Dusting device for a central vacuum system

Abstract

A dusting device can be used with a vacuum cleaner having an inlet port and a vacuum source. The dusting device comprises a holder defining a chamber and a dust pick up tool adapted to be at least partially received by the holder. The dusting device further comprises a fitting adapted to engage an inlet port of a vacuum cleaner. The tool and/or the chamber may be cleaned by activating a vacuum source to cause air to flow through the chamber.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dusting device, and more particularly, to a dusting device for use with a central vacuum system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Central vacuum systems are known to provide a built-in cleaning appliance for convenient cleaning of surfaces of a living area while improving air quality at the same time. Central vacuum systems are known to include a vacuum source and a debris collection device that are located in the garage, basement, or otherwise outside the immediate living area. Typical central vacuum systems include one or more permanent vacuum inlet ports in communication with the remote vacuum source and mounted with respect to a wall of a living area. Each inlet port is adapted to provide electrical and fluid communication with a plug at a first end of a flexible vacuum hose. The second end of the flexible hose typically includes a handle adapted to interface with an accessory designed to draw dust and dirt from furniture, shelves and other types of objects. The handle is known to include an on-off switch operably connected to the vacuum source by way of the electrical connection between the inlet port of the central vacuum system and the plug of the flexible vacuum hose.

Central vacuum systems provide many advantages over other types of vacuum cleaners. For example, locating the vacuum source and debris collection device outside the immediate living area reduces noise pollution and also improves air quality in the living area since filtered air will be recycled at a remote location. Still further, central vacuum systems are typically less cumbersome than other conventional portable vacuum cleaners since there is no need to carry or otherwise move the vacuum source and debris collection device during the cleaning procedure.

While convenient for certain cleaning applications, the flexible hose and/or associated accessories of the central vacuum system can be regarded as too cumbersome or indelicate for cleaning of shelves including fragile or light-weight objects, tightly packed objects, or objects having fragile features. It is known to employ dusters, such as fiber-dusters, to facilitate delicate cleaning procedures. For example, fiber-dusters typically comprise many light and flexible fibers, such as feathers and/or thread shaped elements, that are bent away when touching the objects. Therefore, the fibers of conventional fiber-dusters can reach in between and more or less surround delicate objects being cleaned. The fiber-dusters including so-called micro fiber dusters can also receive a charge of static electricity to enhance efficiency of the cleaning procedure. Once charged with static electricity, dust particles and other light-weight debris can be attracted to the fibers during the dusting procedure.

However, subsequent cleaning of soiled fiber-dusters loaded with debris may be inconvenient as the operator may have to travel to a remote location to avoid contaminating previously cleaned surfaces. Moreover, even if the fiber-duster is cleaned at a remote location, the operator cleaning the soiled fiber-duster might experience inconvenient or possibly dangerous allergic reactions from allergens and/or other pollutants released during the fiber-duster cleaning procedure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect, a dusting system is provided with a central vacuum system comprising an inlet port adapted for mounting with respect to an interior surface of a room and a vacuum source in communication with the inlet port. The dusting system further includes a dusting device with a holder defining a chamber and a dust pick up tool adapted to be at least partially received by the holder. The dusting device also includes and a fitting adapted to engage the inlet port to facilitate fluid communication between the chamber and the vacuum source and a valve adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the chamber and the vacuum source. The tool and/or the chamber may be cleaned by opening the valve and activating the vacuum source to cause air to flow through the chamber.

In accordance with another aspect, a dusting device is provided that is adapted to be removably attached to an inlet port of a vacuum cleaner having a vacuum source. The dusting device comprises a holder defining a chamber and a dust pick up tool adapted to be at least partially received by the holder. The dusting device further comprises a control for operating a vacuum source of a vacuum cleaner and a fitting adapted to removably attach the dusting device to an inlet port of a vacuum cleaner.

