Abstract: A load distribution device for distributing the load of an armor vest worn by a wearer. The vest includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a shoulder portion. The load distribution device includes a belt, a coupling, and one or more securement straps. The coupling attaches the belt to the rear portion of the vest. Each securement strap comprises a rear securement strap and a front securement strap. Each securement strap is configured to extend from the shoulder portion of the vest to the rear portion of the vest. In another aspect, the load distribution device includes a cummerbund. Each rear securement strap extends from a shoulder portion to a securement strap loop. Each front securement strap is fixed at one end to the cummerbund, loops through the securement strap loop, and extends in an opposite direction towards the front of the wearer.

Abstract: A helmet air conditioning unit configured for operation with a helmet having air flow spaces within an interior space thereof, the helmet air conditioning unit including an electrical ventilating fan with a housing portion having one or more exhaust ports positionable in fluid communication with the air flow spaces within the interior space of the helmet; a battery power supply connected to energize the fan; a solar power supply coupled to recharge the power battery supply; and a fan controller coupled for actuating the fan for generating a pressurized air flow at the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan, whereby the pressurized air flow is directed through the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan when the fan is actuated.

Abstract: This invention is directed to restraining devices useful for children wherein eliminating the ability of the child to remove the garment on his/her own without caregiver assistance. The restraining garment includes a body, right and left sleeves having non-stretchable, reinforced stitching around the wrist of a wearer, legs portions having non-stretchable, reinforced stitching around the ankle, and a collar having the same reinforced, non-stretchable stitching. In one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device comprises a zipper and snap fastening device in the rear of the garment, out of reach of the wearer. In another embodiment of the invention, the device is made out of a lightweight but form-fitting material.

Abstract: Human clothing has inner and outer flexible layers that define a space sufficiently large to position a thermal transfer element in any of multiple, non-overlapping positions. The space and the thermal transfer element preferably have cooperating sides of a hook-and-loop attachment. All suitable items of clothing are contemplated, but especially a shirt, jacket or pants that appear to others as a substantially normal garment. Each space has one or more openings, in either the inner or outer layers, and preferably at the shoulders or sides of the torso, or at the pocket areas of pants. The spaces are preferably large, not only relative to the size of a corresponding thermal transfer element, but also to the size of the garment. Thermal transfer elements are preferably disposed in pouches having a thermal insulation on that side, and have only a very thin, thermally transmissive, fabric on the other side.

Abstract: A dress shirt with a modified button placket with switchable buttons is disclosed. The modified button placket provides a wearer with the ability to switch between “work” and “play” buttons for a different fashion look. The modified button placket includes a button-side section including a first button and a second button. The modified button placket also includes a button-hole side inner layer section and a button-hole side outer layer section. In some embodiments, the first button could be a more conservative “work shirt button” while the second button could be a trendier “social outing button.” If the wearer is going to a professional meeting, the wearer of dress shirt could fasten and expose only the work buttons to the outside audience. The play buttons would be left hidden behind both button-hole side inner layer and a button-hole side outer layer.

Abstract: A medical gown and method of assembling a medical gown for a patient that provides coverage and dignity as well as easy of treatment and examination. The medical gown may include two garment portions. Each garment portion includes a first panel and a second panel which is generally a mirror image of the first panel. Each garment portion is formed by joining the first panel to the second panel along the first and second top edges and joining the first and second outside edges such that an arm opening is formed between the first and second panels. Each garment portion is thereby adapted to be secured to a patient by placing an arm through the arm opening and releasably joining the closure members together under the patient's opposite arm.

Abstract: Apparel for the concealment of articles. Presented is a shirt that allows fast and safe retrieval of a concealed weapon. The shirt can have multiple access points to allow the wearer to retrieve weapons holstered in a shoulder type rig, against the waistband (“AWB”) holster, or a “belly-band” type holster. The shirt comprises a shell substantially in the shape of a shirt and an inner panel substantially lining at least a portion of the interior portion of the shell. The shell defines at least one access port configured to be selectively opened or closed to enable selective access to an interior portion of the shell.

Abstract: A metal detectable glove is provided, including a plurality of unaltered fibers, and a plurality of altered synthetic fibers containing a metal, wherein the unaltered fibers and the altered synthetic fibers are knitted together to form the metal-detectable glove. Methods and means of manufacturing such metal detectable gloves are also provided.

