U.S. patent application number 10/984329 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-11 for dusting device for a central vacuum system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Electrolux Home Care Products, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Lawrence J. II Hartley, Roger Rodberg.
Application Number | 20060096055 10/984329 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36314783 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060096055 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rodberg; Roger ; et
al. |
May 11, 2006 |
Dusting device for a central vacuum system
Abstract
A dusting device can be used with a vacuum cleaner having an
inlet port and a vacuum source. The dusting device comprises a
holder defining a chamber and a dust pick up tool adapted to be at
least partially received by the holder. The dusting device further
comprises a fitting adapted to engage an inlet port of a vacuum
cleaner. The tool and/or the chamber may be cleaned by activating a
vacuum source to cause air to flow through the chamber.
Inventors: |
Rodberg; Roger; (Webster
City, IA) ; Hartley; Lawrence J. II; (Stratford,
IA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PEARNE & GORDON LLP
1801 EAST 9TH STREET
SUITE 1200
CLEVELAND
OH
44114-3108
US
|
Assignee: |
Electrolux Home Care Products,
Ltd.
Cleveland
OH
|
Family ID: |
36314783 |
Appl. No.: |
10/984329 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/310 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/38 20130101;
A47L 5/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/310 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/00 20060101
A47L005/00; A47L 5/38 20060101 A47L005/38 |
Claims
1. A dusting system comprising: a central vacuum system comprising
an inlet port adapted for mounting with respect to an interior
surface of a room and a vacuum source in fluid communication with
the inlet port; and a dusting device including a holder defining a
chamber, a dust pick up tool adapted to be at least partially
received by the holder, a fitting adapted to engage the inlet port
to facilitate fluid communication between the chamber and the
vacuum source, and a valve adapted to provide selective fluid
communication between the chamber and the vacuum source, wherein
the tool and/or the chamber may be cleaned by opening the valve and
activating the vacuum source to cause air to flow through the
chamber.
2. The dusting system of claim 1, wherein the fitting is adapted to
provide electrical communication between the dusting device and the
vacuum source by engaging the inlet port.
3. The dusting system of claim 2, wherein the inlet port of the
central vacuum system includes an inlet electrical contact, the
fitting of the dusting device includes a fitting electrical
contact, and the inlet electrical contact is adapted to engage the
fitting electrical contact to provide electrical communication
between the dusting device and the vacuum source.
4. The dusting system of claim 1, wherein the dusting device
includes a control, and wherein the fitting is adapted to provide
electrical communication between the control and the vacuum source
by engaging the inlet port.
5. The dusting system of claim 4, wherein the control includes a
switch for selectively activating the vacuum source.
6. The dusting system of claim 4, wherein the control includes a
lever.
7. The dusting system of claim 6, wherein the lever is operably
connected to the valve.
8. The dusting system of claim 1, wherein the fitting comprises an
elbow fitting.
9. The dusting system of claim 1, wherein the dusting device
includes a lever, and wherein the dusting device is adapted to
selectively activate the vacuum source by operating the lever.
10. The dusting system of claim 9, wherein the lever is operably
connected to the valve.
11. The dusting system of claim 1, further comprising a timing
mechanism adapted to maintain activation of the vacuum source and
fluid communication between the chamber and the vacuum source for a
predetermined period of time after an interaction with the dusting
device.
12. A dusting device adapted to be removably attached to an inlet
port of a vacuum cleaner having a vacuum source, the dusting device
comprising: a holder defining a chamber; a dust pick up tool
adapted to be at least partially received by the holder; a control
for operating a vacuum source of a vacuum cleaner; and a fitting
adapted to removably attach the dusting device to an inlet port of
a vacuum cleaner.
13. The dusting device of claim 12, wherein the control comprises a
switch for selectively activating a vacuum source.
14. The dusting device of claim 12, wherein the control includes a
lever.
15. The dusting device of claim 14, further comprising a valve
adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the
chamber and a vacuum source, wherein the lever is operably
connected to the valve.
