Abstract: A system for repelling sharks and protecting humans comprises a new wetsuit composition 100 made of a first layer 110 of neoprene, a weave 120 made of a plurality of layers comprising ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, the weave useful for stopping shark teeth. A layer of denatonium benzoate 130 may be placed between the weave 120 and a second layer 140 of neoprene and the second layer 140 of neoprene may have an outer surface 144 coated with pigment or material having a bright color, such as yellow, orange or pink. The new wetsuit composition is sometimes used with a new shark repellant 200 comprising three parts red wine vinegar to one part of a specially processed habanero pepper mixture. The new shark repellant may be stored and propelled by use of a variety of implements, including a disclosed squirt device 400.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of nanoparticles of a compound of general formula MnXy, where M is (i) a metal selected from the group consisting of Calcium (Ca), Aluminium (Al), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni), Tungsten (W) or Copper (Cu); or (ii) a non-metal selected from the group consisting of Silicon (Si), Boron (B) or Carbon (C); in which n is equal to 1, 2, or 3, and X is (iii) a non-metal selected from the group consisting of Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), or Carbon (C); or (iv) an anion selected from the group consisting of phosphate (PO43?), hydrogen phosphate (HPO42?), dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4?), carbonate (CO3), silicate (SiO42?), sulphate (SO42?), nitrate (NO3?), nitrite (NO2?); in which y is equal to 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; for use in reducing and/or preventing virus transmission. Articles of protective clothing or filters are provided in which the fibres are coated with said nanoparticles for use in reducing and/or preventing virus transmission.

Abstract: The present device is a wrist and forearm protector intended to reduce or eliminate contact between a user's skin and potentially hazardous liquids such as blood. This protector can be worn over a latex glove, thus preventing the glove from slipping down. In an embodiment, the wrist and forearm protector can comprise a tear-away strip allowing the protector to be removed without pulling it over the user's skin and risking contamination from the exterior of the protector. Other embodiments can comprise textured surfaces for increasing friction between the exterior of the protector and skin or absorbent pads, which can be used to wipe up excess liquids.

Abstract: A digit tip protection device comprises a concave puncture-resistant member adapted to protect a pulp of a user's digit. The puncture resistant material is thin and flexible to avoid interfering with the tactile sensation of the digit. The concave member has an adhesive layer adapted to adhere to the digit. The concave member has a first end extending over the pulp of the digit below the nail, a second end extending over the pulp of the digit below a first joint of the digit, and a lateral and medial edges extending along the digit. The digit tip protection device is adapted to be worn on a digit, such that the digit tip protection device substantially covers the pulp of the digit, and extends along the palmar surface of the digit below the distal interphalangeal joint. The adhesive layer may be covered with a protective layer of material.

Abstract: A protective hand-wiping garment for a user that has first and second leg portions adapted to fit over an upper frontal area of the user's legs. Each of the leg portions having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end of the leg portions, respectively, having lengths that are designed to be just above the knee of the average size user. The garment also has a belt portion connected to the upper end of the first and second leg portions for securing the garment around the user's waist. One or more fastening straps are positioned on the garment for fastening the first leg portion around one leg of the user and one or more fastening straps for fastening the second leg portion around a second leg of the user. It is preferred that there are at least one strap per leg for fastening each of the leg portions around the thigh just above the knees. A hand-wiping portion is positioned on one or both of the first and/or second leg portions so that it will cover the thigh area on the frontal area of the user.

Abstract: A disposable medical gown (100) includes a body covering portion (101) and optionally one or more sleeves (107,108). The body covering portion (101) defines a head insertion aperture (104) between a frontal body covering portion (103) configured to cover a frontal body portion of a wearer and a rear portion (203) configured to cover at least parts of shoulder blades of the wearer. A torso opening (201) is disposed on a side of the rear portion (203) opposite the head insertion aperture (104), and extends distally from the rear portion (203). One or more perforations (202) extend across the rear portion (203) at least partially between the torso opening (202) and the head insertion aperture (104), and facilitate easy removal of the gown (100). A user removes the gown (100) by pulling the front portion (103), thereby tearing the perforations.

Abstract: A medical clothing item, includes a body covering section having first and second side edges delimiting an opening of the body covering section and at least one closure for closing the opening, wherein the closure includes a first closure element arranged on the first side edge, and a second closure element, arranged on the second side edge and/or in a region bordering the second side edge, wherein the first closure element has a fastening section for permanent fastening on the body covering section, a release section non-detachably connected with the body covering section, and a coupling section connected with the fastening section, wherein the coupling section is coverable when not interacting with the second closure element, wherein the coupling section has first mechanical coupling means for coupling to the second closure element, wherein the second closure element has second mechanical coupling means formed by a surface of the medical clothing item.

