Patent Publication Number: US-11664703-B2

Title: Power and home tools

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/887,209 filed on Feb. 2, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/622,378 filed on Jan. 26, 2018, entitled Power and Home Tools; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/609,012 filed on Dec. 21, 2017; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/459,333 filed on Feb. 15, 2017. The entire contents of all are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to simplified design of tools. The tools may include a home tool, such as a cordless vacuum, or a power tool, such as a screwdriver. The simplified design may lend itself to automated manufacturing. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are various existing tools. It is desired to provide tools with a simplified design which may provide a simplified assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is a screwdriver and charger system. The screwdriver and charger system includes a charger and a screwdriver. The charger includes at least one cell monitor which monitors a voltage of a battery and configured to provide a charging current to the battery. The screwdriver includes a housing, the battery housed in the housing, a motor housed in the housing and a rotatable spindle driven by the motor and configured to hold and drive a bit. 
     The least one cell monitor may include two cell monitors. 
     The charger may further include an independent charge shut-off. 
     The charger may include a circuit board. 
     The at least one cell monitor may be mounted on the circuit board. 
     The independent charge shut-off may be mounted on the circuit board. 
     The screwdriver may not include any printed circuit boards. 
     The screwdriver may not include any cell monitors. 
     The screwdriver may not include an independent charge shut-off. 
     The screwdriver may include a user-actuatable switch. 
     The switch may include a stamped metal connector. 
     Actuating the switch may connect the stamped metal connector on the switch to stamped metal connectors in the screwdriver housing to complete a circuit and provide power from the battery to the motor. 
     According to another aspect, there is an exemplary embodiment of a screwdriver. The screwdriver includes a housing, a battery housed in the housing, a motor housed in the housing and a rotatable spindle driven by the motor and configured to hold and drive a bit. An electrical connection between the battery and the motor for powering the motor by the battery is provided through a circuit board. 
     The screwdriver may further include a light and power from the battery to the light for powering the light is provided through the circuit board. 
     The screwdriver may further include a light and power from the battery to the light for powering the light is provided through a second circuit board. 
     The battery may be soldered to the circuit board. 
     The motor may be soldered to the circuit board. 
     The battery may be connected to the circuit board by tulip clips. 
     The motor may be connected to the circuit board by tulip clips. 
     The battery may be connected to the circuit board in an insertion method. 
     The motor may be connected to the circuit board by an insertion method. 
     The screwdriver may have a housing and the battery may be placed in the housing and the circuit board slid into connection with the battery while the battery is in the housing. 
     The screwdriver may have a housing and the motor may be placed in the housing and the circuit board slid into connection with the battery while the motor is in the housing. 
     The screwdriver may have a housing and the battery and motor may be placed in the housing and the circuit board slid into connection with the battery and motor while the battery and motor are in the housing. 
     The screwdriver may have a housing and the battery may be connected to the circuit board and then the battery and circuit board together are inserted into the housing. 
     The screwdriver may have a housing and the motor may be connected to the circuit board and then the motor and circuit board together are inserted into the housing. 
     The screwdriver may have a housing and the battery and motor may be connected to the circuit board and then the battery, motor and circuit board together are inserted into the housing. 
     The connection between the battery and the motor may be made without wires. 
     The connection between the battery and the motor may be made by enameled wires. 
     The connection between the battery and the motor may be made by uninsulated wires. 
     According to another aspect, there is an exemplary embodiment of a hand-held vacuum cleaner. The hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a housing and a motor, a fan driven by the motor and a battery which powers the motor housed in the housing. The fan creates suction for drawing dirt into a canister. 
     The housing may not contain a circuit board. 
     The battery may be electrically connected to the motor via enameled wires. 
     The battery may be electrically connected to the motor via uninsulated wires. 
     The housing may house two or more batteries which are connected to and power the motor. 
     The battery may be connected to the motor via a circuit board. 
     The hand vac may include a switch for activating the motor. 
     The switch may include two stamped metal connectors which connect to form a circuit and provide power from the battery to the motor. 
     The switch may include a stamped metal connector disposed between the positive terminal of the battery pack and a positive terminal of the motor, the stamped metal connector may be movable between a position where it provides an electrical path between the positive terminal of the battery pack and a positive terminal of the motor and a position where it does not provide an electrical path between the positive terminal of the battery pack and a positive terminal of the motor. 
     According to another aspect, there is an exemplary embodiment of a hand vac and charger system. The hand vac and charger system includes a charger and a hand vac. The charger includes at least one cell monitor which monitors a voltage of a battery and configured to provide a charging current to the battery. The hand vac includes a housing, the battery housed in the housing, a motor housed in the housing and a rotatable spindle driven by the motor and configured to hold and drive a bit. 
     According to another aspect, there is an exemplary embodiment of a hand held portable power tool with an integral battery and charger system. The power tool and charger system includes a charger and a power tool. The charger includes at least one cell monitor which monitors a voltage of a battery and configured to provide a charging current to the battery. The power tool includes a housing, the battery housed in the housing, a motor housed in the housing and an output driven by the motor. 
     The integral battery may include one battery cell. 
     The integral battery may include two battery cells. 
     The integral battery may be a lithium-ion battery. 
     The integral battery may have a nominal voltage of approximately 3.6 to 4 volts. 
     The integral battery may have a nominal voltage of approximately 7.2 to 8 volts. 
     The integral battery may have a nominal voltage of 9 volts or less. 
     The integral battery may have a nominal voltage of 8 volts or less. 
     The least one cell monitor may include two cell monitors. 
     The charger may further include an independent charge shut-off. 
     The charger may include a circuit board. 
     The at least one cell monitor may be mounted on the circuit board. 
     The independent charge shut-off may be mounted on the circuit board. 
     The power tool may not include any printed circuit boards. 
     The power tool may not include any cell monitors. 
     The power tool may not include an independent charge shut-off. 
     The power tool may include a user-actuatable switch. 
     The switch may include a stamped metal connector. 
     Actuating the switch may connect the stamped metal connector on the switch to stamped metal connectors in the screwdriver housing to complete a circuit and provide power from the battery to the motor. 
     According to another aspect, there is an exemplary embodiment a hand held portable power tool with an integral battery. The power tool includes a housing, a battery housed in the housing, a motor housed in the housing and a rotatable spindle driven by the motor and configured to hold and drive a bit. An electrical connection between the battery and the motor for powering the motor by the battery is provided through a circuit board. 
     The battery may have a nominal voltage of 9 volts or less and may include one or more battery cells. 
     The battery may be soldered to the circuit board. 
     The motor may be soldered to the circuit board. 
     The battery may be connected to the circuit board by tulip clips. 
     The motor may be connected to the circuit board by tulip clips. 
     The battery may be connected to the circuit board in an insertion method. 
     The motor may be connected to the circuit board by an insertion method. 
     The power tool may have a housing and the battery may be placed in the housing and the circuit board slid into connection with the battery while the battery is in the housing. 
     The power tool may have a housing and the motor may be placed in the housing and the circuit board slid into connection with the battery while the motor is in the housing. 
     The power tool may have a housing and the battery and motor may be placed in the housing and the circuit board slid into connection with the battery and motor while the battery and motor are in the housing. 
     The power tool may have a housing and the battery may be connected to the circuit board and then the battery and circuit board together are inserted into the housing. 
     The power tool may have a housing and the motor may be connected to the circuit board and then the motor and circuit board together are inserted into the housing. 
     The power tool may have a housing and the battery and motor may be connected to the circuit board and then the battery, motor and circuit board together are inserted into the housing. 
     The connection between the battery and the motor may be made without wires. 
