Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner including an inlet, an outlet, and a dust cup having an aperture. The dust cup is in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet and is configured to retain debris collected by the handheld vacuum cleaner. A fan is configured to draw air through the inlet and the dust cup and to discharge air through the outlet. A door is adjacent to the dust cup and includes the inlet. The door is movable between an open position to allow a user to empty the debris collected within the dust cup through the aperture of the dust cup and a closed position to inhibit debris from being emptied through the aperture of the dust cup and to allow debris to be collected through the inlet and through the aperture of the dust cup. A biasing member configured to bias the door toward the open position.

Abstract: A cordless, battery-powered system of cleaning products. The system of cleaning products includes devices such as upright vacuums (e.g., a stick vacuum, a lightweight upright vacuum, etc.), a hand-held vacuum, a carpet-cleaner, a canister vacuum, and the like. Each of the devices is powered by a battery pack which is interchangeable among the devices. The battery pack includes a combination of hardware and software for connecting to, identifying, and communicating with the cleaning products to ensure that each of the products receives the power necessary to ensure optimal performance.

Abstract: A cordless hand-held rechargeable vacuum cleaner and a charging base unit for the vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner charging unit is configured to receive electrical power from a USB port, such as a USB port located on a computer. The charging unit can also be configured to receive power from an external power supply that includes a USB port which allows the base unit to be charged from a standard electrical outlet via the external power supply. The vacuum cleaner is useful for cleaning around computers and other electrical equipment, and can be easily gripped by a person's hand.

Abstract: A latching assembly for a removable battery package to an electrically powered cleaning device is provided along with the electrically powered cleaning device and the electrical combination with the battery charger. The latching assembly on the battery package comprises at least one moveable first engagement member, in movable cooperation with at least one rod which is in movable cooperation with a user contact. The first engagement member secures the removable battery package with another engagement member associated at least with the cleaning device. The first engagement member is located toward a side of a long end of the battery package opposite the end with the user contact Moving the user contact moves the member through the rod between an engaged position to thereby secure the battery package to the cleaning device and an unengaged position for removal of the battery package from the cleaning device.

Abstract: An upright floor vacuum cleaner comprising (a) a base having a vacuum nozzle disposed for cleaning the floor; (b) an upright handle having one end thereof connected to the base for pivotal movement thereon about a generally horizontal axis; (c) a suction source operative, upon energization, to create a vacuum in said nozzle; and, (d) a plurality of freely rotatable wheels mounted on said base each fully castered about a vertical axis and operative to permit free omni directional movement in translation and rotation of the base on the floor.

Abstract: A modular ceiling fan assembly and system is disclosed in which the functioning components are standardized, including standardized connections for their assembly, and multiple components are provided with a plurality of alternate parts for assembly into a variety of uniquely differentiating configurations, styles and appearance without substantially increasing the cost to the manufacturer. The motor platform, including the motor, shafts, switch housing and electrical components and wiring, are standardized into a single configuration, and the holes for mounting the fan blades on the lower surface and/or upper surface of the rotor have a standardized size and spacing. A modular motor housing is formed from multiple horizontal sections, preferably two or three, with a standardized height to accommodate the common single motor platform. The various sections of the modular motor housing are selected in order to produce a variety of uniquely different appearances.