[0001] The present application is entitled to the benefit of and incorporates by reference essential subject matter disclosed in the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.

62/524,000, filed June 23, 2017.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to devices for dusting surfaces in general, and to portable dusting devices having a vacuum source in particular.

2. Background Information

[0003] Vacuum cleaning devices are a technology that continues to advance and provide improved means for removing dirt and debris surfaces. Further, cleaning solutions available to the average consumer also provide a user with means to clean and disinfect almost every surface in a house. However, many conventional dusting devices fall short in providing convenient cleaning means in that the devices merely move or spread dust around rather then remove it completely.

[0004] Conventionally, dusting involves the employment of a dusting device, such as feather duster, intended for removing dust from surfaces and between tight spaces. However, as mentioned, as a user passes the dusting device over a surface or area containing dust, the dust particles are simply moved around or disturbed and released into the air, only to settle back onto a surface moments later. As such, dust continues to remain in the home where it can cause health issues, contain dust mites, and clog and potentially harm electronic devices.

[0005] As a solution, manufacturers have begun to produce statically attractive dusting devices made from synthetic materials. With these devices, as they pass over a surface containing dust, the dust particles are statically attracted to the device and essentially stick to the material and the dust is removed from the surface. However, these and similar devices fall short in that now the devices themselves must be cleaned and removed of the dust which can be difficult due to the statically attractive nature of the material itself. Further, these devices are limited in the quantity of dust that can be removed due to the limited amount of synthetic material employed on the device. [0006] Many users may attempt to employ a conventional vacuum cleaner for dusting purposes. However, many vacuum cleaners are very bulky and/or do not provide adequate adapters for effectively removing dust from surfaces. Therefore, hard to reach areas such as high places and between small spaces continue to go uncleaned.

[0007] As such, there is a continuing unmet need for a cleaning device which provides a means to completely and effectively remove dust.

SUMMARY

[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld vacuum duster is provided that includes a body, a powered vacuum assembly, and a wand portion. The body includes a distal end, a wand end, and a hand grip portion. The powered vacuum assembly is disposed in the body. The wand portion is attached to the body. The wand portion has a head with outwardly extending surface engaging material and a plurality of apertures in fluid communication with the vacuum assembly.

[0009] According to any of the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, the hand grip portion may be disposed proximate the distal end and the wand portion may be attached to the wand end of the body.

[0010] According to any of the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, the body may include an interior cavity and a debris container disposed within the interior cavity, where the debris container in communication with the powered vacuum assembly.

[0011] According to any of the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, the debris container may be configured to be disposable.

[0012] According to any of the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, the powered vacuum assembly may be powered by at least one battery, and that battery may be configured to be rechargeable.

[0013] According to any of the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, the wand portion may be configured for selective attachment and detachment from the body.

[0014] According to any of the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, the duster may further include a wand extension that is connected to and disposed between the wand portion and the wand end of the body. The wand extension may be configured for selective attachment and detachment from the body, and selective attachment and detachment from the wand portion.

[0015] According to any of the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, the outwardly extending surface engaging material may include a plurality of bristles.

[0016] According to any of the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, the bristles may be comprised of a material that attracts and/or retains dust by static attraction.

[0017] According to any of the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of apertures may be disposed along a length of the head. The plurality of apertures disposed along the length of the head may be configured to produce uniform suction

performance along the length of the head.

[0018] According to any of the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, the wand portion may include at least one pivot point configured to permit rotational movement of at least a portion of the wand portion. The pivot point may be configured to selectively permit rotational movement between a first wand element and a second wand element, and to selectively fix the first wand element and a second wand element in a particular orientation.

[0019] According to any of the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, the body at the distal end may be configured for attachment to an extension pole, and the duster may include an extension pole.

[0020] According to any of the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, the powered vacuum assembly includes a pump and a motor configured to drive the pump.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an embodiment of the present handheld vacuum duster.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the present hand-held vacuum duster embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of an embodiment of the handheld vacuum duster, partially sectioned to illustrate internal components.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic side view of an embodiment of the present hand-held vacuum duster. [0025] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view of the present hand-held vacuum duster embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side view of an embodiment of the present hand-held vacuum duster.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic side view of an embodiment of the present hand-held vacuum duster.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic side view of an embodiment of the present hand-held vacuum duster.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a present hand-held vacuum duster head.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a present hand-held vacuum duster head.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a present hand-held vacuum duster head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Now referring to the FIGS. 1-3, the present disclosure is directed to a handheld vacuum duster 10 that includes a body 12 that includes a hand grip portion 13, a vacuum assembly 15, and a wand portion 16.

