U.S. patent application number 13/836009 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for adapter ring for vacuum cleaner filters.
This patent application is currently assigned to Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is ELECTROLUX HOME CARE PRODUCTS, INC.. Invention is credited to Leiah Nhem, Marble Wang, Shawn Xiao, Fang A. Zhang.
Application Number | 20140260145 13/836009 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51520995 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140260145 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nhem; Leiah ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
ADAPTER RING FOR VACUUM CLEANER FILTERS
Abstract
A filter adapter for engaging a filter to fit the filter into a
vacuum cleaner chamber. The filter adapter includes an adapter ring
having an inner ring perimeter and an outer ring perimeter, and a
number of protrusions extending from the outer perimeter of the
ring. Alternatively, there is provided an adapter ring and filter
assembly for use in a vacuum cleaner chamber. The assembly includes
a filter having an outer filter perimeter, and an adapter ring
having an inner ring perimeter configured to surround the outer
filter perimeter and an outer ring perimeter configured to contact
an inner surface of the vacuum cleaner chamber.
Inventors: |
Nhem; Leiah; (Charlotte,
NC) ; Zhang; Fang A.; (Shanghai, CN) ; Wang;
Marble; (Shanghai, CN) ; Xiao; Shawn;
(JiangSu, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ELECTROLUX HOME CARE PRODUCTS, INC. |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Electrolux Home Care Products,
Inc.
Charlotte
NC
|
Family ID: |
51520995 |
Appl. No.: |
13/836009 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
55/511 ;
15/246.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 2279/55 20130101;
B01D 2265/05 20130101; A47L 9/122 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
55/511 ;
15/246.2 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/10 20060101
A47L009/10 |
Claims
1. A filter adapter for engaging a filter to fit the filter into a
vacuum cleaner chamber, the filter adapter comprising: an adapter
ring having an inner ring perimeter and an outer ring perimeter;
and a plurality of protrusions extending from the outer perimeter
of the ring.
2. The filter adapter of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
protrusions comprises at least three ribs.
3. The filter adapter of claim 2, wherein each of the at least
three ribs extends in a different respective direction and the at
least three ribs are spaced equidistantly around the adapter ring
from one another.
4. The filter adapter of claim 1, wherein the inner ring perimeter
is configured to engage a corresponding outer perimeter of the
filter.
5. The filter adapter of claim 4, wherein the inner ring perimeter
frictionally engages the outer perimeter of the filter.
6. The filter adapter of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
protrusions are configured to contact the vacuum cleaner chamber at
at least three points.
7. The filter adapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter ring includes
clamps configured to couple the adapter ring to the filter.
8. The filter adapter of claim 7, wherein each clamp includes a
coupling member on an inner surface of the clamp, and a flange on
an outer surface of the clamp.
9. The filter adapter of claim 7, wherein the clamps comprise at
least three clamps.
10. The filter adapter of claim 1, wherein the inner ring perimeter
comprises a circle.
11. The filter adapter of claim 10, wherein the inner ring
perimeter is configured to engage a corresponding circular outer
perimeter of the filter.
12. The filter adapter of claim 1, wherein the inner ring perimeter
comprises a polygon.
13. An adapter ring and filter assembly for use in a vacuum cleaner
chamber; the assembly comprising: a filter having an outer filter
perimeter; an adapter ring having an inner ring perimeter
configured to surround the outer filter perimeter and an outer ring
perimeter configured to contact an inner surface of the vacuum
cleaner chamber.
14. The adapter ring of claim 13, wherein the outer ring perimeter
comprises a plurality of ribs.
15. The adapter ring of claim 14, wherein the plurality of ribs
comprises at least three ribs.
16. The adapter ring of claim 13, wherein the adapter ring
comprises a plurality of clamps that each surround a respective
portion of the outer filter perimeter.
17. The adapter ring of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of
clamps comprises at least one rib extending radially from the outer
ring perimeter.
18. The adapter ring of claim 13, wherein the adapter ring
comprises a smooth outer perimeter configured to contact the inner
surface of the vacuum cleaner chamber continuously around the outer
perimeter.
19. The adapter ring of claim 18, wherein the inner ring perimeter
is configured to surround an enlarged portion of the outer filter
perimeter.
