Patent Publication Number: US-8533907-B2

Title: Flexible crevice tool attachment for vacuum appliances

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO APPENDIX 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The inventions disclosed and taught herein relate generally to attachments for vacuum appliances. More specifically, the inventions disclosed and taught herein are related to crevice cleaning tool attachments which are adaptable for use in conjunction with a variety of vacuum cleaners. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Vacuum cleaners of the type having a nozzle end and a handle end, as well as canister-type vacuum appliances like wet/dry vacuum cleaners, are generally well known in the art. When gripped by their handle ends and moved in a generally back and forth oscillatory motion, the nozzle ends of these devices trace a back-and-forth cleaning path. During such typical operation, the wrist of the hand by which the handle ends are gripped controls the trajectory of their nozzle ends. When in normal use with the hand extended straight out, the cleaning path is generally in front of the user, but when the wrists are rolled to either the right or to the left, the cleaning path traced by the nozzle ends follows the roll to the right and left of the wrist. In the case of vacuum appliances such as wet/dry vacuums, the user typically uses a vacuum hose that attaches directly to the vacuum head, allowing for collection of dirt, solid debris, and liquids in the vacuum collection drum. In this operation, the user typically moves the open end of the vacuum hose, versus the entire vacuum appliance, over the debris to be collected. 
     In general, these vacuum appliances perform quite well to pick up dirt, solid debris, and liquid spillage (in the case of wet/dry vacuums) immediately subjacent to their nozzle ends, whether stationery, or when moved in one of the manners described above. However, to clean areas that lie beyond the cleaning path obtained by manipulating such devices, e.g., within the crevices of wood floors, or under furniture, various attachment tools need to be employed. One type of known attachment tool is the crevice tool. Generally, such a tool includes an end for attachment to the nozzle end of a hand-held vacuum appliance or an associated vacuum hose, a nozzle end, often smaller than the nozzle end of the vacuum cleaner, and a rigid, narrow tube axially connecting the attachment and the nozzle ends in fluid-tight communication. 
     With the crevice tool attached, back and forth motion of the hand-held vacuum cleaner enables cleaning in small or spatially-confined areas, such as in crevices and cracks (such as the cracks between wood floor boards), as well under furniture where dust, debris, or liquids can accumulate and which do not lie in an area that is easily traced by the standard cleaning path of a vacuum cleaner. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,340 describes a multi-component crevice tool for a hand-held vacuum cleaner, the nozzle end of which may be indexed to different rotation positions so as to clean spillage in small areas defined by angular cross-sections, such as the small space between a bookshelf and a closely adjacent wall, that otherwise may not permit of ready cleaning (except, for example, by moving the bookcase away from the wall). Other approaches have included crevice tools adapted for use with a water extraction cleaning machine, and tools which incorporate a long, rubber body for flexibility. A further approach, suggested in U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,493, describes a vacuum cleaner attachment which has an attachment cylinder and a plate enclosing one end of the attachment cylinder. A semi-rigid tube is attached to and extends from a front side of the plate, and a flexible sheet is attached at a centrally located edge to a circumference portion of the attachment cylinder. A hook-and-loop type fastener is attached to outside edges of the flexible sheet so that when the back side of the attachment cylinder is placed over an end of a vacuum cleaner hose, the flexible sheet may be wrapped around the vacuum cleaner hose and the hook and loop faster may be engaged to secure the attachment cylinder in place. Ridges reportedly may be provided along a central portion of a length of the tube to adjust the rigidity to the central portion of the tube, and top and bottom scrapper wings are attached adjacent an end of the tube away from the attachment cylinder. Additional, detachable cleaning elements are also provided that have a securing cylinder of diameter larger than a diameter of the attachment cylinder to enable one end to slip fit over the attachment cylinder, the securing cylinder having axial slots to engage the wings to hold the securing cylinder in place on the attachment cylinder, and bristles carried on the securing cylinder on an end opposite the one end of the securing cylinder. 
