WO2022245736A1

WO2022245736A1 - Vacuum cleaner and filter bag

Info

Publication number: WO2022245736A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/029455
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Dawson; Christopher Russell; Alexander KELSON
Original assignee: Techtronic Cordless Gp
Priority date: 2021-05-17
Filing date: 2022-05-16
Publication date: 2022-11-24

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner (10) having a vacuum bag (28) including a collar (30) attached about an opening in the vacuum bag. The vacuum bag is movable between a coupled position with the vacuum cleaner and a removed position from the vacuum cleaner. The collar includes a bag closure configured to close the opening in the removed position and open the opening in the coupled position.

Description

VACUUM CLEANER AND FILTER BAG

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/189,486, filed May 17, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more particularly, a filter bag assembly of a vacuum cleaner with a filter bag closure mechanism.

SUMMARY

[0003] In one embodiment a vacuum cleaner is disclosed, the vacuum cleaner comprising a suction inlet, a vacuum exhaust conduit, a bracket, and a vacuum bag. The vacuum exhaust conduit is in communication with the suction inlet. The bracket is positioned on the vacuum cleaner to selectively receive the vacuum bag. The vacuum bag is movable between a coupled position engaging the vacuum exhaust conduit and a removed position released from the vacuum exhaust conduit. The vacuum exhaust conduit is configured to direct debris into the vacuum bag in the coupled position. The vacuum bag includes a filter bag having an inlet opening, a collar attached to the filter bag around the inlet opening, and a cover portion. The collar has a first end and a second end. The cover portion has a leading edge movable relative to the collar to position the cover portion to cover the inlet opening to the removed position and uncover the inlet opening in the coupled position. The leading edge includes a resilient member operatively engaging the collar adjacent the first end. The resilient member is configured to move the leading edge to position the cover portion over the inlet opening in the removed position. Movement of the vacuum bag to the coupled position engages the leading edge with the bracket, moving the leading edge to uncover the inlet opening in the coupled position. Movement of the vacuum bag to the removed position enables the resilient member to position the cover portion to cover the inlet opening.

[0004] In one embodiment a vacuum cleaner is disclosed, the vacuum cleaner comprising a suction inlet, a vacuum exhaust conduit, a bracket, and a vacuum bag. The vacuum exhaust conduit is in communication with the suction inlet. The bracket is positioned on the vacuum cleaner to selectively receive the vacuum bag. The vacuum bag is movable between a coupled position engaging the vacuum exhaust conduit and a removed position released from the vacuum exhaust conduit. The vacuum exhaust conduit is configured to direct debris into the vacuum bag in the coupled position. The vacuum bag includes a filter bag having an inlet opening, a collar attached to the filter bag around the inlet opening, and a cover portion. The collar has a first end and a second end. The cover portion has a leading edge movable relative to the collar to position the cover portion to cover the inlet opening to the removed position and uncover the inlet opening in the coupled position. The leading edge is configured to position the cover portion over the inlet opening in the removed position. Movement of the vacuum bag to the coupled position engages the leading edge with the bracket, moving the leading edge to uncover the inlet opening in the coupled position. Movement of the vacuum bag to the removed position enables the cover portion to return to shape to cover the inlet opening.

[0005] In one embodiment a vacuum cleaner is disclosed, the vacuum cleaner comprising a suction inlet, a vacuum exhaust conduit, a bracket, and a vacuum bag. The vacuum exhaust conduit is in communication with the suction inlet. The bracket is positioned on the v acuum cleaner to selectively receive the vacuum bag. The vacuum bag is movable between a coupled position engaging the vacuum exhaust conduit and a removed position released from the vacuum exhaust conduit. The vacuum exhaust conduit is configured to direct debris into the vacuum bag in the coupled position. The vacuum bag includes a filter bag having an inlet opening, a collar attached to the filter bag around the inlet opening, and a cover portion. The cover portion includes a closure portion and a string extending circumferentially around the inlet opening in the coupled position. The cover portion is movable to cover the inlet opening in the removed position and uncover the inlet opening in the coupled position. The vacuum bag is removed by pulling the string, and pulling the string tightens the cover portion and moves the closure portion to cover the inlet opening.

