mechanism 90 out of the corresponding recess in the chasse 12 and allows the dust extraction and collection unit 16 to be removed from the chasse 12 after removal from the chasse 12 the dust extraction and collection unit 16 is taken to a refuse bin at this point the locking pin button 100 is depressed on the hook latch 98 to disengage the hook latch 98 from the bottom wall 36 this action allows the bottom wall 36 to pivot away from the body portion 35 thereby opening the inlet chamber 32 and allowing dust and dirt disposed within the inlet chamber 32 to gravitate out of the inlet chamber 32 into the refuse bin once all dust and dirt has been removed from the inlet chamber 32 the bottom wall 36 is pivoted back into abutment with the body portion 35 and the hook latch 98 is snapped into place so as to retain the bottom wall 36 against the body portion 35 the dust collection and extraction unit 16 is then reinstalled within the chasse 12 and the vacuum cleaner 10 is again ready for operation the invention has been found to provide a vacuum cleaner with all the conveniences of prior art vacuum cleaners but with increased dust removal efficiency and without excessive mechanical complexity and.