20. The adapter apparatus of claim 18, wherein the ring comprises
foam.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to vacuum cleaners, and, more
specifically, to devices for filtering dirt and other debris
suctioned into vacuum cleaners.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Vacuum cleaners are well known. They are devices that use an
air pump to create a partial vacuum to suck up dirt and other
debris, usually to clean floors and other surfaces. Vacuum cleaners
come in a variety of configurations, e.g., upright, canister,
robotic, central, etc. Upright vacuum cleaners typically take the
form of a cleaning head, onto which a handle and bag or cyclone are
attached. Upright designs usually employ a rotating brushroll or
beater bar, which removes dirt through a combination of sweeping
and vibration movements. Canister vacuum cleaners, on the other
hand, have a vacuum head with a suction inlet (which may have a
brushroll) connected to a wand, and a motor and dust collector
housed in a separate unit. Typically, the separate unit is mounted
on wheels and is connected to the vacuum head by a flexible
hose.
[0005] Filters are used in vacuum cleaners to remove the dirt and
other debris from air. One common type of filter found in vacuum
cleaners is a planar filter. The planar filter is installed in a
closed passage of the vacuum cleaner and is used to supplement the
primary filtration device, e.g., a bag or a cyclone. A vacuum
cleaner may have two or more planar filters located in separate
chambers of the vacuum cleaner. For example, a "pre-motor" filter
may be mounted in the airstream upstream of the suction fan, and a
"post-motor" filter may be mounted in the airstream downstream of
the suction fan. Planar filters typically do not have a separate
dirt collection chamber associated with them--rather, they
generally trap the dirt in the filter material itself.
[0006] Planar filters come in a variety of sizes and
configurations, e.g., flat or curved. Such filters can use any
variety of filter material. For example, filter material may be
foam or pleated filter paper. Combinations of layers and materials
are also frequently used. Filter material typically comes in
different grades in relation to particle sizes that will be
filtered by the filter material. For example, relatively coarse
open-cell foam filter material may be used for filtering large
particles. Conversely, filter material passing High-Efficiency
Particulate Air (HEPA) or Ultra-Low Penetration Air (ULPA)
standards may be used for removing smaller particles. Such filters
may comprise paper or non-woven fabrics that may be impregnated
with chemicals, as known in the art.
[0007] Conventionally, details of the filter to be used must be
considered when designing a vacuum cleaner. Each filter in a
respective vacuum cleaner is typically designed to meet the
dimensional and operational specifications of the particular vacuum
cleaner. These specifications may include the filter size, shape,
airflow rate, dirt capacity, and filter grade of the filter.
[0008] The filter specifications can be critical to obtain proper
vacuum cleaner operation. For example, if filter dimensions are not
correct, the filter may be too large or too small to properly fit
into the vacuum cleaner. In such cases, the user may think that the
filter is properly installed, but the poor fit will may cause air
leaks that result in decreased filtering efficiency, and the filter
may jostle, rattle, or otherwise move in the chamber during
operation of the vacuum cleaner causing unnecessary noise and
possible damage. Even if the dimensions are correct, other
operational characteristics may not properly match the vacuum
cleaner. For example, a vacuum cleaner may be designed to operate
with filter having a relatively low air impedance (i.e., the filter
allows the air to pass relatively freely), and if the filter has a
high impedance, it may unduly restrict the suction motor leading to
higher operating temperatures, reduced cleaning efficiency, or
other problems. The filter's dirt capacity also should match the
vacuum cleaner's recommended maintenance schedule, so if the filter
has a relatively low capacity and clogs sooner than expected, the
user may be dissatisfied with the vacuum's performance.
[0009] As a result of the foregoing, vacuum cleaner filters
typically are constructed to dimensionally and operationally match
specific vacuum cleaner models. The inventors have found that this
causes a significant burden on the process of designing and
manufacturing vacuum cleaner filters. Thus, there exists a need for
providing alternative approaches to providing vacuum cleaner
filters.
SUMMARY
[0010] In one embodiment, there is provided a filter adapter for
engaging a filter to fit the filter into a vacuum cleaner chamber.
The filter adapter may include an adapter ring having an inner ring
perimeter and an outer ring perimeter, and a number of protrusions
extending from the outer perimeter of the ring.