     Another type of known attachment tool for use with vacuum cleaners for cleaning narrow or hard-to-reach areas is the so-called “extension wand.” Generally, such a tool includes an end for attachment to the nozzle end of a hand-held vacuum cleaner, a nozzle end, and an elongated, rigid tube connecting the attachment and nozzle ends in fluid-tight communication. The reach of the vacuum cleaner is thus extended to the degree that the rigid interconnecting tube is elongated, thereby permitting cleaning of spillage and debris in areas that otherwise would lie beyond the reach of the hand-held vacuum cleaner. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,311 discloses a telescoping assembly especially suited for vacuum cleaner wands that includes a first tube having an outer diameter and a second tube having an inner diameter which is larger than the outer diameter of the first tube. In this way, the first tube fits within the second tube in an axially sliding manner. A collet is positioned within the second tube and encircles the first tube. The collet includes a locking element for selectively securing the first tube in relation to the second tube, the locking element cooperating with a portion of the second tube upon a rotation of the collet to prevent a telescoping movement of the first tube in relation to the second tube. This multi-component extension wand reportedly telescopes outward so as to clean spillage in areas that may lie at different distances. 
     The previously described and utilized attachment tools, however, have had their utility limited either by over-complexity, difficulty in manufacturing, shortened tool lifespan, or poor flexibility such that during operation, the amount of vacuum pressure available for cleaning is reduced. 
     The inventions disclosed and taught herein are directed to vacuum attachments for use with a vacuum appliance, wherein the attachments include a long, narrow extension portion that includes a flexible region having support ribs and a non air-permeable flexible material applied over the ribs, wherein the flexible region allows access of the attachment to confined areas that are not normally accessible to more rigid vacuum attachments. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a novel attachment tool for use with a vacuum appliance that overcomes the disadvantages of the heretofore known attachment tools. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an accessory tool for a vacuum appliance is described, wherein the tool comprises a first attachment end for slidably mounting the tool to a hose assembly connected to a vacuum appliance; a second, longitudinally spaced apart nozzle end; and a self-supporting, flexible region integrally-formed with the body of the tool and intermediate between the attachment end and the nozzle end, wherein the flexible region comprises one or more support ribs. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, a flexible accessory tool for a vacuum appliance is described, wherein the tool comprises an attachment end for slidably connecting to a hose assembly that is connected to the vacuum appliance; a nozzle end; a self-supporting, flexible region integrally formed with and intermediate between the attachment end and the nozzle end and comprising one or more support ribs forming rib spaces in between the ribs; and, a non-air-permeable flexible material extending over the one or more support ribs. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a flexible accessory tool with a central axis for a vacuum appliance is described, wherein the tool comprises an attachment end for attachment to a suction means associated with the vacuum appliance; a nozzle opening spaced longitudinally apart from the attachment end and along the central axis; and, an elongated, spiral portion positioned intermediate between the attachment end and the nozzle opening, wherein the spiral portion comprises a continuous rib formed in a helix shape, converging towards the central axis. 
     In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a process of manufacturing an accessory as described herein, such as a flexible accessory tool, is described, wherein the process comprises forming a body component comprising an attachment end, a laterally spaced-apart nozzle end, and an elongated flexing region spaced intermediate between the attachment end and the nozzle end, wherein the elongated flexing region comprises one or more support ribs forming a plurality of rib spaces; and, over-molding an elastomeric material over at least the outer surface of the elongated flexing region using vacuum-assisted pressure, such that at least a portion of the elastomeric material is drawn into and between the plurality of rib spaces, in the direction of the central axis of the tool body. 
     In further accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, an accessory tool for a vacuum appliance is described, wherein the tool comprises a hollow, tubular body portion with a working air passageway formed therein about a central longitudinal axis and having an attachment end for attachment to a vacuum appliance; an elongated, tapered body region extending from one end of the tubular body portion; a nozzle opening located at the end opposite the attachment end for the fluid uptake of debris-containing air into the working air passageway of the tool; and, an elongated flexing region intermediate spaced intermediate between the tapered body region and the nozzle opening, wherein the elongated flexing region comprises one or more support ribs forming a plurality of rib spaces. In accordance with this aspect of the disclosure, the tool may further comprise an elastomeric material overmolded over the outer surface of the elongated flexing region, wherein the elastomer is selected from the group consisting of rubbers, polypropylene, polyurethane, and thermoplastic elastomers. The accessory tool in accordance with this aspect of the disclosure can have up to and including 360° of flexibility about the central axis extending through the tool without decreasing the vacuum flow through the tool, and/or the elongated flexing region may be laterally bendable about the central axis extending through the tool about a radius ranging from about 0° to about 45° without decreasing the vacuum flow through the tool. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a wet/dry vacuum kit is described, wherein the kit comprises a wet/dry vacuum appliance, a flexible hose having a female connector on one end and a male connector on a second, opposite end, and an accessory tool for use with the vacuum appliance. In accordance with this aspect of the disclosure, the accessory tool may comprise an elongated, generally tubular body; an attachment end for slidably mounting to a hose assembly connected to the vacuum appliance; a nozzle end spaced apart from the attachment end and having an air flow entrance; and a self-supporting, flexible region integrally formed between the attachment end and the nozzle end, wherein the flexible region comprises one or more support ribs. In a further embodiment of this aspect of the disclosure, the kit may further include an elongated extension tube having a female connector on one end and a male connector on a second, opposite end. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following figures form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these figures in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary vacuum appliance incorporating a flexible crevice accessory cleaning tool in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary flexible crevice accessory cleaning tool. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a perspective view of the tool of  FIG. 2A  with the flexible layer removed. 