     The connection between the battery and the motor may be made by enameled wires. 
     The connection between the battery and the motor may be made by uninsulated wires. 
     According to another aspect, there is an exemplary embodiment of a hand-held drill or screwdriver. The drill or screwdriver includes a housing; a motor assembly held in the housing; a battery assembly held in the housing; and a circuit board adjacent to the battery assembly and the motor assembly. The motor and the battery assembly are electrically connected to the circuit board. 
     The battery assembly may include a battery and an electrical connecter. 
     The electrical connector may extend from a terminal of the battery to the circuit board. 
     The electrical connector may be soldered to the circuit board. 
     The motor assembly may include a motor and an electrical connector. 
     The electrical connector may extend from a terminal of the motor to the circuit board. 
     The electrical connector may be soldered to the circuit board. 
     There may be two electrical connectors extending from that battery to the circuit board, one connected to a positive terminal of the battery and one connected to the negative terminal of the battery. Each electrical connector may be electrically connected to the circuit board by, for example, soldering. There may be multiple batteries connected to the circuit board in this manner. 
     There may be two electrical connectors extending from the motor to the circuit board, one connected to a positive terminal of the motor and one connected to the negative terminal of the motor. Each electrical connector may be electrically connected to the circuit board by, for example, soldering. 
     The screwdriver or drill may have a chuck. The drill or screwdriver may have a transmission. The drill or screwdriver may have an output spindle. The drill or screwdriver may have a bit holder, such as a hexagonal bit holder. 
     The circuit board may dispose at an angle with respect to the battery. 
     The angle may be more than 5 degrees. 
     The angle may be more than 10 degrees. 
     The angle may be more than 20 degrees. 
     The angle may be more than 25 degrees. 
     The circuit board may be disposed at an angle with respect to the motor. 
     The angle may be more than 5 degrees. 
     The angle may be more than 10 degrees. 
     The angle may be more than 20 degrees. 
     The angle may be more than 25 degrees. 
     The circuit board may be generally flat and lie in a plane. 
     The motor may have a longitudinal axis. 
     The battery may have a longitudinal axis. 
     The longitudinal axis of the motor may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the battery. 
     The plane may be disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the battery and the longitudinal axis of the motor. 
     The angle may be greater than 5 degrees. 
     The angle may be greater than 10 degrees. 
     The angle may be greater than 15 degrees. 
     The angle may be greater than 20 degrees. 
     The angle may be greater than 25 degrees. 
     The hand-held powered tool may be a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner may include a fan. The vacuum cleaner may include a canister. 
     According to another aspect, there is a hand-held powered tool, including a housing; a motor assembly held in the housing; a battery assembly held in the housing; and a circuit board adjacent to the battery assembly and the motor assembly. The motor and the battery assembly are electrically connected to the circuit board. 
     The battery assembly may include a battery and an electrical connecter. 
     The electrical connector may extend from a terminal of the battery to the circuit board. 
     The electrical connector may be soldered to the circuit board. 
     The motor assembly may include a motor and an electrical connector. 
     The electrical connector may extend from a terminal of the motor to the circuit board. 
     The electrical connector may be soldered to the circuit board. 
     The circuit board may be disposed at an angle with respect to the battery. 
     The angle may be more than 5 degrees. 
     The angle may be more than 10 degrees. 
     The angle may be more than 20 degrees. 
     The angle may be more than 25 degrees. 
     The circuit board may be disposed at an angle with respect to the motor. 
     The angle may be more than 5 degrees. 
     The angle may be more than 10 degrees. 
     The angle may be more than 20 degrees. 
     The angle may be more than 25 degrees. 
     The circuit board may be generally flat and lie in a plane. 
     The motor may have a longitudinal axis. 
     The battery may have a longitudinal axis. 
     The longitudinal axis of the motor may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the battery. 
     The plane may be disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the battery and the longitudinal axis of the motor. 
     The angle may be greater than 5 degrees. 
     The angle may be greater than 10 degrees. 
     The angle may be greater than 15 degrees. 
     The angle may be greater than 20 degrees. 
     The angle may be greater than 25 degrees. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a partial side view of a cordless hand held vacuum cleaner of the related art with one housing side removed; 
         FIG.  2    is a partial side view of a cordless hand held screwdriver of the related art with one housing side removed; 
         FIG.  3    is a close-up partial side view of a cordless hand held screwdriver of the related art with one housing side removed; 
         FIG.  4 A  illustrates a charger; 
         FIG.  4 B  schematically illustrates a charger and a hand-held vacuum cleaner or screwdriver which the charger may charge; 
         FIG.  5 A  schematically illustrates a charger and a hand-held vacuum cleaner or screwdriver which the charger may charge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG.  5 B  illustrates the exemplary embodiment of the charger shown schematically in  FIG.  5 A ; 
         FIG.  6    is a partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cordless hand held vacuum cleaner with one housing side removed; 
         FIG.  7    is another partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cordless hand held vacuum cleaner with one housing side removed; 
         FIG.  8    is another partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cordless hand held vacuum cleaner with one housing side removed; 
         FIG.  9    is close-up view of a portion of the cordless hand held vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10    is another partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cordless hand held vacuum cleaner with one housing side removed; 
         FIG.  11    is close-up view of a portion of the cordless hand held vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is another partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cordless hand held vacuum cleaner with one housing side removed; 
         FIG.  13    is close-up view of a portion of the cordless hand held vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  14    is another partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cordless hand held vacuum cleaner with one housing side removed; 
         FIG.  15    is close-up view of a portion of the cordless hand held vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIG.  16    is another partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cordless hand held vacuum cleaner with one housing side removed; 
         FIG.  17    is close-up view of a portion of the cordless hand held vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  16   ; 
         FIG.  18    is another partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cordless hand held vacuum cleaner with one housing side removed; 
         FIG.  19    is close-up view of a portion of the cordless hand held vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  18   ; 
         FIG.  20    is close-up view of a portion of the cordless hand held vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  18   ; 
         FIG.  21    is close-up view of a portion of the cordless hand held vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  18   ; 
         FIG.  22    is close-up view of a portion of the cordless hand held vacuum cleaner of  FIG.  18   ; 
         FIG.  23    is a side view of a hand held cordless vacuum cleaner which may include the internal configuration of the exemplary embodiments shown in  FIGS.  6  to  22   ; 
         FIG.  24    is a side view of a cordless screwdriver according to an exemplary embodiment with one housing side removed; 
         FIG.  25    is a perspective view of the cordless screwdriver of  FIG.  24   ; 
         FIG.  26    is a close-up side view of the cordless screwdriver of  FIG.  24   ; 
         FIG.  27    is an illustration of another embodiment of a switch; 
         FIG.  28    is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a cordless screwdriver shown with the housing side; 
         FIG.  29    is a sideview of the exemplary embodiment of the screwdriver of  FIG.  28    shown with one housing side removed; 
         FIG.  30    is a side view of the internals of screwdrivers of exemplary embodiments of the present application; 
         FIG.  31    is a perspective side view of internals of a screwdriver according to another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  32    is a perspective view of a portion of another exemplary embodiment of a hand-held vacuum cleaner with a housing shell section removed; 
         FIG.  33    is a perspective view of a battery cell; 
         FIG.  34    is a perspective view of the battery cell with a negative cell strap; 
         FIG.  35    is a perspective view of the battery cell with a pair of cell straps; 
         FIG.  36    is a perspective view of a battery assembly including the battery cell; 
         FIG.  37    is a perspective view of a motor; 
         FIG.  38    is a perspective view of the motor with a fan attached; 
         FIG.  39    is a perspective view of the motor with the fan and a positive connector attached; 
