Improved vacuum head attachment and vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A vacuum head (2) including a first brush means (42) and a second brush means (44) each located adjacent an underneath side (6) of the vacuum head (2), motor means (38, 40) for actuating the first brush means (42) to rotate in a first axial direction and for actuating the second brush means (44) in a second axial direction, the second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction, such that, in use, as the vacuum head (2) moves across a surface the first brush means (42) and the second brush means (44) rotate to position debris from the surface towards the centre of the vacuum head (2) prior to assist in the suction of the debris.

1 . A vacuum head comprising:
 a first brush device and a second brush device each located adjacent an underneath side of the vacuum head;   motor apparatus for actuating said first brush device to rotate in a first axial direction and for actuating said second brush device in a second axial direction, said second axial direction opposite to said first axial direction;   such that, in use, as the vacuum head moves across a surface said first brush device and said second brush device rotate to position debris from the surface toward the centre of the vacuum head prior to suction of the debris.   
     
     
         2 . A vacuum head according to  claim 1  wherein said first brush device is adjacent a first longitudinal side of the head and said second brush device is adjacent a second and opposite longitudinal side of the head. 
     
     
         3 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A vacuum head including:
 a brush device located adjacent an underneath side of the vacuum head;   a motor apparatus from actuating said brush device such that a first portion of said brush device rotates in a first axial direction and a second portion of said brush device rotates in a second axial direction, said second axial direction being opposite to said first axial direction;   such that, in use, as the vacuum head moves across a surface said first portion and said second portion rotate to position debris from the surface towards the centre of the vacuum head prior to suction of the debris.   
     
     
         16 . A vacuum head according to  claim 1  further comprising a swivel joint at or about the centre of the top side of the head for connection to a connector and a handle, said swivel joint allowing a 360 degree range of motion about an axis through said connector and said handle for holding by a user and for conveying debris to be collected from the surface to a debris storage unit. 
     
     
         17 . A vacuum head according to  claim 16  wherein in use said handle extends vertically from the vacuum head. 
     
     
         18 . A vacuum head according to  claim 1  wherein said first brush device and said second brush device are cylindrical and extend substantially along a longer dimension of the head. 
     
     
         19 . A vacuum head according to  claim 1  wherein the vacuum head is used in a side-to-side motion, with the movement of the head being substantially perpendicular to the axes of the respective first and second brush device. 
     
     
         20 . A vacuum head according to  claim 16  further comprising a tube located at said swivel joint for collection of the debris. 
     
     
         21 . A vacuum head according to  claim 20  further comprising a debris collection unit adjacent said tube for collecting debris from each of the brush devices. 
     
     
         22 . A vacuum head according to  claim 1  further comprising a pair of openings located on an underneath side of the head in proximity to respective first and second brush devices. 
     
     
         23 . A vacuum head according to  claim 1  further comprising a pair of rollers that is adapted to tilt or pivot in order to bias the head to one side depending on the direction of travel of the vacuum head. 
     
     
         24 . A vacuum head according to  claim 1  wherein said vacuum head, in use, is moved side to side in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of a user of the vacuum head, such movements enabling the user to use the vacuum head having a substantially upright posture which provides minimal stress on the user's back, head and shoulders. 
     
     
         25 . A vacuum head according to  claim 1  wherein said motor apparatus includes a first motor for actuating said first brush device and a second motor for actuating said second brush device. 
     
     
         26 . A vacuum cleaning assembly including the vacuum head of  claim 1  and further comprising:
 a handle, with said handle formed as a series of connecting shaft or rod sections. 
 
     
     
         27 . A vacuum cleaning assembly according to  claim 26  wherein said handle extends to shoulder height of the average user.