U.S. patent application number 12/818457 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-22 for pre-filter particulate collection member.
Invention is credited to Lucy Herndon, Robert Mark Herndon, Ernest J. Zavoral, SR..
Application Number | 20110308208 12/818457 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45327441 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110308208 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herndon; Robert Mark ; et
al. |
December 22, 2011 |
Pre-Filter Particulate Collection Member
Abstract
A pre-filter cloth is provided as designed and specifically
adapted for use with the ShopVac.RTM., Craftsman.TM., Rigid.RTM. or
other similar style wet or dry vacuum. The pre-filter cloth is
formed as a generally rectangular envelope formed of a polyester
woven and/or nonwoven fabric felt having a weight of between 6-16
oz. The rectangular envelope forms two generally parallel planar
sides separated by a pleated or other type of expandable edge
construction and includes an open end that is releasably closed,
preferably with a hook and loop fastener arrangement that seals the
open end during use, but allows opening to permit egress of
collected contents. One planar side form an entry portal
circumscribed by a rigid connection flange capable of allowing
securement to the hose inlet connection generally available on the
inside sidewall of the canister vacuum. The instant abstract is
neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this
specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in
any way.
Inventors: |
Herndon; Robert Mark;
(Grove, PA) ; Herndon; Lucy; (Grove, PA) ;
Zavoral, SR.; Ernest J.; (Canfield, OH) |
Family ID: |
45327441 |
Appl. No.: |
12/818457 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
55/367 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/149 20130101;
A47L 9/1445 20130101; B01D 46/0005 20130101; B01D 46/543
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
55/367 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/14 20060101
A47L009/14 |
Claims
1. A pre-filter membrane adapted for use with an otherwise
conventional ShopVac.RTM. style wet or dry vacuum comprising: a
collection envelope having a first planar side separated from a
second planar side by an expandable edge construction, and further
forming an open end, said envelope formed of a woven and/or
nonwoven fabric; a hook and loop fastener arrangement for sealing
said open end during use, but for allowing opening to permit egress
of collected contents; an entry portal formed on one planar side; a
rigid mounting plate circumscribing said entry portal, said
mounting plate adapted to allow for securement to a hose inlet
connection of the type generally available on an inside sidewall of
a commercially available canister vacuum; wherein a sealed folded
seam is formed by said hook and loop fastener thereby seal the open
end in a manner that seals the open end during use, but allows
opening to permit egress of collected contents.
2. The pre-filter membrane of claim 1, wherein said mounting plate
comprises: a first plate element; a second plate element; a
sealable gasket; wherein said first planar side is impinged between
said first plate element and said second plate element, with said
sealable gasket further sandwiched there between that and the woven
and/or nonwoven fabric, thereby forming a connection of said
mounting plate to said first planar side.
3. The pre-filter membrane of claim 2, wherein said first plate
element forms a plurality of heat stakes radially disposed about an
entry portal access orifice that corresponds in number and location
with holes formed by said second plate element for receiving the
heat stakes.
4. The pre-filter membrane of claim 1, wherein: a first loop
fastener element is affixed laterally across the first planar side
at a first distance from the terminal end of the open end; a first
hook fastener element is affixed laterally across the second planar
side at a second distance between the terminal end of the open end
and the first distance of the loop fastener element; wherein when
said open end is placed together and rolled such that the loop
fastener element meets and mates with the hook fastener
element.
5. The pre-filter membrane of claim 4, said filter bag is formed of
a lightweight polyester fabric of between 6-16 oz. densities.
6. The pre-filter membrane of claim 4, said filter bag is formed of
micro felt super high efficiency material.
7. The pre-filter membrane of claim 2, wherein said mounting plate
further comprises a sealable cap for closing said entry portal.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] There are no previously filed, nor any co-pending
applications, anywhere in the world.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to pre-filter dust
bag for use in a wet/dry vacuum cleaner and, more particularly, to
a pre-filter membrane adapted for use with an otherwise
conventional ShopVac.RTM. style wet or dry vacuum.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A typical shop vacuum cleaner available in the market does
not require a collecting bag for dry pick-up. However, when the
shop vacuum's tank is full, it is messy, dusty and a respiratory
health hazard to empty it into a disposable plastic bag or a trash
container.
