Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/429,645, filed Jan. 4, 2011 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
       1. Field of the Invention 
       [0004]    The present invention relates generally to the field of ceiling fans and cleaning devices and more specifically relates to a ceiling fan cleaning device. 
       2. Description of the Related Art 
       [0005]    Many modern buildings have heating and air-conditioning systems to regulate temperatures within the structures. Buildings often have ceiling fans installed to circulate air to remove heat or push heat towards the occupants of those buildings. Often these fans comprise multiple blades which may become laden with dust. Unfortunately, dust, dirt, allergens and debris, can be quickly and easily distributed through a living area via a standard ceiling fan, which may cause poor health to occupants and furniture and the like to become dirty. While ceiling fans offer consumers an energy efficient means of cooling their environments, these fans may be a nuisance to keep clean so they work properly. 
         [0006]    Cleaning fan blades traditionally requires carefully manually wiping away dirt and debris that has settled on the upper blade surface with a dust cloth, paper towel or other similar cleaning means. This cleaning means often imparts the majority of the dust onto the entire area below the fan. Some individuals may use compressed air to blow off the tops of the blades however this too results in a similar outcome. It is desirable that an efficient cleaning means be used so that the dust, allergens are contained and eliminated in a controlled manner. 
         [0007]    Various attempts have been made to solve problems found in the cleaning devices art. Among these are found in: U.S. Pat. No. 4,823,431 to Weda B. Carpenter; U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,821 to Roy V. Nicholson et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,841,592 to David J. Restivo. This prior art is representative of fan blade cleaning means. 
         [0008]    None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. Thus, a need exists for a reliable ceiling fan cleaning device for use in cleaning ceiling fan blades, and to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known ceiling fan art, the present invention provides a novel ceiling fan blade cleaning system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a controlled and contained means by which to clean ceiling fan blades. 
         [0010]    Generally speaking, Fan Friend of the present invention (ceiling fan blade cleaning system) comprises a specially designed vacuum attachment, configured expressly to be easily secured to virtually any household vacuum cleaner (implement/canister) or industrial shop vac nozzle for convenience of the user. The device is designed specifically to effectively eradicate dust, pollen, pet dander and other agents from all sides of a ceiling fan blade simultaneously, thereby preventing these agents from infiltrating and contaminating a room&#39;s environment. 
         [0011]    The Fan Friend preferably comprises a substantially rectangular-shaped, hollow vacuum nozzle, with the center of the unit open, designed to easily slide over the fan blade(s) to create a brush/vacuum cleaning means. The device is preferably manufactured primarily of a lightweight, yet durable/heavy duty plastic material although it may comprise other equivalent materials. The sides of this novel vacuum nozzle may feature adjustable (telescoping or the like) components, enabling the user to lengthen or shorten both the width and length of the device to accommodate the relative dimensions/profile of the ceiling fan blades being cleaned. 
         [0012]    Centrally positioned on one side of the unit may be a cylindrical shaped sleeve designed to be secured over virtually any existing vacuum nozzle or shop vac nozzle. Running the perimeter of the interior (inner periphery) of the Fan Friend is a series of stiff, fiber bristles (or made from other suitable equivalent) designed to loosen dirt and debris adhering to the surface(s) of the fan blade. In certain alternate embodiments these bristles may be caused to vibrate to loosen debris. Further, a felt banding (felt rib) may also be included to efficiently trap and collect dust, pollen and other microscopic contaminants including the debris potentially missed by the fiber bristles. A series of openings may also be incorporated into the design of the Fan Friend, through which the debris would be suctioned, via the force of the existing vacuum cleaner. 
         [0013]    A ceiling fan blade cleaning system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment comprising: a cleaning head attachment assembly having a cleaning head attachment housing including: a ring rim (including; a left side; a right side; a top side; a bottom side; an inner periphery; an inner volume; an outer surface); six accordion adjusters; apertures in the ring rim; a vacuum hose connector end; a plurality of bristles; at least one felt rib; and a safety shield having containment ends. The cleaning head attachment assembly preferably comprises the plurality of bristles connected about the inner periphery of the cleaning head attachment housing. The cleaning head attachment housing comprises the ring rim (substantially rectangular with curved edges) integrally molded with the vacuum hose connector end. 
