Gizmodo: vacuum cleaners

Drowning Man Saved by Vacuum Cleaner Hose

Andi Wang — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:30:00 EDT

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.Two men were working on a waterborne excavator when it collapsed and pinned one underwater—just deep enough to make breathing mostly impossible. Jumping into action, witness David Thomson ripped off his clothes and dove into the chilling waters to rescue the dying man, known only as John.

Struggling to keep John's airways above water, Thomson yelled for someone to find him a tube, snorkel, funnel or anything he could use to transfer air down to keep him alive. A witness was able to find a vacuum cleaner hose in Thomson's own boat-rental kiosk. Thomson used the hose to blow air into John's lungs until the paramedics arrived, 10 minutes after the excavator had originally collapsed.

Thomson and John's unidentified coworker have been recommended for bravery awards. Sure, it's very brave of Thomson, but I could only hope that the hose hadn't just been used for vacuuming up spiders—or God knows what else—before it was converted into a breathing apparatus. [The Age via AdelaideNow]

Electrolux Vacuum Ad Pokes Fun at Suicide, Really Does Suck

Elaine Chow — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 01:45:00 EDT

Wow. I've seen a couple ads of questionable taste in my day, but this one—in which a desperate "live jumper" takes a leap but doesn't hit the ground—really takes the cake. [Youku Buzz]

Riding Vacuum Lets Kids Help Out With the Housework

Charlie White — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:43:03 EDT

Here's a great lesson to teach your kids: Why walk when you can ride? But Kristina Andersson's design concept for a riding vacuum cleaner encourages the young 'uns to help out with the housework, even if it's at a snail's pace. Jump for one more pic.

There are no controls to accelerate or brake, so it's either one of those kiddie conveyances the little tykes will push along themselves, or it's a robotic vacuum cleaner like a Roomba. But if its battery lasts about like a Dustbuster's, the kid's not going be vacuuming for much longer than five minutes. Cute idea, though. – Charlie White

Rideable Vacuum Cleaner by Kristina Andersson [Yanko Design]

Pig-Shaped Vacuum: Why Not?

tgrumet — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 16:48:50 EST

Who needs that tired old Dirt Devil when you can have a Crumb Pet. Yes, the Crumb Pet not only picks up your dirt and foodstuffs, but it's shaped like a barnyard animal to boot. Get your bagless, battery-powered portable vacuum in the shape of a pig, cow or sheep for just about $10. It may not be overly useful, but hopefully it will make you happy. For a little while.

Crumbs! It s a pig-shaped vacuum cleaner [GadgetCandy]