CN216704230U

CN216704230U - Agitator for a vacuum cleaner and surface cleaning head having such an agitator

Info

Publication number: CN216704230U
Application number: CN202122141762.1U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 史蒂文·加辛; 詹森·B·索恩; 亚当·乌迪; 查尔斯·S·布伦纳; 泽维尔·F·卡勒; 尼古拉斯·萨达尔; 奥格年·弗尔多利亚克; 丹尼尔·R·德马德罗思安; 安德烈·D·布朗; 丹尼尔·J·英尼斯
Original assignee: Sharkninja Operating LLC
Current assignee: Sharkninja Operating LLC
Priority date: 2020-09-04
Filing date: 2021-09-06
Publication date: 2022-06-10
Anticipated expiration: 2031-09-06
Also published as: CN223054396U; WO2023029703A1; EP4208071A4; WO2023029700A1; WO2022051635A1; CN116322451A; EP4395619A1; AU2022335986A1; EP4395619A4; EP4208071A1

Abstract

The utility model provides an agitator for a vacuum cleaner and a surface cleaning head having the same. The surface cleaning head includes: a housing having a front side and a rear side; a brush roller rotatably mounted to the housing within the suction duct and having at least a portion of an opening proximate the suction duct; a front guide roller installed to the housing in front of the brush drum; and a drive mechanism operatively coupled to the brush drum and the leading roller for simultaneously driving the brush drum and the leading roller. The brush drum includes an agitator body and a first bristle/flap arrangement including a first deformable flap extending from the agitator body and a first row of bristle bars and/or tufts extending from the agitator body and disposed adjacent the first deformable flap. The first deformable flap is disposed at an active angle and the first bristle bar and/or tuft row is disposed at a passive angle.

Description

Agitator for a vacuum cleaner and surface cleaning head having such an agitator

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application serial No. 63/074,719, filed on day 9,4 of 2020 and U.S. provisional application serial No. 62/077,386, filed on day 9, 11 of 2020, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. This application is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application serial No. 16/656,930 filed on 18/10/2019, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a vacuum cleaner and, more particularly, to a vacuum cleaner including a system for migrating and/or removing debris from an agitator.

Background

Vacuum cleaners can be used to clean a variety of surfaces. Some vacuum cleaners include a rotating agitator (e.g., a brush roller). While known vacuum cleaners are generally effective in collecting debris, some debris (e.g., hair, fur, etc. elongated debris) may become entangled in the agitator. The tangled debris may reduce the efficiency of the agitator and may cause damage to the motor, bearings, support structure, and/or drive train of the rotating agitator. Furthermore, because of their entanglement in the bristles, it can be difficult to remove the entangled debris from the agitator.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present invention provides an agitator for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a stirrer body; and a first bristle/flap arrangement comprising: a first deformable flap extending from the blender body; and a first row of bristle bars and/or tufts extending from the agitator body and disposed adjacent the first deformable flap; wherein the first deformable flap is disposed at an active angle and the first bristle bar and/or tuft row is disposed at a passive angle.

In some embodiments, the first bristle bar and/or tuft row is arranged substantially parallel to the first deformable flap.

In some embodiments, the length of the first bristle bar and/or tuft row is the same as the length of the first deformable flap.

In some embodiments, the length of the first bristle bar and/or tuft row is less than the length of the first deformable flap.

In some embodiments, the length of the first bristle bar and/or tuft row is greater than the length of the first deformable flap.

In some embodiments, a second deformable flap disposed adjacent to and rotationally forward of the first deformable flap.

In some embodiments, further comprising a second bristle/flap arrangement, the second bristle/flap arrangement comprising: a second deformable flap extending from the blender body; and a second row of bristle bars and/or tufts extending from the agitator body and disposed adjacent the second deformable flap; wherein the second deformable flap is disposed at an active angle and the second bristle bar and/or tuft row is disposed at a passive angle.

In some embodiments, the first deformable flap extends from a first end region of the blender body to a central region of the blender body, and wherein the second deformable flap extends from a second end region of the blender body to the central region of the blender body.

In some embodiments, the second deformable flap is rotationally offset relative to the first deformable flap.

In some embodiments, the first bristle bar and/or tuft row has a length that is less than a length of the first deformable flap, and wherein the second bristle bar and/or tuft row has a length that is less than a length of the second deformable flap.

In some embodiments, further comprising: a first bristle/flap set comprising a plurality of first bristle/flap arrangements; and a second bristle/flap set comprising a plurality of second bristle/flap arrangements.

In some embodiments, the plurality of first bristle/flap arrangements within the first bristle/flap set are spaced apart from each other by a circumferential distance of no more than 20% of the circumference of the mixer body.

The present invention provides a surface cleaning head comprising: a housing having a front side and a rear side, the housing including a suction duct having an opening between the front side and the rear side on an underside of the housing; a brush roller rotatably mounted to the housing within the suction duct and at least a portion of the brush roller proximate the opening of the suction duct, the brush roller comprising: a stirrer body; a first bristle/flap arrangement comprising: a first deformable flap extending from the blender body; and a first row of bristle bars and/or tufts extending from the agitator body and disposed adjacent the first deformable flap; wherein the first deformable flap is disposed at an active angle and the first row of bristle bars and/or tufts is disposed at a passive angle; a front guide roller mounted to the housing in front of the brush drum; and a drive mechanism operably coupled to the brush drum and the leading roller for simultaneously driving the brush drum and the leading roller.

In some embodiments, the leading roller is spaced from the brush drum such that the leading roller does not overlap the brush drum when both the brush drum and the leading roller are driven, and defines an inter-roller air channel that forms at least a portion of a flow path into the opening of the suction duct in an area between a lower portion of the brush drum and a lower portion of the leading roller.

In some embodiments, the lead roll comprises a fabric, felt, napping, or pile.

In some embodiments, further comprising a cleaning protrusion configured to contact an outer surface of a lower portion of the leading roller, the cleaning protrusion exposed to the inter-roller channel such that removed debris falls into the inter-roller channel and into a flow path leading to the opening of the suction duct.

In some embodiments, the brush drum further comprises a second bristle/flap arrangement comprising: a second deformable flap extending from the blender body; and a second row of bristle bars and/or tufts extending from the agitator body and disposed adjacent the second deformable flap; wherein the second deformable flap is disposed at an active angle and the second bristle bar and/or tuft row is disposed at a passive angle.

In some embodiments, further comprising: a first bristle/flap set comprising a plurality of first bristle/flap arrangements; and a second bristle/flap set comprising a plurality of second bristle/flap arrangements, wherein the plurality of first bristle/flap arrangements within the first bristle/flap set are spaced apart from each other by a circumferential distance of no more than 20% of the circumference of the blender body.

In order to make the aforementioned and other features and advantages of the utility model more comprehensible, embodiments accompanied with figures are described in detail below.

Drawings

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 taken along line II-II consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 generally illustrates one example of a hair migration system consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 generally illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the carding unit taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 generally shows a cross-sectional view of the carding unit of FIG. 4 taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 generally shows a cross-sectional view of the carding unit of FIG. 4 taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 generally shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the carding unit taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of an example of a comb unit having teeth in the central region, with the teeth having a length measured greater than the length of the teeth in the lateral (or end) regions, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 generally illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a plurality of segmented agitator chambers of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 taken along line II-II;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an agitator that can be used with the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of a plurality of ribs configured to engage (e.g., contact) the agitator of FIG. 9, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic view of a plurality of ribs configured to engage (e.g., contact) an agitator, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional end view of a surface cleaning head consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 12 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a surface cleaning head consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14A shows a perspective view of an example of a blender cover consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 14B shows a perspective view of a portion of a robotic cleaner having a blender cover 14A coupled thereto consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a blender cover that can be used with the surface cleaning head of FIG. 14 consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom view of the agitator cover of FIG. 15, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a blender cover that can be used with the surface cleaning head of FIG. 14, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom view of the blender cover of FIG. 17 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 shows a side view of a rib consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 shows a schematic view of a blender having flaps and bristles consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 shows a schematic view of a blender having bristles consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a blender having an end cap consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the example agitator of FIG. 22 having ribs extending along a portion of the agitator and disposed between the end caps, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of an end cap of a blender consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates another perspective view of the end cap of FIG. 24 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of an end cap consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 shows another perspective view of the end cap of FIG. 26 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27A shows a perspective view of an end cap consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27B shows a perspective view of a surface cleaning head having the end cap of FIG. 27A coupled thereto, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a front view of another example of a blender consistent with the utility model;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the blender of FIG. 29 taken along line 29-29 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 illustrates one example of an elongated body of the blender of FIG. 29 without flaps, consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 31A illustrates another example of the agitated elongate body of FIG. 30 consistent with an embodiment of the utility model;

FIG. 31B shows a close-up of the end of the flap of FIG. 31A consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 illustrates one example of the flap of FIG. 29 without the elongated body consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 33 shows another example of the flap of FIG. 32 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 illustrates one example of a flap with a portion removed to form a cone consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 35 illustrates another example of a flap having a base configured to form a cone, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 illustrates an example of a blender having flaps disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the blender body, consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 37 shows another example of an end closure having a plurality of ribs for engaging the distal ends of flaps consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 37A shows a perspective view of a blender consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an agitator with passively angled bristles and an actively angled flap, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37C shows a perspective view of a blender consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37D shows a perspective view of a sweeper having a brush comb in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37E shows a cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner including leading rollers and an agitator consistent with the embodiment of FIGS. 37A-D;

FIG. 37F illustrates a side view of a deformable flap including one or more apertures consistent with the utility model;

FIG. 37G illustrates various cross-sections of bristles consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 38 shows another example of a vacuum cleaner consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39 illustrates one example of the handheld vacuum portion of FIG. 38 including a trigger consistent with an embodiment of the utility model;

FIG. 40 illustrates one example of the handheld vacuum portion of FIG. 38 including an air flow path extending therethrough, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 41 generally illustrates one example of a close-up of a debris collection chamber secured to a body of a handheld vacuum consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 42 generally illustrates one example of a close-up of a debris collection chamber unsecured to the body of the handheld vacuum portion, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 43 generally illustrates one example of a debris collection chamber and primary filter consistent with embodiments of the utility model;

FIG. 44 generally illustrates an example of the debris collection chamber and primary filter of FIG. 43 with the cover open, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 45 generally illustrates one example of a second stage filter consistent with an embodiment of the utility model;

FIG. 46 generally illustrates one example of a pre-motor filter consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 47 generally illustrates one example of a post-motor filter consistent with embodiments of the present invention; and

fig. 48 generally illustrates one embodiment of a robotic vacuum cleaner that may include one or more of the features described in the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the utility model, and do not delimit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention generally relates to agitators for surface treatment equipment. The blender includes a body and a deformable flap extending from the body. The deformable flap comprises one or more tapers extending in corresponding end regions of the deformable flap. The agitator is configured to be received within an agitator chamber of the surface treating device such that the agitator is rotatable within the agitator chamber. Rotation of the agitator causes the deformable flap to engage a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor) such that debris deposited thereon may be disturbed by the deformable flap. In operation, the one or more tapers may facilitate migration of fiber debris (e.g., hair) toward a common location (e.g., a removal location) along a longitudinal axis of the body.

Turning now to fig. 1 and 2, one embodiment of a vacuum cleaner 10 is generally shown. The term vacuum cleaner 10 is intended to refer to any type of vacuum cleaner, including, but not limited to, manually operated vacuum cleaners and robotic vacuum cleaners. Non-limiting examples of manually operated vacuum cleaners include upright vacuum cleaners, canister vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners and central vacuum systems. Thus, although various aspects of the present invention may be shown and/or described in the context of a manually operated vacuum cleaner or a robotic vacuum cleaner, it should be understood that the features disclosed herein apply to both manually operated vacuum cleaners and robotic vacuum cleaners, unless specifically stated otherwise.

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

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

The vacuum cleaner 10 includes a debris collection chamber 30 in fluid communication with the agitator chamber 22 so that debris collected by the rotating agitator 18 can be stored. The agitator chamber 22 and the debris chamber 30 may be fluidly coupled to a vacuum source 32 (e.g., a suction motor, etc.) for creating an airflow (e.g., a partial vacuum) in the agitator chamber 22 and the debris collection chamber 30 to draw the debris near the agitator chamber 22 and/or the agitator 18. As can be appreciated, rotation of the agitator 18 can help agitate/loosen debris from the cleaning surface. Optionally, one or more filters 34 may be provided to remove any debris (e.g., dust particles, etc.) entrained in the vacuum airstream. The debris chamber 30, vacuum source 32, and/or filter 34 may be located at least partially within the cleaning head 12 and/or handle 14. Additionally, one or more suction tubes, conduits, etc. 36 may be provided to fluidly couple the debris chamber 30, the vacuum source 32, and/or the filter 34. For example, the aspiration tube 36 may include an aspiration inlet and/or aspiration opening 33, fig. 2, that separates the aspiration tube 36 from the stir chamber 22 (e.g., that is an inlet of the aspiration tube 36 from the stir chamber 22). The vacuum cleaner 10 may include and/or may be configured to be electrically coupled to one or more power sources, such as, but not limited to, a cord/plug, a battery (e.g., a rechargeable and/or non-rechargeable battery), and/or circuitry (e.g., an AC/DC converter, a voltage regulator, a step-up/down transformer, etc.) to provide power to various components of the vacuum cleaner 10, such as, but not limited to, the rotational system 24 and/or the vacuum source 32.