[0006] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with a vacuum bag removed from the vacuum cleaner, according to one embodiment. [0008] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a collar and a bracket according to the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1, shorn in a removed position, according to one embodiment, the bracket shown separate from a filter bag for clarity.

[0009] Fig. 3 is an alternative perspective view of the collar and the bracket of Fig. 2, shown in a removed position.

[0010] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the collar and the bracket according to the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1, shorn in a coupled position, according to one embodiment.

[0011] Fig. 5 is a top view of the collar according to the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1 with the bracket removed for clarity, according to one embodiment.

[0012] Fig. 5a is a perspective view of the collar according to the vacuum cleaner of Fig.

1 with the bracket removed for clarity, according to an alternate embodiment.

[0013] Fig. 6a is a top view of the collar and a vacuum bag, according to the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1, shorn in a removed position, according to one embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 6b is a top view of the collar and the vacuum bag of Fig. 6a, shown in a partially coupled position, according to one embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 6c is a top view of the collar and the vacuum bag of Fig. 6a, shown in a partially coupled position, according to one embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 6d is a top view of the collar and the vacuum bag of Fig. 6a, shown in a coupled position, according to one embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 7a is a top view of the collar and the vacuum bag, according to the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1, shorn in an open position, according to one embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 7b is a top view of the collar and a bracket, according to the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1, shown in a coupled position, according to one embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 8a is a perspective view of the collar and a vacuum bag, according to the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1, shown in an open position, according to one embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 8b is a perspective view of the collar and the vacuum bag of Fig. 8a, shown in a partially closed position, according to one embodiment. [0021] Fig. 8c is a perspective view of the collar and the vacuum bag of Fig. 8a, shown in a closed position, according to one embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 8d is a perspective view of the collar and the vacuum bag of Fig. 8a, shown in a closed position, according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the collar and a bracket, according to the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1, shorn in a coupled position, according to one embodiment.

[0024] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more particularly, a vacuum bag of a vacuum cleaner having a filter bag and a closure mechanism. In one embodiment, the filter bag has an inlet opening that is selectively closeable by a cover portion. The inlet opening is open when the vacuum cleaner is in use to enable debris to enter the inlet opening, but it is useful for the inlet opening to be closed when the user removes the vacuum bag to reduce or prevent dirt egress from the filter bag during removal or maintenance. The current disclosure provides an effective, compact, and simple solution to open the inlet opening when the vacuum bag is coupled to the vacuum cleaner and close the inlet opening when the vacuum bag is removed from the vacuum cleaner.

[0026] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The vacuum cleaner 10 includes a foot portion 12 that is pivotally attached to an upright body 14. The foot portion 12 includes a suction inlet 15 in fluid communication with a suction motor 17 configured to generate a suction airflow along an airpath extending from the suction inlet 15 to an exhaust air outlet. The suction inlet 15 is configured to remove dirt and debris from a surface to be cleaned with the airflow entering the inlet 15. The body 14 may include a handle 16 that a user may grip to move and steer the vacuum cleaner 10. The body 14 also includes a bag compartment 18 along the airpath in fluid communication with the suction motor and the exhaust air outlet. In the illustrated embodiment, the bag compartment 18 is accessible via a removable cover 20. The bag compartment 18 is configured to receive and carry a vacuum bag 22, and includes a bag dock including a retaining bracket 24 positioned proximate an upper surface of the bag compartment 18. The bracket 24 is configured to selectively receive and secure the vacuum bag 22 inside the bag compartment 18. The bracket 24 is further configured to align a vacuum exhaust conduit 26 with an inlet opening 50 in the vacuum bag 22. The vacuum exhaust conduit 26 is along the airpath in fluid communication with the suction inlet and is configured to direct airflow containing dirt and debris vacuumed from the surface into the vacuum bag 22. Other vacuum cleaner arrangements may be used in conjunction with the present disclosure, for example, the vacuum cleaner maybe a canister, hand vacuum, or the like.

