Patent Publication Number: US-2013228194-A1

Title: Vacuum Filter System and Method with Integrated Filter Cleaning

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO APPENDIX 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention disclosed and taught herein relates generally to vacuum cleaners, and more specifically relates to filter systems for wet/dry vacuum cleaners. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Typically, when a vacuum cleaner, such as a conventional vacuum or a wet/dry vacuum, is switched “on,” the vacuum motor is energized, which in turn rotates a blower wheel. The rotating of the blower wheel causes a vacuum within the vacuum collection drum. There is typically a filter, among other components, interfaced between the blower wheel and the collection drum. When a hose, or other such attachment is coupled to the drum, this vacuum will cause air, dirt, liquids, and/or other media to be drawn from a work surface into the drum. As this “dirty” air enters the drum, some of the media particles fall to the bottom of the drum, while other media, typically the finer media particles, may contact the vacuum filter. The filter traps at least some of the particulate media, thus preventing it from being drawn out of the drum, and exhausted back into the atmosphere of the work area. It can, therefore, be readily seen that the vacuum filter must from time to be time be cleaned or removed and replaced. 
     Typically, to check the filter of a vacuum, a lid or some kind of access covering must first be removed from the vacuum housing in order to gain access to the filter. Then, to clean the filter, one may have to first remove the filter and clean it manually, such as by washing or striking the filter against a hard surface to dislodge accumulated debris particles. However, to remove the filter, one still must generally access it by removing a lid, panel, or other covering. Therefore, for convenience, it can be seen that it would be advantageous to be able to check, clean, and/or remove the filter using a system accessible from the exterior of the vacuum. 
     The invention disclosed and taught herein is directed to an improved system and method for removing, checking, and/or cleaning a filter or filter assembly of a vacuum appliance, such as a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or other conventional vacuum cleaner. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A filter system for a vacuum cleaner having a filter inlet may include an air intake manifold having a tubular air inlet and a tubular perforated filter cage, the filter cage having a first end coupled to the air inlet and a free longitudinally opposite second end, the air inlet having an outer surface with an annular seal, a filter agitator coupled to the intake manifold and arranged along side the filter cage, the filter agitator having a cleaning surface disposed adjacent to the filter cage, and a filter holder having a first end, a longitudinally opposite second end for coupling to a filter, and at least one coupler for removably coupling the filter holder to the filter inlet of the vacuum cleaner. 
     A method of cleaning a vacuum cleaner filter may include coupling the filter holder to the filter inlet and rotating the filter holder so that the filter rotates about the filter cage. 
     A vacuum cleaner may include a vacuum body for receiving vacuumed debris, the vacuum body including a drum and a lid, a vacuum inlet coupled to the body for allowing air and vacuumed debris to enter the body, a vacuum outlet for allowing air to exit the body, an air path between the vacuum inlet and the vacuum outlet, a filter inlet coupled to the body, and a filter system with a filter coupled to the filter inlet so that at least a portion of the filter is disposed in the air path, the filter system including an air intake manifold having a tubular air inlet and a tubular perforated filter cage, the filter cage having a first end coupled to the air inlet, the air inlet having an outer surface with an annular seal, a filter agitator arranged along side the filter cage, the filter agitator having a cleaning surface disposed adjacent to the filter cage, and a filter holder having a first end with a handle, a longitudinally opposite second end for coupling to the filter, and at least one coupler for removably coupling the filter holder to the filter inlet of the vacuum cleaner. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following figures form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these figures in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an isometric view of one of many embodiments of a vacuum appliance utilizing certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the vacuum appliance of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  1 B- 1 B, illustrating one of several embodiments of a filter system utilizing certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the filter system of  FIG. 1B  showing details of the filter system itself. 
         FIG. 3 . illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the vacuum appliance of  FIG. 1B  taken along line  3 - 3 , showing the filter system of  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  2 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates one of many embodiments of a filter system having a manifold and utilizing certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a top isometric view of one of many embodiments of a filter inlet utilizing certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a bottom isometric view of the filter inlet of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a top isometric view of one of many embodiments of a filter holder utilizing certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of the filter holder of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a top isometric view of one of many embodiments of a filter utilizing certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9B  is a bottom isometric view of the filter of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the filter of  FIG. 9B  taken along line  10 - 10 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates one of many embodiments of a filter assembly utilizing certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a top view of one of many embodiments of a filter assembly being installed and utilizing certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates another top view of the filter assembly of  FIG. 13  being installed. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a top view of one of many embodiments of a filter system having an installed filter assembly. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a top view of a filter assembly partially uncoupled for cleaning or removal and utilizing certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a top view of a filter assembly being removed and utilizing certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates another top view of the filter assembly of  FIG. 17  being removed. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a side view of a filter being cleaned and utilizing certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates an illustration of one of many embodiments of a filter system having a cutout and utilizing certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a top view of one of many embodiments of a filter system having two filter assemblies and utilizing certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a top isometric view of one of many embodiments of a filter system having two filter assemblies and utilizing certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     While the inventions disclosed herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, only a few specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The figures and detailed descriptions of these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the breadth or scope of the inventive concepts or the appended claims in any manner. Rather, the figures and detailed written descriptions are provided to illustrate the inventive concepts to a person of ordinary skill in the art and to enable such person to make and use the inventive concepts. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The Figures described above and the written description of specific structures and functions below are not presented to limit the scope of what Applicant has invented or the scope of the appended claims. Rather, the Figures and written description are provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention for which patent protection is sought. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all features of a commercial embodiment of the invention are described or shown for the sake of clarity and understanding. Persons of skill in this art will also appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present invention will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer&#39;s ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment. 
