US Patent 11666189 Surface cleaning apparatus with a variable inlet flow area

A reconfigurable surface cleaning apparatus includes a floor cleaning unit comprising a surface cleaning head, and a portable cleaning unit. The reconfigurable surface cleaning apparatus is operable in an above floor cleaning mode in which the portable cleaning unit is removed from the floor cleaning unit and in a floor cleaning mode in which an upflow duct is received in the portable cleaning unit and defines the air flow passage upwardly through the portable cleaning unit to a cyclone chamber air inlet.