Telescoping wand assembly for vacuum cleaner and method including same

A wand assembly for a vacuum cleaner comprising:

• a first wand comprising a plurality of grooves;
• a second wand telescopically arranged with the first wand, the second wand comprising a locking tab comprising a locking tooth engageable with the plurality of grooves, the locking tab and locking tooth being integrally formed with the second wand, wherein the locking tab is deflectable radially inward from an initial, undeflected position to deflect the locking tooth into engagement with one of the grooves, the locking tab having a resilient construction such that the locking tab returns to the initial, undeflected position in the absence of an applied force;
• and
• a rotatable locking cuff comprising a locking ramp,
• wherein rotation of the locking cuff in a first direction relative to the first and second wands causes the locking ramp to deflect the locking tooth radially inward from the initial, undeflected position into engagement with one of the grooves to fix a length of the wand assembly,
• wherein rotation of the locking cuff in a second direction opposite the first direction releases contact between the locking ramp and the locking tab and allows the locking tab to return to the initial, undeflected position and the locking tooth to disengage from the groove.

A method of assembling a wand assembly for a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner including a first wand and a second wand, the method comprising:

• providing the first wand with a plurality of grooves,
• providing the second wand with a locking tab including a locking tooth, and a locking cuff including a locking ramp, the locking tab and locking tooth being integrally formed with the second wand, wherein the locking tab is deflectable radially inward from an initial, undeflected position to deflect the locking tooth into engagement with one of the grooves, the locking tab having a resilient construction such that the locking tab returns to the initial, undeflected position in the absence of an applied force;
• positioning the first wand telescopically within the second wand;
• rotating the locking cuff in a first direction to release contact between the locking ramp and the locking tab and thereby allow the locking tab to return to the initial, undeflected position and the locking tooth to disengage from the groove;
• translating the first wand relative to the second wand in a longitudinal direction;
• and
• rotating the locking cuff in a second direction opposite the first direction relative to the first and second wands such that the locking ramp deflects the locking tooth into engagement with one of the grooves to fix a length of the wand assembly.