Abstract: A sleeping cap for lifting the face of a person away from a sleeping surface to prevent facial wrinkles comprises a U-shaped basic form covered with a fabric and having first and second extensions, each of the extensions being flexibly positioned within the fabric adjacent to each leg end of the U-shaped basic form, and the fabric covering the end of first extension is attached to the fabric at the end of the second extension to form the sleeping cap. Straps from each side of the sleeping cap secure the cap on the person's head. An alternate embodiment provides an elastic encased in the sleeping cap not having straps, and including a one piece foam rubber basic form enclosed within two stitched pieces of fabric, a lace ring with a ribbon at the top edge of the lace ring, and the lace ring is tacked to a portion of the basic form, to form a gathered top of the sleeping cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a body armor system designed to maximize protection, optimize mobility and reduce fatigue. More particularly, the system consists of a set of external, highly ergonomic hard armor plates in both ballistic and non-ballistic (riot) configurations, some of which utilize articulating, and/or interleaving segments, in combination with ballistic fabrics and or highly contoured pressed foam padding and harness systems that is flexible and lighter but still provides maximum protection. According to a preferred embodiment, an articulating plate assembly is formed by using plate segments that have at least two (2) step variation in the thickness of each plate along the adjoining seam line between each plate segment so as to facilitate an interleaving, articulating plate system that aids in defeating projectiles that may strike along the seam of adjoining plate segments.

Abstract: An elastic skin suit simulates gravitational loading. By selecting material(s) of appropriate dimensions and appropriate moduli of elasticity, and optionally integrating inelastic portions to maintain a desired surface distribution, the suit can be adapted to impose a loading regime that simulates the loading of terrestrial gravity in a more continuous, shoulder-to-ankle manner than current loading suits.

Abstract: A soft body armor garment having an upper portion for covering at least a portion of the lower body of a user, having a lower portion located in proximity to the upper portion which is sufficiently elongated such that the lower portion wraps around to cover at least a portion of the leg of the user; the lower portion having a first and second side, the first side for wrapping around the leg of the user; the second side having an attachment mechanism for securing to the first side around the leg of the user; an attachment mechanism located at the upper portion of the garment wherein the mechanism secures the garment to the user; and at least one receptacle to hold at least one item.

Abstract: A canister flush valve is disclosed with a valve seat modified to accommodate a greater initial surge of flow, without distorting flushing performance. There is a mounting at the bottom of a toilet tank that links to an outlet hole from the tank and forms a valve seat. A passageway through the mounting tapers in an arcuate manner below the valve seat. There is also a guide support structure in the passageway, preferably centered. The guide support structure also has a tapered leg.

Abstract: A toilet has a frustum-shaped bowl (26). Normally the bowl is hermetically sealed by a saucer-shaped valve and contains no water. Depressing button 72 automatically opens the saucer vertically down and rinses and flushes urine into an adjoining drain line with about 250 ml (0.25 gallons) of water. Depressing button 74 automatically releases a staggered flush capable of causing solid human waste, test plastic balls, or test condoms filled with tofu to carry further in the drain line. About 5.0 liters (1.25 gallons) is sufficient to carry solid waste to a sewer. About 250 ml (0.25 gallons) is sufficient to carry urine to a standard adjoining drain line; once there it flows gravitationally to a sewer main. 1.0 to 2.0 liters can carry 100 test plastic balls an average of more than 12 meters, (40 feet).

Abstract: The present invention provides a specially designed protective mat configured expressly to encompass the rim of a bathtub. Designed to provide a reliable, nonskid barrier between the user and the hard surface of the tub's rim, the Peace of Mind-Bathtub Rim Pads also provides a cushiony soft headrest when reclining in the tub. Manufactured of waterproof vinyl material and featuring a soft and pliable poly bead filler, the Peace of Mind-Bathtub Rim Pads features a thick, rubber backing providing extra cushiony support to the unit. The Peace of Mind-Bathtub Rim Pads encompasses the rim of the tub completely, with angled side panels positioned on each end of the front of the unit, which rests flush against the exterior wall of the tub, adding a fancy decorative touch. Spaced evenly about the underside of the unit is a series of thirteen, heavy duty suction cups with which to secure the device to the bathtub rim.