     Such implementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are not limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related and other constraints, which may vary by specific implementation, location and from time to time. While a developer&#39;s efforts might be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, such efforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of skill in this art having benefit of this disclosure. It must be understood that the invention disclosed and taught herein is susceptible to numerous and various modifications and alternative forms. Lastly, the use of a singular term, such as, but not limited to, “a,” is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Also, the use of relational terms, such as, but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “down,” “up,” “side,” and the like are used in the written description for clarity in specific reference to the Figures and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims. 
     The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “coupling,” “coupler,” and like terms are used broadly herein and can include any method or device for securing, binding, bonding, fastening, attaching, joining, inserting therein, forming thereon or therein, communicating, or otherwise associating, for example, mechanically, magnetically, electrically, chemically, operably, directly or indirectly with intermediate elements, one or more pieces of members together and can further include without limitation integrally forming one functional member with another in a unity fashion. The coupling can occur in any direction, including rotationally, and may occur permanently or removably. 
     Applicant has created a filter system and associated method for a vacuum appliance or vacuum cleaner, such as a wet/dry vacuum cleaner (i.e., a vacuum capable of picking up both wet and dry debris material), or a conventional vacuum cleaner, which allows a user to conveniently access, clean and/or remove a filter without having to remove the lid or cover portion of the vacuum. The filter system may include a filter coupled to a filter holder, wherein the filter and holder may be removably coupled to a filter inlet on the vacuum cleaner to place the filter in a path of air that is flowing into and out of the vacuum cleaner during operation. The filter system may allow access to, or removal of, the filter by the user without having to remove the lid of the vac. The filter system may allow cleaning of the filter without first requiring removal of the filter from the vacuum. 
     Turning now to the Figures,  FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary wet/dry vacuum cleaner  10  in accordance with the present disclosure which houses a vacuum filter system  100  as described in more depth herein. The vacuum  10  comprises a collection canister, or body (equivalently referred to herein as a collection drum or vacuum body)  12  having a bottom, sides, and an open top, and having a powerhead  14  releasably secured via one or more securement latches  17  over the open top of collection canister  12 . The vacuum  10  may be battery powered, or powered via AC or DC electricity via power cord  19 . 
     In accordance with aspects of the instant disclosure, collection drum  12  may be circular or oval in shape, or may be of another suitable shape as appropriate, such as square or rectangular, without limitation. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner  10  may include a handle  21 . The handle  21  may be coupled to the collection drum  12 , or it may be coupled to the securement latch  17 . In another embodiment, the handle  17  may be coupled to the lid  138  (as shown in  FIG. 1B ). The handle  17  may be used to adjust the position of the vacuum cleaner  10  through a pushing, pulling, or rotational motion. 
     The drum may also include a plurality of casters  15   a  circumscribed about the bottom portion of the collection drum  12 , wherein the casters  15   a  may be removable or permanently fixed as appropriate for the particular vacuum appliance and its intended applications. In an exemplary and non-limiting illustrative embodiment, each of the casters  15   a  can include a single, rotatable wheel for allowing the collection drum  12  to laterally traverse a surface, rotate about it, or both. Each of the casters  15   a  may be coupled with a caster housing  15   b . The caster housings  15   b  may include any mount, support, receptacle, protective apparatus, or the like for housing one or more casters  15   a . For example, a caster housing  15   b  may be embodied as a “foot” to support the collection drum  12 . In one embodiment, four caster housings  15   b  can be equally spaced around the outer perimeter of the collection drum  12  to provide stability for the vacuum  10 . 
     Collection drum  12  may also optionally include a drain plug  13  at the bottom of the drum itself, for ease of draining liquid debris from the drum, for ease in cleaning the drum once the powerhead  14  has been removed, or for attachment to a vacuum pump accessory to aid in the removal of liquid debris from within the drum. Powerhead  14  typically has a handle means  11  formed onto or into it, as appropriate, and houses a motor and impeller assembly (not shown) for establishing vacuum pressure within the vacuum  10  when a power actuating switch  20  is engaged. A flexible vacuum hose  16  is configured so that one end can be inserted into an air inlet  18  formed in the front portion of the powerhead  14  or formed into the drum  12  and in fluid connection with the powerhead  14  within the vacuum itself. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, hose  16  is simply friction-fitted into inlet port  18 . Similarly and equally acceptable, hose  16  may be lock-fitted into inlet port  18  as appropriate. 