         [0014]    The inner periphery and the outer surface of the ring rim define the confines of the inner volume (spatially.) The ring rim is defined in (volume and area) by the left and right sides; and top and bottom sides. The left side; right side; top side; and bottom side of the ring rim are each adjustable in relation to each other via accordion adjusters strategically located about the ring rim. The ring rim comprises exactly six of the accordion adjusters in preferred embodiments; the accordion adjusters comprising flexible joints such that the device can be manipulated to match various fan blade orientations/pitch/profiles. In preferred embodiments accordion adjusters are located on the left side of the rim ring allowing vertical adjustment of the left side of the rim ring. In a similar manner the accordion adjusters may be located on the right side of the rim ring allowing vertical adjustment of the right side of the rim ring. The side mounted accordion adjusters (one on each opposing side) are located about a midpoint of the right and left sides. 
         [0015]    Two of the accordion adjusters are located on the top side of the rim ring allowing horizontal adjustment of the top side of the rim ring. Two of the accordion adjusters may be located on the bottom side of the rim ring allowing horizontal adjustment of the bottom side of the rim ring; wherein, as stated above, the accordion adjusters provide for vertical and horizontal adjustment of the rim ring in relation to a pitch, shape and size of the ceiling fan blade(s). These particular accordion adjusters are preferably located on the top and bottom sides, each one located adjacent the left and right sides. In this way the adjustments can be incremental or large and in most imaginable shapes and configurations (even including diamond-shaped.) 
         [0016]    The bristles are preferably oriented inwardly-facing (along the length of the mouth and around the corner radiuses maintaining a contact-touch with the fan blade on all sides) in at least one line about the inner periphery of the cleaning head attachment housing of the cleaning head attachment assembly. The lines of bristles are substantially parallel to each other and to the outside edge of the mouth portion of the inner periphery of the rim ring. At least one felt rib is preferably located (parallel) between the lines of the bristles to catch the debris missed by the bristles. 
         [0017]    The cleaning head attachment housing provides a substantially closed loop vacuum channel to deliver a negative-pressure to the apertures from the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum channel comprises a chamber wherein the negative-pressure may be communicated therewithin. The vacuum hose connector (that attaches the cleaning head attachment housing with the vacuum hose) comprises a funnel-shape in preferred embodiments and other shapes such as stepped/staged, uses adapters to fit or the like in alternate embodiments. In this way the present invention is readily adaptable for use with most standard hoses attached to existing vacuum implements. 
         [0018]    Another novel feature, the safety shield is preferably parallel to a planar ground surface when the ceiling fan blade cleaning system is in an in-use condition (ceiling fan is not in use) such that the use of the device is relatively comfortable because the user is not working on an angle, but rather substantially perpendicular to the fan blade. 
         [0019]    The apertures may be circular or slotted and a majority of the apertures are located in (through) the top side (into the inner volume—allowing airflow), the left side and the right side of the ring rim so as to direct a majority of the negative-pressure to a top planar surface of the ceiling fan blade and a minority of negative-pressure to the apertures which are located in the bottom side. The apertures are preferably located between the lines of the bristles, the lines being parallel. The inner periphery provides a passageway for insertion of a ceiling fan blade for contact with the bristles (and the felt) for the cleaning of the ceiling fan blade. The cleaning head attachment assembly is removably attachable to a vacuum hose via the vacuum hose connector end, the cleaning head attachment assembly in fluid communication with a vacuum cleaner to impart the negative-pressure to the ceiling fan blade via the apertures to remove debris off the ceiling fan blade. 
         [0020]    A kit is also described herein preferably including a first cleaning head attachment assembly comprising the funnel-shape; a second cleaning head attachment assembly comprising a staged extrusion; a safety shield; replacement felt ribs and/or bristles; and a set of user instructions. 
         [0021]    A method of using a ceiling fan blade cleaning system is disclosed herein preferably comprising the steps of: attaching a cleaning head attachment assembly to a vacuum implement; adjusting a ring rim of a cleaning head attachment housing to accommodate the dimensions of a ceiling fan blade, the ceiling fan blade inserted through an inner periphery adjacent the bristles and the felt rib(s) located on/in the ring rim. Next the activating step of the vacuum implement is initiated to create a negative pressure; and is followed by applying the negative pressure to the ceiling fan blade to dislodge, collect and remove debris located on the ceiling fan blade (dislodging created when the bristles in combination with the felt rib touch contact the debris to separate it from the fan blade surface.) When the device is slid over and down the fan blade, The Fan Friend instantly suctions dirt, debris, hair, pet dander and virtually any other contaminants from the top, bottom and sides of the blade, simultaneously. This process may then be repeated until all ceiling fan blades have been cleaned. An optional step of removing the cleaning head attachment assembly from the vacuum implement may be performed such that the vacuum can be used for other purposes and the cleaning head attachment assembly stored for future use. Properly installed and adapted, The Fan Friend is efficient and effective in use. 