         FIG.  40    is a perspective view of the motor with the fan and a pair of connectors attached; 
         FIG.  41    is a perspective view of a housing shell of the hand-held vacuum cleaner of the exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  42    is a perspective view of the housing shell with a battery assembly; 
         FIG.  43    is a perspective view of the housing shell with a pair of battery assemblies; 
         FIG.  44    is a perspective view of the housing shell with the pair of battery assemblies and a motor assembly; 
         FIG.  45    is another perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the hand-held vacuum cleaner with a housing shell section removed; 
         FIG.  46    is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the hand-held vacuum cleaner with a housing shell section removed; 
         FIG.  47    is another side view of the exemplary embodiment of the hand-held vacuum cleaner with a housing shell section removed; 
         FIG.  48    is another side view of the exemplary embodiment of the hand-held vacuum cleaner with a housing shell section removed; 
         FIG.  49    is a side view of a portion of the exemplary embodiment of the hand-held vacuum cleaner; 
         FIG.  50    is a top view of a portion of the exemplary embodiment of the hand-held vacuum cleaner with a housing shell section removed; 
         FIG.  51    is a rotated top view normal to the printed circuit board, of a portion of the exemplary embodiment of the hand-held vacuum cleaner with a housing shell section removed; 
         FIG.  52    is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a screwdriver with housing parts removed; 
         FIG.  53    is a top view of a circuit board; 
         FIG.  54    is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a screwdriver with housing parts removed; 
         FIG.  55    is a top view of a circuit board; 
         FIG.  56    is a perspective view of a connector; 
         FIG.  57    is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a screwdriver with housing parts removed; 
         FIG.  58    is a top view of a circuit board; 
         FIG.  59    is a perspective view of a connector; 
         FIG.  60    is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a screwdriver with housing parts removed; 
         FIG.  61    is a top view of a circuit board; 
         FIG.  62    is a perspective view of a connector; 
         FIG.  63    is a rear perspective view of a related art socket structure; 
         FIG.  64    is a rear view of the related art socket structure; 
         FIG.  65    is a rear perspective of an exemplary embodiment of a socket structure; 
         FIG.  66    is a rear perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the socket structure with a printed circuit board connected thereto; 
         FIG.  67    is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the socket structure with a printed circuit board connected thereto; 
         FIG.  68    is a rear view of the exemplary embodiment of the socket structure with a printed circuit board connected thereto; 
         FIG.  69    is a perspective view of a related art socket structure; 
         FIG.  70    is a perspective view of a related art socket structure; 
         FIG.  71    is a front perspective of the exemplary embodiment of the socket structure; and 
         FIG.  72    is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a charger plug. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     It may be desirable to provide simplified manufacture of powered tools or home products. Simplified manufacturing may result in improvements in costs, manufacturing and reliability. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a partial view of a related art hand held vacuum cleaner (“hand vac”)  100  with one housing side removed. The hand vac  100  has a housing  101  with a handle section  102 . The hand vac  100  further includes a motor  150  which drives a fan  160 . The fan  160  creates suction for drawing dirt, dust and debris into a canister (not shown), as is well known in the art. The motor  150  is powered by a battery  130  and the battery  130  is mounted on a PCB  140 . The battery  130  may be a lithium-ion battery. The hand vac  100  also includes a switch  110  for activating the motor  150  and a socket  120  through which the battery  130  can be charged. As is shown and will be appreciated, there are a number of wires  170  which connect the various components. For example, wires  170  are used to connect the switch  110 , motor  150  and battery  130  so that when a user actuates the switch  110 , the battery  130  provides power to the motor  150 . Wires  170  are also used to connect the socket  120  to the battery  130  so that the battery  130  can be charged. 
     The wires  170  of  FIG.  1    may contact one another. Accordingly, the related art of  FIG.  1    includes wires  170  which are insulated with a thermoplastic so that they can contact one another without causing a short circuit or other malfunction. Thermoplastic wires  170  are generally installed by hand, are stripped to expose their ends and also soldered at the appropriate points. Thus, manufacture of the related art hand vac  100  of  FIG.  1    may require various steps related to the wires. 
     The basic operation and construction of a hand-held vacuum cleaner is known, and is shown in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,209,875 and 8,549,704 and US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0260179; each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     A power tool  200  in the form of a related art screwdriver is shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   .  FIG.  2    illustrates the screwdriver  200  with one housing side removed and  FIG.  3    illustrates the same in the close-up area of a switch. The screwdriver  200  includes a motor  250  which drives an output spindle  260 . The output spindle  260  holds a screwdriver bit for performing a screwdriving operation. A transmission  261  may be disposed between the motor  250  and the output spindle  260 . 
     As shown, the screwdriver  200  includes a housing  201  with a handle section  202 . A battery  230  is disposed in the handle section  202  and is adjacent a printed circuit board (“PCB”)  240 . The battery  230  may be a lithium-ion battery. The screwdriver  200  has a socket for providing a charge to the battery  230  and there is a switch  210  so that a user can operate the screwdriver  200 . Wires  270  connect the various parts such as providing a connection from the battery  230  to the motor  250  so that the motor  250  can be powered. Similarly, wires  270  are provided from the socket  220  to the circuit board  240 . In this case, contacts  211  on the switch  210  engage contacts  212  on the circuit board  240  to complete a circuit and engage the motor  250 . 
     Wires  270  are insulated with a thermoplastic, and are of the same type as wires  170  described above with respect to hand vac  100 . 
     The basic operation of a screwdriver is well known and one example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,364, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       FIG.  4 A  illustrates a charger  299  with a charging block  300 . As will be appreciated, the charger  299  can be plugged into an electrical outlet at one end  298  and plugs into socket  120  or  220  at the other end  297  to charge the respective tools  100 / 200 . 
       FIG.  4 B  schematically illustrates the charger  299  and the in tool circuit boards  140 / 240 . As shown, the charger  299  provides a charge through socket  120 / 220 . The charger  299  provides a constant current supply of, for example, 150 mA. It does not include any overcharge protection. The circuit boards  140 / 240  each include a primary cell monitor  301  and a secondary cell monitor  302 . The primary cell monitor  301  monitors the voltage and prevents an overvoltage in the batteries  130  or  230 . The secondary cell monitor  302  also monitors the voltage and prevents overvoltage in the batteries  130 ,  230  in the event of a malfunction of the primary cell monitor  301 . An independent charger shut-off  303  for shutting off charge to prevent an overvoltage when indicated by the primary or secondary cell monitors  301 / 302  is provided on the in-tool circuit board  140 / 240 . 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present application include various structures for a simplified design.  FIG.  5 A  illustrates a schematic of a charger and a tool and  FIG.  5 B  shows a charger  310 . The charger  310  is visually similar to the charger  299  and has the same outside structural features. In particular, the charger  310  has a charging block  311  with prongs for fitting into a wall outlet. It also has a far end  313  which fits into a socket  120 / 220  of a tool  1000  (hand vac or screwdriver). Accordingly, it plugs into a wall outlet one end and a socket of a power tool or home product on the other end and provides a constant current supply of 150 mA. However, unlike the charger  299 , the charger  310  also includes a primary cell monitor  401 , secondary cell monitor  402  and an independent charge shutoff  403 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  4 B , these features are in the tool. The primary cell monitor  401 , secondary cell monitor  402  and independent charge shutoff  403  work in the same manner as the elements  301 ,  302  and  303 . That is, the primary cell monitor  401  monitors the voltage of one or more batteries  430  so that an overvoltage can be prevented. The secondary cell monitor  402  similarly monitors the voltage of the one or more batteries  430  so that an overvoltage can be prevented. The battery  430  may be a lithium-ion battery. The independent charge shutoff  403  can shut off a charge in the event an overvoltage is detected. In  FIG.  5 A , the primary cell monitor  401 , secondary cell monitor  402  and the independent charge shutoff  403  are now located in the charger, particularly on a circuit board contained in the charging block  311  portion of the charger  310 . Accordingly, these features are not necessary in the tool. 
