Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
~':1~( f.N~h
,1N()I 2 0000.1
HAND-E1F.I~1), 13A'I"I'I~.RY 1'()V'EI2I:D C'.l~l~.Ai~IN(;< '1~0()L ~1 C'C11
ST'AI'~l>
Related Applications
[0001] This al~plic;.ation is a continuation-in-hart of (!.~. latent
Application ?~To.
[Attorney Docket N-umber JNOZ ?_ 000t)2~. fil~cl C>ctober 8. ~(.>0'_' an;I
entitled '~>-IAND-
HEI,D, 13AT°TIRY I'OWI~.RED C'LEANINCT 'I'()()I.", and of~ LJ.S_ Patent
Application
No. [Attorney Docket No. JNOZ '? 00003 ~, filed t)ctober 8. ?002 and entitled
HANI)-
LIEL.D. BA1-'TFRY I'(?WI:R.ED f'T.I~:ANINCJ Tt)t)I.. Loth applications are
incorporated herein by rcferenc:e.
Background
[0002] ~'he invention is related to the art c~f cleaning tools. The invention
will be
described in terms of a household cleaning tool, such as, for example, a
kitchen or
bathroom cleaning tool. Ilowcv~r, the invention can be applied to other
cleaning,
holishin<~. sanding or similar applications.
(0003] Known battery powered cleaning tools suffer from at least one of the
following three drawbacks. They require non-standard power sources or
batteries that
are not readily available; they include slide-type switches, which are not
momentary in
nature; and/or they apply torque, and, therefore. stresses, to cleaning heads
or brushes at
relatively narrow portions of cleaning attachments.
[0004] For example, LJ_S. Patent No. 5,870.790 to Root. et al. discloses
several
batten powered scrubbing devices. Each disclosed scrubbing device: includes a
single
rechargeable battery. Root aloes not disclose the size c>r type of battery.
However, the
relative sine and shape of the battery shown in the illustrations, as well as
a probable
power requirement of a scrubbing device, indicate that the battery
contemplated by Root
is of a type not readily available to the general public.
(0005) Rechargeable batteries have a limited lifetime. Additionally,
rechargeable
batteries are known to have preferred operating and care conditions. For
example, the
useful lifetime of some rechargeable batteries is diminished if the batteries
are not fully
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
clisclraryecl before recharging. Manv users of~ hat( r-v l,owercd cleaning
tools are
unaware <>i~. or are unwilling to devote the recloirud altcntion to, n
rechargeable battery
care re'~imc. l her~1-ure, the cliflicultv in replacing the rechargeable
batteries of Root.
due to their uncommon nature., may lead to a shortened useful lifetime of the
overall
device.
(0006] f-he scrubbing devices of Rc>ot also ineluclr switches. Root does not
disclose
the type of switch. l low~ever, it appears that th a ,witches disclosed in
Root are of the
push onlpush off or slide type. for example, om switch is disposed at a back
end of a
scrubbing device. In that position, the switch cannot he reasonably held in an
on
position while the cool is being used. Non-momentary switches i:an be
problematic in
cleaning tools because a distracted user can forget to shut the tool off
before placing it,
for example. an a counter top. 1~'or instance, a user may be distracted. by a
telephone or
a child. and t,lace a cleaning tool with a spinning c.leat~ing head on a
counter top. In that
case, the cleaning tool may run across the counter top possibly knocking
glasses and
dishes to the floor. If, on the other hand, a cleaning tool were to
incorporate a
momentary switch, the cleaning head would stop moving as soon as the tool was
released. Furthermore, the inclusion of a momentary actuation switch in a
cleaning tool
helps conserve energy. For example. through the t.tse of a momentary switch
the tool is
de-powered during every pause in the cleaning operation, or whenever the user
is not
making a conscious effort to actuate the machine. 'I~h~re;fore, battery life
is extended.
[0007) Lastly, Root discloses several cleaning heatds. 'The cleaning heads
include
relatively narrow hexagonally shaped jacks that arc received in a hexagonally
shaped
socket of the cleaning tool main body. Therefore, when the tool is operated,
torque is
applied with a very short moment arm to the edges and surfaces of the
hexagonally
shaped jack. Because the torque is applied with a relatively short moment arm,
a
working cleaning head, such as disclosed by Root, undergoes undue mechanical
stresses
that can lead to premature aging and, eventually. fatigue.: and brush failure.
[0008] Similarly, ll.S. Patent No. 6,295,681 I31 to I)olah discloses a rotary
brush
cleaning device including a rechargeable battery enclosed in a power source
case, a
switch of undisclosed type that appears to be a slide switch, and a plurality
of cleaning
heads. While Dolah suggests that replaceable batteries may be used, Dolah does
not
suggest a replaceable battery arrangement that would be adequate to provide
the
required power, nor does Dolah suggest a brush design that could accommodate
replaceable batteries while maintaining an ergonomic form factor and pleasing
design.
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
.;
f lre brushes disclosed by 1)olah iocludc base portimos th;n ,u-c used to
connect the
brushes to the main body of thr cleaning device. I lae h<tse portions include
I.-sh<tpcd
slots for receiving pins ol~the cleaning device. V-l~ilc nc~ dimrnsions arc
given in etther
reference, the base portions of 1)ol<th might 1e of a larder diameter than the
jacks of
Root. l~heretore, I)olah may dclmer torque to the brushes with <t slightly
larger moment
arm. 1 Iowever, the brushes of 1 )olah include relative°Iv narrow
clon:~ated intermediate
shafts. The relatively narrow elongated intermediate shafts can undergo undue
stress
concentration which may Icad to premature failure.
[0009] A third reference. li.S. latent No. ~.l X7,588 to Sandt, et al.
discloses a
portable cleaning device. Like lZoot and I)olah, Sandt discloses a cleaning
device
having a switch of undisclosed type. however, the switch appears to be a non-
momentary slide type. ~l'he portable cleaning device includes a rechargeable
battery of
undisclosed size and type. How ever. the size and shape of the battery shown
in the
figures appear to be that of a battery that is not readily available to the
general public.
The brushes of Sandt appear to receive torque in a manner similar to the
brushes of
Dolah. That is, while no dimensions are given in any of the references. it
appears that
the brushes of Sandt receive torque at a slightly larger moment arm than do
the
hexagonal jacks of Root. 1-lowever, the brushes of Sandt include relatively
narrow shafts
where damaging stress due to torque can be concentrated.
[0010] Additionally, neither Root, Dolah nor Sandt disclose or suggest a
convenient
storage means. Sandt discloses a storage case. f~owever, the storage case is
larger than
the tool disclosed by Sandt and would occupy an inordinate amount of counter
space.
Therefore, Sandt suggests mounting the case to a wall. However, installing a
case to a
kitchen wall for the storage of a kitchen tool may detract from the appearance
of the
kitchen and represents an amount of labor that many consumers would find
inconvenient. Furthermore, many people, such as, for example, tenants, may be
prohibited tiom making such modifications to an apartment or other rented
space.
