Abstract: There is provided a vacuum cleaner filer bag including at least two sidewalls which sidewalls are joined by seams. At least one first sidewall comprises a film laminate of a heat sealable film layer and a film support layer. At least one second sidewall comprises a filter laminate comprising at least a synthetic fiber filter layer and synthetic fiber support layer where the at least one first sidewall is joined to adjacent sidewalls by thermal seams. The filter layer is preferably a high efficiency microfiber filter media which provides HEPA level performance for the vacuum cleaner bag.

Abstract: A connection member for a filter bag for vacuum cleaning equipment. The member has a base with two superposed base layers of stiff material which together define a first passage opening. A slide element, located between the two layers of the base, has a second passage opening therein which in an initial position is aligned with the first passage opening. By pulling on a handle portion of the slide element, the first passage opening is closed by a closure element that is connected to the slide element. The closure element, in the initial position, is in the form of a strand of incompletely cured plastic material. Upon application of a tensile force, the strand is adapted to plastically deform. The plastic material furthermore adheres on the one side to the slide element and on an opposed side to the base. Upon movement of the slide element into the closed position, the material is adapted to stretch in the longitudinal direction and to be drawn out as a diaphragm closing the first passage opening.

Abstract: A holder (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust bag which is removably arranged in the vacuum cleaner and includes a sleeve (14) on which an open end (13) of the bag (11) is received. Two or more clamping blocks (17) at least partly surround the sleeve and can be moved in a radial direction toward and away from the sleeve in order to secure the dust bag to the holder and release the dust bag from the holder.

Abstract: A dust container for vacuum cleaners includes a bag and a front plate. The bag is made of a material that, essentially, is permeable only to air. The front plate encloses a suction opening in the bag. The front plate is of a shape that is independent of the vacuum cleaner model in which the dust container is to be used. A mechanism for attaching a mounting plate to the front plate is also provided for the purpose of fitting the dust container in the vacuum cleaner. The mechanism for attaching the mounting plate to the front plate is designed specifically for the vacuum cleaner in which the dust container is to be used.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner filter bag exposes bacteria in incoming dirty air to bactericide throughout the useful life of the bag. Fingers provided on the interior walls of the bag are impregnated with bactericide. Air flow in the bag during vacuum cleaner operation causes the fingers to stand out from the wall, intercepting particles in the dirty airstream and exposing bacteria on those particles to the bactericide. The fingers stand out from the wall, and thus kill bacteria, substantially throughout the useful life of the bag, even after a cake of dust and dirt has formed on the inner walls of the bag.

Abstract: A dust filter bag made of a fiber layer laminated together with a paper layer, where the fiber layer is composed of polymer fibers and is arranged on the downstream-gas side of the paper layer.

Abstract: An improved disinfecting air filter that can be used to disinfect air or other gases. The invention can be advantageously used as a standalone to control microorganisms or used with a traditional HEPA filter to effectively control all microorganisms as well as dust particles. The device contains an iodine-donating filter disposed to dispense an effective quantity of iodine vapor into the gas or air stream to be filtered. The iodine laden air then passes through a porous filter of polyvinyl acetal polymer which material has an unusual affinity for iodine and effectively removes it leaving disinfected and iodine-free air or gas.

Abstract: For use with vacuum cleaner bags of the type having a substantially rigid collar surrounding the bag opening, and with vacuum cleaners of the type having a dirty air outlet nozzle, a vacuum bag docking assembly is shown and described. The assembly incorporates an anchor member having a central opening for closely receiving the dirty air outlet nozzle. The assembly also incorporates a mounting member which engages the collar on the vacuum bag to secure the bag to the bag mounting member. The bag mounting member is pivotally connected to the anchor member, and moves between a loading position in which the bag can be inserted or removed from the mounting member, and a working position in which the bag opening engages the dirty air outlet nozzle.