16. The dusting device of claim 12, further comprising a valve
adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the
chamber and a vacuum source.
17. The dusting device fo claim 12, wherein the fitting comprises
an elbow fitting.
18. The dusting device of claim 12, further comprising a timing
mechanism adapted to maintain activation of a vacuum source for a
predetermined period of time after an interaction with the dusting
device.
19. A dusting system comprising the dusting device of claim 12, the
dusting system further comprising: a vacuum cleaner comprising an
inlet port and a vacuum source, wherein the fitting of the dusting
device is engaged with the inlet port of the vacuum cleaner such
that the chamber may be placed in fluid communication with the
vacuum source and the control is in electrical communication with
the vacuum source, and wherein the tool and/or the chamber may be
cleaned by activating the vacuum source with the control to cause
air to flow through the chamber.
20. The dusting system of claim 19, wherein the vacuum cleaner
comprises a central vacuum system.
21. A dusting system comprising: a central vacuum system comprising
an inlet port adapted to be mounted with respect to an interior
surface of a room and a vacuum source in fluid communication with
the inlet port, the inlet port further comprising an inlet
electrical contact in electrical communication with the vacuum
source; and a dusting device adapted to be removably attached to
the inlet port of the central vacuum system, the dusting device
including a holder defining a chamber, a dust pick up tool adapted
to be at least partially received by the holder, a fitting
including a fitting electrical contact, and a control in electrical
communication with the fitting electrical contact, wherein the
fitting is adapted to engage the inlet port to facilitate fluid
communication between the chamber and the vacuum source and the
fitting electrical contact is adapted to engage the inlet
electrical contact to provide electrical communication between the
control and the vacuum source, wherein the tool and/or the chamber
may be cleaned by activating the vacuum source with the control to
cause air to flow through the chamber.
22. The dusting system of claim 21, wherein the dusting device
includes a valve adapted to provide selective fluid communication
between the chamber and the vacuum source.
23. The dusting system of claim 21, further comprising a timing
mechanism adapted to maintain activation of the vacuum source and
fluid communication between the chamber and the vacuum source for a
predetermined period of time after an interaction with the dusting
device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a dusting device, and more
particularly, to a dusting device for use with a central vacuum
system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Central vacuum systems are known to provide a built-in
cleaning appliance for convenient cleaning of surfaces of a living
area while improving air quality at the same time. Central vacuum
systems are known to include a vacuum source and a debris
collection device that are located in the garage, basement, or
otherwise outside the immediate living area. Typical central vacuum
systems include one or more permanent vacuum inlet ports in
communication with the remote vacuum source and mounted with
respect to a wall of a living area. Each inlet port is adapted to
provide electrical and fluid communication with a plug at a first
end of a flexible vacuum hose. The second end of the flexible hose
typically includes a handle adapted to interface with an accessory
designed to draw dust and dirt from furniture, shelves and other
types of objects. The handle is known to include an on-off switch
operably connected to the vacuum source by way of the electrical
connection between the inlet port of the central vacuum system and
the plug of the flexible vacuum hose.
[0003] Central vacuum systems provide many advantages over other
types of vacuum cleaners. For example, locating the vacuum source
and debris collection device outside the immediate living area
reduces noise pollution and also improves air quality in the living
area since filtered air will be recycled at a remote location.
Still further, central vacuum systems are typically less cumbersome
than other conventional portable vacuum cleaners since there is no
need to carry or otherwise move the vacuum source and debris
collection device during the cleaning procedure.
[0004] While convenient for certain cleaning applications, the
flexible hose and/or associated accessories of the central vacuum
system can be regarded as too cumbersome or indelicate for cleaning
of shelves including fragile or light-weight objects, tightly
packed objects, or objects having fragile features. It is known to
employ dusters, such as fiber-dusters, to facilitate delicate
cleaning procedures. For example, fiber-dusters typically comprise
many light and flexible fibers, such as feathers and/or thread
shaped elements, that are bent away when touching the objects.
Therefore, the fibers of conventional fiber-dusters can reach in
between and more or less surround delicate objects being cleaned.
