The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner and a secondary handle for a vacuum cleaner. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention is especially suited for use with handheld vacuum cleaners. The invention concerns secondary handles for vacuum cleaners that offer increased versatility for an operator and improved ergonomics.

Conventional domestic or commercial vacuum cleaners have a vacuum suction motor for sucking air entrained dirt via a nozzle or aperture which feeds into a collection chamber. An air filter such as a porous bag is provided for separating the dirt from the airflow. Vacuum cleaners may be characterised as upright (in which the collection chamber is attached to an upright, articulate handle portion), or cylinder (in which a drum or canister contains the suction motor and collection chamber, and the chamber is fed by an elongate suction tube with a nozzle at the distal end). Such cylinder machines are available from Numatic International Ltd under the Henry (RTM) trade name. Handheld vacuum cleaners are also available which may be battery or mains powered, but of a size and weight which admits convenient manual use. These may be provided with a handle or grip and a trigger as on/off actuator.

Vacuum cleaners are continually developed to improve usability and ergonomics, and increase manoeuvrability while minimising overall weight. The present invention seeks to provide a vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner accessory comprising one or more of the aforementioned advantages.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a vacuum cleaner comprising: a body portion including a first handle that is shaped and arranged for manual contact by an operator in use, a second handle that is shaped and arranged for manual contact by an operator in use, and an attachment means coupled to at least one of the body portion and/or the second handle, wherein the attachment means is operable to enable selective attachment of the second handle and the first handle.

Thus, the first handle and the second handle of the vacuum cleaner can be selectively attached and separated through operation of the attachment means to thereby enable the second handle to be releasably coupled to the body portion. The attachment means may be located on the body portion or the second handle or both the body portion and the second handle.

Advantageously, when the second handle and the first handle are in an attached configuration, the two handles give an operator an opportunity to use the vacuum cleaner with a double handed grip for improved control.

Preferably the vacuum cleaner is arranged to enable the collection and containment of dust and dirt entrained in an airflow. Preferably, the body portion comprises a housing arranged to contain a suction motor for generating an air flow through the vacuum cleaner and a suction chamber for receiving and retaining dirt. The first handle may be formed as part of the housing of the body portion of the vacuum.

The vacuum cleaner may be a handheld vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner may be a cyclonic-type vacuum cleaner (typically known as a ‘bagless’ vacuum) with a cyclonic chamber in which entrained dirt is directly collected and contained, or a vacuum cleaner having a replaceable filter bag or cartridge that collects and filters dirt and dust entrained in the air flow.

The handheld vacuum cleaner may be constructed such that an operator manipulates and supports the weight of the entire vacuum cleaner in use.

The first handle and/or the second handle may comprise a gripping region to facilitate manual gripping of the handle by an operator. The first handle and the second handle may each comprise an elongate gripping region arranged for manual contact by an operator in use and wherein the elongate gripping region of each of the first and second handles defines an associated engagement axis around which an operator grips each handle in use, such that in an attached configuration when the second handle and the body portion are attached via the attachment means, the engagement axis associated with the second handle is angled relative to the engagement axis associated with the first handle.

Thus, when the second handle and the body portion are in the attached configuration, the two engagement axes of the handles may be offset and angled relative to one another, giving an operator a choice of grips best suited to a particular application and use or reach of the vacuum cleaner. This additional or alternative grip position can give an operator greater flexibility of use, improve ergonomics, increase manoeuvrability and enhance comfort when operating the vacuum cleaner.

Optionally, at least one of the first and second handles comprise a gripping region including one or more of the following, to facilitate gripping of the vacuum cleaner by the hand of an operator: a moulded region, a profiled region, a rubberised portion, finger ridges and the like. Thus, the gripping region advantageously enables comfortable gripping by an operator as well as facilitating a secure hold for safe use of the vacuum cleaner by an operator.

The second handle may comprise an engagement region that is shaped and configured to provide a complementary connection with part of the body portion of the vacuum cleaner. The engagement region of the second handle may be shaped and configured to engage with part of the first handle of the body portion, such that the second handle is arranged for selective engagement to the first handle. Thus, the second handle may be adapted to engage with the body portion to form an engageable interconnection between the second handle and the body portion that is distinct from operation of the attachment means to securely attach the second handle and the body portion. Preferably, the engagement region is shaped and configured relative to the body portion such that in the attached configuration there is at least a partial load transfer between the second handle and the body portion. This arrangement advantageously, reduces the concentration of stresses in the area immediately surrounding the attachment means and reduces the likelihood of failure or stress cracking of the second handle and/or the attachment means.