     For purposes of clarity and understanding, one or more of these components may not be specifically described or shown while, nevertheless, being present in one or more embodiments of the invention, such as in a commercial embodiment, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
       FIG. 1B  is an illustration of one of many embodiments of a filter system  100  utilizing certain aspects of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the filter system of  FIG. 1B .  FIG. 3  is a top view of the filter system of  FIGS. 1B and 2 , taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1B .  FIGS. 1-3  will be described in conjunction with one another. Filter system  100  may include one or more components for filtering vacuumed air. For example, filter system  100  may include a filter holder  102  for coupling a filter  104  to a vacuum body  106 , such as to a filter inlet  108 . Filter inlet  108  may be located anywhere on vacuum cleaner body  106 , for example, on the exterior side or top, so that filter  104  may be disposed within a path of air moving from an air inlet port  110  to an air outlet  112  within vacuum cleaner body  106 . 
     Filter system  100  may also include a manifold  114 , such as an air intake manifold, for example, for routing air, such as filtered air. Manifold  114  may further include a cleaning device  116 , for example, an agitator, coupled thereto for removing debris from filter  104  during cleaning, as will be described in more detail below. Manifold  114  may, but need not, include a filter cage  118 , such as a perforated tube of any appropriate shape (e.g., cylindrical, generally cylindrical, or rectangular), coupled thereto for directing filtered air from filter  104  to an inlet  120  of manifold  114  or, as another example, for supporting filter  104 , separately or in combination. One or more of these components may now be described in more detail. 
       FIG. 4  is an illustration of the details of manifold  114  in accordance with embodiments of filter system  100  of the present invention. Manifold  114  includes an inlet  120  for receiving air and an outlet  122  for exhausting air during normal vacuum cleaner operations. For example, air flowing through one or more openings  124 , such as perforations, in filter cage  118  may move into inlet  120 , through manifold  114 , and out of outlet  122  during vacuum operation. However, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill, air may likewise flow in the opposite direction through manifold  114  (i.e., into outlet  122  and out of inlet  120 ) as required by a particular application. For example, the filter system  100  is capable of receiving a back-flushed airflow to clean the filter  104  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). In this configuration, the direction of airflow can be reversed to flow though the slots  124  of the filter cage  118 . 
     Manifold  114  may be formed from any material and in any manner, for example, manifold  114  may be machined, molded, cast, or otherwise formed from any number of polymeric, plastic materials, metal, aluminum, composite, alloy or another material, in whole or in part. Inlet  120  may be tubular, and may have one or more seals  126 , such as sealing ribs or gaskets, coupled to an inner or outer surface thereof. In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , three seals  126  are shown for illustrative purposes, each of which is coupled to the outer surface of inlet  120  extending radially outwardly therefrom. 
     While three seals  126  are shown in  FIG. 4 , one or more embodiments of the present invention may have one, two, four, or any number of seals required by a particular application. Inlet  120  may be coupled to manifold  114 , or formed integrally therewith, in whole or in part, and may, but need not, include structure for coupling with filter  104 . Further, while not shown directly in the Figure for purposes of clarity, the manifold  114  may also include a number of formed threads near the interface of inlet  120  and the exterior surface of outlet  122 , so as to allow a filter device to be threadably attached to the filter cage  118 . 
     Filter system  100  may, but need not, include a filter cage  118  for routing airflow into inlet  120  of manifold  114  during vacuum cleaner operations. Filter cage  118  may, but need not, support filter  104 . Filter cage  118  may be tubular, and may have one or more holes  124 , such as perforations, for allowing air to flow throughout in any direction. The one or more holes  124  may be any size or shape and may be arranged in any manner required by a particular application. Filter cage  118  may have any cross-sectional shape or size, such as cylindrical, oval, or rectangular, and may preferably be at least partially cylindrical. Filter cage  118  may be configured to receive a filter thereon or thereabout (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2 ), thereby allowing fluid communication between the filter, the interior of filter cage  118 , and manifold  114 . A first end  128  of filter cage  118  may be coupled to manifold  114 , such as to inlet  120 , in any manner, such as coupled thereto removably, permanently, or otherwise, or formed integrally therewith, such as by molding, casting, or another method. 
     Filter cage  118  may have a second free end  130 , such as for receiving a filter thereon or otherwise coupling to a filter. Filter cage  118  may include a cutout  132  region, such as a void, opening, or space, for allowing a user to manipulate the position of a filter coupled to filter cage  118 , for example, during cleaning, as will be further described below. Cutout  132  may be formed in any location and in any manner such as, for example, by reducing the cross-sectional area of filter cage  118  over a portion of its length proximate to first end  128 , which may be any portion of the length of filter cage  118  required by a particular application. For example, cutout  132  may be formed so that at least a portion of a filter may be placed therein, as will be described in greater detail below. Cutout  132  may be closed, perforated, or open on its radially outer surface (e.g., on the surface facing cleaning device  116  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 ). Filter cage  118  may be formed from any material and in any manner, for example, filter cage  118  may be machined, molded, cast, or otherwise formed from any suitable polymer or plastic material, metal, aluminum, composite, alloy, or another material, in whole or in part. 
     With continuing reference to  FIG. 4 , filter system  100  may include a cleaning device  116 , such as an arm, extension, or agitator, for dislodging media from a filter during cleaning, which will be further described below. Cleaning device  116  may have any length, width, or size required by a particular application, and may be coupled to manifold  114  so that cleaning device  116  extends along side filter cage  118 . Cleaning device  116  may, but need not, be parallel to at least a portion of filter cage  118 . For example, in one embodiment, cleaning device  116  can be disposed such that it lies substantially parallel with respect to the filter cage  118  along a longitudinal axis extending outwardly from the outlet  120  of the manifold  114 . A component remains “substantially parallel” with respect to another component if the angle formed between each components&#39; longitudinal axis is no more than 20 degrees. The term, “substantially parallel” can include parallel as well. 
     Cleaning device  116  and filter cage  118  may, but need not, have the same length, and cleaning device  116  may be spaced far enough from filter cage  118  to allow a filter  104  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2 ) to be disposed there between. Cleaning device  116  may include a cleaning surface  134  for cleaning filter  104 . Cleaning surface  134 , or another portion of cleaning device  116 , may, but need not, contact filter  104 , for example, to dislodge debris stuck thereto. Cleaning surface  134  may be any surface on cleaning device  116  required by a particular application, and may be flat, smooth, contoured, bumpy or, as other examples, may include bristles or teeth for cleaning. Cleaning device  116  may include a rubbing surface  136 , such as a buffer or bumper, for defining the position of cleaning surface  134  relative to a surface to be cleaned, as will be further described below. For example, rubbing surface  136  may contact an abutting surface or edge, such as a portion of a filter (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ), thereby defining the extent to which cleaning surface  134  may contact the outer surface of the filter, such as to at least reduce any damage to the filter that may occur, for example, due to repeated cleaning. 
     Cleaning device  116  may be formed from any material and in any manner, for example, cleaning device  116  may be machined, molded, cast, or otherwise formed from plastic, metal, aluminum, composite, alloy, or another material, in whole or in part. Cleaning device  116  may be coupled to manifold  114 , or any portion thereof, in any manner, such as formed integrally therewith or coupled thereto, in whole or on part. Cleaning device  116  may preferably be rigidly coupled to manifold  114 , for example, so that cleaning device  116  may not move or rotate relative to a filter during cleaning, resisting any temporary displacement resulting from forces applied to cleaning device  116  during cleaning (e.g., from torque, friction, or the like), as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill. 
       FIG. 5  is a top isometric view of one of many embodiments of a filter inlet  108  utilizing certain aspects of the present invention.  FIG. 6  is a bottom isometric view of the filter inlet of  FIG. 5 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  will be described in conjunction with one another. Filter system  100  may include a filter inlet  108  coupled to vacuum cleaner body  106  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ) for allowing one or more other components of the system, such as a filter, to be inserted in, or removed from, vacuum cleaner body  106 , in whole or in part. For example, filter inlet  108  may be a tubular fitting coupled to, or formed integrally with, vacuum cleaner body  106  at any location required by a particular application, and may preferably be coupled to the vacuum cleaner lid  138 . Filter inlet  108  may include structure for coupling to filter holder  102  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ), which will be further described below. 
     Filter inlet  108  may include a tubular extension  140  having an inner surface and an outer surface, and one or more ribs, which may be annular, segmented, or any other shape, coupled to the outer surface and extending radially outwardly therefrom. For example, filter inlet  108  may include guide ribs  142 , which may define one or more slots or spaces, such as cleaning slot  143 , for communicating with one or more structures on filter holder  102 , as will be further described below. Filter inlet  108  may include one or more openings or paths, such as latch opening  144  and guide member opening  146 , for communicating with one or more structures, such as couplers, on filter holder  102 , as will be further described below. Each opening  144  and  146  may, but need not, be the same size, and may preferably be different sizes, for example, for at least partially defining an orientation for communication with filter holder  102 . Filter inlet  108  may include latch slot  148  and guide slot  150 , for example, for receiving a latch  152  and guide member  154  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). 
     Each slot  148  and  150  may be formed in any manner required by a particular application, such as between alignment ribs  156  for aligning filter holder  102  with filter inlet  108 . Filter inlet  108  may include a latch rib  158  for removably engaging latch  152  on filter holder  102 , for example, when filter holder  102  is coupled to filter inlet  108 , as will be further described below. Filter inlet  108  may include one or more stop ribs  160 , which may be formed separately or integrally with one or more guide ribs  142 , for example, for aligning filter holder  102  with guide ribs  142  for cleaning a filter. While latch slot  148  and guide slot  150  are shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 5 and 6  to be on the top and bottom of filter inlet  108 , respectively, for illustrative purposes, slots  148 ,  150  can be located anywhere on filter inlet  108  relative to one another as required by a particular application. 
     Similarly, each component of filter inlet  108 , such as guide ribs  142 , openings  144 ,  146 , and ribs  156 ,  158 , and  160  can have any form and can be arranged in any manner required by a particular application for communication with filter holder  102 , as will be further described below. For example, in at least one embodiment, there may be a loose fit between filter holder  102  and one or more slots or grooves on filter inlet  108 . Filter inlet  108 , and any component thereof or thereon, may be formed from any material and in any manner required by a particular application. For example, filter inlet  108  may be machined, molded, cast, or otherwise formed from plastic, metal, aluminum, composite, alloy or another material, in whole or in part, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill. 
       FIG. 7  is a top isometric view of one of many embodiments of a filter holder  102  utilizing certain aspects of the present invention.  FIG. 8  is a side view of the filter holder  102  of  FIG. 7 .  FIGS. 7 and 8  will be described in conjunction with one another. Filter system  100  may include a filter holder  102  for coupling to a filter  104  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ) and for coupling the filter within the system. Filter holder  102  may have a first end  162  that may, but need not, have a handle  164  for allowing a user to manipulate the holder and/or other components, for example, during installation, removal, or cleaning of a filter in the system. Handle  164  may be any shape or size required by a particular application, such as D-shaped (as shown), L-shaped, or another shape. Filter holder  102  may have a second end  166  for coupling to a filter, as further described below. 
     As mentioned above, filter holder  102  may include structure, such as one or more components, for communicating with filter inlet  108 , such as a latch or guide. For example, latch  152  may communicate with latch opening  144 , latch slot  148 , and latch rib  158  during coupling or uncoupling filter holder  102  and filter inlet  108 , as will be further described below. Latch  152 , which may, but need not, be biased in the closed position in its resting state, may pivot about latch support  168  for removably coupling latch hook  170  with filter inlet  108 , such as to latch rib  158  (e.g. as shown in  FIG. 5 ). 
     As another example, guide member  154  may communicate with guide member opening  146  and guide slot  150  during coupling or uncoupling filter holder  102  and filter inlet  108 , for example, for alignment purposes. As will be further described below, latch hook  170  and guide member hook  172  may communicate with one or more slots, such as guide slot  143 , formed between guide ribs  142  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ), for example, during cleaning of a filter. Filter holder  102  may include one or more seals  174 , which may be any type of seals, such as sealing ribs or gaskets, for sealingly engaging filter inlet  108  when filter holder  102  is coupled to filter inlet  108 . While seals  174  are shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , to be coupled to filter holder  102 , seals  174  may alternatively be coupled to filter inlet  108 , or both, in whole or in part, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill. 
     Filter holder  102  may include one or more components for coupling a filter  104  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B, and  10 ) thereto or therewith. For example, filter holder  102  may include one or more notches  176  for communicating with one or more tabs  178  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 9A ) on filter  104 . As another example, filter holder  102  may include one or more guides  180 , such as a rail, bar, or other device for communicating with filter  104 , such as to position or support filter  104  on filter holder  102  as required by a particular application. A guide  180  may function generally as latch  152 , described above, or as another example, guide  180  may be more rigid and need not lock or snap into place. For example, filter  104  may have a slot  182 , such as a channel or groove, for communicating with guide  180 . The slot  182  may have a width as measured as a distance along the outer perimeter of second end  198  (as shown in  FIG. 9B ). 
     Likewise, slot  190  may have a width as measured as a distance along the outer perimeter of first end  184  (as shown in  FIG. 9B ). For example, the width of slot  190  as depicted in  FIG. 9B  may be measured by the radial distance between the portion of the groove in the first end  184  as measured along the outer perimeter of the first end  184 . In another embodiment, the width of slot  190  can include the linear distance between the groove in the first end  184 . The width measurements for the slot  182  may be determined in a similar fashion with respect to the second end  198 . 
     Although shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  as described above and  FIGS. 9A and 9B  as further described below for illustrative purposes, it is also contemplated by the present invention that, in at least one embodiment, a filter may, but need not, have a notch and guide while a filter holder has a complementary tab and slot, for example, for keying the filter and filter holder, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In any event, the present disclosure contemplates coupling a filter and a holder, and other components of the system, for the purposes described herein regardless of the number, size, or arrangement of couplers, if any, such as those described above, wherein each of those shown in the FIGS. for illustrative purposes is one of many that may be used and are contemplated by the present invention. Filter holder  102 , and any component thereof or thereon, may be formed from any material and in any manner, for example, filter holder  102  may be machined, molded, cast, or otherwise formed from plastic, metal, aluminum, composite, alloy, or another material, in whole or in part, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill. 
       FIG. 9A  is a top isometric view of one of many embodiments of a filter  104  utilizing certain aspects of the present invention.  FIG. 9B  is a bottom isometric view of the filter of  FIG. 9A .  FIG. 10  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the filter of  FIG. 9B  taken along line  10 - 10 .  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B, and  10  will be described in conjunction with one another. Filter system  100  may include a filter  104  for filtering debris or other media from air flowing through the system. The embodiment of filter  104  shown in  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B, and  10  is but one of many, and is shown herein only for illustrative purposes. 
     The filters, such as filter  104 , suitable for use in the assemblies of the present disclosure may be of the pleated type as illustrated, or may be non-pleated, and may be made of any number of suitable filtration materials for filtering/removing at least some debris or other media out of the air passing there through, exemplary materials including but not limited to paper; cloth; glass-fiber materials; split-fiber materials; solution-spun fibers and materials made from such fibers; felt materials; natural fiber filter material; expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes; expanded ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (PE) membranes and materials; melt-blown media, such as melt-blown polypropylene (PP) or melt-blown polyethyelene (PE); microporous open cell polymers, such as polyurethane foam; poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) based materials, as well as copolymer-based materials thereof; HEPA-type materials and related fiber or randomly-arranged fiber materials (high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters being those filters which can remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers (μm) in diameter) in accordance with NIOSH requirements; triboelectrified media and materials, and the like, any of which may be treated so as to be hydrophobic and/or have mold and mildew preventative characteristics. Such treatments may be especially desirable for those filter assemblies manufactured for use in wet/dry vacuum cleaners. 
     Further, as illustrated more clearly in  FIG. 10 , the filter element  194  of the filter  104  may be folded or pleated to form a structure with a plurality of crests  194   c  and a plurality of troughs  194   t  to increase the surface area of the filter  104 . This folding increases the area of the filter that is in contact with the airstream during vacuum appliance operation, thus effectively improving the filtration without decreasing the airflow. This structure can be formed in a continuous fashion from a single, unitary, or monolithic piece of material, or in the alternative, it could be formed by coupling two or more pieces of material to form the filter  104 . From a cross-sectional view of the filter  104 , the plurality of crests  194   c  can be configured to form an outer perimeter of the filter  104  in a circular or semi-circular (such as an ellipse or oval-shaped) configuration. Likewise, the plurality of troughs  194   t  can be configured to form an inner perimeter of the filter  104  in a circular or semi-circular configuration with a smaller radius as compared to the perimeter circumscribed by the plurality of crests  194   c.    
     Preferably, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, and regardless of which material is used to form filter  104 , the filter material may be folded into multiple pleats and formed into a cylindrical (i.e., tube-like shaped) or generally cylindrical shape having a “rippled” or “pleated” appearance, so as to increase the exposed surface area. For example, the filter  104  can be formed into a cylindrical shape by configuring the plurality of crests  194   c  to circumscribe the outer perimeter of a circle. Similarly, the filter  104  can be formed into a generally cylindrical shape. 
     A component is considered “generally cylindrical” if a cross-sectional area of the component circumscribes the outer perimeter of an oval, ellipsis, or any other polygon or shape with a semi-circular circumference with a major axis and minor axis that differ by no more than 20%. In an exemplary and non-limiting illustrative embodiment, the filter  104  may be considered “generally cylindrical” if its plurality of crests  194   c  circumscribe the outer perimeter of an oval, ellipsis, or any other polygon or shape with a semi-circular circumference with a major axis of 4 inches, and a minor axis of 3 inches. The term “generally cylindrical” can include cylindrical as well. 
     The filter element  194  can be flexed, manipulated, or displaced to form a filter cavity  195  by increasing the distance between two adjacent crests of the plurality of crests  194   c . For example, two pleats can be spread apart to form a wedge-like shape as depicted in  FIG. 10 . In one example, the filter element  194  can take the form of a generally cylindrical shape when configured in a wedge-like shape. In another embodiment, the pleats can be repositioned to form a filter cavity  195  of other suitable shapes and sizes. By forming a filter cavity  195  through this described displacement, the filter element  194  can be configured such that a cavity is formed between the notch formed by or between the slots  182  and  190  (as shown in  FIG. 9B ). 
     The filters may also have a variety of porosities, or pore size distributions, depending upon the desired air flow permeability to be achieved. Exemplary porosities include, but are not limited to, about 1 micron, about 3 micron, and about 10 microns, as well as porosities greater than or less than these values, e.g., about 0.1 microns, and about 15 microns. In at least one embodiment, filter  104  may have a first end  184  for coupling to manifold  114 . For example, first end  184  may have an opening  186  for coupling with filter cage  118  and to manifold inlet  120 . In at least one embodiment, the interior surface  188  of first end  184  may sealingly engage manifold inlet  114 , such as by communicating with the one or more seals  126  on manifold inlet  114  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
     As described above, filter  104  may include one or more components for communicating with or coupling to filter holder  102 , for example, notch  178  and slot  182  formed on second end  198  of filter  104 . First end  184  of filter  104  may include a second slot  190 , such as a groove or path, for communicating with cleaning device  116 , for example, for receiving cleaning device  116  therein when filter  104  is coupled to manifold inlet  120  so that cleaning device  116  is disposed adjacent to filter element  194  in such a manner that may or may not result in these two elements physically contacting one another. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , slots  182  and  190  may, but need not, form a continuous path along the length of filter  104 . First end  184  of filter  104  may include a buffer surface  192  for communicating with rubbing surface  136  of cleaning device  116 , for example, to position at least a portion of filter element  194  relative to cleaning device  116  or cleaning surface  134 , as will be further described below. For example, during cleaning of filter  104 , filter  104  may be rotated about its central longitudinal axis adjacent or proximal to cleaning device  116 , so that rubbing surface  136  contacts at least one of sides  196  of slot  190  (depending on the direction of rotation) and continues along buffer surface  192  as filter  104  rotates, for example, to position cleaning surface  134  for cleaning element  194 , which may be any position required by a particular application. 
     The buffer surface  192  can be formed of any material adapted to communicate or make contact with rubbing surface  136  of cleaning device  116 . For example, the buffer surface  192  can be formed of plastics, rubbers (natural or synthetic), or any other synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solid or polymer, such as polyurethane, or the like. In an exemplary and non-limiting illustrative embodiment, the buffer surface  192  can include the outer surface of filter  104  composed, at least in part, of urethane. 