         FIG.3  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG.2A . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a top plan view of the flexible crevice accessory cleaning tool of  FIG.2 . 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a cross-sectional view, taken along line  5 A- 5 A of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of the tool of  FIG.2A . 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a perspective view of a further exemplary crevice accessory cleaning tool in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a perspective view of the tool of  FIG. 6A  with the over-molding region removed. 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates a top view of the tool of  FIG. 6A , with the over-molding removed. 
         FIG. 6D  illustrates a top view of the tool of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6E  illustrates a partial cut-away view of the front region of the tool illustrated in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a partial side detailed view of the cleaning tool of  FIG. 6B . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a top plan view of a further exemplary crevice accessory cleaning tool in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tool of  FIG. 8 , taken along line  9 - 9 . 
         FIG. 10A  illustrates a top-down view of the flexible crevice tool of  FIG. 2 , illustrating the lateral flexing ability of the tool. 
         FIG. 10B  illustrates a perspective view of the flexible crevice tool of  FIG. 6 , illustrating the combined lateral and circumferential flexing ability of the tool. 
     
    
    
     While the inventions disclosed herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, only a few specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The figures and detailed descriptions of these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the breadth or scope of the inventive concepts or the appended claims in any manner. Rather, the figures and detailed written descriptions are provided to illustrate the inventive concepts to a person of ordinary skill in the art and to enable such person to make and use the inventive concepts. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The Figures described above and the written description of specific structures and functions below are not presented to limit the scope of what Applicants have invented or the scope of the appended claims. Rather, the Figures and written description are provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and use the inventions for which patent protection is sought. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all features of a commercial embodiment of the inventions are described or shown for the sake of clarity and understanding. Persons of skill in this art will also appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present inventions will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer&#39;s ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment. Such implementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are not limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related and other constraints, which may vary by specific implementation, location and from time to time. While a developer&#39;s efforts might be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, such efforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of skill in this art having benefit of this disclosure. It must be understood that the inventions disclosed and taught herein are susceptible to numerous and various modifications and alternative forms. Lastly, the use of a singular term, such as, but not limited to, “a,” is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Also, the use of relational terms, such as, but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “down,” “up,” “side,” and the like are used in the written description for clarity in specific reference to the Figures and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims. 
     Applicants have created flexible crevice tool accessories for use with a vacuum appliance, wherein the tool comprises an elongated body having an attachment end for attachment to a vacuum appliance or a suction hose or equivalent suction means in vacuum communication with a vacuum appliance, a nozzle opening spaced longitudinally apart from the attachment end along a central axis, and a flexible body region spaced in between the attachment end and the nozzle opening, wherein the flexible body region comprises a support skeleton section having one or more formed ribs which in turn have a portion of flexible material applied over their outer surface, such that the rigid skeleton provides support for the tool and prevents the flexible material from collapsing and closing off the flow of air during use, while simultaneously maintaining a wide degree of tool flexibility. 
     Turning now to the figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary vacuum appliance  10  with a collection drum incorporating a flexible crevice accessory cleaning tool  50 , in accordance with the present disclosure. The flexible crevice tool  50  may be coupled directly to a suction means such as flexible vacuum hose  20  attached to a vacuum inlet of a vacuum appliance, such as a wet/dry vacuum, or to an optional hose extension wand  30  which can be inserted intermediate between a vacuum hose  20  and the tool  50 , via any appropriate coupling method, such as via frictional attachment, threaded attachment, or the like. While the figure illustrates a wet/dry vacuum appliance  10 , it will be realized that the flexible crevice tools  50  as described herein may be used in association with any of a number of types of vacuum appliances, including but not limited to upright vacuum cleaners, backpack vacuum cleaners, hand-held vacuum cleaners, wall-mounted vacuum cleaners, canister-type vacuum cleaners, and central-vacuum systems. 
