris entrained in the air may be deposited in the dust cup 108.

[0010] The body attachment end 104 can be configured to removably couple to a cleaning accessory. For example, the body attachment end 104 can include a body latch 114 (shown in hidden lines) configured to removably engage a cleaning accessory. The body latch 114 is configured to transition between a retained position and a released position in response to actuation of a body toggle 116. The body toggle 116 can be mechanically coupled to the body latch 114 (e.g., using a pull rod or push rod) such that movement of the body toggle 116 actuates the body latch 114.

[0011] The body toggle 116 is disposed between the handle end 106 and the body attachment end 104. For example, the body toggle 116 may be disposed at a location between the dust cup 108 and the handle end 106. As a further example, the body toggle 116 may be disposed at a location between the suction motor 110 and the handle end 106. As a still further example, the body toggle 116 may be disposed proximate to the suction motor 110 (e.g., within a distance measured less than the maximum dimension of the body toggle 116).

[0012] 2 shows a schematic example of a wand 200. The wand 200 may be one example of a cleaning accessory configured to couple to the body mounting end 104 of the cleaner body 102 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. As shown, the wand 200 includes a wand body 202 having a wand mounting end 204 and a coupling end 206, the wand mounting end 204 being opposite the coupling end 206 along a wand longitudinal axis 208. An air channel 210 (shown in hidden lines) extends from the wand mounting end 204 to the coupling end 206. The air channel 210 is configured to be fluidly coupled to the dust cup 108 and the suction motor 110 such that the suction motor 110 can draw air through the air channel 210.

[0013] The coupling end 206 is configured to couple to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 at the body attachment end 104. For example, the wand attachment end 204 may include a wand catch 212 configured to engage with the body latch 114 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 when the body latch 114 is in the retaining position. As such, the wand catch 212 and the body latch 114 may be generally described as configured to cooperate to removably connect the wand 200 to the surface cleaning apparatus 100.

[0014] The wand attachment end 204 is configured to removably couple to an additional cleaning accessory, such as, for example, a surface cleaning head having one or more agitators (e.g., one or more brush rolls). For example, the wand attachment end 204 can include a wand latch 214 configured to be transitioned between a retained position and a released position in response to actuation of a wand toggle 216. The wand toggle 216 can be mechanically coupled to the wand latch 214 (e.g., using a pull rod or push rod) such that movement of the wand toggle 216 actuates the wand latch 214.

[0015] 3 illustrates a schematic example of a surface cleaning head 300. As shown, the surface cleaning head 300 includes a head body 302, a connector 304 pivotally coupled to the head body 302, at least one wheel 306 rotatably coupled to the head body 302, and at least one agitator 308 (e.g., a brush roll) rotatably coupled to the head body 302. The connector 304 is configured to removably couple to, for example, the wand attachment end 204 and / or the body attachment end 104. For example, the connector 304 may include a connector catch 310 (shown in hidden lines) configured to cooperate with one or more of the wand latch 214 and / or the body latch 114.

[0016] The connector 304 may be further configured to fluidly couple an agitator chamber 312 (shown in hidden lines) of the surface cleaning head 300 to the suction motor 110. For example, the connector 304 may be configured to fluidly couple the agitator chamber 312 to the air channel 210 of the wand 200. As such, the agitator chamber 312 may be generally described as configured to be fluidly coupled to the dust cup 108 and the suction motor 110 via the wand 200. The agitator chamber 312 includes at least one agitator 308. During operation, the suction motor 110 draws air into the agitator chamber 312, which is rotated. The rotation of the agitator 308 removes at least a portion of the debris on the surface being cleaned from the surface such that at least a portion of the removed debris is entrained in the air flowing through the agitator chamber 312.

[0017] The at least one agitator 308 may be coupled to a drive motor 314 such that the drive motor 314 rotates the at least one agitator 308. The drive motor 314 may be powered, for example, by one or more batteries (e.g., one or more batteries of the surface cleaning head 300 and / or the surface cleaning apparatus 100). In some instances, the wand 200 may be further configured to electrically couple the surface cleaning apparatus 100 to the surface cleaning head 300. As such, one or more batteries of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may power the drive motor 314.

[0018] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 400, which may be one example of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 of Figure 1. As shown, the vacuum cleaner 400 includes a cleaner body 402 and a dust cup 404 coupled (e.g., removably and / or pivotably) to the cleaner body 402. The cleaner body 402 includes a handle end 406 and a body mounting end 408, with the handle end 406 opposite the body mounting end 408 along a body longitudinal axis 410.

[0019] The body attachment end 408 is configured to removably couple to a cleaning accessory (e.g., the wand 200 or surface cleaning head 300 of FIGS. 2 and 3). For example, the vacuum cleaner 400 may include at least one body toggle 412 configured to operate between a retained position and a released position. When the body toggle 412 is in the retained position, the cleaning accessory may be coupled to the cleaner body 402. When the body toggle 412 is in the released position, the cleaning accessory may be removed from the cleaner body 402.

[0020] As shown, the body toggle 412 is positioned between the handle end 406 and the body mounting end 408. For example, the body toggle 412 may be positioned along the cleaner body 402 closer to the handle end 406 than to the body mounting end 408. In some instances, the body toggle 412 may be positioned between the dirt cup 404 and the handle end 406.

[0021] As shown, the body toggle 412 is configured to slide when actuated. For example, the body toggle 412 can be configured to slide in a direction substantially parallel (e.g., at 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, or 5°) to the body longitudinal axis 410. In some instances, there can be multiple body toggles 412, where the body toggles 412 are disposed on opposing sides of the cleaner body 402. For example, both body toggles 412 can be actuated together when transitioning between the retained position and the released position.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner 400 of FIG. 4, with a portion of the cleaner body 402 removed here for clarity. The body toggle 412 can be engaged (e.g., coupled) with the body pull rod 500. As shown, actuation of the body toggle 412 transitions the body pull rod 500 between a retaining position and a releasing position. The body pull rod 500 is configured to engage (e.g., coupled) with the body latch 502. Movement of the body pull rod 500 transitions the body latch 502 between a retaining position and a releasing position. For example, the body pull rod 500 can be configured to bias the body latch 502 to transition from the retaining position toward the releasing position. When the body latch 502 is in the retaining position, a cleaning accessory can be coupled to the body attachment end 408. When the body latch 502 is in the releasing position, the cleaning accessory can be removed from the body attachment end 408.

[0023] As shown, the body latch 502 is positioned between the handle end 406 and the body mounting end 408. For example, the body latch 502 may be positioned closer to the body mounting end 408 than to the handle end 406. In this example, the body toggle 412 is longitudinally spaced from the body latch 502. In some instances, and as shown, the body toggle 412 may also be vertically spaced from the body latch 502 and / or horizontally spaced from the body latch 502 transversely (e.g., perpendicular) to the body longitudinal axis 410.