Abstract: An improved tablet computer glove which allows those with arthritis in their hands to use tablet computers without the discomfort their affliction causes them. Such a computer glove utilizes a unique type Velcro or fastening-tape and glove combination never before associated with a tablet computer. Furthermore, this device allows users to read from a tablet computer at night while ensuring the tablet will not be damaged by falling on the floor when then user falls asleep.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glove that can reduce a humid feeling during usage while realizing a grip force, usability, workability, and breathability. The glove of the present invention includes a hand-shaped base layer (2a, 2b) made of fibers having a stretching property, a coating (3a, 3b) formed on the surface of the base layer (2a, 2b), at least on the surface of a palm of the base layer, and a plurality of breathing pores (4a, 4b) formed in the coating (3a, 3b), wherein the opening areas of the breathing pores (4b) when the glove is worn are larger than the opening areas of the breathing pores (4a) when the glove is not worn.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein provide athletic shorts having an integral pocket operable to stabilize motion of cargo contained therein. In accordance with the embodiments presented herein, a pocket defined by a pocket assembly is substantially stabilized from anterior/posterior movement when the athletic shorts are worn during exercise by the extended sewing edge provided by the pocket assembly superior edge that extends significantly beyond the pattern defining the pocket in combination with the panel of material defined between the pocket and the pocket assembly anterior edge and the pocket assembly posterior edge that extend from the pocket assembly superior edge at downward angles towards an apex.

Abstract: A decorative strap system includes a strap with individual compartments defined therein. Each compartment is accessible via its own opening. A magnetic material piece is selectively placed in one or more of the compartments via the openings associated therewith. At least one ornament is provided where each such ornament incorporates an element for magnetic cooperation with one of the magnetic material pieces so-selectively placed.

Abstract: Suspenders for supporting an article of clothing include straps being releasably attachable one to another along at least a portion of a contiguous side edge whereby the suspenders may be reversibly altered between a first configuration and a second configuration. A connector may be provided disposed intermediately to the first paired strap portion and the second paired strap portion.

Abstract: Provided is protective athletic headwear that includes a body, band and protective inserts. The body has a first opening and a second smaller opening. The pocket band extends about the first opening to the interior of the body and partially toward the second opening. The band is free floating with respect to the body and configured to fit the head of the person. Further, the band includes pockets disposed about a base stitching that secure the band to the body. The protective inserts are configured to be received into pockets to provide a protective function to the head of the person. The protective inserts are disposed adjacently to one another about the band and extend from the base stitching of the band partially toward the second opening such that the body encloses the protective inserts in the band.

Abstract: Anti-fog, interchangeable-lens goggle adapted for use with a battery comprising: a body with a flexible posterior portion for engaging a user's face and an anterior portion; a lens having a resistive anti-fog element thereon, the lens adapted for engaging the anterior portion of the body; an engagement mechanism for releasably interconnecting the lens and the body; an interconnection mechanism depending from the body adapted for detachably interconnecting the heating element of the lens and the battery, the interconnection means operable or integral with the engagement mechanism such that interconnecting the heating element of the lens with the battery also reinforces interconnecting of the lens with the semi-rigid anterior portion of the body; and a strap adapted for holding the goggle on one of a user's head and helmet.

Abstract: A protective apparel support (100) system is disclosed comprising a support frame configured to rest on the shoulders of a wearer, the support having a first shoulder member (104a), a second shoulder member (104b) and a shield (202) engagement portion. A shield (202) is selectively coupleable to the support and protective apparel (302) is coupled to the shield.

Abstract: Protective equipment for protection of a user's lower abdominals includes a protective cup with upper and lower parts, a waist strap arranged to engage with and retain the protective cup on the user's body in a position where the protective cup hangs down with its lower part downwards and covers the user's genital body parts, a leg strap device, arranged to engage with and retain the protective cup in a position close to the user's body, the leg strap device including two leg strap parts, arranged to run around each leg of the user. The leg strap device engages with and runs from at least one lower engagement means in the protective cup's lower part, and backwards between the user's legs. The leg strap parts run up to and engage with the protective cup at at least one upper engagement means in the protective cup's upper part.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a toilet and bidet disposed within a tubular frame with a lower box shaped section. A U-shaped upper rear frame includes a pair of upperwardly extending steel tubes and an upper cross member and a pair of forwardly extending frame members extend forwardly from the upperwardly extending tubes and a pair of downwardly extending tubular members extend downwardly from forward end portions are welded to form a solid structure. Further, a horizontal support member defines a circular opening. A toilet including a toilet bowl and bidet are disposed in the box shaped section while a waste storage tank is disposed below the toilet bowl and a water reservoir surrounds the toilet bowl. Finally, a pair of relatively large parallel wheels and a pair of relatively small wheels are fixed to the box shaped section of the frame.