In accordance with still another aspect, a dusting system comprises a central vacuum system with an inlet port adapted for mounting with respect to an interior surface of a room and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the inlet port. The inlet port further comprises an inlet electrical contact in electrical communication with the vacuum source. The dusting system further comprises a dusting device adapted to be removably attached to the inlet port of the central vacuum system. The dusting device includes a holder defining a chamber and a dust pick up tool adapted to be at least partially received by the holder. The dusting device also includes a fitting with a fitting electrical contact and a control in electrical communication with the fitting electrical contact. The fitting is adapted to engage the inlet port to facilitate fluid communication between the chamber and the vacuum source. Furthermore, the fitting electrical contact is adapted to engage the inlet electrical contact to provide electrical communication between the control and the vacuum source. The tool and/or the chamber may be cleaned by activating the vacuum source with the control to cause air to flow through the chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of portions of a dusting system including a dusting device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a left side perspective view of the dusting device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the dusting device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the dusting device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the dusting device of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary dusting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements, and in order to clearly and concisely illustrate the present invention, certain features may be shown in somewhat schematic form.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of portions of a dusting system 80 including a dusting device 10 adapted to engage an inlet port 102 of a vacuum cleaner. Particular embodiments of dusting devices can include features of the dusting devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,293, U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,402 and/or U.S. Design Pat. No. D487,536, the entire disclosures which are herein incorporated by reference.

While dusting devices disclosed herein may be used with a wide variety of vacuum cleaners, exemplary dusting devices can be used with a central vacuum cleaner. Features of an exemplary central vacuum cleaner 100 for use with exemplary dusting devices are shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, wherein certain aspects are shown in a schematic form. The exemplary central vacuum system 100 includes a vacuum source 106 in fluid communication with at least one inlet port 102. The vacuum source 106 can comprise a blower, blower/filter combination, or the like adapted to provide a suction force to pull an air stream entrained with debris from the inlet port 102 toward the vacuum source 106. The vacuum source 106 can also be provided with a debris collection device 107, such as a filter, canister, bag or the like, to separate debris from the air stream and/or collect debris from the air stream. For example, the vacuum source 106 may be provided with a filter cartridge to separate debris from the air stream. In addition or alternatively, the vacuum source 106 may be provided with a canister for cyclone and/or pressure drop separation of particulate from the air stream. Still further, the vacuum source 106 may be provided with a debris bag or other container for storing debris separated from the air stream. In particular embodiments, a vacuum source may be mounted with respect to a debris collection device to provide an overall vacuum unit.

The at least one inlet port 102 is adapted for mounting with respect to an interior surface 92 of a room 90. As shown, the inlet port 102 is mounted to a substantially vertical wall of a room. In addition, or alternatively, it is contemplated that the inlet port might be provided with other interior surfaces such as a ceiling or floor surface of a room. The interior surface might also comprise other accessible surfaces of the room, such as surfaces of furniture (e.g., built-in cabinets) or the like.

Exemplary inlet ports 102 may include an optional closure 103 to cover portions of the inlet port when not in use. The inlet port may also include structure adapted to interlock with a plug of a flexible hose to provide fluid communication between the flexible hose and the vacuum source. One or more conduits 108 can be provided to place the inlet ports 102 in fluid communication with the vacuum source 106. Still further, certain inlet ports 102 may include an inlet electrical contact 104 in electrical communication with the vacuum source 106 by way of electrical wires 110. The inlet electrical contact 104 can be placed in electrical communication with a control for operating the vacuum source 106 as discussed more fully below. Still further, the inlet ports 102 might further comprise an additional power source for providing power to an accessory associated with the inlet port.

Particular features of an exemplary dusting device 10 are illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. As shown in FIG. 1, the dusting device 10 can include a fitting 36, such as the illustrated tubular fitting, adapted to facilitate fluid communication between the dusting device 10 and the inlet port 102. The illustrated fitting 36 comprises an elbow fitting adapted to substantially vertically orient a holder 12 relative to a vertical wall surface. Thus, the elbow fitting is particularly useful to support a holder 12 with respect to an interior surface 92 comprising a vertical wall of a room 90. In alternative embodiments, the fitting might comprise other shapes to accommodate mounting with respect to other interior surfaces and for mounting at alternative orientations. Moreover, the illustrated fitting 36 comprises a substantially rigid tubular member structured to support the weight of the dusting device 10 and limit, such as fix, the orientation of the dusting device 10 with respect to the interior surface 92. Although not shown, the fitting might alternatively comprise a flexible fitting in instances where supporting of the weight of the dusting device and/or a fixing the orientation of the dusting device is not required.

