Vacuum Cleaner Bag Mounting Structure

Abstract

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

1 . An apparatus for use with a vacuum cleaner filter bag having a collar panel with an inlet opening, the apparatus comprising:
 a tubular part configured to convey debris-laden air into the filter bag; and   a support structure configured to receive the panel in an installed position in which the tubular part extends into the bag through the inlet opening, including a tab configured to retain the panel in the installed position, and a pivot configured to abut an edge of the panel to guide movement of the panel into the installed position pivotally about the abutting edge.   
   
   
       2 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein the pivot is defined by an inside corner of the support structure. 
   
   
       3 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein the pivot defines a pivotal axis that is horizontal when the tubular part is upright. 
   
   
       4 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein the pivot is one of a plurality of pivots spaced apart along a common pivotal axis. 
   
   
       5 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein the tab is a locking tab configured to snap into engagement with the panel upon movement of the panel pivotally into the installed position. 
   
   
       6 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 5  wherein the support structure further includes a non-locking tab configured to align the panel with the installed position. 
   
   
       7 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein the tubular part comprises an elbow with a bend of more than 90°. 
   
   
       8 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein the support structure is part of a unitary structure that includes the tubular part. 
   
   
       9 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 8  wherein the unitary structure is a bag top adaptor. 
   
   
       10 . An apparatus comprising:
 a filter bag having a collar panel with an inlet opening and an edge;   a tubular part configured to convey debris-laden air into the bag; and   a support structure configured to receive the panel in an installed position in which the tubular part extends into the bag through the inlet opening, including a tab configured to retain the panel in the installed position, and a pivot configured to abut the edge of the panel to guide movement of the panel into the installed position pivotally about the abutting edge.   
   
   
       11 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 10  wherein the edge of the panel is a peripheral edge. 
   
   
       12 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 10  wherein the pivot is defined by an inside corner of the support structure. 
   
   
       13 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 10  wherein the pivot defines a pivotal axis that is horizontal when the tubular part is upright. 
   
   
       14 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 10  wherein the pivot is one of a plurality of pivots spaced apart along a common pivotal axis. 
   
   
       15 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 10  wherein the tab is a locking tab configured to snap into engagement with the panel upon movement of the panel pivotally into the installed position. 
   
   
       16 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 15  wherein the support structure further includes a non-locking tab configured to align the panel with the installed position. 
   
   
       17 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 10  wherein the tubular part comprises an elbow with a bend of more than 90°. 
   
   
       18 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 10  wherein the support structure is part of a unitary structure that includes the tubular part. 
   
   
       19 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 18  wherein the unitary structure is a bag top adaptor.