The second handle may be an integral moulded component including a gripping region to facilitate manual engagement by an operator, and an engagement region for selective engagement with the body portion. The second handle may be made from a plastics material.

The second handle may comprise an engagement region that is shaped and configured to provide a complementary connection with the body potion of the vacuum cleaner. The second handle and the body portion may comprise complementary mating profiles for selective engagement thereby enabling at least a partial load transfer between the second handle and the body portion in the attached configuration.

The second handle and the body portion may be provided with complementary engagement portions that provide an intermediate engagement configuration between the second handle and the body portion. Thus, in the process of selective attachment of the second handle to the body portion, there may be an intermediate step of alignment and engagement of the second handle and the body portion prior to operation of the attachment means to secure the second handle and the body portion in the attachment configuration.

The complementary engagement portions may comprise mating profiles including one or more surfaces adapted for interconnection. The second handle may comprise a complementary mating profile in the form of a receiving groove and the first handle may comprise an engagement region shaped for insertion into the receiving groove of the second handle to enable selective engagement of the first and second handles.

The mating profiles and/or interconnectable surfaces may include a receiving groove formed in a leading outer edge of the second handle and the mating profile or engagement region may be a region of reduced material thickness on the first handle. The region of reduced material thickness may also comprise at least part of the gripping region of the first handle. In this way, the gripping region of the first handle may have a dual function, by additionally acting as a mating profile for complementary engagement with the second handle.

The second handle may further comprise an abutment region shaped and configured to abut at least a part of the body portion in the attached configuration such that a load is transferrable via the abutment region between the second handle and the body portion in use. The abutment region may comprise a concave portion that has a degree or curvature similar to an outer surface or convex part of the body portion against which the abutment region abuts in the attached configuration. The abutment region is advantageous as it provides the second handle with greater support and rigidity in use.

The abutment region may be angled relative to the engagement region such that the second handle is supported by at least two different faces of the body portion in the attached configuration. Such an arrangement is advantageous to ensure a more even load distribution between the second handle and body portion as well as improving stability during use by an operator.

The second handle may be an integral moulded component comprising a gripping region, an engagement region for selective engagement with the body portion and an abutment region shaped to abut at least a part of the body portion in use, wherein the abutment region is angled relative to the engagement region such that the second handle is supported by at least two different faces of the body portion when the second handle and the body portion are in the attached configuration.

The engagement and/or attachment means may comprise a keyway and a key. The key may be located on the second handle and the keyway may be disposed on an outer edge of the body portion, such as the first handle. The key may be engageable within the keyway to engage the second handle and body portion. The key may be rotatable within the keyway through a preselected angle to selectively attach the second handle and the body portion.

The attachment means may comprise a snap-fit attachment. Such an attachment may include inter-engageable tabs or another suitable alternative.

The attachment means may comprise a screw-type attachment. Such an attachment may include internal and external threads located on the second handle and the body portion.

The attachment means may be selected from the group consisting of: a C- shaped clasp; two half clam shells; clamps using inherent material resilience; and/or clamps shaped and configured to achieve resilience.

Alternatively, the attachment means may comprise an over-centre type clasp mechanism. The attachment means may comprise a clasp operable to selectively attach the second handle to the body portion, such that the clasp is operable to securely attach the second handle to the body portion in the attached configuration.

The clasp may comprise a hinge portion connected to a securing portion, arranged such that the hinge portion is pivotable between a neutral position in which selective engagement between the second handle and the body portion is enabled and an attachment position in which the second handle and the first handle are securely attached. The first handle may include a gripping region and the clasp may be arranged to surround a perimeter of the gripping region of the first handle in the attached configuration.

Optionally, the hinged clasp may be attached to or formed as part of the second handle.

The attachment means may comprise a locking portion to securely attach the second handle and the body portion in the attached configuration such that positive action from an operator is required to detach the second handle and the body portion.

Thus, in view of the aforementioned features of the second handle, the normal vibrations and movement experienced during use of the vacuum cleaner, are insufficient to result in inadvertent detachment of the second handle from the body portion. Such an unwanted scenario is prevented by at least one of: the intermediate engagement configuration, the abutment region, both of which transfer load from the second handle to the body portion and the locking portion of the attachment means to ensure secure and positive locking of the second handle and the body portion.

