Tool for a vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner flexible duct. The flexible duct includes a helical frame and a helical strip. The helical frame includes a plurality of loops arranged about a helical axis and is formed of a rigid material. The helical strip is provided between the loops to seal the frame and is formed of pliable material. The helical strip has indents on an exterior surface of the duct. The helical strip is secured to the loops such that the interior surface of the helical strip is flush with the interior surface of the loops.

1 . A vacuum cleaner tool comprising a flexible duct, the flexible duct comprising:
 a helical frame comprising a plurality of loops arranged about a helical axis and being formed of a rigid material; and   a helical strip provided between the loops to seal the frame and being formed of pliable material;   wherein the helical strip has indents on an exterior surface of the duct, and   the helical strip is secured to the loops such that an interior surface of the helical strip is flush with an interior surface of the loops.   
     
     
         2 . The vacuum cleaner tool of  claim 1 , wherein each loop comprises a central band with at least one wing, the helical strip being secured to the at least one wing. 
     
     
         3 . The vacuum cleaner tool of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one wing extends all the way around the central band in a direction parallel with the helical axis, and a height of the at least one wing is less than a height of the central band in a direction normal to the helical axis. 
     
     
         4 . The vacuum cleaner tool of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one wing has at least one anchor for securing the helical strip to the frame. 
     
     
         5 . The vacuum cleaner tool of  claim 1 , wherein a cross section of the flexible duct is a rectangular shape, comprising two longer side surfaces connected by shorter top and bottom surfaces. 
     
     
         6 . The vacuum cleaner tool of  claim 5 , wherein the indents are provided on a side surface of the flexible duct. 
     
     
         7 . The vacuum cleaner tool of  claim 1 , wherein the tool is a telescopic tool comprising a first and second conduit; and
 wherein the first conduit has a narrower profile than the second conduit, the second conduit surrounds the first conduit such that the first conduit slides in and out of the second conduit, allowing for extension of the tool, and the flexible duct forms part of the first conduit.   
     
     
         8 . A vacuum cleaner duct comprising:
 a helical frame comprising a plurality of loops arranged about a helical axis and being formed of a rigid material; and   a helical strip provided between the loops to seal the frame and being formed of pliable material;   wherein the helical strip has indents on an exterior surface of the duct, and   the helical strip is secured to the loops such that the interior surface of the helical strip is flush with the interior surface of the loops.   
     
     
         9 . The vacuum cleaner tool of  claim 8 , wherein each loop comprises a central band with at least one wing, the helical strip being secured to the at least one wing. 
     
     
         10 . The vacuum cleaner tool of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one wing extends all the way around the central band in a direction parallel with the helical axis, and a height of the at least one wing is less than a height of the central band in a direction normal to the helical axis. 
     
     
         11 . The vacuum cleaner tool of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one wing has at least one anchor for securing the helical strip to the frame. 
     
     
         12 . The vacuum cleaner tool of  claim 8 , wherein a cross section of the flexible duct is a rectangular shape, comprising two longer side surfaces connected by shorter top and bottom surfaces. 
     
     
         13 . The vacuum cleaner tool of  claim 12 , wherein the indents are provided on a side surface of the flexible duct.