[0011 ~ Therefore, there exists a desire for a battery operated hand-held
cleaning tool
powered by commonly available batteries. There is a desire for a hand-held
cleaning
tool that is actuated with a momentary switch that de-powers the tool
automatically
when the tool is released. Additionally, there is a desire for a cleaning tool
that delivers
lower stress to cleaning heads thereby extending cleaning head life.
furthermore, there
is a desire for a cleaning tool that c<rn be conveniently stored when not in
use.
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
1
1l rtl II1 a1 r'1
(0012 A first cnthodintcnt cnf a cleanings system incladus a bower
cotnpartmcnt
including. <r power source housed within the powr cent partment, a motor
mounted
within the power compartment, the motor powered by the hovver source, a switch
Ier
selectively connecting the motor to the power source. and. a power output
driven by the
motor for delivcrin~, power te, a device c~>nn~tctW t.> tltc pov,~er
comp~rrlmrwt. or
transmission module selectively connectable to the power compartrrrent. a
cleaning head
selectively connectable to the transmission module and a stand.
[0013 For example, the pov~~er source can include lour AA size batteries. 'The
switch can be a momentary switch. The cleaning head can include a cleaning
element
pretreated with a cleansing agent. Preferably. the power compartment includes
a
gripping portion sized and shaped to fit comfortably in the hand of a user.
The cleaning
head can he selectively connected to the transmission module via a swaging cam
associated with an output of the transmission, the swaging cam being operative
to mate
with and retain a mating portion of the cleaning head. Additionally or
alternatively. the
cleaning head can be selectively connected to the transrrtission module via an
output hub
associated with an output of the transmission, the output hub including a
torque arm, the
toque arm being operative to be received within interdental spaces of torque
teeth of the
cleaning head when the cleaning head is connected to the. transmission module,
the
torque arm thereby providing a moment arm for the delivery oi~ torque to the
cleaning
head. The stand can be molded to and unitary with a component of the cleaning
system.
For example, the stand can be inccorporated in a battery compartment door.
[0014] A second embodiment takes the form of a cleaning wand configured for
hand-held cleaning. The cleaning wand includes an elongated power compartment.
A
power source is housed within the power compartme.~nt. A motor is mounted
within the
power compartment. The motor can be selectively connected to then power
source. The
power compartment also houses a power output driven by the motor for
delivering
power to a device connected to the power compartment. 'fhe cleaning wand also
includes an elongated transmission module having threads for selectively
connecting the
transmission module to or disconnecting the transmission module from the power
compartment. ~fhe transmission module includes a mechanism for transforming
power
from the power output to a form selected for a particular cleaning task. The
cleaning
wand can drive a cleaning head. A switch for selectively connects the motor to
the
power source.
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
(0015) l~or example, thc~ cie;min~ hemd ran he rooocrW~1 to the rleanin~ wand
via an
expandable couplings rcucived in a socket of the clc,min~~ h~aei. t or
instance, the
expandable eouplin~ can h~ a ;waging c~tm. l l~c switch m«~ include an switch
support
mounted to a back end of thv motor and a resiliently hiase~l mm mounted too
the switch
support. For instance, the resiliently biased arm earl be resiliently spaced,
iv an over
lapping manner, i~rom a power tt:rminal of the motor. l l~c switci~ c:.ln
lvtrth er include a
flexible membrane sealinglv engaging an aperture in the power compartment.
~l"he
membrane is positioned in overlapping relation with the resiliently biased
arm.
Detlecting the membrane caused the resiliently biased arm tc> det~tcct and
come into
contact with the power terminal of the motor. '1_hc stand can be moldecl to
and unitary
with a component of the cleaning wand. for example. the stand can be
incorporated in a
battery compartment door.
[0016) A third embodiment includes a cleaning system comprising a handle, a
power
source housed within the handle, an upper housing selectively cc~rmcctable to
the handle.
a transmission mounted within the upper housing, a motor mounted to a power
input
portion of the transmission. a contact holder mounted to a back end of the
motor, a
switching element mounted to the contact holder, the switching element being
resiliently
bias away from a power contact of the motor, a hub connected to an output of
the
transmission, and a cleaning head selectively connectable at the hub.
[0017) For example, the power source can include tour AA size batteries. The
switch can be a momentary switch. ~hhe cleaning head can include a cleaning
element
pretreated with a cleansing agent. Pret:erably, the; bandit: includes a
gripping portion
sized and shaped to fit comfortably in the hand of a user. The cleaning head
can be
selectively connected to the transmission via a swaging cam associated with an
output of
the transmission, the swaging cam being operative to mate with and retain a
mating
portion of the cleaning head. Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning head
can be
selectively connected to the transmission via an output hub associated with an
output of
the transmission, the output hub can include a torque arm, the toque arm being
operative
to be received within interdental spaces of torque teeth of the cleaning head
when the
cleaning head is connected to the transmission module, the torque arm thereby
providing
a moment arm for the delivery of torque to the cleaning head. The stand can be
molded
to and unitary with a component of the cleaning system. For example, the stand
can be
incorporated in a battery compartment door.
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
(>
[001~i[ A fourth cmhmliment takes the form of cleanimz wand configured for
hand-
held cleaning. l he craning w~a~ul includes an elongated haadlc. l lie wand
includes a
hover source housed witfrin tlac handle, an elongated upper housing including
threads
for selectively connecting the upper housing to or disconnecting tlae upper
housing ti-om
the handle. a mechanism for tratasforrraing input power to a muvcment
selectec_1 fer r_i
particular cleaning task. a motor mounted to the mechanism for providing input
power to
the mechanism. A switch selectively connects the motor to the power source.
The wand
also includes a cleaning head and an interconnect for selectively connecting
the cleaning
head to a movement output of the mechanism. The stand can be molded to and
unitary
with a component of the craning wand. For example, the stand can be
incorporated in a
battery compartment door of the housing.
[0019] The wand can i-nclude a battery charging- circuit. The interconnect can
include an expandable coupling for being matingly received in a socket of the
cleaning
head. For example, the expand<rble coupling can include a swaging cam. The
switch
can include a s~,~ritch support mounted to a back end of the motor a
conductive resiliently
biased arm mounted too the switch support. the resiliently biased ann being
resiliently
spaced, in an over lapping manner, from a power terminal of the motor. The
stand can
be molded to and unitary with a component of the cleaning wand. For example,
the
stand can be incorporated in a battery compartment doe»~.
[0020] A fitth embodiment is considered to be an ergonomic, hand held, battery
powered cleaning tool. hhe cleaning tool includes a detachable cleaning head,
a
generally cylindrical housing, a battery located in a battery compartment in
the housing,
an electric motor located in the housing, a contact holder mounted to the
nu>tor, the
contact holder including contacts for receiving power from the batteries and a
switch
element in overlapping relation to a motor contact. The switch element is
resiliently
biased away fiom the motor contact. The cleaning tool further includes an
output shaft,
and a transmission for coupling the motor to the output shaft. The output
shaft extends
outside the housing. The cleaning tool also includes means for attaching the
detachable
cleaning head to the output shaft.