The agitator 18 includes an elongated agitator body 40 configured to extend along and rotate about the longitudinal/pivot axis 20. The agitator 18 (e.g., without limitation, one or more of the ends of the agitator 18) is permanently or removably coupled to the vacuum head 12 and rotatable about the pivot axis 20 by a rotation system 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated agitator body 40 has a generally cylindrical cross-section, although other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., without limitation, oval, hexagonal, rectangular, octagonal, concave, convex, etc.) are possible. The agitator 18 may have bristles, fabrics, felts, fluff, nap, and/or other cleaning elements (or any combination thereof) 42 surrounding the exterior of the elongated agitator body 40. Examples of brush drums and other agitators 18 are shown and described in more detail in U.S. patent No. 9,456,723 and U.S. patent application publication No. 2016/0220082, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

As the agitator 18 rotates within the agitation chamber 22, the agitator 18 may come into contact with elongated (or fibrous) debris, such as, but not limited to, hair, strings, and the like. The fiber chips 44 may have a length that is much longer than the diameter of the agitator 18. By way of non-limiting example, the fiber chips 44 may have a length that is 2-10 times longer than the diameter of the agitator 18. Due to the rotation of the agitator 18 and the length and flexibility of the fiber chips 44, the fiber chips 44 will tend to wrap around the diameter of the agitator 18.

As may be appreciated, the excess fiber debris 44 that accumulates on the agitator 18 may reduce the efficiency of the agitator 18 and/or cause damage to the vacuum cleaner 10 (e.g., the rotational system 24, etc.). To address the problem of fiber debris 44 becoming entangled around the agitator 18, the vacuum cleaner 10 may include one or more hair migration systems 49 and/or one or more grooming units 50 (also referred to as cleaners) disposed at least partially within the agitation chamber 22. As explained herein, hair migration system 49 may be configured to: as the agitator 18 rotates about the pivot axis 20, at least some of the fiber debris 44 wrapped around the agitator 18 is caused to move along the agitator 18 (and optionally removed from the agitator 18). The grooming unit 50 (which may optionally be used in combination with the hair migration system 49) may be configured to shed at least some of the fiber debris 44 that is wrapped around the agitator 18, wherein the shed fiber debris 44 may be entrained into the suction airflow, through the suction duct 36, and ultimately to the debris collection chamber 30. Hair migration system 49 may include one or more ribs 116, bristles 60, and/or sidewalls 62 (e.g., elastically deformable sidewalls/flaps). At least one rib 116 (shown in phantom) may extend within the surface cleaning head 12 and may be configured to engage (e.g., contact) the agitator 18 such that the fibrous debris may be urged toward one or more predetermined locations on the agitator 18. For example, the at least one rib 116 may extend transversely (e.g., at a non-perpendicular angle) to the longitudinal axis L of the agitator 18 such that when the fiber debris is entangled about the agitator 18, the fiber debris engages (e.g., contacts) the rib 116 and is urged toward a predetermined position along the agitator 18. Although the vacuum cleaner 10 is shown with both a hair transfer system 49 and a grooming unit 50, it should be appreciated that some examples of the vacuum cleaner 10 may include only a hair transfer system 49 or a grooming unit 50.

Turning now to fig. 3, one example of a hair migration system 49 is generally shown. The hair migration system 49 may include a plurality of bristles 60 aligned in one or more rows or strips on the agitator 18. Alternatively (or in addition), the hair migration system 49 can include one or more side walls and/or continuous side walls (which can be referred to as flaps or elastically deformable flaps in some examples) 62 adjacent to at least one row of bristles 60. The rows of bristles 60 and/or the continuous sidewall 62 are configured to reduce tangling of hair in the bristles 60 of the agitator 18. Optionally, the combination of bristles and sidewalls 62 may be configured to generate an archimedes screw force that urges/causes the hair to migrate toward one or more collection regions of the agitator 18 (such as, but not limited to, the central region 41 of the agitator 18). The bristles 60 may include a plurality of bristles 60 arranged in rows and/or one or more rows of consecutive bristles 60.

The plurality of bristles 60 extend outwardly (e.g., generally radially outwardly) from the elongated agitator body 40 (e.g., base portion) to define one or more continuous rows. One or more of the rows of consecutive rows of bristles 60 may be coupled (permanently or removably coupled) to the elongated agitator body 40 using one or more shape-locking connections (such as, but not limited to, tongue and groove connections, T-groove connections, etc.), interference connections (such as, for example, interference fits, press fits, friction fits, morse cones, etc.), adhesives, fastener overmolding, etc.

The rows of bristles 60 rotate at least partially about and extend along at least a portion of the longitudinal/pivot axis 20 of the elongated agitator body 40 of the agitator 18. As defined herein, a continuous row of bristles 60 is defined as a plurality of bristles 60, wherein the spacing between adjacent bristles 60 along the rotational axis 20 is less than or equal to 3 times the maximum cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the bristles 60.

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

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

One or more of the side walls 62 may thus rotate at least partially about and extend along at least a portion of the longitudinal/pivot axis 20 of the elongated beater body 40 of the beater 18. For example, at least one of the sidewalls 62 may be arranged in a generally helical, arcuate, and/or V-shaped configuration/pattern/shape. Optionally, one or more of the sidewalls 62 (e.g., the entire row or a portion thereof) may have a constant pitch (e.g., a constant spiral pitch). Alternatively (or in addition), one or more of the sidewalls 62 (e.g., the entire row or a portion thereof) may have a variable pitch (e.g., a variable spiral pitch).

Although the agitator 18 is shown as having a row of bristles 60 with the side wall 62 disposed rearward of the row of bristles 60 as the agitator 18 rotates about the pivot axis 20, the agitator 18 may include one or more side walls 62 forward of the row of bristles 60, rearward of the row of bristles 60, and/or without the row of bristles 60. As noted above, one or more of the side walls 62 may extend outwardly from a portion of the elongated agitator body 40 as generally shown in fig. 3. For example, one or more of the sidewalls 62 may extend outwardly from a base of the elongated agitator body 40 to which the row of bristles 60 is coupled, and/or may extend outwardly from a portion of an outer periphery of the elongated agitator body 40. Alternatively (or additionally), one or more of the sidewalls 62 may extend inwardly from a portion of the elongated agitator body 40. For example, the radially most distal portion of the sidewall 62 may be disposed at a radial distance from the pivot axis 20 of the elongated agitator body 40 that is within 20% of the radial distance of the adjacent surrounding perimeter of the elongated agitator body 40, and the most proximal portion of the sidewall 62 (i.e., the portion of the sidewall 62 that begins to extend away from the base) may be disposed at a radial distance that is less than the radial distance of the adjacent surrounding perimeter of the elongated agitator body 40. As used herein, the term "adjacent the enclosed perimeter" is intended to refer to a portion of the perimeter of the elongated agitator body 40 within 30 degrees of about the pivot axis 20.

In some examples, the agitator 18 may include at least one row of bristles 60 generally parallel to at least one side wall 62. According to one embodiment, at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in a row can have an overall height Hb (e.g., height measured from the pivot axis 20) that is longer than an overall height Hs (e.g., height measured from the pivot axis 20) of at least one of the adjacent side walls 62. Alternatively (or in addition), at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in a row may have a height Hb that is longer than the height Hs adjacent to at least one of the sidewalls 62, i.e., 2-3mm (e.g., without limitation, 2.5 mm). Alternatively (or in addition), the height Hs adjacent at least one of the sidewalls 62 can be 60% to 100% of the height Hb of at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in the row. For example, the bristles 60 may have a height Hb in the range of 12 to 32mm (e.g., without limitation, in the range of 18 to 20.5 mm), and the adjacent sidewalls 62 may have a height Hs in the range of 10 to 29mm (e.g., without limitation, in the range of 15 to 18 mm).

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

In another example, at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in a row can have an overall height Hb that is shorter than an overall height Hs of at least one of the adjacent sidewalls 62. Alternatively (or in addition), at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in a row may have a height Hb that is shorter than the height Hs adjacent at least one of the sidewalls 62, i.e., 2-3mm (e.g., without limitation, 2.5 mm). Alternatively (or in addition), the height Hb of at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in a row can be 60% to 100% of the height Hs of at least one of the adjacent sidewalls 62. For example, the bristles 60 may have a height Hb in the range of 10 to 29mm (such as, but not limited to, in the range of 15 to 18 mm), and the adjacent sidewall 62 may have a height Hs in the range of 12 to 32mm (such as, but not limited to, in the range of 18 to 20.5 mm). The side walls 62 may have a height Hs that extends at least 2mm beyond the distal-most ends of the bristles 60. The bristles may have a height Hb of at least 2mm from the base and may reach up to 50% or less of the height Hs of the sidewalls 62.

According to one embodiment, the side walls 62 comprise a flexible and/or resilient material and may be generally referred to as flaps and/or elastically deformable flaps. Examples of flexible and/or elastic materials include, but are not limited to, rubber, silicone, and/or the like. The side wall 62 may comprise a combination of flexible material and fabric. The combination of flexible material and fabric may reduce wear of the side walls 62, thereby increasing the useful life of the side walls 62 and providing an additional method for cleaning and agitation. The rubber may comprise natural and/or synthetic rubber and may be a thermoplastic and/or thermoset. The rubber and/or silicone may be combined with a polyester fabric and/or a nylon fabric (e.g., PA 66). In one embodiment, the sidewall 62 may comprise cast rubber and fabric (e.g., polyester fabric). The cast rubber may comprise natural rubber cast with polyester fabric. Alternatively (or additionally), the cast rubber may comprise polyurethane (such as, but not limited to, PU 45 shore a) and cast with polyester fabric.

Because the sidewall 62 may be assembled on a helical path, it may be desirable for the top and bottom edges of the sidewall 62 to follow different helices, each having a different helix radius. When selecting a flexible material with reinforcement to pass life requirements, the required stretch along these edges should be taken into account so that the position of the assembled side walls 62 coincides with the different helical radii and helical paths of each edge (as the fibrous material of the composite side walls 62 may reduce the flexibility of the side walls 62). If this is not achieved, the distal end of the sidewall 62 may not be positioned at a constant distance from the bristles 60 (e.g., within 10mm as described herein). Thus, the geometry and material selection of the sidewall 62 may be selected to meet the space/location requirements of the sidewall 62, the flexibility required to perform the anti-wrap function, and the durability to withstand normal use of the vacuum cleaner. The addition of the fabric may be used for higher stirrer rotation speed applications (such as, but not limited to, upright vacuum applications).

The agitator 18 (e.g., bristles 60 and/or side walls 62) should be aligned within the agitator chamber 22 so that the bristles 60 and/or side walls 62 can contact the surface to be cleaned. The bristles 60 and/or sidewalls 62 should be stiff enough in at least one direction to engage a surface to be cleaned (such as, but not limited to, carpet fibers) without undesirable bending (e.g., stiff enough to agitate debris from the carpet), but also soft enough to allow lateral bending. The size (e.g., height Hs) and location of the sidewall 62 relative to the row of bristles 60 can be configured to substantially prevent and/or reduce hair from becoming tangled around the base or bottom of the bristles 60. The bristles 60 may be sized so that when used on a hard floor they sweep the floor in use. However, when the surface cleaning apparatus 10 is on a carpet, the wheels will sag and the bristles 60 and/or sidewalls 62 will penetrate the carpet. The length of the bristles 60 and/or the side walls 62 may be selected so that they always contact the floor, regardless of the floor surface. Additional details of the agitator 18 (such as, but not limited to, bristles 60 and/or sidewalls 62) are described in U.S. patent application publication No. 2018/0070785 entitled "agitator for hair removal" filed on 8.9.2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

As mentioned herein, the hair migration system 49 (e.g., a combination of bristles 60 and/or sidewalls 62) may be configured to migrate the fiber debris 44 in a desired and/or targeted direction and/or to migrate the fiber debris to a desired location. According to at least one aspect of the present invention, the hair migration system 49 is configured to migrate the fiber debris 44 toward the grooming unit 50 and/or toward a region of the agitator 18 proximate an inlet of the suction tube 36 that is fluidly coupled to the agitation chamber 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the hair migration system 49 is configured to migrate the fibrous debris 44 toward the central region 41 of the agitator 18 (e.g., which may be proximate the grooming unit 50) and the primary inlet 33 (fig. 4-6) of the suction duct 36 as the agitator 18 rotates within the agitation chamber 22. For example, the hair migration system 49 may be configured to migrate the fibrous debris 44 along the agitator 18 toward the grooming unit 50 to allow the grooming unit 50 to remove the fibrous debris 44 from the agitator 18, whereby the fibrous debris 44 may be entrained in the suction airflow into the suction duct 36.

