Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02568195 2006-12-07
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APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SUPPORTING AND SHIELDING
FLEXIBLE OUTER BAGS OF VACUUM CLEANERS
TECIiNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods of
supporting and shielding flexible outer bags of vacuum cleaners.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vacuum cleaners are a pervasive and well-established appliance foz
commercial and residential floor care. A wide variety of vacuum cleaner
configurations are available to suit the needs of a particular application or
user,
including upright vacuums, canister models, and hand held models. A common
element in many vacuum cleaner configurations is a flexible outer bag.
A prior art vacuum cleaner 20 with a flexible outer bag 22 is shown
in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the outer bag 22 includes a bag body 23 that
has
an enclosed end 24 and an openable end 25 that leads to an interior region
(not
shown) of the bag 20. In operation, dust and particulates are collected by a
vacuum head 28 from a floor surface and are propelled by a flow of air into
the
interior region.
Figure 2 shows another flexible outer bag 30 having an enclosed
top edge 34, enclosed lateral edges 36A, 36B, and an openable front panel 35
that
provides access to an interior region 35. A support means 32 supports the top
edge 34, and small portions of the lateral edges 36A, 36B, of the flexible
outer
bag 30. The support means 32 includes a frame 33, which is attached to a
backing plate 38. The frame 33 projects vertically from the backing plate 38
to
support the top edge 34 of the bag 30, and extends laterally to support the
upper
regions of the lateral edges 36A, 36B. The frame 33 thus supports only the top
edge 34, and a small portion of each lateral edge 36A, 36B. Support means 32
of
the type shown in Figure 2 are described mare fully in U.S. Patent No.
5,390,392
issued to Thomas et al.
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The backing plate 38 (typically constructed of cardboard) is
attached to the flexible outer bag 30 and has an aperture 39 disposed
therethrough. The aperture 39 is aligned with as opening 31 in the flexible
outer
bag 30. The backing plate 38 may be mounted over an exhaust port (not shown)
that projects into the interior region 35. An inner bag 40 may then be mounted
over the exhaust port to receive the dirty air and particulate from the vacuum
head.
Figure 3 shows another prior art flexible outer bag 60 having an
enclosed top edge 62, enclosed lateral edges 63, and an openable front panel
65
that provides access to an interior region (not shown). A support means
assembly 50 supports the top edge 62 and also partially surrounds and protects
the top edge 62 and small portions of the lateral edges 63 of the flexible
outer
bag 60. Support means assemblies of the type shown in Figure 3 are described
more fully in U.S. Patent No. 4,662,913 issued to Vermillion.
Although desirable results are achievable using prior art the support
means (Figures 2 and 3), certain problems still exist with respect to support
and
protection of the flexible outer bag. For example, the flexible outer bag may
deform and come into contact with the inner bag. Such contact may decrease the
efficiency of the vacuum cleaner because the inner bag may not fill with dirt
or
particulate to its maacimum capacity. The areas of contact between the
flexible
outer bag and the inner bag may also reduce the airflow, and thus, the
filtering
efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. In addition, the prior art support means do
little to protect the inner bag from being bumped or struck during operation
of the
vacuum cleaner which may cause damage to the flexible outer bag or the inner
bag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed toward structures and methods of
supporting and shielding flexible outer bags of vacuum cleaners. In one
aspect,
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a support structure includes a backing plate adapted to be disposed within the
flexible outer bag, and at least one support member attached to the backing
plate
and projecting away from the backing plate. The backing and support members
are adapted to contact and extend proximate respective portions of the outer
bag,
providing three-dimensional support to the outer bag. Alternately, a plurality
of
airflow apertures may be disposed through the support structure. In further
aspects, the support member may be a support wall, a plurality of support tabs
having airflow gaps therebetween, or may include a frame member.