The fiber-dusters including so-called micro fiber dusters can also
receive a charge of static electricity to enhance efficiency of the
cleaning procedure. Once charged with static electricity, dust
particles and other light-weight debris can be attracted to the
fibers during the dusting procedure.
[0005] However, subsequent cleaning of soiled fiber-dusters loaded
with debris may be inconvenient as the operator may have to travel
to a remote location to avoid contaminating previously cleaned
surfaces. Moreover, even if the fiber-duster is cleaned at a remote
location, the operator cleaning the soiled fiber-duster might
experience inconvenient or possibly dangerous allergic reactions
from allergens and/or other pollutants released during the
fiber-duster cleaning procedure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with one aspect, a dusting system is provided
with a central vacuum system comprising an inlet port adapted for
mounting with respect to an interior surface of a room and a vacuum
source in communication with the inlet port. The dusting system
further includes a dusting device with a holder defining a chamber
and a dust pick up tool adapted to be at least partially received
by the holder. The dusting device also includes and a fitting
adapted to engage the inlet port to facilitate fluid communication
between the chamber and the vacuum source and a valve adapted to
provide selective fluid communication between the chamber and the
vacuum source. The tool and/or the chamber may be cleaned by
opening the valve and activating the vacuum source to cause air to
flow through the chamber.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect, a dusting device is
provided that is adapted to be removably attached to an inlet port
of a vacuum cleaner having a vacuum source. The dusting device
comprises a holder defining a chamber and a dust pick up tool
adapted to be at least partially received by the holder. The
dusting device further comprises a control for operating a vacuum
source of a vacuum cleaner and a fitting adapted to removably
attach the dusting device to an inlet port of a vacuum cleaner.
[0008] In accordance with still another aspect, a dusting system
comprises a central vacuum system with an inlet port adapted for
mounting with respect to an interior surface of a room and a vacuum
source in fluid communication with the inlet port. The inlet port
further comprises an inlet electrical contact in electrical
communication with the vacuum source. The dusting system further
comprises a dusting device adapted to be removably attached to the
inlet port of the central vacuum system. The dusting device
includes a holder defining a chamber and a dust pick up tool
adapted to be at least partially received by the holder. The
dusting device also includes a fitting with a fitting electrical
contact and a control in electrical communication with the fitting
electrical contact. The fitting is adapted to engage the inlet port
to facilitate fluid communication between the chamber and the
vacuum source. Furthermore, the fitting electrical contact is
adapted to engage the inlet electrical contact to provide
electrical communication between the control and the vacuum source.
The tool and/or the chamber may be cleaned by activating the vacuum
source with the control to cause air to flow through the
chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art
to which the present invention relates upon reading the following
description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of portions of a dusting system
including a dusting device in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a left side perspective view of the dusting device
of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the dusting
device of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the dusting device of
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the dusting device of
FIG. 1; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary dusting
system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and
is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention.
Further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed
for designating the same elements, and in order to clearly and
concisely illustrate the present invention, certain features may be
shown in somewhat schematic form.
[0017] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of portions of a dusting
system 80 including a dusting device 10 adapted to engage an inlet
port 102 of a vacuum cleaner. Particular embodiments of dusting
devices can include features of the dusting devices disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,293, U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,402 and/or U.S. Design
Pat. No. D487,536, the entire disclosures which are herein
incorporated by reference.
[0018] While dusting devices disclosed herein may be used with a
wide variety of vacuum cleaners, exemplary dusting devices can be
used with a central vacuum cleaner. Features of an exemplary
central vacuum cleaner 100 for use with exemplary dusting devices
are shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, wherein certain aspects are shown in a
schematic form. The exemplary central vacuum system 100 includes a
vacuum source 106 in fluid communication with at least one inlet
port 102. The vacuum source 106 can comprise a blower,
blower/filter combination, or the like adapted to provide a suction
force to pull an air stream entrained with debris from the inlet
port 102 toward the vacuum source 106. The vacuum source 106 can
also be provided with a debris collection device 107, such as a
filter, canister, bag or the like, to separate debris from the air
stream and/or collect debris from the air stream. For example, the
vacuum source 106 may be provided with a filter cartridge to
separate debris from the air stream. In addition or alternatively,
the vacuum source 106 may be provided with a canister for cyclone
and/or pressure drop separation of particulate from the air stream.