[0033] The body 12 extends lengthwise between a distal end 18 and a wand end 20. The hand grip portion 13 is disposed proximate the distal end 18. The body 12 has an interior cavity 22 that houses the vacuum assembly 15. The body 12 includes a debris container 14 configured to receive and hold debris; e.g., dust. In some embodiments, the debris container 14 is connected to the body 12 and can be moved (e.g., rotated outwardly) to permit access to the debris container 14 (e.g., to permit removal of any debris that is collected in the debris container 14). In some embodiments, the debris container 14 may be configured to be mounted to the body 12 in an "attached position" and is removable from the body 12 to permit access to the debris container 14. In some embodiments, the debris container 14 may be in a disposable form (e.g., a vacuum bag or other bag that is configured for a single use) that can be mounted within the body 12, removed when full, and replaced or emptied and reused. [0034] In some embodiments, the handheld vacuum duster 10 is configured with, or for connection to (or both) to a power source. For example, an internal power source 24 (e.g., replaceable batteries, or a rechargeable battery, etc.) may be disposed within the body 12. In these embodiments, the duster 10 is completely portable and does not require connection to an external power source such as an 110V electrical outlet. In those embodiments that include a rechargeable battery, the duster 10 may include a port (e.g., to a base or a cord) that permits connection to an external power source for charging purposes. In other embodiments, the handheld vacuum duster 10 may be plugged into the aforesaid external power source (e.g., an 110V wall outlet) via a power cord. The duster 10 may be configured to permit an operator to select between using an internal power source 24 or an external power source.

[0035] The wand portion 16 is a rigid structure configured for attachment to the body 12

(or a wand extension 35); e.g., by a mechanical linkage such as a snap collar, a screw thread, etc. The wand portion 16 may be configured for permanent attachment to the body 12 (or a wand extension 35), or may be configured for selective attachment to the body 12 (or a wand extension 35); e.g., removable for replacement with alternative configuration wand portion 16 (or different length wand extension 35) as will be described below.

[0036] The wand portion 16 includes a head 26 having an exterior surface 28. The head

26 may be described as having a body end 29 and a distal end 31, and a length extending there between. The head 26 may be configured in a variety of different shapes. For example, the embodiment shown in the FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5 includes a rectangular shaped head 26, with bristles 34 (or other material described below) extending outwardly from with a plurality of exterior side surface segments 28A, 28B, 28C, 28D. The embodiment shown in the FIG. 6 includes bristles 34 extending outwardly from an exterior surface 28 of a cylindrical shaped head 26 and from a rounded end surface. The embodiment shown in the FIG. 7 includes bristles 34 extending outwardly from a single exterior surface 28 of a substantially oval shaped head 26. The embodiment shown in the FIG. 8 includes bristles 34 extending outwardly from a single exterior surface 28 of a partially oval shaped head 26. The head 26 configurations in these embodiments are non-limiting examples; e.g., in some embodiments of the present disclosure the handheld vacuum duster 10 may be provided with a plurality of differently configured wand portions 16 (e.g., configured for specific applications such as a thin application that is able to enter narrow areas for dusting, or curved configurations for dusting curved surfaces, etc.) and is not limited to any particular configuration.

[0037] The head 26 includes one or more apertures 30 disposed within the exterior surface 28, which one or more apertures 30 are in fluid communication with one or more wand internal passages 32 (see FIG. 3) extending within the head 26. For example, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 includes a plurality of slot-like apertures 30 disposed in different exterior side surface segments 28A, 28C. The slot-like apertures 30 may be disposed along the length of the head 26. In alternative embodiments, the one or more apertures 30 may take the form of a few (e.g., one, two, three, etc.) elongated slots that extend substantially the length of the head individually or collectively. The configuration of the apertures 30 may be uniform (e.g., all the same) or the apertures 30 may include a plurality of different aperture 30

configurations. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 9, the size of the apertures 30 may vary to improve suction performance; e.g., to create uniform suction performance along the length of the head. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the apertures 30 increase in size in the lengthwise direction from the body end to the distal end of the head 26. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular aperture 30 configuration or arrangement within the head 26.