In another aspect, a shield structure includes a backing member
adapted to be positioned proximate to and extend over at least a portion of a
rear
panel of an outer bag of a vacuum cleaaer. First and second sidewall members
are attached to and project away from the backing member, the first and second
sidewall members being adapted to be positioned proximate to and extend over
at
least a portion of corresponding lateral side panels of the outer bag.
Alternately,
the shield structure may further include a top member attached to and
projecting
away from the backing member, the top member being adapted to be positioned
proximate to and extend over at least a portion of a top panel of the outer
bag. 1n
a further aspect, a front shielding member may be attached to the shield
structure,
the front member being adapted to be positioned proximate to and extend over
at
least a portion of a front panel of the outer bag.
BRIEF DESCRa'TION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a vacuum cleaner having a flexible
outer bag in accordance with the prior art.
Figure 2 is a partial isometric view of a flexible outer bag having a
support means in accordance with the prior art.
Figure 3 is a partial isometric view of another flexible outer bag
having a support means in accordance with the prior art.
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Figure 4 is an exploded isometric view of a vacuum cleaner in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 is an isometric view of a support structure in accordance
with an alternate embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 is an isometric view of yet another embodiment of the
support structure in accordance with the invention.
Figure 7 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of a support
structure in accordance with the invention.
Figure 8 is an isometric view of another alternate embodiment of a
support structure in accordance with the invention.
Figure 9A is a front isometric view of a vacuum cleaner in
accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9B is a rear isometric view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure
9A.
15' Figure l0A is a front isometric view of analternate embodiment of
a vacuum cleaner in accordance with the invention.
Figure l OB is a rear isometric view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure
10A.
Figure 11A is a front isometric view of another alternate
embodiment of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with the invention.
Figure 11B is a rear isometric view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure
11A.
Figure 12A is a front isometric view of yet another embodiment of
a vacuum cleaner in accordance with the invention.
Figure 12B is a rear isometric view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure
12A.
Figure 13A is a front isometric view of yet another embodiment of
a vacuum cleaner in accordance with the invention.
Figure 13B is a rear isometric view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure
13A.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to structures and methods of
supporting and shielding flexible outer bags of vacuum cleaners. Many specific
$ details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the
following
description and in Figures 4 through 13 to provide a thorough understanding of
such embodiments. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the
present invention may have additional embodiments, or combinations of the
described embodiments, or that the present invention may be practiced without
several of the details described in the following description.
Figure 4 is an exploded isometric view of a vacuum cleaner
having a support structure 101 for a flexible outer bag 110 in accordance with
an
embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the support structure 101
includes a backing plate 100, and a plurality of support walls 102A, 1028
attached to top 103 and lateral edges 10$ of the backing plate 100. The
support
walls 102A, 102B project away from the backing plate 100 at an approximately
ninety degree angle. A first (or upper) portion of each support wall 102A,
102B
engages against an upper panel 111 of the flexible outer bag 110, and a second
(or lateral) portion of each support wall 102A, 102B engages against a lateral
panel I13A, 113B of the flexible outer bag 110. The backing plate 100 also
includes an aperture 106 sized to mount over an exhaust port 112 of the vacuum
cleaner. A plurality of airflow apertures 104A-D are disposed through the
backing plate 100 to allow air to flow through the backing plate 100 and out
of
the flexible outer bag 110.
2$ The backing plate 100 and support walls 102 may be constructed of
any suitable, approximately rigid materials, including plastic, metal, or even
a
porous material, including, for example, stiffened cellulose (i. e. paper),
synthetic
or natural fiber materials. Alternately, the backing plate 100 and support
walls
102 may be constructed of grating, such as expanded sheet metal, as described
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more fully below. One skilled in the art, however, will readily understand
that a
wide variety of different materials may be used.
During assembly, the support structure 101 may be installed within
the flexible outer bag 110 by mounting it over the exhaust port 112. It may
also
be attached to the vacuum cleaner 116 by other means, such as by attaching it
to
any suitable area of the vacuum cleaner proximate to the flexible outer bag
110.