[0024] When the body toggle 412 is spaced longitudinally and vertically from the body latch 502, the body pull rod 500 may have a non-linear shape. For example, the body pull rod 500 may include one or more vertical extension regions 504 and one or more longitudinal extension regions 506. When the body toggle 412 is spaced horizontally from the body latch 502 in a direction transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the body longitudinal axis 410, the body pull rod 500 may include an engagement region 508. The engagement region 508 may extend transversely to the vertical and longitudinal extension regions 504 and 506. In some instances, the vacuum cleaner 400 may include multiple body toggles 412 disposed on opposing sides of the cleaner body 402, with the body pull rod 500 coupled to both body toggles 412. In some instances, pull rod biasing mechanism 501 can extend around a portion of body pull rod 500 and bias body pull rod 500 toward the retaining position. For example, pull rod biasing mechanism 501 can be a compression spring configured to extend along a portion of longitudinal extension region 506.

[0025] 6 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to region VI of FIG. 5. As shown, the body latch 502 is pivotally coupled to the cleaner body 402 at a pivot point 600. The body latch 502 includes a foot 602 configured to engage an accessory catch 604 of a cleaning accessory 606 and a receptacle 608 configured to receive the body pull rod 500. The foot 602 is configured to pivot out of engagement (e.g., contact) with the accessory catch 604 in response to movement of the body pull rod 500. A biasing mechanism 610 (e.g., a spring) can be configured to bias the body latch 502 such that the foot 602 is biased into engagement with the accessory catch 604. When the foot 602 is engaged with the accessory catch 604, the body latch 502 is in a retaining position, and when the foot 602 is not engaged with the accessory catch 604, the body latch 502 is in a released position.

[0026] The receptacle 608 may be at least partially defined by a sloped surface 612. For example, and as shown, the sloped surface 612 may be configured such that the depth of the receptacle 608 decreases with increasing distance from the foot 602. The engagement region 508 of the body pull rod 500 may slide along the sloped surface 612 as the body pull rod 500 transitions between the retained and released positions.

[0027] FIG. 28 illustrates an example of a vacuum cleaner 2800, which may be an example of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate an example of the vacuum cleaner 2800 with a portion of the cleaner body 2802 removed therefrom for clarity. As shown, the vacuum cleaner 2800 includes a handle end 2804 and a body mounting end 2806, the body mounting end 2806 being opposite the handle end 2804 along a longitudinal axis 2808 of the vacuum cleaner 2800. A body toggle 2810 is disposed between the handle end 2804 and the body mounting end 2806. The body toggle 2810 may be positioned closer to the handle end 2804 than the body mounting end 2806. In some instances, there may be multiple body toggles 2810, each on an opposite side of the vacuum cleaner 2800. The body toggles 2810 are configured to transition between a hold position and a release position. For example, the body toggle 2810 may be configured to recess inwardly towards a central longitudinal plane 2812 of the vacuum cleaner 2800. In this example, if there are multiple body toggles 2810, each body toggle 2810 may move inwardly towards each other.

[0028] The body attachment end 2806 is configured to removably couple to one or more cleaning accessories (e.g., the wand 200 or surface cleaning head 300 of FIGS. 2 and 3). For example, a body latch 2814 can be configured to removably couple a cleaning accessory to the body attachment end 2806. As shown, the body latch 2814 can be disposed proximate to the body attachment end 2806. For example, at least a portion of the body latch 2814 can be disposed within a suction inlet 2816 of the vacuum cleaner 2800. The body latch 2814 is movably coupled to the cleaner body 2802 such that in response to actuation of the body toggle 2810, the body latch 2814 transitions between a retained position and a released position.

[0029] As shown, the body toggle 2810 engages (e.g., is coupled to) a push rod 2818. Actuation of the body toggle 2810 urges the push rod 2818 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 2808 of the vacuum cleaner 2800. When the body toggle 2810 is actuated, the body toggle 2810 moves in a direction transverse (e.g., substantially perpendicular) to the movement of the push rod 2818.

[0030] The body toggle 2810 may be configured to engage (e.g., contact) an angled surface 2820 of the push rod 2818, and engagement between the body toggle 2810 and the angled surface 2820 causes the push rod 2818 to move longitudinally toward the body mounting end 2806. Movement of the push rod 2818 toward the body mounting end 2806 biases the body latch 2814 toward the unlocked position. For example, the body latch 2814 may be pivotally coupled to the cleaner body 2802 such that the body latch 2814 pivots about a latch pivot axis 2815 that extends transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) to the longitudinal axis 2808. The body latch 2814 pivots toward the unlocked position in response to longitudinal movement of the push rod 2818. The push rod 2818 may be biased toward the handle end 2804 (e.g., using a push rod biasing mechanism 2822, such as a spring) and the body latch 2814 may be biased toward the latched position (e.g., using a latch biasing mechanism 2824, such as a spring).

[0031] In some instances, the vacuum cleaner 2800 may include one or more biased accessory plungers 2826. The one or more biased accessory plungers 2826 are configured to bias an accessory coupled at the body attachment end 2806 in a direction away from the handle end 2804. As such, when the body latch 2814 transitions to the release position, the one or more biased accessory plungers 2826 may move the accessory in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 2808. The longitudinal movement of the accessory may prevent the body latch 2814 from re-engaging the accessory as the body latch 2814 moves back toward the latched position. Such a configuration may facilitate easier removal of the accessory.

[0032] 7 shows a perspective view of a wand 700, which may be an example of the wand 200 of FIG. 2. The wand 700 is an example of a cleaning accessory. As shown, the wand 700 includes a wand body 702 having a wand attachment end 704 and a coupling end 706, the wand attachment end 704 being opposite the coupling end 706 along a wand longitudinal axis 708. An air channel 710 is defined within the wand body 702. The air channel 710 extends from the wand attachment end 704 to the coupling end 706 and is configured to fluidly couple to, for example, the dust cup 404 of the vacuum cleaner 400.

[0033] The coupling end 706 is configured to couple to the vacuum cleaner 400 at the body attachment end 408. For example, the wand 700 may include a wand catch 712 configured to engage with the body latch 502 when the body latch 502 is in the retaining position. As shown, the wand catch 712 may define a recessed track 714 that extends (e.g., longitudinally) along an outer surface of the wand body 702, the recessed track 714 having an enclosed end. As such, the wand catch 712 and the body latch 502 may be generally described as cooperating to releasably couple the wand 700 to the vacuum cleaner 400.

[0034] The wand attachment end 704 is configured to removably couple to an additional cleaning accessory, such as, for example, a surface cleaning head having one or more agitators (e.g., one or more brush rolls). For example, the wand attachment end 704 can include a wand latch configured to transition between a retained position and a released position in response to actuation of a wand toggle 716. The wand toggle 716 can be mechanically coupled (e.g., using a pull rod or push rod) to the wand latch such that movement of the wand toggle 716 actuates the wand latch.

