Hand-held, battery powered cleaning tool with stand

Abstract

A hand held cleaning tool is powered by commonly available batteries. An output shaft of the tool includes an expandable coupling, such as, for example a set of swaging cams. Torque delivery arms radiate outward from the output shaft. For example, the torque delivery arms are carried by a hub. The hub is attached to the output shaft with a pin and acts to secure a power train to a housing of the tool. The torque delivery arms are received in slots or interdental spaces associated with a cleaning head. Torque is delivered to the cleaning head with a reduced stress concentration. The cleaning tool is associated with a compact stand. The stand can be incorporated into a housing of the tool. For example, a battery compartment door can include the stand. Alternatively, the stand can be a separable item. A separable stand can accommodate a plurality of cleaning heads.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0002] The invention is related to the art of cleaning tools. The invention will be described in terms of a household cleaning tool, such as, for example, a kitchen or bathroom cleaning tool. However, the invention can be applied to other cleaning, polishing, 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, U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,790 to Root, et al. discloses several battery powered scrubbing devices. Each disclosed scrubbing device includes a single rechargeable battery. Root does not disclose the size or type of battery. However, the relative size 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 discharged before recharging. Many users of battery powered cleaning tools are unaware of, or are unwilling to devote the required attention to, a rechargeable battery care regime. Therefore, the difficulty in replacing the rechargeable batteries of Root, due to their uncommon nature, may lead to a shortened useful lifetime of the overall device.

[0006] The scrubbing devices of Root also include switches. Root does not disclose the type of switch. However, it appears that the switches disclosed in Root are of the push on/push off or slide type. For example, one switch is disposed at a back end of a scrubbing device. In that position, the switch cannot be reasonably held in an on position while the tool is being used. Non-momentary switches can be problematic in cleaning tools because a distracted user can forget to shut the tool off before placing it, for example, on a counter top. For instance, a user may be distracted, by a telephone or a child, and place a cleaning tool with a spinning cleaning 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 use 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. Therefore, battery life is extended.

[0007] Lastly, Root discloses several cleaning heads. The cleaning heads include relatively narrow hexagonally shaped jacks that are 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, U.S. Pat. No. 6,295,681 B1 to Dolah 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. The brushes disclosed by Dolah include base portions that are used to connect the brushes to the main body of the cleaning device. The base portions include L-shaped slots for receiving pins of the cleaning device. While no dimensions are given in either reference, the base portions of Dolah might be of a larger diameter than the jacks of Root. Therefore, Dolah may deliver torque to the brushes with a slightly larger moment arm. However, the brushes of Dolah include relatively narrow elongated intermediate shafts. The relatively narrow elongated intermediate shafts can undergo undue stress concentration which may lead to premature failure.

[0009] A third reference, U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,588 to Sandt, et al. discloses a portable cleaning device. Like Root and Dolah, Sandt discloses a cleaning device having a switch of undisclosed type. However, the switch appears to be a nonmomentary slide type. The portable cleaning device includes a rechargeable battery of undisclosed size and type. However, 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. However, 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. However, 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 from 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 can be conveniently stored when not in use.

SUMMARY

[0012] A first embodiment of a cleaning system includes a power compartment including, a power source housed within the power compartment, a motor mounted within the power compartment, the motor powered by the power source, a switch for selectively connecting the motor to the power source, and, a power output driven by the motor for delivering power to a device connected to the power compartment, a transmission module selectively connectable to the power compartment, a cleaning head selectively connectable to the transmission module and a stand.

[0013] For example, the power source can include four 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 be 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 transmission 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 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.

[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 compartment. A motor is mounted within the power compartment. The motor can be selectively connected to the 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. The 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. The 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.

[0015] For example, the cleaning head can be connected to the cleaning wand via an expandable coupling received in a socket of the cleaning head. For instance, the expandable coupling can be a swaging cam. The switch can include a switch support mounted to a back end of the motor and a resiliently biased arm mounted too the switch support. For instance, the resiliently biased arm can be resiliently spaced, in an over lapping manner, from a power terminal of the motor. The switch can further include a flexible membrane sealingly engaging an aperture in the power compartment. The membrane is positioned in overlapping relation with the resiliently biased arm. Deflecting the membrane caused the resiliently biased arm to deflect and come into contact with the 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 door.

[0016] A third embodiment includes a cleaning system comprising a handle, a power source housed within the handle, an upper housing selectively connectable 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 four 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 handle 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.

[0018] A fourth embodiment takes the form of cleaning wand configured for handheld cleaning. The cleaning wand includes an elongated handle. The wand includes a power source housed within the handle, an elongated upper housing including threads for selectively connecting the upper housing to or disconnecting the upper housing from the handle, a mechanism for transforming input power to a movement selected for a 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 cleaning wand. For example, the stand can be incorporated in a battery compartment door of the housing.

[0019] The wand can include 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 expandable coupling can include a swaging cam. The switch can include a switch support mounted to a back end of the motor a conductive resiliently biased arm mounted too the switch support, the resiliently biased arm 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 door.

[0020] A fifth embodiment is considered to be an ergonomic, hand held, battery powered cleaning tool. The 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 motor, 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 from 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 the hand of a user. For example, the gripping portion is at least about 3.5 inches in length, thereby allowing the gripping portion to be comfortably cradled in a palm of a user. The gripping portion can be about one inch in width, thereby allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion. The gripping portion is at about 1.4 inches in height, thereby allowing the gripping section to be cradled comfortably in a palm of a user and allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion. A center of the switch can be spaced about ¾ 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 user rests comfortably on the upper edge of the power compartment, a thumb of a user can comfortably actuate the switch. The gripping portion can be hollowed for forming a battery compartment for housing the replaceable batteries. 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.