[0006] There are disposable bags available in the market for shop
vacuum cleaners manufactured by ShopVac.RTM. Corporation, of
Williamsport, Pa., but are only effective with dry, lightweight
materials. However, these typically open filter paper bags are
designed for dry pick-up of fine dust or particulates, and function
merely to collect by gravity the deposition of materials in
conjunction with the paper filter. These bags are not suitable to
collect large, heavy debris, nor can they pick up a moist material
without the likelihood of the bag overflowing and breaking apart
within the collection canister.
[0007] Therefore, it would be cleaner and more convenient to have
an closed, breathable cloth bag inside a canister style vacuum
cleaner's tank to collect debris directly into the bag.
[0008] Open plastic bag designed to fit a shop vacuum cleaner are
available in the market manufactured by Roebuck and Co., of Hoffman
Estates, Ill. under the trade name Craftsman.TM.. The Craftsman.TM.
disposable bag is a plastic trash bag, and they are made to fit a
specific size of a shop vacuum cleaner's tank. However, the user
has to cut a hole on the bag to attach it to the inlet of a shop
vacuum cleaner's tank. If the hole is not properly cut, filter
clogging by the bag and failure of collecting debris, leaves, and
particulates in the bag may result. It is not convenient to use,
and there is a need for improvement.
[0009] A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that
read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the
following references were considered related.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,229,193, issued in the name of Miller,
discloses a vacuum cleaner filter bag assembly provided for
protecting against atmospheric contamination upon removal of the
filter bag from a vacuum cleaner. The filter bag assembly includes
a primary filter bag, an airtight shield, a secondary filter bag
and a tertiary filter. The shield and secondary filter bag are
connected so as to define a sealed enclosure within which the
primary filter bag is disposed. The primary filter bag has an inlet
opening but is otherwise sealed closed. An inlet opening formed in
the shield is aligned with the inlet opening of the primary filter
bag so that the suction hose of the vacuum cleaner directs air with
entrained particulates directly into the primary filter bag. The
air which passes through the primary filter bag is next passed
through the secondary filter bag. The tertiary filter, which is
disposed in the receptacle defined by the bag shape of the
secondary filter bag, filters the air which has passed through the
secondary filter bag before it is discharged to the atmosphere.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,156,086, issued in the name of Zhang,
discloses 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 there is 8 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.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,710, issued in the name of Stephan,
discloses a cloth bag filter formed with a generally cylindrical
porous sidewall through which a vacuum is drawn for filtering of
contaminant from an air stream, an open upper end for connection to
the vacuum source, and a generally closed but optionally porous
lower end portion. The sidewall is sufficiently flexible such that
it collapses radially inwardly when air is flowing therethrough,
simultaneously causing the lower end portion of the bag to be drawn
upwardly toward the upper end portion. Upper and lower rings are
secured to the upper and lower end portions of the bag for radially
supporting the end portions. The weight of the lower ring causes
the lower portion of the bag to automatically drop when the vacuum
source is turned off, thus causing the sidewall to automatically
expand outwardly to a generally vertically hanging position,
disrupting the cohesion of the contaminant collected thereon, and
causing such contaminant to break-up and fall from the filter.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 7,341,612, issued in the name of Nhan et al.,
discloses a disposable open bag for a power tool such as a
ShopVac.RTM. cleaner has a mounting plate with an opening for
receiving debris from the intake of the power tool. The mounting
plate is also provided with a vent opening(s), e.g., to prevent the
bag from closing in on the air filter and blocking the airflow. The
said bag provides a cleaner and more convenient means of collection
of the debris, leaves, and particulate matters directly into the
bag.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,884, issued in the name of Dillon et
al., discloses an insulating liner for use with exhaust system or
pollution control devices such as catalytic converters and diesel
particulate filters or traps. The insulating liner is shown in
relation to an end cone for use with a catalytic converter. The end
cone includes an outer metallic end cone and a free-standing
insulating cone positioned within the outer metallic end cone. A
substantial portion of the inner surface of the insulating liner is
exposed to hot exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine. The
insulating liner is preferably formed of a composite containing
inorganic fibers and/or particles, which makes the insulating liner
rigid, yet capable of withstanding repeated mechanical and thermal
shocks.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 7,627,928, issued in the name of Crevling, Jr.
