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Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 1 of 10 PageID #: 1

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT


FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

WESSEL-WERK GMBH and )


WESSEL-WERK USA, Inc. )
)
Plaintiffs, )
) C.A. No. _________________
v. )
) DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
INTELLICLEAN SOLUTIONS, LLC, )
)
Defendant. )

COMPLAINT

Plaintiffs Wessel-Werk GmbH (“Wessel-Werk”) and Wessel-Werk USA, Inc. (“Wessel-

Werk USA”), by their undersigned attorneys, bring this action for patent infringement against

Defendant Intelliclean Solutions, LLC (“Intelliclean”), and allege as follows:

THE PARTIES

1. Intelliclean is a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of

Delaware, with a place of business at 100 Second Ave N., Suite 350, St. Petersburg, Florida

33701. Defendant may be served with process at The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation

Trust Center 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. Upon information and belief,

Intelliclean sells, via their website (www.quantumvac.com), a variety of vacuum cleaners that

include particular front brush attachments, in Delaware and elsewhere throughout the United

States.

2. Wessel-Werk GmbH is a German company, with a principal place of business at

Im Bruch 2 51580 Reichshof-Wildbergerhütte, Germany.

3. Wessel-Werk USA is a North Carolina company with a principal place of

business at 128 Gasoline Alley Mooresville, NC 28117. Wessel-Werk USA is a wholly-owned


Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 2 of 10 PageID #: 2

subsidiary of Wessel-Werk GmbH and sells vacuum cleaner parts and accessories, such as front

brush attachments, in the United States.

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

4. This is an action for patent infringement arising under the patent laws of the

United States, Title 35, United States Code. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant

to 28 U.S.C. §§1331 and 1338(a).

5. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the Defendant at least because

Defendant is incorporated in Delaware and has established sufficient minimum contacts with

Delaware such that the exercise of jurisdiction would not offend traditional notions of fair play

and substantial justice.

6. Venue is proper in this district under 28 U.S.C. § 1400(b). Defendant is

incorporated in and thus resides in the State of Delaware and this judicial district.

COUNT I: INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO. 6,823,559

7. Plaintiff Wessel-Werk GmbH is the owner of U.S. Patent No. 6,823,559 (the "559

Patent"), which legally issued on November 30, 2004 to Plaintiff Wessel-Werk GmbH who,

since that date, has been and still is the owner of the 559 Patent. A true and correct copy of the

559 Patent is attached as Exhibit 1.

8. The 559 patent is titled “FRONT BRUSH ATTACHMENT DEVICE FOR

VACUUM CLEANER” and is directed to a front brush attachment that has a lockable joint. By

way of example, claim 5 of the 559 Patent reads as follows:

A front brush attachment device for a vacuum cleaner comprising:

a. a housing;

b. a rotating and tilting joint, connecting said housing to a vacuum cleaner;

2
Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 3 of 10 PageID #: 3

c. a first locking device that prevents said rotating and tilting joint from rotating,

and that locks said housing and said rotating and tilting joint when said rotating

and tilting joint is in a substantially vertical position; and

d. a second locking device for detachably coupling said rotating and tilting joint

to said housing that prevents said rotating and tilting joint from tilting when said

rotating and tilting joint is in a substantially vertical position.

9. Defendant has been and is infringing the 559 Patent directly at least by importing,

using, having made, selling and offering to sell in the United States front brush vacuum cleaner

attachments depicted in Fig. 1A below (the "Quantum Vac Attachment").

10. The Quantum Vac Attachment infringes all claims of the 559 Patent.

11. By way of example, and as demonstrated below, the Quantum Vac Attachment

has all the features recited in claim 5 of the 559 Patent in that such Quantum Vac Attachment is a

front brush attachment device for a vacuum cleaner.

3
Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 4 of 10 PageID #: 4

12. The Quantum Vac Attachment includes a housing and a rotating and tilting joint,

connecting the housing to the vacuum cleaner, which are illustrated below.

housing

Portion that
connects to a
vacuum cleaner

rotating and
tilting joint

Fig. 1A Fig. 1B

13. The Quantum Vac Attachment also includes a first locking device that prevents

the rotating and tilting joint from rotating, and that locks the housing and the rotating and tilting

joint when the rotating and tilting joint is in a substantially vertical position.

protrusion Fig. 2B
on housing protrusion prevents the
serving as an The rotating and rotating and tilting joint
exemplary tilting joint is and locks the housing
first locking Fig. 2A shown in a and the rotating and
device vertical position tilting joint

4
Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 5 of 10 PageID #: 5

As shown in Fig. 2A, the housing has a protrusion that extends toward the rotating and tilting

joint. Fig. 2B shows the rotating and tilting joint extended in a substantially vertical position,

and when the rotating and tilting joint is rotated in this position, the protrusion (e.g., the first

locking device) inserts into the rotating and tilting joint, which prevents the rotating and tilting

joint from rotating about a vertical axis and locks the housing and the rotating and tilting joint.