In at least one example, the hair migration system 49 may include a first hair migration section and at least a second (e.g., left and right)

hair migration section

66, 67. Each

hair migration section

66, 67 may include one or more sidewalls 62 and/or bristles 60 as generally described herein. The sidewalls 62 and/or bristles 60 of one or more

hair migrating sections

66, 67 may have a generally helical pattern and/or a generally V-shaped pattern. According to one aspect, at least a portion of the

hair migration sections

66, 67 may partially overlap in the overlap region 69. In the example shown, only the side walls 62 overlap; however, it should be understood that only the bristles 60 may overlap and/or both the side walls 62 and the bristles 60 may partially overlap. As used herein,

hair migration sections

66, 67 are considered to overlap if the side walls 62 and/or bristles 60 of adjacent

hair migration sections

66, 67 pass through a radial cross-section when the agitator 18 rotates about the pivot axis 20 within the agitator chamber 22. The amount and/or degree of overlap (i.e., the size of the overlap region 69) may vary depending on the intended application. For example, the size of the overlap area 69 may vary depending on the length of the comb unit 50, the overall length of the agitator 18, the rotational speed of the agitator 18, and the like. According to one embodiment, the size of the overlap area 69 may be 10-30mm, and the agitator 18 may have a length of 225 mm. According to another embodiment, the size of the overlap area 69 may be 4-20% of the length of the agitator 18. Of course, these are merely examples.

Optionally, the height of one or more of the side walls 62 and/or bristles 60 may taper in at least a portion of the overlap region 69. The reduced height of the side walls 62 and/or bristles 60 in the overlap region 69 may facilitate removal of the fibrous debris 44 from the agitator 18 by reducing the compressive force applied to the agitator 18 by the fibrous debris 44.

Although the hair migration system 49 is shown as having two adjacent

hair migration sections

66, 67, each extending across only a portion of the length of the agitator 18, respectively, it should be appreciated that the hair migration system 49 may have more or less than two

migration sections

66, 67. For example, the hair migration system 49 may comprise one or more continuous hair migration sections extending substantially along the entire length of the agitator 18. In particular, the elongated hair migrating section may have a substantially helical and/or substantially V-shaped pattern that may change direction at the target location so as to migrate from both ends of the agitator 18 toward the target location.

Turning now to fig. 4-6, an example of a carding unit 50 is generally shown. In particular, fig. 4 generally shows a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of fig. 1 with agitator 18 not shown for clarity, fig. 5 generally shows a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of fig. 1, and fig. 6 generally shows a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of fig. 2 with agitator 18 not shown for clarity. Although only a single grooming unit 50 is shown, it should be appreciated that the vacuum cleaner 10 may include a plurality of grooming units 50.

The grooming unit 50 may be at least partially disposed in the agitator chamber 22 and may include a plurality of fingers, ribs, and/or teeth 52 that form a comb-like structure configured to contact a portion of the length of the agitator 18 (e.g., bristles 60 and/or sidewalls 62 as discussed herein). The fingers 52 are configured to extend (e.g., protrude) generally toward the agitator 18 from a portion of the vacuum cleaner 10 (e.g., without limitation, the body 13, agitator chamber 22, bottom surface 25, and/or debris collection chamber 30) such that at least a portion of the fingers 52 contact an end portion of the bristles 60 and/or one or more of the side walls 62. Rotation of the agitator 18 causes the fingers 52 of the grooming unit 50 to pass between the plurality of bristles 60 and/or contact one or more of the side walls 62, thereby preventing hair from tangling on the agitator 18. It should be understood that the shapes or fingers, ribs, and/or teeth 52 are not limited to those shown and/or described in this application unless specifically claimed.

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

Alternatively (or in addition), at least some of the fingers 52 (e.g., all of the fingers 52) extend generally toward the agitator 18 such that the outermost ends of the fingers 52 contact (e.g., overlap) the side walls 62 as the side walls 62 rotate past the fingers 52. For example, the distal-most end of the finger 52 may contact the distal-most end of the sidewall 62 by at most 3mm, such as the distal-most end of the sidewall 62 by 1-3mm, the distal-most end of the sidewall 62 by 0.5-3mm, the distal-most end of the sidewall 62 by at most 2mm, and/or the distal-most end of the sidewall 62 by 2mm, including all ranges and values therein.

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

The width of the fingers 52 (e.g., also referred to as teeth) may be configured to occupy a minimum width constrained by manufacturing and strength requirements. The reduced width of the fingers 52 may minimize wear on the agitator 18 and facilitate airflow between the fingers 52 for cleaning hair. The common width of the plastic fingers 52 may be 30% or less of the total width of the comb unit 50, especially when the comb unit 50 is plastic.

The width of the fingers 52 along the profile and the brush roller axis 20 may be based on structural and molding requirements. The profile of the distal end of the finger 52 may be arcuate (e.g., rounded) or may form a sharp tip (e.g., the leading and trailing edges may meet at an inflection point to form an acute angle). According to one embodiment, the profile of the distal end of the finger 52 may be rounded and smooth based on material and manufacturing considerations. For example, for a 28mm diameter stirrer 18, the distal end of the fingers 52 may be contoured to have a diameter of 0.6-2.5mm (e.g., without limitation, 1-2mm diameter and/or 1.6mm diameter).

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

While fingers 52 are shown spaced apart in a direction extending along a longitudinal length L of carding unit 50 that is generally parallel to pivot axis 20 of beater 18, it should be appreciated that all or a portion of fingers 52 may extend along one or more axes (e.g., multiple axes) in one or more directions transverse to pivot axis 20 (e.g., without limitation, a V-shape).

The carding unit 50 extends across only a portion of the length of the agitator chamber 22, for example the portion corresponding to the primary suction inlet 33 of the suction duct 36. At least one carding unit 50 may be provided proximate to the primary suction inlet 33 of the suction duct 36. As used herein, the phrase "proximate to the primary suction inlet 33 of the suction duct 36" or the like is intended to mean that the grooming unit 50 is disposed within and/or upstream of the primary suction inlet 33 at a distance of less than 20% of the cross-sectional area of the primary suction inlet 33 of the suction duct 36.

In the example shown, the vacuum cleaner 10 is shown as having a primary suction inlet 33 (best shown in fig. 6) and two adjacent secondary suction inlets 71 that extend laterally (e.g., left and right) from the primary suction inlet 33 along the length of the blending chamber 22. The primary suction inlet 33 and the secondary suction inlet 71 of the suction duct 36 are defined as transition areas between the stirring chamber 22 and the suction duct 36, which define the starting end of the suction path from the stirring chamber 22. Although the vacuum cleaner 10 is shown as having only a single primary suction inlet 33 and two adjacent secondary suction inlets 71, it will be appreciated that the vacuum cleaner 10 may have less or more than two secondary suction inlets 71 and/or more than one primary suction inlet 33. In embodiments having more than one primary suction inlet 33, the vacuum cleaner 10 may optionally comprise more than one grooming unit 50. In addition, the vacuum cleaner 10 may not have any secondary suction inlet 71.

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

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

As discussed herein, fingers 52 of grooming unit 50 may be configured to contact agitator 18, e.g., bristles 60 and/or sidewalls 62. According to one aspect, the fingers 52 of the comb unit 50 may all have substantially the same height as generally shown in fig. 4-6. According to one aspect, fingers 52 may have a height of 8-10mm, and carding unit 50 may have an overall length of 30-40mm (e.g., without limitation, 35 mm). The plurality of fingers 52 of the comb unit 50 may extend across the entire length of the upper portion of the primary suction inlet 33. Alternatively, one or more of the fingers 52 may have a different length. For example, one or more of the fingers 52' on the lateral region 73 may have a longer length, as generally shown in fig. 7. In other words, one or more fingers 52' corresponding to lateral regions 73 may have a length measured greater than teeth 52 corresponding to central region 77. As a further example, one or more fingers 52' within lateral region 73 may have a length measurement that is smaller than one or more fingers 52 within central region 77. An example of a comb unit 93 having a plurality of fingers 94 is shown in fig. 7A, wherein the portion of the plurality of fingers 94 corresponding to a central region 95 of the comb unit 93 has a length 96 measured greater than the length 96 of the portion of the plurality of fingers 94 corresponding to a lateral region 97. As shown in fig. 7A, a central region 95 extends between each of the lateral regions 97. The length 98 of the central region 95 may be measured in the range of 20% to 60% of the length 99 of the comb unit 93.

Turning now to fig. 8, the present invention may also feature a plurality of segmented agitator chambers 80. Specifically, the segmented agitator chamber 80 may extend between the agitator 18 and an inner wall 82 defining the agitation chamber 22. The pressure within the segmented agitator chamber 80 may be higher and/or lower than the pressure within the remaining segments of the agitation chamber 22 (e.g., the pressure of the agitation chamber 22 proximate the opening 23) and/or the pressure within the aspiration tube 36. The segmented agitator chamber 80 may be defined by the side walls 62 and/or bristles 60 extending from the agitator body 40 and contacting against the inner wall 82 of the agitator chamber 22. Specifically, the bristles 60 and/or the side walls 62 may form a partial seal with the inner wall 82. The shape, size, and pattern of the bristles 60 and/or the side walls 62 may be used to adjust the pressure within the segmented agitator chamber 80 as the agitator 18 rotates about the pivot axis 20. Although the illustrated example is shown with four segmented agitator chambers 80, it should be appreciated that vacuum cleaner 10 may have more or less than four segmented agitator chambers 80.

Turning now to FIG. 9, a schematic diagram of a blender 200, which may be an example of the blender 18 of FIG. 1, is generally shown. As shown, the blender 200 includes at least one elastically deformable flap 202 (which may be an example of a sidewall 62) that extends helically around an elongated body 203 of the blender 200 in the direction of a longitudinal axis 204 of the blender 200. As discussed herein, the agitator 200 may not include any bristles; however, it should be understood that the agitator 200 may optionally include bristles in addition to the flap 202 (or without the flap).

The flap 202 may be generally described as a continuous strip extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the elongated body 203 of the blender 200 and in a direction away from the elongated body. In some cases, the flap 202 can extend longitudinally along the elongate body 203 for a majority (e.g., at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%) of the length 205 of the elongate body 203. Flap 202 is configured to engage (e.g., contact) a surface to be cleaned when agitator 200 is rotated such that debris is pushed in the direction of opening/air inlet 23 of vacuum cleaner 10 of fig. 1, for example.

In some cases, the flap 202 may extend helically around the body 203 of the blender 200 according to a first direction. In other instances, the flap 202 may extend helically around the body 203 of the blender 200 according to the first and second directions such that at least one V-shape is formed.

The helical shape of the flap 202 may be configured to urge the fiber debris along the blender 200 toward one or more predetermined locations as the flap 202 extends around the elongated body 203 of the blender 200. For example, as fibrous debris, such as hair, is entangled about the agitator 200, the engagement (e.g., contact) of the flap 202 with the surface to be cleaned and/or the rib 116 of fig. 1 may cause the fibrous debris to be pushed along the agitator 200, depending on the helical shape of the flap 202.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic example of a plurality of ribs 300, which may be examples of ribs 116 that engage (e.g., contact) the agitator 200. As shown, each of the ribs 300 extends transverse to the longitudinal axis 204 of the blender 200 at a non-perpendicular angle and is configured to engage (e.g., contact) at least a portion of the flap 202. For example, a rib angle α formed between the longitudinal axis 204 and a respective one or more of the ribs 300 can measure in a range of about 30 ° to about 60 °. As the number of ribs 300 increases and the rib angle α decreases, the rate at which the fibrous chips are pushed along the agitator 200 may increase.

In some cases, the ribs 300 can be configured to extend at least partially around the agitator 200. Thus, the ribs 300 may have an arcuate shape. This configuration may increase the amount of engagement (e.g., contact) between the flap 202 and the rib 300. The rib 300 is configured to deform the flap 202 in response to the flap 202 engaging (e.g., contacting) the rib 300. For example, the ribs 300 may be made of plastic (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), metal (e.g., aluminum or steel alloys), and/or any other suitable material, and the flaps 202 may be made of rubber (e.g., natural or synthetic rubber) and/or any other suitable material.

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

As shown, each of the ribs 300 may be oriented such that at least a portion of at least one rib 300 overlaps at least a portion of at least one other rib 300 (e.g., a longitudinal position along a first rib corresponds to a longitudinal position along an adjacent rib). Thus, the overlap region 303 may extend between two adjacent ribs 300. The overlapping region 303 may result in substantially continuous pushing of the fiber debris along the migration direction 304.

