The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 18, 2002
Filed:
Sep. 29, 2000
Chris M. Paterson, Long Beach, MS (US);
Shane P. Cohen, Metairie, LA (US);
Sam Ponjican, Gulfport, MS (US);
Javier Verdura, Milford, CT (US);
Oreck Holdings, LLC, Cheyenne, WY (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and methods of supporting and shielding flexible outer bags of vacuum cleaners are disclosed. In one embodiment, a support structure includes a backing plate adapted to be disposed within the flexible outer bag, and at least one support member attached to the backing plate and projecting away from the backing plate. The backing and support members are adapted to contact and extend proximate respective portions of the outer bag, providing three-dimensional support to the outer bag. Alternately, a plurality of airflow apertures may be disposed through the support structure. In another embodiment, a shield structure includes a backing member adapted to be positioned proximate to and extend over at least a portion of a rear panel of an outer bag of a vacuum cleaner. First and second sidewall members are attached to and project away from the backing member, the first and second sidewall members being adapted to be positioned proximate to and extend over at least a portion of corresponding lateral side panels of the outer bag. Alternately, the shield structure may include top and front shielding members.