Abstract: A filter for a vacuum cleaner includes a top having an open center, a bottom plate having an outermost edge, a center, an inside surface facing towards the top, an outside surface facing away from the top, and a catch extending from the inside surface annularly around the center, filter material being secured between the top and bottom plate. An adaptor for a filter cage or the filter cage itself includes a radial retention ring that engages the catch of the filter.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a switch movable by a user between an ON position and an OFF position. An automatic shutoff assembly is operable in conjunction with the switch assembly to turn the switch to the OFF position in the event that a level of liquid within a tank of the wet/dry vacuum cleaner rises above a predetermined level. When triggered, the automatic shutoff assembly exerts a biasing force urging the switch toward the OFF position. A user can manually override the automatic shutoff assembly by providing a force sufficient to overcome the biasing force.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag assembly is adapted to be removably disposed within a tank of a vacuum cleaner, and the bag assembly includes a panel assembly made from a first material and forming an enclosure having an interior volume, and an aperture extends through the panel assembly. A shield member may be disposed within the interior volume and secured to one or more portions of the panel assembly, and the shield member may comprise a second material that is different than the first material. The first material may have a wicking barrier that inhibits wicking when the bag assembly becomes wet. The shield member is adapted to protect a portion of the panel assembly when the vacuum cleaner bag assembly is disposed within the tank and, together with the wicking barrier and a properly chosen first material, enhances performance of the vacuum bag assembly when wet.

Abstract: A latch mechanism has two pieces that mount in an opening on the lid of a conventional vacuum cleaner. A stationary part is held in place by a hooked end that fits over a pivot edge on the lid, and by a retaining surface that engages a retaining edge on the lid. The other part is a pivoting latch that hooks onto the same pivot edge. In a latched position, an engagement surface on a deflectable arm fits over a latching surface on the stationary part, holding a moving part in position with a latching part beneath a bead on the tank. A tab surface can be used to force the deflectable arm to deflect over the latching part and simultaneously move the latching part clear of the bead.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag assembly is adapted to be removably disposed within a tank of a vacuum cleaner, and the bag assembly includes a panel assembly made from a first material and forming an enclosure having an interior volume, and an aperture extends through the panel assembly. A shield member may be disposed within the interior volume and secured to one or more portions of the panel assembly, and the shield member may comprise a second material that is different than the first material. The shield member is adapted to protect a portion of the panel assembly when the vacuum cleaner bag assembly is disposed within the tank.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a filter cleaning mechanism that is manually actuable while the vacuum cleaner is fully assembled is disclosed. A housing of the vacuum cleaner has an exterior side and an interior side, and a channel extends through the housing from the exterior side to the interior side. A filter brush is in contact with a side of the vacuum filter, and a rod extends slidably through the channel in the housing and is coupled to the filter brush. A handle is coupled to the rod, and movement of the handle slides the rod through the channel and moves the filter brush along the side of the vacuum filter to remove debris from the filter. The handle may be rotatable, and the filter cleaning mechanism may include a bellows or a sealing member.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a filter cleaning mechanism that is manually actuable while the vacuum cleaner is fully assembled is disclosed. A housing of the vacuum cleaner has an exterior side and an interior side, and a channel extends through the housing from the exterior side to the interior side. A filter brush is in contact with a side of the vacuum filter, and a rod extends slidably through the channel in the housing and is coupled to the filter brush. A handle is coupled to the rod, and movement of the handle slides the rod through the channel and moves the filter brush along the side of the vacuum filter to remove debris from the filter. The handle may be rotatable, and the filter cleaning mechanism may include a bellows or a sealing member.

Abstract: In a device that uses the tank from a conventional vacuum cleaner, the tank is under positive pressure. A cap fits over a tubular element inside the tank and closes the conventional air inlet. The cap has a peripheral wall that extends between a solid back and a front radial rim, and interior axial ribs. The lid is held by a latch that has an element that pivots with respect to the tank and the lid, and a clasp that has a bent arm. A tensioner pulls the bent arm. The tensioner has a threaded rod that extends from a handgrip though a hole in the pivoting element. A nut on the clasp receives a threaded end of the threaded rod, enabling the handgrip to be used to tighten the clasp. An outer wall of the latch is disposed outwardly of the threaded rod and the bent arm.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a switch movable by a user between an ON position and an OFF position. An automatic shutoff assembly is operable in conjunction with the switch assembly to turn the switch to the OFF position in the event that a level of liquid within a tank of the wet/dry vacuum cleaner rises above a predetermined level. When triggered, the automatic shutoff assembly exerts a biasing force urging the switch toward the OFF position. A user can manually override the automatic shutoff assembly by providing a force sufficient to overcome the biasing force.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an airflow outlet and an airflow indicator assembly removably disposed at the outlet. The airflow indicator assembly includes a pair of fins attached to a spine and a needle disposed between the pair of fins. During operation of the vacuum cleaner, exhaust air is directed through the outlet and towards the needle, pushing the needle thereby indicating whether service is needed.