         [0022]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a ceiling fan blade cleaning system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, ceiling fan blade cleaning systems, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a ceiling fan blade cleaning system in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a cleaning head attachment as used on a ceiling fan blade according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view illustrating a cleaning head attachment according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view illustrating a cleaning head attachment according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating spatial and angular relationships of the various components of the ceiling fan blade cleaning system relative to an orientation of the ceiling fan blade on an installed ceiling fan according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of using the ceiling fan blade cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
       
    
    
       [0030]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a cleaning device and more particularly to a ceiling fan blade cleaning system as used to improve the ease and efficiency by which ceiling fan blades may be cleaned. 
         [0032]    Generally speaking, there are many significant benefits and advantages associated with the Fan Friend of the ceiling fan blade cleaning system. The device enables consumers to clean their ceiling fans in a simple, safe and efficient manner. The vacuum cleaner attachment of the present invention is configured specifically to accommodate ceiling fan blades, but may also be used in different applications. The Fan Friend is able to easily suction dirt, dust and debris from all sides of the blade simultaneously, thus preventing this undesirable matter from contaminating the air within the room. 
         [0033]    The device virtually eliminates the need to stir up piles of dust that quickly accumulate on the furniture and flooring beneath the fan; the Fan Friend contains dust, dirt, grime and allergens on contact and directs them to a vacuum cleaner via an attached vacuum hose for efficient removal; thus greatly reducing the amount of air born harmful allergens within the household environment. Simple to use, The Fan Friend is easily attached and quickly removed from any household vacuum in an almost effortless fashion. Although designed expressly for household use, the Fan Friend may be appreciated by housekeepers and professional maintenance workers, enabling these professionals to clean ceiling fans in a fraction of the time associated with traditional methods. 
         [0034]    Referring now to the drawings specifically by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIG. 1 , a perspective view illustrating ceiling fan blade cleaning system  100  in in-use condition  150  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0035]    Ceiling fan blade cleaning system  100  may comprise: cleaning head attachment assembly  110  having cleaning head attachment housing  120  (including ring rim  130  having left side  132 ; right side  134 ; top side  136 ; bottom side  138 ; inner periphery  140 ; inner volume  142 ; outer surface  144 ; and apertures  146 ); vacuum hose connector end  160 ; and a plurality of bristles  170 . Preferred embodiments also comprise felt rib  172  for thorough cleaning of debris from ceiling fan blades  190 . Cleaning head attachment assembly  110  comprises plurality of bristles  170 , bristles  170  connected about inner periphery  140  of cleaning head attachment housing  120 . Inner periphery  140  provides a passageway for insertion of ceiling fan blade  190  for contact with bristles  170  for cleaning of ceiling fan blade  190 . Bristles  170  and felt rib  172  are designed to touch-contact ceiling fan blade  190  to remove the debris located thereon. Direction of motion is generally indicated via directional arrow in  FIG. 2 . Cleaning head attachment housing  120  comprises ring rim  130  integrally molded with vacuum hose connector end  160  such that the present invention may be connected to vacuum hose  162 . 
         [0036]    Inner periphery  140  and outer surface  144  of ring rim  130  define confines of inner volume  142 . Ring rim  130  is defined by left side  132 ; right side  134 ; top side  136 ; and bottom side  138 . Left side  132 ; right side  134 ; top side  136 ; and bottom side  138  of ring rim  130  are each adjustable in relation to each other via accordion adjusters  180  located about ring rim  130 , as indicated in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0037]    Bristles  170  are preferably oriented inwardly-facing in at least one line about inner periphery  140  of cleaning head attachment housing  120  of cleaning head attachment assembly  110 . Cleaning head attachment housing  120  provides a substantially closed loop vacuum channel  124  to deliver a negative-pressure to apertures  146 . Vacuum channel  124  comprises chamber  126  wherein negative-pressure may be communicated therewithin to remove debris dislodged by bristles  170  and felt rib  172 . 