14. The Quantum Vac Attachment also includes a second locking device for detachably

coupling the rotating and tilting joint to the housing that prevents the rotating and tilting joint

from tilting when the rotating and tilting joint is in a substantially vertical position. As shown in

Figs. 3A and 3C below, the Quantum Vac Attachment has a spring-loaded locking lever that may

be disposed within the housing when the front brush attachment is fully assembled. In the

Quantum Vac Attachment, the spring-loaded locking lever is the second locking device.

a spring-loaded locking lever is


illustrated and serves as an
exemplary second locking device

shoulder of
rotating and tilt
joint

Fig. 3A Fig. 3B

5
Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 6 of 10 PageID #: 6

shoulder of
spring-loaded
rotating and tilt
locking lever
joint
engaged with
the rotating and
tilting joint’s
shoulder (within
the housing in
Fig. 3D)
spring-loaded
locking lever
Fig. 3C Fig. 3D

As illustrated in Figs. 3A-3D of the Quantum Vac Attachment above, when the rotating

and titling joint reaches a vertical position, the spring-loaded locking lever (e.g., second locking

device) engages a shoulder of the rotating and tilt joint to couple the second locking device to the

housing, thereby preventing the rotating and tilt joint from titling (until a release button is

depressed to detach the spring-loaded locking lever from the rotating and titling joint’s shoulder).

15. Thus, the Quantum Vac Attachment meets each and every element of claim 5 of

the 559 patent and thus Defendant is infringing at least claim 5 of the 559 Patent.

16. Defendant was notified of its infringement of the 559 Patent at least as early as

August 9, 2018 by a letter dated August 9, 2018 to Justin Miller, who was the attorney for

Defendant at that time. Defendant is continuing to sell at least the above-referenced Quantum

Vac Attachment, and thus, is continuing to infringe the 559 Patent willfully and deliberately.

COUNT II: INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. DESIGN PATENT NO. D619,772

17. Plaintiff Wessel-Werk GmbH is the owner of U.S. Design Patent No. D619,772 S

(the "772 Patent"), which issued on July 13, 2010. A true and correct copy of the 772 Patent is

attached as Exhibit 2.

18. The scope of the design claimed in the 772 Patent is as follows:

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19. Defendant has been and is infringing the 772 Patent at least by offering for sale a

front brush vacuum cleaner (“Quantum Vac Pet Hair Remover”) as depicted in Figs. 4A and 4B.

Fig. 4A

Fig. 4B

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Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 8 of 10 PageID #: 8

20. The image of Defendant's Quantum Vac Pet Hair Remover presented in

connection with the Quantum Vac Pet Hair Remover offered for sale on Defendant's website has

the same appearance as the images shown in the 772 Patent, as shown in the below comparison

in Figs. 5A with 5B.

Fig. 5A – Images from the 772 Patent Claim Fig. 5B - Defendant's Quantum
Vac Pet Hair Remover

21. As shown above via a comparison of Fig. 5A with Fig. 5B, each of the distinct

features from the image of Defendant's Quantum Vac Pet Hair Remover has the same appearance

as the claimed design of the 772 Patent, including the same raised portion on top of the front

brush attachment, the same general shape of the base, and the same bevel of the raised portion on

the base. There are no apparent differences between the look of the product in Defendant's

image used in offering the Quantum Vac Pet Hair Remover and the design claimed in the 772

Patent.

22. Thus, Defendant infringes the design claimed in the 772 Patent at least by offering

for sale the Quantum Vac Pet Hair Remover on the Defendant's website which has an appearance

that has the same scope as claimed in the 772 Patent.

23. Defendant was notified of its infringement of the 772 Patent at least as early as

August 9, 2018 by a letter dated August 9, 2018 to Justin Miller, who was the attorney for

Defendant at that time. Defendant is continuing to offer for sale on its website at least the

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Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 9 of 10 PageID #: 9

Quantum Vac Pet Hair Remover, and thus, is continuing to infringe the 772 Patent willfully and

deliberately.