     First end  184  and second end  198  of filter  104  may, but need not, be made from a flexible material, such as urethane, which may allow filter  104  to be removably coupled to filter holder  102  with a friction fit. While first end  184  may include an opening  186 , as described above, second end  198  may, but need not, be closed (i.e., having no central opening therein), which may help create a proper seal with filter holder  102 , prevent dust and debris from entering inside the filter, or, as another example, may prevent the need for additional parts, such as a filter plate (not shown). 
       FIG. 11  illustrates of one of many embodiments of a filter assembly  103  utilizing certain aspects of the present invention.  FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11 .  FIGS. 11 and 12  will be described in conjunction with one another. At least one method of practicing the present invention may now be described. Filter  104  may be coupled to filter holder  102  to form a filter assembly  103 , for example, by coupling second end  198  of filter  104  to second end  166  of filter holder  102 . Filter  104  may be coupled to filter holder  102  in any manner, such as by force fit, friction fit, or as another example, using fasteners, such as screws. 
     In at least one embodiment, one or more couplers, which may, but need not, be complementary couplers, may communicate to align or support one or more components of filter assembly  103 , such as, for example, tabs and notches, grooves and rails or, as another example, one or more fasteners may be used, such as screws, brads, hook and loop material, or the like, singularly or in combination. For example, one or more couplers may, but need not, be used to key filter  104  and filter holder  102  so that filter  104  may only be coupled to filter holder  102  when the two components are in particular positions relative to one another. For example, one component may have a tab that fits in a notch on the other component to define, in whole or in part, the coupling thereof as required by a particular application. 
       FIG. 13  is a top view of one of many embodiments of a filter assembly  103  being installed.  FIG. 14  is another top view of the filter assembly  103  of  FIG. 13  being installed.  FIG. 15  is a top view of one of many embodiments of a filter system  100  having an installed filter assembly  103 .  FIGS. 13-15  will be described in conjunction with one another. With further reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-3  and  13 - 15 , filter assembly  103  may be installed, for example, by coupling filter holder  102  to filter inlet  108 , which may thereby dispose at least a portion of filter  104  inside of vacuum cleaner body  106 , for example, so that air in the system may pass through filter element  194 . In at least one embodiment, a user may grasp handle  164  and position filter assembly  103  so that first end  184  of filter  104  is proximate to filter inlet  108  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 ). 
     Filter  104  may slide through filter inlet  108  and into vacuum cleaner body  106  ( FIG. 13 ) so that second end  130  of filter cage  118  may slide through opening  186  and into the interior of filter  104 . Filter  104  may slide over filter cage  118  so that first end  184  of filter  104  may contact and begin to slide over inlet  120  of manifold  114 . As filter assembly  103  approaches the fully installed, or “seated,” position (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 14 ), latch  152  may be aligned with latch opening  144  and guide member  154  may be aligned with guide member opening  146  on filter inlet  108 . Latch  152  and guide member  154  may communicate with latch opening  144  and latch slot  148 , and guide member opening  146  and guide slot  150 , respectively, and alignment ribs  156 , singularly or in combination, to guide filter holder  102  and filter  104  into place. 
     As filter assembly  103  further approaches the final installed position (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 15 ), latch  152  may communicate with latch rib  158 , for example, by latch hook  170  “snapping” or locking into position so that filter assembly  103  may be securely and removably coupled within filter system  100 . Opening  186  in first end  184  of filter  104  may slide over inlet  120  of manifold  114  and interior surface  188  may sealingly engage the one or more seals  126  on inlet  120 . Also, or alternatively, the one or more seals  174  on filter holder  102  may sealingly engage an interior surface of filter inlet  108  and cleaning device  116  may slide into slot  190  of filter  104 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 14 , one of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure will understand that there are several ways of aligning and coupling filter holder  102  and filter inlet  108 . For example, latch  152  may be aligned with latch opening  144  without being depressed (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 18 ) as filter holder  102  approaches latch opening  144  during installation so that latch hook  170  passes through latch opening  144  and in between guide ribs  142 . Then, filter assembly  103  may be rotated to align latch  152  with latch slot  148  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 16 ) so that latch hook  170  may pass between alignment ribs  156  and into communication with latch rib  158 . 
       FIG. 16  is a top view of a filter assembly  103  partially uncoupled for cleaning or removal.  FIG. 17  is a top view of filter assembly  103  being removed.  FIG. 18  is another top view of the filter assembly of  FIG. 17  being removed.  FIG. 19  is a side view of a filter  104  being cleaned.  FIGS. 16-19  will be described in conjunction with one another. To remove filter assembly  103 , for example, for cleaning or replacement of filter  104 , the installation process described above may be generally reversed, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. For example, to begin the removal process, latch  152  may be depressed to uncouple latch hook  170  and latch rib  158  and handle  164  may be pulled outwardly, or away, from filter inlet  108 , such as to uncouple, or “unseat,” filter assembly  103  from one or more other components of filter system  100 , such as filter inlet  108  and manifold  114 . 
