Hand-held vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A hand-held vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The hand-held vacuum cleaner comprises: a first elongate body having a first longitudinal axis; and a second elongate body having a second longitudinal axis. The elongate bodies are connected via a linkage that is rotatable relative to the first elongate body and the second elongate body such that an angle between the longitudinal axes of the elongate bodies is adjustable via rotation of the linkage.

Description

[0001] 1 P005262-W001

[0002] HAND-HELD VACUUM CLEANER

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Known hand-held vacuum cleaners tend to be bulky thus making them difficult to manoeuvre in tight spaces such as car interiors. This makes cleaning more difficult which can lead to a diminished user experience. The following disclosure is provided in light of these considerations.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] There is provided a hand-held vacuum cleaner comprising: a first elongate body having a first longitudinal axis; and a second elongate body having a second longitudinal axis; wherein the elongate bodies are connected via a linkage that is rotatable relative to the first elongate body and the second elongate body such that an angle between the longitudinal axes of the elongate bodies is adjustable via rotation of the linkage.

[0007] Thus, the elongate bodies may be rotatable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the longitudinal axes may be parallel (e.g. coaxial). In the second configuration, the longitudinal axes may be non-coaxial. For example, the longitudinal axes may be non-parallel (e.g. orthogonal) in the second configuration. Alternatively, the longitudinal axes may be parallel and offset (e.g. side-by-side) in the second configuration (e.g. such that the hand-held vacuum cleaner forms a U-shape). In these ways, operability and / or storage of the hand-held vacuum cleaner may be facilitated. An angle between the longitudinal axes in the second configuration may be about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees (e.g. about 100 degrees to about 110 degrees). The angle may be about 90 degrees. The angle may be about 105 degrees. The angle may be about 180 degrees. In these ways, ease of handling (i.e. ergonomics) and / or storage may be improved.

[0008] The hand-held vacuum cleaner may further comprise an elongate coupler connecting the elongate bodies (e.g. such that, when rotated, the elongate bodies rotate in unison relative to the linkage). Thus, rotation of the first elongate body relative to the linkage may effect rotation of the second elongate body relative to the linkage and vice versa. In this way, ease 2 P005262-W001 of operation may be facilitated (e.g. because the hand-held vacuum cleaner can be transitioned between the configurations by holding the linkage and rotating either one of the elongate bodies).

[0009] The elongate coupler may be pivotably connected to the first elongate body (e.g. such that the elongate coupler is pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis) and / or to the second elongate body (e.g. such that the elongate coupler is pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis). To allow the elongate bodies to rotate in unison as discussed previously, rotation of the elongate coupler relative to each longitudinal body about an axis parallel (e.g. coaxial) to the respective longitudinal axis may be prevented.

[0010] The elongate coupler may have a coupler axis. The elongate coupler may comprise a first joint (e.g. first ball joint) for engaging a first socket of the first elongate body (e.g. the first joint may allow the elongate coupler to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis). The elongate coupler may comprise a second joint (e.g. second ball joint) for engaging a second socket of the second elongate body (e.g. the second joint may allow the elongate coupler to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis). The first joint and the second joint may be located at opposite axial ends of the elongate coupler (e.g. they may be spaced by a central portion of the elongate coupler). Each socket may be located at an axial end of the respective elongate body.

[0011] A first axial end (e.g. the first joint) of the elongate coupler may comprise a first coupler alignment element (e.g. engageable / engaged with the first elongate body). The first coupler alignment element may comprise one or more first lugs. For example, a pair of first lugs (e.g. located on opposite sides of the elongate coupler). The first elongate body (e.g. the first socket) may include a first body alignment element (e.g. engageable / engaged with the first coupler alignment element). The first body alignment element may comprise one or more first recesses (e.g. first slots). For example, a pair of first recesses (e.g. located on opposite sides of the first socket). Thus, each of the pair of first lugs may be received in a respective first recess in the first socket. In these ways, rotation of the elongate coupler may effect rotation of the first elongate body (i.e. they may rotate in unison). 3 P005262-W001

[0012] A second axial end (e.g. the second joint) of the elongate coupler may comprise a second coupler alignment element (e.g. engageable / engaged with the second elongate body). The second coupler alignment element may comprise one or more second lugs. For example, a pair of second lugs (e.g. located on opposite sides of the elongate coupler). The second elongate body (e.g. the second socket) may include a second body alignment element (e.g. engageable / engaged with the second coupler alignment element). The second body alignment element may comprise one or more second recesses (e.g. second slots). For example, a pair of second recesses (e.g. located on opposite sides of the second socket). Thus, each of the pair of second lugs may be received in a respective second recess in the second socket. In these ways, rotation of the elongate coupler may effect rotation of the second elongate body (i.e. they may rotate in unison).