         [0038]    Cleaning head attachment assembly  110  is removably attachable to vacuum hose  162  via vacuum hose connector end  160 , cleaning head attachment assembly  110  in fluid communication with vacuum cleaner  164  to impart the negative-pressure (vacuum) to ceiling fan blade  190  via apertures  146  to remove debris off ceiling fan blade  190 . In this way the present invention may be effectively and efficiently used to clean ceiling fan blades  190  of ceiling fan  192 . 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , showing cleaning head attachment  118  as used on ceiling fan blade  190  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0040]    Bristles  170  are oriented inwardly-facing in lines, as previously mentioned, lines of bristles  170  being (substantially) parallel to each other. In preferred embodiments ceiling fan blade cleaning system  100  further comprises at least one felt rib  172  which may be located between lines of bristles  170  to catch (collect and hold) debris missed by bristles  170 . Felt rib  172  is also used in preferred embodiments because of the surface consistency to hold debris rather than simply cut through it as bristles  170  used alone may do. 
         [0041]    A majority of suction is diverted to be directed on (to) a top set of holes (apertures  146 .) Preferably, a greater number of holes (apertures  146 ) are located on the top (underneath of top side  136 , side facing and adjacent ceiling fan blade  190 .) Apertures  146  comprising slots (elliptical-shaped holes) may be used and different numbers of holes (apertures  146 ) may be used on the top and bottom, preferably more on the top to create better suction capability. Apertures  146  are preferably located in top side  136  of ring rim  130  within inner periphery  140  so as to direct a majority of negative-pressure to a top planar surface of ceiling fan blade  190  to suitably clean ceiling fan blade(s)  190  of ceiling fan  192 . 
         [0042]    Holes (apertures  146 ) may be placed at different locations such as on the outside of the rows of bristles  170  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) or inside them (preferred) or on both the outside and the inside in alternate embodiments. A baffle (not shown) may be used within cleaning head attachment  118  to divert airflow volume in certain embodiments. Preferably a felt edge, felt rib  172  (or felt-like equivalent material) is located between the rows of bristles  170  to catch lint/dust/debris that may be missed or is just dislodged but not fully removed by bristles  170 . Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other materials such as, for example, other fabrics, cloth, textile, webbing, soft plastics, natural and manmade fibers, etc., may be sufficient. In certain embodiments a fluid mister means may be used. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 3A , a perspective view illustrating cleaning head attachment  118  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 . 
         [0044]    Vacuum hose connector  122  of cleaning head attachment housing  120  comprises a funnel-shape  116  in certain embodiments as shown in the present figure and in  FIGS. 1-2  and  4 . Also shown in the present figure is that the present invention comprises accordion adjusters  180 , accordion-style flexible joints using folded pleats (preferably six—two on the sides, left side  132  and right side  134 , as shown and one on each side of the bottom and top bottom side  138  and top side  136 , respectively) that allow the instant invention to be custom-fit to ceiling fan blade  190 , such that cleaning head attachment assembly  110  can be adjusted diagonally/horizontally/vertically into virtually any profile. Various profiles may include differing pitches, curves, compound curves, different widths, different thicknesses of ceiling fan blade  190  and the like. The present invention may be adjusted from small standard/non-standard sized ceiling fan blades  190  to custom large ceiling fan blades  190 . The range of adjustment permitted may increase or decrease the overall size of cleaning head attachment assembly  110 , and various sizes to accommodate this are envisioned and are considered within the scope of the disclosure. Cleaning head attachment  118  according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3A  comprises first cleaning head attachment assembly  114 . This particular embodiment may also comprise a baffle (not shown) located on inner volume  142 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view illustrating another version of cleaning head attachment  118  (second cleaning head attachment assembly  113 ) according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0046]    Cleaning head attachment  118  according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3B  comprises second cleaning head attachment assembly  113 ; vacuum hose connector  122  comprising staged extrusion  112 . Staged extrusion  112  may be tapered in certain embodiments to ‘suction-seal-fit’ to vacuum hose  162 . In other embodiments staged extrusion  112  may be telescopic. Seals and gaskets may also be used as well as clips and locks to couple the present invention in a desired sealable manner. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other adjustable means and arrangements such as, for example, telescoping, sliding, camming, etc., may be sufficient. Rubber seals may be used on staged extrusion  112  of second cleaning head attachment assembly  113 , especially the telescopic versions or stepped versions (staged extrusion  112 ) meant to fit to multiple sized ends of vacuum hoses  162 . Other adapters may be included in kit  310  to allow the device to be fit to various sized diameter hose ends of vacuum hoses  162  from vacuum cleaner  164  such as shop vacuums and the like. 