[0038] The wand head 26 includes outwardly extending material 34 that is configured to engage surfaces and dislodge dust and debris. In some embodiments, the aforesaid material 34 includes a plurality of outwardly extending bristles. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular bristle type or configuration; e.g., polypropylene, nylon, etc. In some embodiments, the material 34 may include one or more pads, textured surfaces, or similar structures attached to the exterior surface of the head 26, or some combination of the same with bristles. In some embodiments, the material 34 (e.g., the bristles, pad, textured surfaces, or combinations thereof, etc.) may comprise a material that attracts and/or retains dust by static attraction. The aforesaid material 34 may naturally possess a static attraction (e.g., a naturally charged material) or one that can be manipulated to possess a static attraction. For example, some materials will acquire a static charge by rubbing the material against a second material.

[0039] In some embodiments, the head 26 may include one or more pivot points 37 that permit the head to be selectively configured at various different angles. For example, a pivot point 37 may be configured to allow the head 26 to change its angular orientation relative to the body 12. FIG. 7 illustrates a head having such a pivot point 37. FIG. 10 illustrates another example having a pair of pivot points 37 that allow the head 26 to change its angular orientation relative to the body 12. The pivot points 37 may be configured to allow a floating orientation that permits the head 26 to follow the contour of a surface or may be configured so that the pivot point 37 can be selectively rotated to and fixed in a particular orientation. For example, a head 26 having two pivot points 37 such as shown in FIG. 10 can be positioned to facilitate access to high located substantially horizontal surfaces such as a top surface of a fan blade, or the top of a tall piece of furniture, or the top of a cabinet.

[0040] In some embodiments, the wand portion 16 may include a wand extension 35 that connects the head 26 to the wand end 20 of the body 12. The wand extension 35 may be permanently affixed to one or both of the head 26 and body, or it may be configured for selective attachment to one or both of the head 26 and the body 12. The length of the wand extension 35 may vary to suit a particular application. In some instances, a vacuum duster 10 according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of wand extensions 35, thereby increasing the utility of the duster 10. The wand extension 35 may be hollow and may form a part of the internal passage 32 through which debris travels en route to the debris container 14.

[0041] In some embodiments, the handheld vacuum duster 10 may be configured to be attachable to an extension pole 48 (e.g., see FIG. 10) to facilitate the user's reach to distal objects such as ceiling fan blades, etc. In these embodiments, the distal end of the body 12 may have an extension pole attachment mechanism; e.g., a threaded portion that engages with the extension pole 48.

[0042] As indicated above, the vacuum assembly 15 is disposed within the interior cavity

22 of the body 12. The vacuum assembly 15 includes a pump 36 that includes an inlet port 38 and an exhaust port 40, and a motor 42 to drive the pump 36. The term "pump" as used herein refers to any device that is able to draw air into the inlet port 38 and move that air out through the exhaust port 40. The inlet port 38 is in fluid communication with the wand internal passage 32 when the wand portion 16 is attached to the body 12, and is therefore in fluid communication with the apertures 30 extending through the exterior surface(s) 28 of the wand head 26. The exhaust port 40 is in fluid communication with the debris container 14. A switch 44 mounted on the body 12 is operable to selectively energize and de-energize the motor 42 and therefore the vacuum pump 36. [0043] In the operation of the handheld vacuum duster 10, the user actuates the switch 44 that energizes the motor 42 and vacuum pump 36. The energized motor and vacuum pump draw ambient air into the duster 10 through the apertures 30 disposed within the wand head 26. As the wand head 26 is moved across a surface to be cleaned, air and any debris (e.g., dust) that is loose or is dislodged by the head material 34 (e.g., bristles) or surfaces of the wand portion 16 is drawn into the apertures 30, through the vacuum pump 36 (or through passages in communication with the pump), and is passed thereafter into the debris container 14. Debris collected in the debris container 14 can be selectively disposed of.

[0044] The present handheld vacuum duster 10 is efficient at collecting debris, including airborne dust, along or beside virtually any surface. The duster 10 is lightweight and easy to use, and prevents airborne dust from settling back on the surface while dusting.

[0045] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent various functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the inventions. The scope of the inventions is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more." No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for."

[0046] What is claimed is: