Pre-Filter Particulate Collection Member

Abstract

A pre-filter cloth is provided as designed and specifically adapted for use with the ShopVac®, Craftsman™, Rigid® or other similar style wet or dry vacuum. The pre-filter cloth is formed as a generally rectangular envelope formed of a polyester woven and/or nonwoven fabric felt having a weight of between 6-16 oz. The rectangular envelope forms two generally parallel planar sides separated by a pleated or other type of expandable edge construction and includes an open end that is releasably closed, preferably with a hook and loop fastener arrangement that seals the open end during use, but allows opening to permit egress of collected contents. One planar side form an entry portal circumscribed by a rigid connection flange capable of allowing securement to the hose inlet connection generally available on the inside sidewall of the canister vacuum. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

1 . A pre-filter membrane adapted for use with an otherwise conventional ShopVac® style wet or dry vacuum comprising:
 a collection envelope having a first planar side separated from a second planar side by an expandable edge construction, and further forming an open end, said envelope formed of a woven and/or nonwoven fabric; 
 a hook and loop fastener arrangement for sealing said open end during use, but for allowing opening to permit egress of collected contents; 
 an entry portal formed on one planar side; 
 a rigid mounting plate circumscribing said entry portal, said mounting plate adapted to allow for securement to a hose inlet connection of the type generally available on an inside sidewall of a commercially available canister vacuum; 
 
       wherein a sealed folded seam is formed by said hook and loop fastener thereby seal the open end in a manner that seals the open end during use, but allows opening to permit egress of collected contents. 
     
     
         2 . The pre-filter membrane of  claim 1 , wherein said mounting plate comprises:
 a first plate element;   a second plate element;   a sealable gasket;   
       wherein said first planar side is impinged between said first plate element and said second plate element, with said sealable gasket further sandwiched there between that and the woven and/or nonwoven fabric, thereby forming a connection of said mounting plate to said first planar side. 
     
     
         3 . The pre-filter membrane of  claim 2 , wherein said first plate element forms a plurality of heat stakes radially disposed about an entry portal access orifice that corresponds in number and location with holes formed by said second plate element for receiving the heat stakes. 
     
     
         4 . The pre-filter membrane of  claim 1 , wherein:
 a first loop fastener element is affixed laterally across the first planar side at a first distance from the terminal end of the open end;   a first hook fastener element is affixed laterally across the second planar side at a second distance between the terminal end of the open end and the first distance of the loop fastener element;   
       wherein when said open end is placed together and rolled such that the loop fastener element meets and mates with the hook fastener element. 
     
     
         5 . The pre-filter membrane of  claim 4 , said filter bag is formed of a lightweight polyester fabric of between 6-16 oz. densities. 
     
     
         6 . The pre-filter membrane of  claim 4 , said filter bag is formed of micro felt super high efficiency material. 
     
     
         7 . The pre-filter membrane of  claim 2 , wherein said mounting plate further comprises a sealable cap for closing said entry portal.