As the blender 200 is rotated according to the direction of rotation 302, the flap 202 engages (e.g., contacts) a portion of at least one of the ribs 300 and moves along the peripheral edge of the rib 300. The interengagement between the ribs 300 and the flaps 202 pushes the fibrous debris in the direction of migration 304.

In some cases, there may be multiple migration directions 304. For example, the agitator 200 may be configured to push fiber debris toward the opposite end of the agitator 200. The direction of migration 304 may be based at least in part on the helical pitch of the flap 202, the direction of rotation 302, and/or the rib angle α.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic example of a plurality of ribs 400, which may be an example of ribs 116, engaging (e.g., contacting) a stirrer 401, which may be an example of stirrer 200 of fig. 9. As shown, the rotational direction 402 and the migration direction 404 are opposite to those in fig. 10. Thus, the migration directions 304 and 404 may generally be described as being based at least in part on the orientation of the

ribs

300 and 400.

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

When the flap 506 engages (e.g., contacts) the at least one rib 508, the overlap distance 512 between the rib 508 and the flap 506 may be measured from the engagement surface 516 of the at least one rib 508 to the distal-most portion of the flap 506 adjacent the rib 508. For example, the overlap distance 512 may be measured as having a maximum value in a range of about 1 millimeter (mm) to about 3 mm. As another example, the overlap distance 512 may be measured as having a maximum value in a range of about 1mm to about 2 mm.

In the case of multiple ribs 508, the height 514 of one or more ribs 508 may be measured differently than at least one other rib 508. Thus, the overlap distance 512 may be configured to vary between the ribs 508. Additionally or alternatively, the measure of the length 510 of the engagement surface 516 may be different than at least one other rib 508. Alternatively, the measure of the height 514 of each rib 508 and/or the measure of the length 510 of the engagement surface 516 may be substantially the same.

In some cases, the friction increasing material may be coupled to at least a portion of the engagement surface 516. For example, rubber (e.g., natural or synthetic rubber) may extend along at least a portion of the engagement surface 516. This configuration may improve the rate at which the fibrous material is pushed along the agitator 504.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a surface cleaning head 500. As shown, the surface cleaning head 500 may include a plurality of ribs 508, each of which is configured to engage (e.g., contact) a flap 506. As shown, the ribs 508 are configured to extend at least partially around at least a portion of the agitator 504.

Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of a surface cleaning head 700, which may be an example of the surface cleaning head 12 of fig. 1. The surface cleaning head 700 may include a agitator cover 702 having a plurality of ribs 704 (shown in phantom) extending therefrom. The agitator cover 702 may be coupled to or integrally formed with the surface cleaning head 700 such that the agitator cover 702 defines at least a portion of an agitator chamber in which an agitator (e.g., the agitator 18) rotates. In some cases, agitator cover 702 may not be visible to a user of surface cleaning head 700 and may have a length that measures less than the length of the agitator. For example, the surface cleaning head 700 may include a plurality of agitator covers 702, where each agitator cover 702 corresponds to a respective distal end of the agitator, and the combined length of the agitator covers 702 measures less than the overall length of the agitator. Fig. 14A shows an example of a blender cover 710 having a length measured less than the overall length of the blender, and fig. 14B shows an example of a blender chamber 712 of a robotic cleaner having a plurality of blender covers 710 disposed therein at opposite distal ends of the blender chamber 712. The agitator cover 710 includes ribs 714 and may be coupled to or integrally formed with the agitator chamber 712 such that the ribs 714 are positioned to engage at least a portion of the agitator. In other words, agitator chamber 712 includes ribs at opposite distal ends of agitator chamber 712. By positioning agitator cover 710 at the opposite distal end of agitator chamber 712, migration of fiber debris (e.g., into bearings and/or shafts) on the end of the agitator may be reduced and/or prevented while reducing wear on the agitator.

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

In some cases, rib 704 may extend along only a portion of agitator cover 702. For example, the ribs 704 may extend along a central portion of the agitator cover 702 (e.g., a portion corresponding to 20% to 60% of the length of the agitator cover 702, which is substantially centrally located between the distal ends of the agitator cover 702). As another example, ribs 704 may extend along one or more distal portions of agitator cover 702 (e.g., corresponding to 15-40% of the length of agitator cover 702, which is proximate to or extends from the distal end of agitator cover 702).

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

Fig. 15 and 16 show bottom and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the agitator cover 702 of fig. 14. As shown, the plurality of ribs 704 each extend parallel to one another and transverse (e.g., at a non-perpendicular angle) to the longitudinal axis 800 of the agitator cover 702. The rib 704 may generally be described as being oriented to push the fiber chips toward a single distal end of the agitator.

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

Fig. 19 shows a side view of a rib 1200, which may be an example of the rib 116 of fig. 1. The ribs 116 may have an arcuate shape that extends at least partially around the agitator (e.g., the agitator 18) in a direction transverse (e.g., at a non-perpendicular angle) to a longitudinal axis of the agitator. Thus, the rib 1200 may generally be described as extending helically around the elongated body of the agitator. In some cases, the ribs 1200 may be coupled to a surface cleaning head (e.g., surface cleaning head 12) such that the ribs 1200 are fixed relative to the agitator and urge the fibrous debris toward a predetermined position.

Fig. 20 shows a schematic example of a stirrer 1300, which may be an example of the stirrer 18 of fig. 1. As shown, the agitator 1300 includes a plurality of flaps 1302 and a plurality of bristle bars 1304 that extend generally parallel to the respective flaps 1302. The bristle bar 1304 may include a plurality of individual bristles extending from an elongated body 1305 of the agitator 1300.

The bristle height 1306 can be measured to be less than the flap height 1308. For example, the bristle height 1306 may be such that when the agitator 1300 rotates within a surface cleaning head, such as the surface cleaning head 12 of fig. 1, the bristle bars 1304 do not engage (e.g., contact) one or more ribs configured to push fibrous debris along the agitator 1300. As another example, in some cases, the bristle bar height 1306 may be measured such that the portion of the bristles that engage (e.g., contact) the one or more ribs is measured to be less than the portion of the flap 1302 that engages (e.g., contacts) the one or more ribs. Alternatively, the bristle height 1306 can be measured to be greater than the flap height 1308. Accordingly, the bristle bars 1304 may engage (e.g., contact) one or more ribs configured to urge the fiber debris along the agitator 1300. In some cases, the bristle height 1306 can be measured to be substantially equal to the flap height 1308. Thus, both the bristle bar 1304 and the flap 1302 can engage (e.g., contact) one or more ribs configured to push fibrous debris along the agitator 1300. In some cases, the agitator 1300 may not include bristle bars 1304 (e.g., as shown in fig. 9). In some examples, the bristle height 1306 and/or flap height 1308 can be measured from the axis of rotation of the agitator 1300.

Fig. 21 shows a schematic example of a stirrer 1500, which may be an example of the stirrer 18 of fig. 1. As shown, the agitator 1500 includes a plurality of bristle bars 1502 that extend helically around the elongate body 1504 of the agitator 1500. The bristle bar 1502 may include a plurality of individual bristles extending from the elongate body 1504 of the agitator 1500.

Fig. 22 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a blender 1600, which may be an example of the blender 18 of fig. 1. As shown, the blender 1600 includes an elongated body 1602 having one or more flaps 1604 extending therefrom. The flap 1604 is configured to engage a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor). The elongate body 1602 is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation 1606 that extends longitudinally through the elongate body 1602. One or more shafts 1608 can be disposed along the rotation axis 1606 and coupled to the elongated body 1602. For example, a plurality of shafts 1608 may be coupled to the elongated body 1602 at opposite ends of the body 1602.

A first end cap 1610 and a second end cap 1612 may be disposed at opposite distal ends of the elongated body 1602. End caps 1610 and 1612 may be generally described as agitator covers, where at least a portion of the agitator cover extends completely around the axis of rotation of the agitator. The first and

second end caps

1610, 1612 are configured to be fixed relative to the elongated body 1602 such that the elongated body 1602 rotates relative to the first and

second end caps

1610, 1612. For example, first and

second end caps

1610, 1612 may be coupled to a portion of a surface cleaning head (e.g., surface cleaning head 12 of fig. 1).

The first and

second end caps

1610, 1612 may define respective

end cap cavities

1614 and 1616 having

cavity sidewalls

1615 and 1617. At least a portion of the elongated body 1602 and at least a portion of one or more of the flaps 1604 are received in respective ones of the

end cap cavities

1614 and 1616. When the elongated body 1602 and the one or more flaps 1604 are received within the respective

end cap cavities

1614 and 1616, the

cavity side walls

1615 and 1617 extend longitudinally along the elongated body 1602 and the one or more flaps 1604 an

extension distance

1619 and 1621. The

extended distances

1619 and 1621 may, for example, be measured in a range of 1% to 25% of the total length 1623 of the elongated body 1602. As another example, the

extended distances

1619 and 1621 may be measured in a range of 5% to 15% of the total length 1623 of the elongated body 1602. As yet another example, the

extended distances

1619 and 1621 may measure 10% of the overall length 1623 of the elongated body 1602. As yet another example, the

extended distances

1619 and 1621 may measure in a range of 1.3 centimeters (cm) to 5 cm. In some cases, the

extended distances

1619 and 1621 may be measured differently for each of the first and

second end caps

1610 and 1612.

Each of the

end caps

1610 and 1612 may include one or

more ribs

1618 and 1620 extending within the

end cap cavities

1614 and 1616. The one or

more ribs

1618 and 1620 extend in a radial direction toward the elongate body 1602 such that the one or

more ribs

1618 and 1620 engage (e.g., contact) one or more of the flaps 1604. As shown, at least a portion of the one or more flaps 1604 overlap one or more of the

ribs

1618 and 1620. For example, a measure of overlap between the

ribs

1618 and 1620 and one or more of the flaps 1604 may be measured in a range of 1% to 99% of the rib thickness 1625. By way of further example, a measure of overlap between the

ribs

1618 and 1620 and one or more of the flaps 1604 may be measured in a range of 10% to 75% of the rib thickness 1625. As yet another example, a measure of overlap between the

ribs

1618 and 1620 and one or more of the flaps 1604 may be measured as being greater than 0% and less than 99% of the rib thickness 1625. Reducing the amount of overlap between the

ribs

1618 and 1620 and one or more of the one or more flaps 1604 may reduce the amount of wear experienced by the one or more flaps 1604, increasing the life of the one or more flaps 1604.

The one or

more ribs

1618 and 1620 can be configured to push fibrous debris (e.g., hair) in a direction away from the distal end of the elongate body 1602 (e.g., in a direction of a central portion of the elongate body 1602). The interaction between the

ribs

1618, 1620 and the flap 1604 may mitigate and/or prevent fiber debris from tangling around the one or more shafts 1608 and/or from becoming trapped within one or more bearings supporting the one or more shafts 1608.

The one or more flaps 1604 may be configured to cooperate with the one or

more ribs

1618 and 1620 to urge the fiber debris in a direction away from the distal end of the elongate body 1602. For example, the one or more flaps 1604 may extend helically around at least a portion of the elongate body 1602. In some cases, the one or more flaps 1604 can extend helically around at least a portion of the elongate body 1602 according to two or more directions such that one or more V-shapes are formed. In some cases, the one or more flaps 1604 may be configured to push the fiber debris in a direction away from the distal end of the elongate body 1602 after the fiber debris is separated from the

end caps

1610 and 1612. In these instances, the one or more flaps 1604 can push the fibrous debris to a common location along the elongated body 1602 such that the fibrous debris can be removed therefrom (e.g., using a combing unit/cleaning rib that engages the one or more flaps 1604 and removes the fibrous debris therefrom as a result of rotation of the elongated body 1602).

As shown in fig. 23, one or more ribs 1700 may extend between the

end caps

1610 and 1612. Rib 1700 can be coupled to and/or integrally formed from, for example, a portion of a surface cleaning head (e.g., surface cleaning head 12 of fig. 1) and/or one or more of

end caps

1610 and 1612. The ribs 1700 can cooperate with the

ribs

1618 and 1620 of the

end caps

1610 and 1612 to urge fiber debris (e.g., hair) toward one or more common locations along the elongate body 1602. When the elongate body 1602 includes one or more bristles (e.g., in addition to or as an alternative to the one or more flaps 1604), the ribs 1700 can improve migration of fiber debris along the elongate body 1602 toward one or more locations.

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

The luminal side wall 1804 can include one or more ribs 1808 extending from the luminal side wall 1804 and into the lumen 1802. As shown, the ribs 1808 may extend from the luminal base 1806 along the luminal side wall 1804 in the direction of the distal surface 1810 of the luminal side wall 1804. The rib 1808 may form a rib angle β with the cavity base 1806. The rib angle β may be measured as being greater than or less than 90 °. Thus, in some cases, one or more ribs 1808 can extend helically along the luminal sidewall 1804.