The support walls 102A, 102B engage against, and provide support to, the upper
and lateral panels 111, 113A, 113B of the outer bag 110.
In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner also includes a bag dock
assembly 125 having a yoke 126 hingeably attached to a bag dock 124. The bag
dock assembly 125 is mounted over the exhaust port 112. The bag dock 124
receives an inner bag 128, which collects dirt and particulate from the
exhaust
port 112. Bag dock assemblies of the type shown in Figure 4 are described more
fully, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 6,033,451 issued to Fish et al, which
patent
is incorporated herein by reference.
A gap 107 is disposed between the support walls 102A, 102B along
the top edge 103 of the support structure 101. The gap 107 provides access to
the rear of the bag dock 124 to effectuate detachment of the bag dock 124 from
the yoke 126, allowing a user to hinge the bag dock 124 downwardly for removal
or installation of the inner bag 128. In the assembled position, the support
structure 101 partially surrounds the bag dock assembly 125 and the inner bag
128.In operation, dirt and particulate are collected from a floor surface by
the
vacuum head 28 and are propelled upwardly through an exhaust assembly 118.
The dirty airstream exits from the exhaust port 112 and enters the inner bag
128,
2~ which filters the dirt and particulate from the dirty airstream. The
resulting clean
air flows out of the porous inner bag 128, through the porous, flexible outer
bag
110, and into the surrounding room. At least some of the clean air emanating
from the inner bag 128 may flow through the plurality of airflow apertures 104
en route to the porous outer bag 110. The backing plate 100 and support walls
102 maintain the desired three dimensional shape of the outer bag 110.
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The support structure 101 provides several advantages over
existing vacuum cleaner bag support means. For example, the support structure
101 provides support for the flexible outer bag 110 in three dimensions.
Because
the support walls 102 of the support structure 101 project outwardly from the
backing plate 100 along the upper and lateral panels lll, 113A, 113B of the
outer bag 110, the support structure 101 provides improved support for the
outer
bag 110, and may prevent the flexible outer bag 110 from collapsing on and
contacting the inner bag 128, This maintains the outer bag 110 in its
aesthetically
pleasing, three-dimensional shape, and may allow the inner bag 128 to collect
more dirt and particulate. The support structure 101 may also maintain or
improve the filtration efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. In addition, because
the
support structure 101 partially surrounds the inner bag 128, it may protect
the
inner bag 128 from damage by providing a rigid structure surrounding the inner
bag 128 from the top, sides and rear. For vacuum cleaner embodiments having a
bag dock assembly 125, the support structure 101 may also advantageously
provide protection to this assembly.
Several alternate embodiments of support structures in accordance
with the invention will be described below. Generally, in the following
discussion, where the construction and operation of alternate embodiments is
substantially similar to previously described embodiments, the common elements
and features are identified by reference numbers which are the same or similar
to
those used above. Only significant differences in construction or operation
are
described in detail.
Figure 5 is an isometric view of a support structure 201 in
accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment,
the support structure 201 includes a backing plate 200 having a pair of
support
walls 202A, 202B disposed about top 203 and lateral 205 edges thereof. One
support wall 202B extends outwardly in a first (or anterior) direction 250
from
the backing plate 200, and the other wall 202A extends outwardly in a second
(or
posterior) direction 252 from the backing plate. An aperture 206 sized to
mount
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over the exhaust port 112 of a vacuum cleaner is disposed through the backing
plate 200. In this embodiment, the support walls 202A, 202B do not project at
right angles from the backing plate 200. In aktemaxe embodiments, the support
walls 202A, 202B may be normal to the backing plate. In a fiuther embodiment,
one of the support walls (e.g. support wall 202A) may be eliminated, providing
a
support structure embodiment having a single, continuous support wall
projecting
outwardly from the backing plate 200.