[0011] In another embodiment, there is provided an adapter ring and
filter assembly for use in a vacuum cleaner chamber. The assembly
may include a filter having an outer filter perimeter, and an
adapter ring having an inner ring perimeter configured to surround
the outer filter perimeter and an outer ring perimeter configured
to contact an inner surface of the vacuum cleaner chamber.
[0012] The recitation of this summary of the invention is not
intended to limit the claims of this or any related or unrelated
application. Other aspects, embodiments, modifications to, and
features of the claimed invention will be apparent to persons of
ordinary skill in view of the disclosures herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The invention is best understood from the following detailed
description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings,
with like elements having the same reference numerals. Included in
the drawings are the following figures:
[0014] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary ring assembly
that may be used to adapt a filter to a particular vacuum
cleaner.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a filter that engages with
the exemplary ring assembly of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the exemplary ring assembly
of FIG. 1 engaged with the filter of FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a rib-less
ring assembly.
[0018] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a ring
assembly having a plurality of clamps for engaging the filter of
FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 6 is an top view of an alternative ring assembly having
a rectangular shape.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] It has been found that the process of designing and
manufacturing vacuum cleaner filters can be expedited and
simplified by modifying vacuum cleaner filters to operate in
multiple different vacuum cleaners. The following embodiments
describe unique exemplary arrangements for providing adapter rings
for vacuum cleaner filters. It will be appreciated that embodiments
may be used upright, canister, robotic, stick, central, and other
kinds of vacuum cleaner, and also that embodiments may be used for
pre-motor or post-motor filters.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary adapter ring 100. The
adapter ring 100 is configured to engage a filter that removes dirt
and other debris suctioned by a vacuum cleaner. In an exemplary
embodiment, adapter ring 100 will engage with a filter to enlarge
the effective circumference of the frame of the filter. By
enlarging the circumference of the filter, the filter may be
adapted to properly fit into a particular vacuum cleaner, other
than the vacuum cleaner in which the filter was originally designed
to fit. For example, a filter having a diameter that is otherwise
too small for a particular vacuum cleaner filter chamber may be
adapted by the adapter ring 100 to properly fit within the chamber.
The shown embodiment increases the effective circumference of a
circular filter to fit into a larger circular chamber, but other
embodiments may change the effective perimeter shape, such as by
converting a circular filter to fit into a square chamber.
[0022] As depicted in FIG. 1, adapter ring 100 includes an outer
perimeter 102 and an inner perimeter 104. The inner perimeter 104
is configured to engage a filter having a similar outer surface
shape. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the inner perimeter 104 is
annular, to engage a filter also having an annular outer surface.
However, an adapter ring 10 may be shaped (and sized) in any manner
necessary to engage a particular filter. For example, alternative
embodiments of the present invention may include a ring that is
rectangular (FIG. 6), square, polygon, oval, etc. Further, an
adapter ring 100 may be sized to engage with a filter of various
sizes to fit within particular vacuum cleaners and may be formed of
any material that suitably engages with a filter. For instance,
inner perimeter 104 may be formed of plastic, metal, rubber, etc.,
to engage with outer perimeter 202 of filter 200 (FIG. 2). It will
be appreciated that inner perimeter 104 need not exactly match the
entire outer perimeter 202 of the filter 200, but it should match
enough of the outer perimeter 202 to engaged the filter 200 to
remain in place during installation into the vacuum cleaner and
during use.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one rib extends
outwardly from outer perimeter 102 of adapter ring 100. In a
preferred embodiment, at least three ribs, e.g., ribs 106, 108, 110
extend outwardly from adapter ring 100. Ribs 106, 108, 110 may be
spaced about the adapter ring 100 equidistantly from each other. In
other embodiments, ribs may be spaced from each other in varying
distances. Ribs 106, 108, 110 may extend perpendicularly from the
outer perimeter 102 of adapter ring 100. However, ribs may extend
in any direction or formation, e.g., horizontally, diagonally,
cross-wise, etc. Ribs 106, 108, 110 are intended to enlarge the
circumferential size of filter 200 to adapt filter 200 to properly
fit into a particular vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, ribs 106,
108, 110 are a plastic material. However, adapter ring 100 may be
made of any other suitable material, such as metal, rubber,
etc.
[0024] The ribs may have any size or shape to adapt a filter to a
particular chamber of a vacuum cleaner. In the embodiment of FIG.