[0022] A sixth embodiment is considered to be an ergonomic, hand held, battery powered cleaning 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. The cleaning tool includes a switch for actuating the cleaning tool by directing power from the battery to the electric motor. The 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] For 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 shaped to fit comfortably in the hand of a user. For example, the gripping portion is at least about 3.5 inches in length, thereby allowing the gripping portion to be comfortably cradled in a palm of a user. The gripping portion is at about one inch in width, thereby allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion. The gripping portion is at about 1.4 inches in height, thereby allowing the gripping section to be cradled comfortably in a palm of a user and allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion. The switch can be spaced about ¾ 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 user rests comfortably on the upper edge of the power compartment, a thumb of a user can comfortably actuate the 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.

[0024] A seventh embodiment is considered to be an ergonomic, hand held, battery powered cleaning 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. The cleaning tool includes a momentary switch for actuating the cleaning tool by directing power from the battery to the electric motor. The momentary switch is disposed in relation to 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 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.

[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 user. For example, the gripping portion is at least about 3.5 inches in length, thereby allowing the gripping portion to be comfortably cradled in a palm of a user. The gripping portion is at about one inch in width, thereby allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion. The gripping portion is at about 1.4 inches in height, thereby allowing the gripping section to be cradled comfortably in a palm of a user and allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion. The momentary switch can be spaced about ¾ 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 user rests comfortably on the upper edge of the power compartment, a thumb of a user can comfortably actuate 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 extending 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. The 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0029] The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and/or in various procedures and arrangements of procedures. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a sectional elevation view of a battery powered cleaning tool.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a sectional plan view of the battery powered cleaning tool of FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the battery powered cleaning tool of FIG. 1.

[0033] FIGS. 4A-4B are sectional views of working or cleaning heads that can be included in battery powered cleaning tools similar to the cleaning tool of FIG. 1.

[0034] FIGS. 5A-5B 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] FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting elements of a means for connecting a working or cleaning head to an output shaft of battery powered cleaning tool of FIG. 1

[0036] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a battery powered cleaning tool in the hand of a user.

[0037] FIG. 8 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] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the cleaning system or tool of FIG. 9.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a back elevation of the cleaning system or tool of FIG. 9

[0041] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a combination stand and battery door further including a spring contact.

[0042] FIG. 13 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 EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1-FIG. 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 106 and an upper housing or transmission module 108. The lower housing 106 and the upper housing 108 include threads 110, 112, respectively. The threads 110, 112 are used to connect the upper housing or transmission module 108 to the lower housing or power compartment 106. The lower housing or power compartment 106 is sized to accommodate at least one readily available battery. For example, the power compartment can be sized to accommodate AAA, AA, C, D or 9V batteries. Both disposable and rechargeable batteries are available in these sizes. Additionally, chargers for these size rechargeable batteries are also readily available.

[0045] The exemplary lower housing or power compartment 106 is sized to accommodate four AA size batteries. Sizing the power compartment to accommodate four AA size batteries 114 allows the lower housing or power compartment to include an ergonomic gripping portion 116 while providing a six-volt power source with a 3,000 milliamp-hour (mA-hr) capacity (assuming commonly available alkaline-manganese dioxide cells are used).

[0046] Other power sources may be selected. However, selecting other power sources may require a reduction in the ergonomic features of the cleaning tool 100 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 four 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. Therefore, four properly installed batteries 114 provide positive and negative power delivery terminals 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 130, 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.

[0049] In the exemplary embodiment, the contact holder 134 is mounted to the motor 128. For example, fasteners, such as screws 136 are used to secure the contact holder 134 to a back end 138 of the motor 128. As will be explained in greater detail below, in the illustrated embodiment, the motor is associated with the upper housing 108. Therefore, the contact holder 134 is not mounted to the lower housing. Instead, the contact holder 134 (along with a portion of the motor 128) is simple slide into position within the lower housing 106. A keying arrangement (not shown), such as, for example, a tongue molded into the lower housing 102 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 up 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 negative power delivery terminals 124, 126 of the set of batteries 114. The first contact 130 is positioned on the contact holder so as to provide a connection between, for example, the negative power delivery terminal 126 and the first motor terminal 120. The 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. The 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. The 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. Alternatively, additional bracketing, fasteners or adhesives may be used to secure the motor 128 to some part of the housing 102.

[0052] In the exemplary embodiment, the motor 128 is indirectly mounted to the upper housing or transmission module 108. For example, a motor mount 148 is secured to the motor 128 with fasteners, such as screws 149. Alternatively, adhesive can be used to secure the motor mount 148 to the motor 128. The motor mount 148 includes tabs or swaging cams 150. The tabs 150 are received or snap fit into slots 152 in a peripheral gear housing 154. The peripheral gear housing 154 includes gear teeth (not shown) on an inner wall (not shown) thereof. An outer bushing 156 is secured within the peripheral gear housing 154. For example, the outer bushing 156 is made of metal. For example, the outer bushing is friction fit 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 158. The transmission output shaft 158 and inner bushing 157 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 liquids 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. The 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. The second pinion gear 190 mates with the second set of planetary gears 192. The second set of planetary gears 192 are supported by a second gear holder 194 and held in place by a flange portion of the first gear holder 188. The second gear holder 194 is attached to the transmission output shaft 158. For example, the second gear holder 194 is molded to in unitary width a proximal end 196 of the transmission output shaft 158. An alignment bushing 197 is installed in or molded into the second gear holder 194 or proximal end 196 of the transmission output shaft 158. The alignment bushing 197 is coaxial with the transmission output shaft 158. An alignment pin 198 is received in alignment apertures 200, 201 in the first pinion gear 182 and the alignment bushing 197. The alignment pin 198 is coaxial with and aligns the motor 128, first pinion gear 182, first gear holder 188, and second gear holder 194.

