Abstract:
A hose adapter defines a passageway therethrough and has a first connector portion and a second connector portion with the first connector portion being substantially larger in transverse dimension than the second connector portion. A transition portion is disposed between the first and second connector portions. A vacuum device is operatively associated with one of the first and second connector portions, and a hose is secured to the other connecting portion. In one embodiment, the hose adapter has a vent with an associated closure, which is designed to vary the opening in the vent and thereby alter the amount of suction created by the vacuum device. A plurality of interiorly-mounted, inwardly-projecting ribs are provided in the second connector portion to facilitate retention of a hose therein. A vacuum system employing the adapter is disclosed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an improved hose adapter and an assembly incorporating the same, and more specifically, it relates to such apparatus, wherein a vacuum assembly for use in an animal grooming apparatus, as well as numerous other uses, is provided. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     It has been known to use various forms of handheld, unpowered tools in grooming animals, including domestic animals, such as dogs and cats. At the simplest level, handheld brushes and combs are employed. Similarly, cutting devices to trim animal hair without damaging the animal have been known. 
     It has also been known to employ handheld, rake-type devices to manually gather loose hair of animals after which hand withdrawal of the hair from the rake and discarding of the hair has been performed. See generally U.S. Pat. No. 6,782,846. 
     Co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/113,427 entitled “Vacuum Rake for Animal Grooming and Associated Vacuum System” discloses a manually-held raking device, which has a tubular handle adapted to be connected to a vacuum source. This results in the hair being freed by the rake under the influence of a vacuum being withdrawn from the rake teeth or blades and being delivered to the vacuum source. This eliminates the need for manual withdrawal of the hair from the rake. 
     Inherent in such systems is the need to provide suitable tubing to connect the handheld grooming device with the vacuum source such that the vacuum source can draw the freed hair away from the grooming tool and into the desired storage region with subsequent disposal being provided for. Such systems require effective coupling between the connecting hose and the grooming tool on the one hand and the vacuum source and the hose on the other. 
     There remains a need for an improved hose adapter and related assembly for providing efficient communication between a vacuum source and a tool or other device, wherein suction is to be applied with an air hose connecting the same. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has met the hereinbefore-described needs. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, a hose adapter assembly includes a hose adapter defining a passageway therethrough and having a first connector portion and a second connector portion. The first connector portion has a substantially larger transverse dimension than the second connector portion. A transition portion is disposed between the first connection portion and the second connector portion. A vacuum device is operatively associated with one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, and a hose is secured to the other of the first connector portion and the second connector portion. This permits the vacuum device to draw air through the hose, through the hose adapter, and into the vacuum device. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the first connector portion is connected directly or indirectly to the vacuum device, and the hose is connected to the second connector portion. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the interior surface of the second connector portion has a plurality of spaced, inwardly-projecting ribs which serve to engage the hose portion which extends into the second connector portion and retain the same in place. If desired, an adhesive may be employed to enhance the retention of the hose within the second connector portion. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a vent opening is formed in the wall of the hose adapter, preferably in the second connector portion, and a movable closure is provided to permit the vent to be fully opened or partially or totally closed, thereby facilitating an adjustment to the suction provided by the apparatus employing the hose coupling. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a hose coupling which simply and efficiently permits effective connection between elements of a system of different diameter. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a coupling adapter which easily facilitates connecting a pair of air hoses or an air hose with another system component, such as a vacuum device, while accommodating differences in dimension and maintaining the desired intimacy of passageway to facilitate vacuum generation. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a hose adapter usable in an assembly which is structured to provide a connection between an animal grooming tool and a vacuum device. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide such an adapter which has a vent opening and cooperating closure to facilitate adjustment of the amount of suction provided. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a hose adapter which provides an interior rib construction to facilitate effective retentive connection between the adapter and a hose. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a hose adapter assembly employing such a hose adapter. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will be more fully understood in the following detailed description of the invention on reference to the illustrations appended hereto. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a form of hose adapter of the present invention which, in this embodiment, is preferably substantially symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. 
         FIG. 2  is a right-side elevation of the hose adapter shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a left-side elevation of the hose adapter shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional illustration of an adapter, such as is shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of a modified form of hose adapter of the present invention having a vent. 
         FIG. 6  is another elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5  showing the vent. 
