CONNECTOR PLATE FOR A VACUUM CLEANER DUST CONTAINER AND A DUST CONTAINER

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner dust container connector plate having a front surface having an opening for an airflow, a first side surface adapted to be inserted into holder of a vacuum cleaner, a second opposite side surface, the second side surface is arranged closer to the opening than the first side surface, a third side surface connecting the first and second side surfaces, and a forth side surface connecting the first and second side surfaces. The connector plate also comprises a flexible zone arranged between the opening and the first surface.

Claims

1-30. (canceled)

31. A connector plate for a vacuum cleaner dust container, the connector plate comprising: a front surface having an opening for an airflow; a first side surface configured to be inserted into a holder of a vacuum cleaner; a second side surface located opposite the first side surface, the second side surface being closer to the opening than the first side surface; a third side surface connecting the first and second side surfaces; a fourth side surface opposite the third side surface and connecting the first and second side surfaces; a flexible zone between the opening and the first side surface; and an opening zone between the flexible zone and the second side surface and including the opening therein; wherein the flexible zone is more flexible than the opening zone.

32. The connector plate according to claim 31, further comprising a handle extending from the second side surface.

33. The connector plate according to claim 31, further comprising one or more tabs extending laterally from the second side surface.

34. The connector plate according to claim 31, wherein the flexible zone is flexible about an axis parallel to the first side surface.

35. The connector plate according to claim 31, wherein the opening zone extends in a first plane, and the flexible zone is movable between a first position in which a portion of the flexible zone adjacent the first side surface lies in a second plane that is parallel with the first plane, and a second position in which the portion of the flexible zone adjacent the first side surface lies in a third plane that is oriented relative to the first plane at an exterior (alfa ()) angle of more than 30 degrees.

36. The connector plate according to claim 31, wherein the opening zone extends in a first plane, and the flexible zone is movable between a first position in which a portion of the flexible zone adjacent the first side surface lies in a second plane that is parallel with the first plane, and a second position in which the portion of the flexible zone adjacent the first side surface lies in a third plane that is oriented relative to the first plane at an exterior (alfa ()) angle of more than 70 degrees.

37. The connector plate according to claim 31, wherein the opening zone extends in a first plane, and the flexible zone is movable between a first position in which a portion of the flexible zone adjacent the first side surface lies in a second plane that is parallel with the first plane, and a second position in which the portion of the flexible zone adjacent the first side surface lies in a third plane that is oriented relative to the first plane at an exterior (alfa ()) angle of more than 90 degrees.

38. The connector plate according to claim 31, wherein the flexible zone is movable relative to the opening zone between a first position in which the first side surface is spaced from the second side surface by a first distance, and a second position in which the first side surface is spaced from the second side surface by a second distance, the second distance being 75-90% of the first distance.

39. The connector plate according to claim 38, wherein in the opening zone lies flat in a first plane when the flexible zone is in the first position and the second position.

40. The connector plate according to claim 31, wherein the flexible zone comprises a living hinge, a perforation, a rib structure, or a flexible material.

41. The connector plate according to claim 31, wherein the flexible zone comprises one or more perforations or holes substantially parallel to the second side surface.

42. The connector plate according to claim 31, wherein the first side surface comprises a sensing area configured to interact with a sensor or safety mechanism in a vacuum cleaner.

43. The connector plate according to claim 31, wherein the first side surface comprises at least one hole and/or recess.

44. The connector plate according to claim 31, further comprising a closing mechanism configured to selectively close the opening.

45. The connector plate according to claim 44, wherein the closing mechanism comprises a slidable shutter, a lid or a hatch.

46. A vacuum cleaner dust container comprising: an air permeable bag having a bag opening; and a connector plate attached to the air permeable bag, the connector plate comprising: a front surface having an opening overlying the bag opening; a first side surface configured to be inserted into a holder of a vacuum cleaner; a second side surface located opposite the first side surface, the second side surface being closer to the opening than the first side surface; a third side surface connecting the first and second side surfaces; a fourth side surface opposite the third side surface and connecting the first and second side surfaces; a flexible zone between the opening and the first side surface; and an opening zone between the flexible zone and the second side surface and including the opening therein; wherein the flexible zone is more flexible than the opening zone.

47. The vacuum cleaner dust container according to claim 46, further comprising a handle extending from the second side surface.

48. The vacuum cleaner dust container according to claim 46, wherein the opening zone extends in a first plane, and the flexible zone is movable between a first position in which a portion of the flexible zone adjacent the first side surface lies in a second plane that is parallel with the first plane, and a second position in which the portion of the flexible zone adjacent the first side surface lies in a third plane that is oriented relative to the first plane at an exterior (alfa ()) angle of more than 70 degrees.

49. The vacuum cleaner dust container according to claim 46, wherein the flexible zone is movable relative to the opening zone between a first position in which the first side surface is spaced from the second side surface by a first distance, and a second position in which the first side surface is spaced from the second side surface by a second distance, the second distance being 75-90% of the first distance.

50. The vacuum cleaner dust container according to claim 49, wherein in the opening zone lies flat in a first plane when the flexible zone is in the first position and the second position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a dust container for a vacuum cleaner.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows a connector plate for a dust container.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a connector plate, where an extending portion is bent out of the plane of a central portion.

[0037] FIG. 4 shows a cross section along AA in FIG. 3

[0038] FIG. 4a-c show a cross section along AA in FIG. 3

[0039] FIG. 5 shows a cross section along AA in FIG. 2

[0040] FIG. 6 shows a connector plate inserted into a holder of a vacuum cleaner

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present disclosure relates to a connector plate and a dust container for a vacuum cleaner, as illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a connector plate (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust container (30). The connector plate (10) comprises a front surface (5) having an opening (6) for an airflow form a vacuum cleaner, preferably a canister vacuum cleaner. The connector plate also comprises a first side surface (1) adapted to be inserted into holder of a vacuum cleaner and a second opposite side surface (2). The second side surface (2) is arranged closer to the opening (6) than the first side surface (1). A third side surface (3) is connecting the first and second side surfaces, and a forth side surface (4) is also connecting the first and second side surfaces. The connector plate (10) also comprises a flexible zone (7) arranged between the opening (6) and the first surface (1).

[0042] The connector plate has a handle (11) arranged on the first surface (1). The handle (11) is intended to be used by a user when the connector plate and dust container is to be removed from the holder.

[0043] The connector plate also has a tab (12) arranged on the first surface (1). The tab (12) is extending sideways outside the first surface for stopping the connector plate for being inserted too much in the holder. It is possible to have one tab on either side or two tabs on opposite sides, as shown in FIG. 1

[0044] The third and fourth side surfaces are both being adapted to slide in the holder (40). The holder typically comprises a curved or step-wise curved track into which the third and fourth side surfaces slides.

[0045] The flexible zone (7) is flexible about an axis parallel to the first side surface. The flexible zone makes it possible for the connector plate to follow the curved or step-wise curved track of the holder (40).

[0046] FIG. 3 shows a connector plate having the opening (6) arranged in a first plane (P1) which is extending perpendicular from and along the first side surface a second plane (P2). The flexible zone (7) is adapted to arrange the first side surface (1) so that an alfa angel (a) between the first plane (P1) and the second plan (P2) is more than 30 degrees. Preferably the alfa angle is more than 40 degrees, or most preferred more than 70 degrees.

[0047] FIG. 3 shows a connector plate (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust container (30). The connector plate (10) comprises, a front surface (5) having an opening (6) for an airflow (F) from a vacuum cleaner, a first side surface (1), and a second opposite side surface (2). The second side surface (2) is arranged closer to the opening (6) than the first side surface (1). A first normal (N1) is extending perpendicular from the first side surface (1) and a second normal (N2) is extending perpendicular from the second side surface (2). In a first position a beta angle (R) between the first normal (N1) and the second normal (N2) is less than 170 degrees, preferably less than 150 degrees.

[0048] The beta angle is preferably in the range of 170-90 degrees, and most preferably in the range of 150-110 degrees.

[0049] In a second position of the connector plate the beta angle () between the first normal (N1) and the second normal (N2) is substantially 180 degrees.

[0050] The Figures shows a connector plate (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust container (30). The connector plate (10) comprises, a front surface (5) having an opening (6) for an airflow (F) from a vacuum cleaner. The opening (6) being arranged in a first plane (P1), the connector plate also comprises, a first side surface (1), a second opposite side surface (2), a third side surface (3) and fourth side surface (4) connecting the first and second side surfaces. The first side surface (1) is arranged furthest away from the opening (6) among the first and second side surfaces. Along with and perpendicular from the first side surface (1) a second plane (P2) is extending. The connector plate (10) is adapted to arrange the first side surface (1) so that an alfa angel (a) between the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2) is more than 30 degrees, preferably more than 40 degrees. The connector plate may alternatively be arranged so the alfa angle (a) is more than 50 degrees, preferably more than 70 degrees.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a connector plate (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust container (30). The connector plate (10) comprises a front surface (5), a first side surface (1) adapted to be inserted into holder (40) of a vacuum cleaner, a second side surface (2), a third side surface (3) connecting the first and second side surfaces, and forth side surface (4) connecting the first and second side surfaces. The front surface (5) comprises an opening (6) for an air flow (F) from a vacuum cleaner. The second side surface (2) is arranged closer to the opening (6) than the first side surface (1). In a first position of the connector plate a first distance (D1) between the first side (1) and the second side is 75-90% less than the length of the third side surface (L1) or the length of the fourth side surface (L2).

[0052] In a second position of the connector plate a second distance (D2) between the first side surface (1) and the second side surface (2) is substantially the same as the length of the third side surface (L1) or the length of the fourth side surfaces (L2).

[0053] FIG. 3 shows a connector plate (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust container (30). The connector plate (10) comprises, a front surface (5) having an opening (6) for an airflow (F) from a vacuum cleaner, a first side edge (1), a second opposite side edge (2), the second side edge (2) being arranged closer to the opening (6) than the first side edge (1). A third normal (N3) is extending in the direction of the front surface at the first side edge. A fourth normal (N4) is extending in the direction of the front surface at the second side edge. In a first position a gamma angle () between the third normal (N3) and the fourth normal (N4) is less than 170 degrees, preferably less than 150 degrees.

[0054] In a second position of the connector plate the gamma angle () between the third normal (N3) and the fourth normal (N4) is substantially 180 degrees.

[0055] FIG. 3 shows a connector plate (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust container. The connector plate (10) comprises a first side surface (1), a second side surface (2), a third side surface (3) connected to the first and second side surfaces, and a fourth side surface (4) connected to the first and second side surfaces. The connector plate also comprises a front surface (5) having an opening (6) for an air flow of a vacuum cleaner. Said opening (6) have a center.

[0056] The collector plate (10) in a first position, is arranged such that the distance (D) between a line (L) through the center of the opening and parallel to the second side surface (2) or the first side surface (1) is less than the length of the third side surface from the line to the first side surface (L1) or the length of the fourth side surface from the line to the first side surface (L2). In a second position of the connector plate the distance (D) between the line through the center of the opening and the first side surface is substantially the same as the length of the third side surface from the line to the first side surface (L1) or the length of the fourth side surface from the line to the first side surface (L2).

[0057] The connector plate shown in the Figures has a gasket (9) around the opening (6) so as to provide a sealing function, reducing leaks in the flow from an inlet hose to the dust bag. The connector plate has a flexible zone (7) arranged between the opening (6) and the first side surface (1). The flexible zone (7) may comprise a living hinge, a perforation, a rib structure, or a flexible material.

[0058] While the flexible zone (7) make it easy to bend a part of the connector plate, it is still desired that the connector plate remains substantially flat during production and/or during transportation and handling. That is, until the dust container is to be used, it is preferred that the connector remains in the flat shape illustrated in FIG. 1. This makes it easier for instance to attach the connector plate 3 to the dust bag 5 in an efficient automated process. This may be achieved by a flexible zone that requires some force to be flexible, like living hinge, a perforation, a rib structure or a flexible material.

