AU689404B2 - Suction cleaner head - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: *t 4 4* Name of Applicant: Reginald George Mounsey, Kenneth C Hynson Actual Inventor(s): Reginald George Mounsey Kenneth C Hynson Address for Service: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 AUSTRALIA Invention Title: SUCTION CLEANER HEAD Our Ref 487573 POF Code: 248030/97065,248030 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): -1- SUCTION CLEANER HEAD The present application is a divisional application from Australian Patent Application No. 12201/95, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This invention relates to suction cleaner heads. It relates particularly but not exclusively to vacuum cleaner heads and swimming pool cleaner heads.

A domestic vacuum cleaner normally consists of a vacuum cleaner body including a fluid pump and a debris collection bag, a flexible air pipe one end of which is connected to the vacuum cleaner body, and a vacuum cleaner head connected to the other end of the flexible pipe. The head is typically of an elongated rectangular shape and the air pipe is typically connected to the centre of one of the elongated sides of the rectangle. The underside of the head typically has two air and debris inlet channels, one diverging in each direction along the length of the elongate channel from the central air pipe connection.

15 The manner in which a vacuum cleaner operates is commonly misunderstood. It is commonly thought that a vacuum cleaner "sucks" small, loose debris from a surface such as a carpet and that the efficacy of a vacuum cleaner can be improved by increasing the "suction power". If the vacuum cleaner is not working as well as desired, an operator typically responds by pressing the vacuum cleaner head more firmly 20 against the surface which is to be cleaned, resulting in a relatively air-tight seal between the vacuum cleaner head and the surface. This results in a reduction in pressure within the vacuum cleaner chamber, the air pipe and the head, and can usually be observed by laboured operation of the air pump and difficulty in moving the head across the surface which is to be cleaned.

However, the establishment of an air-tight seal between the vacuum cleaner head and a carpet in fact results in a deterioration rather than an improvement in the operation of the cleaner. This is because objects are not in reality "sucked" into the vacuum cleaner chamber. The vacuum cleaner in fact operates by creating a turbulent airflow and entraining small debris such as dust particles in the airflow.

Commonly available vacuum cleaner heads are disadvantageous in that they rely upon the skill of the operator or chance to establish an airflow suitable for entraining debris. Moreover, because such vacuum cleaner heads ingest both air and .b CAWINWORD ANDRAliSPECIS12201DIV.DOC debris through the same inlet, they have a tendency to establish an air-tight or substantially air-tight relationship between the vacuum cleaner head and the surface being cleaned, resulting in difficulty in moving the head across the surface.

Some modern vacuum cleaner heads recognise the importance of air flow and provide grooves or channels in the bottom of the head to allow for air flow paths.

These grooves or channels sometimes extend to the periphery of the bottom of the vacuum cleaner head, allowing for constant air flow and preventing an air tight relationship being established between the vacuum cleaner head and the surface being cleaned. However, even with such systems the air turbulence is not necessarily maximised at the critical point, being the point at which dirt may be lodged on a carpet or other surface.

Similar considerations apply to swimming pool suction cleaners, although they operate by means of water flow rather than air flow.

*9 0 According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a suction 's15 cleaner head including: a housing; a fluid flow chamber located within the housing, having first and second long sides, two short ends, a top and an underside; a fluid outlet from the top and/or first long side of the chamber, for .20 connection with the suction inlet of the body of a suction cleaner.

one or more debris inlet openings in the underside of the fluid flow chamber, the configuration of the one or more debris inlet openings being such that a substantially fluia tight seal can be achieved around the one or more debris inlet S openings when the suction cleaner head is pressed against a surface being cleaned; and fluid inlet means located along substantially the whole of the second long side and/or top of the fluid flow chamber separate from the one or more debris inlet openings; wherein the configuration of the fluid inlet means, fluid flow chamber, fluid outlet and debris inlet openings is such that, in operation, fluid flows rapidly in the fluid inlet means, across the fluid flow chamber from the second long side to the first long side, entraining loose debris as it crosses the debris inlet openings, and out through the fluid outlet.

The fluid may be any suitable type of fluid. In one preferred arrangement the fluid is air. In another preferred arrangement the fluid may be water.