Abstract: A shower device level with a surrounding floor includes a surface for recovering waste water combined with an element for draining the water. The recovery surface includes a tub embedded in the floor, whose peripheral edge, over all or part of its periphery, is essentially flush with the floor, and a detachable support element, forming the shower floor, essentially at a level with the surrounding floor, in an operative position, so as to form a surface continuity between the latter and the detachable support element. The peripheral edge of the tub includes a preferably flat seat surface, and the tub is supported in a recess of the floor at least by the seat surface that rests on a belt of the recess at a level below that of the surrounding floor, and the seat surface extends by a raised surface whose upper edge is essentially flush with the surrounding floor.

Abstract: A portable, reversibly-extensible hammock has a foldable structure for supporting a substantially planar support surface. The hammock can be folded for transportation or storage, and can be shifted to an extended configuration to create a rectangular structure similar to a cot or hammock frame. A dual-purpose tensioning strap joins the support surface to the foldable structure and increases the structural integrity of the structure by urging top portions of leg members toward a center point of the rectangular structure.

Abstract: An infant swaddle blanket that includes a torso wrap section with wings and a leg pouch for the infant's legs. The torso wrap section is designed to wrap around the infant's torso for swaddling. The swaddle includes various hook and loop fasteners which facilitates swaddling and makes the swaddle easier to use, as well as making the swaddle safer to use by providing a more secure, adjustable fit. External hold-down straps augment hook and loop closures on the wings. The leg pouch permits the infant's diaper to be changed without unwrapping the torso wrap section, thereby facilitating diaper changes.

Abstract: A bed storage system includes at least one storage area in easily reachable proximity to a user of a bed. The bed bag apparel can include a fabric strip with two side-by-side pouches sewn directly on each side of the fabric strip. The pouches can be sewn into the fabric strip on three sides leaving the top side open to form a bag. A pocket can be located at a backside of each of the two side-by-side pouches. Additionally, anchoring sections including anchoring mass can maintain the fabric strip against a mattress. The pouches hang off on the left and right side of the bed when the fabric strip is laid across the bed. Such bed bag apparel can provide convenient access to double-pouch storage areas on both sides of the bed.

Abstract: A method and device for positioning a patient in order to obtain x-ray views of one or both of the patient's knees comprising a generally horizontal surface for supporting the patient; a radiolucent leg support in the general shape of a triangle whereby one line segment of the triangle supports the patient's lower leg, another line segment of the triangle supports the patient's upper leg, and the vertex created by the two line segments determines the angle of flexion of the patient's knee when the patient's leg is supported by the radiolucent leg support; a means for holding a cassette in a vertical position such that a Merchant's View of the patient's knee can be obtained; a means for holding a cassette in a horizontal position such that a Bent Knee AP View of the patient's knee can be obtained; and a means for holding a cassette in a vertical position such that a Bent Knee Lateral View of the patient's knee can be obtained.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, with a barrier, and a patient support surface supported in the frame. The apparatus further includes a control system with a controller, which is incorporated into the surface or the frame, and which is in communication with at least one functional component associated with the surface or the frame for controlling or monitoring the functional component. The control system further includes a touch-screen display in communication with the controller for controlling the functional component, which is positioned in the barrier between the exterior and interior side of the barrier wherein the display is incorporated into the barrier and accessible at the exterior or interior side for access by a user.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame and seat, thigh, and head sections coupled to the frame. A linkage is coupled to the head, seat, and thigh sections. The linkage has a first mode of operation in which the seat and thigh sections remain substantially parallel to each other as the head section is raised and lowered and the linkage has a second mode of operation in which the thigh section tilts relative to the seat section as the head section is raised and lowered. A handle is movable relative to the head section between a first position in which the linkage is in the first mode of operation and a second position in which the linkage is in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A method and device for securing arms an infant. The device includes: an elongate piece of material with vertical and horizontal axes; a right wing having a right fastener at a distal right end, the right fastener part disposed along the horizontal axis and on the back side of the material; a left wing having (i) a left fastener part at a distal left end, the left fastener part disposed along the horizontal axis and on the front side of the material; a sleeve attaching component attached on the front side of the material and located at an intersection of the axes, the sleeve attaching component including a pair of sleeves symmetrically disposed about the vertical axis, the pair of sleeves including a right sleeve and a left sleeve, the sleeves disposed and configured to respectively retain right and left arms of the infant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pillow, which comprises a pillowcase; wherein the pillowcase is internally provided with a pillow inner, a transverse opening is formed at the middle position of the surface of the pillowcase, surplus pillowcase materials are reserved at the opening, and the opening is connected via reserved surplus materials; a groove is formed at the front position of the bottom of the pillow inner, and inserts stiffer than the pillow inner are embedded at the groove position. The pillow provided in the invention is provided with an opening at the position of the back of the head on the pillowcase, so that the pillow inner is better concaved, and the comfort of the back of the head can be increased. Moreover, rigid inserts are arranged at the front position of the bottom of the pillow inner to support the cervical vertebra.

