Abstract:
A universal hose ending fitting for connecting central vacuum system wall valves and cleaning attachment hose ends. Wall valves and hose ends provided by various manufacturers within the central vacuum industry are commonly mismatched and do not provide a snug, secure connection. The disclosed fitting is a sleeve that attaches to the hose end and upon insertion into the wall valve, provides the necessary secure fit. The disclosed embodiment is of a sleeve having flex to accommodate different size components.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to a central vacuum system and in particular, to fittings and parts used therein.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     For some time, the central vacuum cleaning industry has had problems with hoses fitting the central vacuum system wall valves. Wall valves are manufactured by at least three North American vendors and three European vendors. At least four different hose manufacturers exist for the hose product that fits into these valves. No common standards exist or are adhered to for the industry. While it has been proposed to develop standards to address concerns over interchangeability, no standards have been developed, nor are apparently close to being developed. Data collected on various wall valves show differences of about 1 millimeter in opening diameters and differences at 1 inch deep of about 0.50 millimeters. With just a visual view of the various hose ends available, one can tell that large variations exists. The combination of different wall valves and different hose ends causes problems for end users concerning the mating of the hose and the wall plate.  
         [0003]     Efforts have been made by various hose manufacturers to address the problem of proper mating of the hose and wall plate. The end designer&#39;s responsibility is particularly left to the hose company to solve the problem for the end user. Soft materials, various angles and size of the hose fitting have been tried. Recently, a hose end with an extended portion providing a small diameter at the extreme end has appeared and is proposed for solution to the problem.  
         [0004]     All proposals to date have draw-backs. Soft materials wear and eventually become too loose. Various angles and diameters fit some, but not all, of the valves available. The extended portion hose fit covers the broadest range of valves, but its length will interfere with air performance on the valves designed for thin walls. Some of the proposed solutions are not solutions at all, as they require the user to force the hose end into the valve so tightly that it is difficult to remove.  
         [0005]     To provide a successful design, the hose end must fit into the wall valve so that it is easily put in place, snug enough to stay in the intended position when the vacuum is off and engage the anti-rotation device feature in the wall valve. The anti-rotation feature causes the most serious design problem. All valve openings are similar at 1.500 inches and typically reduce in diameter at one degree. The hose ends are made at approximately 1.500 inches OD, and eventually the two parts will mate and produce a snug fit. This tapered fit is seemingly a good design option in that variations in size will be accommodated with a tapered design so that the mating will take place. Unfortunately, the additional requirement of the anti-rotation device usually only allows a 0.100 inch change in the mating location, not enough distance to allow for good fit for all the different hose to valve combinations.  
         [0006]     The soft hose ends have been proposed and come the closest to the accommodating the wall valve fit issue. The soft end collapses, allowing the user to push the hose end until the anti-rotation device is engaged. Unfortunately, soft hose ends eventually wear and stress relieve themselves to become an even smaller size, eventually causing dissatisfaction. The solution is to develop an adjusting hose fitting outside diameter which can accommodate different internal diameter wall valve sizes, so that the anti-rotation feature can be engaged over a much greater distance than 1/10 of an inch. The adjustment feature of the hose fitting outside diameter must be wear resistant and maintain adequate resistive force over the life of the part.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The invention consists of a sleeve that is fittable to the vacuum hose end with the sleeve having flex so as to provide a snug insertion fit of the vacuum hose into the wall valve receptacle. In the disclosed embodiment, the sleeve is of a rigid material and has flex leaves or portions.  
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The objects of the present invention are: to provide a universal fit hose end fitting which enables different hose ends to be connected to different wall valves of various manufacturers; to provide such a fitting which is flexible and provides a snug insertion fit; to provide such a fitting which is long-lasting; to provide such a fitting which is well-suited for the intended purpose and is economical in price. Other objects and advantages of the following invention will become apparent from the disclosure hereafter.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]      FIG. 1  is a disassembled perspective view of a vacuum hose fitting sleeve embodying the present invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a disassembled view of a vacuum hose fitting sleeve with additional connections.  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a disassembled view of a vacuum hose fitting sleeve. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0012]     The reference numeral  1 ,  FIG. 1 , generally indicates a vacuum hose fitting sleeve embodying the present invention. The sleeve  1  is tubular with outer and inner surfaces  2  and  3 . The fitting sleeve  1  is intended to fit between a central vacuum cleaning system wall valve  5  and a vacuum hose  6 . The vacuum hose  6  is inserted into the fitting sleeve  1  and then the fitting sleeve  1  is inserted into the wall valve  5 . The fitting sleeve  1  provides a substantially universal fit between wall valves  5  and vacuum hoses  6  of different manufacturers. There are a plurality of wall valve manufacturers and vacuum hose manufacturers with no established standards within the industry. Most wall valves have a 1.5 inch opening for receipt of the vacuum hose end, but dimensions vary, tapers vary, and there can be imperfect fits between various vacuum hoses and wall valves. The fitting sleeve  1  is designed to provide a tight snug leak-free, or substantially leak-free fit between vacuum hoses and wall valves of different manufacturers in order to provide greater freedom in choosing and selecting components for suppliers and purchases of central vacuum cleaning systems.  
         [0013]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a conduit  8  extends to central vacuum cleaning apparatus, typically located in a garage, closet or basement in a dwelling. The conduit  8  terminates in attachment to the wall valve  5  which consists of a cover plate  10  having a tubular boss  11  extending therethrough. The boss is typically 1.5 inches in diameter with the boss being open at one end and connected to the conduit  8  at the other. Electrical connections  13  extend into the boss, provide an on-signal to turn on the central vacuum cleaning system motor. This method of on/off is not always required in the design. Additional electrical connections to provide power for attachments, such as rotating rug cleaning may be attached to the remote end of the vacuum hose  6 . By enlarging the sleeve cover  4 , these additional electrical connections can be completed. Typically, ribs  15  project from the cover plate  10  and provide an anti-rotation stop to mating portions so that electrical connections are not disturbed.  
         [0014]     The fitting sleeve  1  has a first end  17  sized to fit snugly within the boss  11 , wherein the boss  11  is of the general size within the industry, typically 1.5″ diameter. The fitting sleeve  1  is preferably of a rigid, or semi-rigid material, such as molded of ABS plastic, and the first end  17  is provided with mechanical elements to enable flex of the rigid material. In the illustrated embodiment, flex is provided by slots  18  forming leaves  19  between a plurality of peripherally placed slots  18 . The leaves  19  are free to flex inwardly to accommodate a snug fit between the first end  17  and the boss  11 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , a second end  21  of the sleeve  1  projects outwardly when the sleeve  1  is inserted into the wall valve  5  and is sized to generally receive a second end  23  of the vacuum hose  6 , the vacuum hose first end  24  being positioned some feet away for connection to the cleaning attachment tools. Sleeve  1  supports a hose and sleeve cover  4  and screws extend through the cover into the unlocking hose and sleeve. A shoulder  26  is formed between the sleeve first end  17  and the second end  21  and provides an abutment for an “O” ring seal  29  which provides effective sealing against the area of the wall valve  5  surrounding the entrance to the boss  11 . A tab  31  upstanding from the second end  21  and immediately aft of the “O” ring seal  29  mates against the face of the wall valve  5  and nests between the wall valve spaced ribs  15  so as to prevent relative rotation of the sleeve  1  and wall valve  5 . Various types of seals or no seal could be used. A pair of screws  33  are opposed and extend through the wall of the sleeve  1  at the second end  21  immediately aft of the anti-rotation tab  31 . The screws  33  hold the hose and sleeve cover in place on the sleeve  1 . Many alternate methods for fastening this cover in place exist, threads and other mechanical locks or plastic joining technology like ultrasonic or spin welding.  
         [0015]     The material of the sleeve  1  is wear-resistant and the design of the flexible means, such as the slots  18  and leaves  19  is selected to maintain adequate spring force over the life of the part.  
         [0016]     Clearly, many modifications in variations of the present dimension are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, other means for providing flex may be considered. Additionally, the entire sleeve may be constructed of a material which is in itself resilient and yet sufficiently sturdy for long-life. Certain compressible plastics may be beneficial in use. The same use of flex leaves possessing no electrical connection to a multitude of connections either through the wall plate or through an extension cord entering this wall end, or combination of electrical connections through wall plate or otherwise are within the scope of this invention. Additionally, the seal can be made from any material in alternate shapes than an “O” ring, or excluded from the design entirely. Different methods of developing the combination of the sleeve  1  and cover  4 , the cover can be manufactured with hose side of sleeve  1  in place. Thus, the forward portion of sleeve  1  that mates with boss  5  could be affixed to the previously mentioned piece.  
         [0017]     Further, a one piece design can be developed. Such a hose is trapped by the hose side and secured, for example, by internal threads and the opposite end is designed to mate with the boss  11 . The cover would be equipped with internal threads, and an extended front possessing the recessing flex characteristics.  
         [0018]     Yet other embodiments may be encountered which do not depart from the concept and claims of the present invention. It is to be understood therefore, that the invention can be practiced otherwise as specifically described.