Abstract: A disposable reusable vacuum cleaner bag for a vacuum cleaner of the home appliance type is disclosed. The vacuum bag has an inlet for receiving materials from the vacuum cleaner, an apparatus for attaching the bag to the vacuum cleaner, and a resealable outlet for removing collected vacuumed materials from the bag whereby the bag is reusable in a next dirt collection/disposal cycle. The outlet may be sealed by a compression fit polymer fastener, a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, or any other suitable closure.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a trash bag to a vacuum cleaner that prevents the trash bag from being freely moved right and left and improves an assembling productivity of the fixing apparatus is disclosed. The fixing apparatus has first and second guiding bars formed on an inner wall of the dust collecting chamber for guiding a cardboard when the cardboard of the trash bag is inserted therein. First and second supporting brackets prevent the cardboard of the trash bag from being freely moved right and left by fixing the cardboard guided by the first and the second guiding bar. A fixing member which is elastically fixed inside of the first and second brackets prevents the cardboard of the trash bag, which is fixed by the first and the second supporting brackets, from being freely moved right and left. A fixing boss integrally formed with a floor of the dust collecting chamber and protruded upward fixes the fixing member to the first and second supporting brackets.

Abstract: A detector device for filter bags in vacuum cleaners which comprises a sensor device adapted to sense a tabular or plate-like connection member of such vacuum cleaner filter bag and switching means controlled by the sensor device for preventing switching-on of the motor of the vacuum cleaner if the connection member is not properly detected. The electronic sensor device is adapted to sense at least one detectable element in or on the connection member by electromagnetic waves and is connected with the switching means by a processing device for checking the correct position and correct type of the at least one detectable element. This means that it is not only possible to check for the presence of a filter bag in the vacuum cleaner but furthermore to discriminate whether same is correctly fitted and is of the right type for the said vacuum cleaner so that impairment of and damage to the vacuum cleaner by mounting the wrong type of filter bag is prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for separating dirt or dust from an airflow comprising a frustoconical cyclone (12) having a tangential air inlet (16) located at or adjacent the end of the cyclone (12) having the larger diameter and a cone opening (18) located at the end of the cyclone (12) having the smaller diameter is described. A collector (20) is arranged so as to surround the cone opening (18) and has a base surface (24) facing towards the cone opening (18). The distance between the cone opening (18) and the base surface (24) is between 4 and 6 mm or between 45 and 60 mm. The apparatus (10) is reduced in size without substantially affecting the separation efficiency.

Abstract: A connector system is disclosed for providing a connection between a tubular connector having external projections and a mounting collar having a hole with internal notches, for receiving the projections and securing them upon rotation. The connector opening has a non-planar edge and the collar includes an elastic sealing diaphragm with an elongated hole. This configuration of elements cooperate to reduce full contact between the diaphragm and connector during installation, permitting less force to be used in bringing the components into full connection and also providing a spring force which facilitates removal. Also disclosed is a bag for receiving a connector portion. The bag has a continuous perforation, approximately dimensioned to correspond to the connector portion's opening. The perforation is separated by contact with the connector, so as to admit the connector into the filter bag.

Abstract: A manually closable collar for a vacuum cleaner bag is adapted to be secured to an air bag. The collar is formed from a single blank of relatively rigid material folded to define three overlying and generally planar panels. Each of the panels defines an aperture therethrough, the apertures being initially aligned in the collar to enable the passage of air therethrough and into the air bag. The middle panel of the collar defines (i) a fixed raceway element adhesively secured to at least one of the outer panels of the collar, and (ii) a detachable slider element secured to the raceway element only by various nicks. The slider element has a first portion defining the aperture of the middle panel and a second portion which is unapertured.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a filter bag (8) for a vacuum cleaner (1), with a retainer plate (16) made of a cardboard-paper material that can be attached to a dust bag (37), for example by gluing, and that has a sealable opening (19) for a suction tube (vacuum connector (18)) of a vacuum cleaner (1), where the opening (19) can be closed off with a separate closure piece (V) which can be moved from an open position to a closure position, being slid between two tiers (38, 40). For greater ease of handling the invention proposes that the closure piece (V) be practically fully enclosed in an outer contour of the retainer plate (16) in the open position and in the closure position and that the closure piece (V) lie exposed in a recess (57) of the uppermost tier (38) separate from the opening (19), the longitudinal extension of the recess (57) conforming to the closure piece (V).