(0021 ] The means for attaching the detachable cleaning head to the output
shaft can
include a swaging cam molded into the output shaft and a socket for receiving
the
swaging cam, the socket being associated with the cleaning attachment. The
generally
cylindrical housing can include a gripping portion sized and shaped to fit
comfortably in
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
t
the hand u1' a user. l ur wantplc. thr gripping hortiun is at least about a.s
inches in
length. thereby alluwint_! the grilyin~t portion to t,c r~»uiormbly cracilcd
in a balm of a
user. l~hc gripping portion can h~ about one inch in width, thercbv <tllwving
the lingers
<>f a user to be comfortable wrapped around the gripping portion. l'Itc
gripping portion
is at about 1.4 inches in height. thereby allowing tktc gripping section to he
cradlccl
comi~rtably in a palm oi- a user and allowing the lingers ut~ an user to be
cumtiartably
wrapped around the gripping portion. A center of the switch ran be spaced
about 3!4 to
about 1 inch from a first end of the gripping portion along a longitudinal
axis of the
housing, along an upper edge of the housing, so that when a heel of a hand of
a t.tser rests
comfortably on the upper edge of the power compartment. a thumb of a user can
comfortably actuate the switch. l'he gripping portion can be hollowed for
forming a
battery compartment for housing the replaceable batteries. l he stand can be
molded to
and unitary with <i comlaonent u1~ the cleaning tool. poor example, the stand
can be
incorporated in a battery compartment door.
(Q022~ A sixth embodiment is considered to be an ergonomic, hand held. battery
powered ckeaning tool. the cleaning tool includes a detachable cleaning head,
a
generally cylindrical housing including a lower housing including a gripping
portion,
and an upper housing connected to the lower housing and extending away from
the
lower housing. An attachment point for the detachable head is located at a
distal end of
the upper housing. .A battery is located in a battery compartment in the
housing. An
electric motor is also located in the housing. ~hhe cleaning tool includes a
switch for
actuating the cleaning tool by directing power from the battery to the
electric motor. ~l~hv
switch is disposed in relation to the gripping portion to allow the switch to
be
comfortably operated by a finger of a hand gripping the gripping portion. The
upper
housing being dimensioned to space the detachable cleaning head from the
gripping
portion and the switch to allow the cleaning tool to be gripped, actuated and
the cleaning
head to be brought in contact with a work piece while preventing the work
piece from
interfering with the hand gripping the gripping portion or the finger
operating the switch.
Additionally the cleaning tool includes an output shaft, a transmission for
coupling the
motor to the output shaft, the output shaft extending outside the upper
housing at the
distal end, and a means for attaching the detachable cleaning head to the
output shaft.
(0023 Hor example, the switch can be a momentary switch. The output shaft can
include a swaging cam molded into the output shaft and the cleaning attachment
can
include a socket for receiving the swaging cam. The gripping portion can be
sized and
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
sh<rpcd to fit comfortably in the band of a user. for exanrplc, the grihl,ing
lmrtiun is at
I~aat ahc>rrt .s.> inches in length. thereby allow-ing the ~rippiro~ portion
to he comfortably
cr<idled in a palm of a user. I he gripping portion is at about one inch in
width, thereby
<rllowing the tingers of a user to be comte»-tahly wrapped around the gripping
portion.
The gripping portion is at about I.~ inches in height. thereby allowing the
gripping
scctic>n to he cradled coma<»-tahlv in a palm of a user and allowing the
;inge:s of a user
to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion. The switch can be
spaced about
s/4 to about I inch from a f7rst end ul~ the gripping portion along a
longitudinal axis of
the housing, along an upper edge o1~ the housing so that ~~l~en a heel of a
hand of a r_rser
rests comfortably on the upper edge of the power compartment, a thumb of a
user can
comfortably actuate the switch. The stand can he molded to and unitary with a
component of the cleaning tool. I~or example, the stand can be incorporated in
a battery
compartment door.
[002~~ A seventh embodiment is considered to be an ergonomic, hand held,
battery
powered cleaning tool. fhe cleaning tool includes a detachable cleaning head,
a
generally cylindrical housing, including a lower housing including a gripping
portion.
and an upper housing connected to the lower housing and extending away from
the
lower housing. An attachment paint for the detachable head is located at a
distal end of
the upper housing. A battery is located in a battery compartment in the
housing. An
electric motor is also located in the housing. The cleaning tool includes a
momentary
switch for actuating the cleaning tool by directing power ii-om the battery to
the electric
motor. The momentary switch is disposed in relation tc> the gripping portion
to allow the
momentary switch to be comfortably operated by a finger of a hand gripping the
gripping portion. The upper housing being dimensioned to space the detachable
cleaning head from the gripping portion and the momentary switch to allow the
cleaning
tool to be gripped, actuated and the cleaning head to he brought in contact
with a work
piece while preventing the work piece from interfering with the hand gripping
the
gripping portion or the finger operating the switch. Additionally the cleaning
tool
includes an output shaft, a transmission for coupling the motor to the output
shaft, the
output shaft extending outside the upper housing at the distal end, and a
means for
attaching the detachable cleaning head to the output shaft.
[0025) For example, the output shaft can include a swaging cam molded into the
output shaft and the cleaning attachment can include a socket for receiving
the swaging
cam. The gripping portion can be sized and shaped to fit comfortably in the
hand of a
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
user. for cxample. the ~~rippin_~. Imrtioo is at least ol,cmU ;~ incur s io
length. thereby
allowing the gripping portion m foe mmfe>rlahlv cradlccl in a balm u( t«ser. l
he
gripping portion is at ahont one mcl in width, thcr~:f~v allowin~~ tlo_~
~iyrrs of a user to
he comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion I he ~~rihping portion is
at about
1 .4 inches in height. thereby allowing the ~.e,ripping section to he cradled
comfortably in a
balm ot~ a user and allowing the fingers oi~a user to 1,e cun~f~~rt,rl~lv
wr,lpped around tl,c
gripping portion. 'The momentary switch can be spaced about ;/4 to about I
inch from a
first end of~ the gripping portion along a longitudinal axis of the housing,
along arr upper
edge of the housing so that when a heel of a hand of <r user rest, comfortably
on the
upper edge of the power compartment, a thumb of ;t user can comtor-tably
a~auatc the
momentary switch. The stand can be molded to and unitary with a component of
the
cleaning tool. For example. the stand can be incorporated in a battery
compartment
door.
[0026] An eighth embodiment takes the form of a durable cleaning tool. The
durable
cleaning tool includes a housing having a power compartment for holding a
power
source. a motor mounted within the housing, a switch for selectively
connecting the
motor to the. power source if the power source is installed within the
compartment, an
output shaft, extending from within the housing to outside the housing, the
output shaft
being powered directly or indirectly by the motor, torque transmission arms
ext;,nding
radially outward from the portion of the output shaft extending outside the
housing, a
cleaning head, and, torque receiving elements associated with the cleaning
head for
receiving torque from the torque transmission arms.