The housing may be of any suitable shape and configuration. A substantially rectangular shape similar to those used by existing vacuum cleaner heads is suitable.

The fluid outlet may be of any suitable shape and configuration. It may comprise a hole and pipe attachment located substantially centrally along one of the longer sides of the housing, in a configuration similar to that employed in conventional vacuum cleaner heads. More preferably, in an arrangement where the housing is elongated in one direction, the air outlet may comprise a converging duct attached to the elongated housing along the whole or a substantial part of one of the long sides of the elongated housing, with the duct converging to a pipe fitting for connection with a fluid pipe leading to the suction chamber. An advantage of this preferred configuration is that it 15 encourages fluid to flow directly across the housing, rather than in a lengthwise direction.

The fluid flow chamber may be of any suitable shape and configuration. It is preferred that the fluid flow chamber extends substantially throughout the length of the housing and that the chamber be substantially fluid-tight except for the fluid outlet, the .0:.20 0 debris inlet opening and the fluid inlet means. In one arrangement, the fluid flow Schamber may be substantially rectangular in horizontal cross-section, with fluid flowing across the chamber from fluid inlet to fluid outlet. In another arrangement, the fluid flow chamber may be converging in horizontal cross-section towards the outlet.

The debris inlet opening may be of any suitable shape and configuration. It is preferred that the debris inlet opening extend substantially along the length of the fluid flow chamber and be sufficiently large to allow the passage of small solid items. The opening may comprise a plurality of separate openings or a single opening. The debris opening may be of similar proportions to the debris openings of conventional vacuum cleaners.

The fluid inlet means may be of any suitable shape and configuration. The fluid inlet means may comprise a fluid pipe for recycling fluid from the suction pumnp, but in most applications it is preferred that the fluid not be recycled. It is preferred that the

-M

fluid inlet means be configured such that it provides one or more jets of fluid moving across the fluid flow chamber towards the fluid outlet, close to the debris inlet opening.

It is preferred that the fluid inlet means be relatively narrow, so that fluid passing through is moving rapidly. In an especially preferred embodiment, the fluid inlet means comprises a narrow slot extending along substantially the whole of one of the long sides of the fluid flow chamber, with the fluid outlet being located along substantially the whole of the other long side, so that a blade of fluid flows across the chamber from the fluid inlet means to the fluid outlet.

In a preferred arrangement, the fluid inlet means comprises an inlet chamber which converges to a slot running lengthwise of the fluid flow chamber at the point where the inlet chamber meets the fluid flow chamber. In such an arrangement, the inlet chamber may be located in the housing on one side of the fluid flow chamber and fluid may enter the inlet chamber through a hole, or a plurality of holes or a grate in the housing.

Optionally, a freely rotating impeller may be placed in the fluid flow chamber, with its axis running lengthwise of the chamber. It has been found that an impeller assists in directing fluid flow from the fluid inlet means to the fluid outlet, it directs the fluid flow across the debris inlet opening, and it adds to the general turbulence within the fluid flow chamber, thereby increasing the likelihood of particular particles becoming entrained in the fluid flow.

In another preferred arrangement, the suction cleaner head includes a swathe which protrudes from the debris inlet opening such that the swathe contacts the surface which is to be cleaned and disturbs particles and other debris trapped on that surface.

S The swathe may be perforated or scalloped, to permit the passage of fluid through the swathe.

In an alternative embodiment, fluid inlet means may be provided along both of the long sides of the fluid flow chamber, so that fluid flows across the debris inlet opening from both sides, thereby creating additional turbulence. In this embodiment the outer longitudinal edges of the dual fluid inlets may be in the form of rollers, to facilitate movement of the body, particularly when a larger body is needed for swimming pools, outdoor or heavy industrial cleansing.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a suction cleaner head, including: a housing having relatively long front and back regions and relatively short left and right ends, as well as a top and an underside; a debris inlet opening defined in the underside of the housing, with configuration such that the underside of the housing can achieve a substantially fluid-tight seal around the debris inlet opening when the suction cleaner head is pressed against a surface being cleaned; fluid intake means located along substantially the whole of the front region and/or top of the housing with configuration such that fluid is directed downwardly 1o towards the debris inlet opening; a fluid outlet; and agitation means located in the fluid path between the fluid intake means and the fluid outlet, wherein the agitation means touches or almost touches a surface being cleaned when the suction cleaner head is pressed against a surface being cleaned, and wherein, in operation, fluid flows rapidly in the fluid intake means, from the housing front region to the housing back region, entraining loose debris as it crosses S the debris inlet opening, and out through the fluid outlet.