et al, discloses a vacuum cleaner having a housing defining a
blower port, an exhaust port, and a flow path between the blower
port and the exhaust port. The vacuum cleaner also includes a
removable cap assembly for the blower port to direct discharge
airflow via the flow path to the exhaust port. The removable cap
assembly, in turn, includes a cap head that engages the blower port
to close the blower port, a cap body coupled to the cap head and
inserted in the flow path, the cap body comprising a frame through
which the discharge airflow passes, and a sound-influencing
material supported by the frame within the flow path to reduce
noise effected by the discharge airflow. The sound-influencing
material may include a reticulated foam roll disposed in the frame
to diffuse the discharge airflow.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,637, issued in the name of Alberts, Ill.
et al., discloses a filter assembly for a vacuum cleaner that
includes a main housing having an inlet and an outlet. A motor
moves air from the inlet to the outlet, and a first filter is
arranged between the inlet and the outlet for filtering the air. An
inner wall and an outer wall that is spaced apart from the inner
wall form a cavity between the walls. The cavity is located between
the first filter and the outlet. The inner wall has an inner
opening that permits air to flow from the first filter into the
cavity, and the outer wall has an outer opening. A back cover is
removably secured to the outer wall over the outer opening to seal
the cavity and guide the air from the cavity to the outlet. The
back cover includes an access opening that is removably secured to
the back cover over the access opening to seal the access opening.
A filter cartridge is removably disposed within the cavity. The
filter cartridge has a first side with a first opening and a second
side opposite the first side and adjacent to the access cover with
a second opening. The filter cartridge has a second filter, such as
a HEPA filter, disposed therein between the first and the second
openings for further filtering the air. A portion of the first side
is in sealing engagement with a portion of the inner wall such that
the first opening is aligned with the inner opening wherein the
motor moves the air from the inner opening to the second
opening.
[0017] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0242469, filed
in the name of Calabrese, discloses a filter assembly with an inlet
for supplying a fluid to be cleaned and an outlet for returning
cleaned fluid. A cloth filter is disposed between the inlet and the
outlet. The filter has a web of filter cloth wound on a supply roll
and guided along an effective filter area to a takeup roll for
receiving clogged filter web. A motor is connected to the takeup
roll for rotating the takeup roll and for transporting the filter
cloth forward across the effective filter area. A switching device
is connected to selectively energize the motor and to index the
filter cloth forward by an amount less than a length of the
effective filter area.
[0018] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0196366, filed
in the name of Conrad, discloses a surface cleaning apparatus. In
some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a member
having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the
dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning
apparatus, and includes a suction motor. At least a first air
cleaning unit comprising a cyclonic cleaning stage is positioned in
the fluid flow path. A material collection chamber is in flow
communication with the at feast one cyclone and is adapted to
receive a liner bag. A vacuum line extends between the fluid flow
path and an interior of the material collection chamber and is
connectable in flow communication with the fluid flow path. A valve
is associated with the vacuum line and moveable between a first
position in which the vacuum line is open and a second position
wherein the line is closed.
[0019] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0196745, filed
in the name of Conrad, discloses a surface cleaning apparatus. In
some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a member
having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the
dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning
apparatus and includes a suction motor. At least one cyclone is
positioned in the fluid flow path and has at least one material
outlet and a divider plate associated with the material outlet. A
material collection chamber is in flow communication with the at
least one cyclone. The apparatus further comprises a liner bag
retaining member.
[0020] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0302070, filed
in the name of Castronovo, discloses a particularly advantageous
vacuum cleaner system with at least two filters and self-cleans its
filters via back-flushing, without needing to stop normal operation
to self-clean. Also, a self-cleaning valve assembly is provided for
use in a vacuum cleaner. Also, a vacuum cleaner is provided that
uses permanent, self-cleaning filters, and does not need disposable
filters or filter bags, and advantageously can use inexpensive
plastic bags. In another vacuum cleaner system, waste is collected
in an ordinary plastic bag without any special preparation or
modification of the bag being needed. Further, an inventive
self-cleaning X-valve assembly cleans itself and is useable in the
vacuum cleaner system.