         FIG. 7  is a right-side elevation of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIGS. 8(   a ) and  8 ( b ) show, respectively, a portion of the wall of the second connector portion with the vent closure covering the vent and the vent closure leaving the vent open, respectively. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration of an animal grooming rake operatively associated with a vacuum system. 
         FIG. 10  is an elevational view of a form of portable vacuum device having a hose adapter of the present invention operatively associated therewith. 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the vacuum device of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the vacuum device of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a hose adapter of the present invention having two hoses secured thereto. 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevational view of a hose adapter of the present invention having two hoses secured thereto. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As employed herein, the term “vacuum device” means apparatus structured to draw air into it to create a partial vacuum and shall expressly include, but not be limited to, portable vacuum units and built-in, central vacuum systems. 
     The term “animal,” as employed herein, will include, but not be limited to, domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, for example, farm animals, such as horses and goats, for example, and certain zoo animals. 
     In the following description of the invention, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. Also, it will be understood that relative, directional terms, such as “forward,” “rearward,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and the like, are employed for convenience of disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting terms. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a hose coupling  2  of the present invention. The hose coupling  2  has a first connector portion  4 , a second connector portion  6 , and a transitional portion  8 . In this embodiment, the exterior of the hose adapter is preferably substantially symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. As shown, the first connector portion  4  has a longitudinal extent L A  which may be about 1 inch to 1½ inches. The transitional portion  8  has a longitudinal extent L B  which may be about ¾ to 1½ inches. The second connector portion  6  has longitudinal extent L C  of about 1¾ inches to 2¼ inches. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , it will be seen that the first connector portion  4  and second connector portion  6  each have a generally circular, exterior configuration. The diameter D 1  of the opening or passageway portion contained within the first connector portion  4  is larger than the diameter D 2  of the internal passageway portion of second connector portion  6 . The ratio of diameter D 1  to D 2  may be about 100 percent to 120 percent, and preferably about 105 percent to 115 percent. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , it will be seen that the second connector portion  6  has, within the passageway  10 , a plurality of generally radially, inwardly-projecting, circumferentially, relatively-spaced ribs, such as  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 , for example, shown in  FIG. 2 . These ribs  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  project generally inwardly and extend circumferentially about passageway  10 . As shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 4 , a first series of ribs, such as  20 ,  22 , for example, are in relatively-spaced position with respect to each other and are at generally the same axial position within passageway  10 , and a second set of ribs, such as  24 ,  26 , for example, are in relatively-spaced position with respect to each other and are at a different axial position from the first set of ribs  20 ,  22 , as well as being staggered with respect thereto, so as to create the effect of a discontinuous thread. In a preferred embodiment, each of these ribs may have an axial width of about 0.10 inch to 0.30 inch and a circumferential extent of about 0.10 inch to 0.35 inch. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 4 , the first set of ribs  20 ,  22  are also preferably spaced a distance X, which is preferably about 0.40 inch to 0.60 inch from the free end  30  of the adapter  2 . In this manner, a hose may be inserted into the passageway at the free end  30  and be placed in mechanical interengagement with ribs, such as  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 , for example. This will serve to effectively retain the hose therein. The other end of the hose (not shown in this view) may be operatively associated with an animal grooming instrument. 
     In the form shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the ribs, with examples thereof, which are labeled  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 , in each row preferably are relatively spaced from each other and extend throughout the internal circumference of the adapter. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , it will be seen that the first connector portion  4  has an outer, generally circular wall  34  and a concentric, inner wall  36 , which defines a portion of the passageway  10 . Also shown in this view is a portion of the transition wall  38  between the smaller, internal diameter D 2  of the second connector portion  6  and internal diameter D 1  of first connector portion  4 . A plurality of generally radially oriented stiffening members  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  connect the outer wall  34  with the inner wall  36 . The end opening  52  adjacent the first connector portion  4  permits insertion of a hose into first connector portion  4  or direct connection of first connector portion  4  with a fitment in a vacuum unit or system. 
     It will be appreciated, as will be described more fully hereinafter, that when the first connector portion  4  is operatively associated with a vacuum unit or system and the second connector portion  6  is operatively associated with an animal grooming tool or device, initiation of flow from the animal grooming tool through the passageway  10  to the vacuum unit or system will provide an efficient and unburdensome means of withdrawing freed hair from the animal and disposing of the same without requiring manual removal thereof from a rake or blade which facilitates the separation of the hair from the animal. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 through 7 , a further feature of the invention will be considered. The present invention may have a vent opening in the body of the hose adapter such that allowing it to be fully opened, closing it fully, or closing it partially through the use of a finger or a closure provides added control regarding the degree of suction applied. In the form shown in  FIGS. 5 through 7 , a vent opening  60  is positioned within a generally oval-shaped, raised portion  62  which surrounds vent opening  60 . In this embodiment, a sleevelike closure  64  which extends around at least a major portion of the exterior of the second connector portion  6  and preferably continuously therearound may be moved axially in the direction indicated by two-headed arrow A into position where it totally or partially overlies the vent opening  60  and obstructs vent opening  60  or is totally removed from the vent opening  60 . The sleeve  64  is preferably secured in the desired position overlying all or a portion of vent opening  60  by friction fit. The sleeve  60 , which may be made of a suitable plastic material, preferably has a width of about 1 inch to 1½ inches and an inside diameter of about 0.70 inch to 1.0 inch. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8(   a ) and  8 ( b ), there is shown, in section, the portion of the hose adapter body  80  containing the vent opening  60  with the surrounding annular, raised portion  62 . In  FIG. 8(   a ), the closure  64  is shown in a vent closed position overlying opening  60  in intimate contact therewith. The raised, annular portion  62 , combined with the internal surface of the closure  64 , which is preferably annular and continuous, serves to maintain an intimate connection.  FIG. 8(   b ) shows the closure which is of greater internal diameter than the external diameter of the body portion  80  in the vent open position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a hose adapter assembly. In the form shown, an animal grooming tool  90  has a grip portion  92  and a comb or rake portion  94 . The grooming tool  90  has a tubular body such that hair freed from the animal by the comb or rake  94 , for example, will pass through the grooming tool under the influence of vacuum in a manner to be described and exit the device at end  96 . Vacuum  100 , which may, for example, be a vacuum unit which is portable or a permanently-installed vacuum system, is operatively associated with the grooming tool  90  through hose  102 , which has a first end secured to the vacuum by a fitment  104 , which may provide for frictional retention. The other end of the hose is inserted into, or otherwise operatively coupled to, the grooming tool  90 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 through 12 , there is shown a portable vacuum unit  110  which has, in the form shown, a generally cylindrical housing  112 , which contains the motor and has an electrical wire  114  emerging therefrom, to provide a way of connecting the device to a source of electrical energy. It has, in the form shown, a rotary switch  116 , which is positioned on an upper surface of the vacuum. A fitment  120  projects outwardly for securement to a hose, such as hose  102  shown in  FIG. 9 , to thereby provide a continuous air passageway between the hair-collecting end of the grooming tool  90  and the vacuum  110 . A fitment  120  projects outwardly from the vacuum and receives, within its tubular projection, a hose  126 , which is structured to be operatively associated with a grooming tool. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , there is shown a hose adapter  130 , which has a first connector portion  132 , a second connector portion  134 , and a transitional portion  136 . A first hose  140 , which is structured to be connected to a grooming device is inserted within second connector portion  134  and may be retained therein by frictional means or preferably by the means discussed hereinbefore in connection with  FIGS. 2 and 4  and have its other end (not shown in this view) connected to the grooming device. A second hose  142  is received within and may be frictionally retained within first connector portion  132  and have its other end (not shown in this view) connected to the vacuum. 
     It will be noted that, in the form shown, the hose  140  has a helical wall which will enhance engagement with the ribs on the internal surface of the second connector portion  134 . It is also noted that a portion of the larger diameter hose  142 , which is inserted into the first connector portion  132 , is generally smooth and provides surface-to-surface frictional contact with the interior surface of the first connector portion  132 . 
     The hose adapter of the present invention preferably is substantially rigid and may conveniently be made of plastic, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, or polystyrene, for example. In the alternative, a suitable metal, such as aluminum or steel, may be employed. The passageway dimensions will be determined by the dimensions of the hoses. 
     It will be appreciated that not only is a unitary, structurally-sound, effective hose coupler provided for use in a hose coupler assembly, but also the retention ribs enhance the interengagement between the hose and the coupler. Further, the vent opening and the adjustable closure provide additional flexibility in the use of the device and the degree of suction provided. 
     Whereas particular embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for purpose of illustration, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details may be made without departing from the invention as set forth in the appended claims.