Abstract: A heater includes: a power source for supplying power; a heating section for receiving power from the power source and converting the received power into heat energy; an electrical leakage breaker circuit for cutting off a power transfer from the power source to the heating section; and a control section for receiving leaked current information from the electrical leakage breaker circuit and operating the electrical leakage breaker circuit when the leaked current amount exceeds a preset amount or electrical leakage breaker state information is stored, wherein when the power transfer is cut off, the control section stores the electrical leakage breaker state information.

Abstract: There are provided a valve control system, a bidet using the same, and a valve control method. The valve control system includes a latch valve controlling a stream of water in a pipe; a flow rate sensor measuring a flow rate in the pipe; and a valve control device controlling the operation of the latch valve. The valve control device determines whether or not the latch valve is malfunctioning upon analyzing a flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor. When the latch valve is malfunctioning, the valve control device controls the latch valve to re-operate.

Abstract: A cushion case 4 comprising a first compartment 8 having a pocket 14, a second compartment 10, a third compartment 12 and a hinge regions 20, 22 operatively connecting the respective first and second compartments 8, 10 and the second and third compartments 10, 12, wherein the cushion case 4 is movable from a first configuration in which the first, second and third compartments 8, 10, 12 are substantially unfolded about the hinge regions 20, 22 and a second configuration in which the second and third compartments 10, 12 are at least partially inserted into the pocket 14 such that the first, second and third compartments 8, 10, 12 are held in overlapping engagement by the pocket 14.

Abstract: An integrated bedding cover system includes a article of clothing and a bed cover. The integrated bedding cover system further includes a fastening means to attach the article of clothing with the bed cover. In one embodiment, the article of clothing includes a plurality of male snaps and a plurality of female snaps, and the bed cover includes a plurality of male snaps and a plurality of female snaps. The male snaps of the article of clothing are configured to engage with the female snaps of the bed cover, and the female snaps of the article of clothing are configured to engage with the male snaps of the bed cover to attach the article of clothing with the comforter. The integrated bedding cover system provides a theme that matches with a particular theme coordinated with a child's bedroom furniture, window treatments, and color schemes.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus—which may be a bed or the like—and one or more mobile electronic tags that are positionable in the room and which communicate wirelessly with the patient support apparatus. The electronic tags are attached to one or more of a patient, a medical device, or a caregiver. After detecting the tag(s), the patient support apparatus implements one or more patient care protocols, and provides alerts if the protocols are violated. The implementation may be automatic or require caregiver confirmation. The protocols can be for fall prevention, bed sore prevention, pneumonia prevention, caregiver hand washing, dialysis, and/or other purposes. The patient support apparatus determines the protocol(s) based on one or more of the following: the type of medical device, the specific patient, the presence or absence of the caregiver, and/or information transmitted to, or input into, the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate generally to a therapeutic pillow, and more particularly the disclosed embodiments relate to a pillow designed to support the head and neck of a sleeper and provide facial protection against definition lines and wrinkles in any position during sleep. The neck and head support also is designed to aid in better respirations and breathing while sleeping on the pillow, and allow positioning and support of aroma therapy or any other type of therapy on the pillow while sleeping. The hand rest portion allows better positioning of the shoulder region and neck region for sleep and also provide support to the arm region to promote healing if the arm is injured.

Abstract: A lap seat that allows for the comfortable and safe securement of an infant on its cover overlay in resting its inserted base support either forwardly along the upper thigh areas of a caregiver facing the infant, or across the upper thigh areas of the caregiver in facing the infant sideways, as a means of enhancing bonding with the infant while reducing the possibilities of colic and reflux development.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include mattress assemblies and related components and methods employing magnetically-secured elongated edge-support members. The elongated edge-support members may be employed as side rails and end rails along the length and width of a mattress respectively to provide support along an edge of the mattress as a non-limiting example. Each elongated edge-support member may include elongated edge-support member sections aligned and secured by one or more magnets and magnetic attractive members ready to be assembled into the mattress. The elongated edge-support members may be converted to a second configuration easier to store and transport prior to inclusion in a mattress by removing the elongated edge-support member sections from alignment by pulling apart the one or more magnets and magnetic attractive members and pivoting the elongated edge-support member sections with respect to each other at the connection.

