Surface cleaning apparatus with shoulder strap reel

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus has a unit that is self contained and has a shoulder strap reel containing a shoulder strap that is manually or automatically deployable or withdrawable.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional applications 60 / 884,767 (filed on Jan. 12, 2007), 60 / 870,175 (filed on Dec. 15, 2006) and 60 / 869,586 (filed on Dec. 12, 2006), all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to surface cleaning apparatus, such as vacuum cleaners, wet / dry vacuum cleaners and carpet extractors. More specifically, the invention relates to surface cleaning apparatus which comprise a shoulder strap reel, preferably mounted to a suction and filtration unitBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Various types of surface cleaning apparatus are known in the art, for example hand carryable vacuum cleaners, and vacuum cleaners, which are movable along a surface (e.g. an upright and a canister vacuum cleaner). The vacuum cleaner that may be selected for a particular application, will vary depending upon a number of factors. For example, vacuum clean...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]In accordance with this invention, a surface cleaning apparatus that has a shoulder strap reel is provided. An advantage of this design is that a user may employ a shoulder strap with, e.g., a vacuum cleaner, thereby increasing the maneuverability of the vacuum cleaner. Also, by using a shoulder strap, the user may carry part, and preferably, all of the weight of the unit on their torso thereby permitting the user to use a heavier vacuum cleaner (e.g. a larger more powerful motor and / or a larger collection bin).

[0008]In some embodiments, the shoulder strap reel is lockable in a plurality of positions. Such embodiments may be advantageous because a user may adjust the position of the shoulder strap according to their body size.

[0009]In some embodiments, the shoulder strap reel is self-winding. Such embodiments may be advantageous because a user may not be required to wind and unwind the shoulder strap.

[0012]In some embodiments, the suction and filtration unit has a carry handle provided thereon. Such embodiments may be advantageous because a user may choose to carry the vacuum cleaner by hand, or may choose to employ the shoulder strap, depending on the user's preference.

Problems solved by technology

Increasing the size of the dirt collection receptacle may result in the overall size of the vacuum cleaner be increased to such an extent that the maneuverability of the vacuum cleaner decreases.

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