As shown, the ribs 1808 extend from the lumen base 1806 to the distal surface 1810 of the lumen sidewall 1804. In some cases, a plurality of ribs 1808 extend from the luminal sidewall 1804. When a plurality of ribs 1808 extend from the luminal sidewall 1804, the measure of the rib length 1812 corresponding to each rib 1808 can be different. For example, a measure of the rib length 1812 can be based at least in part on a measure of the extended distance 1805 of the lumen sidewall 1804 at a location along the perimeter of the lumen base 1806 at which the corresponding rib 1808 terminates. As shown, the measurement of the rib length 1812 corresponding to the rib 1808 proximate the floor facing portion 1807 of the end cover 1800 is less than the measurement of the rib length 1812 of the rib 1808 proximate the surface cleaning head portion 1809 of the end cover 1800.

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

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

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

As shown, the end cap 2000 may include an engagement region 2010. The engagement region 2010 may be configured to engage at least a portion of, for example, a surface cleaning head (e.g., the surface cleaning head 12 of fig. 1) such that the end cap 2000 is retained within the surface cleaning head. For example, the engagement region 2010 may define a portion of a snap-fit joint. As also shown, the pocket base 1806 may be substantially planar and include one or more rib openings 2012 and a shaft opening 2014 for receiving at least a portion of a shaft (e.g., shaft 1608 of fig. 22).

Although the

end caps

1800 and 2000 have been shown as separate components from the housing/body of the vacuum cleaner 10, it should be understood that any one or more of the end caps described herein may be integrally formed as part of the housing/body of the vacuum cleaner 10. Any one or more of the end caps described herein may be formed as a separate component from the agitator 18 such that removal of the agitator 18 does not result in removal of the end cap. Alternatively, one or more of the end caps may form part of a blender assembly, wherein removal of the blender 18 results in removal of at least one of the end caps.

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

Turning now to fig. 28 and 29, another example of a blender 2800 is shown generally, which may be an example of the blender 18 of fig. 1. Specifically, fig. 28 is a front view of the agitator 2800, and fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the agitator 2800 of fig. 29 taken along line 29-29. The agitator 2800 may include at least one elastically deformable flap 2802 (which may be an example of a sidewall 62) that extends helically around at least a portion of an elongated body 2804 of the agitator 2800 in a direction along a longitudinal axis 2806 of the agitator 2800. For example, the blender 2800 may include a plurality of deformable flaps 2802, wherein the length of each deformable flap 2802 is measured to be less than the length of the body 2804. As shown, the agitator 2800 includes a plurality of deformable flaps 2802 that extend from

end areas

3000, 3002 of the body 2804 to a central area 3004 of the body 2804. As discussed herein, agitator 2800 may not include any bristles; however, it should be understood that the agitator 2800 may optionally include bristles in addition to the flaps 2802 (or without flaps).

Fig. 30 illustrates an example of the elongated body 2804 of the agitator 2800 of fig. 29 without the flaps 2802 and/or bristles. The elongated body 2804 of the agitator 2800 may have a generally circular cross-section (taken along a cross-section generally transverse to the longitudinal axis 2806). As used herein, the phrase "substantially circular cross-section" is intended to mean that the radius R of the elongated body 2804 at any point within the circular cross-section is within 25% of the maximum radius of the elongated body 2804 within the circular cross-section. In the example shown, the circular cross-section of the elongated body 2804 is larger in the

proximal regions

3000, 3002 than in the central region 3004. Thus, the circular cross-section of the elongated body 2804 can be said to taper from the

proximal regions

3000, 3002 to the central region 3004. The taper of the

proximal end regions

3000, 3002 may be constant (e.g., linear) and/or non-linear. In at least one example, the middle portion 3008 of the elongated body 2804 can have a smallest circular cross-section. The taper of the first proximal end region 3000 may be the same or different than the taper of the second end region 3002.

The taper of the elongated body 2804 may increase the stiffness of the elastically deformable flap 2802 in the

proximal regions

3000, 3002 while increasing the flexibility of the elastically deformable flap 2802 in the central region 3004. The reduced cross-section of the central area 3004 may also increase debris (e.g., hair) removal by allowing the grooming unit 50 (e.g., teeth 52) to extend further into the elastically deformable flaps 2802 and/or bristles (e.g., further toward the center of the agitator 2800), thereby increasing contact between the grooming unit 50 and the elastically deformable flaps 2802 and/or bristles. Thus, the teeth 52 may have a greater length in the central region 3004 than the teeth 52 located outside the central region 3004.

Referring to fig. 31A-B, another example of the elongated body 2804 of the agitator 2800 of fig. 30 is shown. Similar to fig. 30, the elongate body 2804 can have a generally circular cross-section, with the

proximal regions

3000, 3002 having a larger circular cross-section than the central region 3004. In at least one embodiment, the first end region 3000 may have a length extending along the longitudinal axis 2806 that is 10% to 40% of the overall length 3100 of the elongate body 2804. For example, the length of the first end region 3000 may be 25% to 30% of the overall length 3100 of the elongated body 2804 and/or 20% of the overall length 3100 of the elongated body 2804.

The length of the second end region 3002 along the longitudinal axis 2806 may be the same as the first end region 3000. Alternatively, the second end region 3002 may be shorter in length than the first end region 3000. In at least one example, the second end region 3002 may have a length extending along the longitudinal axis 2806 that is 8% to 30% of the overall length 3100 of the elongate body 2804. For example, the length of the second end region 3002 may be 10% to 20% of the overall length 3100 of the elongated body 2804, e.g., 17% of the overall length 3100 of the elongated body 2804. By way of non-limiting example, the overall length 3100 of the elongated body 2804 may be 222.2mm, the first end region 3000 may have a length of 45.7mm, and the second end region 3002 may have a length of 36.9 mm.

As discussed herein, the

proximal regions

3000, 3002 may have a tapered radius R. The taper may be linear or non-linear (e.g., curvilinear). In at least one embodiment, the radius R of the inner end region 3102 of the proximal regions 3000, 3002 (e.g., the region 3102 of the

proximal regions

3000, 3002 adjacent the central region 3004) may be 3-15% less than the radius R of the distal end region 3104 of the proximal regions 3000, 3002 (e.g., the region 3104 of the

proximal regions

3000, 3002 adjacent the end caps). For example, the radius R of the inner end region 3102 may be 5-10% less than the radius R of the distal region 3104 and/or 8.6% less than the radius R of the distal region 3104. The difference in the radii of the end regions of the first proximal region 3000 may be the same as or different from the difference in the radii of the end regions of the second proximal region 3002.

By way of non-limiting example, the radius R of the inner end region 3102 may be 21.25mm, and the radius R of the distal end region 3104 may be 23.25 mm. The taper of the

end regions

3000, 3002 may promote hair migration by the tapering stiffness of the ribs/flaps and/or bristles. For this reason, increasing the length of the free/unsupported portions of the ribs/flaps and/or bristles will result in a decrease in the effective stiffness of the ribs/flaps and/or bristles, thereby enhancing hair migration.

Turning now to fig. 32-33, one example of the flap 2802 of fig. 29 is generally shown without the elongated body 2804. As described herein, the flap 2802 may generally extend helically around at least a portion of the elongated body 2804 and may be formed from an elastically deformable material. One or more of the

end regions

3200, 3202 of the flaps 2802 may include a chamfer or a taper (e.g., the flaps may include a taper in only one or each end region 3200, 3202). Accordingly, a height 3204 of flap 2802 in at least a portion of

end regions

3200, 3202 may be less than a height 3204 of flap 2802 in a central region 3206. In other words, the taper may cause the cleaning edge 3201 of the flap 2802 to approach the elongated body 2804. According to one example, a height 3204 of the flap 2802 may be measured from a base 3208 of the flap 2802 to a cleaning edge 3201 of the flap 2802, wherein the base 3208 is configured to be secured to the agitator 2800 (e.g., the elongated body 2804). Alternatively, the height 3204 of the flap 2802 may be measured from the axis of rotation of the agitator 2800 to the cleaning edge 3201 of the flap 2802. The taper of the

end regions

3200, 3202 may be constant (e.g., linear) and/or non-linear. In at least one example, intermediate portion 3210 of flap 2802 can have a maximum height 3204. The taper of first end region 3200 may be the same or different than the taper of second end region 3202.

With additional reference to fig. 28, the first end region 3200 may be disposed within one of the

proximal end regions

3000, 3002 of the elongate body 2804, and the second end region 3202 may be disposed within the central region 3004 of the elongate body 2804. The taper of first end region 3200 can be configured to be at least partially received in an end cap, e.g., a migrating hair end cap such as the end cap described in fig. 22-27. The taper of first end region 3200 may reduce wear and/or friction between flap 2802 and the end cap, thereby enhancing the useful life of flap 2802 and the end cap. In at least some examples, the taper of first end region 3200 can reduce folding of flap 2802 (within the end cap and within a portion of flap 2802 disposed adjacent and exterior to the end cap) as flap 2802 is rotated within the end cap. Reducing the folding of flap 2802 may increase the contact between flap 2802 and the surface to be cleaned, thereby enhancing cleaning performance.

Referring to fig. 33, the taper of first end region 3200 may have a length 3304 and a height 3306. Length 3304 may be selected based on the size of the end cap that receives it. For example, length 3304 may be the same as the insertion distance of flap 2802 in the end cap, shorter than the insertion distance of flap 2802 in the end cap, or longer than the insertion distance of flap 2802 in the end cap. The taper of the first end region 3200 helps to relieve bending of the flap 2802 as it is tucked into the end cap. For example, the tapers of first end region 3200 may have a length 3304 of between 5-9mm and a height 3306 of between 1-3mm, and/or a length 3304 of 7mm and a height 3306 of 2 mm.

The taper of the second end region 3202 may be configured to enhance hair migration along the agitator 2800. In particular, the cone may enhance hair migration, as the hair will tend to migrate to the smallest diameter. Thus, the taper of the second end region 3202 may allow hair to migrate more efficiently toward a particular location. Additionally, the taper of the second end region 3202 may serve as a hair storage region. To this end, the central region 3004 of the agitator 2800 may have a smaller overall diameter than the overall diameter of the

proximal regions

3000, 3002. Thus, hair may accumulate and wrap around the central area 3004 of the agitator 2800. As generally illustrated in fig. 29-30, the taper of the second end area 3202 of the first flap 2802 may partially overlap the taper of the second end area 3202 of an adjacent flap 2802 within the central area 3004. When the flap 2802 is optionally used in combination with the cleaning unit 50 and/or the rib 116, the teeth of the cleaning unit 50 and/or the rib 116 may optionally be longer in an area proximate the second end area 3202 of the flap 2802.

Returning to fig. 33, the size of the taper of the flap 2802 may affect the performance and/or useful life of the flap 2802. Increasing the taper (e.g., length 3300 and/or height 3302) may improve hair migration; however, too large a cone may adversely affect cleaning performance. For example, a taper of second end area 3202 that is too large may result in a gap in which flap 2802 does not adequately contact the surface to be cleaned. On the other hand, too small a taper (e.g., length 3300 and/or height 3302) in second end region 3202 may not result in sufficient hair migration.

Experiments have shown that eliminating the internal chamfer (e.g., eliminating the taper of the second end region 3202) can eliminate the mid-gap, which can result in improved cleaning performance and aesthetic appearance (no tangled chamfer); however, eliminating the intervening gap may result in hair accumulating on the agitator 2800 due to insufficient hair migration. Tapers in second end region 3202 having too short a length 3300 may mitigate and/or eliminate adverse effects caused by the intermediate gap, and may promote migration of hair; however, this configuration may result in a chamfer that is too steep and may result in poor entanglement. For example, experiments have shown that tapers in the second end region 3202 having a length 3300 of 5mm and a height 3302 of 7mm result in a taper that causes tangling that has an aesthetically displeasing appearance to the user and can cause the flap 2802 to fold back, which can impair cleaning/hair removal.

Tapers in second end region 3202 having too long a length 3300 may improve hair migration and may not tangle flap 2802; however, this may result in a larger mid-gap. For example, experiments have shown that tapers in the second end region 3202 having a length 3300 of 30mm and a height 3302 of 7mm result in tapers having larger cleaning gaps that may be detrimental to overall cleaning performance.

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

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

In embodiments where flap 2802 is at least partially formed of a woven material, it may be desirable to maintain a selvedge (selvedge) in one or more of first end region 3200 and/or second end region 3202. The trim extends along a clean edge 3201 of the flap 2802, and the trim may improve the wear resistance of the flap 2802 when compared to a portion of the clean edge 3201 of the flap 2802 that does not include the trim (e.g., if a portion of the flap 2802 is removed to create a taper). In at least one example, the manufacturer's trim is maintained, and one or more tapers in first end region 3300 and/or second end region 3202 can be formed to modify the mounting edge of flap 2802. FIG. 35 generally illustrates one example of selvedges 3500. Specifically, the cleaning edge 3201 of the flap 2802 may be substantially linear prior to mounting to the blender, and the mounting edge 3402 (which may also be the base 3208) of the flap 2802 in the area of the first end region 3200 and/or the second end region 3202 may have a reduced length 3502 as compared to the length 3504 of the flap 2802 in the central region 3206 (e.g., the middle portion 3210). In at least one example, the mounting edge 3402 may include a plurality of sections 3506 (e.g., a plurality of contoured "T" sections created in a mold) that straighten out when the flap 2802 is mounted in the agitator body 2804, thereby creating contoured (e.g., tapered) selvedges 3500 in the first end region 3200 and/or the second end region 3202. In other words, flap 2802 can be generally described as including a plurality of sections 3506 along mounting edge 3402 that when mounted to body 2804 cause a taper to be formed within flap 2802.