Still further, the vacuum source 106 may be provided with a debris
bag or other container for storing debris separated from the air
stream. In particular embodiments, a vacuum source may be mounted
with respect to a debris collection device to provide an overall
vacuum unit.
[0019] The at least one inlet port 102 is adapted for mounting with
respect to an interior surface 92 of a room 90. As shown, the inlet
port 102 is mounted to a substantially vertical wall of a room. In
addition, or alternatively, it is contemplated that the inlet port
might be provided with other interior surfaces such as a ceiling or
floor surface of a room. The interior surface might also comprise
other accessible surfaces of the room, such as surfaces of
furniture (e.g., built-in cabinets) or the like.
[0020] Exemplary inlet ports 102 may include an optional closure
103 to cover portions of the inlet port when not in use. The inlet
port may also include structure adapted to interlock with a plug of
a flexible hose to provide fluid communication between the flexible
hose and the vacuum source. One or more conduits 108 can be
provided to place the inlet ports 102 in fluid communication with
the vacuum source 106. Still further, certain inlet ports 102 may
include an inlet electrical contact 104 in electrical communication
with the vacuum source 106 by way of electrical wires 110. The
inlet electrical contact 104 can be placed in electrical
communication with a control for operating the vacuum source 106 as
discussed more fully below. Still further, the inlet ports 102
might further comprise an additional power source for providing
power to an accessory associated with the inlet port.
[0021] Particular features of an exemplary dusting device 10 are
illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. As shown in FIG. 1, the dusting device 10
can include a fitting 36, such as the illustrated tubular fitting,
adapted to facilitate fluid communication between the dusting
device 10 and the inlet port 102. The illustrated fitting 36
comprises an elbow fitting adapted to substantially vertically
orient a holder 12 relative to a vertical wall surface. Thus, the
elbow fitting is particularly useful to support a holder 12 with
respect to an interior surface 92 comprising a vertical wall of a
room 90. In alternative embodiments, the fitting might comprise
other shapes to accommodate mounting with respect to other interior
surfaces and for mounting at alternative orientations. Moreover,
the illustrated fitting 36 comprises a substantially rigid tubular
member structured to support the weight of the dusting device 10
and limit, such as fix, the orientation of the dusting device 10
with respect to the interior surface 92. Although not shown, the
fitting might alternatively comprise a flexible fitting in
instances where supporting of the weight of the dusting device
and/or a fixing the orientation of the dusting device is not
required.
[0022] In certain embodiments, the fitting 36 may be keyed to the
holder 12 or otherwise nonrotatably attached with respect to the
holder 12 to fix the orientation of the dusting device 10 with
respect to the interior surface 92. Fixing the orientation of the
dusting device 10 may facilitate insertion of a dust pick up tool
16. Alternatively, the fitting 36 might be attached with respect to
the holder 12 such that the holder may rotate about a vertical
axis. Rotatably attaching the fitting with respect to the holder
may permit adjustment of the holder 12 relative to the interior
surface 92 to accommodate nearby obstacles.
[0023] Features of a particular exemplary elbow fitting 36 are
illustrated in FIG. 5. The fitting 36 can be provided with an
elongated tube 37 extending through a sleeve 26 of the holder 12.
The elongated tube 37, if provided, can comprise an integral
component of the fitting 36 or can be a separate component for
relative positioning with respect to the fitting 36. The elongated
tube 37 includes an opening 39 to facilitate fluid communication
between a chamber 18 of the holder 12 and a passageway 32 of the
fitting 36. The elongated tube 37 might comprise an integrally
closed end. Alternatively, as shown, one end of the elongated tube
37 may be provided with a plug 34 adapted to substantially seal the
fitting passageway 32. Providing a separate plug may be desirable
to reduce manufacturing costs of a tube provided to accommodate the
sleeve 26 of an existing holder 12.