[0054] Alternatively, the alignment pin may be an additional molded and unitary component of the transmission output shaft 158. For example, when the motor 128 is mounted in the lower housing 106, modular assembly of the cleaning tool 100 is facilitated by including the alignment pin 198 as a molded-in component of the transmission output shaft 158.

[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 terminal 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. The 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. The rotation of the motor output shaft 184 causes the first pinion gear 182 to rotate. The rotation of the first pinion gear 182 causes the first 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 gear 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. The rotation of the transmission output shaft 158 causes the hub 170 to rotate as well as any attached cleaning head 104.

[0056] Cleaning heads, such as, for example, cleaning head 104 are held in place by swaging cams 202. The swaging cams are attached to the transmission output shaft 158. For example, the swaging cams are molded to and unitary with a distal end 204 of the transmission output shaft 158.

[0057] It can be important to prevent water and other contaminants from entering the housing 102 of the cleaning tool 100. Therefore, as mentioned above, the cleaning tool includes the seal 166 for preventing water and contaminants from entering the housing 102 near the point where the transmission output shaft 158 extends out of the housing 102. An o-ring 203 seals the peripheral gear housing 154 against an inner wall of the upper housing or transmission module 108. Additionally, as explained above, the button 146 performs a sealing function. Alternatively, the button 146 may have additional sealing components associated therewith. If the housing 102 includes a plurality of sections, such as, for example, lower housing or power compartment 106 and upper housing or transmission module 108, 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, FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, a wide variety of work heads, such as cleaning head 104, can be detachably connected to the hub 170 to complete the cleaning system 100. For example, the cleaning. head 104 can be a pot scrubber 404, a glass washer 410, a bottle washer 420, or a general-purpose brush 430. 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 firmly 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 and relatively soft, bendable bristles 452 allow the glass washer 410 to reach and clean portions of a work piece that may be inaccessible to other work heads.

[0059] The bottle washer 420 includes features that make it preferable for cleaning bottles, such as, for example, baby bottles. Cleaning an individual baby bottle is not likely to be a particularly difficult task. However, where there is one baby bottle, there is likely to be a large number of other baby bottles. Therefore, a useful bottle 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 formula. Therefore, the bottle washer 420 includes a large number of individual brush filaments 464 distributed along a flexible wire shaft 468 and at a distal end 470 of the shaft. The wire shaft 468 is longer than a typical baby bottle. The brush filaments 464 are distributed along a portion of the shaft that is about at least as long as the depth of a typical baby bottle. The brush filaments 464 can be relatively soft and be directed more toward wiping than scraping. The bottle washer 420 includes short, stout connector portion 472 for connecting the wire shaft 468 to the hub 170.

[0060] The general purpose 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 452 of the glass cleaner 410. A body portion 484 of the general purpose cleaning head 430 can be somewhat longer than the short, stout body 444 of the pot scrubber 404.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, with continued reference to FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, work heads, such as, for 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 168 of the cleaning head. The socket includes a beveled leading edge 622 and a beveled trailing edge 624. Additionally, the connector section 610 includes a ring of torque-receiving teeth 630. 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 embodiment, there are eight interdental spaces 634. In some embodiments there are 4 interdental spaces. The torque-receiving teeth 630 extend from a ring base 638.

[0062] As explained above, the connecting hub 170 includes a collar 174 that is fitted over an output portion 160 of transmission output shaft 158. Pin 168 secures the collar 174 and, therefore, the hub 170, to the transmission output shaft 158. The hub 170 also includes, for example, four torque transmission arms 644.

[0063] During an installation or connection process, the swaging cams 202 of the distal end of the transmission output shaft 204 contact the leading beveled edge 622 of the socket 614. As mating pressure is increased, the swaging cams 202 are deflected inwardly toward the longitudinal axis 618 of the working head. Eventually, the swaging cams slide over the beveled trailing edge 624 of the socket expanding outward away from the longitudinal axis 618, firmly engaging an interior shoulder 650 of the socket 614, thereby pulling the working 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 of the interdental spaces 634. If an initial misalignment does not permit the torque-delivering arms 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] As explained above, 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. Therefore, the torque delivering arms 644 are also driven to rotate. By 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 from 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. The 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 ½ inch from a longitudinal axis 648 of the cleaning system 100. Torque-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. The resulting moment arms provide for the delivery of torque to the work head at a reduced level of stress on the torque-receiving elements of the work head as compared to the level of stress delivered in prior art devices. Additionally, an increased radius of connecting elements such as the hub 170 and the connector section 610 of the work head allow additional material to be used in their manufacture, thereby increasing an overall ruggedness of the cleaning system 100 while maintaining an ergonomic design.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 7, the housing 102 has a generally cylindrical shape. However, portions are tapered away from the cylindrical to provide an ergonomically comfortable design. For example, a portion of the housing 102 is tapered to provide the ergonomic gripping portion 116. For example, the gripping portion 116 can have a rounded rectangular cross section. Gripping portion 116 has a length 710 at least long enough to allow it to fit comfortably in a hand 714 of an intended user. For instance, the length 710 is between about 3 inches and about 5 inches. In one embodiment, the length 710 is about 3.5 inches. This length provides enough room for four gripping fingers 718 of the hand 714 of the intended user to fit 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 fingers 718 to wrap comfortably and securely around the gripping portion. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, the length 710, width 722 and height 726 of the gripping portion 116 are selected to allow an internal portion or chamber within the gripping portion 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 embodiment the width of the gripping portion 116 is tapered. The width of that gripping portion 116 varies from about 0.98 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 116 varies from about 1.34 inches to about 1.525 inches.