Abstract: An obturation device for the disposable bag (1) of a vacuum cleaner, the bag (1) having a rigid area (1a) in the vicinity of a closable filling inlet, in order to fix the bag (1) to a frame part (13) of the vacuum cleaner, as well as a flap (5) for closing the bag (1) , the flap being displaceable by rotation between an open position and a closed position of the filling inlet in the extension plane of the rigid area (1a). The closing flap (5) is mounted in the rigid area (1a) which is provided with a profiled perforation (4a) whose shape and contour form a guiding structure (4) within which the closing flap (5) can move. Application to disposable bags for vacuum cleaners.

Abstract: A manually closable collar for a vacuum cleaner bag is adapted to be secured to an air bag. The collar is formed from a single blank of relatively rigid material folded to define three overlying and generally planar panels. Each of the panels defines an aperture therethrough, the apertures being initially aligned in the collar to enable the passage of air therethrough and into the air bag. The middle panel of the collar defines (i) a fixed raceway element adhesively secured to at least one of the outer panels of the collar, and (ii) a detachable slider element secured to the raceway element only by various nicks. The slider element has a first portion defining the aperture of the middle panel and a second portion which is unapertured.

Abstract: In a vacuum bag for a vacuum cleaner having a dirt-laden air outlet, the vacuum bag includes an air-permeable outer bag formed of paper, an air-permeable inner bag formed of meltblown material disposed within the outer bag, and an air-impermeable collar disposed on an outer surface of the outer bag. The inner bag, outer bag and collar define therethrough a channel of given area for passage therethrough of a dirt-laden air outlet into the inner bag. The improvement resides in the vacuum bag additionally including an air-impermeable reinforcement patch formed of flashspun olefin material disposed opposite and at least partially below the channel when the vacuum bag is in use. Thus a portion of the outer bag generally opposite the outlet is protected from penetration and tearing by particles entrained in the dirt-laden air expelled at high speed from the outlet.

Abstract: There is provided a vacuum cleaner filter medium which is a nonwoven spunbond web of conjugate spunbond fibers. The web has a Frazier permeability of at least 250 CFM, an NaCI efficiency of at least 65 percent, a Gurley Stiffness of at least 20 mg, and a pressure drop of 0.5 or less mm H.sub.2 O. The conjugate fibers are made from polymers, more particularly polyolefins, still more particularly polypropylene and polyethylene in a side-by-side configuration. The filter medium is treated by a hot-air knife and through-air bonded during the production process. The medium is also electret treated. The medium has sufficient stiffness to be converted into a filter by conventional techniques. While this invention is directed mainly to air purification and filtration, other gasses may be filtered as well.

Abstract: There is provided a vacuum cleaner bag with high fine particle removal efficiency under normal and shock loading conditions, shock loading including a short term challenge with high particle concentrations (e.g., when a vacuum is used to pick up a pile of debris). The bag also exhibits high loading capacity without significant loss in pressure drop. The bag includes an outer support layer, a fibrous filter layer that is charged to create electrets, and an inner diffusion layer that is substantially unbonded to the filter layer, except at necessary bag seams required for assembly of the filter bag.