[0035] As shown, the coupling end 706 and the wand attachment end 704 may have different sizes. For example, the widest width of the wand body 702 at the coupling end 706 may measure less than the widest width of the wand body 702 at the wand attachment end 704. Such a configuration may allow at least a portion of the wand body 702 to be received within the vacuum cleaner 400 when coupled to the vacuum cleaner 400 (see, e.g., FIG. 8A). When at least a portion of the wand body 702 is received within the vacuum cleaner 400, the stiffness of the resulting assembly of the wand 700 and vacuum cleaner 400 may be increased. For example, the length of the wand body 702 that is received within the vacuum cleaner 400 may measure as much as (e.g., within 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% of) twice the maximum width of the wand body 702 measured at the coupling end 706. By way of further example, the extent of the length of the wand body 702 received within the vacuum cleaner 400 may measure within a range of 1.5 to 2.5 times the maximum width of the wand body 702 measured at the coupling end 706. By way of yet a further example, the extent of the length of the wand body 702 received within the vacuum cleaner 400 may measure 1.77 times the maximum width of the wand body 702 measured at the coupling end 706.

[0036] As also shown, the wand 700 may further include an accessory electrical connector 718. The accessory electrical connector 718 may be configured to be electrically coupled to a cleaner electrical connector 720 (see FIG. 8 ). The accessory electrical connector 718 is configured to electrically couple to an additional cleaning accessory (e.g., a surface cleaning head 300), and the cleaner electrical connector 720 is configured to electrically couple to the vacuum cleaner 400. As such, a power source (e.g., one or more batteries) of the vacuum cleaner 400 may be used to power the additional cleaning accessory. The accessory electrical connector 718 may be electrically coupled to the cleaner electrical connector 720 using electrical conductors (e.g., wires) extending within the wand body 702.

[0037] 9 shows a side view of a wand 900, which may be one example of the wand 200 of FIG. 2. The wand 900 is another example of a cleaning accessory. As shown, the wand 900 includes a wand body 902 having a wand attachment end 904 and a wand coupling end 906, the wand attachment end 904 being opposite the wand coupling end 906 along a wand longitudinal axis 908. An air channel 910 (see FIG. 10 ) is defined within the wand body 902. The air channel 910 extends from the wand attachment end 904 to the wand coupling end 906 and is configured to fluidly couple to, for example, the dust cup 404 of the vacuum cleaner 400.

[0038] The wand 900 includes a wand toggle 912. The wand toggle 912 may be slidably coupled to the wand body 902. For example, the wand toggle 912 may be configured to slide along the wand body 902 in a direction substantially parallel to the wand longitudinal axis 908 (e.g., within 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, or 5°). Sliding the wand toggle 912 along the wand body 902 transitions the wand toggle 912 between a retained position and a released position. Transitioning the wand toggle 912 between the retained position and the released position actuates the wand latch 914 (see FIG. 11 ) between the retained position and the released position.

[0039] The wand toggle 912 is slidably coupled to the wand body 902 at a location spaced from the wand attachment end 904. For example, the wand toggle 912 may be slidably coupled to the wand body 902 at a location closer to the wand coupling end 906 than to the wand attachment end 904. In some instances, when the wand 900 is coupled to the vacuum cleaner 400, the wand toggle 912 is spaced from the vacuum cleaner 400 by a distance measured less than a toggle length 916. The toggle length 916 corresponds to a length extending along the wand longitudinal axis 908. As also shown, the wand toggle 912 is configured to extend at least partially around the circumference of the wand body 902. For example, the wand toggle 912 may extend around at least half of the circumference of the wand body 902.

[0040] Figure 10 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to region X of Figure 9. As shown, the wand toggle 912 is coupled to the wand pull rod 1000 such that movement of the wand toggle 912 between the retained and released positions causes corresponding movement of the wand pull rod 1000 along the wand longitudinal axis 908. The wand toggle 912 may be biased toward the retained position using, for example, a biasing mechanism 1002 (e.g., a spring).

[0041] Figure 11 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to region XI of Figure 9. As shown, the wand pull rod 1000 is coupled to the wand latch 914 such that movement of the wand pull rod 1000 along the wand longitudinal axis 908 transitions the wand latch 914 between a retained position and a released position. The wand pull rod 1000 is coupled to the wand latch 914 at a receptacle 1100. The receptacle 1100 defines one or more angled surfaces 1102 configured to slidably engage a portion of the wand pull rod 1000. Movement of the wand pull rod 1000 along the one or more angled surfaces 1102 causes the wand latch 914 to pivot. Pivotal movement of the wand latch 914 between the retaining position and the release position moves the foot 1104 of the wand latch 914 into or out of engagement with the accessory catch 1106 of the accessory 1108 (e.g., the surface cleaning head 300 of FIG. 3 ). The wand latch 914 may be biased toward the retaining position by a biasing mechanism 1110 (e.g., a spring). As also shown, the wand latch 914 may be configured to engage with the secondary latch 1112 when pivotally moving from the retaining position to the release position. As such, pivotal movement of the wand latch 914 may cause corresponding movement of the secondary latch 1112. Movement of the secondary latch 1112 may move a secondary rod 1114 (e.g., a push rod or a pull rod).

[0042] 12 shows a perspective view of a cleaning system 1201 having a cleaning assembly 1200 and a docking station 1204. The cleaning assembly 1200 includes a vacuum cleaner 400, a wand 700, and a surface cleaning head 1202 (which may be an example of the surface cleaning head 300 of FIG. 3). The vacuum cleaner 400 is removably coupled to the wand 700, which is removably coupled to the surface cleaning head 1202. The vacuum cleaner 400 is fluidly coupled to the surface cleaning head 1202 via the wand 700. Thus, during operation, the vacuum cleaner 400 generates suction at the surface cleaning head 1202. In some instances, the surface cleaning head 1202 may be configured to be directly coupled to the vacuum cleaner 400.

[0043] As shown, in some instances, the cleaning assembly 1200 may be configured to be removably coupled to a docking station 1204. The docking station 1204 may be configured to charge one or more batteries of the cleaning assembly 1200. For example, one or more of the surface cleaning head 1202 and / or the vacuum cleaner 400 may include one or more batteries. In some instances, the vacuum cleaner 400 may be separated from the wand 700 while the wand 700 and the surface cleaning head 1202 remain coupled to the docking station 1204. In this instance, if the surface cleaning head 1202 includes one or more batteries, the one or more batteries may continue to be charged while the vacuum cleaner 400 is in use. For example, the one or more batteries may be included within a handle of the vacuum cleaner 400. In this instance, the one or more batteries may be removable from the handle (e.g., using a battery charging cradle on the docking station 1204) such that the one or more batteries may be charged separately from the vacuum cleaner.