[0024] The holder 12 may include one or more features that define
the chamber 18. In the illustrated example, the holder 12 includes
a cup 14, such as a frustoconical cup, that defines the chamber 18.
The cup 14, if provided, may be received within an interior area of
a housing 13 and might comprise a transparent or translucent
material to permit observation of the chamber 18 through the cup
14. In exemplary embodiments, the housing 13 can comprise a split
clam-shell housing wherein the cup 14 is placed in between the
halves of the housing 13 prior to attaching the housing halves to
one another; Once attached, the cup 14 is trapped in the housing 13
and the housing can form a window 20 adapted to display a portion
of the cup 14 for viewing the chamber 18 therein.
[0025] The chamber 18 can be placed in fluid communication with the
fitting passageway 32 in a wide variety of ways. For example, as
shown in FIG. 5, the cup 14 of the holder 12 can include a wall
portion 15 spaced from a wall portion 22 of the housing 13 to
define an air passageway 24. A lower portion of the cup 14 also
includes an air outlet 19 in fluid communication with the air
passageway 24.
[0026] An upper portion of the housing 13 includes one or more air
inlets 56 adapted to direct air into the chamber 18. In particular
examples, a plurality of air inlets, such as the pair of
diametrically opposed air inlets 56, are radially arranged adjacent
an upper circumferential flange of the housing 13. Although not
necessary, the air inlets 56 can direct an air stream against
and/or along circumferential surfaces to encourage a cyclone air
flow pattern as shown in FIG. 5. Providing a cyclone air flow
pattern can facilitate relative movement between fibers fo a
dusting portion 54 of the dust pick up tool 16 for cleaning and/or
electrostatically charging the dust pick up tool 16.
[0027] The dusting device 10 can also include an optional valve 42
adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the
chamber 18 and the vacuum source 106. The valve 42 can be pivoted
outwardly to an open position, as shown in FIG. 5, wherein the
opening 39 in the elongated tube 37 permits fluid communication
between the chamber 18 and the vacuum source 106. The valve 42 can
also be pivoted inwardly to a closed position wherein the valve 42
substantially closes the opening 39 in the elongated tube 37 to
inhibit or substantially prevent fluid communication between the
chamber 18 and the vacuum source 106.
[0028] The valve 42 might also be provided with a valve control 43.
The valve control 43 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 5 and can
comprise a variety of aspects adapted to control the position of
the valve 42. In one embodiment, the valve control 43 comprises a
biasing member, such as a torsion spring, adapted to bias the valve
42 to the closed position. Thus, the valve 42 might be biased to
inhibit or substantially prevent fluid passage from the chamber 18
unless the valve is at least partially rotated to an open position.
In another embodiment, the valve control 43 might comprise a timing
mechanism adapted to maintain the valve 42 in an open position for
a predetermined period of time after an interaction with the
dusting device 10. For instance, once an operator pivots the lever
38 from the position shown in broken lines to the position shown in
solid lines in FIG. 4, the timing mechanism can hold the valve 42
in the open position shown in FIG. 5 for the predetermined period
of time after initial activation of the dusting device or after
releasing the lever. During this time period, the dusting device 10
continues to provide hands-free cleaning and/or electrostatic
charging of the duster portion 54. Once the predetermined period of
time has lapsed, the timing mechanism can move the valve to the
closed position and/or can release the valve to permit biasing of
the valve to the closed position. While the timing mechanism can
provide a wide range of predetermined time periods, exemplary
timing mechanisms may operate with a time period from about 10
seconds to about 15 seconds. In particular examples, the
predetermined time period may be adjustable to allow a user to
customize the dusting device. Moreover, while the timing mechanism
is shown as part of the dusting device 10, alternative embodiments
may incorporate the timing device as a component of the central
vacuum system 100. For example, the timing mechanism may comprise a
control circuit adapted to continue operation of the vacuum source
106 for a predetermined period of time after the lever 38 is
released.