[0068] The actuating button 146 is adjacent to a first or proximal end 731 of the gripping portion 116. The button 146 is positioned so that a thumb 734 of the hand 714 gripping the gripping portion 116 can comfortably actuate the cleaning system 100 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 ¾ of an inch to about 1 inch. It should be noted that the designation of the location of the first end of the gripping portion is somewhat arbitrary. Some observers consider the button 146 to be within a differently defined gripping portion of the cleaning system 100. The description above is intended to be exemplary only and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0069] When the housing 102 includes a plurality of sections, such as the lower housing or power compartment 106 and the upper housing or transmission module 108, the cleaning system 100 can be readily adapted to particular cleaning tasks. For example, the upper housing or transmission module 108 can have a length 750 that is relatively short when the cleaning system 100 is directed toward kitchen cleaning tasks such as the washing of dishes, glasses and pots and pans. One embodiment directed toward these tasks includes an upper housing having a length 750 of about 2-½ inches.

[0070] When the cleaning system 100 is directed toward other tasks, the 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 can be longer. For instance, the length 750 of the upper housing 108 can be selected to give the overall cleaning system 100 a longer reach. For example, overall cleaning system lengths of 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 a sink or other bathroom fixtures.

[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. For example, pot scrubbing may benefit from high torque being delivered to the cleaning head. On the other hand, bottle washing may benefit from high-speed brush rotation. Bathroom bowl cleaning may 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 quickly be washed.

[0072] The ergonomic aspects of the cleaning system may be further enhanced by the inclusion of a stand. For example, referring to FIG. 9, a lower or bottom end 902 of a cleaning system 904, otherwise similar to the cleaning system or tool 100, includes a combination stand and battery door 908. The combination stand and battery door is dimensioned to provide stable footing for the cleaning system 904. For instance, the combination stand and battery door 908 is dimensioned so the cleaning system 904 can be stored in an upright position on a kitchen counter. For example, referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the combination stand and battery door 908 includes a generally circular bottom 914. The generally circular bottom 914 has a radius 918 of about 1.054 inches. A wall 922 of the combination stand and battery door curves away from the generally 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 system 904 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 to FIG. 11, a back portion 938 of the combination stand and battery door 908 includes a flattened portion 942. For example, at the generally circular bottom 914, the flattened portion 942 is spaced 944 from a front portion 946 of the generally circular bottom 914 by about 1.891 inches and extends upward, away from the generally 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 the cleaning system 904. The flattened portion 942 allows the cleaning tool or system 914 to lie approximately 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 oven.

[0073] The combination stand and battery door 908 can be generally hollow to reduce weight and material cost. In that case, a cavity 950 is created within the generally semispherical wall 922. The cavity 950 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 fit means 958 for securing the cover 954 to the rest of the combination stand and battery door 908. Additionally, the cover can include means for mounting spring contacts.

[0074] For example, referring to FIG. 12, a cover 1210 similar to the cover 954 of FIG. 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 main body 1218 of a combination stand and battery door 1222. Additionally, the inner surface 1216 of the cover 1210 includes a means for retaining a spring contact 1230. For example, the means for retaining the spring contact 1230 is a second or figure eightshaped ridge 1234. The means for retaining the spring contact 1230 cooperates with apertures 1238 in a bottom wall 1242 of the main body 1218 of the combination stand and battery door 1222 to hold the spring contact 1230 in place. For example the spring contact 1230 is glued or compression fit within the confines of the second or figure eight shaped ridge 1234. This cover 1210 and spring contact 1230 assembly is secured to the main body 1218 of the combination stand and battery door 1222, for example, by gluing or by friction, snap fit or other means. In so securing the cover 1210 to the main body, first and second portions 1240, 1242 of the spring contact 1230 are positioned to extend through the apertures 1238 in the bottom wall 1242 of the main body. Additionally, a linking portion 1244 of the spring contact 1230 is captured or sandwiched between the cover 1210 and the bottom wall 1242, thereby further retaining the spring contact in place. In this regard, the bottom wall 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 FIG. 3. In this regard, an inner surface 1250 of the bottom wall 1242 can carry a label or be embossed or etched with markings. For instance, the markings or label can include battery installation or orientation instructions.

[0075] Alternatively, the ergonomic aspects of a cleaning system are enhanced with a separable stand. For example, referring to FIG. 13 a first separable stand 1310 includes a socket 1314 sized and shaped for 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-FIG. 3. Other dimensions of the first separable stand 1310 may be similar to those of the combinations stand and battery door 1222. One embodiment of the first separable stand 1310 includes a collar 1318 extending upward from the socket 1314. The collar 1318 may provide added stability by preventing the cleaning tool 100 from tipping out of the socket 1314.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 14 a second separable stand 1410 includes a first socket 1414 sized and shaped for 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-FIG. 3. 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 edge 1426 to provide the second separable stand 1410 with a semi cylindrical shape. A second socket 1430 and a third socket 1434 are disposed on either side and in spaced relation to the first socket. The second 1430 and third 1434 sockets are sized and shaped to receive the connector sections 610 of work heads.

[0077] The invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations are included insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A cleaning system comprising: a power compartment including: a power source housed within the power compartment; a motor mounted within the power compartment, the motor powered by the power source; a switch for selectively connecting the motor to the power source; and, a power output driven by the motor for delivering power to a device connected to the power compartment; a transmission module selectively connectable to the power compartment; a cleaning head selectively connectable to the transmission module; and, a compact stand for holding the cleaning system in a convenient and orderly storage position.

2. The cleaning system of claim 1 wherein the compact stand is molded to and unitary with a component of the cleaning system.

3. The cleaning system of claim 2 wherein the component of the cleaning system is the power compartment.

4. The cleaning system of claim 3 wherein the compact stand comprises a combination stand and battery door of the power compartment.

