HANDLE ASSEMBLY FOR A VACUUM CLEANER

A handle assembly for a vacuum cleaner comprising a handle, a duct, a valve assembly, and a cover. The handle is attached to the duct, which has an inlet at one end, an outlet at an opposite end, and a bleed aperture located between the inlet and the outlet. The valve assembly comprises a valve and an actuator. The valve is moveable between a closed position and an open position, with the valve closing the bleed aperture when in the closed position and opening the bleed aperture when in the open position. The actuator moves the valve from the closed position to the open position when actuated. The cover surrounds the duct such that an upper part of the cover overlies the bleed aperture and the valve, and one or more holes are formed in a lower part of the cover. During use, suction at the outlet causes a primary airflow to be drawn into the duct via the inlet. Additionally, when the valve is in the open position, the suction causes a secondary airflow to be drawn in through the holes, around the space between the duct and the cover, and into the duct via the bleed aperture.