The front region and/or the back region of the housing may consist of or include a roller. The use of one or more rollers facilitates movement of the suction cleaner head over the surface being cleaned. In a preferred arrangement, the fluid intake 6 means directs fluid in a path over the roller. As a further refinement, the roller may include treads or grooves which direct and/or distribute the path of incoming fluid as it S passes over the roller.

The agitation means may be any suitable means for disturbing the surface being cleaned or increasing air flow turbulence. In one preferred arrangement, the agitation means may include a linear array of closely spaced downwardly projecting flexible members. In an especially preferred arrangement, the agitation means may be adjustable in height. The agitation means may include two or more linear arrays of closely spaced downwardly projecting flexible members. In one arrangement, the downwardly projecting members may be rigid rather than flexible.

In embodiments in which the fluid is a liquid such as water and the surface to be cleaned is a surface such as the bottom or side of a pool, the suction cleaner head of the present invention may provide an additional advantage in that the fluid intake means may ingest suspended particles disturbed from the surface by the movement of the suction cleaner head. It is thus possible to increase the speed of movement of the suction cleaner head across the surface being cleaned without leaving behind suspended particles that subsequently return to the surface.

The invention will hereinafter be described in greater detail by reference to the attached drawings which show an example form of the invention. It is to be understood that the particularity of those drawings does not supersede the generality of the preceding description of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a suction cleaner head according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-Il in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 2, but showing an S alternative embodiment according to the invention.

715 Figure 4 is a top plan view of the suction cleaner head of Figure 1.

*9 Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the suction cleaner head of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 2, but including an 9 optional impeller.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 2, but showing an :0.°20 alternative embodiment of the invention including a swathe.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 2, but showing a further alternative embodiment of the invention incorporating a swathe.

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the suction cleaner head of Figure 8.

Figures 10, 11 and 12 are face elevations of three different types of swathes.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a brush-type swathe.

Figure 14 is an underside view of the brush-type swathe of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 2, but showing an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 16 is an underside view of the suction cleaner head of Figure Figure 17 is a side cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 18 is an underside view of the embodiment of Figure 17.

Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the invention.

8 Figure 20 is an underside view of the embodiment of Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a side cross-sectional view of a modified form of the embodiment of Figure 19.

Figure 22 is a front view of the agitation means of the embodiment of Figure Referring firstly to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the suction cleaner head comprises housing 1. Fluid outlet 2 is provided in housing 1, for connection with the suction inlet 3 of the body of a suction cleaner 4. Fluid flow chamber 5 is located within housing 1.

Fluid flow chamber 5 has debris inlet opening 6. The vacuum cleaner head has fluid inlet means 7 located in housing 1 separate from debris opening 6.

The configuration of fluid inlet means 7, fluid flow chamber 5, fluid outlet 2 and debris inlet opening 6 is such that, in operation, fluid flows rapidly in fluid inlet means 7, through fluid flow chamber 5, entraining loose debris as it crosses debris inlet opening 6 and out through fluid outlet 2. When the vacuum cleaner head is operated in the orientation represented in the drawings, fluid from the fluid inlet flows rapidly and ,0 substantially horizontally, creating vortices which cause it to lift small debris particles located in debris inlet opening 6.

Fluid outlet 2 comprises a duct which opens along substantially the whole of the length of one side 8 of fluid flow chamber 5, and converges to meet fluid pipe 9. As can best be seen from Figure 4 and Figure 5, fluid outlet 2 is substantially triangular in :2.o shape. Because fluid outlet 2 and fluid inlet means 7 are provided along substantially the whole length of opposing long sides of fluid flow chamber 5, fluid flowing through chamber 5 is encouraged to flow straight across the chamber from the inlet side to the outlet side, and not down the length of the chamber as is the case for conventional vacuum cleaners.