[0044] 13 illustrates another example of a docking station 1300. As shown, the docking station 1300 is configured to couple to one or more cleaning accessories 1302. The one or more cleaning accessories 1302 may be coupled to the docking station 1300 such that, for example, the one or more cleaning accessories 1302 may be coupled to the vacuum cleaner 400 without a user having to first remove each cleaning accessory 1302 from the docking station 1300. In other words, the one or more accessories 1302 are coupled to the docking station 1300 at an accessory inlet end 1304 of the one or more accessories 1302.

[0045] 14-15, additional views are generally shown illustrating the cleaning system 1201 of FIG. 12 having a cleaning assembly 1200 and a docking station 1204. Specifically, FIG. 14 generally illustrates the cleaning system 1201 in an undocked state (i.e., the cleaning assembly 1200 is not coupled to the docking station 1204), and FIG. 15 generally illustrates the cleaning system 1201 in a first docked state (i.e., at least a portion of the cleaning assembly 1200 is coupled to the docking station 1204). As described herein, portions of the cleaning system 1201 may also be docked to the docking station 1204 in one or more alternative (e.g., second) configurations.

[0046] 14 , the cleaning assembly 1200 includes a vacuum cleaner 400, a wand 700, and a surface cleaning head 1202 (which may be an example of the surface cleaning head 300 of FIG. 3 ). The vacuum cleaner 400 is removably coupled to the wand 700, which is removably coupled to the surface cleaning head 1202. The vacuum cleaner 400 is fluidly coupled to the surface cleaning head 1202 via the wand 700. Thus, during operation, the vacuum cleaner 400 generates suction at the surface cleaning head 1202. In some instances, the surface cleaning head 1202 may be configured to be directly coupled to the vacuum cleaner 400.

[0047] As shown, in some instances, the cleaning assembly 1200 may be configured to be removably coupled to a docking station 1204. The docking station 1204 may be configured to charge one or more batteries of the cleaning assembly 1200. For example, one or more of the surface cleaning head 1202 and / or the vacuum cleaner 400 may include one or more batteries. As described herein, a battery of the cleaning assembly 1200 (e.g., without limitation, a battery disposed within the vacuum cleaner 400) may be charged in the first docked state and the second docked state.

[0048] 16A and 16B, an example of a docking station 1204 is shown. The docking station 1204 can include a support base 1602 and a support arm 1604 extending therefrom. The support base 1602 can be configured to support the cleaning assembly 1200 when in the first docked state and can include a lower surface 1601 configured to be placed on a floor. For example, the surface cleaning head 1202 can contact an upper surface 1606 of the support base 1602 when in the first docked state, as generally shown in FIG. 15. The upper surface 1606 of the support base 1602 is shown to have a surface area at least as large as the bottom surface 1608 of the cleaning assembly 1200, although it will be appreciated that the surface area of ​​the upper surface 1606 of the support base 1602 can be less than the bottom surface 1608 of the cleaning assembly 1200. In such an embodiment, a portion of the bottom surface 1608 of the cleaning assembly 1200 may not be disposed on the support base 1602 when in the first docked state.

[0049] The docking station 1204 may optionally include one or more accessory holders 1610. The accessory holder 1610 may be configured to secure one or more accessories associated with the cleaning assembly 1200 to facilitate organization and storage of the accessories. Non-limiting examples of accessories include different types of nozzles, brushes, crevice tools, and / or the like that may be removably coupled to the vacuum cleaner 400 and / or the wand 700. In some examples, the accessory holder 1610 may define a cavity configured to receive and / or support the accessory. In at least one example, the accessory may include an additional battery pack. The accessory holder 1610 may optionally include a charging terminal for charging the additional battery pack. One or more of the accessory holders 1610 may be disposed on the support base 1602 and / or may extend from the support base 1602 (e.g., but not limited to, a top surface 1606 of the support base 1602).

[0050] The support arm 1604 may be configured to extend from the support base 1602 and may be configured to be removably coupled to the cleaning assembly 1200. The support arm 1604 may extend from the support base 1602 at an angle A. The angle A may be defined as an angle between a longitudinal axis L of the support arm 1604 and a line B extending from the support arm 1604 along a top surface 1606 of the support base 1602 toward a front surface F of the support base 1602, as generally shown in FIG. 17 . The angle A may be in the range of 20 degrees to 135 degrees, such as 90 degrees, for example. When the angle A is less than 90 degrees, the support arm 1604 may be tilted toward the front surface F of the support base 1602. In contrast, the support arm 1604 may be tilted away from the front surface F of the support base 1602 when the angle A is greater than 90 degrees.

[0051] 16A-21, the support arm 1604 can include one or more first base couplers 1612 (see, e.g., FIGS. 16A, 16B) configured to engage with one or more cleaning assembly couplers 1902 (see, e.g., FIG. 19). For example, the first base coupler 1612 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 to secure at least a portion of the cleaning assembly 1200 to the docking station 1204 in a first docked state, e.g., as generally illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 18.

[0052] In at least one example, the wand 700 may be coupled to the vacuum cleaner 400 and the surface cleaning head 1202 when the cleaning assembly 1200 is coupled to the first base coupler 1612 in the first docked state. For example, the wand 700 and vacuum cleaner 400 may extend generally upwardly (e.g., generally vertically) from the top surface 1606 of the support base 1602 when in the first docked state. The surface cleaning head 1202 may be optionally disposed on the top surface 1606 of the support base 1602 when in the first docked state.

[0053] In at least some examples, the vacuum cleaner 400 is not coupled to the wand 700 in the first docked state. For example, both the wand 700 and the surface cleaning head 1202 may be coupled to the first base coupler 1612 in the first docked state (the first base coupler 1612 may be part of either the wand 700 or the surface cleaning head 1202). Alternatively, only the surface cleaning head 1202 may be coupled to the first base coupler 1612 in the first docked state (e.g., the surface cleaning head 1202 may be coupled to the first base coupler 1612 without the wand 700 in the first docked state). In any case, the surface cleaning head 1202 may be optionally disposed on the top surface 1606 of the support base 1602 when in the first docked state.

[0054] 17, a close-up of one example of the first base coupler 1612 of FIGS. 16A, 16B is generally illustrated. The first base coupler 1612 may include a passageway 1702 extending from an opening 1704. The passageway 1702 and the opening 1704 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 (e.g., as generally illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 18). The opening 1704 may generally include a tapered opening configured to guide the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 toward and / or into the passageway 1702. The passageway 1702 may have an inner cross-sectional size that generally corresponds to an outer cross-sectional size of the cleaning assembly coupler 1902, such that the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 may generally only move (e.g., generally only up and down) along the longitudinal axis La of the passageway 1702. In at least one example, the inner cross section of the passageway 1702 may have a smaller taper moving away from the opening 1704. Optionally, the taper of the passageway 1702 may generally correspond to the taper of the cleaning assembly coupler 1902.