[0029] The illustrated valve 42 comprises a rotating flap that is
pivotally attached relative to the housing 12. The flap can
comprise an end portion adapted to abut the interior surface of the
tube 37. For example, the outer end portion of the flap can
comprise an elliptical shape to allow the flap to be angularly
oriented in the elongated tube 37 while the outer end portion abuts
the cylindrical interior surface of the elongated circular tube 37.
Although not shown, other valve arrangements may be employed that
are adapted to inhibit or prevent fluid communication between the
chamber 18 and the vacuum source 106. For example, the valve might
comprise a ball valve, a sliding valve, or the like. The valve 42
can be operated by a variety of mechanisms depending on the
particular valve employed. For example, the illustrated valve 42
might be operably connected to a lever 38. An operator may open the
valve 42 by engaging the lever and pivoting the lever against the
force of a biasing member and/or timing mechanism, if provided. The
lever 38 can be pivoted along an arcuate path 40 to the position
shown in solid lines in FIG. 4. An operator may then close the
valve 42 by simply releasing the lever. Upon release of the lever,
the valve control 43 can facilitate subsequent closing of the valve
42 wherein the lever 38 follows the rotation of the valve 42 along
the path 40 to the position shown in broken lines in FIG. 4.
[0030] In particular embodiments, the fitting 36 can be adapted to
provide electrical communication between the vacuum source and the
dusting device. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the
fitting 36 might include one or more fitting electrical contacts 48
on a male end of the fitting 36 for contact with one or more
corresponding inlet electrical contacts 104 associated with a
female socket of the inlet port 102 shown in FIG. 6. The embodiment
illustrated in. FIG. 2 depicts one of a pair of diametrically
opposed contacts 48. Each fitting electrical contact 48 is adapted
to engage with a corresponding one of a pair of inlet electrical
contacts 104 to provide electrical communication between the
dusting device 10 and the vacuum source 106 by engaging the fitting
36 with the inlet port 102.
[0031] The dusting device 10 can also include a control, wherein
the fitting 36 is adapted to provide electrical communication
between the control and the vacuum source 106 by engaging the inlet
port 102. The control, if provided, is adapted to operate a vacuum
source of a vacuum cleaner. For example, the control can be
designed to control the level of suction produced by the vacuum
source 106. The control can also comprise a switch 45 adapted to
selectively activate the vacuum source 106. For example, the switch
might comprise an on-off switch for activating and deactivating the
vacuum source. Various types of switches may be employed in
accordance with the concepts of the present invention. For
instance, the switch might comprise a microswitch, a
position-sensitive switch or the like. As shown schematically in
FIG. 5, the switch 45 may comprise a conductive member 44 adapted
to close a circuit between wiring members 46. In addition, or
alternatively, the control might comprise a lever 38 adapted to
operate a vacuum source of a vacuum cleaner.
[0032] In one particular embodiment, the lever 38, may be adapted
to operate the vacuum source and the valve 42. For example, as
shown in FIG. 4, the lever 38 may be rotated counterclockwise to
the position shown in solid lines wherein the valve 42 is forced to
an open position while simultaneously causing the conductive member
44 to close the circuit by bridging the wiring members 46.
Therefore, upon sufficient rotation of the lever, the chamber 18
will be placed in fluid communication with the vacuum source 106
and the vacuum source 106 will be energized to cause air to flow
through the chamber 18.
[0033] While the control is illustrated to include a lever, it is
also contemplated that the control might comprise other elements,
such as a sliding switch, rotatable switch, motion sensor or the
like wherein the control is adapted to cause or facilitate
selective activation of the vacuum source.
[0034] The dusting device 10 further includes a dust pick up tool
16 adapted to be at least partially received by the holder 12. For
example, as shown in FIG. 5, the dust pick up tool 16 may be
inserted in the direction of the arrow 52 such that the duster
portion 54 is at least partially received in the chamber 18. The
dust pick up tool 16 can be inserted until a duster closure 55
rests against and/or connects to an upper rim 50 of the holder 12.
