Dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner includes: a chamber within which dirt separated by the dirt separator collects, a duct that extends within the chamber; and a flange that extends outwardly from the duct. The chamber is delimited by a bottom wall and a side wall. The bottom wall is moveable relative to the side wall between an open position and a closed position. The duct is attached to and moveable with the bottom wall, and at least a part of the flange is flexible.

1 . A dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner, the dirt separator comprising:
 a chamber within which dirt separated by the dirt separator collects;   a duct that extends within the chamber; and   a flange that extends outwardly from the duct,   wherein the chamber is delimited by a bottom wall and a side wall, the bottom wall is moveable relative to the side wall between an open position and a closed position, the duct is attached to and moveable with the bottom wall, and at least a part of the flange is flexible.   
     
     
         2 . The dirt separator of  claim 1 , wherein the flange contacts the side wall and flexes when the bottom wall moves between the open position and the closed position. 
     
     
         3 . The dirt separator of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom wall pivots relative to the side wall when moving between the open position and the closed position. 
     
     
         4 . The dirt separator of  claim 1 , wherein the duct extends linearly within the chamber. 
     
     
         5 . The dirt separator of  claim 1 , wherein the duct comprises an end through which dirt-laden fluid enters the chamber, the duct extends upwardly from the bottom wall, and the flange is located at or adjacent the end of the duct. 
     
     
         6 . The dirt separator of  claim 1 , wherein the duct extends through the bottom wall, and an end of the duct is attachable to different attachments of the vacuum cleaner.