Abstract: Disclosed is a porous device adapted to remove particulates from a fluid passed through the device. The device includes a porous filtration medium. The medium has a first surface having an area which is adapted to receive the fluid for passage through the medium and a second surface from which the fluid exits the medium. The device is configured to variably increase the area of the first surface in response to a differential in fluid pressure between the first surface and the second surface so as to extend the life of the device. In some embodiments the device is adapted to retain the increase in surface area which acts as a visual indication that the device is reaching its capacity to retain particulates.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner filter bag having multiple, nested inner bags and an outer bag for sequentially filtering a discharge from a vacuum cleaner, wherein each of the inner bags is adapted to cease filtering the discharge therethrough when the bag has become clogged with particulate matter. Each inner bag is designed to rupture, when clogged, in a manner to allow the discharge to bypass that bag and directly enter the next bag.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly for usage inn wet and dry environments. The interior main canister of the vacuum includes a chamber assembly having a capstan, interface plate and hourglass member for extending the vacuum effect downward from a vacuum motor placed atop a chamber that lies above the main chamber and above the canister assembly. The interior of the chamber is connected to a sweeper portion through the use of an inlet tube. The capstan and hourglass member each have small apertures in them. A Y-shaped inlet tube may be optionally used to connect the interior of the main chamber to the sweeper so that incoming fluid may be directed around the capstan for full "washing" effect.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner filter bag has a connection member with an essentially tabular, board-like, stiff main body, which has a fitting opening for fitting on a vacuum cleaner connector tube. The main body guides a closing slide with a passage opening, which by way of a handle part is able to be moved out from an open position clearing the fitting opening into the closed position. The main body is divided into a holding ring surrounding the fitting opening on the outer side of the connection member and a closing slide guide: part constituted by the rest of the main body, the holding ring and the closing slide guide part being connected together at an attachment joint while being otherwise separate or separable from each other. In the position of use, with the connection member seated on the connector tube, the closing slide guide part is able to be pivoted away from the connector tube so that the closing slide comes clear of the connector tube and is able to be drawn into its closed setting.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner filter bag has a connection member, whose side edge parts are adapted to be inserted into holding grooves in the vacuum cleaner. A substantially tabular or plate-like, board-like, stiff main body of the connection member possesses a fitting opening for fitting same onto the connector tube of a vacuum cleaner. The main body carries and guides a closing slide with a passage opening, which is able to be drawn out from an open position clearing the fitting opening into a closed setting by way of a handle part. On the side edge parts there is respectively a holding rail able to be inserted into the adjacent vacuum cleaner groove, such holding rail extending from the front to the rear as far as a rail attachment point. The holding rails are connected with the main body at the rail attachment point but otherwise separated or separable from the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of manufacturing vacuum cleaner bags with a unique tri-lock top and bottom seal. The paper end of at the end of the open bag length is sealed onto itself with seam-paste glue three times providing an extra strong seam to accommodate the ever increasing air pressure created by today's powerful cleaners.

Abstract: A disposable vacuum cleaner dust bag includes a porous sheet defining a dust collection chamber having an inlet, and a substantially rigid collar secured to the sheet around said inlet. The collar provides a generally circular opening and has at least a pair of peripherally spaced radially pivotable further portions disposed about the opening and extending radially inwardly further than the remainder of the collar when the pivotable portions and the collar remainder are in the same plane. An elastic diaphragm on the collar provides a generally circular opening smaller than the opening in the collar. The collar is adapted to mount on a connector having a generally cylindrical outlet having an end through which the air is delivered by a vacuum cleaner and which provides peripherally spaced outwardly extending projections. The collar is adapted to be installed, maintained in an installed position, and removed with the pivotable portions aligned with the projections.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner system includes a vacuum cleaner having a hollow air inlet, an air outlet, a removable dirt bag communicating with the inlet and the outlet, and means for moving initially dirt-laden air from the inlet to the outlet via the bag. The system also includes a charge generator for generating an electrostatic charge of a given polarity on the bag. The system optionally includes a charge generator for generating an electrostatic charge of the given polarity on the initially dirt-laden air.

Abstract: A dust and dirt collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner includes a porous bag defining a dust and dirt collecting enclosure. A releasing strip is disposed on an outer surface of the bag for releasing an active agent (such as a deodorant) into air passing through the vacuum cleaner. A covering associated with the releasing strip is switchable from a first condition blocking release of the active agent by the releasing strip to a second condition enabling release of the active agent by the releasing strip.

