Abstract: A latch assembly for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner wherein the vacuum has a fan collector cover disposed between the filter cage and water tank of the vacuum cleaner and the drum lid of the vacuum housing the internal vacuum operating components. The filter cage is assembled to the drum lid or power head without tooling or screws while fixing the fan collector cover in place between the filter cage and drum lid. The power head housing is also attached to the bottom cover without screws or other fasteners.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner wherein the vacuum has a fan collector cover disposed between the filter cage and water tank of the vacuum cleaner and the drum lid of the vacuum housing the internal vacuum operating components. The filter cage is assembled to the drum lid or power head without tooling or screws while fixing the fan collector cover in place between the filter cage and drum lid. The power head housing is also attached to the bottom cover without screws or other fasteners.

Abstract: A motor mounting platform for use in an appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, is constructed of a first material and at least two brush holders, which are constructed of a second material, are engaged to the motor mounting platform. At least one motor support and at lest two pair of brush holder guides are mounted to the motor mounting platform. Each pair of brush holder guides receivably engages the brush holders and are adapted to permit the brush holders to be removed from the motor mounting platform.

Abstract: A device for attaching a hose to a housing. The device comprises first and second arms that are attached to the hose. The first arm extends outward from the hose toward the second arm and the second arm extends outward from the hose toward the first arm.

Abstract: A locking system for a vacuum cleaner having a top portion and a bottom portion where the bottom portion has an opening. The locking system includes a shoulder extending from an inside surface of the bottom portion, a boss protruding from an outside surface of the bottom portion, a first locking latch secured to the top portion, the first locking latch adapted to extend in to the bottom portion of the vacuum and abut a bottom section of the shoulder and a second locking latch secured to the top portion, the second locking latch adapted to engage the boss. A method for locking the top portion of the vacuum to the bottom portion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cooling system for providing cooling air for a motor having a shaft extending through an opening within the motor, the motor being contained within a vacuum cleaner housing having a top and a bottom, the cooling system including a cooling-air inlet located in a side of the vacuum cleaner housing, a motor housing integral with the vacuum cleaner housing, the motor housing having a top portion defining a hole passing therethrough, the hole having a first dimension and being in flow communication with the cooling-air inlet, a side wall surrounding the hole and extending from the top portion of the motor housing, thereby enabling the cooling air to flow from the motor housing through an interior of the side wall, a baffle circumscribing the motor, the baffle having a second dimension that is greater than the first dimension enabling cooling air to pass through the opening in the motor adjacent the shaft with at least a portion of the motor positioned within the side wall and a cooling-air exhaust outlet located

Abstract: A motor mounting platform for use in a small appliance such as a vacuum cleaner. The motor mounting platform includes a platform with a hole extending therethrough, at least one motor support mounted to the platform at least two pair of brush holder guides mounted directly on the platform and at least two brush holders constructed of electrically non-conductive material, removably engaged to the platform within the brush holder guides. A method for manufacturing a commutator brush assembly having a commutating brush within a commutator brush holder involving the steps of providing a commutator brush holder having an opening between a first end and a second end in which the opening receives a commutator brush and a top side having a first slot therealong in communication with the opening and positioning a lead wire for connecting to the commutator brush through the first slot is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for attaching a hose to a housing. The device comprises first and second arms that are attached to the hose. The first arm extends outward from the hose toward the second arm and the second arm extends outward from the hose toward the first arm.

Abstract: A cooling system for providing cooling air for a motor having a shaft extending through an opening within the motor, the motor being contained within a vacuum cleaner housing having a top and a bottom, the cooling system including a cooling-air inlet located in a side of the vacuum cleaner housing, a motor housing integral with the vacuum cleaner housing, the motor housing having a top portion defining a hole passing therethrough, the hole having a first dimension and being in flow communication with the cooling-air inlet, a side wall surrounding the hole and extending from the top portion of the motor housing, thereby enabling the cooling air to flow from the motor housing through an interior of the side wall, a baffle circumscribing the motor, the baffle having a second dimension that is greater than the first dimension enabling cooling air to pass through the opening in the motor adjacent the shaft with at least a portion of the motor positioned within the side wall and a cooling-air exhaust outlet located

Abstract: A locking system for a vacuum cleaner having a top portion and a bottom portion where the bottom portion has an opening. The locking system includes a shoulder extending from an inside sidewall of the bottom portion, a boss protruding from an outside surface of the bottom portion, a first locking latch secured to the top portion, the first locking latch adapted to extend in to the bottom portion of the vacuum and abut a bottom section of the shoulder and a second locking latch secured to the top portion, the second locking latch adapted to engage the boss. A method for locking the top portion of the vacuum to the bottom portion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple-function cleaning accessory for a vacuum cleaner including a nozzle and a cleaning element incorporating a squeegee and a brush. The cleaning element may be oriented and removably secured to the nozzle such that either a brush member or a squeegee member extends form an opening in the nozzle for contacting a working surface. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).