PRAYER FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs pray for judgment and relief as follows:

A. Adjudge and decree that Defendant has and continues to infringe one or

more claims of the 559 Patent under 35 U.S.C. § 271;

B. Adjudge and decree that Defendant has and continues to infringe the

design claimed in the 772 Patent under 35 U.S.C. § 271;

C. Preliminarily and permanently enjoin Defendant, its officers, directors,

servants, agents, employees, successors, and assigns, and all those in active concert or

participation with them, from further acts of infringement of the 559 and 772 Patents

under 35 U.S.C. § 283;

D. Order that Defendant immediately destroy, discard and not make any

further use of any products determined to infringe the 559 and 772 Patents;

E. Order Defendant to pay damages adequate to compensate Plaintiffs for

Defendant's infringement of the 559 and 772 Patents, including lost profits and/or a

reasonable royalty, together with interest under 35 U.S.C. § 284;

F. Order Defendant to pay all of Plaintiffs’ costs and attorneys’ fees

associated with this action;

G. Adjudge and decree that Defendant's infringement of the 559 and 772

Patents has been and continues to be willful and deliberate, and award Plaintiffs enhanced

damages under 35 U.S.C. § 284;

9
Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 10 of 10 PageID #: 10

H. Find that this is an exceptional case under 35 U.S.C. § 285 and award

Plaintiffs their reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses; and

I. Award Plaintiffs such further relief as this Court deems just and proper.

DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

Plaintiffs hereby demand, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 38, a trial by jury on all issues so

triable.

MORRIS, NICHOLS, ARSHT & TUNNELL LLP

/s/ Michael J. Flynn


____________________________________
Jack. B. Blumenfeld (#1024)
Michael J. Flynn (#5333)
1201 North Market Street
P.O. Box 1347
OF COUNSEL: Wilmington, DE 19899
(302) 658-9200
Aaron L. Webb jblumenfeld@mnat.com
William J. Utermohlen mflynn@mnat.com
Peter T. Ewald
OLIFF PLC Attorneys for Plaintiffs
277 South Washington Street
Suite 500
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 836-6400

R. Brian Drozd
OLIFF PLC
South Tryon Square
201 S. Tryon Street, Suite 1200
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 375-9249

November 5, 2018

10
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EXHIBIT 1
Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 2 of 14 PageID #: 12
USOO6823559B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 6,823,559 B2


Kaffenberger et al. (45) Date of Patent: Nov.30, 2004

(54) FRONT BRUSH ATTACHMENT DEVICE FOR 4,700.429 A * 10/1987 Martin et al. ................. 15/377
WACUUM CLEANER 5,537,710 A * 7/1996 Selewski et al. .............. 15/377
2001/0027586 A1 10/2001 Lee .................. ... 15/377
(75) Inventors: Dieter Kaffenberger, Wiehl (DE); 2001/0037536 A1 11/2001 Kim ............................ 15/361
Klaus-Dieter Riehl, Drolshagen (DE) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(73) Assignee: Wessel-Werk GmbH, JP 10328098 * 12/1998
Reichshof-Wildbergerhütte (DE) * cited by examiner
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this Primary Examiner Terrence R. Till
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Collard & Roe, PC
U.S.C. 154(b) by 326 days.
(57) ABSTRACT
(21) Appl. No.: 10/156,776 A front brush attachment device for a vacuum cleaner
(22) Filed: May 22, 2002 comprises a multi-component housing, a rotationally driven
brush roller, and a rotating and tilting joint for connecting
(65) Prior Publication Data the vacuum cleaner. The rotating and tilting joint has a tilting
US 2003/0145422 A1 Aug. 7, 2003 joint piece inserted in a Suction duct of the housing, as well
as a short, rotatable joint tube, which is connected with the
(30) Foreign Application Priority Data tilting joint piece in a rotating manner. The tilting joint piece
Feb. 7, 2002 (DE) ..................................... 2O2 O1881 U
is Supported in the housing in a manner permitting it to
revolve about an axle aligned transversely in relation to the
(51) Int. Cl. .............................. A47L 9/32; A47L 5/32 Suction duct. The short, rotatable joint tube is mounted on a
(52) U.S. Cl. ............................................ 15/410; 15/377 cylindrical connector piece with rotational mobility. A pro
(58) Field of Search ............................. 15/327.1, 327.2, trusion on the housing and a receSS on the rotatable joint tube
15/327.3, 327.4, 327.5, 327.6, 327.7, 377, engage each other in the locking position and Secure the
410 Short, rotatable joint tube against rotation. A spring-loaded
locking lever is Supported on the housing, which, in the
(56) References Cited locking position, engages a shoulder located on the periph
ery of the tilting joint piece.
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,423.534 A * 1/1984 Lyman et al. ................. 15/410 7 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets

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Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 3 of 14 PageID #: 13

U.S. Patent Nov.30, 2004 Sheet 1 of 2 US 6,823,559 B2


Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 4 of 14 PageID #: 14

U.S. Patent Nov.30, 2004 Sheet 2 of 2 US 6,823,559 B2

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Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 5 of 14 PageID #: 15

US 6,823,559 B2
1 2
FRONT BRUSH ATTACHMENT DEVICE FOR and receSS engage in the locked position and Secure the
WACUUM CLEANER Short, rotatable joint tube against rotation. The Second lock
ing element is a Spring-loaded locking lever that is Supported
on the housing. When in the locked position, the locking
BACKGROUND lever engages a shoulder located on the periphery of the
The invention relates to a front brush attachment device tilting joint piece. This prevents the tilting of the tilting joint
for a vacuum cleaner that acts as a Suction head. The housing piece. However, the tilting joint piece is only in the fully
of the suction head has a brush roller chamber that is open upright position when the protrusion and receSS engage. This
on its bottom Side, and a Suction duct that feeds into the prevents the Spring-loaded locking lever from engaging the
brush roller chamber. A rotationally driven brush roller is shoulder until the protrusion and receSS engage, Simulta
rotatably Supported in the brush roller chamber. A rotating neously locking the joint from tilting and rotating.
and tilting joint connects a vacuum cleaner to the housing. The Spring-loaded locking leverlockS automatically when
The joint has a tilting joint piece inserted in the Suction duct, the rotating and tilting joint is pivoted upward against the
as well as a short, rotating joint tube connected in a Stop Surface on the housing. When it is in the locked
rotational manner with the tilting joint piece. When pivoted 15 position, the rotating and tilting joint is effectively Secured
upward, the rotating and tilting joint is moved into a locked not only against pivotal movements, but also against rota
position at a stop Surface on the housing. tional movement. When the rotating and tilting joint is
The frontbrush attachment device is intended for vacuum released from the locking lever, the joint has mobility in all
directions.
cleaners with a blower, a dust bag for receiving dirt, and a
handle on its back Side. The vacuum cleaner may be According to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
connected with the rotating and tilting joint of the front the housing is comprised of a bottom dish, an upper part
brush attachment device by a fixed or releasable connection. connected with the bottom dish in a fixed manner, and a
Vacuum cleaners having a front brush attachment device cover extending over the upper part. The bottom dish and the
connected in a fixed manner are often referred to as upright upper part jointly form the brush roller chamber and the
Vacuum cleaners. 25 Suction duct. The bottom dish and upper part also encapsu
late installation chambers where an electric motor for driv
The short, rotatable joint tube of the rotating and tilting ing the brush roller, as well as electrical components are
joint is frequently angled, which permits Steering of the accommodated. The locking lever is Supported in a rotating
Suction head as it is moved. By rotating the handle con manner on the upper part and covered by the cover, except
nected with the vacuum cleaner, it is possible to Steer the for a Switching area that is accessible outside the housing.
Suction head to the right or left, allowing for vacuum The cover may be plastic with thin walls.
cleaning in poorly accessible areas. After the vacuum The locking lever is U-shaped with journal pins molded
cleaner has been used, it is Stored in an upright position. onto its legs. The Switching Surface is molded to the end of
However, the mobility of a rotating and tilting joint poses the
risk that a vacuum cleaner may tilt over to the right or left. at least one of the legs. The underside of this Surface is acted
The present invention has a rotating and tilting joint that
35 upon by a pressure Spring Supported on the upper part. A
can lock preventing movement in all directions. When in the locking tooth is molded onto the bridge of the U-shaped
lever. The locking tooth is guided through a slot-like open
locked position, the vacuum cleaner can be stored in the ing of the upper part of the housing where it engages the
upright position without being Supported by a wall. rotating and tilting joint in the locked position by locking
The locking device has a simple Structure and is easily 40 into the shoulder.
handled. Furthermore, clamping devices projecting from the According to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
outer side of the front brush attachment device are avoided.
the upper part of the housing and the cover comprise cavities
SUMMARY that are adapted to the range of Swivel of the rotating and
In the present invention, a front brush attachment device tilting joint, and are rounded at the Sides. The cover has a
45 protrusion in the rounded area of the cavity. When the
for a vacuum cleaner comprises a multi-component housing rotating and tilting joint is in the locked position, the
in the form of a suction head. The housing has a brush roller protrusion engages a receSS provided on the periphery of the
chamber that is open on its bottom Side, and a Suction duct Short joint tube, Securing the joint against rotation.
feeding into the brush roller chamber. A rotationally driven
brush roller is rotatably supported in the brush roller cham 50 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
ber. A rotating and tilting joint connects a vacuum cleaner to Other objects and features of the present invention will
the housing. The rotating and tilting joint has a tilting joint become apparent from the following detailed description
piece that is inserted in the Suction duct, as well as a short considered in connection with the accompanying drawings
rotatable joint tube that is connected in a rotating manner which disclose one embodiment of the present invention. It
with the tilting joint piece. Pivoting the rotating and tilting 55 should be understood, however, that the drawings are
joint tube upward moves it into a locked position at a stop designed for the purpose of illustration only and not as a
Surface on the housing. definition of the limits of the invention.
The tilting joint piece is Supported in the housing and In the drawings, wherein Similar reference characters
rotates about an axle that is aligned transversely in relation denote similar elements through the Several views:
to the Suction duct. The tilting joint piece is adapted to the 60 FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a front brush attach
croSS Section of the Suction duct and is shaped like a short ment device for vacuum cleaners, and
pipe. It has a cylindrical peripheral Surface, against which FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-section through the
the housing is Sealed. The tilting joint piece also comprises object shown in FIG. 1.
a cylindrical connector piece, on which the Short, rotating
tube of the joint is mounted in a rotating manner. 65 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Form-locking moldings exist in the form of a protrusion Referring now in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a
on the housing and a receSS in the joint tube. The protrusion front brush attachment device having a multi-component
Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 6 of 14 PageID #: 16