     Hand vac or power tool  1000  is shown schematically in  FIG.  5 A  and the schematics there are applicable to the various hand vacs and power tools described later in the application. As shown in  FIG.  5 A , the hand vac or power tool  1000  no longer requires cell monitors or an independent charge shutoff. Accordingly, it may simply have a socket  420  and a motor  450 . Since the vac or tool  1000  does not include cell monitoring, a circuit board is no longer necessary. However, as discussed below, some embodiments may include a circuit board. This configuration allows a variety of different constructions for hand vacs and power tools. The schematic for the hand vac or power tool  1000  is applicable to the specific hand vacs and power tools shown and discussed below. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a hand-held vacuum cleaner (“hand vac”)  500  with one housing side removed which can be used in conjunction with the charger  310  and tool  1000  configuration shown in  FIG.  5 A . That is, the hand vac  500  may have the general operation of the schematically described hand vac  1000  in  FIG.  5   . Additionally, the hand vac  500  may be used with the charging block  310  described above with reference to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B . 
     The hand vac  500  has a housing  501  with a handle section  502 . The hand vac  500  further includes a motor  450  which drives a fan (not shown). The fan (not shown) creates suction for drawing dirt, dust and debris into a canister (not shown), as is well known in the art. The motor  450  is powered by a battery  430 . The battery  430  may be a lithium-ion battery or another battery type which requires voltage monitoring and control. The hand vac  500  also includes a switch  403  for activating the motor  450  and a socket  420  through which the battery  430  can be charged. The same reference numerals will be used below for the same components. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , since the primary cell monitor  401 , secondary cell monitor  402  and independent charge shut-off  403  are included in the charging block  310 , it is not required to include them in the hand vac  500 . In the exemplary embodiment of the hand vac  500  in  FIG.  6   , no circuit board at all is necessary. As shown in  FIG.  6   , wires  170  are used to connect the battery  430 , switch  403 , socket  420  and motor  450 . In this case, the battery  430  can be disposed in the handle section  502 . As can be seen, the wiring of this exemplary embodiment is simplified. This can both reduce the cost of manufacturing the hand vac  500 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a hand vac  600 . Hand vac  600  is essentially the same as hand vac  500 , except that it uses different wires. Hand vac  500  uses traditionally insulated wires  170 . Hand vac  600  utilizes wires  670  which may be enameled or uninsulated. Enameled wire (also known as magnet wire) is a solid copper conductor which is covered with a thin layer of insulation. The insulation may be made of a tough polymer film. Enameled wire lends itself to automatic feeding. Accordingly, the wiring of  FIG.  7    more easily lends itself to machine wiring. The simplified construction of the vac  600  allows for wires  670  to be used instead of the thermoplastic insulated wires  170  as the wiring is simpler and less prone to inadvertent contact. The wires  670  may be used to connect the socket  420  and the battery  430 , the switch  403  and the motor  450  in a way that allows the power to be transferred through the socket  420  to the battery  430  in order to charge the battery  430 . The wires  670  also allow the battery  430  to power the motor  450 , per control of the switch  403 . 
     As noted, the wires  670  may even be uninsulated wires in some embodiments. Uninsulated wires can simply be a solid copper wire. Use of an uninsulated wire is particularly simple as no insulating layer needs to be removed to make electrical connections. 
       FIGS.  8  and  9    illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a hand vac  601 . The hand vac  601  illustrates another simplified construction. In this instance, the connection between the motor  450  and the battery  430  is provided by a circuit board  650 . As shown, the motor  450  and the battery  430  are each soldered onto the circuit board  650  and no wires are necessary for the connection. In the hand vac  601 , the entire assembly of the battery  430 , motor  450  and circuit board  650  can be placed into the housing  501  in one operation. That is, the battery  430  and the motor  450  can each be soldered to the circuit board  650 . Then, the resulting assembly can all be inserted into the housing  501  together. This can reduce the number of steps needed for assembly. Additionally, it lends itself to machine assembly. 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , the battery cell  430  may have a battery cap  425  with a positive electrode  426  and a negative electrode  427  so that the positive and negative terminals from the battery cell  430  are provided at a similar location. The battery cell  430  includes a positive end and a negative end. A cell strap  428  may be provided from one end of the battery cell  430  to the battery cap  425  and the battery cap  425  may be located at the other end. That provides the battery cap  425  with access to both the positive and negative terminals of the battery and allows it to provide the positive and negative electrodes  426 ,  427 . The positive and negative electrodes  426 ,  427  may be stamped metal connectors and, as such, may have rigidity. Additionally, they may mate with locations  661  and  662  on the circuit board  650 . The locations  661  may be designed to receive electrodes. They may include slots. 
     The motor  450  includes a positive terminal  452  and a negative terminal  453 . The positive terminal  452  is connected to the circuit board at location  663  and the negative terminal  453  is connected to the circuit board at location  664 . The positive and negative terminals  452  and  453  may be stamped metal and have rigidity. The locations  663 ,  664  may be designed to receive terminals and may include slots. 
     As will be appreciated, power is provided from the battery  430  to the motor  450  through the circuit board  650 . The circuit board  650  may include conductive traces to provide the connection. 
     The order of operations for assembly may be different in different embodiments. For example, the battery  430 , motor  450  and circuit board  650  can all be inserted into the housing  501  and then they can be soldered together. It is also possible that some sub-assemblies can be inserted and soldered together at different times. For example, the battery  430  can be soldered to the circuit board  650  and it can be inserted into the housing  501 . Then, the motor  450  can be inserted into the housing  501  and soldered to the circuit board  650 . 
     Various components, such as the socket  420  are not shown in  FIG.  8   . The hand vac  601  operates similarly to previously and subsequently described vacs. 
       FIGS.  10  and  11    illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a hand vac  602 . The hand vac  602  is similar to the hand vac  601 , but includes two batteries  430  and a circuit board  651  designed to connect to both batteries  430 . In this exemplary embodiment, the two batteries  430 , the motor  450  and the socket  420  all are soldered directly onto a circuit board  651 . This provides another easy to manufacture hand vac design. As with the embodiment of  FIGS.  8  and  9   , the two batteries  430  and the motor  450  can all be soldered to the circuit board  651  and the entire assembly can be inserted into the housing  501  together. Also, the order can be changed, as described above. Power from both of the batteries  430  can be provided to the motor  450  through the circuit board  651 . As discussed previously, this may be done by having conductive traces on the circuit board  651 . 
       FIGS.  12  and  13    illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a hand vac  603 . The exemplary embodiment of a hand vac  603  shown in  FIGS.  12  and  13    is similar to hand vac  602 . However, the motor  450  and batteries  430  are connected to circuit board  652  by tulip connectors  653 . Thus, the motor  450  and batteries  430  may be connected by sliding contacts into the tulip connectors  653  rather than soldering. For example, the circuit board  652  may be positioned in the housing  501 . Ribs or other placement features in the housing  501  may hold the circuit board  652  in the appropriate location. Then, the batteries  430  may be slid into place in the housing  501  and the motor  450  may be slid into place in the housing  501 . Ribs or other placement features of the housing  501  may serve as a type of placement device or jig to assist with assembly. Although not shown, the circuit board  652  could also connect to a socket  420  via tulip connectors  653 . 