[0055] The distal end of the passageway 1702 may be open or may be a blind passageway (e.g., a blind hole). In at least one example, the passageway 1702 may have a length of at least 2 centimeters (cm), e.g., at least 3 cm, at least 4, at least 5 cm, and / or any value or range therein. The slot may have substantially the same length as the passageway 1702, or may have a length less than the passageway 1702 (e.g., at least 50% of the length of the passageway 1702, at least 75% of the length of the passageway 1702, at least 90% of the length of the passageway 1702, and / or any value or range therein). The passageway 1702 may have a width (e.g., left to right when viewed from the front F) of about 1 to 3 cm, e.g., about 2 cm, and a depth (e.g., front to back) of about 0.25 to 1.0 cm, e.g., about 0.5 cm. The slot 1706 may have a width (e.g., left to right) of about 0.25 to 1.0 cm, e.g., about 0.5 cm, and a depth (e.g., front to back) of about 0.25 to 1.0 cm, e.g., about 0.5 cm. Of course, these are merely example ranges.

[0056] The first base coupler 1612 may also optionally include one or more slots 1706. The slots 1706 may extend from the opening 1704 along a front surface 1705 of the first base coupler 1612 (e.g., a surface of the arm coupler that generally faces the front surface F of the support base 1610). In the illustrated example, the front surface 1705 is generally planar, but this is not a limitation of the present disclosure unless so claimed. In some examples, the front surface 1705 may generally have a contour (e.g., a shape or contour) that inversely corresponds to a contour of an area proximate the cleaning assembly coupler 1902. The slots 1706 may also extend along the passageway 1702. In at least one example, the passageway 1702 and the slots 1706 may generally form an elongated T-shaped channel configured to receive a portion of an elongated T-shaped connector of the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 at the opening 1704. Of course, the passageway 1702 and slot 1706 (as well as the corresponding portions of the cleaning assembly coupler 1902) may have other shapes, such as, but not limited to, a Y-shape, a U-shape, or the like.

[0057] Thus, the first base coupler 1612 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 to removably secure the cleaning assembly 1200 to the docking station 1204, e.g., to store at least a portion of the cleaning assembly 1200 on the docking station 1204. In at least one example, the support arm 1604 and the first base coupler 1612 may be configured to be secured to a portion of the wand 700 of the cleaning assembly 1200. The wand 700 may also be secured to the vacuum cleaner 400 and / or the surface cleaning head 1202 simultaneously. As such, the support arm 1604 and the first base coupler 1612 may be configured to be secured to the entire cleaning assembly 1200 (i.e., the vacuum cleaner 400, the wand 700, and the surface cleaning head 1202). This allows a user to easily store the cleaning assembly 1200 without disassembling the vacuum cleaner 400, the wand 700, and the surface cleaning head 1202 from one another.

[0058] The support arm 1604 and the first base coupler 1612 may be positioned a sufficient distance from the support base 1602 to increase overall stability and generally prevent the cleaning assembly 1200 from accidentally tipping over when in the first docked state. For example, the support arm 1604 and the first base coupler 1612 may be positioned a sufficient distance from the support base 1602 such that the surface cleaning head 1202 is disposed on the top surface 1606 of the support base 1602 when in the first docked state. With such a configuration, the weight of the cleaning assembly 1200 can be transferred directly to the support base 1602, with the support arm 1604 only stabilizing the cleaning assembly 1200. Alternatively (or additionally), the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 may be part of the wand 700. Forming the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 as part of the wand 700 may increase the stability of the cleaning assembly 1200 when in the first docked state. However, it will be appreciated that the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 may be part of the surface cleaning head 1202. In at least one example, the first base coupler 1612 is positioned, for example, at least 10 cm from the support base 1602 when in the first docked state, e.g., at least 15 cm from the support base 1602, at least 20 cm from the support base 1602, at least 30 cm from the support base 1602, and / or any value or range therein. The cleaning assembly coupler 1902 can be positioned, for example, at least 10 cm from the support base 1602 when in the first docked state, e.g., at least 15 cm from the support base 1602, at least 20 cm from the support base 1602, at least 30 cm from the support base 1602, and / or any value or range therein.

[0059] The first base coupler 1612 may optionally include one or more docking charging terminals 1708 configured to be electrically coupled to corresponding vacuum charging terminals 1904 associated with the cleaning assembly 1200 when the cleaning assembly 1200 is in the first docking state. The docking charging terminals 1708 and the vacuum charging terminals 1904 may be configured to supply power to one or more batteries associated with the cleaning assembly 1200. The batteries may be located at any position of the cleaning assembly 1200, such as, but not limited to, the sweeper 400, the wand 700, and / or the surface cleaning head 1202. The first base coupler 1612 (e.g., the passage 1702 and / or the slot 1706) may be configured to receive the corresponding cleaning assembly coupler 1902 and generally align the docking charging terminals 1708 with the vacuum charging terminals 1904 when the cleaning assembly 1200 is in the first docking state.

[0060] In at least one example, one or more of the docking charging terminals 1708 may be at least partially disposed on the outer surface 1710 of the first base coupler 1612. For example, one or more of the docking charging terminals 1708 may be disposed on the front surface 1705 of the first base coupler 1612. In at least one example, the first and second docking charging terminals 1708 may be disposed on opposing surfaces of the slot 1706. Alternatively (or additionally), one or more of the docking charging terminals 1708 may be at least partially disposed within the passage 1702.

[0061] Turning to FIGS. 19 - 22, an example of a cleaning assembly coupler 1902 is generally shown. As described herein, the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 can be configured to engage with one or more first base couplers 1612 to secure at least a portion of the cleaning assembly 1200 to the docking station 1204 in a first docking state. The cleaning assembly coupler 1902 can be configured to be at least partially received within the passageway 1702 and / or slot 1706 of the first base coupler 1612. The cleaning assembly coupler 1902 can include one or more ribs 1906 that extend outwardly from the cleaning assembly 1200. In the illustrated example, the rib 1906 extends from the wand 700, but it should be understood that the rib 1906 can extend from the surface cleaning head 1202.

[0062] The distal end region 1908 of the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 (e.g., the distal end region of the rib 1906) can be configured to be received through the opening 1704 and into the passageway 1702 and / or slot 1706 of the first base coupler 1612. The cleaning assembly coupler 1902 can also include one or more flanges 1910 that extend outwardly from the rib 1906. The flange 1910 can also be configured to be received through the opening 1704 and into the passageway 1702 of the first base coupler 1612. In the illustrated example, the rib 1906 and the flange 1910 generally form an elongated T-shaped connector that corresponds to the elongated T-shaped channel of the first base coupler 1612 described herein, but it should be understood that the rib 1906 and the flange 1910 can have other shapes, such as, but not limited to, a Y-shape, a U-shape, etc.