5. The cleaning system of claim 1 wherein the stand has a generally semispherical shape.

6. The cleaning system of claim 5 wherein the stand has a flattened portion that lies in a plane that is approximately tangent to a wide portion of a wider of the power compartment and the transmission module when the housing is in a storage position.

7. The cleaning system of claim 4 wherein the combination stand and battery door further comprises: a main body having a bottom wall, the bottom wall including at least one aperture; a contact, at least a first portion of the contact extending through the at least one aperture; and a cover, a second portion of the contact being retained between the cover and a portion of the bottom wall.

8. The cleaning system of claim 7 wherein the contact comprises a spring contact.

9. The cleaning system of claim 1 wherein the stand is a separable stand.

10. The cleaning system of claim 9 wherein the stand additionally accommodates one or more cleaning heads.

11. The cleaning system of claim 1 wherein the power source comprises four AA size batteries.

12. The cleaning system of claim 1 wherein the switch is a momentary switch.

13. The cleaning system of claim 1 wherein the power compartment includes a gripping portion sized and shaped to fit comfortably in the hand of a user.

14. The cleaning system of claim 13 wherein the gripping portion is at least about 3.5 inches in length, thereby allowing the gripping portion to be comfortably cradled in a palm of a user.

15. The cleaning system of claim 13 wherein the gripping portion is at about one inch in width, thereby allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion.

16. The cleaning system of claim 13 wherein the gripping portion is at about 1.4 inches in height, thereby allowing the gripping section to be cradled comfortably in a palm of a user and allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion.

17. The cleaning system of claim 13 wherein the switch is located adjacent to the gripping portion, a center of a switch button being spaced about ¾ to about 1 inch from a first end of the gripping portion along a longitudinal axis of the power compartment, along an upper edge of the power compartment so that when a heel of a hand of a user rests comfortably on the upper edge of the power compartment, a thumb of the user can comfortably actuate the switch.

18. The cleaning system of claim 1 further comprising 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.

19. The cleaning system of claim 1 further comprising 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 of torque to the cleaning head.

20. A cleaning wand configured for hand-held cleaning, the cleaning wand comprising: an elongated power compartment including: a power source housed within the power compartment; a motor mounted within the power compartment, the motor selectively connected to the power source; a power output driven by the motor for delivering power to a device connected to the power compartment; an elongated transmission module including threads for selectively connecting the transmission module to or disconnecting the transmission module from the power compartment, the transmission module including a mechanism for transforming power from the power output to a form selected for a particular cleaning task; a cleaning head; a switch for selectively connecting the motor to the power source; and a compact stand for holding the cleaning wand in a convenient and orderly storage position.

21. The cleaning wand of claim 20 wherein the compact stand is molded to and unitary with a component of the cleaning wand.

22. The cleaning wand of claim 21 wherein the component of the cleaning wand is the power compartment.

23. The cleaning wand of claim 22 wherein the compact stand comprises a combination stand and battery door of the power compartment.

24. The cleaning wand of claim 20 wherein the stand has a generally semispherical shape.

25. The cleaning wand of claim 24 wherein the stand has a flattened portion that lies in a plane that is approximately tangent to a wide portion of a wider of the power compartment and the transmission module when the wand is in a storage position.

26. The cleaning wand of claim 23 wherein the combination stand and battery door further comprises: a main body having a bottom wall, the bottom wall including at least one aperture; a contact, at least a first portion of the contact extending through the at least one aperture; and a cover, a second portion of the contact being retained between the cover and a portion of the bottom wall.

27. The cleaning wand of claim 26 wherein the contact comprises a spring contact.

28. The cleaning wand of claim 20 wherein the stand is a separable stand.

29. The cleaning wand of claim 28 wherein the stand additionally accommodates one or more cleaning heads.

30. The cleaning wand of claim 20 wherein the switch is a momentary switch.

31. The cleaning wand of claim 20 wherein the switch is a finger switch included on the power compartment than can be actuated through the application of pressure from a finger of a user.

32. The cleaning wand of claim 20 wherein the power source comprises four AA size batteries.

33. The cleaning wand of claim 20 further comprising an expandable coupling for being matingly received in a socket of the cleaning head.

34. The cleaning wand of claim 33 wherein the expandable coupling comprises a swaging cam.

35. The cleaning wand of claim 33 further comprising a torque transmission arm for being matingly received between two of a plurality of moment arm teeth of the cleaning head.

36. The cleaning wand of claim 20 wherein the switch comprises a switch support mounted to a back end of the motor; a resiliently biased arm mounted too the switch support, the resiliently biased arm being resiliently spaced, in an over lapping manner, from a power terminal of the motor.

37. The cleaning wand of claim 20 wherein the switch further comprises a flexible membrane sealingly engaging an aperture in the power compartment.

38. A cleaning system comprising: a handle: a power source housed within the handle; an upper housing selectively connectable 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; a cleaning head selectively connectable at the hub; and a compact stand for holding the cleaning system in a convenient and orderly storage position.

39. The cleaning system of claim 38 wherein the compact stand is molded to and unitary with a component of the cleaning system.

40. The cleaning system of claim 39 wherein the component of the cleaning system is the power compartment.

41. The cleaning system of claim 40 wherein the compact stand comprises a combination stand and battery door of the power compartment.

42. The cleaning system of claim 38 wherein the stand has a generally semispherical shape.

43. The cleaning system of claim 42 wherein the stand has a flattened portion that lies in a plane that is approximately tangent to a wide portion of a wider of the power compartment and the transmission module when the housing is in a storage position.

44. The cleaning system of claim 41 wherein the combination stand and battery door further comprises: a main body having a bottom wall, the bottom wall including at least one aperture; a contact, at least a first portion of the contact extending through the at least one aperture; and a cover, a second portion of the contact being retained between the cover and a portion of the bottom wall.