     In other embodiments, tulip connectors  653  and soldering could both be used. For example, the motor may be connected to a circuit board by tulip connectors and a battery may be connected by soldering. 
       FIGS.  14  and  15    illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a hand vac  604 . This embodiment includes two wires as well as several stamped metal connectors. In particular, one wire  170  is connected between socket  420  and a first, positive end of the battery  430 . A second wire  170  is connected between the socket  420  and an end of the motor  450 . As noted, there are also three stamped metal connectors  171 ,  172  and  173 . The stamped connector  173  connects a negative end of the battery  430  to a negative terminal of the motor  450 . Stamped connector  171  selectively connects a positive terminal of the motor to a positive end of the battery  430 . Stamped connector  172  is affixed to a positive terminal of the battery and cooperates with stamped connector  171  to turn on and off the hand vac  604 . 
     In usage, when the charging block  310  is plugged into the hand vac  604  at the socket  420 , a charging current is provided to the battery  430  to charge the battery. The socket  420  is connected to the negative end of the battery  430  through a first wire  170  and stamped connector  173 . The socket  420  is connected to the positive end of the battery through a second wire  170  and stamped connector  172 . The second wire  170  may be connected to the stamped connector  172  and provide an electrical path through the connector  172  or the second wire  170  may be directly attached to the positive end of the battery  430 . The motor  450  is connected to a negative end of the battery  430  by connector  173 . 
     The motor  450 , and thus the hand vac  604 , is off when the connectors  171  and  172  are spaced, as is shown in  FIG.  15   . In order to activate the motor  450  (and thus the hand vac  406 ), a user may use a switch (not shown) which will move the connector  171  so that it contacts connector  172  and completes the circuit. Specifically, when the connector  171  and  172  are in contact, the positive end of the battery  430  is connected to a positive terminal of the motor  450 . This turns on the motor  450  so as to operate the hand vac  604 . 
       FIGS.  16  and  17    illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a hand vac  605 . This embodiment includes a single wire  170  and several stamped metal electrical connectors  271 ,  272  and  273 . As shown, the wire  170  provides a connection between the socket  420  and a negative terminal of the motor  450 . A stamped metal electrical connector  271  is provided between the socket  420  and a positive end  431  of the battery  430 . The stamped connector  271  also serves as one part of the activation switch. A second stamped connector  272  is connected to a positive terminal of the motor  450  and serves as the other part of the activation switch mechanism. A third stamped connector  273  connects a negative end of the battery  430  to the motor. As shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   , the connector  273  connects to a far end of the motor can. The motor can itself is then used to electrically connect to the negative terminal. Thus, the connector  273  can connect to the motor  450  near the motor output shaft  451 , but provide the appropriate connection to the negative terminal. 
     In usage, when the charging block  310  is plugged into the hand vac  605  at the socket  420 , a charging current is provided to the battery  430  to charge the battery. The socket  420  is connected to a negative terminal of the motor  450  through a wire  170 . The negative terminal of the motor  450  is connected to the connector  273  through the motor can, as described above. The connector  273  connects the motor can to the negative end  432  of the battery  430 . The socket  420  is connected to the positive end  431  of the battery  430  directly through connector  271 . Accordingly, a charge can be provided to the battery  430  through the socket to charge the battery  430 . 
     The hand vac  605  is turned on in a similar manner as the hand vac  604 , described above. Particularly, it is turned on by creating a connection between two connectors  271  and  272 . When not turned on, the connectors  271  and  272  are separated (as show in  FIGS.  16  and  17   ) and the circuit to the motor is not completed. In order to turn on the motor  450 , and thus the hand vac  605 , the connectors  271  and  272  are brought into contact to complete the circuit (done by user switch; not shown). In particular, the positive terminal  431  of the battery  430  is connected to the positive terminal of the motor through connectors  271  and  272 . The negative terminal  432  of the battery  430  connects to the negative terminal of the motor  450  through the connector  273  and the motor can. 
     The user switch (not shown) may be a simple mechanical switch which depresses the connector  272  towards the connector  271 . The switch may be a momentary switch, which the user needs to maintain in a depressed state to keep the power on or it may be a non-momentary switch. 
       FIGS.  18 - 22    illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a hand vac  606 . As with the previous embodiments, a charging current can be provided to the battery  430  through the socket  420 . The socket  420  is connected to a positive terminal  431  of the battery  430  through a stamped metal electrical connector  274 . The socket  420  is connected to a negative terminal  432  of the battery  430  through a wire  170 , the motor can and stamped metal electrical connector  276 . Particularly, the socket  420  is connected to a negative terminal of the motor  450  through wire  170 . The negative terminal  423  of the battery  430  connects to the motor can and in this way provides the connections necessary for charging the battery  430 . 
     Similar to the previous embodiments, the motor  450  is activated by providing a connection between stamped metal electrical connectors  274  and  275 . As shown, connector  275  is connected to a terminal of the motor  450 . When the connector  275  is depressed so that it contacts connector  274 , a circuit is completed in order to run the motor  450 . As with the previous embodiments, this connection can be made by a user switch (not shown). 
       FIG.  23    illustrates a fully assembled hand vac. This arrangement is applicable to any of the embodiments shown in  FIGS.  6 - 22    or later embodiments of hand vacs. As shown, the hand vac has a dust canister  901  into which dust, dirt and debris is drawn. This occurs because of the suction force provided by the motor driven fan. In particular air is pushed out of exhaust  902  and sucked in at opening  903 . A user can hold the hand vac by the handle so that it is a hand-held vacuum. The hand vac  900  may also have a filter  904  in the dust canister  901  for filtering the dust from the air. 
     The configuration of the charging block  310  and product  1000  shown in  FIG.  5    and those shown for specific vac configurations in  FIGS.  6 - 22    may also be applied to power tools such as screwdrivers and drills and particularly to handheld power tools. Several specific exemplary embodiments for screwdrivers are shown below, but other applications of the principles of the hand vac configurations may also be applied. 
       FIGS.  24 - 26    illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a screwdriver  700  with a simplified construction. As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , and discussed above, related art screwdrivers include a circuit board  240  which cooperates in the switching on and off of the screwdriver and on which charging circuitry is included. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS.  24 - 26   , the primary cell monitor  401 , secondary cell monitor  402  and independent charge shut-off  403  are located in the charging block  310 . Accordingly, the screwdriver  700  does not need to include the monitoring or shut off circuitry  401 ,  402 ,  403 . As a result, the screwdriver  700  also does not require a circuit board for such circuitry. 
       FIG.  24    is a side view of the screwdriver  700  with one side of a housing  701  removed.  FIG.  25    is a perspective view of the screwdriver  700  with one side of the housing  701  removed.  FIG.  26    is a close-up side view of the screwdriver with one side of the housing  701  removed. 
     The exemplary embodiment of the screwdriver  700  includes a motor  450  which drives an output spindle  760 . The output spindle  760  holds a screwdriver bit for performing a screwdriving operation. A transmission  751  is disposed between the motor  450  and the output spindle  760 . 
     As shown, the screwdriver  700  includes a housing  701  with a handle section  702 . A battery  430  is disposed in the handle section  702 . As discussed above, the battery  430  may be a lithium-ion battery. The screwdriver  700  has a socket  420  for providing a charge to the battery  430  and there is a switch  710  so that a user can operate the screwdriver  700 . The switch has a pivot  711  around which the switch  710  pivots. The end of the switch  710  opposite the pivot  711  is biased outwardly by a spring  712 . 