[0027) For example, the cleaning tool further includes a hub attached to the
portion
of the output shaft extending outside the housing, the hub can carry the
torque
transmission arms. 'I he torque receiving elements can comprise teeth. The
torque
transmitting arms can be receivable in interdental spaces between the teeth.
The stand
can be molded to and unitary with a component of the cleaning tool. For
example, the
stand can be incorporated in a battery compartment door of the housing.
[0028] Advantages and benefits of the present invention will become apparent
to
those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the
following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments.
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
Brief Description of the I)rxwing(s)
((1029] The invention nrav t;rke form in various components and arrangements
oC
components, and!or in various procedures and arrangements of' Procedures. l~hc
drawings ~rre only 1~c>r purposes o1 illustrating preferred emh<>dimeots and
arc not to he
construed as limiting the invenimo.
[0030) Iv1(i. 1 is a sectional c~lcvation view of a battery Powered cleaning
tool.
[0031 ] h'1(r. 2 is a sectional plan view of the battery powered cleaning tool
of~ FICi. l .
[0032) FI(;. i is an exploded view of the battery powered cleaning tool of
FI<i. I .
[()033] FICT. 4.~ - 4F3 are swtional views of working or cleaning hear_ls
thGrt can be
included in battery pa~vered cleaning tools similar to the cleaning tool of
FICs. I.
(0034] l'IG SA - SF3 perspective views of working or cleaning heads that can
be
included in battery powered cleaning tools similar to the cleaning tool of
FIG. 1.
(0035] FI(T. 6 is a diagram depicting elements of a means for connecting a
working
or cleaning head to an output shah of battery powered cleaning tool of, FIG. 1
(003G] FIG. 7 is an elcvatioro view of a battery powered cleaning tool in the
hand of
a user.
(0037] FIG. $ is a plan view of the battery powered cleaning tool of FIG. 7 in
the
hand of the user.
(0038] FIG. 9 is a front elevation in partial cut away of a cleaning system or
tool
incorporating a combination stand and battery door.
(0039] F((l. 10 is a bottom view of the cleaning system or tool of FIG. 9.
(0040] FIG. 1 1 is a back elevation of the cleaning system or tool of FICi. 9
[0041] FIG. 12 is an exploded view ofa combination stand and battery door
further
including a spring contact.
[0042] FICi. 1 p is an orthogonal view of a first separable stand.
(0043] FIG. 14 is an orthogonal view of a second separable stand.
Detailed Description of the Preferred I?mbodiments
[0044] Referring to F7G. 1 1~IC. 3, an ergonomic battery operated cleaning
tool
100 includes a housing 102 and a cleaning head 104. The housing can be divided
into
sections. For example, the housing 102 includes a lower housing or power
compartment
lOG and an upper housing or transmission module 108. The lower housing 10G and
the
upper housing 108 include threads 110, 112, respectively. The threads 110, 1
12 arc used
to connect the upper housing or transmission module 108 to the lower housing
or power
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
compartment 10t>_ llm Icwr~r hc,nsing or hcwcr conrpartnrcm 106 is sized to
accommodate at Imst mm ru,aiilv a~.ailahlu hmucrv. for u.;,unplc. t1e pw-cr
compartment can he sized to ;rccmomociatc ;y~1:1, /y.~. L'. I> or ~)V
batteries. Both
disposable and rechargeable hattcrirs arc <rvailahlc en these sizes.
Additionally. chargers
for these sire rechargeable batteries arc also rcadilv available.
(0045 fhe exemplary lower housing or hover conrpa!tmcnt 106 is sued to
accommodate four AA size batteries. sizing the power compartment to
accommodate
four AA size batteries I 14 allows the lower housing or power compartment to
include an
ergonomic gripping portion 116 while providing a six-volt power source with a
p.,00U
milliamp-hour (mA-hr) capacity (assuming commonly available alkaline-manganese
dioxide cells are used).
[0046] Other power sources may be selec-ted_ However. selecting other power
sources may require a reduction in the ergonomic features of the cleaning tool
I00 in
general and the gripping portion 116 in particular. For example, accommodating
C-type
or D-type batteries may require the gripping portion 116 to be wider.
Additionally,
accommodating the larger cells (C type, D type) might require a more
complicated
construction. If, for example. the power source included two C-type batteries,
it might
be necessary to run a wire from a contact at a bottom end 118 to a first motor
terminal
120.
[0047] In an embodiment sized to accommodate lour AA batteries, a spring
contact
plate 122 located at the bottom end 118 of the housing 102 is held in place by
a spring
contact cover 123. For example, the spring contact cover snaps into a groove
inside the
bottom end 118 of the housing. The spring contact cover may include markings
to
indicate proper battery orientation. Alternatively, the spring contact plate
122 and/or
cover 123 may be glued into place. The sprint contact 122 completes a series
connection of the four AA batteries 114. ~hherefore. i~our properly installed
batteries 1 l4
provide positive and negative power delivery tern~inals 124, 126 from the
batteries
themselves at a convenient location within the housing 102.
[0048] Power is taken from the power delivery terminals 124, 126 and delivered
to a
motor 128 via contacts 130, 132. The contacts 13(1, 132 are supported by a
contact
holder 134. The contact holder 134 can be secured to the housing 102. For
example, the
contact holder 134 can be mounted to the lower housing or power compartment
106 with
an adhesive or fastener.
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
~004r)~ In thr exemplary rmhodinrent. the contact ltolcler l34 is mounW d to
t!m
motor 128. l~or cxan~plc. fastcmrs, such as scrwvs 136 arr used to aecurc the
contact
holder 134 to a hark end 138 of the motor 128. r1s will be explained in
greater detail
below-. in the illustrated embodiment, thc° motor is associated with
the upper housing
108. I hcrefi~re, the eontact holder 134 is not mounted to the lower housing.
lnstcad, the
contact hcolder 13.1 (~rlong with a portion of the motor 128) is simlr:c slid:
int« pc:sition
within the lower housing 106. A keying arrangement (not shown), suclu as, for
example,
a tongue molded into the lower lousing 1()2 and a groove included in the
contact holder
134. ensures that the: contact holder 134 is installed in a proper orientation
and prevents
the contact holder 134. as well as the motor 128 from rotating within the
housing 102
during operation. For example. the keying arrangement ensures that the
contacts 130,
132 line t.rp with and engage the power terminals 126, 124 respectively.
~0050~ However. the contact. holder 134 is mounted, it is sandwiched between
the
motor 128 and the positive and r~egativc power delivery terminals 124, 126 of
the set of
batteries 114. ~I~hc: first contact 130 is positioned on the contact holder so
as to provide a
connection between, for example, the negative power delivery terminal I26 and
the first
motor terminal 120. 'I he switch contact 132 is .positioned and supported by
the contact
holder 134 to be in contact with. for example, the positive power delivery
terminal 124.