In certain embodiments, the fitting 36 may be keyed to the holder 12 or otherwise nonrotatably attached with respect to the holder 12 to fix the orientation of the dusting device 10 with respect to the interior surface 92. Fixing the orientation of the dusting device 10 may facilitate insertion of a dust pick up tool 16. Alternatively, the fitting 36 might be attached with respect to the holder 12 such that the holder may rotate about a vertical axis. Rotatably attaching the fitting with respect to the holder may permit adjustment of the holder 12 relative to the interior surface 92 to accommodate nearby obstacles.

Features of a particular exemplary elbow fitting 36 are illustrated in FIG. 5. The fitting 36 can be provided with an elongated tube 37 extending through a sleeve 26 of the holder 12. The elongated tube 37, if provided, can comprise an integral component of the fitting 36 or can be a separate component for relative positioning with respect to the fitting 36. The elongated tube 37 includes an opening 39 to facilitate fluid communication between a chamber 18 of the holder 12 and a passageway 32 of the fitting 36. The elongated tube 37 might comprise an integrally closed end. Alternatively, as shown, one end of the elongated tube 37 may be provided with a plug 34 adapted to substantially seal the fitting passageway 32. Providing a separate plug may be desirable to reduce manufacturing costs of a tube provided to accommodate the sleeve 26 of an existing holder 12.

The holder 12 may include one or more features that define the chamber 18. In the illustrated example, the holder 12 includes a cup 14, such as a frustoconical cup, that defines the chamber 18. The cup 14, if provided, may be received within an interior area of a housing 13 and might comprise a transparent or translucent material to permit observation of the chamber 18 through the cup 14. In exemplary embodiments, the housing 13 can comprise a split clam-shell housing wherein the cup 14 is placed in between the halves of the housing 13 prior to attaching the housing halves to one another; Once attached, the cup 14 is trapped in the housing 13 and the housing can form a window 20 adapted to display a portion of the cup 14 for viewing the chamber 18 therein.

The chamber 18 can be placed in fluid communication with the fitting passageway 32 in a wide variety of ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the cup 14 of the holder 12 can include a wall portion 15 spaced from a wall portion 22 of the housing 13 to define an air passageway 24. A lower portion of the cup 14 also includes an air outlet 19 in fluid communication with the air passageway 24.

An upper portion of the housing 13 includes one or more air inlets 56 adapted to direct air into the chamber 18. In particular examples, a plurality of air inlets, such as the pair of diametrically opposed air inlets 56, are radially arranged adjacent an upper circumferential flange of the housing 13. Although not necessary, the air inlets 56 can direct an air stream against and/or along circumferential surfaces to encourage a cyclone air flow pattern as shown in FIG. 5. Providing a cyclone air flow pattern can facilitate relative movement between fibers fo a dusting portion 54 of the dust pick up tool 16 for cleaning and/or electrostatically charging the dust pick up tool 16.

The dusting device 10 can also include an optional valve 42 adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the chamber 18 and the vacuum source 106. The valve 42 can be pivoted outwardly to an open position, as shown in FIG. 5, wherein the opening 39 in the elongated tube 37 permits fluid communication between the chamber 18 and the vacuum source 106. The valve 42 can also be pivoted inwardly to a closed position wherein the valve 42 substantially closes the opening 39 in the elongated tube 37 to inhibit or substantially prevent fluid communication between the chamber 18 and the vacuum source 106.