Abstract: A method and a laundry treating appliance for detecting the type and size of a load prior to a cycle of operation.

Abstract: A method for driving laundry to roll in an upright tub with a pulsator and uses of the same are disclosed. The method makes laundry alternately but not simultaneously form at least two rolling faces in the upright tub. The rolling faces have a certain angle therebetween, laundry is performed more than one rolling on one of the rolling faces and then switched to another rolling face to be performed more than one rolling on the other rolling face. There is at least one pulsator to provide a side auxiliary force during rolling processes. The number of the pulsators driving laundry is preferably 3˜5, the number of rib on the pulsator is preferably 3˜8. The method can significantly improve cleaning performance and provide the advantage of multi-direction rolling.

Abstract: The invention relates to spray-dried, washfast dye compositions, preferably in the form of pigment powders, having a bleeding rate of ?0.5% and consisting of water-soluble functional dyes, preferably food dyes, which are firmly incorporated in a silica matrix. Apart from low bleeding of dye, these compositions are remarkable for their high stability to pH changes and/or ascorbic acid. The invention is also directed to the production of the dye compositions and the use thereof. The dye compositions are preferably employed in coloring foods, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, but also in other uses.

Abstract: A sole component having a base, a toe cover and an integral line of articulation permitting the toe cover to be molded in an “open” position and moved into a “closed” position during assembly on the article of footwear. The line of articulation may include a line of reduced thickness extending laterally across the sole. The line of articulation may also include breaks defined in the sidewall of the sole in alignment with the line of reduced thickness. The present invention also provides a method of forming a sole component generally including the steps of providing a mold having bottom and top mold parts shaped to cooperatively define a mold cavity in the shape of a sole component having a toe cover joined to a base along a line of articulation, closing the mold parts, injecting a sole forming material into the cavity, removing the sole component and moving the toe cover about the line of articulation into a closed configuration for use.

Abstract: A ramp may include a frame having first and second end portions and at least one rung extending substantially between the frame and being positioned between the first and second end portions, the at least one rung forming at least a portion of a ramp surface. The ramp may further include a plate extending substantially between the frame and being positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second end portions, and a lip pivotally attached to the plate at a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is non-load bearing.

Abstract: Provided is a wood splitter having a support element, a first elongated element, a second elongated element, and wood splitting components. A support element may be a first elongated element and a second elongated element engaged to the first elongated element. The first elongated element may be subject to a first pre-stress load. The first pre-stress load may be a first moment. The second elongated element may be engaged to the first elongated element and may be subject to a second pre-stress load. Wood splitting components may be engaged with at least one of a first elongated element or a second elongated element, may be adapted to operate to split wood, and may be adapted to apply an operational load during operation to the first elongated element. The operational load may at least partially relax the first moment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a robot for cleaning swimming pools, comprising driving means which can transmit movement to movement means, where the movement means comprise two wheels (2) arranged in line on each side (3, 4) of the robot, the robot having two sides (3, 4), the driving means consisting of a drive unit (5) which is operatively connected to two wheels (2) located on a first side (3) of the robot, comprising at least one drive shaft (6) which allows transmitting the movement originating from the drive unit (5) from said first side (3) to the wheels (2) located on a second side (4).

Abstract: An oral health care implement and system are provided for use during oral health care activities. The oral health care implement has an oximetry sensor, most often in the embodiment of a transmissive or reflective pulse oximeter. The oximetry sensor provides blood oxygen saturation and heart rate measurements. The oral health care system has an oral health care implement, a first data transfer medium, and any combination of: a second data transfer medium, a network storage device, and a third data transfer medium. The system provides means for collecting a user's vital signs and transmitting data into a readable, usable form for the user via an oral health care implement.

Abstract: An electro-polymer motor comprising a fixed member and a first actuator having a first end fixedly connected to the fixed member and a second end is presented. The first actuator comprises a polymer positioned between two electrodes. The electrodes are in communication with a power supply. The motor also comprises a driven member comprising a first leg and a second leg such that the first leg and the second leg are separated by an axis. The driven member is fixedly connected to the second end of the first actuator. The motor also comprises a compressible member having a first end fixedly connected to the fixed member and a second end fixedly connected to the second leg of the driven member. The compressible member is spaced apart from the first actuator. The first actuator elongates after the power supply applies a voltage across the electrodes to move the driven member.

