Abstract: A self-contained device capable of steam cleaning and removal of residue such as chewing gum and the like from surfaces is portable and well balanced so that one person can remove residue of chewing gum or the like in just a couple of seconds. The device includes an elongated housing having wheels on a lower end portion and a handle on an upper portion and the cleaning solution to be turned into steam is heated quickly by a gas burner after being preheated at several stages.

Abstract: A power box adapted for use with a vacuum cleaning unit adapted to be carried on the back of a user, comprises an external housing including a power outlet recessed therein, the recessed power outlet further comprising a male power attachment, wherein the power box further comprises structures for receiving a power nozzle adapted for use with the vacuum cleaning unit.

Abstract: A power box for a backpack vacuum cleaning unit comprises an external housing and a recessed power outlet and a recessed power nozzle hookup. The recessed power outlet and power nozzle hookup are recessed within the power box housing. The power box housing further comprises a shield portion on at least one side of said recessed power outlet and another shield portion on at least one side of said recessed power nozzle hookup, wherein the shield portion is at least semi-rigid and projects outward from the power box housing. The recessed power outlet further comprises a male 3-prong attachment within the recess, and the recessed power nozzle hookup further comprises twin female receptacles within the recess, for attaching an optional power nozzle.

Abstract: A self-contained device capable of steam cleaning and removal of residue such as chewing gum and the like from surfaces is portable and well balanced so that one person can remove residue of chewing gum or the like in just a couple of seconds. The device includes an elongated housing having wheels on a lower end portion and a handle on an upper portion and the cleaning solution to be turned into steam is heated quickly by a gas burner after being preheated at several stages.

Abstract: Connector for connecting a vacuum hose to a vacuum cleaner body includes a central tube removably connected to the body and an enclosure that at least partially encloses the central tube and the vacuum hose when positioned partly over the central tube. The connector retains the vacuum hose to allow for swiveling of the vacuum hose about the central tube and prevents rotation between the central tube and the enclosure.

Abstract: Connector for connecting a vacuum hose to a vacuum cleaner body includes a central tube removably connected to the body and an enclosure that at least partially encloses the central tube and the vacuum hose when positioned partly over the central tube. The connector retains the vacuum hose to allow for swiveling of the vacuum hose about the central tube and prevents rotation between the central tube and the enclosure.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner with a magnetic pick-up mechanism includes a housing having a front wall and a vacuum opening situated rearward of the front wall, one or more receptacles on the front wall, one or more magnets arranged in the receptacle(s) and a bumper attached to the housing and extending across the front wall and over the magnet(s). Each magnet attracts metallic objects during use of the vacuum cleaner so that the metallic objects do not enter into the vacuum opening and damage to the interior parts of the vacuum cleaner housing is prevented.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner wand adapter for coupling a vacuum cleaner handle to a wand implement of the vacuum cleaner including a housing defining an inner passage for receiving part of the handle and part of the wand implement, a first locking mechanism arranged on the housing for releasably locking the handle to the housing, and second locking mechanism arranged on the housing for releasably locking the housing to the wand implement. An electrical contact structure is also preferably provided to enable the wand adapter to be electrically connected to existing wand implements and handles.

Abstract: Dirt collection system for a vacuum cleaner includes a container defining an interior receivable of dirt and having an inlet opening situated below an upper edge thereof, a deflector member arranged in the container at least partially over the opening such that when air flows into the container through the opening, the air contacts and is deflected by the deflector member, and a filter arranged above the deflector member. The deflector member can include a first deflector plate extending over the opening and a second deflector plate spaced apart from the first deflector plate. The first deflector plate is arranged to deflect air entering the container through the opening in a direction toward the second deflector plate with the second deflector plate being arranged to deflect air in a direction toward the filter.