         [0047]    Ring rim  130  comprises exactly six of accordion adjusters  180  in preferred embodiments, as previously mentioned and shown in the present figure; accordion adjusters  180  comprising flexible joints that are folded pleats or other suitable equivalent. Accordion adjusters  180  are preferably located on left side  132  of rim ring  130  allowing vertical adjustment (indicated by directional arrows) of left side  132  of rim ring  130 . Accordion adjusters  180  may also be located on right side  134  of rim ring  130  thereby allowing vertical adjustment (indicated by directional arrows) of right side  134  of rim ring  130 . In a similar manner, accordion adjusters  180  are preferably also located on top side  136  of rim ring  130  allowing horizontal adjustment (indicated by directional arrows) of top side  136  of rim ring  130 . Accordion adjusters  180  of ceiling fan blade cleaning system  100  are also preferably located on bottom side  138  of rim ring  130  allowing horizontal adjustment (indicated by directional arrows) of bottom side  138  of rim ring  130 . In this way accordion adjusters  180  provide for vertical and horizontal adjustment (as indicated) of rim ring  130  in relation to a pitch and shape of ceiling fan blade  190 . 
         [0048]    Kit  310  associated with the present invention may include at least one first cleaning head attachment assembly  114  comprising funnel-shape  116  (shown in  FIG. 3A ); at least one second cleaning head attachment assembly  113  comprising staged extrusion  112  (shown in  FIG. 3B ); safety shield  106 ; replacement felt ribs  172  and a set of user instructions. Ceiling fan blade cleaning system  100  may thus be sold as kit  440 ; ceiling fan blade cleaning system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different adjustment/size combinations, different forms of bristles, felt ribs, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0049]    In certain embodiments vacuum cleaner  164  may comprise a handheld vacuum implement. Certain embodiments may be used with smaller vacuums such as for example Dust Busters® that may or may not have telescoping poles (telescoping feature alluded to in  FIG. 1 ). Although this product is designed as an aftermarket accessory or as an OEM product, the Fan Friend line may be expanded in the future to include handheld vacuum cleaners featuring the Fan Friend incorporated into their OEM design. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view illustrating spatial and angular relationships (indicated by angles designated α and ø) of the various components of ceiling fan blade cleaning system  100  relative to an orientation of ceiling fan blade  190  on an installed ceiling fan  192  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
         [0051]    Safety shield  106  preferably comprises ends  108 , safety shield  106  parallel to a planar ground surface (and ceiling surface) when ceiling fan blade cleaning system  100  is in an in-use condition  150 . Safety shield  106  may be used to catch weights for example that may become dislodged during in-use condition  150 , or dustballs, small insects such as scorpions and the like, thus effectively preventing them from landing on the user-cleaner. Safety shield  106  may have small sides (ends  108 ) and these may be detachable or slidable in certain embodiments. Cleaning head attachment  118  (both first cleaning head attachment assembly  114  and second cleaning head attachment assembly  113 ) is molded such that vacuum hose  162  may be substantially perpendicular with the floor, the ceiling, and safety shield  106  (as indicated) and ring rim  130  of cleaning head attachment assembly  110  fitting over ceiling fan blade  190  is matched to orientate to the pitch of ceiling fan blade  190  so that the vacuum hose  162  may be straight up and down during in-use condition  150 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Safety shield  106  is parallel to the floor in this embodiment so as to evenly distribute any objects dropping therein. 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a flowchart  550  illustrating a method of using (method of use  500 ) ceiling fan blade cleaning system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0053]    A method of using (method of use  500 ) ceiling fan blade cleaning system  100  comprises the steps of: step one  501  attaching cleaning head attachment assembly  110  to a vacuum implement (vacuum cleaner  164 ); step two  502  adjusting ring rim  130  of cleaning head attachment housing  120  to accommodate dimensions of at least one ceiling fan blade  190 , ceiling fan blade  190  inserted through inner periphery  140  adjacent bristles  170  and at least one felt rib  172  located on ring rim  130 ; step three  503  activating vacuum implement (vacuum cleaner  164 ) to create a negative pressure; and step four  504  applying negative pressure to ceiling fan blade  190  to dislodge, collect and remove debris located on ceiling fan blade  190 , the dislodge created when bristles  170  and felt rib  172  contact the debris. Optionally, step five  505  may comprise removing cleaning head attachment assembly  110  from vacuum implement (vacuum cleaner  164 .) Other steps such as telescoping, further adjusting may also be included within the scope of method of use  500 . 
         [0054]    It should be noted that step five  505  is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method  500 . 
         [0055]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0056]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Technology Category: 7