Retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system apparatus and method

• US 20050022329A1
• Filed: 06/04/2004
• Published: 02/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/05/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gary Drivstuen, James Roger Harman, Rod Drivstuen
• Original Assignee: Gary Drivstuen, James Roger Harman, Rod Drivstuen
• Inventors: Drivstuen, Gary, Harman, James Roger, Drivstuen, Rod
• Granted Patent: US 7,010,829 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/314
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/38 Built-in suction cleaner installations, i.e. with fixed tube system to which, at different stations, hoses can be connected
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/0063 External storing devices; Stands, casings or the like for the storage of suction cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 55/08 Built-in vacuum cleaners

Abstract

A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system comprising a retractable vacuum hose configured to retract through a valve assembly, into a system vacuum pipe responsive to the vacuum communicated from a vacuum source. The valve assembly comprising a static valve seal adapted for coupling a system vacuum pipe to the vacuum hose to create a substantially air-tight sealed communication between the system vacuum pipe and the vacuum hose. The static valve seal being adjustable from a first unsealed configuration where the vacuum hose can move freely through the valve assembly and system vacuum pipe, to a second sealed configuration where the vacuum hose is in sealed communication with a system vacuum pipe, and where the vacuum hose is substantially fixed in relative position to the valve assembly. Wherein movement from first configuration to the second configuration locks the vacuum hose in place relative to the valve assembly.

Claims

1. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system comprising:

a retractable vacuum hose having a tool end adapted to removably receive a vacuum cleaning tool for vacuuming debris, and an opposing retracting end;

a valve assembly having a receiving port for receiving the retracting end of the vacuum hose, wherein the vacuum hose is extendable through the receiving port and through the valve assembly;

the valve assembly further comprising;

a vacuum pipe connection port adapted to receive a system vacuum pipe that is in communication with a vacuum source for creating a vacuum within the system vacuum pipe;

a static valve seal disposed between the receiving port and the vacuum pipe connection port, the static valve seal being adapted for coupling a system vacuum pipe to the vacuum hose to create substantially air-tight sealed communication between a system vacuum pipe and the vacuum hose so that the vacuum generated by a central vacuum source can be communicated through the vacuum hose to a vacuum cleaning tool; and

wherein the static valve seal is adjustable from a first unsealed configuration where the vacuum hose can move freely through the valve assembly and through a system vacuum pipe, responsive to the vacuum created by a vacuum source, to a second sealed configuration where the vacuum hose is in sealed communication with a system vacuum pipe, and where the vacuum hose is substantially fixed in relative position to the valve assembly, wherein the movement from first configuration to the second configuration enables a user to select and fix the vacuum hose length that extends outward from the receiving port of the valve assembly.

2. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 1 wherein the static valve seal further comprises a radially deformable flexible sleeve adapted for sealed communication with a system vacuum pipe, the flexible sleeve being disposed for receiving the vacuum hose so that the vacuum hose can extend substantially coaxially through the flexible sleeve, into a system vacuum pipe;

and

wherein the flexible sleeve is adjustable to radially deform from a first non-deformed configuration, where the vacuum hose can move substantially freely through the valve assembly and into a system vacuum pipe, to a second radially deformed configuration where the flexible sleeve is radially deformed to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose to create substantially air-tight sealed communication between the vacuum hose and a system vacuum pipe, and where a selected length of vacuum hose is fixed and maintained outward from the receiving port.

3. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 2 wherein the flexible sleeve further comprises a radially inner sleeve outlet surface adapted to sealingly receive a system vacuum pipe.

4. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 2 wherein the flexible sleeve further comprises a radially inner sleeve outlet surface adapted to sealingly receive a system vacuum pipe, wherein a substantially air-tight seal is formed by an interference fit between the radially inner sleeve outlet surface and the system vacuum pipe.

5. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 3 further comprising an adjustable clamp having a band disposed around the flexible sleeve, the clamp being adjustable to deform the radially inner sleeve outlet surface inward to create a seal between the flexible sleeve and a system vacuum pipe.

6. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 2 wherein the static valve seal further comprises means for radially deforming the flexible sleeve, said deforming means being movable from a first non-deforming configuration where the vacuum hose can move substantially freely through the valve assembly, to a second deformed configuration to deform the flexible sleeve to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose.

7. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 6 wherein the deforming means comprises a clamp having an adjustable clamp band disposed around the flexible sleeve, the clamp band being movable from a first non-deforming configuration, where the vacuum hose can freely move through the valve assembly, to a second radially deformed configuration to radially deform the flexible sleeve to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose to form a substantially air-tight seal between the vacuum hose a system vacuum pipe.

8. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 7 wherein the clamp further comprises a clamp lever, wherein the clamp band is responsive to the clamp lever being shifted from a first position where the clamp band in untensioned, to a second position where the clamp band is tensioned to radially deform the flexible sleeve to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose.

9. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 2 wherein the static valve seal further comprises:

a compression sleeve coaxially disposed around the flexible sleeve, the compression sleeve having a plurality of closely spaced, cantilevered compression elements encircling the flexible sleeve, each compression element extending along the flexible sleeve to define a radially outer surface that tapers in an axial direction; and

an axially shiftable collet having a radially inner surface disposed around the compression sleeve, the collet being axially shiftable from a first position, where the radially inner surface thereof is disengaged from the compression elements, to a second engaging position where the radially inner surface of the collet engages the tapered surface of the compression elements causing the compression elements to bend toward the flexible sleeve, deforming the flexible sleeve to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose to create substantially air-tight sealed communication between the vacuum hose and a system vacuum pipe.

10. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 9 wherein the collet slidingly engages the compression sleeve.

11. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 9 wherein the compression sleeve further comprises a radially outer threaded portion, and the radially inner surface of the collet comprises a threaded portion to enable threaded engagement with the compression sleeve so that the collet can be rotated to shift from a first position, where the radially inner surface of the collet is disengaged from the compression elements, to a second engaging position where the radially inner surface of the collet engages the tapered surface of the compression elements causing the compression elements to bend toward the flexible sleeve, deforming the flexible sleeve to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose to create substantially air-tight sealed communication between the vacuum hose and a system vacuum pipe.

12. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 2 wherein the valve assembly further comprises a valve housing for enclosing the components of the static valve seal.

13. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 12 wherein the flexible sleeve comprises a integrally formed flange disposed to engage the valve housing.

14. A method for making a retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system comprising the steps:

providing a retractable vacuum hose having a tool end adapted to removably receive a vacuum cleaning tool for vacuuming debris, and an opposing retracting end;

forming a valve assembly having a receiving port for receiving the retracting end of the vacuum hose, wherein the vacuum hose is extendable through the receiving port and through the valve assembly;

wherein forming the valve assembly further comprises the steps;

forming a vacuum pipe connection port adapted to receive a system vacuum pipe that is in communication with a vacuum source for creating a vacuum within the system vacuum pipe;

constructing a static valve seal disposed between the receiving port and the vacuum pipe connection port, the static valve seal being adapted for coupling a system vacuum pipe to the vacuum hose to create substantially air-tight sealed communication between a system vacuum pipe and the vacuum hose so that the vacuum generated by a central vacuum source can be communicated through the vacuum hose to a vacuum cleaning tool;

the static valve seal comprising a radially deformable flexible sleeve adapted for sealed communication with a system vacuum pipe, the flexible sleeve being disposed for receiving the vacuum hose so that the vacuum hose can extend substantially coaxially through the flexible sleeve, into a system vacuum pipe; and

wherein the flexible sleeve is adjustable to radially deform from a first non-deformed configuration, where the vacuum hose can move substantially freely through the valve assembly and into a system vacuum pipe, to a second radially deformed configuration where the flexible sleeve is radially deformed to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose to create substantially air-tight sealed communication between the vacuum hose and a system vacuum pipe, and wherein the movement from first configuration to the second configuration enables a user to select and fix the vacuum hose length that extends outward from the receiving port of the valve assembly.

15. A method for making a retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 14 wherein the static valve seal further comprises means for radially deforming the flexible sleeve, said deforming means being movable from a first non-deforming configuration where the vacuum hose can move substantially freely through the valve assembly, to a second deformed configuration to deform the flexible sleeve to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose.

16. A method for making a retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 15 wherein the deforming means comprises a clamp having an adjustable clamp band disposed around the flexible sleeve, the clamp band being movable from a first non-deforming configuration, where the vacuum hose can freely move through the valve assembly, to a second radially deformed configuration to radially deform the flexible sleeve to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose to form a substantially air-tight seal between the vacuum hose a system vacuum pipe.

17. A method for making a retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 16 wherein the clamp further comprises a clamp lever, wherein the clamp band is responsive to the clamp lever being shifted from a first position where the clamp band in untensioned, to a second position where the clamp band is tensioned to radially deform the flexible sleeve to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose.