The operation of the support structure 201 is substantially the same
as described above. The support walls 202A, 202B engage and support the upper
and lateral panels 111, 113A, 113B of the outer bag 110. The support structure
20I advantageously provides support for the flexible outer bag 110 in both the
anterior and posterior directions. Thus, three-dimensional support may be
provided to a variety of outer bag configurations. The support structure 201
may
also provide added protection to the inner bag 128 and other components of the
vacuum cleaner.
Figure 6 is an isometric view of a support structure 401 in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the
backing plate 400 is constructed of porous Wig. An aperture 406 sized to
mount over the exhaust port 112 of a vacuum cleaner 116 is disposed through
the
backing plate 400. A support wall 402 is attached to top 422 and lateral edges
405A, 405B of the backing plate 400. Alternately, a plurality of support walls
may also be used. In addition, the support wall 402 may also be constructed of
grating.
The support structure 401 having a backing plate 400 constructed
of a porous grating material (Figure 7) may provide improved airflow through
the
backing plate 400. Because the entire backing plate 400 is porous, the clean
air
emanating from the innex bag 128 may exit from the walks of the inner and
outer
bags 128, 110 more uniformly and relatively unimpeded by the support
structure.
This may result in improved performance and filtration efficiency of the
vacuum
cleaner.
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Figure 7 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an support
structure 501 having a plurality of support tabs 502 projecting away from a
backing plate 500. A plurality of airflow gaps 503 are provided between
adjacent
support tabs 502. An aperture 506 sized to mount over the exhaust port of a
vacuum cleaner is located within the backing plate 500, as described above.
One advantage of the support structure 501 having the plurality of
support tabs 502 is that clean air emanating from the inner bag 128 may flow
through the airflow gaps 503. This feature may further improve the uniformity
of
the airflow from the inner and outer bags 128, 110, and ultimately, the
performance of the vacuum cleaner. In addition, the weight of the vacuum
cleaner and the cost of materials may be decreased by use of support tabs.
Figure 8 shows an isometric view of a support structure 601 in
accordance with yet another support structure embodiment. In this embodiment,
the support structure 601 includes a solid backing plate 600 having a support
frame 602 projecting outwardly therefrom. The support frame 602 has an outer
framing member 607 that forms the distal border of the support frame. A
plurality of leg members 606 extend between the backing plate 600 and the
outer
framing member 607, and provide support for the outer framing member 607, as
well as protection for the inner bag (Figure 4). Although a single support
frame
602 is shown in Figure 8, in alternate embodiments, the support frame 602 may
be divided into a plurality of sub-frames similar to the mufti-walled
structures
described above and shown in Figures 4 and 7. Alternately, an additional
support
frame may be added which projects away from the backing plate 600 in a
different (preferably opposing) direction, similar to the structure shown in
Figure
5. Figures 9A and 9B show front and rear isometric views, respectively, of a
vacuum cleaner in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this
embodiment, a shield structure 800 is mounted over an exterior portion of a
flexible outer bag 805 of thevacuum cleaner. The support structure 800
includes
a backing plate 806 coupled to a handle 816 by a clamp 814. A pair of
protective
sidewalls 804A, 804B, and a protective top wall 802 extend outwardly from the
CA 02568195 2006-12-07
backing plate 806 along top and lateral panels of the outer bag 805. The
protective sidewalls 804A, 804B are attachcd to side edges 830A, 830B of
protective top wall 802, and to lateral edges 808A, 808B of the backing plate
806, and project away from the backing plate 806 at an approximately ninety
5 degree angle. A plurality of airflow apertures 812 are about the sidewalls
804A,
804B to allow air to flow through the flexible outer bag 805. As shown in
Figure 9B, the shield structure 800 may also include a door 818 hingeably
attached to the backing plate 806. The door 818 includes a plurality of
recesses
822 for securing tools to the door 818. One may note that the- flexible outer
bag
10 805 may be attached to the shield structure 800 at one or more locations on
an
internal surface of the shield structure 800. Attaching the flexible outer bag
805
to the shield structure 800 may thereby provide support to the three-
dimensional
shape of the flexible outer bag 805. The flexible outer bag 805 may be
attached
to the shield structure 800 with any suitable fasteners, such as velcro,
thread,
rivets, or adhesives. Alternately, the outer bag 805 may remain unattached
from
the shield structure 800, and may be supported by one of the support structure
embodiments shown and described above.
