Cleaning tool having split manifold

Abstract

For a vacuum cleaning unit, a cleaning tool employing a rotatably driven brush and having a split manifold therein which allows a vacuum airflow to be directed to the outermost longitudinal ends of the brush without interference with a drive belt rotatably driving the brush at its approximate longitudinal midpoint. The cleaning tool includes an upper housing having a centrally disposed cut-out portion and a semi-circular portion for partially housing the brush therein. A cut-out is formed in a base portion of the upper housing. A lower housing also has a cut-out shaped identically to that of the cut-out portion of the upper housing. A front sole plate is included which is secured to the lower housing and which includes a pair of openings separated by a central portion, where the openings allow portions of the brush to protrude. Each of the upper and lower housings further have runner portions which form airflow channels through which a vacuum airflow may be generated. When the upper and lower housings are secured together, a drive belt is able to extend through the centrally disposed cut-out portion, the cut-out portion in the base of the upper housing and the cut-out portion in the lower housing to engage at its approximate longitudinal mid-point. The apparatus thus allows a brush to be rotatably driven from its approximate longitudinal mid-point while providing an increased vacuum airflow to the outermost end portions of the brush. In an alternative embodiment, a snappingly engageable front sole plate is provided which allows quick and easy access to the interior of the cleaning tool with the need to remove threaded fasteners or the like, or the need for any external tools.