The valve 42 might also be provided with a valve control 43. The valve control 43 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 5 and can comprise a variety of aspects adapted to control the position of the valve 42. In one embodiment, the valve control 43 comprises a biasing member, such as a torsion spring, adapted to bias the valve 42 to the closed position. Thus, the valve 42 might be biased to inhibit or substantially prevent fluid passage from the chamber 18 unless the valve is at least partially rotated to an open position. In another embodiment, the valve control 43 might comprise a timing mechanism adapted to maintain the valve 42 in an open position for a predetermined period of time after an interaction with the dusting device 10. For instance, once an operator pivots the lever 38 from the position shown in broken lines to the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 4, the timing mechanism can hold the valve 42 in the open position shown in FIG. 5 for the predetermined period of time after initial activation of the dusting device or after releasing the lever. During this time period, the dusting device 10 continues to provide hands-free cleaning and/or electrostatic charging of the duster portion 54. Once the predetermined period of time has lapsed, the timing mechanism can move the valve to the closed position and/or can release the valve to permit biasing of the valve to the closed position. While the timing mechanism can provide a wide range of predetermined time periods, exemplary timing mechanisms may operate with a time period from about 10 seconds to about 15 seconds. In particular examples, the predetermined time period may be adjustable to allow a user to customize the dusting device. Moreover, while the timing mechanism is shown as part of the dusting device 10, alternative embodiments may incorporate the timing device as a component of the central vacuum system 100. For example, the timing mechanism may comprise a control circuit adapted to continue operation of the vacuum source 106 for a predetermined period of time after the lever 38 is released.

The illustrated valve 42 comprises a rotating flap that is pivotally attached relative to the housing 12. The flap can comprise an end portion adapted to abut the interior surface of the tube 37. For example, the outer end portion of the flap can comprise an elliptical shape to allow the flap to be angularly oriented in the elongated tube 37 while the outer end portion abuts the cylindrical interior surface of the elongated circular tube 37. Although not shown, other valve arrangements may be employed that are adapted to inhibit or prevent fluid communication between the chamber 18 and the vacuum source 106. For example, the valve might comprise a ball valve, a sliding valve, or the like. The valve 42 can be operated by a variety of mechanisms depending on the particular valve employed. For example, the illustrated valve 42 might be operably connected to a lever 38. An operator may open the valve 42 by engaging the lever and pivoting the lever against the force of a biasing member and/or timing mechanism, if provided. The lever 38 can be pivoted along an arcuate path 40 to the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 4. An operator may then close the valve 42 by simply releasing the lever. Upon release of the lever, the valve control 43 can facilitate subsequent closing of the valve 42 wherein the lever 38 follows the rotation of the valve 42 along the path 40 to the position shown in broken lines in FIG. 4.

In particular embodiments, the fitting 36 can be adapted to provide electrical communication between the vacuum source and the dusting device. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fitting 36 might include one or more fitting electrical contacts 48 on a male end of the fitting 36 for contact with one or more corresponding inlet electrical contacts 104 associated with a female socket of the inlet port 102 shown in FIG. 6. The embodiment illustrated in. FIG. 2 depicts one of a pair of diametrically opposed contacts 48. Each fitting electrical contact 48 is adapted to engage with a corresponding one of a pair of inlet electrical contacts 104 to provide electrical communication between the dusting device 10 and the vacuum source 106 by engaging the fitting 36 with the inlet port 102.

The dusting device 10 can also include a control, wherein the fitting 36 is adapted to provide electrical communication between the control and the vacuum source 106 by engaging the inlet port 102. The control, if provided, is adapted to operate a vacuum source of a vacuum cleaner. For example, the control can be designed to control the level of suction produced by the vacuum source 106. The control can also comprise a switch 45 adapted to selectively activate the vacuum source 106. For example, the switch might comprise an on-off switch for activating and deactivating the vacuum source. Various types of switches may be employed in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. For instance, the switch might comprise a microswitch, a position-sensitive switch or the like. As shown schematically in FIG. 5, the switch 45 may comprise a conductive member 44 adapted to close a circuit between wiring members 46. In addition, or alternatively, the control might comprise a lever 38 adapted to operate a vacuum source of a vacuum cleaner.

In one particular embodiment, the lever 38, may be adapted to operate the vacuum source and the valve 42. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the lever 38 may be rotated counterclockwise to the position shown in solid lines wherein the valve 42 is forced to an open position while simultaneously causing the conductive member 44 to close the circuit by bridging the wiring members 46. Therefore, upon sufficient rotation of the lever, the chamber 18 will be placed in fluid communication with the vacuum source 106 and the vacuum source 106 will be energized to cause air to flow through the chamber 18.

While the control is illustrated to include a lever, it is also contemplated that the control might comprise other elements, such as a sliding switch, rotatable switch, motion sensor or the like wherein the control is adapted to cause or facilitate selective activation of the vacuum source.