     If a user wishes to remove filter assembly  103  from vacuum cleaner body  106 , latch  152  may route latch  152  through latch opening  144 , such as by reversing the installation process described above with reference to  FIGS. 16-18 . Alternatively, filter assembly  103  may remain “partially” coupled to filter inlet  108  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 16 ), such as for optionally cleaning filter  104  while at least a portion of filter  104  remains inside vacuum cleaner body  106 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 16 and 19 , a method of cleaning filter  104 , may now be described. From the fully installed position of filter assembly  103  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 15 ), for example, latch  152  may be depressed and filter assembly  103  may be uncoupled from filter inlet  108 , such as to “unseat” filter assembly  103  from one or more other components of filter system  100 . Latch hook  170  may, but need not, contact stop rib  160 , such as, for example, to alert the user that latch hook  170  is in communication with cleaning slot  143  and may be arranged for optionally cleaning filter  104 . 
     The user may grasp handle  164  and rotate filter assembly  103  about its central longitudinal axis A F , which may be, but need not be, congruent with central longitudinal axis A X  of filter cage  118  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 20 ) Latch hook  170  may remain in sliding communication with cleaning slot  143 , such as to guide filter assembly  103  during rotation. The rotation may occur in any direction, such as clockwise, counter-clockwise or both, for example, in an alternating fashion. A user may grasp handle  164  and rotate filter assembly  103  in any direction, with any speed, and over any angular distance, such as one rotation, a portion of a rotation, or more than one rotation. 
     As filter  104  begins to rotate, rubbing surface  136  of cleaning device  116  may communicate with a side  196  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 9A ) of buffer surface  192  on first end  184  of filter  104 , for example, to move filter  104  into a cleaning cycle position wherein at least a portion of cleaning surface  134  of cleaning device  116  may, but need not, contact at least a portion of filter element  194 . As another example, a cleaning cycle position of filter  104  may include cleaning surface  134  being adjacent to, but not physically contacting, filter element  194 . As filter  104  rotates about filter cage  118 , cleaning device  116  may remain stationary, or substantially stationary with respect to the filter cage, and cleaning surface  134  may dislodge debris or other media from filter element  194 . A component (such as the cleaning device  116 ) remains “substantially stationary” when it moves no more than 0.5 inches along any of its axes. The term “substantially stationary” can include a stationary or fixed position as well. 
       FIG. 20  is an illustration of one of many embodiments of filter system  100  having a cutout  132  and utilizing certain aspects of the present invention. At least one alternative method of cleaning filter  104 , which is but one of many, may now be described with reference to  FIG. 20 . As described above with reference to  FIG. 19 , filter  104  may, but need not, be cleaned by rotating filter  104  about axis A X  of filter cage  118 . In at least one other embodiment of the present invention, such as the one shown in  FIG. 20 , filter  104  may be disposed so that axes A X  and A F  are not congruent during cleaning. For example, filter assembly  103  may be tilted so that axis A F  of filter  104  and axis A X  of filter cage  118  form an angle α, which may be any angle, such as by disposing a portion of filter assembly  103  in cutout  132 . 
     While one or more of the steps for cleaning may be generally the same as described above with reference to  FIG. 19 , rubbing surface  136  may cause at least a portion of first end  184  of filter  104  to shift into cutout  132  in one or more cleaning cycle positions. As another example, cutout  132  may allow a user to manipulate the position of filter  104  for cleaning as required by a particular application, which may, but need not, reduce one or more forces applied to filter  104 , such as forces on filter element  194 , during cleaning. 
       FIG. 21  is a top view of one of many embodiments of a filter system  200  having two filter assemblies  203  and utilizing certain aspects of the present invention.  FIG. 22  is a top isometric view of one of many embodiments of a filter system  200  having two filter assemblies  203  and utilizing certain aspects of the present invention.  FIGS. 21 and 22  will be described in conjunction with one another. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, filter system  200  may have more than one filter  204 , for example, two filters  204 , or any other number required by a particular application. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, one or more of the aspects described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-20  may also apply to an embodiment having two or more filters  204  or filter assemblies  203 , such as the embodiment of  FIGS. 21 and 22 , and therefore, need not be described again here. 
     Filter system  200  may include two or more filter cages  218 , manifolds  214 , cleaning devices  216 , or other components. Manifold  214  may be a single manifold having two or more inlets  220 , as shown for illustrative purposes in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , or alternatively, filter system  200  may include two or more separate manifolds  214 . Filter inlets  208  may, but need not, be adjacent to one another, as shown in  FIG. 21 , and filter assemblies  203  may, but need not, be coupled to one another, as required by a particular application and as will be understood by one of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     Other and further embodiments utilizing one or more aspects of the invention described above can be devised without departing from the spirit of Applicant&#39;s invention. For example, the one or more filter inlets may be located anywhere on the vacuum cleaner body, such as on the top, bottom, or side, singularly or in combination, and the one or more filters may be disposed horizontally, vertically, or angled relative to the air flowing through the system. Further, the various methods and embodiments of the filter system can be included in combination with each other to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments. Discussion of singular elements can include plural elements and vice-versa. 
     The order of steps can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwise specifically limited. The various steps described herein can be combined with other steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split into multiple steps. Similarly, elements have been described functionally and can be embodied as separate components or can be combined into components having multiple functions. 
     The invention has been described in the context of preferred and other embodiments and not every embodiment of the invention has been described. Obvious modifications and alterations to the described embodiments are available to those of ordinary skill in the art. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the invention conceived of by the Applicant, but rather, in conformity with the patent laws, Applicant intends to fully protect all such modifications and improvements that come within the scope or range of equivalent of the following claims.