Surface cleaning apparatus

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus (10) is described including a dirt collection container (18b) and an inlet passage (99) leading to the dirt collection container (18b) through which dirt-laden air is drawn by a source of suction. The apparatus further includes a moveable blocking member (120) positioned in the passage (99) where the blocking member (120) is moveable between a blocking position, in which the passage (99) is blocked or substantially blocked, and an unblocking position, in which air can pass through the passage (99). The apparatus includes a receiving formation (130) for receiving at least a portion of the moveable blocking member (120) when the blocking member is in its unblocking position.

1 . A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
 a dirt collection container;   a passage leading to the dirt collection container through which dirt-laden air is drawn by a source of suction; and   a moveable blocking member positioned in the passage;   wherein the blocking member is moveable between a blocking position, in which the passage is substantially blocked, and an unblocking position, in which air can pass through the passage,   wherein the apparatus includes a receiving formation for receiving at least a portion of the moveable blocking member when the blocking member is in its unblocking position.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the blocking member moves towards its unblocking position under the influence of the source of suction. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the blocking member is resiliently biased towards its blocking position. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein the blocking member is resiliently biased towards its blocking position, such that in the absence of any suction the blocking member automatically assumes its blocking position. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the blocking member is fixed at one end and has a substantially opposite free end. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein as the blocking member moves towards its unblocking position, a free end thereof moves downwardly, towards a surface being cleaned. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the free end of the blocking member is curved. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the free end of the blocking member is curved when viewed in a direction towards the receiving formation. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the moveable blocking member is angularly or pivotally moveable between its blocking and unblocking positions. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the blocking member is moveable about an axis which extends transversely to the direction of flow of dirt-laden air which is drawn through the passage. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the receiving formation is a recess which is shaped to correspond substantially to the shape and size of the portion of the blocking member that is received by the receiving formation. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the blocking member is flexible. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the blocking member is formed from a rubber material. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  including a dirt-laden air passage which carries air towards the blocking member, and wherein said passage is substantially circular in cross-section. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the apparatus includes a cyclonic separation device for separating dirt from the airflow passing through the apparatus, which device communicates with the passage and with the dirt collection container. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus according to  claim 16  wherein the receiving formation is provided at least partially in a ramp formation which directs air into the cyclonic separation device, said ramp directing incoming dirt-laden air such that it travels circumferentially around an inner surface of the cyclonic separation device. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus according to  claim 17  wherein the blocking member, when in its unblocking position, provides continuation of the ramp formation to assist in directing incoming dirt-laden air towards the cyclonic separation device. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus according to  claim 17  wherein the ramp formation is located downstream of a connecting portion, which connecting portion is connectable to an elongate member, and upstream of the cyclonic separation device. 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus according to  claim 19  wherein the connecting portion forms an entrance to the passage for dirt-laden air to be drawn into the housing, towards the cyclonic separation device. 
     
     
         21 . An apparatus according to  claim 16  wherein the passage which directs dirt-laden air to the cyclonic separation device includes a tangential portion, and wherein the blocking member is positioned at an entrance (in the direction of flow of dirt-laden air) to the tangential portion. 
     
     
         22 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising
 a floor head;   a housing supporting a suction source; and   an elongate member connecting the floor head to the housing, said elongate member including a passage for carrying dirt-laden air from the floor head to the dirt collection container.   
     
     
         23 .- 29 . (canceled)