Abstract: A process for hydraulically needling a web of staple fibers into an unbonded flash spun web made of continuous plexifilaments to form a spunlaced nonwoven fabric. The web of staple fibers is positioned against the unbonded flash spun web and then hydraulically needled such that the staple fibers are embedded into and entangled with the unbonded flash spun web to form a spunlaced nonwoven fabric. Optionally, the spunlaced nonwoven fabric can be thermally bonded to maintain or increase the permeability of the fabric. Thermal bonding can be used to control the level of permeability depending on the end-use desired. Spunlaced nonwoven fabrics made by the inventive process are particularly useful in filtration applications (e.g., vacuum cleaner bags) when thermal bonding is employed and as bulky, downproof and featherproof barrier liners for garments, sleeping bags, pillows, comforters and the like when thermal bonding is not employed.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag is treated with a dual component, antimicrobial composition which is attached to the bag material and reduces harmful bacteria and fungi safely and effectively. The vacuum cleaner bag is shown of the type used on an upright vacuum cleaner having an airflow generating means contained in a main housing for producing an airflow out of an air duct of the housing. The bag includes a porous cloth body defining a normally closed interior and a mouth opening. The mouth opening of the bag connects to the air duct of the main housing and produces airflow through the flexible body which exhausts into the atmosphere. A flexible oscillator tube, located in the bag interior, vibrates the bag during use to prevent the buildup and clumping of dirt on the bag interior sidewalls.

Abstract: A dust filter bag (1) for a vacuum cleaner, having a holding plate (2) which has a tightly closed opening (3) for a suction pipe of a vacuum cleaner, the opening (3) being adapted to be closed from the outside by a separate closure flap (5) which has an insertion region (6). In order to achieve more favorable handling, in particular, of the closure flap, the closure flap (5) is detachably connected to the holding plate (2) in its open position.

Abstract: A duct filter bag (1) for a vacuum cleaner having a holding plate (2, 15) which has a tightly closed opening (4) for a pipe connection of a vacuum cleaner, the opening being adapted to be closed from the outside by a separate closure flap (5) which has an insertion region (8, 9, 11). In order to make the dust filter bag (1) more favorable in use, the closure flap (5) is hinged to the holding plate (2) laterally of its region of swing (V).

Abstract: A bag securing and tensioning system for a vacuum cleaner includes a duct for directing a flow of dirt-laden air from an inlet thereof to an outlet thereof, a porous outer bag and a connection member for releasably mounting the outer bag to the outlet end of the duct. The connection member includes a longitudinally extending slot located in a handle of the vacuum cleaner and a bag guide member including an extension slidably mounted in the slot. A bag clip is secured to the bag guide member. The bag clip holds an end of the porous outer bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric vacuum cleaner having a filter bag intermediate carrier disposed between a filter cassette arranged above a motor-driven blower and the motor housing. The intermediate carrier is pivotally mounted via a hinge and has guide cams which dip into engaging recesses of a base plate of the filter bag. The vacuum cleaner apparatus can only be operated with filter bags which are specific to this apparatus. Safety cams are formed on the intermediate carrier and follow the inner wall surface of the filter cassette when the intermediate carrier is closed. Catches are formed on the inner wall surface but do not catch the safety cams if an authorized filter bag is placed in the filter cassette. However, if an unauthorized filter bag is placed in the filter cassette, then the structure of this filter bag causes the safety cams to deflect and catch in the catches thereby preventing the operator from completely closing the intermediate carrier on the filter cassette.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner filter bag seal is used to form disposable vacuum cleaner bags by joining two portions of filtration material. The two portions of filtration material are sealed by placing them together and then crimping them so that the layers mechanically interlock. The invention also pertains to a method of providing such a seal.

Abstract: A bag assembly for a vacuum cleaner of the type having a housing defining a bag-receiving compartment, and a lid for closing an opening in the housing above the bag-receiving compartment. The bag assembly comprises a bag having a side wall with upper edge margins defining a bag mouth, and an annular bag support of synthetic resin material. The bag support has an annular wall with a generally vertical central axis, and an annular sealing formation adjacent the top of the wall. The upper edge margins of the bag are stitched to the annular wall of the bag support to provide a seal between the wall and the bag around the mouth of the bag. The bag assembly is placed in the bag-receiving compartment of the vacuum cleaner and the lid moved to a closed position in which the annular sealing formation on the bag support is sealingly engageable with the housing.