18. A method for making a retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 14 wherein the step of constructing the static valve seal further comprises the step of:

forming a compression sleeve coaxially disposed around the flexible sleeve, the compression sleeve having a plurality of closely spaced, cantilevered compression elements encircling the flexible sleeve, each compression element extending along the flexible sleeve to define a radially outer surface that tapers in an axial direction; and

forming an axially shiftable collet having a radially inner surface disposed around the compression sleeve, the collet being axially shiftable from a first position, where the radially inner surface thereof is disengaged from the compression elements, to a second engaging position where the radially inner surface of the collet engages the tapered surface of the compression elements causing the compression elements to bend toward the flexible sleeve, deforming the flexible sleeve to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose to create substantially air-tight sealed communication between the vacuum hose and a system vacuum pipe.

19. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 18 wherein the compression sleeve further comprises a radially outer threaded portion, and the radially inner surface of the collet comprises a threaded portion to enable threaded engagement with the compression sleeve so that the collet can be rotated to shift from a first position, where the radially inner surface of the collet is disengaged from the compression elements, to a second engaging position where the radially inner surface of the collet engages the tapered surface of the compression elements causing the compression elements to bend toward the flexible sleeve, deforming the flexible sleeve to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose to create substantially air-tight sealed communication between the vacuum hose and a system vacuum pipe.

20. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system comprising:

a retractable vacuum hose having a tool end adapted to removably receive a vacuum cleaning tool for vacuuming debris, and an opposing retracting end;

a valve assembly having a receiving port for receiving the retracting end of the vacuum hose, wherein the vacuum hose is extendable through the receiving port and through the valve assembly;

the valve assembly further comprising;

a vacuum pipe connection port adapted to receive a system vacuum pipe that is in communication with a vacuum source for creating a vacuum within the system vacuum pipe;

a static valve seal disposed between the receiving port and the vacuum pipe connection port, the static valve seal being adapted for coupling a system vacuum pipe to the vacuum hose to create substantially air-tight sealed communication between a system vacuum pipe and the vacuum hose so that the vacuum generated by a central vacuum source can be communicated through the vacuum hose to a vacuum cleaning tool;

the static valve seal comprising a radially deformable flexible sleeve adapted for sealed communication with a system vacuum pipe, the flexible sleeve being disposed for receiving the vacuum hose so that the vacuum hose can extend substantially coaxially through the flexible sleeve, into a system vacuum pipe; and

wherein the flexible sleeve is adjustable to radially deform from a first non-deformed configuration, where the vacuum hose can move substantially freely through the valve assembly and into a system vacuum pipe, to a second radially deformed configuration where the flexible sleeve is radially deformed to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose to create substantially air-tight sealed communication between the vacuum hose and a system vacuum pipe, and, wherein the movement from first configuration to the second configuration enables a user to select and fix the vacuum hose length that extends outward from the receiving port of the valve assembly.

21. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 20 further comprising a clamp having an adjustable clamp band disposed around the flexible sleeve, the clamp band being movable from a first non-deforming configuration, where the vacuum hose can freely move through the valve assembly, to a second radially deformed configuration to radially deform the flexible sleeve to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose to form a substantially air-tight seal between the vacuum hose a system vacuum pipe.

22. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 20 wherein the static valve seal further comprises:

a compression sleeve coaxially disposed around the flexible sleeve, the compression sleeve having a plurality of closely spaced, cantilevered compression elements encircling the flexible sleeve, each compression element extending along the flexible sleeve to define a radially outer surface that tapers in an axial direction; and

an axially shiftable collet having a radially inner surface disposed around the compression sleeve, the collet being axially shiftable from a first position, where the radially inner surface thereof is disengaged from the compression elements, to a second engaging position where the radially inner surface of the collet engages the tapered surface of the compression elements causing the compression elements to bend toward the flexible sleeve, deforming the flexible sleeve to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose to create substantially air-tight sealed communication between the vacuum hose and a system vacuum pipe.

23. A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system as recited in claim 22 wherein the compression sleeve further comprises a radially outer threaded portion, and the radially inner surface of the collet comprises a threaded portion to enable threaded engagement with the compression sleeve so that the collet can be rotated to shift from a first position, where the radially inner surface of the collet is disengaged from the compression elements, to a second engaging position where the radially inner surface of the collet engages the tapered surface of the compression elements causing the compression elements to bend toward the flexible sleeve, deforming the flexible sleeve to constrict tightly around the vacuum hose to create substantially air-tight sealed communication between the vacuum hose and a system vacuum pipe.