US 6,823,559 B2
3 4
housing 1 in the form of a Suction head. Housing 1 has a that many changes and modifications may be made there
bottom dish 2, an upper part 3 connected with bottom dish unto without departing from the Spirit and Scope of the
2 in a fixed manner, and a cover 4 that extends over upper invention as defined in the appended claims.
part 3. Housing 1 contains a brush roller chamber 5, which What is claimed is:
is open on the bottom Side, and a Suction duct 6 feeding into 5 1. A front brush attachment device for a vacuum cleaner
brush roller chamber 5. Suction duct 6 and brush roller comprising:
chamber 5 are formed by the walls of upper part 3 and a. a multi component housing having a bottom Side, a stop
bottom dish 2. A brush roller 7 is supported in a rotating Surface, and a protrusion;
manner in brush roller chamber 5. Brush roller 7 is driven by b. a brush roller chamber disposed within said multi
an electric motor 8 via a toothed belt 9. component housing and open on Said bottom Side of
A connector device connects a vacuum cleaner to housing Said multi-component housing,
1. The connector device is a rotating and tilting joint 10. c. a Suction duct disposed within Said multi-component
Rotating and tilting joint 10 has a tilting joint piece 11, housing that feeds into Said brush roller chamber;
which is inserted in Suction duct 6. Rotating and tilting joint d. a rotationally driven brush roller Supported in a rotating
10 also has a short, rotatable joint tube 12 that is connected 15 manner in Said brush roller chamber;
with tilting joint piece 11 with rotational mobility. Short, e. a Spring-loaded locking lever, Supported on Said multi
rotatable joint tube 12 is an angled tube. Pivoting it upward component housing, and
moves it into a locked position at a stop Surface 13 on f. a rotating and tilting joint, connecting Said multi
housing 1. Tilting joint piece 11 is Supported in housing 1 in component housing to a vacuum cleaner, comprising:
a rotating manner and rotates about an axle 14 aligned i.a tilting joint piece having a shoulder on its periphery,
transversely in relation to Suction duct 6. Tilting joint piece wherein Said tilting joint piece is inserted into Said
11 has the shape of a short pipe and comprises a cylindrical Suction duct and Supported in a rotational manner
peripheral Surface. Housing 1 is Sealed against the cylindri about an axle aligned transversely in relation to Said
cal peripheral Surface. Tilting joint piece 11 comprises a Suction duct;
cylindrical connector piece 25, on which short, rotating joint 25 ii. a rotatable joint tube coupled to Said tilting joint
tube 12 is mounted in a rotating manner. piece with rotational mobility, wherein a receSS is
Upper part 3 and cover 4 comprise cavities 24, which are disposed on the connection end of Said Short rotat
adapted to the range of Swivel of rotating and tilting joint 10 able joint tube, and
and are rounded on the Sides. A protrusion 15 projecting iii. a cylindrical connector piece that couples Said
from the rounded area of cavity 24 is molded onto cover 4. rotatable joint tube to Said tilting joint piece and
In the locked position, protrusion 15 engages a correspond permits rotation of Said rotatable joint tube;
ing receSS 16 located on the periphery of Short, rotatable wherein Said rotating and tilting joint may be directed into
joint tube 12, Securing joint tube 12 against rotation. A a locked position at Said Stop Surface of Said multi