1, the ribs 106, 108 extend between an upper edge 112 and a lower
edge 114 of the adapter ring 110, and have rounded corners 116 at
each end where the ribs 106, 108, 110 terminate ad the upper and
lower edges 112, 114. Other ribs, however, may be have different
shapes, and may include straight lines, jagged edges, curves,
angles, etc. The ribs also may not extend entirely from the upper
edge 112 to the lower edge 114, or may extend beyond one or both
edges 112, 114. The ribs also may be angled or perpendicular to the
shown ribs (e.g., a rib may be provided as an annular wall that
extends from the outer perimeter 102 around all or some of the
outer perimeter 102). One of ordinary skill in the art will
understand the sizes and shapes that the ribs may take to adapt a
filter for properly fitting the filter into a particular vacuum
cleaner.
[0025] Inner perimeter 104 of adapter ring 100, and outer perimeter
102 of adapter ring 100, may be shaped and sized similarly. For
instance, both inner perimeter 104 and outer perimeter 102 may be
shaped annularly. However, in alternative embodiments, inner
perimeter of ring and outer perimeter of ring may take on shapes
and sizes that are different from one another. Such difference in
size between inner perimeter 104 and outer perimeter 102 may result
in various thicknesses of the ring (and the adapted filter). This
thickness between outer perimeter 102 and inner perimeter 104 may
be configured to vary according to the particular vacuum cleaner
that the filter is being adapted to fit. For example, if a large
spacing is present between filter 200 and a wall of the vacuum
cleaner chamber, the thickness of adapter ring 100 may be increased
accordingly.
[0026] Adapter ring 100 engages filter 200 when inner perimeter 104
of adapter ring 100 contacts outer perimeter 202 of filter 200
(FIG. 2). In an exemplary embodiment, outer perimeter 202 of filter
200 defines the circumferential size of filter 200. The
circumferential size of outer perimeter 202 may be used to
determine the sizing of filter 200 with respect to a particular
vacuum cleaner. If the circumference of outer perimeter 202 is too
large, for example, filter 200 will not be placeable into the
chamber of the vacuum cleaner. Conversely, if the circumference of
outer perimeter 202 is too small for a particular vacuum cleaner,
filter 200 will jostle, rattle, or otherwise move laterally or
vertically within the vacuum cleaner. As it does so, it may no
longer seal properly with the airflow passages that direct air to
or from the filter 200.
[0027] In the shown embodiment, the filter's outer perimeter 202 is
defined by the filter's frame 206. Frame 206 may be formed of any
material typically used for frames of a filter, such as plastic.
The frame 206 may extend the full height of the filter 200, and may
include other features, such as a cross-shaped structure at the top
of the filter 200 having a handle 208 that may be used to insert
and remove the filter 200 from the filter chamber. The handle 208
also may be used to orient the filter 200 or for other purposes as
known in the art.
[0028] The filter 200 also includes a filter element 204. Filter
element 204 may be formed of any material typically used for
filtering dust or other debris. For example, filter element 204 may
be paper, fiberglass, foam, etc. As depicted in FIG. 2, filter
element 204 is located within frame 206. The performance of a
particular filter is typically defined by the filter grade of
filter element 204. A foam filter element 204, for example, may be
graded to filter relatively large particles, whereas a filter
element 204 conforming to High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) or
an Ultra-Low Penetration Air (ULPA) standards, may be graded to
filter relatively small particles. The filter element 204 may
include multiple layers of similar or dissimilar filter material,
as known in the art. In some cases, the filter element 204 may have
sufficient structural properties that a frame 206 is not necessary
or used.