The first handle may comprise a pistol-type grip.

The first and/or the second handle may comprise a control panel with associated electrical connections allowing actuation of the vacuum cleaner via controls on one or both of the handles.

The second handle may be advantageously D-shaped to improve load distribution in the attached configuration when the vacuum cleaner is in use. The second handle may comprise an integral D-shaped component with a central hole therethrough to receive a hand of an operator and wherein the attachment means are connected to the D-shaped handle. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a secondary handle that is selectively attachable to a primary handle of a handheld vacuum cleaner, wherein the secondary handle is provided with an engagement region that is shaped and arranged to engage part of the primary handle in use and wherein the secondary handle comprises an attachment means that is operable to allow selective attachment of the secondary and primary handles.

Optional features of the second handle of the first aspect of the invention are also applicable to the secondary handle of the second aspect of the invention.

The secondary handle may comprise an integral moulded component including a gripping region to facilitate manual grasp of the handle by an operator in use. The secondary handle may be moulded from a plastic material. The secondary handle may be a D-shaped integral component.

The secondary handle may further comprise an abutment region shaped to abut at least a part of the primary handle in an attached configuration and wherein the abutment region is angled relative to the engagement region.

The secondary handle may comprise a receiving groove formed in a leading edge and arranged to engage a mating profile or engagement region provided on the primary handle.

Optionally, the secondary handle comprises a gripping region including one or more of the following to facilitate gripping of the vacuum cleaner by the hand of an operator: a moulded region, a profiled region, a rubberised portion, finger ridges and the like.

Thus, the second aspect of the invention provides an accessory for use with a vacuum cleaner that increases flexibility of use of the vacuum and facilitates manual manipulation. Any aspect of the invention may be combined with any other aspect, embodiment or feature of the invention described herein where appropriate.

Following is a description of one embodiment of the invention, by way of example only and with reference to the figures of the drawings.

In the drawings: -

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a handheld vacuum cleaner with a suction tube and floor head attachment and a secondary handle in an attachment configuration;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 , with a nozzle attachment;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of Figure 2, without the suction tube;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of Figure 3 with a floor head attachment in place of the nozzle;

Figure 5 is a front view of the vacuum cleaner of the handheld vacuum cleaner outer housing and control panel;

Figure 6 is a sectional view through the section A-A marked on Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner with the secondary handle in a detached configuration; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 7 with the secondary handle in an attached configuration.

A handheld vacuum cleaner in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 10 in the figures. Core electronic components of the vacuum cleaner 10 are located within a main body 33, one end of which is selectively connectable to a variety of work heads either directly or via a suction tube 14. Perspective views showing various configurations of the handheld vacuum cleaner 10 are shown in Figures 1 to 4.

The main body 33 of the vacuum cleaner 10 includes a substantially cylindrical outer housing 11 . At a first end of the substantially cylindrical outer housing 11 , an inlet 19 is provided for fluid communication and interconnection with the suction tube 14 and/or a work head, such as a floor head 15, a nozzle 16 or brush bar (not shown). As shown in the sectional view of Figure 6, the housing 11 is shaped and configured to define a substantially cylindrical chamber for selectively accommodating a filter cartridge 31 that is adapted to receive and contain suction material in use. The filter cartridge 31 is shaped to fit within the housing 11 and is formed of a porous filter membrane (such as a HEPA filter). The suction chamber is selectively accessible to enable removal and replacement of the filter cartridge 31 as required.

An opposing end of the suction chamber is in fluid communication with a suction motor or fan 32. Perforations 34 in the housing 11 proximate the fan 32 allow a vent for cleaned air. A substantially annular space may be defined between the generally cylindrical filter cartridge 31 and an internal surface of the suction chamber. The annular space is in fluid communication with the suction motor or fan 32 to define an exit path around the cartridge 31 for filtered air passing out of the cartridge filter 31 . More detail on one possible arrangement of components of a handheld vacuum can be found in published patent application PCT/GB2020/050503, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

A first or primary handle 12 comprising a ‘pistol’ hand grip depends from an exterior of the substantially cylindrical housing 1 1 . The primary handle 12 comprises a moulded plastic gripping portion 37 that an operator can hold in use. The gripping portion 37 has a reduced material thickness, which enables an operator to grasp the primary handle 12 more easily and also acts as a receiving portion for the secondary handle 20. Towards an upper region, an interior of the pistol grip is provided with a ridge 17, which can serve as a rest for an index finger of an operator in use. A battery pack 13 is attached to an outward facing distal edge of the grip of the primary handle 12 and is electronically connected to power the suction motor or fan 32. The battery pack 13 includes multiple rechargeable cells, such as Li-ion cells. When not in use, the vacuum cleaner 10 is engageable with a docking station with means for recharging the battery pack 13.

As shown in Figure 7, a detachable or secondary handle 20 can be used for selective attachment to the primary handle 12 of the vacuum cleaner 10. The secondary handle 20 is a moulded substantially D-shaped plastic component and includes an elongate gripping portion 21 , an abutment portion 22, an engagement portion 27 and a joining portion 23. The gripping portion 21 of the secondary handle 20 is intended as the point of manual contact with an operator in use and may include features such as a shaped or profiled surface, finger moulds and/or a rubberised grip. The elongate abutment portion 22 has a concave outer surface that is matched to fit alongside the convex outer surface of the adjacent outer housing 11 when the secondary handle 20 is attached to the vacuum cleaner 10. This advantageously improves the stability of the secondary handle and reduces travel or movement of the secondary handle 20 during use by matching the shape of the abutting surfaces to enhance the fit of the secondary handle 20 against the outer housing 11 of the vacuum cleaner 10. The concave complementary surface of the secondary handle 20 also provides efficient load transfer from the secondary handle 20 to the body 33 of the vacuum cleaner 10 reducing localised stress points in the region of the attachment means. The reinforcing portion 23 provides a rigid connection between the gripping portion 21 and the engagement portion 27 and acts as a structural cross-member of the secondary handle 20 to increase the strength and enable a more even distribution of load around the secondary handle 20.

The elongate engagement portion 27 of the secondary handle 20 has a longitudinal receiving groove formed within an outer leading edge. The receiving groove is shaped to accept the reduced thickness gripping portion 37, which also acts as a complementary engagement portion of the primary handle 12 in a press fit, thereby enabling effective load transfer between the secondary handle 20 and the vacuum cleaner 10. An attachment means in the form of a clasp 24 is attached to a side edge of the engagement portion 27 of the secondary handle 20. The clasp 24 comprises a double hinge 26 with a linkage therebetween. A C-shaped locking member 25 is attached to the double hinge 26 and located at a free end of the clasp 24. The C-shaped member 25 has two rectilinear cut-outs to increase inherent resilience, while maintaining strength of the locking member 25. The C-shaped locking member 25 is pivotable via the hinge 26 into a neutral position (as shown in Figure 7), which allows relative movement of the secondary handle 20 and the primary handle 12. The C-shaped locking member 25 is also pivotable into an attachment position (as shown in Figure 8), in which the clasp 24 surrounds the perimeter of the gripping portion 37 of the primary handle 12 and wherein the C-shaped member 25 securely and resiliently fastens against an inwardfacing surface of the engagement portion 27.

In view of the features described above, the invention provides enhanced versatility of the vacuum cleaner 10 with the potential to improve ergonomics and modes of use for an operator. When the secondary handle 20 is not required it can be detached from the primary handle 12 to minimise the weight and dimensions of the vacuum cleaner 10 or to make the vacuum cleaner 10 more compact for storage. Since the gripping axes of each of the primary 12 and secondary handles 20 is different, the operator may select the appropriate handle 12, 20 to optimise manoeuvrability for each particular application. Operation of the vacuum cleaner and secondary handle accessory is described below.

The vacuum cleaner 10 according to the described embodiment, is lightweight, convenient and adaptable for use when cleaning floors, other surfaces and fabrics. Prior to use the appropriate work head is selected by an operator to ensure optimum performance and cleaning from the vacuum cleaner 10. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the handheld vacuum 10 has good versatility and can be operated in variety of configurations by connecting the inlet 19 of the main body 11 to the suction tube 14 and a floor head 15 (Figure 1), the suction tube 14 and a nozzle 16 (Figure 2), the nozzle 16 directly (Figure 3) or the floor head 15 directly (Figure 4).

In use, an operator engages the control panel 18 to actuate the suction motor or fan 32. This creates a partial vacuum within the main body 33 of the vacuum cleaner 10 that draws dirt and dust entrained air into the work head 15, 16 and/or along the suction tube 14. The air is drawn into the chamber and filter cartridge 31 via the inlet 19 where the mesh size of the filter is preselected to retain dust and dirt particles from the air flow. The cleaned air flow is then drawn out of the housing 11 via the perforation vents 34. The work head 15, 16 may thus be directed to a floor or other surface for cleaning.

Due to the length of the suction tube 14 in the vacuum cleaner arrangement of Figures 1 and 2, and with the weight of the work head 15, 16 distal from the primary handle 12, use of the vacuum cleaner 10 may be more difficult and harder to manoeuvre for some operators. Thus, the ability to add the secondary handle 20 gives an operator the flexibility to use a double handed grip for increased stability and control.

In order to add the secondary handle 20, the gripping portion 37 of the primary handle 12 is inserted into the receiving groove on the engagement portion 27 of the secondary handle 20 with the clasp 24 pivoted out of the way into the neutral position. Once the primary and secondary handles are in the engaged configuration, the clasp 24 is pivoted about the double hinge 26 around the perimeter of the primary handle 12 to secure the C-shaped portion 25 over the engagement portion 27 and thereby connect the clasp 24 around the primary 12 and secondary handles 20. This action locks the secondary handle 20 to the primary handle 12. As detailed hereinbefore, dimensions of the secondary handle 20 are selected to complement the outer dimensions of the body 33 of the vacuum cleaner 10 and primary handle 12 to ensure secure attachment and efficient load transfer. The elongate gripping portion 21 of the secondary handle has an associated axis that is angled and offset relative to an associated gripping axis of the primary handle. Thus, the angle of use of the vacuum cleaner 10 may be easily altered when the secondary handle 20 is attached to the primary handle 12. The secondary handle 20 attachment is of particular benefit during floor cleaning where the arm of an operator may be fully extended.

The secondary handle 20 is detachable only by a positive action from an operator. For detachment, an operator urges the resilient C-shaped member

25 against its bias to unhook the member 25, following which the double hinge

26 is pivotable into a neutral position enabling detachment of the secondary handle 20 from the body 33 and removal of the secondary handle 20 for storage if required.

Thus, the invention provides a vacuum cleaner with improved versatility. As well the selection of various attachments such as suction tubes 14 and work heads 15, 16 best suited to each particular operation, an operator may also use the secondary handle 20 as a versatile vacuum accessory. Each different configuration may be specifically suited to a particular mode of cleaning and the position of an operator using the vacuum cleaner 10. Use of the secondary handle 20 enables an operator to adjust the work position, extend the reach of the vacuum cleaner 10 or provide the option of two-handed gripping by attaching the secondary handle 20 to the primary handle via the clasp 24. Thus, it is advantageous for the operator to have an option to selectively attach or detach the secondary handle 20 according to each particular application and the requirements of an operator.

The handheld vacuum cleaner 10 is shaped and arranged to be supported by a docking station (not shown) when not in use. The docking station also acts as a recharging station. The docking station further includes a secondary handle 20 storage member that is configured to receive and securely store the secondary handle when not in use or when not attached to the vacuum cleaner 10. According to the present embodiment, the storage member includes two substantially parallel moulded plastic tabs extending perpendicular from the docking station. The gripping portion 21 of the secondary handle 20 is received between the tabs that are inherently resilient to enable storage of the secondary handle against the docking station. This ensures the secondary handle 20 is readily and easily available for use with the vacuum cleaner 10 and reduces the likelihood of inadvertent loss of the secondary handle 20.

Modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, according to an alternative embodiment, the secondary handle 20 may be arranged to engage and attach to a different part of the body 33 of the vacuum cleaner 10. Alternative attachment means can be used to selectively secure the secondary handle 20 to the primary handle 12 or another part of the vacuum cleaner 10 body 33. Other attachment means include snap-fit type attachments, screw-type attachments, other over-centre attachment mechanisms, resilient clasps, locking clasps and clam shells. Either or both of the primary 12 or secondary handles 20 may be different shapes or designs. For example, the joining portion 23 of the abovedescribed embodiment serves to strengthen and reinforce the secondary handle 20, however, if desired, it may be removed such that the secondary handle 20 is C-shaped for improved aesthetics, reduced weight, cost or other reasons. Although the described embodiment, concerns a vacuum cleaner with replaceable filter cartridge 31 , it will be appreciated that the described secondary handle 20 is particularly suited to any type of hand-held vacuum including cyclonic vacuum cleaners.