Abstract: A vibrating toothbrush is provided with vibration-isolating zones that substantially isolate vibrations in the head and reduce vibrations transmitted to the handle without sacrificing structural integrity around the vibration-isolation zones. Such zones may generally comprise neck material that is reduced in cross-section, thinned, replaced by dampening material, or removed altogether to create transmission-inhibiting voids. The vibration-isolating zones may be further supported by the housing of the vibratory element to maintain the structural integrity around the zones and to thereby alleviating weakness conditions that might subject the toothbrush to fatigue and breakage conditions.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush having a central longitudinal axis is disclosed. The electric toothbrush has a brush head having a bristle roll drive shaft with a plurality of tufts of bristles radially and outwardly disposed thereon, thereby forming a bristle roll and a neck extending between the handle and the brush head. The bristle roll drive shaft and the central drive shaft are operatively connected by a belt and pulley system comprising two pulleys and a belt, and the belt and pulley system is arranged such that the bristle roll drive shaft is offset from and parallel to the central drive shaft of the neck in an eccentric-in-line position. The central drive shaft causes a one-way forward rotating motion of the bristle roll through the belt and pulley system. This rotating motion and direction imitates the brushing technique recommended by dentists to the conventional manual toothbrush users.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning device 10 comprises a rotatable disc 12, a housing 14 on which the disc 12 is rotatably mountable, the housing 14 having a circumference the same, or substantially the same, as the cleaning disc 12, and a motor 16 mounted sideways within the housing 14 to maintain an extreme low profile, the motor 16 remaining within, or substantially within, both a circumference of the housing 14 and of the cleaning disc 12. Preferably the housing 14 encapsulates the motor 16 to form a mounded pinchgrip 38. Preferably a pressure activated unit 62 is provided so that pinching of the pinchgrip 38 activates the device 10, offering an interactive interface for a user. An illuminatory power band 80 may provide variable feedback responses to a user through use of light output, and may also be activated by pressurizing of a pressure activated unit 62. In another embodiment, a motor 16 may be mounted at any angle where there is provided an illuminatory power band 80 for variable feedback response.

Abstract: An easy, efficient, and self-feeding steam mop is provided. With its special design, it is economical and practical to be competitive. There are three sections inside this mop—water feeding, heating, and steaming. The check valve installed on the water feeding tube can be used not only to shut off the water flowing into the boiler when not in use so that the wooden floor or the fabric carpet will not be harmed, but also its unique baffle plate can be used to minimize the backpressure from the boiler and keeps the steam serving flow rate sufficient and continuous with no additional supplement, such as a water or an air pump. And the closed type mop head encompasses the steam not to escape. The bulged, flexible ribs keeps the fabric pad touched on the floor thoroughly, so that the temperature is high and stable and the cleaning effect is good.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning implement having a cavity dimensioned to allow selective removal and reinsertion of an insertable pad, such as melamine. The cavity is constructed and arranged to frictionally engage the insertable pad. The cleaning implement may include a two part holding member incorporating both a fluid retention and non-fluid retention element allowing for versatility in cleaning.

Abstract: A cloth accessory and methods for the use thereof are disclosed and described. In one aspect, the cloth accessory may include a cover member forming an enclosure with a cavity therein, and a cloth attached to the cover member. The cloth may have a first configuration wherein the cloth is retracted substantially into the cover member, and a second configuration wherein the cloth is extended substantially out of the cover member without becoming detached therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper blade for a windscreen wiper, comprising a wiper strip on which at least one support rail (312, 314) is disposed, wherein said support rail has a spring element (412, 415) provided with a plastic sheath (313, 315), and further comprising a base connection device (160), which includes plastic and is welded to plastic sheath (313, 315), wherein a flat weld seam (419, 421) is formed between the base connection device (160) and the at least one support rail (312, 314).