Debris inlet opening 6 may, if required, be of similar dimensions to debris inlet openings in conventional vacuum cleaner heads. However, because the present invention relies more on fluid flow than on aerodynamic configuration of the debris inlet opening, it has been found that debris inlet opening 6 can be larger than similar openings on conventional vacuum cleaner heads without detracting from the performance of the apparatus.

Fluid inlet means 7 preferably comprises a chamber formed between internal wall 10 and external wall 20, which communicates with fluid flow chamber 5 by means 1 eqs llls~P of a narrow slot 11 which extends along the length of fluid flow chamber 5 and directs fluid across debris inlet opening 6. The chamber preferably converges towards slot 11, so that fluid passing through slot 11 is turbulent and moving rapidly. Fluid enters inlet means 7 by means of fluid holes 12.

Figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which inlet means 7a, 7b, with internal walls 10a, lOb and external walls 20a, 20b, are provided on both sides of fluid flow chamber 5. This causes fluid to flow across debris inlet opening 6 from both sides, resulting in increased turbulence.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment in which impeller 13 is provided within fluid flow chamber 5. The axis 14 of impeller 13 is oriented lengthwise within fluid flow chamber 5. Impeller 13 rotates freely in an anti-clockwise direction as fluid flows from left to right across the bottom of fluid flow chamber 5. Impeller 13 serves to direct the fluid flow within chamber 5, ensures that fluid is directed down across debris inlet opening 6, and adds to the general turbulence within fluid flow chamber o 1 5 Various refinements such as wheels 15 may be provided on the underside of the fe *9° suction cleaner head.

oo One preferred refinement is agitator 16, which loosens dirt, hairs and other 4e eV* materials trapped on the surface of a carpet so that they become entrained in the fluid flow passing through the suction cleaner head. The agitator may be made from any suitable materials and may have any suitable shape and configuration. In one arrangement, the agitator may be in the form of a brush. In another arrangement, it may be a plastic sheet with smooth teeth. The agitator may be fixed or adjustable.

"o In the embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 16, swathe 17 is provided, protruding ~from debris inlet opening 6. Swathe 17 contacts the surface which is to be cleaned and disturbs particles and other debris trapped on that surface. In these embodiments, fluid inlet means 7 includes a chamber which converges toward the bottom. However, only a single fluid inlet opening 21 is provided, instead of several holes as shown in Figures 1 to 6. Moreover, the internal wall 10 of the chamber of inlet means 7 is replaced by swathe 17.

Figures 8 and 9 show an alternative embodiment of the invention in which fluid flow chamber 5 converges towards outlet 2. In this embodiment, fluid flows across chamber 5 in a converging manner, rather than directly across as in the embodiment of L1 IP I Figures 1 to 6.

Figures 10, 11 and 12 show alternative embodiments for swathe 17. In the embodiments of Figures 10 and 11, swathe 17 is perforated with several holes 18 which permit the passage of fluid through the swathe. Swathe 17 either scrapes the surface which is to be cleaned or passes just above that surface, contacting debris which is adhered to and protruding from the surface. In the embodiments of Figures 11 and 12; cuts 19 extend downwards to the bottom of swathe 17, dividing the bottom of swathe 17 into segments, each of which acts like a brush. This also permits the swathe to over-ride larger particles and rough surfaces.

t0 Figures 13 and 14 show another alternative embodiment for swathe 17. In this embodiment, swathe 17 comprises a brush. A preferred form of tuft alignment for the brush is given in Figure 14.

Figures 15 and 16 show a further alternative embodiment of the invention. As in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, inlet means 7 are provided on both sides of fluid oo: 5 flow chamber 5. However, in this case inlet means 7 includes a chamber formed between roller 22 and swathe 17 on each side. Fluid flow chamber 5 also incorporates S baffles 23 to direct fluid towards fluid outlet 2.

Swathe 17 may be made from any suitable material or materials. Rubber and o flexible plastics are suitable materials.

o° o 20 Reference is now made to the embodiments shown in Figures 17 to 22. The suction cleaner head of these embodiments includes a housing 25 having a relatively long front region 26 and back region 27, and relatively short left end 28 and right end 29, as well as top 30 and underside 31. A debris inlet opening 32 is defined in underside 31 of housing 25. The configuration of debris inlet opening 32 is such that underside 31 of housing 25 can achieve a substantially fluid tight seal around debris inlet opening 32 when the suction cleaner head is pressed against a surface being cleaned.

