Lightweight vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A base plate for a vacuum cleaner is described. In some embodiments, the base plate includes a first portion adapted to support a motor, a second portion including a beater bar housing, wherein the base bottom includes magnesium and is of unitary construction.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A base bottom for a vacuum cleaner comprising:
 a first portion adapted to support a motor;   a second portion including a beater bar housing;   wherein the base bottom comprises magnesium of unitary construction.   
     
     
         2 . The base bottom for a vacuum cleaner of  claim 1 , further comprising a passage connecting the first portion and the second portion. 
     
     
         3 . The base bottom for a vacuum cleaner of  claim 2 , wherein a width of the passage is smaller than a width of the first portion. 
     
     
         4 . The base bottom for a vacuum cleaner of  claim 2 , wherein a width of the passage is smaller than a width of the first portion and a width of the second portion. 
     
     
         5 . The base bottom for a vacuum cleaner of  claim 1 , further comprising a slot to receive a circuit board. 
     
     
         6 . The base bottom for a vacuum cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion further comprises supports to mount a beater bar. 
     
     
         7 . The base bottom for a vacuum cleaner of  claim 1 , further comprising two wheel mounts. 
     
     
         8 . The base bottom for a vacuum cleaner of  claim 1 , further comprising a wheel mount adapted to receive a motor and at least two fastening points disposed in the wheel mount to fasten a motor to. 
     
     
         9 . The base bottom for a vacuum cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the magnesium is die-cast. 
     
     
         10 . A vacuum cleaner base comprising:
 a wheel mount adapted to receive a motor and at least two fastening points disposed in the wheel mount to fasten a motor to;   wherein the two fastening points, a motor shaft, and a load shaft driving a beater bar are substantially collinear.   
     
     
         11 . The vacuum cleaner base of  claim 10 , wherein the two fastening points comprise two generally flat portions disposed on the wheel mount configured to receive a motor lock bracket. 
     
     
         12 . The vacuum cleaner base of  claim 10 , further comprising a motor support bracket fixed to the at least two fastening points. 
     
     
         13 . The vacuum cleaner base of  claim 10 , wherein the wheel mount comprises die-cast magnesium. 
     
     
         14 . The vacuum cleaner base of  claim 10 , wherein the wheel mount includes a generally flat portion configured to receive a motor lock bracket. 
     
     
         15 . The vacuum cleaner base of  claim 10 , wherein the wheel mount includes a receptacle configured to receive a latch disposed on a wheel hub. 
     
     
         16 . A vacuum cleaner comprising:
 a motor that in operation generates a suction for the vacuum cleaner;   a housing having one or more structural support members having a thickness of less than or equal to about 0.75 mm to about 2.5 mm,   wherein at one structural support member is arranged in a weigh bearing relationship to the motor.   
     
     
         17 . The vacuum cleaner of  claim 16  wherein the walls are formed from a material comprising magnesium. 
     
     
         18 . The vacuum cleaner of  claim 16  wherein the one or more structural support members support the motor in operation. 
     
     
         19 . The vacuum cleaner of  claim 16  wherein the one or more structural support members support a beater bar housing. 
     
     
         20 . The vacuum cleaner of  claim 16  wherein the thickness is less than or equal to about 1 to about 2 mm. 
     
     
         21 . The vacuum cleaner of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more structural support members has a thickness of less than or equal to about 3 mm. 
     
     
         22 . A vacuum cleaner, comprising:
 a base comprising a first portion, a second portion connected to the first portion, and a plurality of wheels disposed on the first portion;   a dirt collection component to collect debris during vacuuming and configured to be connected to the base;   a motor disposed in the base; and   a path formed within the base for directing debris from a surface toward the dirt collection component,   wherein the first portion is formed substantially from magnesium and is adapted to receive the motor.   
     
     
         23 . A vacuum cleaner comprising:
 a base comprising a support section that is formed substantially from magnesium;   a pair of back wheels that roll using bearings and are mounted on the base over at least a portion of the support section; and   a multipurpose bracket assembly that connects a vacuum handle, bag mount, and cord support,   wherein the multipurpose bracket assembly conveys a propelling applied to the vacuum handle to the vacuum base.   
     
     
         24 . The vacuum cleaner of  claim 23  further comprising a volute air inlet disposed parallel to a beater bar housing. 
     
     
         25 . The vacuum cleaner of  claim 23  further comprising a bag mount configured to allow substantially all of a filter bag to be filled below the bag mount.