[0063] The proximal end region 1912 of the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 may include an end cap 1914. The end cap 1914 may generally limit the distance that the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 can advance into the first base coupler 1612. The first base coupler 1612 and the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 may each be sized and shaped relative to each other and positioned relative to the docking station 1204 and the support base 1602 of the cleaning assembly 1200 such that when in the first docking state, the surface cleaning head 1202 can be disposed on the upper surface 1606 of the support base 1602.

[0064] The first base coupler 1612 and the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 may each be sized and shaped relative to each other and positioned relative to the docking station 1204 and the support base 1602 of the cleaning assembly 1200 such that when in the first docking state, the vacuum charging terminal 1904 is electrically coupled to the docking charging terminal 1708. The vacuum charging terminal 1904 may be disposed in proximity to the cleaning assembly coupler 1902. For example, the first and second vacuum charging terminals 1904 may be disposed on opposing surfaces of the rib 1906.

[0065] To remove (i.e., undock) the cleaning assembly 1200 from the docking station 1204, the user may simply lift the cleaning assembly 1200 upward and move the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 out of the first base coupler 1612 (e.g., advance the distal end 1908 of the rib 1906 and the flange 1910 out of the passage 1702, slot 1706, and opening 1704). A locking mechanism is not necessary, but the first base coupler 1612 and / or the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 may optionally include a lock for securing the position of the cleaning assembly 1200 relative to the docking station 1204.

[0066] The configuration of the first base coupler 1612 and the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 may be reversed (for example, the cavities and ribs may be reversed such that the first base coupler 1612 forms a T-connector (or similar) and the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 forms a T-channel (or similar)). Of course, it should also be understood that the first base coupler 1612 and the cleaning assembly coupler 1902 are not limited to a channel / connector configuration, particularly unless so claimed as such.

[0067] The docking station 1204 may optionally include a second base coupler 2302 configured to engage one or more vacuum couplers 2502 associated with the vacuum cleaner 400 in a second docking state. The first base coupler 1612 may be configured to fix (and optionally charge) the entire cleaning assembly 1200 (or optionally only the wand 700 and the surface cleaning head 1202), while the second base coupler 2302 may be configured to fix (and optionally charge) only the vacuum cleaner 400 in the second docking state. The second base coupler 2302 may be configured to position the vacuum cleaner 400 in a readily accessible location relative to the docking station 1204, enabling quick and easy access to the vacuum cleaner 400 from the docking station 1204 for situations where the wand 700 and the surface cleaning head 1202 are not needed / desired. Of course, the docking station 1204 may advantageously be capable of storing the wand 700 and the surface cleaning head 1202 separately from and simultaneously with the vacuum cleaner 400. For this purpose, the docking station 1204 may be configured to store the wand 700 and the surface cleaning head 1202 in a first docking state (and optionally charge them simultaneously using the docking charging terminals 1708 and the vacuum charging terminals 1904) using the first base coupler 1612 and the cleaning assembly coupler 1902, while the vacuum cleaner 400 is simultaneously stored in a second docking state using the second base coupler 2302 and the vacuum coupler 2502 (and optionally charged simultaneously using the charging terminals described herein).As a result, the user can quickly and easily undock the vacuum cleaner 400 from the second base coupler 2302 and the docking station 1204 and use only the vacuum cleaner 400 if desired, or quickly remove the vacuum cleaner 400 from the base coupler 2302 and easily connect it to the wand 700, and then remove the assembled cleaning assembly 1200 (e.g., the vacuum cleaner 400, the wand 700, and the surface cleaning head 1202) from the first base coupler 1612 (and from the docking station 1204).

[0068] The second base coupler 2302 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum coupler 2502 and secure at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 to the docking station 1204 in a second docking state, as generally shown in FIG. 27. Referring to FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 23, the second base coupler 2302 may be coupled to the support arm 1604. For example, the second base coupler 2302 may be coupled to the support arm 1604 through one or more vacuum arms 2304. The vacuum arms 2304 extend from the support arm 1604 and position the second base coupler 2302 in a position that allows the wand 700 and the surface cleaning head 1202 to be coupled to the first base coupler 1612 in a first docking state while the vacuum cleaner 400 is coupled to the second base coupler 2302 in a second docking state. Also, the vacuum arms 2304 extend from the support arm 1604 and may position the second base coupler 2302 in a position where the vacuum cleaner 400 can be easily grasped and removed (e.g., undocked) by the user without removing (undocking) the wand 700 and the surface cleaning head 1202 from the first base coupler 1612.

[0069] In the illustrated example (best seen in FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 23), the second base coupler 2302 may include a vacuum projection 2306 that extends outwardly from the pedestal 2308. The vacuum projection 2306 may be configured to be at least partially received within a corresponding vacuum cavity 2504 (FIG. 25) of the vacuum coupler 2502, as generally shown in FIGS. 26 - 27. Specifically, FIG. 26 generally shows the vacuum projection 2306 partially received within the vacuum cavity 2504, and FIG. 27 generally shows the fully docked state of the vacuum cleaner 400. In the illustrated example, the pedestal 2308 may be configured to contact a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 when fully docked. At least a portion of the pedestal 2308 may optionally have a surface contour / configuration that generally corresponds to a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 that contacts the pedestal 2308. However, of course, the vacuum cleaner 400 need not contact the pedestal 2308. Further, the vacuum projection 2306 and / or the vacuum cavity 2504 may have a tapered outer diameter. For example, the vacuum projection 2306 may have a taper that decreases from the pedestal 2308 towards the distal end, and the vacuum cavity 2504 may have a taper that increases from the opening towards the opposite end. Such tapered configurations may assist in aligning the vacuum cleaner 400 with respect to the docking station 1204. In an exemplary embodiment, the vacuum cavity 2504 may also include a portion of a vacuum inlet 2506 to the vacuum cleaner 400 (which may also function to be fluidly coupled to the wand 700).

[0070] Although the second base coupler 2302 is shown coupled to the support arm 1604, it should be understood that the second base coupler 2302 may be coupled to any portion of the docking station 1204. For example, the vacuum arm 2304 may extend directly from the support base 1602 (e.g., the vacuum arm 2304 may not extend from the support arm 1604). Alternatively (or additionally), the second base coupler 2302 may be directly coupled to the support base 1602 (i.e., without the vacuum arm 2304).