     The screwdriver  700  includes a number of stamped metal electrical connectors  713 / 714 / 720 ,  715 ,  716 ,  717  and  718 . It also includes a pair of wires  170 . It will be appreciated As with the vac embodiments above, the battery  430  can be charged through the socket  420  when the charging block is connected with the socket  420  to provide a charging current. The socket  420  is connected to a positive terminal  431  of the battery  430  by connector  718  and is connected to the negative terminal  432  through connector  716 . Accordingly, the battery  430  can be charged through the socket  420 . 
     In order to turn on the motor  450  so as to use the screwdriver  700 , a user depresses the switch  710 . As noted above, the switch pivots about 711 against the force of spring  712 . The connector  720  is disposed on the switch  710  and has ends  713  and  714 . When a user depresses the switch  710 , ends  713  and  714  of connector  720  contact ends of connectors  715  and  717  to complete a circuit and provide power from the battery  430  to the motor  450 . When the user releases the switch  710 , the ends  713  and  714  of connector  720  move away from connectors  715  and  717  and the circuit is not completed, so that the motor  450  is not provided with power from the battery  430  and the motor  450  does not operate. 
     Connector  716  is connected to a negative terminal of the battery and a wire  170  connects the connector  716  to a negative terminal of the motor  450 . Another wire  170  is connected to a positive terminal of the motor  450 . When the switch  710  is depressed, power from the positive terminal  431  travels through the connector  717 , through connector  720  and through connector  715 . Connector  715  is connected to the wire  170  which is connected to the positive terminal of the motor  450 . In this manner, power from the battery  430  flows to the motor  450  and the screwdriver  700  is turned on. In  FIGS.  24 - 26   , the switch  710  is shown in a position where the motor is not activated. 
     Connection of the connector  720  with the connectors  715  and  717  make the switch that is shown schematically in  FIG.  5    as switch  403 . 
       FIG.  27    shows another method of implementing the switch  403  in the screwdriver  700 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  27   , the connector  720  is eliminated. The connector  715  is extended and made with a hinge so that the connectors  715  and  717  can contact one another directly. In this case, the connectors  715  and  717  are separated in the off position. A user can then depress switch  710  to push connector  715  towards connector  717  so that the two connectors make contact and an electrical current runs between them. The screwdriver  700  otherwise operates the same as is shown in  FIGS.  24 - 26   . 
     Another exemplary embodiment of a screwdriver is shown in  FIGS.  28  and  29   . The screwdriver  800  is similar to the screwdriver  700 . However, it includes different electrical connections and a circuit board  820  to provide connections between the battery  430  and the motor  450 . As shown in  FIGS.  28  and  29   , battery  430  is soldered onto a circuit board  820 . Circuit board  820  is also connected to motor  450 . In order to turn on the motor, the switch  710  is depressed to connect connector  717  and  715  and close the circuit to provide power to the motor. 
     As shown in  FIG.  29   , the screwdriver  800  may include a second circuit board  821  which connects the battery to a light  855 . Accordingly, when the switch  710  is depressed, a connection is also made to provide electric power to the light  855 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  30   , there may separate circuit boards  850  and  851  for the motor and the light or a single combined circuit board  852 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG.  30   , the switch may  710  may be moved to provide a connection directly onto the circuit board  850 . 
       FIG.  31    illustrates another exemplary embodiment of internals of a screwdriver  805 . As shown, a circuit board  825  connects the battery to the motor. In particular, a charger  310  connects to the socket  420  to provide a charging current. Stamped metal connector  723  connects the socket  420  to a positive terminal  431  of the battery  430 . The socket  420  is connected to the circuit board  825  through another stamped metal connector  724 . The circuit board then connects to a negative terminal  432  of the battery  430  through the circuit board. Accordingly, the battery  430  can be provided with a charge. In order to operate the screwdriver, the user actuatable switch  710  is depressed to bring the connector  720  into contact with connectors  723  and  724 . The connector  724  connects a negative terminal of the battery  430  to the circuit board  825 . When the connection is completed by contacting the connector  720  with the connectors  723  and  724 , the positive terminal  431  is also connected to the circuit board  825  so that a circuit can be completed and power provided to the motor  450  to operate the screwdriver. As will be appreciated, various electrical connections can be made in the circuit board  825  by printings on the board, such as conductive traces. This is the case will all of the circuit boards disclosed in the various embodiments. It will additionally be appreciated that similar constructions may be applied to, for example, a drill. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of a hand vac will be described with respect to  FIGS.  32 - 51   . Like parts are described with the same reference numbers as previously. The hand vac  607  is shown with part of the housing  610  removed in  FIG.  32    and without the canister section shown in  FIG.  23   . It will be appreciated that, as with the other hand vac embodiments, the hand vac  607  operates in the same manner described with respect to  FIG.  23   . 
     As shown in  FIG.  32   , the hand vac  607  of this exemplary embodiment includes a pair of batteries  430  and a motor  450  located between the batteries  430 . The batteries  430  are attached to a circuit board  860 . A switch  865  is also attached to the circuit board  860  and is used to turn on the hand vac  607 . Assembly of the hand vac  607  and further details of its structure are shown in  FIGS.  33 - 51   . 
       FIG.  33    illustrates one of the batteries  430 . As previously discussed, the battery  430  may be a cylindrical battery cell, such as an 18650 size cylindrical battery cell, with a lithium-ion chemistry. Other shapes, sizes and battery chemistries are also possible. 
     As shown in  FIG.  34   , a negative cell strap  434  is welded to the negative terminal  432  of the battery  430 . The negative cell strap  434  is conductive and may be a stamped metal connector. As shown in  FIG.  34   , the negative cell strap  434  travels from the negative battery terminal  432  along a side of the battery  430  and extends to a position adjacent the positive terminal  431 . 
     The negative cell strap  434  may have a width w which is significantly greater than the thickness. For example, the negative cell strap  434  may have a width w of 4 mm and a thickness t of 1 mm. The width w may be twice as much as the thickness t or more; three times as much as the thickness t or more; or four times as much as the thickness t or more. The relative large size of a width versus the thickness may be true for all of the stamped metal connectors discussed previously or subsequently. For example, each may have a width that is two or more times, three or more times; or four or more times as great as its thickness. 
     As shown in  FIG.  35   , a positive cell strap  440  may be subsequently welded onto the positive terminal  431  of the battery  430 . As will be appreciated, the positive cell strap  440  is also conductive and may be a stamped metal connector. The positive cell strap  440  includes an end  441  which is parallel and adjacent to an end  435  of the negative weld strap  434 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  36   , foam pads  460  and  461  may then be applied to the battery cell  430 . The foam pad  460  is a cylindrical foam pad and covers the negative terminal  430  of the battery  430  and a portion of the negative cell strap  434 . The foam pad  461  is a partial cylinder, such that the ends  435  and  441  are allowed to project freely. In other embodiments, the foam pads may be different shapes or sizes. The foam pads  460 ,  461  may be attached by an adhesive or other means. 
       FIGS.  33 - 36    illustrate a progression of assembly steps related to the battery cell  430  and accompanying components. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the assembly steps are carried out in the order shown from  FIGS.  33 - 36   . Specifically, first the battery  430  is provided, as shown in  FIG.  33   . Then, the negative cell strap  434  is welded to a negative terminal  432  of the battery, as shown in  FIG.  34   . After that, the positive cell strap  440  is welded onto the battery  430 , as shown in  FIG.  35    and, finally, the foam pads  460 ,  461  are added, as shown in  FIG.  36   . Although that specific order is illustrated for this exemplary embodiment, this specification contemplates other orders of assembly. For example, the positive cell strap  450  may be welded to the battery  430  before the negative cell strap  434  is welded to the battery  430 . 
