Vacuum Cleaner Bag Mounting Structure

• US 20090089966A1
• Filed: 10/08/2007
• Published: 04/09/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: The Scott Fetzer Company (Berkshire Hathaway Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: The Scott Fetzer Company (Berkshire Hathaway Incorporated)
• Inventors: Gardner, Joseph S., Nobilio, Thomas A. JR., Beck, Daniel H., Sohn, Ian Emil, Barr, Carl M.
• Application Number:
  US11/868,604
• Publication Number:
  US 20090089966A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/350
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/1427 Means for mounting or attaching bags or filtering receptacles in suction cleaners; Adapters
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/1436 Connecting plates, e.g. collars, end closures

Abstract

An apparatus is configured for use with a vacuum cleaner filter bag having a collar panel with an inlet opening. A support structure receives the panel in an installed position in which a tubular part of the vacuum cleaner extends into the bag through the inlet opening. The support structure includes a tab that retains the panel in the installed position. The support structure further includes a pivot that abuts an edge of the panel to guide movement of the panel into the installed position pivotally about the abutting edge.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use with a vacuum cleaner filter bag having a collar panel with an inlet opening, the apparatus comprising:

a tubular part configured to convey debris-laden air into the filter bag; and

a support structure configured to receive the panel in an installed position in which the tubular part extends into the bag through the inlet opening, including a tab configured to retain the panel in the installed position, and a pivot configured to abut an edge of the panel to guide movement of the panel into the installed position pivotally about the abutting edge.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the pivot is defined by an inside corner of the support structure.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the pivot defines a pivotal axis that is horizontal when the tubular part is upright.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the pivot is one of a plurality of pivots spaced apart along a common pivotal axis.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the tab is a locking tab configured to snap into engagement with the panel upon movement of the panel pivotally into the installed position.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein the support structure further includes a non-locking tab configured to align the panel with the installed position.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the tubular part comprises an elbow with a bend of more than 90°

.

8. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the support structure is part of a unitary structure that includes the tubular part.

9. An apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein the unitary structure is a bag top adaptor.

10. An apparatus comprising:

a filter bag having a collar panel with an inlet opening and an edge;

a tubular part configured to convey debris-laden air into the bag; and

a support structure configured to receive the panel in an installed position in which the tubular part extends into the bag through the inlet opening, including a tab configured to retain the panel in the installed position, and a pivot configured to abut the edge of the panel to guide movement of the panel into the installed position pivotally about the abutting edge.

11. An apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein the edge of the panel is a peripheral edge.

12. An apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein the pivot is defined by an inside corner of the support structure.

13. An apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein the pivot defines a pivotal axis that is horizontal when the tubular part is upright.

14. An apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein the pivot is one of a plurality of pivots spaced apart along a common pivotal axis.

15. An apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein the tab is a locking tab configured to snap into engagement with the panel upon movement of the panel pivotally into the installed position.

16. An apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein the support structure further includes a non-locking tab configured to align the panel with the installed position.

17. An apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein the tubular part comprises an elbow with a bend of more than 90°

.

18. An apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein the support structure is part of a unitary structure that includes the tubular part.

19. An apparatus as defined in claim 18 wherein the unitary structure is a bag top adaptor.