45. The cleaning system of claim 44 wherein the contact comprises a spring contact.

46. The cleaning system of claim 38 wherein the stand is a separable stand.

47. The cleaning system of claim 46 wherein the stand additionally accommodates one or more cleaning heads.

48. The cleaning system of claim 38 further comprising: at least one additional cleaning head, each cleaning head being configured for a particular cleaning task, each cleaning head being selectively connectable the hub to be selectively driven by the transmission of the upper housing, whereby the cleaning system can be used to accomplish a particular cleaning task.

49. The cleaning system of claim 38 further comprising: at least one additional cleaning head, each cleaning head being configured for a particular cleaning task, each cleaning head being selectively connectable to at least one of the upper housings to be selectively driven by the transmission of the at least one upper housing, whereby the cleaning system can be used to accomplish a particular cleaning task.

50. The cleaning system of claim 38 wherein the power source comprises four AA size batteries.

51. The cleaning system of claim 38 wherein the switch is a momentary switch.

52. The cleaning system of claim 38 wherein the cleaning head comprises a cleaning element pretreated with a cleansing agent.

53. The cleaning system of claim 38 wherein the handle includes a gripping portion sized and shaped to fit comfortably in the hand of a user.

54. The cleaning system of claim 53 wherein the gripping portion is at least about 3.5 inches in length, thereby allowing the gripping portion to be comfortably cradled in a palm of a user.

55. The cleaning system of claim 53 wherein the gripping portion is at about one inch in width, thereby allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion.

56. The cleaning system of claim 53 wherein the gripping portion is at about 1.4 inches in height, thereby allowing the gripping section to be cradled comfortably in a palm of a user and allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion.

57. The cleaning system of claim 53 wherein the switch is located adjacent to the gripping portion, a center of the switch being spaced about ¾ to about 1 inch from a first end of the gripping portion along a direction of a longitudinal axis of the handle, along an upper edge of the handle so that when a heel of a hand of a user rests on the upper edge of the handle, a thumb of a user can comfortably actuate the switch.

58. The cleaning system of claim 38 further comprising a swaging cam associated with an output of the transmission, the swaging cam being operative to receive and retain a mating portion of the cleaning head.

59. The cleaning system of claim 38 further comprising an output hub associated with an output of the transmission, the output hub including at least one torque transmitting arm, the toque transmitting arm being operative to be received within interdental spaces of torque receiving teeth of the cleaning head when the cleaning head is connected to the upper housing, the torque transmitting arm thereby providing a moment arm for the delivery of torque to the cleaning head.

60. The cleaning system of claim 38 further comprising: a battery door for securing the power source inside the handle and for providing access for replacing the power source; a first o-ring for forming a seal between the battery door and an end of the handle; a gasket for forming a seal between the first end of the handle and the transmission compartment; and, a seal for sealing an output end of the upper housing.

61. A cleaning wand configured for hand-held cleaning, the cleaning wand comprising: an elongated handle including: a power source housed within the handle; an elongated upper housing including threads for selectively connecting the upper housing to or disconnecting the upper housing from the handle; a mechanism for transforming input power to a movement selected for a particular cleaning task; a motor mounted to the mechanism for providing input power to the mechanism, the motor being selectively connected to the power source; a switch for selectively connecting the motor to the power source; a cleaning head; an interconnect for selectively connecting the cleaning head to a movement output of the mechanism; and a compact stand for holding the cleaning wand in a convenient and orderly storage position.

62. The cleaning wand of claim 61 wherein the compact stand is molded to and unitary with a component of the handle.

63. The cleaning wand of claim 62 wherein the compact stand comprises a combination stand and battery door of the handle.

64. The cleaning wand of claim 61 wherein the stand has a generally semispherical shape.

65. The cleaning wand of claim 64 wherein the stand has a flattened portion that lies in a plane that is approximately tangent to a wide portion of a wider of the power compartment and the transmission module when the wand is in a storage position.

66. The cleaning wand of claim 63 wherein the combination stand and battery door further comprises: a main body having a bottom wall, the bottom wall including at least one aperture; a contact, at least a first portion of the contact extending through the at least one aperture; and a cover, a second portion of the contact being retained between the cover and a portion of the bottom wall.

67. The cleaning wand of claim 66 wherein the contact comprises a spring contact.

68. The cleaning wand of claim 61 wherein the stand is a separable stand.

69. The cleaning wand of claim 68 wherein the stand additionally accommodates one or more cleaning heads.

70. The cleaning wand of claim 61 wherein the switch is a momentary switch.

71. The cleaning wand of claim 61 wherein the switch is a finger switch included on the handle that can be actuated through the application of pressure from a finger of a user.

72. The cleaning wand of claim 61 wherein the power source comprises four AA size batteries.

73. The cleaning wand of claim 61 wherein the interconnect comprises an expandable coupling for being matingly received in a socket of the cleaning head.

74. The cleaning wand of claim 73 wherein the expandable coupling comprises a swaging cam.

75. The cleaning wand of claim 61 further comprising an arm for being matingly received between two moment arm teeth of the cleaning head.

76. The cleaning wand of claim 61 wherein the switch comprises a switch support mounted to a back end of the motor; a conductive resiliently biased arm mounted too the switch support, the resiliently biased arm being resiliently spaced, in an over lapping manner, from a power terminal of the motor.

77. The cleaning wand of claim 61 wherein the switch further comprises a flexible membrane sealingly engaging an aperture in the handle.

78. An ergonomic, hand held, battery powered cleaning tool comprising 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 motor, 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 being resiliently biased away from the motor contact; an output shaft; a transmission for coupling the motor to the output shaft, the output shaft extending outside the housing; means for attaching the detachable cleaning head to the output shaft; and a compact stand for holding the cleaning wand in a convenient and orderly storage position.