     Additionally, the hand vac  607  includes two batteries  430 . The battery assembly described with reference to  FIGS.  33 - 36    is repeated for both batteries  430 . In embodiments with only one battery  430 , only one battery assembly per hand vac is necessary. When there are multiple batteries  430 , the order of assembly for the different batteries may be different. For example, for a first battery  430 , the positive cell strap  450  may be welded to the battery  430  before the negative cell strap  434  is welded to the battery  430  and for a second battery  430  the positive cell strap  450  may be welded to the battery  430  after the negative cell strap  434  is welded to the battery  430 . 
     A motor assembly operation will now be described with reference to  FIGS.  37 - 40   .  FIG.  37    illustrates a motor  450 . The motor  450  has an output shaft  451 , a positive terminal  452  and a negative terminal  453 . As shown in  FIG.  38   , after the motor  450  is provided, a fan  160  is pressed onto the output shaft  451  of the motor  450 . Then, as shown in  FIG.  39   , a positive connector  454  is attached to the positive motor terminal  452 . Next, as shown in  FIG.  40   , a negative connector  455  is attached to the negative motor terminal  453 . The positive connector  454  has an end  456  which is parallel to an end  458  of the negative connector  455 . The connectors  454  and  455  are conductive and may be made of metal. 
     This disclosure contemplates other orders of assembly as well. For example, the fan  160  may be attached to the motor output shaft  451  before, after or between the attachment of the positive connector  454  and the negative connector  455  to the motor  450 . Additionally, in the shown exemplary embodiment, the positive connector  454  is attached before the negative connector  455 . In other embodiments, the negative connector  455  may be attached before the positive connector  454 . 
       FIGS.  41 - 51    illustrate assembly of the battery assembly and the motor assembly into the housing  610 . As shown in  FIG.  49   , the housing  610  comprises a first housing shell  611  and a second housing shell  612 . The first and second housing shells  611 ,  612  form the housing  610 , including a handle portion  613 , which the user can grip. 
       FIG.  41    illustrates the first housing shell  611 . The first housing shell  611  includes features for holding the batteries  430 , motor  450  circuit board  860  and other components. That is, the components can be placed into the shell and the shell  611  holds them in the appropriate location. As shown in  FIG.  41   , there are a variety of ribs for holding the components. The later Figs. illustrate the ribs holding the components. 
     As shown in  FIG.  42   , the battery assembly  470  shown in  FIG.  36    is placed into the first shell  611 . Next, as shown in  FIG.  43   , a second battery assembly  470  is placed into the shell  611 . In this instance two of the same battery assemblies  470  are placed into the shell  611 . In other embodiments with multiple battery assemblies, the battery assemblies may be different from one another. Additionally, the order in which the two battery assemblies  470  are placed in the shell  611  may be switched. 
     As shown in  FIG.  44   , the motor assembly  480  is then placed in the shell  611 . As shown in  FIGS.  45  and  46   , the circuit board  860  and switch  865  are inserted into the shell  611 . The switch  865  is attached to the circuit board  860  before the circuit board  860  is inserted into the shell  611 . Next, as shown in  FIG.  47   , the housing shell  611  is rotated to aid in the soldering operation. Soldering is then performed. The soldering operations solders the battery assemblies  470  and the motor assembly  480  to the circuit board. Specifically, ends  441 ,  435 ,  456  and  458  of the connectors are all soldered to the circuit board  860 . For the battery assemblies  470 , both sets of ends  435 ,  441  are soldered. This electrically connects the batteries  430  and the motor  450  to the circuit board  860 , and allows for connection from the batteries  430  to the motor  450  to power the motor  450  through the circuit board. Since the switch  865  is also connected to the circuit board  860 , it can be used to turn on or off the hand vac  607  by the batteries  430  providing power to the motor  450  or not. 
     As shown, the circuit board  860  includes a number of places for receiving the ends  441 ,  435 ,  456  and  458 . The circuit board  860  may have slots or other receiving portions such that an electrical connection can be formed when the ends contact the circuit board  860  at the receiving portion. 
       FIGS.  46 ,  47  and  48    illustrate the rotation of the housing shell  611 . In the position shown in  FIGS.  46  and  48   , the motor  450  and the batteries  430  are horizontal. The circuit board  860  is angled with respect to the motor  450  and the batteries  430  at an angle of 30 degrees. Particularly, the motor  450  has a motor longitudinal axis A. The batteries  430  include a longitudinal axis B and the circuit board  860  is along a plane C. The angle Θ′ between the longitudinal axis A and the plane C is 30 degrees. Likewise, the angle Θ between the longitudinal axis B and the plane C is 30 degrees. The motor  450  and the batteries  430  are parallel, such that the angle between them and the circuit board  860  is the same in this embodiment. 
     When the housing shell  611  is rotated to the position in  FIG.  47   , the circuit board  860  is disposed horizontally. This allows a vertically travelling and disposed soldering machine to more easily solder the connectors to the circuit board  860 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  48   , after the soldering is completed, the shell  611  is rotated back from the position of  FIG.  47    to its previous position. Next, as shown in  FIG.  49   , the second housing shell  612  is attached to the first housing shell  611 . The first housing shell  611  and the second housing shell  612  may be attached by any of various means, such as screws, rivets or other attaching means. When the second housing shell  612  is attached to the first housing shell  611 , the components which were placed in the first housing shell  611  are held therebetween. 
       FIG.  50    is a top view of the housing shell  611  in the position of  FIGS.  46  and  48   .  FIG.  51    is a top view of the housing shell  611  in the position of  FIG.  47   . A canister  901 , as shown in  FIG.  23   , can then be added to complete the hand-held vacuum cleaner. The canister  901  is added adjacent the fan  160  and suction of air and debris is performed in the manner described above. 
     As is understood, the various conductive metal connectors described above are fixed. They are also rigid such that they do not move a significant amount under the normal forces of gravity, but stay in place. This is in contrast to, for example, the wires  170  discussed above which lack such rigidity. Accordingly, for example, when the battery assemblies  470  are assembled into the first housing shell  611 , the connectors of the battery assembly  470  are sufficiently rigid that they can contact the circuit board at a particular location and can be soldered in place. In other embodiments, tulip or other connectors may be used instead of soldering. 
     As with the other embodiments, the general structure and method described above with respect to the hand vac  607  shown in  FIGS.  32 - 51    may be applied to other home products or tools. For example, a similar structure and method may be employed to construct a drill or a screwdriver. In the event of constructing a drill or screwdriver, the fan may be omitted or a fan operable to cool operation of the tool may be used. Additionally, a transmission may be pressed onto the output shaft of the motor. As will be appreciated, in the case of a drill a chuck and other traditional drill components are added to the drill, such as the drill components shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,497,275, which is incorporated herein, by reference. In the case of a screwdriver, a hex bit holder is added. In either event, a chuck may also be present. Similarly, a hand-held trimmer or other outdoor power tool may be constructed according to the above structure and method. The hand-held trimmer would include traditional trimmer components, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,757,194 and U.S. Design Pat. No. 548,028. U.S. Pat. No. 3,757,194 and U.S. Design Pat. No. 548,028 are both incorporated herein, by reference, in their entireties. 