[0013] The coupler alignment element(s) (e.g. the pair of first lugs and / or the pair of second lugs) and / or the body alignment element(s) (e.g. the pair of first recesses and / or the pair of second recesses) may prevent rotation of the elongate coupler relative to each longitudinal body about an axis parallel (e.g. coaxial) to the respective longitudinal axis such that the elongate bodies and elongate coupler rotate in unison as discussed previously.

[0014] The longitudinal axes may define a plane. The first coupler / body alignment element(s) (e.g. the pair of first lugs and / or the pair of first recesses) and / or the second coupler / body alignment element(s) (e.g. the pair of second lugs and / or the pair of second recesses) may be aligned with the plane. The first coupler alignment element and the second coupler alignment element may be aligned (e.g. coplanar). Thus, the pair of first lugs and the pair of second lugs may be aligned (e.g. coplanar). The first body alignment element and the second coupler alignment element may be aligned (e.g. coplanar). Thus, the pair of first recesses and the pair of second recesses may be aligned (e.g. coplanar).

[0015] The pair of first lugs may be disposed along a first lug axis. The first lug axis may be orthogonal to the coupler axis. The pair of second lugs may be disposed along a second lug axis. The second lug axis may be orthogonal to the coupler axis. The first lug axis and the second lug axis may be parallel (e.g. coplanar). 4 P005262-W001

[0016] The elongate coupler may comprise a plurality of elongate sub-couplers (e.g. a first subcoupler and a second sub-coupler). The first elongate sub-coupler may be pivotably connected to the second elongate sub-coupler. The first elongate sub-coupler may comprise a first sub-coupler axis. The second elongate sub-coupler may comprise a second subcoupler axis. The first elongate sub-coupler may be pivotably connected between the first elongate body and the second elongate sub-coupler. The second elongate sub-coupler may be pivotably connected between the second elongate body and the first elongate sub-coupler. Including a plurality of elongate sub-couplers may facilitate achieving a greater degree of relative movement between the elongate bodies between the first configuration and the second configuration (e.g. the longitudinal axes being coaxial in the first configuration and the longitudinal axes being parallel and offset in the second configuration resulting in 180 degrees of relative movement between the first configuration and the second configuration).

[0017] The linkage may comprise a rigid body (e.g. tube). The linkage may rotatably engage the first elongate body and / or the second elongate body. In this way, the robustness of the connection between the elongate bodies may be improved. The tube may be arcuate. The tube may at least partly (e.g. fully) circumscribe the elongate coupler. The tube may have an elliptic (e.g. circular) transverse cross-section. In this way, ease of handling the linkage may be facilitated and / or user comfort may be improved.

[0018] The rigid body (e.g. tube) may comprise a plurality of sub-bodies (e.g. a first sub-body and a second sub-body). The first sub-body (e.g. a first sub-tube) may encircle the first elongate sub-coupler. The second sub-body (e.g. a second sub-tube) may encircle the second elongate sub-coupler. The first sub-body may rotatably engage with the first elongate body and / or the second sub-body. The second sub-body may rotatably engage with the second elongate body and / or the first sub-body. Relative movement of the plurality of sub-bodies with respect to one another and with respect to the elongate bodies may facilitate achieving a greater degree of relative movement between the elongate bodies between the first configuration and the second configuration. 5 P005262-W001

[0019] The linkage may be rotatable relative to the first elongate body about a first rotation axis orientated relative to the first longitudinal axis at a first oblique angle (e.g. about 17.5 degrees to about 27.5 degrees, e.g. about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees, e.g. about 22.5 degrees) (e.g. about 21.25 degrees to about 31.25 degrees, e.g. about 23.75 degrees to about 28.75 degrees, e.g. about 26.25 degrees). The linkage may be rotatable relative to the second elongate body about a second rotation axis orientated relative to the second longitudinal axis at a second oblique angle (e.g. about 17.5 degrees to about 27.5 degrees, e.g. about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees, e.g. about 22.5 degrees) (e.g. about 21.25 degrees to about 31.25 degrees, e.g. about 23.75 degrees to about 28.75 degrees, e.g. about 26.25 degrees). Thus, the first oblique angle and the second oblique angle may or may not be equal.