Fluid intake means 33 has configuration such that fluid is directed downwardly towards debris inlet opening 32. Fluid outlet 34 connects with the suction inlet of a suction cleaner (not shown).

Agitation means 35 are located in the fluid path between fluid intake means 33 and fluid outlet 34. Agitation means 35 touches or almost touches a surface being cleaned when the suction cleaner head is pressed against the surface.

Front region 26 and/or back region 27 may include or consist of a roller 36. In the embodiments shown in Figures 19 and 21, front region 26 includes roller 36. In those embodiments, fluid intake means 33 directs fluid in a path over roller 36. As best illustrated in Figure 20, roller 36 includes the optional grooves 37 which direct and/or distribute the path of incoming fluid. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated, as the suction cleaner head moves in a forwards direction over the surface being cleaned, the grooves prevent outwardly moving channels to incoming fluid, resulting in distribution of incoming fluid towards the two ends 28,29 of housing 25. After the fluid passes through io agitation means 35, it heads towards a central position near the top of the suction cleaner head and out through outlet 34.

As shown in Figure 22, agitation means 35 may include a linear array of closely spaced downwardly projecting flexible members. As further shown in Figure 22, agitation means 35 may include two or more linear arrays of closely spaced is5 downwardly projecting flexible members. Instead of being flexible, the downwardly projecting members may be rigid.

";ti Agitation means 35 may be of any suitable shape and configuration. As well as the configuration shown in Figure 22, the swathe configurations shown in Figures 10 to 14 are also suitable for the agitation means. Agitation means 35 may optionally be 20 adjustable in height, as shown in Figure 21. In the particular embodiment shown in SFigure 21, agitation means 35 fits under cowl 39. Adjustment button 40 is attached to agitation means 35 through cowl 39. Movement of button 40 to the right or the left as S shown in Figure 21 results in lowering or raising of agitation means 35. It will be appreciated that adjustable height can be accomplished in a variety of other ways.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, an additional fluid intake means 41 and an additional agitation means 42 are provided, with the result that fluid flows in front intake means 33 and rear intake means 41, passes down towards debris inlet 32 and strikes the surface being cleaned before passing through or under agitation means and agitation means 42, changing direction and passing up through outlet 34. It will be appreciated that an arrangement of this nature results in greater disturbance of particles on the surface being cleaned and greater likelihood of particles being entrained in the airstream than is provided by conventional suction cleaner heads.

I

In the arrangements shown in Figures 19, 20 and 21, fluid flows in through fluid intake 33. Fluid intake 33 becomes narrower as fluid passes over roller 36, creating a venturi-like effect, and causing acceleration of fluid flow towards debris inlet opening 32. Fluid then passes through agitation means 35 and up and out through outlet 34.

The effect of the suction cleaner head is that a narrow transverse zone of fluid and mechanical disturbance occurs around the bottom of agitation means 35, thereby maximising the likelihood that particles and debris trapped on the surface being cleaned and dislodged and entrained in the fluid flow. Flow of the fluid at the disturbance zone is affected by phenomena such as venturi action, laminar flow at the point of direction 0io change, and complex vortex activity through the lower passages of the agitation means.

The suction cleaner head may be made from any suitable materials. It is preferred that the suction cleaner head be made from one or more mouldable plastic or metal materials, although some models have been formed by cutting and routing wood and appropriate plastic materials. In addition, the use of transparent material has been gee° r5 found useful for immediate detBction of oversized objects ingested in the suction cleaner heads.

0*S**0 S* It is to be understood that various alterations, additions and/or modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the ambit of the ie o invention.