'Thf~ switch contact 132 overlaps either a second motor terminal 140 or a
contact plate
142, which is, for example, pressed in contact with the second motor terminal
140 by the
contact holder 134. 1'he switch contact 132 is resiliently biased away from
the second
motor contact 140 and/or the contact plate 142. The contact holder 134 is
positioned
and oriented, for example by the: keying arrangement (not shown) so the switch
contact
132 is adjacent a switch aperture 144 in the housing 102. For example, the
aperture 144
is in the lower housing or power compartment 106. A button 146 is mounted
adjacent
the spring contact 132. For example, the button is made of a resilient
material such as
rubber, plastic or spring metal. Preferably, the button 146 seals the aperture
144.
Pressing the button 146 brings the button 146 into contact with the spring
contact 132
and presses it against the second motor contact and/or the contact plate 142,
thereby
completing the power circuit and delivering power to the motor 128.
(0051 ] The motor 128 is mounted to the housing 102. For example, where the
contact holder 134 is secured to the lower housing or power compartment 106,
the
attachment of the motor 128 to the contact holder 134 by the screws 136 may be
sufficient to secure the motor 128 to the lower housing or power compartment
106.
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
f ;
Alternatively. additional f~r<~rkctiry~, lastcmrs or aclV~esivcs may he used
to secure the
motor 128 to sornc part of thr hc>rrsing 102.
(0052) In the exempl;rrv crnhoclimcnt, the motor 128 is indirc-ctly mounted to
the
upper housing c>r transmission module 108. For examplm a mc>tc>r n~uunt 148 is
secured
to the motor 128 with fasteners, such as screws 149. ;llternatively, adhesive
can be used
to secure the motor mourn 1:18 to the motor 128_ I~Ile motor rnc>urtt 1~1~3
ir:cludes tabs or
swaging cams 150. The tabs 150 arc received or sn;rp fit into slot, 152 in a
peripheral
gear housing 154. The peripheral gear housing 154 includes gear teeth (not sh
own) on
an inner wall (not shown) thereof'. An outer bushing 156 is secured withrn the
peripheral
gear housing 154: For example. the outer hushing 156 is made of metal. For
example.
the orater bushing is friction lit or glued into the peripheral gear housing
154. An inner
bushing 157 is friction fit, glued or otherwise fastened to a portion of~ a
transmission
output shaft. 1513. The transmission output shaft 158 and inner bushing 1 S7
are installed
within the outer bushing 156 and peripheral gear housing 154. An outer surface
of the
inner bushing 157 engages the inner surface of the outer bushing 156. A
lubricant such
as grease or petroleum jelly may be included therebetween, The peripheral gear
housing
154 and associated components are inserted into the upper housing or
transmission
module 108. When so installed, an output portion 160 of the output shaft 158
extends
through the peripheral gear housing 154 and an output aperture 162 at a distal
end 164 of
the upper housing or transmission module 108. A seal 166 installed around the
output
portion. between the output portion 160 and the output aperture 162 prevents
liiluids and
debris from entering the housing 102. A pin 168 secures a hub 170 to the
output portion
160 of the transmission output shaft 158. - The pin 168 extends through a
first mounting
aperture 172 in a shaft collar 174 of the hub 170. 'I~he pin 178 also extends
through a
second mounting aperture 176 in the output portion 160 of the transmission
output shaft
158. The pin 168 is held in place by friction fit or adhesive. Alternatively,
the pin 168
is a cotter pin, screw, or other fastening means.
(0053] The transmission output shaft is connected to an output 178 of the
motor 128
by a mechanism or transmission 180. For example, a pinion gear 182 is mounted
to an
output shaft 184 of the motor 128. The pinion gear 182 mates with the first
set of
planetary gears 186. The first set of planetary gears 186 are supported by a
first gear
holder 188 and held in place by a gear retainer plate 187. The first gear
holder 188
includes a second pinion gear 190. ~hhe second pinion gear 190 mates with the
second
set of planetary gears 192. The second set of planetary gears 192 are
supported by a
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
sue«nd ~~ear holder 19d an<i Uel~1 in place by .r Ilangc hrlrtien oC the first
~~car ltol;i~r 188.
I he sccomi gray holder l94 n; attached to the ir;lnsmission output sllaf~t
158. Ivor
example. the second gear holder 194 is nu>Ideci to in unitary width a proximal
end 196 01
the transmissii~n c>utput shaft 158. ,fin alignment bushing 197 is installed
in or molded
into the second gear holder 194 or proximal Clld 196 of the transmission
output shaft
1s~3. 'I he alignment bushings 197 is coaxial with the transnission output
sha(~t 158. An
alignment pin 198 is received in aligmncnt apertures 20(l, 201 in the first
proton gear
182 and the alignment hushing 197. 'fhe alignment pin 198 is coaxial with and
aligns
the motor 128, first pinion ~~car 182, ftrst gear holder 188. and second gear
holder I94.
[0(154) Alternatively. the alignment pin may he an additional molded and
unitary
component of~ the transmission output shaft 158. i~or example, when the motor
128 is
mounted in the lower housin>? 106. modular assembly of the cleaning tool 1.00
is
facilitated by including the alignment pin 198 as a molded-in componentof tire
transmission output shaft 1~8.
~0055~ In operation, when the button 146 is depressed, the resilient biasing
of the
switch contact 132 is overcome and the switch contact 132 engages the second
motor .
terrrtinal 140 or the contact plate 142 thereby completing the power circuit
and
delivering electrical energy from the batteries 114 to the motor 128. The
motor output
shaft rotates at a motor output speed. l~he first set of planetary gears 186
is engaged
with the first pinion gear 182 and the gear teeth (not shown) of the
peripheral gear
housing 154. 'fhe rotation of the motor output shaft 184 causes the; Iirst
pinion gear 182
to rotate. 'hhe rotation of the lust pinion gear 182 causes the t7rst set of
planetary gears
186 to revolve around the first pinion gear 182 and drive the first gear
holder 188 at a
reduced speed and with an increased torque according to a first gear ratio
between the
first pinion guar 182 and the first planetary gears 186. Similarly, the second
pinion gear
190 is driven by the rotation of the first gear holder 188. The rotation of
the second
pinion gear 190 causes the second set of planetary gears 192 to revolve around
the
second pinion gear 190 and drive the second gear holder 194 to rotate at a
further
reduced speed and a further increased torque according to a second gear ratio
between
the second pinion gear 190 and the second planetary gears 1192. The rotation
of the
second gear holder 194 causes the attached transmission output shaft 158 to
rotate. T'he
rotation of the transmission output shaft 158 causes the hub 170 to rotate as
well as any
attached cleaning head 104.