[0029] In the example if FIG. 2, the filter 200 also includes a
bottom portion 210 made from an extension of the frame 206. The
bottom portion 210 may be provided to seal against a chamber wall,
and may include a lower seal 212 that seals around an exhaust or
inlet passage of a vacuum fan. In an exemplary embodiment, depicted
on FIG. 2, bottom portion 210 may flare away from filter 200. In
such an embodiment, bottom portion 210 will have a circumference
larger than the circumference of outer perimeter 202.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, adapter ring 100 engages with filter
200. In particular, inner perimeter 104 of adapter ring 100 engages
with outer perimeter 202 of filter 200. The circumference of inner
perimeter 104 is configured to be slightly larger than the
circumference of outer perimeter 202 so that adapter ring 100
slides into place around outer perimeter 202. The sizes of the
parts may be selected to provide a removable connection (e.g., a
slight friction fit or deformable snaps), or to provide a permanent
connection (e.g., a tight friction fit or snaps that do not permit
removal). In an exemplary embodiment, adapter ring 100 is engaged
with filter 200 by lightly pressing adapter ring 100 upon and about
outer perimeter 202 of filter 200. When adapter ring 100 is engaged
to filter 200, adapter ring 100 preferably fits snugly upon filter
200 so that it does not jostle, rattle, or otherwise be displaced
from filter 200 during normal use and handling. When inner
perimeter 104 of adapter ring 100 is fit upon outer perimeter 202
of filter 200, the lower edge 114 of adapter ring 100 abuts against
the upper part of bottom portion 210 of filter 200.
[0031] As noted above, the exemplary adapter ring 100 includes a
plurality of ribs 106, 108, 110 that extend outwardly from adapter
ring 100 to enlarge the effective circumference of adapter ring
100. When adapter ring 100 is engaged with filter 200, filter 200
will also have a larger effective circumference. Where it is
desired to fit the filter 200 to a larger circular chamber, the use
of three or more ribs 106, 108, 110 is preferred, as making three
contact points to the inner surface of the circular chamber will
effectively resist movement in any direction in the plane of the
filter 200. However, two diametrically-opposed ribs alternatively
may be used, which may provide good support, but also may be more
subject to forces applied perpendicular to the line formed between
the two ribs. The use of more than three ribs may be used in any
event, and may be helpful to hold the filter 200 in a chamber that
has an irregular or non-circular shape. Other variations and
modifications will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the
art in view of the present disclosure.
[0032] In alternative embodiments, such as the example of FIG. 4,
an adapter ring may have no ribs. Adapter ring 400 is sized and
shaped such that it expands the circumference of filter 200 without
one or more ribs extending from the adapter ring 400. Rather, the
thickness of adapter ring 400 determines whether a filter 200 will
be adapted to properly fit into a vacuum cleaner. In such cases,
the circumference of outer perimeter 402 of adapter ring 400 is
sized such that filter 200 will properly fit inside a particular
vacuum cleaner chamber. In this case, the outer perimeter 402 may
be a smooth shape (i.e., uninterrupted by ribs or the like) that
continuously contacts a correspondingly-shaped vacuum cleaner
chamber, and may also provide an air seal. As a result, the filter
will not jostle, rattle, or otherwise move in an undesired way.
Adapter ring 400 may be formed of foam, although other materials
may be used for the ring.
[0033] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, adapter ring 400 engages filter
200 by wrapping around the enlarged bottom portion 210 of filter
200. In this embodiment, the adapter ring 400 has a bottom portion
406 that extends around the lower edge of the filter's bottom
portion 210, and an inner surface 404 that overlies the vertical
side of the filter's bottom portion 210, and an upper portion 408
that extends around an upper side of the filter's bottom portion
210. Thus, adapter ring 400 engages with filter 200 to that they
will not separate during handling or use. Instead, ring 400 will
only disengage when the user pulls top portion 408 and/or bottom
portion 406 of ring 400 far enough to allow the filter 200 to be
removed. The top and/or bottom portion 408, 406 may be formed of a
pliable material, such as foam, rubber or soft plastic, to allow
installation and removal.
[0034] In another embodiment, the adapter ring 400 may comprises a
simple ring that fits over the upper part of the filter 200. For
example, the adapter ring 400 may comprise a circular foam block
with a hole sized to fit over filter 200. Other variations and
modifications will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the
art in view of the present disclosure.
[0035] Another alternative embodiment of an adapter ring 500 is
depicted in FIG. 5. Adapter ring 500 includes at least one clamp
for attaching adapter ring 500 to filter 200. In a preferred
embodiment, adapter ring 500 will have at least three clamps 506,
508, 510 for engaging adapter ring 500 to filter 200. Clamps 506,
508, 510 attach to bottom portion 210 of filter 200. Clamps 506,
508, 510 are used to securely affix adapter ring 500 to filter 200.