0000

I

oe0oo0 0

Claims (16)

1. A suction cleaner head including: a housing; a fluid flow chamber located within the housing, having first and second long sides, two short ends, a top and an underside; a fluid outlet from the top and/or first long side of the chamber, for connection with the suction inlet of the body of a suction cleaner. one or more debris inlet openings in the underside of the fluid flow chamber, the configuration of the one or more debris inlet openings being such that a substantially fluid tight seal can be achieved around the one or more debris inlet openings when the suction cleaner head is pressed against a surface being cleaned; and fluid inlet means located along substantially the whole of the second long side and/or top of the fluid flow chamber separate from the one or more debris inlet g5 openings; wherein the configurat!on of the fluid inlet means, fluid flow chamber, fluid outlet S and debris inlet openings is such that, in operation, fluid flows rapidly in fluid inlet means, across the fluid flow chamber from the second long side to the first iong side, entraining loose debris as it crosses the debris inlet openings, and out through the fluid 20 outlet.

2. A suction cleaner head according to claim 1 further including additional fluid inlet means located along the first long side of the fluid flow chamber separate from the one or more debris inlet openings.

3. A suction cleaner head according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the suction cleaner is a vacuum cleaner and the fluid is air or a gas.

4. A suction cleaner head according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the suction cleaner is a swimming pool-type cleaner and the fluid is water or another liquid.

A suction head cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein a swathe protrudes from the debris inlet opening such that the swathe contacts the surface which is to be cleaned and disturbs particles and other debris trapped on that surface.

6. A suction cleaner head according to claim 5 wherein the swathe is perforated or scalloped, to permit the passage of fluid through the swathe.

7. A suction cleaner head according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the fluid inlet means comprises one or more intake chambers having one or more fluid intake openings and converge towards one or more narrow intake chamber outlets which open into the fluid flow chamber, thereby providing rapidly flowing fluid to the fluid flow chamber.

8. A suction cleaner head including: a housing having relatively long front and back regions and relatively short left and right ends, as well as a top and an underside; a debris inlet opening defined in the underside of the housing, with configuration such that the underside of the housing can achieve a substantially fluid-tight seal around the debris inlet opening when the suction cleaner head is pressed against a surface being cleaned; fluid intake means located along substantially the whole of the front region and/or top of the housing with configuration such that fluid is directed downwardly is towards the debris inlet opening; a fluid outlet; and agitation means located in the fluid path between the fluid intake means and the fluid outlet, wherein the agitation means touches or almost touches a surface being cleaned when the suction cleaner head is pressed against a surface being cleaned, °SS 20 and wherein, in operation, fluid flows rapidly in the fluid intake means, from the housing front region to the housing back region, entraining loose debris as it crosses the debris inlet opening, and out through the fluid outlet. S

9. A suction cleaner head according to claim 8 wherein the front region and/or the back region of the housing includes a roller.

10. suction cleaner head according to claim 9 wherein the fluid intake means directs fluid in a path over the roller.

11. A suction cleaner head according to claim 10 wherein the roller includes grooves which direct and/or distribute the path of incoming fluid.

12. A suction cleaner head according to any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein the agitation means includes a linear array of closely spaced downwardly projecting flexible members.

13. A suction cleaner head according to claim 12 wherein the agitation means is adjustable in height.

14. A suction cleaner head according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the agitation means includes two or more linear arrays of closely spaced downwardly projecting flexible members.

A suction cleaner head according to any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein the agitation means includes one or more linear arrays of closely spaced downwardly projecting rigid members.

16. A suction cleaner head substantially as herein described with reference to any 0o one of the embodiments shown in the drawings. DATED 9 January, 1998 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys For: REGINALD GEORGE MOUNSEY and KENNETH C HYNSON 0* o .o a ABSTRACT A suction cleaner head includes a housing (25) having relatively long front and back sides (26,27) and relatively short left and right ends (28,29), as well as a top and an underside 31. A debris inlet opening (32) is defined in the underside (31) of the housing, with configurations such that the underside (31) of the housing can achieve a substantially fluid tight seal around the debris inlet opening when the suction cleaner head is pressed against a surface being cleaned. Fluid intake means (33) has configurations such that fluid is directed downwardly towards the debris inlet opening Fluid passes out through a fluid outlet (34). Agitation means (35) are located in the fluid path between fluid intake means (33) and the fluid outlet The agitation means (35) touches or almost touches the surface being cleaned when the suction cleaner head is pressed against that surface. S s S lb C\WINWORD\ANDREASPECIS22I01DIV.DOC