A vacuum cleaner with a closed loop air system is disclosed that is
intended for the cleaning of soft-coated floors, such as carpets and
rugs. The cleaner includes two main units: a floating foot, containing an
intake nozzle and an expanded chamber for the returning air stream, and a
managing unit, containing a managing handle and supporting wheels. The
floating foot has a seal along its perimeter, enclosing the space between
the surface being cleaned and the bottom of the foot from the surrounding
space and also contains the expanded chamber for the returning air
stream. The foot and managing unit are joined by a universal joint that
makes the foot floating, allowing it to swing forward, back, left and
right. It also guarantees that the foot is always pressed to the surface
being cleaned, independent of the position of the managing unit and
handle movement. This guaranteed contact prevents the escape of the air
stream, as a working medium, from the closed loop system into the
surrounding space. The cleaner also contains a fan, driven by an
electrical motor, centrifugal air filter, and hoses or pipes for
connecting the intake nozzle, fan, filter and expanded chamber. The fan
with the motor and the air filter can be mounted onto the floating foot
or onto the managing unit.