Abstract: An attachable diaper-changing table for use with a stroller and/or other suitable sturdy surface(s) such as a bathroom counter or bench. The attachable diaper-changing table enables a caregiver to easily and safely change a diaper of an infant along with providing a clean, elevated and sanitary surface on which to change a soiled diaper while on the go. The attachable diaper-changing table comprises a removably-attachable changing table platform assembly and adjustable support brackets.

Abstract: A gap filler assembly for filling a gap between adjacent sections of a bed. The gap filler assembly has a mattress portion that has an extension at one end thereof that extends between a gap between a first section of the bed and an adjacent second section of the bed. The mattress portion may be a supplemental mattress that is adjacent a side of a main mattress. The mattress portion may also have a hinged slider component on a bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: A TPU composition comprising two or more TPU polymers is disclosed. The TPU composition gives a broad process window for melt coating applications. The blend of TPUs give better processing than either of the individual TPU polymers used in the blend alone. This results in melt coating which gives less matt and glossy streaks and allows faster coating speeds along with lower coating weight. The two or more TPU polymers used in the blend have a different soft segment. The different soft segment is created by using different molecular weight polyol for the TPU polymers or by using chemically different polyols.

Abstract: A packaged fabric conditioning product comprising a flowable fabric conditioning composition comprising 0.5-40% by weight of at least one unsaturated quaternary ammonium compound, said composition contained in bottom-dispensing packaging which comprises (i) a deformable container in which the fabric conditioning composition is stored with ullage; and (ii) a dispensing device which is located at the base of the container such that in the inverted position the flowable fabric conditioning composition is positioned beneath the ullage and above the dispensing device.

Abstract: The present invention is a laundry article used for both cleaning and conditioning fabrics, which comprises a water-insoluble nonwoven substrate, coated with at least one zone each of a detergent composition and a fabric conditioning composition. The fabric conditioning composition comprises a quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant, an alkoxylated fatty alcohol, and a fatty acid.

Abstract: A method of removing hair from skin, preferably facial skin, is provided, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a hydrophobic protective composition to an area of skin, preferably facial skin, on which unwanted hair is growing, the hydrophobic protective composition comprising from 1% to 60% of wax by weight of the hydrophobic protective composition; (b) applying a depilatory composition to the area of skin to which the hydrophobic protective composition has been applied, the depilatory composition comprising a keratin reducing agent.

Abstract: A method of removing hair from skin, preferably facial skin, is provided, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a hydrophobic protective composition to an area of skin, preferably facial skin, on which unwanted hair is growing, the hydrophobic protective composition having a thermal transition from solid to liquid within the range from ?60° C. to 80° C., wherein the enthalpy of thermal transition (?Hf(20-50° C.)) measured within the range from 20° C. to 50° C. represents from 10% to 50% of the total enthalpy of thermal transition (?Hf) in the range from ?60° C. to 80° C.; (b) applying a depilatory composition to the area of skin to which the hydrophobic protective composition has been applied, the depilatory composition comprising a keratin reducing agent.

Abstract: A method of removing hair from skin, preferably facial skin, is provided, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a hydrophobic protective composition to an area of skin, preferably facial skin, on which unwanted hair is growing, the hydrophobic protective composition being capable of reducing the penetration of thioglycolic acid by at least 45%, as measured using the Franz Cell Method; (b) applying a depilatory composition to the area of skin to which the hydrophobic protective composition has been applied, the depilatory composition comprising a keratin reducing agent.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to efficient shoe manufacturing that reduce the specialized human labor required to manufacture a pair of shoes while avoiding the high costs and special maintenance requirements often associated with highly automated manufacturing equipment are provided. Systems and methods in accordance with the present invention may be used to produce multiple models of custom shoes at a single shoe manufacturing facility using overlapping workflows, thereby reducing the physical footprint of the manufacturing facility. Additionally, embodiments of the invention may provide methods and systems for efficiently producing shoes to meet the demands of a particular geographic location, thereby eliminating the need to import shoes produced in other locations.