Spring-loaded locking lever 17 is Supported on housing 1. In 35 component housing by an upwardly directed pivotal
the locked position, locking lever 17 engages a shoulder 18 movement, and wherein in Said locked position Said
located on the cylindrical periphery of tilting joint piece 11, protrusion engages Said receSS locking and Securing
thereby preventing the movement of tilting joint piece 11. Said short rotatable joint tube against rotation, while
However, tilting joint piece 11 is only in the fully upright Said Spring-loaded locking lever engages Said shoulder,
position when protrusion 15 and receSS 16 engage. This 40 preventing tilting of Said tilting joint piece.
prevents Spring-loaded locking lever 17 from engaging 2. The front brush attachment device according to claim
shoulder 18 until protrusion 15 and recess 16 engage, 1, wherein Said multi-component housing comprises a bot
Simultaneously locking rotating and tilting joint 10 from tom dish, an upper part connected with Said bottom dish in
tilting and rotating. a fixed manner, and a cover extending over Said upper part;
FIG. 1 shows that locking lever 17 is substantially 45 wherein Said bottom dish and Said upper part form Said brush
U-shaped and Supported on upper part 3 of housing 1 in a roller chamber and Said Suction duct, and wherein Said
rotating manner. Journal pins 19 are molded on the legs of locking lever is Supported on Said upper part in a rotating
locking lever 17 and clipped into fork-shaped bearings 20 of C.
upper part 3. A Switching Surface 21 is molded at the end of 3. The front brush attachment device according to claim
one of the legs, and acted upon from below by a pressure 50 2, wherein Said locking lever is Substantially U-shaped with
Spring 22 Supported on upper part 3. A locking tooth 23 is two legs and comprises:
molded onto the bridge of U-shaped locking lever 17 and a plurality of journal pins molded onto Said legs of Said
guided through a slot-like aperture of upper part 3. In the U-shaped lever;
locked position, locking tooth 23 locks onto shoulder 18 of a Switching Surface molded onto the end of at least one of
rotating and tilting joint 10. 55 Said legs,
In the locked position, pivotal movements of rotating and a pressure Spring Supported by Said upper part, wherein
tilting joint 10 are blocked by locking lever 17, which Said pressure Spring acts on the underSide of Said
engages shoulder 18 of tilting joint piece 11 from behind. Switching Surface; and
Short, rotatable joint tube 12 is effectively secured against a locking tooth molded onto a bridge of Said U-shaped
rotation at the same time. By actuating Switching Surface 21, 60 lever, wherein Said locking tooth is guided through a
locking tooth 23 is lifted by a pivotal movement of locking slot-like aperture of Said upper part, engaging Said
lever 17, and rotating and tilting joint 10 is released. The shoulder of Said tilting joint piece in Said locked
locking System as defined by the invention does not com position.
prise any locking elements projecting from the Outer Side of 4. The front brush attachment device according to claim
the front brush attachment device. 65 2, wherein Said upper part and Said cover comprise cavities
Accordingly, while one embodiment of the present inven adapted to the range of pivoting of Said rotating and tilting
tion has been shown and described, it is to be under Stood joint and wherein Said protrusion is disposed in Said cavity.
Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 7 of 14 PageID #: 17