[0020] Where the hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a single elongate coupler, to achieve an angle of A degrees between the first elongate body and the second elongate body in the second configuration, the first oblique angle and the second oblique angle should add up to A / 2 degrees. For example, to achieve an angle of 90 degrees between the first elongate body and the second elongate body in the second configuration, the first oblique angle and the second oblique angle should add up to 45 degrees (e.g. the first oblique angle and the second oblique angle may both by 22.5 degrees). For example, to achieve an angle of 180 degrees between the first elongate body and the second elongate body in the second configuration, the oblique angle and the second oblique angle should add up to 90 degrees (e.g. the first oblique angle and the second oblique angle may both by 45 degrees).

[0021] A first body end face of the first elongate body may rotatably interface with a first linkage end face of the linkage (e.g. such that the first rotation axis is normal to the first body end face and the first linkage end face). The first socket may be located in the first body end face. A second body end face of the second elongate body may rotatably interface with a second linkage end face of the linkage (e.g. such that the second rotation axis is normal to the second body end face and the second linkage end face). The second socket may be located in the second body end face. The first linkage end face and the second linkage end face may be orientated relative to one another at a third oblique angle (e.g. about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees, e.g. about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees, e.g. about 45 degrees) (e.g. about 42.5 degrees to about 62.5 degrees, e.g. about 47.5 degrees to about 57.5 degrees, e.g. about 52.5 6 P005262-W001 degrees). Thus, the third oblique angle is equal to the sum of the first oblique angle and the second oblique angle.

[0022] The first sub-body may comprise a first sub-body end face. The second sub-body may comprise a second sub-body end face. The first sub-body end face may interface (e.g. rotatably) with the second sub-body end face. The first sub-coupler may be supported at a centre of the first sub-body end face. The second sub-coupler may be supported at a centre of the second sub-body end face. The first sub-body end face may be orientated relative to the first sub-coupler axis at a fourth oblique angle. The second sub-body end face may be orientated relative to the second sub-coupler axis at a fifth oblique angle.

[0023] The first elongate body may comprise a first body retainment element for retaining the linkage. Thus, the first body end face and the first linkage end face may comprise mutualengagement features to rotatably retain the first elongate body to the linkage. The first linkage end face may comprise a first opening for receiving a first projection of the first elongate body. The first projection may comprise a first collar (e.g. at least partly (e.g. fully) circumscribing the first socket / first longitudinal axis). The first projection may be barbed (e.g. to better retain the first elongate body to the linkage). Thus, the first projection may comprise one or more first undercuts engageable with the linkage to retain the first elongate body to the linkage. The first linkage end face may comprise a first flange (e.g. at least partly (e.g. fully) circumscribing the first opening). The first flange may include a chamfered (e.g. radially inner) edge (e.g. to facilitate insertion of the second projection into the opening).

[0024] The second elongate body may comprise a second body retainment element for retaining the linkage. Thus, the second body end face and the second linkage end face may comprise mutual-engagement features to rotatably retain the second elongate body to the linkage. The second linkage end face may comprise a second opening for receiving a second projection of the second elongate body. The second projection may comprise a second collar (e.g. at least partly (e.g. fully) circumscribing the second socket / second longitudinal axis). The second projection may be barbed (e.g. to better retain the second elongate body to the linkage). Thus, the first projection may comprise one or more second undercuts engageable with the linkage to retain the second elongate body to the linkage. The second linkage end 7 P005262-W001 face may comprise a second flange (e.g. at least partly (e.g. fully) circumscribing the second opening). The second flange may include a chamfered (e.g. radially inner) edge (e.g. to facilitate insertion of the second projection into the opening).

[0025] An outer surface of the linkage (e.g. tube) may be continuous with (e.g. flush with) a first outer surface of the first elongate body and / or a second outer surface of the second elongate body. In this way, user comfort may be improved.

[0026] The first elongate body may comprise any one or more of a suction generator, a nozzle, a tool attachment element, a collection compartment and / or a filter. The suction generator may comprise a motor. The suction generator may be located proximal the linkage. The nozzle may have a chamfered end face and / or may be located distal the linkage. The nozzle may be detachable. The tool attachment element may be located distal the linkage. The tool attachment element may comprise a tool-receiving cavity / protrusion. The hand-held vacuum cleaner may comprise an attachable tool (e.g. attached to the tool attachment element). Examples of attachable tools include a nozzle (e.g. narrow nozzle, wide nozzle) and a brush. The collection compartment and / or the filter may be located between the nozzle / tool attachment element and suction generator. The collection compartment may be proximal and / or in fluid communication with the nozzle / tool attachment element. The filter may be proximal and / or in fluid communication with the suction generator. There may be an airflow path from the nozzle / tool attachment element into the collection compartment and through the filter.

[0027] The second elongate body may comprise a power source (e.g. battery). The power source may comprise one or more voltaic cells (e.g. an even number of voltaic cells or an odd number of voltaic cells). The voltaic cells may be interconnected. The voltaic cells may be arranged in pairs (e.g. one on either side of the second longitudinal axis). The voltaic cells may be arranged end-to-end axially (e.g. pairs of voltaic cells may be arranged end-to-end axially along the second longitudinal axis). In this way, compactness and / or power density of the second elongate body may be facilitated. 8 P005262-W001

[0028] The hand-held vacuum cleaner may comprise a power connector (e.g. comprising one or more wires). The power connector may interconnect the elongate bodies (e.g. may connect the power source to the suction generator). The power connector may be aligned substantially parallel to the elongate coupler. The linkage may at least partly (e.g. fully) circumscribe the power connector.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 shows a hand-held vacuum cleaner in a first configuration.

[0031] Figure 2 shows the hand-held vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 in a second configuration.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the hand-held vacuum cleaner of Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a modification of the hand-held vacuum cleaner of Figure 1.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] A hand-held vacuum cleaner 100 according to the present disclosure is shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. The hand-held vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a first elongate body 110, a second elongate body 120, a linkage 130, an elongate coupler 140 and a power connector 150. The first elongate body 110 has a first longitudinal axis 111. The second elongate body 120 has a second longitudinal axis 121. The elongate coupler 140 has a coupler axis 141.

[0036] The elongate bodies 110, 120 are connected via the linkage 130. The linkage comprises a tube 131 that is arcuate and subtends an angle of about 52.5 degrees. The tube 131 is rotatably engaged with the first elongate body 110 and the second elongate body 120 such that an angle between the longitudinal axes 111, 121 of the elongate bodies 110, 120 is adjustable via rotation of the tube 131. The tube 131 circumscribes the elongate coupler 140 and power connector 150 and has a circular transverse cross-section.

[0037] The elongate bodies 110, 120 are rotatable between a first configuration shown in Figure 1 and a second configuration shown in Figure 2. In the first configuration, the longitudinal axes 111, 121 are coaxial. In the second configuration, the longitudinal axes 111, 121 are orthogonal such that the angle between them is about 90 degrees. 9 P005262-W001

[0038] The elongate coupler 140 couples the elongate bodies 110, 120 together such that, when rotated, the elongate bodies 110, 120 rotate in unison relative to the linkage 130. In other words, rotation of the first elongate body 110 relative to the linkage 130 effects rotation of the second elongate body 120 relative to the linkage 130 and vice versa. In this way, the hand-held vacuum cleaner 100 can be transitioned between the configurations by holding the linkage 130 and rotating either one of the elongate bodies 110, 120.

[0039] The elongate coupler 140 is pivotably connected to the first elongate body 110 and the second elongate body 120 such that the elongate coupler 140 is pivotable relative to the first elongate body 110 about an axis perpendicular to the first longitudinal axes 111 and pivotable relative to the second elongate body 120 about an axis perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis 121.

[0040] The elongate coupler 140 comprises a first ball joint 142 for engaging a first socket 113 of the first elongate body 110 and a second ball joint 143 for engaging a second socket 123 of the second elongate body 120. The first ball joint 142 and the second ball joint 143 are located at opposite axial ends of the elongate coupler 140. Each socket 113, 123 is located at an axial end of the respective elongate body 110, 120.

[0041] The first ball joint 142 of the elongate coupler 140 comprises a first coupler alignment element in the form of a pair of first lugs 144a / b located on opposing sides of the first ball joint 142. The second ball joint 143 of the elongate coupler 140 comprises a second coupler alignment element in the form of a pair second of lugs 145a / b located on opposite sides of the second ball joint 143.