     The details of an exemplary flexible crevice tool  50  in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B . As illustrated generally in the Figure, flexible crevice tool  50  comprises an at least partially elongated, generally tubular-shaped body having an attachment end  52 , a spaced apart nozzle end  54  comprising a nozzle opening  55  which acts as the primary air flow intake channel during use in association with a vacuum appliance, and a flexible region  60  spaced intermediate between the nozzle end  54  and the attachment end  52 . In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, the attachment end  52  may include an elongated, tapered body region  56  extending from the region near the attachment end  52  of the tubular body portion toward the nozzle end  54 , such that the outer opening of the attachment end is larger than the mouth of nozzle opening  55  , of the nozzle end  54  of the crevice tool. Attachment end  52  is also illustrated to be a female-type connection end having a cylindrical opening that is capable of receiving a male connection end of a hose extension, flexible hose  20 , or the like. The attachment end  52  as illustrated in the Figures may have a smooth surface, such that when a similarly smooth surfaced male connector (i.e., to the male connection end of an extension wand  30 ) is placed inside the smooth surfaced female receptor region of attachment end  52 , a friction-type fit is formed, which becomes a strong hold when a vacuum source is applied during the course of operation of a system such as described herein. In addition, while it is not illustrated in the figure, the female-type attachment end  52  of tool  50  (on their inner surfaces), as well as on the outer surfaces of their corresponding male connectors, may have irregularities such as ridges or recesses along their circumferences or longitudinally, so as to provide a gripping means for securing the two devices together while at the same time allowing for a quick release of the tool  50  from the male connection end of the hose or extension wand by the user. 
     With continued reference to the perspective views of the embodiment of tool  50  in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , flexible region  60  comprises a “support skeleton” comprising one or more support spines  62  (such as top and bottom support spines  62   a ,  62   b ) and a plurality of support ribs  64 , which are covered by a flexible layer or portion,  70 . As may be seen in the perspective view of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , nozzle end  54  has a narrower orifice/air flow intake channel size than the opposite, attachment end  52 , this narrowing acting to increase the suction of the vacuum air flow up, into and through tool  50 . Similarly, a tapered transition portion  56  may be optionally included between the flexible region  60  and the attachment end  52  as described above, so as to alter the cross-sectional area of the air flow channel  40  within the crevice tool  50  and further increase the suction of vacuum through the tool. The attachment end  52  of the flexible crevice tool may also comprise a raised collar region  51  to aid the user in attaching and removing the tool from a vacuum appliance after use. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2A , and shows that this embodiment of the flexible crevice tool  50  exhibits a generally oval-like cross sectional configuration, although other cross-sectional configurations may be possible, including circular, rectangular, and trapezoidal, without limitation. As shown in the figure, a central air flow channel  40  within the center line “C” of tool  50  is defined in the flexible region  60  of the tool between the attachment end  52  and the nozzle end  54  by the support skeleton of the flexible region, comprising ribs  64  and upper and lower spine sections  62 . Air flow channel  40  is further defined by flexible portion  70 , which both covers the exterior surface of ribs  64  and support spines  62 , and in certain aspects of the disclosure (depending on the material which makes up flexible portion  70 ), fills the rib spaces formed by the plurality of ribs  64 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a top plan view of the flexible crevice accessory cleaning tool of  FIGS. 2A-2B  slidably attached to a male connection end of an extension wand  30 , showing in more detail the support skeleton of flexible region  60  with flexible portion  70  (shown in hashed lines for purpose of clarity). As can be seen in the figure, flexible region  60  can be comprised of at least one central spine  62  extending between the nozzle end  54  and the tapered, transition body region  56  and/or the attachment end  52 , and a plurality of support ribs  64 . In accordance with this aspect of the disclosure, ribs  64  are spaced apart in such a manner that they preferably comprise a plurality of substantially equally-spaced rib spaces intermediate between each of the ribs  64 . 
     In accordance with the present disclosure, the tool body and skeleton, which includes the flexible region (including support spine(s)  62  and ribs  64 ), the nozzle opening  54 , and the attachment end  52 , are preferably formed of a semi-rigid material, including metal, metal alloys, or a polymeric or plastic resinous material, such as polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), SAN (styrene acrylonitrile), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), copolymers thereof, or the like, by a process of extrusion, mold forming, or other appropriate methods known in the art. 