The illustrated duster closure 55 can provide a substantial suction
seal against the upper rim 50 while also acting as a vertical stop
to limit the extent to which the duster portion 54 may be inserted
within the chamber 18. Once inserted, a handle 11 of the dust pick
up tool 16 may extend upwards for easy grasping by one desiring to
deploy the dust pick up tool 16.
[0035] An exemplary method of using an exemplary dusting device
with an exemplary central vacuum system will now be described. The
dusting device 10 may be provided adjacent a desired inlet port
102. Next, the male end of the fitting 36 is inserted into the
female inlet port 102 of the central vacuum system 100 until the
fitting 36 is attached to the inlet port 102. Once attached, the
fitting electrical contacts 48 are in electrical communication with
the corresponding inlet electrical contacts 104 to provide
electrical communication between the control of the dusting device
and the vacuum source 106 of the central vacuum system 100. In
addition, once attached, the inlet port 102 may facilitate fluid
communication between the chamber 18 and the vacuum source 106.
Once connected, the valve 42 can be biased to the closed position
to substantially prevent air flow through the corresponding inlet
port until activation of the lever 38. Accordingly, other inlet
ports of the central vacuum system may be used without drawing air
through the inlet port associated with the dusting device 10.
[0036] To operate the dusting system 80, the lever 38 can be
pivoted to the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 4 to orient
the valve 42 in the open position and to simultaneously activate
the switch 45 to turn on the vacuum source 106. The vacuum source
106 draws an air stream through the inlets 56 into a cyclone air
flow pattern in the chamber 18 of the holder 12. The fibers of the
duster portion 54 are agitated by the cyclone air flow pattern
which causes debris to be released from the fibers of the duster
portion 54 and can also cause electrostatic charging of the fibers
as the fibers are forced to rub against the interior surface of the
cup 14. The air stream, and dust entrained therein, then travels
through the air outlet 19, through the air passageway 24, through
the opening 39 and the elongated tube 37, and through the fitting
passageway 32. The air stream then passes through the inlet port
and the conduit 108 toward the vacuum source 106. Dust and other
pollutants are then separated from the air stream and collected in
a debris collection device 107.
[0037] Once the dust pick up tool is sufficiently cleaned and/or
sufficiently charged with static electricity, the operator can then
release the lever 38. Either immediately or after a predetermined
period of time, the valve control 43 then causes the lever to pivot
back to the position illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 4 wherein
the valve 42 is placed in a closed position and the switch is
placed in an off position to deactivate the vacuum source 106. The
dust pick up tool 16 can then be disengaged from the holder 12 by
pulling the handle 11 upwardly. Once deployed, the dust pick up
tool 16 can be used to collect dust from cleaning surfaces as
desired.
[0038] Exemplary dusting devices herein can be used with various
vacuum cleaners other than a central vacuum system type vacuum
cleaner. For example, dusting devices incorporating concepts of the
present invention can also be used with a canister vacuum cleaner,
an upright vacuum cleaner or the like. Exemplary dusting devices
disclosed can also engage an inlet port of an elongated vacuum
cleaner tube shaft as illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.
6,341,402 which was previously incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the dust pick up tool 16
comprises a fiber-duster including many light and flexible fibers,
such as feathers and/or thread shaped elements (e.g., polyester
fibers). It is contemplated that other types of dust pick up tools
may be employed. For example, the dust pick up tools might comprise
a plurality of flexible members, such as strips attached to a
handle. In further embodiments, the dust pick up tools might
comprise a soft material such as foam, cloth, cotton, wool (e.g.,
lambswool), or one or a plurality of other dusting members adapted
to be received in the chamber. Moreover, while the illustrated dust
pick up tool includes a duster closure 55, it is contemplated that
a closure may be omitted to permit air flow through the top of the
holder. Accordingly, air may enter into the interior chamber in a
wide variety of ways and might not form a cyclonic air flow
pattern.
[0040] From the above description of the invention, those skilled
in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications.
Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of
the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.
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