Abstract: A unitary liner (36) for use in a dual inner and outer cyclonic vacuum cleaning apparatus (10) is described. The liner has a rigid receiver member (38) that collects dirt separated from the airflow by the inner cyclone (12). The receiver is integrally bonded to a flexible container portion (37) that lays over the inner surface (11D) of the outer cyclone (11) to collect dirt separated from the airflow by the outer cyclone. The container portion (41) can also be a rigid member bonded to a rigid receiver (42). Also, the rigid container portion (45) can provide the outer cyclone and be bonded to a rigid receiver (46). The liner collects separated dirt from the inner and outer cyclones and is easy to remove and replace from the cleaning apparatus by removing the cover (13) which supports the inner cyclone, from the outer cyclone to expose the liner when the vacuum cleaner becomes full of dirt. A liner (130) for a tank type, dual inner and outer cyclonic vacuum cleaning apparatus (110 ) is also described.

Abstract: A one piece plastic liner (40) for use in cyclonic vacuum cleaner (10) is described. The liner preferably fits inside of an outer cyclone or container (11) around an inner cyclone (12) and is held in place by the dirt receiver (13), the inner cyclone and the cover (15). The liner collects separated dirt from both cyclones and is easy to remove and replace by removing the cover, the inner cyclone and the receiver when the vacuum cleaner becomes full of dirt.

Abstract: A filter and method for applying differential levels of active ingredient materials to specific areas of filters, such as the filter paper used to make disposable vacuum cleaner bags, so as to cause the effluent such as air which has passed through such filters to sustainably act as a dispersing agent for such filter-impregnated active ingredients as may condition the effluent which has passed through the filter in ways that are desirable to the user of the filter. The active ingredients are unevenly distributed on the filter substrate in a pattern determined by predicted changing flow rate patterns through the area of the substrate during intervals of increasing accumulation of particulate matter against the filter and effective to maximally sustain dispersion of active ingredients during such intervals.

Abstract: A disposable dust bag for vacuum cleaners and the like is disclosed which includes a mounting collar adapted to be removably mounted on a vacuum cleaner connector through which dirt-laden air is delivered to the dust bag. The connector has a generally cylindrical outlet end and peripherally spaced projections extending from the outer surface thereof. The collar provides an opening sized to closely fit the outlet through the majority of its peripheral extent and which provides peripherally spaced enlarged portions adapted to clear the projections on the connector when the bag is installed and removed. The collar also provides an inwardly extending elastomeric diaphragm having a centrally located opening substantially smaller than the outlet of the connector. During installation and removal of the bag on the connector, the enlarged portions of the collar opening are aligned with the projections on the connector and the collar is pressed over the connector until it is positioned behind the projections.

Abstract: A convertible vacuum cleaner providing a detachable upright handle permits the vacuum cleaner to be used as an upright cleaner for cleaning rugs, carpets, and the like. A detachable portable hand cleaner handle is also provided which is mounted when the cleaner is to be used as a portable hand cleaner. A resiliently biased, releasable connector is mounted on the filter bag to detachably connect the filter bag to either of the handles. The connector is connected to the upright handle. The connector is resiliently connected to the bag so that the bag remains in proper extended position in all operating positions of the upright handle. A receiver having a socket and a mating blade on the handles permits the two handles to be selectively mounted on the power unit of the cleaner. The portable handle provides a shoulder strap which is retracted into the handle by a reel when not in use and is locked at any selected extended position when the shoulder strap is in use.

Abstract: A pool vacuum filter bag for use in combination with a submersible pool vacuum unit is formed of a pair of mesh layers joined by a plurality of sewn seams to form an integral closed filter bag having a elongated flow chamber and an elongated closed end debris chamber. An upper chamber joins the debris chamber and the flow chamber and a mouth portion is adapted to receive and secure attachment to the discharge port of a pool vacuum unit. The upper seam of the filter bag is formed by a joined pair of hook and pile Velcro-type fastening strips and means are provided for securing the filter bag in an upright position parallel to the pool vacuum unit water supply hose. The filter bag includes a curved flow directing portion which reduces accumulation of debris within the flow chamber and enhances debris collection performance. The filter bag may be turned inside-out for cleaning while still attached to the discharge port of the pool vacuum unit.