Turning now to fig. 36, another example of a blender 3600 is generally shown, which may be an example of the blender 18 of fig. 1. The blender 3600 may include a blender body 3602 including a plurality of channels 3604 configured to receive a mounting edge 3606 of a flap 3608, for example, as generally described herein. The plurality of lanes 3604 and/or mounting edges 3606 of the flap 3608 may be configured to align the flap 3608 at a mounting angle 3610. A mounting angle 3610 may be defined as the angle between a line 3612 extending along a radius of the blender body 3602 and a line 3614 extending along the length of the flap 3608. The

lines

3612, 3614 may intersect at an outer edge 3615 of the agitator body 3602. Mounting angle 3610 may be angled toward the direction of rotation (e.g., as agitator 3600 rotates, wire 3614 may contact the surface to be cleaned before wire 3612). The mounting angle 3610 may be any angle in the range of 10-45 degrees, such as 15-30 degrees, 30-25 degrees, and/or 22.53 degrees. The aggressive mounting angle 3610 may improve cleaning and help prevent hair from bending the flap 3608 and wrapping around the agitator 3600. However, if the mounting angle 3610 is too aggressive, excessive noise and/or wear may be generated.

Referring now to fig. 37, a cross-sectional view of another example of an end cap 3700 is generally shown. The end cap 3700 may be similar to the end cap 1610 of fig. 22. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, like reference numerals refer to similar features and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Similar to end cap 1610, end cap 3700 may include a plurality of ribs 3702-3712. For example, a plurality of ribs 3702-3708 can extend from the inner surface 3714 of the end cap 3700, e.g., proximate the top region 3716 of the end cap 3700. The plurality of ribs 3702-3708 can have different heights 3718. The different heights of ribs 3702-3708 may help reduce noise and/or wear on flap 2802.

The height 3718 of the plurality of ribs 3702-3708 may generally inversely correspond to the taper of the flap 2802 (e.g., the taper of the first end region 3200). In at least one example, the different heights 3718 of the plurality of

ribs

3702 and 3708 can have different amounts of rib/flap engagements 3720. For example, the ribs (e.g., without limitation, ribs 3702) closest to the distal-most end 3722 of the agitator 2800 may have larger rib/flap engagements 3720 than the ribs (e.g., without limitation, ribs 3708) furthest from the end 3722 of the agitator 2800. In at least one example, the end cap 3700 can include one or more ribs that engage and/or are proximate to the flap 2802 but not within the taper of the first end region 3200. For illustrative purposes, the rib/flap junction 3720 of the nearest rib (e.g., without limitation, rib 3702) and the distant rib (e.g., without limitation, rib 3708) may taper between 2.0mm to 0mm, e.g., 1.5mm to 0 mm. The spacing between

adjacent ribs

3702 and 3712 can be constant or varying. For example, the spacing between adjacent ribs 3702-3712 may be 2-4mm, such as 2-3mm, 2.5-2.75mm, and/or 2.75 mm. The close proximity of ribs/

teeth

3702 and 3712 prevents hair from continuously rotating between two adjacent ribs/teeth. Ribs/teeth 3702-3712 may have a tooth width of 1-3mm, such as 1-2mm, 1.5-1.75mm, and/or 1.75 mm.

In at least one example, the bottom region 3724 of the end cap 3700 (e.g., the region of the end cap 3700 closest to the surface to be cleaned) can have a different configuration of

ribs

3710 and 3712 as compared to the top region 3716. For example, the bottom region 3724 of the end cap 3700 can have fewer ribs than the top region 3716.

Ribs

3710 and 3712 may also extend across a smaller area of flap 2802. For example,

ribs

3710 and 3712 may be provided only in the taper of the first end region 3200.

Fig. 37A shows a perspective view of an example agitator 3750 having a plurality of deformable flaps 3752 (which may be an example of sidewalls 62) and a plurality of bristle bars and/or a plurality of tufts arranged in rows 3754. The bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 extend along and generally parallel to at least a portion of the corresponding deformable flap 3752 (e.g., the separation distance between the deformable flap 3752 and the adjacent bristle bar and/or tuft row 3754 may deviate by less than 10%, e.g., less than 5% or less than 2%, along its coextensive portion). As shown, the length of the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 measures less than the length of the corresponding deformable flaps 3752. In other words, the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 extend only along a portion of the corresponding deformable flap 3752. For example, the measure of the length of the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 can be less than half the measure of the length of the corresponding deformable flaps 3752.

One or more of the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 can be disposed forward of the corresponding deformable flap 3752 (e.g., from a rotational perspective, as the agitator rotates, the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 contact the surface to be cleaned immediately before the corresponding deformable flap 3752 of the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754). Alternatively (or in addition), one or more of the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 can be disposed behind the corresponding deformable flaps 3752 (e.g., from a rotational perspective, as the agitator rotates, the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 contact the surface to be cleaned behind the corresponding deformable flaps 3752 immediately adjacent the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754).

As shown, the deformable flaps 3752 each include a taper 3753 at a central end region 3756. The taper 3753 of the central end region 3756 of at least one deformable flap 3752 can be different from the taper 3753 of the central end region 3756 of at least one other deformable flap 3752. For example, the first set of deformable flaps 3752 can have a first taper 3753a with a first slope and the second set of deformable flaps 3752 can have a second taper 3753b with a second slope, the second slope measured differently than the first slope. In some cases, the first and second sets of deformable flaps 3752 may be arranged in a substantially alternating manner around the body 3758 of the agitator 3750. For example, the deformable flap 3752 with the first taper 3753a may be positioned such that the next adjacent deformable flap 3752 on one side has a second taper 3753b, while the next adjacent deformable flap 3752 on the other side includes the first taper 3753 a. As another example, the deformable flap 3752 with the first taper 3753a can be positioned such that the next adjacent deformable flap 3752 on either side has a second taper 3753 b.

In some cases, body 3758 of stirrer 3750 may narrow and/or taper toward a central portion of body 3758. A taper may extend from the distal end of body 3758. In some cases, the taper can extend from an end region of body 3758 such that the taper begins at a location spaced from the distal end of body 3758.

Referring to fig. 37B, as agitator 3750 rotates, the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 can be arranged at a passive angle. As used herein, passive angle means that as the agitator 3750 rotates, the base of the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 (i.e., the portion of the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 extending from the body 3758 of the agitator 3750) is arranged perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned before the tips of the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 are arranged perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned. The corresponding deformable flaps 3752 may be disposed at an active angle (aggressive angle) as the agitator 3750 rotates. As used herein, active angle means that as agitator 3750 rotates, the tip of deformable flap 3752 is disposed perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned before the base of deformable flap 3752 is disposed perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned. By way of non-limiting example, an active angle can be defined as an angle between a line extending along a radius of the agitator body 3758 and a line extending in a direction toward agitator rotation along the length of the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 or deformable flaps 3752, and can include any angle in the range of 10-45 degrees (e.g., 15-30 degrees, 30-25 degrees, 16 degrees, and/or 22.53 degrees). By way of non-limiting example, the passive angle can be defined as the angle between a line extending along a radius of the agitator body 3758 and a line extending in a direction away from the agitator rotation along the length of the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 or deformable flaps 3752, and can include any angle in the range of 10-45 degrees (e.g., 15-30 degrees, 30-25 degrees, 16 degrees, and/or 22.53 degrees).

In fig. 37B, as the agitator 3750 rotates clockwise, the bristle bar and/or tuft row 3754 is shown on the left side and the deformable flap 3752 is shown on the right side. As previously described, the arrangement of the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 and deformable flap 3752 can be reversed (i.e., the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 can be rotatably disposed in front of the deformable flap 3752). In such an arrangement, the distal ends (e.g., tips) of the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 and deformable flaps 3752 can generally converge toward one another (e.g., in an inverted V configuration, but the tips need not contact one another).

As mentioned herein, agitator 3750 can include one or more bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 (collectively referred to as bristle/flap arrangement 5000, fig. 37C) extending along and generally parallel to at least a portion of one or more corresponding deformable flaps 3752. The length of the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 can be the same as, less than, or equal to the length of the corresponding deformable flaps 3752. In one example, a first bristle/flap arrangement 5000a can extend from a first lateral end region 5051 of the agitator 3750 toward a central region 5052 of the agitator 3750 (e.g., to the central region 5052), and a second bristle/flap arrangement 5000b can extend from a second lateral end region 5053 of the agitator 3750 toward the central region 5052 of the agitator 3750 (e.g., to the central region 5052). In at least examples, the first and/or second bristle/

flap arrangements

5000a, 5000b can extend from a first lateral end region 5051 to a second lateral end region 5053. The second bristle/flap arrangement 5000b can be rotationally/circumferentially offset relative to the first bristle/flap arrangement 5000a as the agitator 3750 rotates, such that the first bristle/flap arrangement 5000a first contacts the surface to be cleaned before the second bristle/flap arrangement 5000 b. This arrangement of the first and second bristle/flap arrangements 5000a, b may be repeated around the agitator 3750.

In at least one example, a blender 3750 consistent with the present invention may include one or more first and second bristle/flap sets 5050a, b. The first bristle/flap set 5050a can include at least two bristle/flap arrangements 5000 and/or at least one bristle/flap arrangement 5000 and one or more bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 or deformable flaps 3752. The first bristle/flap set 5050a can extend from a first lateral end region 5051 of the agitator 3750 toward a central region 5052 of the agitator 3750 (e.g., to the central region 5052). In at least one example, the plurality of bristle/flap arrangements 5000 (e.g., bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 and/or deformable flaps 3752) within the first bristle/flap set 5050a can be spaced apart from each other by a circumferential distance of no more than 20% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body (e.g., no more than 15% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body, no more than 10% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body, and/or no more than 5% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body).

The second bristle/flap set 5050b can include at least two bristle/flap arrangements 5000 and/or at least one bristle/flap arrangement 5000 and one or more bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 or deformable flaps 3752. A second bristle/flap set 5050b can extend from a second lateral end region 5053 of the agitator 3750 toward a central region 5052 of the agitator 3750 (e.g., to the central region 5052). In at least one example, the plurality of bristle/flap arrangements 5000 (e.g., bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 and/or deformable flaps 3752) within the second bristle/flap group 5050b can be spaced apart from each other by a circumferential distance of no more than 20% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body (e.g., no more than 15% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body, no more than 10% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body, and/or no more than 5% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body).

Optionally, as the agitator 3750 rotates, the central end region 3756 of the deformable flap 3752 and/or bristle bar and/or tuft row 3754 of the one or more bristle/flap arrangements 5000 of the first bristle/flap group 5050a may partially overlap the same region on the surface to be cleaned as the central end region 3756 of the deformable flap 3752 and/or bristle bar and/or tuft row 3754 of the one or more bristle/flap arrangements 5000 of the second bristle/flap group 5050 b. In one example, the length of the bristle bars and/or tuft rows 3754 in the central region of the agitator 3750 can be shorter and/or eliminated than their corresponding deformable flaps 3752.

The first and second bristle/flap sets 5050a, b can be rotationally/circumferentially offset with respect to each other. In other words, as the agitator 3750 rotates, the first bristle/flap set 5050a first contacts the surface to be cleaned before the second bristle/flap set 5050 b. This arrangement of the first and second bristle/flap sets 5050a, b can be repeated around the agitator 3750. In other words, the first and second bristle/flap sets 5050a, b can be generally described as being staggered (e.g., staggered configuration) about the circumference of the agitator 3750. In some cases, there may be some overlap between the first and second bristle/flap sets 5050a, b. For example, when extending helically in a staggered configuration, portions of the first and second bristle/flap sets 5050a, b can simultaneously contact a surface to be cleaned. In at least one example, no portion of any bristle/flap set 5050a, b intersects with or extends into another bristle/flap set 5050a, b (e.g., no portion of the bristle/flap arrangement 5000 of any bristle/flap set 5050a, b is disposed between the bristle/flap arrangement 5000 of another bristle/flap set 5050a, b).