[0021] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0071151, filed
in the name of Crevling, Jr. et al., discloses a a vacuum cleaner
having a housing defining first and second ports. The vacuum
cleaner also includes a cap assembly. The cap assembly includes a
cap head to close the first port such that airflow is directed via
a flow path to the second port, a sound-influencing material, the
sound-influencing material removably held to the cap head and
disposed within the flow path to reduce noise effected by the
airflow. The flow path is configured to cause the airflow to pass
through the sound-influencing material and the flow path to the
second port. The sound-influencing material is removable to allow
cleaning of the sound-influencing material. The sound-influencing
material may include a reticulated foam roll disposed in the frame
to diffuse the discharge airflow.
[0022] Consequently, a need has been felt for providing an
apparatus and method of pre-filtering particulate media in wet or
dry applications in a manner that extends the life of the paper
cartridge filter in a resealable, washable and resuseable
manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide art improved to a pre-filter dust bag for use in a wet/dry
capable vacuum cleaner.
[0024] It is a feature of the present invention to provide an
improved pre-filter membrane adapted for use with an otherwise
conventional ShopVac.RTM., Craftsman.TM., Rigid.RTM. or other
similar style wet or dry vacuum for all types of debris.
[0025] Briefly described according to one preferred embodiment of
the present invention, a pre-filter cloth is provided as designed
and specifically adapted for use with the ShopVac.RTM. Model
92L625C filter (or similar design). The pre-filter cloths is formed
as a generally rectangular envelope formed of a polyester woven or
non-woven felt having a weight of between 6-16 oz. The rectangular
envelope forms two generally parallel planar sides separated by a
pleated or other type of expandable edge construction and includes
an open end that is releasable closed, preferably with a
Velcro.RTM. type hook and loop fastener arrangement that seals the
open end during use, but allows opening to permit egress of
collected contents. One planar side form an entry portal
circumscribed by a rigid connection flange capable of allowing
securement to the hose inlet connection generally available on the
inside sidewall of the canister vacuum.
[0026] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the use of a
prefilter dust collection member according to the preferred
embodiment in conjunction with a canister-type vacuum cleaner will
maintain the optimum performance and increase the efficiency of the
paper cartridge filter normally provided with such a canister-type
vacuum cleaner.
[0027] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention allows
for various densities and materials of cloth to accommodate
different working conditions, such as, for example, a light weight
non-woven and/or woven polyester fabric for normal applications, a
denser non-woven and/or woven polyester fabric for high particulate
environments, or a micro felt or duo density for super high
efficiency in removing fine particulates such as drywall dust or in
hazardous material applications.
[0028] In addition to effective use with large or small
particulates, the present invention can further be used in
conjunction with liquids or in high-humidity applications.
[0029] An advantage of the present invention is that the fabric
nonwoven and/or woven material generates a static attraction to
collected dirt and particulates, which allows the filtered media to
`stick` to the fabric's fibers rather than `plugging` the pores
between.
[0030] Another advantage of the present invention is that it can be
emptied and cleaned, allowing for reuse in a number of
applications.