[0071] The second base coupler 2302 may optionally include one or more docking charging terminals 2310 configured to be electrically coupled to corresponding vacuum charging terminals 2508 associated with the vacuum cleaner 400 when the vacuum cleaner 400 is in a docking state. The docking charging terminals 2310 and the vacuum charging terminals 2508 may be configured to supply power to one or more batteries associated with the vacuum cleaner 400. The battery may be located anywhere within the vacuum cleaner 400, such as, but not limited to, the handle 2400 (FIG. 24). The second base coupler 2302 may be coupled to the corresponding vacuum coupler 2502 and generally configured to align the docking charging terminals 2310 with the vacuum charging terminals 2508 when the vacuum cleaner 400 is in a docking state.

[0072] In at least one example, one or more of the docking charging terminals 2310 may be at least partially disposed on the outer surface 2312 of the second base coupler 2302. For example, one or more of the docking charging terminals 2310 may be disposed on the pedestal 2308 of the second base coupler 2302. Alternatively (or additionally), one or more of the docking charging terminals 2310 may be at least partially disposed on / within the vacuum protrusion 2306.

[0073] An example of a cleaning system consistent with the present disclosure includes a cleaning assembly and a docking station. The cleaning system includes a vacuum cleaner, a surface cleaning head, a wand configured to be fluidly coupled to the surface cleaning head and the vacuum cleaner, the wand including a vacuum coupler and one or more vacuum charging terminals, a cleaning assembly coupler, and one or more vacuum charging terminals. The docking station includes a support base having a bottom surface disposed on a floor and an upper surface, a support arm extending from the support base, the support arm further including a first base coupler configured to be fixed to the cleaning assembly coupler to fix at least one of the wand or the surface cleaning head of the cleaning assembly to the docking station in a first docking state, one or more first docking charging terminals configured to be electrically coupled to the one or more vacuum charging terminals when the cleaning assembly is in the first docking state, a second base coupler configured to be fixed to the vacuum coupler to fix the vacuum cleaner to the docking station in a second docking state, and one or more second docking charging terminals configured to be electrically coupled to the one or more vacuum charging terminals when the vacuum cleaner is in the second docking state.

[0074] In some examples, the second base coupler may be coupled to the support arm. In some examples, the cleaning system may further include a vacuum arm extending outwardly from the support arm, and the vacuum arm is configured to couple the support arm to the second base coupler. In some examples, the second base coupler may include a vacuum protrusion extending outwardly from the pedestal. In some examples, the vacuum protrusion may be configured to be at least partially received within the vacuum cavity of the vacuum coupler. In some examples, the vacuum cavity may include a portion of the vacuum inlet to the vacuum cleaner. In some examples, the vacuum arm may be configured to position the second base coupler such that the wand and the surface cleaning head are coupled to the first base coupler in a first docking state while the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the second base coupler in a second docking state. In some examples, the first base coupler may be configured to be coupled to the wand and the surface cleaning head in a first docking state while the second base coupler is coupled to the vacuum cleaner in a second docking state. In some examples, one or more first docking charging terminals may be configured to supply power to one or more batteries disposed within the vacuum cleaner when the cleaning assembly is in the first docking state, and one or more second docking charging terminals may be configured to supply power to the one or more batteries when the vacuum cleaner is in the second docking state. In some examples, the first base coupler and the cleaning assembly coupler may be configured to allow the surface cleaning head to contact the support base when in the first docking state. In some examples, the first base coupler and the cleaning assembly coupler may be configured such that the wand extends substantially upright from the support base when in the first docking state. In some examples, the first base coupler may include a cavity, and the cleaning assembly coupler may include a rib, and the rib is configured to be at least received within the cavity when in the first docking state.

[0075] An example of a docking station for a vacuum cleaner for use in combination with a cleaning assembly including a vacuum cleaner, a wand, and a surface cleaning head that is consistent with the present disclosure is a support base having a lower surface disposed on a floor and an upper surface, a support arm extending from the support base, the support arm further comprising a first base coupler configured to be fixed to a cleaning assembly coupler of the cleaning assembly to fix at least one of the wand or the surface cleaning head of the cleaning assembly to the docking station in a first docking state, a support arm, and one or more first docking charging terminals configured to be electrically coupled to one or more vacuum charging terminals of the cleaning assembly when the cleaning assembly is in the first docking state, a second base coupler fixed to a vacuum coupler of the vacuum cleaner and configured to fix the vacuum cleaner to the docking station in a second docking state, and one or more second docking charging terminals configured to be electrically coupled to one or more vacuum charging terminals of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is in the second docking state.

[0076] In some examples, the second base coupler may be coupled to the support arm. In some examples, the vacuum arm may extend outwardly from the support arm, and the vacuum arm is configured to couple the support arm to the second base coupler. In some examples, the vacuum arm is configured to position the second base coupler such that the wand and the surface cleaning head can be coupled to the first base coupler in a first docking state while the vacuum cleaner can be coupled to the second base coupler in a second docking state. In some examples, the first base coupler may be configured to couple to the wand and the surface cleaning head in a first docking state while the second base coupler is coupled to the vacuum cleaner in a second docking state. In some examples, one or more first docking charging terminals may be configured to supply power to one or more batteries disposed within the vacuum cleaner when the cleaning assembly is in the first docking state, and one or more second docking charging terminals may be configured to supply power to one or more batteries when the vacuum cleaner is in the second docking state. In some examples, the first base coupler may be configured to allow the surface cleaning head to contact the support base when in the first docking state. In some examples, the first base coupler may be configured to allow the wand to extend substantially upright from the support base when in the first docking state.

[0077] An example of a vacuum cleaner consistent with the present disclosure includes a body having a handle end and an attachment end, the attachment end being on the opposite side of the handle end along the longitudinal axis of the body, the body, a dust cup disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a suction motor disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a body latch configured to removably engage an accessory, and a body toggle configured to move the body latch between a release position and a holding position, the body toggle being positioned closer to the handle end than the attachment end.

[0078] In some examples, the vacuum cleaner may further include a body pull rod configured to engage with the body latch. In some examples, the vacuum cleaner may further include a body push rod configured to engage with the body latch. In some examples, the body latch may be biased toward the holding position by a biasing mechanism. In some examples, the body toggle may be vertically spaced from the body latch. In some examples, the body toggle may be longitudinally spaced from the body latch. In some examples, the body toggle may be horizontally spaced from the body latch in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0079] An example of a cleaning assembly consistent with the present disclosure includes a vacuum cleaner, a wand fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner, and a surface cleaning head fluidly coupled to the wand. The vacuum cleaner includes a body having a handle end and an attachment end, the attachment end being on an opposite side of the handle end along the longitudinal axis of the body, a dust cup disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a suction motor disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a body latch configured to removably engage the wand, and a body toggle configured to move the body latch between a release position and a holding position, the body toggle being closer to the handle end than the attachment end.