[0027] The vacuum bag 22 includes an air permeable filter bag 28 having an inlet opening 50, and a collar 30 attached to the filter bag 28 around the inlet opening 50. The vacuum bag 22 is movable between a coupled position in which the vacuum bag 22 is coupled to the vacuum cleaner 10 and a removed position in which the vacuum bag 22 is removed from the vacuum cleaner 10. The filter bag 28 forms a collection container adapted to receive and secure dirt and other debris separated by the filter media. The filter bag 28 may be made of a woven or non-woven fibrous, filament, or other filter material media that is air permeable. The filter bag 28 receives the airflow and particulate matter suspended in the airflow travelling from the vacuum exhaust conduit 26 and retains the particulate matter in the bag 28 as the airflow travels through the air permeable filter media into the bag compartment 18 and the exhaust air outlet.

[0028] The collar 30 is secured to the filter bag 28 about the inlet opening 50. The collar 30 has a first end 40, a second end 42 opposite the first end 40, and the inlet opening 50 is positioned between the first end 40 and the second end 42. The collar 30 further includes a first side 44 and a second side 46, the first side 44 and second side 46 extending between the first end 40 and the second end 42. The collar 30 includes a top side 52 and a bottom side 54. The collar 30 includes an inlet aperture 48 aligned with and corresponding to the inlet opening 50. The collar 30 is made from a semi-rigid or rigid material providing a sturdy mounting surface for securing the bag 28 within the chamber 18 and aligning the vacuum exhaust conduit 26 with the opening 50. In one embodiment, the collar 30 is formed from a thermoplastic material. In another embodiment, the collar 30 is formed from a pressed fiber or paperboard material. In one embodiment, the collar 30 is assembled from both pressed fiber or paperboard components and thermoplastic components. The filter bag 28 is secured to the bottom side 54 of the collar 30 by adhesive, welding, heat staking, or other mechanical attachment.

[0029] The vacuum bag 22 is movable to the coupled position in the bag compartment by a user connecting the collar 30 to the bracket 24. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the bracket 24 includes an outer end 58 and an inner end 60, and a first lateral rail 32 and a second lateral rail 34 spaced from the first lateral rail 32, the first lateral rail 32 and the second lateral rail 34 extending between the outer end 58 and the inner end 60. The bracket 24 further includes a passageway 62 through which the vacuum exhaust conduit 26 engages the inlet aperture 48 and /or inlet opening 50.

[0030] The collar 30 is slidably inserted into the two lateral rails 32, 34 of the bracket 24 to couple the vacuum bag 22 with the vacuum cleaner 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side 44 of the collar 30 engages and slides along the first lateral rail 32 and the second side 46 of the collar 30 engages and slides along the second lateral rail 34. In one embodiment, the bracket 24 includes a retaining feature 39, such as a hook or friction fit, that retains the collar 30 in the coupled position when the removable cover 20 is removed. The retaining force of the hook is overcome by a user applied force pulling the collar 30, releasing the vacuum bag 22 from the bracket 24. In one embodiment, after a user inserts the collar 30 into the rails 32, 34 of the bracket 24, the collar 30 is retained in the bracket 24 by closing and latching the removable cover 20 over the vacuum bag 22 closing the bag compartment 18.

[0031] The collar 30 includes a self-closing arrangement that selectively inhibits bag contents such as dust and particulate matter from escaping from the filter bag 28 when the vacuum bag 22 is removed from the vacuum cleaner 10. More specifically, the collar 30 includes a cover portion 36 configured to selectively close the inlet opening 50 when the bag is removed from the retaining bracket 24.

[0032] In the embodiment illustrated in Figs 2 and 6a, the cover portion 36 extends from adjacent the second end 42 toward the first end 40. The cover portion 36 has a leading edge 37 movable relative to the collar 30 to position the cover portion 36 to cover the inlet opening 50 in the removed position and uncover the inlet opening 50 in the coupled position. The cover portion 36 may be made of woven or non-woven fabric, film, paper, or the like. The cover portion 36 may be secured to the collar 30 by adhesive, mechanical fasteners, stitching, heat welding, or the like coupled so that the cover portion 36 is movable to cover and uncover the inlet opening 50. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 2 and 6a-6d, the leading edge 37 includes a resilient member 38 coupled to the leading edge 37 along all or a portion of the leading edge operatively engaging the collar 30 adjacent the first end 40. The resilient member 38 is configured to move the leading edge 37 to position the cover portion 36 over the inlet opening 50 in the removed position.

[0033] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the bracket 24 further includes a flange 64 positioned between the outer end 58 and the passageway 62 configured to engage the leading edge 37 as the collar 30 moves between the removed position and the coupled position. Movement of the vacuum bag 22 to the coupled position engages the leading edge 37 with the flange 64 of the bracket 24, moving the leading edge 37 to uncover the inlet opening 50 in the coupled position, as shown in Figs. 6a-6d. The flange 64 holds at least a portion of the leading edge

37 relative to the bracket 24 as the collar 30 is inserted into the bracket 24, stretching the resilient member 38 as the collar 30 is inserted into the bracket 24. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, the flange 64 includes a retaining protrusion 66. The retaining protrusion 66 is position to further secure the leading edge 37 in the coupled position. Fig. 5 illustrates the collar 30 in the coupled position with the bracket 24 removed for clarity. This view shows the resilient member 38 stretched in the coupled position. The position of the flange 64 disposes the leading edge 37 adjacent the passageway 62 and inlet opening 50 in the coupled position such that the cover portion 36 uncovers the inlet opening 50. Movement of the vacuum bag 22 to the removed position enables the resilient member 38 to position the cover portion 36 to cover the inlet opening 50. Sliding the collar 30 out of the bracket 24 releases the engagement between the leading edge 37 and the flange 64, enabling the resilient member

38 to return to its unstretched position moving the cover portion 36 to cover the inlet opening 50.

[0034] In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 2 and 6a, the resilient member 38 is coupled to the first end 40 at a first point 70 and a second point 72. In one embodiment, the resilient member 38 is coupled to the first end 40 at a first point 70 and operatively engages the second point 72 enabling relative motion between the second point and the resilient member, and is coupled to the second end 42 at a third point (not shown). In this arrangement, the resilient member 38 has a longer length to attach at three points, which in turn requires the resilient member 38 to stretch less to uncover the inlet opening 50. In other embodiments, the ends of the resilient member can be positioned along the first side 44 and second side 46 as desired to accommodate the length and elasticity of the resilient member. In one embodiment, the resilient member 38 is heat sealed or heat staked to the collar 30. In one embodiment, the resilient member 38 is attached to the collar 30 with an adhesive. In one embodiment, the resilient member 38 is attached to the collar 30 by one or more knots or any other connection suitable for the resilient member and collar materials selected for the application.

[0035] The resilient member 38 may be made from any suitable durable and resilient material. In one embodiment, the resilient member 38 is made of a resilient cord or string, such as elastic paracord or elastic shock cord. In one embodiment, the resilient member 38 is a spring. In one embodiment, the resilient member 38 is an elastomeric or rubber band.

[0036] In one embodiment, the resilient member 38 extends substantially the entire length of the first end 40. In one embodiment, the resilient member 38 connects between the collar 30 and the leading edge 37 extending along between 25% to 85% of the length of the first end 40. In one embodiment, the resilient member 38 extends between 30% and 50% the length of the first end 40. In one embodiment, the collar 30 includes two resilient members, one resilient member connected between the first side 44 and a point on the leading edge between 25% to 85% of the length of the first end 40, and the second resilient member connected between the second side 46 and a point on the leading edge between 25% to 85% of the length of the first end 40.

