Apparatus for cleaning a floor surface

Abstract

An apparatus for cleaning a floor surface including an upright part having a user graspable handle; a base assembly is connected to the upright part and includes a base part having a first passage with a respective inlet; and a second passage with a respective inlet. The apparatus includes a device for effecting movement of the base part between respective first and second conditions, and a suction source for providing suction to one or both of the first and second passages. As the base part is moved between its first and second conditions by the device, the suction provided to one or both of the first and second passages is changed.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for cleaning a floor surface including:
 an upright part including a user graspable handle;   a base assembly, connected to the upright part, including a base part having:
 a first passage with a respective inlet; and 
 a second passage with a respective inlet; 
   a device for effecting movement of the base part between respective first and second conditions;   a suction source for providing suction to one or both of the first and second passages;   wherein as the base part is moved between its first and second conditions by the device, the suction provided to one or both of the first and second passages is changed.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the suction provided to the first passage is increased or decreased. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the suction provided to the second passage is increased or decreased. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein when the suction provided to the first passage is increased or decreased, the suction provided to the second passage is the other of increased or decreased. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein when the suction provided to the second passage is increased or decreased, the suction provided to the second passage is the other of increased or decreased. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein when the base part is in its first condition the inlet of the first passage is positioned closer to a floor surface than it is positioned when the base part is in its second condition. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein when the base part is in its second condition the inlet of the second passage is positioned closer to a floor surface than it is positioned when the base part is in its first condition. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  including a valve for controlling the flow of suction in one or both of the first and second passages, including a valve member moveable between respective first and second conditions. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus according to  claim 8  wherein the first and second conditions of the base part correspond respectively to the first and second conditions of the valve member. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein when the valve member is in its first condition the flow of suction in the first passage is greater than it is when the valve member is in its second condition. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein when the valve member is in its second condition the flow of suction in the second passage is greater than it is when the valve member is in its first condition. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus according to  claim 8  wherein the device for effecting movement of the base part is configured for effecting movement of the valve member between its first and second conditions. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein as the base part is moved to its second condition by the device, the valve is caused to decrease the flow of suction in the first passage. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein as the base part is moved to its first condition by the device, the valve is caused to decrease the flow of suction in the second passage. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein as the base part is moved to its second condition by the device, the valve is caused to increase the flow of suction in the second passage. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein as the base part is moved to its first condition by the device, the valve is caused to increase the flow of suction in the first passage. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  the base part includes a ground engaging portion about which the base part is pivotally moveable as it moves between its first and second conditions, preferably the ground engaging portion is positioned between the inlets of the first and second passages. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the inlet of the second passage is positioned rearwardly of the inlet of the first passage and preferably is positioned in between the inlet of the first passage and the connection of the base assembly to the upright part. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the base assembly includes a cleaning member. 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the base part includes:
 a first base part connected to the upright part; 
 a second base part connected to the first base part, which second part includes a cleaning member; and 
 wherein the device effects movement of the first and second base parts relative to each other.