     Various embodiments of screwdrivers and their components are shown in  FIGS.  52 - 62   .  FIG.  52    illustrates a screwdriver  801 . The screwdriver  801  includes a motor  450  powered by a battery  430 , the motor driving an output spindle  260 . The output spindle  260  is configured to hold a hexagonal bit, such as a screwdriver or drill bit. A circuit board  861  is adjacent to the battery  430  and is directly connected to socket  420  (i.e., no connecting wires). Accordingly, power is provided directly to the circuit board  461  through the socket  420 . 
       FIG.  54    illustrates another screwdriver  802 . The screwdriver  802  includes motor  450  powered by battery  430 , and output spindle  260  driven by the motor  450 . A transmission  870  is disposed between the motor  450  and the output spindle  260 . A circuit board  862  is adjacent to the battery  430  and is directly connected to socket  420  so that power is provided directly to the circuit board  862  through the socket  420 . The circuit board  862  is connected to the battery  430  by one or more connectors, such as connector  812 , shown in  FIG.  56   . The connector  812  provides an electrical connection between the circuit board  862  and the battery  430 . The connector  812  is conductive and may be made of metal. Connections are provided between the circuit board  862  and positive and negative terminals of the battery  430 . Though not shown, similar connectors may be used to provide an electrical connection in the embodiment of  FIG.  52   . 
       FIG.  57    illustrates another screwdriver  803 . The screwdriver  803  includes motor  450  powered by battery  430 , and output spindle  260  driven by the motor  450 . A transmission  870  is disposed between the motor  450  and the output spindle  260 . The screwdriver  803  also includes a light  855 . The light  855  is actuated by virtue of a switch  856 . The light  855  and switch  856  can be connected to the circuit board  863 , and thus power from the battery  430 , by conventional means such as wires  170 . Alternatively, or in combination, one or both of the light  855  and switch  856  may be connected to the circuit board  863  directly through a circuit board or by other structures, as taught by this specification. 
     The circuit board  863  is adjacent to the battery  430  and is directly connected to socket  420  so that power is provided directly to the circuit board  863  through the socket  420 . The circuit board  863  is connected to the battery  430  by one or more connectors, such as connector  813 , shown in  FIG.  59   . The connector  813  provides an electrical connection between the circuit board  863  and the battery  430 . As with previous connectors, the connector  813  is conductive and may be made of metal. Connections are provided between the circuit board  863  and positive and negative terminals of the battery  430 . 
       FIG.  60    illustrates another screwdriver  804 . The screwdriver  804  likewise includes motor  450  powered by battery  430 , and output spindle  260  driven by the motor  450 . A transmission  870  is disposed between the motor  450  and the output spindle  260 . The screwdriver  804  also includes a light  855 . The light  855  is activated via switch  857 . The light  855  and switch  857  can be connected to the circuit board  864 , and thus power from the battery  430 , by conventional means such as wires  170 . Alternatively, or in combination, one or both of the light  855  and switch  857  may be connected to the circuit board  864  directly through a circuit board or by other structures, as taught by this specification. 
     The circuit board  864  is adjacent to the battery  430  and is directly connected to socket  420  so that power is provided directly to the circuit board  864  through the socket  420 . The circuit board  864  is connected to the battery  430  by one or more connectors, such as connector  814 , shown in  FIG.  59   . The connector  814  provides an electrical connection between the circuit board  864  and the battery  430 . As with previous connectors, the connector  814  is conductive and may be made of metal. Connections are provided between the circuit board  864  and positive and negative terminals of the battery  430 . 
       FIGS.  63 - 68    illustrate a structure for providing power into the tools discussed in the specification, such as the hand vacs and screwdrivers.  FIGS.  63  and  64    illustrate a structure using wires.  FIGS.  65 - 68    illustrate a method of direct connection to a circuit board. 
       FIGS.  63  and  64    illustrate a socket structure  900  for providing power into a tool. This socket structure  900  may be used for the socket  420 , shown in the various illustrations if wires are being used. The socket structure  900  includes a housing  910 . Power is provided into the socket through terminals  901  and  902 . Terminal  901  may be a positive terminal and terminal  902  may be a negative terminal. The terminals may also be reversed. As shown, the terminal  901  is connected to a metal conductor  913  with an end  903 . The end  903  has a hole  911 . The end  903  and hole  911  are configured such that a wire can be connected and the wire is electrically connected to the positive terminal  901 . The terminal  902  is connected to a metal conductor  914  with an end  904 . The end  904  has a hole  912 . The end  904  and hole  912  are configured such that a wire can be connected and the wire is electrically connected to the negative terminal  902 . The socket structure  900  also includes a metal ground tab  905 . 
       FIGS.  65 - 68    illustrate a socket structure  950  for providing power to the hand vacs or screwdrivers. The socket structure  950  is configured for direct connection to a circuit board. It may be used for the socket  420  and provides for direct connection to a circuit board. For example, the socket structure  950  may be used in the embodiment of  FIG.  52    so that the circuit board  861  is plugged directly into the socket. 
     The socket structure  950  includes a housing  951 . Power is provided into the socket through terminals  961  and  962 . Terminal  961  may be a positive terminal and terminal  962  may be a negative terminal. The terminals may also have the reverse locations. As shown, the terminal  961  is connected to a metal conductor  963  with a projection  967 . The projection is configured to engage with the circuit board  980 . The projection  967  may be soldered to the circuit board  980  or electrical connection may be made by simple contact or other means. 
     Terminal  962  is connected to a metal conductor  964  with a projection  968 . The projection is configured to engage with the circuit board  980 . The projection  968  may be soldered to the circuit board  980  or electrical connection may be made by simple contact or other means. The socket structure  950  also includes a metal ground tab  965 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  65 - 68   , the socket structure  950 , particularly the housing  951 , includes a slot  970  for receiving the circuit board  980 . Accordingly, the circuit board  980  may be slid into an appropriate position so that it can engage the projections  967  and  968 . 
     In this manner, power is provided directly from the socket  950  to the circuit board  980 . As noted above, the socket  950  may be used as the socket  420  in the various embodiments shown in this disclosure. Additionally, the circuit boards shown as plugging into the sockets may be used. For example, the circuit board  861  shown in  FIGS.  52  and  52    may be used in the position of circuit board  980 . Also, this socket and circuit board arrangement may be used for the various products shown in the various embodiments to provide power directly from the socket to the circuit board and, therefore, the product. 
       FIGS.  69  and  70    illustrate a prior art plug configuration. 
       FIGS.  71  and  72    illustrate an embodiment of a new plug configuration.  FIG.  71    is a perspective view of the side of the socket structure  950  opposite that shown in  FIGS.  63  and  64   . The side shown in  FIG.  71    is a charger receiving side, as it receives recessed pins  971  and  972  from the charger plug  975  shown in  FIG.  72   . 
       FIG.  72    illustrates a charger plug  975 . The charger plug  975  provides power into the socket  950  it may receive power from a traditional wall power outlet, such as a 120V AC outlet (conventional, not shown). The charger plug includes two pins  971  and  972 . The pin  971  engages terminal  961  and pin  972  engages terminal  962 . Pin  971  is a positive pin and pin  972  is a negative pin, though these could be reversed if the terminals are reversed. Additionally, the charger plug  975  includes a ground connection  976  which engages a ground connection  966  on the socket  950 , which is connected to the ground tab  965 . As shown, the plug  975  and the socket  950  have corresponding lockout features  977  and  978 . In this way, power is provided to the socket  950 . The socket  900  of  FIGS.  63  and  64    may have a similar configuration on a charger receiving side so that the socket  900  may similarly receive charger plug  975 . 
     It will be appreciated that features of the various embodiments may be combined where compatible, and such combinations of various features is contemplated by this disclosure. 
     While the invention has been described by way of exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its broader aspects.