US 6,823,559 B2
S 6
5. A front brush attachment device for a vacuum cleaner Said rotating and tilting joint from tilting when Said
comprising: rotating and tilting joint is in a Substantially vertical
a. a housing, position.
b. a rotating and tilting joint, connecting Said housing to 6. The front brush attachment according to claim 5
a vacuum cleaner; wherein Said Second locking device comprises a Spring
c. a first locking device that prevents Said rotating and loaded locking device Supported on Said housing.
tilting joint from rotating, and that lockS Said housing 7. The front brush attachment according to claim 5
and Said rotating and tilting joint when Said rotating and wherein Said first locking device comprises a protrusion and
tilting joint is in a Substantially vertical position; and 10 a receSS.
d. a Second locking device for detachably coupling Said
rotating and tilting joint to Said housing that prevents
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EXHIBIT 2
Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 9 of 14 PageID #: 19
USOOD619772S

(12) United States Design Patent (10) Patent No.: US D619,772S


Kaffenberger (45) Date of Patent: Jul. 13, 2010
(54) VACUUM CLEANER HEAD D520,694 S * 5/2006 Choi ........................... D32.32
D590,112 S * 4/2009 Sun ........ ... D32/32
(75) Inventor: Dieter Kaffenberger, Wiehl (DE) D590,554 S * 4, 2009 Griffin ... ... D32/32
2006/0042041 A1* 3/2006 Kim ............................ 15,387
(73) Assignee: Wessel-Werk GmbH, * cited b
Reichshof-Wildbergerhuette (DE) cited by examiner
ck Primaryy Examiner Ruth McInroy
(**) Term: 14 Years (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Collard & Roe, P.C.
(21) Appl. No.: 29/315,169 (57) CLAM
(22) Filed: Jun. 2, 2009 The ornamental design for a vacuum cleaner head, as shown
(30) Foreign Application Priority Data aCd described.
CSC1)
Dec. 15, 2008 (EM) ..................... OO1 O56907-OOO1 DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 shows a top, front and right side perspective view of a
3. Ip Cl. .................................................. p. vacuum cleaner head, showing my new design;
(58) Field of Classification Search ............ Das FIG. 2 shows a front view thereof.
15/414–422.1, 236.04, 1444, 144.3, 406, FIG. 3 shows a rear view thereof;
15/104.05, 383,377,412,400 402, 387, FIG. 4 shows a top view thereof;
15/322,344 - 0
See application file for complete search history. FIG. 5 shows a right side view thereof;
FIG. 6 shows a left side view thereof, and,
(56) References Cited FIG. 7 shows a bottom view thereof.
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS The areas shown in broken lines form no part of the claimed
D290,418 S * 6/1987 Strohmeyer .................. D32/32 design.
D443,741 S * 6/2001 Parr et al. .................... D32/32
D508,154 S 8/2005 Carr ............................ D32/32 1 Claim, 5 Drawing Sheets
Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 10 of 14 PageID #: 20
Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 11 of 14 PageID #: 21
Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 12 of 14 PageID #: 22

U.S. Patent Jul. 13, 2010 Sheet 3 of 5 US D619,772S

FIG. 4
Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 13 of 14 PageID #: 23
Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/05/18 Page 14 of 14 PageID #: 24

U.S. Patent Jul. 13, 2010 Sheet 5 of 5 US D619,772S

M s a
s
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l' V - (- - - s r. s. - -1 -- -
l - - - - - - -
as
----------- ------ ---- - ---- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -- - - - --- - - - - -- - --

FIG. 7
Case 1:18-cv-01741-UNA Document 1-2 Filed 11/05/18 Page 1 of 1 PageID #: 25
JS 44 (Rev. 06/17) CIVIL COVER SHEET
The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law, except as
provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the
purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON NEXT PAGE OF THIS FORM.)

I. (a) PLAINTIFFS DEFENDANTS


WESSEL-WERK GMBH and WESSEL-WERK USA, INC. INTELLICLEAN SOLUTIONS, LLC

(b) County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff County of Residence of First Listed Defendant
(EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES) (IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY)
NOTE: IN LAND CONDEMNATION CASES, USE THE LOCATION OF
THE TRACT OF LAND INVOLVED.

(c) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address, and Telephone Number) Attorneys (If Known)
Michael J. Flynn, Esquire; Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP
1201 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 658-9200

II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an “X” in One Box Only) III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES (Place an “X” in One Box for Plaintiff
(For Diversity Cases Only) and One Box for Defendant)
u 1 U.S. Government u 3 Federal Question PTF DEF PTF DEF
Plaintiff (U.S. Government Not a Party) Citizen of This State u 1 u 1 Incorporated or Principal Place u 4 u 4
of Business In This State

u 2 U.S. Government u 4 Diversity Citizen of Another State u 2 u 2 Incorporated and Principal Place u 5 u 5
Defendant (Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III) of Business In Another State