It should be appreciated that in any of the embodiments described herein, the deformable flaps, rows of bristle bars, and/or rows of tufts may contact the teeth of the cleaner 5061. Alternatively (or additionally), any of the embodiments described herein may include deformable flaps, bristle bars, and/or tuft rows that are gapped (i.e., spaced apart) from the teeth of the sweeper 5061 such that the deformable flaps, bristle bars, and/or tuft rows do not contact the teeth of the sweeper 5061. In particular, the deformable flaps, bristle bars rows, and/or bristle tuft rows, and teeth of the sweeper 5061 may be spaced apart from each other such that one or more layers of hair (e.g., two or more layers, three or more layers, etc.) on the agitator 3750 may contact the sweeper 5061 as the agitator 3750 rotates. Additionally, the teeth of any of the cleaners 5061 described herein can include rigid and/or flexible teeth (e.g., bristles of a bristle comb 5060 as generally shown in fig. 37D) that can deflect upon contact with hair on the deformable flaps, bristle bar rows, tuft rows, and/or agitator 3750.

Agitator 3750 may be used in any vacuum cleaner known to those skilled in the art. One example of a vacuum cleaner including dual agitators consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in fig. 37E. The vacuum cleaner comprises a surface cleaning head 100 having a housing 110 with a front side 112 and a rear side 113, a left side 116a and a right side 116b, an upper side 118, and a lower side or underside 120. The housing 110 defines a suction duct 128 having an opening 127 on the underside 120 of the housing 110. The suction duct 128 is fluidly coupled to a dirty air inlet that leads to a suction motor (not shown) in the surface cleaning head 100 or in another location in the vacuum cleaner. The suction duct 128 is an interior space defined by interior walls in the housing 110 that receives and directs air drawn by suction, and the opening 127 is where the suction duct 128 meets the underside 120 of the housing 110. Although an embodiment of housing 110 is described herein for illustrative purposes, housing 110 and its components may have other shapes and configurations.

The surface cleaning head 100 includes dual

rotary agitators

122, 124, e.g., a brush roller 122 and a leading roller 124. The brush drum 122 and the leading roller 124 may be configured to rotate about first and second axes of rotation (RA1, RA2), respectively, that extend generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis LA of the surface cleaning head 100 (e.g., generally perpendicular to an intended direction of vacuuming movement of the surface cleaning head 100 and/or generally parallel to the front side 112). The rotating brush drum 122 and/or the leading roller 124 may be coupled to and rotate about a rotating shaft by one or more motors.

The rotating brush drum 122 (which may include an agitator 3750 as shown in fig. 37A-D) may be at least partially disposed within the suction duct 128 (shown schematically in phantom in fig. 37E). The leading roller 124 is positioned in front of and spaced apart from the brush drum 122 and at least substantially outside the suction duct 128. The leading roller 124 can comprise any roller known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to a soft roller (e.g., a roller with napping or fluff) or a beater 3750 as shown in fig. 37A-D. As shown in fig. 37E, at least an inner upper portion (e.g., at least an inner upper half) of the leading roller 124 may not be exposed to the flow path into the opening 127 of the suction duct 128, while at least an inner portion of a bottom portion of the leading roller 124 may be exposed to the flow path into the opening 127 of the suction duct 128. The leading roller 124 may be received in a leading roller chamber 126, which may prevent an inner upper half of the leading roller 124 from being exposed to the flow path. Other variations are possible where different portions of the leading roller 124 are exposed or not exposed to the flow path. The space between the lower portion of the leading roller 124 and the lower portion of the brush drum 122 forms an inter-roller air channel 146 that may provide at least a portion of the flow path into the opening 127 of the suction duct 128 and allow debris to be carried into the suction duct 128.

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

One or more combing units, cleaning protrusions, and/or ribs may contact the surface of the leading roller 124 and/or the brush drum 122 to facilitate debris removal and/or migration of hair to a desired location. The comb units, cleaning protrusions, and/or ribs may include any comb units, cleaning protrusions, and/or ribs known to those skilled in the art and/or described herein, including, but not limited to, comb units, cleaning protrusions, and/or ribs including

comb units

50, 93, cleaner 5061, cleaning protrusions 150, and

ribs

508, 704, 1002, 1200, 1700, 1808, 2008, 3702.

According to an embodiment, one or more sealing strips 170, 172 may be positioned to the suction duct 128 along the rear side and the left and right sides of the opening 127. The sealing strips 170, 172 may contact the surface 10 being cleaned to seal the surface with the leading roll 124 contacting the surface 10 in front of the roll. A side edge vacuum passage may be formed between the side seal bar 172 and the lead roll 124 to direct air into the inter-roll air passage 146 and back toward the opening 127 of the suction duct 128. Accordingly, the side edge vacuum channels and the inter-roll air channels 146 provide at least a portion of the airflow path to the suction duct 128.

The housing 110 may be opened at the front side 112 such that a front portion of the leading roller 124 is exposed to facilitate edge cleaning. According to an embodiment, the housing 110 may include a front bumper 160 that extends from the front side 112 of the housing 110 just beyond (or at least up to) the front contact surface of the front guide roller 124 such that the bumper 160 contacts the vertical surface 12 first to prevent damage to the front guide roller 124. The dampener 160 can be resilient enough to bend or compress, allowing the leading roller 124 to contact the vertical surface 12 for edge cleaning.

The rotating brush drum 122 may have bristles, fabric, or other cleaning elements, or any combination thereof, around the outside of the brush drum 122. For example, the rotating brush drum 122 may include an agitator 3750. The agitator 3750 can also include two deformable flaps 3752 in front of each row of bristle bars 3754. Thus, as the agitator 3750 rotates, two deformable flaps 3752 may be disposed forward (e.g., directly forward) of each bristle bar 3754 and two deformable flaps 3752 may be disposed rearward (e.g., directly rearward) of each bristle bar 3754. Having two deformable flaps 3752 disposed forward of each bristle bar 3754 and two deformable flaps 3752 disposed rearward of each bristle bar 3754 increases the number of agitation interactions, thereby improving carpet cleaning. Referring to fig. 37F, one or more deformable flaps 3752 can include apertures 6262 that can reduce the stiffness of the deformable flaps 3752, thereby reducing noise. The aperture 6262 may be located anywhere on the deformable flap 3752, for example, near the base of the deformable flap 3752.

In addition, the stiffness of the deformable flap 3752 may be reduced, thereby reducing flap impact and buckle reaction forces and reducing noise. The engagement of the flap tip OD/flap with the ground may be reduced, which may increase the deep agitation of the carpet and reduce noise. Optionally, the bristle bars 3754 may be replaced by a row of bristle tufts. The tufts of bristles can increase the agitation of the carpet depth, thereby improving carpet cleaning. The bristle bars 3754 may be actively angled, which may increase deep and rough agitation of the carpet and enhance carpet cleaning and pet hair pick-up. The actively angled bristle bar 3754 can optionally be used in combination with passively angled deformable flap 3752 and/or actively angled deformable flap 3752. Bristle filament length diameter/stiffness can be increased to improve carpet deep agitation and carpet cleaning. Alternatively, bristle filament diameter/stiffness can be reduced to reduce human hair entanglement and improve hair migration capability (e.g., hair migration to the center). Instead of a circular cross-section, the bristle filament shapes in any of the examples disclosed herein may include one or more of the following cross-sectional shapes as generally shown in fig. 37G: triangular cross-section 7102 (optionally, 0.15-0.20mm in diameter); square cross-section 7104 (optionally, 0.15-0.20mm in diameter); hexagonal cross-section 7106 (optionally, 0.12-0.15mm in diameter); elliptical cross-sections 7108, 7110 (optionally, 0.13-0.15mm in diameter); unequal cross-section 7112 (optionally, 0.13-0.16mm in diameter); hexalobal cross-section 7114 (optionally, 0.16mm in diameter); crawler-type cross-section 7116 (optionally, having a diameter of 0.24-0.30 mm); and a star-shaped cross-section 7118 (optionally, having a diameter of 0.15-0.30 mm). The variation in bristle shape may increase cleaning or pet hair pick up. Soft material may be added between the deformable flaps 3752 to enhance fine scrubbing/wiping of hard floors and to enhance pick up of adhering dust. The rotational speed of stirrer 3750 may be reduced to reduce the number of total interactions, thereby reducing noise.

Other examples of brush drums and agitators are shown and described in more detail in U.S. patent No. 9,456,723 and U.S. patent application publication No. 2016/0220082, which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

The leading roller 124 can include a relatively soft material (e.g., soft bristles, fabric, felt, napped, or pile) arranged in a pattern (e.g., a spiral pattern) to facilitate capturing debris, as will be described in more detail below. The leading roller 124 may be selected to be substantially softer than the brush roller 122. The softness, length, diameter, arrangement, and resiliency of the bristles and/or nap of the leading roller 124 may be selected to form a seal with a hard surface (e.g., without limitation, hardwood floors, tile floors, laminate floors, etc.), while the bristles of the brush drum 122 may be selected to agitate carpet fibers, etc. For example, the leading roller 124 may be at least 25% softer than the brush drum 122, alternatively, the leading roller 124 may be at least 30% softer than the brush drum 122, alternatively, the leading roller 124 may be at least 35% softer than the brush drum 122, alternatively, the leading roller 124 may be at least 40% softer than the brush drum 122, alternatively, the leading roller 124 may be at least 50% softer than the brush drum 122, alternatively, the leading roller 124 may be at least 60% softer than the brush drum 122. The softness can be determined, for example, based on the flexibility of the bristles or nap being used.

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

The outer diameter Dlr of the leading roller 124 may be smaller than the outer diameter Dbr of the brush roller 122. For example, the diameter Dlr may be greater than zero and less than or equal to 0.8Dbr, greater than zero and less than or equal to 0.7Dbr, or greater than zero and less than or equal to 0.6 Dbr. According to example embodiments, the diameter Dlr may be in the range of 0.3Dbr to 0.8Dbr, 0.4Dbr to 0.8Dbr, 0.3Dbr to 0.7Dbr, or 0.4Dbr to 0.7 Dbr. As an illustrative example, the brush drum 122 may have an outer diameter of 48mm, and the leading roller 124 may have an outer diameter of 30 mm. Although the outer diameter Dlr of the leading roller 124 may be less than the outer diameter Dbr of the brush roller 122, the bristles of the brush roller 122 may be longer than the bristles and/or nap of the leading roller 122.

Positioning the leading roller 124 (having a diameter Dlr that is smaller than the diameter Dbr of the brush roller 122) in front of the brush roller 122 provides a number of benefits. For example, this arrangement reduces the height Hf (see, e.g., fig. 1) of the front side 112 (e.g., housing 110) of the surface cleaning head 100 from the surface 10 to be cleaned. The reduced height Hf of the front of the surface cleaning head 100 provides a lower profile that allows the surface cleaning head 100 to fit under an object (e.g., furniture and/or a cabinet). Further, the lower height Hf allows for the addition of one or more light sources 111 (e.g., without limitation, LEDs) while still allowing the surface cleaning head 100 to fit under an object.

In addition, the smaller diameter Dlr of leading roller 124 allows the axis of rotation of leading roller 124 to be placed closer to the front side 112 of surface cleaning head 100. When rotated, the leading roller 124 forms a generally cylindrical protrusion having a radius based on the overall diameter of the leading roller 124. As the diameter of the leading roller 124 decreases, the bottom contact surface 140 (FIG. 1) of the leading roller 124 moves forward toward the front side 112 of the surface cleaning head 100. In addition, when the surface cleaning head 100 contacts the vertical surface 12 (e.g., without limitation, a wall, a strake, and/or a cabinet), the bottom contact surface 140 of the leading roller 124 is also closer to the vertical surface 12, thereby enhancing front edge cleaning of the surface cleaning head 100 as compared to larger diameter leading rollers. In addition, the smaller diameter Dlr of the leading roller 124 also reduces the load/drag on the motor driving the leading roller 124, thereby increasing the life of the motor and/or allowing a smaller motor to be used to rotate the brush drum 122 and the leading roller 124.

Referring to fig. 38, another example of a vacuum cleaner 3800 is generally shown. Vacuum cleaner 3800 may include a head 3802 (which may optionally include one or more agitators as described herein), a wand 3804 (which may optionally include one or more joints 3806 configured to allow wand 3804 to flex, for example, between an extended position and a flexed position as shown), and a hand-held vacuum 3808. The hand-held vacuum 3808 may include a debris collection chamber 3810 and a vacuum source 3812 (e.g., a suction motor, etc.) for generating an airflow (e.g., a partial vacuum) in the head 3802, the wand 3804, and the debris collection chamber 3810 to suction debris proximate to the head 3802. The stem 3804 may define a stem longitudinal axis 3814 extending between a first end 3816 configured to be coupled to the head 3802 and a second end 3818 configured to be coupled to the hand-held vacuum 3808. One or more of the first end 3816 and the second end 3818 may be removably coupled to the head 3802 and the hand-held vacuum 3808, respectively.

Turning now to fig. 39, the hand-held vacuum 3808 of fig. 38 is shown in greater detail. Specifically, the hand vacuum 3808 may include a rod connector 3900 having a first end region 3902 fluidly coupled to the second end 3818 of the rod 3804 and a second end region 3904 coupled to the handle body 3906 to form a portion of the body 3908 of the hand vacuum 3808. The rod connector 3900 includes a longitudinal rod axis 3910 that extends through the first end region 3902 to the second end region 3904 and through at least a portion of the handle body 3906. The longitudinal rod axis 3910 may be parallel to the rod longitudinal axis 3814. For example, the longitudinal rod axis 3910 may be collinear with the rod longitudinal axis 3814.