[0042] The pair of first lugs 144a / b are disposed along a first lug axis 141a. The first lug axis 141a is orthogonal to the coupler axis 140. The pair of second lugs 145a / b are disposed along a second lug axis 141b. The second lug axis 141b is orthogonal to the coupler axis 140. The first lug axis 141a is parallel to the second lug axis 141b such that the pair of first lugs 144a / b and the pair of second lugs 145a / b are coplanar. 10 P005262-W001

[0043] Each lug in the pairs of lugs 144a / b, 145a / b is cylindrical and engages with a corresponding slot in the respective elongate bodies 110, 120 such that the elongate coupler 140 and the elongate bodies 110, 120 rotate in unison relative to the tube 131 as discussed previously. The elongate coupler 140 pivots in the first socket 113 about an axis perpendicular to the first lug axis 141a and pivots in the second socket 123 about an axis perpendicular to the second lug axis 141b.

[0044] Figure 3 shows a cross-section orthogonal to the first longitudinal axis 111 through the first elongate body 110. The elongate coupler 140 is not shown for clarity. The first socket 113 includes a pair of first slots 114a / b disposed across the first longitudinal axis 111. In use, lug 144a engages with slot 114a and lug 144b engages with slot 114b. Although not illustrated, the second socket 123 similarly includes a pair of second slots disposed across the second longitudinal axis 121 to receive the second pair of lugs 145a / b. The power connector 150 comprises a positive connector wire 150a and a negative connector wire 150b such that power can be delivered through the linkage 130.

[0045] Returning to Figure 1, the longitudinal axes 111, 121 define a plane of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 100 such that the pairs of lugs 144a / b, 145a / b are aligned with the plane.

[0046] The tube 131 is rotatable relative to the first elongate body 110 about a first rotation axis orientated relative to the first longitudinal axis 111 at a first oblique angle XI of about 26.25 degrees. The tube 131 is rotatable relative to the second elongate body 120 about a second rotation axis orientated relative to the second longitudinal axis 121 at a second oblique angle X2 of about 26.25 degrees. Thus, the first and second oblique angles are equal.

[0047] A first body end face of the first elongate body 110 rotatably interfaces with a first linkage end face of the linkage 130 such that the first rotation axis is normal to the first body end face and the first linkage end face. A second body end face of the second elongate body 120 rotatably interfaces with a second linkage end face of the linkage 130 such that the second rotation axis is normal to the second body end face and the second linkage end face. The first linkage end face and the second linkage end face are located at opposite ends of the tube 11 P005262-W001

[0048] 131 and orientated relative to one another at a third oblique angle of about 52.5 degrees (i.e. the angle subtended by the tube 131).

[0049] The first linkage end face comprises a first opening for receiving a first projection of the first elongate body 110. The first projection comprises a first collar 112 which circumscribes the first socket 113 and is barbed to better retain the first elongate body 110 to the tube 131. The first linkage end face comprises a first flange 132 encircling the first opening to engage with and retain the first collar 112. The first flange 132 has a chamfered radially inner edge.

[0050] The second linkage end face comprises a second opening for receiving a second projection of the second elongate body 120. The second projection comprises a second collar 122 which circumscribes the second socket 123 and is barbed to better retain the second elongate body 120 to the tube 131. The second linkage end face comprises a second flange 133 encircling the second opening to engage with and retain the second collar 122. The second flange 133 has a chamfered radially inner edge.

[0051] A surface of the tube 131 is flush with a first outer surface 119 of the first elongate body 110 and a second outer surface 129 of the second elongate body 120.

[0052] The first elongate body 110 comprises a suction generator 115, a nozzle 116, a collection compartment 117 and a filter 118. The suction generator 115 comprises a motor and is located proximal the linkage 130. The nozzle 116 has a chamfered end face and is located distal the linkage 130. The collection compartment 117 and the filter 118 are located between the nozzle 116 and the suction generator 115. The collection compartment 117 is proximal the nozzle 116. The filter 118 is proximal and in fluid communication with the suction generator 115. The suction generator 115 has a motor axis of rotation that is coaxial to the longitudinal axis 111.

[0053] The second elongate body 120 comprises a power source 125. The power source 125 comprise four cells. The cells are arranged in pairs along the second longitudinal axis 121. 12 P005262-W001

[0054] The power connector 150 comprises a plurality of wires and interconnects the power source 125 to the motor of the suction generator 115. The power connector 150 is aligned substantially parallel to the elongate coupler 140.