The shield structure 800 may advantageously provide protection
and support for the flexible outer bag 805. Because the shield structure 800
partially surrounds the back, top, and lateral edges of the outer bag 805, the
shield structure 800 may absorb bumps or blows that would otherwise strike the
outer bag 800. The shield structure 800 therefore provides protection to the
flexible outer bag 805 and may prevent damage resulting from blows sustained
while operating the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, the shield structure 800 may
prevent the flexible outer bag 805 from collapsing on the inner bag,, thereby
increasing the performance and efficiency of the vacuum cleaner.
A variety of alternate shielding structures in accordance with the
invention will be described below. Generally, where the construction and
operation of alternate embodiments is substantially similar to previously
described embodiments, the common elements and features are identified by the
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same or similar reference numbers, and only significant differences in
construction or operation are described in detail.
Figures 10A and lOB show front and rear isometric views,
respectively, of another embodiment of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with the
invention. In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner includes a shield structure
900 having a backing member 906 with a large airflow portal 907 (Figure lOB)
disposed therethrough. A pair of side guards 904A, 904B, and a top member 902
are attached to the backing member 906 and project forwardly along lateral and
top panels, respectively, of the flexible outer bag 905. As best shown in
Figure
10A, the top member 902 may be spaced apart from the top panel of the outer
bag 905 to form a compartment. In this embodiment, the top member 902
includes a door 918 leading into the compartment.
As shown in Figure lOB, a plurality of airflow apertures 912 are
distributed about lateral edges 908A, 908B of the backing member 906 to allow
air to flow through the backing member 906. Clamps 922A, 922B on the backing
member 906 attach the shield structure 900 to the handle 916 of the vacuum
cleaner.
The shield structure 900 may provide the above-noted advantages
of protecting and supporting the inner and outer bags, and may further provide
improved airflow and reduced weight over alternate shield structures. For
example, because the side guards 904A, 904B are smaller and extend only
partially over the lateral panels of the outer bag, the shield structure 900
may be
lighter than alternate embodiments. The weight of the shield structure 900 may
be further reduced because the amount of material used to form the backing
member 906 is reduced by the large airflow portal 907. Furthermore, the
airflow
through the shield structure 900 is improved over alternate embodiments by the
large airflow portal 907, the plurality of apertures 912, and the relatively
small
side guards 904A, 904B.
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Figures IIA and I1B show front and rear isometric views,
respectively, of yet another vacuum cleaner embodiment in accordance with the
invention. In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner includes a shield structure
1000 having a backing plate 1006, and sidewalls 1004A, 1004B. A plurality of
airflow apertures 1012 are distributed about the backing plate 1006 and the
sidewall members 1004A, 1004B. The shield structure 1000 may provide the
above described advantages of partially supporting, shielding, and protecting
the
outer and inner bags of the vacuum cleaner in an embodiment that further
reduces weight and further improves airflow through the shield structure
compared with other, previously described embodiments. Figures 12A and 12B
are front and rear isometric views, respectively, of a vacuum cleaner in
accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment,
the vacuum cleaner includes a shield structure 2000 having a front member 2024
that extends over a portion of a front panel 2009 of the flexible outer bag
2005.
Similar to the above-described embodiments, the shield structure
2000 also includes a banking plate 2006 that extends over a portion of a back
panel 2007 of the outer bag 2005, and a pair of sidewalls 2004A, 2004B that
extend over respective portions of lateral panels of the outer bag. The front
plate 2024 is attached to and extends between the opposing distal edges 2030A,
2030B of the sidewalls 2004A, 2004B. A plurality of airflow apertures 2012 are
distributed through the backing plate 2006 and the front plate 2024. A clamp
2014 secures the backing plate 2006 to the handle 2016 of the vacuum cleaner.