Abstract: A stock fit assembly fixture is provided for aligning and holding into place various portions of a shoe, such as an upper portion, an outsole, and a midsole, while the shoe portions are being assembled. The upper portion of a shoe may be secured to a shoe last, which in turn, may be secured to a top portion of the stock fit assembly fixture. The top portion may be movable such that the upper portion of the shoe can be moved toward the outsole and midsole portions, thus allowing for a securement of the upper portion to the outsole and midsole portions. The movement of the top portion may be by way of a compression mechanism allowing the top portion to be forced to be moved toward a bottom portion of the stock fit assembly fixture.

Abstract: An aircraft boarding apparatus has a passenger bridge that has a confinement structure coupled to the second passenger bridge. The confinement structure exerts a ground-anchoring effect on the second passenger bridge to offset the ultralight configuration of the passenger bridge.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush provided with a function for oscillating a brush body by rotating a weight and a function for applying current inside a user's mouth. The electric toothbrush includes a brush body. A main body includes an attachment shaft, which is formed by a conductive member. The brush body is attached to the attachment shaft. A weight is arranged in the attachment shaft. A motor rotates the weight and oscillates the brush body through the attachment shaft. A power supply is arranged in the main body. A first electrode is connected to the power supply. The first electrode is arranged on the main body in a state exposed from a surface of the main body. A second electrode is connected to the power supply. The second electrode is arranged on the brush body in a state exposed from a surface of the main body.

Abstract: A toothbrush can include a handle and a head. At least one bristle can be attached to the head. The toothbrush can also have an illumination member, an illumination circuit and an activation device. The activation device can include two contact members fixed in a non-contact position on an outside of the handle. A method can include causing conduction between the contact members to activate the illumination circuit. The toothbrush can be an electric toothbrush. The electric toothbrush can have an illumination member positioned such that light from the illumination member can be seen by a user in a mirror facing the user.

Abstract: The invention provides cleaning implements that include head components comprising cleaning surface components and cleaning material support components. The cleaning material support components typically include cleaning material receiving areas that communicate with the cleaning surface components. Cleaning material receiving areas are generally configured to receive cleaning materials that are movable to and/or from the cleaning material receiving areas to extend over at least portions of the cleaning surface components. The invention also provides cleaning material components that include cleaning material support structures and cleaning materials. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A brush body and toothbrush that allows for current to easily flow from conductive bristles to oral tissues or enhance ionization of electrolytic medicinal components. The brush body includes a mixed bristle bundle arranged on an anchoring surface and including a plurality of conductive bristles and a plurality of insulative bristles. A reference plane is set on the anchoring surface. The conductive bristles have a height from the reference plane, and the insulative bristles have a height from the reference plane that differs from the height of the conductive bristles.

Abstract: A toothbrush can include a handle and a head. At least one bristle can be attached to the head. The toothbrush can also have an illumination member, an illumination circuit and an activation device. The activation device can include two contact members fixed in a non-contact position on an outside of the handle. A method can include causing conduction between the contact members to activate the illumination circuit. The toothbrush can be an electric toothbrush. The electric toothbrush can have an illumination member positioned such that light from the illumination member can be seen by a user in a mirror facing the user.

Abstract: A brush includes a brush head which comprises a brush support, and a plurality of brushing members integrally provided on the brush support, wherein the brushing members and the brush support are integrally formed together by heat treatment.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a base which has at least one dust collector received therein and two rollers are located in the underside of the base. Each roller includes multiple scrape plates extending radially outward therefrom so as to remove the dust from the floor into the at least one dust collector. At least two connection plates are connected to two opposite sides of the base and a wiping fabric, made of absorbent material, is attached between the at least two connection plates and located across an underside of the base. The wiping fabric can remove liquid type stuff on the floor. An assistance unit is connected to one side of the base and includes brushes or s wiping plate to clean the dust at the corner or beside the wall.