79. The cleaning tool of claim 78 wherein the compact stand is molded to and unitary with a component of the housing.

80. The cleaning tool of claim 79 wherein the component of the cleaning housing is the battery compartment.

81. The cleaning tool of claim 3 wherein the compact stand comprises a combination stand and battery door of the battery compartment.

82. The cleaning tool of claim 78 wherein the stand has a generally semispherical shape.

83. The cleaning tool of claim 82 wherein the stand has a flattened portion that lies in a plane that is approximately tangent to a wide portion housing when the housing is in a storage position.

84. The cleaning tool of claim 81 wherein the combination stand and battery door further comprises: a main body having a bottom wall, the bottom wall including at least one aperture; a contact, at least a first portion of the contact extending through the at least one aperture; and a cover, a second portion of the contact being retained between the cover and a portion of the bottom wall.

85. The cleaning tool of claim 84 wherein the contact comprises a spring contact.

86. The cleaning tool of claim 78 wherein the stand is a separable stand.

87. The cleaning tool of claim 86 wherein the stand additionally accommodates one or more cleaning heads.

88. The ergonomic, hand held, battery powered cleaning tool of claim 78 wherein the means for attaching the detachable cleaning head to the output shaft comprises a swaging cam molded into the output shaft and a socket for receiving the swaging cam, the socket being associated with the cleaning attachment.

89. The ergonomic, hand held, battery powered cleaning tool of claim 78 wherein the transmission comprises a first set of planetary gears configured to receive a pinion gear mounted to an output shaft of the motor.

90. The ergonomic, hand held, battery powered cleaning tool of claim 89 wherein the transmission comprises a second set of planetary gears and a gear holder with pinion for interconnecting the first set of planetary gears with the second set of planetary gears.

91. The ergonomic, hand held, battery powered cleaning tool of claim 90 wherein the output shaft includes a second gear holder molded thereto.

92. The ergonomic, hand held, battery powered cleaning tool of claim 78 wherein the generally cylindrical housing includes a gripping portion sized and shaped to fit comfortably in the hand of a user.

93. The cleaning system of claim 92 wherein the gripping portion is at least about 3.5 inches in length, thereby allowing the gripping portion to be comfortably cradled in a palm of a user.

94. The cleaning system of claim 92 wherein the gripping portion is at about one inch in width, thereby allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion.

95. The cleaning system of claim 92 wherein the gripping portion is at about 1.4 inches in height, thereby allowing the gripping section to be cradled comfortably in a palm of a user and allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion.

96. The cleaning system of claim 92 wherein the switch is located adjacent to the gripping portion, a center of the switch being spaced about ¾ 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 user rests comfortably on the upper edge of the power compartment, a thumb of a user can comfortably actuate the switch.

97. The cleaning system of claim 92 wherein the gripping portion is hollowed for forming a battery compartment for housing the replaceable batteries.

98. The ergonomic, hand held, battery powered cleaning tool of claim 88 wherein the means for attaching the detachable cleaning head to the output shaft further comprises a hub, the hub including torque delivery arms the torque delivery arms configured to be received within interdental spaces of torque receiving teeth associated with the cleaning head.

99. An ergonomic, hand held, battery powered cleaning tool comprising a detachable cleaning head; a generally cylindrical housing including a lower housing including a gripping portion; an upper housing connected to the lower housing and extending away from the lower housing, an attachment point for the detachable head being located at a distal end of the upper housing; a battery located in a battery compartment in the housing; an electric motor located in the housing; a switch for actuating the cleaning tool by directing power from the battery to the electric motor, the switch being 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; 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; means for attaching the detachable cleaning head to the output shaft; and a compact stand operative to hold the cleaning tool in a convenient and orderly storage position.

100. The cleaning tool of claim 99 wherein the compact stand is molded to and unitary with a component of the housing.

101. The cleaning tool of claim 100 wherein the component of the cleaning housing is the battery compartment.

102. The cleaning tool of claim 101 wherein the compact stand comprises a combination stand and battery door of the battery compartment.

103. The cleaning tool of claim 99 wherein the stand has a generally semispherical shape.

104. The cleaning tool of claim 103 wherein the stand has a flattened portion that lies in a plane that is approximately tangent to a wide portion housing when the housing is in a storage position.

105. The cleaning tool of claim 102 wherein the combination stand and battery door further comprises: a main body having a bottom wall, the bottom wall including at least one aperture; a contact, at least a first portion of the contact extending through the at least one aperture; and a cover, a second portion of the contact being retained between the cover and a portion of the bottom wall.

106. The cleaning tool of claim 105 wherein the contact comprises a spring contact.

107. The cleaning tool of claim 99 wherein the stand is a separable stand.

108. The cleaning tool of claim 107 wherein the stand additionally accommodates one or more cleaning heads.

109. The cleaning tool of claim 99 wherein the switch is a momentary switch.

110. The cleaning tool of claim 99 wherein the means for attaching the detachable cleaning head to the output shaft comprises a swaging cam molded into the output shaft and a socket for receiving the swaging cam, the socket being associated with the cleaning attachment.

111. The cleaning tool of claim 99 wherein the gripping portion sized and shaped to fit comfortably in the hand of a user.

112. The cleaning tool of claim 111 wherein the gripping portion is at least about 3.5 inches in length, thereby allowing the gripping portion to be comfortably cradled in a palm of a user.

113. The cleaning tool of claim 111 wherein the gripping portion is at about an inch in width, thereby allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion.

114. The cleaning tool of claim 111 wherein the gripping portion is at about 1.4 inches in height, thereby allowing the gripping section to be cradled comfortably in a palm of a user and allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion.

115. The cleaning tool of claim 111 wherein a center of the switch is spaced about ¾ 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 user rests comfortably on the upper edge of the power compartment, a thumb of a user can comfortably actuate the switch.