The handle body 3906 may also include a handle 3912, for example in the form of a pistol grip or the like, which a user may grasp to manipulate the hand vacuum 3808. The handle body 3906 may optionally include one or more actuators (e.g., buttons) 3914. The actuator 3914 may be located anywhere on the hand vacuum 3808 (e.g., without limitation, on the handle body 3906). The actuator 3914 may be configured to adjust one or more parameters of the hand vacuum portion 3808 and/or the head 3802. For example, the actuator 3914 may turn on the suction motor 3812 and/or the power to one or more rotatable agitators located in the head 3802.

Alternatively, or in addition to the actuator 3914, the handle body 3906 may include a trigger 3916 configured to adjust one or more parameters of the hand-held vacuum portion 3808 and/or the head 3802. The trigger 3916 may be at least partially located between the handle 3912 and the rod connector 3900 and may be movable in a trigger direction 3918. The trigger orientation 3918 may be linear or non-linear (e.g., arcuate, etc.). In at least one example, the trigger direction 3918 can be parallel to the longitudinal rod axis 3910 and/or the rod longitudinal axis 3814. For example, the trigger direction 3918 may be collinear with the longitudinal stem axis 3910 and/or the stem longitudinal axis 3814. The trigger orientation 3918 may extend through at least a portion of the rod connector 3900 and/or the rod 3804. The trigger 3916 may be particularly suitable for adjusting the suction force of the suction motor 3812 and/or adjusting the rotational speed of one or more rotatable agitators located in the head 3802. The positioning of trigger 3916 may provide an ergonomic design that facilitates use of vacuum cleaner 3800.

40-47, additional details of one example of the hand-held vacuum 3808 of FIGS. 38-39 are shown. Specifically, air path 4000 may extend from rod 3804 (not shown) through rod connector 3900 (e.g., through first end region 3902) and into debris collection chamber 3810. At least some of the debris may be collected in the debris collection chamber 3810, for example, by an inlet 4001 (fig. 43-44) of the debris collection chamber 3810 that couples with the second end region 3904 of the rod connector 3900. The air pathway 4000 may extend from the debris collection chamber 3810 through one or more primary filters 4002 (see, e.g., fig. 43-44). In at least one example, the primary filter 4002 can include one or more cyclone filters 4004 as generally shown, but it should be appreciated that any filter can be used. Optionally, the air pathway 4000 may extend through one or more secondary (e.g., second stage) filters 4006 (see, e.g., fig. 45). The secondary filter 4006 may comprise any known filter, such as, but not limited to, a plurality of cyclones 4008. The plurality of second stage cyclonic separators 4008 may be smaller than the primary filter 4002 and may be configured to separate smaller debris particles from the air pathway 4000 than the primary filter 4002. The secondary filter 4006 may be located in an air path 4000 between the primary filter 4002 and the vacuum source 3812.

Optionally, one or more pre-motor filters 4010 may be provided (see, e.g., fig. 46). The pre-motor filter 4010 may be located in the air path 4000 between the primary filter 4002 and the vacuum source 3812, for example, between the secondary filter 4006 and the vacuum source 3812. Pre-motor filter 4010 can be configured to separate smaller debris particles from air path 4000 than primary filter 4002 and/or secondary filter 4006. In at least one example, pre-motor filter 4010 can include one or more foam layers, cloth and/or braid layers, and/or the like. Optionally, the exhaust in the air path 4000 may exit the vacuum source 3812 through one or more post-motor filters 4012 (see, e.g., fig. 47). The post-motor filter 4012 may comprise a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter or the like.

While the various features disclosed herein have been shown in combination with a manually operated vacuum cleaner, any one or more of these features may be incorporated into a robotic vacuum cleaner, as generally shown in fig. 48. It should be understood that the robotic vacuum cleaner shown is for exemplary purposes only, and that the robotic vacuum cleaner may not include all of the features shown in fig. 48, and/or may include additional features not shown in fig. 48. The robotic vacuum cleaner may include an air inlet 23 fluidly coupled to the debris compartment 30 and a suction motor 32. The suction motor 32 draws debris into the air inlet 23 and deposits into the debris compartment 30 for later disposal. The robotic vacuum cleaner may optionally comprise one or more agitators 18 disposed at least partially within the air inlet 23. The agitator 18 may be driven by one or more motors disposed within the robotic vacuum cleaner. By way of non-limiting example, the agitator 18 may include a rotatable bushing bar having a plurality of bristles and/or a side wall 62 (e.g., an elastically deformable flap). The robotic vacuum cleaner includes one or more wheels 16 coupled to respective drive motors 910. Thus, each wheel 16 may generally be described as being driven independently. The robotic vacuum cleaner may be steered by adjusting the rotational speed of one of the plurality of wheels 16 relative to another of the plurality of wheels 16. One or more side brushes 918 may be positioned such that a portion of the side brushes 918 extends at least to (e.g., beyond) a perimeter defined by the vacuum housing 13 of the robotic vacuum cleaner. The side brushes 918 may be configured to push debris in the direction of the air inlet 23 so that debris located outside the perimeter of the vacuum housing 13 may be collected. For example, the side brushes 918 may be configured to rotate in response to activation of a side brush motor 920.

A user interface 922 may be provided to allow a user to control the robotic vacuum cleaner. For example, the user interface 922 may include one or more buttons corresponding to one or more features of the robotic vacuum cleaner. The robotic vacuum cleaner may optionally comprise a power source (such as one or more batteries) and/or one or more displaceable bumpers 912 disposed along a portion of the perimeter defined by the vacuum housing 13 of the robotic vacuum cleaner. The displaceable bumper 912 may be displaced in response to engaging (e.g., contacting) at least a portion of an obstruction spaced from the surface to be cleaned. Thus, the robotic vacuum cleaner may avoid getting stuck between an obstacle and the surface to be cleaned. The robotic vacuum cleaner may include any one or more of the various features disclosed herein.

An example of an agitator for a vacuum cleaner consistent with the present invention may include a body and at least one deformable flap extending from the body. The deformable flap may include at least one taper. The at least one taper brings the cleaning edge of the deformable flap into proximity with the body.

In some cases, the at least one taper may extend in an end region of the at least one deformable flap. In some cases, the at least one taper may include a first taper and a second taper, each taper extending in a corresponding end region of the deformable flap. In some cases, the first taper may have a first slope and the second taper may have a second slope, the first slope measured differently than the second slope. In some cases, the deformable flap may comprise a woven material. In some cases, the deformable flap may include a trim along the cleaning edge. In some cases, the deformable flap may include a mounting edge having a plurality of segments that, when mounted to the body, cause the taper to be formed in the deformable flap. In some cases, the at least one deformable flap may include a plurality of deformable flaps, each deformable flap extending helically around the body, and wherein a length of each deformable flap is measured to be less than a length of the body. In some cases, each deformable flap may extend from an end region of the body to a central region of the body. In some cases, the agitator may further include at least one bristle bar extending generally parallel to the corresponding deformable flap. In some cases, the length of the at least one bristle strip may be measured to be less than the length of the corresponding deformable flap.

Examples of vacuum cleaners consistent with the present invention may include: an agitator chamber comprising one or more ribs; and an agitator disposed within the agitator chamber such that at least a portion of the agitator engages the one or more ribs. The blender may include a body and at least one deformable flap extending from the body. The deformable flap may include at least one taper. The at least one taper brings the cleaning edge of the deformable flap into proximity with the body.

In some cases, the one or more ribs may be disposed at opposing distal ends of the agitator chamber. In some cases, the at least one taper can include a first taper and a second taper extending within opposing end regions of the corresponding deformable flap. In some cases, the ribs may extend from the agitator cover. In some cases, the agitator cover may be an end cap. In some cases, the agitator may further include at least one bristle bar extending generally parallel to the corresponding deformable flap. In some cases, the length of the at least one bristle strip may be measured to be less than the length of the corresponding deformable flap. In some cases, the at least one taper may include a first taper and a second taper, each taper extending in a corresponding end region of the deformable flap. In some cases, the first taper may have a first slope and the second taper may have a second slope, the first slope measured differently than the second slope. In some cases, the body may include a taper extending toward a central region of the body.

While the principles of the utility model have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the utility model. In addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, other embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention. One skilled in the art will recognize that the surface cleaning apparatus and/or agitator may embody any one or more of the features contained herein, and that these features may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. An agitator for a vacuum cleaner, comprising:

a stirrer body; and

a first bristle/flap arrangement comprising:

a first deformable flap extending from the blender body; and

a first row of bristle bars and/or tufts extending from the agitator body and disposed adjacent the first deformable flap;

wherein the first deformable flap is disposed at an active angle and the first bristle bar and/or tuft row is disposed at a passive angle.

2. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the first row of bristle bars and/or tufts is arranged generally parallel to the first deformable flap.

3. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the length of the first bristle bar and/or tuft row is the same as the length of the first deformable flap.

4. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the length of the first bristle bar and/or tuft row is less than the length of the first deformable flap.

5. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the length of the first bristle bar and/or tuft row is greater than the length of the first deformable flap.

6. The blender of claim 1 further comprising a second deformable flap disposed adjacent to and rotationally forward of said first deformable flap.

7. The blender of claim 1 further comprising a second bristle/flap arrangement, said second bristle/flap arrangement comprising:

a second deformable flap extending from the blender body; and

a second row of bristle bars and/or tufts extending from the agitator body and disposed adjacent the second deformable flap;

wherein the second deformable flap is disposed at an active angle and the second bristle bar and/or tuft row is disposed at a passive angle.

8. The blender of claim 7 wherein said first deformable flap extends from a first end region of said blender body to a central region of said blender body, and wherein said second deformable flap extends from a second end region of said blender body to said central region of said blender body.

9. The blender of claim 8 wherein said second deformable flap is rotationally offset relative to said first deformable flap.

10. The agitator of claim 8, wherein the first bristle bar and/or tuft row has a length that is less than a length of the first deformable flap, and wherein the second bristle bar and/or tuft row has a length that is less than a length of the second deformable flap.

11. The blender as recited in claim 8, further comprising: a first bristle/flap set comprising a plurality of first bristle/flap arrangements; and a second bristle/flap set comprising a plurality of second bristle/flap arrangements.

12. The blender of claim 11 wherein the plurality of first bristle/flap arrangements within the first bristle/flap set are spaced from each other a circumferential distance of no more than 20% of the circumference of the blender body.

13. A surface cleaning head, comprising:

a housing having a front side and a rear side, the housing including a suction duct having an opening between the front side and the rear side on an underside of the housing;

a brush roller rotatably mounted to the housing within the suction duct and at least a portion of the brush roller proximate the opening of the suction duct, the brush roller comprising:

a stirrer body;

a first bristle/flap arrangement comprising:

a first deformable flap extending from the blender body; and

wherein the first deformable flap is disposed at an active angle and the first row of bristle bars and/or tufts is disposed at a passive angle;

a front guide roller mounted to the housing in front of the brush drum; and

a drive mechanism operably coupled to the brush drum and the leading roller for simultaneously driving the brush drum and the leading roller.

14. The surface cleaning head of claim 13 wherein the leading roller is spaced from the brush drum such that the leading roller does not overlap the brush drum when both the brush drum and the leading roller are driven, and defines an inter-roller air passage forming at least a portion of a flow path into the opening of the suction duct in an area between a lower portion of the brush drum and a lower portion of the leading roller.

15. The surface cleaning head of claim 13 wherein the leading roller comprises a fabric, felt, napped, or pile.

16. The surface cleaning head of claim 13 further comprising a cleaning protrusion configured to contact an outer surface of a lower portion of the leading roller, the cleaning protrusion being exposed to the inter-roller channel such that removed debris falls into the inter-roller channel and into a flow path leading to the opening of the suction conduit.

17. The surface cleaning head of claim 13, wherein the brush drum further comprises a second bristle/flap arrangement, the second bristle/flap arrangement comprising:

a second deformable flap extending from the blender body; and

18. The surface cleaning head of claim 17 wherein the first deformable flap extends from a first end region of the agitator body to a central region of the agitator body, and wherein the second deformable flap extends from a second end region of the agitator body to the central region of the agitator body.

19. The surface cleaning head of claim 18 wherein the first bristle bar and/or tuft row has a length that is less than a length of the first deformable flap, and wherein the second bristle bar and/or tuft row has a length that is less than a length of the second deformable flap.

20. The surface cleaning head of claim 18, further comprising: a first bristle/flap set comprising a plurality of first bristle/flap arrangements; and a second bristle/flap set comprising a plurality of second bristle/flap arrangements, wherein the plurality of first bristle/flap arrangements within the first bristle/flap set are spaced apart from each other by a circumferential distance of no more than 20% of the circumference of the blender body.