[0031] Further, a preferred embodiment of the present invention can
allow for the conversion of an otherwise conventional ShopVac.RTM.,
Craftsman.TM., Rigid.RTM. or other style type device to be adapted
for use as a HEPA filter or in HAZMAT conditioner. In conjunction
with such cleanup activities, the present invention can be safely
and properly discarded, thereby preventing contamination of the
vacuum canister itself with its built-in cap on the inlet side of
the bag.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The advantages and features of the present invention will
become better understood with reference to the following more
detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with
like symbols, and in which:
[0033] FIG. 1a and 1b are perspective views of a canister type
vacuum according to the PRIOR ART, shown as a ShopVac.RTM. Mode
92L625C, shown as an upper lid and lower canister,
respectively;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a pre-filter
particulate collection member according to the preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view thereof;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a top plan view thereof;
[0037] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view thereof;
[0038] FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a rigid mounting plate 120
capable of allowing securement of the present invention to the hose
inlet connection of a canister type vacuum according to the PRIOR
ART;
[0039] FIG. 6b is an alternate embodiment thereof;
[0040] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting plate
of FIG. 6a;
[0041] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pre-filter collection
member according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, shown installed within a vacuum canister;
[0042] FIG. 9-10 are close up view of the open end 106 of the
pre-filter collection member according to the preferred embodiment
of the present invention, shown sealed and opened, respectively;
and
[0043] FIG. 11 is a close up detail of the rigid mounting plate 120
shown installed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] In the following description, for purposes of explanation,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to facilitate
thoroughly understanding the methods, systems, and apparatus of a
pre-filter dust bag dust membrane bag for use in a wet/dry vacuum
cleaner and so on. It may be evident, however, that the methods,
systems and so on can be practiced without these specific details.
As used in this application, the term "nonwoven" or "nonwoven
fabrics" are broadly defined as sheet or web structures bonded
together by entangling fiber or filaments (and by perforating
films) mechanically, thermally or chemically. They are generally
flat, porous sheets that are made directly from separate fibers or
from molten plastic or plastic film. They are not made by weaving
or knitting and do not require converting the fibers to yarn.
Nonwoven fabrics are engineered fabrics that may be a limited life,
single-use fabric or a very durable fabric for long life multiple
uses. Nonwoven fabrics provide specific functions such as
absorbency, liquid repellency, resilience, stretch, softness,
strength, flame retardancy, washability, cushioning, filtering,
bacterial barrier and sterility. These properties are often
combined to create fabrics suited for specific jobs, while
achieving a good balance between product use-life and cost. They
can mimic the appearance, texture and strength of a woven fabric
and can be as bulky as the thickest paddings. In combination with
other materials they provide a spectrum of products with diverse
properties, and are used alone or as components of apparel, home
furnishings, health care, engineering, industrial and consumer
goods.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1a-1b, a canister type vacuum, generally
noted as 10 is shown according to the PRIOR ART. Such a vacuum 10
is shown as a ShopVac.RTM. Model 92L625C; however, as would be
apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art, in
conjunction with the present teachings and disclosures, the use of
such a ShopVac.RTM. is shown for exemplary purposes and the present
invention can be used in conjunction with any similar or equivalent
type of canister type vacuum of various sizes, styles, models, or
the like that would include a canister 11 forming a collection
receiving chamber 12, an intake element shown as an intake hose 14
in fluid communication with said chamber 12 via an intake portal 16
formed by the canister 11. A motor driven pump or fan 18 accessing
the collection receiving chamber 12 is creates an air motive force
for drawing fluid through the intake hose 14 and out of a discharge
portal 20. A filter medium, generally a paper cartridge element 22
is placed between the intake portal and the discharge portal 20 and
forms the separation membrane to allow passage of fluid, usually
air, and solid particulates carried within the fluid stream. The
canister 12 then thereby collects the separated solids.
[0046] The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in
terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the FIGS.
2-11.
1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0047] Referring to FIG. 2-5, a pre-filter particulate collection
member is provided according to the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, for use generally in combination with the
canister type vacuum, generally noted as 10 of the PRIOR ART and is
formed as a generally rectangular envelope formed of a polyester
non-woven and/or woven closed bag 100. The generally rectangular
envelope formed of a polyester non-woven and/or woven felt having a
weight of between 6-16 oz.
[0048] The rectangular envelope 100 forms two generally parallel
planar sides, a first planar side 102 separated from a second
planar side 102 by a pleated or other type of expandable edge
construction 104 and includes an open end 106 that is releasable
closed, preferably with a Velcro.RTM. type hook and loop fastener
arrangement 108 that seals the open end 106 during use, but allows
opening to permit egress of collected contents. One planar side 102
forms an entry portal 110 circumscribed by a rigid mounting plate
120 capable of allowing securement to the hose inlet
connection.