Citizen or Subject of a u 3 u 3 Foreign Nation u 6 u 6


Foreign Country
IV. NATURE OF SUIT (Place an “X” in One Box Only) Click here for: Nature of Suit Code Descriptions.
CONTRACT TORTS FORFEITURE/PENALTY BANKRUPTCY OTHER STATUTES
u 110 Insurance PERSONAL INJURY PERSONAL INJURY u 625 Drug Related Seizure u 422 Appeal 28 USC 158 u 375 False Claims Act
u 120 Marine u 310 Airplane u 365 Personal Injury - of Property 21 USC 881 u 423 Withdrawal u 376 Qui Tam (31 USC
u 130 Miller Act u 315 Airplane Product Product Liability u 690 Other 28 USC 157 3729(a))
u 140 Negotiable Instrument Liability u 367 Health Care/ u 400 State Reapportionment
u 150 Recovery of Overpayment u 320 Assault, Libel & Pharmaceutical PROPERTY RIGHTS u 410 Antitrust
& Enforcement of Judgment Slander Personal Injury u 820 Copyrights u 430 Banks and Banking
u 151 Medicare Act u 330 Federal Employers’ Product Liability u 830 Patent u 450 Commerce
u 152 Recovery of Defaulted Liability u 368 Asbestos Personal u 835 Patent - Abbreviated u 460 Deportation
Student Loans u 340 Marine Injury Product New Drug Application u 470 Racketeer Influenced and
(Excludes Veterans) u 345 Marine Product Liability u 840 Trademark Corrupt Organizations
u 153 Recovery of Overpayment Liability PERSONAL PROPERTY LABOR SOCIAL SECURITY u 480 Consumer Credit
of Veteran’s Benefits u 350 Motor Vehicle u 370 Other Fraud u 710 Fair Labor Standards u 861 HIA (1395ff) u 490 Cable/Sat TV
u 160 Stockholders’ Suits u 355 Motor Vehicle u 371 Truth in Lending Act u 862 Black Lung (923) u 850 Securities/Commodities/
u 190 Other Contract Product Liability u 380 Other Personal u 720 Labor/Management u 863 DIWC/DIWW (405(g)) Exchange
u 195 Contract Product Liability u 360 Other Personal Property Damage Relations u 864 SSID Title XVI u 890 Other Statutory Actions
u 196 Franchise Injury u 385 Property Damage u 740 Railway Labor Act u 865 RSI (405(g)) u 891 Agricultural Acts
u 362 Personal Injury - Product Liability u 751 Family and Medical u 893 Environmental Matters
Medical Malpractice Leave Act u 895 Freedom of Information
REAL PROPERTY CIVIL RIGHTS PRISONER PETITIONS u 790 Other Labor Litigation FEDERAL TAX SUITS Act
u 210 Land Condemnation u 440 Other Civil Rights Habeas Corpus: u 791 Employee Retirement u 870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff u 896 Arbitration
u 220 Foreclosure u 441 Voting u 463 Alien Detainee Income Security Act or Defendant) u 899 Administrative Procedure
u 230 Rent Lease & Ejectment u 442 Employment u 510 Motions to Vacate u 871 IRS—Third Party Act/Review or Appeal of
u 240 Torts to Land u 443 Housing/ Sentence 26 USC 7609 Agency Decision
u 245 Tort Product Liability Accommodations u 530 General u 950 Constitutionality of
u 290 All Other Real Property u 445 Amer. w/Disabilities - u 535 Death Penalty IMMIGRATION State Statutes
Employment Other: u 462 Naturalization Application
u 446 Amer. w/Disabilities - u 540 Mandamus & Other u 465 Other Immigration
Other u 550 Civil Rights Actions
u 448 Education u 555 Prison Condition
u 560 Civil Detainee -
Conditions of
Confinement
V. ORIGIN (Place an “X” in One Box Only)
u 1 Original u 2 Removed from u 3 Remanded from u 4 Reinstated or u 5 Transferred from u 6 Multidistrict u 8 Multidistrict
Proceeding State Court Appellate Court Reopened Another District Litigation - Litigation -
(specify) Transfer Direct File
Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity):
35 U.S.C. § 271, 283, 284 and 285
VI. CAUSE OF ACTION Brief description of cause:
Patent Infringement
VII. REQUESTED IN u CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTION DEMAND $ CHECK YES only if demanded in complaint:
COMPLAINT: UNDER RULE 23, F.R.Cv.P. JURY DEMAND: u Yes u No
VIII. RELATED CASE(S)
(See instructions):
IF ANY JUDGE DOCKET NUMBER
DATE SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD
11/5/2018 /s/ Michael J. Flynn
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

RECEIPT # AMOUNT APPLYING IFP JUDGE MAG. JUDGE

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