     In  FIG. 5A , a cross-sectional view, taken along line  5 A- 5 A of the tool of  FIG. 4  is shown slidably and frictionally attached at female attachment end  52  to the tapered male end of an extension wand  30 . As illustrated therein, the ribs  64  and support spines  62  of the flexible region  60  of crevice tool  50  may be oriented in a manner such that the ribs  64  are oriented substantially parallel to each other, such parallel orientation defining a plane P R . The ribs  64  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5A  may also be oriented substantially perpendicular to the support spine(s)  62   a ,  62   b , as well as to the central axis ‘C’ extending through the center of tool  50 . As further shown in the embodiment illustrated in this figure, the ribs  64  defining a plane P R  are substantially parallel to each other in plane P R , but are out of parallel/out of plane with the plane defined by the taper of nozzle end  54 , P N .  FIG. 5B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of the tool of  FIG. 2A , crevice tool  50 ′, similarly frictionally attached at female attachment end  52 ′ to the tapered male end of an extension wand  30 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5B , the ribs  64 ′ may be formed such that they are oriented in a plane P R  that is non-perpendicular to both support spines  62   a ′,  62   b ′ and central axis C extending through the center of tool  50 ′. As is additionally shown in the embodiment illustrated in this figure, the ribs  64 ′ defining a plane P R  are substantially parallel to each other in plane P R , and are simultaneously substantially parallel to/in plane with the plane defined by the taper of nozzle end  54 ′, P N . The angle θ of plane PN in both  FIG. 5A and 5B  relative to a line perpendicular to the central axis ‘C’ may range from about 5° to about 80°, preferably from about 20° to about 65°, without limitation. 
     An alternative, yet equally acceptable embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in  FIGS. 6A-6E , which illustrates a perspective view of flexible crevice accessory cleaning tool  100 . Tool  100  comprises an elongated body having a generally tubular attachment end  102  (which may be male or female, although female is preferred, as illustrated), an optional elongated, tapering transition body region  106  extending from the region near the attachment end  102  of the tubular body portion toward the nozzle end  104  and having a cross-sectional diameter less than the diameter of the opening of attachment end  102 , a flexing region  110  comprising a generally helical rib assembly and flexible cover portion  112  (such as an elastomeric over mold), and nozzle end  104  having a nozzle opening  105 , wherein attachment end  102  and nozzle end  104  are oppositely spaced apart along central axis L of tool  100 . As is illustrated in the figures, the flexing region  110  may comprise a single, generally helix-shaped rib  114 , or may further comprise two or more helically-shaped ribs (not shown), as appropriate. The helix-shaped rib region  114  is illustrated more clearly in the side view of tool  100  in  FIG. 6B , as well as in the bottom view of tool  100  shown in  FIG. 6C . The partial cut-away view of  FIG. 6E  illustrates an example of the substantially parallel relationship between the plane of the nozzle end (P N ) and the plane of the lower end of the flexible cover portion  112 , P OM . As may also be seen in this cut-away view, when flexible cover portion  112  is an over-molded elastomer or an equivalent material, the elastomeric material not only covers the outer surface of the ribs  114 , but also extends inwardly between the individual ribs into rib space  115 , adding extra strength and durability to the flexing region of the tool. While not shown in the figure, but in a manner similar to the flexible tool  50  described above, ribs  114  may define a plane P R  that is either substantially parallel to the plane P N , or is non-parallel to the plane P N . Both of these arrangements are acceptable, and may be determined by such considerations as design requirements, manufacturability, and the like. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of the cleaning tool of  FIG. 6 , without the flexible cover portion  112  applied for purpose of clarity. As shown therein, helix-shaped rib  114  is formed generally in the shape of a helix, which may (but need not) converge in a direction from the attachment end  102  towards the nozzle end  104  along its own central axis L. As illustrated in the figure, the helix-shaped rib  114  forms a plurality of circumferential rib spaces  115  along substantially the entire elongated portion of flexing region  110 . The figure also illustrates a number of geometric planes defined by regions of the tool  100  and the helix-shaped rib of the flex region, wherein P N  is the plane of the nozzle end  104 , P H1  is a first plane of the helical coil  114 , P H2  is a second plane of the helical coil  114 , and P B  is the plane of the body of the flexible crevice tool  100 , all of which are described in reference to the central axis L of tool  100 . The ribs  114  of the helix may be formed such that they line in a series of planes that are substantially parallel to the plane of the nozzle end, such that P H1  and P N  are substantially parallel; alternatively, and equally acceptable, the ribs  114  (and associated spaces  115  formed by the ribs) may be in a series of planes that are substantially parallel to the plane of the tool body, such that P H2  is substantially parallel to P B . 