Abstract: A disposable dust bag for vacuum cleaners and the like is disclosed which includes a mounting collar adapted to be removably mounted on a vacuum cleaner connector through which dirt-laden air is delivered to the dust bag. The connector has a generally cylindrical outlet end and peripherally spaced projections extending from the outer surface thereof. The collar provides an opening sized to closely fit the outlet through the majority of its peripheral extent and which provides peripherally spaced enlarged portions adapted to clear the projections on the connector when the bag is installed and removed. The collar also provides an inwardly extending elastomeric diaphragm having a centrally located opening substantially smaller than the outlet of the connector. During installation and removal of the bag on the connector, the enlarged portions of the collar opening are aligned with the projections on the connector and the collar is pressed over the connector until it is positioned behind the projections.

Abstract: A filter, separator and seal arrangement is disclosed for a wet and dry hand held vacuum cleaner. A cup-shaped filter is provided which is elongated to provide a large area for enhancing sustained air performance of the cleaner with the filter being disposed within a liquid separator so as to be generally coextensive therewith. A connection arrangement is also provided between the filter and separator so as to provide an air tight and liquid tight connection therebetween but which is also easily separable to facilitate cleaning of the two devices.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a safety filter for an outlying filter cartridge of a hand-guided vacuum cleaner. The filter cartridge includes a rigid air-permeable jacket and accommodates a paper filter bag which is seated in the jacket. The safety filter is a bag corresponding to the form of the jacket and is made of electrostatically-charged non-woven fabric. The safety filter is mounted between the jacket and the paper filter bag.

Abstract: A canister vacuum cleaner includes a dust bag mount for mounting a dust bag with a collar onto the vacuum cleaner. The bag mount includes a mounting plate with a circular aperture. The dust bag collar includes an aperture that, upon installation of the collar, is aligned with the aperture in the mounting plate. Raised structure surrounds the aperture in the mounting plate and extends into the aperture in the collar upon installation providing a seal between the mounting plate and collar. The raised structure includes ramps and inclined surfaces to bend and lift the dust bag collar over the raised structure during its installation and removal. This structure also serves to index and retain the collar once it is installed and to seal the space between the installed dust bag collar and the mounting plate. A pair of channels are provided at the sides of the mounting plate for holding and guiding the edges of the dust bag collar during its installation and removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning hazardous or toxic solid and liquid substances. The apparatus generally comprises a vacuum cleaner having a housing and an arrangement for drawing a fluid flow from an inlet to an outlet of the housing. A first filter is provided for separating and retaining both macro- and micro-particles of the substance entrained with the fluid flow. The first filter is arranged on a downstream side of the inlet of the housing and has a reservoir portion arranged below the inlet. Walls of the first filter permit outflow of substantially only vapors of the substance entrained in the fluid flow. A second filter for retaining the vapors is arranged fluidically between the first filter and the outlet. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first filter includes a microporous filter membrane which is laminated to a fibrous support to provide a self-supporting unitary first filter for accomplishing the separation of the macro- and micro-particles of the substance.

Abstract: A bag is shown for use with an upright vacuum cleaner of the type having a motor fan contained in a main housing for producing an air flow out an air duct of the housing. The bag includes a flexible body having side walls formed of an air pervious material which define a normally closed interior and a mouth opening. The mouth opening of the flexible body is secured to the air duct of the main housing to produce an air flow through the flexible body for exhaust to the atmosphere. An oscillator tube, formed of a flexible material, has an interior, an open end at one extent and an intake opening at the opposite extent. The intake opening is arranged to communicate with the mouth opening of the bag body so that the air flow from the main housing passes through the oscillator tube and causes oscillations, the oscillations of the tube serving to vibrate the bag and prevent the buildup of dirt on the bag interior side walls.

Abstract: A double walled vacuum cleaner filter having a reusable inner bag with a zippered opening for debris removal.