[0037] In one embodiment, the cover portion 36 is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material. The cover portion 36 is configured to cover the inlet opening 50 in the removed position and open the inlet opening 50 in the coupled position. The leading edge 37 is engageable with the bracket 24 as the collar 30 is positioned into the bracket 24. The engagement of the leading edge 37 with the bracket 24 moves the rigid or semi-rigid cover portion 36 along the first side 44 and second side 46 of the collar 30 to uncover the inlet opening 50 and align the collar 30 with the vacuum exhaust conduit 26 in the coupled position. In this embodiment, the cover portion 36 may be made of plastic, paperboard, film, paper, or the like. In this embodiment, the resilient member 38 is coupled to the leading edge 37 of the cover portion 36, and may be coupled to a center portion of the leading edge 37. As illustrated in Fig. 5a, the movement of the rigid cover portion 36 may be along the plane of the collar 30. The movement of the rigid cover portion 36 maybe at an angle, similar to the mechanism of a garage door opening.

When the vacuum bag 22 is removed the cover portion 36 and leading edge 37 return to cover the inlet opening 50 by the resilient member. In another embodiment, the cover portion 36 is made of a compressible or foldable material. In the coupled position, the cover portion 36 compresses or folds, such that the cover portion is located entirely near the second end, uncovering the inlet opening 50.

[0038] In one embodiment, the cover portion 36 is made of flexible or pliable, and resilient material. In this embodiment, the cover portion 36 does not include a separate resilient material because the material of the cover portion is resilient. The cover portion 36 may be made up of spandex, elastane, polyester, or a combination thereof or similar materials. The leading edge 37 has a first end coupled to the first side 44 and a second end coupled to the second side 46 such that the leading edge 37 stretches as it moves relative to the collar 30. The cover portion 36 is moveable to cover the inlet opening 50 in the removed position and open the inlet opening 50 in the coupled position. The leading edge 37 is engageable with the bracket 24 as the collar is positioned into the bracket. The engagement of the leading edge 37 with the bracket 24 deforms the cover portion 36 to open the inlet opening 50 and align the collar 30 with the vacuum exhaust conduit 26 in the coupled position. When the vacuum bag 22 is removed the cover portion 36 and leading edge 37 return to shape to cover the inlet opening 50.

[0039] In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 7a-9, the bottom side 54 of the collar 30 is attached to the filter bag around the inlet opening 50. The cover portion 36 includes a closure portion 90 that closes by gathering or cinching the opening closed. In this embodiment, the closure portion 90 is made from a woven or non-woven fabric, film, paper, or the like, generally formed in a tubular shape forming the inlet opening 50. As illustrated in Figs. 7a and 8a, the cover portion 36 has a string 92 extending circumferentially around the inlet opening 50 in the coupled position. The string 92 is disposed in a hem in the closure portion around the inlet opening. In one embodiment, the collar 30 includes a recess 96 circumferentially extending around the inlet opening 50. The recess 96 is configured to retain the string 92 in the coupled position. The collar 30 also may include one or more tabs 96 adjacent the recess 94 to further secure the string 92 in the coupled position. The collar 30 also includes a clasp 98. As illustrated in Figs. 7b, 8c, and 8d, in the coupled position, the strings 92 pass through the clasp 98 and extend away from the collar 30 to be exposed to the user. When the user is ready to remove the vacuum bag 22, the user grabs and pulls the string 92. The pulling of the strings 92 pulls closed the closure portion 90 to cover the inlet opening 50. As the user pulls the strings 92, the closure portion 90 gathers behind the clasp 98 and the string cinches the inlet opening closed. In one embodiment, the string 92 is positioned in a hem of the closure portion 90 to allow more flexibility of the closure portion 90. The pulling of the strings 92 also removes the vacuum bag 22, as shown in Fig. 8d. Thus, the user pulling the strings 92 removes the vacuum bag 22, while also closing the inlet opening 50 to inhibit or prevent dust escaping the bag during emptying and removal.

