Vacuum cleaner with enhanced surface area filter

摘要

A filter kit with an enhanced surface area filter and cage, for an electric power vacuum cleaner, the filter is a self-cleaning, flexible interlocking fabric having a rest position at atmospheric pressure, and a stretched position when under vacuum of a vacuum cleaner, the fabric having at least enough stretchability to increase its surface area by at least 10% in its stretched position from its rest position. When the vacuum cleaner is operating, the filter is in its stretched position and collects dust and debris, and when the vacuum cleaner is off, the filter relaxes, returns to its rest position and its surface area contracts to be self-cleaning, and a portion of the dust and debris to fall from the filter.

主权项

1. A filter kit with an enhanced surface area filter for an electric power vacuum cleaner having a motorized vacuum system and a dust collecting canister with an air flow inlet and outlet connected thereto, the filter kit being positionable between said canister and said outlet, wherein, when said vacuum cleaner is operating, there is a vacuum at said inlet and in said canister, said filter kit comprising:
(a) a self-cleaning, flexible interlocking fabric filter selected from the group consisting of knitted and woven, said fabric having a rest position at atmospheric pressure, and a stretched position when under said vacuum of said operating vacuum cleaner, said woven fabric having at least enough stretchability to increase its surface area by at least 10% in its stretched position from its rest position; and, (b) a filter cage having an attachment mechanism for attachment to an outlet of a vacuum cleaner, said filter cage being of a size and shape that is adapted to receive and hold said fabric filter thereon so as to filter air movement from said inlet to said outlet; such that when said filter is in said vacuum cleaner and said vacuum is operating, said filter is in its stretched position and collects dust and debris, and when said vacuum cleaner is subsequently not operating, said filter relaxes, returns to its rest position and its surface area contracts to be self-cleaning, said contracting causing a portion of said dust and debris to fall from said filter.