Abstract: A retractable leash includes an integral light. The apparatus has a first housing section and a retractable leash section. The first housing section has a handle, a light connected to top front portion of the first housing section and a receiving area. A rechargeable battery is removably connected to the first housing in the handle. The retractable leash section has a second housing section pivotably mounted to the first housing section, in the receiving area, and a reel rotatably mounted to the second housing section. A leash is connected to the reel for extension and retraction relative to the first housing section. In an alternate embodiment, a light is located on the leash and electrically connected to a conductor extending along the leash.

Abstract: An electrically powered appliance includes a first housing connected to a source of electric power. A second housing is spaced from the first housing and includes means for using the electric power. In a preferred embodiment, the electricity powers a light source. A flexible mounting assembly connects the first and second housings. One of the first and second housings includes an elongated slot and the other of the housings includes a protrusion for engagement with the slot. The first housing includes an axially extending U-shaped channel. A portion of the flexible mounting assembly adjacent said second housing is supported within said U-shaped channel when the first and second housings are adjacent each other.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for a product enables a potential purchaser to view and handle the product while it is protected from damage and wear. The packaging arrangement includes a carton having cutout portions for displaying the product and an insert formed in the shape of the product. The carton and plastic insert together form a handle around the handle of the product. In order to assemble the packaging, the product is placed inside of the carton and the insert is placed around the product and inside of the carton. The top of the carton is then sealed leaving a strip to form a handle portion overlying the handle of the product.

Abstract: A steam iron with a valve between the water reservoir and the soleplate. The valve has a valve stem that is connected to the temperature control. The valve stem is axially rotated when the temperature control is moved without longitudinally moving the valve stem. The valve stem has a groove of varying depth located between an inlet and an outlet of the valve member to vary the flow of water through the valve based upon the rotational position of the valve stem relative to the valve member. A user actuated mechanism is also provided to longitudinally move the valve stem among closed, variable, and non-variable open flow positions.

Abstract: A clean fan debris collecting apparatus is disclosed in which the suction of debris is performed by an entrained stream of air (34). The apparatus comprises a motor (24) which drives an impeller (20) which generates at air steam which is directed down an air supply duct (6). The air stream is then directed into a collecting duct (4) through an air inlet (8) which is located adjacent to a collecting mouth (5) of the collecting duct. The air stream, upon entering the collecting duct (4) generates the entrained stream of air (34) which sucks debris into the collecting mouth (5) and transports it up the collecting duct (4) to a collecting bag (30). An air stream dispersing apparatus (26) is located adjacent to the air inlet (8) to disperse the air stream as it enters to collecting duct (4). This dispersion improves the efficiency with which the entrained stream of air can be generated. Alternatively the air inlet (8) can be formed to include the static air dispersing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus having a retractable leash and an integral light. The apparatus has a first housing section and a retractable leash section. The first housing section has a handle, a light connected to top front portion of the first housing section and a receiving area. A rechargeable battery is removably connected to the first housing in the handle. The retractable leash section has a second housing section pivotably mounted to the first housing section, in the receiving area, and a reel rotatably mounted to the second housing section. A leash is connected to the reel for extension and retraction relative to the first housing section. In an alternate embodiment, a light is located on the leash and electrically connected to a conductor extending along the leash.

Abstract: A collection apparatus includes an air outlet, a collection mouth and an apparatus for creating an airstream for discharge at the air outlet. The collection apparatus further includes a cylinder mounted at the air outlet for rotation and a device for directing an airstream tangentially across the surface of said cylinder.

Abstract: A manual tool is driven by an electric motor, and has a primary handle and a secondary handle arranged at a distance from each other. A switch is situated in the manual tool and can only be switched on by the simultaneous actuation of two contact mechanisms, one arranged in each handle, the motor being switched off when grip on either handle is released. The tool further comprises an initiating device in the form of a safety interlock mechanism which is adapted to prevent actuation of the switch, unless the safety interlock mechanism is actuated prior to actuation of the contact mechanism arranged in the primary handle. The switching mechanism is particularly suitable for a hedge clipper or chainsaw, especially a cordless tool.