[0059] A part of the first side surface (1) has a sensing area (14) adapted to interact with a sensor or safety mechanism in a vacuum cleaner.

[0060] The first side surface (1) comprises at least one hole and/or recess (15). The hole or recess is adapted to lock the connector plate in that holder so that some force is required to remove the connector plate and dust bag from the holder.

[0061] Close to the second side surface (2) the connector plate is provided with at least one tab (12) extending sideways outside of the side edge surface.

[0062] As can be seen in the Figures the second side edge (2) is arranged closer to the opening (6) than the first side edge (1).

[0063] The first side surface (1) is adapted to be inserted into the dust container holder of the canister vacuum cleaner.

[0064] The connector plate may also comprise a closing mechanism (not shown) adapted to be able to close the opening (6). The opening (6) is preferably closed before the user remove the dust container form the vacuum cleaner to avoid that dust falls out during the removal and disposal of the dust container. The closing mechanism may be a slidable shutter, a lid or a hatch.

[0065] The connector plate (10) is mainly or wholly made of a plastic material, preferably Polypropylene, PP, and/or polyethylene, PE, paper, preferably cardboard, metal, or a wood-based material.

[0066] In one embodiment the connector plate is mainly man of paper, preferably cardboard. The flexible zone comprises one or more perforations or holes substantially parallel to the second side surface.

[0067] In one embodiment a dust container (30) for a vacuum cleaner comprises an air permeable bag (20) and a connector plate. The bag having a bag opening (21). The connector plate (10) is attached to the bag (20), preferably by gluing, so that the bag opening (21) and the opening (6) of the connector plate coincide.

[0068] The disclosure shows that the connector plate can easily be inserted into a holder where the inner part of the holder, that takes up the connector plate's flexible zone (7), can be curved. The insertion into the holder forces the flexible zone (7) to be bent. Thereby the holder can better use the available space inside a vacuum cleaner canister, which may have a curved inner wall. The holder may closely follow the inner wall, such that the dust bag may be allowed to expand to a greater extent, thereby increasing the available dust bag volume. The whole length of the connector plate may still contribute in keeping the dust bag safely in the correct position.

[0069] In general, a greater freedom to locate the end of the holder where desired is obtained. In one example, a mechanical function may be provided in the holder end, verifying that a bag is correctly installed and prohibiting closing of a canister hatch unless a bag is provided. Using a curved holder, allows this function to be located at a number of positions along the canister periphery.

LIST OF FEATURES

[0070] 1. First side surface [0071] 2. Second side surface [0072] 3. Third side surface [0073] 4. Fourth side surface [0074] 5. Front surface [0075] 6. Opening [0076] 7. Flexible zone [0077] 8. Rear surface [0078] 9. Gasket [0079] 10. Connector plate [0080] 11. Handle [0081] 12. Tab [0082] 13. Area for fastening dust bag [0083] 14. Sensing area [0084] 15. Hole/recess [0085] 1 First side surface edge [0086] 2 Second side surface edge [0087] 20. Dust bag [0088] 21. Bag opening [0089] 30 Dust container [0090] 40 Holder for a vacuum cleaner dust container [0091] 41 Track [0092] 42 Track [0093] N1 First normal extending perpendicular from first surface [0094] N2 Second normal extending perpendicular from second surface [0095] N3 Third normal [0096] N4 Fourth normal [0097] P1 Plane which the opening is arranged [0098] P2 Plane extending perpendicular form and along first side surface [0099] Alfa angel between P1 and P2 [0100] Beta angel between N1 and N2 [0101] Gamma angel between N3 and N4 [0102] L1 Length of the third side surface [0103] L2 Length of the fourth side surface [0104] F Airflow [0105] L1 Length of third side surface [0106] to L2 Length of forth side surface [0107] D Distance [0108] L1 Length of third side surface from the center of the opening to the first side surface [0109] L2 Length of forth side surface from the center of the opening to the first side surface