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for collecting swept waste material are described herein. The apparatus includes a dustpan having a base and a wall, a handle, and a plurality of protrusions. The base is configured to be placed in contact with a surface to be cleaned and includes a front lip over which debris can be swept. The wall extends upwardly from at least a portion of the base other than the front lip and is configured to contain debris in the dustpan. The handle is coupled to a top edge of the wall opposite the front lip and extends away from the wall and downwardly from the top edge so that an end of the handle is disposed approximately even with the base. The plurality of protrusions extend inwardly from the wall and are configured to remove debris from bristles of a broom when the broom is swept across the plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: A surface cleaning device having a steering assembly is provided. The surface cleaning device includes a foot, a handle assembly with a user manipulated handle, and a steering assembly coupling the handle assembly to the foot. The steering assembly defines an open path between the handle assembly and the foot and includes a means for biasing the foot with respect to the handle assembly. Movement of the handle assembly stores energy within the biasing means so that the biasing means exerts a corresponding force on the foot.

Abstract: A mobile floor cleaning machine has a clean water system with a reservoir for applying water to a floor during cleaning. The floor cleaning machine includes an ozone source which generates ozone in liquid form and introduces the liquid ozone directly into the circulating water for eliminating pathogens in the circulating water. The ozone is generated continuously and essentially instantaneously by the ozone source and destroys most bacteria, virus, fungus and mold in the circulating water at room temperature, while decaying harmlessly to oxygen within the water and producing fewer by-products than chemical sanitizers and having essentially no environmental impact.

Abstract: A cyclonic separation apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, the cyclonic separation apparatus comprising: a first cyclonic separating unit comprising a hollow cylindrical dirt container with a central axis and an air inlet port arranged tangentially to the dirt container; and a second cyclonic separating unit comprising a plurality of cyclones arranged in a circular array about the central axis, wherein each cyclone has an air inlet port and an air outlet port, wherein the second cyclonic separating unit receives air flow downstream from the first cyclonic separating unit and wherein the second cyclonic separating unit has a higher separation efficiency than the first cyclonic separating unit, wherein the second separating unit is located within the dirt container. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a main body, a motor coupled to a fan and the cyclonic separation apparatus.

Abstract: A hand-holdable vacuum cleaner comprising: a motor coupled to a fan for generating air flow; a battery pack housing at least one rechargeable cell for powering the motor; a body with a handle; a dirty air duct with a dirty air inlet; and a dirt separating means located in a path of the air flow generated by the fan, wherein the dirt separating means comprises: a hollow substantially cylindrical dirt container with a longitudinal central axis arranged transverse the body; and an air inlet port to the dirt container, wherein the air inlet port is in communication with the dirty air duct, wherein the dirt container is rotatingly connected to the body to pivot, with the battery pack, about the central axis between a folded position and an extended position diametrically opposed to the folded position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising: a motor coupled to a fan for generating air flow; a dirt separation means located in a path of the air flow generated by the fan; a cleaner head located in the path of the air flow upstream of the dirt separation means; at least one support wheel for supporting the vacuum cleaner upon a floor; and an elongate body with a handle at a longitudinal end, wherein the motor, the fan, the cleaner head, the dirt separation means and the at least one support wheel are arranged about an opposite longitudinal end of the elongate body to the handle, wherein the elongate body is telescopically extendible to alter the length of the vacuum cleaner between a compact position and an extended position and wherein the extended position is at least double the length of the compact position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising: a motor coupled to a fan for generating air flow; a body with a handle; a dirty air duct with a dirty air inlet; a battery pack housing at least one rechargeable cell for powering the motor; and a dirt separating means located in a path of the air flow generated by the fan, wherein the dirt separating means comprises: a hollow substantially cylindrical dirt container with a longitudinal central axis; and an air inlet port to the dirt container, wherein the air inlet port is in communication with the dirty air duct and wherein the battery pack has a curvilinear or annular cross-sectional profile transverse to the central axis and a curvilinear inner wall embracing the dirt container.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising: a motor coupled to a fan for generating air flow; an elongate body with a handle at longitudinal end and a cleaner head arranged at an opposite longitudinal end; a dirt separation means located in a path of the air flow generated by the fan; and at least one support wheel for supporting the vacuum cleaner upon a floor, wherein the dirt separation means comprises: a hollow substantially cylindrical dirt container with a longitudinal central axis arranged transverse to the elongate body; and an air inlet port to the dirt container, wherein the air inlet port is in communication with the cleaner head located in the path of the air flow upstream of the dirt separation means and wherein the at least one support wheel rotates about the dirt container.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an intake tube through which air is passed. An airflow deflector is disposed in the intake tube. A deflection surface of the airflow deflector is disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the intake tube passing through the deflection surface. The airflow deflector improves airflow from the intake tube into the vacuum bag, thereby improving the effectiveness of the vacuum cleaner.