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
~()0s(a] ('leaning beads. such as, Iar ~xttmpl~:_ cleaning izcad 104 are held
in place t~~~
awa~~in'~ earns 202. l hr sv-vagin:e cams ar~~ atta~~ltr~l to tire
traosmissiton output ,haft 1s8.
for example, liar swaging earns are molded l and unitary with a distal end 204
of the;
transmission output sl~af~t l s8.
[0057] It can be important tcs prevent water and other contaminants from
entering the
housing 102 of~ the cleaning tool 100. l ftcrelc~re. as mentioned ~rhov~, the
cletmiog, tool
includes the seal 166 for preventing water and ccmaminants from entering the
housing
102 near the point where the transmission output shaft I~8 extends i>ut of the
housing
102. fAn o-ring 203 seals the peripheral gear housing 154 against <tn inner
wall a>f the
upper housing or transmission module 108. Additionally, as explaitmd above;
the button
146 performs a sealing tunetion. Alternatively. the button 146 may nave
additional
sealing components associated therewith. If the housing 102 includes a
plurality of
sections, such as, le>r example, lower housing or power ec>mpartment 106 and
upper
'mousing or transmission module: I08, a sealing component, such as a gasket
206, should
be included therebetween. Where the housing 102 includes a removable battery
door
208 for gaining access to a power source or batteries 114_ a sealing element,
such as an
o-ring 210, should be included thereon.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 4A, FIG 4B, FICi. 5A and FI(~. ~B, a wide variety ol'
work
heads, such as cleaning head 104, can be detachably connected to the hub 170
to
complete the cleaning system IOU. For example, the cleaning head 104 can be a
pot
scnrbber 404, a glass washer 410, a bottle washer 420, or a general-purpose
brush 43U.
Each work head includes elements directed toward a particular task. For
example, pot
scrubber 404 includes relatively short, stiff and abrasive bristles 440. It is
anticipated
that pot scrubbing may be a most demanding application of the cleaning system
100,
For example, pot scrubbing may require that the pot scrubbing head 404 be
pressed
lirrnly against the work piece such as, for example, a cooking pot having food
particles
tenaciously adhered thereto, with a relatively high level of~ force.
Therefore, in order to
minimize cleaning head deflection, the pot scrubbing head 404 includes a
relatively
short stout body 444. Other work pieces, such as, for example, drinking
glasses, are less
likely to require the high level of cleaning effort associated with pots.
Nevertheless,
glassware provides its own set of cleaning challenges. For example, cleaning
glasses
can include long throats which make the recessed portions difficult to reach.
Therefore,
the glass washer 410 includes a long, narrow body 448 and somewhat softer
bristles 452
as compared to the relatively stiff bristles 440 of the pot scrubber. The long
body 448
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
illld 1'e.latlvl'lv Sl)ft, bell(IahlC h('lStlcS 412 allc)w tl7C g.las5
~1i1s17CC -~1() Ic) I-C'dC!1 a3IlC1 CICUtl1
portions of a work piece that nrm h a ioacressible t« other work heads.
[(1()S9[ l he bottle washer 420 includes features that make it prefcrahlc for
cleaning
bottles, such as, for example, 1)ahv l)ottles. ('leaning an individual baby
bottle is not
likely to l)e a particularly difficult task. ! lowcver, where there is c>nc
baby bottle, there
i~ likely W he a !ar~~c number c>1 other halal bottles. I~hc re fore, a useful
hott!e washer
quickly makes contact with all portions of the inner surface of a baby bottle
in order to
wipe away any residual, dried on milk or baby tonnula. hherefore, the bottle
washer
420 includes a !urge number of individual brush filaments 464 distributed
along a
t7exihle wire shaft 468 and at a distal ~ncl -17() of the shaft. ~~he wire
shaft 468 is longer
than a typical baby bottle. 'fhe brush filaments 464 are distributed along a
portion of the
shaft that is about at least as long as the depth o1~ a typical baby bottle.
~rhe brush
filaments 464 can be rclativeiy soft at;d he directed more toward wiping than
scraping.
hh~ bottle washer 420 includes short, stout connecaor portion 472 for
connecting the
wire shaft 468 to the huh 170.
(0060) 'l~he general puposc cleaning head 430 is of an intermediate length and
may
combine features of the pot scrubber 404 and. for example, the glass cleaner
410. For
example, it can include the relatively stiff bristles of the pot scrubber 404
and the
somewhat softer bristles 4S2 of the glass clean er 410. A body portion 484 of
the general
purpose cleaning head 430 can he somewhat longer than the short, stout body
444 of the
pot scrubber 404.
[0061 J Referring to FI(~. 6, with continued refi:rence to FIG. 4A, FIG 4B, F
IG. 5A
and FICi<. _5B, work heads, such as, fe)r example, the cleaning heads 104,
404, 410, 420
and 430 share certain features in common. For example, all the work heads
include a
connector section 610. The connector section 610 includes a socket element 164
centered on a longitudinal axis l68 of the cleaning head. 'l~he socket
includes a beveled
leading edge 622 and a beveled trailing edge 624. Additionally, the connector
section
610 includes a ring of torque-rc.:ceiving teeth 63(l. The ring of torque-
receiving teeth is
concentric with the socket 614 about the longitudinal axis 618 of the cleaning
head. In
the exemplary embodiment, the socket element 614 is recessed into the cleaning
head
relative to the ring of torque-receiving teeth 630. There are, for example,
eight torque-
receiving teeth in the ring. In some embodiments there are only 4 torque
receiving teeth.
Between adjacent torque-receiving teeth is an interdental space 634. In the
exemplary
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
omhoclimont. tlrcrc arc ei~Itt intcr~Iertt,tl ,paces (i34. In scm<
cnthudimcnts tltcrc are -t
interdental spaces. I he tmreluc-rmwvip~ teeth 631) mncml f~nmo a rin~~ hasp
(i38
[0(162 :1s explained .rbovc. Ih~ c:onmctin~~ huh 170 incluc34s ,f collar 174
that is
tittrd over an output portion 161) of transmission output shaft Ist3_ 1'in 168
secures the
collar 174 and, therefore. the Itch 170. to the trarnsntission output shaft
1~8. ~I_he huh
170 also includes, for cxarnlnlc, tour torque transmissic>n arms 6-1-1.
(0063 During an installatiean or connoction process. Ihc swaging earms 202 of
the:
distal end of the transmission output shaft 204 cont<rcl the loading beveled
edgo 622 of
the socket 614. ~s mating pressure is increased, the swaging gams 202 are
deflected
inwardly toward the longitudinal axis 618 of the wori;ing head. f:ventuaIly,
the, swaging
cams slide over the beveled trailing edge 624 of the socket expanding outward
away
from the longitudinal axis 618, firmly engaging au interior shoulder 650 of
the socket
614. thereby pulling the workings head toward the hub 170 and securing the
head as part
of the cleaning system 100.