     In  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , alternative flexible crevice tool embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated, showing crevice tool  200  with a shortened body in comparison with the elongated tools  50  and  100 , detailed herein. In the top view of flexible crevice tool  200  of  FIG. 8 , it can be seen that the tool  200  lacks an extended transition region (such as taper region  56 ) and comprises an attachment end  202  with a collar portion  201  for slidably mounting the tool  200  to a hose assembly connected to a vacuum appliance in a friction-fit type arrangement, an opposite nozzle end  204  along a central axis C 2 , and a self-supporting, flexible region  210 . The flexible region  210  may be integrally formed with and intermediate between the attachment end  202  and the nozzle end  204 . Similar to the previous embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the flexible region comprises one or more support ribs in the support skeleton of support region, flexible region  210  of tool  200  also comprises a support skeleton comprising at least an upper and lower spine section  212 , and a plurality of spaced-apart support ribs  214  which form rib spaces  215 . This is shown more clearly in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 8 , taken along line  9 - 9 . While illustrated in hashed lines in  FIG. 8  for purposes of clarity, crevice tool  200  also comprises a flexible cover portion  216 , which may be of any appropriate material as discussed herein. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the flexible cover portion (or layer)  216  which covers the outer surface of ribs  214  within flexible region  210  is an over-molded elastomeric material which is vacuum overmolded from the connection end  202  towards the nozzle end  204  using a vacuum pressure sufficient to create an airtight overmold that covers the region  210 , and draws the elastomeric material comprising the overmold onto the outer surface of ribs  214  and alternatively, into the spaces between ribs  214  for improved sealing. This method of application of a overmolded elastomeric material may be applied to any of the flexible crevice tool assemblies of the present disclosure. 
     The elongated flexing regions of the crevice tools  50 ,  100 , and  200  as illustrated herein act to provide flexibility to the tools as needed during the use in vacuum operations, such as to allow the user to insert the tool into hard-to-reach or narrow spaces during cleaning. This is illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , which illustrate the flexing of crevice tools  50  and  100 , respectively, in multiple directions, as indicated by the hashed lines. As shown in  FIG. 10A , the elongated flexing region  60  of crevice tool  50  is capable of being flexed laterally (side-to-side) such that the longitudinal central axis C 1  extending through the tool, as measured at the nozzle opening  54 , may be flexed during use to a lateral bend angle β ranging from about 1° to about 120° with respect to axis C 1 , including lateral bend angles within this range, such as from about 5°to about 100°, or from about 5°to about 90°, without limitation. During such a flexing motion in the course of use of the tool  50 , the crevice tool is not only not broken or kinked as a result of the structure of the flexing region  60  in combination with the flexible layer  70 , but advantageously allows for the vacuum flow rate of solid or liquid debris from a surface through the crevice tool to the debris holding portion of a vacuum appliance to remain substantially unchanged, as the cross-sectional interior area does not decrease during operation, even when the tool is flexed to the farthest extent of its operational ranges (e.g., flexed laterally up to 120°). Similarly, as illustrated in  FIG. 10B , the elongated, helical flexing region  110  of flexible crevice tool  100  can be flexed both circumferentially and laterally about its central axis L. In particular, the tool  100  may be flexed during use to a lateral bend angle γ ranging from about 1° to an angle greater than about 90°, such as from about 0.5° to about 120° (without limitation), and simultaneously may be flexed or rotated circumferentially up to 360° about its central axis L. As with flexible crevice tool  50  described above, during such flexing and/or rotating motions in the course of use of the tool  100 , the crevice tool  100  is not only not broken or kinked as a result of the structure of the helical flexing region  110  in combination with the flexible layer  112 , but also allows for the vacuum flow rate of solid or liquid debris from a surface through the crevice tool to remain substantially unchanged. 