[0080] In some examples, the vacuum cleaner may further include a body pull rod configured to bias the body latch to move from a holding position to a release position. In some examples, the vacuum cleaner may further include a body push rod configured to bias the body latch to move from a holding position to a release position. In some examples, the body latch may be biased toward the holding position by a biasing mechanism. In some examples, the body toggle may be vertically spaced from the body latch. In some examples, the body toggle may be longitudinally spaced from the body latch. In some examples, the body toggle may be horizontally spaced from the body latch in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body. In some examples, the wand may include a wand catch configured to engage the body latch. In some examples, the wand may include a wand toggle configured to actuate the wand latch. In some examples, the wand latch may be coupled to a connector of the surface cleaning head. In some examples, the wand toggle may be spaced from the vacuum cleaner by a distance shorter than the length of the wand toggle.

[0081] An example of a cleaning system consistent with the present disclosure includes a docking station and a cleaning assembly configured to couple to the docking station. The cleaning assembly includes a vacuum cleaner, a wand fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner, and a surface cleaning head fluidly coupled to the wand. The vacuum cleaner includes a body having a handle end and an attachment end, the attachment end being on an opposite side of the handle end along the longitudinal axis of the body, a dust cup disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a suction motor disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a body latch configured to removably engage the wand, and a body toggle configured to move the body latch between a release position and a holding position, the body toggle being closer to the handle end than the attachment end.

[0082] In some examples, the vacuum cleaner can be configured to be separable from the wand while the wand and the surface cleaning head are coupled to the docking station. The principles of the present invention are described herein, but it should be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made merely as an example 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. Modifications and substitutions by those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention and should not be limited except as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. a body having a handle end and a mounting end opposite the handle end along a longitudinal axis of the body, the mounting end configured to removably couple to an accessory and including a suction inlet; a dust cup disposed between the handle end and the mounting end; a suction motor disposed between the handle end and the mounting end and configured to fluidly couple to the suction inlet; a body latch positioned at least partially within the body proximate the mounting end; first and second body toggles disposed on first and second opposing faces of the body, respectively, the first and second body toggles positioned closer to the handle end than to the mounting end and configured to transition the body latch between a retaining position that couples the accessory to the suction inlet such that the suction inlet is fluidly coupled to the accessory and a releasing position that uncouples the accessory such that the suction inlet is not fluidly coupled to the accessory; and a body pull rod or body push rod, at least a portion of which is positioned within the body and includes first and second longitudinal extension regions coupled to engagement regions configured to couple the body latch to the first and second body toggles, the first and second longitudinal extension regions extending along the first and second opposing faces of the body, respectively, the engagement regions being positioned near the mounting end, extending transversely to the first and second longitudinal extension regions and configured to engage with the body latch.

2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 , wherein the body latch is biased towards the retaining position by a biasing mechanism.

3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 , wherein the first and second body toggles are vertically spaced from the body latch.

4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 3 , wherein the first and second body toggles are longitudinally spaced from the body latch.

5. 5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 4, wherein the first and second body toggles are horizontally spaced from the body latch transversely to the longitudinal axis of the body.

6. A vacuum cleaner and a wand fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner; a surface cleaning head fluidly coupled to the wand, the vacuum cleaner comprising: a body having a handle end and a mounting end opposite the handle end along a longitudinal axis of the body, the mounting end configured to removably couple to the wand and including a suction inlet; a dust cup disposed between the handle end and the mounting end; a suction motor disposed between the handle end and the mounting end and configured to fluidly couple to the suction inlet; a body latch positioned at least partially within the body proximate the mounting end; first and second body toggles disposed on first and second opposing faces of the body, respectively, the first and second body toggles positioned closer to the handle end than to the attachment end and configured to transition the body latch between a retaining position that couples the wand to the suction inlet such that the suction inlet is fluidly coupled to the wand, and a releasing position that uncouples the wand such that the suction inlet is not fluidly coupled to the wand; a body pull rod or push rod positioned at least partially within the body and including first and second longitudinal extension regions coupled to engagement regions configured to couple the body latch to the first and second body toggles, the first and second longitudinal extension regions extending along the first and second opposing faces of the body, respectively, the engagement regions positioned near the mounting end and extending transversely to the first and second longitudinal extension regions, and configured to bias the body latch to transition from the retaining position toward the release position.

7. The cleaning assembly of claim 6 , wherein the body latch is biased toward the retaining position by a biasing mechanism.

8. The cleaning assembly of claim 6 , wherein the first and second body toggles are vertically spaced from the body latch.

9. The cleaning assembly of claim 8 , wherein the first and second body toggles are longitudinally spaced from the body latch.

10. The cleaning assembly of claim 9 , wherein the first and second body toggles are horizontally spaced from the body latch transversely to the longitudinal axis of the body.

11. The cleaning assembly of claim 6 , wherein the wand includes a wand catch configured to engage with the body latch.

12. The cleaning assembly of claim 6 , wherein the wand includes a wand toggle configured to actuate a wand latch.

13. The cleaning assembly of claim 12 , wherein the wand latch is coupled to a connector of the surface cleaning head.

14. 14. The cleaning assembly of claim 13, wherein the wand toggle is spaced from the vacuum cleaner a distance less than a wand toggle length.

15. A docking station and a cleaning assembly configured to couple to the docking station, A vacuum cleaner and a wand fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner; a surface cleaning head fluidly coupled to the wand, the vacuum cleaner comprising: a body having a handle end and a mounting end opposite the handle end along a longitudinal axis of the body, the mounting end configured to removably couple to the wand and including a suction inlet; a dust cup disposed between the handle end and the mounting end; a suction motor disposed between the handle end and the mounting end and configured to fluidly couple to the suction inlet; a body latch positioned at least partially within the body proximate the mounting end; first and second body toggles disposed on first and second opposing faces of the body, respectively, the first and second body toggles positioned closer to the handle end than to the attachment end and configured to transition the body latch between a retaining position that couples the wand to the suction inlet such that the suction inlet is fluidly coupled to the wand, and a releasing position that uncouples the wand such that the suction inlet is not fluidly coupled to the wand; and a body pull rod or push rod configured to bias the body latch to transition from the retaining position toward the release position, the body pull rod or push rod being positioned near the attachment end and extending transversely to the first and second longitudinal extension regions, the body pull rod or push rod being positioned at least partially within the body and including first and second longitudinal extension regions coupled to engagement regions configured to couple the body latch to the first and second body toggles, the first and second longitudinal extension regions extending along the first and second opposing faces of the body, respectively, the engagement regions being positioned near the attachment end and extending transversely to the first and second longitudinal extension regions, the body pull rod or push rod being configured to bias the body latch to transition from the retaining position toward the release position.

16. The cleaning system of claim 15, wherein the vacuum cleaner is configured to be detachable from the wand while the wand and the surface cleaning head are coupled to the docking station.

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