(0064 During this connection or mating process, the torque delivery arms 644
are
received within at least some oi~ the interdenial spaces 634. If an initial
misalignment
does not permit the torque-delivering arnos 644 to be received within
interdental spaces
634, then the working head can be twisted slightly until the torque
transmission arms
644 and the interdental spaces 638 are properly aligned.
(0065 r'vs explained a>;ove, when the transmission output shaft 158 is driven
into
rotation by the motor 128 and the transmission or drive mechanism 180, the hub
170 is
also driven into rotation by the pin 168 connecting the hub 170 to the
transmission
output shaft 158. Thereliore, the torque delivering arms 644 are also driven
to rotate. 13y
the time a work head is pressed against a work piece, the torque-delivering
arms 644 are
driven against respective teeth of the torque-receiving ring 630, and the
working head is
driven to rotate. The ring of torque-receiving teeth 630 is spaced radially
away fi-om the
longitudinal axis 618 of the working head. For example, an outer diameter of
the ring of
torque-receiving teeth 630 can be about 1 inch. 'I he torque transmitting arms
644 extend
away from the longitudinal axis 648 of the cleaning system 100. For example,
the
torque transmitting arms 644 extend from the hub 174 to an inner wall 652 of
the hub
170. For example, the inner wall 652 and, therefore, a distal end 656 of the
torque-
delivering arms is at a radius of about %2 inch from a longitudinal axis 648
of the
cleaning system 100. ~I"orque-receiving teeth of the ring 630 are engaged by
the torque
transmission or delivery arms 644 at the distal end 656 of the arms 644. 'hhe
resulting
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
t'
moment arms provicic tier the delivery of t<»-qur to the work tread at a
reduced lme:1 of
stress out the torciur-reccivin~ el~~mcnts of the work head a; compared to the
level of
stress drlivrrcd in prior <trt dcvicc:s. Additionally, an increased radius of
connecting
elements sttr.h as the huh 170 .md the connector section 61(1 0l~ the work
head allow
addition<rl material to be used itr their manufacture, thereby increasing an
overall
rug~m:dncss of the cl~anin~a system 100 while maintaining an ~rgonotnic;
dcs~.yn.
[0(166] lZeferring to FI( T. ?. the housing 1l>2 has a generally cylindrical
shape.
Efowcver, portions titre tapered away ii-om the cylindrical to provide an
ergonomically
ce>t3~teortat~le design. Far example, a porti<m of the hcousing 1(12 is
tarpered to provide the
ergonomic gripping portion 116. For example, they gripping portion 116 can
have a
rounded rectangular crass section. Dripping portion 116 has a length 710 a.t
least long
enough to allow it to fit comfortably in a hand 714 of an intended user. For
instance, the
lenfTth 710 is between about 3 ittclres and about S inches. In one embodiment,
the length
710 is about 3.S incites. This length provides enough room for four gripping
fingers 718
of the hand 714 of the intended user to lit comfortably within the gripping
portion 116
while allowing a compact and comfortable overall length for the housing 102.
Similarly,
a width 722 and a height 726 of the gripping portion are selected to allow the
gripping
portion 616 to fit comfortably within a palm 730 of the hand 714 of the
intended user
and allow the four gripping iins__=ers 718 to wrap coml~rrtWly and securely
around the
gripping potlion. Additionally, in the exemplary enrboditnent, tire length
7i0, width 722
and height 726 of the gripping portion 116 are selec-led to allow an internal
portion or
chamber within the gripping pe>rtion 116 to accommodate a power source. such
as, for
example, four commonly available AA size batteries 114.
[0067] In the exemplary embodiment, the width 722 of the gripping portion is
about
one inch in width. For example, in one embcrdimcnt the width of the gripping
portion
11G is tapered. 'l~he width of tltat gripping portion 116 varies from about
0.9F inches to
about 1.1 inches. 'The height 726 of the gripping, portion is about 1.4
inches. For
example, in one embodiment the height of the gripping portion 116 is tapered.
The
height of that gripping portion I 16 varies from about 1.34 inches to about
1.S2S inches.
(0068] ~I"he actuating button 146 is adjacent to a first or proximal end 731
of the
gripping portion 116. ~Che button 146 is positioned so that a thumb 734 of the
hand 714
gripping the gripping portion 116 can comfortably actuate the cleaning system
i00 by
pressing the button 146. For example, a center 738 of the button 146 is spaced
742 from
the first end of the gripping portions 116 by about '/4 of an inch to about I
inch. It
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
should he noted that tltc dcsirnation of the Incai m ot~ tltc tint end ut floe
'~ril,ptng
portion is somew-hat arhitr<trv. W mu ohservens ~wmidcr tltc huttu~n I-t6 W
foci within a
dift~reWly defined gripping portion of the clcanittg svstcm 100. l he
description al,ove
is inte:ndcd to be exemplary only and is not ititcnded to limit tl~~ inmntion.
[0069) When the housing 102 includes a plur~tlily c>1 scctioos, such as the
lower
housing or power compartment 106 and the ul,per imusing c>r iranstttission
nuolule 103.
the cleaning system 10(1 can he readily adapted to particular cleaning tasks.
For
example, the upper housing or transmission module 108 can have a length 750
that is
relatively shod wloen the cleaning system 100 is dirwted toward kitchen
clcatting tasks
such as the washing of dishes. glasses and pots and pans. Une ambodinu.nt
directed
toward these tasks includes an upper housing having a length 750 of about '?-1
/Z inches.
(0070) When tht; cleaning system 100 is direcaed toward other task,, tlae
upper
housing-108 can include features directed toward those tasks. For example.
when, the
cleaning system 100 is directed toward cleaning a shower or bathtub area_ the
length 750
of the upper housing 108 c.an be longer. For instance, the length 750 of the
upper
housing 108 can be selected to give the overall cleaning system 1()0 a longer
reach. For
example, overall cleaning system lengths oh about 14 inches to about 40 inches
can be
directed toward using the cleaning system to reach across a tub to clean walls
adjacent
thereto or to clean the tub itself without stooping or kneeling. Other sizes
can
accommodate the cleaning of <3 sink or other bathroom fixtcires. ,
[0071] When the housing 102 includes, for example, a lower housing 106 and an
upper housing 108. the cleaning system can be further adapted to particular
cleaning
tasks. hor example, pot scrubbing rnay benefit front high torque being
delivered to the
cleaning head. On the other hand, bottle washing may benefit ti~om high-speed
brush
rotation. Bathroom bowl cleaning tnay benefit from a slow brush rotation
speed.
Accordingly, an upper housing with a higher torque motor or a transmission
that
provides high torque at reduced speed can be installed when the cleaning
system is to be
directed toward cleaning pots and other items with baked and burned on food.
In
contrast, an upper housing with a high-speed motor or a lower gear ratio may
be used in
conjunction with a bottle-washing cleaning head such as bottle washer 420 so
that all
surfaces of the bottle; can be quickly wiped clean and a next bottle can
duickly be
washed.