The dusting device 10 further includes a dust pick up tool 16 adapted to be at least partially received by the holder 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the dust pick up tool 16 may be inserted in the direction of the arrow 52 such that the duster portion 54 is at least partially received in the chamber 18. The dust pick up tool 16 can be inserted until a duster closure 55 rests against and/or connects to an upper rim 50 of the holder 12. The illustrated duster closure 55 can provide a substantial suction seal against the upper rim 50 while also acting as a vertical stop to limit the extent to which the duster portion 54 may be inserted within the chamber 18. Once inserted, a handle 11 of the dust pick up tool 16 may extend upwards for easy grasping by one desiring to deploy the dust pick up tool 16.

An exemplary method of using an exemplary dusting device with an exemplary central vacuum system will now be described. The dusting device 10 may be provided adjacent a desired inlet port 102. Next, the male end of the fitting 36 is inserted into the female inlet port 102 of the central vacuum system 100 until the fitting 36 is attached to the inlet port 102. Once attached, the fitting electrical contacts 48 are in electrical communication with the corresponding inlet electrical contacts 104 to provide electrical communication between the control of the dusting device and the vacuum source 106 of the central vacuum system 100. In addition, once attached, the inlet port 102 may facilitate fluid communication between the chamber 18 and the vacuum source 106. Once connected, the valve 42 can be biased to the closed position to substantially prevent air flow through the corresponding inlet port until activation of the lever 38. Accordingly, other inlet ports of the central vacuum system may be used without drawing air through the inlet port associated with the dusting device 10.

To operate the dusting system 80, the lever 38 can be pivoted to the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 4 to orient the valve 42 in the open position and to simultaneously activate the switch 45 to turn on the vacuum source 106. The vacuum source 106 draws an air stream through the inlets 56 into a cyclone air flow pattern in the chamber 18 of the holder 12. The fibers of the duster portion 54 are agitated by the cyclone air flow pattern which causes debris to be released from the fibers of the duster portion 54 and can also cause electrostatic charging of the fibers as the fibers are forced to rub against the interior surface of the cup 14. The air stream, and dust entrained therein, then travels through the air outlet 19, through the air passageway 24, through the opening 39 and the elongated tube 37, and through the fitting passageway 32. The air stream then passes through the inlet port and the conduit 108 toward the vacuum source 106. Dust and other pollutants are then separated from the air stream and collected in a debris collection device 107.

Once the dust pick up tool is sufficiently cleaned and/or sufficiently charged with static electricity, the operator can then release the lever 38. Either immediately or after a predetermined period of time, the valve control 43 then causes the lever to pivot back to the position illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 4 wherein the valve 42 is placed in a closed position and the switch is placed in an off position to deactivate the vacuum source 106. The dust pick up tool 16 can then be disengaged from the holder 12 by pulling the handle 11 upwardly. Once deployed, the dust pick up tool 16 can be used to collect dust from cleaning surfaces as desired.

Exemplary dusting devices herein can be used with various vacuum cleaners other than a central vacuum system type vacuum cleaner. For example, dusting devices incorporating concepts of the present invention can also be used with a canister vacuum cleaner, an upright vacuum cleaner or the like. Exemplary dusting devices disclosed can also engage an inlet port of an elongated vacuum cleaner tube shaft as illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,402 which was previously incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In the illustrated embodiment, the dust pick up tool 16 comprises a fiber-duster including many light and flexible fibers, such as feathers and/or thread shaped elements (e.g., polyester fibers). It is contemplated that other types of dust pick up tools may be employed. For example, the dust pick up tools might comprise a plurality of flexible members, such as strips attached to a handle. In further embodiments, the dust pick up tools might comprise a soft material such as foam, cloth, cotton, wool (e.g., lambswool), or one or a plurality of other dusting members adapted to be received in the chamber. Moreover, while the illustrated dust pick up tool includes a duster closure 55, it is contemplated that a closure may be omitted to permit air flow through the top of the holder. Accordingly, air may enter into the interior chamber in a wide variety of ways and might not form a cyclonic air flow pattern.

