Debris-Capturing Apparatus for Cleaner
A debris-capturing apparatus for a cleaner device having an outflow port through which debris-laden liquid flows. The debris-capturing apparatus has an entry annulus and a debris cavity to receive flow of debris-laden liquid. A collapsible elongate back-flow restrictor, which is substantially erect in the flow direction during inflow, has an annular proximal-end portion secured about the entry annulus and a free-end portion within the debris cavity. The free-end portion has at least one discontinuity along the length thereof to relieve resistance to debris-laden fluid flow into the cavity and to facilitate collapse of the restrictor for back-flow restriction.
1 . In debris-capturing apparatus for a cleaner device having an outflow port through which debris-laden fluid flows, the debris-capturing apparatus having an entry annulus and a debris cavity to receive flow of debris-laden fluid, the improvement comprising a collapsible elongate back-flow restrictor which is substantially erect in the flow direction during inflow and has an annular proximal-end portion secured about the entry annulus and a free-end portion within the debris cavity, the free-end portion having at least one discontinuity along the length thereof to relieve resistance to debris-laden fluid flow into the cavity and to facilitate collapse of the restrictor for back-flow restriction.
2 . The debris-capturing apparatus of claim 1 wherein:
the debris cavity is defined by a wall of a fluid-pervious material; and
the entry annulus is configured for securement to the outflow port.
3 . The debris-capturing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the free-end portion includes a plurality of discontinuities.
4 . The debris-capturing apparatus of claim 3 wherein the free-end portion is formed by a plurality of strips extending from the proximal-end portion to free ends, the strips being separated from one another when the restrictor is substantially erect.
5 . The debris-capturing apparatus of claim 4 wherein the free-end portion includes two discontinuities and is formed by two strips.
6 . The debris-capturing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the proximal-end portion is substantially free of discontinuities.
7 . The debris-capturing apparatus of claim 6 wherein the free-end portion is greater than half the length of the restrictor.
8 . The debris-capturing apparatus of claim 7 wherein the free-end portion is greater than about two-thirds the length of the restrictor.
9 . The debris-capturing apparatus of claim 8 wherein the free-end portion includes a plurality of discontinuities.
10 . The debris-capturing apparatus of claim 9 wherein the free-end portion is formed by a plurality of strips extending from the proximal-end portion to free ends, the strips being separated from one another when the restrictor is substantially erect.
11 . The debris-capturing apparatus of claim 10 wherein the free-end portion includes two discontinuities and is formed by two strips.
12 . The debris-capturing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the restrictor is a single piece with the proximal-end portion and the free-end portion being integrally formed.
13 . The debris-capturing apparatus of claim 12 wherein the restrictor is formed by a slit tube.
14 . The debris-capturing apparatus of claim 13 wherein the tube is of a fluid-pervious material.