116. An ergonomic, hand held, battery powered cleaning tool comprising a detachable cleaning head; a generally cylindrical housing including a lower housing including a gripping portion; an upper housing connected to the lower housing and extending away from the lower housing, an attachment point for the detachable head being located at a distal end of the upper housing; a battery located in a battery compartment in the housing; an electric motor located in the housing; a momentary switch for actuating the cleaning tool by directing power from the battery to the electric motor, the momentary switch being 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 momentary 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 momentary switch; 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; means for attaching the detachable cleaning head to the output shaft; and a cover, a second portion of the contact being retained between the cover and a portion of the bottom wall.

117. The cleaning tool of claim 116 wherein the compact stand is molded to and unitary with a component of the housing.

118. The cleaning tool of claim 117 wherein the component of the cleaning housing is the battery compartment.

119. The cleaning tool of claim 118 wherein the compact stand comprises a combination stand and battery door of the battery compartment.

120. The cleaning tool of claim 116 wherein the stand has a generally semispherical shape.

121. The cleaning tool of claim 120 wherein the stand has a flattened portion that lies in a plane that is approximately tangent to a wide portion housing when the housing is in a storage position.

122. The cleaning tool of claim 119 wherein the combination stand and battery door further comprises: a main body having a bottom wall, the bottom wall including at least one aperture; a contact, at least a first portion of the contact extending through the at least one aperture; and a cover, a second portion of the contact being retained between the cover and a portion of the bottom wall.

123. The cleaning tool of claim 122 wherein the contact comprises a spring contact.

124. The cleaning tool of claim 116 wherein the stand is a separable stand.

125. The cleaning tool of claim 124 wherein the stand additionally accommodates one or more cleaning heads.

126. The cleaning tool of claim 116 wherein the means for attaching the detachable cleaning head to the output shaft comprises a swaging cam molded into the output shaft and a socket for receiving the swaging cam, the socket being associated with the cleaning attachment.

127. The cleaning tool of claim 116 wherein the gripping portion sized and shaped to fit comfortably in the hand of a user.

128. The cleaning tool of claim 127 wherein the gripping portion is at least about 3.5 inches in length, thereby allowing the gripping portion to be comfortably cradled in a palm of a user.

129. The cleaning tool of claim 127 wherein the gripping portion is at about one inch in width, thereby allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion.

130. The cleaning tool of claim 127 wherein the gripping portion is at about 1.4 inches in height, thereby allowing the gripping section to be cradled comfortably in a palm of a user and allowing the fingers of a user to be comfortably wrapped around the gripping portion.

131. The cleaning tool of claim 127 wherein a center of the momentary switch is spaced about ¾ 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 user rests comfortably on the upper edge of the power compartment, a thumb of a user can comfortably actuate the switch.

132. A durable cleaning tool comprising: a housing including 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 extending 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; and a cover, a second portion of the contact being retained between the cover and a portion of the bottom wall.

133. The cleaning tool of claim 132 wherein the compact stand is molded to and unitary with a component of the housing.

134. The cleaning tool of claim 133 wherein the component of the cleaning housing is the power compartment.

135. The cleaning tool of claim 134 wherein the compact stand comprises a combination stand and battery door of the power compartment.

136. The cleaning tool of claim 132 wherein the stand has a generally semispherical shape.

137. The cleaning tool of claim 136 wherein the stand has a flattened portion that lies in a plane that is approximately tangent to a wide portion housing when the housing is in a storage position.

138. The cleaning tool of claim 135 wherein the combination stand and battery door further comprises: a main body having a bottom wall, the bottom wall including at least one aperture; a contact, at least a first portion of the contact extending through the at least one aperture; and a cover, a second portion of the contact being retained between the cover and a portion of the bottom wall.

139. The cleaning tool of claim 138 wherein the contact comprises a spring contact.

140. The cleaning tool of claim 132 wherein the stand is a separable stand.

141. The cleaning tool of claim 140 wherein the stand additionally accommodates one or more cleaning heads.

142. The durable cleaning tool of claim 132 wherein the torque transmission arms extend radially outward at least about 0.5 inches from a longitudinal axis of the output shaft.

143. The durable cleaning tool of claim 132 wherein the torque receiving elements engage the torque transmission arms at least about 0.5 inches from a longitudinal axis of the output shaft.

144. The durable cleaning tool of claim 132 further comprising a hub attached to the portion of the output shaft extending outside the housing, the hub carrying the torque transmission arms.

145. The durable cleaning tool of claim 132 wherein the torque receiving elements comprise teeth, the torque transmitting arms being receivable in interdental spaces between the teeth.

146. The durable cleaning tool of claim 132 wherein the switch further comprises: a switching contact resiliently biased from a motor terminal contact and the cleaning too further comprises: a contact holder mounted to a back end of the motor, the contact holder being operative to support the switching contact and the motor terminal contact; a keying mechanism having keying elements distributed between the housing and the contact holder, the keying mechanism being operative to ensure the contact holder is installed within the housing in a proper orientation and to prevent the contact holder and therefore the motor from rotating once they are properly installed within the housing.

147. The durable cleaning tool of claim 132 wherein the power source comprises four AA size batteries.

148. The durable cleaning tool of claim 132 wherein the housing comprises and upper housing and a lower housing.

149. The durable cleaning tool of claim 148 wherein the output shaft is captured within the upper housing by a hub installed on the portion of the output shaft extending outside the housing, the durable cleaning tool further comprising: a peripheral gear housing within the upper housing, captured to a wall of the upper housing by a bearing installed on the a portion of the output shaft within the housing and a hub installed on a the portion of the output shaft extending outside the housing; a motor mount attached to a front end of the motor and attached to the peripheral gear housing, thereby associating the motor with the upper housing.