From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dusting system comprising:

a central vacuum system comprising an inlet port adapted for mounting with respect to an interior surface of a room and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the inlet port; and

a dusting device including a holder defining a chamber, a dust pick up tool adapted to be at least partially received by the holder, a fitting adapted to engage the inlet port to facilitate fluid communication between the chamber and the vacuum source, and a valve adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the chamber and the vacuum source, wherein the tool and/or the chamber may be cleaned by opening the valve and activating the vacuum source to cause air to flow through the chamber.

2. The dusting system of claim 1, wherein the fitting is adapted to provide electrical communication between the dusting device and the vacuum source by engaging the inlet port.

3. The dusting system of claim 2, wherein the inlet port of the central vacuum system includes an inlet electrical contact, the fitting of the dusting device includes a fitting electrical contact, and the inlet electrical contact is adapted to engage the fitting electrical contact to provide electrical communication between the dusting device and the vacuum source.

4. The dusting system of claim 1, wherein the dusting device includes a control, and wherein the fitting is adapted to provide electrical communication between the control and the vacuum source by engaging the inlet port.

5. The dusting system of claim 4, wherein the control includes a switch for selectively activating the vacuum source.

6. The dusting system of claim 4, wherein the control includes a lever.

7. The dusting system of claim 6, wherein the lever is operably connected to the valve.

8. The dusting system of claim 1, wherein the fitting comprises an elbow fitting.

9. The dusting system of claim 1, wherein the dusting device includes a lever, and wherein the dusting device is adapted to selectively activate the vacuum source by operating the lever.

10. The dusting system of claim 9, wherein the lever is operably connected to the valve.

11. The dusting system of claim 1, further comprising a timing mechanism adapted to maintain activation of the vacuum source and fluid communication between the chamber and the vacuum source for a predetermined period of time after an interaction with the dusting device.

12. A dusting device adapted to be removably attached to an inlet port of a vacuum cleaner having a vacuum source, the dusting device comprising:

a holder defining a chamber;

a dust pick up tool adapted to be at least partially received by the holder;

a control for operating a vacuum source of a vacuum cleaner; and

a fitting adapted to removably attach the dusting device to an inlet port of a vacuum cleaner.

13. The dusting device of claim 12, wherein the control comprises a switch for selectively activating a vacuum source.

14. The dusting device of claim 12, wherein the control includes a lever.

15. The dusting device of claim 14, further comprising a valve adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the chamber and a vacuum source, wherein the lever is operably connected to the valve.

16. The dusting device of claim 12, further comprising a valve adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the chamber and a vacuum source.

17. The dusting device fo claim 12, wherein the fitting comprises an elbow fitting.

18. The dusting device of claim 12, further comprising a timing mechanism adapted to maintain activation of a vacuum source for a predetermined period of time after an interaction with the dusting device.

19. A dusting system comprising the dusting device of claim 12, the dusting system further comprising:

a vacuum cleaner comprising an inlet port and a vacuum source, wherein the fitting of the dusting device is engaged with the inlet port of the vacuum cleaner such that the chamber may be placed in fluid communication with the vacuum source and the control is in electrical communication with the vacuum source, and wherein the tool and/or the chamber may be cleaned by activating the vacuum source with the control to cause air to flow through the chamber.

20. The dusting system of claim 19, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a central vacuum system.

21. A dusting system comprising:

a central vacuum system comprising an inlet port adapted to be mounted with respect to an interior surface of a room and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the inlet port, the inlet port further comprising an inlet electrical contact in electrical communication with the vacuum source; and

a dusting device adapted to be removably attached to the inlet port of the central vacuum system, the dusting device including a holder defining a chamber, a dust pick up tool adapted to be at least partially received by the holder, a fitting including a fitting electrical contact, and a control in electrical communication with the fitting electrical contact, wherein the fitting is adapted to engage the inlet port to facilitate fluid communication between the chamber and the vacuum source and the fitting electrical contact is adapted to engage the inlet electrical contact to provide electrical communication between the control and the vacuum source, wherein the tool and/or the chamber may be cleaned by activating the vacuum source with the control to cause air to flow through the chamber.

22. The dusting system of claim 21, wherein the dusting device includes a valve adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the chamber and the vacuum source.

23. The dusting system of claim 21, further comprising a timing mechanism adapted to maintain activation of the vacuum source and fluid communication between the chamber and the vacuum source for a predetermined period of time after an interaction with the dusting device.