[0040] Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction inlet; a vacuum exhaust conduit in communication with the suction inlet; a bracket positioned on the vacuum cleaner to selectively receive a vacuum bag; the vacuum bag movable between a coupled position engaging the vacuum exhaust conduit and a removed position released from the vacuum exhaust conduit, wherein the vacuum exhaust conduit is configured to direct debris into the vacuum bag in the coupled position; the vacuum bag including: a filter bag having an inlet opening; and a collar attached to the filter bag around the inlet opening, the collar having a first end and a second end, the collar further including a cover portion extending from adjacent the second end toward the first end, the cover portion having a leading edge movable relative to the collar to position the cover portion to cover the inlet opening in the removed position and uncover the inlet opening in the coupled position, the leading edge including a resilient member operatively engaging the collar adjacent the first end, the resilient member configured to move the leading edge to position the cover portion over the inlet opening in the removed position; wherein movement of the vacuum bag to the coupled position engages the leading edge with the bracket moving the leading edge to uncover the inlet opening in the coupled position, and wherein movement of the vacuum bag to the removed position enables the resilient member to position the cover portion to cover the inlet opening.

2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the cover portion is made from a pliable material.

3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the bracket includes a first lateral rail and a second lateral rail spaced from the first lateral rail, and wherein the collar slidably engages the first and second lateral rails between the removed position and the coupled position.

4. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient member is stretched in the coupled position and unstretched in the removed position.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket includes a flange configured to engage the leading edge as the collar moves between the removed position and the coupled position.

6. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction inlet; a vacuum exhaust conduit in communication with the suction inlet; a bracket positioned on the vacuum cleaner to selectively receive a vacuum bag; the vacuum bag movable between a coupled position engaging the vacuum exhaust conduit and a removed position released from the vacuum exhaust conduit wherein the vacuum exhaust conduit is configured to direct debris into the vacuum bag in the coupled position; the vacuum bag including: a filter bag having an inlet opening; and a collar attached to the filter bag around the inlet opening, the collar having a first end and a second end a first side and a second side, the collar further including a cover portion extending from adjacent the second end toward the first end, the cover portion having a leading edge movable relative to the collar to position the cover portion to cover the inlet opening in the removed position and uncover the inlet opening in the coupled position, the leading edge having a first end coupled to the collar first side adjacent the collar first end and a second end coupled to the collar second side adjacent the collar first end, the leading edge is engageable with the bracket, wherein the engagement stretches the leading edge deforming the cover portion to uncover the inlet opening and align the collar with the vacuum exhaust conduit in the coupled position, wherein when the vacuum bag is removed, the cover portion returns to shape to cover the inlet opening.

7. The vacuum cleaner of claim 6, wherein the cover portion is made from a resilient fabric.

8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the bracket includes a first lateral rail and a second lateral rail spaced from the first lateral rail, and wherein the collar slidably engages the first and second lateral rails between the removed position and the coupled position.

9. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 6 through 8, wherein the bracket includes a flange configured to engage the leading edge as the collar moves between the removed position and the coupled position.

10. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction inlet; a vacuum exhaust conduit in communication with the suction inlet; a bracket positioned on the vacuum cleaner to selectively receive a vacuum bag; the vacuum bag movable between a coupled position engaging the vacuum exhaust conduit and a removed position released from the vacuum exhaust conduit; the vacuum exhaust conduit is configured to direct debris into the vacuum bag in the coupled position; the vacuum bag including: a filter bag having an inlet opening; and a collar attached to the filter bag around the inlet opening, the collar having a cover portion with a closure portion, the cover portion including a string extending circumferentially around the inlet opening in the coupled position, the cover portion movable to cover the inlet opening in the removed position and uncover the inlet opening in the coupled position, wherein the vacuum bag is removed by pulling the string, and pulling the string tightens the cover portion and moves the closure portion to cover the inlet opening.

11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 10, wherein the collar includes a clasp, the strings pass through the clasp and extend away from the collar to be exposed to the user.

12. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 10, wherein the string is positioned in a hem of the closure portion.