Abstract: A cellulose sponge cloth based containing a net or grid as internal reinforcement is provided, with the sponge cloth further including a uniform distribution of fibers and/or durably softening polymers that are not water-leachable. The sponge cloth is produced by the viscose process by mixing with the fibers and/or the softening polymers and the pore former with cellulose xanthate and forming the resulting sponge cloth raw material into a thin layer. The grid or net is placed onto this layer, followed by a further layer of the sponge cloth raw material. Alkaline or acidic coagulation and regeneration baths and optional wash baths are used to dissolve the pore former out of the sponge cloth and regenerate the cellulose from the cellulose xanthate. The sponge cloth is bend-resistant, it does not break in the dry state. The sponge cloth is envisioned for cleaning and decontamination in industry and the home.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a sealer finishing spatula is provided for removing sealer dirt adhered to the sealer finishing spatula efficiently in a short time. In the sealer cleaning device, a cleaning member has a finish surface cleaning portion brought into contact with the finishing surface of a finishing spatula, and side face cleaning portions brought into contact with the both side faces contiguous to the finishing surface of the spatula, respectively. The side face cleaning portions are provided at the both ends of the finish surface cleaning portion such that the both side faces of the spatula are brought into contact with each other when the finishing surface of the spatula is brought into contact with the finish surface cleaning portion.

Abstract: A cleaning device for a medical implement is disclosed. The cleaning device includes a cap having an opening to an inner cavity, the opening being adapted to receive a site of the medical implement. The cleaning device further includes a cleaning material that contains a cleaning agent prior to receipt of the site of the medical implement, i.e. the cleaning material is pre-loaded with the cleaning agent. The cleaning material is at least partially secured in the inner cavity and adapted to swab and clean the site with the cleaning agent. The cap further includes a friction-forming member for creating a friction-based fitting of the cap onto the site of the medical implement.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper drive (300) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprises a crank device (320) which can be driven by a drive shaft (310) of an electric motor. A recess in the crank device (320) assumes an end section of the drive shaft (310), wherein an axial position of the crank device (320) on the drive shaft (310) is defined by a shoulder which bounds the recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates a structure and method of manufacturing a unitary double-blade wind shield wiper. The method comprises a thermal forming step, a cutting step, a folding step and preferably a bonding step. In the thermal forming step, a rubber plate is imprinted into a rubber product which contains a plurality of continually connected wind shield wipers with a plurality of folding guide grooves. In the cutting step, the rubber product is divided into a plurality of independent wind shield wipers, wherein each of the independent wind shield wipers has a pair of blades extending in opposite directions to each other. In the folding step, each of the independent wind shield wipers is folded along the folding guide groove thereby to make the pair of blades parallel to each other. Preferable, further to impose the bonding step to fix the independent wind shield wipers into a permanent configuration, so as to be a more durable unitary double-blade wind shield wiper.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid delivery system including a supply of cleaning fluid stored in a fluid supply chamber and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid using suction from the surface to be cleaned. The apparatus has an inline fluid heater having a metal body with an embedded heating element and a polymeric cover provided with a fluid inlet fitting and a fluid outlet fitting. The fluid inlet and fluid outlet fittings are preferably integrally molded with the polymeric cover.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a lid that selectively opens or closes a filter bag compartment. A secondary motor protection filter is removably mounted in the lid by a frame of an elastic material that simultaneously seals the secondary filter element to the lid and seals the lid onto the bag compartment. An air passage flows between the secondary filter and the lid through a duct to the suction motor compartment. A perimeter groove in the lid receives a spline of the elastic frame of the filter element in a removable manner, while the opposite surface of the frame forms the seal surface relative to a housing rim around the bag compartment.

Abstract: A filter bag of a vacuum cleaner has a filter mounting plate that includes a generally strap-shaped securing element with pivot members on an end thereof. A housing of the vacuum cleaner defines a filter bag compartment therein and has pivot receivers into which the pivot members can be substantially vertically inserted. Then the filter mounting plate can be pivoted into a substantially horizontal installed position as the filter bag is inserted into the filter bag compartment. In the installed position, a first stop member of the filter mounting plate contacts and is stopped by a second stop member of the housing so as to prevent further pivoting and so as to properly position and hold the filter mounting plate.