     As indicated above, flexible layer  70 / 112  may be any material which forms a non-air permeable skin over the flex structure of the tool, including but not limited to non-air permeable canvas and/or cloth materials, non-air permeable plastic materials, non-air permeable paper-type materials, and elastomeric materials, preferably elastomeric materials which are non-air permeable. In accordance with one preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the flexible layer  70  is an elastomeric material which is over-molded over the flexible skeleton portion of the crevice tool. 
     Elastomeric materials which may be used to form the flexible layer  70  include (but are not limited to) those elastomers with a density (or specific gravity) less than about 1.0, and/or have specific characteristics making them ideal for their use herein, including but not limited to glass transition temperature (T g ), tensile strength, and elongation at break. Exemplary polymers and rubbers suitable for use with the present invention as elastomers include but are not limited to synthetic polyisoprene (IR), butyl rubbers, polybutadiene (BR), styrene-butadiene rubbers, chloroprene rubbers, polyacrylic rubbers (ACM), silicon rubbers, fluorsilicone rubbers such as FVMQ (fluorovinyl Methyl Silioxane), and nitrile rubbers such as Buna-N, hydrogenated nitrile rubbers, and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR); polypropylenes; polyurethanes; polyolefin elastomers, such as copolymers of ethylene, butane, and 1 or 2 octene; copolymers of ethylene and trans 2-butene; syndiotactic polyethylene; isotactic polyethylene; water borne acrylics; latexes; and thermoplastic compounds, including thermoplastic polyoctene compounded with talc or titanium dioxide, thermoplastic elastomers compounded with thermoplastic polymers, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) alone or compounded with thermoset polymers. 
     In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, elastomers which may be used within the present invention include thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers having a low melt viscosity, low density, and a low glass-transition temperature. Such elastomers include but are not limited to VERSOLLAN™ and VERSOLLAN™ TPE (Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers), DYNAFLEX™, VERSAFLEX™ CL2003X, and VERSAFLEX™ CL 2000X (polyurea elastomers manufactured by VersaFlex, Inc., Kansas City, Kans.), all available from GLS Corporation (McHenry, Ill., USA), as well as KRATON™ styrenic block copolymer elastomers available from Kraton Polymers, LLC (Houston, Tex.). Also suitable for use as elastomers for use within the present invention are those elastomers that are soluble in high molecular weight (e.g., C 9 -C 16 ) hydrocarbons, such as the ENGAGE™ polyolefin elastomers ENGAGE™ 8407, ENGAGE™ 8402, ENGAGE™ 8842, and ENGAGE™ 7467, all from DuPont Dow Elastomers, LLC (Wilmington, Del., USA). Specifically preferred for use herein are VERSAFLEX™ thermoplastic polyurea elastomers, such as VERSAFLEX™ CL2000X [which has a density of 0.87 g/cm 3  and a tensile strength of 1724 kpa], and the polyolefin EGAGE™ elastomers such as ENGAGE™ 7467 [which has a density of 0.862 g/cm 3  and a tensile strength of 2.6 MPa]. 
     In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, elastomers suitable for use with the present invention in forming flexible layers  70 , 112  of the vacuum accessory tools described herein have a melt index (as measured according to, for example, ASTM D-1238) from about 0.2 dg/min (degrees per minute, as measured at 190° C. and 2.16 kg) to about 40.0 dg/min, and more preferably from about 1.0 dg/min to about 40.0 dg/min. Most preferably, elastomers suitable for use with the present invention have a melt index from about 1.0 dg/min to about 30.0 dg/min. 
     Elastomers suitable for use with the present invention may also be characterized as having a density range (as measured by, for example, ASTM D-792) from about 0.500 g/cm 3  to about 1.000 g/cm 3 , and preferably have a density range from about 0.700 g/cm 3  to about 1.000 g/cm 3 . More preferably, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, the elastomers suitable for use within the present invention may have a density from about 0.710 g/cm 3  to about 0.990 g/cm 3 . For example, elastomers having a density of about 0.70 g/cm 3 , 0.71 g/cm 3 , 0.72 g/cm 3 , 0.73 g/cm 3 , 0.74 g/cm 3 , 0.75 g/cm 3 , 0.76 g/cm 3 , 0.77 g/cm 3 , 0.78 g/cm 3 , 0.79 g/cm 3 , 0.80 g/cm 3 , 0.81 g/cm 3 , 0.82 g/cm 3 , 0.83 g/cm 3 , 0.84 g/cm 3 , 0.85 g/cm 3 , 0.86 g/cm 3 , 0.87 g/cm 3 , 0.88 g/cm 3 , 0.89 g/cm 3 , 0.90 g/cm 3 , 0.92 g/cm 3 , 0.94 g/cm 3 , 0.96 g/cm 3 , 0.99 g/cm 3 , and densities between any two of these values (e.g., between 0.80 g/cm 3  and 0.90 g/cm 3 ) are suitable for use with the present invention. 