[0049] Referring in greater detail to FIGS. 6a-7 and 11, the
mounting plate 120 is attached to the first planar side 102
circumscribing the entry portal 110 by impingement of a first plate
element 122 to a second plate element 124 in a manner such that the
first planar side 102 is sandwiched between the two and the woven
and/or non-woven fabric. A sealable gasket 126 is also secured
between the first plate element 122 and second plate element 124.
The first plate element 122 forms a plurality of heat stakes 126
radially disposed about an entry portal access orifice 130. The
gasket 126 further forms a similar number of alignment holes 136
corresponding to the number and location of the heat stakes 126.
The second plate element 124 similarly forms holes 140
corresponding in number and location with, and designed to received
the heat stakes 126. In an alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 6b,
a locking cap 138 is attached to the first plate element 122, and a
protruding sealing ring 139 is formed about the access orifice 130
on the second plate element 124 such as to form a closeable
connection there between. When the cap 138 is attached to mounting
plate 120 after releasing the bag from the inlet 110, the contents
are sealed to prevent dust and debris from escaping the bag.
[0050] The first plate element 122 and second plate element 124 can
be attached by any known methods in the art, such as adhesive,
thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, sonic welding, cohesive
melting, or the like. The attached and affixed mounting plate 120
can be attached to the mounting bracket inside of the vacuum
canister. The mounting plate 120 is provided with an opening 110,
through which air and entrained debris enter the bag 100 from the
shop vacuum cleaner inlet (intake). The function of the mounting
plate 120 is to facilitate the ease of bag installation and to
securely hold the bag 100 to the inlet 11 during vacuum
operation.
[0051] The diameter of the opening 110 is preferably larger than
the outside diameter of the shop vacuum cleaner inlet 11. The
gasket 126 is then preferably larger than the outside diameter of
the shop vacuum cleaner inlet 11, and thereby forms a sealing
engagement thereto. This allows a tight fit of the mounting plate
120 on the inlet 11. Thus, it secures the mounting plate 120 on the
inlet 11.
[0052] The mounting plate 4 is preferably made of a rigid material,
such as a plastic material. It has been found that the use of
cardboard is insufficient in structural rigidity.
[0053] The open end 106 is shown in greater detail in conjunction
with FIG. 9-10. A first loop fastener element 150 is affixed
laterally across the first planar side 102 at a first distance from
the terminal end of the open end 106. A first hook fastener element
160 is similarly affixed laterally across the second planar side
104, at a second distance between the terminal end of the open end
106 and the first distance of the loop fastener element 150. In
this construction design that the open end 106 can be placed
together and rolled such that the loop fastener element 160 meets
and mates with the hook fastener element 150 in a manner that forms
a folded seam 170 to thereby seal the open end 106 in a manner that
seals the open end 106 during use, but allows opening to permit
egress of collected contents. The hook and loop mechanical
fasteners can be affixed to the appropriate planar sides with an
adhesive backing or by sewing the elements directly to the planar
sides.
[0054] The filter bag 110 itself is anticipated as being available
in various sizes as well as different densities and materials of
cloth to accommodate different working conditions. For example, a
lightweight polyester fabric of between 6-12 oz. densities is
anticipated for normal applications, while a denser polyester
fabric, such as a 16 oz felt bag, would be more suited for high
particulate environments. Further still, various kinds of super
high efficiency material can be used in removing fine particulates
or in hazardous material applications.
2. OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0055] To use the present invention in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the user first removes the
vacuum motor lid assembly from the shop vacuum cleaner and inserts
a pre-filter particulate collection member according to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention into the tank,
wrapping the length of the envelope about the outer sidewall of the
vacuum motor lid assembly is then mounted back.
[0056] During a vacuum operation, the motor of the shop vacuum
cleaner removing air from the interior of the tank, creating a
pressure drop (vacuum) within the tank. Air and entrained debris
are drawn into the through the hose, and inlet, through the
pre-filter collection membrane and into the tank. Particulates are
collected inside the bag, with fluid (air) permeating through the
envelope sidewalls. When the bag is full, the user removes the
vacuum motor lid assembly from the shop vacuum cleaner and removes
the bag from the tank. The bag can then be disposed, or emptied,
washed out (cleaned if desired) and reused.
[0057] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope
of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.
* * * * *