As shown in Figure 12A, in this embodiment, the shield structure
2000 includes a tool recess 2026 formed in one of the sidewalls 2004A. The
tool
recess 2026 is sized to closely receive a handle of a cleaning tool (e.g. a
feather
duster).
The shield structure 2000 provides support and shielding over the
front panel of the outer (and inner) bag 2005, as well as the back and lateral
panels. In alternate embodiments, the shield structure 2000 rnay be adjusted
upwardly or downwardly on the handle 2016 to provide protection and support
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over alternate portions of the outer bag 2005. For example, when the vacuum
cleaner is used in commercial settings, it may be desirable to lower the
shield
structure 2000 to protect portions of the outer bag 2005 that are more
frequently
bumped or struck, for example, when vacuuming under desks or other office
furniture. Conversely, in a residential setting, the operator may desire to
have the
shield structure 2000 positioned higher on the outer bag 2005 to protect
portions
of the bag that are more frequently bumped, for example, when vacuuming under
a table or a countertop.
Figures 13A and 13B show front and rear isometric views, respectively, of yet
another vacuum cleaner in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner includes a shield structure 3000 having
a
front member 3012 that extends diagonally over a portion of a front panel of
the
flexible outer bag 3005. First and second backing members 3006A, 3006B are
attached to a handle 3016 of the vacuum cleaner by first and second attachment
assemblies 30I4A, 3014B. A compartment 3024 is attached to the second
backing member 3006B. First and second sides 3004A, 3004B project in a
forward direct from the first and second backing members 3006A, 3006B,
respectively, extending over portions of the lateral panels of the vacuum
cleaner.
The front member 3012 is attached to the opposing distal edges 3022A, 3022B of
the sides 3004A, 3004B. Similar to the previously described embodiment, the
shield structure 3000 having the front member 3012 provides desirable support
and shielding over the front panel of the outer (and inner) bag 3005, as well
as
over portions of the back and lateral panels.
It should be understood that various features of the above-descn'bed
embodiments may be combined to provide additional embodiments of support
and shield structures in accordance with the invention. For example, tool
compartments (Figures IOA and 13B) and tool recesses (Figure 12A) may be
added to any of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, any of the
above described structures may be formed of porous grating material, as shown
and described above with reference to Figure 6. Also, a front shielding member
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14
(shown in Figures I2 and 13) may be added to shield structures having top and
side members (e.g. Figures 9 and 10), or conversely, top members may be added
to the embodiments having front shielding members. Finally, the sizes and
extents of the various side, top and back members of the structures described
above may be adjusted to provide any desired degree of shielding or support to
the outer bag.
Although support and shielding structures are shown and described
above as being used in connection with an upright vacuum cleaner, the
invention
may have numerous embodiments and may be practiced in conjunction with
different vacuum cleaner configurations. For example, additional embodiments
may be configured to operate with flexible containment members of other floor-
mounted vacuum cleaners, hand held vacuum cleaners, or other types of vacuum
cleaners that operate in conjunction with a flexible outer bag.
The detailed descriptions of the above embodiments are not
exhaustive descriptions of all embodiments contemplated by the inventors to be
within the scope of the invention. Indeed, persons skilled in the art will
recognize that certain elements of the above-described embodiments may
variously be combined or eliminated to create further embodiments, and such
further embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of the invention. Tt
will
also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above-
described
embodiments may be combined in whole or in part with prior art methods to
create additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of the invention.
Thus, although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the
invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent
modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled
in
the relevant art will recognize. The teachings provided herein of the
invention
can be applied to other support and shielding structures, and not just to the
support and shielding structures for flexible outer bags of vacuum cleaners
described above and shown in the figures. In general, in the following claims,
the terms used should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific
CA 02568195 2006-12-07
15
embodiments disclosed in the specification. Accordingly, the invention is not
limited by the foregoing disclosure, but instead its scope is to be determined
by
the following claims.