     Elastomers suitable for use within the present invention may also optionally be characterized as having a certain glass transition temperature T g , preferably having a glass transition temperature, T g , such that the temperature at which there is an increase in the thermal expansion coefficient of the elastomer is less than about 600° F., preferably from about 100° F. to about 500° F., as well as in ranges of temperature within this range. For example, and without limitation, elastomers suitable for use with the present invention in accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure have a useable temperature range such that the lower end of the T g  is about 120° F. and the upper end of the T g  is about 250° F. (low temperature elastomers). Also suitable for use within the present invention, the elastomers can have a usable temperature range such that the lower end of the T g  is about 180° F. and the upper end of the T g  is about 500° F. (high temperature elastomers). 
     Additionally, the elastomers suitable for use within the present invention may optionally be characterized as having particular tensile strength characteristics. In accordance with this aspect of the disclosure, the elastomers suitable for use as outer flexible layers (e.g.,  70 ,  112 ) preferably have a tensile strength greater than about 10 Pa, and more preferably greater than about 1 kPa. As used herein, the term “tensile strength” refers to the maximum amount of tensile stress that can be applied to the elastomeric material before it ceases to be elastic, measured in units of force per unit area (N/m 2  or Pa) according to ASTM-standard D-638, ASTM D-412, or ISO 37 (available from the world wide web at astm.org). 
     A further distinguishing property of the elastomers suitable for use in the present invention is the “elongation at break” property. As used herein, the term “elongation at break” refers to the elongation recorded at the moment of rupture of the specimen, often expressed as a percentage of the original length; it corresponds to the breaking or maximum load, as measured by ASTM D-412 or ISO 37 (available from the world wide web at astm.org) and expressed as a percentage (%). Preferably, and in accordance with the present invention, elastomers used herein may have an elongation at break of greater than about 250%. 
     In use, the accessory crevice tool  50  (or  100 , or  200 ) is mounted and coupled to the end of a vacuum appliance hose, such as vacuum hose  20  attached to vacuum  10  as shown in  FIG. 1 , by way of a friction fit between the friction fit between the attachment end (e.g.,  52 ) of the tool  50  and the male end of the vacuum hose  20 , or alternatively and equally acceptable, an extension wand  30 . When the vacuum appliance is turned on for operation, the vacuum force inward from the nozzle end  54  towards vacuum appliance  10  results in stronger friction-type fitting. The user may then operate the vacuum appliance in a typical manner, inserting the flexible tool  50  (or  100  or  200 ) into cracks, under furniture, behind appliances, etc., so as to be able to readily and quickly reach these standard hard-to-reach regions and suck debris (solid and/or liquid) through the tool  50 , optional extension wand  30 , and vacuum hose  20  and into the debris collection tub of the vacuum appliance  10 , without losing vacuum suction/vacuum flow rate through the tool as the tool bends and twists to reach these regions. 
     Other and further embodiments utilizing one or more aspects of the inventions described above can be devised without departing from the spirit of Applicant&#39;s invention. For example, it is envisioned that a flexible crevice tool such as tool  100  may comprise more than one helical structure to form the flexible region  110 , or may comprise a tapered helical structure which tapers to a narrower dimension as the tool progresses from the attachment end to the nozzle end. Further, the various methods and embodiments of the process of manufacturing the assemblies described herein can be included in combination with each other to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments. Discussion of singular elements can include plural elements and vice-versa. 
     The order of steps can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwise specifically limited. The various steps described herein can be combined with other steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split into multiple steps. Similarly, elements have been described functionally and can be embodied as separate components or can be combined into components having multiple functions. 
     The inventions have been described in the context of preferred and other embodiments and not every embodiment of the invention has been described. Obvious modifications and alterations to the described embodiments are available to those of ordinary skill in the art. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the invention conceived of by the Applicants, but rather, in conformity with the patent laws, Applicants intend to fully protect all such modifications and improvements that come within the scope or range of equivalent of the following claims.