Clamps 506, 508, 510 are also used to enlarge the effective
circumference of filter 200. To securely affix each clamp 506, 508,
510 to filter 200, adapter ring 500 includes, on clamp inner
surface 518, a flange or other member for affixing adapter ring 500
to filter 200. For example, as depicted on FIG. 5, clamp 508
includes a horizontally extending coupling member 516 for engaging
adapter ring 500 to bottom portion 210 of filter 200. However,
coupling member 516 may affix to the side, bottom, or any other
surface of filter 200.
[0036] Clamps 506, 508, 510 also include clamp outer surface 520.
In an exemplary embodiment, clamp outer surface 520 includes at
least one rib extending outwardly from clamp outer surface 520
(e.g., vertically extending ribs 512, 514 of clamp 510). Ribs 512,
514 may be used to enlarge the effective circumferential size of
adapter ring 500. Thus, when adapter ring 500 is engaged with
filter 200, the effective circumference of filter 200 is enlarged
by way of the outwardly extending ribs. As discussed above, by
enlarging the effective circumference of filter 200, adapter ring
500 permits filter 200 to be properly sized for a particular vacuum
cleaner, e.g., adapter ring 500 prevents filter 200 from jostling,
rattling, or otherwise moving when the vacuum cleaner is in
operation.
[0037] In some embodiments, inner perimeter 504 of adapter ring 500
may assist in coupling adapter ring 500 to filter 200. In
particular, inner perimeter 504 will fit over, and engage with,
outer perimeter 202 of filter 200. To ensure a snug fit of adapter
ring 500, inner perimeter 504 of adapter ring 500 should be
slightly larger than outer perimeter 202 of filter 200, as
discussed above for adapter ring 100. Thus, inner perimeter 504, in
combination with clamps 506, 508, 510, will ensure adapter ring 500
is snugly fit upon filter 200. Thus, adapter ring 500 will not
disengage from filter 200 during normal operation of the vacuum
cleaner. To release adapter ring 500 from filter 200, clamps 506,
508, 510 may be pulled away from bottom portion 210 of filter. This
movement of clamp will separate coupling member 516 from bottom
portion 210 of filter.
[0038] Although FIGS. 1 and 3-5 have depicted rings having an
annular shape, alternative embodiments for a ring of the present
invention should not be so limited. Alternative embodiments of the
ring of present invention may include, for example, many different
shapes and sizes for adapting a filter to a particular vacuum
cleaner. For example, a ring may be shaped as a parallelogram,
oval, rhombus, etc. As depicted on FIG. 6, an adapter ring 600 may
be rectangular (i.e., approximately the shape of a geometric
rectangle). Thus, in this embodiment, adapter ring 600 may be used
to engage with a filter (not shown) that is rectangular.
[0039] FIG. 6 depicts adapter ring 600 having an inner perimeter
604 and outer perimeter 602. Inner perimeter 604 engages the outer
perimeter of a rectangular filter. An embodiment of adapter ring
600 will be sized and shaped such that it will snugly engage the
rectangular filter, e.g., ring will be sized and shaped so that it
will not jostle, rattle, or otherwise move during use of the vacuum
cleaner. In one embodiment, inner perimeter 604 of adapter ring 600
should be substantially the same size as its corresponding filter,
although adapter ring 600 should be a predetermined size larger
than the outer perimeter of a corresponding rectangular filter.
Such sizing of adapter ring 600 will ensure that adapter ring 600
is properly engaged with the filter.
[0040] Adapter ring 600 also includes a plurality of ribs, e.g.,
604, 606, 608, 610, attached to outer perimeter 602. In an
exemplary embodiment, at least four ribs will extend outwardly from
adapter ring 600. Ribs 604, 606, 608, 610 are sized to ensure that
the filter engaged with adapter ring 600 properly fits into a
chamber of a particular vacuum cleaner. As such, the filter will be
snugly held into place within a vacuum cleaner. The outwardly
extending ribs 604, 606, 608, 610 will contact the housing within
the vacuum cleaner to ensure the filter provides a proper fit for a
particular vacuum cleaner.
[0041] The present disclosure describes a number of new, useful,
and nonobvious features and/or combinations of features that may be
used alone or together. The embodiments described herein are all
exemplary, and are not intended to limit the scope of the
inventions. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
and understand that the inventions described herein can be modified
and adapted in various and equivalent ways, and such modifications
and adaptations are intended to be included in the scope of this
disclosure and the appended claims.
* * * * *