(0072) ~fhe ergonomic aspects of the cleaning system may be further enhanced
by
the inclusion of a stand. For example, referring to F1G.9, a lower or bottom
end 902 of a
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
cleaning system 9(14. otlrcn-v-isu siotil,tr to tltc ~lcaoin~ svstma or tou!
111(1. includes a
~omhination starui ,:end battery el~>«r 908. The combination st<rnel and
battery door is
dimensic»~cd to provide stable footing liar tltr clcarring system 904. Ivor
instance, the
con~hin<tticon stand and battery door 908 is dimensioned so the cleaning
system 904 can
he stored irn an upright position oo a kitchen counter. I-'or example,
referring to F1G. 10,
io one emboelinmnt, tltc i:ornbination stared and l>aite.ry door 9()8 inrlndcs
a ),tnerallv
circular bottom 914. The generally circular bottom 914 has a radius 918
of~about 1.054
inches. A wall 922 of the ccmahination stand and battery door curves away from
flee
~encrally circular bottom 914 and toward the lower housing 105 with a radius
926 of
about 1.063 from a point 930 centered on a longitudinal axis of the cleaning
sytem 9()4
and spaced 934 about 0.125 inches below the generally circular bottom 914
giving the
combinations stand and battery door 908 a generally semispherical shape.
However.
referring w FI(~. 1 l, a back pc>rtion 938 of the cor~~loiuation stand and
hattory door 908
includes a flattened portion 942. For example. at the generally circular
bottom 9I4, the
flattened portion 942 is spaced 944 from a front portion 946 of the generally
circular
bottom 914 by about 1.891 in ches and extends upward. away from the
<~Tenerally circular
bottom in a manner approximately perpendicular to the generally circular
bottom 914.
The flattened portion 942 lies in a plane that is approximately tangent to a
widest portion
(not shown) of th c cleaning svstern 904. The flatte=ned portion 942 allow-s
the cleaning
tool or system 914 to lie appru~:imtitely flatly against, for example, a
cardboard or other
backing to a blister pack product package. Additionally, providing, the
flattened portion
942 allows the cleaning tool or system 904 to be. stored out of the way, close
to a wall or
other appliance. such as, for example a toaster or microwave oveil.
[0073 The combination stand and battery dcoor 908 can be generally hollow to
reduce weight and material c~>st. In that case, a cavity 950 is created within
the
generally semispherical wall 922. l h~ cavity c)50 can be protected from an
accumulation of dirt or debris by a cover 954. For example the cover 954 can
be glued
to the rest of the combinations stand and battery door 908. Alternatively, the
cover may
include snap tit means 958 for securing the cover 954 to the rest of the
combination
stand and battery door 908. ~'ldditionally, the cover can include means for
mounting
spring contacts-
(0074] For example, referring to FI(i. 12, a cover 1210 similar to the cover
9S4 of
FICi. 9, includes a first or oval shaped ridge 1214 on an inner surface 1216
thereof. The
first ridge is operative to be received in a friction or snap fitting groove
(not shown) in a
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
y
main body 1218 of~ a combination stand and battery door 1222. ~cl~titionallv.
the inwr
surface 121(i of the cover 1211) includes <t rncarts ier rut;rinin~ a shrine
contact 1230.
l~or example, the mean, li>r rrtumin:.~, the sprin~T cc.>nt;tet 123(1 is a
attend or figure eigltt-
shapeti ridge 1234. ~I~hc nmans ter retaining th r ;l~rin~~ contact 123(1
cooperates with
apertures 1238 in a bottom wall 1242 01 the main hmlv 1218 of the combination
stand
allCf battery door 1222 tco h«Id flee shrine contact 12?(> in h~l;uc. 1=or
caarrthlc ihc spring
contact 1230 is glued or compression tit within the tontines of the second or
figure eight
shaped ridge 1234. This cover 1210 and spring contact 1230 assembly is secured
to tine
main body 1218 of the combination stand anti batter;; dcoor 1222, feet
example. by gluing
or by friction, snap fit or other means. In so securing tl;c cover 121(? to
the main boc.ly,
first and second portions 1240, 1242 c>f the spring contact 1230 are
positioned to extend
through the aperture°s 12:8 in tlae bottom wall 1242 01~ the roam body.
Additic»2ally. a
linking portion 1244 of the sprm~ contact 1230 is c <rlotured or sandwiched
between tl2e
cover 1210 and the botton-t waft 1242, thereby further retaining the spring
contact in
place. In this regard, the bottom wali 1242 replaces or serves as a spring
contact cover.
such as, for example, the spring contact plate or cover 123 of the cleaning
tool or system
100 of 1~'I(~. 3. In this regard, an inner surface 1250 of the bottom wall
1242 can carry a
label or be embossed or etched with markings. I~or instance, the markings or
label can
include battery installation or orientation instructions.
[0075] Alternatively, the ergc>nomie aspects of a cleaning system are enhanced
with
a separable stand. For example, referring to F1(J. 1~3 a first separable stand
13I0
includes a socket 1314 sized and shaped t~or receiving a cleaning tool or
system. her
example, the socket is sired anal shaped for receiving the bottom.end 118 of
the cleaning
tool or system 100 of FICA. 1- I~1<~. 3. Other dimensions of the t7rst
separable stand 1310
may be similar to those of floe combinations stand and battery door 1222. One
embodiment of the first separable stand 1310 incluc.les a collar 1318
extending upward
froth the socket 1314. The collar 1318 may provide added stability by
preventing the
cleaning tool 100 from tipping cut of the socket 1314.
(0076] Referring to I~'I<i. 14 a second separable stand 1410 includes a first
socket
1414 sired and shaped fc>r receiving a cleaning tool or system. For example,
the socket
is sized and shaped for receiving. the bottom end 118 of the cleaning tool or
system 100
of FIG. 1- FI(~. . The second separable stand 1410 does not have a generally
semispherical shape- Instead, the second separable stand 1410 has a
rectangular
footprint and a wall 1418 which curves from a first long edge 1422 to a second
long
CA 02413215 2002-11-29
mi~W 1-12(> W pruvici~ tl~c ;cmmi s~yatrthlc si nd l.~l() with a scn~i
miindriratl sh;y~..
,ccc?nd sc'~c4:~t l.;G;~O anti a tltircl suchrt 1.13-1 arc dishusml un uitlmr
sidr and in slr.tcrd
r~-latiun to the first sachet. l l~e second 1-l3U anti tltirci 1~3~ ,ock~ts
m~c surd and shaped
m recuivc tllc cunnrctur s~~ctic~n~ G!0 oCwork heads.
[UU77~ l~he im~cntic~t~ has linen d~scrih~d with ret~urcticr to particular
emhodiment.s.
-lc~~iifications and <tlteraiimm will urc':nr W others yocm rcadin'~ aml
undcr~ta~sdis~~.~ tlve
speeilic<ttion. It is intended that all such rnodificatic>ns and alterations
are included
insofar as thc~~ come within the ,cope od the appended ulaints or the
equivalents tluercoi~.