[0055] In use, energy flows from the power source 125 along the power connector 150 to power the suction generator 115. The motor within the suction generator 115 creates a pressure drop that causes air to flow through the nozzle 116, into the collection compartment 117 and through the filter 118. This allows debris to be sucked into the collection compartment 117 via the nozzle 116. A switch allows the suction generation 115 to be controlled.

[0056] Figure 4 shows a hand-held vacuum cleaner 100’ which is a modification of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 100 of Figures 1, 2 and 3. Figure 4 shows the hand-held vacuum cleaner 100’ in the second configuration where the angle between the longitudinal axes 111’, 121’ is about 90 degrees instead of about 105 degrees. This difference is apparent when Figure 2 is contrasted with Figure 4. Consequently, for the hand-held vacuum cleaner 100’, the angle subtended by the tube 131’ is about 45 degrees instead of about 52.5 degrees and the first and second oblique angles are both equal to about 22.5 degrees instead of about 26.25 degrees. All other aspects of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 100’ of Figure 4 are identical to the hand-held vacuum cleaner 100 of Figures 1, 2 and 3.

Claims

13 P005262-W001CLAIMS1. A hand-held vacuum cleaner comprising: a first elongate body having a first longitudinal axis; and a second elongate body having a second longitudinal axis; and wherein the elongate bodies are connected via a linkage that is rotatable relative to the first elongate body and the second elongate body such that an angle between the longitudinal axes of the elongate bodies is adjustable via rotation of the linkage.

2. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the elongate bodies are rotatable between a first configuration where the longitudinal axes are coaxial and a second configuration where the longitudinal axes are non-coaxial.

3. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of any preceding claim, further comprising an elongate coupler connecting the elongate bodies such that, when rotated, the elongate bodies rotate in unison relative to the linkage.

4. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 3, wherein the elongate coupler comprises a first elongate sub-coupler and a second elongate sub-coupler, the first elongate sub-coupler being pivotably connected to the second elongate sub-coupler.

5. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 3 or 4, wherein the elongate coupler is pivotably connected to the first elongate body and the second elongate body such that the elongate coupler is pivotable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes.

6. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 5, wherein: the elongate coupler comprises a first joint for engaging a first socket of the first elongate body; and the elongate coupler comprises a second joint for engaging a second socket of the second elongate body.14 P005262-W0017. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein a first axial end of the elongate coupler comprises a first coupler alignment element and a second axial end of the elongate coupler comprises a second coupler alignment element.

8. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 7, wherein the first coupler alignment element and / or the second coupler alignment element are coplanar9. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of any preceding claim, wherein the linkage comprises a rigid body rotatably engaged with the first elongate body and the second elongate body.

10. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of any preceding claim, wherein: the linkage is rotatable relative to the first elongate body about a first rotation axis orientated relative to the first longitudinal axis at a first oblique angle; and / or the linkage is rotatable relative to the second elongate body about a second rotation axis orientated relative to the second longitudinal axis at a second oblique angle.

11. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 10, wherein: a first body end face of the first elongate body rotatably interfaces with a first linkage end face of the linkage such that the first rotation axis is normal to the first body end face and the first linkage end face; and a second body end face of the second elongate body rotatably interfaces with a second linkage end face of the linkage such that the second rotation axis is normal to the second body end face and the second linkage end face.

12. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein: the first body end face and the first linkage end face comprise mutual-engagement features to rotatably retain the first elongate body to the linkage; and / or the second body end face and the second linkage end face comprise mutualengagement features to rotatably retain the second elongate body to the linkage.

13. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 12, wherein:15 P005262-W001 the first linkage end face comprises a first opening for receiving a first projection of the first elongate body; and / or the second linkage end face comprises a second opening for receiving a second projection of the second elongate body.

14. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 13, wherein the first projection is barbed and / or the second projection is barbed.

15. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 13 or 14, wherein the first linkage end face comprises a first flange encircling the first opening and / or the second linkage end face comprises a second flange encircling the second opening.

16. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the first projection comprises a first collar and / or the second projection comprises a second collar.

17. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of any preceding claim, wherein a surface of the linkage is continuous with a first surface of the first elongate body and / or a second surface of the second elongate body.

18. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of any preceding claim, wherein the first elongate body comprises any one or more of a motor, a nozzle, a collection compartment and / or a filter.

19. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of any preceding claim, wherein the second elongate body comprises a power source.

20. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of any preceding claim, further comprising a power connector comprising one or more wires, the power connector interconnecting the elongate bodies.

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